Bourbon

[peetie44]

If it's good enough for Fast Eddie...

Since you're normally a Scotch guy, I could see you enjoying the J.T.S. Brown. Unfortunately, I can't see many European bars importing it.

BTW...I gotta also say, ivan, that your reviews are all examples of top-notch writing in this genre. Each one makes me want to sample it's respective whiskey post-haste.

[drunkensooner]

I've considered this topic for a long time. I've pondered all the facets of bourbon, tasted and retasted many different varieties and poured myself over the ardous process of breaking down every minute quality that constitutes bourbon. Finally after years of thorough research this is my conclusion......it's good.

[ivan]

Old Fitzgerald

Price: $$
Proof: 80

It had been quite a while since I'd had Old Fitz, but on a recent trip to Kentucky, I needed to grab a pint of something, saw the Old Fitz, and was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Upon my return to Texas, I tried unsuccessfully to find some. Then, Fate smiled upon me. I found a local "mom-and-pop" candystore, and they had one distributor who carries Old Fitz. Two things happened as a result of them going the extra mile: I'm able to bring you this review, and that store has a new regular. On to the Bourbon...

First sniff is bold and spicy, with notes of caramel and leather. The first taste is sharp, with a caramel on the back end. There is a nice, although not long-lasting burn, and a trace of corn in the aftertaste. Follow-on tastes follow suit, although notes start to present themselves at the fringes- something fruity, like cherry.

A splash of water doesn't change the flavor much, although it calms down the burn. The flavor remains fairly consistent.

This is a fairly complex Bourbon, with a depth of flavors. It has the "creaminess" or caramel found more often in higher-priced Bourbons, while coming in the Evan Williams price range. I'm reminded of a less refined version of Weller Antique. Because it's still a little raw around the edges, I would have no problem mixing this, although it does just fine on its own. If you're a Bourbon fan, the Old Fitz is worth trying.

[slipperyyoke]

I think this is the right thread to post this link:

http://recenteats.blogspot.com/2009/05/ ... iskey.html

It's basically a list of distillers, bottlers, and marketers of American Whiskey. I ran across this little gem a while back while browsing the StraightBourbon forums. Now you know for sure who's making what and who's not.

P.S. Holy shit, Brown Forman makes Heaven Hill's Ryes. Damn it, I really like Pikesville and Rittenhouse.

[fizzmaster]

I got hammered on Evan Williams last night. Watched "Beyond The Law" with Charlie Sheen, which is a great drinkin movie. Listened to lots of Guy Clark, Steve Earle and Townes Van Zandt. I sent this song to my two best friends: http://www.zshare.net/audio/612146732b01e65a/
Don't know why I'm posting this here, but right now I really feel like bourbon is the most magical elixir on earth. Next to Rye, that is.

[NYDingbat]

Pappy van Winkle. Do it. Do it.

[ivan]

P.S. Holy shit, Brown Forman makes Heaven Hill's Ryes. Damn it, I really like Pikesville and Rittenhouse.

Welcome to the Commonwealth. It is not uncommon for a distillery to help make a competitor's product.

In this case, Brown-Forman had some extra production available, so they leased it to Heaven Hill. Is it a Brown-Forman product? Well, yes, kinda, because it was made in their stills. But, it's also NOT a Brown-Forman product, because they're just renting out their equipment and space.

When a competing distillery is also the neighbor you've had for decades, things get weird. Here's (100) proof Brown-Forman used to be cool- 100 proof, 4 year old Bourbon:

[last_real_family_man]

About Beam white:

I would recommend this for novice Bourbon drinkers, as it is basically the benchmark Bourbon. It would hold up well in a variety of cocktails, although there's probably a better-suited Bourbon for any particular one I could name. There's a reason it's the top-selling Bourbon. Well, two. Advertising, and the fact that it's versatile. A more experienced Bourbon drinker will probably want something with a bit bolder flavor, but you're not going to go wrong with Beam White. In fact, there will probably be a bit of nostalgia in the taste, because you've had it before.

This is 100% true. 100%. If you find yourself standing in front of a shelf full of bottles of bourbon transfixed by indecision, buy Jim Beam White. You save some money. You drink it. You enjoy it. You laugh. You cry. You make friends. You learn about yourself. You don't wake up with the feeling of your right eye being extruded through its socket under a thousand pounds of pressure.

I've never held a glass of it and wished for something else

Truest praise.

About Bulleit:
I agree with all previous comments, but I would like to add that it is fantastic in classic cocktails (possibly because of its dry rye character). 3 parts Bulleit, 2 parts fresh-squeezed lemon juice, and 1 part simple syrup, shaken and served over ice is the best thing on the face of the earth. I only hate the fact that Bulleit is more expensive here.

[Dgirl]

mmmmm. Shout out to the inimitable Wild Turkey 101! I still have to drink it w/ a splash of water chillin' w/ ice cubes.

This is what gets my husband 86'd from family functions. We thought they were meant to be celebrations! I get 86'd too, though not as often as he does.

[ThirstyDrunk]

I get 86'd too, though not as often as he does.

Well thats somethin to shoot for

[ivan]

This is 100% true. 100%. If you find yourself standing in front of a shelf full of bottles of bourbon transfixed by indecision, buy Jim Beam White.

I'm going to have to disagree with you here. Although you're not going to go wrong with Beam White, both Evan Williams Black and Ezra Brooks are going to give you a better Bourbon, higher proof, and typically a lower price than Beam White. In fact, if you're willing to settle for Beam White, I'd suggest going the extra mile and grabbing some Old Crow. It's a very similar Bourbon with a much lower price.

Just my opinion, but I felt like weighing in.

[ChiliDawg]

This is 100% true. 100%. If you find yourself standing in front of a shelf full of bottles of bourbon transfixed by indecision, buy Jim Beam White.

I'm going to have to disagree with you here. Although you're not going to go wrong with Beam White, both Evan Williams Black and Ezra Brooks are going to give you a better Bourbon, higher proof, and typically a lower price than Beam White. In fact, if you're willing to settle for Beam White, I'd suggest going the extra mile and grabbing some Old Crow. It's a very similar Bourbon with a much lower price.

Just my opinion, but I felt like weighing in.

While I am, by no means, a qualified Bourbonologist, I know what I like. I agree with LRFM (he's not, by-the-by) Beam White is a fine, fine, tastey, cheap bourbon. However, our Bourbonnmeister is spot on. Evan Black is, by far the best, economically, and taste-bud tantilizingly speaking, bourbon, I have encountered........Old Crow? Can't comment on that one, yet.

[last_real_family_man]

last_real_family_man wrote:This is 100% true. 100%. If you find yourself standing in front of a shelf full of bottles of bourbon transfixed by indecision, buy Jim Beam White.



I'm going to have to disagree with you here. Although you're not going to go wrong with Beam White, both Evan Williams Black and Ezra Brooks are going to give you a better Bourbon, higher proof, and typically a lower price than Beam White. In fact, if you're willing to settle for Beam White, I'd suggest going the extra mile and grabbing some Old Crow. It's a very similar Bourbon with a much lower price.

Just my opinion, but I felt like weighing in.

I've also never had Old Crow, but based on your recommendation, it will come home with me the next time I'm at the liquor store. Evan Williams has always put the headache on the family man. In fact, I have kept a bottle on hand just for my hippie brother-in-law (who I love) for some time--to keep him out of my liquor.

Also I am glad to hear I'm not actually the last one.

[Resident Asshole]

About Bulleit:
I agree with all previous comments, but I would like to add that it is fantastic in classic cocktails (possibly because of its dry rye character). 3 parts Bulleit, 2 parts fresh-squeezed lemon juice, and 1 part simple syrup, shaken and served over ice is the best thing on the face of the earth. I only hate the fact that Bulleit is more expensive here.

I will try that concoction today, as we have both Bulleit and Simple Syrup at my bar. Thank you.

[Surreal]

About Bulleit:
I agree with all previous comments, but I would like to add that it is fantastic in classic cocktails (possibly because of its dry rye character). 3 parts Bulleit, 2 parts fresh-squeezed lemon juice, and 1 part simple syrup, shaken and served over ice is the best thing on the face of the earth. I only hate the fact that Bulleit is more expensive here.

I will try that concoction today, as we have both Bulleit and Simple Syrup at my bar. Thank you.

Your decision to follow the advice of The Family Man is well placed. As someone who probably posts too much, I can say that there are few members whose posts I never fail to read. The Family Man is one of those folk. When he posts, people listen. Or should be listening b/c he's giving us gems.....