[1]Attending: John, Ryan, Marya and Fuggles!
As usual, we did this as blind as possible. John and I brought four unknowns. 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
- Elijah Craig Kentucky Straight Bourbon Single Barrel 18 Years Old [2] (J)
- Four Roses Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Single Barrel (Ledger's OBSV 58.3%) [3] (R)
- George T. Stagg Bourbon (2015 - 138.2 Proof) [4] (J)
- Jefferson's Presidential Select Straight Bourbon Whiskey 21 [5] (J)
- Michter's Bourbon 10 Years (Barrel 15J809) [6] (R)
- Old Forester Birthday Bourbon 2015 [7] (R)
- Wild Turkey Master's Keep Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey [8] (R)
- Woodford Reserve Master's Collection 1838 White Corn Bourbon [9] (R)
Pre-Taster
We always have a known "starter" whiskey to open up the palate. John usually brings it.
- Pendleton 1910 Canadian Rye Whisky 12 Years [10] (R)
- Dad's Hat Rye Finished in Vermouth Barrels [11] (J)
I had bought this along time ago, but having had some Canadian whisky recently, surmized it would not do well in a tasting. Very sweet, almost maple-ly. Not much else.
John didn't realize how young this is. You can't hide youth!
Round One
Ryan
| Marya
| John
|
Michter's 10 [6] and Jefferson's 21 [5] moved on.
Two clear winners.
Round Two
| Ryan | Marya | John |
Four Roses OBSV [3] and Stagg [4] moved on.
Another two clear winners.
Winners' Round
Ryan
| Marya
| John
|
The Winner
Four Roses OBSV. Pretty handily, too. Stagg was a solid second.
Summary
Some tastings, we're pretty insync with our rankings. This was one of them. Perhaps, ryes throw us off? Anyway, it was once again pleasing to see something "get-able" (and the cheapest bourbon in this tasting) beat out a granddaddy of rarity. Another affirmation for bling tastings.
Also, another complete disaster from the Woodford Reserve Master's Collection. Terrible!
