Bryan, if you're there, can you check on what cask number it is?

Here you go -

Any BTAC or PHC end up in your area?

Looks like the same cask number.

 

I'm not too interested in BTAC.  No word on PHC yet.  Ultimately, I'd like a bottle of Pappy 15 to replace my finished one but I'm not holding out hope for it.

Anyone else enjoying Four Roses as much as me? They are easily the most consistent American distillery I've come across. Heaven Hill and Buffalo Trace certainly have their moments but Four Roses kills it every time, in my experience. I even find Yellow Label to be the first 80 proofer that's not a watery mess and has some surprising flavor to it.

Yep I am and have been a fan for a while - I went through a stage of getting many of the single barrel ones - with the different barrel/yeast variations. I slowed down my purchase of them of late. But when I run out of some of my other current stuff I will have no problem going back into the purchasing of various single barrel bottles. I like the variety that they offer. 

 

Cheers... 

Anyone else enjoying Four Roses as much as me? They are easily the most consistent American distillery I've come across. Heaven Hill and Buffalo Trace certainly have their moments but Four Roses kills it every time, in my experience. I even find Yellow Label to be the first 80 proofer that's not a watery mess and has some surprising flavor to it.

 

What is wrong with me?  Oh yeah, I have never had any Four Roses...

You should, Shelly.  It is great.

Which one should I start with? Single Barrel?

Edited December 2, 201411 yr by shellylh

Single barrel OBSK cask strength.  The 12.4 year one I have is superb.  10.4 year is still awesome, but not quite the same level.

Will do!

YES

Where in hell did you get the 27?  That is awesome!

Wow Bryan! Good find on the 27yr!

Where in hell did you get the 27? That is awesome!

This and

Wow Bryan! Good find on the 27yr!

This

Where in hell did you get the 27? That is awesome!

Traded 1-for-1 with PVW23 with a liquor store manager at a place in DC. He has an absurd bunker. Not quite Mikey-level but I imagine as good as you can get in American whiskey.

Sweet

Nice score Bryan!

Niiiiiice!

 

Anyone here have the Parkers Heritage Promise of Hope?

Work is really slow today. Let's play with some 18 year olds!

 

 

Laphroaig 18 (48%) vs. Bunnahabhain 18 (46.3%) vs. Springbank 18 (46%) vs. Longrow 18 (46%) 

 

Notes:

 

 

Bunnahabhain 18

Neat:

Nose is clean and a tad sweet. Nutty. Honey. Touch of phenol. Grass.

Taste is almond butter. Light fruit acidity. Phenolic accent right at the close.

Finish is a bit short. Moderately dry. Continues the clean trend.

 

Springbank 18

Neat:

Nose is fruity and slightly older. Banana. Wood shavings. Ginger. Lemon oil.

Taste is thicker. Cigar. Lime. Cream. Slightly peppery.

Finish is moderate. Very dry. Bitter with more peat than in the taste.

 

Longrow 18

Neat:

Nose is moderate peat and extremely bright. Dusty. Perfume. Dandelion. Mandarin.

Taste is fruit rind. Sugar, almost confectionary. Umami. Moderate peat.

Finish is comparable to Springbank. Moderate to long. Very dry. Less bitter. More clean oak. Interesting phenolic flavors at the very end.

 

Laphroaig 18

Neat:

Nose is liberal, wet peat. Dank tobacco leaves. White Sugar. Candied fruit.

Taste is ash. Vanilla. Honey. A hint of pitted fruit.

Finish is the heftiest right at the beginning. Strong smoke. Not too dry.

 

If I were to rank them, I would probably go Longrow > Laphroaig > Bunnie > Springer. The Longrow was the most memorable and the most drinkable. The Springer was forgettable and I would easily pick the 12 year Cask Strength over it.

Considering I'm in Texas, the land of specs and cheap booze, this post is of interest to me.

Considering I'm in Texas, the land of specs and cheap booze, this post is of interest to me.

Mmm Spec's.

So far I have procurred an old pulteney 17 and a laphroaig 18. Thinking 2 more bottles. There was a Duncan Taylor cask strength 18yr mortlach calling to me, and Bryan gave me a ton of good suggestions.

Opened my birthday bottle of Suntory Hibiki 12 last night.  Yeah, I like this.  

Another peaty showdown!

Malt 1:

Ginger. Tea leaves. Softly. Phenolic.

Malt 2:

Sherry. Caramel. Iodine. Ash.

Malt 1 is surprisingly fresh in the nose. Aged oak balances pretty well with citrus and a cleaner smoke (if such a thing exists). Malt 2 is brash and richer. Certainly more kick and I would drink this more sparingly.

What were these drams?

...

...but Lagavulin 16 and Oogie, of course.

But, of course.  Damn, but don't I wish I were there to share these two exalted smoke monsters with you.  I do loves me some peat.  On the nose,in the mouth, and for the long, glorious finish.  

 

Thanks for the tasting notes, Bryan, and Cheers, all.