Comments on: One is the Loneliest Number

By: Single Barrel Whiskey « Beer & Whiskey Brothers Blog

Single Barrel Whiskey « Beer & Whiskey Brothers Blog — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 18:35:10 +0000

[...] proof and very full bodied, aromatic, and has a big, long, satisfying finish. The next one was Wathen’s Single Barrel. This is a 94 proof bourbon that was satisfying, but I began to notice a bit of (for lack of a [...]

By: Evan Williams Single Barrel: Thin Is In! « Beer & Whiskey Brothers

Evan Williams Single Barrel: Thin Is In! « Beer & Whiskey Brothers — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:38:21 +0000

[...] problem with single barrel whiskeys, they seem thin to me. I’ve talked about it before, here and in the online bourbon forums. If a bourbon is taken from a single barrel it tends to be [...]

By: Don

Don — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 21:40:58 +0000

I’ve been trying to figure out how I can get appointed to the Alcohol Board of Control (ABC) so I can improve upon the Whiskey selections!

By: Rachel

Rachel — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 21:26:38 +0000

I didn’t buy anything. I love the comparison you made about state run liquor stores and the DMV. That’s exactly right! A couple of weeks ago, we went and they had 1 line open with about 10-12 people waiting. Reluctantly another employee opened a second line. I guess we didn’t move fast enough to her cash register because she yelled at everyone that she wasn’t going to standing there all day. It’s really a great shopping experience.

I did not know that Idaho also had state run liquor stores. That’s a shame.

By: Don

Don — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 21:08:01 +0000

No worries here Rachel. We can get past this. If you already bought the 80 proof version disregard what I am about to say, and just use that. Otherwise I’d say get a bottle of Evan Williams Black Label. Don’t get it confused with the Single Barrel, that stuff will run you about $30. This might be even less expensive than the AAA 10 Star. I think it is about 86 proof and should run you about $10 for a fifth. That is also very good bourbon and has almost the same flavor profile as the AAA 10 Star, perhaps a little sweeter, but since you are mixing it that should be fine. Funny thing about State run Liquor stores, it is like going to the DMV. The people there really aren’t the most helpful or knowledgeable in the world. I have the same issue in Idaho.

By: Rachel

Rachel — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 20:49:30 +0000

I am writing to regretfully report that my (state run) liquor store did not carry AAA 10 Star. They did have a bottle 1.75l bottle of AA for 19.99.

I asked the cashier if they were going to get it in and he said they didn’t have it. Not sure if means because it is out of stock of because they don’t have it but I got the impression that I was only permitted to ask him one question.

By: Don

Don — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 21:58:05 +0000

Hey Mori! Didn’t expect to see you around these parts! Must have toured the JD Facility? I think that there is less Quality Control that they can do with single barrel whiskeys, and that is why enthusiasts like me like them! They do charge a premium for the stuff however, but I was able to pick this bottle up for about $27. Not too bad considering most other states are in the mid 30s to $40 range. As far as the trend goes, it has been going on for around a decade, and my thoughts are it will still go on, but it will never get huge like other trends in spirits for the reasons you mentioned.

By: Mori

Mori — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 21:45:36 +0000

This one was very interesting. When I was in Lynchburg Tennessee they talked a lot about their single barrel process. The point related to your blog was the inability to create the signature flavor. With a single barrel the flavor will be unique and not a full as their normal process. In my cynic nature it seemed a way for them to sell their product for a premium price without waiting fifty-years. So I think it is a trend that will not last.

By: Don

Don — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 20:03:38 +0000

Mike I think you are right. The Master Distillers really do take their craft like art. I heard of one company from Kentucky that was doing a second aging in Hungarian Oak to try and develop a very unique flavor profile. Why all the fuss if they were just in it for the money. They are craftsmen and they love their craft.

By: Don

Don — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 20:00:31 +0000

Or AAA Meetings…as the case may be!

By: Michael Reinhardt

Michael Reinhardt — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 19:53:58 +0000

I think your right. They also do it simply because they are artists at heart. To me, the soul of the maker really comes through when they make single barrel. Small batch is nice too, because it’s still artistry that comes through. A nice bottle is simply a thing of beauty.

By: Rachel

Rachel — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 18:35:15 +0000

The AAA 10 Star might wind us up in AA meetings!

Sorry–couldn’t resist!

By: Don

Don — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 14:55:00 +0000

Scott:

It really is a good and simple recipe. Give it a try. The AAA 10 Star is a great budget conscious bourbon and a really good introduction to the spirit. Give it a try you’ll love it.

By: Scott-TheBrewClub

Scott-TheBrewClub — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 00:06:52 +0000

Looking forward to reading the results as well. Don, you’ve got me tempted to try this as well – I’m NOT a bourbon drinker but then again I don’t know anything about it except what I read here. Good analogy BTW although single barrel pumps are my fav!

By: Don

Don — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 23:51:38 +0000

Make sure you stop back and let me know how you liked it.