Bourbon

[Gripit_Swiftit]

Anyone know anything about basil Hayden's 8 year?

So far, so good. I'm no expert but it tastes good and it's pretty smooth.

[MtlJeff]

i'm finishing my Buffalo Trace tonight, or at least trying too. You know it tastes better tonight....hmmmm. Maybe i gave up on it too fast.

Still probably going to give Elijah Craig a chance just cause it's the same price.

[Bogie_Nights]

^^^how do you drink it? Straight, on the rocks, splash of soda, twist, neat, etc....?

[MtlJeff]

usually just with an ice cube. Not necessarily to water it down, i just have trouble drinking anything that isn't a bit cold

[bppry]

I picked up the tovolo king ice cube tray two weeks ago and love it. One 2"x2" cube and fill to top. Gives a nice chill and isn't watered down at the bottom. Under $9 delivered from eBay and worth every penny.

[Myherobobhope]

Picked up an interesting bottle in TN last night... Pritchard's Double Oaked Chocolate...

I don't recommend it as a pure bourbon, but it's definitely an interesting drink... has a chocolate nose, but a good bourbon flavor.

It's definitely odd... but if given a chance, try it.

I think it might make an interesting Mint Julep, but it was $60 for the bottle...

[mflores]

I grabbed the Four Roses Single based on the recommendation here and it was very very good - great suggestion. It's a bit much here for an everyday pour - like 39 a bottle. I like WL Weller 12 year for the best bang for buck right - all wheat is so smooth

[MtlJeff]

For you BobHope....Bourbon and cheerios....need i say more?

[Myherobobhope]

Nice!

I will take a shot of my collection when I get home.

[GooseHook]

[quote name='MtlJeff' timestamp='1363134757' post='6600601']
For you BobHope....Bourbon and cheerios....need i say more?
[/quote]
Haha, the secret stash! Next step: full bar behind a suitcase.


I'm getting pumped for next Saturday, and it's not golf-related. It's the annual Beer, Bourbon, and BBQ Festival ! If I can remember, I might take a few pics and give you guys my thoughts.

[Barto78]

I'm totally ignorant when it comes to Bourbon and Whiskey, so i've always wondered about how strong of an alcohol flavor the high end bourbon and whiskey have to them. Back when i was in college i would try Wild Turkey, Southern Comfort, Beam and JD and generally it was mixed with Coke or DCoke. Those are all pretty poor quality comparative to what you guys are talking about in the thread.

Do these higher end bourbon and whiskey's your talking about have a caustic alcohol bite to them or are they simply smooth flavored with very little hint of an alcohol bite, but rich with other flavors that mask the taste of alcohol?

Hopefully my questions(s) make sense.

[Myherobobhope]

It depends on the proof and the bourbon...

You can get some crazy stuff that is 120 proof (60% abv) (Bookers is between 125-130)

I've had them straight, no ice... if it's a good bourbon, the burn at the end is offset by the smooth taste and developed flavor...

When I'm trying a new bourbon my first sip is always neat... I will then usually move to on the rocks to make it more sippable.

The more bourbon I drink, the more I enjoy the burn (I'm not talking in a single night... although that also happens).

Any decent bourbon is worth drinking on it's own... that said, some are great to mix with as well.

Maker's and Ginger Ale is one of my favorite drinks...

Next time you buy a bottle (something in the 20-50 range) try it neat first, and see how you like it... then add a little bit of ice, and see how it changes.

Warm bourbon will actually have a much more robust flavor. I don't see anyhting wrong with mixing it, putting it over ice, adding water or drinking it straight... as long as you are enjoying the glass in front of you, it's all good.

If you are looking for a starter bourbon to try straight, give Four Rose's Single Barrel a try... It's usually cheaper (under 30) and most US citizens can find it.

[Myherobobhope]

Here's my collection... downstairs collection is where I hide the Pappy... The Wild Turkey (not shown because who cares? it's unopened and will probably be used in mixed drinks one day) and White Dog were both gifts... white dog makes a good bloody mary.

Top collection needs a little love... too many almost empty bottles. I will pick up some Old Forester or Four Roses this weekend.

Also included is my bacon infused vodka (in a mason jar) and a fake viking helmet my grandfather gave to me.

[GooseHook]

[quote name='Myherobobhope' timestamp='1363296000' post='6612747']
Here's my collection... downstairs collection is where I hide the Pappy... The Wild Turkey (not shown because who cares? it's unopened and will probably be used in mixed drinks one day) and White Dog were both gifts... white dog makes a good bloody mary.

Top collection needs a little love... too many almost empty bottles. I will pick up some Old Forester or Four Roses this weekend.

Also included is my bacon infused vodka (in a mason jar) and a fake viking helmet my grandfather gave to me.
[/quote]

Have you tried the Eagle Rare 17? It's tough to find, but man...talk about complex.

[Myherobobhope]

I will find it!

In general I've found that any bourbon I like is even better with some extra aging (although Pappy 15 is my favorite)

Woodford Reserve is the only base bourbon I don't like where I do like the "upgraded" project (Double Oaked).

[Troyefl]

Bookers is where it's at!

[chickenpotpie]

BH, nice Viking helmet.

[Myherobobhope]

Thanks. On long nights of bourbon "tasting" I end up wearing it and nothing else while I pillage the neighborhood.

[Myherobobhope]

[quote name='Son_of_Sahm' timestamp='1362799073' post='6575215']
@BobHopemyhero: don't know much about bourbon. I drink beer, vodka, gin. But maybe you can be my coach. I'm paying attention....
[/quote]

Bay Liquor has 4 Roses Single Barrel for $42... it's a little bit more than I pay here, but probably still worth it.

I think Four Roses is a good starting point for learning about bourbon. If you want to start cheaper, see if they have Old Forester (Signature especially).

It's best over ice... it's 100 proof, so it needs some water to cut it down.

[GooseHook]

Happy to report that I survived the Beer, Bourbon, and BBQ festival.

Booker's managed to pique my interest again...damn that stuff is spicy.

Keep your eyes out for Whistlepig and High West..HW had a Rocky Mountain Rye that was outstanding!

[Myherobobhope]

Nice. I cracked open the bottle of Pappy 12.

It was good. Probably my second favorite (especially for the price).

[MtlJeff]

was passing by the SAQ (our liquor stores in quebec) that always carries Jack's Single Barrel. So bought another bottle of it...Gotta say it really is my favorite. Better then Makers 46 which i also really like. But of everything i've tried the Jack's is the best

How do you guys classify it? I mean it's not a bourbon by name?

Are you guys going to kick me out of the thread?

[Myherobobhope]

It's a Tennessee Sipping Whiskey.

Jack Daniel's basically follow all the procedures necessary to it to be classified as bourbon, but then they charcoal filter it (I'm also not sure they ALWAYS use new barrels).

It's a little sweet for my taste, but I'm always happy to talk any whiskey... Scotch, Canadian, TN, or Bourbon.

The Pappy 12 was awesome... I still have half a bottle, and I'm excited to finish it.

[GooseHook]

[quote name='Myherobobhope' timestamp='1364764394' post='6732129']
It's a Tennessee Sipping Whiskey.

Jack Daniel's basically follow all the procedures necessary to it to be classified as bourbon, but then they charcoal filter it (I'm also not sure they ALWAYS use new barrels).

It's a little sweet for my taste, but I'm always happy to talk any whiskey... Scotch, Canadian, TN, or Bourbon.

The Pappy 12 was awesome... I still have half a bottle, and I'm excited to finish it.
[/quote]

I was under the impression that Bourbon must come from Kentucky, hence JD would be ineligible.

[GooseHook]

So, let's talk glassware!! What do you guys prefer to drink your stuff out of? For me, the good stuff gets poured into a Glencairn glass. The shape of the rim makes for great tasting.

[gimg]http://i.c-b.co/is/image/Crate/GlencarinWhisky11ozLLF12/$web_zoom$&/1206201222/glencairn-whisky-glass.jpg[/gimg]

[chickenpotpie]

I use one of the Makers Mark glasses that come with the wax base (sold as a holiday 2-pack, with the bottle). I think I need to upgrade this though.

I know wine tastes better in better glasses, due to subtle microscopic texture (particularly in thinner crystal)....can the same be said about bourbon?

[bppry]

I have a stock of the jim beam glasses with the golf ball or football etched in the bottom. Don't prefer a snifter style glass for my bourbon.

[MtlJeff]

[quote name='GooseHook' timestamp='1364843617' post='6738317']
[quote name='Myherobobhope' timestamp='1364764394' post='6732129']
It's a Tennessee Sipping Whiskey.

Jack Daniel's basically follow all the procedures necessary to it to be classified as bourbon, but then they charcoal filter it (I'm also not sure they ALWAYS use new barrels).

It's a little sweet for my taste, but I'm always happy to talk any whiskey... Scotch, Canadian, TN, or Bourbon.

The Pappy 12 was awesome... I still have half a bottle, and I'm excited to finish it.
[/quote]

I was under the impression that Bourbon must come from Kentucky, hence JD would be ineligible.
[/quote]

I don't care, i'm talking about JD single Barrel and you guys can just deal with it! LOL

I do keep a makers 46 in the stable though

[GooseHook]

[quote name='MtlJeff' timestamp='1364845304' post='6738507']
[quote name='GooseHook' timestamp='1364843617' post='6738317']
[quote name='Myherobobhope' timestamp='1364764394' post='6732129']
It's a Tennessee Sipping Whiskey.

Jack Daniel's basically follow all the procedures necessary to it to be classified as bourbon, but then they charcoal filter it (I'm also not sure they ALWAYS use new barrels).

It's a little sweet for my taste, but I'm always happy to talk any whiskey... Scotch, Canadian, TN, or Bourbon.

The Pappy 12 was awesome... I still have half a bottle, and I'm excited to finish it.
[/quote]

I was under the impression that Bourbon must come from Kentucky, hence JD would be ineligible.
[/quote]

I don't care, i'm talking about JD single Barrel and you guys can just deal with it! LOL

I do keep a makers 46 in the stable though
[/quote]

Dude, it's good stuff! No one's going to bust your chops

Interesting read here on the[url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bourbon_whiskey"] Tennessee Whiskey l[/url]abel.

[Myherobobhope]

Bourbon must be made in the US (AMERICUH!) but does not HAVE to be made in KY... people outside of KY have started making some great bourbons, actually... Pritchard's is worth a try if you ever see it.

As for glassware, I have some nice glasses with my monogram on them. Highball and lowball... nothing special.