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October 20, 2013

27 CFR Chapter 1 Â§5.22(1-6) or, American Whiskey [CBD]
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It is a measure of the seriousness with which we consider booze that there are carefully written legal definitions of literally everything we drink (If you click on that link, you may discover a typical case of government overreach -- the US government, in its infinite wisdom, has defined Irish Whiskey).

Of course the only important definitions are for those quintessentially American spirits: Bourbon, Rye, Corn and Straight Whisky.

And yes, yes, gin is quite important, but let's give American gin a few years before we steal it from the Brits and make it our own.

Bourbon is undoubtedly the most popular American spirit, ignoring vodka, which all sentient drinkers should do at every opportunity. But Rye is fast becoming popular, in part because of the increasing popularity of cocktails, in part because it is often (but decreasingly) less expensive than its big brother, and also because damn! it tastes good! Bourbons can be cloyingly sweet and rich, but Ryes tend to be spicier and leaner. One of my favorites, Bulleit Rye, has a wonderful and delicate hint of cinnamon.

Straight Whisky seems to be a catch-all term, often used by distillers who respect the tradition of calling a Whisky, "Bourbon," only when it is made in Bourbon County, Kentucky.

We are in the midst of a tremendous revitalization of American distilling, with small operations popping up seemingly everywhere. It follows hard on the heels of the return of American craft beer-making, which has improved all of our lives.

At the risk of sounding like an ingrate, one of the problems with this renaissance is that some of the distillers aggressively differentiate their products by pursuing particular, sometimes odd flavors in their Whiskies. Some of the newer brands are priced outside of any relationship with their quality, but because they are "interesting" or, God forbid, "unique," they command ridiculous prices.

On the other side of that coin are the grandmasters of Bourbon, led by Pappy Van Winkle. These are mainstream Bourbons that are meticulously made, and aged for a very long time. There are no odd, novel, or "interesting" flavors in these masterpieces...just great Bourbon. And, unfortunately for most of us, they come at a price that can easily hit four digits.

Of course you could expropriate a few dozen cases (if it was a Moron....call me; let's talk).

Posted by: Open Blogger at 10:31 AM | Comments (179)
Post contains 446 words, total size 3 kb.

1 Some Moron stole a bunch of that Pappy Vanwinkle whiskey the other day.

Posted by: Vic at October 20, 2013 10:38 AM (zZbNF)

2 Southern Comfort and creme soda...

Posted by: Juan de Hattatime at October 20, 2013 10:38 AM (Wd1Zo)

3 Booker's

Posted by: Aviator at October 20, 2013 10:39 AM (DI+ja)

4 Maker's Mark. Love that stuff.

Posted by: The Mega Independent at October 20, 2013 10:39 AM (4/o9U)

5 Wife got me a bottle of Blanton's special limited edition something for my birthday last week. Need to try it tonight. Such a nice wife.

Posted by: EC at October 20, 2013 10:41 AM (doBIb)

6 the only thing missing is Lipstick Dynamite's nood feets

Posted by: soothie at October 20, 2013 10:41 AM (wVe05)

7 1 Some Moron stole a bunch of that Pappy Vanwinkle whiskey the other day. Posted by: Vic at October 20, 2013 02:38 PM (zZbNF) Continued proof that no one reads an entire post.

Posted by: [/i][/b][/u][/s] Tami - GO CARDS - WOOHOO!!! at October 20, 2013 10:41 AM (bCEmE)

8 I like Knob Creek bourbon myself. I've actually gone through a 1.75 liter bottle of it already, usually in Manhatten cocktails.

Posted by: nnptcgrad at October 20, 2013 10:42 AM (Opyrm)

9 What? No mention of rum at all?! Rum helped to fuel our history, our revolution!

And its what pirates sail on...

Posted by: Mad Cap'n Bob at October 20, 2013 10:43 AM (LZ/lZ)

10 It's the Special Reserve one. The bottle looks just like the Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch!!!

Posted by: EC at October 20, 2013 10:43 AM (doBIb)

11 I must say I noticed a patron order Bakers Bourbon at the bar of a micro brewery named Artisans here in Toms River NJ. I partake as a real treat .

Posted by: Regular Guy at October 20, 2013 10:43 AM (N3Al8)

12 Posted by: nnptcgrad at October 20, 2013 02:42 PM (Opyrm)

I prefer Rye in my Manhattans, because it is less sweet, but Bourbon is certainly workable.

What kind of bitters do you use?

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at October 20, 2013 10:44 AM (oJ5Fd)

13 so Mickey's it is Paint Thinner in legalese isn't it?

Posted by: sven10077 at October 20, 2013 10:44 AM (9jfyN)

14 Southern Comfort and creme soda... Posted by: Juan de Hattatime at October 20, 2013 02:38 PM (Wd1Zo) Can't quite make myself drink any Southern Comfort since I imbibed on some in High School and woke up in a pool of ....well you get the picture. Of course unless your buying?

Posted by: Nevergiveup at October 20, 2013 10:45 AM (UbDLm)

15 I'm a big fan of the Hudson 4 Grain Bourbon. Sometimes it is hard to differentiate between the desire to keep a tradition and the desire to monopolize a market, NY is making some excellent bourbon. Hudson is a really very smooth, even drink. We have a great restaurant in San Clemente, Nick's, that serves a bourbon on the rock, just one very big ice cube, to minimize dilution while still cooling the drink down. Awesome.

Posted by: President* Obama at October 20, 2013 10:45 AM (2yPl+)

16 12- Angostura, couple of shakes. I like sweeter drinks, so I'd probably stick to bourbon over rye, for example I usually drop 3 cherries in.

Posted by: nnptcgrad at October 20, 2013 10:46 AM (Opyrm)

17 Sorry, sock off. I'm sure TFG drinks gin & juice.

Posted by: motionview at October 20, 2013 10:47 AM (2yPl+)

18 Posted by: nnptcgrad at October 20, 2013 02:46 PM (Opyrm)

I prefer a twist of lemon, but Angostura is a classic. It's got huge competition from about 100 different bitters makers, and I usually go with it as "old reliable."

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at October 20, 2013 10:48 AM (oJ5Fd)

19 One of these days, I need to take a road trip through Kentucky.

Posted by: EC at October 20, 2013 10:50 AM (doBIb)

The regulations (CFR) erroneously state "Irish whisky" and "Scotch whisky." Technically, both of them should have an "e" in them, as in "whiskey". So, when you see "whiskey" you know it is not American or Canadian.

Posted by: Adirondack Patriot at October 20, 2013 10:50 AM (1beh4)

21
What a cowinkidink. I've got a Bourbon headache this morning. It is morning, right?

Posted by: Sphynx at October 20, 2013 10:50 AM (OZmbA)

22 Bulleit Rye is what I use in manhattans and old fashioneds. It's also nice to drink neat, but I kind of prefer Maker's Mark for that.

Posted by: Colorado Alex at October 20, 2013 10:50 AM (lr3d7)

23 I am in Kentucky now and it is amazing how many brands and grades of Bourbon there is. 2 25' rows 7' tall AND a center section with the fancy-bottled editions from the distilleries. There are even some moonshine-oriented brands now.

Posted by: @SCOAMT at October 20, 2013 10:50 AM (s0HyR)

24 We have a great restaurant in San Clemente, Nick's, that serves a bourbon on the rock, just one very big ice cube, to minimize dilution while still cooling the drink down. Awesome.

Posted by: President* Obama at October 20, 2013 02:45 PM (2yPl+)

You can actually buy real rocks from Amazon to freeze and cool drinks with so no dilution occurs.

Posted by: Vic at October 20, 2013 10:50 AM (zZbNF)

25 just one very big ice cube, to minimize dilution while still cooling the drink down. Awesome.

Posted by: motionview at October 20, 2013 02:45 PM (2yPl+)

Agreed!

This is what I use at home.

http://tinyurl.com/m8rbox8

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at October 20, 2013 10:51 AM (oJ5Fd)

26 EC, here ya go! http://kybourbontrail.com/ PS: Do NOT attempt to drive this tour, LOL.

Posted by: @SCOAMT at October 20, 2013 10:51 AM (s0HyR)

27 One of these days, I need to take a road trip through Kentucky. Posted by: EC at October 20, 2013 02:50 PM (doBIb) Combine it with some big time College Basketball and maybe I would join ya

Posted by: Nevergiveup at October 20, 2013 10:51 AM (UbDLm)

28 I've told a couple of young uns that were approaching 21 that they need to find at least one whiskey that they can stand to drink either neat or on the rocks. You don't have to love it, but it comes in handy as an all purpose drink order for almost any social occasion.

Posted by: Colorado Alex at October 20, 2013 10:52 AM (lr3d7)

29 Posted by: Vic at October 20, 2013 02:50 PM (zZbNF)

I have those, and they work...just okay.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at October 20, 2013 10:53 AM (oJ5Fd)

30 I bought Mr Lauren some Woodford Reserve Double Oaked for his birthday. Don't tell him, but I used a bit for some bbq'd chicken a few days ago because I had no Jack Daniels on hand. Shhhhh!

Posted by: Lauren at October 20, 2013 10:53 AM (ELdpj)

31 26 EC, here ya go! http://kybourbontrail.com/ PS: Do NOT attempt to drive this tour, LOL. Yeah, I've seen that. Would love to tour all the "off the path" places.

Posted by: EC at October 20, 2013 10:54 AM (doBIb)

32 " so no dilutionoccurs." But it opens up the flavor! *ducks*

Posted by: Lauren at October 20, 2013 10:54 AM (ELdpj)

33 Combine it with some big time College Basketball and maybe I would join ya Dude, lets go! http://tinyurl.com/kskmkac

Posted by: EC at October 20, 2013 10:57 AM (doBIb)

34 Mmmm, Bourbon.

Posted by: garrett at October 20, 2013 10:58 AM (GItwD)

35 Drinking SoCo with *mumble mumble* right now. There, I commented in the drinking thread.

Posted by: BCochran1981 - Credible Hulk at October 20, 2013 11:00 AM (GEICT)

36 UK BB & Bourbon? I am there!

Posted by: @SCOAMT at October 20, 2013 11:00 AM (s0HyR)

37 You know who else is big into bourbon? The Chicoms. The more affluent among them pay good money for American bourbon, like we would pay for Japanese sushi or Kobe beef. You could make good money sending bottles of it over there.

Posted by: EC at October 20, 2013 11:01 AM (doBIb)

38 Most Bourbon isn't made in Bourbon County. In fact, Bourbon need not be made in Kentucky. It just needs to be 51% or more corn, over a certain age, and reaching that age only in new American White Oak barrels. It also has to be a straight whiskey, which is a more important definition than you think. A straight whiskey contains no additives or artificial colorings. Straight Whiskeys can be blended from multiple straight whiskeys, but that doesn't make them a blended whiskey. If you see straight whiskey on the label, you can be sure it is all real whiskey. If you don't, (like on say, regular Early Times) you can be almost sure that it is less than 50% actual whiskey among its non-water ingredients. Most or even all of it will be Valu-Rite vodka, and caramel for flavor and color. Also, if you like Bulleit Rye, try getting ahold of some Willet's. You won't go back.

Posted by: Doug Winship at October 20, 2013 11:02 AM (S6I/9)

39 Knob Creek is my go-to bourbon, straight up in a wine glass for maximum aroma enjoyment.

Posted by: dogsandhogs at October 20, 2013 11:03 AM (YNDpC)

There is no finer bourbon on earth than Booker's.

Average 129 proof, poured straight from the barrel to the bottle.

Posted by: Sam Adams at October 20, 2013 11:04 AM (4TQaw)

41 But it opens up the flavor! *ducks*

Posted by: Lauren

No need to duck. Bourbon and Branch is older than asking for anything 'on the rocks.'

Posted by: weft cut-loop [/i] [/b] at October 20, 2013 11:04 AM (1C7lu)

42 Woodford Reserve, 1792 Ridgemont, Bulleit. And Old Overholt for those Moron moments.

Posted by: Skookumchuk at October 20, 2013 11:05 AM (x4x3r)

43

♫ Jack Daniels If you please, knock me to my knees ♫

Posted by: David Allen Coe at October 20, 2013 11:08 AM (Pr6hk)

44 Anyone ever tried Four Roses bourbon? Bought some for my husband about 6 months ago. He said he liked it but I couldn't tell if he was just being nice or it really was good.

Posted by: [/i][/b][/u][/s] Tami - GO CARDS - WOOHOO!!! at October 20, 2013 11:08 AM (bCEmE)

45 I haven't gone through the comments, so I apologize if this has already been posted, but there is a fantastic book about the history of whiskey and bourbon in the U.S. called, "Bourbon, Straight" and it's by Charles Cowdery.

If you can't tell, I'm a huge fan of books on food, food history and food science.

Here is the amazon link:
http://tinyurl.com/kfyxywv

Posted by: DangerGirl, home sweet home at October 20, 2013 11:10 AM (GrtrJ)

Currently in my selection:

Willett Bourbon, Eagle Rare, Elijah Craig, Russel's Reserve, Woodford Reserve, Angel's Envy, Buffalo Trace

Posted by: Sam Adams at October 20, 2013 11:11 AM (4TQaw)

47 Usually Jim Beam or Knob Creek, but mix it up with a bottle of Wild Turkey now and then.

Anybody ever have any Van Winkle?

Posted by: lowandslow at October 20, 2013 11:12 AM (IV4od)

48 Had some of a buddies home made beer. It was better than I expected, and had a nice alcohol content. It was a nice ale, not too bitter.

Posted by: nip at October 20, 2013 11:13 AM (jI23+)

49 Forgot to mention KnobCreek Single Barrel 9 year-old bourbon, 120 proof

Posted by: Sam Adams at October 20, 2013 11:13 AM (4TQaw)

50 As well as Weller's Antique 107.

Posted by: Sam Adams at October 20, 2013 11:14 AM (4TQaw)

Good Lord, but I have a shit-ton of bourbon in the house.....

This is good.

Posted by: Sam Adams at October 20, 2013 11:15 AM (4TQaw)

52 You can actually buy real rocks from Amazon to freeze and cool drinks with so no dilution occurs. Posted by: Vic at October 20, 2013 02:50 PM (zZbNF) We have these, but, I never use them. It's kinda odd, putting a rock in your drink. I can't see it not messing with my drink's purity.

Posted by: artisanal 'ette at October 20, 2013 11:15 AM (IXrOn)

53 44 Four Roses is my go to all around bourbon brand. I always keep all three main bottlings in stock. The yellow label is IMPO the best mainstream bourbon made. The Small Batch is exceptional for making your best cocktails, and the Single Barrel is for when you just need a few fingers to chase some demons.

Posted by: Doug Winship at October 20, 2013 11:16 AM (S6I/9)

54 scotch

Posted by: artisanal 'ette at October 20, 2013 11:16 AM (IXrOn)

55 I forgot to mention the James E. Pepper's 1776 Revolution Bourbon.....

Posted by: Sam Adams at October 20, 2013 11:17 AM (4TQaw)

56 52 artisanal 'ette at October 20, 2013 03:15 PM (IXrOn)

I think chemically inert metallic cubes...

oui oui

Posted by: sven10077 at October 20, 2013 11:17 AM (9jfyN)

57 One of these days, I'm going to try and play with some liquid N2 and liquor.

Posted by: EC at October 20, 2013 11:18 AM (doBIb)

58 Bugger the lot -- I'm sticking with Scotch, the only true whiskey. Give me Dimple Pinch (I drank it for decades before Walter White) and Lagavulin Single Malt. If it's nae Scottish, it's crap.

Posted by: Piper Scott at October 20, 2013 11:18 AM (o6WcH)

59

Evan Williams

a little harsh for sippin', but love it wiz the cokes

Posted by: phreshone at October 20, 2013 11:19 AM (Pr6hk)

60 Four Roses is my go to all around bourbon brand. I always keep all three main bottlings in stock. The yellow label is IMPO the best mainstream bourbon made. The Small Batch is exceptional for making your best cocktails, and the Single Barrel is for when you just need a few fingers to chase some demons. Posted by: Doug Winship at October 20, 2013 03:16 PM (S6I/9) Thanks. The Single Barrel is what I got him, I think. I'd look at the bottle but it was gone about 3 weeks after I got it.

Posted by: [/i][/b][/u][/s] Tami - GO CARDS - WOOHOO!!! at October 20, 2013 11:20 AM (bCEmE)

61 The US has done a great job with competing in wine, beer, goat cheese, brie, etc. As far as US made chocolate? Guittard? I've tried a handful of homemade chocolate makers (one down the east coast, I cannot remember the name, was pretty decent, and shipped overnight).

Posted by: artisanal 'ette at October 20, 2013 11:22 AM (IXrOn)

62 Knob Creek, Baker's and Booker's are all sipping bourbons

Posted by: NCKate at October 20, 2013 11:24 AM (CV9aS)

So, here's a comprehensive list of what's available at my house;

Booker's, Willett Bourbon, Russel's Reserve, James E. Pepper's 1776 Revolution Bourbon, Eagle Rare, Knob Creek Single Barrel 9 year-old, Woodford Reserve, Elijah Craig, Buffalo Trace White Dog, Buffalo Trace, Weller's Antique 107 and Ridgemont Reserve.

Posted by: Sam Adams at October 20, 2013 11:26 AM (4TQaw)

64 Right now I'm armed with Woodford's, Booker's and Maker's 46.

Posted by: garrett at October 20, 2013 11:26 AM (BuM5K)

65
Old Crow, 'cause it's not too expensive and still pretty smooth.

Posted by: Sphynx at October 20, 2013 11:27 AM (OZmbA)

"Bugger the lot -- I'm sticking with Scotch, the only true whiskey."

Scotch is aged in barrels which previously contained.....bourbon.

Posted by: Sam Adams at October 20, 2013 11:27 AM (4TQaw)

67 Evan Williams or Jim Beam.

Buffalo Trace when I'm feeling pretty. =P

Posted by: The Chicken at October 20, 2013 11:29 AM (vYuml)

To the Scotch drinkers....You're welcome.

Posted by: Sam Adams at October 20, 2013 11:29 AM (4TQaw)

69 >>>ignoring vodka, which all sentient drinkers should do at every opportunity

Is words of fighting.

Posted by: картофель at October 20, 2013 11:30 AM (oLCqQ)

70 The Kentucky legislature very definitely has thoughts on what is called bourbon. Beam is distilled in Bullitt or Nelson counties. Pappy and a lot of others in Franklin county.

Posted by: NCKate at October 20, 2013 11:31 AM (CV9aS)

71 Booze is for fags.

WOOHOO!

Posted by: Cryin' John Boner at October 20, 2013 11:31 AM (eAY4A)

72 ~~Most~~ All Bourbon isn't made in Bourbon County.

Posted by: Doug Winship at October 20, 2013 03:02 PM (S6I/9)

I was surprised recently to learn that there are no operational distilleries in Bourbon County. Your other points are spot-on.

My favorite bourbons are Booker's and Knob Creek, although Booker's needs to be either diluted with water or melting ice, as it is a bit too strong to enjoy neat, at least to my taste.

Posted by: HTL at October 20, 2013 11:33 AM (nWypX)

73 I tried Knob Creek and I didn't think it was good enough for the price tag. I'm with dildo on the Bulleit.

Posted by: Adam at October 20, 2013 11:35 AM (Aif/5)

74 What is "ironic" is that Jack Daniels is made in a dry county.

Posted by: Vic at October 20, 2013 11:35 AM (zZbNF)

75 So what are the best affordable ryes?

Posted by: Caliban at October 20, 2013 11:36 AM (DrC22)

76 gnoring vodka, which all sentient drinkers should do at every opportunity Is words of fighting. Posted by: картофель at October 20, 2013 03:30 PM (oLCqQ) ha! I'm not giving up my vodka martini's. I can't handle the gin as well.

Posted by: artisanal 'ette at October 20, 2013 11:37 AM (IXrOn)

77 Any Old Grand Dad or Basil Hayden fans?

Posted by: NCKate at October 20, 2013 11:37 AM (CV9aS)

78 I've been a scotch drinker for years (Lagavulin, anyone?), but I have to admit I've had some really good southern whiskeys in recent years. I haven't tried Bulleit, but I just might have to, now.

That said, I still maintain that Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms should be a convenience store, not a federal agency.

Posted by: Scott Crawford at October 20, 2013 11:38 AM (gv/Zb)

79 I think we should finish this discussion at Sam Adams' house.

Posted by: Motionview at October 20, 2013 11:40 AM (KIUxp)

80 Favorite winter cocktail is a sidecar with Bourbon or Brandy

Posted by: Thunderb at October 20, 2013 11:41 AM (zOTsN)

81 Jim Beam \ Wild turkey

Posted by: Saar at October 20, 2013 11:41 AM (wfsOV)

82 My Manhattan: rye whiskey (Bulleit), Antica Formula vermouth, Angostura bitters, genuine marasca cherry (Luxardo)

Posted by: RokShox at October 20, 2013 11:41 AM (8MMMw)

I boycott Jack Daniels, as they've lowered their proof twice in the past 20 years or so. First, from 90 to 86 proof, and now down to 80 proof. Granted, it's not a Bourbon, but a Tennessee Whiskey, they're still cheaters!

Beam, for my usual nightcap. Maker's 46 for more special times. Bulleit, on the porch with a fine cigar.

I need to increase my Bourbon inventory. I'm overrun with nice bottles of Scotch, as those who don't know spirits have gifted me with such, thinking all brown water is the same.

Not that I'm complaining. Some of those Scotches are nice, too!

Jim

Sunk New Dawn

Galveston, TX

Posted by: Jim at October 20, 2013 11:42 AM (vvk2F)

84 I think we should finish this discussion at Sam Adams' house. Posted by: Motionview at October 20, 2013 03:40 PM (KIUxp) Aye, BYO Glass. and snacks

Posted by: artisanal 'ette at October 20, 2013 11:42 AM (IXrOn)

85 Four Roses is my go to all around bourbon brand. I always keep all three main bottlings in stock. The yellow label is IMPO the best mainstream bourbon made. The Small Batch is exceptional for making your best cocktails, and the Single Barrel is for when you just need a few fingers to chase some demons.

Posted by: Doug Winship at October 20, 2013 03:16 PM (S6I/9)

Oh, man, does this bring back memories. My grandma used to make her own spaghetti sauce, from scratch, for family get togethers. She drank Four Roses bourbon and Ballantine beer. When there was about three inches of bourbon and one beer left, the sauce was done. Also, Grandma was sauced, but that's another story.

Posted by: antisocialist at October 20, 2013 11:42 AM (eGr8Z)

86 You nearly gave me heart failure! When I saw that "CFR" I immediately though I was seeing Food Stamp regulations (occupational hazard)....

Posted by: Jenk at October 20, 2013 11:44 AM (8xKUx)

87 My favorite chocolate shops are Rocky Mountain Candy Co. (Their caramel apples are pure yummy evilness) and a local shop called Anthony Thomas, which I've been eating since I was a toddler.

Posted by: nnptcgrad at October 20, 2013 11:46 AM (Opyrm)

88 BTW challah bread pudding with a Whiskey butter custard sauce is the bomb

Posted by: Thunderb at October 20, 2013 11:48 AM (zOTsN)

I think we should finish this discussion at Sam Adams' house."

I agree. Lots of cold beer in the fridge, too. Pilsner Urquell, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, Sierra Nevada Torpedo, Sam Adams Boston Lager, Sam Adams Octoberfest.....

Posted by: Sam Adams at October 20, 2013 11:49 AM (4TQaw)

90 My introduction to alcohol was, at age 14, siphoning off just a bit from each bottle in my dad's well-stocked liquor cabinet into my thermos, stuffing it into my backpack, riding my bike to my friend's house, then cruising the intracoastal waterway in his ski boat in the hot summer sun, drinking the nasty mix of warm liquor that my thermos now contained, choking down my gag reflex. Nothing like drunken 14 year olds with a speed boat on the water. I had a best friend with a speed boat, a girlfriend who'd grown boobs over the summer, and a thermos full of random, warm hard liquor. Been downhill ever since.

Posted by: Flatbush Joe at October 20, 2013 11:49 AM (ZPrif)

91 Scotch is aged in barrels which previously contained.....bourbon.

Posted by: Sam Adams at October 20, 2013 03:27 PM (4TQaw)

The Scots have gotten even more creative than that. Some scotch is aged in barrels which previously contained port.

Posted by: Scott Crawford at October 20, 2013 11:49 AM (gv/Zb)

92 85 Four Roses was once the Premier American Bourbon (in the 30's, right after Prohibition) It was my grandfather's bourbon at the time. When Seagrams' got ahold of the brand, they drove it straight into the toilet, turning it into a blended whiskey of the bottomest shelf variety. (Curse you, you damn Canadians!) Only after the Japanese bought the brand in the 2000's did they start selling the good, real bourbon back in the states. Here's a history I wrote on the Brand a while back: http://bit.ly/QM3Vdg

Posted by: Doug Winship at October 20, 2013 11:51 AM (S6I/9)

93 Now I'm all thirsty....

Posted by: Sam Adams at October 20, 2013 11:51 AM (4TQaw)

94 You should be.

Posted by: Doug Winship at October 20, 2013 11:52 AM (S6I/9)

"The Scots have gotten even more creative than that. Some scotch is aged in barrels which previously contained port."

Angel's Envy bourbon finishes the aging process in old port wine barrels. It's bourbon, with a grape finish. Very unique.

Posted by: Sam Adams at October 20, 2013 11:55 AM (4TQaw)

96 91 Scotch is aged in barrels which previously contained.....bourbon. Posted by: Sam Adams at October 20, 2013 03:27 PM The Scots have gotten even more creative than that. Some scotch is aged in barrels which previously contained port. Posted by: Scott Crawford at October 20, 2013 03:49 PM Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban. Mmmm. As for Rye Whiskeys, Templeton is good for a manhattan, but I live in Iowa and I think I am required to say that.

Posted by: Jdcon at October 20, 2013 11:56 AM (hjvFR)

97 Ya'll do know that 80 proof will not freeze in a home freezer, right? oh, and it took a whiskey thread to delurk after 8 years incognito.

Posted by: tbodie at October 20, 2013 11:56 AM (uHgI5)

98 Basil Hayden's and Baker's are excellent, as well. For the past few months I've made a point of bringing home a different bourbon every week. My goal is to have an adequate amount of choices available for my two-week Christmas vacation....

Posted by: Sam Adams at October 20, 2013 11:58 AM (4TQaw)

"Oh, man, does this bring back memories. My grandma used to make her own spaghetti sauce, from scratch, for family get togethers. She drank Four Roses bourbon and Ballantine beer. When there was about three inches of bourbon and one beer left, the sauce was done. Also, Grandma was sauced, but that's another story."

That is hilarious. I'll bet Grandma was a riot.

Posted by: Sam Adams at October 20, 2013 12:00 PM (4TQaw)

100 Sam Adams Boston Lager, Sam Adams Octoberfest..... Posted by: Sam Adams at October 20, 2013 03:49 PM (4TQaw) Screw Sam Adams. I won't buy it anymore after their last marketing fuck up.

Posted by: [/i][/b][/u][/s] Tami - GO CARDS - WOOHOO!!! at October 20, 2013 12:01 PM (bCEmE)

101 That is hilarious. I'll bet Grandma was a riot.

Posted by: Sam Adams at October 20, 2013 04:00 PM (4TQaw)

Yes, she was!

Posted by: antisocialist at October 20, 2013 12:05 PM (eGr8Z)

102 90My introduction to alcohol was, at age 14, siphoning off just a bit from each bottle in my dad's well-stocked liquor cabinet into my thermos, stuffing it into my backpack, riding my bike to my friend's house, then cruising the intracoastal waterway in his ski boat in the hot summer sun, drinking the nasty mix of warm liquor that my thermos now contained, choking down my gag reflex.

Nothing like drunken 14 year olds with a speed boat on the water.

I had a best friend with a speed boat, a girlfriend who'd grown boobs over the summer, and a thermos full of random, warm hard liquor. Been downhill ever since.

Posted by: Flatbush Joe at October 20, 2013 03:49 PM (ZPrif)

My friends and I were doing much the same at age twelve. We'd fill a military canteen with three shots of everything before going hiking. The creme de menthe addition was a bad idea....

Posted by: Sam Adams at October 20, 2013 12:06 PM (4TQaw)

103 I don't know why my computer won't allow me to put a space between other poster's comments and my own....Sorry for the formatting.

Posted by: Sam Adams at October 20, 2013 12:09 PM (4TQaw)

104 Screw Sam Adams. I won't buy it anymore after their last marketing fuck up.

Posted by: Tami - GO CARDS - WOOHOO!!! at October 20, 2013 04:01 PM (bCEmE)

Uh oh. What did they do?

Posted by: Retread at October 20, 2013 12:09 PM (IiAs3)

105 I have a few bottles of tequila (Antigo, Conquistador, Don Tacho, unopened, and ~~misplaced~~ stored in a very dark/un-well-lit, constant 68 deg. area since 2000. I suppose that, as they have all passed from, originally, reposado[i/] or anejo to ... muerto ... , at some point, I'll have to see if they have retained their flavor.

Posted by: Guy Karate, Member, The League of Ugly Shirted Gentlemen at October 20, 2013 12:13 PM (FlRtG)

106 Uh oh. What did they do? Posted by: Retread at October 20, 2013 04:09 PM (IiAs3) Apparently we're not 'endowed by our creator', we're just 'endowed by'....something, nothing, government? Yeah, they left 'our creator' out of their quoting of the Declaration of Independence. http://tinyurl.com/ngqffyg

Posted by: [/i][/b][/u][/s] Tami - GO CARDS - WOOHOO!!! at October 20, 2013 12:13 PM (bCEmE)

107 oh, and it took a whiskey thread to delurk after 8 years incognito.

Posted by: tbodie at October 20, 2013 03:56 PM (uHgI5)

Behold the power of whiskey!

(Let's see if my formatting works this time.)

Posted by: Scott Crawford at October 20, 2013 12:14 PM (gv/Zb)

108 Not as such.

Posted by: Scott Crawford at October 20, 2013 12:15 PM (gv/Zb)

109 95 Angel's Envy, like Maker's 46, is one of those bourbons that purists argue isn't actually "Bourbon", since it spends time making out with wood that isn't virgin American White Oak. I just don't like it because it's too damned expensive!

Posted by: Doug Winship at October 20, 2013 12:19 PM (S6I/9)

110

An attorney friend of mine just settled a huge case for an important client.

His reward, aside from his fees, was a 23 year-old bottle of Pappy Van Winkle's bourbon, sent by his grateful client.

Posted by: Sam Adams at October 20, 2013 12:19 PM (4TQaw)

111 From Tami's link:

Â“We adhere to an advertising code, established by the Beer Institute Â— a beer industry trade organization Â— that states, Â‘Beer advertising and marketing materials should not include religion or religious themesÂ’

So, they're a type of weasel if they couldn't defend including the words, 'by their Creator,' when otherwise being willing to use the Declaration in their advertising. I imagine they offended more people by leaving it out than they would have by including it.

Posted by: Retread at October 20, 2013 12:21 PM (IiAs3)

112 I'm impressed by the number of women commenting on this thread.

Posted by: JEM at October 20, 2013 12:21 PM (dA4tG)

113 75 So what are the best affordable ryes?

Hard to go wrong with Rittenhouse 100.

Makes a nice mix with Vernor's, if you like the Rye-and-Ginger combination.

Posted by: Splunge at October 20, 2013 12:22 PM (bKA83)

114 110 Did his client verify that he got it legally? http://bit.ly/19UTv8M

Posted by: Doug Winship at October 20, 2013 12:22 PM (S6I/9)

115 I'm impressed by the number of women commenting on this thread.

Posted by: JEM at October 20, 2013 04:21 PM (dA4tG)

Maybe I'm just lucky, but I when I first met the woman I went on to marry, she drank the same scotch and smoked the same cigarettes I do.

I didn't find out until much later that she also shoots a hell of a lot better than I do...

Posted by: Scott Crawford at October 20, 2013 12:24 PM (gv/Zb)

116 75 113 To be honest, Old Overholt, a brand that was actually delivering American Rye for years when all these other brands hadn't yet been considered, is still a helluva brand for how inexpensive it is.

Posted by: Doug Winship at October 20, 2013 12:24 PM (S6I/9)

117 96 As for Rye Whiskeys, Templeton is good for a manhattan, but I live in Iowa and I think I am required to say that.

I don't live anywhere near Iowa and I agree that Templeton is very good. Easy to enjoy straight, too -- soft and friendly, but not corn-sweet like a bourbon, or another fancy rye that was recommended to me for sipping (Col. something).

Posted by: Splunge at October 20, 2013 12:24 PM (bKA83)

118 I didn't find out until much later that she also shoots a hell of a lot better than I do...

Posted by: Scott Crawford at October 20, 2013 04:24 PM (gv/Zb)

Best keep her happy then.

Posted by: Retread at October 20, 2013 12:26 PM (IiAs3)

119 I'm doubly happy to see Sam Adams list Pilsner Urquell first on the beer list. If Sam is short for Samantha I may be in love.

Posted by: Motionview at October 20, 2013 12:32 PM (2yPl+)

120 I don't know why my computer won't allow me to put a space between other poster's comments and my own....Sorry for the formatting.

Posted by: Sam Adams at October 20, 2013 04:09 PM (4TQaw)

If you are quoting someone, my advice is to copy and paste it into a text-only program like Notepad, then copy and paste that into your comment. Removes random formatting instructions left over from the original version.

Posted by: HTL at October 20, 2013 12:35 PM (nWypX)

121 114110 Did his client verify that he got it legally?
http://bit.ly/19UTv8M

Posted by: Doug Winship at October 20, 2013 04:22 PM (S6I/9)

Wow. Was unaware of that. My friend settled this case long before this article was posted. I was supremely envious, as most of us have never even seen a bottle of Pappy Van Winkles. I asked him how good it was. He said he woke up pantsless in Reno.

Posted by: Sam Adams at October 20, 2013 12:35 PM (4TQaw)

122 What a great post. At panthers game so late to thread. Turning corn into booze to make transportation costs across the mountain less expensive turned out to be a mighty good move. The Whiskey Rebellion, Washington's only bad move. http://tinyurl.com/2b9trw

Posted by: Nip Sip at October 20, 2013 12:37 PM (0FSuD)

123 121 I think he may have to be executed if he blacked out on Pappy! After two shots, you would no longer be able to appreciate it.

Posted by: Doug Winship at October 20, 2013 12:39 PM (S6I/9)

124 119I'm doubly happy to see Sam Adams list Pilsner Urquell first on the beer list.

If Sam is short for Samantha I may be in love.

Posted by: Motionview at October 20, 2013 04:32 PM (2yPl+)

Pilsner Urquell is my favorite beer, but no, Sam is NOT short for Samantha.

Posted by: Sam Adams at October 20, 2013 12:39 PM (4TQaw)

125 I live in a small town. But we are blessed with a brewery, a winery and a distillery. The distillery will sell you 25 cent shots of anything they make. Lots of opportunity to try new spirits. I love this place.

Posted by: Getting my drink on at October 20, 2013 12:40 PM (ttUJg)

126 122 I've got a recent post on that, too. If George Washington (who after his time in the White House became America's largest distiller) hadn't put down the Whiskey Rebellion, we wouldn't HAVE bourbon. http://bit.ly/1eJvx0w So, once again, Washington rules all.

Posted by: Doug Winship at October 20, 2013 12:41 PM (S6I/9)

127

If you are quoting someone, my advice is to copy and paste it into a text-only program like Notepad, then copy and paste that into your comment. Removes random formatting instructions left over from the original version.

Posted by: HTL at October 20, 2013 04:35 PM (nWypX)

Appreciate the advice. Trying it right now.

Posted by: Sam Adams at October 20, 2013 12:45 PM (4TQaw)

128 @107: Behold the power of whiskey.... Until the power goes to my head. IYKWIMAITTYD

Posted by: tbodie at October 20, 2013 12:46 PM (i5xnd)

129 @126 Not sure how to follow your logic. Washington putting down the PA distillers not paying tax had nothing to do with the economics of KY making booze. Am I missing something?

Posted by: Nip Sip at October 20, 2013 12:47 PM (0FSuD)

130

128 @107: Behold the power of whiskey....
Until the power goes to my head. IYKWIMAITTYD

Posted by: tbodie at October 20, 2013 04:46 PM (i5xnd)

tbodie, you can now consider yourself a full-fledged member of the Moron Horde!

Posted by: Sam Adams at October 20, 2013 12:51 PM (4TQaw)

131 Posted by: Doug Winship at October 20, 2013 04:39 PM (S6I/9)

Agreed.

There is a time and a place for great liquor, and the end of the night isn't one of them.

And...I agree about Old Overholt. The problem is that it is getting more expensive !

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at October 20, 2013 12:51 PM (oJ5Fd)

132 @130:Thanks Sam Adams.

Posted by: tbodie at October 20, 2013 12:53 PM (i5xnd)

133 Really enjoy Bulleit Rye, and Ri has been on sale for twenty bucks a bottle at my local Goody Goody....

Posted by: Sam Adams at October 20, 2013 12:55 PM (4TQaw)

134 "Mandrake, have you never wondered why I drink only distilled water, or rainwater, and only pure-grain alcohol?"

Posted by: Ripper at October 20, 2013 12:55 PM (e1kfW)

135 129 it's all in the post in its Connnections-like logic. Washington drove the whiskey makers to KY to escape the taxes. They had to ship their whiskey via New Orleans because of geography. The Acadians liked their liquor aged in wood, like cognac, which encouraged the KY folk to age their liquor. It also is why bourbon is called bourbon, which has nothing to do with bourbon County.

Posted by: Doug Winship at October 20, 2013 12:58 PM (Lrmj0)

136 Bulliet bourbon is pretty good, great with a nice cigar. Have not tried their rye yet. Recently bought a bottle of Buffulo Trace bourbon. It's good, but punchier than Bulliet.

Posted by: eman at October 20, 2013 01:09 PM (AO9UG)

137 Agreed. There is a time and a place for great liquor, and the end of the night isn't one of them. And...I agree about Old Overholt. The problem is that it is getting more expensive ! Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at October 20, 2013 0 Hey. nicely done on the thread. did you ever read the WSJ "How's Your Drink" articles by Eric Felten? Of course everything should be consumed neat and only neat.

Posted by: yankeefifth at October 20, 2013 01:09 PM (Z9EHQ)

138 Having been a bartender in the past, I tend to mix my bourbon and rye into cocktails. currently, these are my favorite because they mix so well yet still maintain their character in the cocktail: Buffalo Trace Kentucky Bourbon Templeton Small Batch Rye Has anyone tried the Jack Daniel's Unaged Rye? I've read some good things about it but, most White Dog is..... ...how do I say this... ...dog piss.

Posted by: John Boehner, SuperGenius at October 20, 2013 01:14 PM (CRY7r)

139 137 Hey. nicely done on the thread. did you ever read the WSJ "How's Your Drink" articles by Eric Felten?

He put out a book of the same name, which I own and which is a fun and interesting read.

Posted by: Splunge at October 20, 2013 01:15 PM (bKA83)

140 somwhow I manage to show up late to a non-political thread I would be interested in. anyone mention whistle pig? My favorite local guy carries some intersting things from kings county distillery and also from tuthilltown hudson.

Posted by: yankeefifth at October 20, 2013 01:19 PM (Z9EHQ)

141

I've read some good things about it but, most White Dog is.....

Jim Beam's Jacob's Ghost is the most vile-tasting spirit ever foisted upon one's tongue. Know how the pavement smells on a hot day and you get a few sprinkles of rain on it? They bottled that and called it 'Jacobs Ghost'. It is so bad my cousin had to give the rest of the bottle away.

Posted by: Cicero Kid at October 20, 2013 01:20 PM (DHQv9)

142 He put out a book of the same name, which I own and which is a fun and interesting read. Posted by: Splunge at October 20, 2013 0 I was unaware of his book. It was perhaps the article I enjoyed most in the wsj weekend edition; always fun to have someone put some effin knowledge on ya dontcha know. I was sorry he quit writing them but I enjoyed his article explaining he was moving on because he was out of subjects. on a related note, whoever the guy writing the wsj automobile reviews, he is awful. an automobile reviewer should be an automobile fanatic and a purist, someone who prefers fast to slow, manual to automatic, and abhors front wheel drive. automobile guy should not ever be someone who tries to see the good in a prius or consider the pros and cons of a 967 and a prius; may as well be considering the trade offs between hillary clinton and redhead from thicke video.

Posted by: yankeefifth at October 20, 2013 01:25 PM (Z9EHQ)

143

My impression of Buffalo Trace White Dog (125 proof)....

Imagine walking into a grainery and snorting everything you find on the floor. Corn, wheat, barley, alfalfa, sorghum, wild flowers....

Everything good about bourbon comes from the charred white oak.

Posted by: Sam Adams at October 20, 2013 01:30 PM (4TQaw)

144 ...Know how the pavement smells on a hot day and you get a few sprinkles of rain on it? They bottled that and called it 'Jacobs Ghost'... Posted by: Cicero Kid at October 20, 2013 05:20 PM (DHQv9) You know, that's funny. That's exactly how I would describe the overarching taste/smell of Leopold's Small Batch Gin. It's an American boutique gin I got suckered into buying due to all the great reviews. But honestly, it's a characterless gin that tastes/smells of wet stone or pavement. Leopold's Stone flavored Vodka would be more honest. Must be the new hot flavor. I look forward to Wet Pavement Schnapps.

Posted by: John Boehner, SuperGenius at October 20, 2013 01:39 PM (CRY7r)

145

@144,

Try Hendrick's gin. Very nice.

Posted by: Sam Adams at October 20, 2013 01:44 PM (4TQaw)

146 @145, I like Hendrick's. My main gin for mixing is Plymouth Gin. But, don't take my word for it - it was Winston Churchill's favorite gin. London style- dry and smooth as silk. Great stuff.

Posted by: John Boehner, SuperGenius at October 20, 2013 01:48 PM (CRY7r)

147 Never even heard of Plymouth Gin, but I'm a huge Churchill fan, so now I'm going to go hunt it down. Thanks!

Posted by: Sam Adams at October 20, 2013 01:54 PM (4TQaw)

148 Navy strength Plymouth is next on my to-buy list. Almost picked up a bottle yesterday but I had some important bar restocking to attend to. Magellen is an interesting gin as well. As far as whiskey goes, I'm partial to Islay scotch. Not really wet pavement, more like rain water got into the dirty weber kettle and some idiot scot made it into whiskey.

Posted by: Bivalve Curious at October 20, 2013 02:00 PM (aGqSh)

149 Well, I was out washing the car all afternoon, so I am just catching up. I've just started enjoying Rye and my faves right now are Templton and Bulliet. I like drinking them on ice/ straight. Wild Turkey Rye is also good. Pig Whistle I've also had but not worth the cost, IMO.

Posted by: Yip at October 20, 2013 02:05 PM (/jHWN)

150 Plymouth also makes the definitive sloe gin.

Posted by: Bivalve Curious at October 20, 2013 02:06 PM (aGqSh)

151 I'm likewise catching up after doing yard work. I'm mostly a beer drinker, but several years ago I bought a recipe book and experimented with a few cocktails. I finally settled on the martini, because it is easy to make, and have been drinking that for a while. I don't like going to the trouble of making complicated drinks with a lot of ingredients. After reading comments about single malt scotch for a while, last month I bought a bottle of The Macallan. I like it, although I've only been drinking occasionally because it's expensive. I'll definitely try other varieties, though. After reading this post, I decided to make a whiskey cocktail. The only American whiskey I have at the moment is Jim Beam bourbon. I looked at some recipes, and I don't have all the ingredients necessary to make any of them. So I'm just drinking some with an ice cube.

Posted by: rickl at October 20, 2013 02:23 PM (sdi6R)

152 I prefer my bourbon neat. Once in a while I'll have it on the rocks, with a minimal amount of ice. I don't do mixed drinks for the most part. I'm hooked on the taste of the oak and the char.

Posted by: Sam Adams at October 20, 2013 02:27 PM (4TQaw)

153
All of you not in Colorado wait a couple more years and Stranahan's might make it out of state. A straight whiskey from a still that has a Bourbon style bottom and Scotch style top (or vice versa) that hits the shelves and disapears quickly. The local boy sold to a major that can finance the expansion but stayed on to run the joint. Right now, we're still limited by what was put into barrels to age before the sale and expansion.
Oh, and that whole "opens up the flavor" thing? On the rocks, it blooms like a flipping rose.

Posted by: mark reardon at October 20, 2013 02:28 PM (enau6)

154 My favorite bourbon is Booker's, but that comes with one small caveat. I don't drink it that often. Booker's is 129 proof on average. If you drink nothing but Booker's for a month, switching back to a 90 proof bourbon is like drinking iced tea. You just keep thinking, "That's some awfully nice cider your grandmother made, but do you have anything with alcohol in it?"

Posted by: Sam Adams at October 20, 2013 02:31 PM (4TQaw)

155 There is still quite a bit of confusion about how Kentucky whiskey came to be known as Bourbon, even here in Central Kentucky where it supposedly originated. Some say the name came from the county, which could be true, but one needs to recognize that early in Kentucky's history, Bourbon County consisted of virtually all lands east of Lexington - a goodly third of the state was in that one county. Others say the name came from Bourbon Street in New Orleans. As whiskey was barged down the Ohio and mostly ended up in New Orleans for export, people in and around New Orleans would ask for "that whiskey they serve on Bourbon Street." All we really seem to agree on is that it must be made of corn mash, aged in virgin oak barrels, charred so as to prevent too much sap contamination, and distilled in Central Kentucky.

Posted by: H. L. King at October 20, 2013 02:45 PM (g3Jfs)

156 155 the char may have originated as a means to control sap, but the real purpose it serves is to provide caramelized wood sugars that through time give whiskey its essential flavors. And there seems to be a lot more evidence for the Bourbon Street theory than the Bourbon County one.... Which is why I keep harping on it....

Posted by: Doug Winship at October 20, 2013 02:57 PM (S6I/9)

157 You can actually buy real rocks from Amazon to freeze and cool drinks with so no dilution occurs.

*srednop*

I haven't been Outside in over a week (it's the room with the blue ceiling) but I'm pretty sure it's still full of free rocks.

Posted by: HeatherRadish™ dreading Manning's return to Indy at October 20, 2013 03:02 PM (hO8IJ)

158 After reading comments about single malt scotch for a while, last month I bought a bottle of The Macallan. I like it, although I've only been drinking occasionally because it's expensive. I'll definitely try other varieties, though. After reading this post, I decided to make a whiskey cocktail. The only American whiskey I have at the moment is Jim Beam bourbon. I looked at some recipes, and I don't have all the ingredients necessary to make any of them. So I'm just drinking some with an ice cube. Posted by: rickl Macallan 12 is one of if not my favorite sms. It is not over priced for a sm and if you are drinking it neat, and holding a job, a bottle will last a moron long enough.

Posted by: yankeefifth at October 20, 2013 03:12 PM (Z9EHQ)

159 I'm hoping Maning and Moreno go wild in Indy. My fantasy team is getting the crap kicked out of it.

Posted by: Sam Adams at October 20, 2013 03:13 PM (4TQaw)

160 you can buy REAL ROCKS from AMAZON! Send me a link cause I was gonna go oout in the backyard and simply pick a few offa the ground.

Posted by: yankeefifth at October 20, 2013 03:14 PM (Z9EHQ)

161 We are in the midst of a tremendous revitalization of American distilling, with small operations popping up seemingly everywhere. I've frequently mused to my wife how fun it would be to start my own distillery. I haven't said anything about it since I looked up how the process actually goes. Most states have thousands of dollars in fees just to start the business. Heck, you get taxed on production (might be on top of sales, I can't recall), so you owe the government money on the stuff before you even sell your first bottle. I think it'd be fun, but there's just no way it'll ever happen. I'm given to understand most of the distillers popping up are doing so by expanding on existing businesses like breweries or wineries.

Posted by: Hal at October 20, 2013 03:14 PM (2wZs/)

162

I got to meet Master Distiller Lincoln Henderson (formerly of Woodford Reserve, now with Angel's Envy) at a Goody Goody in Dallas. Very interesting man. We shot the shit for about half an hour. I told him how I would love to come to work for him. He told me to move to Kentucky.

Tempting.

Posted by: Sam Adams at October 20, 2013 03:21 PM (4TQaw)

163 Posted by: yankeefifth at October 20, 2013 07:12 PM (Z9EHQ)

Macallan Cask Strength is great also, but a bit pricey at $60+.

If I can manage it I will be doing more liquor posts on the weekend. A few broad like this one, and maybe ones on specific drinks.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at October 20, 2013 03:28 PM (oJ5Fd)

164 Just before I started reading this post and comments I made my lady and me Manhattans with Bulleitt Rye, Angostura Orange Bitters, and Carpano Antica Vermouth with a twist of orange. Perfect. I've come to think that it's this vermouth that's the key ingredient. Bourbon doesn't mesh with it as well as Rye and most good ryes seem to work splendidly.

Posted by: Paco33 at October 20, 2013 03:31 PM (7R62U)

165 Macallan Cask Strength is great also, but a bit pricey at $60+. If I can manage it I will be doing more liquor posts on the weekend. A few broad like this one, and maybe ones on specific drinks. Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo Agreed on cask strength. I think you have a good idea with the alcohol posts, general and specific; such as going narrow and deep on a particular such as bourbon or scotch or even a brand. Even leveraging the Felten articles as a starting point is interesting. Again, well done.

Posted by: yankeefifth at October 20, 2013 03:53 PM (Z9EHQ)

166

A booze post for morons. Whoodathunkit?!

Started 19 gallons of apple wine last weekend.

Posted by: Cicero Kid at October 20, 2013 03:56 PM (DHQv9)

167 You Philistines!

Bourbon is whiskey. Whisky is from Scotland.

Scottish Gaelic: uisge beatha = "water of life".

Posted by: Mikey at October 20, 2013 03:57 PM (z6Qxt)

168 164 use the best vermouth, which as you already know is that Antica Formula. Also, to keep it the best, refridgerate it and don't let it go stale. Even in a good fridge, sweet or dry vermouth will go bad in less than a month. But why orange bitters in a Manhattan? I save those for Martinis and Pegus.

Posted by: Doug Winship at October 20, 2013 04:04 PM (S6I/9)

169 Sitting here waiting on the Denver/Indy game- Partaking of a nice glass of Buchanan's and a fantabulous Giacomo cigar (made by a Doc here in Tampa) Bestest combo I've had in a long time.

Posted by: Mr. Wolf at October 20, 2013 04:08 PM (Ss56U)

170 168 Spend 12 bucks on a vacu vin and you're wine (or vermouth) will be fine.

Posted by: Jdcon at October 20, 2013 04:20 PM (hjvFR)

171 170 A vacuvin will buy you a week at most.

Posted by: Doug Winship at October 20, 2013 04:29 PM (S6I/9)

172 I know an engineer who may or may not concoct some 'shine once in a while, may or may not distill it about 6 times and may or may not produce an elixir that goes down like water and will bring one to one's knees in about two shots. Yeah, I know there are threads above but I can't resist a good Bourbon thread.

Posted by: GatorGirl at October 20, 2013 04:57 PM (Ccr9r)

173 What kind of heathen put the bloody fruit in the tumbler?

Posted by: Fritz at October 20, 2013 05:04 PM (TKFmG)

174 170+ comments and not one mention of the best American Craft Whisky, Balcones from Texas? Kentucky and Tennessee make some nice whiskey, but for the money I prefer Balcones Corn Whiskies and Single Malt, some of the best made stuff in the country, if not the world.

Posted by: Sean at October 20, 2013 05:41 PM (IQ81y)

175 Posted by: Sean at October 20, 2013 09:41 PM (IQ81y)

I had the Baby Blue, and I agree, it was excellent.

But it was also $50/bottle, and that's ridiculous!

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at October 20, 2013 05:58 PM (oJ5Fd)

176 "I drank enough whiskey to float a battleship around..."

Knob Creek, moving more to Bulleit.

Can't go wrong with Jack in a pinch.

(Who are you people drinking SoCo?!?)

Posted by: Sockless Joe at October 20, 2013 06:15 PM (DNi0+)

177 What a bunch of heathens. It's people like y'all that have driven the price of good liquor so high. Ten years ago, Rittenhouse BiB rye & Heavenhill 10 year-old BiB bourbon were $12 bottles. Now when you can find Rittenhouse it's $22 and they don't even make the 10 year-old Heavenhill BiB any more!

Please shut up with the "whisky" vs. "whiskey" bull: http://goo.gl/ALNlAI and http://goo.gl/MIQ7O8 and http://goo.gl/FcA5DX

If you aren't following Chuck Cowdery's blog (http://chuckcowdery.blogspot.com/) you don't know American whiskey.

Most of the new ryes on the market are MGPI's 95/5 rye mash (http://goo.gl/exS78D), made in Lawrenceburg, IN, including Templeton, Willet, Dickel, and Bulleit. The difference is mostly in age and barrel selection. Cf. http://goo.gl/AbwcE7

Also, http://recenteats.blogspot.com/p/the-complete-list-of-american-whiskey.html

Whiskey drove me out of lurking, too.

Posted by: Rob K at October 20, 2013 06:31 PM (NU27E)

178 Posted by: Rob K at October 20, 2013 10:31 PM (NU27E)

Good stuff!

Lurk less. Post more.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at October 20, 2013 06:38 PM (oJ5Fd)

179

@177,

Rob K., thanks for the links!

Posted by: Sam Adams at October 20, 2013 09:35 PM (4TQaw)

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