Every big name in the spirits and cocktail industry comes down to the city I call home (okay, so I live 15 minutes away) to partake in a week-long event known as Tales of the Cocktail, a spirits & cocktail convention held yearly at the Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans. There are tastings, seminars, private events, networking and a whole lot more. Although all spirits are celebrated, Tales is a whiskey lover’s paradise. A lot of whiskey brands, major players and craft distillers alike, are represented. Besides tasting whiskey, the best part is meeting and talking to whiskey makers and/or brand ambassadors. There were definitely some whiskey-geek moments during my time there.
Bourbon
Last Minute Father’s Day Gift Ideas – 2015 Edition
Haven’t picked up a gift for the old man yet? With Father’s Day just a few days away, I thought I’d give some whiskey and whiskey-related gift recommendations, in no particular order. I’ve linked to a full review where available.
Whiskey
- Booker’s Bourbon Batch 2015-02 – Big bourbon flavors in this barrel-proof offering from Jim Beam. $55
- George Dickel No. 12 Tennessee Whisky – A no-nonsense whisky with caramel, vanilla and oak flavors. $30
- Forged Oak Bourbon – A limited release from Orphan Barrel, but still available, bourbon that’s big on oak. $65
- Alberta Rye Whisky Dark Batch – A little added sherry gives this Canadian rye whisky an interesting flavor profile. $30
- The Balvenie Caribbean Cask 14 Year Old Single Malt Scotch – A full review coming later. This is a great transition to Scotch for the bourbon drinker. The rum cask maturation really sweetens things up. $65
- Johnnie Walker Platinum Label – Full review coming in a few weeks. One of Johnnie Walker’s newest releases, this 18 year old expression turns up the fruit and adds a little smokiness. $99
- Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon – A robust 100 proof bourbon full of caramel, spice and fruit. Look out for a barrel proof version from your liquor store. $50
Whiskey-related
- Bourbon Empire by Reid Mitenbuler – A great read. Mitenbuler covers bourbon’s history, unraveling those tall tales we read about all the time. $19 at amazon.
- Glencairn Whisky Glass – There’s no better way to nose and appreciate whisky than drinking out of a Glencairn glass. It’s how I sample my whisky. glencairnwhiskyglass.com
- Tovolo Ice Sphere Mold – Looks cool in your glass, but more importantly the ice dilutes very slowly. tovolo.com
Jim Beam Black Bourbon Whiskey (Extra Aged) Review
Jim Beam Black is the first big step-up in quality from the original Jim Beam White Label. Originally labeled with an 8 year old age statement, JB Black now comes to us as “Extra Aged.” In a world where distillers are dropping age statements left and right, there’s some comfort in knowing the quality in this bottle is left largely intact. Having tasted JB Black 8 year before, I can say the flavor profile is very similar and the difference is probably unnoticeable to most. So, how does it taste?
Adventures In Whiskey 