Bourbon Review: Maker's Mark Cask Strength

My mother-in-law dropped by the other day and left me with some bourbon. Did I mention I have a great mother-in-law? I do.

One bourbon she left me with is the Maker's Mark "Cask Strength" offering, which has a higher alcohol content (around 111 proof) than the regular Maker's Mark (90 proof). You would think that going with a higher amount of alcohol would result in a bourbon that has more "burn" to it, but the guys at Maker's have figured out how to raise the alcohol content while still delivering a relatively smooth bourbon. 

Essentially, the difference between this and the original Maker's Mark is that the Cask Strength isn't cut with any water after barreling like the original stuff is. They basically just take it straight out of the barrel and bottle it. This results in not only a more potent bourbon, but one that is richer in flavor.

The first thing I noticed is that this high-test version still has a very nice aroma of vanilla and oak, just like its lower-powered older brother. Upon finishing, where you would expect the "burn", there is just a nice warm feeling that lingers for a little while and then fades. No overwhelming heat or bitterness.

The boys down in Loretto, Kentucky have hit a home run with this one. If you like Maker's Mark, and are looking to try something just a little bolder, this is it.

Three out of four stars.

Sean Connery's Bourbon

Martinis are for sissies. They should run this ad now. It still works.

Jim Beam Single Barrel Review

One of my Christmas gifts was a bottle of the newer single-barrel Jim Beam that was released just last year. Basically, this bourbon is different from regular Jim Beam (white and black label) in that Jim Beam's distillers only use the absolute best barrels for aging this particular bourbon. The result is a bourbon that is probably the smoothest Jim Beam I've ever had.

There is mild bit of warmth that you expect from a bourbon, but it's not a lot of heat, and it's certainly not a "burn". If you like your bourbon comparatively mild, you'll like this. I'm not a master taster, so I can't tell you about hints of vanilla or hints of whatever.

I can tell you that it's a good-workmanlike bourbon. If you're looking for a good go-to bourbon that's a step above what Jim Beam has regularly offered, this is a good buy. Its retail price of $34.99 is certainly higher the usual price point of the basic Jim Beam (about $15) so it's clear this is a step up in what you spend. All in all, I'd say it's worth the money, but this isn't a bourbon you're going to save for years.

If you're a bourbon fan that has shied away from Jim Beam as a "mass bourbon", I would suggest trying this single barrel offering. You'll be pleasantly surprised.

Fairly Comprehensive List of American Whiskey Distilleries

This list is an attempt to catalog all current American whiskey distilleries and brands. The idea is that if you see a bottle of American whiskey on the shelf, you should be able to consult this list and figure out who makes and markets it. 

The list has two parts. Part I lists all American whiskey distilleries which are currently producing whiskey, or have plans to produce whiskey in the near future, along with their brands, listed by state. Part II lists independent bottlers of American whiskey; that is, companies that buy whiskey from the distilleries listed in Part I and bottle it under their own labels. Note that some of the distilleries listed in Part I also source whiskey from other distilleries.These lists do not include all blended whiskey brands or brands that are for export only, though some are mentioned. It also does not include American bottlers of foreign whiskeys (i.e. American bottling companies that bottle Irish or Canadian whiskeys). It also does not include "spirit whiskey," which is whiskey in name only.

That's no moon...

It's an ice cube.

Best Eggnog Recipe (Using Bourbon)

I don't normally like alcoholic drinks that are sweet. I avoid White Russians, drinks with excessive fruit, and other overly sweet drinks. However, one exception to this is a little (very little) bit of eggnog at Christmas.

Most eggnog recipes call for rum and/or a blend of alcohols. However, I like Alton Brown's version most, as the only alcohol you add is bourbon.

Ingredients

4 egg yolks
1/3 cup sugar, plus 1 tablespoon
1 pint whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
3 ounces bourbon
1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
4 egg whites

Enjoy!

Gear for Guys: Christmas Gifts for the Southern Man

For the most part, we guys are easy to shop for. We tend to have hobbies of one sort or another that make for easy gift giving. However, if you have a guy on your Christmas List and are struggling to come up with something, Permanent Press is here to help. All of these gifts are Permanent Press Lifestyle™ approved.

For the Sportsman/Hunter: If you're looking for a gift for a shooter/hunter, you're in luck. There are endless accessories for the Southern Sportsman. Even if this guy already has a pocket-knife or a flashlight, he could always use another. For pocket-knives, I recommend Benchmade. For flashlights, I recommend Mag-Lights.

Also, this guy is always going to need ammunition. You literally can never have enough. So if you're looking for a cheap stocking stuffer, a box or two of ammo will be a big hit. If you don't know what kind to get, look and see what he already has in his gun safe. You can buy it online, and it will ship right to your door. My favorite online ammo retailer is Lucky Gunner, but there are plenty out there.

For the Well-Dressed Gentleman: If the Southern guy in your life dresses up during the workweek, there are accessories he might need. For instance, every guy needs a good shoe-shine kit, but it's not something that we would normally buy for ourselves. Allen Edmonds has a nice kit, but there are plenty of others out there. Don't buy this guy another tie or more cufflinks.

For the College Sports Fan: If the Southern man on your list is a college sports fan (and he likely is) then you can get him something to show his team spirit in the fall. If he's an SEC sports fan, there's always this awesome koozie. But even if he isn't an SEC fan, this link should still probably have you covered.

For the Guy Who Likes a Drink: If the Southern man on your Christmas list is over 21 and enjoys a nice cocktail, bourbon is always a nice gift. Belle Meade Bourbon is an easy-drinking boubon with a smooth finish. It also has a little bit of a horse-racing history, so it would be an appropriate drink this spring when the horse racing gets into full swing.

There you have it. If you have any other ideas, I'd be interested to hear them. Hope this little holiday guide helps!

In Case of a Snake Bite...

“A man should always carry a small bottle of whisky in case of a snake bite. A man should also carry a snake.” - W.C. Fields

Whiskey Reminder

The Great American Whiskey Fair is tonight!

This is your two-minute warning. Make sure you hydrate.

The Great American Whiskey Fair is Coming to Columbia

Do you like whiskey? Stop. That was a trick question. Of course you like whiskey.

The good news for midlands residents is that Columbia is starting to be a great place for those of us who like distilled corn. We've got Bourbon Columbia opening up soon on Main Street, and as kind of a warm-up for that, the Great American Whiskey Fair will be hosting a tasting party of sorts at 701 Whaley on October 17, 2013, from 6:00PM - 10:00PM.

On the evening of October 17th, a host of distilling luminaries, small producers, bartenders and enthusiasts will descend on the Grand Hall at 701 Whaley St. for an evening of festive appreciation dedicated to America’s native spirit and its culture, from cask to glass.

Their website isn't big on details, but here are a few things I can tell you, from what is available:

Firstly, Bourbon Columbia is a sponsor, and it's owned/run by the same person responsible for Mr. Friendly's, Gervais & Vine, Solstice, and Rosso. Obviously, those are some of the best restaurants here in Columbia, so having Bourbon Columbia as a sponsor gives the event instant credibility, in my opinion. I would go based on this factor alone.

Secondly, Belle Meade bourbon will be available. It's not as well known as some of the larger brands, but it's good. I was fortunate enough to sample some Belle Meade at a Garden & Gun sponsored event earlier this summer.

Thirdly, it's brown liquor and a party specifically to celebrate brown liquor. By definition, it's going to be good. I mean, really.

It already looks like the VIP tickets are sold out, so if you're looking to go, the only thing left is the standard admission tickets, which run $75/each.

SC State Museum to Host "Bourbon and Bowties"

Happy Friday.

On September 5, the State Museum will host a "Bourbon and Bowties" event to celebrate the last days of their latest exhibit. Tickets are $40 for non-members. Might be fun since it combines two things I like: drinking and looking good.

Mint Julep Recipes

The Kentucky Derby will be here soon, and you know what that means. Practice making your juleps now. Here's a collection of a few good recipes.

 

Bourbon is coming.

As If It Needed A Month (Bourbon Month)

NOT THAT I NEED AN EXCUSE TO DRINK BOURBON: Here are ten ways to celebrate National Bourbon month.

Friday Cocktail Hour: Derby Party

News You Can Use: Essentials for your Kentucky Derby Party. I would substitute the bourbon, though. Go with Blanton's Original Single Barrel.

P.S. Don't drink any bourbon right before you drive a school bus full of kids.

Friday Happy Hour

The Old Fashioned:

1 large and uneven slice of lemon peel
1 rough-cut brown sugar cube
2 dashes Angostura bitters
1 dash Regan’s Orange 
Bitters No. 6
No more than 1 oz. water
2 large ice cubes
2 oz.  bourbon
Small triangle of orange slice for garnish

Add the lemon peel, sugar cube, and both bitters into the bottom of an old-fashioned glass. Using a wooden muddler, begin to muddle the ingredients firmly but not violently in the bottom of the glass, working the muddler in a circle. The tapered shape of the glass allows you to perform this task with ease.

Add the water, and continue to muddle for a bit longer. Add the ice and then the bourbon. Stir with a spoon. Float the thinly sliced orange on top of the drink (not wedged onto the side of the glass), and serve.

I Wish I Could Go Back To College (Sometimes)

"The Grove at Ole Miss smells like a combination of bourbon and Chanel No. 5"
-Scott Van Pelt

Oh college football....I can't stay mad at you.

The Grove at Ole Miss

Martin Burgers