Bourbon Hunting – 9 Quick Tips

Bourbon Hunting Tips in time for the Fall, let us know what we’re missing!

  1. Use Google MapsBourbon Hunting Google Maps - Bourbon Sippers

    Not only will this help you find Liquor Stores a little bit easier when you’re bourbon hunting, but you’ll be able to add a label to the location so you can remember it.  This helps for when you want to know if you’ve already been somewhere. Surprisingly 6 months down the road you’ll find a way to forget if you have been somewhere.

    Starred (yellow star) – Been to, nothing memorable.
    Favorites (red heart) – You know the deal, there’s something worth going back for.
    Saved (green tab) – Places you want to go.

  2. Quit looking for Pappy Van Winkle.

     Sure, it would be great to stumble across a bottle but when you’re out bourbon hunting with the the goal of finding Pappy, you miss out on a lot of great bourbon. Open your eyes to the reality that Pappy isn’t everything and your pursuit of it only puts blinders on you.

  3. Start looking for Dusties. Dusty Hunting - Bourbon Hunting - Bourbon Sippers

    Bourbon Hunting for dusties is a fun time.  When you’re looking for dusties it starts with knowing what you’re looking for. Do a little research and figure out which UPC codes, labels, laser codes and bottle years you’re looking for.  Next, look behind the bottles on the bottom shelf. Tell the liquor store you’re not looking for Pappy (win a little respect) and ask if they have anything a little bit older in the back that they haven’t been able to sell. You’re looking for whiskey made with non-gmo corn.

  4. Be polite.

    Nobody likes a jerk, and people generally help people out who they like. When you walk in, pick your face up out of your phone and greet the owner. Ask how the day is going for them, or at least smile and nod as you walk in.  Bourbon Hunting is annoying for many store owners because you’re just coming in to scoop up their best stuff. The least you can do is be friendly with the people you encounter.

  5. Get to know release dates.  

    Follow your favorite blogs to learn when the seasons bourbons are dropping.  Bourbon Hunting can be a lot more successful if you know when to go to the store. With that said, you should probably buy a bottle every now and then when you stop in to maintain your relationships with the store owners.

  6. Ask About Text / Email Lists.

    Many store owners are sending out emails and texts to customers who are willing to ask.  So when you pop in, ask if they have a list you can sign up for to be notified about the whiskey shipments they receive.

  7. Take Pictures of the Shelves

    I know many stores are opposed to having your phones out, so be careful not to upset people.  However, when you can you should try to snap a picture of the liquor wall while bourbon hunting so you can study it later.  Unless you’re Rain Man and can immediately catalog the price and what you’re looking for there is a good chance you have passed right over some great stuff without even knowing it.  Going back to those photos after you educate yourself a little more can be a great way of “finding” something that was under your nose the whole time.

  8. Never give up.  

    Bourbon Hunting is a numbers game, you’re not going to stop into 1 or 2 stores at random and land a rare bottle, it takes time and effort. If you have ever hunted you know that a good chunk of time you go home home empty handed, sometimes you get really close but decide you don’t feel comfortable with the shot and you walk away.  You’re bound to come across nice bottles overpriced that get your hopes up, understand it’s okay to walk away.

  9. Tip for Liquor Store Owners.

    Hook up your regulars.  Don’t let someone come in off the street you’ve never seen before and scoop up your entire fall allocation.  If someone has spent hundreds or thousands of dollars with you, offer them the bottle first. Make a list of the people who have been friendly, spent money, helped you promote your social media, told friends to come visit you.  The least you can do is give them the first opportunity to buy your limited release bottle.

15 Stars Platinum Fine Aged Bourbon Review: A Luxurious Blend of Tradition and Craftsmanship

15 Stars Platinum Fine Aged Bourbon Review: A Luxurious Blend of Tradition and Craftsmanship

In the ever-evolving world of premium spirits, 15 Stars Platinum Fine Aged Bourbon emerges as a notable entrant, commanding attention with its intriguing blend and luxurious profile. Released in July 2023, this straight bourbon harmoniously combines 10, 15, and 18-year-old bourbons sourced from the revered distilleries of Kentucky, Indiana, and Tennessee. At 98 proof, it stands as a testament to expert craftsmanship and a deep understanding of bourbon blending.

Color and Presentation First impressions are set by its color – a deep, dark caramel that suggests the richness waiting within. Housed in an elegantly designed bottle, it justifies its price point of $280, not only with its contents but also with its shelf presence.

Nose Upon opening, 15 Stars Platinum Fine Aged Bourbon greets you with a bouquet of classic caramel and vanilla. These familiar scents are soon joined by the deeper, more complex aromas of oak, cherry, and leather, creating an olfactory tapestry that entices and intrigues.

Palate The palate is where this bourbon truly distinguishes itself. Its texture is remarkably rich and thick, carrying the promise made by its appearance and aroma. The flavors are a masterful blend: the sweetness of caramel and vanilla is perfectly balanced by the depth of oak, the fruitiness of cherry, and the earthiness of leather. This combination creates a harmonious and luxurious taste experience.

Source and Blend Speculation suggests that the bourbon components were meticulously chosen from prestigious sources: a 10-year-old from MGP, a 15-year-old from a renowned Kentucky distillery, and an 18-year-old from Dickel. This tri-state sourcing contributes to the bourbon’s unique profile.

Finish The finish is long and satisfying, leaving a lingering warmth and a reminder of the mature oak notes that are carefully woven throughout the sip. Unlike some of its contemporaries, 15 Stars Platinum Fine Aged Bourbon doesn’t overwhelm with the mature oak; instead, it’s skillfully balanced, ensuring a refined and enjoyable experience to the last drop.

Conclusion While 15 Stars Platinum Fine Aged Bourbon may not boast the broadest range of flavors in its category, it excels in delivering a highly satisfying sip with a well-developed oak profile. It might not be the most complex bourbon in its price range, but it offers a deeply gratifying experience, particularly for enthusiasts who appreciate a mature and thoughtfully crafted bourbon.

In conclusion, 15 Stars Platinum Fine Aged Bourbon stands as a remarkable blend, showcasing the art of bourbon blending at its finest. It’s a worthy addition to any collector’s cabinet and a delightful treat for those special occasions.


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ABC Fine Wine & Spirits Exclusive Four Roses OBSF Bourbon Review

Introduction:
ABC Fine Wine & Spirits, a family-owned business operating in Florida since 1936, has selected a special Four Roses Single Barrel OBSF Bourbon for their customers. This unique barrel strength expression is a result of meticulous selection from Four Roses’ ten distinct recipes, and this review will take you on a tasting journey of this intriguing bourbon.

Whiskey Details:
• Distillery: Four Roses Distillery
• Selected by: ABC Fine Wine & Spirits
• Recipe: OBSF
• Mashbill: 60% corn, 35% rye, 5% malted barley
• Age: 8 years and 9 months
• Bottled: October 12, 2018
• ABV: 57.5%
Tasting Notes:
Nose:
Upon the first whiff, the nose is graced with fresh honey and toffee notes. The aromas are sweet and inviting, providing a delightful introduction to this bourbon. The rye component of the mashbill is subtle but adds a pleasant depth to the overall olfactory experience.
Palate:
As the bourbon hits the palate, light brown sugar comes to the forefront, accompanied by a mild spice from the rye. The oak influence is apparent but not overpowering, harmoniously interlacing with the other flavors. The balance of sweetness and spice is expertly achieved, making it an enjoyable sip for bourbon enthusiasts of all levels.
Finish:
The finish on this Four Roses OBSF is long and lingers with prominent notes of vanilla and leather. The leather adds an interesting, earthy complexity, while the vanilla provides a smooth, velvety end to the sip. The high ABV does not overwhelm the senses but instead offers a pleasant warmth that enhances the overall experience.
Conclusion:
Discover our in-depth review of the exclusive Four Roses OBSF Bourbon, specially selected by ABC Fine Wine & Spirits. Experience the inviting aroma of fresh honey and toffee, followed by a harmonious balance of light brown sugar, mild spice, and oak on the palate. Delight in the long, smooth finish of vanilla and leather in this remarkable bourbon, perfect for enthusiasts and collectors alike. Don’t miss out on this limited-release treasure!

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Head-to-Head Tennessee Titans: George Dickel Bottled in Bond vs. Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7

George Dickel Bottled In Bond

Joe Cornwall, a guest contributor for the Slurred Speech blog shares a side-by-side review of George Dickel Bottled in Bond vs. Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7. Grab a glass and follow along! In May of this year, I saw an announcement about the imminent release of a new whiskey.  It was a bottled-in-bond expression, and […]