MauiSon wrote:... I didn't waste a nickel or a minute on any of 'em - they've all been good enough to finish and have added to my understanding of bourbon and rye.
Very well put.
I'm supposing that when you said "polished off" you meant "over a reasonable period of time", of course
It's good to sample bourbons by the glass or flight at a well-stocked bar, especially expensive ones. It's good to meet and talk with new people, exchange ideas, and sample friendliness, too. But if you want a more in-depth relationship, someone's gonna have to take someone home for awhile. It works that way with bourbon (or rye, rum, or even -gulp- Scotch), too. You need to spend time with what's in that bottle, to drink some at different times, with different conditions, with different attitudes; I believe your way is totally the best for doing that.