they should sell that sample box to the public, looks so great!... so many people cant get any BTAC for under secondary, making smaller bottles they would sell even more!
Thanks, you just saved me $1500-$1800. If I want to drink over 120 proof, I'm grabbing a Larceny full proof, or a Bookers believe it or not. -Justin Houston, TX
Bottles I have Open right now: 1. Larceny Full Proof 2. James E. Pepper Decanter 3.Makers 46 Cask Strength French Oaked Staved 4. Nelson's Reserve 107 Proof - Just for reference/ perceived credibility
I would love to be a professional reviewer! I do some reviews now but my palate is nowhere near your level, when it comes to whiskey critics, you are the 🐐
How large are those media samples? I assumed like 3 ounces or so, but it looks like you have a good pour in the glass and a good amount left in the bottle.
It’s been a long time dream of mine to be a professional whiskey taster…. I’m always buying trying and tasting as much as I can as often as I can. From stuff no one’s heard of to stuff everyone’s heard of and everything in between. Would absolutely love it.
I guide my friends through the flavors I think is in a whiskey. I see them bop their heads up and down while we go through the pour. I would love to be a whiskey reviewer. ❤
Frank, thank you for the review. I have a few Larceny BP bottles. We are going to blind 5 of them and pick a favorite. One of my drinkers is ECBP B524. I would be interested in becoming a professional whiskey taster after I finish my BJCP(beer judge certification program)
I would be interested to know more about what it takes to be a professionally whiskey reviewer. I have previously been a distiller for a distillery you know well and have tasted a lot of whiskey for barrel picks and quality control. I would love to know more if you are willing to offer a bit of guidance! Cheers,
Hey Fred, I’d love to take you up on your offer to do more whiskey tasting and reviewing. I’ve done a fair amount of palate training and have participated as a judge in a competition before. Let me know!
I’d like to be a professional whiskey taster and would love to learn more! Been working on developing my palate and noticed how it can get tired after a long session of tasting
Hey Fred, I work in sales for a national wine and spirits distributor but I would love to be a professional whiskey reviewer/taster. Let me know anything I can do to get a start. Thanks
I didn’t know you were a fan of the Crew . I thought they would win the pennant .oh well maybe next year. I would luv to have the pallet for reviewing, I don’t feel I can really separate the tasting notes as you all seem to do so well . Its been my experience that I get a repeat of many notes from different types of Bourbons . I’m not sophisticated enough to dig down and separate the different flavors from my palate to the finish .I was working in Columbus Indiana and tried to hit as many distilleries for tasting as I could with my limited time off . Living in Wisconsin makes me extremely jealous of what is available in that area. I would be ecstatic having that sample box. Oh well maybe my Packers or Bucks can pull off a Championship this season and ease my pain lol. Enjoy
Love the videos, would love to figure out how to be a professional reviewer. Experiencing "juice" is subjective, so I have no issue having a different experience than others. I had considered pursuing this earlier in the year but put that on the back burner until my newest kiddo came along.
I do like the interview format that you did with Gavin it seems more intimate and comfortable. I don't think I would have lasted that long with an ice cube either.
Push ups in the rain, while licking spilled Jim Beam off the concrete. JK. Lots and lots of tasting, obviously. But also knowing your limits for your palate and body. And most importantly, understanding your own taste buds.
I've actually been planning on launching my own youtube review channel in the next couple months! Would love to hear from you though about what you had in mind.
As a reviewer, you have to remember that it's just your palate. Some will agree or disagree - who cares. Fred's palate is not comparable to mine - but who cares. His knowledge is great, but what he loves rarely matches my profile. Thus, I don't put a bunch of value in his top picks. But absolutely listen to him due to his knowledge!!. Just remember this when entering the world of reviewing. Former Sommelier in SLC here.....and yes, killer dining, wine and bourbon does exist here. And if you acquire something here its at msrp.... Last month, bottle of Coy Hill for $84.99. This month Eagle Rare at $41 and Jimmy Russel 70th at $49. Cheers
@heywardcampbell5721 Yep - SLC....Ski 100 days a year, golf 3-4 days a week for 8 months and work at night in fine dining. Somebody has to struggle through it......right ??!!
@@patrickyb8840 i was asking because I work in NC and the ABC stores are required to sell at MSRP. I live in SC and they can mark up stuff to crazy prices but they also sell other stuff at a loss to get you in the door. Friend in NC always asks me to p/U Tito’s handle for him as it’s $10 cheaper than NC!
Hey! I have been doing a lot of amateur reviews on reddit and really enjoy whiskey reviews. The challenging aspect on my palate has been really engaging. I would love feedback and any tips you might have! Thanks.
@@FredMinnick Westward American Single Malt 90 Proof Westward has been one of the major players in the American Single Malt scene coming out of the PNW. I have enjoyed their products and realized I never dove in as intentionally as I wanted to into their general original whiskey offering when it came to ASMs. “Created from two-row malted barley grown and malted in the American Northwest, fermented with craft ale yeast for outstanding flavor, double pot distilled for exceptional character, and matured to perfection in new, heavily toasted, and lightly charred American Oak barrels right here in Oregon, where our unique hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters are the ideal environments to raise a world-class whiskey.” This is coming in at 90 proof, there is no age statement (but probably between 4-6 years). Let’s dive into it... Nose: honey, cedar, malted grain, blackberries Palate: grain forward (but not too overwhelming), honey, maple syrup, berry jam, a little floral, oak Finish: light berries, but the grain and oak linger Overall: This feels like a Fall Time Harvest kind of pour! If you are not used to American Single Malts, this is a great place to start. It doesn’t overwhelm you too much with the grain, but gives a lovely sweetness and depth at 90 proof that is so welcoming. It takes a few sips to calibrate into the malted barley component because if you’re used to drinking bourbons or ryes, the malted barley can be surprising or dominating. As your palate calibrates, it allows you to dial into the lovely fruits and sweetness that is complimented by the malted grain. It gives a ton of mouthfeel and flavor for 90 proof, it is quite impressive. If you don’t like that malted funk from the malted barley some American Single Malts have, this may be a tough one for you. For around $70, you’re getting a lovely expression of what American Single Malts should be in my humble little opinion. It does feel expensive regardless, but it is great for what it is. If you do really like this, the cask strength version is even better. It is worth a try at a bar before pulling the trigger on malts because it is easy to have the malted barley be off-putting to the palate. Score: 6.5/10
@@FredMinnick 2024 Woodford Reserve Batch Proof 121.4 Proof This is their annual batch proof release of their full proof expression of Woodford Reserve. This was actually my first one, but I love Brown Forman products, so I was excited to dive into this one. Mash bill is 72/18/10 with no listed age statement, but probably between 5-8 years old. Nose: dusty oak, cherry, baked pastry, subtle cinnamon. Palate: spicy cinnamon and red fruits, a little funky oak, and sweet vanilla frosting. The cinnamon is the most prominent. Finish: the funky oak and a bit of medicinal cherry stuck out to me. Overall: this is definitely one that takes a few sips to get the whole package. I think it drinks hotter than it’s proof and it feels younger, but the flavors are fun and bold. It isn’t going to change your life, but it’s enjoyable whiskey. It feels on par to other barrel proof Brown Forman bourbon products, so if you have Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Barrel Proof Bourbon or Old Forester Single Barrel Barrel Proof Bourbon, you’re not missing out as this feels like a run of the mill version of those. It tastes like it should be in that $60-80 range, so the price is definitely a disappointment for the juice. I paid $100, so I’m not completely disappointed. The glass of the bottle is beautiful and heavy, but it is also a 700mL, so you lose out a bit on the fluid on top of it all. I would be happy to drink this everyday, but I do not think it is worth the $ at the retail price of $149.99. If you like spicy cinnamon cherry bourbons, you’ll really like this. Score: 7/10
@@FredMinnick Disco 12 I had been eagerly waiting for Discovery 12 ever since they returned to Kentucky with Discovery 11. Bardstown has blended whiskeys in their Discovery series as a Limited Release, but the last bunch of Discoveries didn’t feel very special to me until 11. The goal of the Discovery series was to try and use some of the best whiskey to craft an amazing batch of bourbon whiskey. The rumor, all but confirmed based on the taste and mashbill was that the majority of the distillate for Discovery 11 and 12 is based from Wild Turkey. I can personally taste it as you compare it to Russell’s and other Wild Turkey products. The Discovery 12 was exciting because it came with with the largest chunk of whiskey in it being the oldest distillate yet on a Discovery Series: Corn/Rye/Malted Barley respectively 48% 14 Year Kentucky 75/13/12 (all but officially confirmed WT) 29% 10 Year Kentucky 78/10/12 15% 10 Year Kentucky 78/13/9 8% BBC 6 Year 60/26 (wheat)/10/4 This release is their shortest recent release to date coming in at 2000 cases or about 12,000 bottles, so do not expect it to be as abundantly available as Discovery 11 was. At $139, let’s see how it tastes! Nose: funky oak, red fruit, candied almonds Palate: bold sweet red fruits and plums with a black pepper and nice cinnamon oaky flavor that really punches. Finish: oily, fruity, oaky and lasts for a bit. Overall: this feels like a bold flavor bomb and it tastes obvious on the palate to something akin to the Wild Turkey that is supposedly (tastes pretty obviously) inside. I was really surprised on this one. It gave a lot of boldness and great flavors with some oak that gives you a bit of age on the tongue. It feels special and tastes special, but it is not the most balanced when compared to 11. I felt like the boldness of 12 overwhelmed the slight advantage I felt 11 had, but I ended up blinding discovery 9, 10, 11, and 12 together and 11 won with 12 closely behind for both my wife and I. 12 is an excellent bottle, but I fear I probably won’t come across a bottle to back it up, so I will be cherishing it! Score: 9/10
they should sell that sample box to the public, looks so great!... so many people cant get any BTAC for under secondary, making smaller bottles they would sell even more!
for real though!
Agree, I’m guessing they could even drive their profit per ounce. Win/win?
Buffalo Trace would never do this unfortunately
Great idea!!
Yeah the price would be 300-350 😂
Thanks, you just saved me $1500-$1800. If I want to drink over 120 proof, I'm grabbing a Larceny full proof, or a Bookers believe it or not.
-Justin
Houston, TX
Bottles I have Open right now:
1. Larceny Full Proof
2. James E. Pepper Decanter
3.Makers 46 Cask Strength French Oaked Staved
4. Nelson's Reserve 107 Proof
- Just for reference/ perceived credibility
Interviews have been great! Looking forward to The Donald and Kamala interviews tomorrow 🤘🏻🥃
LOL
I would love to be a professional reviewer! I do some reviews now but my palate is nowhere near your level, when it comes to whiskey critics, you are the 🐐
How large are those media samples? I assumed like 3 ounces or so, but it looks like you have a good pour in the glass and a good amount left in the bottle.
It’s been a long time dream of mine to be a professional whiskey taster…. I’m always buying trying and tasting as much as I can as often as I can. From stuff no one’s heard of to stuff everyone’s heard of and everything in between. Would absolutely love it.
I guide my friends through the flavors I think is in a whiskey. I see them bop their heads up and down while we go through the pour. I would love to be a whiskey reviewer. ❤
I am very interested in becoming a reviewer. How do you start?
I would love to be a professional reviewer. Do you have any tips, courses on how to get my palate to your level?
nGL Stagg is my favorite and a lot of them I tried didn't blow me away ...2017 is my favorite same with WLW
"I would take Rare Breed over this..." click the little X and close the window...good lord...you sir are insane
Does hype factor, price, and availability ever play into your review?
I would love to join you in this reviewing and judging world!!
Frank, thank you for the review. I have a few Larceny BP bottles. We are going to blind 5 of them and pick a favorite. One of my drinkers is ECBP B524. I would be interested in becoming a professional whiskey taster after I finish my BJCP(beer judge certification program)
Don't give WLW to a person who's never had high proof bourbon great advice thanks Fred.
So true. They will enjoy the 86 proof Evan Williams SiB a lot more.
Have you been able to sample this years Van Winkle collection? If so, how would you rank them?
Oh my goodness . . . "Larceny BP would kick the shit out of this bottle IMO" 😂 great comp and hilarious truth!
Hilarious because it's such a stupid comment. 😂
May need to revisit this one man
I would be interested to know more about what it takes to be a professionally whiskey reviewer. I have previously been a distiller for a distillery you know well and have tasted a lot of whiskey for barrel picks and quality control. I would love to know more if you are willing to offer a bit of guidance!
Cheers,
I'd love to be a professional whiskey reviewer/taster, how would one go about getting into the industry Fred?
Hi Fred, I would like information on how to become a professional taster.
I’m in South Dakota and would love to review products for you . I have little issues being black and white on reviews .
Hey Fred, I’d love to take you up on your offer to do more whiskey tasting and reviewing. I’ve done a fair amount of palate training and have participated as a judge in a competition before.
Let me know!
I would love to be a whiskey reviewer. I have a really solid collection at my restaurant and at home and would love to do this as a 3rd act.
I love those new sample bottles
I’d like to be a professional whiskey taster and would love to learn more! Been working on developing my palate and noticed how it can get tired after a long session of tasting
Learned something new today! Didn't know you were a Brewers fan! Go Crew!
Love the Dave Pickerell picture in the background 🙏🏻❤️
The interview with Yellawolf was by far my favorite even though I can say I have enjoyed every single one!
Hey Fred, I work in sales for a national wine and spirits distributor but I would love to be a professional whiskey reviewer/taster. Let me know anything I can do to get a start. Thanks
I’d love to be a reviewer. I dabble but you’re an inspiration.
I didn’t know you were a fan of the Crew . I thought they would win the pennant .oh well maybe next year. I would luv to have the pallet for reviewing, I don’t feel I can really separate the tasting notes as you all seem to do so well . Its been my experience that I get a repeat of many notes from different types of Bourbons . I’m not sophisticated enough to dig down and separate the different flavors from my palate to the finish .I was working in Columbus Indiana and tried to hit as many distilleries for tasting as I could with my limited time off .
Living in Wisconsin makes me extremely jealous of what is available in that area. I would be ecstatic having that sample box. Oh well maybe my Packers or Bucks can pull off a Championship this season and ease my pain lol. Enjoy
One day I would love to be a professional whiskey taster, I love whiskey and I’d only dream to share those experiences with you and the world
I can totally relate to a good whiskey coming in too hot. Parkers Double Barreled and Bernheim barrel proof both give me similar unpleasantries.
Thank you Fred
Love the videos, would love to figure out how to be a professional reviewer. Experiencing "juice" is subjective, so I have no issue having a different experience than others. I had considered pursuing this earlier in the year but put that on the back burner until my newest kiddo came along.
Hey Fred! We are trying our to be reviewers! Love the show. Enjoy the video.
I would love to be a whiskey/bourbon reviewer
hey, Fred - did you mention that it's a wheater?
Cliff - Atlanta
Did you watch video? Your answer lies there.
I do like the interview format that you did with Gavin it seems more intimate and comfortable. I don't think I would have lasted that long with an ice cube either.
Fred, I would very much like to learn to be a professional taster of Whiskey. I have wine certifications and would love to expand!
I agree on the recent Larceny BP as of late and you can find them.
I have always been a people person and always had a dream to be a reviewer. Maybe one day
I would love to be a whiskey reviewer also! What does it take to be one?
Push ups in the rain, while licking spilled Jim Beam off the concrete. JK. Lots and lots of tasting, obviously. But also knowing your limits for your palate and body. And most importantly, understanding your own taste buds.
@FredMinnick Is there something you suggest to help in understanding my taste buds? What works or has worked for you? I really enjoy the reviews BTW 👍
Damn just wiped his ass with the holy grail lol.
This dude is off his rocker
@ how
I’d like to be a reviewer genuinely 🤘🏼
Go brew crew 💪🏻🚀
I would love the become a professional whiskey taster and reviewer!
I love being a whiskey taster, but I’d love to be called up to the big leagues
Would love more information about being a professional taster.
Great review !
I'm interested in becoming a professional whiskey taster.
I would like to be a whiskey reviewer as well
Episode with Ian👍🏻👍🏻
I definitely want to become a professional reviewer.
Think it threw a lot of people off because you had a shelfer old forester product higher….
Time to give that lens a good cleaning my man!
Broke the camera lol
I would love to become a professional whiskey, taster and reviewer. 3:04
I like trying to be a Professional Reviewer on the channel
I want that sample box so badly lol
I've actually been planning on launching my own youtube review channel in the next couple months! Would love to hear from you though about what you had in mind.
As a reviewer, you have to remember that it's just your palate. Some will agree or disagree - who cares. Fred's palate is not comparable to mine - but who cares. His knowledge is great, but what he loves rarely matches my profile. Thus, I don't put a bunch of value in his top picks.
But absolutely listen to him due to his knowledge!!. Just remember this when entering the world of reviewing.
Former Sommelier in SLC here.....and yes, killer dining, wine and bourbon does exist here. And if you acquire something here its at msrp.... Last month, bottle of Coy Hill for $84.99. This month Eagle Rare at $41 and Jimmy Russel 70th at $49. Cheers
SLC?
@heywardcampbell5721 Yep - SLC....Ski 100 days a year, golf 3-4 days a week for 8 months and work at night in fine dining. Somebody has to struggle through it......right ??!!
@@patrickyb8840 i was asking because I work in NC and the ABC stores are required to sell at MSRP. I live in SC and they can mark up stuff to crazy prices but they also sell other stuff at a loss to get you in the door. Friend in NC always asks me to p/U Tito’s handle for him as it’s $10 cheaper than NC!
I would love to become a reviewer but my palette sucks, so your work would be cut out for you 🤣
Hey! I have been doing a lot of amateur reviews on reddit and really enjoy whiskey reviews. The challenging aspect on my palate has been really engaging. I would love feedback and any tips you might have! Thanks.
drop some of your reddit reviews here and i'll critique them. cool?
@@FredMinnick I linked them, but I think UA-cam removed them :(
@@FredMinnick Westward American Single Malt 90 Proof
Westward has been one of the major players in the American Single Malt scene coming out of the PNW. I have enjoyed their products and realized I never dove in as intentionally as I wanted to into their general original whiskey offering when it came to ASMs.
“Created from two-row malted barley grown and malted in the American Northwest, fermented with craft ale yeast for outstanding flavor, double pot distilled for exceptional character, and matured to perfection in new, heavily toasted, and lightly charred American Oak barrels right here in Oregon, where our unique hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters are the ideal environments to raise a world-class whiskey.”
This is coming in at 90 proof, there is no age statement (but probably between 4-6 years).
Let’s dive into it...
Nose: honey, cedar, malted grain, blackberries
Palate: grain forward (but not too overwhelming), honey, maple syrup, berry jam, a little floral, oak
Finish: light berries, but the grain and oak linger
Overall: This feels like a Fall Time Harvest kind of pour! If you are not used to American Single Malts, this is a great place to start. It doesn’t overwhelm you too much with the grain, but gives a lovely sweetness and depth at 90 proof that is so welcoming. It takes a few sips to calibrate into the malted barley component because if you’re used to drinking bourbons or ryes, the malted barley can be surprising or dominating. As your palate calibrates, it allows you to dial into the lovely fruits and sweetness that is complimented by the malted grain. It gives a ton of mouthfeel and flavor for 90 proof, it is quite impressive. If you don’t like that malted funk from the malted barley some American Single Malts have, this may be a tough one for you.
For around $70, you’re getting a lovely expression of what American Single Malts should be in my humble little opinion. It does feel expensive regardless, but it is great for what it is. If you do really like this, the cask strength version is even better.
It is worth a try at a bar before pulling the trigger on malts because it is easy to have the malted barley be off-putting to the palate.
Score: 6.5/10
@@FredMinnick 2024 Woodford Reserve Batch Proof 121.4 Proof
This is their annual batch proof release of their full proof expression of Woodford Reserve. This was actually my first one, but I love Brown Forman products, so I was excited to dive into this one.
Mash bill is 72/18/10 with no listed age statement, but probably between 5-8 years old.
Nose: dusty oak, cherry, baked pastry, subtle cinnamon.
Palate: spicy cinnamon and red fruits, a little funky oak, and sweet vanilla frosting. The cinnamon is the most prominent.
Finish: the funky oak and a bit of medicinal cherry stuck out to me.
Overall: this is definitely one that takes a few sips to get the whole package. I think it drinks hotter than it’s proof and it feels younger, but the flavors are fun and bold. It isn’t going to change your life, but it’s enjoyable whiskey. It feels on par to other barrel proof Brown Forman bourbon products, so if you have Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Barrel Proof Bourbon or Old Forester Single Barrel Barrel Proof Bourbon, you’re not missing out as this feels like a run of the mill version of those. It tastes like it should be in that $60-80 range, so the price is definitely a disappointment for the juice.
I paid $100, so I’m not completely disappointed. The glass of the bottle is beautiful and heavy, but it is also a 700mL, so you lose out a bit on the fluid on top of it all. I would be happy to drink this everyday, but I do not think it is worth the $ at the retail price of $149.99. If you like spicy cinnamon cherry bourbons, you’ll really like this.
Score: 7/10
@@FredMinnick Disco 12
I had been eagerly waiting for Discovery 12 ever since they returned to Kentucky with Discovery 11. Bardstown has blended whiskeys in their Discovery series as a Limited Release, but the last bunch of Discoveries didn’t feel very special to me until 11. The goal of the Discovery series was to try and use some of the best whiskey to craft an amazing batch of bourbon whiskey.
The rumor, all but confirmed based on the taste and mashbill was that the majority of the distillate for Discovery 11 and 12 is based from Wild Turkey. I can personally taste it as you compare it to Russell’s and other Wild Turkey products.
The Discovery 12 was exciting because it came with with the largest chunk of whiskey in it being the oldest distillate yet on a Discovery Series:
Corn/Rye/Malted Barley respectively
48% 14 Year Kentucky 75/13/12 (all but officially confirmed WT) 29% 10 Year Kentucky 78/10/12 15% 10 Year Kentucky 78/13/9 8% BBC 6 Year 60/26 (wheat)/10/4
This release is their shortest recent release to date coming in at 2000 cases or about 12,000 bottles, so do not expect it to be as abundantly available as Discovery 11 was. At $139, let’s see how it tastes!
Nose: funky oak, red fruit, candied almonds
Palate: bold sweet red fruits and plums with a black pepper and nice cinnamon oaky flavor that really punches.
Finish: oily, fruity, oaky and lasts for a bit.
Overall: this feels like a bold flavor bomb and it tastes obvious on the palate to something akin to the Wild Turkey that is supposedly (tastes pretty obviously) inside. I was really surprised on this one. It gave a lot of boldness and great flavors with some oak that gives you a bit of age on the tongue. It feels special and tastes special, but it is not the most balanced when compared to 11.
I felt like the boldness of 12 overwhelmed the slight advantage I felt 11 had, but I ended up blinding discovery 9, 10, 11, and 12 together and 11 won with 12 closely behind for both my wife and I.
12 is an excellent bottle, but I fear I probably won’t come across a bottle to back it up, so I will be cherishing it!
Score: 9/10
Vodka does suck!!
Really bro?!?
Freddy boi
Learn how to professionally review whiskey. yes please.
Idk if I trust ol Fred no mo lol he's like it's hot nope! Screw that. 90 out of 100 is excellent but he made it seem bad
Totally agree with you
Fred is the least trustworthy reviewer online, easily.
@FredMinnick, I am interested in becoming a pro reviewer.