Tasting XI

I didn't think we'd have a tasting so soon after John's baby. I had already decided to not buy anymore bourbon. But John seemed disappointed when I misused my vocabulary and said: "I've got crap I could bring." Crap doesn't necessarily imply bad in my vocabulary. But I felt bad, so I bought a few bottles. Plus, I don't like to lose. Oh, John would like to say he was actually 6 minutes early to this tasting!

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. 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

• Elijah Craig Kentucky Straight Bourbon Single Barrel - 139.8 [2] (R)
• Masterson's Old Straight Wheat Whiskey - 12 Years [3] (J)
• Metze's Select Indiana Straight Bourbon Whiskey - 2015 Medley [4] (J)
• Montana Straight Bourbon Whiskey Four Grain [5] (J)
• Russel's Reserve Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey Single Barrel [6] (J)
• Smooth Ambler Old Scout Straight Bourbon Whiskey 10 Year - K&L Barrel#1847 104 Proof [7] (R)
• Smooth Ambler Old Scout Straight Rye Whiskey - 7 Year [8] (R)
• Stagg Jr. Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Barrel Proof - 129.7 [9] (R)

Pre-Taster

We always have a known "starter" whiskey to open up the palate. John usually brings it.

• 7 Stills Chocasmoke [10]

I bought this a long time ago. I thought I would totally hate it. It's not bourbon! Why'd I buy it? Who knows. But it's actually really good! Sweet and chocolate-y. Hides the "malty" I can't stand in, uh, malted whiskys.

• 7 Stills Dogpatch [11]

My neighbor gave me this as a birthday present. Neither here nor there. John was perplexed as he doesn't think the beer is that good...so what distill it?

Round One

Ryan Stagg Jr. [9] Russel's Rye SB [6] Smooth Ambler Rye 7 [8] Masterson's Wheat [3]

Marya Smooth Ambler Rye 7 [8] Stagg Jr. [9] Russel's Rye SB [6] Masterson's Wheat [3]

John Smooth Ambler Rye 7 [8] Stagg Jr. [9] Russel's Rye SB [6] Masterson's Wheat [3]

Stagg Jr. [9] and Smooth Ambler Rye 7 [8] moved on.

There was nothing bad in this round. Although two of us didn't know what it was at the time, the Masterson's Wheat is very light in color. It's good, but can't hold it's own against bourbon and rye. Plus, knowing how much it costs...damn...I'll pass on that. Anyway, the other three were pretty close. We all felt the Stagg Jr. had an amazing nose.

Round Two

Ryan Elijah Craig BP [2] Metze's Select [4] SA K&L 10 Year [7] Montana 4 Grain [5]

Marya SA K&L 10 Year [7] Elijah Craig BP [2] Metze's Select [4] Montana 4 Grain [5]

John SA K&L 10 Year [7] Elijah Craig BP [2] Metze's Select [4] Montana 4 Grain [5]

Elijah Craig BP [2] and SA K&L 10 Year [7] moved on.

Besides the Montana Bourbon (which I couldn't stand--it's as bad as Noah's Mill and Rowan's Creek: whatever that flavor is...I hate it.) The other's weren't as appalled as I was, but it was clearly last. The other three were pretty close...like the first round. Once again...Marya and John were in sync and I was the odd ball.

Winner's Round

Ryan Stagg Jr. [9] Elijah Craig BP [2] Smooth Ambler Rye 7 [8] SA K&L 10 Year [7]

Marya Stagg Jr. [9] Elijah Craig BP [2] Smooth Ambler Rye 7 [8] SA K&L 10 Year [7]

John Smooth Ambler Rye 7 [8] Stagg Jr. [9] Elijah Craig BP [2] SA K&L 10 Year [7]

Finally, Marya saw it my why! ha ha. Actually, the top three were pretty close.

[12]

The Winner

Stagg Jr.!

Summary

Well, John should be happy...I picked a few things he brought as number twos, which I had dissed (in theory...me no like Wild Turkey...blended MGP == whaaa???). But he and Marya overrode me and they were kept out of the finals...doh! Also, this time, we had food at the end. Usually we have it before the final round. It looked like it helped my palate be more consistent. The jury's out on the other two...