Favorite Whiskey?

I think that covers it...

 

Have you had this years little book? If so I’d be interested in hearing you thoughts. I picked up some backyard BBQ today and the small batch colonel since it was the last bottle of colonel they had... they had two more bookers plus a little book on the shelf..

 

I have. It is easily one of the most unique whiskies I've had in a while. If you had last year's, the first thing to do is forget about it completely, because this isn't even remotely similar.

It has that butterscotch thing going on that Canadian whiskies tend to have, but it doesn't come off as offensive as they tend to. The Kentucky straight rye provides plenty of spice, but overall it is still on the sweeter side.

It is different and, thus, has some folks to either extreme. Personally, I think it is quite good and worth the pickup if you get it for sub-$100 (I paid $90 each for my two bottles?).

Last year's is like a more traditional American whiskey and fantastic. I like it better, but, as I mentioned, the two are apples to oranges in flavor profile.

What other Booker's did they have on the shelf? More Backyard BBQ or other releases? If you come across the 2018-01 release - Kathleen's Batch - I highly recommend grabbing a bottle. Perhaps my second favorite Booker's batch. It is great.

 

Looks like I need to up my knowledge of how to understand Bookers releases. I've got a couple uncracked bottles from 16 and mebbe 15. Odd thing is the bottles are very slightly different heights.

 

Can you post up some pics? I'd like to see what you got!

 

Bottle on the left was barreled in 2003 and bottled in 2010 - September, specifically . That is how they coded their batches for the longest time. Ought to be a solid pour! In 2015 (I believe), they switched to putting the year, then the release number. i.e. 2015-02 is the second release of 2015. Those batches are accompanied with a name (like Backyard BBQ) in the American market. That bottle on the right was released in 2016, but it is an export market bottle as indicated by the "E" and, thus, isn't named. They tend to be on the young side. Most of those bottles are 700ml, though some are 750ml. I think that export bottle is why it is sized/shaped slightly different.

If you ever wanted to part with either, let me know . I have other batches for trade or maybe a cash deal. I could check secondary to be sure, but I don't think either carries any especially rare bottle value, but I'd love to add them to my stash of drinkers.

 

I like your selection Brian, and like the my father even better

 

Groovy, I had no aspirations that they are special. They were bought to be drank, just keep getting lined up behind dailies. My oldest is a virgin Jim Beam Ducks Unlimited release from like 1985...still in the box.

Interesting on the export comment on the Bookers...its likely one was bought local in Canada and the other I prolly brought in from US on a trip...tnx for the info

 

PM Sent.

 

No Colonel Taylor here to be found in NC. I think they may even do lottery drawings when they do have it for sale.

 

The other two were both Backyard BBQ. 59.99 a bottle.

I believe the little book was also priced fairly at $90. I’ve had multiple chances to buy it this year... as you mentioned the Canadian whiskey used in this years blend is what kept me from pulling the trigger.

 

Thinking about picking up a bottle of e.h. taylor. want to try the small batch but curious if anyone has tried the rye and how it is

 

I have both and the straight rye is alright. not my fav colonel, but its drinkable. The four grains, now thats a phenomenal pour. Only problem is its impossible to get around here

 

The Canadian whisky is there in the flavor, to be sure, but for whatever it is worth, the Canadian whisky used is aged 40 years and is a pretty minor component of the final blend. It is more about the blend of the Kentucky and Canadian straight ryes.

 

Looks like i can get the small batch, single barrel, and rye where I am.

 

Sure thing! Do you still have the boxes? The one on the left would have come in a lighter shade box and the one in the right ought to be the darker wood. At least I believe that to be true of the export bottles. If you're missing boxes and plan to hold on to the bottles, I could possibly get a couple shipped up to you .

I have one more bottle left from the old naming scheme in a lighter box. It is from a 2013 release to match the birth year of my oldest daughter. It'll get opened on a special date for her (wedding?). I have a 2016-02 - Annis' Answer - for the birth year of my youngest daughter. Two of only about four bottles that I plan to keep sealed for a while.

 

The boxes get converted to planters for my wife I don't collect bourbon to not drink it...other than that Ducks Unlimited bottle. Appreciate the offer tho

 

I haven't had the rye but lucked out and got a few bottles of the small batch. My first impression when I opened it and had a dram was definitely not good. Lot of alcohol taste and burn, not much else. I put it in the back of my cabinet and moved on.

Skip forward a month or so later and I decided to give it another try. Completely different experience- it was pretty darned good. For me, it just needed to breathe a bit. I find some bottles are like that.

 

I had it at a tasting once. I liked it, especially compared to buffalo trace. a bourbon I found I really enjoy is woodford reserve.