[santacore]

Jefferson's Ocean is enjoyable, but at the new pricing ($90 locally) it's not worth the dough. For that kind of money I would rather pick up another bottle of A Midwinter Nights Dram, by High West. Their Rendezvous Rye aged additionally in port barrels. One of my favorites from this years limited releases.

 

[Thebb]

A few holiday grabs and thoughts...

Jefferson's Ocean - unique bourbon that has been aged per normal but finished at sea.  the salty air affects the distillation process giving it a subtle salted caramel flavor.  honestly at $80 a bottle in most cases not worth it but an interesting try if you can find it - was better when paired with the right food earlier.

Grand Marnier 1880 - tried this over the holidays and while very good (strongest hit of the orange liquor but still very smooth) it is not worth the $350+ price tag it commands.  The 100 year is still the best in their entire lineup though admittedly have not tried Quintessence. 

Also received a few bottles of scotch that I have not opened up just yet...

Scapa 16 Year
Highland Park 18 (had before but glad to have more in stock)
Aberlour 12
Glendronach 15
Glenfiddich 18

I'm finding I enjoy the Speyside malts more but I think that has more to do with being used to Bourbon and its sweeter composition/profile.

I'll be near The Whiskey Shop in San Fran on business week after next - any suggestions for some good pickups while there?  Their range is substantial - last time I was there they had 2 of the Highland Park Norse Gods (Valhalla) collection available for purchase (Loki and Freya).  I was strapped on cash last time but if they have them again I may need to pick those up.

Other suggestions?

I would check out K&L Wines in San Francisco. If you like the peated whiskies too, they have some Cask strength exclusive bottlings from Kilchoman. If not, they still have an awesome selection. Google them and check out their website.

 

[mrscotchguy]

Jefferson's Ocean is enjoyable, but at the new pricing ($90 locally) it's not worth the dough. For that kind of money I would rather pick up another bottle of A Midwinter Nights Dram, by High West. Their Rendezvous Rye aged additionally in port barrels. One of my favorites from this years limited releases.

I was allowed 30 bottles of Mid Winter. That unique expression was my favorite bottle to sell this holiday season. Other good choices were the Michters Toasted, Four Roses Small Batch 2014, Parker's Heritage (13yr wheat at cask strength), the new stock of Japanese juice that finally hit the US now that Suntory owns Beam.

That doesn't even cover Scotch...

As for the Ocean... I lost interest when the releases switched from Batch 19, to Voyage 3... what the hell is up with all the sneaky marketing ploys? (That said, the new Ocean is better than the last release, but really only worth $50-60, with all the good juice out there.

 

[santacore]

I agree with you on the Ocean call. I guess they're raising the price after every year, since the bourbon is technically aging further by being out to sea longer. The bourbon is supposed to be the same as the original release, just with different time exposed to the sea air.
 
I was lucky to get 2 bottles of the Midwinter, along with a single Michters Toasted and a single Parkers Heritage 2014. It was tough finding any of the special releases locally in So. California. Damn Bourbon boom is really cramping my style/wallet!!!

 

[Lestat]

I got 2 of the four roses small batch 2014 when I was there in the fall. Will look up midwinter and some of the Japanese brands as well. With suntiry owning Beam that's a good point!

Woodford just announced a Rye coming in Feb this year so cannot wait for that!!!

 

[PalJoey]

Had a very nice Benromach tonight, followed by a pleasant but not particularly special Jura Superstition.

 

[mrscotchguy]

Made a Blood and Sand at my bar, but added a bit of a twist... her goes:
 
2 pt  Glenmorangie La Santa
1 pt  Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice
1 pt  Cocchi Torino
1 pt  Cherry Heering
 
Rinse glass with Ardbeg,
Garnish with a couple drops of Absinthe
 
.... pretty fun little tweak to a classic

 

[Lestat]

I notice for K&L that the bigger store seems to be in Redwood which I have to pass through at some point next week - is the one in San Fran the better one to go to or is the one in Redwood likely to have a larger selection?

 

[shane55]

  I notice for K&L that the bigger store seems to be in Redwood which I have to pass through at some point next week - is the one in San Fran the better one to go to or is the one in Redwood likely to have a larger selection?

 
Both big! I believe Redwood City is bigger (IIRC).

 

[Lestat]

   
Both big! I believe Redwood City is bigger (IIRC).

I may just check out both - will hit the The Whiskey Shop off Sutter then K&L in SF then the one in Redwood.
 
My poor wallet... won't know what hit it.

 

[shane55]

While you're in San Francisco...
 
http://www.yelp.com/biz/edinburgh-castle-pub-san-francisco-2

 

[Lestat]

  While you're in San Francisco...
 
http://www.yelp.com/biz/edinburgh-castle-pub-san-francisco-2

Nice will def check that out!
 
Any good audiophile stores where I could try out headphones and amps while there as well?

 

[PalJoey]

I've never really explored the world of Bourbon, as most UK shops have a small-to-non-existent selection.
 
Is there anywhere in London where I can get good recommendations and choose from something other than the usual mass-market suspects? I suspect Milroy's, when they re-open, will be one place, but if there any reputable Bourbon specialists, I'd like to know.

 

[Lestat]

  I've never really explored the world of Bourbon, as most UK shops have a small-to-non-existent selection.
 
Is there anywhere in London where I can get good recommendations and choose from something other than the usual mass-market suspects? I suspect Milroy's, when they re-open, will be one place, but if there any reputable Bourbon specialists, I'd like to know.

 
The Whiskey Exchange at Vinopolis at least has the selection and resources to acquire it.  Milroy's is still your best bet for knowledge though.  I visited both while there earlier this year.
 
Have to admit I was staggered at the prices in London though compared to what I can get in the states.  Jack Daniel's honey (complete garbage btw so dont bother) was damn near 25 pounds for a fifth.  Its usually under $20 here.
 
It might legitimately be cheaper to fly to Lexington, KY and budget for shipping or carry on back home to get the good stuff.

 

[PalJoey]

   
The Whiskey Exchange at Vinopolis at least has the selection and resources to acquire it.  Milroy's is still your best bet for knowledge though.  I visited both while there earlier this year.
 
Have to admit I was staggered at the prices in London though compared to what I can get in the states.  Jack Daniel's honey (complete garbage btw so dont bother) was damn near 25 pounds for a fifth.  Its usually under $20 here.
 
It might legitimately be cheaper to fly to Lexington, KY and budget for shipping or carry on back home to get the good stuff.

Right; I'll probably wait 'til Milroy's re-opens and gets the stock built up again. I've had good advice from them in the past. 
 
You can get JD in any supermarket, usually with some of their variants, but I thought I'd give Bourbon a sporting chance by not buying any of their stuff.