Official PCF Whisk(e)y Thread (72 Viewers)

Tonight’s starting lineup

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Go Bills!!!
 
Bought the MWND and Stagg JR. Did I do ok? Thanks for the sage advice, as usual, @ChaosRock!

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Lol...

How it started: Long-time peated single malt love affair and a tryst or two with local New York ryes.

How it’s going: 17 days after deciding to plunge head-first into higher-end bourbons and ryes:

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Edit: I’m definitely out of control, seeking out unicorns.
 
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I haven't seen MWND or Stagg Jr at any of my normal places...wife saw MWND once but didn't buy it because she didn't know what the price range for it should be. I have since put together a list with prices, that mistake won't happen again.
 
How do you like the stagg jr, Eliott?
These super-high proofs are an adjustment for a scotch whisky drinker. (Even cask strength single malts are only 54-58% ABV.) That said, I’m liking it, although a little water helps.

TBH, I never much cared for bourbons since they’re generally too sweet for me. I like smoke and peat. So I’m not likely to get too deep into everyday bourbons. But I’d definitely buy more of the rarer stuff at the right price, if only to explore. Definitely would buy Stagg Jr. again. And I’m loving certain ryes—MWND I stocked up on two reserves.
 
Has anyone dealt with Mora's Fine Wine and Spirits?

I ordered a Smoke Wagon Uncut/Unfiltered from them on 1/9. All of their emails to me were assumed to be spam from my gmail. I also never received a tracking # for the FedEx shipment which seemed unusual. I sent a very polite email to them tonight requesting the tracking # but I am starting to worry here. They seem legit and I am probably worrying about nothing.
 
Has anyone dealt with Mora's Fine Wine and Spirits?

I ordered a Smoke Wagon Uncut/Unfiltered from them on 1/9. All of their emails to me were assumed to be spam from my gmail. I also never received a tracking # for the FedEx shipment which seemed unusual. I sent a very polite email to them tonight requesting the tracking # but I am starting to worry here. They seem legit and I am probably worrying about nothing.
I’d call them. I did notice the bottom of the website says:

WE ONLY SHIP TO: AK, CA, NV, NM, NY, IA, LA, ND, NE, NM, WV, VA
 
I’d call them. I did notice the bottom of the website says:

WE ONLY SHIP TO: AK, CA, NV, NM, NY, IA, LA, ND, NE, NM, WV, VA
Right, I see that, but when you click on the contact us button, it includes Oregon "currently"

I wouldn't be surprised, I got denied from NY once before...
 
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I like this better than the Wilderness Trail. Kind of funky though. I prefer Angels Envy with the Port barrels over this with the Sherry Casks but this is stronger and good enough I can enjoy it. Not sure it's worth $80.

Edit: just checked the bottles...Wilderness is 100 proof and Rabbit is 93. Rabbit I would guess by drinking was closer to 110. Go figure. Must be the Sherry.

Edit 2: as this cube melts this is opening up and softening a bit getting more complex. Nice!
 
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Thoughts on my new bourbon obsession:

As posted yesterday, I’ve gone from “zero to whiskey” in less than three weeks, ever since deciding to expand my tipples beyond single malt scotches.

I was thinking about it last night, while sipping some Stagg Jr and THH. The question is “why?”. (As you’ll see below, the answer is obvious and well-known, but I’m still going to discourse about it at tortuous length.). :whistle: :whistling:

As mentioned, I’ve never really cared for the bourbon flavor profile, favoring more peaty and smoky drams. But, I’ve become curious—not enough to seek out bourbons at all value levels, but mostly with the idea that allocated bottles are allocated for good reason, and that those might be worth exploring and finding. And, in my mind, if I’m going to try bourbons, I might as well go straight to the good stuff. (This being wholly subjective, a bit bandwagon-ish, and purely based on availability—I have no doubt that there are equally delicious, more readily available, and cheaper, drams.) In addition to seeking out perceived quality, there is also the appeal of the hunt—since unicorn bottles are allocated, finding them (at a reasonable price), and the resulting endorphin rush, becomes the driving motivation.

On this last point, the obvious recent comparison is @Big Jilm, whose exploits I have been following with fascination, interest and a little envy (given that he is in a state with no markups). He’s amassed some amazing bottles with a little ingenuity and effort.

Recently, I’ve found myself google-mapping liquor stores to stop in while I’m out-and-about. I’ll be honest, it’s a total rush spotting an allocated bottle at a store at a reasonable price. (I’m in NYC/Hudson Valley, so there are plenty of places with bottles available at full secondary pricing...the trick is finding great pricing.) For example, yesterday, I went to my favorite recently discovered store to pick up a couple extra bottles of MWND at $10 below MSRP, and as an afterthought I stopped at another store that I’d previously visited. That second store has a very good selection of bourbons, but their pricing was much higher and I didn’t see anything worth buying (e.g., Stagg Jr at $100, whereas the MWND store had Stagg Jr at $75). On my way out I saw THH in a locked case and almost didn’t bother to check it out, but looked closely enough to see that the price tag was “only” twice MSRP.

The endorphin rush was palpable. And therein lies the rub: there are two components to my enjoyment of my new bourbon/rye obsession—the drinking and the hunt. And, significantly, I seem to enjoy the rush of the hunt at a level I never expected! I was giddy as a schoolgirl from the moment I spotted the price on the Handy until well after I got it home. (Don’t get me wrong—I love sitting by the wood stove and sipping a whiskey, but that’s relaxing...finding the bottle in the first place is exciting and a hell of a drug.)

The comparison to hunting for specific chips/sets is apt. Like when I discover something at the Vegas chip show, or locate a trove of New China Clubs. I’m not treading new ground here or anything, and much ink has been spilled on why people collect and hunt for things, but the thrill of the chase is, well, thrilling.

So, I’m enjoying trying allocated bourbons and ryes. But I’m LOVING hunting for them.
 
Thoughts on my new bourbon obsession:

As posted yesterday, I’ve gone from “zero to whiskey” in less than three weeks, ever since deciding to expand my tipples beyond single malt scotches.

I was thinking about it last night, while sipping some Stagg Jr and THH. The question is “why?”. (As you’ll see below, the answer is obvious and well-known, but I’m still going to discourse about it at tortuous length.). :whistle: :whistling:

As mentioned, I’ve never really cared for the bourbon flavor profile, favoring more peaty and smoky drams. But, I’ve become curious—not enough to seek out bourbons at all value levels, but mostly with the idea that allocated bottles are allocated for good reason, and that those might be worth exploring and finding. And, in my mind, if I’m going to try bourbons, I might as well go straight to the good stuff. (This being wholly subjective, a bit bandwagon-ish, and purely based on availability—I have no doubt that there are equally delicious, more readily available, and cheaper, drams.) In addition to seeking out perceived quality, there is also the appeal of the hunt—since unicorn bottles are allocated, finding them (at a reasonable price), and the resulting endorphin rush, becomes the driving motivation.

On this last point, the obvious recent comparison is @Big Jilm, whose exploits I have been following with fascination, interest and a little envy (given that he is in a state with no markups). He’s amassed some amazing bottles with a little ingenuity and effort.

Recently, I’ve found myself google-mapping liquor stores to stop in while I’m out-and-about. I’ll be honest, it’s a total rush spotting an allocated bottle at a store at a reasonable price. (I’m in NYC/Hudson Valley, so there are plenty of places with bottles available at full secondary pricing...the trick is finding great pricing.) For example, yesterday, I went to my favorite recently discovered store to pick up a couple extra bottles of MWND at $10 below MSRP, and as an afterthought I stopped at another store that I’d previously visited. That second store has a very good selection of bourbons, but their pricing was much higher and I didn’t see anything worth buying (e.g., Stagg Jr at $100, whereas the MWND store had Stagg Jr at $75). On my way out I saw THH in a locked case and almost didn’t bother to check it out, but looked closely enough to see that the price tag was “only” twice MSRP.

The endorphin rush was palpable. And therein lies the rub: there are two components to my enjoyment of my new bourbon/rye obsession—the drinking and the hunt. And, significantly, I seem to enjoy the rush of the hunt at a level I never expected! I was giddy as a schoolgirl from the moment I spotted the price on the Handy until well after I got it home. (Don’t get me wrong—I love sitting by the wood stove and sipping a whiskey, but that’s relaxing...finding the bottle in the first place is exciting and a hell of a drug.)

The comparison to hunting for specific chips/sets is apt. Like when I discover something at the Vegas chip show, or locate a trove of New China Clubs. I’m not treading new ground here or anything, and much ink has been spilled on why people collect and hunt for things, but the thrill of the chase is, well, thrilling.

So, I’m enjoying trying allocated bourbons and ryes. But I’m LOVING hunting for them.

Yes sir!! I LOVE the hunt. Maybe slightly more than drinking the stuff! Not sure yet, wait until I crack the ER17, GTS, and Pappy 15!!!! LOL
The sweetness is the thing I love about bourbon. I am sipping hard alcohol that may taste like a hot fudge sundae, a banana split with cherries, or waffles and maple syrup, or a caramel/cinnamon/vanilla delicious concoction. I didn't know that was possible 8 months ago.
Nothing wrong with a lil fun in life, especially when we can all share this adventure together!
 
Thoughts on my new bourbon obsession:

As posted yesterday, I’ve gone from “zero to whiskey” in less than three weeks, ever since deciding to expand my tipples beyond single malt scotches.

I was thinking about it last night, while sipping some Stagg Jr and THH. The question is “why?”. (As you’ll see below, the answer is obvious and well-known, but I’m still going to discourse about it at tortuous length.). :whistle: :whistling:

As mentioned, I’ve never really cared for the bourbon flavor profile, favoring more peaty and smoky drams. But, I’ve become curious—not enough to seek out bourbons at all value levels, but mostly with the idea that allocated bottles are allocated for good reason, and that those might be worth exploring and finding. And, in my mind, if I’m going to try bourbons, I might as well go straight to the good stuff. (This being wholly subjective, a bit bandwagon-ish, and purely based on availability—I have no doubt that there are equally delicious, more readily available, and cheaper, drams.) In addition to seeking out perceived quality, there is also the appeal of the hunt—since unicorn bottles are allocated, finding them (at a reasonable price), and the resulting endorphin rush, becomes the driving motivation.

On this last point, the obvious recent comparison is @Big Jilm, whose exploits I have been following with fascination, interest and a little envy (given that he is in a state with no markups). He’s amassed some amazing bottles with a little ingenuity and effort.

Recently, I’ve found myself google-mapping liquor stores to stop in while I’m out-and-about. I’ll be honest, it’s a total rush spotting an allocated bottle at a store at a reasonable price. (I’m in NYC/Hudson Valley, so there are plenty of places with bottles available at full secondary pricing...the trick is finding great pricing.) For example, yesterday, I went to my favorite recently discovered store to pick up a couple extra bottles of MWND at $10 below MSRP, and as an afterthought I stopped at another store that I’d previously visited. That second store has a very good selection of bourbons, but their pricing was much higher and I didn’t see anything worth buying (e.g., Stagg Jr at $100, whereas the MWND store had Stagg Jr at $75). On my way out I saw THH in a locked case and almost didn’t bother to check it out, but looked closely enough to see that the price tag was “only” twice MSRP.

The endorphin rush was palpable. And therein lies the rub: there are two components to my enjoyment of my new bourbon/rye obsession—the drinking and the hunt. And, significantly, I seem to enjoy the rush of the hunt at a level I never expected! I was giddy as a schoolgirl from the moment I spotted the price on the Handy until well after I got it home. (Don’t get me wrong—I love sitting by the wood stove and sipping a whiskey, but that’s relaxing...finding the bottle in the first place is exciting and a hell of a drug.)

The comparison to hunting for specific chips/sets is apt. Like when I discover something at the Vegas chip show, or locate a trove of New China Clubs. I’m not treading new ground here or anything, and much ink has been spilled on why people collect and hunt for things, but the thrill of the chase is, well, thrilling.

So, I’m enjoying trying allocated bourbons and ryes. But I’m LOVING hunting for them.

Just wait until all the readily available $30-40 bottles that you have no interest in today become allocated next year
 
@gopherblue would you say it’s the same thrill as hunting TRK’s? I’m thinking the “collective” nature of this group leans more towards that thrill. I know I find myself falling somewhere in that category but also accumulating for when I do host a meet up.
Hey, whoa, let's not get carried away. :cool ;) Seriously, though, it is a similar thrill, much the same when stumbling upon a cache or find of TRKs. But not exactly the same, since the finding and the possession are near simultaneous, whereas with TRKs there is the anticipation of the receipt of the package (unless it is at the chip convention).
 
Found another store with an extensive collection, but their prices are waaaay up there. Full line up of Pappy bottles. At full secondary pricing. They had @detroitdad's ECBP B520 for $70. And Weller 12 for $150. Not exactly deals. :mad:
 
I agree. The ECBP is worth $70. It holds its own at that price. Serious question though, is B520 or C920 BETTER? I am struggling with this currently. B520 wins and has been winning, but C920 is getting better as it opens up
 
I agree. The ECBP is worth $70. It holds its own at that price. Serious question though, is B520 or C920 BETTER? I am struggling with this currently. B520 wins and has been winning, but C920 is getting better as it opens up

It depends on what you want from the drink. I think the B520 is pretty damn smooth for a barrel proof pour. I prefer it neat. The C919 (which I'm currently drinking) and the C920 have a little more spice/bite to them. I prefer my pours with one of those large round ice cubes.

If I only had to choose one. The B520 would slightly win out.
 
Found another store with an extensive collection, but their prices are waaaay up there. Full line up of Pappy bottles. At full secondary pricing. They had @detroitdad's ECBP B520 for $70. And Weller 12 for $150. Not exactly deals. :mad:

Definitely not a deal but W12 has been trending up in that direction. I’ve seen it for 200 many places
 
Weller 12 is near the top of my list. Not to actually drink it, but to blend with the Weller 107 to create "Poor Man's Pappy"

Gotta have it!! That said, if I had to choose between Full Proof and 12, no question FP WINS.
 
Weller 12 is near the top of my list. Not to actually drink it, but to blend with the Weller 107 to create "Poor Man's Pappy"

Gotta have it!! That said, if I had to choose between Full Proof and 12, no question FP WINS.

The only Weller that I have ever had is 107. I've had two bottles of it. WOW............it blew me away.
 
That isn't too bad for ECBP. 64 bucks locally.
I agree. The ECBP is worth $70. It holds its own at that price. Serious question though, is B520 or C920 BETTER? I am struggling with this currently. B520 wins and has been winning, but C920 is getting better as it opens up
Hmmm...noted. Does it matter that I hate the look of the bottle? :bag:
 

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