Melodie came through with a unique and very satisfying Bourbon tasting experience to close out Bend Spirit Club 2009. Highlights of the evening were the excellent Bourbon selections, the mulled Vin Chaud (a pre-tasting delight), extensive selection history, and the introduction of two new practices that added another dimension to the tasting experience. Ground coffee was passed around to “reset” the nose, and more interesting (Parker Beam’s suggestion of how to smell Bourbon) a few drops of each Bourbon was poured in the hands – rub together and smell. Fascinating. And sticky… “Washcloth? No thank you – if cats can do it…”
Let’s get to it!
What is Bourbon?
The name comes from Bourbon County, Kentucky, although to date there are no distilleries in the County.
51% Corn – it should have either wheat or rye and barley (flavoring agent).
It must be aged in New Charred Barrels.
Requires Limestone water that doesn’t have iron in it.
Cannot be called Bourbon if less than 3 years with no age statement, otherwise an age statement is not required.
Can be called Bourbon as long as its made in the US, not just in Kentucky. There is a distillery in Missouri that makes a Bourbon.
Old Forester Birthday
Wild Turkey Rare
Corner Creek Reserve
Elijah Craig 12 year
Declared “America’s Native Spirit” by a 1964 act of Congress, Bourbon has always been the heart and soul of Heaven Hill Distilleries. Heaven Hill was originally established as a Bourbon distiller in 1934, and today the world’s second largest holding of aging Kentucky Bourbon sleeps peacefully in our 42 open rick warehouses situated throughout Nelson County, the heart of “Bourbon Country.”
By law, Bourbon must be made up of at least 51% corn and be aged a minimum of two years in a new charred white oak barrel, standards that were pioneered by early Bourbon makers such as Evan Williams and Rev. Elijah Craig.
Bottling Name Elijah Craig
Bottled By Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. Bardstown,KY
Evan Williams Single Barrel 2000
This super-premium bottling of our flagship brand is the world’s only vintage-dated Single Barrel Bourbon and is one of the world’s most acclaimed whiskeys. The first American Whiskey ever to win The Spirit Journal ’s Whiskey of the Year award, Evan Williams Single Barrel
2 Comments
I liked the brown bag presentation.
Enjoyed the smooth, leather smell and taste of Corner Creek.
Wild Turkey Rare Breed was surprisingly rich with a sweet Sherry personality, pleasant but strong.
Elijah Craig was a favorite with a completely approachable marshmallow/cotton candy sweetness.
Old Forester Birthday benefited immmensely from the addition of a little water. It went from harsh to silky smooth in a snap.
Evan Williams Single Barrel is flat out solid, damn fine Bourban.
Add to the the technique of rubbing the Whiskey in the hands and creating an enclosed prayer gesture over the nose as you smell, also gives you an opportunity to feel the oiliness of the spirit, the way the spirit intertwines with your natural odors, allows for a distinct recognition of flavors, which you are less likely to get from merely taking a small sip. This is quite possibly my favorite part of sipping Whiskeys. I am sure you can imagine the looks I get at a restaurant.
I find something like the Wild Turkey Rare, where with out a the proof dropped down to about 85 (my preferred sipping proof), I cannot taste the deep notes, it is overwhelmed by the high alcohol by volume. In my palms the alcohol is rubbed out and I can smell and enjoy the deep characteristics, that may otherwise be lost or go unnoticed.
I also find this handy in developing cocktails.