Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire Novice bourbon drinker starting out ?

You prejudice? what about the other 3 seasons....isn't that unfair?

Early Times 354 - $16 a fifth and is right up there with the best that I've had. Currently finishing a bottle of Beam. Makers is also one of my other favorites.

Getting back to Bourbon, there are many different varieties to suit different palates. While you might like strawberry icecream, I might prefer coffee mocha.

All Bourbon must be made from 51% corn and must be aged in new, charred white oak barrels for a minimum of two years. In truth, that basic stuff is pretty raw and is mixed with older product to make a palatable whiskey.

The good stuff is always aged for longer periods, and the corn mash from which the stuff is distilled is mixed with other cereal grains. Most used is wheat, but some recipes have rye as the next dominant grain. Think about wheat bread and rye bread for the final taste. Malted barley, the dominant grain used in scotch, can also be a component.

Aging is the most important factor in whiskey making, and I find with Bourbon, the best is aged between six and 15 years. Over that and most of the stuff is a bit overdone, although a 20 year old Pappy Vanwinkle is sublime.

Like fine guns, tasting good whiskey is more about exploration and education than about acquisition. Good luck!

Lot's of nice solutions listed here, but try, if you dare, Regular Evan Williams 1/3 EW to 2/3 of Tropicana "lots of pulp orange juice " over a tall glass with 6-7 standard cubes.

If you prefer neat, then many of the other solutions that will suffice. Basil Hayden (sorry to BH fans) is harsh sheite. Makers mark and others are decent, EVAN IS DIRT CHEAP around here (17.00 per 1.75lt bottle and with the oj, no sp(h)it it rocks for a mixed drink. If you are into a straight spirit, try Laphroig, not a Bourbon but a scotch and the smoky/peaty goodness is simply awesome.

Just me and I am on it now. Perhaps my spelling tells that tale.

Good luck in your search and NEVER drive under the influence!
Patty

Bulleit

+1

Haven't had many eh?

Actually that first bite of winter is to me, perfect bourbon drinking weather.

Anyone ever tried 40 Creek? A friend of mine tried some while he was in Vegas at some PBR event, said it was incredibly smooth and delicious.

Knob Creek is great for a Boubon - For a great whiskey try Pendleton.

You can make a cheap bourbon palatable by adding two drops of Angostoura bitters and a little water.

I think I spoiled myself for the taste of bourbon when in the military. Jim Beam and German bier. Bed spun like a propeller. Now when I even smell bourbon it makes me nausious. But single malt scotch on the other hand...

Tried Laphroaig once. It must be an acquired taste.

W.L.Weller's

It's not too bad, given it's sweetened lighter fluid Canadians call whiskey.

We all have different tastes mathman. How does it stack up to Pendleton?

I'm not a good judge for that comparison. It's smoother than Crown though.

Best Canadian I ever had was Gibson's.

Yes, 40 Creek is fantastic (there are three or four levels of it), but it's rye, not bourbon. Maker's Mark and Knob Creek get my vote for premium bourbon.

The Famous Grouse

It may have rye in it, but it isn't Rye.