Wheater line-up: Results

This past weekend I traveled to North Carolina to conduct a bourbon tasting.  As mentioned in my previous post, bourbon using wheat in the mashbill was featured.  I had 17 tasters attend.

I decided to line up the bottles based on proof so they were presented as follows:

W.L. Weller 12 year 90 proof:  Most everyone liked this one although some stated it was a little hot.  Overall, well received and most stated they would purchase a bottle.  For those in the group that are hard core Pappy fans, I told them this is the closest they can get for the price sans having PVW itself.

Jim Beam Red Wheat 11 year 90 proof: Most were indifferent to this selection.  I found the nose to have a slightly funky sour note to it.  The entry didn't exhibit this sour note but had a sweet start and then a quick finish.  Very one dimensional with the nose getting a thumbs down.

Larceny 92 proof: Overall, this was an average bourbon.  For the most part average feedback with most stating the nose was a little underwhelming.  This one didn't do anything for me whatsoever. To me, a simple sipper.

Makers Mark 46 94 proof: This was an instant hit among the group.  They liked the entry, sweet with spice, transitions over the palate finishing with dark chocolate.  I like this expression.  Normal Makers is not something I keep around because it's average to me but the "46" expression punches above its brother.  While most liked it, many said the extra $10 plus dollars was not worth it over the standard shelf expression.

Old Fitzgerald BIB 100 proof (HH): Many liked this and I thought it was decent enough to sip on.  Granted, this is no SW variation but as a 2009 release, I thought it was good enough.  Overall for the group, average pour.

Old Weller Antique 7 year 107 proof: I cheated on this selection.  For the life of me I could not find a normal OWA shelf offering.  I've mentioned before the Weller products are exceedingly difficult to find so I had to grab one of my single barrel selections.  This hands down was the favorite of the group.  Profile was fruity with spice and cream exhibiting a great mouthfeel and long finish.

We had a great time and I've been asked to maybe consider doing this twice a year.  Summer would be a great time to visit down south and share some bourbon.

Bourbon Tasting - wheater line-up

For the last couple of years I've traveled down to North Carolina to conduct a whiskey tasting to a group of bourbon enthusiasts.  I was invited down initially by my brother-in-laws father.  The first year I brought along a variety of selections to include OTS, dusties and private picks.  The favorite among the men the first year was a 1987 Old Grand Dad 86 proof.  When they asked where to purchase this bottle I responded "in 1987". 

Last year I lined up a rye tasting that spanned OTS and private pick with a focus more on what's currently available.  I had nine selections so we took our time tasting through all the bottles.  The selections included Thomas H Handy, Jim Beam Rye, Sazerac Rye, High West Double Rye, Jefferson Rye, Rittenhouse Rye BIB and a couple others.  This was a large venue with about 40 people in attendance to include the ladies who had a separate table to sample wine.  By the end of the evening, many of the ladies had joined the men tasting through the flights of rye.

This year I am bringing selections only found in the retail market; no dusty's or private picks.  For this tasting I'm presenting Makers Mark 46, Heaven Hill Larceny, Heaven Hill Old Fitz BIB, Old Weller Antique, W.L. Weller 12 and Jim Beam Red Wheat.  Some of these selections may be harder to find than others but at least it's all current production.  One of the tasters actually sits on the local ABC board and as a result of these tastings has championed getting some of these selections on the shelves.  Up until 2013, Four Rose Single Barrel was not carried in that market.  Now it is. 

Looking forward to spending the weekend visiting family, eating NC BBQ and drinking whiskey.