Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch

Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch Bourbon

I typically bring a bottle to the deer camp to share with everyone. Nothing too fancy, but something that will make it through the weekend. Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond (white label) has been part of
my rotation for quite a while. It has the right amount of easy-sipping smooth flavor combined with affordability. I decided to bring something a little nicer than that last weekend when I saw the Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch on the shelf next to it. As you can see from the picture, it was a hit. I'm surprised any of it made it home. 

From the Bottle:

Evan Williams earned the title "Kentucky's First Distiller" in 1783, when he began his distillery on the banks of the Ohio River. Today, that pioneering heritage is honored in the crafting of the special small batch bourbon. After fully maturing, a limited numner of barrells are then specially chosen and mingled to just the taste. The result is a genuine classic - smooth, rich, and worthy of it's name.

Whiskey Facts

Distillery: Old Evan Williams Distillery, Bardstown, Kentucky

Type: Small Batch Bourbon

Age: Not Stated

Proof: 90 Proof / 45% ABV

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch has a copper color. It has long fingers that seem to hang on to the glass.

Nose: On the nose, Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch has not of vanilla, honey, and figs.

Taste: Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch is spicy, almost peppery, right upfront. It follows that up with some notes of honey, caramel, vanilla, and figs. 

Finish: Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch has a long finish. The spice hits hard on the back. The whiskey lingers on its way down.

Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch is a great bourbon for the budget drinker or anyone looking for something new to try. I started off by saying that I brought it to deer camp to share. This bottle is great for sitting around the campfire. This bourbon goes down smooth and will certainly keep you warm. I will be buying it again. 

 

Maker's Mark Wood Finishing Series 2021

An exciting announcement from the folks over at Maker's Mark! I'm always a big fan of experimental finishing, so this is one that I am extremely excited about! Plus it will be bottled at cask strength! 

The press release follows.

As always, we want you to be the first to know about exciting news here on Star Hill Farm. In this case, it’s a new development in celebration of one of the most traditional aspects of how we make your whisky. Our Maker’s Mark® Wood Finishing Series has been successful beyond anything we imagined, thanks to you. As you know, each year we’ve focused on one aspect of my grandfather’s taste vision and amplified that using the proprietary finishing process developed by my dad, Bill Samuels, Jr., when he created Maker’s Mark 46®. This year, we’ve taken our inspiration from the distilling process itself: our 36-inch copper column stills (considered small by modern standards), our use of a small rectifier and our practice of never chill filtering our whisky. It’s all done – or not done – in the service of flavor and texture. Because of our still design and our non-chill filtration, our bourbon retains more of the fatty acid esters (FAEs) that give Maker’s Mark® not only its subtle hints of tobacco and dried fruits but also its signature rich and creamy mouthfeel.  Now, after a year of experimenting, our pursuit of amplifying both flavor and texture in our taste vision has resulted in not one, but two all-new Wood Finishing Series expressions. First up will be our 2021 Limited Release: FAE-01, launching this spring. It will be followed later this year with a fall release, our 2021 Limited Release: FAE-02. To the benefit of our spring release, FAE-01, we ended up with a whisky that, as our Master of Maturation, Jane Bowie, says, “tastes just like a barrel warehouse smells.” If you’ve ever visited our little distillery, I think you and your tastebuds know what I’m talking about. This is a bourbon with rich, figgy notes complemented by tobacco undertones and a woodiness that create a unique depth of big, bold flavor. What’s more, in what is certainly a first for us, we seared our FAE-01 stave on one side, leaving the other side raw. The results surprised even us, and further accentuated this release’s one-of-a-kind flavor profile. Our Spring Limited Release, bottled at cask strength of roughly 110 proof, will begin arriving at select retailers nationwide very soon. None of our Wood Finishing Series releases to date have lasted long on store shelves, so I encourage you to check with your favorite retailers for the latest availability. Learn More I’ll have more details on our Fall Limited Release in a few months. Without giving too much away, I can promise that it’s the other side of the coin – or stave – from the spring release. Thank you once again for your continuing support of Maker’s Mark and the people who continue to work (safely) every day to handmake your favorite bourbon.  Best Regards, Rob Samuels Grandson of the Founders Managing Director, Maker’s Mark Distillery, Inc.

The Whiskey Journey

Photo by Richard Lawrence on Reshot

I belong to a couple of whiskey groups on Facebook and it is always interesting to see what different people see as good whiskey and what others see as swill. On any given day, any member of these groups can post about a new whiskey they are trying or post about one of their new favorites, only to have somebody comment about their whiskey choice, asking, "How can you drink that?" or saying, "Drain pour!" Everyone has opinions and that's what keeps it interesting. 

This is the biggest thing to think about and remember when it comes to whiskey. It's very much like art and literature and film. Everything is subjective. You either like it or you don't and everyone has an opinion.

But there is a journey to truly enjoying good whiskey. Good whiskey again being subjective. Some people may tell you otherwise, but you don't just start out drinking peated Scotch. I didn't, at least. A milder maybe a wheated whiskey is more your style and a better starting point. 

The typical whiskey drinker is going to start out looking at something that can be mixed with Coke, probably Jack Daniels or Crown Royal. I'll drink Crown Royal on the rocks, but I've also grown passed whiskey and Coke. If whiskey and Coke is your game, then I would think you're looking at flavored whiskey, either honey, vanilla, or cinnamon. There a lot of options out there.

After you get used to drinking whiskey and Coke, whiskey cut with Coke, you're probably ready whiskey on the rocks or whiskey neat to really start enjoying and appreciating the flavors and elements of the whiskey. People typically tell you to start with a lower proof whiskey, maybe around 80 proof. I think that is bad advice. Instead, I look towards what I call the gateway whiskeys or bourbons. These are going to be whiskeys like Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond, Bulleit Frontier Whiskey, Wild Turkey 101, and Buffalo Trace. These are all very approachable and drinker friendly whiskeys, lending themselves to tastings, on the rocks, neat, and cocktails. 

Once you get comfortable with these approachable whiskeys, you'll want to start looking at small batches, different grains and mash bills, Irish whiskeys, Japanese whiskeys, and experimental whiskeys. I'm here to tell you now that this is where the rabbit hole begins. You'll find yourself just going to the liquor store just to see what they have spending hours in the whiskey aisle, getting to know the people that work there. While fun and exciting, it can be a very expensive hobby once you start looking for some harder to find and more sought after bottles.

Now, is when you get in to an advanced phase of whiskey drinking and enter the world of Scotch. I think that to truly appreciate Scotch, you need to learn to appreciate the other whiskeys. In the world of Scotch you get to taste Scotches from five different areas of Scotland, each with their own discernable qualities. Some are aged in Sherry casks. Some are peated, giving an earthy, almost charcoal flavor. Scotches aged in Sherry casks are my favorites of the Scotch world. Scotches are all good and they are all unique, but I think you need to make it through the whiskey journey to fully appreciate it. 

There are a lot of whiskeys out there and there are a lot of ways to enjoy them. Some are easier to drink and enjoy than others. Some are more complex than others. The only way to know is to embark on your own whiskey journey. Read books. Keep notes. See what flavor notes you can find. It really can be a lot of fun. 

Evan Williams Bottled-In-Bond 100 Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Like most, my first whiskey experience was Jack Daniels. It's cheap. It's American. It's classic. And maybe most importantly, it's readily available. Later, I would try Crown Royal, because that's what my dad drank. When I got to college, my roommates and I would buy Evan William's Black Label, because it was the cheapest thing we could get our hands on. Later, at the time having no idea what good whiskey is, I would find out how good it is, and what's more, I would find out about the Bottled-in-Bond white label, just a few dollars more. Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond has become a semi daily drinker for me. That is to say at least, that it always has a place on my shelf. 

From the Bottle

Bottled-in-Bond status is earned only by meeting strict government standards, originally passed in 1897 to ensure quality and consistency. In accordance with these standards, this bourbon is 100 Proof, aged at least 4 years, and produced at a single distillery within a single distillation season.

About the Whiskey

• Distillery: Old Evan Williams Distiller, Louisville Kentucky. It is interesting to note that there are two distilleries, noted on the bottle by KY-1 for Louisville and KY-31 for Bardstown. This bottle is from the Louisville Distillery. 

• Type: Single Distillery

• Charcoal Filtered

• Age: At least four years

• 50% ABV / 100 Proof

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Evan Williams BIB is amber in color. The legs are quick on the glass and don't linger on the glass long at all. 

Nose: On the nose, there are notes of oak, vanilla, and sweet caramel.

Taste: The whiskey is subtly sweet, with notes of oak, vanilla, and caramel, similar the notes on the the nose

Finish: The whiskey has a slow finish, though it is not buttery. It has a light and even mouthfeel. The oak hits you in the back of the mouth and gives way to an oak bomb with sweet vanilla notes. 

Redemption Bourbon Straight Bourbon Whiskey Pre-Prohibition Revival Whiskey

Redemption Bourbon Straight
Bourbon Whiskey

I was given this bottle for my birthday. My friends wanted to give me a bottle I had never tried before. They gave me a couple different ones to try, and sure enough they succeeded with giving me a bottle I had never had in the Redemption Bourbon Straight Bourbon Whiskey Pre-Prohibition Revival Whiskey.

When I tried it, I was instantly hooked, and this whiskey has ended up in my glass quite a few times since then. It's that good. Looking through Redemption Whiskey's website, I found that they offer a few other varieties. A wheated bourbon, which I always a fan of, and a couple of different rye whiskies, which I am also partial to. I'll be searching for these two varieties to round out the shelf.

About The Whiskey

Redemption Bourbon is bottled by Redemption Barrell Selections in Lawrenceburg, TN. The whiskey is aged in new charred oak barrels for no less than two years and is bottled at 42% ABV / 84 Proof.

This bottle is from Batch No 29.

Redemption Bourbon has a mash bill of 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% barley.

Tasting Notes

Redemption Bourbon is amber in color. In the glass, the bourbon has quick, short fingers that run down glass almost as fast as they form.

On the nose, I found notes of oak and vanilla, and slight hint of ethanol.

I enjoyed the taste and flavor of this bourbon. The oak and vanilla notes carry over from the nose. There is a sweetness to this bourbon, likely from the high corn content in the mash bill. After the sweetness subsided, there was a touch of spice from the rye. The mouthfeel is buttery and balanced.

The finish of this bourbon is very smooth and even, not fast or slow. There is some that hits you on the end, along with some more spice from that rye in the mash bill. 

Whiskey Cocktail - The Whiskey Roundup

Photo by Brian on Reshot

Whiskey is so incredibly versatile, especially when it comes to cocktails. The flavors you can pull off with whiskey are limitless. Unlike some other liquors, where the cocktail flavor comes from whatever else you are putting the cocktail, whiskey has an identity all its own and makes the cocktail. The other ingredients in the cocktail then compliment the whiskey and make a whole cocktail experience. Give me a Manhattan or on Old Fashioned any day of the week over a vodka and tonic with a lime. 

So this week on the Whiskey Roundup, as you may have guessed, we are exploring all things Whiskey Cocktail!

I don't typically go for fruity cocktails, but I do like a few of them. In this case, the bourbon is main player and is complimented by the fruit and kiwi juice. I'm intrigued by the sparking apple cider element of it too!

Kiwi go again! We're back with another fruity, yet boozy summer cocktail for you to try. The first cocktail in August is the Bourbon Kiwi Apple Shimmer.✨ #clevelandwhiskey #cocktail #bourboncocktail #whiskeycocktail https://t.co/yZIfiFx0qO

— Cleveland Whiskey (@clevewhiskey) August 4, 2020

I'm from Texas, and in Texas, we're all about anything that has anything Texas on it. Like this cocktail. Forget the other types of mules and try out the Texas Mule!

This weekend, try a Texas Mule. Recipes and bottle finder here - https://t.co/EutG7U3hBM#whiskey #whiskeycocktail #mule #texasmule pic.twitter.com/uS9QUdxOPF

— Milam & Greene Whiskey (@MilamandGreene) August 1, 2020

I'm going to take back what I said about fruity cocktails, because now that I've found this, I'm not sure that there' any turning back. I love strawberry lemonade. Add some bourbon and you have a good thing going.  

A whiskey drink that tastes like strawberry lemonade.

2.25 oz whiskey
.75 oz simple syrup
.5 oz lemon juice
1 strawberry

Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake well to muddle the strawberry. Strain into a glass with ice. #whiskeycocktailhttps://t.co/HqeKIn8b54 pic.twitter.com/Eq1xXaWG77

— Texas Whiskey Fest (@TXwhiskeyfest) July 31, 2020

 

Bourbon and ginger beer is always a great combination. Now add in a chili? I just might have to try! 

The sun? Shining. The meat? Grilled. The barbecue? Lit. There's only one thing to quench your thirst - an Irish Squealer. Recipe here: https://t.co/lGLVVPLYuj #bbqdrinks #whiskeycocktail #flamingpig #irishwhiskey #bbqcocktails #thirstquencher pic.twitter.com/jTb9My47zc

— Flaming Pig Irish Whiskey (@drinkflamingpig) July 19, 2020

Boondocks 8 Year Old Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Port Barrels

I've always liked finished whiskeys. That is to say, whiskeys finished in different types of

Boondocks 8 Year Old Straight Bourbon
Whiskey is Finished in Port Barrels

barrels. So, when I got a bottle of Boondocks 8 Year Old Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Port Barrels for my birthday, I was excited. Of the four bottles I got for my birthday, this was the bottle I opened first. The flavors and aromas were amazing as soon as I opened the bottle, even for my primitive palate. I loved the "B" embossed on the glass of the bottle. 

About the Whiskey

• Distilled at Boondocks Distillery in Bardstown, KY
• Bottled at 45% ABV / 90 Proof
• Master Distiller David E Sheurich

 

Nose

The Bardstown Bourbon has great floral, fruity, and wine notes on the nose. This is the result of the port barrels. I have not found the whiskeys not aged in port or wine barrels have these aromas in them.

 

“Aged whiskey is hard to find. Good aged whiskey is even harder to find. It’s about investment, time and production.”

 

Appearance

The Bardstown Bourbon is copper in color, with long, lingering fingers. The whiskey almost hangs on the glass.

 

 

Taste

The Bardstown Bourbon has a sweet vanilla flavor it, though not overpowering as if the flavor was added. There is a buttery mouth feel, similar to the long hanging whiskey fingers. I got more of the port on the nose than I did in taste.

 

 

Finish

The Bardstown Bourbon has a long smooth finish, mostly on the front. This is not a hot whiskey, but there was a slight burn on end. I couldn't quit drinking it.

 

 

I really enjoyed this bourbon. It has a great flavor profile that opens up really nicely when a few drops of water is added to it. This is a great bourbon taken neat or with a few drops of water, but also lends itself to a few ice cubes as well. 

 

Knob Creek - The Whiskey Roundup

Knob Creek Small Batch
100 Proof

I have a bottle of Knob Creek Small Batch 100 Proof on my shelf that I have been nursing for over a year now. It's so damn delicious I don't want to see it go. Silly, I know. I could always run out get another. But I'm hanging on to it. Birthday present and all. While I'm busy nursing this one bottle, this week I'm looking at a few things Knob Creek.

I always like to bring a small bottle with me on the off chance that I actually play golf. It's not very often. And usually it's something cheaper like Bulleit or Buffalo Trace, whatever I can find in a pint size. Knob Creek really steps it up a notch and brings the game to a new level.

Not a bad way to spend a Friday! •
•
•
•
•#bourbon #whiskey #rye #ryewhiskey #golf #florida #knobcreek pic.twitter.com/epZui1VcNK

— Bourbonr.com (@Bourbonrcom) May 10, 2019

There are two things in the whiskey world I am having trouble getting behind. Smoked whiskey and maple flavor. I do like the flavors, I just don't know that everyone needs to be putting whiskeys out there with those flavors. Is it a money grab?

Holy Crap! This is delicious! I might go get another bottle before these are all gone. #knobcreek pic.twitter.com/Rw5cxJc5pn

— Mario Carrelas (@failedmanman) March 14, 2020

This was a great review on Knob Creek. A history nerd myself, I liked the historical background offered at the beginning of the review. I also like that it's a South African doing the review of an American whiskey.

Review and Tasting notes for Knob Creek Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey #WhiskyoftheWeek #Bourbon #KnobCreek #blissbloggers
https://t.co/vtZXMbIqMr pic.twitter.com/TtAhIfNPGL

— WhiskyoftheWeek (@WhiskyoftheWeek) June 13, 2019

A Jim Beam turf war. It's interesting to see that despite the differences in age and proof, not mention price, the flavors were similar. I may have to try out a similar tasting comparison myself.  

A Jim Beam faceoff: one is 14 years old & 120 proof for $45, the other is 13 years old & 107 proof for $100. The Knob Creek leans spicy & the Baker’s leans sweet, but they are strikingly similar.

On value & taste, I prefer the Knob Creek.#jimbeam #knobcreek #bakers13 #bourbon pic.twitter.com/lZ5SwC6psJ

— Bourbon News (@TheBourbonNews) January 17, 2020

Bulleit Bourbon - The Whiskey Roundup

 Bulleit Bourbon was my first real whiskey crush. Bulleit is super versatile, and with the six offerings they now offer, including ryes, it can meet your needs for any drink whether it be neat, rocks, or in a cocktail. So, it only made

Bulleit Bourbon and Rye

sense to feature Bulleit in the Whiskey Roundup. 

Bulleit Rye is my favorite rye out there. It's so smooth and drinkable. I have found myself wondering where the bottle went, so I have to be careful.

I'd take a #bulleit for you pic.twitter.com/RZLm6DXVmw

— SoDamnAwkward (@SoDamnAwkward2) January 15, 2020

I was so damn excited to get my hands on a bottle of Bulleit 12 Year Rye when it came out. It did not last long it was so good. Bulleit keeps on surprising me with new offerings. 

'Bulleit Frontier Whiskey Adds 12-Year-Aged Rye To Family Of Award-Winning Whiskeys'#bulleit #rye #whiskey #whiskyhttps://t.co/zSpHjc2zGV

— 𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒔𝒌𝒆𝒚𝒐𝒓𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒔𝒌𝒚 (@Marc_Whiskey) March 26, 2019

My favorite cocktail and Bulleit. When was the last time you had a Bulleit Old Fashioned? It's pretty amazing! 

I have plans later. Delicious, beautiful plans. #bourbon #oldfashioned #bulleit #bulleitbourbon pic.twitter.com/JF1Vn62MrX

— Kim Douthit 👻 (@seattlescreams) March 19, 2020

Whiskey and writing, especially Bulleit bourbon and writing. They seem to go together maybe better than coffee and writing. I have a full week of writing planned out, so I'll have to give it a try. 

Have a great night, all.#HandWritten #Bulleit #Bourbon #ChristmasPreParty pic.twitter.com/UFzzR7LZ8N

— Nate Laverty (@NateLaverty) December 8, 2018

Whiskey Roundup - Texas Whiskey

The great state of Texas has a lot to offer, and the least of which is whiskey. I have had the opportunity to sample some great Texas whiskeys and plan to sample even more before I am done. Today, I am

Whiskey Roundup Texas Whiskey

bringing you my favorite Texas Whiskey tweets.

The folks at Balcones have made some excellent whiskeys over the years. I'm partial to Balcones Baby Blue, made with Texas blue corn. So to see a whiskey made using the to one of my favorite Texas beers, I am undoubtedly excited!

I recently tried Balcones Texas Bock, a whiskey using the Shiner Bock beer recipe, and I loved it so much that maybe I will move to Texas after all. https://t.co/1H9SCiDxMr

— Karol Markowicz (@karol) September 5, 2020

For some reason, I never thought of whiskey as a day drinker, just a daily drinker. Now, seeing a bourbon actually named "Day Drinker" changes my whole perspective on how I look at it.

The new Treaty Oak The Day Drinker Texas Bourbon, bottled at 80 proof, is envisioned as a more casual day drinking whiskey versus the distillery's 95 proof flagship bourbon offering. https://t.co/42usvY2GT5

— Whiskey Wash (@WhiskeyWash) September 1, 2020

I like to see whiskey distilleries try something new and use different or experimental grains. I wouldn't call a whiskey using 100% Texas grains experimental, but it is certainly different. This is definitely going on the list of whiskeys to hunt down and try. 

Still Austin Whiskey Co. Releases Straight Bourbon Whiskey Featuring 100% Texas Grains https://t.co/mffPR5pcPr 1 #whiskey pic.twitter.com/hdIZmZX4H7

— Whisk(e)y Chap 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🥃 (@whiskeychap) September 4, 2020

When it comes to great Texas Whiskeys, Garrison Bros should be on your list. I have never had anything from them that was disappointing. Keep an eye out for this one if you have not tried it already. 

Another joyful Texas whiskey comes from @garrisonbros #whiskey #bourbon #whisky https://t.co/atkLPdrXT0

— Whisky Monster 🥃 (@WhiskyMonster_) September 4, 2020

Whiskey Roundup - Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned saw a recent rise in popularity thanks to shows like Mad Men. It was a tradition of mine to watch the show every week and enjoy an Old Fashioned with friends. This week, the Whiskey

Whiskey Roundup - Old Fashioned

Roundup is all about the Old Fashioned.

It's true that an Old Fashioned never really goes out of style. It's simple and elegant and doesn't require a special occasion to enjoy. This is the most simple recipe. 

An Old-fashioned really never goes out of fashion. #Angosturabitters #houseofangosturanigeria#Oldfashioned#cocktails #recipe pic.twitter.com/Wj09TdaV6z

— Angostura House NG (@AngosturaNG) July 14, 2020

Since it's recent rise in popularity, bars have been putting their own spin on drink. Typically they'll use infused whiskies or syrups. Maple and cherry seem to be the most popular flavors I've come across, but I have also seen smoked Old Fashioneds and a variety of bitters being used like chocolate and  Peychaud's.

There are many ways to make an old fashioned, but this is my go to so far!
- 2 oz bourbon
- barspoon of maple syrup 🇨🇦
- 2 dashes of bitters
- stir and pour
- garnish with orange or lemon or both lol#oldfashioned pic.twitter.com/sGIDJ55PAB

— PorknCheese (@PorknCheese_) July 18, 2020

The first printed mention of the phrase "old fashioned cocktail" was in February 1880 int he Chicago Tribune. So I think black and white photography works well for the drink. Plus, it looks super classy. 

Black and white is SO #oldfashioned pic.twitter.com/ZWjbG54gQA

— Dylan Cole (@ThaRoyWonder) July 17, 2020

I never thought about using Wild Turkey 101 to make an Old Fashioned. I always thought the whiskey would be strong for the drink. But now that I see it, I'm thinking maybe stronger whiskey makes for bigger flavor. 

Who will you share your Wild Turkey with? It’s a big decision.#bourbon #wildturkeybourbon #kentuckybourbon #OldFashioned #cocktails #whiskey #cocktail #whiskeywednesday #orange #bitters #friendship 🥃 🥃 🦃 🇺🇲 pic.twitter.com/ivVt1QIUnL

— Wild Turkey Bourbon Whiskey UK (@WildTurkeyUK) July 15, 2020

Whiskey Roundup - Cocktails

I love cocktails, like this one made with Johnnie Walker. This week, the Whiskey Roundup is all about cocktails! I decided to go a little outside of the whiskey box and include cocktails that aren't technically a whiskey cocktail.

I've been making a lot of Bloody Mary's lately. I typically will use a store bought mix, but I have wanted to try my hand at making my own for a while. This should at least give a jumping of point to get started with making a mix at home.

3 parts vodka
6 parts tomato juice
5 drops of Tabasco sauce (hot)
Lemon juice
Olives, pickles or a celery stick for decoration
Salt and pepper to taste
Ice

Mix the ingredients in a cocktail glass and decorate as desired.#bloodymary #cocktail pic.twitter.com/AxUcHhhPh8

— Drinks&Co United Kingdom (@drinksco_UK) July 11, 2020

It's been a while since I had a good whiskey sour. Most sour mixes are crap, so making them at home or getting one at a bar is usually out of the question. Unless the bar takes the time to make their own mix, it's a non-starter. I don't know why I never thought of it being just a few simple ingredients.   

Its Sourtaday! Time for a easy & dee-lish 3 ingredients craft #bourbon sour.

🥃 BOURBON SOUR 🥃
2 ounces Xplorer Bourbon
¾ ounce fresh lemon juice
¾ ounce simple syrup

Mix bourbon, lemon juice, & simple syrup in a #cocktail shaker. Fill with ice, shake well until cold. pic.twitter.com/cXTEEAvnun

— Xplorer Spirits (@XplorerSpirits) July 11, 2020

This a different take on the whiskey sour, that honestly sounds amazing. I've always liked raspberry lemonade and adding whiskey to it sounds incredible! This would make a great summer afternoon sipper. 

#WhiskySour
Makers Mark
Lemonjuice
Raspberry syrup#howtodrink #cocktail pic.twitter.com/4LLrTw3aEj

— Nicklas Johansson (@theeriknicklas) July 10, 2020

Sometimes you have to take a simple approach. The whiskey can get lost in a cocktail full of syrups and juices, unless you mix it right. This cocktail is just two simple ingredients.  

There is a simple yet overlooked cocktail called the whiskey & soda. This classic highball is often frowned upon by whiskey snobs. Ignore them.

2.25 oz bourbon or rye
Club soda or sparkling water
Ice

In a glass with ice, add whiskey and top with club soda and stir. #cocktail pic.twitter.com/msXAeGmfYu

— Texas Whiskey Fest (@TXwhiskeyfest) July 10, 2020

Slainte! 

Whiskey Roundup - Bourbon

Late to the punch again this week. It's almost time to be thinking about next week's roundup, and here I

am just getting out the words for this week's collection. This week, I am writing about whiskey that is uniquely American, bourbon. 

I agree with Dick. The Jim Beam Repeal Batch was great. Way more drinkable than the white label, lending it to being drinkable on it's own, outside of a mixed drink. I wrote a review about the Repeal Batch a while back. 

Dug this bottle out of the back of the cabinet tonight. Forgot I even had it. Similar to the white label. Thin and not much complexity. Still not bad though. I'd drink this over white label Beam any day. #bourbon pic.twitter.com/vAr5BAgxc1

— Dick (@NordenLizard) July 1, 2020

I would love to go sit down and help with this collection! This is the kind of whiskey collection that needs friends and good conversations. There are a few standouts and I would love to sink my teeth in to that Knob Creek and the Rare Breed! 

So, who wants to come help? #bourbon pic.twitter.com/PUGPqlosEw

— TheBigMike1983 (@thebigmike1983) July 3, 2020

Sometimes I think that every night is an Old Fashioned kind of night. It's a cocktail you can settle in with and enjoy a good book or share deep conversations with. Like most, I discovered this great cocktail while watching Mad Men, and it became my weekly tradition to have friends over to watch the new episode and pour a couple of Old Fashioneds.  

It feels like an old fashioned kind of night. Cheers all out there. I hope you’ve had a great day and have an even better night. #LoveYouAll #Bourbon #OldFashioned pic.twitter.com/esG0csmiOe

— Critical Poet (@CriticalPoet) July 4, 2020

The Willet Pot Still is a bourbon that honestly gets shit on a lot. It is a very polarizing bourbon. Is it the best bourbon out there? No. Is the worst bourbon on the market? Also no. Now, I don't have it in my current collection and I don't plan on running out to get a new bottle. If I found myself in a situation where this was the only bourbon option, I wouldn't turn my nose up at it. 

Dicided to give the Willet Pot Still another try. It has improved a little since I initially opened it up months ago. Still not great though. Heavy corn and ethanol taste to it. Just doesn't fit my taste profile. #bourbon pic.twitter.com/vwqtHGH09C

— Dick (@NordenLizard) June 28, 2020

Bernheim Original Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey

A few months ago, I was in Dallas for a conference and brought some samples with me to enjoy in the hotel room and Bernheim Original Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey was one of them. Some of those samples I've written about previously. For whatever reason, I didn't get around to actually trying out Bernheim Original Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey until

Bernheim Original Kentucky
Straight Wheat Whiskey

now! I like wheated whiskies, so maybe I was saving the best for last. In most cases, I'm a huge believer in Hemingway's old adage, "Write drunk, edit sober," so I was inspired to at least jot down my tasting notes!

From the Heaven Hill Website

This Heaven Hill Distillery original is named for the famed Bernheim Distillery here in Louisville. 7-Year-Old Wheat Whiskey, Bernheim Original is the first new style of American Whiskey to be introduced since Prohibition. Aged for 7 years in our traditional open rickhouses, Bernheim’s mellow taste is refreshingly smooth when served straight or in cocktails.

Distillery: Bernheim Original Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey is distilled at Heaven Hill Distillery, Louisville, KY, USA

Proof: Bernheim Original Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey is bottled at 90 Proof

Age: Bernheim Original Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey is aged for minimum 7 years

Appearance: Bernheim Original Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey has a copper, with long fingers running down the glass

Nose: On the nose, Bernheim Original Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey has notes of vanilla, caramel, and honey

Taste: On the tongue Bernheim Original Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey has sweet notes of vanilla. It is smooth, with almost no spice notes to it

Finish: On the finish Bernheim Original Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey is smooth and lingers long,  with mild spice and light oak.

Overall, Bernheim Original Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey is very good and enjoyable whiskey. I need to get more than just a sample bottle to try out. I drank it neat. This is not a whiskey that you will want to mix with anything. Just sip and enjoy.

Slainte!

 

Whiskey Roundup - Father's Day 2020

Today is Father's Day, a day to honor, celebrate, and spoil the dads in our lives. I don't know a lot of dads who don't like whiskey, so Father's Day is the perfect day to kick off the new format for the Whiskey

Roundup. I'll be searching for a whiskey topic each week, and incorporating that in to the Whiskey Roundup. Some weeks, as I found with Father's Day, the topic will not have as much to cover.

That's almost freaky fast. I do love some Colorado Whiskey, so will have to give these guys a look. I wonder if it makes it's way down to Texas from those beautiful Rockies.

Speed of light...
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.#291coloradowhiskey #coloradowhiskey #FathersDayWhiskey #hardmadethecoloradoway #livefastdrinkresponsibly #everythingmatters #rideitlikeyoustoleit #drinkitlikeyouownit #whiskey #ruggedrefinedrebellious #whisky #bourbon #worldwhiskeyawards #cowboywhiskey pic.twitter.com/vrEo4Ld7C4

— Distillery 291 ®️ (@distillery291) June 12, 2020

Whiskey is a great gift for dad. Order it here online for a special gift.  Even if it comes in late, I don't thank dad would mind!

Father’s Day is coming up on June 21. If Dad is a whiskey lover, you’ve found the place for the perfect gift. Award-winning Maritime Whiskeys found only here! Show Dad Some Love by ordering online. https://t.co/houJnkPfTr. #cadeedistillery #maritimewhiskey #fathersdaywhiskey pic.twitter.com/bRcMPMR9oK

— Cadée Distillery LLC (@cadeedistillery) June 1, 2020

The BLT Cocktail, Texas Edition

After making the BLT Cocktail for the first time the other day, I was hooked. But I go to thinking, how can I make this drink something that is uniquely Texan? One thing was obvious. It had to be a Texas Bourbon. But what else? Texans love their Topo Chico mineral water, so that would replace the

BLT Cocktail, TX Edition

tonic. Let's try it out.

The Recipe

The Tools

• Cocktail Glass
• Jigger
• Cutting Board
• Knife
• Mason Jar
• Bar Spoon

The Ingredients

• 2 oz Texas Bourbon
• Topo Chico
• Lemon
• Ice

The Method

For this recipe, we'll use a mason jar. That's not uniquely Texan, but it feels right for this drink. First, fill the mason jar with ice. Next, add 2 oz of your favorite Texas Bourbon. I'm using Garrison Brothers in this one. Top the bourbon off with Topo Chico and add your lemon wedge. Stir to combine using the bar spoon. 

Slainte!

Whiskey Roundup 06/07/20 to 06/13/30

Every Saturday I go through Twitter with #whiskey and roundup my favorite whiskey

articles! This is the Whiskey Roundup! 

This piqued my interest, but now that I'm writing this, I'm not sure how I feel about it. I'm excited to get back to normal, but I think we still need to be smart about it. Either way, I wish Motor City Gas the best.

Motor City Gas is officially back open for #cocktail service. Thursday/Friday 5–10 PM, Saturday 2-10 PM and Sunday 2-7 PM. We are still doing “to go” #whiskey flights and cocktail kits. Email MotorCityGas@Gmail.com for a full menu. pic.twitter.com/feYwY2GaCr

— MOTOR CITY GAS (whiskey distillery) (@MotorCityGas1) June 12, 2020

This is awesome! I'm a huge fan of alternative fuels/energy sources to make a better future. Now, let's see how alternative energy does with whiskey!

Cheers to a brighter future! ☀️ 🥃

173 solar modules were transformed to help us convert sunshine to whiskey in style.

🎥 - @samesunvt#WhistlePig #Farm #SolarPowered #Whiskey pic.twitter.com/4Nuf7PuX79

— WhistlePig Whiskey (@WhistlePigRye) June 10, 2020

For any traveling whiskey drinker, this is a super cool idea. I know if I were taking a tour of Ireland, this would be a must to help me map out my travels! 

Making a start on listing Irish Distilleries.. #irishwhiskey #ireland #whiskey pic.twitter.com/7c9I8UMq3j

— Whisky-Finder (@WhiskyFinder) June 12, 2020

 For budget reasons, $50 is right at the top end of what I typically pay for a bottle of whiskey. I know that leaves a lot on the table. I've been seeing Old Scout out there, but haven't made a move on it yet. Good to see it's in my range.

This bottle is fantastic. $50 and one hell of a pick in the Orlando area. Will include a sample to one of the winners today.

Cheers 🥃#whiskey pic.twitter.com/yxuXJ3zXj3

— Mat Houchens (@MatHouchens) June 13, 2020