2018 Private barrel picks
KNOB CREEK RYE
5 years & 8 months in the barrel, Barrel Strength of 131.4 proof, bottled at 115. An outstanding pick. This brand doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. Full of complex flavor with a full body, this bottle empties itself a little too quickly into our glasses.
The picking team was comprised of the following group members:
Group Founder Eddie Noel of Walton Kentucky
Mark McNulty of Louisville, Ky
Todd Smith of Jackson, MO
Gregg Wurth of Louisville, KY
KNOB CREEK RYE
BOONE COUNTY 14 YEAR - Pick No. 2
14 Years of MGP Beauty.
Who doesn’t love a 14 year old barrel of MGP goodness? These MGP high rye barrels may have all been distilled in the same place, but when aged in the particular conditions of each distillery, they take on something truly unique. Boone County is one of the handful of distilleries where these barrels have aged into something beautiful. These Boone County barrels have a dark, sweet, often earthy aroma. The flavor is full of bourbon caramel and oak, and often contains the unique presence of cooking spice and dark fruit. This bottle is a group favorite.
The picking team was comprised of the following group members:
Group Founder Eddie Noel of Walton Kentucky.
Scott Early, of Mt. Washington, KY
Joe Cox, of Louisville KY
Jeremy Kruer, of Louisville KY
Alan Keck, of Somerset KY
BOONE COUNTY 14 YEAR - Pick No. 2
WHISTLEPIG MGP RYE, 12 & 13 YEAR
“Our Final Tribute to a Legend”
These barrels cannot go mentioned without taking a moment to remember the real hero of WhistlePig, Dave Pickerell. He was a man on a mission, who lived passionately breathing life into whiskey in America, and the world. He had a strong influence on the current renaissance of American Rye whiskeys, and if you love a good Rye, have a drink in his name. Rest in Peace Dave.
We were so fortunate to be able to spend an entire weekend at WhistlePig, enjoying their incredible hospitality, and getting to spend time with the man himself. This was the second to last barrel selection he ever did. We were all thankful for his presence, but in retrospect, we consider the time with him priceless. The credit for these barrels goes completely to him. He hand selected 4 barrels of his best MGP Rye, we loved them all, and bought them all. 2 for the Cartel, 2 for Prav’s personal stores.
What else can we say, except that most of us feel these were the best bottles we tasted in 2018, period.
Barrel 1 was 12 years bordering on 13, at 116.2°
Barrel 2 was 13 years bordering on 14, at 122.5°
The following group members were lucky enough to be a part of this momentous barrel selection:
Group Founder Eddie Noel of Walton Kentucky
Pravesh Saraff, of Washington DC
Jay Parker, of Pewee Valley KY
Kurt Watson, of Canada
John Giegerich, of Atlanta GA
WHISTLEPIG MGP RYE, 12 & 13 YEAR
WHISTLEPIG MGP RYE, 12 & 13 YEAR
OLD WELLER ANITIQUE
World famous, 7 years in the barrel, from beloved Buffalo Trace. Who doesn’t love a bottle of OWA? A coveted affordable pour that’s hard to find on the shelves, but is priceless to many despite the low cost. This barrel did not disappoint.
Here’re the members who were lucky to be on this selection:
Group Founder Eddie Noel of Walton Kentucky.
Mark McNulty
Paul Battaglia
Linden Ferguson
Steve Clem
Kenny Coleman
OLD WELLER ANITIQUE
NEW RIFF BOURBON - Pick No.1
Our First Barrel from New Riff.
This first barrel was quickly followed up by 2 more in early 2019. We don’t know how they did it, but New Riff has created something absolutely unique, and we’re right here along for the ride. They have their entire process down to a science, and if you haven’t had a chance to try any, you need to. Try one of their various tours offered, if you want a wonderful opportunity to see their facility, learn about their vision, and meet the awesome team.
They have taken single barrel selections to a whole new level. With a passionate team and a beautiful space, it’s a luxury experience.
"I'm Riff James Bitch!" 112.8 Barrel Proof
1792 FULL PROOF
What was once lost, became one of the best stories of generosity.
This barrel was selected by a group of our members down at the Barton distillery. Long story short, the fantastic barrel we had selected was sent to another unknown store, and we believed it to be lost. Sad day indeed! Fast forward to the day when the group was contacted – because “The Bourbon Cartel” was drawn on the barrel head… and the barrel was found! We were all excited, but as none of us lived in the state it was sent to, and it was being sold at that store, we thought we were out of luck. However, a beloved member of the Cartel went above and beyond, and offered to personally fly across the country to purchase bottles — so that everyone in the group could have one. A Christmas miracle!
“I’m gonna fly across the country and buy bottles for all of you”
Cartel Claus
The members who were part of selecting this barrel:
Eddie Noel
Pravesh Saraff
Paul Battaglia
Michael St. Pierre
Scott Barfield
Linden Ferguson
Steve Clem
Darren Messer
1792 FULL PROOF
MB ROLAND RYE
3 Year Rye in a 30 gallon barrel.
Barrel No. H09 – 16C. Barreled in March 2016. Barrel Proof at 102.2.
The selection team included:
Eddie Noel
Todd Smith
Jared Thatcher
John Edwards
Patrick Garrett
Josh Reeves
Jay Parker
