What's Your Favorite Bourbon?

Just tried Balcones Rumble, a Texas Wiskey. Not bad but I think a good Kentucky Bourbon is better.

Regards,

Art S.

 

Big news today on the Bourbon and Whisky front. Suntory bought the company that produces Jim Beam, Maker's Mark and other Scottish & American brands. This is another acquisition by one of the "Big 3" of mega-spirits companies; it may be the last one for awhile, though. The renewed interest in whisky, and in American brands, means the remaining smaller distillers are better funded and more stable than in the past.

Beam, Inc also licenses Laphroaig, Courvoisier & Teacher's Scotch, along with Baker's and Knob Creek domestically. I'm hopeful Suntory will leave Laphroaig alone to continue making their whisky, and that the American brands don't start messing around with the unique taste of their brands (with the rising popularity of flavored spirits, though, anything is possible).

http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2014/01/13/suntory-of-japan-to-buy-maker-of-jim-beam-for-13-6-billion/?nl=todaysheadlines&emc=edit_th_20140114&_r=0

 

Thoughts? Caskers.com has it today for $44 and I'm tempted to pick up a couple of bottles.

Thanks,

Mark
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Mark, never heard of it but I dig the bottle. Great reviews online plus it's cask strength. Worth the purchase, IMO.

I'm still sipping on Russell's Reserve and Russell's Rye (for Manhattans). In 2 weeks I am going to KY on business, I hope I have time to hit a distillery.

 

I had the same thoughts. I've heard of it and heard good reviews. Plus I usually love cask strength whiskeys. I think I'll pick up a bottle and see how it goes.

Thanks, have fun on the trip.


Mark

 

JD. KISS.....


Rich

 

John,

I swore I mentioned Noah's Mill earlier but I couldn't find any post.

It is my favorite at the moment, great flavor with a hint of astringency; strong but smooth. A nice complement to Black Maple Hill's honey tones. You won't be sorry with your purchase.

Regards,

Art S.

PS. Rich, are you talking about Jack Daniel's? To me, that stuff is almost undrinkable.

 

Just had a bottle of Black Maple Hill with friends Friday. Very impressive. Great sipper. Also recently tried Widow Jane. The good craft bourbons are invading our Friday tequila club.

 

I think you were replying to me? I found a bottle at a local liquor store yesterday and only had time for a quick sample sip later in the day. Based off my quick sampling, I am going to enjoy Noah's Mill very much.

As you mentioned, strong but smooth. Many great tasting notes that are very "alive" on your tongue.

Thanks for the recommendation, I appreciate it.


Mark

 

Ok a bit off topic but no totally.

I was at a restaurant on Saturday night and the guy next to me at the bar before dinner ordered a Manhattan and the barkeep said that they had in house aged (6months) Makers Mark Manhattans and poured him one. It looked great and I only remember my Grandmother drinking them many years ago.

I ordered one as well and really enjoyed it. I came home and got some Makers Mark yesterday and had some old Sweet Vermouth around and bitters, Made my first last night and it was good but I think I need a new bottle of Vermouth.

Are there any Manhattan drinkers here and what is your favorite recipe and/or technique for making them?

 

For the money, I think Bulliet frontier whiskey is great.

 

Sorry Mark, yes I was replying to you. I'm glad you like it.


Bob,

My question is: is it worth using good stuff in mixed drinks?

Regards,

Art S.

 

Manhattans are traditionally rye, although you can use any sipping whisky or bourbon as you want. Even some of the very good whiskies are not that expensive, so I'd look at Bulleit Rye, Woodford Reserve, Buffalo Trace, Knob Creek or others, all of which are at or around $40-45. In a mixed drink, you'll still benefit from their smoothness, which will make the drink more enjoyable.

 

Interesting article in this month's Fortune; here's the online teaser...

The billion-dollar bourbon boom - Feb. 6, 2014

 

A big slug of Woodford, a splash of sweet vermouth(probably 5:1 Woodford:Vermouth), several dashes of bitters(the Woodford Reserve Bourbon Barrel Aged Spiced Cherry Bitters are an interesting option), a few drops of Marischino cherry juice... I actually drink it on the rocks... Love it!

T

 

Lately I've been drinking Breckenridge almost exclusively. Only available in CO, as far as I know, but it's worth a try if you can find it.

They're now doing a vodka, also, which isn't nearly as good as the bourbon.

http://www.breckenridgedistillery.com/

CW

 

I know this is a bourbon thread but just to digress for a minute on the Manhattan topic. I was in Manhattan today and had one at ABC Kitchen and they used Brandied cherries rather than the carcinogenic red maraschinos and it really added another dimension of flavor to the drink.

A little investigative work with the manager and this is what they use. A bit pricey for a condiment but what the heck. I'm going to get a bottle

Cherries in Brandy - 1 lt: Amazon.com: Grocery & Gourmet Food

 

Since we're talking Manhattans, try some of the lovely new rye whiskeys instead of bourbon. Gives you a "drier," less-sweet cocktail. I like WhistlePig.

 

Too much talk of Scotch, not enough of Bourbon.

 

Apparently Black Maple Hill is the next Pappy's:

Pappy's Drought Eased with Black Maple Hill Bourbon - Bourbon & Boots

Black Maple Hill Premium Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Kentucky, USA: prices

Oh well, I like it a lot and at $32 a bottle it's a great deal but if prices go stupid, I'm out.

Regards,

Art S.

 

Ha, I almost bought a bottle of that just the other day. I went with another bottle Noah's Mill (which I love) instead. I'll have to give this a try if my local store still has any in stock.


Mark

 

Mark,

I think its still readily available, the $1500 a bottle looks like BS. That said, it was my favorite before I discovered Noah's Mill and now its a close second. It is a great complement with a totally different character, lots of honey tones. Bare in mind that I'm not very good with flavor descriptions - so 'its really good, really smooth and has great flavors' is probably the way I should leave it.

I've only had the cheapest version but hear the aged versions are even better.

Regards,

Art S.

PS. Glad you love Noah's Mill.

 

You guys really have to stop talking up the Pappy! That's what created the shortage in the first place; Anthony Bourdain and David Chang talking it up on some TV show. It's been hard to find a bottle since then. I've been on a waiting list for over a year. I've seen the Black Maple in our liquor stores here and will have to give it a try. Two favorites of mine are W.L. Weller and Johnny Drum, both smooth and very drinkable. And no more mention of PVW, Please!!

 

Pappy Van what?
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For the money, excellent product. I can't keep it on the shelf in the store. If your like it I might suggest you stock up on it I have been told it will get harder to get.