Category: Bourbon

All things around bourbon

Sep 01

Glorious “Once in a Life Time” Buffalo Trace Tasting

The Tasting: This past week, I took in “Once in a Lifetime” Buffalo Trace Tasting.  There were seven different bourbons to sample and a bonus of a 1978 Old Commonwealth that was opened for the evening for everyone to sample.  The idea for the tasting started with the 1978 bottle and then grew from there. What was on the tasting menu?  Well, this menu had seven hard-to-find bourbons.  These are allocated in my state and may not be in others.  Here is the list: A person from the distillery and the local distributor were at the tasting.  The Club Manager was also available to answer questions and give insight into each bourbon being tasted.  These bourbons have a history at the Buffalo (O.F.C) Distillery.  The name Old Fashioned Copper Distillery was born in 1870 and was way ahead of its time.  E.H. Taylor was the man who named the distillery and used the copper vats and column stills to produce the bourbon.  Taylor was very particular and needed everything perfect for the bourbon to get the name and place it into the barrels.  The distillery is believed to be the oldest continuously operating distillery in the US, now owned by the Sazerac Company. The person from the distillery did a nice job of giving the history of the bourbons and the men who created them.  The person was not forthcoming with details about the bourbons like age, proof, or mash bill.  Stated a few times that not informing people of this information was company policy.  Well, the proof is on the bottle, and the club manager would answer the questions, which was awkward.  They also didn’t want to answer any age questions.  This was a bit tougher as the only age statement is the Weller.  The person also didn’t want to answer about the OFC Rickhouse at Buffalo Trace Distillery being haunted.  Personally, I have been on that haunted tour at the distillery, and the guide takes you into that Rickhouse and talks about it being haunted. Surprise: Another great surprise for the evening was to see a bottle of 1995 OFC.  This was the first time I saw one of these bottles, and the enclosure and case are quite impressive.  The bottle was for display purposes only, and we did not get to taste it; it was amazing to see. Here is an image of the 1978 Old Commonwealth bottle.  It’s probably the oldest bottle of bourbon or any spirit I have ever tasted.  The bourbon was smooth and had no “Kentucky Hug.”  To me, it tasted very strong oak with strong vanilla flavors. Of all of the bourbons, my favorite was the Weller 12.  This had a nice mouth feel, and the flavor stayed with you throughout the sip.  It was very smooth on the way down without any burning sensation.  The wheat and sweetness prevailed in the taste and had a nice, oaky finish. The Stagg Jr. was the hottest of the bourbons that was sampled.  It came in at 132 proof from what the club manager informed us.  Neat, there was a punch when you sampled.  Add a drop of water or two, the heat disappears, and the flavor comes through.  This is not for anyone who doesn’t like high-proof bourbon.  This was the least favorite in the group that did the sampling.  I enjoyed it, and my least favorite was the Blantons.  To me, Blantons is more marketing than flavor. Conclusion: In conclusion, the Once in a Lifetime” Buffalo Trace Tasting was a great evening sampling rare bourbons.  I hope to add a bottle or two of these to my collection. I need to be at the right place at the right time or have a friend who can grab a bottle that works at a distributor or win a raffle.  Hope you have the opportunity to try one or all of these great bourbons. Cheers!! Junior

Aug 28

Sunday Funday: Summer Style

The Day: Welcome to Sunday Funday: Summer style.  With the summer ending, it is great to get outside and enjoy the weather, as in a couple of months, we will be housebound in the state of Wisconsin.  Now is the best time to get out and enjoy the weather while you still can. To start sitting outside on the patio with the morning coffee, watching the birds have breakfast at the feeders and the turkeys and other wildlife wandering through the yard eating anything that the birds threw out of the feeders.  The weather was perfect at a comfortable 65 Degrees F.  Got ready and then went to have lunch and meet some friends at The Stillery.  Had a few drinks and enjoyed one of the lunch specials, Chicken flatbread, which was fabulous.  Started with a Spicy Bloody Mary and then went to a drink special they had for a fundraiser for the local human society.  It was a grapefruit-based cocktail with bourbon.  Didn’t catch the name, but it was a very good cocktail.  Chatted with our friends regarding taking a vacation to Florida to get out of the Wisconsin winters. From there, we went to play a round of golf.  Sun was out, drinks flowed, and the golf game was decent.  I could only play fifteen holes as the round was a bit slower than I would have liked, but with the weather, everyone was out enjoying.  Had a great time with my wife on the course and had a few drinks to pass the time in the gorgeous weather. Left the course and headed home to make T-bones on the grill, along with some salmon and asparagus.  While cooking, I had a few high noon and enjoyed music, the weather, and the patio.  Once the steaks were done, I switched to an old-fashioned with Elijah Craig barrel-proof.  That was a nice touch with the steaks. For an after-dinner drink, I decided on a rye Manhattan with Basil Hayden Dark Rye that I sipped the rest of the evening. Conclusion: I had a great Sunday with my wife and friends.  Enjoyed cooking and relaxing on the patio with a great dinner and cocktails.  Nothing better than spending time with my wife on a great Sunday at the end of the summer.

Aug 25

A Guide to Starting a Home Bar for Bourbon Enthusiasts

Intro: Howdy all you bourbon enthusiasts.  It’s time to build that home bar for you to enjoy all your favorite bourbons.    Building your home bar isn’t just about savoring the bourbon but is also a wonderful way to expand your hobby and your collection of bourbons while entertaining friends and family.  In this guide, you will walk through the essentials to starting your journey to creating the ultimate bourbon oasis in your home. Define Your Space: The first thing in creating a home bourbon bar is finding the perfect place for it.  This can be a dedicated room, a corner of your living room, a cabinet with your bottles and glassware, or a man cave.  The key is to have a place that is easily accessible and well-lit so you can enjoy our bourbon experience.  If you are doing a man cave, add some accents of bourbon-related artwork and or vintage barware to impress friends and family or just to enjoy your spirits your way. Choose Your Bourbon Selection: Since you are already thinking about or have started your home bar, you already have a few bottles of bourbon in your collection.  If you don’t have the bottles already, go grab two or three of your favorites to get your collection started.  These bottles you enjoy and are a great way to introduce others to the bourbon world.  Now, don’t be afraid to go out and try a different style than you are used to or comfortable with.  Go get one of those rare bottles that you will crack open for that special occasion. Essential Bourbon Tools and Glassware: You have your bourbon now; you will need the essentials of the bar.  These are the tools of the trade per se.  You don’t have to spend a fortune on the tools, but ensure you get nice quality as you will use them for some time. Some essentials include: – Tasting Glasses: Glencairn glasses or tulip-shaped glasses are great choices to start.  Most distilleries will sell these in their shops, or if all else fails, start with some old-fashioned glasses. – Jigger: For precise measurements when making cocktails. – Cocktail Shaker: There are multiple kinds of cocktail shakers.  Boston shakers are two-piece shakers, and then you have a hybrid shaker that is one piece with a cover over the top.  This one is the easiest and comes with a strainer where the cover goes on.  – Ice Molds: To start, these are not required but you will want to move to them.  They add a nice touch to any cocktail you make for friends and family.  Large ice cubes or spheres to avoid quick dilution. – Bar Spoon and Strainer: For stirring and straining cocktails. Bourbon Accessories: Once you have the tools and bourbon selected, the following are nice to have. – Bourbon Stones or Ice Ball Makers: These are really for people who want a chilled bourbon neat.  A chilled bourbon needs an ice cube as the flavors can be more pronounced with that touch of water.  – Bourbon Books:  Books are a great way to learn where a cocktail originated and how it was changed. Or how bourbon became so popular in the US.  Also, some nice artwork can be lying on the bar or tabletop. – Bourbon Barrel Decor: Get a bourbon barrel head from your favorite distillery or a small barrel itself to add to your bar area. Organize Your Collection: Keep your bourbons organized and accessible. A simple shelving unit or cabinet with adjustable shelves can accommodate your growing collection. Arrange your bottles by style, brand, or age for easy selection. Learn the Art of Tasting: Take your bourbon appreciation to the next level by learning how to taste it properly. Understand the importance of nosing, sipping, and savoring the flavors. Experiment with tasting notes and record your impressions to refine your palate over time.  A popular way to taste bourbon is to try it neat and then add a drop or two of water.  When you do this, you will see the difference between the two as flavors become more pronounced with the water. Experiment with Bourbon Cocktails: This is where things start to get fun.  Mixology of cocktails and drinks.   Start with classics like the Manhattan, Old Fashioned, and Whiskey Sour.  Once you master these, you can really impress your family and friends and come up with your own concoctions.  Remember, practice makes perfect, but don’t use the good bourbon to start.  Get the base drink down and then add the different bourbons to see the effects on the cocktail. Share the Experience: Invite friends and fellow bourbon enthusiasts over to share your passion. Host bourbon-tasting nights, compare different bottles, and exchange tasting notes. It’s a fantastic way to build a sense of community around your home bar. Conclusion: Building your home bourbon bar, be it a full-blown bar or a cabinet that holds your tools and bourbons, will be a great place to invite your friends and family to show off your new abilities and share your bourbons.  Remember, the bottles you gather are not to sit and look pretty.  They are meant to be drunk, so get out there and enjoy your bottles.  Cheers!

Aug 11

Greater Whiskey Open 2023

Greater Whiskey Open I was asked to play in the Greater Whiskey Open at my golf club yesterday.  The entry is a $40+ bottle of whiskey (bourbon) and $100 to cover food, skins, and hole prizes.  Your team consisted of two players, and you were paired with another group.  The first six holes were a scramble, the next six holes were one best ball of two, and the final six holes were true alternate shots.  This is where the fun really starts. Both people place each other in places they may not have played before. Or miss a putt…  Before the round started, para-mutual betting existed for first and second-place finishers.  All 28 guys knew each other from the club, and there was a lot of camaraderie and good luck from everyone. The opening group comprised the previous year’s winners and their playing partners.  All 28 guys gathered around the first tee for the opening ceremonies, which consisted of a shot and a group picture with the trophy shown below.  The winners each year sign the trophy. Here is an image of the bottles each participant brought for the entry fee and to be given away to the top teams. The Play Each 6 holes, you were given your handicap based on the teams’ handicaps down to the tenth of a point.  My partner and I were getting 1.7 strokes on the scramble, which were on both par 5s.  On the best ball, I was given 1 stroke, and my partner had 4 of the holes with a stroke.  On the alternate shot, we received 5.7 strokes. Highlights Highlights for us were the fact we had three gross birdies on the scramble and had par on the other three holes.   Pretty good for a 7 hdcp and a 21 hdcp.  Better ball; we had one bogey and five pars with hdcp ended up under par.  The fun started for us on the alternate shot.  The first hole of the alternate shot was a par 3.  In this event, for this first hole, we both could tee off and then choose which shot to start the alternate shot.  We chose poorly and ended with a gross double.  On the next hole, my partner had a really nice drive. The approach was five feet, and we sank the putt for a gross birdie.  Great, so after two holes gross, we were +1.  It’s not a horrible way to start the alternate shot.  The next two holes made gross par, and things looked really good.  Then came another Par 3.  The short tee shot and bad chip lead to a bad putt, another bad putt, and a tap in 5.  Another double on the par 3.  OUCH.  It’s the last hole, and we still think we are in really good shape with our first 12 and then playing okay in the alternate shot.  It was a decent tee shot, then hit well over the green.  Now this chip coming back is staring straight downhill to water.  Partner leaves it short.  Ok, no problem.  Oops, I leave it short.  My partner hits it on, and we two-putt for a 7.  It’s a really big ouch to end with a gross triple bogey.  The enjoyment of alternate shot! The Score Overall, we played really well and ended up taking second place, giving us three bottles of whiskey.  These were the bottles I picked.  The Old Forrester is a barrel pick from a local liquor store. Winners also get to take the trophy for the year.  After the dust settled, we took home one skin and second place.  We ended up taking second by less than one stroke, so the last two finishing holes were even more painful.  REALLY BIG OUCH.  The fun of alternate shot and two guys really having a great time on the course.  The event was run really well and was a great day. Playing the six holes of different golf made the day really interesting.  Can’t wait for next year to see if we can take home the trophy. Junior.

Aug 04

A Winning Hand: Playing Poker and Sipping Bourbon

Howdy, all of you bourbon enthusiasts and poker aficionados! Today, we will discuss two timeless pleasures and combine them together.  That is bourbon and poker. poker and bourbon.  The two are like peanut butter and jelly; they always go together.  The setting is a game room, friends’ basement, garage, or a bar.  You have your best buddies with you and are about to sit down for a night of bourbon and poker.  The following blog post explores the joy of playing poker with a glass of your favorite bourbon.  So, shuffle up and deal, and enjoy a bourbon. Before diving into the game, let’s talk about the brown liquid that will elevate your poker experience – bourbon. Whether you prefer a smooth, mellow bourbon or a bold and spicy one, the choices are abundant.  Choosing your favorite bourbon is your choice.  There are so many to pick from. You can grab a rare find or a common everyday drinker.  Remember, there’s no wrong way to enjoy bourbon; the journey is half the fun! Having the right setting is key to a great, relaxed poker game.   Get the music going, prepare the cards and chips, have the tables and chairs configured, and ensure everyone has a beverage.  Then fire up the cards and get them in the air.  Ensure everyone is prepared to have a great time for the evening. Poker IS a game of strategy, but some good luck always helps.  For the times you have some bad luck, grab your bourbon, take a sip, and let the bad luck go.  You could even say you are drowning your sorrows in it.  When you have good luck, grab your glass and cheers. Bourbon has a unique taste to all the different varieties and bottles out there but comes from the same three ingredients (Generally).  51% corn or more, rye, and barley.  The sweeter bourbons have some wheat in them as well.  Every deck of cards has 52 cards, which makes for an endless opportunity for good and bad hands.  On every hand, you will have friendly banter, share stories, and let the bourbon and cards enhance the camaraderie around the table. As you play into the night, break down the bourbons everyone tries at the table, almost like a tasting in a poker game.  Discuss why each person likes the one they are having and why it is their favorite or a new one they want to try.  This will be good for those unlucky players who bust out early.  Sit back and enjoy the bourbon. Playing cards and drinking bourbon, relaxation, friendship, and enjoyment are the keys to a great evening.  Combining the two creates awesome experiences you will discuss for years to come.  The camaraderie at the table is truly what makes the evening. So, fellow bourbon enthusiasts and poker players, let’s raise our glasses to a night of laid-back fun, and may your hands be blessed with good cards and even better bourbon. Cheers!

Jun 14

Bourbon Tasting

Tasting Howdy and welcome to Junior’s Bourbon Hall.  Today we are going to be discussing Bourbon tastings.  Grab your favorite drink come on in and discuss how we will perform a tasting for your friends.  Enjoy! Items that you will need for your tasting are as follows: Tasting glasses for each person. Glencairn glasses are the preferred but, what ever you have will work.  Like shot glasses just don’t throw the whole shot back in one swig Notepad for notes the tasters may want to write down about the bourbons Water so that each person will be able to cleanse their palette after each tasting. Also be used to add a few drops to the bourbons Cards or name plaques for what each bourbon is and maybe write down what the mash bill is to explain each taste that the bourbons will come out A small plate of crackers and cheese or chocolate adds to the experience To start the tasting you will want to decide which bottles you will want to use.  You will want to decide if you will use a single distillery or choose by proof of the bourbons.  Most tastings are three or four pours of bourbon.  Once you have decided on your bourbons, you will want to pour each bourbon for each person and then describe the mash bill and flavors that will be coming from the bourbon.  The mash bill will also inform the flavor and tasting notes of the bourbon.  A higher rye percentage will have a spicy finish while a higher wheated bourbon will be smoother and sweeter on the tongue and finish.  This gives the person tasting an idea of what they will be drinking on each sip.  Go through each of the bourbons this way.  After the first taste of each bourbon, have the person add some water to the bourbon to see how the flavors open and or change with just a touch of water.  Enjoy each of the bourbons and have the people tasting explain what they taste or what flavors they have with each of the bourbon.  There are no wrong answers and fun to see what each person tastes in each of the bourbons.  After each pour (1 oz) of bourbon is complete have the people sip some water and eat a cracker to cleanse the palette before the next tasting. With the tasting defined you will need to decide on which bourbons you will want to sample.  Compare same distilleries or go across distilleries and go by proof. Many of the distilleries have multiple choices of bourbon to choose from.  Benefits of going with a single distillery Ability to have the bottles from the distillery Mash bills across the bottles will be very similar Favorite distillery and trying to share why you have a favorite Choosing between proofs of the bourbon gives you a chance to go across distilleries to choose a favorite bourbon from a distillery.  Benefits to going proof for your tasting: Choose from Cask Strength, Barrel Proof, or pick a proof and find bottles that meet your need. Look in your collection and pick the bottles that meet your needs Choose high rye, wheated, or common Easier to get the bottles you will need. Now go get the bottles, get the snack platter, the glasses, water, date picked, friends invited, and have a great night of bourbon and laughter. Cheers, Junior

May 31

Drink the Bourbon

Howdy and welcome to Junior’s Bourbon Hall.  Going to talk about how you can order your bourbon and when or why you might like them. How do you like your Bourbon Neat Rocks Mix Drinks Up First you can order your bourbon neat.  This is straight bourbon generally in 1 oz or 2 oz pours.  The drink will come in a snifter or a Glencairn glass.  Don’t worry if you don’t have either of these glasses you can still pour your bourbon into a rocks or cocktail glass.   With a neat bourbon you will get the full flavor of the bourbon.  Max proof and taste of the bourbon.  You will also be able to smell the bourbon which will bring out many of the flavors within the bourbon. The next way you can drink your bourbon is on the rocks.  This is your 1oz or 2oz pour on top of a large sphere or square of Ice.  You can also use 3 or 4 regular cubes if you don’t have the sphere or square of ice.  You will still get the full nose of the bourbon but, the proof will lower, and the flavors can and will be a bit different with the ice.  If you think a straight bourbon is to strong or spicy add an ice cube and try again to see if the flavor and spice change enough for you to enjoy.  The body of the bourbon will also lighten up. You would like to drink a bourbon neat while sitting around a fire with your friends and slowly sipping it.  Another way you would have this is with a nice dinner to bring out the flavor in your food as well as the bourbon.  Of course, just having a bourbon is always a great way to relax. Next you can have your bourbon mixed with a “mixer”.  Soda, Ginger Ale, water, and juices are all “mixers” you can use to change the bourbon into a mix drink.  Some of my favorites are Bourbon Sour made with fresh Sour mix.  A sour soda will work in a pinch.  You can also mix bourbon with lemonade and a splash of cranberry for a nice summer cocktail.  I do like to use a bit higher proof bourbon for the mix drinks to still have the bourbon flavor in the front of the drink.  Many bourbons are good in mixing and chose one that you would like to sip on occasion and mix in drinks so you can have one bottle serve multiple purposes.  For this drink you would take a cocktail glass add ice and 1.5oz of bourbon and top off with the mix of your choice.  Give it a stir and enjoy.  Here you can use almost any type of glass you have and mix to your personally taste. Mixing your bourbon is a goes great with a casual dinner, sitting around a campfire, on a boat ride with good friends or to refreshing yourself after a yard work or a round of golf.  Thanks for stopping by and learning how to order your bourbon for the tastes that you want.  Until next Cheers this is Junior for Juniors Bourbon Hall.

Jul 30

What is Bourbon?

Howdy, sit back relax grab a beverage and learn a bit. What is Bourbon?  All Bourbon is Whiskey but, not all Whiskey is Bourbon.  There are key differences and here are what makes Bourbon well Bourbon. Taken from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bourbon_whiskey#Legal_requirements Produced in the United States Made from a grain mixture that is at least 51% corn Aged in new, charred oak containers Distilled to no more than 160 (U.S.) proof (80% alcohol by volume) Entered into a new white oak charred container for aging at no more than 125 proof (62.5% alcohol by volume) Bottled (like other whiskeys) at 80 proof or more (40% alcohol by volume) So, first myth busted that Bourbon must be made in Kentucky.  While some of the best Bourbon comes from Kentucky it can be produced anywhere in the United States.  This also mean no other country may product Bourbon just like no other country can produce Scotch. To be considered a straight bourbon the liquid must be aged for two years has nothing added to it can be called Straight Bourbon.  One Caveat is that if aged under 4 years an age statement must be placed onto the bottle. Age statements on any bottle means that is the youngest Bourbon in the bottle and are optional for anything older then 4 years.  For awhile age statements have been removed from all Bourbons with the success and popularity of the brown elixir.  Many distilleries are now bringing the age statements back which in my humble opinion is a great thing.  You know what you are drinking for some of the Bourbons. Now you know what the definition of Bourbon is.  Now finish your beverage and what the hell grab another and enjoy. Junior

Jul 26

Hot Days Cool Bourbon

Howdy, and welcome to Junior’s Bourbon Hall Over the last couple of days it has been humid and hot here in the Midwest.  When it gets steamy hot outside what do you go to for your cocktail of choice?  One that jumps to my mind is the Woodford Spire.  Granted you can use any of your favorite bourbon this one is just from Woodford Reserve 1.5 oz Woodford Reserve 2 oz Lemonade 1 oz Cranberry Juice Crushed ice with a lemon twist for a garnish. Place everything in your favorite rocks glass stir and enjoy.  Nothing better on a hot summer day then lemonade and cranberry mixed with your favorite bourbon. The other option that I love to go to has a little more work and some ingredients that you will need to pick up.  This would be the Blackberry Bourbon Smash.  Another great cocktail to beat the heat.  You will need a shaker to make this one and then another rocks glass. 2 oz favorite bourbon 2 lime wedges 6 mint leaves 3 blackberries 3/4 oz simple syrup club soda In the shaker start with the lime wedges, mint, and blackberries.  Muddle for a bit until things are smashed up.  Once you like the way this looks add your bourbon, simple syrup, and ice.  Time to get your exercise on and shake vigorously until the shaker is ice cold or you are tired of shaking.  Who stated cocktails are not exercise.  Pour everything into the rocks glass and top off with the club soda.  No need to strain anything. Sit back and enjoy while outside watching the kids, wildlife, neighbors, or whatever you enjoy.  For me it is the back patio on a wonderful Sunday afternoon watching the birds feed and the squirrels trying to feed and every now and then watching a little bird attacking the squirrel for climbing up by the nest.  All the while listening to southern rock or classic rock on the patio speakers. Sit back relax and enjoy the evening. Junior PS – If you are inclined a great cigar would make the night that much more enjoyable.

Jul 15

Enjoying Bourbon

Howdy, how do you enjoy your Bourbon.  Neat, on ice, mix drink, shots, or what other options.  The way I enjoy my Bourbon is with good friends and Neat. Neat – take a glass drop in 2 oz of Bourbon warm in your hand and enjoy Mix Drinks – Take your favorite Bourbon add your favorite mix.  Soda, Seltzer, fruit juice, etc. Shots – Take a shot glass add your Bourbon throw it back. If you like high proof Bourbon you can add an ice cube or two and change the flavor.  This will open up the Bourbon to a new flavor.  Have one neat then add ice and notice the difference. Now go enjoy your Bouron will you.