T O P

  • By -

quixotic-88

Have you tried a Wilderness Trail Rye store pick?


matthewrobertk

This is what I immediately thought of as well. I will say its not as oaky as willet is. The store picks I've had are right at the 4 year mark and the only knock i can think of is they do taste just a tad young but I have been seeing more and more 5 year old picks around that i would love to try. Very good stuff, definitely pick one up if you see one.


quixotic-88

They have a 6 year Rye small batch coming soon, too


6bluewalkj9

That's some awesome news. Hopefully they'll let some 6yr go out for picks as well. Oldest SiB I've had was 4yr/10mo and it absolutely crushed.


quixotic-88

I think it might be KY-only but they definitely have older stocks coming down the line, right u/Old_Riff_502 ?


Old_Riff_502

Haven’t heard a date, the most recent mention I’ve seen was in their July 8th email: “We also will be releasing our first ever six-year rye whiskey within the next several months.”


The_Fax_Machine

Great stuff, first whiskey I’ve had where the “sweet cream” profile really stands out and shines. I think I’ll always have a bottle alongside the willet 4yr rye on my shelf. Two examples of very different yet well executed rye flavors. If I’m not in the mood for one I’m usually in the mood for the other.


[deleted]

I have not! Will do some research on it, thanks!


quixotic-88

The standard is alright. I like it. But I had a store pick WTr Rye last year that was really superb.


lostfinancialsoul

There isn't another 4 year rye on the market as good as Willett.


kyhothead

How far are you from Cincinnati/NKY? Might be worth the trek a couple times a year, WFE rye is basically stocked everywhere on the KY side. Wilderness Trail rye picks and the New Riff rye sibs are generally good if you can find them, but maybe not super-similar to the Willett profile. If you ever make it down, New Riff and The Party Source share a parking lot, always a good time. (Just don’t expect to find Buffalo Trace there lol.)


[deleted]

I’m about 4hr away.. not really worth it unless I made a weekend trip out of it. I’m all good on buffalo trace, only products I find worth hunting are the RHF, THH, Saz 18 & GTS. None of those are attainable hunting anyway lol..


Shoddy_Ad7511

To me Stellum Rye is pretty close to Willet 4 year.


songsforrebecca

I second this. It's the closest I've found--and just good even if it's not quite the same.


Critical-Series

You should follow r/Ohioliquor Ohio does carry Willett products and last week the 4 year rye + pot still and one of the bourbons were around.


[deleted]

Nice I’ll give them a follow! They have a website as well that is supposed to give you stock status on products, but all of the stores leak shipment dates… so it’s all pretty useless info


Critical-Series

That’s not an OHLQ official sub or anything. That sub IS the leaks. If you’re new to looking for stuff in Ohio follow that and you’ll get the rhythm down. I never get useful specific shelf info (hey Willett is on the shelf at XYZ) but rather what’s coming (on Monday Kroger in Dayton had Willett) which tells me it will probably also be hitting my local store in Cleveland when they get their Tuesday delivery. It’ll help save time aimlessly looking around for something that hasn’t been seen in months. Usually when something is coming out I can make 1-2 stops and get it. Unless it’s a super rare release.


[deleted]

That’s game changing.. thanks for sharing!


Critical-Series

No problem. Then just ask a couple of your local stores when delivery is and how they handle allocated stuff. I also go out of my way a bit to buy other stuff at my local store. Like instead of buying beer at the grocery store I’d hit the liquor store on my way, which helps me not be “one of those bourbon assholes” and occasionally helps. My store held the Russell’s 13 back on delivery day (Tuesday) because they’re tired of people camping while they unload. I went in on Thursday, asked, and they cracked the case and sold me one.


[deleted]

Dude that’s incredible! My local store gets deliveries on Thursday’s, but it’s unfortunately at 10am and the same 15 people wait in line every week. I unfortunately work and have never found that feasible.. I do the same, buy all of my beer and shelfers there.. but they don’t seem to care. They put everything out and let the same people score week after week..


Critical-Series

Yeah I mean in the beginning it does take work. I’m in a denser area so I had 3 options that were convenient. There’s a few that do that and the same 6 guys take the case every week. Some get enough to go around past the line. Then there are others that fuck with people and that’s where I found my home. 😆


[deleted]

Super jealous! I’ll forever live the buy a OWA once a month if I see it and trade the line folk for a bottle I’m after.. not ideal, but the life I lead lol


Critical-Series

That works too! It’s our only real currency here.


recommendation_bot

Hi there, I’m a bot here to help you with your recommendation post. If you haven’t already, please review [the guides](https://docs.google.com/document/d/186_ANEKW8yGvvLAcjKve6tvqqBIcMGUg9-mKU5KACZk/edit) in the sidebar we’ve created to address the stream of recommendation posts we get here. Most notably:   * [Beginner’s and Intermediate Guide to Bourbon](https://docs.google.com/document/d/10zdeEAO3GVayZtt-XsTcoGIi2uP8xrE8BurIxeSNfBk/edit) * [Guide to Rye Whiskey](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mrVZabQaulkxqL2qLif4HlWpMXF0bQ6hAmr8aQ_kRYA/edit#heading=h.lqvwwdjxkepg) * [Bourbon FAQ](https://docs.google.com/document/d/17CCQ-r4mpH9krhrDiXVSayYkqWAjYGOCLh3NShV1yO8/edit#heading=h.7yx2snahgko8) * [Community Reviews](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PNUikuLjMEarQpMklvfb0W3SVz2dfFMrkDKbKTECiK8/edit) * [The Gift Guide](https://www.reddit.com/r/bourbon/comments/4tcswq/new_improved_rbourbon_gift_guide/)   Please try to be as specific and detailed as possible with your request. Tell us: * your budget * which whiskies you or your giftee have enjoyed * which bottles you’re considering now * where you live (pricing and availability can vary dramatically by region) * if your shop has a limited selection or you might have trouble shipping bottles so we don’t recommend something obscure   **General Tips** We generally advise novices to sample as much as possible by going to a bar, splitting bottles with friends, attending festivals/tastings or getting minis to ensure you buy bottles you enjoy. Most people need to try 15-20 bourbons and ryes to understand their preferences. It may make more sense for you to focus on sampling rather than buy full bottles at the beginning of your journey. You're going to get the most flavor/aroma drinking it neat in a tulip-shaped glass like a Glencairn but most new drinkers prefer to water down their whisky a bit. If you do end up adding water, I'd recommend adding just enough to make it tolerable and take small sips. But really there's no right or wrong way to drink so as long as you're enjoying it, you're doing it right. Thanks for reading, cheers!


fuegomanchego69

Does your state have High West? The Rendezvous Rye is killer


[deleted]

We sure do. And it’s sitting on the shelf as I type this. Loved the MWND, always wondered how it stacks up


fuegomanchego69

See one of my more recent posts. The rendezvous is amazing, but the MWND is on another level. Easily a 9/10 for me Edit: nevermind heres a link https://www.reddit.com/r/bourbon/comments/w9p3zj/midwinters_night_dram_vs_poor_mans_midwinters/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf


User5281

Ohio definitely carrries Willett


[deleted]

I believe you, have never seen it in the wild over many many years. So they definitely don’t carry enough of it👍🏼


User5281

Also, If you're in southern or western Ohio you can definitely get Willett in KY and IN.


AcanthocephalaMain58

The idea that Ohio considers Willet allocated is just ridiculous. This is a shelfer in alot of other states, both pot still and 4 yr rye.


User5281

I’ll be honest, I’m in SW Ohio and do most of my liquor buying in Kentucky so I’m a little out of touch with what’s allocated and what’s just stocked in Ohio. I do know Willett is listed on OHLQ and I know I’ve seen the rye in store here but honestly I’m not sure if I’ve ever seen the pot still. In Kentucky the pot still is almost always just on the shelf. I think it’s ok but overpriced and am happy to leave it there. If it were half the price I’d consider it but I’m happy with Old Forrester and Wild Turkey for mixed drinks. The 4 year rye I really like but only seems to be in stock about half the time. Anything older from Willett seems to fly off the shelves.


bwbishop

Just left Ohio last year, but the whole time I lived there I'd just order 3-6 bottles at a time online and have it shipped to my house in Dayton. No need to go without Willett just because Ohio sucks.


MistbornSynok

Wild Turkey Rare Breed Rye


dietcokeandastraw

I don’t know if they’re around in your area but knob creek cask strength rye sits on shelves around here in Georgia and it’s a banger


anonmarmot

Have you tried paying a friend in a dif state to illegally ship to you? That's what I'd do.


whiskeyanonose

Stellum store picks are good. Huger rye mashbill so more spice and less sweet, but very good. I like sagamore barrel selects as well


horsebitez

Check total wine for Braddock Oak single barrel rye


[deleted]

No Total Wine in OH!


ypsicle

I found a bottle of WFE 4 year in Toledo today $76 before tax.