*Thank you very much to AP and Buffalo Trace for the samples! The Eagle Rare brand was originally owned by Seagram's and made its first appearance in 1975. It was created by Charles L. Beam and was sold as a 10 year old, 101 proof straight bourbon. Sazerac bought the brand in 1989 and in … Continue reading Eagle Rare 17 Year Old Bourbon, 2011 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection – Review
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Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey, Buffalo Trace 2011 Antique Collection – Review
*Thank you very much to AP and Buffalo Trace for the samples! As Buffalo Trace is owned by Sazerac, and Sazerac was founded by Thomas H. Handy, it seems only fitting to begin a look at Buffalo Trace's 2011 Antique Collection with the Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye. The story begins (more or less) at … Continue reading Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey, Buffalo Trace 2011 Antique Collection – Review
Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey – Review
You could be forgiven for being confused as to how the name "Sazerac" manages to be name of a cocktail, a straight rye whiskey, and a large spirits company all at the same time. It comes as no great surprise that the three are related, sure, but how, you ask. Well, the romanticized, marketer's wet-dream … Continue reading Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey – Review
Bacon Bourbon for Breakfast at Serpentine
Granted, the whole everything bacon craze has gone too far and far too mainstream to really be taken seriously anymore but that doesn't mean that bacon didn't warrant all the attention in the first place. Bacon is an innocent victim here, it's not bacon's fault it's so delicious, it's the fault of the fad-obsessed, must-create-something-unique-to-be-accepted-by-the-collective … Continue reading Bacon Bourbon for Breakfast at Serpentine
Buffalo Trace’s Single Oak Project.
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.
Bulleit (95) Rye Small Batch American Whiskey – Review
There's no surer sign of Rye Whiskey's comeback than Diageo's recent release and marketing of its Bulleit (95) Rye Small Batch American Whiskey (oddly, though,...no website). If a huge beverage conglomerate like that decides to put out a complex, high rye content whiskey like this, you know that somebody's decided for damn sure that there's money … Continue reading Bulleit (95) Rye Small Batch American Whiskey – Review
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
THE CASKS 