tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459913366176838409.post2003015595288711377..comments2023-04-13T08:51:12.419-04:00Comments on Bourbon Dork: Baltimore Dusty HuntGreghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03084821666852687199noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459913366176838409.post-12741665678657925652014-10-02T00:44:25.354-04:002014-10-02T00:44:25.354-04:00It's great that you conducted a blind tasting....It's great that you conducted a blind tasting. To me, that's ground truth on what you think of the whiskey. Looks like you had a good lineup of bourbons. Greghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03084821666852687199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459913366176838409.post-51865370794111176692014-09-26T02:36:46.951-04:002014-09-26T02:36:46.951-04:00Interesting. I did a blind OF tasting recently, a...Interesting. I did a blind OF tasting recently, and all four of the participants preferred the split label 354/414 to the true 414. i.e. distilled 354 was the favorite, ca. 1990. This was blind, so we didn't know what we were drinking, which I think is important to giving a fair critique. The Old Foresters were all great, and as a group rated higher than the Weller and Old Grand-Dad (individually there was more variation)Andrew G.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459913366176838409.post-463636208915956922014-01-15T12:17:22.976-05:002014-01-15T12:17:22.976-05:00True that Greg. Think ill give it a try. thanks ag...True that Greg. Think ill give it a try. thanks again for the great info!!RMBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08754849763428197642noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459913366176838409.post-84201959904593349442014-01-12T10:54:17.536-05:002014-01-12T10:54:17.536-05:00Old Forester was distilled at 414 and 354 but also...Old Forester was distilled at 414 and 354 but also bottled at 414 after moving distillation to Shively. I would go by the date on the bottom of the bottle. I've had bourbon from both distilleries and both are good but my preference is the older stock from 414. Without inspecting the bottle and comparing it with data and pictures that I have, I can't say with any certainty where it was distilled. Bottom line, if you like it, what difference does it make? The goal of course is to drink good bourbon. Greghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03084821666852687199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459913366176838409.post-48864715159224208152014-01-11T21:51:52.206-05:002014-01-11T21:51:52.206-05:00So it would be somewhat safe to say if the front l...So it would be somewhat safe to say if the front label is indicating Louisville Ky, good chance its DSP 414 & not DSP Ky 354? If so, I'm in heaven! Found a store that has at least three 1.75L ! Thanks again Greg.RMBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08754849763428197642noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459913366176838409.post-13292516982026222552014-01-07T21:34:30.011-05:002014-01-07T21:34:30.011-05:00Thanks for the offer Nick. I'm not sure when ...Thanks for the offer Nick. I'm not sure when I'll go dusty hunting again. It was about 18-24 months in between hunts. Working a full time job with three restaurants on the side keeps me heads downs much of the time. If you haven't read my posts on dusty hunting, check them out.Greghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03084821666852687199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459913366176838409.post-53218599782931584102014-01-07T14:46:32.479-05:002014-01-07T14:46:32.479-05:00If you ever need a wingman in DC for a dusty hunt,...If you ever need a wingman in DC for a dusty hunt, please let me know - NickNick Tnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459913366176838409.post-11031589096781466552014-01-04T10:13:10.128-05:002014-01-04T10:13:10.128-05:00The tax strip went away about 1980 and the strip s...The tax strip went away about 1980 and the strip stamp was replaced by the shrink wrap about 1987 or maybe a little later. Enthusiasts of this label prefer bourbon produced at BF's Louisville plant (DSPKY414) over the Shively distillery (DSPKY354). To me, there's a distinct difference between the two. I would start with the two digit imprint on the bottom of the bottle. If that's not legible (which happens), then you have to go with indicators on the bottle. Since the back labels are missing, that really prevents you from doing any further analysis since you can't see if the label had a government warning or not. At best, you can date that bottle at about 1987 or newer. If it's a BIB, you may have a DSP number on the front label.Greghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03084821666852687199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459913366176838409.post-71922196922797101992014-01-03T23:05:52.123-05:002014-01-03T23:05:52.123-05:00Greg, you're right on the money!!!.....BUTTERY...Greg, you're right on the money!!!.....BUTTERY GOODNESS !!! Cant find anymore of this stuff by me. I have seen some 1.57 liter sizes. Front label was similar, there was a plastic wrap, no tax strip Ironically, i remember the the back labels on the bottle had come off, leaving just the glue. Any tips on trying to date them to confirm if its good stuff? i.e. bottom glass stamp? Thanks again. RMBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08754849763428197642noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459913366176838409.post-69199684607081140892013-12-17T20:56:43.990-05:002013-12-17T20:56:43.990-05:00That's good drinking. I have that same bottle...That's good drinking. I have that same bottle open right now. Buttery goodness....enjoyGreghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03084821666852687199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459913366176838409.post-81590130862145565592013-12-17T16:25:05.969-05:002013-12-17T16:25:05.969-05:00Interesting enough, i found an Old Forester 86 pro...Interesting enough, i found an Old Forester 86 proof, bottom of bottle is labeled 88, & the bottle has cool looking dimples on the side. Wanted to know if you guys would have a flavor profile to decide if i should open it. Thanks!RMBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08754849763428197642noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459913366176838409.post-26050944715217232912013-11-04T22:02:41.771-05:002013-11-04T22:02:41.771-05:00The distillation DSP is the key. If your bottle n...The distillation DSP is the key. If your bottle notes 354 then that will be different than distillate from 414. I have both and there is a noticeable difference. Greghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03084821666852687199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459913366176838409.post-76768675085981173052013-11-04T15:51:45.442-05:002013-11-04T15:51:45.442-05:00Hey Greg,
I located some Old Forester BIB that wa...Hey Greg,<br /><br />I located some Old Forester BIB that was showing distilled dsp354 and bottled dsp414. I believe the bottle was dated 1992. From my research, I have concluded that using these two dsp could be a slide of the hand type of scenario. Is this juice basically the same or different from the OF BIB that is DSP 414 only.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459913366176838409.post-35979451981650425752013-10-13T23:46:55.246-04:002013-10-13T23:46:55.246-04:00Yes, they can be dangerous. I traveled with three...Yes, they can be dangerous. I traveled with three other guys and we kept a close eye on things as we moved through the neighborhoods. One of us was authorized to carry so we had some form of protection.Greghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03084821666852687199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459913366176838409.post-61797808055860702852013-10-11T18:44:24.699-04:002013-10-11T18:44:24.699-04:00No problem- just thought I would ask! I've hea...No problem- just thought I would ask! I've heard the bad neighborhoods are where the gold is, but I don't have a concealed carry weapons permit for Maryland, so I'm a bit worried about going into those neighborhoods unarmed. I've heard they can be very dangerous!Ethan Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17821307350168760344noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459913366176838409.post-69620666080102681742013-10-11T17:00:16.514-04:002013-10-11T17:00:16.514-04:00Sorry Ethan.....nothing for sale. These gems are ...Sorry Ethan.....nothing for sale. These gems are getting harder and harder to find and I don't do nearly the dusty hunting I used to. If you've only found one bottle while hunting Baltimore, then you're looking in the wrong neighborhoods. We hit the nastiest parts of Baltimore and from the list above...scored big time.Greghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03084821666852687199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459913366176838409.post-79900203045345276782013-09-28T16:19:18.851-04:002013-09-28T16:19:18.851-04:00I have no idea how I missed this post. I've be...I have no idea how I missed this post. I've been dusty hunting Baltimore for a while and only ever found one bottle. Nice haul you've got there! Is any of it for sale perchance?????Ethan Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17821307350168760344noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459913366176838409.post-306962934349205782013-07-19T08:47:46.986-04:002013-07-19T08:47:46.986-04:00Thanks, Greg. I was hoping to pair it with an ND O...Thanks, Greg. I was hoping to pair it with an ND Old Overholt and some modern stuff, to see what people used to look for in rye, compared to the modern era, aka "age of the hipster cocktail", where ryes are used in different ways. I suspect the profile might have changed a bit!BMchttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05036354965069864586noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459913366176838409.post-43024989818617011232013-07-18T21:05:55.513-04:002013-07-18T21:05:55.513-04:00I found the same year Pikesville in Baltimore a co...I found the same year Pikesville in Baltimore a couple years back and I think it's a pretty good rye for the price. I have not had the current release of the Pikesville and would say that the 1991 Pkke is a little softer in profile than the Ritt (BIB). Nice find. Greghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03084821666852687199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459913366176838409.post-42443290802604532242013-07-18T10:08:01.821-04:002013-07-18T10:08:01.821-04:00Hi Greg, I work in Baltimore but don't get to ...Hi Greg, I work in Baltimore but don't get to hunt because I'm a commuter from DC and don't have a car, so I'm limited to the few stores near work. I haven't found any of the older goodies you found, but I did come across a 1991 Pikesville Rye. Have you had a chance to compare it to the ND Old Overholts or modern day Ritt or Pikesville? I only got one bottle and haven't opened it yet - if it's just decent, I'll probably open it soon.BMchttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05036354965069864586noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459913366176838409.post-64880158697105736562013-06-06T07:15:42.269-04:002013-06-06T07:15:42.269-04:00He angrily said from the behind the glass door tha...He angrily said from the behind the glass door that he had been robbed three times this year and basically just locked the door and screened anybody looking to come in. I guess we looked pretty shady.....Greghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03084821666852687199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459913366176838409.post-38970843562153802162013-06-06T00:10:58.729-04:002013-06-06T00:10:58.729-04:00I don't get that AT ALL. Why on Earth would a...I don't get that AT ALL. Why on Earth would a store owner care WHY you're buying booze from him, souvenir or not?JasonQnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459913366176838409.post-38188108943720143702013-06-04T21:54:45.335-04:002013-06-04T21:54:45.335-04:00Steve,
Your mind is not playing tricks on you. L...Steve,<br /><br />Your mind is not playing tricks on you. Last year myself and a couple other guys sat down with Jim Rutledge with Four Roses and asked him some general questions about Four Roses history, his own long tenure with the brand and also asked him why bourbon tastes different from decades ago vs. now. While he didn't lay out a laundry list of reasons, he said a couple of factors is the grain changes over the years. Four Roses does not use GMO corn and still sources their grain from the same farm for decades. Corn also is more starch based rather than protein based as it was a long while back. Entry proof makes a difference. Back during the Reagan administration, the rules changed on the entry proof making the top proof 125. There's arguments for and against chill filtering; many believe that this process removes flavor via fatty deposits that are filtered out when chilled. <br /><br />I have found, just as you have discovered, bourbon from a bygone era (e.g. DSPKY414) just tastes different. This past Sunday I was visiting a good friend and I brought along a 1978 Old Forester BIB and two Old Taylors; 1981 and 1992. The OT's flavor profile when compared side by side was striking with the 1981 having that distinctive butterscotch essence. The 1992, while good, had a bit more spice kick and lacked that butterscotch profile. The Old Forester BIB was a big fat caramel bomb with hints of pepper spice, crazy viscosity and a finish that lingered for minutes after entry. A superb bourbon.<br /><br />There's one other factor that comes into play when drinking bourbon from the late 70's and into the 80's. Brown liquor sales were very soft and there was a lot of aged stock sitting in rick houses. As such, much of the bourbon sold during that timeframe was aged well beyond the label indicator (if there was one). I have a 1979 Early Times KSBW that is 80 proof but does not drink or look like an 8 proof 4 year old bourbon. It's got a big sweet profile and the color is a moderately dark amber indicating age. For me, just tasting it tells me it's not a 4 year old whiskey. Another indicator may come from BIB tax strips. I have some Old Fitz BIB where the label states 4 years old but the tax strips indicates 8 years old. So, finding bourbon from this timeframe will yield a high potential that what's in the bottle is older.Greghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03084821666852687199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459913366176838409.post-43622863023439998282013-06-04T10:27:23.988-04:002013-06-04T10:27:23.988-04:00Hi Greg:
I recently started dusty hunting and hav...Hi Greg:<br /><br />I recently started dusty hunting and have acquired several of the bottles you have posted about in your blog. Most have been dated from 1986 - 2003 and all at full fill level. I don't know if it's just in my head, but they just taste a little different. The only way I can describe it is that they taste older and dusty, ironic wording I know. Almost like there is a little extra twang to them. I know brands are sold over time and the bourbon flavor profile can be changed, but I am curious if you experience this as well. For example, the Old Forester BIB, I have a 1986 BIB DSP414. What are some of your tasting thoughts, so that I can have a guide as to what should be picked up. I think what throws me off the most is the nose on the dusty finds...<br /><br />Thanks in advance<br /><br />SteveAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459913366176838409.post-32406055183711932372013-06-01T16:25:02.645-04:002013-06-01T16:25:02.645-04:00The Old Taylors made under National Distillers are...The Old Taylors made under National Distillers are good. The small 200ml bottles that I picked up were bottled 1992 and the profile is good with a big of spice kick. Older Old Taylors have more of a butterscotch profile and tend to be sweeter. If you see those little 200ml bottles around, get one and flip it over and look for the two digit date on the bottom and try and find one's that are early 90's and before.Greghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03084821666852687199noreply@blogger.com