I'm fairly fascinated by complex role that the wood plays in whisk(e)y making. From the basic differences between American (Quercus alba) and European (Quercus robur) oak to the subtle changes that occur when one decides to dry the stuff naturally rather than in a kiln (there's a tannin-eating fungus among us!). For the most part, all … Continue reading Buffalo Trace’s Single Oak Project.
Bourbon
Evan Williams Single Barrel, 2000 Vintage – Review
Depending on who you ask, the year 2000 was either the first year of the current millennium we're in now, or, according to strict Gregorianists, the last year of the millennium we just left. The Gregorianists (is there such a thing?) are probably right, though aesthetically, it looks a lot better for a millennium to … Continue reading Evan Williams Single Barrel, 2000 Vintage – Review
Bourbon & Rye at 18 Reasons
I'm happy to say the event is sold out! Third sell out in a row... I'll be leading a Bourbon & Rye tasting/class at 18 Reasons on Tuesday, March 22. We'll take an introductory look at these two distinctly American spirits, talk a bit about their history and taste 3 examples of each including Evan Williams … Continue reading Bourbon & Rye at 18 Reasons
Upcoming Bay Area Whisky Events, March 2011
Et tu, Brute? The Ides of March are upon us as are several whisky events. So without further ado about much at all... SF Weekly's DRINK - Spirits, Beer, Wine and Cocktail Tasting Ok, there's a lot more than just whisky here. SF Weekly's first in what will hopefully be an annual booze tasting free-for-all … Continue reading Upcoming Bay Area Whisky Events, March 2011
Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Black Label – Review
Just to clear a few things up, Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is not named for Celtic's goalkeeper in the 1970 European Championships, Evan Williams, who, despite playing a decent game, gave up what turned out to be the game-winner to the Dutch team Feyenoord in the 117th minute. Evan Williams Bourbon is also … Continue reading Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Black Label – Review
Four Roses Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Review
If you've spent any time at all reading this blog, you know that, from time to time, I like to gingerly dip my toes into whisky history, distillery info, regional arcana, fun stories of excruciating regret, preposterous heroism, and petty minutia. Hell, I don't know why...probably because I like lore and information and often there's … Continue reading Four Roses Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Review
Whiskey & Books: Booker’s Bourbon & Brown Dog reviewed together
Seeing as it's the holiday season and all (gift ideas, you know) and seeing as this bourbon's called "Booker's", I thought I'd recommend a book to go with it. Jim Harrison is a writer's writer and although you may not have ever heard of him...you've probably heard of him. He's responsible for the book that … Continue reading Whiskey & Books: Booker’s Bourbon & Brown Dog reviewed together
Wild Turkey Rare Breed Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Review
Somehow this seemed a somewhat appropriate whisky to review for Thanksgiving weekend... I'm not entirely sure that Wild Turkey Rare Breed is still part of Wild Turkey's line, but I see it on shelves fairly often so I figure it's fair game. This one is a blend, a cuvée if you will, of the 6 … Continue reading Wild Turkey Rare Breed Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Review
Bargain Bin Fridays #5, Old Crow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Bourbon's have great names. Many of them titled, we can only hope, after cranky, old, Kentucky gentlemen who still wear either torn-up overalls or natty seersucker suits and bow-ties, and lock their mashbill recipes up in the same homemade safes they keep their revolvers in. An unfair stereotype, I know, but come on, put the … Continue reading Bargain Bin Fridays #5, Old Crow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Maker’s Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky – Review
The Maker's Mark story goes that while experimenting with recipes for their whisky, the Samuels family made a lot of bread. The bread kind of bread, not the money kind of bread. They've made a lot of the money kind of bread as well, but that came later, first they made a lot of the … Continue reading Maker’s Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky – Review
THE CASKS 