Attending: John, Ryan, Marya and Fuggles Howard!
Usually we do this as blind as possible. Being a "best of..." we could probably surmise what the other was bringing... Still, Marya poured in another room. Then I mixed them up. Then for no really good reason, we put them in smell order. We didn't know what anything was until it was all over.
The Lineup
- Collingwood 21 Year Canadian Rye (J)
- Corbin Cash Merced Rye Whiskey (R)
- High West Rendezvous Rye Boulevardier Barrel (Binny's) (R)
- Lock, Stock & Barrel 13 Year Rye (J)
- Redemption Barrel Proof Rye - 7 Year (J)
- Russell's Reserve Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey Single Barrel (J)
- Smooth Ambler Old Scount Single Barrel Rye - 8 Year (R)
- Whistle Pig The Boss Hog Single Barrel Rye 2014 (R)
Pre-Taster
We always have a known "starter" whiskey to open up the palate. This time we had three!
- Hudson Maple Cask Rye (R)
- Lock, Stock and Barrel 16 (J)
- Hochstadters Rye (H)
I brought this to a tasting awhile ago. It was pretty bad. And no maple flavor...so I dumped some maple syrup in it, shook it up and forgot about it. Now, it's not too bad. Maybe a little TOO sweet...
John loved the 13 year old. It makes an appearance below. Unfortunately, this has the distinction of being the only whiskey John has ever returned. Not totally terrible, but definitely not worth the price.
From the people who brought us Lock, Stock. It's probably alright. Don't really remember at this point.
Round One
Ryan | Marya | John | Howard |
Rendezvous Boulevardier and Redemption Rye moved on.
Howard and Marya though this was the stronger round. Collingwood couldn't hang on with the higher proof stuff...
Round Two
Ryan | Marya | John | Howard |
Smooth Ambler Rye SB 8 Year and Lock, Stock 13 moved on.
John and Ryan thought this was the stronger round. Marya only thought one should move on!
Winners' Round
Ryan | Marya | John | Howard |
It was tough...John's fav takes a dive!
The Winner
MGP! The top three were MGP derivatives! The Smooth Ambler rose a bit above the chaf, though...