🥃 TREMOR RESERVE IV Order by 9/11 — Order Details in post #259

[MVI]

Hey all — got an update worth reading, so grab a pour and settle in.

I swung by The Whiskey Blendery today. They took in a shipment of barrels last week, and tucked into it were some 13-year-old ryes. I got to taste one, and… wow. Cherry and dark fruit notes running through a rye — which is genuinely rare — and it drank way below its proof. The kind of pour that makes you go quiet for a second. It's really, really good.

Here's the thing I want to talk through with you all. Everything we've picked so far has been in the 8.5–9 year range. Jumping up to a 13-year barrel is a real step up in age, and it comes with a step up in price — we'd be looking at roughly $150 a bottle, plus tax and shipping. Now, for a 13-year single barrel rye of this quality, that's honestly a fantastic price. But I won't sugarcoat it: it's more than we've asked before, and more than most folks typically spend on a bottle of whiskey. I respect that, and I don't want to make that call for the group.

So this is a gut-check: do we want to take it up a notch and chase one of these 13-year barrels, or stick with the sub-10-year picks we've done so far? Those younger barrels are going to be excellent — no question. But I'll be straight with you: set side by side with the 13-year, the older barrel is a standout. Buy once, cry once? That's the question on the table.

Now for the wrinkle that changes our timing. These barrels are evolving daily — and in the heat of the day, hourly. Tim, the owner, showed me a barrel this week he loved, and after letting it sit a few hours the notes he liked had vanished; now they're watching to see if they come back. What that means for us is that we'd want to taste, pick, and bottle right then to lock in the exact profile we fell for.

That flips my original plan for how we'd do the pick. The Blendery team is strongly encouraging us to come onsite as a group and select in person. And if we want a shot at one of these 13-year ryes, we need to move — they're sold first-come, so we'd have to get in there next week.

Which brings me to the real question: who's up for a trip to the Dallas area to spend an hour or two tasting whiskey? Drop a reply here if you're in or interested, and let me know your read on the 13-year question while you're at it. If the appetite's there, I'll start pinning down a day.

Mike - you can sign @MVI up for the tasting.

 

[speeddev]

In for the 13 year and wish I had time to head up next week. Again, thank you for your work on this!

 

[AppStateDDS]

I’m still good for 2 bottles even at a higher price point. Count me in for that, but not to partake in a tasting event.

 

[JDP]

I am still in for 3-4 bottles of 13-year Rye. Depending on the day on whether I can come down for the tasting.

 

[mrmag00]

Still in at the higher price sound like a great barrel you sampled.

 

[512Tremor]

I’m down for multiple bottles.

 

[DTX2023Tremor]

It's Official — Barrel Pick Set for Tuesday, Aug 18 @ 1:00 PM

We're locked in! Our Reserve IV barrel selection is confirmed for Tuesday, August 18 at 1:00 p.m. at The Whiskey Blendery. If you want to be in the room where we pick this one, this is your shot.

Please reply to confirm if you're planning to attend. We need to keep the group to no more than 10 people, so I'll hold spots on a first-come basis as replies come in.

Location
The Whiskey Blendery
147 Lloyd's Rd, Ste 100
Oak Point, TX 75068

A little prep goes a long way. Tasting barrel samples at full proof is a different animal than sipping at home, and how you show up genuinely affects what you'll be able to pick out of the glass. A few pointers for the day:

• Eat a real meal first. Don't come in on an empty stomach — these run high-proof, and you'll both taste better and feel better with some food in you. Something with a bit of fat and protein is ideal.
• Skip the mint. No toothpaste, mouthwash, gum, or mints right beforehand — mint absolutely flattens your ability to taste whiskey. Brush a couple hours ahead and just rinse with water as it gets close.
• Lay off the strong stuff. Coffee, cigarettes, and spicy or garlicky food beforehand all linger and muddy the palate. Save the coffee for the drive home.
• Go fragrance-free. Easy on the cologne, perfume, scented lotion, and hand sanitizer — a huge part of tasting happens on the nose, and strong scents throw off your read (and everyone standing next to you).
• Hydrate. Drink plenty of water before and during. A sip of water between pours resets your palate and keeps you sharp through the lineup.

This is the fun part, folks. Reply below to claim one of the 10 spots, and let's go find something we'll be proud to pour and share with our fellow Tremor whiskey enthusiasts.

@MVI @JDP

 

[MVI]

@DTX2023Tremor
SPOT #1 assigned.
-- 1300h on a work day will be tight, but I'll be there.
Gotta earn the TR4 Badge

 

[Load]

Mike, I'm still in for 2 bottles. I have the utmost confidence in your ability to find the best tasting bourbon. To much on the plate to do an in person tasting.

 

[Tbell]

still in for 2 at the higher price!

 

[JDP]

Wish I could make it, but Tuesday is a nut I can't crack. I trust you'll make a great selection.

 

[Streetcruzer]

Whatever is decided Mike, I'm still in for 1 for sure!

 

[HBTFD]

I wish I could be there. 13 yr old rye sounds like a winner.

 

[RickLB]

We’re still in for two at the higher price, y’all always make good decisions this!

 

[MrFancypants]

I will be in Houston for 3 hours on Monday afternoon, does that help?

Guessing not, but I will be there in spirit (pun intended). And I’m fine for 1 or 2 bottles at the higher price, Mike. Pick a legend!

 

[Wildcat82]

Still in for 2, can't make the taste testing due to kids starting school.

 

[🇺🇸BoonesRide22🇺🇸]

I’m still in for 4 either way.

Wish I could make it for the tasting too.

 

[Briski]

Life has been busy. I’m in for (2) two to slow it down.
Cheers

 

[MVI]

@DTX2023Tremor

Yo yo Mike, SPOT #2 is locked in

Layne.

 

[r00ster]

I wish, Tuesday sucks for me but I am in for 2 bottles of whatever ya'll pick.