No, they don't have to be barrel strength. It would be labeled as such. And barrel strength doesn't always mean better. I do however like the idea of barrel strength for many of the good bottles, as I can add water to dilute it myself (making it whatever proof I want).

That's such a tough call. Man.

But realistically, I need to drink what I have as you can tell. I will pass but very much appreciate it.



I would like to keep the lines of communication open in this thread for getting bottles tough. Places like AZ are a bourbon wasteland. I'd love to share samples with some of you and get some hard to find bottles from those living in other parts of the country that have better access. Similar to the awesome action in the beer thread.


Good to see so much activity in this thread boys. Let's keep it going! Bourbon ****ing rocks!

Most people who try the "unicorn" say the same thing. It's good, but not worth that price tag.


What high-end bourbons do you feel it compares with?

When we sold our business in August, my 2 Business Partners and I took down a Bottle of the Pappy 23 year Family Reserve.

I gotta tell ya, I thought it was pretty amazing.

Yeah, I've heard the same.

I dunno man. I feel like when you have that kind of expense tied to a brown bottle, your brain just builds itself up to expect something almost supernatural. I just found it to be...meh.

I had Blade & Bow's 22 about a year ago, and I'd put it above PVW, but that's just my personal taste. I think it's on-par with the likes Michter's 10...hell I've even got a bottle of Four Roses Limited Edition (12, 13, 15, 23 year blend) that I'd be willing to bet would score better to the average drinker in a blind taste.

I love the allure surrounding PVW...but, to quote my grandpa..."Sometimes the expensive shit is just worse."

Yeah that's awesome man. As you probably know, it's all about personal taste. Some of the guys (and girls) I sipped with today loved it. I just found it to be underwhelming.

I wasn’t actually expecting much. I was told by a friend of mine, who had tried it, that it was a bit underwhelming as well. I had low’ish expectations, but was really surprised at how much I enjoyed it. Part of that might be because I didn’t fork over the $3,000 to buy the bottle :D

HA! Totally true.

I was super appreciative to taste it, but I like what I like.

BTW, and I know this is a Bourbon thread, but the wife bought me a Balvenie 30 for an early birthday present a couple weeks ago and HOLY SHIT. I'm usually not a Balvenie guy but my God the 30 is good scotch.

By the way, I’m enjoying some Four Roses Small Batch tonight while watching the Astro’s climb back into this game. It’s delish

Looks like you just brought them all the way back!

Your wife is an amazing woman.

You're right, but trust me – For every bottle of expensive bourbon or scotch in our house, there are easily 2 or 3 handbags, purses or pairs of some designer stilettos hidden away in a closet somewhere.

And no, they aren't mine.

ROFL

Do you smoke weed?

Wow, that’s a helluva gift. I’m not a scotch guy, but The Balvenie 12 yr Single Barrel is one of the only ones I will drink. I really dig it.

By the way, **** the Dodgers! 5-3 Stros