CHANGSTAR: Audiophile Headphone Reviews and Early 90s Style BBS
Non-Audio Stuff => Food and Drink => Topic started by: anetode on April 29, 2013, 10:30:00 PM
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Figured it would be only fair to celebrate what is perhaps America's greatest contribution to the world of spirits. To kick things off, today I had the pleasure of running into a friend who works at a thrift shop where he just stumbled upon an awesomely campy 1979 Circus Wagon Decanter of 100 mo. old Jim Beam. Now usually Jim Beam Black is my lowest acceptable standard for a bourbon, but this stuff was something else. Not the most flavorful, but so smooth and mild and relaxing.
(https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/913959_523584697688331_1197300727_o.jpg)
The field of bourbons might not be as varied or celebrated as Scotch, but it's cheaper and occasionally you run across a gem which holds its own against any other type of whiskey.
My personal go-to is usually 9 yr old Knob Creek, how's about you?
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Had to help by re-posting pics of the best Bourbon I have ever had...Jefferson's Presidential 17 yr. old Select. Batch #1, bottle #936.
Will take more time to write about the others! :)p5
(Having some Weller with Carpano Antica (http://www.klwines.com/detail.asp?sku=1005139) vermouth, Fee Brothers Orange (http://www.feebrothers.com/products/bitters/old_fashion_aromatic_bitters.php) and Aromatic bitters plus a Luxardo (http://www.luxardo.it/product.aspx?ID=978) cherry as my nightcap now.)
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A connoisseur in the mists! I'm going to have to remember about Jefferson's for the next special occasion.
As far as mixology goes, I've never been able to stomach the vermouth aspect of a Manhattan. More into the Old Fashioned, especially after finally running across a properly prepared version at the Velvet Tango Room in Cleveland. Make sure to stop by if you ever happen to trek across the midwest, they take their craft seriously and you can often catch a decent jazz show.
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http://www.whisky.sg/medias/220113-retail-012013.pdf
The list of USA Bourbon's is on page 11.. not sure whats good there - definitely keen on some suggestions!
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I've been a fan of Basil Hayden's personally. I usually just go rocks for Bourbon.
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I love Noah's Mill for crazy smoke and a good amount of rye in the composition. A good sipping alternative to single malt scotch, IMO.
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I just picked up 2 bottles of Single Oak Project.
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I just picked up 2 bottles of Single Oak Project.
From their site...
We believe that this experiment will allow you to directly compare the impact of 7 different critical variables across 192 bottles for a total of 1,396 taste combinations. None of the 192 bottles in the complete set are exactly alike.
Does that mean you could end up finishing off a bottle and never get to taste it again?
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I think so, yeah. Unless you manage to locate another bottle from that specific barrel.
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Cool, thanks for that tip...will look into it further.
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Had to help by re-posting pics of the best Bourbon I have ever had...Jefferson's Presidential 17 yr. old Select. Batch #1, bottle #936.
Will take more time to write about the others! :)p5
(Having some Weller with Carpano Antica (http://www.klwines.com/detail.asp?sku=1005139) vermouth, Fee Brothers Orange (http://www.feebrothers.com/products/bitters/old_fashion_aromatic_bitters.php) and Aromatic bitters plus a Luxardo (http://www.luxardo.it/product.aspx?ID=978) cherry as my nightcap now.)
I must try this.
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The Jefferson's is indeed good stuff. And as close to Pappy (or better) as you can get without, um, getting Pappy. Or something like that.
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I was watching that moonshiner's show on discovery channel and it made want to try some Bourbon. Unfortunately I don't have access to some of the stuff mentioned here (Jefferson's). I have been looking around and here are a couple I was thinking about; Basil Hayden, Blanton's, Bulleit, Knob Creek, Buffalo Trace, Woodford Reserve, or maybe some of the more expensive/limited Buffalo Trace products. I am looking forward to compare with my Scotchs and have some classic bourbon cocktails.
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Bulleit got a nod in that Stallone movie, Bullet to the Head. I wondered if it was actually any good or if it just had an appropriate name. Any one try it?
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Bulleit is a solid (if unexceptional) bourbon. Decent taste, quite a kick, not very much depth or interesting quality to the flavor. I think it might be more popular in the southwest, I haven't seen it around much in the midwest.
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Had to help by re-posting pics of the best Bourbon I have ever had...Jefferson's Presidential 17 yr. old Select. Batch #1, bottle #936.
Will take more time to write about the others! :)p5
(Having some Weller with Carpano Antica (http://www.klwines.com/detail.asp?sku=1005139) vermouth, Fee Brothers Orange (http://www.feebrothers.com/products/bitters/old_fashion_aromatic_bitters.php) and Aromatic bitters plus a Luxardo (http://www.luxardo.it/product.aspx?ID=978) cherry as my nightcap now.)
Finally got to try Jefferson's 18 yr over at icehouse (http://www.icehousempls.com/drinks/robert-mitchum-collection/). You're right, it's the epitome of bourbon. Very balanced, almost polite for a bourbon - not bad at all.
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Some of my favorites include Buffalo Trace, Hirsch, Bookers, Knob Creek, Handy Sazerac, Stagg, Willett 8yr. I used to like Basil Haydens more back when it was aged 8 years - now it's "artfully aged", whatever that means...
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I thought this thread needed a kick-start. I have been favoring Bourbon over Scotch for the last couple of months. So far I have had Buffalo Trace, Blanton's, and Dry Fly Washington Wheat (okay not a real bourbon). Buffalo Trace is awesome for the price. I think of it as the classic Bourbon. Vanilla, sweetness, and just the right amount of heat to let you know you are drinking Bourbon. The Blanton's is a slight step up in refinement. I believe it is just specially selected Buffalo Trace, so it kind of makes sense. The Dry Fly was kind of boring by comparison. Very smooth with almost no bite, but also nothing of interest. I think of it as the Coors light of Whiskey...smooth, and that is about it. I will mark it down to the wheat whiskey being too bland to attract my attention.
Any suggestion's for the next bottle? My Buffalo Trace is running dangerously low.
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If you like the Buffalo Trace, have you tried Eagle's Rare? Also- please try Noah's Mill.
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Looks like Eagle Rare isn't available here anymore which is kind of annoying. There is a real shortage of good Bourbon. I might need to take a trip down to Buffalo to find some better stuff. I will definitely have to find the Noah's Mill.
A local craft brewery has started making whiskey in the Bourbon style. They gave me a tour of the facility when they were installing their pot still a couple months ago. I hope there is an explosion of craft distiller's like there was for craft brewery's. We need more variety and character to break up the whiskey conglomerate's.
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I have mixed opinions about Eagle Rare. Sometimes I like it and sometimes I prefer standard Buffalo Trace. One everyday favorite is Bakers at 107 proof. Just recently bought Stagg Jr which is good but I'm not if it's better than Bookers and certainly not in the same league at Stagg. I'm curious to try Noah's Mill.
Old Forester Birthday bourbon is really good too.
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Thanks for the heads up on Stagg Jr Donald, I will pass on it for now.
I am trying to have two bottles going, one cheaper and one more expensive. Otherwise I will end up with 10 half full bottles like my Scotch collection. Since my Buffalo Trace is gone I might replace it with Four Roses Small Batch or Elijah Craig 12yo. I would spring for the Bookers but I would feel really guilty when I make my girlfriend Manhattan's with it.
Would you say the Baker's or Booker's has that thick flavor profile of a scotch? The thing I like about Bourbon is that it is kind of light and easy drinking with simple flavors like vanilla and unrefined sugar. Most Scotches I have tried tend to have richer honey/caramel flavors and a thicker mouth feel which I don't like all the time. I may need to try some of the cheaper Scotches but so far I have been really impressed with what I can get for $35-$50 in the Bourbon world.
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To me Bakers is much easier drinking than Bookers. Bakers has a very enjoyable flavor, perhaps leaning a little towards the sweet side, whereas Booker's has such a bold flavor which is more intense and spicy, along with the higher proof. Knob Creek is good too, and so is Hirsch, both of which are relatively affordable. If you're looking for one with a lighter mouth feel, have you tried Basil Hayden's?
Also, have you tried Russell's Reserve?
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It looks like I was too late for the LCBO's supply of Bookers or Bakers. I will probably grab the Basil Hayden's as I am eager to try something not made by Buffalo Trace.
I haven't tried the Knob or Russell's Reserve yet. Pretty sure I can't get Russell's Reserve up here so I will add it onto my snag it from the US list with Old Forester and Noah's Mill.
Also, looks like Buffalo Trace has reduced the Blanton's line down to the original. I had one of the upscale varieties at a bar a while back and it was one of my favorites. Pretty sure it was cask strength too. Kind of a pity as it was one of the few higher end Bourbon's available here for some reason. After I finish my bottle of the plain jane Blanton's I will probably try Hancock Presidential Reserve unless the Booker's comes back in stock.
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Just grabbed a bottle of Bookers. Comparing to my Woodford Reserve atm. Blanton's is sold out in the OC so I decided to try the Bookers though I was looking for Elmer T. Lee which is probably harder to find than Blantons at this point. I've decided to hold back on Blanton's till I go to Japan and can buy the gold Edition.
Eagles Rare sound enticing and brilliant, but seems to be too much of a departure from a typical Kentucky bourbon profile for my current ambitions.
I am looking at Angel's Envy, perhaps even the cask strength to go head 2 head with Bookers. Or just go for the Angel's Envy Rye instead.
Maybe set up a duel between Four Roses and the Woodford Reserve. Anyone have any thoughts on the various Four Roses?
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i thought this thread was going to be about biscuits (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bourbon_biscuit)! :-DD
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Last year I bought a bottle of the Four Roses Single Barrel Cask Strength from Bevmo. I like it but am not sure it is worth the current $76 asking price.
Recently I bought a bottle of the Old Scout 7yr cask strength rye from K&L. It's good, and I have been trying a lot of ryes recently from High West to Ri1 to Templeton to Rittenhouse to Whistlepig. I enjoyed them all but they don't jump out with the bold flavor that I like from a good bourbon.
In Denver at CEDIA I tried the locally made Stranahan's. It's made from barley and aged like bourbon. Very unique and enjoyable flavor.
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Last year I bought a bottle of the Four Roses Single Barrel Cask Strength from Bevmo. I like it but am not sure it is worth the current $76 asking price.
Have you ever tried the cheaper small batch Donald? Been curious about that one. Still intrigued by the normal Angle's Envy. I have a feeling I would like the flavor but might end up feeling it wasn't quite 'Bourbon' enough.
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Any of you Americans ever tried Pappy Van Winkle bourbon? Shipments to oz are usually sold out instantly, never had a chance to try it :/
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Have you ever tried the cheaper small batch Donald? Been curious about that one. Still intrigued by the normal Angle's Envy. I have a feeling I would like the flavor but might end up feeling it wasn't quite 'Bourbon' enough.
I don't believe I have had their small batch. I have tried Angel's Envy and it is nice and smooth with a bit of sweetness, perhaps from the port wine barrel finish.
Any of you Americans ever tried Pappy Van Winkle bourbon? Shipments to oz are usually sold out instantly, never had a chance to try it :/
Yes, so far I have tried the 15 and 20 year. Both were very good, although I preferred the 15 year. There was something more special to me about the taste. I also like its higher proof at 107. This seems to be my personal sweetspot.
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I don't believe I have had their small batch. I have tried Angel's Envy and it is nice and smooth with a bit of sweetness, perhaps from the --> port wine barrel finish. <---
OK, that explains it.
I like this a lot. Money very well spent.
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I'm a big fan of Old Weller Antique, Buffalo Trace, Woodford Reserve, and Evan Williams Single Barrel as easy to find budget options. Stepping up a little, Blantons is great and I'm a big fan of the Woodford Double Oaked.
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I've been contemplating trying (again) to get into spirits, and bourbon looks like the real bang/buck drink.
I have had Wild Turkey 101 and Evan Williams. What is a mild bottle for the newbie? (25-30 bucks)
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I've been contemplating trying (again) to get into spirits, and bourbon looks like the real bang/buck drink.
I have had Wild Turkey 101 and Evan Williams. What is a mild bottle for the newbie? (25-30 bucks)
Weller's. Perhaps Four Roses too based on other's impressions.
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bourbon looks like the real bang/buck drink.
Won't be for long. As Anaxilus said to me, it won't be long before the rest of the world figures out these rednecks in Tennessee and Kentucky actually do make world class shit.
The guy at Woodland Hills Wine said the Four Roses stuff hit above its price point. The milder 90 proof stuff should be over $30 a bottle. I have not tried it though.
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I have had Wild Turkey 101 and Evan Williams. What is a mild bottle for the newbie? (25-30 bucks)
Bourbon and American whiskies in general are escalating in price quickly. Elijah Craig 12 year is a great value under $30. For rye, try Rittenhouse.
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hello,
well it's not like we don't have the capacity.
http://www.mgpingredients.com/alcohol/beverage/
http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2014/07/30/336584438/why-your-small-batch-whiskey-might-taste-a-lot-like-the-others
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We have plenty of corn and grains to make more, but unlike vodka you need to wait years to see the return on your efforts. Good whiskies start at 4 years of aging in the barrel, but normally you need 7-8 years before it starts tasting really good. Some are 10, 12, 15, 20 years old. So it comes down to available inventory and demand.
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hello,
well it's not like we don't have the capacity.
Yup, it's a matter of time not capacity. Production is based on calculated demand anywhere from 7-25+ years out. Based on current prices and demand, they obviously guessed wrong a decade ago.
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I've been contemplating trying (again) to get into spirits, and bourbon looks like the real bang/buck drink.
I have had Wild Turkey 101 and Evan Williams. What is a mild bottle for the newbie? (25-30 bucks)
Evan Williams Single Barrel - A bit sweet, prominent vanilla, mellow, with an easy drinking approach.
Buffalo Trace - An excellent entry level bourbon, a bit sour with mild sweetness, oak and smoke.
Old Weller Antique - Comparable to Pappy since it's the same mash, except select barrels are chosen as Pappy since they've aged the best. Old Weller is as close as many people will ever get to Pappy and that's okay.
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Yup, it's a matter of time not capacity. Production is based on calculated demand anywhere from 7-25+ years out. Based on current prices and demand, they obviously guessed wrong a decade ago.
hello,
very much agreed. it is my understanding that the rise in popularity of clear liquors caught those making browns at a bit of a loss. with sales dropping, whiskey makers in the U.S. were unable to commit financially to aging their product.
i'm also thinking that increased interest in Scottish malts spilled over into folks wanting to try other browns. thus we have a bunch of "boutique" distillers entering the market now, unfortunately not all of them are transparent regarding their role in producing the actual product.
happily (in the Great Northwet at least) there has been a boom in small distillers that are making superlative booze.
the pattern seems to be: make a Vodka, then a juniper flavored variant (that would be gin), then move on to a whiskey.
this place is 20 minutes away:
http://www.bainbridgedistillers.com/
the GYTW was gifted some Battle Point by me this holiday season, she loves it!
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For those interested, K&L Wines just received a large shipment of Maker's Mark Cask Strength. I bought one a while back and it is the best Makers available. Price is not inexpensive at $40 for 375mL, but I think this was the right marketing choice to make. Enjoy!
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Not sure about the prices going up as you guys say, but as far as I'm concerned $40 for cask strength small batch straight bourbon seems like quite a deal when contrasted by an equal sized scotch
Oh and has anyone tried the Rogue single malt?
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Not sure about the prices going up as you guys say, but as far as I'm concerned $40 for cask strength small batch straight bourbon seems like quite a deal when contrasted by an equal sized scotch
Oh and has anyone tried the Rogue single malt?
I could give you a list of 5, maybe 10 Bourbons either continuously out of stock of being flipped for 2-4x's the price both online and at B&Ms.
I'm not sure why anyone would want to compare something to an 'equal sized' Scotch. Is this like Burger King Whoppers versus Big Macs or are we going for two golf bags in the trunk?
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Oh and has anyone tried the Rogue single malt?
If for nothing more, I would not purchase Rogue's products based on them having an extremely dirty brewery and treating their employees pretty badly. There are many accounts of this when Googled. I don't like to support companies who treat their employees poorly because I've hated working for people like that.
That and their products are generally mediocre at best.
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Yeah, I don't care for their beer either.
The business part is news though so definitely never buying anything from them again
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Here's some seriously seriously seriously good shit.
(http://www.changstar.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=958.0;attach=8924;image)
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Absolutely! Their 8 year is one my favorites
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This one is like butterscotch. The guys at the store got to pick out pick barrel from samples. They did a good job. Uncut, yet so extremely smooth. After the Bookers and this one, everything else tastes watered down. This is horrible because I don't think I can drink anything less.
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Last autumn I purchased a bottle of Willett 4yr rye to try. Up until then I haven't been a big fan of rye - too many of them taste almost the same to me (probably partly because many are sourced from the same supplier). AnywAy, to my surprise this Willett is markedly different and is the best I have had to date. I bought it at BevMo in West LA. I told my buddy about it and went back to buy a bottle for him and another for me, all from the same barrel. They had around 10-12 bottles total. They also had similar quantity from a second barrel. When I went back the next day to see if anything new had come in that day, which was right before Thanksgiving, all were gone - someone came in and bought everything in stock! The same happened to Vendome in BH when the received their Willett. It seems this brand is now becoming almost as hard to get as Pappy and BTAC, which sucks. Out of curiosity I bought a bottle of 7yr rye from a different store - it's good but I like the 4yr that I have more.
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Here's a new favorite under the KL Wine's house brand Faultline:
(http://www.klwines.com/images/skus/1142790x.jpg)
Great flavor profile from the blend of the low rye and high rye bourbons. Good proof at 100 - not too low or high.
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Going to make a bold claim, Buffalo Trace is the best sub-$30 bourbon. Old Weller Antique comes close, but it's a bit hot. Elijah Craig 12 is great but a bit to smokey for an every day drinker. Evan Williams Single Barrel is great but a bit too sweet for every occasion.
Bulleit isn't bad, but it's 2nd tier to these and Knob Creek is, imo, a hot boozy mess. I actually hate Knob Creek, it's the black sheep of the Beam line imo.
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Going to make a bold claim, Buffalo Trace is the best sub-$30 bourbon. Old Weller Antique comes close, but it's a bit hot. Elijah Craig 12 is great but a bit to smokey for an every day drinker. Evan Williams Single Barrel is great but a bit too sweet for every occasion.
Bulleit isn't bad, but it's 2nd tier to these and Knob Creek is, imo, a hot boozy mess. I actually hate Knob Creek, it's the black sheep of the Beam line imo.
I wish I could find Buffalo Trace closer to where I live. I've only seen it available in a store that's somewhat near my school for $27. At the time, I was deciding between the Buffalo, Bulleit ($30 on sale), Four Roses Single Barrel, and Four Roses Small Batch. I went for the Single barrel, but I think I'm going to try Buffalo Trace next time.
My favorite "budget" Bourbon has been Fighting Cock at just $20 a bottle.
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I wish I could find Buffalo Trace closer to where I live. I've only seen it available in a store that's somewhat near my school for $27. At the time, I was deciding between the Buffalo, Bulleit ($30 on sale), Four Roses Single Barrel, and Four Roses Small Batch. I went for the Single barrel, but I think I'm going to try Buffalo Trace next time.
My favorite "budget" Bourbon has been Fighting Cock at just $20 a bottle.
I don't think Bulleit is worth it's price, but at the same time I think that it's better than Evan Williams and other super budget option. I think the issue is that Buffalo Trace drinks more expensive than it costs. Bulleit is not bad, but it's pretty safe.
I've only had regular Four Roses, and it's a second tier at best budget bourbon, I'd place it slightly below Bulleit. I've never tried the small batch or single barrel though. Bulleit for $30 is absurd though, not on sale it's $26-$28 here.
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You can get normal Blanton's here in Japan for a few ticks over $30.
Whoa.
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I don't think Bulleit is worth it's price, but at the same time I think that it's better than Evan Williams and other super budget option. I think the issue is that Buffalo Trace drinks more expensive than it costs. Bulleit is not bad, but it's pretty safe.
I've only had regular Four Roses, and it's a second tier at best budget bourbon, I'd place it slightly below Bulleit. I've never tried the small batch or single barrel though. Bulleit for $30 is absurd though, not on sale it's $26-$28 here.
Four Roses Single Barrel is kinda risky. I've had three different bottles, and they all tasted significantly different. Not bad, but they were certainly different. The second bottle was one of the best bourbons I've ever had, but the other two were merely above average.
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I'm coming home, I'm coming home. Tell the world I'm coming home...
(http://img.coopathome.ch/produkte/ganzgross/front/41/4117109xfun.jpg)
Mine's 9/2014 though.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRwELMBfeEI
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Going to make a bold claim, Buffalo Trace is the best sub-$30 bourbon. Old Weller Antique comes close, but it's a bit hot. Elijah Craig 12 is great but a bit to smokey for an every day drinker. Evan Williams Single Barrel is great but a bit too sweet for every occasion.
Bulleit isn't bad, but it's 2nd tier to these and Knob Creek is, imo, a hot boozy mess. I actually hate Knob Creek, it's the black sheep of the Beam line imo.
Agreed that OWA is a bit hot but for me that comes down to the extra proof. Stagg has that same heat and I think it's just attributed to OWA being closer to barrel proof than BT. I drink all bourbon neat, including barrel proof, but I hear adding a couple of drops of water to OWA can tame the heat a bit and possibly open up some more subtle flavors. Weller 12 might be more to your liking unless you've already gone down that road and prefer the OWA.
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I'd recommend anyone thinking of doing the 'add a few drops of water' thing to just grab a glass of water to go with your spirit. I find that taking a sip or drink of water first, then having a spirit works better to delineate the layers of a complex beverage without turning your spirit into a watered down heterogeneous mess of a cocktail. It seems leaving a layer of water on my palate after having a sip is just enough for me. IME, YMMV.
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I'm a fan of Widow Jane. They have a pretty strong hipster vibe but I think their stuff is really tasty. http://widowjane.com/products/
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Thanks for introducing this spirit. Where can we but it?
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Based on a documentary I just saw, most of the major distillers in Kentucky have always been using sweet Kentucky Limestone water. Anyone know differently?
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Thanks for introducing this spirit. Where can we but it?
Looks like online only via the 'where can u find us' link. No tailers on the west coast yet it seems.
http://andrewswinecellar.com/products/widow-jane-8-year-old-kentucky-bourbon-whiskey-750ml
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Guys, my apologies for being the one to enable you: www.wine-searcher.com
They have been changing the industry for a while now. Tons of pros use it to price product and assess availability.
I used to have a paid subscription. You see even more listings.
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Agreed that OWA is a bit hot but for me that comes down to the extra proof. Stagg has that same heat and I think it's just attributed to OWA being closer to barrel proof than BT. I drink all bourbon neat, including barrel proof, but I hear adding a couple of drops of water to OWA can tame the heat a bit and possibly open up some more subtle flavors. Weller 12 might be more to your liking unless you've already gone down that road and prefer the OWA.
I prefer to drink neat, but some bourbons are bottled too hot for my palate. A teaspoon of water per 2 ounces can really do wonders. The higher the ABV the harder it is for a palate to pick up the nuances so by adding a slight amount of water you're making it easier to taste through the alcohol.
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I prefer to drink neat, but some bourbons are bottled too hot for my palate. A teaspoon of water per 2 ounces can really do wonders. The higher the ABV the harder it is for a palate to pick up the nuances so by adding a slight amount of water you're making it easier to taste through the alcohol.
When I've tried that I can taste the separated water as it never seems to mix very well. Not to mention the water you are adding is probably not the same water they used with the same hardness or PH. Personally I don't like the overall effect myself. I've had better luck just leaving a drink over 130 out for 5-8 hours. Alcohol will dissipate over time and attract moisture from the air. One reason I like cask strengths is they holdup better over time IME (if you're a sipper).
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When I've tried that I can taste the separated water as it never seems to mix very well. Not to mention the water you are adding is probably not the same water they used with the same hardness or PH. Personally I don't like the overall effect myself. I've had better luck just leaving a drink over 130 out for 5-8 hours. Alcohol will dissipate over time and attract moisture from the air. One reason I like cask strengths is they holdup better over time IME (if you're a sipper).
Fair game. I tend to use Brita filtered water, never tasted the separation but I respect that you've tried it and don't doubt the conclusion you came to.
I did get to try Maker's Mark Cask Strength, really good if you like sweeter bourbons with a prominent vanilla and coconut profile, but it's definitely priced in a range that's not worth buying imo.
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I use PUR filters all over the house (NSF 42 and 53) and have an R/O unit.
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Wow Anax, I have an RO plant in salubrious Chennai :). You need one in CA?
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Wow Anax, I have an RO plant in salubrious Chennai :). You need one in CA?
Nah, we don't 'need' one. Our water reports are pretty good, if you trust those things. The RO unit was for the aquariums I used to have and some automotive applications where it's best to avoid hard water and scaling.
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OK, that explains it.
I like this a lot. Money very well spent.
So, I thought, "hey, I should try to be more like an adult, and get some alcohol... I'll try Marv's thingy." And I did. I bought a bottle... I couldn't find the one he said tasted like butterscotch, so I thought this one must be something like it.
It's not.
It tasted like coughing and burning and an inability to breathe.
WTF is wrong with you people?
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^Good review, cizx. What was the product? Temperature, the stuff you drink, the amount of water you add...all contribute to wanting to have it more often or never again.
Another thing is that this thread needs some REAL recos of what to do to make THE BEST MANHATTAN.
Luxardo Cherries. Or Griottines, but they are second to me. The Luxardos have gobs of flavor and this crazy waxy texture that is quite singular.
Vermouth: There are only three that I can recommend. Carpano Antica, Cocchi, and Dolin Red. I used the Dolin red just to cut the others which are thicker/sweeter and for a mix of spice blends. Once you use these vermouths, you cannot go back except for a well-executed well Manhattan from a place that can do old-school properly (Original Joe's in downtown San Jose).
Bitters: I've had up to 20 bitters at a time. Angostura is still the classic and you can't lose. For a sweeter bitters, try Fee Brothers. I also like Regan's Orange Bitters. For fun/wacky, you can look up Bitters Old Men for a line-up.
I like mine really cold and "up" (in a cocktail glass). :)p5
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Oh gawd CT, start a fracking cocktail thread. It's bad enough we got people adding water to their spirits already.
@cizx. You're supposed to taste it with your mouth, not your vagina.
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CT. Now that sounds good to me. :) Could you post ratios please? It's the chemist in me. Thanks. A really well made Manhattan is a thing to behold. :money: Yes to Luxardo cherries.
Thumbs up to a cocktail thread.
Thumbs down to a tasting with your vagina thread. :vomit:
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@cizx. You're supposed to taste it with your mouth, not your vagina.
LOL
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^Good review, cizx. What was the product? Temperature, the stuff you drink, the amount of water you add...all contribute to wanting to have it more often or never again.
Angel's Envy
I have an almost full bottle to dump out.
Maybe I can trade it for a vagina.
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Try watering it down to the same alcohol content as wine. It's not like AE is a true Bourbon in the old fashioned sense anyway, no purists are going to lose sleep over it. Also use a wide mouthed glass so your pour covers as many receptor regions on your palate as possible.
Might want to avoid all other spirits, especially cask strengths in future.
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Angel's Envy
I have an almost full bottle to dump out.
Maybe I can trade it for a vagina.
I'm sure you could find someone to take it off your hands. No need to dump it.
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Try watering it down to the same alcohol content as wine. It's not like AE is a true Bourbon in the old fashioned sense anyway, no purists are going to lose sleep over it. Also use a wide mouthed glass so your pour covers as many receptor regions on your palate as possible.
Might want to avoid all other spirits, especially cask strengths in future.
Well, I tried. Laphroaig 10 year and Glenmorangie are the other "spirits" I've bought on whims. Laphroaig was vile, and Glenmorangie did not make me feel like Connor Macleod.
Tea it is.
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Well, I tried. Laphroaig 10 year and Glenmorangie are the other "spirits" I've bought on whims. Laphroaig was vile, and Glenmorangie did not make me feel like Connor Macleod.
Tea it is.
If someone gave you a dram of Laphroaig knowing that you're not a scotch drinker then he's an asshole, that seems to be an odd choice to go out and buy without trying it first though, did someone recommend it? That's a polarizing drink for many who actually *do* enjoy scotch. It's a peat monster and I would have been surprised if you *did* like it.
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Scotch in not for everyone. A longtime friend treats me to some great bourbons but he thinks Scotch is like medicine. More for me! :)p7
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Scotch in not for everyone. A longtime friend treats me to some great bourbons but he thinks Scotch is like medicine. More for me! :)p7
Peat smoke can taste like bandaid or chloreseptic to some, I've definitely thought so at times, though more notably in peat smoked beers.
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It is an adventure. Had a work colleague bring over some Scotch as he knew I am a Scotch drinker. He isn't. Beer guy. This stuff tasted like kerosene mixed with hexane and a touch of cheap lighter fluid. :vomit: I managed a smile. Told him I had never had anything like it. Then grabbed the vodka and tonic fast. :)p13 I think my neighbor used it in his flex-fuel car. poo
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If someone gave you a dram of Laphroaig knowing that you're not a scotch drinker then he's an asshole, that seems to be an odd choice to go out and buy without trying it first though, did someone recommend it? That's a polarizing drink for many who actually *do* enjoy scotch. It's a peat monster and I would have been surprised if you *did* like it.
No, I bought a bottle because a character in a book ordered it once.
I did end up finishing the bottle over a few weeks... I did actually like the Glenmorangie.
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hello,
one of my exes first scotch was Laphroaig, neat.
too bad she left me.
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Thanks for introducing this spirit. Where can we but it?
The website has a list of retailers and online sources but other than that I'm not sure unless you live in NYC.
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Just tried some Elmer T Lee I happened to run across at a local store. A little heavy on the caramel and oak for me. Not really a lot of depth or complexity here. Thought maybe Weller's Special Reserve would be close so I brought that out. Nope, it's more one dimensional with heavy corn mash and much more bitterness. Both have a lingering alcohol bitterness on my palate and back of throat though that maybe ties to what I had for lunch. Will try the Elmer directly against just Woodford Reserve later to see how it compares.
So far I like my Booker's more and my Blanton's cask strength more than it. Can't say I'd buy another bottle of Elmer T Lee at this point. It's okay and seems to match its price point interesting enough.
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Just tried some Elmer T Lee I happened to run across at a local store. A little heavy on the caramel and oak for me. Not really a lot of depth or complexity here. Thought maybe Weller's Special Reserve would be close so I brought that out. Nope, it's more one dimensional with heavy corn mash and much more bitterness. Both have a lingering alcohol bitterness on my palate and back of throat though that maybe ties to what I had for lunch. Will try the Elmer directly against just Woodford Reserve later to see how it compares.
So far I like my Booker's more and my Blanton's cask strength more than it. Can't say I'd buy another bottle of Elmer T Lee at this point. It's okay and seems to match its price point interesting enough.
Both of those would resell at double the price if you got into selling them on Whiskey forums. Lee goes for like $55 here on the grey market for instance.
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I bought a bottle of Elmer T Lee too and it's pleasant and enjoyable. Not very complex and has a light flavor to me. I certainly would not pay double retail for it.
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A few of us got together for a little music listening today.
(http://i.imgur.com/0O6spbl.jpg)
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What do people here think of Devil's Cut by Jim Beam? It's basically my introduction to bourbon and definitely a budget class drink, but I quite enjoyed it. The peculiar mix of sweet and spicy flavours and an exceptional smoothness versus other spirits of similar strength impressed me quite a bit.
Also had an apple bourbon from a farmers' market in Troy, NY. Probably a home operation more than anything else. And it was very good, imo.
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If anyone was thinking of trying Bookers, I'd suggest you get a bottle soon. Jim Beam just lost 800,000 gallons to lightning and a 'firenado'.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3222526/Streams-whiskey-Lightning-destroys-Jim-Beam-factory-Kentucky-releasing-800-000-gallons-bourbon-lake-catches-fire-struck-Firenado.html
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A few of us got together for a little music listening today.
(http://i.imgur.com/0O6spbl.jpg)
Best audio tweak ever.
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That's what I do to Jim Beam!
I usually drink Woodford Reserve despite their pompous freakin' commercials they've released in the past couple years. It was the first bourbon I really enjoyed, so I keep going back to it.
Knob Creek, Buffalo Trace, and Four Roses have some really good ones. I also like (and I might get beat up for saying it) Maker's 46.
My parents lived in Kentucky for a number of years and I got to sample dozens of different bourbons.
I tend to go for the smoothest I can find that are still reasonably priced.
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Well, I should be fine, according to their website the local state stores each have a number of bottles of Bookers, and if I can't get it I'll get some scotch to tide me over.
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Uh, Knob Creek and Booker's is Jim Beam.
Well, I should be fine, according to their website the local state stores each have a number of bottles of Bookers, and if I can't get it I'll get some scotch to tide me over.
Well, the fire just happened a day ago. If you are familiar with what happened after the last big fire to a major distiller, you know the chances of future product being the same are low. The other distillers ship over their product to fill up inventory which will obviously change flavors and blends. After sampling some of the best Bourbon out there at Donald's place in the pic above, Bookers is still in my top 3-5 for my palate. That Pappy was unreal, very unique and special. Best I've had. I was actually expecting to be disappointed by the Pappy due to hype. Nope, it's real. That's followed by the Blanton's cask strength I brought back from Japan.
Four Roses (small batch and single barrel) ended up being a disappointment to me so far.
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Drank some Makers Cask Strength and was really impressed. I was never huge on original Makers so it was quite a surprise.
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Anax, did you prefer the 15 or 20 yr. Pappy?
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Anax, did you prefer the 15 or 20 yr. Pappy?
15. IME with bourbon and rum, older isn't always better.
For example, Ron Zacapa 23 is far superior in complexity to it's older and more expensive cousin.
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Four Roses (small batch and single barrel) ended up being a disappointment to me so far.
Four roses is the most inconsistent whiskey I've ever had. Had an amazing single barrel, but everything else was no the negative side of "meh". It's like gambling: The odds are against you, but every once in a while you get something great.
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Am very much enjoying some Booker's tonight. It has been consistently proving to be my current favorite though I'm mostly new to this. Unobtanium aside, is there anything else that should be on the radar? I was thinking of that Willett 8 yr that Donald and Marv mentioned.
Luckily I have a friend that has some Pappy 15 & 20 as well as Elijah 23 that I'll get to sample in the future.