20 yr single malt at Costco

In case you hadn't heard, Costco liqour has a 20 year sherry-casked Speyside single malt for $44. A friend bought a bottle but hasn't opened it yet.

I found a review here: http://iheartscotch.com/?p=415

Tony.

March 2013 Whiskey Tasting Signup

I received an email today alerting us to another whiskey tasting to support the Rochester Public Library. Some of us have gone to them and the past and they've all been a great time, with plenty of good whiskey to try.

The email says: 

This time we have Beam Global displaying their products, which will give you the opportunity to sample and compare Irish, American (bourbon), Canadian and Scottish whiskies.

Click through to see larger image

I've already submitted my request for a hall pass. I'm not sure when the deadline is for the early bird registration.

Let me know if you are going, maybe carpooling/sobercabbing would be a good plan.

Charred Oak Bourbon

100 proof and from somewhere near Madison Wisconsin. Charred Oak Bourbon reminded a lot of us of Jack Daniels. Not exactly a ringing endorsement. It was much better watered down with a splash of water and a cube. Could be we've been spoiled with a long string of excellent scotches.

Behold, the perfect Christmas tradition to start now. The whisky advent calendar - 24 days and 24 whiskeys, including a 50 year old scotch.

http://www.masterofmalt.com/whiskies/drinks-by-the-dram/the-whisky-advent-calendar/

Don't forget to buy one for me, too!

Tony.

Philosophy

A philosophy professor stood before her class and had some items in front of her. When the class began, silently she picked up a large empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with rocks. She then asked the students if the jar was full? They agreed that it was. So the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. She shook the jar lightly. The pebbles, of course, rolled into the open areas between the rocks. She then asked the students again if the jar was full. They again agreed it was.

The professor picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. Now, said the professor, I want you to recognize that this is your life. The rocks are the important things - your family, your partner, your health, your children - things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house, your car. The sand is everything else. The small stuff. If you put the sand into the jar first, there is no room for the pebbles or the rocks. The same goes for your life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you.

Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical check-ups. Take your partner out dancing. There will always be time to go to work, clean the house, give a dinner party and fix the disposal. Take care of the rocks first - the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.

But then... A student then took the jar which the other students and the professor agreed was full, and proceeded to pour in a glass of beer. Of course the beer filled the remaining spaces within the jar making the jar truly full. The moral of this tale is that no matter how full your life is, there is always room for BEER.

Glenfiddich tasting

Chris, Colin, Mumblingsages and myself are at the Ramada in for a benefit whisky tasting raising money for the friends of the library. You should be here :-)

Scenes from last nights whiskey club meeting

The whiskey we drank

The hand I had when Bodie folded away a big pot.

Mmmmm....the lager.

This hand always got there when I folded it, never when I held it.

Several different New Glarus beers were had. Many chips were splashed in the pot.

 

Cheddarheads making whiskey

Over the Labor Day weekend, it was brought to my attention that some Cheeseheads in Wisconsin started out making some specialty Vodka. Thinking that couldn't be a sustainable business to just focus on the clear stuff, decided to also try their hand bourbon. You can read more here.

You can also read more about the 45th Parallel Distillery here.

We are still looking for a host in September. I'm making it my mission to track down a bottle of this stuff as soon as I can.

Buffalo Trace Single Oak Project

I was wandering around Andy's Cross Roads and noticed they had one of the Buffalo Trace Single Oak Projects. At $55 for a 375, it's pretty pricey, but if anyone is interested, it's there.

Federal Judge Says Poker Is Not Gambling

Some of you may be interested in this article I saw today: Federal Judge Says Poker Is Not Gambling

Yesterday a federal judge threw out the conviction of a Staten Island poker room operator accused of violating the Illegal Gambling Business Act (IGBA), ruling that poker does not qualify as gambling under the statute because it is primarily a game of skill.

This should set a good precedent.

August Meeting Scheduled

August meeting is now scheduled. The date is set for the 17th and Bodie's house. If you need an invite, let one of us know.

Apollo's Own Lot #188 Hand-Selected Bourbon

Seems the guys over at Apollo Liquor went out and got themselves a barrel of bourbon. I was thinking it might be fun to get a bottle of this although I haven't checked out the price to see if there is budget and kitty room. If someone does happen over there, let me know if you find out the price, otherwise I may try to get over there tonight. here's the text from the email for your enjoyment:

Ari, Sam, and Crew Went Bourbon Shopping and Buought a Barrel. The Bourbon is now available in all apollo stores. It is a single barrel Bourbon whiskey. Hand selected - It is a one of a kind barrel. Hurry! Once it is gone—it is gone! Ari sampled 6 different barrels from the famous Barton 1792 distillery from all different areas of the barrel house. This specific barrel was aged 9.5 years and was tasted at 126 proof. It was hand bottled at 94proof. The barrel yielded 24 cases. Half of the whiskey went to the Angels Share! It has a little more rye in the mix than most Bourbons! Therefore it has a rich complex flavor without too much sweetness. Ari says, "I have been waiting since May for it to come in. It took me 30seconds to crack the first bottle and it was amazing! "

I was also noticing that Ari has a blog. You can check it out here.

And the 2012 Poker Points winner is...

Black Darrin made an excellent run for the championship before he leaves us for Arizona, but alas, it was not enough. Not like DeeBakes had much to accomplish, get a point and make sure Black Darrin doesn't get more.

Congratulations to DeeBakes our back to back BSOP champion!

A new season of Poker Points in the Bourbonator's Series of Poker has begun. Black Darrin will start the season with the most points, but I think it won't be too hard to pass him since we don't allow remote, cross time zone play. Enjoy it while it lasts!

Check out the points page for all the juicy details!

Tomatin Highland single malt whiskey

After missing a month, I'm glad to be back. 11 of us gathered together to sample a new whisky. I chose Tomatin 12 year old single malt Scottish whisky.

The bottle cost $30 at the local store. A nice price. I'm a sucker for a spirit that finishes its aging in a sherry cask. Those light sweet fruity notes are awesome. At this price range, it competes with the likes of a doublewood Blavinie.

The tasting notes describe it as

A complex bouquet contains rich malt and fruity aromas with a hint of peatiness.

Well, for me, it smelled like a nice scotch, I have a wicked cold. I was just happy to smell a little smoke and peat.

The flavor and finish were the real surprise. This was a very smooth and balanced spirit. Most of the guys really enjoyed and were pleased to drink it. There was no shortage of people getting seconds.

This cold has left me with a very limited ability to pick out anything. I know I just enjoyed what a could.

It's actually been awesome to get back to the poker table. Holy crap, I miss playing cards. My first live poker since May.

I hope all is well with everyone!

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Location:Rochester,United States

Still No Champion

Unless I screwed something up, we still have no champion. Darrin...when do you move? DeeBakes, when can you no make it? As of right now, DeeBakes needs 1 point to win the coveted Bourbonators Series Of Poker trophy. 1 stinkin' point. I seriously doubt I'll get the requisite 63 points I need this month.

Stay tuned! There's more poker to play!

And my goodness, can Phil Ivey/Hellmuth make more final tables at the WSOP?

Whiskeys We've Tried

The whiskeys we've tried list has been updated. Thank you Chris for doing a review. Did you save me any?

Whisky for June

This month is a Dalwhinnie 15 yr Scotch. It is a smooth Highland. It has a light smokiness with some caramel. A nice oak finish. It is pleasant and we all seem to like it.

Poker points update through April

I update the poker points with minutes to spare before the May meeting. If I win both tournaments and knock everyone out, I'm right back in this thing.

It could happen...

Lagavulin Distillers Edition

I have to say, this was worth the wait. Smokey, peaty with notes of sweet and nutty. Very nummy. Not sure if it's better than the standard Lagavulin. Might have to try them side by side.

How Well Does Scotch Age in Zero Gravity? A Distiller Launches Some to Find Out | Popular Science

Inquiring minds need to know. I firmly place this in the category of marketing hyperbole. Which reminds me, have we ever tried the more terrestrial version of this? This one does not ring any bells.

Ready for the meeting? be sure to update your calendar invite soon to reserve a spot for the Lagavulin Distillers Edition that I've had sitting in my house calling my name in a whispered voice that no one else seems able to hear but no less is driving me crazy.

How Well Does Scotch Age in Zero Gravity? A Distiller Launches Some to Find Out | Popular Science

Today is World Whisky Day

According to the Internets, today is World Whisky Day!

While I applaud the idea of celebrating the water of life, I wonder who chose a Monday...in March? A Monday?

Sigh.

Back to work...

March poker points added

I finished adding the points earned in March. You guys letting me catch up on purpose?

Happy day before St. Patrick's Day!

A coworker shared this video with me. It's an old country tune performed by Tim O'Brien and company. The relevant lyrics can be found at about the 2 minute mark. They go a little sumpin' like d'is:

They say whiskey slows you down and clouds up your thinkin
But as long as they make whiskey I’d say we’ll keep on drinkin
As long as life keeps hittin hard, a drink will help you to take it
And long as we drink whiskey, they’ll continue to make it

Enjoy...

Laphroaig Whisky Tasting

Gangs all here at the Friends of the Library whisky tasting. Can't say this is the best planned event I've ever been to. While venue is cool. This table layout and seat assignments blows.

Last months whiskey - The Dalmore

Last months whiskey - The Dalmore I was unable to attend, but the host for February, Mark M. was kind enough to take this photo. I'll have to figure out why he can't post here. Silly technology.

I'll add this to our list too. Any thoughts on how good this was? The bottle looks cool.




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Poker points updated

I got the book from Mark and updated the poker points. Holy crap! I need a lot of points to catch up!

Laphroaig single malt whisky tasting

Laphroaig tasting sponsored by Andy's and Friends of the Library, March 8 at the Plummer House. One free Designated Driver for every 3 attendees at $30 each.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dGxpb29QOVdIc3RfRDI1THhDSHlBcmc6MQ

The Serious Eats Guide to Single Malt Scotch

Possibly everything you ever wanted to know about single malt scotch, though I guess that would depend on exactly what it is you wanted to know. Good information nonetheless.

http://drinks.seriouseats.com/2012/02/what-is-single-malt-scotch-whisky-speyside-lowlands-highlands-islay-cocktail-101.html

Poker points updated

Finally. I got all of the poker points entered. Enjoy. How many points are we playing for? You guys are rocking it this time. Holy crap.

Experimental Buffalo Trace

Anyone else see this in the Apollo Liquor newsletter?

Special Purchase - Buffalo Trace 2011 Experimental Collection

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY RELEASES LAST EXPERIMENTAL COLLECTION OF 2011

Bourbon made with Rice and Oats Are the Latest Two Experiments

Those creative distillers have been up to it again at Buffalo Trace Distillery. The latest round of whiskies in the Experimental Collection are two bourbons - one made with rice and one made with oats. And like their breakfast-sounding names, both provide a hearty mouthful without being over powerful.

Details are as follows:

Rice Bourbon Whiskey - These barrels were filled on April 30, 2002, and aged on the 7th floor of Warehouse I for 9 years and 5 months. Corn, malt and rice are the ingredients used in the recipe, resulting in a very clean aroma with the barrel notes of caramel and spice. A crisp flavor on the tongue is noticed, without any heaviness or oiliness whatsoever. A slight dryness near the end provides a quick finish. It is a very delicate whiskey.

Oat Bourbon Whiskey - These barrels have the same fill date, aging location and aging time as the Rice Bourbon. Corn, malt and oats are the ingredients used in this recipe, resulting in a pleasantly smoky nose with a rich aroma of toasted oats that offers a nice complexity. On the palette, the smokiness intrigues as hints of dried fig and stone fruit come through, and eventually give way to an earthy finish.

The Experimental Collection will be packaged in 375ml bottles. Each label will include all the pertinent information unique to that barrel of whiskey. These whiskeys will retail for approximately $46.35 each. They are 45% alcohol by volume. Each experiment is very rare and very limited. For more information on the Experimental Collection or the other products of Buffalo Trace Distillery, please contact Kris 

Thoughts? Damn, our queue is getting longer. Anyone thinking two meetings a month? Don't tell the Mrs. I suggested that...

Auchentoshan for the win

Thanks to Bammer for suggesting the Auchentoshan. The group was quite happy with this one. Very smooth, nice balance of flavors. Excellent choice for the price. It was $40 + tax in these parts. Treat of the night was quite possibly this peanut butter / chocolate chip ball with apples or graham crackers. I was partial to the apples.

As for poker, ugh. Get in ahead and...well. You know.





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January Meeting

I stopped over to Apollo yesterday at lunch. Picked up two bottles for whiskey club. The one on the right is ~$50. The one on the left, well, I'd very much like to try it.

According to the calendar, we will probably only have enough people for the bottle on the left.

When will be able to try the bottle on the right? Can we say February? March? 2012? Private tasting in my basement cuz I got thirsty?

Darrin, I'm putting you in charge of adding a page for the whiskeys we want to try.

See you all tomorrow night!!!!

These all sound interesting: http://drinks.seriouseats.com/2012/01/thats-the-spirit-3-american-whiskeys-you-should-know-corsair-balcones-stranahans-review.html

Scotch in a can?

I can definitely see situations where this could be a useful product...

http://reason.com/blog/2012/01/02/will-scotch-in-a-can-get-the-four-loko-t