There is an old saying that the bitterness of poor quality will linger long after the thrill of a bargain price.
I have a modest "collection" of really good bourbons. No Jim Beam or Maker's Mark in the house, all really good stuff. Some of it rare and hard to find. The good stuff. Good bourbon is warm, and smooth, it may have a slight bite (from a high rye content,) it should have a vanilla and oak flavor - without the wood overpowering. I prefer a sweeter bourbon, a higher wheat, lower rye mash bill. I buy it to enjoy it, but I enjoy it slowly.
I discovered good bourbon, when I lived in Kentucky. It does not have to be made in Kentucky to be bourbon, but about 90% of it is.
Bourbon must be made of a grain mixture that is at least 51% corn. ... Bourbon must be distilled to no more than 160 (U.S.) proof (80% alcohol by volume). Bourbon must be aged in new, charred oak barrels. Bourbon may not be introduced to the barrel at higher than 125 proof (62.5% alcohol by volume).
The one above was a very limited release, single barrel, barrel strength. I will open it sometime in the future.
I've never developed a taste for bourbon. But it always strikes me a such a classy drink. I, on the other hand, have a good bottle of vino dulce waiting for a time to celebrate. Unlike bourbon, it has to be consumed within 5 days after opening... and I can't do that on my own.
ReplyDeleteSomeday soon, you will be able to share with friends.
DeleteI find bourbon too sweet for me. Interesting that you have a collection. We have long tried to build a Scotch whiskey collection but it has never really gotten off the ground. We ever tried buying two bottles once, but no. Didn't happen. The alcohol content seems very high in some of those bourbons.
ReplyDeleteThe bottles seem to go empty? Most bourbons are bottled between 80 and 100 proof, the barrel proof's are often higher, if this was used in a standard bottling, water would be added to adjust the proof to around 100.
DeleteI have never had bourbon. I don't know why, but it's just never struck my fancy to drink it.
ReplyDeleteNever tried it! Someday we will have to hold a blogger gathering again, I took a bottle of Wathen's to the last one.
Deletenot my thing; you can drink my share!
ReplyDeleteGin!
DeleteYou do make it sound inviting but I'll stick to my wine.
ReplyDeleteGood stuff there to, though my taste tends to be pedestrian
Deletesave the good stuff for when i come visiting.
ReplyDeleteForged Oak, the bottle above, Jefferson Ocean, those are on the bottom shelf waiting.
Deletehot puppies !
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