Bourbon, which one?

by **r900p** » Wed Feb 21, 2007 9:51 pm

I'm wanting to try bourbons, don't know why just curious. I drink JD a bit.

Any recommendations? And how should i drink it? Water ice neat?

Rob

by **Deactivated Member** » Wed Feb 21, 2007 10:14 pm

Hi Rob,
my knowledge of bourbon is extremely limited, but in my recent international tasting I opened a Blanoton's Gold (single barrel) which was really excellent!
This has given me the incentive to try some other, slightly cheaper Blanton editions.

I also hear from many people that if you can get hold of G.T. Stagg it is a veritable treasure.

MT

by **Choochoo** » Wed Feb 21, 2007 10:35 pm

I drink it neat, or with one or two ice cubes every now and again.

What to recommend depends on what is available in your area. I think Eagle Rare is really good, Pappy Van Winkle is an outstanding bourbon as well.

by **Deactivated Member** » Wed Feb 21, 2007 11:12 pm

Similar threads here:
http://www.whiskymag.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5563

and here:
http://www.whiskymag.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5467

You might also look in at:
http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/index.php

by **heatmiser** » Thu Feb 22, 2007 7:49 am

I second the recommendation of visiting http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/index.php for recommendations.

For me, I would buy 6 different bottles to get an idea of the variations. One thing I can attest is that the variances in taste with bourbon is not nearly as drastic as with scotch whisky. I would buy one from each of the following categories (except the last - buy both) which should give you a good perspective on American whiskey:

Rye-based bourbons:
- Eagle Rare
- Elmer T Lee
- Wild Turkey 12

Wheat-based bourbon:
- Van Winkle 12 Lot B
- Pappy Van Winkle 15 (hands down my favorite non-barrel proof American whiskey)
- WL Weller Centenial

Straight-rye whiskey:
- Sazerac Jr
- Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye
- Rittenhouse BIB

Straight-wheat bourbon:
- Bernheim (only one I know of - and it is very good)

Barrel proof bourbon (Buy Both - they are INCREDIBLE!!!):
- George T Stagg (rye-based)
- William Larue Weller (wheat-based)

This should be a good start... :wink:

by **Di Blasi** » Thu Feb 22, 2007 11:53 am

Yes, the George T Stagg is excellent, huge! Wow, it's fruity and dry and well-balanced, but do keep in mind its strength! Water is ok to add. As for ice, I find it okay to add, especially in the summer, since bourbon in general is so woody and concentrated and flavorful, it softens it. Experimentation is the key!