by gillmang » Tue Mar 08, 2005 2:52 pm
Well, Bob, question of taste. I found ultimately Classic Cask 21 was too woody for me. I know I wrote a post or two that praised it but after a few pours I found it hard to get past the woodiness. Some of the writers for Whisky Magazine refer to, "oak grip" or "grippy" to mean too oaky a taste. I found this in Classic Cask rye. Sazerac 18 is fairly dry and tannic as well. I have decided that with exceptions (notably ORVW 15 year old bourbon, probably because of its sweetness) I don't like bourbon or rye any more over 10-12 years old; sometimes even that is too old. ORVW 13 year old rye was at the right point for me in earlier years but the latest bottling (F series) is a shade too tannic for me although I still like it. Ditto Hirsch 16 as originally released and gold wax version vs. gold foil version.
Wild Turket rye for me gets the balance right, the older barrel notes are there but aren't predominant. I like Rittenhouse Rye too, and Pikesville, for their vigor but WT rye has the edge on them, IMO.
The more I think about and sample whiskey the more I believe that with some exceptions it should not be aged too long. This is why e.g. Elmer Lee (at the top of the range for me at 10-12 years), Blanton (6-8 years), VOB 86 or 90 proof (6 years), Ancient Age Bonded (probably 6 years), get it right for me. Woodford Reserve too, also approximately 6 years old.
Gary