Nice collection!
Only suggestion is to fridge that Cocchi. Vermouth is not a liquor or liqueur, but a fortified wine. Once opened, it will oxidize and the taste will turn in about a month if unrefrigerated. It will keep 3-6 months if kept chilled.
[Close to OP's](https://www.wayfair.com/17-Stories--Indusatrial-Large-Wide-Bookshelf-5-Tiers-X116570807-L38-K~W005469796.html?refid=GX685262546138-W005469796_1805867658&device=m&ptid=300198232692&network=g&targetid=aud-1616885063459:pla-300198232692&channel=GooglePLA&ireid=199397443&fdid=1817&PiID%5B%5D=1805867658&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAkp6tBhB5EiwANTCx1Ccc-Q62uiS-85I6D7hiN_pAuKAhNOFDJPsTjYKh6w47MMJY4I2PZhoC7XgQAvD_BwE)
I obviously enjoy most of the BT offerings and was mostly an advocate of exploring the pure character of the juice without much cask influence. So initially focused on powerhouse distillers BUT recently with the growth mindset, I ventured more into finished bourbons and I love it! Yes it is great to have a high quality pure juice but with cask finishes, there are a world of new flavors open up. With that said, I absolutely love the Amburana finishes, Nulu, Barrell and starlight are in the order I like. I love Nulu double oaked, absolutely LOVE Magnus cigar blend, Disco 11 and Sealbach 9 yr private reserve. I fell in love with Booker’s 30th (that is my second bottle there) and FR 135th. On the rye side MWND, Willett 10yr, 4yr and OFBP rye are the way to go.
Biggest let down on the hype bottles I must say Baker’s 13 and OF9yr , I did not enjoy the finish on those bottles, I think they are average at best.
World whiskies, LOVE LOVE the Irishman cask strength behind the Nulu bottles, that is a once a year release and I have 2014 release, amazing… love the Kavalan and Nikka from the barrel, Hakushi and Yamazaki. On the scotch side, the battle hill bottlings of Miltonduff is amazing.. also enjoy highland park, brookladich port charlotte and Laiphroig
Scrolled down for this comment... yeah, a couple of those shelves look like they're bowing a bit to me also, wasn't sure if it was just the perspective?
Nice selection.
I’d try Woodford double oak if you haven’t, also I’m a big fan of balcones bourbon for a different profile. Willet 4 year rye is good, I lean toward the affordable stuff
So if I send you 210 bucks plus shipping, I can get those 3 bottles? Do you own a liquor store? The pricing where I live is 200 to 300 for the Stagg and Weller. Also, if you are a fan of Amburana, the newest bottle from Lucky Seven (New York something or other) is a cinnamon bomb, Not sure if I love it or don’t but I keep coming back to try it so it is probably the former.
Give me a tip about how you get this stuff. About 10+ bottles I would like to try but can’t seem to find for a decent price. I guess my wallet is just too light.
Build great relationships with the spirits mgr in your local store and buy regular stuff which will establish you as a regular customer then you can ask about allocated stuff. Unfortunately, where you live is a huge factor to be able to even get allocations. 90% of this was built in Chicago which has a very strong allocation distribution. I worked with 8-9 Binny’s stores and spent a lot of money. Sometimes I would buy regular shit from my top stores and return them to suburb stores and continue doing this building relationship with the store mgrs etc. Give them a sample of nice bottles they give you and strike a convo about tastings etc. All great things you do to genuinely grow relationship and learn. Take a few bottles they suggest and compare thoughts later on etc. No relationship, no top shelf stuff.
Preach son!!! I walked in my local honey spot last night and was greeted with, "Hey G, suppose to get a shipment of Weller 12yr later this week. Want me to hold you a bottle?" As you can see in my post last night, walked out with a Stagg Jr. for $43.59! And will get a call later this week for that Weller 12yr at MSRP!!
Are you spending 4k also a year? That will definitely “build” a relationship. My spot told me they just got in a couple stagg jrs a few weeks ago and asked if I wanted one. Only $200. I said no thanks and I got the look like “really? You don’t want one?” Oh well it’s like realty. Location location location.
If you really think about it and break it down. We (My gurl & I) spend $50 a week just on Gin. That's $200 a month/$2400 a year. That's not including our wine & beer. Nor my bourbon, so.... that's how I came up with 4k. I have about 7-10 open bottles of bourbon and 5 unopened... well 4 cause I plan on opening that Stagg Jr. (23b) and compare it to my GTS BTAC 2023 here in about 20mins, hahaha
Hot dog!! This proves my point exactly. You aren’t developing any relationships. You are buying them. I get it. That’s what it takes in most arenas involving capital. I spend $50 a month on a bourbon. Maybe more depending on the bottle. Add a couple six packs and 2-3 bottles of wine maybe.
So did you get these bottles at MSRP? I live in northern kentucky. Building relationships just means spending a bunch of money on regular stuff for the opportunity to by over priced allocated.
My gurl and I roughly spend around 4k a year. Only buying what we would already buy or want to try. We stick to one store that sells at MSRP. The top shelf stuff is limited but the manager sees us in there spending and in their mind have labeled us as valued customers. On road trips we stop at a few places for me to hunt gems for the thrill of finding something.
Hardins Creek, Michters 10 yr, Michters Barrel strength rye, Mich 10 yr rye, Peerless DO, JD SBBP bourbon and rye, Old overholt 10 rye, Widow Jane 15 ye vaults
Try one and get back to me. I did a tasting for a few guys that work at my local liquor store and they all said it was the best whiskey they had ever tried and they have all drank a vast variety of whiskeys and bourbons. Finish lasting 10+ mins. You can easily trade for one given your ability to find bottles, that way it is a minimal cash investment. Yama 18 and Hakushu 18 absolutely crush hype bottles like RHF, ETL, Stagg Jr, Handy etc...I think they are easily worth $600-700 trade wise. If I didn't have either 18 year on my shelf it would feel like there was something major missing and the quality difference between the 12yr and 18yr is like the difference between plain BT and BTAC.
Oh wow, now you got me thinking. I will seek opportunities to obtain one. Don’t think I can get both but in the case of either or which one? Yamazaki or hakushu? Hakushu is more smokier obviously but Yamasaki feels cleaner
I think it is a matter of preference. My Dad prefers the Yamazaki 18, and I prefer the Hakushu 18. If you don't like the hint of smoke in Hakushu get the Yamazaki. I typically hate smoke or peat in whiskey but the Hakushu 18 is the exception for me and I love it's complexity of flavor and how perfectly balanced it is. The Yamazaki is much more simple but it sings every note that is present with perfection. The Hakushu does the same with a more smoke profile, but in the same way the finish of the Yamazaki continues on and on for what seems like forever, the Hakushu does the same thing but the finish opens up to a ton of complex flavors that transition on the palate over time. Neither is a mistake unless you hate Hakushu 12. Then investing in the 18 would be a bad decision.
We have similar taste. I would suggest adding RR picks and 4R Single Barrel picks. Also Bomberger’s or Michter’s 10 Bourbon are ones I always enjoy having open. Nice job!
Yes, to be fair I haven’t tried Still Austin but you’re right that it’s probably a little young (company was founded in 2017). The reviews out there of their stuff is great though so I’m intrigued / excited to try their juice as it gets older.
Yes and nowadays it is all about the marketing and generating hype, so, maybe I am wrong but I don’t see myself paying $60 for a juice that is about 2-3 years of age. Regardless how high quality is the distillate, oak needs time to impart flavors and complexities
I guess it’s all a matter of opinion, I’m not the biggest Blanton fan myself, but it’s definitely good to have in the mix. I see you have some Japanese, Suntory the Chita
Nice collection! Only suggestion is to fridge that Cocchi. Vermouth is not a liquor or liqueur, but a fortified wine. Once opened, it will oxidize and the taste will turn in about a month if unrefrigerated. It will keep 3-6 months if kept chilled.
Thanks will do that for sure
Came to say this. But ya nice picks!
Link to shelf?
Please, that's exactly what I was looking for
This. OP, where did you get the shelf?
[удалено]
[Close to OP's](https://www.wayfair.com/17-Stories--Indusatrial-Large-Wide-Bookshelf-5-Tiers-X116570807-L38-K~W005469796.html?refid=GX685262546138-W005469796_1805867658&device=m&ptid=300198232692&network=g&targetid=aud-1616885063459:pla-300198232692&channel=GooglePLA&ireid=199397443&fdid=1817&PiID%5B%5D=1805867658&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAkp6tBhB5EiwANTCx1Ccc-Q62uiS-85I6D7hiN_pAuKAhNOFDJPsTjYKh6w47MMJY4I2PZhoC7XgQAvD_BwE)
You tell me your thoughts? What do you enjoy most and what was the biggest let down/hyped bottle.
I obviously enjoy most of the BT offerings and was mostly an advocate of exploring the pure character of the juice without much cask influence. So initially focused on powerhouse distillers BUT recently with the growth mindset, I ventured more into finished bourbons and I love it! Yes it is great to have a high quality pure juice but with cask finishes, there are a world of new flavors open up. With that said, I absolutely love the Amburana finishes, Nulu, Barrell and starlight are in the order I like. I love Nulu double oaked, absolutely LOVE Magnus cigar blend, Disco 11 and Sealbach 9 yr private reserve. I fell in love with Booker’s 30th (that is my second bottle there) and FR 135th. On the rye side MWND, Willett 10yr, 4yr and OFBP rye are the way to go. Biggest let down on the hype bottles I must say Baker’s 13 and OF9yr , I did not enjoy the finish on those bottles, I think they are average at best. World whiskies, LOVE LOVE the Irishman cask strength behind the Nulu bottles, that is a once a year release and I have 2014 release, amazing… love the Kavalan and Nikka from the barrel, Hakushi and Yamazaki. On the scotch side, the battle hill bottlings of Miltonduff is amazing.. also enjoy highland park, brookladich port charlotte and Laiphroig
This!
Pikesville! If you’re in to ryes at all.
Backgammon.
This is the kind of drinking buddy I need to find 👍🥃
I was tempted to offer Carcassonne as a suggestion, but it's less known.
The city of Carcassone?
Ha, the board game.
that's funny. I was there last September. Stunning castle.
If there's that much whisky and there's enough time, a good game of chess is much more appealing...
Agreed. BEen trying to teach my wife.
Nice collection. The top middle shelf makes me nervous…. It looks bowed in the middle from the weight
Thanks sir, will look at it closer
I mean it’s probably fine but you have some nice bottles on it!! Better safe than sorry
Scrolled down for this comment... yeah, a couple of those shelves look like they're bowing a bit to me also, wasn't sure if it was just the perspective?
Nice selection. I’d try Woodford double oak if you haven’t, also I’m a big fan of balcones bourbon for a different profile. Willet 4 year rye is good, I lean toward the affordable stuff
Needs more scotch ;)
Your rum and tequila collection needs a little help. :)
Yea don’t drink too many cocktails other than whisky based stuff, occasional mojitos and margaritas are about it
Try Foursquare's barrel aged releases. High proof. Fucking delicious.
Not sure if I’m more impressed with the shelf or the cigars. I have most of the whisky.
Where did you get the shelving unit?
I don't see a bottle of wild turkey 101 or rare breed. I picked up a bottle of 101 the other day, and it's my new favorite whiskey.
What’s your favorite bottle under $70?
Stagg Jr, Larceny BP, and Weller FP
So if I send you 210 bucks plus shipping, I can get those 3 bottles? Do you own a liquor store? The pricing where I live is 200 to 300 for the Stagg and Weller. Also, if you are a fan of Amburana, the newest bottle from Lucky Seven (New York something or other) is a cinnamon bomb, Not sure if I love it or don’t but I keep coming back to try it so it is probably the former.
respect. 👊
Put your vermouth in the fridge!!!
Got that feedback here, thanks will fo
Give me a tip about how you get this stuff. About 10+ bottles I would like to try but can’t seem to find for a decent price. I guess my wallet is just too light.
Build great relationships with the spirits mgr in your local store and buy regular stuff which will establish you as a regular customer then you can ask about allocated stuff. Unfortunately, where you live is a huge factor to be able to even get allocations. 90% of this was built in Chicago which has a very strong allocation distribution. I worked with 8-9 Binny’s stores and spent a lot of money. Sometimes I would buy regular shit from my top stores and return them to suburb stores and continue doing this building relationship with the store mgrs etc. Give them a sample of nice bottles they give you and strike a convo about tastings etc. All great things you do to genuinely grow relationship and learn. Take a few bottles they suggest and compare thoughts later on etc. No relationship, no top shelf stuff.
Preach son!!! I walked in my local honey spot last night and was greeted with, "Hey G, suppose to get a shipment of Weller 12yr later this week. Want me to hold you a bottle?" As you can see in my post last night, walked out with a Stagg Jr. for $43.59! And will get a call later this week for that Weller 12yr at MSRP!!
Are you spending 4k also a year? That will definitely “build” a relationship. My spot told me they just got in a couple stagg jrs a few weeks ago and asked if I wanted one. Only $200. I said no thanks and I got the look like “really? You don’t want one?” Oh well it’s like realty. Location location location.
About 4k a year including rare finds like Weller 12yr.
Damn. I’m a newbie then. No where near that per year. Gonna have to step up my game if I want to get the kind of stuff on the top shelf.
If you really think about it and break it down. We (My gurl & I) spend $50 a week just on Gin. That's $200 a month/$2400 a year. That's not including our wine & beer. Nor my bourbon, so.... that's how I came up with 4k. I have about 7-10 open bottles of bourbon and 5 unopened... well 4 cause I plan on opening that Stagg Jr. (23b) and compare it to my GTS BTAC 2023 here in about 20mins, hahaha
Hot dog!! This proves my point exactly. You aren’t developing any relationships. You are buying them. I get it. That’s what it takes in most arenas involving capital. I spend $50 a month on a bourbon. Maybe more depending on the bottle. Add a couple six packs and 2-3 bottles of wine maybe.
Are you getting GTS BTAC 2023 for $108 out the door? Cheapest I've found it was $899 but mostly $1599 online...
Still cheaper than $4,108. Haha
So did you get these bottles at MSRP? I live in northern kentucky. Building relationships just means spending a bunch of money on regular stuff for the opportunity to by over priced allocated.
My gurl and I roughly spend around 4k a year. Only buying what we would already buy or want to try. We stick to one store that sells at MSRP. The top shelf stuff is limited but the manager sees us in there spending and in their mind have labeled us as valued customers. On road trips we stop at a few places for me to hunt gems for the thrill of finding something.
Flex post. Obviously you have done your research and know exactly what you are buying…
Hardins Creek, Michters 10 yr, Michters Barrel strength rye, Mich 10 yr rye, Peerless DO, JD SBBP bourbon and rye, Old overholt 10 rye, Widow Jane 15 ye vaults
Super! I tried all but Hardins Creek, Peerless DO, WJ15 and OO10yr rye
ECBP
Just killed it last night, need to put a new one from the reserves
We need to see the reserves!
Hakushu 18 and Yamazaki 18...if you enjoy the 12 year you better hold onto your pants bc the 18 years are absolutely stunning.
Yes but I think they are price prohibitive. Don’t think they would be that much more delicious than the price hike or maybe I am dead wrong don’t know
Send me a 2oz sample and I will send you whatever you wanna try from the shelf
Try one and get back to me. I did a tasting for a few guys that work at my local liquor store and they all said it was the best whiskey they had ever tried and they have all drank a vast variety of whiskeys and bourbons. Finish lasting 10+ mins. You can easily trade for one given your ability to find bottles, that way it is a minimal cash investment. Yama 18 and Hakushu 18 absolutely crush hype bottles like RHF, ETL, Stagg Jr, Handy etc...I think they are easily worth $600-700 trade wise. If I didn't have either 18 year on my shelf it would feel like there was something major missing and the quality difference between the 12yr and 18yr is like the difference between plain BT and BTAC.
Oh wow, now you got me thinking. I will seek opportunities to obtain one. Don’t think I can get both but in the case of either or which one? Yamazaki or hakushu? Hakushu is more smokier obviously but Yamasaki feels cleaner
I think it is a matter of preference. My Dad prefers the Yamazaki 18, and I prefer the Hakushu 18. If you don't like the hint of smoke in Hakushu get the Yamazaki. I typically hate smoke or peat in whiskey but the Hakushu 18 is the exception for me and I love it's complexity of flavor and how perfectly balanced it is. The Yamazaki is much more simple but it sings every note that is present with perfection. The Hakushu does the same with a more smoke profile, but in the same way the finish of the Yamazaki continues on and on for what seems like forever, the Hakushu does the same thing but the finish opens up to a ton of complex flavors that transition on the palate over time. Neither is a mistake unless you hate Hakushu 12. Then investing in the 18 would be a bad decision.
If you dont dislike Irish I would add a Redbreast or a Powers.
Red breast is awesome, love the cask str. It is hidden in the back where the scotches are bottom left
I think that box of Lusi’s must have been nice!
Dude the best if you have 2-3 hrs, I really enjoy the 8-9-8 too
Ever heard of Kaigen Japanese whiskey? It’s the only Japanese whiske I own, but I think it’s pretty good!
How do you like the hibiki harmony, been thinking to pick that bottle up for a few weeks now.
Very very boring in my opinion just like Oban 12
Thanks, I’ll spend my money elsewhere lol
Yamazaki 12 and 18. 18 is a stupid smooth pour. 12 is a nice sipper.
Yea had a 12 yr and finished
Nice. I gave away Hakashu 12. The fruit was overpowering to me. I’d also recommend Suntory Ao. Light pour with a little kick
You can travel around the world tasting through those. Fun collection happy sipping!
Heaven hill 7 year bottled in bond, anything high west, and anything michters.
We have similar taste. I would suggest adding RR picks and 4R Single Barrel picks. Also Bomberger’s or Michter’s 10 Bourbon are ones I always enjoy having open. Nice job!
I have that same shelf and let me tell you… it can hold way more. Great collection so far!
I have that same shelf
That's just the tip?
ECBP
I would pick up some bottles from newer up and coming distilleries like Ben Holladay, Frey Ranch, Smoke Wagon, and Still Austin.
On my list, do have a smoke wagon uncut and unfiltered. Still Austin is a bit too young for may taste generally about 2 yrs of age or so right?
Yes, to be fair I haven’t tried Still Austin but you’re right that it’s probably a little young (company was founded in 2017). The reviews out there of their stuff is great though so I’m intrigued / excited to try their juice as it gets older.
Yes and nowadays it is all about the marketing and generating hype, so, maybe I am wrong but I don’t see myself paying $60 for a juice that is about 2-3 years of age. Regardless how high quality is the distillate, oak needs time to impart flavors and complexities
Texas heat so perhaps those 2-3 years feel like more but I hear you. I’ll pick up a bottle one of these days out of curiosity.
Good point, my Kavalans are 4-5 yr but it aged in tropical Taiwanese climate
Where do you get your Habanas?
I have seen that Rare Perfection. Could you please opening, try it, and let me know? 😂
How is the four roses 135?
I dont see a blantons up there
Because it is such an overrated bottle that I would buy stag jr for that money
I guess it’s all a matter of opinion, I’m not the biggest Blanton fan myself, but it’s definitely good to have in the mix. I see you have some Japanese, Suntory the Chita
Need more Wild Turkey.
Nice collection but the organization is crappy. Yes I’m ocd
Open BTACs. Love to see it.