So what did you get this year?

@Bilbo161 Oh, the Lagavulin is also 2014.

@paddockjudge,

I was blown away when I opened the gift bag and saw the PPV.

Also, not exactly a gift, but a far traveled bottle just made its way to me an hour ago. Almost a year and a half ago I ordered some 2015 Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch from overseas (Netherlands). Since they didn't ship to the US I had them send it to Turkey, where it was refused at customs and returned to the sender. I then had it mailed to Germany where it was received. Our guests just arrived and presented the bottle to me this afternoon!

Great story @broadwayblue! Very cool that you finally managed to get your bottle.

This year I received Glenlivet Founder's Reserve, and Laphroaig Cairdeas Madeira 2016. I also received some cash to purchase a bottle during my upcoming drip to Chicago, Binny's here I come!

@broadwayblue Excuse my ignorance but, what is PPV?

@mscottydunc , what are you eyeing at Binny's?

If I was planning a trip there, I'd probably be wasting far too much time browsing their website. The riches!

@Ol_Jas I've got a few things in mind, depending on what is in stock when I get there. Looking at maybe a batch of Barrel Bourbon, Laphroaig CS or Springbank 12 CS are also options. They also have Talisker Storm on sale for 34.99, so might pick up that as a cheaper second bottle.

@Bilbo161 Pappy Van Winkle

@mscottydunc , Laphroaig 10 CS for $60 is always an easy buy!

If you haven't already, browse their website and use their search filters for what's on sale and for their handpicked casks. They stock so many interesting private IBs, mostly at cask strength. I'm drooling here.

@mscottydunc Thanks!

Being into bourbon and Japanese of course I ended up with 3 bottles of Scotch. Port Charlotte 10, which is great, Dalmore 15 which I gave to my brother in law and Ardbeg 10.

@mscottydunc Laphroaig CS seems like a great option. So many choices. If you're looking for something a little different I've read some great things about Delord Armagnac. The 25 year seems reasonably priced.

As Nozinan has pointed out on many occasions about his own collection, my alcohol inventory is at 80+ open/closed bottles (80% of which is whisky).

As such, a conscious decision was made to only purchase outside of Ontario in 2016 (will place a separate post in what did you just buy as happy w most of the purchases) and respectfully declined all gifts for the holiday season (requested that the respective gifts be swapped for dinners over the next couple of months).

A necessary step to subtly drinking/enjoying whisky versus semi-obsessively collecting whiskey (which has been a personality cornerstone through many different pursuits). Simply, there are too many unopened bottles so why continue to add to that stockpile?

Taking the action one step further in 2017 - my personal challenge is to purchase zero bottles. There are plenty of good spirits for friends/myself to enjoy throughout the year and will not be worse for wear at the end.

The only exception will be if a category hits zero (i.e I only have half a bottle of Mezcal left, 3/4 of a bottle of Tequila). The minimalist goal is to get to one bottle of Armagnac, Bourbon, Cognac, Gin, Japanese Whiskey, Mezcal, Scotch, Rum, Rye, Taiwanese Whiskey and Tequila (and perhaps a Vodka for guests) - ideally by 2020.

Every year of my life has been amazing and 2017 will be no different.

A new year brings new whiskies. I rec'd a phone call (and a couple of panoramic pics on my mobile phone) from a friend who was in Calgary visiting family...and visiting some of the wonderful shops in that city. After some interesting discussion, the difficult choices were eventually made. I was expecting four bottles when, much to my surprise, I discovered a bonus bottle of OGD Bottled In Bond carefully wrapped along with the other precious cargo. Nadurra 16 YO, Masterson's 10 YO Straight Rye Batch #003, Masterson's 10 YO Straight Rye American Oak single barrel, and Masterson's 10 YO Straight Rye French Oak single barrel.

A big THANK YOU to @ Nozinan and his helper @Nosebleed.

@paddockjudge @Nozinan. That's the same 08/14D batch of Nadurra that I have. It's a beauty, you'll love it, good score.
Cheers.

@BlueNote

It also got a great writeup on ATW, thanks @antihero for the inspiration.