Which bottle did you just buy and why?

@RianC A favourite that I haven't had for far too long. Whenever we are able to get back to your side of the pond, I'll be bringing a couple home. I'll get my cousins on the case to search them out.

Enjoy! Cheers.

@Astroke I'm jealous of that RR10 and the KC CS Rye. Knob Creek is a brand (subsidiary brand?) that has really grown on me. I feel that most of the time, KC bottles get better with time and air, although apparently science says that whiskey doesn't actually change much in the bottle. Whether it actually changes or it's simply my perception, my anecdotal experience is that KC is better after the first 1/3 is gone and the bottle sits for 4-6 weeks (or more).

@OdysseusUnbound Whisky definitely changes in an open bottle (oxidation); where the science is muddy is "old bottle effect (OBE)" - does a whisky change over many, many years in a closed bottle? On one hand, you would think it must due to evaporation; but how would you know for sure without a time machine?

@talexander This is the article I was referring to. And while my logical mind thinks a person with a PhD in chemistry probably knows more than I do, I can’t ignore my (admittedly subjective) experiences.

@OdysseusUnbound Thanks for the article (I encourage everyone here to read it). In my experience, I've noticed oxidation only after a year or so, and usually only if less than half of the bottle is left. So I don't disagree with the article, but yes I would imagine lots of people would beg to differ.

@talexander @OdysseusUnbound - Very interesting article and I wish my chemistry was a bit sharper but, as many will attest, my experiences tell me that whiskys do indeed 'settle down' and open up.

I only skimmed it, so may have missed something, but isn't it a tad contradictory in that it says increasing the surface to air ratio will affect taste; but then says no chemical changes will take place in doing this. Well, isn't that exactly what does happen when we take out the neck pours and re-cork it?

Perhaps it's a definition thing - is what happens oxidation? Apparently, technically not. But no-one can tell me that many whiskys, especially higher proof ones, don't change in the bottle. Are we not then seeing the effects of alcohol evaporation combined with increased surface to air ratios, if not oxidation?

And as for blind testing ... I feel any attempt to make these kind of tests scientific is fraught with problems. The main one being our changes in taste, smell etc over time but also our mood and how it affects things subjectively.

@OdysseusUnbound They are both favorites of mine. Could never understand why the LCBO does not bring in the Russell's Reserve products other than they ask for nothing and take what ever the distributors offer. There are currently 7900 bottles of JB White label at the LCBO, like I previously posted, the worlds foremost bottom shelf dumping ground.

@Astroke My understanding is, that is exactly right - they never request, just take what's offered.

@talexander probably why we never get things like Laphroaig CS

@Nozinan Exactly.

@Nozinan I think the Laphroaig 10CS is a brand decision not to bring it to the Canadian market. If was simply LCBO incompetence we would see it available in Alberta. I'm pretty sure AB stores (KWM and others) have lobbied to have it available to them, yet it hasn't happened.

@65glenfarclas You make a valid point. But as one of the largest buyers (if not the largest) in the world, if the LCBO wanted something, they could probably get it... They just have to try.

@65glenfarclas Good point. I don't recall ever seeing it in BC.

I just received the dreaded email. The Pennsylvania Liquor Control system just finished their auction for Pappy Van Winkle. As soon as I read that there were 305,000 bids placed I didn’t need to read further. I didn’t win needless to say. Oh well, perhaps next year!

@DaveM I fear the same result in Ontario, though maybe about 500000 bids will be placed by non-winners..

@Nozinan 455,500 of those entries are made by 500 people with multiple (fake) email accounts

A bit of retail therapy to beat the February Blues:

@cricklewood your assistance is very much appreciated.

@fiddich1980 What is that North Star Sirius? From the colour it looks like a major sherry bomb.

@BlueNote I'm not expecting a sherry bomb for the Sirius 31. What I am expecting and looking forward to is a fruity, melon, orange, and waxy blend. The rumour on the net points to a sub 40% low ABV Glen Garioch bumped up to ABV 43.1 with a higher ABV Clynelish. A 31 year old blend for under $180.00 Canuck bucks was too good a deal to pass up.

@fiddich1980 Sounds interesting and would certainly qualify for the "steal of a deal" thread.

@fiddich1980 North Star Spirits seems to be bottling some very good blended malts.

@fiddich1980 always a pleasure to help.

I think the Sirius is all bourbon cask maturation vs. the Sherry of Vega. 180$ is indeed a steal for the age. I love how these releases (and most of the North Star line-up) are really aimed at drinkers.

@cricklewood All spirits are aimed at drinkers. The fine ones are aimed at sippers.

My other major purchase this month was a stock pile of empty sample bottles. 2020 was not a year for social gatherings. The alternative was sending spirit samples to friends, family, and acquaintances. A pleasure to video chat with peers comparing a particular spirit or sharing whiskies with my bottom shelf whisky drinking co-workers, letting them experience things which they would never contemplate buying. Apologies in advance for the crappy picture.

@Nozinan touché, I did mean that they are priced at a level where one might not feel the sting of opening as much. If you're a common mortal and you've spent 800$+ dollars for a 30yr old whisky you may hold out for a rare occasion which may never come. Whereas if you've spent 200$ (still a non negligible sum for whisky) you may be more inclined to open and enjoy sooner.

Not actually a recent purchase. I entered the Bruichladdich Valinch ballot back in November and was able to get this bottle. It just arrived yesterday. (Slow boat from Islay?!)

@TracerBullet Ohhh, that looks like fun!

@Victor Thought that might catch your eye! 61.7%!!! I entered for the other two ballots but have not won either of them.

Just bought West Cork's Peat Charred Cask single malt (Glengarriff series). I've also put on-order the Bog Oak expression. Generally, I've never seen high marks for these bottlings, I had to try! REASON: a) the price ain't bad, and b) where are you gonna find this kind of experimental single malt?

@TracerBullet nice one, I think the Valinch ballot is a really good idea. Lots of fun experimental stuff in there.