tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082156144028140004.post7603587980110892385..comments2024-03-13T04:04:32.568-07:00Comments on Sku's Recent Eats: Are There Any Underrated Distilleries?skuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00487419662314518931noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082156144028140004.post-78891967928130928152015-11-04T12:53:59.727-08:002015-11-04T12:53:59.727-08:00I would say that Old Weller Antique is underated. ...I would say that Old Weller Antique is underated. For under $30 it a hell of a buy. I put mine in a cupboard above my stove and it got warm and it seemed to bring out the sweet smell even more. Don't know that I've ever smelled aa bourbon of that abv with such a sweet smell. Definitely astaple!eAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12372152465374663122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082156144028140004.post-38726049483660665972015-11-04T12:49:44.921-08:002015-11-04T12:49:44.921-08:00I have to disagree with you about The Balvenie bei...I have to disagree with you about The Balvenie being overated. The 15 year single barrel is one of the best whiskeys I've ever had.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12372152465374663122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082156144028140004.post-61239818076429972032014-05-15T11:32:48.303-07:002014-05-15T11:32:48.303-07:00Oh, and I meant to mention Tomatin as well. Everyo...Oh, and I meant to mention Tomatin as well. Everyone raves about the 1976 "vintage" but their regular line, especially the 12 and 18 are excellent value for money, and the 18 is very good. And the 30 yo is very good as well, and priced far more reasonably than 25 yos from most distilleries.My Annoying Opinionshttp://www.myannoyingopinions.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082156144028140004.post-58779110692154297962014-05-15T11:29:03.369-07:002014-05-15T11:29:03.369-07:00I assume you mean "underrated by whisky geeks...I assume you mean "underrated by whisky geeks"--almost every distillery is underrated by the general whisky buying populace. And I assume you accept that "underrated" is consistent with "respected".<br /><br />In the first category, I'd put in another vote for Glen Ord and Glencadam. And possibly for Longmorn and Tamdhu as well. Proof of how underrated Glen Ord is can be seen in the fact that the very excellent 30 yo from the 2005 Diageo annual release can still be found for $150 in the US.<br /><br />In the latter, I'd nominate Bowmore, who are very well known, of course, but whose malt from the 1990s on still suffers from the FWP meme but is almost always very, very good. Similarly, Caol Ila doesn't get the respect it deserves--it has a good reputation but it's still highly underrated, neither as loudly touted as Ardbeg or Bruichladdich nor as iconic as Laphroaig or Lagavulin.<br /><br />Glenfarclas, I think, is properly rated. The 105, the 15, 17, 21 and 25 are all beloved of plenty of whisky geeks.My Annoying Opinionshttp://www.myannoyingopinions.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082156144028140004.post-64458067519280368792014-05-14T09:18:35.438-07:002014-05-14T09:18:35.438-07:00JR, Osocalis is great, but I was thinking whiskey ...JR, Osocalis is great, but I was thinking whiskey here. Brandy i the opposite situation. Pretty much every good brandy distillery is underrated.skuhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00487419662314518931noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082156144028140004.post-29033577463900927232014-05-14T07:03:36.659-07:002014-05-14T07:03:36.659-07:00OsocalisOsocalisJRhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10835883594432905712noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082156144028140004.post-42044530160063859272014-05-14T06:14:05.587-07:002014-05-14T06:14:05.587-07:00I'm not as expert as most of you here, but I&#...I'm not as expert as most of you here, but I'd like to toss in Wathen's. Their Old Medley 12yo has really grown on me. Last night I opened up my third bottle and it's really a delight. Wathen's single barrel is also really dangerously drinkable. forego is my witnesshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04785998054727075723noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082156144028140004.post-91377502869098664462014-05-13T18:01:57.311-07:002014-05-13T18:01:57.311-07:00@sku -- while EWSB might be a bit overhyped/overra...@sku -- while EWSB might be a bit overhyped/overrated, at least it is at a price point which does not dent the pocketbook too much which allows folks at least an opportunity to give it a try. It is also readily in stock, at least in the shops I frequent. Compared to those on your overrated list, this is not even close.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082156144028140004.post-42210587828203715852014-05-13T17:23:08.845-07:002014-05-13T17:23:08.845-07:00True, many of these smaller companies don't ha...True, many of these smaller companies don't have nationwide distribution...nor can you buy stuff like W12 or Larceny everywhere. But there are so many online stores which are very competive that practically anything can be found. W12 is essentially non-existent here, but I've bought dozens of bottles for our local group at prices lower than where you can buy it off the shelf in a well-allocated market. <br /><br />Seems to me that if the underrated guys want to compete, they're going to not only produce quality booze, but they're going to have to master their online presence as well. Funky Tapehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09271221564702147756noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082156144028140004.post-7781411081794334242014-05-13T16:46:33.288-07:002014-05-13T16:46:33.288-07:00Mbroo, great point on Smooth Ambler. While I have...Mbroo, great point on Smooth Ambler. While I haven't had the stuff they make themselves (Yearling), there Old Scout, distilled at MGP, is getting better and better.<br /><br />Funny you should mention Evan Williams Single Barrel as I would consider it one of the more overrated whiskeys. The critics always seem to love it, but I've had very few that I consider at all impressive.skuhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00487419662314518931noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082156144028140004.post-29964238560184973742014-05-13T16:42:55.667-07:002014-05-13T16:42:55.667-07:00Interesting topic. I typically think of smaller pr...Interesting topic. I typically think of smaller producers like Smooth Ambler and Willett as unrated. But, few of us have had the opportunity to taste their distillate. Everything to this point has been produced by someone else. However, I often prefer these selections over higher priced or limited release options from known distillers. If their own products match their tastes in others, then we will soon have additional underrated distilleries.<br /><br />While the Heaven Hill is neither under or over rated, I do believe they have select products that are underrated by the general bourbon buyer (read not geeks who are in the know). For example, Evan Williams Single Barrel and Larceny. A lot of people walk right past these in their quest for Pappy or BTAC, and then back past them to pick up something with a flashy bottle or label when they strike out on Pappy or BTAC.mbroo5880inoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082156144028140004.post-50422660642231533112014-05-13T15:26:05.186-07:002014-05-13T15:26:05.186-07:00Anony, I appreciate your thoughts, and must let yo...Anony, I appreciate your thoughts, and must let you know that I don't chime in on blogs as a representative of the magazine. These are just my own thoughts, which don't necessarily jibe with those of the reviewers.<br /><br />That said, Lew recently wrote in his column that the standard Dad's Hat bottling had gotten better since his initial review, which came in at an 81 in 2012 (the same score that our Craft Whiskey of the Year had that same year). There are still few craft brands that have really risen to the top tier in the Buying Guide. I suppose it's still a factor of the short aging that's associated with most.<br /><br />I'm not familiar with any craft whiskeys that are fully available nationwide. We can get dismally few here in PA, and they tend to be more regional anyway, based mostly on production and distribution capacity, which, like most small distillers, they don't have a tremendous amount of.<br /><br />Also not sure why their physical location should necessarily correlate to the quality of the product. They're using Bucks County-sourced grain regardless, and plenty of other highly regarded craft distillers and brewers are located in industrial park-type facilities.<br /><br />I also applaud their moving steadily to large barrel aging, and I think that will pay off for them in a couple of years. They could label it as straight whiskey now (at 2 years old), but choose to keep aging until it gets where they want it to be.<br /><br />Plus, were I a reviewer, their Vya vermouth-finished expression would have gotten my Craft Whiskey of the Year award for 2013, but that's just me, and maybe my limited ability to purchase a lot of crafts.<br /><br />I came of age drinking Pennsylvania rye decades ago, watched it disappear and now tentatively return. Though I have a bottle of Rittenhouse in the cabinet (and Wild Turkey 101 rye, and High West Double Rye, among others) I keep a Dad's Hat right next to it, which will insure that the small, local guys remain capitalized and can eventually bring the product quality to where it can be...to where all of these small distillers really WANT it to be.<br /><br />By buying Dad’s Hat and other craft spirits that matter (and yes, there are those that don’t) I’m making an investment in a diverse American distilling future that will benefit us all, even those of you who may not feel that small investment is worth making at present.Sam Komlenicnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082156144028140004.post-84518712997603669932014-05-13T14:49:51.239-07:002014-05-13T14:49:51.239-07:00@anon: Japanese whiskies are truly great stuff and...@anon: Japanese whiskies are truly great stuff and, in some ways meritorious of an "underrated" designation. However, all Japanese whisky available in my neck of the woods makes single malt scotch prices look cheap. So much for being underrated in my book!Justinnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082156144028140004.post-68948680522527243282014-05-13T13:41:10.824-07:002014-05-13T13:41:10.824-07:00@Anonymous (May 13, 2014 at 1:32 PM) -- in agreeme...@Anonymous (May 13, 2014 at 1:32 PM) -- in agreement on Alberta. Would love to see their stuff down here in the States. Have had their ryes on numerous occasions and have always found them to be quite enjoyable.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082156144028140004.post-74040488513237003302014-05-13T13:37:00.719-07:002014-05-13T13:37:00.719-07:00As for underrated distilleries, I am surprised tha...As for underrated distilleries, I am surprised that no one has yet to mention any of the Japanese distilleries. Do not think any of them get much coverage in ratio to the quality of the product they produce. Their products are not cheap, nor are they of low quality.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082156144028140004.post-69222563403181556152014-05-13T13:32:58.595-07:002014-05-13T13:32:58.595-07:00@Sam Komlenic -- while I appreciate the shout out ...@Sam Komlenic -- while I appreciate the shout out for a product near the offices of WA, even your own ratings have Dad's Hat as just average at this time. They need time and resources to get better. I also have two knocks against the product.<br /><br />First, location, location, location. Instead of being in picturesque Upper Bucks, they are located in the shadows of the old Rhom & Haas / Dow Chemical plant in Bristol, PA.<br /><br />Secondly, much like Larceny, their product is not available on a national basis. We do not have access to it here in FL which is a fairly open state when it comes to liquor laws.<br /><br />As a person who enjoys rye whiskeys, I would enjoy nothing better than to see this company and product do well. However, at this time I would rather have a bottle of Rittenhouse 100 BiB at a lower price and readily available now in this market.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082156144028140004.post-28524385059799447012014-05-13T13:32:51.186-07:002014-05-13T13:32:51.186-07:00What about Alberta Distillers LTD? A lot of their ...What about Alberta Distillers LTD? A lot of their amazingly old and great tasting 100% ryes have (unfortunately?) been finding their way to the US market under some different names...<br /><br />I would like to see some more of their aged stock hit the USA, in the form of straight whiskey, not the blended Canadian style of stuff. <br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082156144028140004.post-24306169491707582232014-05-13T13:28:03.506-07:002014-05-13T13:28:03.506-07:00I'd vote for MB Roland as under-rated (and not...I'd vote for MB Roland as under-rated (and not well know in general, but produces small quantities). Their tobacco smoked whiskey transcends novelty and have all been excellent. Their recently released Bourbon is just fantastic.<br /><br />I'd also vote for Balcones, but I don't think they are under-rated at this point.<br /><br />For Scotch... Ardmore Traditional Cask. Great flavors and a great value ($25 locally) for mid-90 proof, 1/4 cask and NCF? Win-win-win.Tim Davishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09389751601810093506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082156144028140004.post-84039494416008796412014-05-13T10:59:52.269-07:002014-05-13T10:59:52.269-07:00I think A Smith Bowman is pretty underrated. Thei...I think A Smith Bowman is pretty underrated. Their John J Bowman Single Barrel and most of the Abraham Bowman limiteds are excellent. I think they only distribute to 20-25 statesAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082156144028140004.post-30990293745425699662014-05-13T10:21:47.560-07:002014-05-13T10:21:47.560-07:00I've enjoyed the work of Treaty Oak Distillery...I've enjoyed the work of Treaty Oak Distillery in Austin, though it's their gin I really love. They also make a fine rum.t ballnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082156144028140004.post-58908845694750175552014-05-13T08:08:43.653-07:002014-05-13T08:08:43.653-07:00Goes to show how subjective taste can be. I think...Goes to show how subjective taste can be. I think Larceny is a great pour at a great price...except that it's not available in the Peoples Republic of Pennsylvania.<br /><br />I'll second the Delaware Phoenix recommendation, too!Sam Komlenicnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082156144028140004.post-77129254688132729962014-05-13T06:43:29.406-07:002014-05-13T06:43:29.406-07:00I would add Delaware Phoenix, Forty Creek and Copp...I would add Delaware Phoenix, Forty Creek and Copper Fox (Wasmund's) <br /><br />Delaware Phoenix makes (in my opinion) excellent whiskies (100% rye, bourbon, corn and more recently wheat) and equally excellent absinthes (Cheryl Lins is an artist!) <br /><br />Copper Fox products are rather interesting and John Hall @ Forty Creek has been doing a wonderful job Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082156144028140004.post-10060673571231924242014-05-12T22:18:46.219-07:002014-05-12T22:18:46.219-07:00Kilchoman is everyone's darling (and rightfull...Kilchoman is everyone's darling (and rightfully so). Any more love and it gets spoiled.Florinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14445344658258056628noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082156144028140004.post-52411640288550304942014-05-12T19:44:50.376-07:002014-05-12T19:44:50.376-07:00I think Kilchoman doesn't get the love it shou...I think Kilchoman doesn't get the love it should - it's producing great stuff and it's released to little or no fanfare. Thomnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082156144028140004.post-19633310259434183992014-05-12T15:40:29.295-07:002014-05-12T15:40:29.295-07:00The good stuff out of Wild Turkey unfortunately go...The good stuff out of Wild Turkey unfortunately goes overseas. The 101 12 yr is truly fantastic. <br /><br />Current Old Forester out if Brown-Foreman, esp the 100 prf is crazy good for the money. <br /><br />I've tried 2-3 Balcones expressions and was pleased with all of them. I think the True Blue CS is great, though a bit young. <br /><br />Stranahan's out of Colorado makes great young malt. <br /><br />Most wheated bourbon is highly overrated, esp BTAC WL Weller. Weller 12 yr is a $20 whiskey and HH's Larceny tastes like a $2 one. You know the ass end is about to fall out when they start making a run on Larceny. <br /><br />Funky Tapehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09271221564702147756noreply@blogger.com