Jump to content
View in the app

A better way to browse. Learn more.

Surly Horns

A full-screen app on your home screen with push notifications, badges and more.

To install this app on iOS and iPadOS
  1. Tap the Share icon in Safari
  2. Scroll the menu and tap Add to Home Screen.
  3. Tap Add in the top-right corner.
To install this app on Android
  1. Tap the 3-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner of the browser.
  2. Tap Add to Home screen or Install app.
  3. Confirm by tapping Install.

Featured Replies

1 hour ago, Yev Kassem said:

I snagged a Spec’s 1792 Small Batch pick today. Have you tried that one before?

I’ve searched the earth for a 1792 Bottled in Bond. I’ve only tried the Full Proof picks. Pretty, pretty good. 

Edited by billfromlaketravis

  • Replies 21.8k
  • Views 1.7m
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

Most Popular Posts

  • I’m exhausted, but she’s basically done... just a few touch ups and a second lamp... then I get to focus on balancing out the left side. Been very thankful to have this as a distraction during COVID,

  • Bigpoppapump
    Bigpoppapump

    Just won the whisky exchange raffle for 20 yr pappy.

  • BigDHornfan
    BigDHornfan

    Having a pour of my favorite in honor of my girl. Hanna gave me 16 great years. RIP girl. Hope you finally got that fucking squirrel.

Posted Images

So evidently Specs got the Wild Turkey Masters Keep BiB.


My local one straight up lied to me yesterday and said they didn’t get any in. Said check back later. Guy that normally hooks me up said if they got them in, he’s hold one for me.
Stopped in today and they said they were sold out. Asked when they got them, said yesterday.

Fuck Spec’s. They lost all my money today.
[emoji35][emoji35][emoji35]

I’ve searched the earth for a 1792 Bottled in Bond. I’ve only tried the Full Proof picks. Pretty, pretty good. 

Full proof is hands down better than the BiB.
2 minutes ago, BigDHornfan said:

So evidently Specs got the Wild Turkey Masters Keep BiB.


My local one straight up lied to me yesterday and said they didn’t get any in. Said check back later. Guy that normally hooks me up said if they got them in, he’s hold one for me.
Stopped in today and they said they were sold out. Asked when they got them, said yesterday.

Fuck Spec’s. They lost all my money today.
emoji35.pngemoji35.pngemoji35.png

I went to a location here in SA today because their system said they had some Knob Creek SiB store picks in, but it turned out to be a mixup with their online inventory. 

They offered to sell me their last Masters Keep BiB, but I didn’t feel like dropping the $175 for it. I’ll probably regret it later, but c’est la vie...

18 minutes ago, BigDHornfan said:

So evidently Specs got the Wild Turkey Masters Keep BiB.


My local one straight up lied to me yesterday and said they didn’t get any in. Said check back later. Guy that normally hooks me up said if they got them in, he’s hold one for me.
Stopped in today and they said they were sold out. Asked when they got them, said yesterday.

Fuck Spec’s. They lost all my money today.
emoji35.pngemoji35.pngemoji35.png

Ha they’re all liars 

Well I had a pour of Country Ham last night. It might have been the heat, the noise, or the rocks glass they poured it, but I didn't think it was anything special. Smooth for the proof and drinkable in 95 degree weather and 100% humidity. 3 oz pour for $12. I can live with that. 

10 hours ago, Yev Kassem said:

I went to a location here in SA today because their system said they had some Knob Creek SiB store picks in, but it turned out to be a mixup with their online inventory. 

They offered to sell me their last Masters Keep BiB, but I didn’t feel like dropping the $175 for it. I’ll probably regret it later, but c’est la vie...

I'm going on my weekly beer/wine/cocktail bourbon run today. If Masters Keep BiB is in the case, I'll buy it. I don't think it will be. Wild Turkey has a small, but rabid fanbase. They usually snap up special releases in an instant. I never even saw the Masters Keep Rye. 

Went to San Antonio (Rim) Total Wine today for the first time in months. Nothing interesting on the whisky shelf, so got some Corazon tequila aged in bourbon barrels (One in Blanton's, the other in Weller) 

A productive but expensive day. I scored a bottle of Wild Turkey Master's Keep Bottled in Bond 17 year old and a bottle of Cornerstone Rye. 

It's funny. I felt sort of guilty for passing on Yamazaki 18 earlier this week, and then I spend exactly the same amount on the aforementioned bottles. 

 

19 hours ago, Yev Kassem said:

I have a MMPS from Alamo City Liquors and I really enjoy it, but I have a regular RRSB that I enjoy a bit better. Once I polish off that bottle I’m going to get a RRSB pick from TW and hope it’s better than the regular bottle. The TW by me has their pick of RRSB for like $63, which beats their MMPS by like $8. 

Yep, I bought the TW barrel pick today.  $63

 

This was for the RR Private Barrel Select Unfiltered

Edited by huge

This will probably be my first and only Master’s Keep purchase. I’m perfectly happy shelling out $55-60 for Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel store picks. 

I just wanted to taste the best of the best from Wild Turkey. 

@DCA_HORN posted it in the Houston Restaurant thread. The employees at Reserve 101 have bought out management. They might actually turn it into a decent bourbon bar. 

Edited by billfromlaketravis

2 minutes ago, BigDHornfan said:

This is good. Really good.
7728058caefcaa0c3e990ff52e88f761.jpg

Alright. Cards on the table. Is it worth $100 more than a good Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel store pick?

Alright. Cards on the table. Is it worth $100 more than a good Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel store pick?

I’ll preface this with this,
Russell’s Reserve is my favorite go to higher end daily.
The 17 yr is a lot more complex than the RR.
It’s got so much going on, it’s rich, full of vanilla on the nose, smoke and a lot of oak on the palate and finish. Which with it being so old doesn’t surprise me.

Is it $100 better than Russell’s?
No, but that’s not a slam on this bottle, it’s a statement of how good Russell’s is IMO.
With that being said, I’m gonna enjoy every sip of this and will probably get another one if I can.
42 minutes ago, BigDHornfan said:


I’ll preface this with this,
Russell’s Reserve is my favorite go to higher end daily.
The 17 yr is a lot more complex than the RR.
It’s got so much going on, it’s rich, full of vanilla on the nose, smoke and a lot of oak on the palate and finish. Which with it being so old doesn’t surprise me.

Is it $100 better than Russell’s?
No, but that’s not a slam on this bottle, it’s a statement of how good Russell’s is IMO.
With that being said, I’m gonna enjoy every sip of this and will probably get another one if I can.

Thanks. Nice write up. What are your thoughts on Cornerstone Rye? 

I might go to my local price gouger and see if they have one MKBIB for sale. 
 

drinking the OF 1870. Has a strong floral note. It’s good, nothing spectacular but solid. Probably 10-15 overpriced. 

If you’re in Houston, I have leads on Cornerstone Rye and Master’s Keep BiB. PM me. 
 

I’m kicking back with some Weller 12 on a rare Thursday night pour. The Wicked Witch of The West took a severance package today. Cheers. 

Edited by billfromlaketravis

I read in another group that I’m in that TW no longer keeps allocated bottles up in front of the store and now put everything on the shelves. Apparently that started this week. Have any of you guys seen that this week?

10 hours ago, billfromlaketravis said:

Thanks. Nice write up. What are your thoughts on Cornerstone Rye? 

I need to go back and have a pour of the cornerstone, it's been close to a year since I had it last.  From what I remember, it was good but not great.  I do know the mashbill is a barely legal rye at 52%.  

3 hours ago, BigDHornfan said:

I need to go back and have a pour of the cornerstone, it's been close to a year since I had it last.  From what I remember, it was good but not great.  I do know the mashbill is a barely legal rye at 52%.  

This guy loves the barely legal ryes. I think I'll enjoy it. I'm excited to try it. 

11 hours ago, Yev Kassem said:

I read in another group that I’m in that TW no longer keeps allocated bottles up in front of the store and now put everything on the shelves. Apparently that started this week. Have any of you guys seen that this week?

Whoa. Huge if true. I wonder how they'll lay out tater bait in the future? 

3 hours ago, billfromlaketravis said:

Whoa. Huge if true. I wonder how they'll lay out tater bait in the future? 

I went to TW this morning at opening along with a few other hunters and this seems to be the case. The staff said anything allocated would be on the shelves. The BT and WSR that’s usually kept up front was on the shelf.

25 minutes ago, Yev Kassem said:

I went to TW this morning at opening along with a few other hunters and this seems to be the case. The staff said anything allocated would be on the shelves. The BT and WSR that’s usually kept up front was on the shelf.

Nice...

Sadly no one had the Masters Keep BIB on my hunt today.

But these little guys will do

0a95d0c8acf984a0302d11b707a2202b.jpg

On 6/11/2020 at 1:02 PM, ousuxndallas said:

Bought a bottle of Noah's Mill today at Specs. Limit 1. What's the consensus on it?

I assume you're located in Dallas. You didn't do bad, but you could do better at that price point and where you're located. You could have saved $10-12 and picked up Wild Turkey Rare Breed or purchased a bottle of Russell's Reserve Single Barrel (regular or store pick depending on availability). 

As a general rule, I usually stay away from anything Willett that isn't Family Reserve. You really don't know what you're getting or where they sourced it from. Family Reserve prints everything you need to know on the label.

Spec's guy always pushes the hell of Noah's Mill and I've never understood why. I assume they receive a commission on every bottle sold. Total Wine does the same thing. They were pushing the hell out of that Clyde Mae's crap for the longest time. 

Edited by billfromlaketravis

4 hours ago, Yev Kassem said:

I went to TW this morning at opening along with a few other hunters and this seems to be the case. The staff said anything allocated would be on the shelves. The BT and WSR that’s usually kept up front was on the shelf.

If you can't find a handle of a Buffalo Trace store pick, I think Weller Special Reserve handles are the best bang for you buck for $40. That's a lot of good bourbon for the price. 

This guy loves the barely legal ryes. I think I'll enjoy it. I'm excited to try it. 

12d9217c91ccf0091967bf3c7352d936.jpg
Ok, it’s better than I remembered.

@Bert Orange are you going to stand for BigD stunting on this thread? You need to respond man! 

Better pull out the stuff you serve your mailman like Lenell's Red Hook Rye or Stitzel-Weller Pappy.

Edited by billfromlaketravis

Found these 2 yesterday. Love how smaller shops sometimes have better stuff. b7ea82ab302bb708b7c8db4b76d35ff2.jpg

Baby Saz has been my everyday rye for years. Starting to branch out now that the number of ryes has proliferated but Saz is still the best bang for your buck rye IMHO.

Popped the Larceny Barrel Proof tonight.
Pretty good stuff.

1 minute ago, TxTower said:

Baby Saz has been my everyday rye for years. Starting to branch out now that the number of ryes has proliferated but Saz is still the best bang for your buck rye IMHO.

I keep wanting to buy Rittenhouse as a value pick, but Pikesville has a hold on me. Baby Saz is pretty tasty. My Baby Saz Old Fashioneds went fast on Derby Day 2019. Tore through a bottle real fast. My Buffalo Trace Mint Juleps with Sonic ice went a bit slower. 

2 minutes ago, TxTower said:

Popped the Larceny Barrel Proof tonight.
Pretty good stuff.

Am I crazy to call it too hot? I mean it beats the doors off of regular Larceny, but I think it needs some work. 

Am I crazy to call it too hot? I mean it beats the doors off of regular Larceny, but I think it needs some work. 

Not at all. It’s a problem I have with just about all the barrel proofs but sacrifices must be made to get the full flavor profile no?
16 minutes ago, TxTower said:


Not at all. It’s a problem I have with just about all the barrel proofs but sacrifices must be made to get the full flavor profile no?

I'm upper middle class bourbon, so I haven't had the chance to experience the Heaven Hill Old Fitzgerald releases.They do many things well, old bourbons, high proof traditional bourbons, barely legal ryes, the Parker's releases, but I'm not sure if they've nailed wheaters based on my experience. Larceny is decent. Larceny Single Barrel is good to really good. Larceny Barrel Proof is real hot, and it never calms down to me. Larceny Barrel Proof is a buy at MSRP, but please don't pay premium. Anything over $70 is just going to piss you off. 

Edited by billfromlaketravis

I keep wanting to buy Rittenhouse as a value pick, but Pikesville has a hold on me. Baby Saz is pretty tasty. My Baby Saz Old Fashioneds went fast on Derby Day 2019. Tore through a bottle real fast. My Buffalo Trace Mint Juleps with Sonic ice went a bit slower. 
Give me Baby Saz over Pikesville every day.
5 minutes ago, Chewbacca said:
31 minutes ago, billfromlaketravis said:
I keep wanting to buy Rittenhouse as a value pick, but Pikesville has a hold on me. Baby Saz is pretty tasty. My Baby Saz Old Fashioneds went fast on Derby Day 2019. Tore through a bottle real fast. My Buffalo Trace Mint Juleps with Sonic ice went a bit slower. 

Give me Baby Saz over Pikesville every day.

Whoa. Strong words there. I think Baby Saz is underproofed. Take it up to 110, and we could make a real comparison. 

Edited by billfromlaketravis

Chewy - what’s your take on the FR Small Batch Select? One of my favorite bourbon lines but have yet to try that one. Love the Small Batch for $30. Hell I used to get it for less than $30.

15 minutes ago, TxTower said:

Chewy - what’s your take on the FR Small Batch Select? One of my favorite bourbon lines but have yet to try that one. Love the Small Batch for $30. Hell I used to get it for less than $30.

It's fantastic, but plays in a very competitive price point. 

Whoa. Strong words there. I think Baby Saz is underproofed. Take it up to 110, and we could make a real comparison. 
I think Pikesville is one note in flavor. Honestly i prefer Baby Saz.
Chewy - what’s your take on the FR Small Batch Select? One of my favorite bourbon lines but have yet to try that one. Love the Small Batch for $30. Hell I used to get it for less than $30.
Not sure what i think of it yet. Tastes hotter than it is at 104.
I keep wanting to buy Rittenhouse as a value pick, but Pikesville has a hold on me. Baby Saz is pretty tasty. My Baby Saz Old Fashioneds went fast on Derby Day 2019. Tore through a bottle real fast. My Buffalo Trace Mint Juleps with Sonic ice went a bit slower. 

I would crush a sonic ice julep right now...

I wouldn’t chase Weller 12 with 1910. The 1910 was fine, but it had some bonfire tasting notes. 
 

In other news, Buffalo Trace continues to do cool stuff to please their fans. Benchmark 8 Single Barrel and Full Proof (125)  labels are out there. 

Edited by billfromlaketravis

This morning at Goody Goody.
Father’s Day allocated drop a week early.
Manager goofed.
It was limit one.
f45e577d2e69c570b81c646765671b25.jpg
I was 15th in this line:
62e05258c45211bf46ee57e7494b72b3.jpg
Ended up getting a Harlen Wheatley Eagle Rare pick.

Not a bad start to the weekend.

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

Configure browser push notifications

Chrome (Android)
  1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
  2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
  3. Adjust your preference.
Chrome (Desktop)
  1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
  2. Select Site settings.
  3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.