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Official PCF Whisk(e)y Thread (81 Viewers)

FDLmold said:
So I like me some sweet drinks, especially when the weather is warmer. I had some of this in the fridge:

View attachment 908144

A week or two ago, I made a whiskey sour with it. I used some whiskey that I didn't like so much. Well, as it turns out, it also made a whiskey sour that I didn't like so much.

Trying again tonight, with a whiskey I liked a lot more. Whaddya know, the whiskey sour was just that much better. The ratio both times was 3:1 mix:whiskey. I guess if you have some skunky whiskey, it's hard to hide it unless you're diluting it A LOT, like in a Long Island Iced Tea, or some kind of punch that ends up at 5% abv.
Click to expand...
Yeah. I’ve learned that lesson the hard way and forgotten it only to learn it again more times than I’d like to admit.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it often, Buffalo trace makes a great mixing bourbon, and that’s about all I’d use if for. Jameson for Irish, maybe powers. And more often than not I use caol ila for anything asking for a scotch.
 
Samples arrived today! Thanks @wolfpack
C1AAB1D9-2F60-4E67-B673-2B3CEE3E5321.jpeg
I might pour the bourbon samples (D,E,F) tonight while I watch the Pens/Rangers game 4. If I do, I’ll post my tasting notes here for you to see.
 
96CDCB90-F7F1-4E41-94E5-AF3748695EBB.jpegC7CEA100-5957-4A17-84DA-82FC365776BF.jpeg3C4388FB-97DB-493A-B273-522691BC1A3A.jpegHere goes…

Visually, sample D was significantly lighter in color than both E and F. After letting each glass rest for at least 10 minutes, I took a nice whiff of each multiple times.

D…the nose was real tight at first with a little bit of a floral scent. After some more time resting, I finally got a little bit of caramel and oak.
I really only tasted one predominant flavor and it was tea. It reminded me of unsweetened tea that sat out til it was room temperature. It had a very short, dry finish without much going on as far as flavor with very little, if any alcohol burn. I have no idea what this is lol

E…this one has some proof to it. Continued nosing brought much more noticeable caramel and oak. The palate on this one is very traditional bourbon to me. Sweet corn and dark fruits are what I taste when I’m not being bombarded by the higher proof. The finish is fairly long and pretty spicy. It reminds me of Rare Breed, but with a few rougher edges and less barrel time.

F…I think this one is in the middle as far as proof goes. It’s lighter than E, but clearly more than D. It’s nose was fairly light, but I clearly got some nice vanilla with a touch of something I just couldn’t figure out. This tastes like creme brûlée but the flavor fades quickly on the finish. It’s short, fairly dry and just a touch of heat on the back end. It tastes a little like Maker’s, but not like any offerings I’ve had recently. I’m pretty sure it’s a wheater, but what the hell do I know!

My rank…

3. D…didn’t really care for this one at all

2. F…it was decent, but could benefit from some added proof

1. E…easily my favorite. I’d buy this!
 
Billy Baroo said:
View attachment 908574View attachment 908575View attachment 908576Here goes…

Visually, sample D was significantly lighter in color than both E and F. After letting each glass rest for at least 10 minutes, I took a nice whiff of each multiple times.

D…the nose was real tight at first with a little bit of a floral scent. After some more time resting, I finally got a little bit of caramel and oak.
I really only tasted one predominant flavor and it was tea. It reminded me of unsweetened tea that sat out til it was room temperature. It had a very short, dry finish without much going on as far as flavor with very little, if any alcohol burn. I have no idea what this is lol

E…this one has some proof to it. Continued nosing brought much more noticeable caramel and oak. The palate on this one is very traditional bourbon to me. Sweet corn and dark fruits are what I taste when I’m not being bombarded by the higher proof. The finish is fairly long and pretty spicy. It reminds me of Rare Breed, but with a few rougher edges and less barrel time.

F…I think this one is in the middle as far as proof goes. It’s lighter than E, but clearly more than D. It’s nose was fairly light, but I clearly got some nice vanilla with a touch of something I just couldn’t figure out. This tastes like creme brûlée but the flavor fades quickly on the finish. It’s short, fairly dry and just a touch of heat on the back end. It tastes a little like Maker’s, but not like any offerings I’ve had recently. I’m pretty sure it’s a wheater, but what the hell do I know!

My rank…

3. D…didn’t really care for this one at all

2. F…it was decent, but could benefit from some added proof

1. E…easily my favorite. I’d buy this!
Click to expand...

drum roll..........

D
brothers bond.jpg
Brothers Bond
This is a 80 proof 4 grain bourbon from MGP. It is a blend of 3 different mash bills. I actually thought this was not bad for 80 proof and would be a good introductory bourbon for a new drinker, but it suffers from lack of proof. They are releasing a cask strength and a rye later this year that I will certainly try.

F
weller sr.jpg
Weller Special Reserve
You were right on it being a wheater! I think it's better than Makers myself.

E
black irish.jpg
McNamees Black Irish Distillers Reserve cask strength
From Holy Ghost distillery in the Pocono mountains this is a 120 proof cask strength 4 grain bourbon. I stopped here as a side trip on a weekend getaway and really liked this bourbon so bought a bottle. they had 3 different bourbons a wheater, a high rye base, and the 4 grain all at 90 proof and in cask strength.

This was fun.
 
wolfpack said:
drum roll..........

D
View attachment 908599
Brothers Bond
This is a 80 proof 4 grain bourbon from MGP. It is a blend of 3 different mash bills. I actually thought this was not bad for 80 proof and would be a good introductory bourbon for a new drinker, but it suffers from lack of proof. They are releasing a cask strength and a rye later this year that I will certainly try.

F
View attachment 908600
Weller Special Reserve
You were right on it being a wheater! I think it's better than Makers myself.

E
View attachment 908601
McNamees Black Irish Distillers Reserve cask strength
From Holy Ghost distillery in the Pocono mountains this is a 120 proof cask strength 4 grain bourbon. I stopped here as a side trip on a weekend getaway and really liked this bourbon so bought a bottle. they had 3 different bourbons a wheater, a high rye base, and the 4 grain all at 90 proof and in cask strength.

This was fun.
Click to expand...
Much fun!

Ironically…looking back in my notes I had MGP scribbled with a question mark beside it for D (Brothers Bond). The only bourbon I’ve ever tasted with a fairly recognizable tea flavor was a batch of Smoke Wagon UCUF (MGP) that I lucked into last year. There would be no mistaking D for that though.

Any Weller offering is a unicorn around here as it was only my second time ever having the SR. My thought that it needed a few more proof points leads me to believe that I’d really like their Antique 107 and Full Proof. I won’t hold my breath waiting to find either of those.

The McNamee’s was surprisingly good for a 3 year old bourbon. I might have to have my cousin that lives outside of Pittsburgh look for a bottle or two of that for me!

Thanks again! I’m looking forward to sampling the ryes next.
 
Billy Baroo said:
Much fun!

Ironically…looking back in my notes I had MGP scribbled with a question mark beside it for D (Brothers Bond). The only bourbon I’ve ever tasted with a fairly recognizable tea flavor was a batch of Smoke Wagon UCUF (MGP) that I lucked into last year. There would be no mistaking D for that though.

Any Weller offering is a unicorn around here as it was only my second time ever having the SR. My thought that it needed a few more proof points leads me to believe that I’d really like their Antique 107 and Full Proof. I won’t hold my breath waiting to find either of those.

The McNamee’s was surprisingly good for a 3 year old bourbon. I might have to have my cousin that lives outside of Pittsburgh look for a bottle or two of that for me!

Thanks again! I’m looking forward to sampling the ryes next.
Click to expand...
If I come across another 107 I'll trade it to you. if you want a special reserve I am sure I can get that.
 
@wolfpack

A6E5F076-A766-4799-A5A5-061F131A8FCB.jpeg


Here comes a diarrhea of thoughts:

First hint of the nose is brine/iodine. Citrus. A little smoky. It’s a scotch. Maybe a Japanese whisky, though I’m not so familiar there.

Palate is a good balance of peat and sweet. Honey. Definitely peated scotch. Finish is medium with a little spice on the end. Not super smoky like most Islays.

My guess for proof is 90. My guess for bottle is either Bowmore or Highland Park. But I’m probably way off.
 
Saoliver said:
@wolfpack

View attachment 908693

Here comes a diarrhea of thoughts:

First hint of the nose is brine/iodine. Citrus. A little smoky. It’s a scotch. Maybe a Japanese whisky, though I’m not so familiar there.

Palate is a good balance of peat and sweet. Honey. Definitely peated scotch. Finish is medium with a little spice on the end. Not super smoky like most Islays.

My guess for proof is 90. My guess for bottle is either Bowmore or Highland Park. But I’m probably way off.
Click to expand...
@wolfpack

My taste buds might be broken. They don’t feel right. I might be totally off on what A was. :oops: But here goes B.

B2D27280-F8B2-412A-A26A-D8239677E20F.jpeg


Tropical nose, like some kind of fruit salad in sugary syrup. A hint of vanilla. Palate is similar. No real heat or spice. A little oaky and drying.

I’m probably way off… but I’m going to guess 80 proof and Glenlivet Caribbean Reserve. It seems like other scotches I’ve had from rum barrels.

But I really feel like my palate is way off. I need @wolfpack to tell me if I’m broken or not before I continue.
 
Saoliver said:
@wolfpack

My taste buds might be broken. They don’t feel right. I might be totally off on what A was. :oops: But here goes B.

View attachment 908735

Tropical nose, like some kind of fruit salad in sugary syrup. A hint of vanilla. Palate is similar. No real heat or spice. A little oaky and drying.

I’m probably way off… but I’m going to guess 80 proof and Glenlivet Caribbean Reserve. It seems like other scotches I’ve had from rum barrels.

But I really feel like my palate is way off. I need @wolfpack to tell me if I’m broken or not before I continue.
Click to expand...
Ok. Smelling the glass that’s been sitting for a while, and I definitely smell barrel char. Very likely that B was a bourbon and I’m just totally broken. A likely was too. :ROFL: :ROFLMAO:

I’m remembering now that @wolfpack doesn’t like scotch. Oy vey.
 
Saoliver said:
Ok. Smelling the glass that’s been sitting for a while, and I definitely smell barrel char. Very likely that B was a bourbon and I’m just totally broken. A likely was too. :ROFL: :ROFLMAO:

I’m remembering now that @wolfpack doesn’t like scotch. Oy vey.
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lol all 6 samples I sent you were bourbon. You're right I don't like scotch.
 
Saoliver said:
Ok. Smelling the glass that’s been sitting for a while, and I definitely smell barrel char. Very likely that B was a bourbon and I’m just totally broken. A likely was too. :ROFL: :ROFLMAO:

I’m remembering now that @wolfpack doesn’t like scotch. Oy vey.
Click to expand...

riverhill.jpg
A. River Hill Bourbon
Got this at a small distillery in Luray Virginia. It was a small building on a big family farm where they grow the grain that they distill. The mash bill is 90% corn and 10% malted Barley.

brothers bond.jpg
B. Brothers Bond
This is a 80 proof 4 grain bourbon from MGP. It is a blend of 3 different mash bills. I actually thought this was not bad for 80 proof and would be a good introductory bourbon for a new drinker, but it suffers from lack of proof. They are releasing a cask strength and a rye later this year that I will certainly try.

Wait till your cleared up from the virus and try the rest so you got your pallet back.
 
Just got notice these were coming out last week, I was surprised to see them on the shelves so soon.

20220510_212611.jpg


First up is the bonded. Very nice nose, lots of caramel, banana and some baking spices. Palate is a tad hot at first, toasted caramel and oak. A little thin after the initial punch, very short finish. Similar profile to the JDSB barrel proof but much thinner. Not bad for a $30 bottle.

20220510_212733.jpg
 
20220510_215117.jpg


Oooo this one is much better. Not quite as strong on the nose but you get some subtle dried fruit in addition to the banana spice. Palate hits with the dry rye spice up front, but I also get some darker malty tones to suplement the caramel and banana - red fruit (cherry or raspberry), charred oak, and just a hint of chocolate. A bit more proofy but in a good way, much more substantial mouthfeel and texture. Toasted oak and rye returns on the finish. Easily the better of the 2 bottles, will definitely be going back for more of this one. :tup:
 
Even without the reviews, the Triple Mash blend seemed most interesting to me and had the most potential. The bonded, well, that's always going to be up against the single barrel barrel proof, and though it is lower priced, that's a HIGH bar.
 
Pinkdan said:
I tend to align with Matt’s palate over the bourbon junkies. Although I wonder how much variation there can be between bottles. I’m assuming not much within the same batch.
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X2. I thoroughly enjoyed A122, took a while to find it, but definitely worth the hunt. Good sweet but dark charred barrel notes, probably their best offering since C920 (though C921 was really interesting)
 
I want to do a blind March madness style tasting. Line up 64 bottles and have some fun. The divisions would be Buffalo Trace, Beam, Brown-Forman/Willett and craft/MGP. Then have everyone bounce Pappy the first round against Benchmark :)
 
Forty4 said:
I want to do a blind March madness style tasting. Line up 64 bottles and have some fun. The divisions would be Buffalo Trace, Beam, Brown-Forman/Willett and craft/MGP. Then have everyone bounce Pappy the first round against Benchmark :)
Click to expand...

I honest to god have thought about taking all my bottles and doing this to determine my favorite, except I would have my wife setup the bracket so it would be blind.
 

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