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| High proof bourbons to ring in 2013! |
- 2012 William Larue Weller (123.4 Proof)
- 9-year Willett Single Barrel (126.5 proof)
- Parker's Heritage Collection Blend of Mashbills (131.6 proof)
- 2012 George T. Stagg (142.8 proof)
- Abraham Bowman 18-year Bourbon (147.5 proof)
The Weller comes into this match-up as the "lightweight" of the group, though calling anything over 100 proof a lightweight is a disservice, let alone a whiskey over 120 proof. At the other end of the spectrum we have the Abraham Bowman 18-year Bourbon at 147.5 proof. I'd long thought that Stagg was the strongest bourbon on the market until stumbling across this bottle.
Here are my pre-game scouting reports on the bottles:
Weller - The 2010 expression was one of my favorites. Though the juice seemed overpowering and oaky for me on the first couple pours, the final two-thirds of the bottle were outstanding. Whether my palate changed, or time allowed some of the flavors to open up, I was sad to see the last drop poured. If this unopened 2012 expression starts as strong as the 2010 finished, it may have a chance to win this tasting.
9-year Willett - (hand-selected barrel by Binny's) I don't have high hopes for this one when lined-up against the other contestants. While I have enjoyed different Willett expressions in the past, it seems to be hit-or-miss as there are so many different years and each bottling is a single barrel. The bottle will be opened for the first time, so we are truly going into this one blind.
PHC Blend of Mashbills - Another untasted bottle. I've seem mixed reviews of this, some love it while others have found it underwhelming. Considering the Heritage Collection has some of the best annual releases, this one has earned its spot in the comparison based on reputation.
Stagg - The first of our two heavy-hitters, the Stagg is packed with flavor. From what I recall of this bottling it has a bit more coffee than I like, but that is off-set by the thick, rich flavors it brings to the dance. My memory of this bottle is a strong chocolate flavor with vanilla and caramel underneath.
Abraham Bowman - The highest-proof of the group is this limited bottling from Abraham Bowman. My expectations were low, but when I had this for the first time about a month ago I was proven very wrong. A little water didn't take any of the flavor away which was all burnt sugar and caramel. Though this doesn't get spoken of in the same breath as the Stagg and Weller, I think it deserves that type of recognition. This was my pre-tasting pick to come in first.
So how did they fair? The two of us had some pretty different opinions on how they measured up. Giving 5 points for our favorite and 1 point for our least favorite here is how they crossed the finish line.
The Results
Stagg - 9
Weller - 8
Bowman - 5
Willett - 4
Parker's - 4
We both agreed there wasn't a bad pour in the bunch. I was very surprised that the Bowman came in last place for me and not all that surprised that the Weller was my favorite. The prestige of the Antique Collection looks to be pretty well-deserved as the Stagg & Weller were the runaway favorites in the bunch. Here is how we ranked each of the bottles.
Me: Weller, Stagg, Willett, Parker's, Bowman
Him: Stagg, Bowman, Weller, Parker's Willett
-Full reviews of each bottle to come over the next month
Willett 9 Year Bourbon Review
2012 Parker's Heritage Collection Review - Blend of Mashbills
2012 William Larue Weller Review
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