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Official PCF Whisk(e)y Thread (69 Viewers)

TX_Golf_N_Poker said:
I heard today was National Bourbon day. But... I drove an hour round trip to buy this bottle, so this is what I'm drinking first!

The night is young. Plenty of time to get to the bourbon later.

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What are your thoughts? I’m very new to Irish but I really like that bottle. I get Whoppers malted milk balls for days
 
Happy National bourbon day gents! Starting with one of the best

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Billy Baroo said:
What are your thoughts? I’m very new to Irish but I really like that bottle. I get Whoppers malted milk balls for days
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Gotta be honest with you - I watch lots of Youtube tastings and bottle reviews. I hear all these descriptions of what they are tasting - vanilla, caramel, tobacco, brown sugar, fruits and veggies (lol), etc. I can't decide if y'all are really tasting these things, or playing some trick on the rest of us... To me, whiskey tastes like whiskey and that's about it. Some are good, some are better, and some are bad. But as far as separating out some of these other flavors, it just doesn't happen for me.

Some of the rest of you - clue me in. Am I the only one that doesn't get all these exotic flavors when I sip whiskey? If so, is it something I can develop over time? The funny thing is, before I came to whiskey (two years ago) I have been big into craft beer for over 20 years. I can absolutely do this with good beers. I have over 1000 reviews of beers on Untappd where I break out stone fruits, chocolate, vanilla, citrus and multitudes of other flavors. So I have a hard time understanding why I can't do it with whiskey.

As far as the Powers John's Lane - I really enjoyed it. Definitely in the good to better category.
 
TX_Golf_N_Poker said:
Gotta be honest with you - I watch lots of Youtube tastings and bottle reviews. I hear all these descriptions of what they are tasting - vanilla, caramel, tobacco, brown sugar, fruits and veggies (lol), etc. I can't decide if y'all are really tasting these things, or playing some trick on the rest of us... To me, whiskey tastes like whiskey and that's about it. Some are good, some are better, and some are bad. But as far as separating out some of these other flavors, it just doesn't happen for me.

Some of the rest of you - clue me in. Am I the only one that doesn't get all these exotic flavors when I sip whiskey? If so, is it something I can develop over time? The funny thing is, before I came to whiskey (two years ago) I have been big into craft beer for over 20 years. I can absolutely do this with good beers. I have over 1000 reviews of beers on Untappd where I break out stone fruits, chocolate, vanilla, citrus and multitudes of other flavors. So I have a hard time understanding why I can't do it with whiskey.

As far as the Powers John's Lane - I really enjoyed it. Definitely in the good to better category.
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While I've been enjoying whiskey for nearly 3 decades, I really only got into the better whiskeys 8ish years ago, and it was a fairly slow progression in tasting at first. I feel like it took me close to 4 years to get to the point where I was able to really start picking out more of the subtle and distinct flavors I can now. Especially at the barrel proof levels, it takes time to adjust to the alcohol level. Think of it like walking outside from a movie theater on a bright sunny day, it takes some time to acclimate.

It also wasn't until I slowed down a bit and made the conscientious effort to focus more on tasting the whiskey that those flavors started becoming more distinct. Make your tastings a thing all on their own, and take notes. When I'm doing a true tasting, it's usually at least a 30 minute clip (often twice that because I'll pour a second glass). I pour the glass, let it sit for like 10-15 minutes, come in for a nose, and take some notes. If I'm not getting much, I'll put it down another few minutes and come back again. Then a first taste, take some notes, and then continue. Then I'll often check a few online reviews of the dram to compare my notes vs what others are getting, especially those who I feel have the same palate. Sometimes it's spot on, sometimes it's pretty far off. Sometimes it's a random flavor that I can't quite put my finger on, and reading another review makes it click. Typically the most number of flavors I get in one glass (usually a scotch or Irish) are a half dozen or so, max. Taking notes not only helps you to slow down and focus a little more, but it's also a great reference for coming back to a dram later. And I find doing these "focus" tastings on the side really helps me enjoy a glass even more when I'm not doing a tasting - like when playing cards - because I'm already familiar with the profile and can just enjoy the drink instead of focusing on finding flavors; I'll be sipping away and a random one will just pop out....

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And honestly even now, I have nights where I don't taste much beyond just good (or bad) whiskey. Especially when I'm really tired or my allergies are acting up. I also have nights where I'll look back at a previous tasting and be like WTF were you thinking last time lol.
 
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TX_Golf_N_Poker said:
Gotta be honest with you - I watch lots of Youtube tastings and bottle reviews. I hear all these descriptions of what they are tasting - vanilla, caramel, tobacco, brown sugar, fruits and veggies (lol), etc. I can't decide if y'all are really tasting these things, or playing some trick on the rest of us... To me, whiskey tastes like whiskey and that's about it. Some are good, some are better, and some are bad. But as far as separating out some of these other flavors, it just doesn't happen for me.

Some of the rest of you - clue me in. Am I the only one that doesn't get all these exotic flavors when I sip whiskey? If so, is it something I can develop over time? The funny thing is, before I came to whiskey (two years ago) I have been big into craft beer for over 20 years. I can absolutely do this with good beers. I have over 1000 reviews of beers on Untappd where I break out stone fruits, chocolate, vanilla, citrus and multitudes of other flavors. So I have a hard time understanding why I can't do it with whiskey.

As far as the Powers John's Lane - I really enjoyed it. Definitely in the good to better category.
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It’s taken me years to start picking out subtle notes in the whiskies I drink. Similar to @Irish , I’ve only been into the “nicer” stuff for about 7-8 years and it was a slow progression to where my palate is today. I also have bad allergies and there’s days where I pour something and I will smell/taste practically nothing, so I stop at one pour. There’s also days where I’m surprised to find a new note in a pour I’m very familiar with. I’ll echo Matt’s advice in taking your time with a pour. Let it rest a good while and nose it every couple of minutes until you take that first sip. I usually allow a high proof pour at least 20 minutes before tasting and I’ll nose it a good 8-10 times in those 20 minutes. If I’m tasting a new to me pour and especially if it’s high proof, I like to “warm up” with a small pour of something lower proof that I’m very familiar with. It lets me know if my taste buds are functioning normally that day/night. If you were able to pick out the notes in all of those craft beers, I have no doubt it will happen for you with whiskey as well. I think picking out notes in beer is easier and happens faster because the ABV doesn’t bombard your tastebuds like whiskey does. Your palate will adjust and develop over time…it just takes longer.

Now here’s the crazy part for me…after my first bout with covid back in August of 22, my palate seemed to get sharper and picking out notes actually got easier. Go figure:ROFL: :ROFLMAO:
 
Hit a few different stores this afternoon while out and about
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One of the B524s is from yesterday, and the 46 CS was a pleasant surprise. I’m looking forward to that one! Grabbed the last PJL off the shelf at my local and they informed me that they won’t be getting any more anytime soon, so I’m glad I went back for a backup when I did.
 
One of our Friday regs gave me this last night to take home and try since he knows I’m just getting into Irish whiskey. He says it’s nothing special, but at $25 a bottle, one could do much worse. He also told me to continue to listen to those here who recommend the RB 12 CS and the Powers JL as they’re two of his favorites and cabinet staples. Says I’m in good hands lol
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Since this is a blended Irish whiskey, it’s obviously much different from the single pot still Powers JL and Redbreast Cask strength I already have. With that being said, I really like it. It’s much closer to a bourbon profile but just different enough to let you know it’s not bourbon. Kinda a one trick pony with tons of vanilla on the nose and palate, but I like vanilla and it’s pretty well balanced. Finish hangs around for a fair amount of time too. For $25, this definitely could be a nice daily sipper or a warmer upper for the nights I go deeper into the cabinet for the better Irish whiskies that I do have.
 
Popped this bottle at the Jersey meetup last weekend. It might very well be my new favorite rye, it's got this incredible combination of sweet red fruit (raspberry!) and crazy spicy notes. I'm sooooooo glad I nabbed a few bottles.

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Irish said:
Popped this bottle at the Jersey meetup last weekend. It might very well be my new favorite rye, it's got this incredible combination of sweet red fruit (raspberry!) and crazy spicy notes. I'm sooooooo glad I nabbed a few bottles.

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There are a few ryes I like better but this is the only one I could go to any ABC store around me and ALWAYS find it! I’m still amazed by how overlooked both of JD’s SBBPs are…at least in my parts they are. They’re both $70 here, not allocated, always on the shelf and will go toe to toe with just about anything!
 
Billy Baroo said:
There are a few ryes I like better but this is the only one I could go to any ABC store around me and ALWAYS find it! I’m still amazed by how overlooked both of JD’s SBBPs are…at least in my parts they are. They’re both $70 here, not allocated, always on the shelf and will go toe to toe with just about anything!
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The curse and blessing of single barrels ;) :) :wtf:

This is my second bottle. This first was very good, but this particular batch is just incredible. I'll have to do a proper review next time.

AND it was on sale for $60 (cheaper than the regular one) The store is like an hour away, but I may have to make another trip.....
 
Billy Baroo said:
Gonna stick with Irish since my U.S. Open pick to win is currently tied for 2nd…and Irish :ROFL: :ROFLMAO: View attachment 1344632Gotta admit that DeChambeau looks super locked in. You just don’t throw darts there like he’s doing.
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If you even remotely like peat notes, look for the Teeling Blackpitts offering. Really unique and tasty.
 
Irish said:
The curse and blessing of single barrels ;) :) :wtf:
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I’ve now had 3 different rye barrels and they all were spectacular yet still slightly different enough to highlight all the different nuances that this whiskey has! JD hit a home run with this one

In general, I believe that the SBBPs that Jack releases are some of the most consistent and least worrisome to me that I’m gonna get a stinker. I’ve yet to have one that I even thought was just mediocre.
 
Saoliver said:
Interesting. I caught the early part of his round and he was missing everything right. Must have made an adjustment.
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Dude…he’s been knocking the flag down on the back side. I’ve played there more times than I can count and you just don’t do what he’s doing. Can’t wait to see how the course plays tomorrow!

My college roommate is a teaching pro and works at Pinehurst #7 so he’s “hooked” me up a time or two or 20 :cool
 

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