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.
Greg, thanks for sharing your tasting notes.
ReplyDeleteI agree on the Larceny. Didn't do anything for me. I couldn't get over the finish (not sure how to describe it but tasted very leathery).
I also enjoy Maker's 46, W12 and OWA. Unfortunately, OFBIB is tough to come by around me in NY.
Thanks
John
You're welcome John.
DeleteI have to say I rather like the Larceny, but again I was a huge fan of Very Special Old Fitzgerald ( may it rest in peace).
ReplyDeleteThe Larceny was a first for me and it was just opened. Now that it has a couple weeks of air, maybe it's opened up and will surprise me.
DeleteHi. I like your latest blog post. I’m a big fan of whiskey in general. So much so we’ve started sourcing and aging coffee beans in whiskey barrels. Any chance you would be up for reviewing our coffee for your blog readers? I can send out some free samples to you. Awesome site by the way.
ReplyDeleteLet me know. Thanks.
John
John - thanks for stopping by. I'm a huge fan of coffee, so much so that I purchase my beans green and roast my own. I would be interested in trying your barrel aged. Shoot me an email at brbnizgud@yahoo.com. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteHi!
ReplyDeleteAnother fan of Larceny here.
Until I tried Larceny I disliked wheaters, alot.
Larceny has one of the best noses around, in my view.
I think it competes nicely with the Weller 12, which is a bit thinner in the mouth, in my opinion.
I would love to see Larceny at 100 proof or higher, and maybe at a 10 year old offering.
In my view, Larceny is a much better bourbon than MM, and certainly than MM-46, which is ridiculously over-rated and over-priced.
At its price and for the quality, Larceny is impossible to beat in the wheater category.
Dan
Dan - at first opening the Larceny was tight and seemed muted on the nose and palate. Now that it's been open a number of weeks, air has helped it along. I will say that for me the finish is not very balanced. That being said, taste is subjective and there is no right or wrong answer. Enjoy!
DeleteMost wheated whiskey seems to benefit after being open for some period of time.
ReplyDeleteAny chance you can run through any remaining whiskey for another review?
I've got a number of posts lined up but it's a matter of getting the time to post. Up coming in the next week will be a review of a Tequila and Irish Whiskey in recognition of St. Paddy's Day. As for reviewing additional selections of whiskey, I have some stuff that I'll be looking at but it won't be just bourbon or rye....I also have a new Japanese I'll be featuring.
DeleteHi, can you tell me what is left in the bottom of a glass the next day that had Weller antique in it. It looked like milk that had dried at the bottom of the glass. I have also seen this with eagle rare(10).
ReplyDeleteWhiskey left in the bottom of a glass overnight like that will oxidize causing the leftovers to cloud up. Also, whiskey that's high proof can also leave a white film in the glass as well. ER10 is only 90 proof so that shouldn't really leave behind much in the way of film. OWA might.
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