I used to not believe the neck pour but I do now. I always have two have pours of a bottle no matter what.

I am having a Penelope Toasted Barrel

I would like to hop in on this if available. That is my daily. Feel free to PM

Yep, if budget and timing works, I'm always in for a pick.

I was enjoying the RC Double Barrel last night

I have the Spanish Oak out for later tonight. Dang tasty.

They both are so good

It is funny seeing stores so close to each other and have such different pricing. One store yesterday had Rare Breed for $68 and the other for $48. Buffalo Trace for $32 and the other for $24. The store with the higher prices was a chain and the cheaper store was a TINY hole in the wall.

You can bet the chain gets it cheaper, just by volume.

As talking to a mom and pop owner the other day, she said she had to buy so much extra crap to get a couple bottles of Blanton's, she marked down the regular stuff below cost & elevated the Blanton's to $200. I didn't sniff the Blanton's, but I did get some of the other stuff they'd sold below cost.

I thought the switch in the distribution fixed all that? That was the main reason for moving away from RNDC? I swear our antiquated alcohol laws create stuff like this. It's like the freaking mafioso.

My understanding is that the distributor switch meant more bottles staying in the stores instead of going to bars, etc.

That's how it was explained to me at least. I've definitely seen more on the shelves compared to this time last year.

The practice by distributors is still illegal, so if it's actually happening still then these small stores should be reporting it and not playing the game.

As much I as I don't want to believe it, it's more likely that smaller shops are just inflating prices on things to make some extra cash and then passing blame onto the next part of the supply chain because it's happened in the past and is somewhat believable.

This was just across state line into Louisiana, so it was a gas station/tackle shop mostly.

I'm definitely finding more of their lower end stuff on the shelves this year. I picked up 2 1Ls of BT and 2 Weller SRs this last week. I've picked up 3 EHT SBs over the year as well. All of the higher end stuff I've gotten is from horse trading though, and through the local bourbon club.

Yes. post on the trading thread and folks can give you estimates of value.

Okay, thanks!

I am drinking ECBP b521. It is quite good. Can someone help me understand the differences in the c923 etc please?

AugustusGloop said:

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I am drinking ECBP b521. It is quite good. Can someone help me understand the differences in the c923 etc please?

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The C923 is older at 13 years 7 months and higher proof at 133 compared to the B521 at 118 proof and 12 years old. I do not have the C923 yet to do a side by side comparison though.

Not sure if that answers your question.

I happen to be drinking the B521 tonight too! It's a good one. I haven't tried it side by side with the ECBP c923 yet, but the C923 is one of the best ECBPs I've had.

What really stands out to me is that the C923 drinks so far below its proof. Instead of hitting you with the proof, it slowly builds. Im not the best at tasting notes but there's a nice sweetness and prominent fruit note on the palate, with cinnamon on the finish.

I would put it up there with Stagg Jr. SLB Drinks on YT recently did a blind with C923, two other ECBPs that are widely considered to be two of the best, and George T Stagg, and they both picked the C923.

It's a great pour and I would snag one if you have the chance.

Thanks for the info

Vintage shop in Columbus had C923 on Saturday when I stopped by if anyone in the area is looking for it

Thanks for the invite SpiderDude! Had a great time!

I didn't get an invite. I know I don't know you and shouldn't have gotten one. I live in raleigh nc so odds are if you do invite me I won't be able to make it.

I am very envious. ETL is my favorite bourbon (that I've had).

Anybody get another email from TW who already got one last week? I picked up my WFP, but just got another email from them about a WFP. Guessing they won't sell me another one but who knows

245k points last year, 255k points this year, 1 Blanton's.

If you are spending that much a year, would it be better to go to a mom and pop store? seems at that point they would hold you back a few bottles.

Does it really take THAT much MORE over regular ass grand reserve to get considered?

Based on that commentary I'm guessing no, anyone who hovers just above the bare minimum of GR flair ever get chosen?

They publish the methods, or used to at least. Every point you have is one entry into any given drawing, so having more does increase odds

That's their claim, but doubtful that's the actual case. I personally think everyone gets one entry regardless of the amount of points.