by Jay Erisman, EQ Wine and Spirits Manager

In this new year, we find ourselves very. Very. Thirsty. So thirsty, in fact, that 750 milliliters of Party Source Private Barrel Bourbon is simply not enough. Introducing the biggest Private Barrel ever, a full 59.192 ounces of new-charred-barrel aged mountain dew from the Buffalo Trace Distillery.

We’ve enjoyed Charter 101 since its release last year as a good value, high proof Bourbon. Selecting it in a single barrel makes it even better. There’s a subtle black fruit component, as well as good rye spice and an off-dry, though not outright sweet, overall character. The 50.5% abv will come thundering through any cocktail. And the price! At $35.99 per 1.75 liter bottle, it works out to $15.44 per fifth, and a 5% case discount takes that to just $14.66. That is a killer deal on a 101 proof whiskey, and a single barrel at that. It’s just the thing for these tough times.

by Jay Erisman, EQ Wine & Spirits Manager

The great Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, changed their name in 1999 from the George T. Stagg Distillery to Buffalo Trace. But in fact, for much of the 20th century they were popularly called the Ancient Age Distillery, due to their flagship brand. Ancient Age Bourbon is one of those old-school Bourbons that your grandfather drank, but it has always been excellent whiskey. The top of the line is Ancient Ancient Age, or “Triple-A” for short. It’s bottled at 10 years and 86 proof, and is not sold outside Kentucky. It’s long been a favorite of mine and many Bourbon lovers–writer Jim Murray is one noted adherent–but now there is possibly the best triple-A yet, available only at The Party Source. That would be our latest Private Barrel, the first ever Ancient Ancient Age single barrel bottling.

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