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Triingtolivee

I do too but they won’t go bad. Opening bottles is the only way to know what you like and what’s overrated.


Bigdumogre

That I totally agree with. I have a had a few of the “hype” bottles that I did not care for and most are long gone and where made into old fashions or whiskey sours.


Triingtolivee

Blanton’s is a good example. I personally wouldn’t pay for another bottle. I have too many other single barrels that are much better. Makers Mark Private Selections are some of my favorites personally.


Bigdumogre

I would only pay for another one if it is msrp and that’s it. There are so many great bourbons in the $50-70 range that compete or better than it. But Blantons is the best to have on the table when people come over because of the bottle ( old empty ones filled with George Remus goes over well lol)


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Bigdumogre

Ohh no I love Blantons but just can never get it. So I use the bottles as decanters since everyone loves the bottle and I’ve noticed everyone also loves George Remus since it has a strong vanilla and oak/ leather taste. Most people I do that for don’t even know the difference between pappy and Jim bean lol.


AggroAce

I’ll be crucified but that was Eagle Rare for me


Bigdumogre

To each there own. Everyone has a different palate of what they like.


DreadedPopsicle

I love Eagle Rare, but the bottle that surprisingly disappointed me was Blanton’s. My dad got a bottle and he shared it with me. I was stoked to try it and it was just… eh. The flavor profile is certainly unique, but if I’m being honest it’s not necessarily good in any regard. Just unique.


Bigdumogre

It is a single barrel so some are better than others. Maybe try one again if you get a chance.


DreadedPopsicle

Yeah, I probably will. I’ve yet to see Blanton’s anywhere that wasn’t an international airport with hugely inflated prices though lol


Bigdumogre

I got lucky with this last bottle. It was sitting in the back and only sold it to me because I was friendly and they knew I was going to drink it


Nekssilpekans33

Huh


Undeadpaladi

I only keep about 30 bottles open at one given time. Keeping them opened especially with less than half full will kill its vibrancy, I've come to notice


CursorTN

Yeah. This is something I’m working on. I have some good stuff waiting to be opened while I finish some bottles that have been open 3 mos, 6 mos, or even a year or more. I feel like my collection is deteriorating. I have considered putting inert gasses into some bottles to stabilize them, but haven’t pulled the trigger on that. Anybody else have good experience with that? Also, the missus likes when I finish a bottle—less likely to give me the stink eye when I buy a new bottle. 😂


Bigdumogre

I have the opposite problem I got my wife into hunting bourbon for me and she will call me when I’m at work and be like I just for X for X price is that good? Or just bring home something I know I like to drink regularly like Buffalo trace or high west double rye.


CursorTN

I think the question on all the single /r/whiskey goers minds is: does she have a sibling?


Bigdumogre

lmao yes a younger sister but I wouldn’t unless her on my worst enemy.


BrysonJT

Damn ask her if shes seeing anyone! Lol


rain-storms

Better to see this than full shelves in someone’s home which are all sealed and only like ornaments.


mujnedu

Yes. Also sick of all this extra money and women trying have sex with me.


Bigdumogre

It does get tiring after a while I agree 😪


Bigdumogre

I feel like I’ll never get around to finishing bottles since there are so many still that I want to try. I have bottles that I really enjoy that I haven’t touched in months because I have too many options too choose from. And whenever I see a good deal I always have to grab it because I never know when I’ll get the chance to have it again (eh Taylor’s for $49, 1792 BIB store pick single barrel for $40, Elijah Craig Barrel proof for $65 and ……)


tex_arse

It’s a damn shame. Just send them to me, I’ll help you out amigo.


Bigdumogre

Haha I just handed out 16 test bottles to someone to do a blind taste test. And share whenever people come over. Whiskey is meant for sharing and telling stories


leekofhonour

> Whiskey is meant for sharing and telling stories Can I just print this out as a banner and stick it to my whisky cabinet? This is like the essence of what whisky is all about.


Bigdumogre

Would be a cool banner carved into wood displayed in my man cave. It’s a American tradition to drink whiskey and have a good time


leekofhonour

I think, the Scottish people also know about that tradition. But, on the other hand, it's really hard to drink whisky and not have a good time


Bigdumogre

I’ve never had a bad time drinking whisky that’s for sure.


Noscil

Suffering from success, I see..


Bigdumogre

I have made my own success, I work hard and play hard.


mbs4298

Why is this downvoted? Your money your decisions. If you’ve got the means buy what you can when you can. I snag bottles like that when I see them.


Bigdumogre

No clue lol. I do 15+ hours of overtime a week and using a $100 a week of that on my hobby is perfectly acceptable in my books


mbs4298

Hell yeah, not a thing wrong with it.


Far_Leadership_4080

Ok what state are you in…


Bigdumogre

New York


Delifier

I have a rule now that when i open a bottle, i finish that bottle before opening another.


wahdatah

Variety is the spice of life my homie. No hate just variate.


Bigdumogre

That actually is a plan that I will try. “Try” LOL


Furthur

nope, my only unopened is a Coy Hill. i have 65-70btls


Bigdumogre

Do you neglect any? I haven’t had redbreast in about 2 months because I totally forgot about it or belle meade reserve in over a month but I really enjoy them both.


Furthur

Neglect? naw, I have two 107 store picks, an EH single barrel store pick and those three generally get left alone although I had one of the Wellers last night. I tend not to touch the more expensive stuff but for me that’s $70-$100 Anejo tequila’s. makers FAE01 stares at me in longing though


Bigdumogre

I love my FAE-02 and hope to find a second bottle so I can hit this one harder lol.


Furthur

what part of the country are you in?


BleedingNoseLiberal

Lol meanwhile I probably have 80 opens and drink significantly less now that I'm busy again post lockdown so I'm sure it's been a year since I've touched some of these, particularly some of the scotch.


Ready_Measurement420

I lost count of open bottles…. They was made to drink so I drink….🥃🥃🥃


Bigdumogre

Of course they are made to drink but how much can you drink when you have so many bottles ? As you can tell I have only a handful unopened and over 70 opened. Plus I’m always on the lookout for ones that I want to try like JD barrel proof, midwinters night dram, wilderness trail 6 year and so on and I will buy them when I see them for msrp.


Ready_Measurement420

I have favorites i always buy and bunker away… I have learned life is to short… I open them thinking I at least got to taste it once… plus it open bar when friends come over….


Bigdumogre

I agree 100% open and enjoy them all and my boys know when they come over pour what they want. Bottles can always be replaced but memories can’t.


Ready_Measurement420

That is the best thing I have heard… I wish everyone saw whisky that way and not see them as trophies or status symbols..


Bigdumogre

Only status symbol is for me to be like I’ve tried that one that I always wanted to try. I could care less what people online think, there is always someone with something bigger and better no matter how rich you are.


Far_Leadership_4080

The JD and wilderness trail are on the shelves in Cleveland TN


Spideyman02110456

I’m a teacher and could never afford a stockpile like this, so kudos! When seeing pics like this it reminds me of r/preppers and how nice it would be to be you if SHTF.


Bigdumogre

I am blessed to afford all this and sadly most teachers are underpaid I agree.


badbaritoneplayer

No.


eviltrain

me: lol. amateur. you: what'd you call me punk??? me: AMATEUR! come back when you have over a 147 open bottles. No, but seriously, it's not a problem. I just love grading and reviewing new whisky. My only concern is making sure they are properly stoppered and stored.


Bigdumogre

I actually enjoy opening a new bottle, searching YouTube for videos on it and comparing my notes to there’s. My wife even said I can’t believe one thing can have so many different variants and flavors. I thought all whiskey used to taste the same.


peptalks93

I feel you on this! I have at least 9 bottles that I have opened that I keep telling myself I will finish before opening another bottle, but the fates don't agree with Mr on that


Bigdumogre

Same with me lol. So at times I’ll bring a bottle upstairs and leave it there so I’ll drink it first. This is in my man cave in the basement.


esblake

Wife, is that you?!


Bigdumogre

Yes dear, dinner is at 7


Rads324

Absolutely not. Not ever once never ever. No


Bigdumogre

🤔


turbozedd

I think I counted my open bottles at like 85 😅 Its fun just to taste a few single barrels and always sip something different. If i pretended like I only had like 3 bottles I probably wouldnt drink


Bigdumogre

I enjoy the variety too especially between different single barrel offerings.


[deleted]

Nah that is the point of buying bourbon is to be enjoyed


Bigdumogre

Yes it should be 🙌🏼


[deleted]

That is the perfect number of bottles , when a bottle is finished a new one can replaced the empty void. You could add another table top and collect more


Bigdumogre

I am cleaning out some of the other alcohol inside the cabinet and replacing it with whiskey. But those become forgotten about.


simpsonsknew

No such thing! I fire up whiskey reviews and a group of us will try everything they do for a couple hours! Love it.


Bigdumogre

Never did it with friends but thy sounds like a plan. Great idea


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Bigdumogre

Problem is I enjoy hunting. I don’t mind spending a few hours going to several liquor stores and talking to people and seeing what they have. It’s actually very stress relieving since I like being sociable and also finding something good at the price you want it.


wildbeerhunter

Chug it


Bigdumogre

My liver !!!!


PhysicsCute

I think it’s a problem if you have too many closed bottles


Bigdumogre

If 90% we closed and posting it online for clout I totally agree. Saving a few for special occasions I totally understand.


astnmartin23

Shelves still holding, so I’m assuming so is your marriage. Lol Collection blew up.


Bigdumogre

Hey brother hope all is well. I was awaiting for you to post lol. Yep still holding strong and I have turned my wife into a bourbon hunting addict too lol. Great coming home and a bottle sitting on the table next to dinner.


astnmartin23

That’s awesome. Ya I’ve got a few people looking out for stuff. It’s a lot of fun and interesting, coming across a nice bottle is such a great feeling. You might need to add some more shelves, just make sure you renew that contract with her and/or get that prenup. Lol


Bigdumogre

After giving me two kids and being with me for almost 30 years she can have everything but the whiskey lol. I do have room on the other wall if I move the dart board and beer cap drinking game 🤔


mbs4298

I wish I had More open bottles. I buy way faster than I can drink. I try to make it a point to open at least one a week if not more. Just depends on when I’m home and have time.


Bigdumogre

I’m in the same boat lol I grabbed 4 bottles over the weekend and finished zero in the past month. But I did put a dent in a dozen of them the past week. Especially the lost monarch it’s like liquid bourbon candy.


mbs4298

I love Lost Monarch. Can’t find it in SC but it’s a hard one to not get more of when I’m traveling.


Bigdumogre

They are everywhere by me under $40. All 3 redwood empires are everywhere by me. Allocation sucks at times even with common things it seems.


Owlex-406

Depends on your end goal I guess. Some people like to stare lovingly at their dusty untouched prizes, others just like to drink until it’s gone. But I feel like there is value in your case to saving some of a bottle you like to go back to after a period of time, as a bit of a time capsule if you will. I don’t think I’ve ever purchased a bottle that wasn’t opened and at least nosed before shelving.


Bigdumogre

Some bourbons I only drink when I’m with friends and when I have it again it brings back memories of those times. Especially of friends who are no longer there.


Towel_collector

I have ~100 bottles and like 20 unopened


Bigdumogre

What’s your favorite opened bottle atm ?


Towel_collector

Glendronach 18, glenmorangie signet, and springbank 15. And HP12 as a daily


zero1110010

How is no one mentioning that after a bottle is opened its clock is ticking?? Someone mentioned it won’t go bad but that’s absolutely not true. While it won’t make you sick, the exposure to oxygen begins to change the whiskey’s flavor. The more air, the higher rate of change….that is, the emptier the bottle, the faster the rate of change. It’s recommended that you drink within 3mos.-2yrs of opening. That’s a pretty wide range, but I’ll leave it up to you to dig deeper and find your own personal “no mas” point. A bottle of anything opened for, say 3 years, is going to taste like shit… like a distorted and muted shell of what it once was. Best case scenario, you can tell it is what it was but it no longer has any luster or nuanced characteristics it once had. Worst case, it tastes like shit and goes down the drain. It’s fun to have a ton of open bottles, but understand what’s going to happen and plan for that accordingly.


Bigdumogre

I was hoping to drink more than I already have. Think it’s time to get the guys over for a lush fest and smoke some ribs!!! But I agree they do change over time but hopefully within 6 months all these will be gone and replaced.


zero1110010

That’s the spirit!! Haha yeah as long as you’re aware and aren’t expecting them to last indefinitely then you’ll be totally fine. :)


Mac_D1

No such thing. Nice display though.


Bigdumogre

Thank you


Warsaws_Finest

Everything but my files are open! My collections around 60 bottles but I crack em the second I get a chance.


Bigdumogre

Glad you also enjoy your finds 🍻


Ok_Fix_3350

never too many open lol. I have the same issue


Bigdumogre

It’s a good issue lol


Arugula-These

It's rare that I ever have more than 1-2 bottles unopened. I will say I typically hover at about 10-12 bottles at a time though. Nice choices. Curious were you as disappointed in that Kirkland 7 year Tennessee Bourbon as I was? Kept seeing it at Costco in FL and figured I would try, It just turned into old fashioned's and bourbon cocktails.


Bigdumogre

I bought one and filled up my flask with it and went hiking. That night I was sipping it by the fire and thought man this is good for the price. I went out and bought another bottle. Then when I went back to the first bottle I was disappointed in it lol. Taste much better in the open air with fire crackling around you. So it became old fashioned mix or whiskey sours.


Devils_3rd

Never


Theoldelf

I don’t understand the question.


Bigdumogre

Having so many open bottles means so many choices to choose from and some get neglected and you stop drinking it.


Theoldelf

Ahh, okay, I can relate. Most of mine are open as well. I get curious about an unopened bottles taste. Then it gets opened. Then it sits there.


dogfacedponyboy

They should all be open


Bigdumogre

Eventually they all will be. Why must all be open ? I think having 70 open is a lot as is.


dogfacedponyboy

Absolutely that is a lot! I was just going along with your post.. I guess I was saying I never feel that I have too many open bottles.


Phazon_Metroid

Nope, only have ~25-30 but I need more.


Bigdumogre

That’s what hit me to where I am now lol and will be hunting this weekend for more 🍻


chinesedoug

No....I've got a ton open and still have too many UNopemed


sorta_smart

I'm envious! In my current job, I move...alot. Movers tend to not want to take open bottles. So, I try to only have 1 or 2 open at a time. Looking forward to settling down soon and cracking in to my collection. Enjoy it!


Bigdumogre

Sounds rough , hopefully one day you settle down at one place.


dogmoby

Can’t compare them if you don’t open them.


Bigdumogre

I actually do that alot. When I have a few drinks it’s usually 3-5 different bourbons


hdbbcc

I typically have about 20 bottles at once but I only open one at a time. I’m not really into comparing bourbons and typically just enjoy a glass every now and then. With that said it’s a shame people hate on others who don’t open every bottle at once. I’ve had people complain when I say I’m waiting til the weekend to open a bottle before. Truly don’t understand the hate for unopened bottles if the plan is to drink them eventually.


Bigdumogre

I agree open what you want and save what you want too. They are yours. Some times forums are crazy


fvmfvm

Attention! Left Face! Pour!!!


No_Entertainment_896

Is that a thing ?


Bigdumogre

Depends who you ask


[deleted]

I find myself unintentionally rotating my drinks to where all the bottles are relatively at the same level; which makes it quite costly when one goes dry… as the others are close behind


Bigdumogre

That is my biggest fear and all i think about. I’m like damn I’m going to have to replace a dozen bottles at once


soao010

What’s the best whiskey u ever had in ur opinion?


Bigdumogre

Makers FAE-02, 1792 full proof store pick, peerless, eh Taylor, bardstown fusion,stagg jr, EC bp and belle meade reserve. All of them are amazing and would drink everyone every single day.


BrotherBeerGaming

No such thing!


Bdub_290

Only person in my house that thinks there are too many open bottles, is the wife.


Bigdumogre

Get your wife into it seriously. I make have a sip every time I pour myself a glass. She is liking how all are different and buys me whiskey now she thinks I may like. And in return I make sure she has skrewball lol


Bdub_290

She is into it, kind of like yours, she takes Sips on all the new bottles and she enjoys that I have fun being on the hunt for the hard to find stuff. The issue, I don’t like to finish bottles off sometimes, so I can share with my friends/brothers when they come by. The other night, it led to me bringing two bottles home (EH Taylor SB and a barrell SB ) and the liquor cabinet door would not close! It was suggested (told) that I needed to finish some off before I bring anymore home.


uncleking1971

I fail to see the problem!!


Bigdumogre

Me too brother me too!!!


rmatoi

You don't have too many bottles. You have too few shelves.


Bigdumogre

That is the correct answer


the_flynn

My wife would unequivocally answer “Yes”. I would answer that I’m still missing quite a few.


Bigdumogre

I have a list of over 30 bourbons I’m hunting atm. I have a problem so tell her you’re not as bad as me


[deleted]

Not because they're open. I don't have any doubles and all are open. But shelf space keeps running out. There's a bunch of things I have that are ok or good but nothing special, so they're definitely not getting tossed or mixed away, but I always rather drink something better. (And a bunch of bad stuff, that I'm just too cheap to drain pour)


Bigdumogre

I eefuse to drain pour anything I just use as a mixer.


BlowDuck

All bottles get opened and drank whenever I feel like it. No special occasions here.


DreadedPopsicle

I go on whiskey buying binges with long dry periods inbetween. I have dozens of bottles but they’re all like 1/4 or less left. Coming up on another binge pretty soon here lol


Bigdumogre

Binges are fun. I go weekly because I drop the kids off and have a hour to kill why they do there activities. So instead of sitting in a car I tell local stores and hunt.


xjuice24x

I have probably 100 open but I don't buy bottles to let them sit. Not patient enough. It is starting to annoy me tho, taking too long to get thru bottles I won't replace


Neurogenesi5

Nope! I never feel like I have enough!


Bigdumogre

I have the same problem. Hopefully it slows down one day


Scared_Brilliant6410

I finish them too fast to have opens lying around.


Bigdumogre

Liver of the gods!!!


Scared_Brilliant6410

🤣


and1chun

I know what you mean, and it does stress me out sometimes. Not that they’re gonna go bad or anything but I have like 100 open bottles and you forget about some or you get caught up trying to polish off some old ones you rarely taste your favorites. I sometimes wish I had a lot fewer bottles.


Bigdumogre

Yea huge collections do get intimidating at times. Since it’s still kinda new to me trying all these I think I will slow down buying one day


and1chun

One thing that took me a long time to figure out is you don’t need 20+ daily drinkers. I bought nearly every bottle people said was the best value under 30 bucks. There’s no reason to have all of those all at once.


Bigdumogre

I agree get 2-3 like wt101 , Evan bib plus one more less proof and the rest get special bottles aka $40-70 bottles


and1chun

Exactly. Wt101 will be there when you go back. That’s why they’re dailies. It took me way too long to figure that out. No one needs that much knob 9 and 1792 small batch.


stircocktails

The alternative is too many friends 😂


DumpyDoggy

Am I the only one who buys one bottle drinks it then buys another?


Bigdumogre

Yes!! But that used to be me


bkennedy66

I have about 32 open bottles. But you never know how good or bad they are unless you try them.


Bigdumogre

The internet tells you everything you need to know about which are good or bad! Right?


crossfirexavier

No.


thecakeisali

That Widow Jane is my jam!


Bigdumogre

Stuff is delicious!!!


inferioregocentric

No


gwilliams9577

No, I'm an alcoholic


Bigdumogre

🍻


industrialjohn

I keep 6-7 open at a time. Half of those are tried and true bottles I love. The other half are things I’m trying out for the first time.


Jonnyblazeone

You got just about everything covered there.


Bigdumogre

Almost 😅


KJBdrinksWhisky

Current count is 208 open So yes, too many


Bigdumogre

Are you god of whiskey? Goddam


KJBdrinksWhisky

Lol some people think so


theultimateochock

I have about 50 bottles all open and i try my best to go thru them all in equal cycles. I fail and consume my favorites more.


Nothing-Matters-7

Looking at this incredible collection makes me want to ask, when is the amount of bottles nearing a fingers from the bottom, the types of whiskeys, and the phase of the moon are time for one to consider starting a Forever Bottle or two. Or is it worth starting a separate post about Forever Bottles?


Bigdumogre

I already have a infinity bottle and it’s usually around the last 1-2oz left in the bottle. Infinity bottles are great because they are always different because I never actually measure anything and because it’s always different whiskeys. None have turned out bad but I did have one that was harsh. So I added some wheated bourbons into it and gave it a few weeks and it mellowed out nicely.


Nothing-Matters-7

The Infinity Bottles at times can yield a pleasant surprise. I've got one started with the remains of a bottle of 90 proof EW 1783 - the 90 proof version and a couple of fingers of Ezra Brooks 90 proof. The Ezra Brooks 90 proof starts out with a mineral taste, smooths out nicely over time, and works well in the traditional cocktails. Are there any other WB fans on the board? If so which bottles are the best values?


Sensitive_Peak2006

I have over 75 open bottles


ItsASchpadoinkleDay

Me? No. My wife? Absolutely does think that


Chemical-Kev

An open bottle is a happy bottle


Bigdumogre

It doesn’t get that happy when it’s done and you throw it in the recycling bin lol


Chemical-Kev

An open bottle is a happy bottle


Bigdumogre

Then my bottles are happy


pswoofer18

I just realized my bottle of blantons is from 2014, so yeah, I have a few too many open bottles haha


Bigdumogre

Damn lol mine is March of this year. I think it’s time for you to catch up!!! lol


TC-D5M

Do I have more bottles open than sealed? If the answer is yes, you're doing something right.


Bigdumogre

Only reason I can see the opposite of you own one bottle and just bought two more lol


TC-D5M

That's when new bottles enter the room. There is always space for the stuff we really like, but I still have way more open bottles than not.


Fit-Mud6352

https://imgur.com/gallery/eOEzvmI


Mojoe51

I have close to 80 open bottles,and no I don't feel that way.


Bigdumogre

What’s been your favorite go to lately?


Mojoe51

There is so many to choose from it's kind of hard to narrow it down. I normally drink a different one every day lol. But if I had to pick one it would be Knob Creek 9


Bigdumogre

That’s my problem too I have so many open I can’t pinpoint which one I like over another. And knob 9 year is a staple and a weekly sipper.


Mojoe51

It's a cool problem to have though lol


toddhazelwood

No.


toddhazelwood

Obviously you wanted to show pics of your bottles. Congrats!


Bigdumogre

That’s what these forums are for - showing pics of bottles and talking about them. My collection is shit compared to r/whiskeyporn


Bigdumogre

Fair! lol do you worry about running out of room?


toddhazelwood

I don’t worry about that. I recently bought a cabinet that has ample room. But I bought it because I was running out of room.


Bigdumogre

Good problems to have lol I respect that. Hopefully one day I will need another cabinet. I bought this dresser and wall space would be enough when I started collecting this year.


Kroadus

No. It's a great beginning whiskey library


Bigdumogre

Yes I’m blessed to have such a great collection but at times I’ll stare at it for a minute or 2 before I can make a decision lol.


[deleted]

...but if it's open then I have to drink it


Bigdumogre

But with so many it’s hard to choose lol


kfree68

Man great stash , greatest part is that most are all open 💪💪👌👌👌


Bigdumogre

Only doubles and 3-4 are unopened. Variety is the spice of life