Category: Bourbon

All things around bourbon

Neeley family distillery building
Dec 11

The Fantastic Neeley Family Distillery

Howdy Junior’s Bourbon Hall.  I had the great pleasure of visiting the Neeley Family Distillery in Sparta, KY.  The distillery is outside of the Kentucky Speedway and is a small family distillery.  The family was in the woods for ten generations across multiple counties in Kentucky.  Roy and Royce Neeley finally have taken the family business legal.  They took the recipe from the woods moonshine and created the bourbon and whiskey they have at the distillery.  The whiskey they have is good and the absinthe (if you are into it) is really freaking good. Pulling up to the distillery you will notice that it is a log cabin-looking building that makes you feel like you are out in the woods.  You are not as stated this is on a state highway leading to the Kentucky Motor Speedway.  As you walk in you will see a small gift shop with all the goods and whiskey for sale.  On the right side you will find a small bar top with 5 stools.  The door off of the gift shop led to the start of the tour with all history of the distillery and family tree.  I have some photos and videos until I realized there was a sign on the wall stating no videos.  Ooops. We were then asked if we wanted a tour and tasting and decided against it.  Looking back, we should have taken the tour to learn about the history of the distillery in the woods.  Without taking the tour, we ended up doing a tasting.  Sit at the bar and the guy running the tastings gives us a piece of paper with a bunch of selections on it with little boxes for you to select your tasting.  This was one of the first time I selected a tasting from that many of the options. The Selection So, my son and I make our selections.  You are able to select 8 different samples to taste.  The options were moonshine, Single Barrel, Barrel Strength straight whiskeys, Pawpaw’s flavored Whiskeys, NFD Flavored Moonshines, NFD Moonshine Creams, Specialty Aged Spirits, The Old Jett Brothers Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, and finally the Absinthe. This took us a moment as each grouping has a few selections to make.  We finally make the selections and understand the order.  So, the bourbons and whiskeys go first and then the flavored whiskeys and finally the Absinthe. Here were my selections from Neeley: Reviews I selected the wheated as I do like a sweet bourbon.  This came in at 102.2 proof and had a great flavor on the front and very little hug on the back.  This is also triple pot stilled, and a sweet mash aged for 51 months. Then went on to the experimental bloody butcher rye.  Wanted to compare this to Jeptha Creed Distillery as all of the bourbon there is made with the bloody butcher corn.  The bloody butcher gives the whiskey a different flavor I can’t decipher and am not a big fan. Here we go to the bottled in bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon.  This is Grandpa Neeley Pawpaw’s Birthday barrel.  At 100 Proof this doesn’t disappoint and is a good bourbon to sip and make cocktails with.  The story behind the bottle is that each year they take one barrel and make it into Paw Paw’s birthday bottle is also kind of cool. From here went with the Hidden Barn – Maple Syrup Finish.  I was hoping to try this and be able to enhance the Maple Old Fashioned that I make.  This was a nice bourbon but, the maple flavor didn’t come through for me as much as I was hoping.  It was sweeter than maple. Now we get to the double oaked which happens to be one of my favorite type of bourbons.  I really enjoy the Woodford Double oak.  This was nice and smooth, and you tasted the oak and some butterscotch.  The smell was sweet, and the caramel and butterscotch came through.  This is a bottle that came home with me. Finished with the rye and bourbon went to the Peanut Butter Whiskey.  This was very much peanut butter whiskey.  The smell knocked you off your seat with Peanut Butter and that is all you tasted.  Like you took a spoon of smooth peanut butter and licked it.  I could see this being good in some cocktails that you are going to need peanut butter for. Finally, we got to Neeley Family Wormwood Absinth.  I LOVE black licorice and anise candies.  This did not disappoint.  Very smooth and a great flavor of anise came through.  I could sip this with an ice cube all day. With the tasting over we sat and chatted with the bartender and with being a touch slow he started talking about the research they do behind the bar.  So, we got to try two shots they came up with.  Very nice of him to offer. The first one was an Andies Candy.  Take 1 part of the Absinthe and 3 parts of their Moonshine Chocolate Truffle Cream and stir.  It tastes exactly like one of the Andies candies after dinner mints. The next one was 1 part absinthe and 2 parts lemonade.  This was a light refreshing black licorice lemonade you could have a problem with as you just could drink them all day long.  You would drink them stand up and go oh shit. This was a great tasting and fun experience at the distillery.  Will need to go back and give the rest of the products a try and probably take a tour to see the still they make the absinthe on and learn more about the family in the woods.  There must be a great history for this family business. Junior

chocolates and Glencairn glasses with bourbon
Dec 06

Chocolate and Bourbon Nothing goes better together

Howdy, Junior’s Bourbon Hall.  I was able to book the Choc-ology: A Whiskey & Chocolate Tasting Experience at Evan Williams in downtown Louisville, KY.  What goes better with bourbon than chocolate?  Cigars are one but those are not edible.  Steak is another but not really finger food.  So maybe chocolate is the best.  Time to dig in and find out. This was a great “Tour” as you started by going downstairs and then having to knock on a safe door.  Then they asked you a question so you can get into the prohibition bar and have your tasting and treats.  Obviously, they tell you what is going to be asked and the answer but, it was kind of a cool way to get into the tasting. When you walk into the bar area there is a plethora of antiques and memorabilia from Evan Williams and Bourbon in general.  It was interesting to see and the history of Evan in bottles and pictures. We sit down to a tasting of five different Evan Williams Bourbons and 4 chocolates and one marshmallow on a stick.  Very interesting start to the tasting.  The following were part of the bourbon tasting: Evan Williams Single Barrel Evan Williams Master Blend Rittenhouse Rye Square 6 Wheated Bourbon Evan Williams Black The Chocolates that correspond to the bourbon Milk Chocolate Dark Chocolate Orange Dark Chocolate (Those chocolate orange ball things) Orange Mile Chocolate Charred Marshmallow For the tasting we learned a bit about the history of Evan Williams and that they are owned by Heaven Hill and they are still a private company.  Each distillery operates on its own and they do some collaborative items.  This was interesting as many of the other distilleries are owned by a large corporation in Japan or other foreign entities.  The person giving the tasting was very good with plenty of knowledge on the bourbon, history of Evan Williams, and why the chocolate was chosen to go with the bourbon. The Tasting The first bourbon was the Evan Williams Single Barrel.  The proof is 86.6 which is lower then a normal single barrel.  When I hear single barrels, I think the 120+ proof bourbon.  This bourbon had a nice flavor, and caramel came through for me.  Taking a bite of the chocolate with the bourbon the caramel flavor is enhanced. So, I am thinking the higher sugar in the milk chocolate will bring out the flavors you are tasting in the bourbon. The second bourbon is the Master Blend coming in at 90 proof.  This is a blend of the various expressions from Evan Williams.  When I sipped the bourbon, I had a very strong flavor of butterscotch and a fruity taste.  This tasted so good I ended up buying a bottle of the master blend. Up next was the 100 proof Rittenhouse rye.  This rye is the perfect rye to make all your rye cocktails, especially Manhattan.  Good Strong rye flavor and strong enough to stand up with mixes.  When you take this spicy flavor and pair it with a bite of chocolate and orange you get a very spicy citrus flavor that makes your taste buds dance.  Fourth was the Square 6 Wheated Bourbon coming in at 105 proof.  This did not taste like 105 as it really didn’t have a Kentucky hug or bit on the front or back of your mouth.  This came across sweet with a nutty flavor.  When you take a bite of the orange milk chocolate the bourbon becomes a touch sweeter and the chocolate orange comes out in your mouth. The last bourbon we tasted was Evan Williams Black coming in at 86 proof.  This is their flagship low-cost bourbon.  There was plenty of flavor and you didn’t have much of the alcohol flavor as you do with some of the cheaper bourbons you can drink.  When tasting I did get the vanilla flavor coming through on both the smell and taste.  Here is where this sample gets fun.  You get to toast your marshmallow and when you eat the toasted marshmallow with the bourbon the vanilla comes out and you almost feel like you are eating a smoked smore.  Made the bourbon that much better. This was a fun and exciting tasting experience.  You try five of Evan’s stable of bourbons and get samples of chocolates along with it.  Anyone that loves chocolate or bourbon should try this tasting. Leave a comment let me know if you have tried this tasting or opinions on the bourbon Junior

Aquifer signage
Dec 04

Adventurous Fun Trip to New Riff Distillery

Howdy, Junior’s Bourbon Hall.  While in Covington, KY decided to head up to New Riff Distillery to get the new Winter Whiskey release.  Figured if I was in town why not pop in and grab a limited bottle from the distillery.  The email I received states that there are only 3 bottles per person. (Note: Did not read all the email.)  Also last year a new bar was being constructed so we didn’t get to view or experience that.  Knock two things out at once. Headed over to New Riff and first stopped at The Party Store.  The fun fact is the owner of the party store sold it to the employees to have the cash and follow the rules to own and start New Riff.  Walk around and this place is massive and has a cigar shop which has a walk-in humidor within the large walk-in humidor.  Grab a few cigars and then walk over to New Riff. I was excited to get this winter whiskey.  The following is stated by New Riff in an email that I received. “Inspired by the bold flavors of chocolate oatmeal stouts from our distillers’’ brewing roots.  Winter Whiskey is a one-of-a-kind bourbon.  Made with a blend of raw and malted oats, it delivers a unique profile of spicy oat notes, roasted cocoa from the chocolate malt, and smooth oak, offering a rich and distinctive flavor that sets it apart from the rest of the lineup.” 2024 Winter Whiskey Mash bill 65% Corn20% Malted Oats7% Pale Ale Malt5% Steel Cut Raw Oats3% Chocolate MaltBottled in Bond without Chill filtrationAged 4 Years100 Proof Tasting Notes: Nose: Forward and well-oaked emergent dark cocoa; water adds a mélange of dry cocoa notes and a unique spicy quality.  This is all from New Riff.  Read on to find out why I can’t give you, my notes. Palate: Lovely dryness with a sweeter inner core, surprisingly delicate, and the dry cocoa jousts with oak and that unusual spice. (Again, I can’t tell you if this is true or not) That all sounded awesome, and I was really looking forward to this bottle.  This is also where I stopped reading the email.  I was excited to get the bottle. Walk in and wander around the gift shop for about 10 minutes looking at all the other bourbon and rye they have available.  I thought it was strange that there was no special signage or propaganda out and about.  Decided to ask the lady at the front desk.  Hey, do you have the new release out?  A strange look on her face and she asked which one.  Well, I stumbled around a bit and stated the winter whiskey.  This is when she stated it will be released on Black Friday, and it was Tuesday before Black Friday.  I had a dumbfounded face and asked if it was distributed yet.  She stated yes, across the river.  For those of you that don’t know New Riff sits on the Ohio River straight across from Cincinnati.  There is also a small river that heads north and south, and I crossed it to get to New Riff.  Well, I am dumb enough to ask which river.  Boy, she had a look.  She pointed slowly to Ohio and stated the one right outside.  After that I decided to stop talking and walk upstairs to get a bourbon flight. The Aquifer The first item on the agenda couldn’t get.  So, onto the second.  Headed to the bar upstairs called The Aquifer. Walk in and see a nice large horseshoe bar and tables around the outside.  There is even a back private room.  On one side there is a large round table that seats 10 plus.  Outside there is a nice large deck area on both sides of the bar.  Bit chilly out so we sat at the bar.  There is all the bourbon New Riff has distilled and a book for you to choose flights or pick which bourbon you want to try.  Since we were there for the winter whiskey we asked if they had any of 2023 Winter Whiskey available.  They did and grabbed a couple of ounces.  Now this flavor hits you with Christmas.  Allspice, chocolate, anise, and clove.  The taste was warm and inviting with little to no Kentucky Hug.  This is something I could sip on with a great cigar and forget about the Wisconsin weather. 2023 Winter Whisky Mash bill 65% Corn20% Malted Oats7% Pale Ale Malt5% Steel Cut Oats3% Chocolate MaltBottled in Bond without chill filtration100 ProofAged 4 years The trip to New Riff was fun and adventurous and glad we made the trip.  Sad that I didn’t get the bottle I went for but, very pleased with getting to taste the 2023 version.  Going hunting for the 2024 bottle in hopes of snagging a bottle.   If you have a bottle and have tried it leave a comment to compare it with. Thanks Junior

Churchill Downs Horse
Dec 02

The Eventful Thrilling Thanksgiving Week

Howdy Junior’s Bourbon Hall.  I have just been on an adventure to Kentucky with my family to hunt some bourbon (it is the season), taste good food, gamble on some horses, and have all-around fun with the family.  Spent a few days in northern Kentucky and the rest of the Thanksgiving week in Louisville.  This was a great week we have had for the last six years. City of Covington City of Louisville We really enjoy the city of Covington and the Mainstrasse area.  There are plenty of restaurants and bars to visit and indulge in the food.  The city is also close to a few distilleries and breweries, so you have plenty of variety if you are tired of one you hit the other.  Another hit is the Green Bay Packer Bar on the street.  They have a group of fans that attend each game, and it is a freaking blast. Louisville is the heart of Bourbon Country.  Bardstown, KY has more breweries, but Louisville is where everything started.  Main street has great food and an abundance of distilleries to visit in one trip.  The tours are not your normal learn about bourbon and you can find a bunch of fun things to do.  Two of my favorites are Doc Crows and Troll Pub Under the Bridge.  Docs for the food and Troll Pub for being an interesting little bar with a big Troll outside of it. Come along and learn about Covington and Louisville and the exciting things you can do in both cities. Junior

Wenzel Whiskey and brick wall
Nov 25

Bourbon Hunting in Kentucky

Howdy Junior’s Bourbon Hall. Today I started the annual pilgrimage to Kentucky for Thanksgiving week. A lot of people head to the woods to hunt deer I head south to hunt bourbon and hit Churchill Downs for Thanksgiving with the family. The next few posts will be about this trip so come along and enjoy. Today left bright and early to get to a tasting and a blending at Wenzel Whiskey. Thought for sure I left in plenty of time for the 6 ish hour trip. First time in many of my trips ended up hitting severe slowdowns three different times that added an hour to the trip. Instead of getting to Wenzel’s plenty early to grab lunch arrived with 10 minutes to spare. Arriving at Wenzel’s it is in a back ally and in a 175 year old building. You walk through a double glass door to a nice lobby with a bar. Off to your left you will see a large room with tables and that is where you do the tasting and blending experience. Greeted warmly by the person working and working with us on the experience. Sat down to start the experience to 4 snifters of whiskey sitting in front of you a graduated cylinder, (back to high school chemistry), and 3 tasting glasses. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/0Ku6ejDv6z4 The experience starts with a history of the building and the owner Henry Wenzel. A German who landed in Covington built the building the experience is located a bar and a home. The building was a bottling building that Henry used to bottle everything he needed for his bar. Go to the tasting to find out more but, Henry died an early death and his wife ended selling everything to support herself and five kids. So now Wenzel is a place for buying barrels and you come in and perform a blending to bottle your own. This is a great one off bottle for you to take home and enjoy. After the history lesson they give you the proof, age, and state the whiskey that is in front of you came from. You don’t learn anything else. You then take sips and taste each of the four whiskey’s in front of you. We were also told they were all standard bourbon mash bills. Previous Next Since they buy barrels what we had today probably won’t be what you get when you go. That is the best part once you are done it is yours and nobody will copy it. Now you are done tasting they come back in and teach you how to blend to create your best bottle of bourbon. Some of the tips are start with your favorite and pair it with each of the others on a 1:1 basis. Taste and see how you go. Good whiskey mixed with good whiskey doesn’t always make a good whiskey. Also bad whiskey with bad whiskey doesn’t always make a bad whiskey. They give you plenty of bourbon to mix and match many different blends so blend away and pour our the bad and drink the good. This does take patience as you are blending in small graduated cylinder and really start with 1 ml at a time. You get plenty of time and bourbon to blend many times. Key note is to write down what you are doing so you can recreate. Once you have all of your blends done and you find your perfect bottle you need to get the blends to add to 10 or 100. So you might blend three bourbons and you will need them to add to 10 ml. From there you write this down and you can use one, two, three, or all four of the bourbons in front of you. I ended up using three of the bourbons to create my bottle. Take your bourbons with the number of milliliters adding up to 10 and write that on the card. You then give that to the person running the experience and they have a formulas to get the blend to either the 750ml or 375ml bottles. You get a label so you can add your name of the bourbon and then you write down the proof and ABV. This process took me about 35 to 40 min of mixing cleaning and tasting. You really do want to clean the dropper each time so you are not getting mixes of bourbon. Also clean the graduated cylinder to ensure you are starting from scratch. Along the way you are sipping and tasting and having fun with who ever is with you. While they fill the bottle of blend you just created you can sit at the table and enjoy the bourbons you have not fully used or you can go and watch the blending process and the filling. They have a contraption to measure the ABV so they tell you that and you multiply by two to get the proof.   Overall it is a great experience as you get your hands dirty in creating a great blend. If I knew this chemistry stuff would have lead to being a blender or distiller maybe I would have paid more attention in chemistry glass in high school. I did have to look up some of the terms as I forgot must be that GenX brain working. I would do this again as you get to taste a nice batch of bourbon that will change each time. I ended up getting a 375ml to taste and share and a 750ml to display on my bourbon shelves. Leave a comment or ask a question that I will answer Junior

Nov 21

Introducing GenX Junior of Junior’s Bourbon Hall

Hello Howdy and welcome to Junior’s bourbon hall which is my home bar.  My name is junior, and I am GenX.  I enjoy what I like and if I don’t like it don’t’ give a damn.  I am also interested in many many things, so I bounce around on what I like to do.  I have been trying to get a YouTube channel going and all I have been doing is making drinks by following a recipe.  This has given me some success but not much and well I probably wouldn’t be watching it either as you don’t really learn anything.  My fault and the last 4 months I have been watching others and trying to understand what they do. What I have learned is every channel I follow teaches you something or gives advice on what they are doing.  Now some of the drink channels are faceless and show just how drinks are made but their camera and video work are amazing.  I might try this but need to be able to teach or entertain. Interests:  I bounce around between all those things and like to discuss and entertain around them.  The “Experts” say you need to Niche down and find a problem and solve the problem.  I think maybe my problem to solve is just to entertain people for 5 min. a day and forget about the world.  I am the NICHE.  I have no clue if this will work, and I will continue learning and growing and maybe bring some of you other GenX with me or teach the other generations a few things. So come along GenX and enjoy everything I enjoy and maybe help me learn or be entertained by things you do.  I understand technology but I also have a problem with the video and recording and making things look great so you will see some raw footage and stuff that you may not see with other channels and accounts. That will be part of the fun. Favorite Things: Thanksgiving is my favorite Holiday Best Beers are Stouts and Porters. Oktober Fest is the best beer and should only be brewed and sold End of September and Oktober. The best teams to follow are the Badgers.  Football and Basketball.  On Wisconsin NFL Team, I follow is the Packers.  Da Bears Still Suck Horse Racing my favorite Track is Churchill downs but, Tampa Bay Downs is a close second. Love the Triple Crown First Saturday in May is a big party. Love golf as in playing and watching.  Yes, it can be like paint drying but, those guys are good. The best golf tournament is the MASTERS.  Favorite cocktail One that is made at home.  Besides that, it is the Old Fashioned.  Friday nights in Wisconsin are O.F.F – Old Fashioned Friday. Nothing better than a cigar and a bourbon, beer, or cocktail. Poker is a great way to get together with friends.  One of my favorite games is No Limit Hold ‘em but, I also really enjoy Omaha. Most of you won’t know what Sheepshead is.  This is a German card game mainly played in Wisconsin and parts of Atlanta. My favorite Bourbon is Old Forester 1920 and anything else that is BiB.  (Bottle in Bond) Favorite distillery to visit is Bardstown Bourbon Company. Thank you for reading leave a comment let me know what some of your favorites are. Junior.

Mar 12

Melon Splash: Refreshing Twist on Bourbon

St. Patrick’s Day is a great time do try a new cocktail, and the Melon Splash: Refreshing Twist on Bourbon is a refreshing choice that combines the sweetness of Midori with the rich flavor of bourbon. This is not your standard Irish whiskey St. Patrick’s Day Cocktail here. We use bourbon for a twist. Here’s how to make this delightful drink that’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Ingredients: Instructions: Tasting Notes: The Melon Splash: Refreshing Twist on Bourbon is a delightful blend of flavors. The Midori provides a sweet melon base, while the bourbon adds a smoky complexity that elevates the cocktail. The lemon-lime soda introduces a bubbly brightness, and the lime garnish gives a zesty kick that ties everything together beautifully. Conclusion: Whether you’re at a St. Patrick’s Day Party, lounging by the pool or hosting a summer gathering, the Melon Splash is a cocktail that offers a unique twist on traditional bourbon drinks. It’s easy preparation and delicious taste make it an ideal choice for both cocktail aficionados and newcomers alike. So, pour yourself a Melon Splash, kick back, and enjoy the sweet taste of the Melon Splash: Refreshing twins on Bourbon! 🍈🍀

Feb 25

Sunset Serenity Cocktail

Welcome to Junior’s Bourbon Hall, where we explore the cocktails to create at home.  Today, we present the Sunset Serenity Cocktail – a blend of bourbon, Aperol, lemon juice, grenadine, and a splash of orange juice. This cocktail is not just a drink; it’s an experience that will transport your taste buds to a realm of pure bliss. How the Ingredients come together: Ingredients: Directions: What the cocktail will look like: Cocktail Video Link In conclusion, the Sunset Serenity Cocktail is not just a cocktail; it’s a work of art that combines carefully selected ingredients to create a delightful and well-balanced experience. So, gather your ingredients, shake up this masterpiece, and let the serenity of the sunset unfold in your glass. Cheers to the art of home bartending!

Sep 30

Cocktails Tied to Sporting Events

Everyone has their favorite cocktails that they go to for any sporting event that they attend or watch on TV.  Here are some cocktails tied to sporting events for you to try.  Personally, at an early afternoon football game, I am going to the Bloody Mary Extra Spicy or the Screwdriver to start the day for the game.  Heading to a tailgate, there will be a bottle of canned beer and maybe a shooter or two to get the party started.  Now, what are some of the cocktails of famous sporting events?  Taking a look at 8 of the Most Iconic Cocktails Tied to Sporting Events | VinePair we will discuss four of these drinks in detail. Azalea Cocktail Quote: Widely considered to be the world’s most prestigious golf tournament, the Masters takes place each April in Augusta, Ga. On the course, a blanket of blooming flowers decorates the grass surrounding the 13th hole and inspires the tournament’s unofficial cocktail: the Azalea Cocktail. Consisting of vodka, lemon juice, pineapple juice, and grenadine, the Azalea takes on a bright pink color, similar to that of the blooms surrounding the green. While I have not personally crafted one of these cocktails, I have now learned of this, and next spring while I am getting ready to watch the Greatest Major The Masters, I will ensure I have the ingredients and prepare one or two before the event starts.  To get this drink to look similar to the plants around the 13th green, you will have to use just the right amount of grenadine.  Too much will be too dark and too little will be too light and could throw off the flavor as grenadine can be a bit sweet.  Looking forward to trying this cocktail Recipe: Mint Julep  This drink is tied to the best two minutes in sports, The Kentucky Derby. Quote: The Mint Julep has been practically synonymous with the Kentucky Derby since becoming the horse race’s official cocktail nearly 100 years ago. Traditionally made with Kentucky bourbon as its base, the Mint Julep combines the spirit with muddled mint and a splash of simple syrup for a lively summer sip. Classically distributed in a silver cup meant to mimic the winning trophy, the cocktail has been served at Churchill Downs since the 1930s, and today, nearly 120,000 Mint Juleps are sold during Derby Weekend each May. I have hosted a Derby party for the last six years and have made plenty of this cocktail.  Use Woodford Reserve bourbon for this drink.  Slap the mint and then add it to the bottom of the glass.  Fill it with crushed ice or ice cubes.  Then add the simple syrup and bourbon and stir the drink in the glass.  Top it with more mint and no straw so you get the smell of the mint with each sip of the drink.  I have also used a shortcut to place the mint into the simple syrup as you are making the syrup to get that nice minty flavor and not have to slap the mint for each julep.  You can prepare this drink beforehand and serve as your guests arrive for your party.  Give it a whirl and enjoy. Recipe: The Lily Cocktail This is the drink of the Kentucky Oaks which is the biggest filly horse race.  This will most definitely be on my next derby party drink list. Quote:While the Kentucky Derby is obviously the mainstay at Churchill Downs the first weekend in May, many may not know that a separate horse race actually takes place the day before: the Kentucky Oaks. Held on the Friday before the Derby, the winner of the Kentucky Oaks race receives prize money and a garland of lilies, hence the event’s official drink: the Lily Cocktail. Created by the event’s official vodka sponsor, Grey Goose, the cocktail takes inspiration from the Cosmopolitan with its mixture of Grey Goose, orange liqueur, cranberry juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup. The color of the cocktail is meant to pay homage to the winner’s lily bouquet and honor the race’s association with breast cancer awareness. Recipe: The Belmont Jewel Finally, the last drink to discuss is.  Staying with the horse racing theme, this is the cocktail of the final race in the triple crown of horse racing.  Made with Woodford Reserve again you will only need one bottle of bourbon to make a couple of different cocktails. Quote:Since the first two races in the Triple Crown boast their official cocktails, it’s only fitting that the Belmont Stakes, the final race in the series, receives its drink as well. Created in 2015, the Belmont Jewel — named for the race’s status as the final jewel in the Crown — is made using Woodford Reserve, the official bourbon of Belmont Park. The cocktail combines the bourbon with lemonade and pomegranate juice and serves as an easy concoction to serve in large quantities, which is exactly what the drink’s creators had in mind. This is a very simple cocktail to make and is made in the glass, so you don’t need a shaker or any other items for this.  This cocktail is very light and refreshing for everyone to enjoy. Recipe: Conclusion While plenty of other Cocktails Tied to Sporting Events, the above are some of my favorites that I have enjoyed.  What are some of your favorite cocktails to go with sporting events?  Or other events that you enjoy? Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoyed it. Junior’s Bourbon Hall

Sep 15

Bourbon Drinks Perfect for Fall

Introduction: Howdy! The warmth and sunshine of summer are coming to an end, and we will discuss bourbon drinks perfect for the fall.  The days and nights are starting to get that chill in the air of fall.  This time of year, you look forward to a cocktail with bold, robust flavors to warm you up while you enjoy the chill of fall.  In the following post, you will find cocktails that do just that. Cocktails: The first cocktail to talk about is the Spiced Bourbon Apple Cider.  This is a perfect fall cocktail as it adds apple cider and cinnamon, which are ingredients you think of when you think of fall.  If you have a local apple cider producer, go with that.  Think of this drink as a warm apple pie. Spiced Bourbon Apple Cider Ingredients: 2 oz Bourbon 4 oz apple cider 1/2 oz cinnamon syrup Cinnamon stick and apple slice for garnish Instructions Combine bourbon, apple cider, and cinnamon syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a thin apple slice. The second drink will be the Bourbon Maple Sour.  Fresh Maple syrup is produced in the fall, and try to find 100% maple syrup as Mrs. Butterworths is great on pancakes but not so much in this cocktail.  Always use fresh lime juice, as it makes your cocktail much better. Bourbon Maple Sour Ingredients: 2 oz Bourbon 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice 1/2 oz pure maple syrup Dash of bitters Lemon twist for garnish Instructions: Combine bourbon, lemon juice, maple syrup, and bitters in a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lemon twist. The final drink on the list is Cranberry Bourbon Fizz.  This drink reminds me of the cranberry sauce I make from scratch for Thanksgiving dinner.  I do have bourbon in the cranberry sauce, and if you have never liked canned cranberry sauce, try making yours from scratch, and you will come around to it. Cranberry Bourbon Fizz Ingredients: 2 oz Bourbon 1 oz cranberry juice 1/2 oz simple syrup 1/2 oz fresh lime juice Soda water Fresh cranberries and lime wheel for garnish Instructions: Combine bourbon, cranberry juice, simple syrup, and lime juice with ice in a shaker. Shake and strain into a highball glass filled with ice. Top with soda water and garnish with fresh cranberries and a lime wheel. Conclusion: The cocktails discussed capture the essence of fall and the changing of the temperature, as well as the leaves changing colors.  Whether sipping a Spiced Bourbon Apple Cider while changing the leaves or enjoying the warmth of a Bourbon Maple Sour by the fireplace, these cocktails will enhance your fall experience.  Enjoy the flavors and Bourbon Drinks Perfect for Fall  cheers to a season of unforgettable memories.