Happy New Year! To kick of the New Year, I am starting a new section on the blog called (What’s In) Phil’s Cabinet. People ask me all the time what I am drinking at present, what they might expect if they came by for dinner and a dram. So, on the first of every month, I will update what is in my whisk(e)y cabinet, both opened and unopened bottles. This is also an opportunity for you to put in requests as to what you would like to see me review in the future, whether it is Scotch, Irish, Bourbon, Rye, Welsh, Indian, Japanese, or other type of whisk(e)y. So, leave me a comment, or drop me a line on Facebook or Twitter.
Here is what is in the cabinet as of January 1, 2013:
Bourbon:
Angel’s Envy (unopened) – This is a bourbon that some folks have asked about, and I should have a review of it up by the end of spring. It is a bourbon finished in port wine casks, and I am very excited to try it.
Evan Williams Single Barrel 2002 Vintage - This is a wonderful everyday bourbon, and I looking forward to grabbing a bottle of the 2003 Vintage that just hit shelves a few weeks ago.
Maker’s 46 – This is very good bourbon, with a very nice, deep sweetness that unfolds beautifully. If it were a few bucks cheaper, it would contend for one of my favorite value bourbons.
Wild Turkey Rare Breed (unopened) – Another whiskey that has been requested a lot, this is a barrel-strength offering from Wild Turkey. I am excited to try it, review it, and here what y’all have to say about it.
William Larue Weller (fall 2012 bottling) (unopened) – This is a barrel strength, limited-release wheated bourbon from Buffalo Trace that my father found as a Christmas present. Not necessarily a value bourbon, but it is one of the most anticipated bourbon releases every year.
Rye:
Jim Beam Yellow Label – A solid every day pour that makes a very nice cocktail, too.
Sazerac 18 yr. (fall 2012 bottling) – This is my favorite whiskey currently in my cabinet. I love this one. Not necessarily an ideal price point, but you get your money’s worth for $70.
Thomas H. Handy Sazerac (fall 2012 bottling) (unopened) – This is the younger, brash brother to the Sazerac 18. Jim Murray rated this bottling as his Whisky of the Year in the 2013 Whisky Bible (William Larue Weller was his runner-up).
Willett Single Barrel Estate Reserve 4 yr. (unopened) – This is an LDI rye, bottled at cask strength. My affinity for Bulliet 95 is what made me seek this one out.
Scotch:
Ardbeg 10 yr. – This is one of my favorite Islay Scotches from one of my favorite Scotch distilleries. As far as Scotches go, it is a pretty good value, and I’ll probably put up a review here in the next few weeks.
The Black Grouse – A nice, peaty blended whisky that works well for an everyday Scotch.
Highland Park 12 yr. – Another beautiful Single Malt Scotch from Scottish islands. I should have my review of this one up soon.
Those are the whiskeys in my cabinet at present. What’s in your cabinet? What whiskeys do you want to see reviewed on the blog? What whiskeys are you hoping to try in 2013? Once again, Happy New Year and let it ride!
January 1, 2013
bargainbourbon
4 responses to “(What’s In) Phil’s Cabinet”
philipgibsonsociologist
January 17th, 2013 at 18:50
Yo, Phil Gibson here again. Next time I’m in Boston I am game for some Bourbon. Currently in my cabinet
Elijah Craig Small Batch 12 Year – I love this bourbon, and it is $22-25 down here. Heck of a bargain
Four Roses Small Batch – Another great value for the price ($25 here), this one is light enough to be a summer bourbon, but I like it a lot when I’m not quite in the mood for the 96 proof Elijah Craig. You are right about that “rough edge”, but the palate on this bourbon is pure honey to me. A few drops of water or an ice cube really helps with the tart finish.
McClelland’s Highland SIngle Malt Whiskey – for $25 this is a good scotch, especially for someone like me whose scotch sensibilities haven’t really developed that much. This is threatening to take over as my everyday winter drink.
Jim Beam White Label- I keep this on hand because one of my roommates doesn’t know how to pace himself with whiskey, and I hate wasting good booze on someone who is just going to down it. I actually enjoy sipping this sometimes when I want to taste the rye up front. It’s not going to blow you away with complexity, but good if you just wanna taste bourbon.
bargainbourbon
January 17th, 2013 at 19:38
That sounds like a pretty good cabinet, especially for what you paid for all those. Definitely can’t argue with the Elijah Craig or the Four Roses. I am also a big fan of the standard Four Roses Yellow Label, especially for the money.
McClelland’s always gets mixed reviews, but for my money, I am always fond of it. I like the Speyside the most, but the Lowlands and the Highlands are pretty good, too. Essentially, McClelland’s just sources young single malts from various distilleries, and bottles them under another label. It allows them to sell some solid single malts for a few dollars cheaper. They make solid products for everyday dramming, and they are also great for introducing newcomers to Scotch to the flavor profiles of the various Scotch regions.
Do you have any premium bottles on your radar? Or that are favorites of yours? Or are you an Elijah Craig man through and through?
philipgibsonsociologist
January 18th, 2013 at 12:30
I have a few things that I love to get my hands on when I can.
I love the Maker’s 46, but it’s hard for me to throw the money down on it when there is good stuff under $30 sitting next to it. However, it is hands down my favorite bourbon that I tried in 2012.
Henry and I shared a bottle of Jefferson’s on the fourth of July. Also good, but I only see it once in a while down here.
Although not technically a bourbon, I love Jack Daniels single barrel. I only had a little last year, but it’s one of the smoothest whiskeys I’ve ever had.
There are very few bourbons I dislike, although I have to say that Old Forester (86 proof) was my least favorite from last year. It wasn’t bad, but something on the palate tasted “gluey” to me.
I’m looking forward to trying a few of Heaven Hill’s other premium line bourbons. I joined their “whiskey club” recently and they send out a lot of good information on what they are releasing. I’m really interested in the Larceny Bourbon, which is their preimium “wheated” bourbon.
What are you looking at at the moment? Noticed a lot of scotch reviews lately, I that a new thing?
bargainbourbon
January 18th, 2013 at 19:59
I do love the Maker’s 46. I’ve never been a big fan of young wheated bourbons, but Maker’s 46 hits the spot. Definitely one of the best bourbons released recently.
I like Jefferson’s bourbon, but I was a little disappointed with their Presidential Select. I would like to try their Reserve, but I’ve heard mixed reviews. I would be surprised if it was worth the $50 price tag.
I’ve never been a Jack fan, but I’ve yet to dabble in the Single Barrel. When it comes to Tennessee whiskey, I’m a Dickel guy. I might try to get some Dickel reviews up in the future. I’ll have to try the Single Barrel, and see if it changes my harsh view of Jack Daniel’s.
I actually like Old Forester (especially the Signature). I want to get my hands on the latest Birthday Bourbon because I’ve heard its a pretty good one. I think the standard Old Forester is a solid bourbon at a good price point.
I tried the Larceny recently, and I wasn’t impressed. However, I’m usually not a wheater fan. Here’s my thoughts for what its worth. http://bargainbourbon.com/2012/11/07/john-e-fitzgerald-larceny-bourbon-review/
As far as the Scotch reviews, I love big, peaty Scotches in the winter, so I’ve been reviewing some of my favorite Scotches that I think provide good value.
As far as bourbons I’m looking to review in the future, I have my eyes on Old Grand-Dad 114, Baker’s, Black Maple Hill, Pure Kentucky XO, and the 2003 Vintage Evan Williams Single Barrel.
Have you tried either the Old Weller Antique or the W.L. Weller 12 yr.? Those are two of my favorite wheaters that don’t break the bank. I received a bottle of the 2012 bottling of the William Larue Weller, so I’m pretty excited to try that one. I’ve tried previous years’ bottlings, and it is one of my favorite wheaters. I think they are bourbons definitely done at higher proof points.