I’m leaving first thing in morning for a KY trip. I made my first trip there in 2003 or maybe 2004; can’t recall exactly. And since then most years I’ve been once or twice a year. This trip I’m going as representative from local Houston Bourbon group and helping select a couple of barrels for the group to enjoy. Our first stop will be at Four Roses. I’m lucky enough to have done this more than once. It’s a fantastic experience. Last time I was there picking a barrel, one of the best in the industry, Jim Rutledge, was there. Jim would walk you through the process, hand pulling samples from the barrels.
We will also be making trip over to MB Roland. I visited them once before about 4 years ago when they were just getting going. They were doing some stuff I thought was fascinating; distilling to only 100 proof and placing that straight into barrel. Nobody has done that in 50 years. I have not tried any of their whiskey since that visit, so looking forward to seeing how that turned out.
Even more important for me is who I will be making trip with. Along are a couple of longtime whiskey friends and a couple of newer ones. Really looking forward to just hanging out with these guys for a few days. Also, will get a chance to see a couple of good friends that live in KY. It’s going to be freezing, but so worth it.
Looking forward to some fresh views, thoughts, and opinions!
How was the MB Roland?
They are great folks and love their process – off the still about 110 and directly into barrel. From barrel to bottle with no added water. The group I was with selected 2 barrels that will be sold in Houston retail stores.