I'm not going to broadcast how old I am but I did celebrate a birthday this past weekend. Now that I have less time on this earth, I decided it was time to open one of my prized semi-vintage bottles.
My bottle of Haller's County Fair Bottled in Bond has been sitting in my bunker for the better part of 4-5 years. A fellow enthusiast found two such bottles in the Northeast sitting on a small liquor store shelf for something around $15. Distilled in 1972 and bottled in 1978, this particular bottle is very unique and comes from a distillery not in operation for some time.
The provenance on this particular bourbon is a little sketchy and some information indicates it came from the old Continental Distillery (Publicker) near Philadelphia PA. The Distilled Plant Number (DSP) on the back indicates distillation took place at DSP-KY-24 and bottled at DSP-PA-12. So if you go strictly by the DSP number, it would stand to reason that this was distilled at the old Glenmore distillery in Owensboro KY and bottled by Continental in PA. Bourbon historian Charles Veach once told me that this was distilled by Charles Medley at Glenmore so all indicators point to KY and Glenmore as the origin.
I enjoyed a moderate pour over the weekend and was captivated by the nose and entry. This bourbon is loaded with fruit like dates, raisins and cherries. There is also hints of chocolate floating around in the background. This is one of those drinks that you savor; never rushing to finish. The Haller's County will be consumed ever so slowly in order to enjoy over the long term.
Finally, my family helped me celebrate and gifted me two bottles I've been eyeballing for some time; Jameson 18 year Irish and Yamazaki 18 year Japanese. Both distinct and outstanding in their own way. The Jameson was buttery smooth and exhibited a degree of complexity I have not typically found in Irish whiskey's.
Finally, I have to give honorable mention to a beer I enjoyed over dinner; Epic Brewery Smoked Oak. For those that enjoy a malty beer with a profile of chewy caramel, this is your beer. Very interesting and one I'll hunt down again to put in the bunker for later enjoyment.
How is the Elijah Craig 12 year? Worth picking up on sale?
ReplyDeleteI've been wanting to try the Jameson 18. How does it compare to the 12? It's a tough price tag to swallow.
ReplyDeleteDavid - I'll admit, Heaven Hill products are hit and miss for me. For example, I really like their Evan Williams Bottled in Bond. The Evan Williams Single Barrel not so much. Elijah Craig both 12 and 18 have been one of those hit and miss labels. I've had some that have been above average and others that have missed the mark. The last EC12 I had was a little over a year ago at a party and it was loaded with green apples and I enjoyed it very much. EC isn't a bottle I typically have in my bunker and my experience with this label is limited.
ReplyDeleteRyan - I was surprised I like the 12 as much as I did but I have to admit, I really dig the 18. It has very nice complexity and the finish is creamy and smooth. I'm not sure what price you're seeing for the J18 but I can get it online for about $90. I've always loved bourbon but there's something about Irish that is very appealing. Depending on how much you like Irish whisky, I would save up for a special occasion and pull the trigger on that bottle. It's a great expression and I'm glad I have one on the bar. After trying it this last weekend, I'm contemplating getting a backup for the bunker.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday Great! That County Fair is a real find.
ReplyDeleteThanks very much Steve.
ReplyDeleteI just bought that County Fair ad off EBay! If only I had a bottle to go with it!
ReplyDeleteBtw Greg, do you have a larger image of the "the dork hoard" as seen on the left side of your page? I'd love to see that image in all of its glory.
ReplyDeleteI'll see what I can do.....the hoard has grown.
ReplyDeleteDon't mean to nag, but any luck on the hoard pic? =D
ReplyDeleteRyan - I'm a little heads down with my business. In the process of doing an expansion that's keeping me busy. I need to take some new pics as the hoard has actually expanded (imagine that).
ReplyDeleteAmazing. I can't imagine expansion from what's in the pic on the left but I'm very much looking forward to the new. Here is my current stash: http://www.reddit.com/r/bourbon/comments/lh75q/i_see_obsession_postsheres_mine/
ReplyDeleteOk Ryan, I added new pics of the whiskey hoard...I can't even call it the bourbon hoard anymore as I've got dark side selections mixed in. They should show up on the pic scroll at the top left of the page.
ReplyDeleteWow Greg, truly phenomenal! Thanks for uploading! So many truly great drinks in there. I'm going to be going over these pics with a fine toothed comb for the next 30 min. =)
ReplyDeletebtw, Greg, how is the 17 year Vintage Bourbon? I've seen a few bottles for $50 here and there and have heard good things about it.
ReplyDeleteWell, that's a difficult question because the answer is....depends. The current iteration is very good. Since the Vintage 17 is sourced (not distilled by KBD...yet), and the provenance is unknown at any one time, it's a toss up. I've not had one that was bad but definitely some better than others.
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