Meeting Results – Local Favorites (Pennsylvania vs. New York) – June 3, 2023
The June meeting of the Proof & Bond Society focused on two disparate local favorites; one from Pennsylvania and one from New York. Below we have a summary of the results of those tastings and the cumulative average scores of all of our members.
3799 Bourbon
Proof:
90 Proof | 45% ABV
Age:
XX Years
Distillery:
presenter:
Gian Villamil
Reception:
First up was a Pennsylvania distillery sought out by one of our members. This bourbon whiskey was received warmly by our group, Most everyone mentioned the presence of the wood on the spirit, with a running theme among reactions being that the bourbon was dark and heavy. From the motor oil-like color (not a bad thing) to the overwhelming flavor of the oak, which sometimes manifested as burnt cookies and dark chocolate, the whiskey left quite an impression. One member mentioned that the bourbon would be better in a cocktail than alone, and for some price was a sticking point. This bourbon hit and lingered in a not-unpleasant way, but even with the addition of water the spirit never rose above just good in our Society’s estimation.
Final Rating: 3.375 / 3.5*
Proof:
92 Proof | 46% ABV
Age:
>3 years
This straight rye from New York sent the congregation into a bit of a tailspin. Finished in maple syrup barrels, Short Stack led to some unprecedented rapturous reviews. Described as fruity, nutty, and sweet with a grassy, pineapple scent, Short Stack left people just as speechless ebullient. “Wow,” “crazy,” and “absolutely insane” were just some of the exclamations people used while trying to wrap their minds around the rich, sweet flavor. That and “schizophrenic.” There was just something about the interplay between rye and maple syrup that sent people’s thoughts spinning. One attempt to describe the not-unpleasant flavor was “jazz/riot.” This was one of the most eagerly embraced and repeatedly-sampled spirits we’ve ever had, and since the tasting anyone who has just joined or missed this session has been eagerly impressed upon to try this spirit to catch up. On stray low grade, however, from someone not on its vibe, kept this one just short of 4 ponits.
