tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082156144028140004.post5359161767395826881..comments2024-03-13T04:04:32.568-07:00Comments on Sku's Recent Eats: Booker's Rye: Is Whiskey Over?skuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00487419662314518931noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082156144028140004.post-90746960119161080412016-08-30T13:30:24.954-07:002016-08-30T13:30:24.954-07:00Please don't quit blogging about whiskey. I kn...Please don't quit blogging about whiskey. I know it's a grind to produce new writing that isn't negative on a consistent basis, when the industry is in the middle of an overwhelmingly foolish period of hype, but I think your voice and your experience are so helpful to ordinary people.<br /><br />I have been reading your blog on and off for a few years and it really helped me navigate my way through the world of whiskey. It gave me a lot of valuable information and perspective. <br /><br />Maybe the thing to do is step back, reassess, and try to look at this differently. <br />Blog about whatever you like, but don't let this great resource die. <br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082156144028140004.post-35617580701633369462016-06-11T06:35:35.673-07:002016-06-11T06:35:35.673-07:00Please ignore the whiskies and henceforth review t...Please ignore the whiskies and henceforth review the liquid's mythical narratives, custom vessels/stoppers, label designs, and sacred handcrafted rememberance packaging. And please drop more hard-hitting exposes on us. Such as, Portable Communion Packaging: Are Distillers Doing Enough?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082156144028140004.post-18218625275230948762016-05-27T15:53:53.255-07:002016-05-27T15:53:53.255-07:00Those here who have "given up" on bourbo...<br />Those here who have "given up" on bourbon have way too tight a focus on the issue, in my humble opinion. There is still plenty of good whiskey out there waiting for you to get out of your high-end comfort zone.<br /><br />Look below the top shelf and find brands like Old Ezra, proudly 7 years old, very tasty, and less than twenty bucks. Evan Williams 1783, while no longer 10 years old, still contains older whiskey and is still priced right (thanks, Heaven Hill!)<br /><br />Eagle Rare, still 10 years old and under $30. Smooth Ambler, High West, Wild Turkey...I could go on. No way is bourbon over, in fact it's just getting its legs underneath it after the recent rush of popularity.<br /><br />Cry all you want about high prices, but you don't have to pay them to enjoy quality whiskey. We're still in way better shape than the single malt crowd.<br /><br />Me? I'll just sit back with some ice in a glass, covered with the best affordable whiskey I can find, and I can find plenty!Sam Komlenicnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082156144028140004.post-34365125286578075722016-05-25T22:33:46.612-07:002016-05-25T22:33:46.612-07:00SKU
You're outta you're bleeping mind. Yo...SKU<br /><br />You're outta you're bleeping mind. You're getting emotional. This is an HOMAGE TRIBUTE paying RESPECTS to the Booker's -- I, II, and III - and a so called "limited edition". This is not setting a precedent for all future 13 y/o Ryes. Come on, man.MasMexnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082156144028140004.post-68035551182294874972016-05-23T11:18:54.669-07:002016-05-23T11:18:54.669-07:00Hey, I just wanted to drop in and say "Whiske...Hey, I just wanted to drop in and say "Whiskey Tango Foxtrot?"<br /><br />This post from the same guy who JUST reviewed 30 year old Calvados?<br /><br />you know, like an average joe?<br /><br />remember the "Only VERY OLD FITZGERALD Night" at the LA Whiskey Society? drinking, secondary market at the time, multiple 2000$ bottles of whiskey?<br /><br />you know, like the college students do?<br /><br />I like your blog, sku, but your grasp of what is a luxury good is off...<br /><br />RickAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082156144028140004.post-59238591928294435582016-05-20T15:47:37.407-07:002016-05-20T15:47:37.407-07:00Forget the 300 beam, SKU.
Don't lose heart, t...Forget the 300 beam, SKU.<br /><br />Don't lose heart, there's always something interesting distilling in the bourbon/rye world!<br /><br />I mean, there's this:<br /><br />http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/money/2016/05/20/whistlepig-founder-thrown-out-his-own-company/84584918/Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082156144028140004.post-73361825989501266272016-05-20T12:44:38.267-07:002016-05-20T12:44:38.267-07:00"...Beam Suntory hosted a group of some of th..."...Beam Suntory hosted a group of some of the highest profile whiskey bloggers." THIS is the worst problem. Even worse than ryeholing customers for $300. Because you know many readers of these blogs (and we all know exactly which bloggers participated) mistake the softball-recitations of Beam's Willy Wonkaesque sales pitch, along with glowing comments and reviews, for objective information. But they assure us it's good Rye, so lazy-assed panacea acommplished... right??Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082156144028140004.post-14387637901707979052016-05-19T17:56:35.072-07:002016-05-19T17:56:35.072-07:00Thank you for asking the question. The short answe...Thank you for asking the question. The short answer is yes, bourbon is over. I can no longer rationalize spending more money on ever younger bourbon. The sweet spot for me is a 6-12 year bourbon, which there used to be plenty of at reasonable prices. Now when I go into the liquor store I quickly walk through the bourbon aisle to see if there are any sales, and then go see what 12 year old rums and decent scotch blends are there and more often then not that is what I'm leaving with. I grew up in Kentucky and have been drinking bourbon for awhile now (I'm 40) and I can't believe that i only use bourbons in cocktails now. I'm so fed up with what they did to my favorite bottles that I don't even get mad any more, I'm just done with them.<br />Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09631887872822458799noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082156144028140004.post-72173872243688588282016-05-19T09:06:07.600-07:002016-05-19T09:06:07.600-07:00I think this is not such a bad thing. By the esta...I think this is not such a bad thing. By the established brands setting such high price points, it leaves the middle wide open for the new independent guys. A new independent can make good money and grow selling $60 bourbon and rye. You can argue this boutique juice is overpriced for what it is, but in the long run, the quality of available good product will rise. This is what I really care about.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082156144028140004.post-78130344887055234992016-05-19T00:47:04.814-07:002016-05-19T00:47:04.814-07:00Sku, please don't leave the blogsphere. Your v...Sku, please don't leave the blogsphere. Your voice is rational, earthy and very funny at times.I found myself walking away from many special releases last fall and gave found a new fun. I like to buy barrel selections from a few of my trusted retailors.I find it fun to compare with the standard release and also to blend my own , like the 10 Four Roses mashbills. <br />Your insight helped my move away from obsessing about the chase and start just enjoying more. <br />Please find a new norm that keeps you happy and help us all learn with you.<br />I have turned my back on anything over $150 and never did nor never will buy from a flipper.<br />Peace brotherIndianaMarkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09147734033224302699noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082156144028140004.post-89501561001822389792016-05-18T22:13:10.430-07:002016-05-18T22:13:10.430-07:00Sku,
Your questioning the whole whiskey biz, craz...Sku,<br /><br />Your questioning the whole whiskey biz, crazy prices, and inaccessibility of new/ interesting blog-able material is the natural process that is just running its course. Its completely rational for you to wish to write about other things (other aged distillates are an obvious choice, given your expertise and current audience), and I would support you doing so by continuing to read. I have confidence that this whiskey fad will start to blow over in the next few years, as volume and prices go up, while quality invariably begins to slip (eh, no age statements? see its already started)- then the sheople will move on to other pastures, so to speak. <br /><br />I suppose now is an opportunity for the rest of us to diversify, explore other booze, drinks or food related obsessions in general, and see if whiskey was all that fabulous and worth coming back to if/when things get back on track. My current solution to the situation is to explore blending some of the whiskeys I've bought over the years but don't enjoy enough to drink regularly on their own. Disparate flavor profiles can become surprisingly complimentary in a blend. I've also found some inspiration from the old rectifier recipes, working with extracts (homemade so I know what's in it) to enhance flavor profiles of the stuff I can't find a "straight" way to fix and drink. <br /><br />I and obviously others, greatly appreciate your voice on whatever it is you choose to write about. Over the years it has amused, educated and oriented me considerably with regard to the spirits I enjoy drinking. I still stand in amazement (and in paralysis) in front of the K&L Armagnac, Calvados, Cognac and Brandy sections, - one of these days soon I'll get started. In the mean time, take a hiatus, road-trip, or even an "Archer-esque" (legendary booze aficionado)break from reality, to figure out what's the next thing you want to expend creative effort on. We'll be here, sipping on whatever swill doesn't cost us 300$ or get marketed with a mythical backstory.<br /><br />Cheers!tmsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082156144028140004.post-24894388576145264852016-05-18T16:17:28.691-07:002016-05-18T16:17:28.691-07:00That was supposed to be "not complete with in...That was supposed to be "not complete with insert-whiskey-here"ChuckVT83noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082156144028140004.post-17443999950487327402016-05-18T16:15:37.549-07:002016-05-18T16:15:37.549-07:00I'll second all the comments that love your bl...I'll second all the comments that love your blog. Please don't shut it down. Yours is the blog I like best - well, honestly, it's a tie between you and that other Chuck. ;-)<br /><br />What about teaching newcomers about all the bottles on the shelf less than $50? Back in my day, we spent a lot of time trying different inexpensive bottles to develop our palette and learn what appealed to us. <br /><br />Too many of today's newbies just don't care about learning. They are poisoned with the thought that "best" is something that exists and that they must have it. It really is sad to watch them think their life is not complete with . Actually, it's quite laughable at times. :-)ChuckVT83noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082156144028140004.post-41125424840315570082016-05-18T15:05:13.886-07:002016-05-18T15:05:13.886-07:00Please please don't stop blogging. You are an ...Please please don't stop blogging. You are an honest voice in the eats and drinks world, and quite candidly, a voice that doesn't profess as much, but rather informs, acclimatizes and points out hidden value gems to readers.<br /> <br />Whether it your review of K&L Single Barrel 24 Year Glenfarclas, or your recent post on Calvados, I have enjoyed both learning from and enjoying your "hidden gem" recommendations. The craft whiskey/spirits world, new global spirits, and even older but smaller distillers, beg for an honest/unbiased evaluation of their products, and the consumer needs more sane voices that review and recommend solid $/pour or $/bite finds. Then, there are other broader content themes that could lend themselves a more exploratory flavor, as in, if you enjoyed x, then you might want to try y. <br /><br />I hope you ultimately blog about what you enjoy the most! Thanks for all the diligence and candor you put into your posts every week, and thanks for teaching all your readers a thing or two along the way.<br /><br />Cheers,<br />VikVik Wnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082156144028140004.post-79358144400443394142016-05-18T13:42:11.515-07:002016-05-18T13:42:11.515-07:00Here's one issue with those other premiums men...Here's one issue with those other premiums mentioned...they are not Bookers. I have passed over Lock Stock & Boss Hog more times than I can remember. But even at $300 I would probably take a glance at Bookers Rye. I don't want to...but the name and the hype might just be enough to sway me in the right moment. <br />John Fitz, Russell's 1998 and countless Willetts have had no trouble disappearing at north of $250. Beam was smart to lure those writers (and bribe them) to create just enough hype.Jay Andrewnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082156144028140004.post-89172730237994975532016-05-18T10:15:43.161-07:002016-05-18T10:15:43.161-07:00You should review Minnesota-area Indian restaurant...You should review Minnesota-area Indian restaurants. A lot.<br /><br />(If you make the same joke on two different blogs, is it really a repeat?)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082156144028140004.post-52063971967204410832016-05-18T09:32:36.463-07:002016-05-18T09:32:36.463-07:00Sku, this is nothing that a stiff drink and a good...Sku, this is nothing that a stiff drink and a good cry can't fix. Feel better soon!Florinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14445344658258056628noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082156144028140004.post-73566428365390212662016-05-18T09:06:01.246-07:002016-05-18T09:06:01.246-07:00Many good comments here. Shows how much of a foll...Many good comments here. Shows how much of a following you have. I too check your blog often. I would never have tried Armagnac without reading your opinions. One way to make a stand and sleep peacefully at night would be to refuse to engage in tastings and or reviews of anything beyond a set price point. Other than the vintage offerings that are no longer available anyway. That would seem an honorable compromise that would allow you to continue to inform us while fighting back against obvious exploitation in the industry.Curthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04910025610707543893noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082156144028140004.post-22940006730263496992016-05-18T08:29:17.519-07:002016-05-18T08:29:17.519-07:00Here is the story about the Frank Bacons of the au...Here is the story about the Frank Bacons of the automotive blogging world.<br /><br />http://jalopnik.com/5891650/how-princess-dianas-former-flack-became-the-pied-piper-of-automotive-mediaAgent SJhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15550758613384723751noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082156144028140004.post-44877636236140272012016-05-18T08:18:53.150-07:002016-05-18T08:18:53.150-07:00There are many Micro-Distilleries popping up these...There are many Micro-Distilleries popping up these days.<br /><br />Some produce whiskey that is quite good, some produce paint stripper.<br /><br />It would be nice to know what was what, if you're up to the challenge.<br /><br />Just sayin'.JDhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13167492459207355552noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082156144028140004.post-83175514916811584512016-05-18T06:59:36.602-07:002016-05-18T06:59:36.602-07:00Three bills for a bottle of rye. Classic BMW cons...Three bills for a bottle of rye. Classic BMW consumerism, if it's expensive, it must be good. <br /><br />I'm new to the bourbon game, but back in the 90s my best friend comped me on a series of high end scotch tasting events in Philadelphia. My conclusion at the time was some of the best stuff on earth was less than $50 a bottle. An inflation calculator calls that $78.50 today.<br /><br />By the way who paid for Chuck's travel, food and lodging expenses? Is his blog a paid marketing. I don't see any negative comments on anything there.<br /><br />Cheers, MichaelAgent SJhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15550758613384723751noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082156144028140004.post-41876854294385364192016-05-18T06:19:16.094-07:002016-05-18T06:19:16.094-07:00It could be worse. At least you aren't a prin...It could be worse. At least you aren't a printer ink reviewer. That said, Davin de Kergommeaux is probably having a good laugh about the state of the non Canadian whiskey world right about now.<br /><br />It seems to me that Beam has almost always charged dumbass prices for their special releases. They were pretty reasonable with the Booker's 25th, but that was before their marketing mavens got high on their own farts amidst the genius of their plan to give Booker's cute names instead of batch numbers. Unfortunately, the history of this batch of rye makes it interesting enough to sell well. About the only thing I can think of to do about it is ignore it and hope that it goes away.<br /><br />Failing that, brandy and rum are still really inexpensive. Erichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12930242411804635662noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082156144028140004.post-91581355850331709002016-05-18T05:35:41.911-07:002016-05-18T05:35:41.911-07:00Hi Sku,
I feel your pain. I've asked the whis...Hi Sku,<br /><br />I feel your pain. I've asked the whisky/whiskey community to join me in helping figure out what you should do next: https://myannoyingopinions.com/2016/05/18/what-should-sku-blog-about-next/<br /><br />I'm hopeful we'll have some good ideas for you soon!<br /><br />M.A.O.My Annoying Opinionshttp://www.myannoyingopinions.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082156144028140004.post-41816074591457227122016-05-18T04:24:40.458-07:002016-05-18T04:24:40.458-07:00There is value in revisiting bourbons previously r...There is value in revisiting bourbons previously reviewed because of the decline in quality of standard expressions. Take Elmer T Lee for example, five years ago it was outstanding juice, today it's no better than Old Charter. So please revisit some of the standards as these expressions have declined significantly in quality.<br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16744749984126733328noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082156144028140004.post-57390967388471889402016-05-18T02:30:22.621-07:002016-05-18T02:30:22.621-07:00Hi Sku,
as a European from Germany I can well und...Hi Sku,<br /><br />as a European from Germany I can well understand your acute doubts about whisky blogging.<br /><br />If you go on and whereto is your decision - it's your show after all.<br /><br />What I as a whisky lover can very well understand is the frustration about the way things go whisky wise. A 13yo rye for $300 is bait. If you you take it you will never be able to get the worms back into the can.<br /><br />In 2005 over here first the independent bottlers and then the drinks giants, too started to bait us with Scotch single malt whiskies aged 25+ years first as single cask bottlings by the independents and then regular OB offerings for what seemed steep mountain-like prices that in hindsight appear as lovely mellow hillocks.<br /><br />We took the bait. In 2005 a OB Port Ellen Annual or Special Release as the last ones were called was below 200 €. The last one of 2015 was 3500.- € a bottle. <br />Prices for standard OBs 10-12yo are in a range starting from about 30-33.- €. In 2005 they were somewhere between 21-25.- €. Does not sound over much but I wish my income would raise at the same speed.<br />18-20yo single malts are somewhere between 60-70.- € if you can get them for a reasonable price many companies think they can ask 120.- € ++ for a 18-20yo. <br /><br />I am sure you have seen the same in the US. Not only with Scotch. <br /><br />Not only did Suntory pay a princely sum for Beam. They aquired managers with the deal that saw what is possible on the European Scotch market. The curse of premiumisation e.g. asking premium prices for standard whisky offerings has worked for the drinks companies. In a way.<br />Scotch exports in bottles shipped fell while value increased for the last three years. <br /><br />From where I watch things it does seem that the whisky industry is pricing more and more customers out of the market. Nip them in the bud!<br /><br />That is why I think that the Beam rye is bait. If the market takes it more of the same will follow.<br /><br />Personally I would miss your independent thoughts on whisky.<br /><br />Greetings<br />kallaskander<br /><br />kallaskandernoreply@blogger.com