Favorite Whiskey?

Nerd post to follow... you've been warned

I'm finally getting a chance to sit down with these heavy hitting Islays.



I'm not keen on buying the same bottles two or more at a time, but right now I'm wishing I would have got both of the Bowmore Dorus Mor that were on the shelf... man this dram is blowing me away. It's tropical+peat profile is unlike any other Islay distillery's character. Sweet bananas, mango, pineapple... it's pretty. It's like Ms. Universe here next to these peat monsters to follow.

The Kilchoman 5yr specs selection is a roller coaster of savory peat and viscous malt. The nose, from a distance, is like heavy smoked cheddar. I dig in and get citrus salt and hay - it's like a dairy farm near the ocean. The bourbon barrel influence comes through on the finish which of course lasts for days.

Those two whiskies back-to-back are a great pair for sure.

Then, after a break... Octomore time! I've only had a few Octomores, but I've loved every drop I've tried. The 8.1 has been in my cabinet for a few months so I've gotten to know it a bit. The 6.1 was a lucky find while I was in DFW last weekend and this is my first time to try it. I didn't know the 6.1 would still be on the shelf somewhere, but then again on my side of town there's hardly ever anything different on the shelves.

I am in love with both of these, but the 8.1 is shaking me by the neck whereas the 6.1 wants to be friends

Only 2% ABV difference between the two, but the 8.1 has spent 3 extra years aging. I like its more aggressive character. The 6.1 seems more akin to the Kilchoman 5yo than to the 8.1, but seriously each of these bottles are kicking all sorts of ass for me today. Must be the weekend hype getting to me

 

Man, I found it for $27 a few hours away today. Usually $38 everywhere near me!

They also had Buffalo Trace listed at $22, but were sold out. Never tried it, definitely would have snagged a bottle for that. Usually it's $33-35 around me.

 

Was on sale for $30 at the local booze shop this evening. Usually they're just plain sold out, so I hadn't had a chance to try it before now. My first impression is that it's a very nice pour for the $$. I do like a little more...I guess ?bite? from my bourbon, typically, though. Must be the extra time in the barrel.

 

For the $, it’s hard to go against eagle rare

 

Had my first taste the other night at a local bar. Bartender was laughing because it was $7 for a good two finger pour, but that’s what the computer said. Bottles are $30 here and will be picking one up this weekend.

 

It’s raining, moms at the wine bar and I’m at home with the two littles, good time for a glass. Decided to go with the rye.

 

Yesterday, I had to drive out of state, and since Weller is not frequently available near me, I stocked up.

 

Damn!!

 

Had to pour myself some eagle rare after all this talk recently about it.

 

Thinking the same, mine has remained unopened for about 6 months

 

Finally tried Johnny walker Red. Have had all the other colors but never red until now.

Bought a bottle for less than $20 and I’m a fan. But I’m also a fan of blends.

 

Templeton Rye old fashioned for a birthday night cap.

 

Yeah, I may go on a little road trip tomorrow around our circle to the other ABC's. My ABC was out of Buffalo Trace but told me the east side ABC had some, so maybe I can score an Eagle Rare bottle in one of the others.

That was one excuse to get a Sam's membership was the liquor, until I learned that Sam's in Alabama doesn't sell liquor. Alabama has a strangle hold on that supply. Only ABC's and liquor stores that buy from ABC's to resell it.

 

You don't need a Sam's Club membership to buy liquor at Sam's. There is some law that prevents them form selling liquor to "members only". Just FYI

 

This is also true for Costco. I read about it once then tested it the next time I went. Lady at the door confirmed that you don't have to be a member, but you can only buy alcohol. There is sort of a catch - the liquor has 2 prices on it; one for members and one for non members. Member prices were very good, non member prices just meh.

 

I'm pretty sure that our Sam's Club only has one price. I do know that stuff is pretty cheap compared to other liquor stores. I mainly go to Sam's because they have Russell's Reserve 10yr for $33 and it's $42 at normal places.
I don't know about Costco because I am a member there.

 

I havent had any luck with my local costco, total wine typically has better prices

 

^^ this. ^^

That’s how I roll too. Sometimes sneak an espresso in first.

 

Incredible day shopping today.

Started the day at a small shop that had crazy high prices on rare stuff. Weller Special Reserve was $200. @TRD-ED



They had my other highly coveted bottle, Booker's 30th, for $900.



Went across the street to a bigger store. It's an upscale grocery store with liquor sales (I'm in Wisconsin right now). I came across the greatest retail find I've ever made.

Booker's 30th at retail. $200



Of course I left with it . I'd have bought more if they had them, but they only had the one.

Ain't she a beauty?



Will crack it soon enough.

 

I need to start flipping bottles of Weller, holy shitballs that’d be a good profit lol