The name Weller is as intertwined and as important a name as you will find in the history of American whiskey. Daniel Weller was operating a still near Bardstown, KY as early as 1800. His son Samuel followed in his father's footsteps, and his son, William LaRue Weller started making and selling whiskey in 1849. … Continue reading William Larue Weller Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 2011 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection – Review
Bourbon
George T. Stagg Kentucky Straight Bourbon, 2011 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection – Review
*Thank you very much to AP and Buffalo Trace for the samples! Let me just point out right away that, although it might be a good one, the name George T. Stagg is not that of porn star. No, George T. Stagg was successful whiskey salesman who, in 1870, helped E.H. Taylor purchase a distillery … Continue reading George T. Stagg Kentucky Straight Bourbon, 2011 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection – Review
Eagle Rare 17 Year Old Bourbon, 2011 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection – Review
*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
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.
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
THE CASKS 