What's your favorite bourbon?

[jeff9366]

There is a distillery in Seattle that built its rack house near Hoquiam because the climate was quite similar to Scotland (cool and damp). Maybe it will be worth a sip in ten or twelve years from now.

Cool and damp decreases the barrel evaporation loss known as the angel's share.

As spirits are barrel aged the volume slowly decreases and the proportion of alcohol (proof) increases. When the "barrel proof" whiskey is diluted with water prior to bottling, to 80 proof, 86 proof or whatever proof the marketing people decide will promote sales, most of this evaporation loss is replaced.

I know of no USA distillery producing a whiskey based on Barley, like Scotch. I worked in Scotland 1967-1968. Barley soup was a standard in restaurants. Barley and Turnips thrive in the lower, relatively warmer parts of Scotland.

Suntory of Japan produces some wonderful whiskey based on Barley.
Japan also has ample seaweed infused peat to use in the malt drying process, which adds to its flavor association with Scotch.

 

[lpigott]

No clear favorite but this one sure was good!

 

[Paddy]

We live near the Bourbon trail and have sampled many. Four Roses Small Batch is best bang for the buck.

 

[RickB]

Here is a little on Single Malt Whiskys (barley whisky).

American Single Malt Whiskey Commission

Yeah, I know they are not bourbons.

 

[jeff9366]

Thank you.

I have been retired for thirteen years, so I am not current. This is good to know.

It will be interesting to taste American Malt Whiskey to see if it tastes similar to Irish malt whisky, Scotch malt whisky or something altogether unique.

jeff9366

 

[RobA]

Bulleit
Michters

 

[robstaples]

Bourbon has specific requirements
The Rules that Bourbon Lives By
Whiskey Produced in the United States.
Made from a minimum of 51% Corn -- along with a combination of other grains such as Rye, Wheat and Malted Barley.
Distilled at no higher than 160 proof.
Aged in new, Charred Oak Barrels at no more than 125 proof.
Must be a minimum of 80 proof at bottling.

The beauty of bourbon comes from the ageing in wood barrels. Longer is better, generally, and is more expensive to store for years. The longer in a barrel , the less remaining. Evaporation. This drives the cost up. So does marketing and high demand. If you like bourbon, you’d like an older bourbon more! Is it worth it? Only you can tell. I’ve have and tried all the best , and older is better to my tastes. But try the younger ones to find your taste preference. 4Roses, Woodford , BuffaloTrace , Jim Beam products -Bookers, KnobCreek,BaslHayden, are solid performers. Try a 17 year old EagleRare or GeorgeTStagg or 20 year PappyVanWinkle.. Most bourbon drinkers would like them. Unfortunately, there are millions of bourbon drinkers driving the price up and a secondary market( buy to resell) to 10 to 20 times original cost.
Fortunately, the high demand is making good competition and in a few more years, their additional production and storage will be coming to market.
My favorite is GeorgeTStagg.

 

[bullbreaker]

Surprised no ones mentioned Wild Turkey 101 ?

 

[mapper]

Cool and damp decreases the barrel evaporation loss known as the angel's share.

As spirits are barrel aged the volume slowly decreases and the proportion of alcohol (proof) increases. When the "barrel proof" whiskey is diluted with water prior to bottling, to 80 proof, 86 proof or whatever proof the marketing people decide will promote sales, most of this evaporation loss is replaced.

I know of no USA distillery producing a whiskey based on Barley, like Scotch. I worked in Scotland 1967-1968. Barley soup was a standard in restaurants. Barley and Turnips thrive in the lower, relatively warmer parts of Scotland.

Suntory of Japan produces some wonderful whiskey based on Barley.
Japan also has ample seaweed infused peat to use in the malt drying process, which adds to its flavor association with Scotch.

I believe that this particular distillery does use barley, organic barley from the Skagit valley. From my older, scotch hating, sisters farm

 

[jerrybob]

A good friend of mine drinks nothing but Old Crow....has for many, many years. I tell him...not only can you drink that stuff...you can also remove paint and clean your brakes....he's a great guy!