Quote:
Originally Posted by BigOlChiefsfan
At one time, the Van Winkle family made W. L. Weller. In fact, most of the original Van Winkle stuff from 10-15 years ago was really topnotch barrrels of Wellers that Julian set aside when they sold off the Weller distillery. Long story short - if you'd like to get a tasty bourbon without taking out a second mortgage, the 107 Weller's or the 12 year old Weller's Reserve should be on your radar.
I buy the 12 yr Van Winkle 'Lot B' whusk when I see it - it's been a while since I've seen any. It's tasty stuff, and when I bought it the last time it was a lot cheaper than their other bourbon (much of which has been 'in the wood' longer than I really like. 10 - 12 years is about the most I usually prefer, much longer and it gets too 'oaky' for me.)
Anyway - if you're a big fan of the Van Winkle flavor profile, remember that it was probably once in a W.L. Weller barrel. The current stuff may not be coming from old barrels of Wellers, they may be making it/aging it themselves since the merger but I will give credit where it's due - if Julian let's his name go on it, it's danged good whusk.
http://oldripvanwinkle.com/products/...0yr-107-proof/
http://www.bourbonwhiskey.com/wellerantique.aspx
http://www.bourbonwhiskey.com/WLWeller12y.aspx |
I don't think I knew that. I've had the PVW lot B and pound for pound I'd agree. I was much happier with it value-wise than the 23 (think it was about half the cost at the time; now I'm sure it's doubled in price here as well).
I actually had a Weller (can't remember exactly what it was called, but it was a batch from 1980) last weekend that was really, really good. I think it was around $16 an ounce, but I'd say I liked it better than I remembered liking the 23.
Oh, and while I'm thinking about it I found some of that Old Ezra 7 101 you mentioned in KS in October when I was visiting. That is a GREAT value. I can't find it out here, but thanks for the tip.