(05-06-2016 08:31 PM)CameramanJ Wrote:  

(05-06-2016 06:50 PM)miko33 Wrote:  I had a taste test tonight between 3 whiskeys: Buffalo Trace bourbon, George Dickel #12 Tennessee whisky and Russell's Reserve 10 year old bourbon. Out of the 3, I have to rate Russell's Reserve first, then Buffalo Trace and then George Dickel #12 3rd. I must say that the Russell's Reserve did not win out by much vs the Buffalo Trace. Technically, I would say that the test wasn't quite fair between Buffalo Trace and the Russell's Reserve, because I think the more fair comparison would have been between Eagle's Rare and the Russell's Reserve. If I follow that logic thru, then my guess is if i had the Eagle's Rare in front of me, it would have likely been my favorite. To round out these comparisons, I think I'll have to buy some WT101 and ER 12 year old to complete my evaluation between the Buffalo Trace Distillery and the Wild Turkey Distillery. That is as of tonight. Maybe my tastes will be a little different tomorrow.

I'm surprised at how the Dickel faired tonight. I thought it would have edged both out and that I would have gone straight to Tennessee style whiskey and not looked back. However, I found the Dickel to have a stronger alcohol punch than the other 2 that was rather sharp. It didn't seem to be spice with the Dickel, so not sure about it. It was really strange - it felt really smooth but had a little sharpness to it if you held it in your mouth too long.

Bottom line, I'm not prepared to say that I have a favorite - yet. I think I need to take my time and explore everything more, and sample more brands. Honestly, it's probably the most fun to explore for tastes than to find your favorite. I'll probably not have a favorite and will most likely have multiple preferred offerings that will depend on the mood for the night.

For all 3, I used wine glasses to allow for a consistent nose. All 3 were 90 proof whiskeys, and I tested each one neat.

Wine glass/90 proof/neat are my preferred connoisseur specs for whiskey as well. I've seen YouTube videos that prescribe all sorts of fancy maneuvers for proper sampling, but best to keep it simple.

Did another test between all 3. I enjoy all 3, so it's tough to decide. This time, I think the Dickel 12 tasted better and was just a close 2nd to the Russell's Reserve. The Buffalo Trace was a close 3rd. BT was nice but not as much depth as the other 2. All 3 are lovely IMHO.

I'm eager to try ER10 and Elijah Craig 12 year next. However, if Woodford or Makers goes on sale, may get one of those next.

I may shift gears and go with the Redbreast 12 or try the Glenmorangie 10 next though. Also, Johnnie Walker Green label is out again and I may go with that too.