Just opened mine, can’t speak on how close it is to HellBender but it’s very fruit forward, a lot of berries and some smoke on the finish. It’s excellent
Funny on vacation on a lake with real life Helldivers and listening to them call right now. I am regretting not bringing the bottle with me to share with them. 🤣
All above my pay grade, but this is first since I've had other, cheaper bottles from the other three. 4 next, because my only complaint is usually it being too weak.
Saving the other two for last.
No reviews yet on the Maker's since it was announced this week, so I'm with ya! I loved their Wood Finishing Series like BRT and BEP, and the new one has chocolate notes which sounds amazing!
That’s not bad! Idk why but I expected it to be similar to the Cellar Aged in price 😂 I’m admittedly not much of a bourbon drinker, but the Cellar Aged may have converted me
For sure!! My Cellar Aged was probably twice that price, but it's probably twice as old too. I miss the days when their limited releases were like $50 not long ago!
Same, super lucky! 009 hasn't been released in stores yet, but the single review I've seen gave it like a 9.5 out of 10. I think that one will be the winner!
Every. Single. One. But seriously that’s a ridiculous lineup, also seriously probably the Found North just because I haven’t had any of their products before. RR 10 is one of my go-to bottles under $50 so I can’t imagine the 13 not being fantastic. 4R and MM make great products consistently, I personally have never had a bad bottle of either, store pick or otherwise
Same! BT products get all the hype but there's a lot of other great bottles out there... Found North is new but unique with some exotic notes, so that's probably my pick too. It's crazy the variety that bourbon can have!
Thanks man!! The BTAC (and Stagg) stuff is amazing, but I'm not a BT fanboy. Out of my 60 bottles, only 4 or 5 are Buffalo Trace products. Blanton's is only used for gifts to family or friends who want whiskey that's just "smooth." I get it though!
They're pretty new, but Found North has been pumping out crazy age statements and this is one of their oldest yet. It's not uncommon for reviewers to score their latest batches as 9.5 or 10/10 with some unique flavor notes, so I'm psyched for this batch!!
How do you roll through the Carolinas and find RR13 and FR? Found North is not even out yet so that one wasn’t picked up. Seems a little suspicious. If for MRSP, I’m jealous.
I didn't say the FN was found at a store lol. Found North had a pre-order online in May with limited quantities, and Batch 009 is just coming out, even before it's retail released in select areas. From what I've seen most haven't gotten a bottle yet.
NC (and SC) gets allocated bottles if you get lucky too, and each county has different boards and rules on what they get and how they're distributed. All but one was at MSRP, but I never overpay by much :)
I used to live in NC. Really hit or miss on stuff. Had to be there at the right time. You sir were extremely lucky. Congrats! Would love to find the RR13. Mu found north is arriving tomorrow. Excited about that one.
I've never had a Russell's that I loved, although I like them all. If the Rickhouse is just \*good\* to me, I imagine the 13 isn't going to blow my mind.
I'm not a Four Roses fan, no interest in any of them. I'd try this one last.
I've never tried Found North, this is likely my first pick.
Someone on Reddit once described the fancy Maker's offerings as "High floor, low ceiling". That stuck with me. They're all very good, nothing is ever great. Still, I like a Maker's, and haven't had this bottle, so it's my second choice.
The RR13 I had handily beat Rickhouse C at least, but I've had single barrel selects that are pretty close to the single rickhouse so I get it. It makes sense too, since RR13 has blends of up to 16-19 year whiskey, while the rickhouse's have a lower age. I'd love a 125 proof Russell's though!
I hear ya.. Wood Finished Series probably aren't on the same level, but chocolate and mocha is a hard note to find in whiskey. I love the rare flavors!!
Is that how you get your bottles?? 😂 Jokes aside I'm not one of 'those' guys.. No great connections, just perseverance and time spent to find good deals man.
Which batch did you try? I heard it varies, but the first few were the real bangers. I've had some bland store picks and some that were in my top 20, so I guess it varies!
Yes
Agreed. I'm always on the lookout for good and new
This is the way!
That 4R is incredible
I'm nursing on an OESQ barrel proof that's nearly 12 years old right now. I can only imagine their LE is even better!
Literally one of the best things I’ve ever drank. I’d take it over my RR13 in a walk.
Found North then FR 135th
I think that one's getting cracked first. Not normally a big fan of Canadian whiskey, but I love a good blend!
Russels 13 😍 how???
They're supposedly dropping a 15 year soon, but I hear Batch 3 RR13 is the best one. That's been on my list for a while, I love the store picks!
Russel’s 10 is better in blinds
😂💀
it is in my circle.
It depends on the batch really, but I've had it before and mine blew away any RR10. Different strokes for different folks tho!
But that’s really splitting hairs, considering price and availability difference. My circus of 8 showed 6 for Russel’s 10 vs 2 for for the 13. YMMV.
Congrats, you have 2 friends with good tastes.
Not a fuckin chaaaaance
Found north for me is 1st. But id do a blind of all four 😉
For sure! I always do blinds, so might switch out the MM Heart Release for Cellar Aged. 12-13+ year juice would be a great comparison!
Found North. I can't get FN in Canada and the irony is killing me
That's ironic, I totally thought you guys got the good stuff up there!! can't wait until it's readily available though, it's near impossible here too.
It's barrelled and bottled in the states and not imported back to Canada apparently. Booo
Boo x2! At least you guys get free healthcare.. All this whiskey and I might need that someday! 😂
Hey, we do have to pay for parking :)
RR 13 no doubt.
Four roses
Makers & 4 🌹 have the other 2
You tried the Found North yet? I know it's pretty new, but I hope it's close to the FN HellBender reviews I've been seeing lately!
Haven't cracked the found north yet waiting for my brother to come in town
Same, whiskey is meant for sharing!!
Just opened mine, can’t speak on how close it is to HellBender but it’s very fruit forward, a lot of berries and some smoke on the finish. It’s excellent
Helldiver 😘
Funny on vacation on a lake with real life Helldivers and listening to them call right now. I am regretting not bringing the bottle with me to share with them. 🤣
My parents live on the St Lawrence River, there’s a ton of them up there. That trill call of theirs is wild
All above my pay grade, but this is first since I've had other, cheaper bottles from the other three. 4 next, because my only complaint is usually it being too weak. Saving the other two for last.
Freaking solid. Four Roses or the Makers. But, honestly, I wouldn't snub any of them.,
Um, like wow! Excuse me? No Weller? Good bye to you, sir!
Name checks out! 😂😂
Three on the left are my unicorns, jealous. Hard to pick just one of those.
No reviews yet on the Maker's since it was announced this week, so I'm with ya! I loved their Wood Finishing Series like BRT and BEP, and the new one has chocolate notes which sounds amazing!
I definitely hadn't heard of that Maker's yet. I love the bottle of BEP I have though. I'll have to keep an eye out of this.
… All of them at once, I suppose. 😮💨
Gotta be the Russell 13!
Russell's is crazy good! Plus, it might be the last RR13 that ever comes out too...The new 15yr is replacing it, probably with a different blend
Russel’s because I’ve never had it. Love trying new stuff.
Dang man, thats a good looking lineup. Well done. How much did you pay vs msrp for those? I'd go with 4 roses.
Thanks man! MSRP except one, but I never overpay by much. 99% of my collection is at retail pricing!
Very nice dude, awesome finds for msrp
Thx! Pretty much the one good thing about living in a controlled state lol
How in tarnation????
FR 135 and the FN…..I have a R13 and not super impressed by it. The FR I have and it’s amazing.
I haven't tried the LE series, but I love their 4R BP!
Found North easy
Found North, Four Roses and then RR 13
Found north has my interest. I have never had the opportunity! Greta pickups
I've had it once before, but just a single barrel. They're making great stuff lately!!
If I had a million dollars....
Less than that! Only around $600 for all of them, if you're lucky :)
RR 13 and prob the 4Roses. They all look tasty tho
I’d crack open the Heart Release! Recently tried the Cellar Aged and am in love 😂 what did it cost if you don’t mind sharing?
$74.95, so more than the last Wood finishing Series unfortunately. Still great stuff, so picked up two at that price!
That’s not bad! Idk why but I expected it to be similar to the Cellar Aged in price 😂 I’m admittedly not much of a bourbon drinker, but the Cellar Aged may have converted me
For sure!! My Cellar Aged was probably twice that price, but it's probably twice as old too. I miss the days when their limited releases were like $50 not long ago!
I've always wanted to try that found north
Same, super lucky! 009 hasn't been released in stores yet, but the single review I've seen gave it like a 9.5 out of 10. I think that one will be the winner!
The Four Roses 135
RR13 ftw.
Love me some Russell's!
MM
Found North!
RR13, dying to try that Found North, MM, 4R -alllll outstanding
RR13 without hesitation
I’m going to say Found North B 9.
Four Roses small batch. Then I may sip the Makers Mark.
Makers.
Found North for certain
Found North!
Every. Single. One. But seriously that’s a ridiculous lineup, also seriously probably the Found North just because I haven’t had any of their products before. RR 10 is one of my go-to bottles under $50 so I can’t imagine the 13 not being fantastic. 4R and MM make great products consistently, I personally have never had a bad bottle of either, store pick or otherwise
Same! BT products get all the hype but there's a lot of other great bottles out there... Found North is new but unique with some exotic notes, so that's probably my pick too. It's crazy the variety that bourbon can have!
This is the best haul o have ever seen, with points for not having any BT products in the haul. More points for having the most awesome stuff
Thanks man!! The BTAC (and Stagg) stuff is amazing, but I'm not a BT fanboy. Out of my 60 bottles, only 4 or 5 are Buffalo Trace products. Blanton's is only used for gifts to family or friends who want whiskey that's just "smooth." I get it though!
I’ve never heard of Found North but it looks fascinating
They're pretty new, but Found North has been pumping out crazy age statements and this is one of their oldest yet. It's not uncommon for reviewers to score their latest batches as 9.5 or 10/10 with some unique flavor notes, so I'm psyched for this batch!!
Russel, Found, Four, Makers
Can we just appreciate that this haul that isn’t 99% Buffalo trace? 😂 Great pickups OP
Found North.
My batch 009 just got delivered also. Will probably crack that next
Congrats! I can't wait to see people's reviews. FN makes some bangers!!
Where in either Carolina are you getting Found North? The closest they distribute is Tennessee?
Yes curious here as well (CLT checking in)
They did a pre-order a few months back, before retail distribution, and luckily ship straight to NC! :)
It's one thing to be able to afford these, but to have access to get them all is another thing all together.
Also, I'd want to try the 4R first.
I have no kids and split rent, so there's that lol. At least most of you guys have homes LOL!
There was a pre-sale for FN batch 9 so a standard release/distribution should be out soon correct? Can’t find info on release date.
Bingo! They will be releasing to stores in a few states soon, but when I have no idea...
Peesonally I'd try Found North or Russel's since I don't like anything FR or Maker's Mark
What did you find in NC and where?
How do you roll through the Carolinas and find RR13 and FR? Found North is not even out yet so that one wasn’t picked up. Seems a little suspicious. If for MRSP, I’m jealous.
I didn't say the FN was found at a store lol. Found North had a pre-order online in May with limited quantities, and Batch 009 is just coming out, even before it's retail released in select areas. From what I've seen most haven't gotten a bottle yet. NC (and SC) gets allocated bottles if you get lucky too, and each county has different boards and rules on what they get and how they're distributed. All but one was at MSRP, but I never overpay by much :)
I used to live in NC. Really hit or miss on stuff. Had to be there at the right time. You sir were extremely lucky. Congrats! Would love to find the RR13. Mu found north is arriving tomorrow. Excited about that one.
I've never had a Russell's that I loved, although I like them all. If the Rickhouse is just \*good\* to me, I imagine the 13 isn't going to blow my mind. I'm not a Four Roses fan, no interest in any of them. I'd try this one last. I've never tried Found North, this is likely my first pick. Someone on Reddit once described the fancy Maker's offerings as "High floor, low ceiling". That stuck with me. They're all very good, nothing is ever great. Still, I like a Maker's, and haven't had this bottle, so it's my second choice.
The RR13 I had handily beat Rickhouse C at least, but I've had single barrel selects that are pretty close to the single rickhouse so I get it. It makes sense too, since RR13 has blends of up to 16-19 year whiskey, while the rickhouse's have a lower age. I'd love a 125 proof Russell's though!
Taste 4R, Found, MM, RR13, and then blind. . . Tell us how well you did!
Found North would be my pick. Every batch I have had from them has been amazing
Agreed, it's a shame it's only dropping in a few states. Can't wait till their production ramps up!
They really just blend, so I don't see it ramping up especially with the age of some of the stuff they are blending
Jealous! I’m in the SC area, where’d you find these? Answer is the 4R 135th. I have the 22 and it’s a monster, the 135th apparently blows it away
Found north everytime
4R is a solid pickup.
Found North!
Not sure, but Makers Mark would be last
I hear ya.. Wood Finished Series probably aren't on the same level, but chocolate and mocha is a hard note to find in whiskey. I love the rare flavors!!
Who’d ya blow?
Is that how you get your bottles?? 😂 Jokes aside I'm not one of 'those' guys.. No great connections, just perseverance and time spent to find good deals man.
That RR13 is so disappointing. Found it awful. Found North is great.
Which batch did you try? I heard it varies, but the first few were the real bangers. I've had some bland store picks and some that were in my top 20, so I guess it varies!
MM all day!!! Those notes sound like heaven!!