Feldman's, RGV. Tried the 20 earlier. WOW! So smooth.



[This message has been edited by dirtyred (edited 2/28/2012 8:56a).]

If you like the 20, try the 23. The 23 takes a cleveland steamer on the 20.

I've got to find some of this stuff.

Knob creek is my go to. Right now my cabinet has:

Knob creek
Makers
Four roses small batch
Four roses single barrel
Willet single barrel

AgChris, I have a hard time imagining anything being more sublime than the 20. There is the other minor issue of cost. Before plunking down 3 bills on a bottle, I'd prefer trying it first. Know any restaurants in Texas that carry it behind the bar?

Red - depending on where you live, I can make a recommendation.

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If you like the 20, try the 23. The 23 takes a cleveland steamer on the 20.

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I disagree. I prefer the 20, especially with it being $150 less.

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I recommend, if one can manage, finding a bottle numbered between 2250 and 3750.

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I picked up 3257.

showtime, I'm in San Antonio and Houston with greatest frequency.

Pappas Bros in Houston carries PVW behind the bar.

Or check Branch Water Tavern and Reserve 101.

Thanks, ducks.

holy hell I'd hate to see the upcharge in a pour of PVW 23 at Pappas.

jobu, I don't disagree with you but I don't need a full pour. Hell, once I've schmoozed the bartender, including that I worked for Pappas Restaurants once upon a time, ate at Pappas Bros when they were still doing test runs and I told them then to get rid of the cheesey logos on the wine glasses, he OR she will gladly offer a pour on the house! I only need a sniff, not a full pour, to determine if the 23 is worth the coin.

Had the 2012 garrisons. Unimpressed.

Went to woodfords and buffalo trace distillery today. Still sipping

Early February the republic in cs had pvw 20 & 23 in the bar.

How about a recommendation for a 30-40 dollar bottle?

Woodford #1. However did buy a bottle of Makers 46. Very good with a slightly smokey flavor. Will buy again.

30-40 bucks, Rowans Creek is my fav. Noahs Mill is just over that price, but worth the coin. Both are made by the same folks.

Willett is my new go-to in that price point.

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How about a recommendation for a 30-40 dollar bottle?

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It is absolutely impossible to go wrong with Woodford Reserve. It is old faithful, always fantastic, easy to drink, rich full flavors, I can't say enough good things about it. My favorite bourbon. (~$35)

That being said: if you want something different:

Four Roses Single Barrel (single barrel, not small batch, tons more bang for your buck with the single barrel). My second favorite bourbon, closely behind Woodford. But be aware, it is 100 proof, although it tastes like it's 80 proof, very smooth.(~$30-$35)

Also Makers 46 is very good, has a very discernible vanilla flavor on my palette, which I love. Remember though, Makers is still a wheated bourbon, so you sacrifice some richness in the body and flavor for that signature smoothness on the tongue. Very easy to drink, great if you don't like too much 'bite' in your bourbon. (~$35-$40)

Another out-of-the-ordinary option in that range is Eagle Rare. It's a 10 year old single barrel bourbon from Buffalo Trace. It's got a great flavor, almost buttery tasting, but then it has a whollop of spice that hits you right in the tongue (sorry, I'm a bit over detailed here, I'm drinking Eagle Rare as I type this). Also at 90 proof it's got a bit of kick to it. (~$30-$35)

Let me know what you decide on, and happy sippin'!

Agree that the Balcones is terrible. Was wondering if it was just me. I don't even mention I have it to visitors who like whiskey because I'm embarrassed by it.

I'm cheap and its good.

Had PPW 20 at Grand Prize in Houston a couple of weeks ago. Worth the hype.

^
I'm already looking forward to "Van Winkle season" next November. I got 6 bottles of the various ages this year, and I'll probably get at least that many next year. Thanks to the advice of another poster on this thread, I found a store that gets a large amount of VW and it lasts for close to 2 months.

I love the 10 year, 107-proof for $26-30 & the 20-year is excellent.

Any opinions on Breckenridge Distillery's Bourbon? I picked up a bottle when I was out there a few weeks ago.



[This message has been edited by streetfighter2012 (edited 3/29/2012 1:29p).]

Never had it.

Where do you guys find George T. Stagg? Also, I'm working on bringing in some Paddy Irish Whiskey to try. Supposed to be good stuff.

^
I think George T. Stagg is delivered on the same trucks as the Van Winkles and Sazerac. November is your best bet, followed by March.

George T. Stagg is released as part of the Buffalo Trace Antique collection. The entire collection is released annually in the fall - generally mid-end October. Though owned by the same company as Van Winkle, the distribution schedule is completely unrelated.

^
I was told by a couple liquor managers that George T. Stagg comes on the truck with Van Winkle and Sazerac. It may vary by region, and I live in Denver. We got our shipments starting the Monday of THanksgiving week in 2011.

Bringing in some Paddy Irish whiskey and Templeton Rye. Will reply with my thoughts once it's here.

Bought some Willet. It's lighter but it's really good.

Proud -

They are owned by the same folks. That's probably why.

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That is somewhat true, somewhat not true

Pappy Van Winkle is produced under a JV between the JVW ancestors and Buffalo Trace. BT does not actually own the Pappy Van Winkle brand. They distill and bottle Pappy as part of the JV with the name retained by the family.

The Templeton is definitely worth the money. Awesome, smooth stuff. A lot like Redbreast.

[This message has been edited by tx4guns (edited 4/15/2012 9:54p).]