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Almost four years ago I created my first distillery mash bill breakdown for Buffalo Trace. There have been several changes since then. I decided it was time for an updated and expanded version. I’ve tried to focus on whiskeys that are distilled (at least once) at Buffalo Trace distillery. The Buffalo Trace/Sazerac/Age International/Barton brand(s) is an intricate web.
Come join me in Northern Kentucky at Taste of the Decades. As you can see below, the bottle selection is insane. Mix in great food, great bourbon and a great cause this event is well worth the money. Let me know if you can make it (or, are in the area). I’d love to set up some sort of informal Bourbonr meet up the night before the tasting. Tickets just went on sale today and are available here.
I know this post will receive some backlash. But, I’ve decided that’s not a good reason to forgo posting. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Batch “B” is the best release of 2017. That may be a little premature since fall is when 75% of LE’s hit the shelf. But, I think Batch B may remain at the top after bourbon season 2017. This isn’t a paid or sponsored review.
Updated: For 2017, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof has received a makeover. The release now comes in a new bottle and label. Good new is ECBP is still 12-years-old. With the new bottle, Heaven Hill has standardized the releases with batch numbers
The first letter of the batch number indicates which of that year’s releases the bottle was a part of starting with “A”, while the second digit is a number that determines the month of the year the bottle was released. The third and fourth digits indicate the year.
In April, Jim Beam revealed their new Jim Beam “Game 7 Batch.” The release commemorates the Chicago Cubs first World Series win since 1908. There were quite a few comments claiming that Beam was piggybacking their way to make a few bucks. Cubs fans
It was rumored that the 2017 Four Roses SMBLE would be replaced by the Al Young 50th Anniversary bottle. That appears to be only a rumor. Four Roses has announced their 2017 Small Batch Limited Edition.
A 15-year-old Bourbon from Four Roses’ OESK recipe, a 13-year-old OESK and a 12-year-old OESV were selected for this year’s Limited Edition Small Batch
It’s hard to find a distillery more picturesque than Maker’s Mark. They’ve also worked with a lot of artists to capture the beauty of Star Hill. I always thought blown glass was a strange addition to a distillery. That was until I saw it in person. I changed my mind and thought it was a cool addition. This new installment sounds impressive.
It’s hard to believe but I wrote this post almost three years ago. On one hand, the bourbon world has changed a lot. On the other hand, it’s funny how much hasn’t changed. I thought it would be fun to revisit and revise this post.
In September 2014, Whisky Advocate’s Jonny McCormick wrote an article titled “Whisky – As You Like it”. This article was his whisky adaption of William Shakespeare’s “As You Like It”. If you haven’t read McCormick’s “Whisky – As You Like it” (link has been taken down by WA) it’s well worth the time. Below is a quote from McCormick’s article.
Small Batch is a term ingrained in bourbon’s DNA. It’s a term I often glance over on the back of labels these days. Almost every brand has “Small Batch” on a label in their portfolio. It seems like every new release is “a handcrafted Small Batch” bourbon. But, what does it mean?
Come join me this weekend at the Orlando Whiskey Festival! This will be the second year I’ve gone to this festival and it really was a great event. Last year, I sampled William LaRue Weller, George T. Stagg, Whistle Pig Vermont, 2015 Four Roses Small Batch Limited Edition, Willett 11-year private barrel and Old Forester Birthday Bourbon just to name a few. I know the taste list will be even better this year. If you’re in the Central Florida area (or willing to travel) you won’t want to miss this.