3

6/16/2011 12:13:50 PM

Quote :

"BUT, if I were to drink bourbon, has anyone tried A. Smith Bowman from Virginia?"

anyone?

Their bourbon goes by Bowman Brothers:
http://www.asmithbowman.com/bowman_brothers.aspx

[Edited on June 16, 2011 at 12:57 PM. Reason : .]

6/16/2011 12:55:56 PM

bourbon, from virginia?

does not compute.

6/16/2011 1:04:04 PM

Maker's 46 is really good.

6/17/2011 7:13:53 PM

^^it's bourbon:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_bourbon_brands#Non-Kentucky_bourbons

bourbon can be made anywhere in the U.S.


[Edited on June 17, 2011 at 7:19 PM. Reason : .]

6/17/2011 7:17:58 PM

This thread inspired me to pick up some bourbon. Went down to the local liquor store here that specializes in hard to find stuff and picked up a bottle of Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 year. Guy working there said they are incredibly hard to find and he just happened to get two bottles in the other day and this was the last one so I decided to pick it up. A bit more pricey than I was looking to spend but I figure I can always find the cheaper stuff and he had plenty of everything mentioned in this thread so far. Liquor stores in TX > NC by far.

6/18/2011 1:40:56 PM

^^Yep, I think the only laws include being >51% corn, made in the US, and be over 80 proof, and aged in new (can't reuse them) oak barrels. There might be some other subtleties but I think that about covers it.

There are even some being made in Brooklyn now I believe.

[Edited on June 18, 2011 at 1:43 PM. Reason : a]

6/18/2011 1:42:42 PM

Got some Buffalo Trace and made a manhattan with it. Definitely like the taste, looking forward to trying it neat next. Probably won't waste it on a manhattan much in the future but I was just in the mood for one and I sure wasn't going to use the Van Winkle.

6/25/2011 5:23:22 PM

I recently toured Wild Turkey, Woodford Reserve, Four Roses, Heaven Hill, Maker's Mark, and Jim Beam when I was in Kentucky. I wrote about it here in case anyone wants to see what the distilleries are like:

http://mikeallover.travellerspoint.com/

6/28/2011 9:15:20 AM

Quote :

"Manhattans are an awesome Vegas drink. That's practically all I ordered in Vegas last go-around, and they were superb everywhere."

true

only disappointment is asking for knob creek at every single casino on the strip and getting denied. makers worked though.

7/4/2011 9:05:17 AM

http://www.beerandbourbon.com/cary/show-info

Quote :

"Unlimited Beer and Bourbon Tastings as you stroll from table to table and tent to tent. There are 40 Bourbons and 60 Beers on Tap. Enjoy, but please drink responsibly. BBQ Galore! Enjoy the great barbeque selection – pulled pork from whole hogs, ribs, brisket, chickens, sausages and any fixin’ you could imagine."

7/26/2011 1:03:15 AM

does anyone here have any extra tix to the Beer Bourbon and BBQ festival tonight?

8/5/2011 11:48:54 AM

I ended up getting the Grand Poobah tickets - two days of liver and artery carnage.

8/5/2011 1:27:34 PM

Currently having some Bulleit. Not bad.

9/9/2011 11:00:59 PM

Just noticed a bourbon thread! Awesome.

My favorite bargain bourbon: Evan Williams single barrel - so happy I made this find.
Favorite on-the-rocks bourbon: Blantons
Favorite in-a-manhattan bourbon: Russell Reserve Rye (ok, so it's rye, but ya feel me - I like it better than Michters, and it cost about half as much)

Had some Pappy Van Winkle 23 year at a spot in Charleston over labor. Holy shit, it was amazing. It's nearly impossible to find a bottle of it in Atlanta (me and my friends have tried for months now), but maybe better luck in Raleigh or those of you closer to Kentucky. Hoping I can find some of the 15 or 20 year sometime soon (or some Rip Van Winkle like the one noted above)

Haven't tried Buffalo Trace or Eagle Rare yet - will give them a shot next time I hit up the package store. Good to have some new suggestions!

Oh, and for Manhattans, I found some Anitca Formula vermouth I would HIGHLY recommend:

http://www.specialitybrands.com/Antica-Formula-Vermouth.htm

It's not as sweet as Martini and Rossi, it has a more mellow/richer flavor. Works well with something spicier like a good rye whiskey. It's a little pricey, but worth a shot if you can find it.

Ok, gonna head off to happy hour early now!!

9/13/2011 1:30:13 PM

Quote :

"Had some Pappy Van Winkle 23 year at a spot in Charleston over labor. Holy shit, it was amazing. It's nearly impossible to find a bottle of it in Atlanta (me and my friends have tried for months now), but maybe better luck in Raleigh or those of you closer to Kentucky. Hoping I can find some of the 15 or 20 year sometime soon (or some Rip Van Winkle like the one noted above)"

I have seen Pappy Van Winkle 23 year as well as the rest of the family on more than one occasion at Owens Liquors in Myrtle Beach.

9/14/2011 10:11:55 AM

Wish all you bourbon lovers could be at the KY Bourbon festival with me in the next few weeks, it's fantastic.

9/14/2011 10:22:48 AM

^^ thanks! good friend is from myrtle, next time he heads home he's on a mission...

9/14/2011 11:38:12 AM

Snagged that Evan Williams I've read so much about (here.)

Hooray for good, but still affordable, bourbon.

9/22/2011 5:56:57 PM

Had a couple glasses of Eagle Rare tonight. Quite fucking tasty.

10/8/2011 2:34:59 AM

ok my bourbon folk, the recent fad and increase in bourbon barrel aged beers (BBAs) has been great... I absolutely love them and the smooth bourbon taste and finish. Yes, I know I'm jumping on a bandwagon, but they, for the most part, are awesome.

I've never been a fan of liquor. I don't care for mixed, sugary drinks, adding soda hurts my stomach, etc., thus I've never really gotten into liquor. However, BBAs have me thinking that I could enjoy bourbon. The one thing I, as with most, hate about liquor, is the harsh bite/taste. So, are there some bourbons that are smooth without out/a muted bite?

4/16/2012 4:20:17 PM

I'm in Lexington going to a bourbon tasting at the Red Mile.

4/16/2012 4:59:22 PM

still haven't been able to find any pappy for purchase.

ever.



[Edited on April 16, 2012 at 5:13 PM. Reason : not online.]

4/16/2012 5:13:22 PM

^^^

Woodford reserve is one of the smoothest out there.

4/16/2012 5:36:10 PM

yeah for smoothest, while affordable i'd go with woodford or eagle rare.

4/17/2012 9:33:56 AM

yes, if you aren't mixing it definitely spend a few extra dollars on a higher end bourbon. Woodford Reserve is very good. Maker's Mark is always great, but it's almost too pricey these days. You could also get a nice bottle of Blanton's

I've never had Pappy Van Winkle, but it seems to be almost impossible to find these days. Not sure what has made it so popular as of late.

Knob Creek is mentioned a lot in this thread, but it comes off harsh to me. I have friends that swear by Bulleit but I don't have any personal experience

4/17/2012 9:46:07 AM

That Van Winkle I posted up at the top of the page is by far the best bourbon I have ever had. I really want to find some more of the different Van Winkles now.

4/17/2012 9:47:51 AM

^^

I agree on Maker's Mark. overpriced and overrated.

I feel the same about knob creek.

bulleit is great... try some if you get the chance.

4/17/2012 9:49:47 AM

bulleit is my go to, bulk bourbon.

i put a 1.5L decanter on our wedding registry, for the express intent of being filled with bulleit at all times.

the girl was not as excited as i was when it came in this week.



[Edited on April 17, 2012 at 9:55 AM. Reason : e ]

4/17/2012 9:55:05 AM

tell her that presentation goes a long way

4/17/2012 10:01:15 AM

thanks for the input, gentlemen. To the state liquor reserve I shall go.

4/17/2012 10:17:07 AM

Knob Creek is 100 proof, and the single barrel is 120 proof. Of course that is going to taste harsh compared to a 90 proof woodford or eagle rare. I much prefer the crisp bite of Knob Creek to the sweetness of Woodford or Eagle rare, and the undertones are more distinct for me with Knob Creek. The single barrel or booker's is my go-to drink normally. I typically prefer Rye whiskeys and bourbons with higher rye content as opposed to high corn content sweet bourbons or soft wheaters, so that probably has a lot to do with my preferences.

I tend to drink my bourbon on the rocks also, so a stiffer drink mellows out as the ice melts and I can enjoy it more. Woodfood starts to taste watered down on ice.

4/17/2012 10:18:36 AM

^^which BBL aged beer have you enjoyed the most?

Like I know that Foothills BBL People's Porter was aged in Van Winkle Barrels.

4/17/2012 10:23:57 AM

^I haven't had a ton of different ones, but Widmer Bros has probably been my favorite so far. I also really enojyed Lonerider BBA sweet josie too.

4/17/2012 10:38:35 AM

the last three bottles I purchased were Four Roses, the blend from a few different barrels. before that, i had a bottle of old pogue that I drank much slower than i should have. I also keep a bottle of Woodford around, and bulleit rye and bourbon whiskies for any mixing.

4/17/2012 11:40:24 AM

Quote :

"has anyone tried A. Smith Bowman from Virginia?""

I would like to at some point as I've heard good things, plus this distillery is only 45 minutes from my house. Their distillery tours are supposed to be good too...

4/17/2012 1:31:22 PM

4/17/2012 2:54:10 PM

Where do you guys buy Buffalo Trace around the Triangle. i have a difficult time finding it

4/17/2012 10:00:16 PM

I saw Buffalo Trace at the store near the corner of Millbrook and Glenwood just this afternoon. Bourbon selection seems to vary wildly from store to store around here, though. I've had good luck with the one at the corner of Tryon and Cary Parkway as well.

Speaking of, anyone spotted Woodford Double Oaked around here yet?

[Edited on April 17, 2012 at 10:26 PM. Reason : ..]

4/17/2012 10:23:36 PM

Quote :

""has anyone tried A. Smith Bowman from Virginia?"""

I've had the now discontinued Virginia Gentleman, which was their lower-tier bourbon, and it was fine for a $20 bottle - haven't had any of their new products, though they're on the list.

ASB is owned by Buffalo Trace. They bring in the original distillation product from BT and then re-distill and barrel at ASB in Fredericksburg. The historic ASB distillery in Reston went up for sale not too long ago and is slated to become condos, always thought it was cool building: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A._Smith_Bowman_Distillery

4/17/2012 11:10:18 PM

Had a bottle of this a while back and really enjoyed it. I was looking randomly for something new to give a try and the guy at the counter recommended this. Ill have to get another bottle or two before Im sure, but this could move its way into my top 3 Bourbons. Anybody else tried it before?



[Edited on April 18, 2012 at 7:15 AM. Reason : a]

4/18/2012 7:05:58 AM

Quote :

"Speaking of, anyone spotted Woodford Double Oaked around here yet? "

not around you at all, but the new store near me had 6 bottles in yesterday.

they've been asking me for liquor suggestions on what to carry

4/19/2012 4:25:31 PM

had some of the Van Winkle 23 and 12 year tonight for my bday

delicious

5/4/2012 12:14:43 AM

I had Van Winkle 12, 15, 20, and 23 in Charleston last week. Good shit.

5/4/2012 12:35:32 AM

Sipping some single barrel wild turkey for the race.

5/5/2012 6:10:26 PM

Kodiak and I found the Woodford Double Oaked at the ABC store on Creedmoor in North Raleigh a few weeks ago, by the way

if any of you wanted to try it

5/5/2012 8:57:11 PM

never made it to the abc store, though I may go in a few minutes during my lunch. I hope they have something worth a damn

5/7/2012 1:04:09 PM

Quote :

"Anybody else tried it before?"

yes, although it looks like theyve changed up the bottle.

it's fantastic.

5/7/2012 1:54:55 PM

I found Knob Creek Rye in the liquor store this weekend and picked up a bottle - I can't wait to try it this weekend. I'm a big fan of Knob Creek and their single barrel, and I love rye whiskey.

5/7/2012 9:40:03 PM

Anyone know where I can get some pappy van winkle?

5/8/2012 12:30:12 AM