Whisky, Whiskey, Bourbon or that other stuff?

Jack's Manhattan...this evening's version....



2 oz Maker's Mark
3/4 oz Noilly Pratt Sweet Vermouth
1 dash Angostura Aromaticbitters
1 dash Angostura Orange Bitters
Cherries (for full pretentious effect.)

 

Thought I didn't much like any sort of Whisky, then a mate paid off his mortgage & caught the habit of ridiculously expensive Bourbons.
Some of the nicest boozes I've ever had, but lordy you pay for the privilege. The price point between 'meh' & 'bloody hell!' is eye-watering.

 

That is not true. Low end 'budget' bourbons are chill filtered - it's less expensive to process it and doesn't take as long to get it to retail. Higher quality Bourbons - Angels Envy, Buffalo Trace, Blanton's etc...are all non chill filtered.

 

Yeah, I've discovered that quite a few bourbons are not chill-filtered. I'm glad to see that.

However, Buffalo Trace does chill-filter:

"And one last thing: all Buffalo Trace’s whiskey is chill-filtered. In the world of Scotch, these are dirty words, and yet our tour guide said it with a measure of pride. Chill filtering ensures the bourbon doesn’t cloud up in transit or storage, and is purely cosmetic. Purists cry blasphemy, and others just shrug."
​

Too bad. I like Buffalo Trace and Eagle Rare (also by Buffalo Trace). Both of those are high-quality whiskies in my mind, and good value.

 

Jim Beam has apparently released a non-chill-filtered Bourbon now, too. Progress!

Mrs Jack likes Maker's Mark, they don't chill-filter the Cask Strength (I'm told). Might have to try that one.

 

I tend to enjoy a dram of Angels Envy, Blanton's, Buffalo Trace and sometimes Bulleit - although Bulleit is a little too 'hot' for me. Generally I have a Rocks Glass with a large Sphere or Cube of Ice and a 'two fingers' pour. For you non old westerners that's 2 ounces.

I've also have Pappy Van Winkle's 20 year - and it didn't cost $2500 it was $120 in North Carolina in 2010 - and now it's about $225 retail and sold through a lottery at liquor and ABC stores. Pappy's is okay - high octane 90 proof - and while it was good - I wouldn't go out of my way to find it. Since 2002 Buffalo Trace has been distilling Pappy's - Preston Van Winkle manages the Bourbon recipe as the 4th generation in the Van Winkle tradition. The mythical status of Pappy's and Blanton's annoys me to no end.

 

Looks like Blanton's is also chill-filtered:

"While aging is certainly important to the Blanton’s Single Barrel formula, we should also point out that this Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is derived from a Corn – Rye – Malted Barley recipe utilizing a sour mash. After distillation Blanton’s is matured in charred white oak barrels and chill filtered, before being bottled at 93 proof in a truly unique spherical glass vessel with hand written labels indicating everything from the date the whiskey was dumped."

 

Yeah...I just read up on that. Aside from the transparency change I haven't notice any significant difference - and at heart don't really care. These days I am increasingly annoyed with the mythification of Bourbons and Whiskeys. It drives the price up beyond most peoples means - and creates an artificial demand. IOWs it's just marketing
and people are being played for their money.

 

Too true.

 

I don't know what tariffs or taxes the EU throws on bourbon, but here you can get some very good whiskeys in the $30 to $40 range. Woodford Reserve is normally about $32 and is my go-to brand. Russell's Reserve about the same. Knob Creek even less, though some people don't like the high alcohol burn at the finish. 1792 is hard to find even here, but not very expensive and has wonderful woody flavors.

.

 

I've only had real 'shine' once, courtesy of a buddy in Missouri, 'nuf said.

I have tried various makers' "White Dog" offerings. Not exactly smooth and mellow, but kinda fun.

 

Maker's Mark is made with wheat and none, or almost no rye. It's a pleasant whiskey, but akin to Miller Light vs Guinness. No balance. Nice start, but no woody dry finish. Woodford or Russell's Reserve are easy to find. I prefer Woodford, but Russell's is good also. 1792 is also a good one to look for, but hard to find.

.

 

Maple Old Fashioned:

• 2 fingers Maker's Mark
• 2 dashes orange bitters
• 1/2 teaspoon (1 splash) Maple syrup
• Orange peel, twisted
• Ice to taste

-- stir
-- sip and savour