Whiskey Review: J.R. Ewing Private Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

I walked into my local Ralph's with the intent to buy a bottle of whiskey I have never tried, seen or even heard of, just to make things interesting.  When I was there, I came across this bottle, J. R. Ewing, Private Reserve.  It seemed interesting enough, especially since anything that is private and reserved mush be better than something that is public and easily available, right?

I am experimenting with different backgrounds for my pictures.  This is the bottle next to a lamp.  Don't judge.  The color is light, and the smell was not very assertive.  Smelled almost like almond jello?  The flavor was unique.  Like the smell, not too assertive.  I am not sure how to describe this bourbon, except to call it extremely focused in flavor, as if a normal bourbon with 17 different flavors were reduced to 3 flavors.  The aftertaste does not linger for too long, and ends clean.  I can say that it is an interesting whiskey.  Its lightness and non-assertiveness makes it easy to drink.  Seeing as how I have more writing to do later to night I will take the advice of Hemingway...

How can I argue with Hemingway?  I will have another!

The numbers:  I purchased this bottle at Ralphs for $30, which is a good price for this interesting whiskey. 

It reminds me of...oddly, of studying late nights, with a good whiskey and making no progress because you have really been playing video games instead. 

The verdict: The whiskey is interesting enough where I would include it into my regular rotation of whiskies.  Especially at the reasonable price of $30.  Although, I feel like there are probably other whiskies I would prefer for the same price.  This is up to you to find out for yourself.  Go ahead and try it.  

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Professional tasting notes:
Reviews were difficult to find, but here are a few good ones. 
bourbonbanter.com
thewhiskeywash.com - This one has an interesting story behind this whiskey.  I didn't watch Dallas, so I had no clue!

Whiskey Review: Bulleit Bourbon Frontier Whiskey

For some completely unfair reason, I have always been snobby towards Bulleit, both their boubon and their rye.  To be frank, I am not 100% certain I have even tried both prior to establishing this opinion.  So tonight I thought I would give them a fair shot, and will start with the bourbon, something I am more familiar with in general than a rye.  I thought I'd take a picture of the bottle with a nicer than my normal bland background to maybe take away some of my negative stigma.

This will be the first time I sample this bottle as I write this, so here it goes.  OK, the first impression of the nose or smell or whatever you are supposed to call it, is it smells like a whiskey.  Nothing too special about it.  The taste is also somewhat on the...meh...side.  It is a solid whiskey, not too assertive, but not too mild either.  There is a slight burn and a lingering warm after taste.  I am not sure that this bourbon necessarily stands out from the pack in any way, but it doesn't fall behind either. I noticed as I am working on this, the after taste does seem to linger quite a bit, so for those of you who are NOT fans of the whiskey taste, this offering is not for you.

I really have no reason for serious ill will towards Bulleit, I can't seem to figure out why I had a preconceived opinion.  Then I realized...its the word Bulleit.  Reminds me too much of this guy:

HOW DARE YOU MOCK MY BELOVED KENPO.  But wait...upon further investigation...Master Ken, well at least the actor and creator of this show, is actually a Kenpo practitioner!  AND, his Youtube show Enter the Dojo, is actually hilarious.  Fine.  Bulleit is not bullshit.

The numbers:  I purchased this bottle at Vons for $24 and could have been less if I had done the six bottle deal.  I think at this price point it is in the ballpark of what you would expect.  

It reminds me of...going to a hipster bar that requires a password to enter, and claims to be a speakeasy-like place, with your favorite person on the planet, just to find out that the whiskey selection is not quite what you expected, but you settle down with a familiar whiskey that is in a way comforting and a stark contrast to the hippy dippy mixed drink menu, just to find out its karaoke night? What? Bail out!

The verdict:  I personally would not label this as a must have, or include this in my daily whiskey rotation.  I feel like there are other whiskies in the same price range that have more to offer; that being said, I think I may be more inclined towards the unique.  This is a solid whiskey over all, and I would drink this over something more generic like basic Jack Daniels.  This one is definitely a "try it and find out for yourself" type of offering.  I can see that this may appeal to people depending on their preferred flavor profile.  If you like this, you have found yourself a very good deal.    

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Professional tasting notes:
thewhiskeyjug.com
whiskey-reviews.com

Whiskey Games: Whiskey Explorers Club

This is the first of a new type of post I am calling Whiskey Games, where basically I find games that involve whiskey and do a synopsis and review.  For this post, I will be reviewing the Whiskey Explorer's Club, follow the link for more info and pricing.  Basically once a quarter, they will ship you a box that contains four unmarked mini bottles that each contain a mystery whiskey.  
  

Now your only job is to open one, pour it out into a tasting glass of some kind.  Then log in on their website and enter the code on the bottle, and you are ready to play. 

That picture has no filter people, my whiskey just sparkles.  

Once on the website you have to go through ten pages which asks you about the whiskey you are having including: color, nose (smell), mouth feel, taste, taste after adding water, finish, just any random info you want to provide, rate it, guess its price, and finally guess the whiskey.  

So for today, the whiskey I had was very unfamiliar to me, so I knew I was in trouble already.  I really labored through picking 15 smells, 20 tastes, and 27 tastes after water!  I really couldn't place this extra unfamiliar flavor that was throwing me off, but I got totally lucky because once I got to the pick the whiskey page I saw this...

Why is this good for me?  Well I know my bourbons and I know this was NOT a bourbon.  I am however, very unfamiliar with Rye whiskey, so I chose Copper Fox.  Next page, and BAM, I was right. 

TO BE FAIR, I have played a couple times now, and I do rarely get it right, and I did not cheat this time.  Totally honest.  

Here is a summary of my scores, this is the highest I have ever scored to be totally truthful.  As you can see, I am not very good at tasting.  

Overall the game is not too pricey, and it can be a good way to learn how to taste, as well as step out of your comfort zone to try things you might not have thought of.  All in all, I have a good time every time I play, although the over achieving side of me gets frustrated by my terrible scores.  I am thinking of turning this into a competitive multi-player whiskey tasting battle, so stay tuned. 

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Whiskey Review: Woodford Reserve Distiller's Select

My relationship with Woodford Reserve is somewhat complicated and almost never got off the ground. Although not quite as good of a story as Inception, there is still an important lesson to be learned so stay tuned...

Yes, the bottle is mostly empty when I took the picture, so you know I enjoyed it.  However, that is surprise, considering how I first met this bourbon.  This was years ago, probably around 2012, I was on a Vegas trip with my brother.  The usual activities, drinking, eating and gambling.  We were wandering around MGM Grand and decided to stop at a bar for a whiskey.  The bar we sat down at was across the "world famous" ice bar, at the end of the casino floor.  I completely missed a red flag, which was the totally uninspiring whiskey menu.  Having not found anything that called out to me, I wanted to order something not named Jack or Jim that was cost effective and settled on Woodford Reserve.  The whiskey I had that night was rough to say the least.  It had no distinct flavor and burned.  I swore that was the last time.  Fast forward to 2015, I am standing in a wine store in Vancouver the day we were to board the Disney Wonder for a cruise, and I have no whiskey.  In the shop, there was a very thin selection of whiskey, most of them priced at nearly three times what we'd pay in the USA!!! With one exception...Woodford Reserve.  Being the cheap bastard that I am, I walked out of the wine shop with a bottle of Woodford Reserve, much to my chagrin. 

Once we settled in our room, I opened the bottle for the celebratory drink to the start of our first family cruise.  I held my breath and took a drink and was surprised.  This was nothing like what I had at Vegas.   The whiskey is fairly fragrant to start, smooth to finish with a little biting and warm finish.  An all around solid bourbon.  I have no doubts in my mind that what I got at Vegas that day was not Woodford Reserve, because this was much, much better.  Lesson?  If you have to finish a story with...

Then it was probably illegal or morally reprehensible.  So yeah...keep it in Vegas where it belongs.  I'll be bringing my own whiskey selection to Vegas from now on.  

The numbers:  The bottle you see above was purchased at Ralphs with the buy 6 bottles and get 30% off deal, and ended up being only about $24 dollars!  That is a good deal. I probably wouldn't pay more than $35 though, because at that price range there is probably a more interesting whiskey out there.  

It reminds me of...hanging out with that friend who is always broke but knows all the good deals around town and still manages enjoys the finer things in life on a budget. 

The verdict:  This is really a daily sipping kind of whiskey, certainly not an occasion type pour.  At the price, it can be a mainstay if you aren't too picky.  It will likely enter the daily whiskey rotation in my bar.  

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Professional tasting notes:
thewhiskeyjug.com
whiskymag.com

Whiskey Review: Michter's Small Batch Bourbon US*1

I know my last review was for the Michter's Sour Mash Whiskey, but I thought I'd explore this small batch whiskey thing a little further.  

Now to preface this review, I had a little bit of a tough week.  One of my karate instructors left a bruise on my arm that is 3 inches in diameter, and work was non-stop.  I had to go back and do some lab work that I haven't done in years, had me feeling a bit like...

I was already looking forward to the weekend at it is only Wednesday!  Well who am I to argue with Whiskey Wednesdays.  Nothing like a hit of whiskey to get me through the week.  On to the show.  The first sip of this bourbon was perplexing.  It was very...light.  Almost felt lighter than water, not too much flavor at first.  Even holding it there for a while, didn't produce much more than a slight alcohol burn.  However, after that, once the first breath of air, a second wave of flavors rush in, and they are the classic bourbon tastes.  Not too sweet, not too spicy, and the kick is not too strong, but definitely present.  After this second wave, a nice aftertaste lingers.  The aftertaste is very encouraging of going back for more, and I did...several times.  All in all, a terrific addition to my whiskey cabinet.  Now, since it is small batch, I am assuming there might be some variation to the batches.  I will have to find separate batches side by side to see how much variation there may be, but until then, this is a thumbs up.  

The numbers: I purchased this at while cruising my local Ralph's grocery store, where there was a buy six bottles and get 30% off sale.  How could I pass that up.  Unfortunately, I lost the receipt, but in my best recollection, with the discount, it cost me about $36.  That is a steal.  No if ands or buts about it.  Bevmo has it at $49.99, which is still a price I'd pay for this product, although $36 is much more palatable.  

It reminds me of...finishing your finals in college, going to a floor party at your dorms, finding a bottle of whiskey that no one is touching, thinking...I will have just one drink, then waking up with the empty bottle clutched in your hands, while you are laying on your bed with the sheets mysteriously missing (true story).  Morale of the story is, be careful, this can sneak up on you, it makes you want to go back for more.  

The Verdict: Any price under $50 is worth it.  This is a bourbon I would have around the house, but probably not for everyday drinking, more like for a special occasion.   

Please comment below!  If you think there is something I must try or something you want me to review, toss it in the comments and I will see what I can do.


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Professional tasting notes:
modernthirst.com
connosr.com

Whiskey Review: Michter's Small Batch Sour Mash Whiskey

This is one of my first adventures into the world of craft, or small batch, whiskey.  Michter's was first recommended to me by my good college friend Albert, who, at least during his college years, was well trained in the art of alcohol consumption.  I wasn't sure which of the Michter's products he was referring to since they have a bourbon, American whiskey, and this sour mash, so I chose sour mash, because I really didn't know anything sour mash.  Also, Michter's appears to be one of the oldest distilleries in the USA, claim to be, in fact, the first whiskey company in the country dating back to 1753.  According to their website, George Washington purchased their whiskey to fortify his soldiers during war.  

I'll admit, I had to look it up, but sour mash refers to using a bit of the old mash to help ferment the new mash, or something to that nature.  Kind of sounds like how they do sour bread.  On to the show...the whiskey smells like whiskey, but with a little more something to it.  Maybe it's a aldehyde or something I don't know, but it does hint at something different.  The initial taste is nice and warming, and smooth, but it builds up into a mild but noticable finish.  Not heavy on the kick though.  It's a well rounded whiskey.  The nice part is the lack of any weird aftertastes, leaving a clean finish.  At this point I would normally try say something funny, and I thought of telling a funny joke about Albert, of which I have many.  But if you don't know him, it doesn't matter, if you do know him, then you already know.  So I leave you with one of my favorite animal memes instead:

It kind of reminds me of me looking at the drink menu when I was 21.  

The numbers: I got it for $46 at BevMo when it was on sale; however, I was shocked to see it for $36 at Ralphs.  To get that price you would have to buy 6 bottles total.  

It reminds me of...sitting by a campfire.

The verdict: At $46, I'd hesitate to say you have to have it around all the time, but for $36, I might. The quality of this Michter's product certainly peaked my interest, and I will be looking for their other offerings very soon. 

Please comment below!  If you think there is something I must try or something you want me to review, toss it in the comments and I will see what I can do.

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Professional tasting notes:
bourbonandbroadleaf.com
modernthirst.com

Whiskey On The Go: Whiskey Tasting Aboard the Disney Wonder

This summer we took a family vacation to Alaska on a 7 day cruise aboard the Disney Wonder.  There is no doubt that you are on a Disney cruise, as you are bombarded with staff wearing Mikey gloves, decorations featuring your beloved Disney characters, and Mikey's everywhere!  Even your auditory sense is constantly assailed with soundtracks from Disney movies and cartoons.  I can imagine that even the grumpiest of people will have NO choice but to smile while aboard the (1 of 4) happiest cruise ships in the world.  That is how Disney rolls people.  Although it is clear that the cruise activities and decor is geared towards the children and the children masquerading as adults, they have not forgotten to appeal to the grown up side of us as well.  Hidden among the smorgasbord of activities was one that I could not pass up: whiskey tasting.  I promptly signed up and along with some of my other family members proceeded to the Outlook Cafe and Bar in the adult's only section of the ship.  

There we met Pablo and four bottles of whiskey.  Pablo is from Honduras, and is a fast talking whiskey expert.  

The bottles are from right to left (that is the order we drank it): Woodford Reserve Distiller Select, Dalwhinnie 15 Year Scotch, Macallan Whisky Maker's Edition, and Glenmorangie Signet.

In front of our seats were four prepoured whiskey tasting glasses, and of course napkins featuring the unmistakable Mickey ears.  

The whole tasting session was informative and engaging.  Pablo was very knowledgeable, and managed to get us laughing while teaching the basics of whiskey distilling and tasting.  He even explained why Jack Daniels is called the Old No. 7.  It was a fascinating story wish I could have remembered it!

I will only briefly talk about the whiskeys themselves since I didn't have anything to take notes on, more detailed reviews later.  First off, Woodford Reserve, a classic bourbon, which happened to also be the drink I had in the cabin while "warming up" for this event.  A solid opener.  The Dalwhinnie 15 Year Scotch was brand new to me, but from what I can recollect, it was good.  Not necessarily good enough for me to run out and find a bottle, but I might revisit it at a later date.  The Macallen Whisky Maker's Edition was classic Macallen, with a nice smooth flavor of oak and sherry.  Pablo asked the audience a question for a free pour, which was, "why does this bottle not have a year on it?", and I was able to correctly answer, "because it is a blend".  Thus, earning another pour, fairly generous one too.  Finally we closed out with the Glenmorangie Signet, which was probably the most unique of the four.  It carried a strong hint of coffee or licorice.  Personally, not being a coffee drinker I would have passed on this, however, it was definitely interesting.  Could be a good one to stock if you are a coffee fan. 

To round out the night, Pablo put his knowledge of whiskey to the test by offering a free shot of the Macallens to anybody who could stump him with a question about whiskey.  I dug deep, really deep, and earned myself a free shot with this question: what does the No 8 and No 12 mean on George Dickel's Whiskey?  He looked at me seriously and sagely, and said, George Dickel's huh?  Then proceeded to pour me another generous shot.  Then this happened:

Along with my warm up drinks and the ones I earned, I'd say it was a fun and fruitful night.  If you are ever on a Disney Cruise, look it up, well worth the $25 dollars.  

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Whiskey Review: Leopold Bros. New York Apple Flavored Whiskey

Something a little different today.  Lately it seems flavored whiskeys are popping up all over the place, but mostly of the cinnamon or honey variety.  So while I was wandering the whiskey isle at Bevmo I kept an eye out for some flavored whiskey that was not of the normal variety.  That is when I saw Leopold Bros. New York Apple Flavored Whiskey.

Something about this bottle got my attention, so I took it home, after I paid of course.  At night, I poured myself a serving and took a big whiff of the product.  Immediately, I was disappointed, there was no hint of whiskey smell at all.  In fact it smelled more like one of those liquors used for mixed drinks than a true bona fide whiskey.  The first sip was interesting.  It was very sweet, slightly thick, but had a good flavor of apples and very small hit of alcohol (the good kind).  I did something I normally would NEVER do, which was to get a couple ice cubes and throw it into the cup.  Why don't I use ice?  Because...

In this case though, it changed everything...for the better.  Immediately, I noticed a change in the smell.  You could definitely get the raw apple smell, as opposed to a muddled indistinct sweet smell.  The color lightened, and it had a less syrup-like consistency.  After a couple of swirls, I dove in again.  This time, the apple flavor was much more distinct, with a smooth whiskey finish.  I dare say it was even enjoyable like this.  

The numbers: As usual, I picked this up at my local Bevmo on sale for $39.99.  I think it is a tad expensive for a flavored whiskey, which realistically is an apple cider flavored with whiskey.  I have seen it for lower online at $32.99. 

It reminds me of...drinking your kid's left over apple juice at a restaurant while yelling at them for not finishing it, even though the truth is you just really wanted that apple juice after you gave up sweet sugary juices as part of your diet plan.  

The verdict: Because of the price I would be leery having a bottle around the house at all times, however, that being said, it does carry a nice flavor to it.  If you were hosting a whiskey party and know for sure that you will have non-hardcore whiskey enthusiasts present, this is a good one to have on hand so they can enjoy the festivities and not feel left out.   
Please comment below!  If you think there is something I must try or something you want me to review, toss it in the comments and I will see what I can do.

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Professional tasting notes:
Difficult to find professional notes.  Here is another blogger's opinion

sports-glutton.com

Whiskey Review: George Dickel Tennessee Whiskey No 12

As I am writing this review, I am already on my second serving of this whiskey.  Although I would probably put it in the second tier, it is definitely enjoyable as an everyday, around the house type drink.  It is smooth to start off, followed by a slight burn, and nice warm finish that lingers.  If you are whiskey fan, you will find the George Dickel No 12 to be very enjoyable.  I think it is comparable, if not better than Gentleman's Jack.  That being said, this is without a doubt the overshadowed younger brother of the George Dickel Barrel Select, but quite honestly, if I had guests over and they wanted to mix this with Coke, Ice or something stranger, I would have no problems with that.  On the other hand, if it were the Barrel Select, I might not allow that to happen on my premises.  Truth is, you never know who might be coming over, might be Don Draper...

So it's best to be flexible.  

The numbers:I thought I got a great deal on this bottle at Bevmo for $23, but I just saw it on sale at the CVS Pharmacy for $15!!!!  At this price point, it is worth having in the house.  

It reminds me of...playing drinking games with my friends that is so epic we are still talking about it 15 years later, like that one time we were playing 3-man at our graduate school retreat and in walks a world renown virologist, and in about 20 minutes he left drunk, holding a beer in each hand.  Thanks Scot. 

The verdict: If you are just stocking a select few bottles of whiskey, I'd probably consider skipping this bottle.  If you are looking to assemble a collection, this is a good bottle to have when the buddies come over.  It is impressive to whiskey drinkers and non-whiskey drinkers, and if you run through a bottle or two, you won't be hurting in the wallet.  

Please comment below!  If you think there is something I must try or something you want me to review, toss it in the comments and I will see what I can do.

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Professional tasting notes:
TheWhiskeyJug.com
Whiskey.underthelabel.com

Science Review: An In-Depth Analysis of a Piece of Shit

Today on the menu we have...


Study Title: An In-Depth Analysis of a Piece of Shit: Distribution of Schistosoma mansoni and Hookworm Eggs in Human Stool


Authors: Stefanie J. Krauth, Jean T. Coulibaly, Stefanie Knopp, Mahamadou Traoré, Eliézer K. N'Goran, Jürg Utzinger

Recommended Pairing: George Dickel Barrel Select - high potential for a good laugh, means a whiskey for good times. 

Did I read the whole paper? 

Synopsis.

First I'd like to say that the work contained within is probably important to that field...but...WTF?  This is a legitimate, peer-reviewed article, about in-depth analysis of a piece of shit.  The word shit is used in the title.  If you don't believe me click the link, is leads to PLoS ONE, a legitimate open access journal.  You could argue that because the authors might not be native English speakers they maybe didn't quite use the correct wording?  WRONG.  The word shit is used only one other time in the end in quotations.  They knew.  Let's get to the highlights shall we?  I present to you:

Figure 1.  Field Procedures. 

I shit you not.  That is a person squatting, and in case it wasn't clear, that arrow points to the front of the piece of shit.  I love science.  

Figure 2.  How to process the shit. 

The shit is referred to as "sausage".  Enough said. 

Conclusion.  I don't know what their conclusion was (you can read it), I could never make it past figure 2 without laughing so hard that my face hurt.  At SOME level, this must have been a bit of a joke from the authors.  Getting the word "shit" into a professional manuscript as well as these two figures is a coup for the traditionally stuffy and all too boring science papers.  Authors, I congratulate you, this is amazing.  If I were ever to get a publication that contained content like this, I would probably look like:

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Whiskey Review: The Balvenie Doublewood 12 Years

Because sometimes, when it comes to good single malt scotch, one wood, is just not enough, so I present to you The Balvenie DOUBLEwood.

I wish I had some story as to how smart I was finding this particular bottle, but truth is, I was in a hurry at Bevmo (as always), and grabbed the wrong bottle.  By the time I realized it, I was home and really not in the mood to go back, so I opened it.  According to the label, this single malt scotch is matured first in a traditional whiskey barrel, which imparts the vanilla flavors.  It is then finished in sherry oak casks, which gives the fruity honey flavors.  Well I like both of those, so it is of NO surprise I really dig this scotch.   I tend to like sherry oak matured scotches like the Macallan 18 year.  You can clearly taste that grapey/fruity honey-like start here that is reminiscent of the Macallan 18, but what is not lost is that nice and unmistakable whiskey hit for the finish.  Throw in a nice smooth feel and you have a great scotch that all can enjoy.  

I have come across this bottle at various bars and restaurants, but not as often as I would like.  In addition, I have also spoken about this bottle to your average whiskey drinkers, and they were unaware of this yummy goodness.  Time to change all that. 

The numbers: I get it for $49 at BevMo when it's on sale, and it is worth it.

It reminds me of...that moment you butt hits the couch and you have nothing else to do for the day.

The verdict: I think I would be very aggravated if I opened my liquor cabinet and did not see a bottle of Balvenie Doublewood 12 year sitting there waiting for me.  Warning though, I have tried the 17 year version and did not find it to be worth the increase in price ($149!).  For your value, stick to the 12 year.  If money is no object, get the 17, and send me cash...now...

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Please comment below!  If you think there is something I must try or something you want me to review, toss it in the comments and I will see what I can do.

Professional tasting notes:
TheWhiskeyJug.com
Whiskey.underthelabel.com

Whiskey Review: Cragganmore 12 Years

One day I came home from work and found a bottle of Cragganmore 12 years delivered to my doorstep.  It was a gift from my former student Matt, as a present following the publication of the first paper from my lab.  He was co-first author.  I waited all of about 30 seconds before I opened the bottle.  From the moment you even smell it, you know you are in for something.  After the first taste, it punches you in the face and says "I'M A SCOTCH YA WEE LIL'BASTID!!!"  It is assertive in flavor, but smooth at the same time.  As I am reading around about this scotch, I am led to believe it is the malt that gives it the strong flavor.  It is not smokey, not too sweet, and quite honestly, not as nuanced as some other scotches, but it is simple and up front.  Scotch.

Here is a video of me, immediately after that first taste:

The numbers: Since it was a gift, I don't know how much was spent on it, but online research says it should go for around $45 to $50.  I don't actually see it around much my normal stomping grounds, so online maybe the way to go. 

It reminds me of...that moment when you are hanging out with your buddies on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, not friends...the buddies that you always get into trouble with, and someone says "hey I have an idea, lets go and get a drunk stranger to jump over this barricade".  Just at that moment, everyone finishes their drinks, feeling invigorated and...

The verdict: I think that the unique combo of the assertive flavor, but yet smoothness makes it worth having, but probably not for the whiskey/scotch noob.

Please comment below!  If you think there is something I must try or something you want me to review, toss it in the comments and I will see what I can do.

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Professional tasting notes:
masterofmalt.com
thewhiskyexchange.com

Whiskey Review: Basil Hayden Bourbon

This is probably my favorite bourbon.  It has an amazingly complex flavor while still being smooth with a nice mellow finish.  To be honest, I was never a big fan of bourbon, having only experienced the basics, like Jim Bean.  That all changed when my friend Julie introduced me to her brother, Todd, at a party, who was visiting from Washington DC.  Todd is a big fan of whiskey, but specifically bourbon.  I asked him to recommend something, and without hesitation he said Basil Hayden.  When someone is THAT convicted, you have to go with it.  I sought out a bottle the very next week and I have never regretted it.  Once my blog goes global, maybe Todd will be famous for something other than being the unfortunate reporter on the receiving end of this...

I might send Todd a bottle of Basil Hayden to help with the nightmares he must be having.

The numbers: I buy this in the least expected place for bourbon...CVS Pharmacy in Venice Beach.  Yes CVS.  I can get it for $39!! If you buy 6 at once you get 10% off too, so you'd be able to get it for almost $36 per bottle.  Anywhere else, they go for $42 even up to $50.  Even at $42 per bottle it is worth it.

It reminds me of...summer time barbecues, hanging out with friends at the beach.

The verdict: If you are looking for a bourbon to add to your bar, this is the one.

Please comment below!  If you think there is something I must try or something you want me to review, toss it in the comments and I will see what I can do.

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Professional tasting notes:
boubonbanter.com
whiskey.underthelabel.com

Whiskey Review: George Dickel Tennessee Whiskey Barrel Select

I first met this bottle while on a date night dinner with my wife at Hostaria del Piccolo in Venice Beach.  As usual I went straight to the whiskey list for my pre-dinner drink, and I noticed one item: Dickel's Barrel Select.  Some tiny voice in the back of my head was telling me, "order that one, someone said it's good!"  I debated with myself for a long time, "but it has a funny name!"  When the waitress showed up to take our order, I decided to take the plunge.  In about 10 minutes, I ordered my second and never looked back.

There really is not much more to say about this bottle other than, it is really good.  This is an everyday kind of whiskey, exceptionally smooth, with a nice mild taste that leaves behind a nice warm feeling.  I want to say vanilla is in there somewhere, but I seem to find vanilla in most whiskies.  Most importantly, George Dickel's Barrel Select, reintroduced me to the playground that is American Whiskey, and I have met many new friends since.  Makes you feel all 'Murica and fuzzy inside.

The numbers: I get it for $42 at BevMo when it's on sale, mostly because I don't have the patience to wait for it, as you can see the bottle in the picture is almost empty.  If you can wait, I have seen it for $35 online, but expect to pay some shipping.

It reminds me of...sitting in a dark restaurant with my friends talking about old times.


The verdict: All alcohol enthusiasts should have a bottle on hand.  This is a nice whiskey that can be shared with whiskey and non-whiskey drinkers alike.  Although oddly, none of my friends have taken up my offer to come over to my place and taste my Dickels...

Please comment below!  If you think there is something I must try or something you want me to review, toss it in the comments and I will see what I can do.

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Professional tasting notes:
TheWhiskeyJug.com
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