Favorite Bourbon

[onepixel]

Labrot & Graham - Woodford Reserve, goes good with the jazzy blues.

Actually anything from Kentucky is might fine.

[JDaniel]

I have always wanted to try a bottle of Woodford Reserve. I haven't found a reason to stray too far away from Makers Mark. Although I did receive a bottle of Old Forrester for Christmas last year. It too was enjoyable.

JD

[theodoric]

I like Baker's. I've tried all the Beam small batches over the last dozen years, and all the other little guys, and while I appreciate what's going on with all of them, Baker's does it for me. Smooth and a little sweet.

[BeerCan]

I mostly drink Makers Mark but I like most bourbon. I especially liked the old rip van winkle my wifes boss pulled out at christmas last year. One I really did not care for was bookers a tad to strong for me -- seemed to overpower the flavor

[tentoze]

On the rare occasion that I want a taste of bourbon, it's:

http://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/images/bourbon/202.jpg

[Grainger49]

Labrot & Graham - Woodford Reserve, goes good with the jazzy blues. Actually anything from Kentucky is might fine.

Well, that is almost a quote from my suggested coctail recipe for VSAC 2003.

Like most Bourbons, don't like Wild Turkey that much. Makes me hop, skip and go Nekkid!

And for a really strange quirk, Bourbon can be made ONLY in Kentucky. Notice that Jack and George are both Tennessee sipping whiskey.

[KeninDC]

Maker's Mark is a great "house" whiskey. I gotta second the Baker's - I was stuck on Knob Creek for a while, but I find the Baker's great for sipping. And, if you are looking to splurge, Black Maple Creek whiskies are fantastic. I have an 11-year-old and a 14-year-old that I really enjoy. I also keep a big bottle of Virginia Gentlemen around for cooking.

Ken

[jcmjrt]

When I'm going whole hog, it's Bookers. Regular drinking is Wild Turkey 101.

[ARRAY]

Never had a mint julep to date, but that should change this weekend thanks to all the mint growing in the garden. Of course, a julep requires Bourbon. I would imagine this would be the ideal spirit, but a whiskey might work.
I am not sure how much difference there is between a Scotch and a Bourbon however.

[theodoric]

I am not sure how much difference there is between a Scotch and a Bourbon however.About 5000 miles.

Bourbon is an American form of whiskey made from (pursuant to U.S. trade law) at least 51% corn, or maize, (typically about 70%) with the remainder being wheat and/or rye, and malted barley. It is distilled to no more than 160 (U.S.) proof, and aged in new charred white oak barrels for at least two years — or perhaps longer. (Actually, the two years maturation process is not a legal requirement for a whiskey to be called "bourbon" but it is a legal requirement to be called "straight bourbon". However, in practice, many bourbon whiskeys are aged for no less than four years.) It must be put into the barrels at no more than 125 U.S. proof; in this way it is similar to Scotch Whisky, which is also aged in charred barrels. Most of the time it is then adjusted to 80–100 proof and bottled, although some are bottled at “cask strength”.
To legally be called Scotch whisky, the spirit must conform to the standards of the Scotch Whisky Order of 1990 (UK) which clarified the Scotch Whisky Act of 1988, and mandates that the spirit
Must be distilled at a Scottish distillery from water and malted barley, to which only other whole grains may be added, have been processed at that distillery into a mash, converted to a fermentable substrate only by endogenous enzyme systems, and fermented only by the addition of yeast,
Must be distilled to an alcoholic strength of less than 94.8% by volume so that it retains the flavour of the raw materials used in its production,
Must be matured in Scotland in oak casks for not less than three years, and
Must not contain any added substance other than water and caramel colour.
It may not be bottled at less than 40% alcohol by volume.
No whisky other than Scotch whisky may be made in Scotland.

[streckfu]

I really like the Woodford Reserve and recommend any Bourbon fan who has not tried it, to do so. Splurge a little.

My house Bourbons will rotate between Maker's Mark, Evan Williams Single Barrel, and Knob Creek.

[Grainger49]

The company who owns Jack Daniels also owns a Scotch distillery. Jack no longer sells used barrels. They export them to Scotland for use at the scotch distillery.

The caramel layer (of the charred oak barrel) that leeches out during the aging process is gone after making Bourbon. The barrel can not be reused because the color/flavor will not be there.

Yes, I paid homage to Jack back in the 70s. Now that I don't live that far, I will do it again. They can serve there now.

Don'tcah love liquor laws?

[KeninDC]

The Scots settled in Kentucky. Their attempts to replicate scotch resulted in bourbon due, in part, to temperature differences speeding up the process. Hotter = faster. Tennessee bourbon whiskey, as opposed to Kentucky bourbon whiskey, is charcoal filtered (see, e.g., Jack Daniels). Thanks to this thread, I went home last night, poured a glass of Basil Hayden and listened to a Frank Sinatra LP.

[Grainger49]

But you may have noticecd, Jack and George don't say Bourbon anywhere on the bottle.

[edgewound]

Crown Royal, Canadian Club straight...Sometimes Seagram's 7, but usually paired with 7up.

Do those qualify?

[Grainger49]

Crown Royal, Canadian Club straight...Sometimes Seagram's 7, but usually paired with 7up.

Do those qualify?

Uh . . . no. Those are called blended whiskeys. I don't believe there is any Bourbon in them. Maybe American made Scotch?

[KeninDC]

But you may have noticecd, Jack and George don't say Bourbon anywhere on the bottle.

You are correct.

As for the Canadian whiskies, they are distant blended cousins of genuine bourbon. I used to mix Yukon Jack w/ Mountain Dew in my teens.

[redcoates7]

Eagle Rare my friends...it's a sleeper. Less money than Woodford or Baker's and a lot nicer IMHO

[edgewound]

Uh . . . no. Those are called blended whiskeys. I don't believe there is any Bourbon in them. Maybe American made Scotch?

Hey... I learned something, anyway. :yes:

I guess I'll just have to do more taste testing. :D

[Grainger49]

Another jump in here. I really like the sweet tasting Bourbons. Jack, Makers Mark, Woodford.

But the pricing is bad. Is Eagle Rare sweet and more realistically priced?

Gonn'a make a drink, sit in front of the speakers for an hour.

[kuisis]

Can't believe anyone hasn't mentioned Blanton's. It is my favorite and one of the smoothest drinks anywhere.

[streckfu]

Another jump in here. I really like the sweet tasting Bourbons. Jack, Makers Mark, Woodford.

But the pricing is bad.


If you like those but the price bothers you, look for Evan Williams Single Barrel. I usually find for $3-5 cheaper and maybe more if your Sam's or Cosco sells liquor.

[redcoates7]

Eagle rare is definitely on the sweet side, and when you can find it sells for around $18 a bottle...

[Rommaster]

I will put my vote in for evan williams single barrel. The stuff is unbelievable, and can sometimes be found on sale for 19.99. Extremely good stuff. I also love Maker's like many of you have mentioned. I know that this is a bourbon thread, but i recently got into drinking high quality tequila. Oddly enough, if you get a good anejo tequila, it has a very similar flavor to bourbon because it is aged in oak barrels. It gets incredibly smooth and very flavorful -- not the slime like the unaged cuervo crap. Give 1800 - Anejo a try. It can be recognized by its wood cap. It's a bit pricey, but should give you a decent intro to good tequila. If you have a deeper wallet, try Don Juan Anejo. Anyways, just thought you bourbon fans might enjoy :)

[streckfu]

but i recently got into drinking high quality tequila. Oddly enough, if you get a good anejo tequila, it has a very similar flavor to bourbon because it is aged in oak barrels.

I'm a big fan of the Patron Anejo. :thmbsp:

[huskerdu60622]

A.H Hirsch...if you can find it. http://www.hirschbourbon.com/ (http://)

They don't make it anymore and is pretty expensive but I'd have to say it is quite phenomenal.

[electronjohn]

A friend gave me a bottle of Elijah Craig 12 year old...might tasty brew. For ordinary drinking, I've come to enjoy Old Heaven Hill, with the OHH Bottled In Bond providing a quicker buzz. Jack (even though technically nota bourbon) is much overrated..especially since they cut the proof. The friend who gave me the Elijah Craig swears by Beam Black...particularly when he finds it on sale!

[Drybasement]

I used to mix Yukon Jack w/ Mountain Dew in my teens.

I used to drink Southern Comfort straight out of the bottle. Got so sick one time I vowed to never drink that blasted liqueur again. Twenty six years later I'm still holding true to that vow.

[Drybasement]

I don't have any experience with bourbon (besides the occasionly sip of Jim Beam) but I do like a good single malt Scotch. Lagavulin is mighty good. So is Glenlivet and Talisker.

I visited the Jack Daniels Distillery back in 1990 or so. It was a dry county then. No tasting. Gave us a glass of lemonade after the tour.

Cheers

[Grainger49]

. . . Jack (even though technically nota bourbon) is much overrated..especially since they cut the proof. . . .


(In the old ranger voice) Now I don't want you boys to get me wrong, I put in that Jack and George don't say Bourbon on the bottle just as an example of the "Kentuckey only!" rule. Both are Bourbon, but can't call themselves Bourbon. They are made in Tennessee, and are called "Tennessee Sipping Whiskey"

Boy that is a long way to go to not say Bourbon.

BTW, this was one of the tidbits I read in the 60s in Playboy. Yup, I read it too!

[jerrymrc]

I used to drink Southern Comfort straight out of the bottle. Got so sick one time I vowed to never drink that blasted liqueur again. Twenty six years later I'm still holding true to that vow.

I only did it one time. Was mixing it with Grapefruit juice because it was so sweet. All I have to do is smell SC and I get sick. About the same time frame as yours. 25 years ago.

[TheLordofPain]

Welp, I quit drinking but I must say my favorite whiskies were in order:

Booker's, Bakers, Woodford Reserve, Knob Creek, Maker's Mark, Basil Hayden's, Jim Beam Black.

That water of life is powerful stuff.

[cableguy]

First choice is Makers Mark, then I'll usally do little slumming with Wild Turkey 80 proof.

[onepixel]

I'll drink to that.

Cheers guys!

[luvvinvinyl]

Crown Royal, Canadian Club, and Seagram's 7 are Canadian Rye whiskeys, no corn, so not bourbon. The secondary grain in these is wheat. They are blended whiskeys, because they are composed of whiskeys of different batches and vintages, to produce a consistent flavour, like blended Scotch whiskys. Single-malt whiskeys are the spirit equivalent to vintage wines, single year, no blending, so the flavour changes from year to year. I have run across this with my favourite single-malt, the aforementioned Lagavulin. Is there an analgous term for bourbons, pot something?

There are some newly-released single-malt Canadian rye whiskeys, which I have not yet tried, but hope to, soon.

[Infinitoid]

Had some Buffalo Trace recently. Equal to Jack and substantially less expensive. Found it at Meijer of all places. Remember when you could get fine whiskey for under 7 bucks a fifth? What happened?

I think "single barrel" would define a bourbon or Tennessee whiskey that not only isn't blended but also comes from one year. The American equivalent of single malt Scotch.

Greg

[jbpollock]

Special Occasions: Booker's
When company is over: Maker's Mark
When its just me: Old Forrester

[gyusher]

My Grandaddy drank Early Times every day of his long life. . .

I remember one time at a package store while traveling through Florida my grandaddy was getting kinda dry, he picked up a big bottle and a half pint which he imediatly downed completly. . .He cleared his throut and said "I feel a song comming on". . .

I never heard that song however but his nose got big and red. . . This was 1954-5 he had a brand new Chrysler New Yorker Deluxe and I remember him cussing because that new Chrysler would only go 100mph. . .I looked over and told him to take it out of Low and put it in Drive which he did. The car then proceeded to go well over 100 and he said "Yea thats better"

[Grainger49]

. . . They are blended whiskeys, because they are composed of whiskeys of different batches and vintages, to produce a consistent flavour, like blended Scotch whiskys.

Is there an analgous term for bourbons, pot something?.

Bourbon uses the term "Single Barrel Bourbon."

[TheLordofPain]

Baker's is still on sale at the grocer near me.

The bottle I had last time was batch 90-001 the bottle I got today was batch 85-001. Tastes completely different. The last bottle had a smokier flavor and a bite at the end. This new bottle is much smoother but has more a lot more warmth going down.

[pmsummer]

I've been really enjoying Bulleit Bourbon lately.

[freddyfender]

The company who owns Jack Daniels also owns a Scotch distillery. Jack no longer sells used barrels. They export them to Scotland for use at the scotch distillery.

The caramel layer (of the charred oak barrel) that leeches out during the aging process is gone after making Bourbon. The barrel can not be reused because the color/flavor will not be there.

Yes, I paid homage to Jack back in the 70s. Now that I don't live that far, I will do it again. They can serve there now.

Don'tcah love liquor laws?
We went last year, completely new tour, still enjoyable. You can buy a total of two bottles at their "gift shop", but I don't think they serve any whiskey to drink on premises. Could be wrong, tho............

[Russellc]

Can't believe anyone hasn't mentioned Blanton's. It is my favorite and one of the smoothest drinks anywhere.
Bingo! we have a winner!

Russellc

[Russellc]

Had some Buffalo Trace recently. Equal to Jack and substantially less expensive. Found it at Meijer of all places. Remember when you could get fine whiskey for under 7 bucks a fifth? What happened?

I think "single barrel" would define a bourbon or Tennessee whiskey that not only isn't blended but also comes from one year. The American equivalent of single malt Scotch.

Greg
Actually, it refers to "one barrel", as in "single barrel" Each bottle is usually marker with which particular barrel batch it came from.

Russellc

[Dusty Chalk]

My favourite bourbon? The kind that someone else is buying. :)

[Grainger49]

Actually, it refers to "one barrel", as in "single barrel" Each bottle is usually marker with which particular barrel batch it came from.

Russellc

But, of course, the point of a single barrel Bourbon is that it isn't blended. All other Bourbons are blended to achieve a given taste. With single barrel, you get what came out.

[pmsummer]

Blending is for Canadians (whiskies, that is).

[jimfet]

Knob creek. When my brother comes to town it's Booker Noe.

[onepixel]

Dang...ran out of Woodford Reserve. I'll have to break into the Maker's Mark that I got for a friends birthday. Happy Birthday Joe!

[spartanmanor]

[QUOTE=jimfet]Knob creek.QUOTE]

I will second that.

[uofmtiger]

Knob creek. When my brother comes to town it's Booker Noe.
Knob Creek is my fav, too.

Second favorite is Maker's Mark

[Russellc]

But, of course, the point of a single barrel Bourbon is that it isn't blended. Like all other Bourbons are to achieve a given taste. With single barrel, you get what came out.
By definition, it would not be blended, yes. But it is also a much smaller scale production, with a lot more time and control. Usually, each barrel is not only continually tasted until a certain point of perfection, but the barrels are also rotated around the barrel house so each one gets to spend a similar amount of time in the various locations. Even amonst single barrels, there is some difference depending on the particular distillary and which whiskey. considerable more trouble may be spent with a twenty year old bottle of specialy stuff, like pappy van winkle than say L&G's Woodford reserve. Basically what you are saying about the lack of blending is correct. Sorry to be hypertechnical, but I was born in Kentucky and am a little "over the top" (otherwise known as "NUTS")
about Bourbon. What can I say? I am about to enjoy a little Buffalo Trace, darn good for the 19.00 price, although not a single barrel. They of course, are responsible for Blantons Single Barrel bourbon, and Hancock reserve as well. Their informational flyer which I picked up while in Kentucky this week states that the barreled whiskey is placed in "centuries old warehouses, that allow for the alternating cooling and warming
of the four season". They maintain that the best barrels are those that are in the middle floors, where they are subjected to the largest temperature changes during the year, resulting in full maturity and balanced taste, and from only these barrels is whiskey taken for Buffalo Trace. Whether or not they blend them, they do not state, but surely they do, otherwise as you point out, it would be single barrel, right? I would think only the cheapest Bourbon would use such methods ( blending whatever they have to achieve a consistent product) and should be labled as such. While B.T. is no doubt blended, it is only from these certain select barrels at least.

Cheers,
Russellc

[Russellc]

Knob Creek is my fav, too.

Second favorite is Maker's Mark
Try a little Buffalo Trace, cheaper than either and better than both in my opinion. Tastings .com rates it even higher than Blantons & Woodford Reserve,
Which is B.S. as far as I am concerned, but is good stuff.

Russellc

[pmsummer]

Their informational flyer which I picked up while in Kentucky this week states that the barreled whiskey is placed in "centuries old warehouses, that allow for the alternating cooling and warming
of the four season".

<snip>

Whether or not they blend them, they do not state, but surely they do, otherwise as you point out, it would be single barrel, right? I would think only the cheapest Bourbon would use such methods ( blending whatever they have to achieve a consistent product) and should be labled as such.


1) That's the first time I've heard anyone brag about un-air conditioned warehouses!

2) In Scots whiskeys and Canadians, blending is done to PERFECT the taste and achieve consistency. I prefer single malt/vats Scotch and single-barrel Bourbons, but I respect those who like consistency, and are willing to pay for it (we're not talking McDonald's).

[onepixel]

I'm a simpleton when it comes to this stuff. If it tastes good or if it sounds good, its good enough for me.

Cheers

[Russellc]

1) That's the first time I've heard anyone brag about un-air conditioned warehouses!

2) In Scots whiskeys and Canadians, blending is done to PERFECT the taste and achieve consistency. I prefer single malt/vats Scotch and single-barrel Bourbons, but I respect those who like consistency, and are willing to pay for it (we're not talking McDonald's).
Bourbon is not aged in air conditioned warehouses, most of the fine distillerys use warehouse built long before anyone knew what freon was.

Blending is the less expensive way to achieve consistency, and many times works better than the single barrel method, (in terms of consistency) but it is a LESS EXPENSIVE way to do it, and requires MUCH less attention to detail. Minor mistakes are blended away for CONSISTENCY, something that can not always be obtained with a handmade single barrel process. Winerys do this as well. Look at the bottle of several different vintage years of a top shelf California cab...some years are almost all cab, some years will or may have varying amounts of Cab Franc or Merlot added because of inconsistencies in the various harvests. Others bottle what is there, leading to huge price differences for various different vintages. As I am sure most have seen, just because a bourbon is single barrel or a cigar is cuban doesnt mean it is really the "best" one, there are examples of poor result in all catagories. These mistakes would be thrown out, or sold to lesser brands to use in their blending to "perfection". Associating blending with perfection is similar to saying a cigar is machine rolled to achieve PERFECT consistency, and in fact it can, but there is something to appreciate in a hand rolled one, which most all expensive cigars exclusively are, despite the occasional dud in the box.

What bourbon do you know of that is aged in airconditioned warehouses? Having been all through Kentucky and its famous bourbon trail, I have never seen an airconditioned one.

Cheers,

Russellc

[pmsummer]

What bourbon do you know of that is aged in airconditioned warehouses? Having been all through Kentucky and its famous bourbon trail, I have never seen an airconditioned one.

Russellc

Russellc

Me either... it just sounds very funny.

"We've conditioned our Lennox heat-pumps for the extremes of the Midwest Climate by storing them in un-airconditioned warehouses."

:)

[Russellc]

Me either... it just sounds very funny.

"We've conditioned our Lennox heat-pumps for the extremes of the Midwest Climate by storing them in un-airconditioned warehouses."

:)
My Lennox unit is stored outside in the extremes of midwestern heat right now!
an excellent unit to be sure. Kept my multi tube house hold nice and cool through this murdrous summer of 100+ days....my bill never even hit 100 bucks!
Very quiet too, but kind of a large package.

I would HATE to have the job of moving all those barrels around the warehouse this summer, that's for sure! Being the guy that went around tasting them might not be so bad, but I'm told they spit it out....but I bet an accidental swallow happens now and then.

If you think thats funny, you should read the Four Roses distillery info. They claim be the "only distillery" to use a single floor warehouse, for an "undisturbed" aging process. They distill 10 different bourbon flavors to ensure a consistent blended product.....then state that "no other distillery takes these extra steps".... and finish with a note that "no other bourbon is Four Roses" No wonder it hasnt been sold in this country, although I have heard from another here that it is going to be made available in Kentucky....Next I wonder if it will be distilled in China. None of this Bourbon has ever passed my lips. Who knows it may be rather tasty, I really cant say.

Russellc

[Russellc]

I'm a simpleton when it comes to this stuff. If it tastes good or if it sounds good, its good enough for me.

Cheers

A wise position, you will be happier and less frustrated for it. A happy man is one who is happy with what he has....a very healthy and stress free position to take.

cheers,

Russellc

[Grainger49]

Russell, go to the first page, go down to the sixth post.

You and I are on the same page.

[Russellc]

Russell, go to the first page, go down to the sixth post.

You and I are on the same page.
right on bro! H-mmmm, still have a little b. Trace left...headed to the porch with a fuente Don Carlos and a little corn squeezins. Corn good!

Cheers,
Russellc

[Russellc]

WOW! New favorite Bourbon alert, the Pappy Van Winkle 20 year is moving up to overtake Blanton's...More testing required,,,

Russellc

[X Man]

A friend gave me a bottle of Elijah Craig 12 year old...might tasty brew...

Elijah Craig, may be my favorite Bourbon/Whiskey. The price is decent and the stuff IMHO is what JD and Jim Beam only wished they were.
The Elijah Craig is an Evan Williams production, which would explain the fair price. It's a no-nonsense, fiery, smoky, Bourbon and it's not sickly sweet like some other whiskeys I mentioned. Great stuff for the money. Hell, it's great stuff for TWICE the money!

Mike :smoke:

[Russellc]

Elijah Craig, may be my favorite Bourbon/Whiskey. The price is decent and the stuff IMHO is what JD and Jim Beam only wished they were.
The Elijah Craig is an Evan Williams production, which would explain the fair price. It's a no-nonsense, fiery, smoky, Bourbon and it's not sickly sweet like some other whiskeys I mentioned. Great stuff for the money. Hell, it's great stuff for TWICE the money!

Mike :smoke:
I have been reading about it on the straightbourbon.com forum, but hadnt stumbled on it until yesterday, but in the gigantic double size bottle. Just tasted one shot so far, which isnt enough. at first it seemed a little light, but i was amazed to see that it was over 90 proof! I have heard lots of good press on this stuff, need to sample a little more then compare.

russellc

[uofmtiger]

Try a little Buffalo Trace, cheaper than either and better than both in my opinion. Tastings .com rates it even higher than Blantons & Woodford Reserve,
Which is B.S. as far as I am concerned, but is good stuff.

RussellcThanks for the suggestion, I will give it a shot! :thmbsp:

[uofmtiger]

Thanks for the suggestion, I will give it a shot! :thmbsp:
Well, I gave it a try. I got a new Bellari VP129 phono amp today and needed a drink for the unveiling...

Anyway, to give you some background, about ten years ago (a wild guess), I went to a "cigar dinner" here in Memphis at the Spaghetti Warehouse. Part of the festivities included a taste testing of small batch bourbons. This was the first time I had heard about small batch bourbons and since they had a huge dinner and cigars, I felt like nothing would be lost.

Anyway, we tried Booker's, Basil Hayden's, Knob Creek, and maybe one or two more. The consensus in our group was that KC was the best.. We were told by the guy that was selling the bourbon that we would eventually move into something stronger like Booker's.

At the time, my roommate purchased Booker's and I purchased Knob Creek. We went through several bottles of Knob Creek while Booker's gathered dust. Even our poker buddies preferred the Knob Creek. Keep in mind that this was before their fancy ads, so people were judging on taste alone. Of course, we were not and still are not connoisseurs, but we know what we like. However, I still have not grown into Booker's. My gal says I will never grow up and I guess this little tidbit is proving her right. :D

Anyway, I got the Buffalo Trace this evening. It was $7 cheaper than the bottle of Knob Creek, so that made me happy. I got it home, slipped "Waltz for Debbie" onto the TT and started sippin' and a listenin'. It was a great night all around. I did not have Knob Creek around for a taste test, but the Buffalo Trace was very good. :thmbsp:

[Grainger49]

Well, I gave it a try. I got a new Bellari VP129 phono amp today and needed a drink for the unveiling... . . .Anyway, I got the Buffalo Trace this evening. It was $7 cheaper than the bottle of Knob Creek, so that made me happy. I got it home, slipped "Waltz for Debbie" onto the TT and started sippin' and a listenin'. It was a great night all around. I did not have Knob Creek around for a taste test, but the Buffalo Trace was very good. :thmbsp:

Great idea, and totally appropriate!

I checked through Buffalo Trace, but it isn't distributed in TN anywhere. Not in Atlanta either. I guess the question is more where it is distributed.

[uofmtiger]

Great idea, and totally appropriate!

I checked through Buffalo Trace, but it isn't distributed in TN anywhere. Not in Atlanta either. I guess the question is more where it is distributed.
No idea, but it was at the first store I stepped in. I was thinking it was going to be much harder to find around here since I never heard of it.

[Grainger49]

Did I get this URL here?

http://straightbourbon.com/

I went through the list on that site, then to the Buffalo Trace site. They don't have a wide distribution. And Tennessee is only one state South of Kentucky.

[uofmtiger]

Did I get this URL here?

http://straightbourbon.com/

I went through the list on that site, then to the Buffalo Trace site. They don't have a wide distribution. And Tennessee is only one state South of Kentucky.
Interesting. Maybe their page is not updated. I have no idea, but I plugged in my zip and it showed no one around here having it and then I plugged in the state and it also said it was not available. I am not sure how the place is selling it without them knowing it. The price was $19.99, so there was not some sort of markup or anything. Also, I bought it at some hole in the wall liquor store in a small town outside of Memphis, so I would think they had to have some sort of distribution.

I am guessing that this little store would not go out of their way to get it illegally. There would be no reason for them to take that chance. Also, we are in the southern portion of TN and Kentucky is not all that close.

If you are real curious you should send Buffalo Trace an email if you want to know for sure. However, it is not unusual for sites to get behind on updates.

[Russellc]

Interesting. Maybe their page is not updated. I have no idea, but I plugged in my zip and it showed no one around here having it and then I plugged in the state and it also said it was not available. I am not sure how the place is selling it without them knowing it. The price was $19.99, so there was not some sort of markup or anything. Also, I bought it at some hole in the wall liquor store in a small town outside of Memphis, so I would think they had to have some sort of distribution.

I am guessing that this little store would not go out of their way to get it illegally. There would be no reason for them to take that chance. Also, we are in the southern portion of TN and Kentucky is not all that close.

If you are real curious you should send Buffalo Trace an email if you want to know for sure. However, it is not unusual for sites to get behind on updates.
I have mentioned the straightbourbon.com site here before. My guess is they just havent updated their site yet. I saw it in a very small store outside of Kansas City Mo....they only had three bottles and I bought them all. They didnt know if they would be able to get more. I told them to call their other branch stores and have them send them their bottles, which they did. They sold so fast they now keep it continually....so make a big fuss about it.
Its normal sale price is about 18-19 bucks, and it is a good bargain for what you get. Unfortunately, these bourbons discussed here are small batch type deals,
and are limited quantities. Seems like high end bourbon is going through a popularity stage sort of like cigars did in the late 90's....it took the manufactures a little while to catch up, and product suffered in quality for a while then. I have noticed this with the absolute booming sales experienced by Labrott and Grahams Woodford Reserve...not quite what I remember its quality being in the begining. Ditto for Blanton's according to some, but I hadnt noticed it. Blantons is connected to the buffalo trace distillery. I consider Buffalo trace my "NEW Maker's Mark" catagory bourbon....but better in my own opinion....tastes vary. for a while there, tastings.com rated it above Blanton's.....bold B.S. talk in my opinion!

Russellc

[Uncle Paul]

Drunk many and enjoyed most. Always keep coming back to Jim Beam Black.

[deaner33]

Favorite is anything from Old Rip Van Winkle - they have about 4 or 5 different Bourbons, all great. I read that their Bourbon's are "wheated" meaning that they use some wheat in addition to the other grains. This supposedly makes them smoother and I can attest to that. The only problem is that the Old Rip Van Winkle products are hard to come by in MS

I also like Bulleit which is a nice mid-priced bourbon - apprx 16-17 dollars for a 5th.

Finally, for a cheap bourbon I like Rebel Yell, which is about 10 dollars a 5th. I heard one time that Keith Richards used to drink it back in the 70's and if anyone knows anything about boozing/drugging it would have to be him.

[pmsummer]

I also like Bulleit which is a nice mid-priced bourbon - apprx 16-17 dollars for a 5th.


Possibly introductory price. They've kicked it up to mid-$20s here now.

Nice stuff.

[Eunomians]

Funny, as I was going to say that these days, there is a new kid on the block, and she goes by the name of Bulleit. Not a bad drink, but as PM Summer mentioned, they've kicked up the price. It's a real nice sipper; or, real nice with some fresh ice.

[one-eyed fatman]

Kentucky is one of the few places where coopers still build barrels. Bourbon must beaged in new charred white oak barrels. Most all the distillers hearabouts sell the used ones to the Scots for their whiskey. Heaven Hill had a couple of whiskey barns catch fire a few years back and you could see the glow in the sky 30 miles away. There are a couple of different scheems for aging the whiskey. Some brands shift the barrels in the barn to "even" out the effects of location of the aging period. Others leave the barrels in place, but pull barrels from different spots when they bottle. Brown Foreman, which makes Woodford Reserve, has brick warehouses and heats and cools them according to a speified schedule to simulate a perfect whiskey barn season.

[doctorbongo]

I'm seeing some "designer" bourbons on here, if that's not an oxymoron. But if you are talking about straight line American Whiskeys, make mine Weller.

[deaner33]

Weller's pretty good and not too expensive. I believe they may be "wheated" like Old Rip Van Winkle. I buy a lot of it if I can't find the Winkle.

[StarMover]

Knob Creek fan here.

[roseskunk]

want to know a secret? jw weller and van winkle is the same whiskey recipe, made by the same company. except that weller doesn't have the blessing of the vanwinkle family. vanwinkle is an orphan brand, meaning that it doesn't have it's own distillery. the only possible difference is that van winkle picks particular barrels to be labeled van winkle, but they all come from the same vat as weller, and weller is half the price. and neither is a single barrel. you'd be hard-pressed to pick between the two in a blind tasting. both weller and van winkle are wheated whiskeys, as is makers, old fitzgerald and 'rebel yell'. the wheat makes 'em a tad sweeter. and blanton's, van winkle, and jw weller are all made by the same distiller, buffalo trace. they also make a good vodka called "rain" which is distilled nearly twice as many times as stoli, at half the cost. one more thing while i'm drinking here, blantons is aged 6 1/2 years as i think woodford is, van winkle, aka weller is aged 12. woodford in my opinion comes in a nice bottle that you pay a heck of a lot for...blind tastings will save you a lot of money my friends. cheers!

[KeninDC]

Great tip on the JW Weller. Also, please be aware that the Evan Williams single barrel from 1996 is now available.

[pmsummer]

want to know a secret? jw weller and van winkle is the same whiskey recipe, made by the same company. except that weller doesn't have the blessing of the vanwinkle family.

I believe that Rebel Yell is still simply Wellers with a different label, right?

[pmsummer]

BTW: Here's a live web-cam of the Buffalo Trace still house!

http://www.buffalotrace.com/distillerycam.html

[Wigwam Jones]

I know it is considered sacrilegious not to be a connoisseur of all things - after all, if one prefers fine audio gear, should not one also strive for 'the best' in all leisurely pursuits?

When I was younger, I tried, I really did, to learn to enjoy single-malt Scotch. I know it is an 'aquired taste' and I gave it my best shot(s) over and over again. You know what? I don't like it. Tastes like poison.

I got good and sick when I was in college on Canadian Whiskey, can't stand the stuff now. Even the smell of an open bottle of Canadian Club will make me wince.

I actually avoided Jack Daniels - and yes, I am aware it is not 'Bourbon' due to where the distillery is located and how it is filtered. But it was so 'blue collar' that when I thought I was hot sh*t, I avoided all things that were not exclusive and rare and thought to be 'good' due to those attribute.

I finally decided that if I could not learn to like Scotch, perhaps I could learn to like Bourbon. And like Scotch, there are definitely some 'high-end' brands that are thought highly of by connoisseurs.

After all of it - and years of trying - I have come to a conclusion. I don't care for most of the fine Bourbons I have tried, from Dickle to Knob Creek and everything with a high price tag inbetween. I used to shop at Applejack's, biggest dang liquor store you ever saw - so I had access to some great stuff over the years.

I like Jack Daniels. And I'll drink it on the rocks or with Coke, I don't care.

Some bratwurst on the grill, a nice tall sweaty tumbler of cold Jack-n-Coke, and I'm a pretty happy guy.

But it ain't cool. Oh well. Bottle of Jack on my shelf in my flophouse right now. Right next to the Goose Creek Dark Ale.

[fotno]

I bought a bourbon recently for a particularly stupid reason... Because it was in an interesting cast-glass bottle, and it came with a really cool hat (another of my addictions)!

Bulliet Frontier Bourbon (Don't let the semi-tacky name throw you)- It's now on my top 10 list, and I actually like it better than Maker's Mark. It's labelled as 90 proof but it is smooth, and not a touch of the "morning-afters" - Even though I hit it pretty hard one evening. I'd recommend a tasting for sure, a fifth goes for about $20 in my locale. All in all money well spent IMO.

FWIW Jones, I like Jack too - I just can't stand the headache it leaves me with...

[onepixel]

Hey I like Jack. He goes out with me in a flask whenever I go fishing. But I like everything straight. The differences are kinda like a Pioneer or Marantz. It's all good stuff.

[MitsuMan]

I guess I am truly white trash, but I like good ol' Austin Nichols Wild Turkey.............but only the 101 proof stuff. :dammit:

[onepixel]

I wasted a many brains cells back in college with 101.

[deaner33]

want to know a secret? jw weller and van winkle is the same whiskey recipe, made by the same company. except that weller doesn't have the blessing of the vanwinkle family. vanwinkle is an orphan brand, meaning that it doesn't have it's own distillery. the only possible difference is that van winkle picks particular barrels to be labeled van winkle, but they all come from the same vat as weller, and weller is half the price. and neither is a single barrel. you'd be hard-pressed to pick between the two in a blind tasting. both weller and van winkle are wheated whiskeys, as is makers, old fitzgerald and 'rebel yell'. the wheat makes 'em a tad sweeter. and blanton's, van winkle, and jw weller are all made by the same distiller, buffalo trace. they also make a good vodka called "rain" which is distilled nearly twice as many times as stoli, at half the cost. one more thing while i'm drinking here, blantons is aged 6 1/2 years as i think woodford is, van winkle, aka weller is aged 12. woodford in my opinion comes in a nice bottle that you pay a heck of a lot for...blind tastings will save you a lot of money my friends. cheers!

Yeah, I like all of the "wheated" Bourbons and I buy a lot of Rebel Yell and Wellers. I know I wouldn't be able to pick it out in a blind taste test, but my favorite is Van Winkle and it better be - my wife just bought me a case of it. She had to special order it as it is not available too often here in Mississippi. It may be BS but the liquor store told her that it is small batch and they don't ship that much out. Does anyone know anything about the Pappy Van Winkle? It sells for about $70 a bottle here (way out of my price range for one bottle).

[KeninDC]

Pappy 23 years is $120 a bottle at Schneiders on Capitol Hill. Jack, Turkey, or Black Maple Hill, bourbon is great. Drink it neat and don't think too hard about Walter Cronkite on the TV and and the Plymouth Fury II in the driveway. Bourbon lets you in on life's little secrets.

Merry Christmas,

Ken

[doctorbongo]

I'm a big fan of blind taste tests. And I'm glad to hear (see) lots of other people here like Weller. I was very impressed by it the first time I had it, and haven't lost that zeal. Thanks for the education, Roseskunk. That was one of the most edifying (non-audio-related) missive I've seen on here. Of course, I'm more impressed because I'm a Weller fan.

[tentoze]

Pappy 23 years is $120 a bottle at Schneiders on Capitol Hill. Jack, Turkey, or Black Maple Hill, bourbon is great. Drink it neat and don't think too hard about Walter Cronkite on the TV and and the Plymouth Fury II in the driveway. Bourbon lets you in on life's little secrets.

Merry Christmas,

Ken


This was the most coherent post I've read all day, and that gives pause for concern.

[doctorbongo]

Well, to "distill" it:
There's bourbon, a Plymouth Fury II, and Walter Cronkite.
As a whiskey-drinkin journalist whose first car was a Plymouth Fury,
I'm with you, tentoze, sounds entirely coherent to me....

[Grainger49]

Pappy 23 years is $120 a bottle at Schneiders on Capitol Hill. Jack, Turkey, or Black Maple Hill, bourbon is great. Drink it neat and don't think too hard about Walter Cronkite on the TV and and the Plymouth Fury II in the driveway. Bourbon lets you in on life's little secrets.

Merry Christmas,

Ken

Wait ! !

There is something incoherent about that post?

[pmsummer]

Drink it neat and don't think too hard about Walter Cronkite on the TV and and the Plymouth Fury II in the driveway.

It's been a long time since Walter's been on TV and Plymouth made cars.

Maybe you oughta put that bottle down for awhile til you catch up. ;)

[roseskunk]

thanks bongo- wouldn't it be fun to do blind audio tests? i saw your other post...
i've had pappy as well and frankly i prefer the cheaper 12 year old to the more rare and more expensive 20's. they are the same whiskey as weller too, just sit around in a barrel a lot longer. btw, unlike wine, once it's in a bottle, whiskey stops aging. so that fifty year old royal crown will taste the same today as it did the day it was bottled.
for anyone interested, i'd highly recommend a trip to kentuck for the annual bourbon festival. there's also an amazing shaker community nearby if you have an interest in architecture. the only odd disappointment with ky is that you can buy bourbon cheaper in chicago than right at the distilleries...

[jimfet]

I quit drinking last night.

[modge]

Favourite one.
A FREE one of course.

[MitsuMan]

I quit drinking last night.

Me too................around midnite IIRC. :D

[junkaudio]

when you see 1080p stop drinking

[one-eyed fatman]

To be Bourbon, it's got to be made in Kentucky, that other stuff is just swill...

[junkaudio]

i like gentleman jack allot but not easy to get in germany


thinking of buying :http://cgi.ebay.de/Original-Jack-Daniels-Eichen-Fass-aus-den-USA-Raritaet_W0QQitemZ300059625249QQihZ020QQcategoryZ8 21QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[rlwagoner]

I have looked at all the posts, ain't many Kentuckian's here. Seein's how I is one, The OneEyed Fat Man is correct. If it ain't from the Commonwealth it ain't bourbon, I don't care what the dictionary says or don't. As far as cheap and good to just always have around, I prefer Jim Beam. Next tier up would be Maker's Mark.....broke my heart when they sold out and became just another mass produced bourbon. There was a time when you could only get it here, if you were lucky enough. After that, it's all personal preference with the "small batches". I prefer Woodford Reserve. Got to be more Kentuckian's here at AK! Where ya'll at? Oh, saying Jack is bourbon.....well....them's fightin' words. :)

[Grainger49]

I have looked at all the posts, . . . If it ain't from the Commonwealth it ain't bourbon . . .

That's true. If you had read all the posts, you would have seen that 6 posts down from the top, I mentioned that as well.

I'm not going to make a Kentucky joke here, I am from further South than you are, Georgia.

[Russellc]

want to know a secret? jw weller and van winkle is the same whiskey recipe, made by the same company. except that weller doesn't have the blessing of the vanwinkle family. vanwinkle is an orphan brand, meaning that it doesn't have it's own distillery. the only possible difference is that van winkle picks particular barrels to be labeled van winkle, but they all come from the same vat as weller, and weller is half the price. and neither is a single barrel. you'd be hard-pressed to pick between the two in a blind tasting. both weller and van winkle are wheated whiskeys, as is makers, old fitzgerald and 'rebel yell'. the wheat makes 'em a tad sweeter. and blanton's, van winkle, and jw weller are all made by the same distiller, buffalo trace. they also make a good vodka called "rain" which is distilled nearly twice as many times as stoli, at half the cost. one more thing while i'm drinking here, blantons is aged 6 1/2 years as i think woodford is, van winkle, aka weller is aged 12. woodford in my opinion comes in a nice bottle that you pay a heck of a lot for...blind tastings will save you a lot of money my friends. cheers!
Not exactly...There was once a van winkle special reserve lot B 12 year old, which was indeed made with Stizel-Weller bourbon, from which Pappy also derived, but now contains bourbon made at the Bernheim distillery in louisville. As for Weller 12 year old, that is now a Buffalo Trace product since they purchased the Weller labels from the former United Distilleries and Vintners (UDV). the Weller 12 did not exist during the brands stizel-Weller days.

Russellc

[rlwagoner]

My apologies, brother. My Tennessee brothers are always welcome in the Commonwealth. And by the way, the damn Lofton kid can flat ass play. And he's from Mason County. What the hell was Tubby or Darrin thinkin........

[Charles]

I can't help but to prefer Jim Beam, it's cheap, available, & just a pretty good bourbon.

Might I suggest "Rebel Yell"? It has to be about the smoothest straight up whiskey I've ever tried. Has a different taste, kind of like carmel. Always a big hit south of the Mason Dixon Line.

For what it's worth.

[TocoTamer]

My favourite bourbon? The kind that someone else is buying. :)

For my Buck it's Jim Beam but what do I know I'm a Gin Drinker :banana:

Dark or Clear it all Downs the same!
Rick

[doyle]

I second the Rip Van Winkle 20 year old stuff, though I always seem to reach for the Knob Creek first.

[onepixel]

Pouring some Maker's Mark right now...mmm.

[Kamakiri]

For my Buck it's Jim Beam but what do I know I'm a Gin Drinker :banana:

Dark or Clear it all Downs the same!
Rick

My God I used to love gin. Nothing in the world beat a double Beefeater and tonic.

Then one night I thought I could drink my brother under the table (a gin drinker too, this is back in my mid 20s). After 13 doubles, I decided that I was hungry and ate 3 Arbys roast beefs. Bad mistake :puke:

For years, I couldn't even tolerate the smell of green-label Scotch tape....to this day if I take a sip of gin, my body reacts violently.....

[madwing]

1992, kentucky derby day, at a party in state college, pa, at the home of one d. clayton smith, of newcastle, ky.

playing volleyball while waiting for post time, drinking this "new to me" bourbon called maker's mark. thoroughly enjoying it (having grown up on evan williams, not bad, but not maker's mark), and the volleyball (women in shorts, you see :thmbsp: ).

doug calls for post time, and we gather around the radio. only about six of the fifty people at the party are actually interested in hearing the race called, and we're all pretty tight. in the midst of chatting to doug's girlfriend, sipping my maker's mark, doug hands me another glass, a real glass, cut glass tumbler with a heavy bottom, with some pale brown, translucent liquid darkening its bottom third. eyebrows up, i look at him, and he says "don't drink until the race is over." i ask why, and he says "it's special stuff." special? "yeah. don't drink anything until the race is over. then we'll toast the winner with that."

ooookaaaaayyy, i say. what the *hell* :scratch2: ?

the trumpet sounds, the race begins, and it ends. we five, who have been given the abstinence injunction, look to doug. he smiles, says "to the winner", and we all toast, then take a sip.

:jawdrop:

it tastes like heaven, the difference between drinking oxidised christian bros. brandy and the finest armagnac stored properly for 200 years. like going from a boombox to a vintage audio experience while listening to "aja". i took another sip, then another, rolling it around my mouth, never wanting to taste anything else.

i look up, and see doug looking at me, grinning. he picks up my maker's mark (in the plastic cup) and tosses it onto the lawn. for the rest of the party we six kept returning to the bottle, shaped a little like a design acoustics da-12, with the little gold jockey on the cork...blanton's, yessirree.

i've never tasted a better whiskey, let alone bourbon (i have tasted some mighty fine whisky's, but those are a completely different thing). all these boutique whiskeys (the knob creek, the woodford's, etc.) are just fine. but they're like kissing your sister, once you're given to blanton's.

current bourbon ride is a 20 year old bottle (bottled in the early-mid 80s) of evan williams reserve, very tasty. my standard for partying bourbon is maker's mark, still, and i bring out the blanton's for *special* friends. it never has the impact on me that first glass did back in 1992, but it still sends me flying...:angel:

[Kegger]

I'm cheap so it's usually 100 proof Grandad or Good ole Wild turkey!

[onepixel]

...Then one night I thought I could drink my brother under the table (a gin drinker too, this is back in my mid 20s). After 13 doubles, I decided that I was hungry and ate 3 Arbys roast beefs. Bad mistake :puke:

That's pretty good Kam. I only got as far as 10 shots of Wild Turkey 101 and one Double Jumbo Jack. before I :puke:

[whoaru99]

Hmmm.... a little OT from Bourbon, but....

I prayed for death after a big night on McMaster's. To this day it brings about severe goosebumps just to think of it. I shudder at the thought of actually smelling or, heaven forbid, tasting it.

Coming in a distant second was an early start to an early end with Bombay Sapphire...

All this talk has me thirsty. The decision is tough, will it be The Macallan, Bushmills, Maker's Mark, or Crown Royal... hmmm????

[onepixel]

Darn...I just ran of bourbon.

[Grainger49]

Ok, it isn't traditional for St. Patty's Day, but, my wife just bought some Knob Creek and brought it home. I think because there was "Door River" in Grey's Anatomy this week.

[Russellc]

thanks bongo- wouldn't it be fun to do blind audio tests? i saw your other post...
i've had pappy as well and frankly i prefer the cheaper 12 year old to the more rare and more expensive 20's. they are the same whiskey as weller too, just sit around in a barrel a lot longer. btw, unlike wine, once it's in a bottle, whiskey stops aging. so that fifty year old royal crown will taste the same today as it did the day it was bottled.
for anyone interested, i'd highly recommend a trip to kentuck for the annual bourbon festival. there's also an amazing shaker community nearby if you have an interest in architecture. the only odd disappointment with ky is that you can buy bourbon cheaper in chicago than right at the distilleries...
Not the same at all....similar flavor profiles, but the stitzel-weller distillery hasnt run since 1991.....buffalo trace does the deed for them now....The 12 year old and the 20 year old Pappy are all stitzel-weller bourbon. the distillery still exists, perhaps someone will crank it back up.....otherwise as of 2012 or so....nothing left to make pappy 20 yr from!

russellc

[Grainger49]

Not the same at all....similar flavor profiles, but the stitzel-weller distillery hasnt run since 1991.....buffalo trace does the did for them now....The 12 year old and the 20 year old Pappy are all stitzel-weller bourbon.

russellc

Russell, what have you been sipping? Were those English sentences?

Maybe it would read better if the elliptical sentences had precedents?
.:smoke: :beer: :yikes: :scratch2: :scratch2:

[Russellc]

Russell, what have you been sipping? Were those English sentences?

Maybe it would read better if the elliptical sentences had precedents?
.:smoke: :beer: :yikes: :scratch2: :scratch2:
Been sipping eagle rare 17 yr old.....more clear now? there is a myth that weller 12 yr and pappy 12 year are the same. They are not. The distillery responsible for the pappy 12 year and the pappy 20 year old WAS called the stitzel-Weller distillery. Unfortunately, it ceased production in 1992. the weller name was bought by buffalo Trace. Buffalo Trace is the distillery responsible for not only Buffalo trace, but Blanton's, elmer T lee, and numerous others. do you not speak Boubonese? By 2012, there will be no more of this fine bourbon to age 20 years! They would be insane to put any of it in sub 20 dollar bottles like Weller 12 year. Who knows what Julian Van Winkle ( of Pappy fame) Will do for whiskey, I assume it lwill be sourced from buffalo trace, but who knows? at least I have 2 spare Pappy 20 year olds in the bunker!

russellc

[Grainger49]

Ok now!

Nice bunker!

[Russellc]

Ok now!

Nice bunker!
Thanks! There is also a george T skaggs barrel proof, an Eagle Rare 17 yr, and 2 eagle rare 10 yr old single barrel in there as well. Open? Elijah Craig 12 yr, Elija Craig 18 year, Eagle rare 10 year as well as one of the 17 year. One of the George T Staggs is also open ( 141 proof!) also open is a weller 12 year old, and an inexpensive bottle of Rebel Yell, which unfortunately has been knocked down to 80 proof, I was sad to see. Last but not least, is one of the Bernhiem (spelling?) wheat whiskeys, not really bourbon, but good stuff anyway! What can I say? Iwas born in Kentucky and love bourbon! There are many whose collections are far more extensive than my little bunker, check www.straightbourbon.com, an interesting site for all things bourbon.

Cheers and good day,

Russellc

[zr1gary]

While I generally prefer a single malt scotch from Islay, such as Laphroaig, a friend introduced me to Bourbon about 10 years ago...now I must admit I have placed a couple of the Bourbons right at the top of my list of drinks to have while listening to McIntosh gear::music:

* Booker's True Barrel 126 Proof:thmbsp:

* Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 23 Year Old:thmbsp:

I acquired a bottle of the 'Pappy' in 2002...it was in Chicago and not cheap...I bought it to celebrate my retirement. It is the smoothest bourbon I have ever tasted.

As good as the 'Pappy' is...I prefer the Bookers for most occasions...something about the taste that just makes it my favorite.

[jimfet]

That Booker will tear your damn head off and make you forget where you're at.I like it too. Whew $50 a bot.

[zr1gary]

Yah, but makes everthing you do remember seem better.

The Bookers is $38 bottle where I live....still not cheap, but I go through maybe 4 bottles a year.

The 'Pappy 23 year old' cost me $250....ouch.

[Grainger49]

For some reason my personal preference is for Bourbons under 100 proof. Those higher alcohol contents have made me hop, skip and get nekkid! And today that isn't a pretty sight.

Let's hear it for just being happy (not nekkid)!

[WhiskeyRebel]

Fighting Cock is pretty drinkable. Admittedly I bought it to get the label off the bottle, but it was a pleasant sip.

Jim Beam Rye is very tasty to me, but since it isn't corny enough to be an official bourbon, looks like that doesn't count. I like rye.

So it's no shock Canadian Club is my favorite whiskey. I'll take it over any of the fancier Canadian blends, except maybe Forty Creek three-grain. Try that stuff if you see it.

I like original Jim Beam fine too. Truth is it tastes as good to me as Knob Creek and Maker's Mark.

Is Early Times a bourbon? Not bad at all for a bargain brand, but you don't see it around much. I mean it's almost as cheap as (choke, cough) Kessler but I'd take it over Jack ANY day.

PROBABLE FIGHTIN' WORDS AHEAD:
I do not like the taste of Jack Daniel in the least. I know taste is subjective but to my tongue it's in the same category as Budweiser, a product that owes its success to reasons other than flavor.

[Grainger49]

Could you post a pic of the Fighting Cock label?

And taste is a personal thing. Everyone's is different. That is what makes the world go 'round.

[john_w]

So far I haven't tried anything that comes close to Maker's Mark, but I will have to give Blanton's a try, along with some of the others mentioned here that I haven't tried yet.

[MitsuMan]

Lately, I have taken more than a liking to Labrot and Graham's Woodford Reserve. :naughty:


http://www.vinoandsprit.com/images/WoodfordReserve1.jpg




:thmbsp:

[onepixel]

Lately, I have taken more than a liking to Labrot and Graham's Woodford Reserve. :naughty:

http://www.vinoandsprit.com/images/WoodfordReserve1.jpg

:thmbsp:

Excellent! :thmbsp: :thmbsp:

[wineslob]

So far I haven't tried anything that comes close to Maker's Mark, but I will have to give Blanton's a try, along with some of the others mentioned here that I haven't tried yet.


See the above posting, that stuff is great!

[Grainger49]

Woodford was my vote for favorite.

[john_w]

Great. Now you guys are going to turn me into an alcoholic audioholic! :nono:

[jimfet]

Great. Now you guys are going to turn me into an alcoholic audioholic! :nono:

That's because we already know, as good as your stereo may sound. It sounds even better while you're drinking.

[MitsuMan]

That's because we already know, as good as your stereo may sound. It sounds even better while you're drinking.

Truer words have never been spoken. :beer:

[roadie1]

Drunk many and enjoyed most. Always keep coming back to Jim Beam Black.

Been a Beam drinker for quite a while, having some right now as a matter of fact and just never took the plunge on the Black until your referral...:yes: . Thanks!.....R1

[Grainger49]

I have to ask, is it me and my wife, Paula, or has anyone else had this experience?

We were at a restaurant, Paula ordered Jack and Diet Coke, I ordered Jack and water. When her order came, she tasted it, and said it had no Bourbon in it (I should mention the lime slice on the side of the glass here). I tasted it, I couldn't tell that there was a drop of Bourbon. My drink was fine.

We called the server, and got sworn to that there was Jack Daniels and Diet coke in the drink. (We were skeptical because the last order at this place they gave us a blended instead of Bourbon.)

Later we tried Bourbon and "Diet Coke with Lime" (remember, there was a lime garnish on the drink above, it turns out to be important).

In the Lime DC neither of us can tell if there is Bourbon. The flavor of the drink is ruined!

Anyone else have any experience with this?????

[pmsummer]

Anyone else have any experience with this?????

I think there's a lesson there: don't mix Bourbon with anything other than water :nono: (well, maybe just a little sweet vermouth and a dash of bitters).

[tentoze]

Maybe she got Diet Bourbon as well.

[jimfet]

Who keeps their booze in the freezer? I'm a shot man myself.

[onepixel]

I have to ask, is it me and my wife, Paula, or has anyone else had this experience?

We were at a restaurant, Paula ordered Jack and Diet Coke, I ordered Jack and water. When her order came, she tasted it, and said it had no Bourbon in it (I should mention the lime slice on the side of the glass here). I tasted it, I couldn't tell that there was a drop of Bourbon. My drink was fine.

We called the server, and got sworn to that there was Jack Daniels and Diet coke in the drink. (We were skeptical because the last order at this place they gave us a blended instead of Bourbon.)

Later we tried Bourbon and "Diet Coke with Lime" (remember, there was a lime garnish on the drink above, it turns out to be important).

In the Lime DC neither of us can tell if there is Bourbon. The flavor of the drink is ruined!

Anyone else have any experience with this?????


I once ordered one of those fancy vacation drinks. I kept tasting and tasting to see if there was any alcohol. There wasn't or at they got real cheap about it.

Next time order them separately and mix it yourself.

[Infinitoid]

Good whiskeys of any persuasion should have a warning label: "Serve neat or over ice. Mixing is strictly forbidden. Punishment will be swift and without warning."

[Tapehead47]

So many bourbons I've never heard of before. I used to be a JD man, but the flavor has harshened over the years. It still has the JD flavor, but not the smoothness it once had.

If I'm drinking Jack, however, I like a JD Prez. That's a Jack Daniels with a little gingerale and club soda. Just right for me!

But make it a double.

Knob Creek is too rough on the tonsils. I have a bottle here that I haven't finished. C'mon over for a little shot! I'll provide the IPA.

Rick in Lutz, Fl.

PS: The Lightning beat the Devils tonight!!! Made my day!

[Yamaha1]

How bout Forrester and Early Times, still seem nice and smooth to me.

[Grainger49]

Who keeps their booze in the freezer? I'm a shot man myself.

If you keep it in the freezer it doesn't melt the ice nearly as fast.

[Yamaha1]

I keep my booze in freezer, vodka, bourbon, scotch etc.

[stuartk]

I actually avoided Jack Daniels - and yes, I am aware it is not 'Bourbon' due to where the distillery is located and how it is filtered. But it was so 'blue collar' that when I thought I was hot sh*t, I avoided all things that were not exclusive and rare and thought to be 'good' due to those attribute.

There have been Tennessee bourbons, although I don't know if there are any currently. Bourbon is also made in other states.

As for the charcoal filtering, I saw a documentary that showed bourbon being charcoal filtered at Jim Beam.

As with Scotch, the water used is evidently important, so that explains why location would be important.

However, I must admit I'm confused why some things would be bourbon and some whiskey when they're pretty much the same.

To further confuse things, Jack Daniels makes me nauseous - literally.

I like many Kentucky bourbons, but the Tennessee whiskeys like Daniels and Dickel unsettle my stomach. The George Dickel wasn't quite as bad though.

Neither Ezra Brooks and Virginia Gentlemen bother my stomach, so it isn't only Kentucky that's ok.

I like Jim Beam, Maker's Mark, Knob Creek and Elijah Craig, as well as the Ezra Brooks.

Last week I picked up a bottle of Woodford Reserve and I really like it. It is very smooth.

[stuartk]

Been a Beam drinker for quite a while, having some right now as a matter of fact and just never took the plunge on the Black until your referral...:yes: . Thanks!.....R1

I've tried the White, the Green, and the Black, and I prefer the White Label.

The White and the Green are the same price where I shop and the Black isn't much more expensive.

I just like the taste of the white better. <shrug>

[pmsummer]

There have been Tennessee bourbons, although I don't know if there are any currently. Bourbon is also made in other states.


:lurk:

[Grainger49]

There have been Tennessee bourbons, although I don't know if there are any currently. Bourbon is also made in other states. . .

Your post it #148, but way back when the thread started you would find out that anything made outside Kentucky can not legally be called Bourbon. And the Tennessee whiskeys, which are both made in the same way as Bourbon, are referred to as "Tennessee Sipping Whiskey." Well, because of the Kentucky law about that.

You can't make Scotch (whiskey) outside of Scotland. You could make a whiskey that tasted the same way, or was made the same way, but you don't get to call it Scotch Whiskey. Maybe Connecticut Sipping Whiskey?

It is a branding kind of thing. (I live in Knoxville)

[stuartk]

Your post it #148, but way back when the thread started you would find out that anything made outside Kentucky can not legally be called Bourbon. And the Tennessee whiskeys, which are both made in the same way as Bourbon, are referred to as "Tennessee Sipping Whiskey." Well, because of the Kentucky law about that.

You can't make Scotch (whiskey) outside of Scotland. You could make a whiskey that tasted the same way, or was made the same way, but you don't get to call it Scotch Whiskey. Maybe Connecticut Sipping Whiskey?

It is a branding kind of thing. (I live in Knoxville)

I don't care when it was posted in this thread, it isn't true. :)

I know for a fact that Virginia Gentleman is not made in Kentucky, is called Bourbon, and they're not making it illegally and packing it up here to Ohio in pickup trucks. I bought some not too long ago, so I can vouch for it myself.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bourbon_whiskey

And take special note of: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ezra_Brooks It's "Kentucky Bourbon" that only sees Kentucky when it's shipped in and sold there.

[stuartk]

:lurk:

Did you have something to add? :scratch2:

[stuartk]

Just bought some Eagle Rare today. Very tasty and I'm finding it goes really well with the Stevie Ray Vaughan CD "The Sky Is Crying." :)

[pmsummer]

Did you have something to add? :scratch2:

Just watching to see if the Kentucky long-rifles came after you for blasphemy. :D

[stuartk]

Just watching to see if the Kentucky long-rifles came after you for blasphemy. :D

Old Wive's Tales and Urban Legends die hard. :D

[pmsummer]

But then again, you can buy Santory Scotch in Japan, "Don Jose" Scotch and Cognac in Mexico, and Champagne from California.

Others would disagree.

[john_w]

Doesn't matter. Bourbon, whiskey...Call it "Possum Whiz" for all I care. Tasty corn squeezin's is tasty corn squeezin's! :banana:

[jimfet]

I think I used to drink Ole Possum Whiz. Out of a solo cup. Won't it 86 proof?

[pmsummer]

I think I used to drink Ole Possum Whiz. Out of a solo cup. Won't it 86 proof?

As I recall, didn't that come in a clear bottle with no label? Damn fine "bindin' likker"! :banana:

[onepixel]

I helped a friend out this past week and he got my a bottle of Basil Hayden's.

mmm...

[Grainger49]

I don't care when it was posted in this thread, it isn't true. :)

I know for a fact that Virginia Gentleman is not made in Kentucky, is called Bourbon, and they're not making it illegally and packing it up here to Ohio in pickup trucks. I bought some not too long ago, so I can vouch for it myself.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bourbon_whiskey

And take special note of: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ezra_Brooks It's "Kentucky Bourbon" that only sees Kentucky when it's shipped in and sold there.

And it says, "Kentucky Straight Bourbon" on the label. I'm betting it is made in Kentucky.

[stuartk]

But then again, you can buy Santory Scotch in Japan, "Don Jose" Scotch and Cognac in Mexico, and Champagne from California.

Others would disagree.

I don't think Suntory is actually sold as "Scotch." It's sold as malt whisky, if I remember.

[stuartk]

And it says, "Kentucky Straight Bourbon" on the label. I'm betting it is made in Kentucky.

You would assume that to be the case, but this isn't the first time I've heard that Ezra Brooks wasn't made in Kentucky.

[stuartk]

I think I used to drink Ole Possum Whiz. Out of a solo cup. Won't it 86 proof?

Is that like Old Panther Sweat? :D

I do agree that, no matter where it's made or what it's called, what counts is how it tastes.

[pmsummer]

I don't think Suntory is actually sold as "Scotch." It's sold as malt whisky, if I remember.

Off-mainland, you are correct. In Japan proper, I know it USED to be sold as Suntory Scotch Whisky.

[stuartk]

Off-mainland, you are correct. In Japan proper, I know it USED to be sold as Suntory Scotch Whisky.

That could be. The Japanese have some odd ideas about copyright (it doesn't apply to us, only to you iteki). :)

[pmsummer]

That could be. The Japanese have some odd ideas about copyright (it doesn't apply to us, only to you iteki). :)

Indeed. They feel the same way about certain types of "tariffs" too.

[Grainger49]

From the Virginia Gentleman's web site:

The company is located near the site where Elijah Craig, the inventor of bourbon whiskey, was born and raised. At that time, what would become the state of Kentucky was actually part of Virginia. Craig would eventually move west to Kentucky, leaving a legacy of bourbon whiskey in the Old Dominion.

What it says is that it was Virginia, then became Kentucky when Kentucky became a state. So, today, it is Kentucky.

[john_w]

From the Virginia Gentleman's web site:

The company is located near the site where Elijah Craig, the inventor of bourbon whiskey, was born and raised. At that time, what would become the state of Kentucky was actually part of Virginia. Craig would eventually move west to Kentucky, leaving a legacy of bourbon whiskey in the Old Dominion.

What it says is that it was Virginia, then became Kentucky when Kentucky became a state. So, today, it is Kentucky.

What's that?? According to the part I set in bold, apparently the company location is NOT in the part that became Kentucky - he moved there later. So the company is still in Virginia. At least that's how I read it.

[stuartk]

What's that?? According to the part I set in bold, apparently the company location is NOT in the part that became Kentucky - he moved there later. So the company is still in Virginia. At least that's how I read it.

It says Virginia on the bottle too. I noticed it because I had also thought that Bourbon meant Kentucky, so when I saw Virginia Gentleman and read the label, it stood out. I tried it specifically because it was non-Kentucky Bourbon. :)

[Russellc]

I don't care when it was posted in this thread, it isn't true. :)

I know for a fact that Virginia Gentleman is not made in Kentucky, is called Bourbon, and they're not making it illegally and packing it up here to Ohio in pickup trucks. I bought some not too long ago, so I can vouch for it myself.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bourbon_whiskey

And take special note of: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ezra_Brooks It's "Kentucky Bourbon" that only sees Kentucky when it's shipped in and sold there.
Slow down there son, virginia gentleman is distilled and bottled in virginia, but not necessarily "made" there....The unfinished distillate for Virginia Gentleman is sourced from Buffalo Trace....which is in Kentucky.
See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virginia_Gentleman
Russellc

[stuartk]

Slow down there son, virginia gentleman is distilled and bottled in virginia, but not necessarily "made" there....The unfinished distillate for Virginia Gentleman is sourced from Buffalo Trace....which is in Kentucky.
See http://en.wikipedia.ord/wiki/Virginia_Gentleman
Russellc

Interesting. So they transport fermented mash from one place to another and then distill and bottle it?


Later: Evidently so, at least according to the entry in Wikipedia.

I guess it just shows that you can't trust the label on the bottle when it comes to liquor. :)

[pmsummer]

Interesting. So they transport fermented mash from one place to another and then distill and bottle it?

A fair number of wineries do a similar thing, especially while they are waiting for their vines to mature to production. They purchase crushed grape product from producers elsewhere (usually in California), and then ferment and bottle at their own vineyard in, say, Oklahoma.

[stuartk]

A fair number of wineries do a similar thing, especially while they are waiting for their vines to mature to production. They purchase crushed grape product from producers elsewhere (usually in California), and then ferment and bottle at their own vineyard in, say, Oklahoma.

I would have thought that hauling all that water around would make it uneconomical to do things like that, and it certainly does make it confusing when you go to buy the stuff. Do they label it as being a, for example, California wine if the grapes are from California?

[pmsummer]

I guess it just shows that you can't trust the label on the bottle when it comes to liquor. :)

In the USA/Canada and EU, if it says Cognac, it's from the Cognac region of France. Likewise Armagnac. Same for Scotch Whisky.

Of course, that's not taking black-market stuff from China, Russia, and Mexico into account. And I've even heard rumors that the stuff in a Coors can isn't really beer. ;)

[pmsummer]

I would have thought that hauling all that water around would make it uneconomical to do things like that, and it certainly does make it confusing when you go to buy the stuff. Do they label it as being a, for example, California wine if the grapes are from California?

No, because it wasn't wine when it left Cali. But some will say "made with California grapes" or "made with Napa Valley grapes", but usually what I see is just a mention of the type(s) of grape(s) used, because they usually use a blend that may include grape product from South America.

[john_w]

So Virginia Gentleman is half made in Kentucky, then finished and bottled in Virginia. I guess that makes both sides right! (Or wrong, depending on your disposition.)

I've seen the "fresh mountain spring water" that Coors is made of. It looks great until it gets through the town of Golden on the way to the factory. I wouldn't necessarily want to drink from the source. :yuck:

Incidentally, Coors is actually the world's largest single-site brewer. But I believe it is bottled in several other parts of the country.

[stuartk]

So Virginia Gentleman is half made in Kentucky, then finished and bottled in Virginia. I guess that makes both sides right! (Or wrong, depending on your disposition.)


I just found this article that is really interesting.

http://www.ellenjaye.com/va_gentleman.htm

[Russellc]

I just found this article that is really interesting.

http://www.ellenjaye.com/va_gentleman.htm
Very interesting piece. That article explains the "Virginia Gentleman" story very well. Nice find.

Russellc

[stuartk]

I've seen the "fresh mountain spring water" that Coors is made of. It looks great until it gets through the town of Golden on the way to the factory. I wouldn't necessarily want to drink from the source. :yuck:

Incidentally, Coors is actually the world's largest single-site brewer. But I believe it is bottled in several other parts of the country.

Coors beer was evidently fairly unique because it wasn't pasteurized. They cold-filtered it instead to remove the yeast and avoid fermentation after it was bottled.

That requires very fine filters, so they started making their own ceramic filters. That lead to Coors Ceramics, which now makes all kinds of things with ceramics and generates a profit.

I have some Coors Ceramics bench hones that work extremely well and weren't expensive. I use them to sharpen knives and other tools.

Spyderco, another company in Golden, CO, sells knife sharpening systems that use Coors Ceramic hones. (I don't know if there is any other relationship between the two companies, other than being in the same city.)

http://spyderco.com/catalog/list.php?genre=sharpener

The bench stones they show on that page are the same as the ones I have, although I didn't get mine from Spyderco.

I have the medium and the ultra fine. I feel the ultra fine is the most useful of the two. It's about as fine as the best Black Hard Arkansas stones.

Just to make this more on-topic, I do use these hones for kitchen knives too. :)

[john_w]

stuartk - thanks for the interesting info. I knew about the cold filtering from the brewery tour I took a while back. I don't recall anything about the ceramic filters, but that doesn't mean they didn't discuss it - just that my memory (and sometimes attentiveness) sucks.

A guy I know who used to work at the brewery was talking about starting his own ceramic knife sharpener business. I have a few samples at home that he was using for prototyping. I bet he was using old, spent filter material that the brewery had tossed! Or perhaps new ceramic that was flawed in some way. Either way, something that won't work as a filter might still be perfectly good as a sharpener.

Back on topic, I need to find time to work that last bottle of Makers down towards the bottom, then pick up something else in this thread to compare it with! Like maybe the Virginia Gentleman Premium stuff I saw on that link. :scratch2:

Edit - Incidentally, the above link was just blocked by our Internet Gestapo here at work :sigh:

[stuartk]

stuartk - thanks for the interesting info. I knew about the cold filtering from the brewery tour I took a while back. I don't recall anything about the ceramic filters, but that doesn't mean they didn't discuss it - just that my memory (and sometimes attentiveness) sucks.

A guy I know who used to work at the brewery was talking about starting his own ceramic knife sharpener business. I have a few samples at home that he was using for prototyping. I bet he was using old, spent filter material that the brewery had tossed! Or perhaps new ceramic that was flawed in some way. Either way, something that won't work as a filter might still be perfectly good as a sharpener.


The problem with most ceramic hones is that they're not going to be coarse enough. You need something really coarse to remove metal and raise a burr. Once you've got a burr on both sides, you know you've actually reached the edge. (You can hone until you grow old and do nothing more than thin the blade itself. It's only when you raise a burr that you're actually working on the edge itself.) The next step is to use a very fine stone and remove the burr and polish the edge.

For kitchen knives, I usually start with one of those Chef's Choice electric sharpeners. They have diamond hones, are easy to use, and work quickly. Once I get my burr on both sides, I move to the really fine stone, and ceramic is perfect for that. I often use a set of "crock sticks" for this, since they're also really easy to use. (A bench hone is tricky for long knives, unless you have a really big hone and lots of room to work in. That can be hard to do on a countertop in the kitchen.)

[Grainger49]

Slow down there son, Virginia gentleman is distilled and bottled in Virginia, but not necessarily "made" there....The unfinished distillate for Virginia Gentleman is sourced from Buffalo Trace....which is in Kentucky.
See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virginia_Gentleman
Russellc

Ok, this is getting too kinky for even me! I read the official VG web site and they say the "law" is a myth. They say, "There are no current distillers of bourbon whiskey anywhere except in Kentucky. Except one. And that would be the A. Smith Bowman distillery in lovely Fredericksburg, Virginia. Which is where we are visiting today, along with our friends Mike Veach, Chris Sigmon, and Howie Stoops."

But who can trust the internet to be the truth? (Where is that tongue in cheek smiley face I need?)

[stuartk]

Ok, this is getting too kinky for even me! I read the official VG web site and they say the "law" is a myth. They say, "There are no current distillers of bourbon whiskey anywhere except in Kentucky. Except one. And that would be the A. Smith Bowman distillery in lovely Fredericksburg, Virginia. Which is where we are visiting today, along with our friends Mike Veach, Chris Sigmon, and Howie Stoops."

But who can trust the internet to be the truth? (Where is that tongue in cheek smiley face I need?)

I think what we can learn from all this is that, no matter what it is called or where it is made (or partly made), what is important is whether it tastes good or not.

I don't care whether it's Kentucky Bourbon or New Jersey Bourbon or Tennessee Whiskey, I drink it because I like the way it tastes. If I don't like it, it doesn't matter if it is totally from Kentucky even down to the sand for the glass bottles - it's still no good. :)

I will still call all of it Bourbon, because that's the word that best covers a distilled product made from corn with a sour mash and then aged in charred oak barrels. (You could probably add in that it's made with hard water.) Fair enough? :thmbsp:

[onepixel]

New Jersey Bourbon?!

I dunno...I like the sound of Kentucky.

[KeninDC]

And that would be the A. Smith Bowman distillery in lovely Fredericksburg, Virginia. Which is where we are visiting today, along with our friends Mike Veach, Chris Sigmon, and Howie Stoops."

Bowman used to work out of Vienna, Virginia too. I used to see the old tanks when biking the W&OD trail.

I picked up a bottle of Virginia Gentleman "small batch." Great price and sweet, smooth taste. I always cook with the regular gent, so I figured I'd try the small batch. Tastes better than its price.

[john_w]

New Jersey Bourbon?!

I dunno...I like the sound of Kentucky.

I agree. It sounds like the salsa commercial..."That's the guy who gets his licker from New York City!"

As long as it's from some place South of Ohio, it sounds right for any kind of whiskey to me.

[john_w]

The problem with most ceramic hones is that they're not going to be coarse enough. You need something really coarse to remove metal and raise a burr. Once you've got a burr on both sides, you know you've actually reached the edge. (You can hone until you grow old and do nothing more than thin the blade itself. It's only when you raise a burr that you're actually working on the edge itself.) The next step is to use a very fine stone and remove the burr and polish the edge.

For kitchen knives, I usually start with one of those Chef's Choice electric sharpeners. They have diamond hones, are easy to use, and work quickly. Once I get my burr on both sides, I move to the really fine stone, and ceramic is perfect for that. I often use a set of "crock sticks" for this, since they're also really easy to use. (A bench hone is tricky for long knives, unless you have a really big hone and lots of room to work in. That can be hard to do on a countertop in the kitchen.)

The prototype ones have a rough edge and a smooth edge. But you may be right - I've used some that just don't work the metal down very fast at all on the "rough" edge. I haven't really tried the prototypes yet.

[B3Nut]

I know some cringe at mixin' bourbon and whatnot, but I love a good bourbon and coke, especially with Makers Mark. I like that better than Beam and Coke, and that's a good drink too. Knob Creek is verrrry good on ice or neat, though. :) But a good bourbon & Coke is one of my favorite relaxin' drinks...heavenly stuff!

Todd in Cheesecurdistan

[marantzfan]

Much bigger scotch fan than bourbon...but for an everyday affordable bourbon, I like Bulleit Bourbon..

[stuartk]

I know some cringe at mixin' bourbon and whatnot, but I love a good bourbon and coke, especially with Makers Mark. I like that better than Beam and Coke, and that's a good drink too. Knob Creek is verrrry good on ice or neat, though. :) But a good bourbon & Coke is one of my favorite relaxin' drinks...heavenly stuff!

Todd in Cheesecurdistan

Yep, those are good.

I also like the way Manhattans taste. (Bourbon, sweet vermouth, and bitters.)

[Tapehead47]

this post is so full of great information! I've gotta try some of those local bourbons from Va, etc. that I never heard of.
I started with Jack about 25 years ago and it was my 'standard'. Both the black and the green were good. Seems they've changed over the years and I don't enjoy them at all. I like the single barrel and gentleman jack. It seems to me that Gentleman Jack tastes like what Jack Black used to taste like.

I tried Coors back in Calif in the early 70's. I liked that kind of beer back then and Coors was excellent. But they only shipped in refrigerated trucks. Since Coors became nation-wide it's taste has been degraded thru sitting in warehouses. Like Jack, it's just not what it used to be.

I prefer a Bourbon on ice with a splash of soda and a little ginger ale (Pres.).
Coke is good, but it's just too sweet.

Rick

[Tedrick]

Not much of a bourbon drinker (I prefer Bombay gin), but when I do I like Knob Creek.

[Tapehead47]

Ooooo. Gin, baaaad! Vodka, Gooooood!

Bourbon....tasty!

Rick

[stuartk]

this post is so full of great information! I've gotta try some of those local bourbons from Va, etc. that I never heard of.
I started with Jack about 25 years ago and it was my 'standard'. Both the black and the green were good. Seems they've changed over the years and I don't enjoy them at all. I like the single barrel and gentleman jack. It seems to me that Gentleman Jack tastes like what Jack Black used to taste like.

Yep, lots of new things out there to try. :)


I tried Coors back in Calif in the early 70's. I liked that kind of beer back then and Coors was excellent. But they only shipped in refrigerated trucks. Since Coors became nation-wide it's taste has been degraded thru sitting in warehouses. Like Jack, it's just not what it used to be.

Back when I was a kid, we used to go camping all around the US and Canada. My Dad was a teacher, so he had summers off and we could go for 6-8 weeks.

We went out to the Northwest several times (Yellowstone, Glacier, Mt. Rainier, Olympia, the Grand Tetons, etc.) and as a special treat I got to drink a little bit of Coors. I even still have an un-opened 3-panel pop-top can of Coors that's now around 35 years old.


I prefer a Bourbon on ice with a splash of soda and a little ginger ale (Pres.).
Coke is good, but it's just too sweet.
Rick

The Coke of today is not as good as the Coke when I was growing up. They pulled that New Coke / Classic Coke scam to hide the fact that they switched from cane sugar to high fructose corn syrup. So now Coke has that same cloying overly sweet taste that Pepsi does.

One of my in-laws works for Coke in Venezuela. I had tried some Coke there and it tasted really good - like Coke used to here in the US. I asked her about it and she said that Venezuela never switched away from cane sugar. They're a sugar producing country and they also don't produce huge amounts of cheap corn like the US. Cane sugar is cheaper than corn syrup would be, so they didn't have any need to switch. (I suspect that you also need a major industrial infrastructure to produce things like corn syrup, and Venezuela hasn't had any monetary incentive to do so, unlike in the US where we put an embargo on Cuban sugar and our sugar prices sky-rocketed.)

You can also get Cuban rum in Venezuela. So, I would sit around in the evening and drink real Cuba Libre's, with Havana Club rum, real Coke, and fresh-cut limes (limons) from the tree in the yard. Yum! :)

What kind of ginger ale is "Pres?" I only know of two kinds. The real one, Vernors, and then Canada Dry, which is good for mixed drinks.

[Russellc]

Ok, this is getting too kinky for even me! I read the official VG web site and they say the "law" is a myth. They say, "There are no current distillers of bourbon whiskey anywhere except in Kentucky. Except one. And that would be the A. Smith Bowman distillery in lovely Fredericksburg, Virginia. Which is where we are visiting today, along with our friends Mike Veach, Chris Sigmon, and Howie Stoops."

But who can trust the internet to be the truth? (Where is that tongue in cheek smiley face I need?)
Tis true, legally, bourbon can be made anywhere as long as the rest of the requirements are met.....it just doesnt happen much of anywhere else besides kentucky, as that where it historically happened, ( real hardcore require bourbon county as well) so thats where it still does. Those that distill in virginia and most other places still get there unfinished distillate from various distilleries in the good 'ole commonwealth.

russellc

[Russellc]

Yep, lots of new things out there to try. :)



Back when I was a kid, we used to go camping all around the US and Canada. My Dad was a teacher, so he had summers off and we could go for 6-8 weeks.

We went out to the Northwest several times (Yellowstone, Glacier, Mt. Rainier, Olympia, the Grand Tetons, etc.) and as a special treat I got to drink a little bit of Coors. I even still have an un-opened 3-panel pop-top can of Coors that's now around 35 years old.



The Coke of today is not as good as the Coke when I was growing up. They pulled that New Coke / Classic Coke scam to hide the fact that they switched from cane sugar to high fructose corn syrup. So now Coke has that same cloying overly sweet taste that Pepsi does.

One of my in-laws works for Coke in Venezuela. I had tried some Coke there and it tasted really good - like Coke used to here in the US. I asked her about it and she said that Venezuela never switched away from cane sugar. They're a sugar producing country and they also don't produce huge amounts of cheap corn like the US. Cane sugar is cheaper than corn syrup would be, so they didn't have any need to switch. (I suspect that you also need a major industrial infrastructure to produce things like corn syrup, and Venezuela hasn't had any monetary incentive to do so, unlike in the US where we put an embargo on Cuban sugar and our sugar prices sky-rocketed.)

You can also get Cuban rum in Venezuela. So, I would sit around in the evening and drink real Cuba Libre's, with Havana Club rum, real Coke, and fresh-cut limes (limons) from the tree in the yard. Yum! :)

What kind of ginger ale is "Pres?" I only know of two kinds. The real one, Vernors, and then Canada Dry, which is good for mixed drinks.
You are correct on the coke thing....as a kid I always remember the little small bottles, about 8 oz or so, were always the best I thought at the time.
Except for a little ginger ale, I havent had a drink of pop in over 2 years!

Russellc

[Russellc]

I can remeber in the 70's, before it was available in Missouri, Illinois and several other states, we would make pilgages to Colorado, collecting money from everyone we knew, and bring the stuff back, and drink it like it was nectar or something. Then it became available everywhere, and I suddenly realized it tasted like crap.

Russellc

[john_w]

I've never disliked Coors. Most around here in CO seem to prefer Bud, believe it or not, when it comes to cheap beer. I seem to recall that they use a regionally grown hops that's very mild and tastes more like some kind of herb (which it is, of course) than, well...hops. I do like it when I can get it fresh. The stuff you get on the factory tour is as fresh as you can possibly find it!

When I first came out here, I was kind of disoriented by the fact that the local Subway sandwich place didn't have any Vernors in their drink selection! And nobody behind the counter even knew what it was! That's when I knew that I (literally) wasn't in Kansas anymore! (Much less Michigan.)

Back on topic...I have been known to defile bourbon with 7-Up or Sprite on occasion. At home I usually just take it straight. Never cared for caffeinated drinks mixed with liquor. Too much contradiction there...

:boring: :yikes: :boring: :yikes: :boring: :yikes: :dunno: