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Today Diageo received approval for a barrel proof version of their popular Bulleit bourbon. The details are still pretty scarce on this one. This release isn’t a surprising one since barrel proof releases have increased in popularity over the last 5-7 years. Consumers love a higher proof and brands can charge double for a 30% decrease in production. It’s a win for everyone.
It seemed poetic that the Distilled Spirits Council released their annual report on Groundhogs day. I almost copy and pasted my post from the 2014 report to save time from typing out the same information. Visit any bourbon bar or new craft distillery and you’ll know bourbon is booming. Check your local liquor store and you’ll find five new brands in the “super premium” category. The empirical data is evident but it’s still interesting to take a look at the actual numbers.
The simple answer is pour, sip, repeat. However, taking your time to pick up on different flavor notes in a bourbon helps you expand and improve your knowledge. Tasting bourbon is a skill and with any skill you only get better with practice (this is why I insist on practicing every night :)). Time to get started with the criteria for a good bourbon tasting.
I know what you’re thinking. No, this isn’t another post about the Pappy heist. This is a PSA for the Bourbonr community. Make sure you destroy all empty bottles of Pappy Van Winkle and other limited releases [insert joke about people not drinking Pappy]. As prices increase scoundrels will find their way into the bourbon market. Fake Pappy isn’t a matter of if but when. I’m sure it’s currently happening at some level but luckily it doesn’t seem to be a huge issue. Guys will refill empty bottles, reseal them and sell them for secondary prices. Why else would someone pay hundreds of dollars for an empty bottle? The scotch industry has already experienced this problem. Collectors were shocked to find that their rare/antique bottles of Macallan were actually fakes.
If you follow Bourbonr on twitter you’ve probably heard me talk about Bourbon Pursuit. Behind Bourbon Pursuit is Kenny and Ryan and they’ve quickly become one of my favorite podcasts to listen to. Actually, they’re one of only two bourbon podcast (here’s the other) I listen to religiously. Every episode is full of great bourbon info. Plus, they’re around 30 minutes a piece so I can knock out an episode on my daily commute. I was one of the first few interviews so I decided to reverse the mic and interview Ryan and Kenny.
The distillery summaries were created to help you easily keep track information. They highlight three key factors for a distillery: Mash Bill(s), Barrel Entry Proof and Barrel Char Level. While there are a lot of important factors when it comes to bourbon these three play an influential role in bourbon’s flavor. It should also be noted that most of these are unofficially confirmed. Four Roses happily supplies their mash bill percentages however most distilleries keep that information a little closer to the chest.
There’s no topic more controversial in bourbon right now than the secondary market. Whether it’s Craigslist, Facebook groups or BottleSpot bourbonr’s usually have a strong feeling about the secondary. There are some that delight in the secondary (not just flippers) while others despise it. If you’ve followed bourbon for the past couple of years you’ll know that the secondary exploded after Ebay shut down all alcohol sales. Prices have also exploded with the increased popularity of bourbon. There’s even a site dedicated to the market value of bottles.
It’s time to announce the winner of the 2015 Bourbonr Whiskey Of The Year. One of the most honorable and prestigious awards in bourbon 🙂 While it may not actually be prestigious, it’s still important because you selected it. The drinker/reader, spending your money to try these limited releases. The 2015 voting included close to 2,000 votes!
There is way too much bourbon information out there to keep it all straight. I’ve put together a Distillery Summary chart to help you remember each distillery’s mash bills, char level and barrel entry proof. There will be several posts in the upcoming weeks about how each item affects the finished bourbon. Part two of Distillery Summary will be posted next week with the remaining major distilleries.
With only a few days remaining in 2015 it’s time to reflect on the year in bourbon. While price increases continue to be the norm we also lost some good whiskey: Four Roses discontinues their Single Barrel Limited Edition. Smooth Ambler announces a shortage of rye whiskey and subsequent freeze on their Old Scout Rye. Buffalo Trace continues to talk about shortages but also officially recognized the secondary as an issue.