Kentucky Bourbon

**keebank** · 06-28-2009, 04:51 AM

I have noticed some of you talk of drinking Bourbon. I myself enjoy it. With many favorites including Knob Creek, Bookers, and Rebel Yell. Just wondering what your favorite(s) are and how you partake of them, shooters, snifters, high ball or other?

**moonshine44** · 06-28-2009, 06:41 AM

Evan Williams Single Barrel over ice. Excellent!

**michael.scheller** · 06-28-2009, 07:03 AM

Currently sitting in my bar:
Blanton's
Booker's
Baker's
Buffalo Trace
Knob Creek
Basil Hayden
W.L. Weller 12 y/o
Jim Beam (for mixing)

I usually drink my whisk(e)ys straight up or with a few drops of water in a whiskey glass / rocks glass.

whiskyglass.jpg

**Not A Nice Person** · 06-28-2009, 08:15 AM

Woodford Reserve
Knob Creek
1792 Ridgemont Reserve
George T. Stagg

. . . are all regulars on my bar shelf. Woodford Reserve is my daily bourbon, Knob and 1792 are equally good but more "change of pace" bourbons for me, as the Woodford is my favorite.

Except for the George T. Stagg, which is an annual Buffalo Trace Antique Collection release, uncut, unfiltered, cask strength . . . and the finest bourbon it's ever been my pleasure to drink!

NANP™

**homebrewer** · 06-28-2009, 08:45 AM

Another vote for Woodford Reserve here.... although I also enjoy Evan Williams from time to time. I do like Basil Haydens and Bookers, but I just can't justify the price. I am not enough of an expert to really taste that much of a premium over Woodford (which is relatively reasonable).

**strat1117** · 06-28-2009, 09:07 AM

I'm easy when it comes to Bourbon -- either Knob Creek or Maker's Mark will do, in a low ball on the rocks.

I am also partial to good old Jack Daniels (enjoyed the same way) which, although technically a sour mash and not a bourbon, never fails to satisfy. In this case, it is popular for good reason.

Share and enjoy!

**pal** · 06-28-2009, 10:46 AM

Bourbon, I like Makers Mark, but I have to admit I just bought a bottle of 8yr George Dickel Sippin' Whiskey. I like it straight up, sitting on the patio with my old buddy Max, the Scotty.

**keebank** · 06-28-2009, 02:27 PM

Originally Posted by pal

I like it straight up, sitting on the patio with my old buddy Max, the Scotty.

Isn't the best drinking buddy your dog, man's best friend in so many ways.

**Luc** · 06-28-2009, 03:30 PM

Maker's Mark, Woodford Reserve and Gentleman's Jack!

I usually sip Gentleman's Jack by itself, no ice or water, nice stuff!

**ratcheer** · 06-28-2009, 04:24 PM

Wild Turkey (several bottlings, especially Rare Breed), Blanton's, Rock Hill Farms, Elmer T. Lee, Old Grand Dad 114-proof, Knob Creek, and many others. Bourbon is my favorite spirit.

I enjoy it straight, on the rocks, in a ginger ale highball, or in a number of classic whiskey cocktails. My favorite whiskey cocktail is the Manhattan Cocktail.

A great resource is http://www.straightbourbon.com It is one of my top favorite web sites.

Tim

**Luc** · 06-28-2009, 04:39 PM

Forgot to write where I check for my Bourbon...

http://www.bourbonenthusiast.com/

Usually a good source!

**calcustom** · 06-28-2009, 05:28 PM

Evan Williams Black Label on the rocks.
Reasonably priced and easy on the palette.

**hurricane** · 06-28-2009, 05:36 PM

I perfer to enjoy just a good Whisky sour with my good buddy Jack Daniels

**wilsonent** · 06-28-2009, 05:50 PM

In the Bluegrass State, most people will tell you that the Pappy Van Winkle line of bourbons are the best. However, they can get very pricey, if you know what I mean, and I think that you do. For my money, Makers is my everyday bourbon, Four Roses for special occasions. I love the Jim Beam line which includes Bookers. (126 proof, a little goes along way with Booker's) and Knob Creek. Woodford is excellent too, but IMHO, overpriced.

If you want to talk sour mash, which is NOT the same as bourbon,,, Early Times is dirt cheap, and dang fine.

**Pete's Kid** · 06-28-2009, 06:08 PM

Are any of you familiar with a bourbon called Eagle Rare? I'd like to find out more info on this fantastic bourbon.

**calcustom** · 06-28-2009, 06:12 PM

I found this when I was looking to see if sour mash was in fact bourbon.

What is the difference between straight bourbon, blended bourbon and sourmash bourbon?
Today, all straight bourbons are produced by the sour-mash method. In the sour-mash method, backset (liquid from a previous distillation) is added to the mash in addition to yeast. The backset helps to make the next batch of bourbon similar to the previous ones by passing on some of the characteristics of the previous batches (this is similar to using a "starter" when making sourdough bread). Straight bourbons are produced in accordance to the laws mentioned in FAQ #1 (at least 51 percent of the grain used in making the whiskey must be corn, most distillers use 65 to 75 percent corn). Bourbon must be aged for a minimum of two years in new, white oak barrels that have been charred. Nothing can be added at bottling to enhance flavor, add sweetness or alter color. ) Blended bourbons contain at least 51 percent straight bourbon mixed with neutral grain spirits.

So from this am I to understand that sour mash is bourbon?

**pal** · 06-28-2009, 06:47 PM

Originally Posted by calcustom

I found this when I was looking to see if sour mash was in fact bourbon.

What is the difference between straight bourbon, blended bourbon and sourmash bourbon?
Today, all straight bourbons are produced by the sour-mash method. In the sour-mash method, backset (liquid from a previous distillation) is added to the mash in addition to yeast. The backset helps to make the next batch of bourbon similar to the previous ones by passing on some of the characteristics of the previous batches (this is similar to using a "starter" when making sourdough bread). Straight bourbons are produced in accordance to the laws mentioned in FAQ #1 (at least 51 percent of the grain used in making the whiskey must be corn, most distillers use 65 to 75 percent corn). Bourbon must be aged for a minimum of two years in new, white oak barrels that have been charred. Nothing can be added at bottling to enhance flavor, add sweetness or alter color. ) Blended bourbons contain at least 51 percent straight bourbon mixed with neutral grain spirits.

So from this am I to understand that sour mash is bourbon?

Only if the sour mash whiskey company wants to call it that. George Dickel and Jack Daniels both meet that criteria but choose to simply call there product Sour Mash or Tennessee Whiskey. The difference in their process of "Charcoal Filtering" and special rotation methods makes their whiskey a little different. They choose not to be called Bourbon. And it works quite well for them as a matter of fact I am sipping on a glass of 8 yr old GD right now. Straight up of course.

edit added: Bourbon can be distilled in any state in the USA but only bourbon made in KY can use the name Kentucky.

VR6ofpain · 06-28-2009, 07:38 PM

I like Knob Creek (9 yr) and Elijah Craig 12 yr. I think this Evan Williams single barrel is only ok. Did you ever try Corner Creek's bourbon? It was amazingly good for the dollar...usually on sale at Bevmo for $10.99

Something interesting is Stranahan's from Colorado. I posted about it here.

I drink all my Bourbon neat in a stemless white wine glass. Works well.

**otherstar** · 06-28-2009, 08:13 PM

Originally Posted by pal

Bourbon, I like Makers Mark, but I have to admit I just bought a bottle of 8yr George Dickel Sippin' Whiskey. I like it straight up, sitting on the patio with my old buddy Max, the Scotty.

Dickel is some good stuff! A friend recently introduced me to it and I'm glad!

**urr-lord** · 06-29-2009, 06:49 AM

jim beam,elijah craig ,makers mark.usually in shots or on the rocks,rarely mixed with cola or ginger ale.sometimes chased with a bottle of ski,esp the beam.