Favorite Whiskey?

After Stitzel Weller we drove down to Willet. 3 years ago we went to this small distillery and it was a highlight of our trip. Very personalized service, probably less than 20 customers. We did a tasting where they let you choose 3 pours of any product for $20 and you keep the Glencairn, they spent a good half hour explaining each of their offerings.

This time we rolled up and it was packed. Packed with just the worst kind of people. I must’ve seen 10 handlebar mustaches and hipster toddler offspring everywhere. Everybody grabbing pot still pickle juice for the eloquent bottle and much to my disappointment they stopped doing the inexpensive tasting session with free glencairn where they explain all their offerings because quote “we stopped that because we’re just too busy but you can order a pour at the bar or restaurant.” No reason for me to go back here next time. Got a green top rye and hit the road. It’s available at any store in Louisville.

 

I can be the backup plan in July

 

Next stop was Maker’s Mark. Specifically for the bottle quoted above. They sold out weeks ago and were waiting to put out a new batch. Confirmed it is only sold there and it “flies off the shelf.”


Glad we went though. Maker’s Mark is by far the most aesthetically pleasing distillery I’ve been to. Ordered an Old Fashioned and walked the beautiful grounds.

 

Drove back to Frankfort, ate at a brewery on the river, watched some Hurricanes hockey and passed out since I was going on 45 minutes of sleep.

Woke up the next day and hopped in line at Buffalo Trace at 7:30 am. 20 people already in line. 1.5 hours later got my allocated Blanton’s and hit the road to Woodford Reserve, another beautiful distillery. Our goal was to get a derby bottle, they were sold out. Apparently this year’s derby bottle was the 50th anniversary of Secretariat so it was very collectible. Ah well, picked up some chocolate bitters and headed across the road to the Woodford cocktail experience. Had two Old Fashioneds and took the complimentary copper Woodford cups they came in and we hit the road.

 

Hit Buc-ees for fudge and a brisket sandwich on the 7 hour trip home. Got back and unpacked the goods:



Tried the Green River tonight, a suggestion from the bartender at Stitzel-Weller. Very good:



Next trip will be Castle & Key and Wild Turkey.

 

Looks like a great trip! I'm planning to hit a few of those spots in July. Glad to know about Willett. Little disappointed that Wild Turkey isn't doing tours/ visitors yet but like you mentioned, good to have something to look forward to!

So many posts and photos I'm on my second pour of the night looking through them

 

We found out Four Roses has a new visitors center on our way home. Might be worth a stop while you’re up there!

 

I do have a tour booked at their Cox Creek bottling/ warehouse, stopped by their very nice visitors center last August. Not sure if that's their new one.

 

Total Wine had this Eagle Rare on the managers desk at MSRP. I’m not a huge fan but for $40 I can’t say no. Last week they had Hibiki Harmony at the new $85 MSRP but I passed on it.

 

Oh, that would be a dangerous place to visit.

 

Ok maybe one more to start off the weekend right.

 

A friend poured me two generous pours last weekend. What a great pour, loved everything about it. Cheers.

 

that Thomas ride on is a great pick, just killed mine, worth the price for sure

 

When I pulled it out of the mailbox I could here glass tinkling. Sure enough one of my CGC glasses didn't make it. It looks like the carrier drop-kicked the box at least once.

 

Lol I got it at a consignment event for $15, including the batteries. No ragerts!!

 

Looks like you had an awesome and fruitful trip!! We missed the Blanton's & E. H. Taylor day at BT and only got Eagle Rare - styill have not been able to get a bottle of E. H. Taylor for my bar! Those Woodford Chocolate Bitters are awesome - you can also get them on Amazon.

We enjoyed the tour at Rabbit Hole in Louisville - newer distillery and their facility is very nice. Green River was bought by Bardstown Bourbon Company last year. Their Wheel Horse Rye is fantastic but I didn't see it anywhere during our trip.

We did get an anniversary Secretariat bottle - timing is everything with the popularity of bourbon and distillery tours now.

Enjoy your haul!!!

 

Don’t know if it’s my taste buds or the bottle, but the JJB just isn’t as enjoyable as I remember. Had to let it rest for 10 minutes before it was anything near good. Grr…used to be a favorite.

Wife wasn’t terribly impressed either, and I recall her liking this when I first cracked it.