Bourbon Tasting V

We finally managed to only bring four bourbons each. This was a good thing because we could enjoy a few drinks of the good stuff at the end. Which, unfortunately for me, all happened to be from John.

Attending: John, Ryan, Marya and Fuggles!

As usual, we did this as blind as possible. John and I brought four unknowns. Marya poured. Then I mixed them up. We didn't know what anything was until it was all over.

The Lineup

• Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection (Wheat, 12 Year, W:K, F:1)
• Elijah Craig Barrel Proof (128)
• Forged Oak Orphan Barrel
• Garrison Brothers
• High West Rendezvous Rye (Binnie's Manhattan Barrel DR#394)
• Hirsh Reserve Small Batch
• Hooker's House
• Old Forester 1870

Round One

Ryan 1. Forged Oak Orphan Barrel 2. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof (128) 3. Hirsh Reserve Small Batch 4. Garrison Brothers

John 1. Forged Oak Orphan Barrel 2. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof (128) 3. Hirsh Reserve Small Batch 4. Garrison Brothers

Marya 1. Forged Oak Orphan Barrel 2. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof (128) 3. Hirsh Reserve Small Batch 4. Garrison Brothers

Forged Oak and Elijah Craig BP moved on

Round Two

Ryan 1. High West Rendezvous Rye (Binnie's Manhattan Barrel) 2. BTEC (Wheat, 12 Year, W:K, F:1) 3. Hooker's House 4. Old Forester 1870

John 1. High West Rendezvous Rye (Binnie's Manhattan Barrel) 2. BTEC (Wheat, 12 Year, W:K, F:1) 3. Old Forester 1870 4. Hooker's House

Marya 1. High West Rendezvous Rye (Binnie's Manhattan Barrels) 2. Hooker's House 3. BTEC (Wheat, 12 Year, W:K, F:1) 4. Old Forester 1870

High West RR MB and BTEC moved on.

Winners' Round

Ryan 1. High West Rendezvous Rye (Binnie's Manhattan Barrel) 2. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof (128) 3. Forged Oak Orphan Barrel 4. BTEC (Wheat, 12 Year, W:K, F:1)

John 1. High West Rendezvous Rye (Binnie's Manhattan Barrel) 2. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof (128) 3. Forged Oak Orphan Barrel 4. BTEC (Wheat, 12 Year, W:K, F:1)

Marya 1. High West Rendezvous Rye (Binnie's Manhattan Barrel) 2. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof (128) 3. Forged Oak Orphan Barrel 4. BTEC (Wheat, 12 Year, W:K, F:1)

The Winner

High West Rendezvous Rye (Binnie's Manhattan Barrel)! This, um, rye, had a unique floral aroma and subtle fruity notes that stood out. The taste was extraordinary. This release doesn't get much hype with the critics, so if you see it, pick up a bottle. The Elijah Craig Barrel Proof (128) was a close second.

Summary

Well, the most amazing thing was how much we were in agreement. I don't think that has happened since we started tasting blind. Also, all the picks in the final round were John's. And young bourbon is pretty bad.