Archive for October, 2007
Posted on October 23, 2007 - by Nic
Dead Guy Ale Growler
I was at Central Market today to restock my beer supply after a run on the Saint Arnold’s over the weekend. Luckily I ran into a very knowledgeable staffer who asked what I was looking for. I had been contemplating getting one of those German mini-kegs that are getting more and more popular. Luckily he steered me toward the special they had going for the Rogue Brew’s Dead Guy Ale. As you can see in the iphone picture, it comes in a cool half gallon growler. The beer is outstanding. It tastes like a cross between a bock and an ale with a little spiciness to it. $11 bucks for a half gallon is a great deal too. For a quick history of beer growlers check out the Beer Advocate.
Posted on October 22, 2007 - by Nic
Musicfest Sold Out
We had been talking about going to The MusicFest at Steamboat Colorado but once again waited too long to make travel arrangements. It is once again sold out early. Doh! For those lucky enough to have made travel arrangements it should be a great week of Texas music. This is where we heard the Doug Moreland Show for the first time, saw our favorite Cross Canadian Ragweed performance, and enjoyed watching the world’s worst skiers descend on a mountain for five days. nolvadex
Posted on October 22, 2007 - by Nic
Update
We are still in the process of updating the site. The main issues left are:
A.) Converting our author profile pages
B.) Finishing the design it self
C.) Fixing the contact page
D.) Separating the bourbon reviews from the American whiskey reviews
Should be all set within a week or so.
Posted on October 20, 2007 - by Nic
Spec’s Endorsement
People who live in Houston and Austin are very fortunate to have perhaps the best liquor and wine store in the world. There are a number of smaller Spec’s all over Texas, but Austin and Houston both have one huge location that is a wonderful marriage of liquor, wine, and upscale grocery store. While the selection is unmatched, what really sets Spec’s apart is the knowledge of the staff (others might argue it is all the free samples). Today I spent a little while talking to their bourbon guy. I do not know if he was drunk or not, but he offered a wealth of information on every bourbon, American whiskey, and Canadian. Interesting tidbit: he believes Sam Houston Bourbon is dollar for dollar the best bourbon on the market. I happen to agree.
Posted on October 20, 2007 - by Nic
Bart Crow Band
If you are into the “Texas Music” scene do yourself a favor and checkout the Bart Crow Band. Their sound is similar to Cross Canadian Ragweed or the Randy Rogers Band. Their first complete album, Finally, dropped in April. They seem to be pushing the Driftin’ In The Wind track, instead of the much better Wear My Ring or Walk On By (their is some seriously impressive guitar work on the latter).
Posted on October 18, 2007 - by Nic
New Reviews Coming
Several new reviews should be post soon, including a look at Woodford Reserve. We will also be splitting the whiskey reviews into their own category. karela
Posted on October 18, 2007 - by Matt
Knob Creek | Rating 90
Knob Creek…one good whiskey. I had it with water and I must say that it is better served straight on the rocks. The water masked the full flavor of the whiskey and it tasted flat. Knob is a smooth enough whiskey not to have to mix it with anything to take off the edge.
This brings me to a important factor in drinking whiskey: the mix. It is
crucial that you have an experienced and knowledgeable bartender to mix a fine whiskey with anything. If the mixture is correct the full flavor will brought out in the drink. On the other hand, if you have a bartender who commonly mixes other drinks with the sole purpose of seeing how much liquor can be added to a mixture, the whiskey will turn out all wrong and the experience of a good high end whiskey will have been ruined due to the inexperience of the bartender.
I believe that was a major part of the problem with my Knob and water yesterday evening. Even with the wrong mixtures, Knob is still a very fine whiskey and I would recommend it to anyone looking to expand there whiskey experiences beyond the Jim, Jack and SoCo standards. It is a step up in quality so be prepared to take a step up in price both in the bar and at the store. The extra coin is well worth it in my opinion. On this particular evening I was enjoying a Knob and water when the atmosphere was suddenly picked up by a couple of older gentlemen who came driving up to the bar; one was driving a completely refurbished 1962 Corvette and the other a restored 1957 Studebaker Golden Hawk with a rebuilt engine that would make the old Chevy 454 cry like a baby. If the Knob and water wasn’t enough, the addition of two classic automobiles to the scene at the bar was enough to make the evening a success in my book. Its not everyday that you get to enjoy a fine whiskey while checking out two classic cars. Turns out the two older gentlemen were also quite the comedians and kept the bar going for quite some time with their material. I feel obligated to share one of the jokes with you at this time.
Older Gentleman #1: Have you ever heard of a carnival woman?
Older Gentleman #2: No, what is that. *As he wipes off his face* The kind of woman who sits on your face so you can guess her weight.
While the Knob and water was not the best I had ever had, the rest of the
evening made up for it and all is well that goes down as smooth. It if is whiskey too, all the better. I give Knob Creek a 90 on a 100 point scale. It is a must have in my regular rotation.
FYI: 100 Proof
Posted on October 18, 2007 - by Marcus
Sam Houston | Rating 91
Coincidence brought me face to face with this very small batch bourbon. Soon after moving to Houston, I stumbled upon a bottle of bourbon named after the the city’s namesake. The distiller also bottles Jefferson’s Reserve and carries a handwritten label. Good start, and an even better finish. Although 90 proof, the initial nose is not overpowering. A dash of water brings out an excellent palate – sweet, but not sugary or fruity – the sweetness only found when aged by an expert. The finish only accents those flavors and leaves you wanting more. Being hand crafted, I highly doubt you will come across a bottle belonging to the same batch. However, I would bet the attention each bottle receives will reward you as well as it did me. I intend to find out soon for myself. Treat yourself and I’m sure you’ll agree, Sam Houston should always be stocked in your private collection. Price: $25 Rating: clariti91
Posted on October 18, 2007 - by Matt
Phillips Union | Rating 40
It states on the bottle that its a blend of Canadian whiskey and Kentucky bourbon. That’s the biggest load of fickle matter I’ve ever heard. They should have labeled it a woman’s whiskey that captures the perfect blend of Malibu rum and (insert a flavored vodka here). It was like I was drinking a white Russian all night long. Needless to say I was very disappointed in it. It does however go very well with coke as it has a very vanilla/hazelnut taste to it. It goes down very smooth. A good selection if you are wanting to break-in the old lady on the art of whiskey drinking, but never would I be caught dead with a bottle of this in my hands around the boys. Not a huge dent in the pocket book as it only cost $18. Like I said its a woman’s whiskey. I like women and whiskey all the same but never at the same time, only one after the other.
Like I said its a woman’s whiskey. I like women and whiskey all the same but never at the same time, only one after the other.
Preferably the whiskey then the woman because then you would be getting lucky at the end of the night, but I’m sure we’ve all been there where a fifth of whiskey was needed to remove any memory of the woman that came before the bottle or had a figure that looked like the bottle.
Rating: I give Phillips Union whiskey a 40 on a scale of 100. Its in that category of “Only drink it if its free or if it will get you laid, anytime else is just not worth it.”
Posted on October 18, 2007 - by Jason
Basil Hayden’s | Rating 90
This spicy bourbon with a hint of honey flavor and the right amount of oak is my new favorite 80 proof of all. BH is perfectly distilled and aged to drink with a little ice, no water needed. The first glass finishes as smooth as the tenth glass with little to no bite and a smooth after taste. The bottle will look as nice as any other bourbon on your shelf, if you need the look to go with your taste. This bourbon doesn’t get the bar calls it deserves. From now on when Maker’s, Knob, and BH are on the shelf, Basil Hayden’s is my choice every time.
Age: 8 years
Proof: 80
Price: gift, ?
Rating: Excellent (i.e. 90)
Posted on October 18, 2007 - by Marcus
Old Whiskey River | Rating 82
Old Whiskey River presents a lot of expectation. When someone names a bourbon after the song Willie Nelson has played twice every day for 50 years, you can’t help but root for the damn drink to blow your doors off. Upping the ante is the fact that this bourbon has been distilled in Nelson County for eight generations. And it comes with a guitar pick (don’t try to actually use it) with Willie’s signature on it. What is not to like, right? Well, as much as this pains me, I cannot put this at the top of my favorites. I’ll tell you why, friends: 1) first smell heavy oak, which is a good sign; 2) first sip – excellent flavor with a hint of vanilla, not sweet; 3) aftertaste – surprisingly bitter, and not in a good way. Everything about this bourbon is great going down, but the moment when you should be enjoying your recent purchase, you get a shocker. After several tasting sessions, I must settle at a solid rating of 82, mainly for presentation and reverence to the master musician. I may purchase another bottle to try and redeem my hero, but not in the near future. If you find the correct ratio of water (or other mixer) to whiskey, please reply (but remember, the perfect bourbon stands by itself). I leave you with a taster’s quote: “A little citrus. Maybe some strawberry. Mmm. Passion fruit, mmm, and, oh, there’s just like the faintest hint of like, uh, asparagus, and, there’s a, just a flutter of, like a, like a nutty Edam cheese.” (Sideways, 2004). Keep Tasting.
Posted on October 18, 2007 - by Eric
Old Grand Dad | Rating 75
Old Grand-dad bourbon is one that will make your eyes bulge out and you’ll exclaim “POHHEE!! “ My first taste, as in all my reviews, was made with a healthy portion of Old Grand-dad straight over ice. Now I love bourbon, you can’t stop me loving bourbon, but this one made me pucker up like I just swallowed a lime. It is not sour like a lime, but it provides a shock to the system. At 114 proof, its no wonder it packs quite the punch. There should be a warning label on the front that says, “Old Grand-dad should not be enjoyed near any open flames.” But let’s move past the fact that this jet fuel of a bourbon is hard to drink straight up on the rocks. After a few sips straight up, I cut the distilled pleasure with a splash of water. Wow, what a difference! Old Grand-dad comes alive with full flavors of smoke and caramel. Caramel, yep, that’s what I said. I sat and enjoyed a few glasses of the water cut bourbon while in the biggest little town in the Texas panhandle with two other bourbon connoisseurs. With friends or sitting in a blizzard by yourself, this is a good bourbon–just drink cautiously.
Price: $23/750mL
Rating:75
Posted on October 18, 2007 - by Marcus
Dickle | Rating 85
At first you may just giggle at the name. After pouring a glass you may change your tune. This 90 proof Tennessee medal winner with the funny name has a serious taste. A connoisseur will appreciate the initial heavy oak and earthy flavors. I found something missing, however, and tried the next glass as a Manhattan. As all bourbon lovers should know, some whiskeys are better enjoyed with a little help. Some just need a splash of water, others play better with stronger pairings. Two parts Dickel, one part sweet vermouth, and a splash of bitters. The marriage was one I recommend for those bourbons that need a little help. But you’ll find the cocktail better when using a quality base like Dickel.
Price: $20
Rating: 85
Posted on October 18, 2007 - by Eric
Old Montana | Rating 40
You have to ask yourself a question when you prepare to drink Old Montana. What comes to mind when I think of Montana? Images of the wild west filled with tough mountain men clad in leather and fur and miners with copper flakes under their fingernails. (more…)
Posted on October 18, 2007 - by Jason
Corner Creek | Rating 74.5
After I dusted the bottle, twisted the cork and splashed, nice and neat, my first glass of this never seen before brown beauty into my glass, I gave her a sniff and then thought “I just wasted approximately 250 pesos.” My first taste matched my first sniff. I stepped back and thought, this cannot be right. So I considered the fact that I had been on call for a week, which means no drinking, and took a look at the back of the bottle. The words “lightly filtered” for a “complex flavor” appear on their wine bottle Esq label. So I do, what so many consider sacrilegious, and give her a splash of bottled Texas spring water. There ya have it, the flavor goes from chewing on a Oak tree root to a very “complex” bourbon. Shortly there after I find myself 4 glasses in and smiling, thanks to this strong tasting oak juice with an almost spicy/cinnamon after taste. A little more edge to the flavor than my palate prefers, but for $24.97 a steal every time. If you can’t get enough oak aging, this is for you. Dedicated to “Marvin and Sydney”, I would have to say I would be dedicated to kicking Marvin’s ass and giving Sydney (no matter what she looks like) the ol’ Whiskey D after half a bottle of unique brown stuff. Give it a try.
Price: Tag: 32.99, Paid: 24.97 (must of been on sale) for 750ml
Alcohol Content: 88 proof
Rating: 74.5
Posted on October 18, 2007 - by Eric
1792 Ridgewood Reserve | Rating 80
Brought to you by the Barton distilling company in Kentucky, 1792 Ridgewood Reserve is one whiskey that state should be proud of. There are two reasons people drink whiskey: 1) They love the taste and enjoy the explosion of flavor on their tongue with every sip. 2) They just want to get drunk so they think they are a whole lot cooler than they are when they are sober. If you don’t like the taste of whiskey and you just want to get bombed, buy a bottle of whiskey that comes in a plastic bottle with a screw top lid (See my fellow bourbon boy, Marc’s, reviews). However, if you do enjoy the taste of a good whiskey, try 1792 out. As I am more of a purist when it comes to whiskey, I always give the distilled liquid a chance by itself on the rocks. I was not disappointed as I poured a healthy portion of this whiskey on top of 3 chunks of ice and started sipping. This Kentucky whiskey is so velvety if it were socially acceptable I would drape myself in it. A seriously smooth flavor, you’ll be surprised as you are starting to pour your third glass and tell yourself, “Self, watch it or you are going to finish off the liter tonight.”
I did try a splash of water with a glass, but I would not recommend it. Sometimes a splash of water can bring out flavor, but I felt like it just diluted the taste of this one. If anything, just letting your ice melt a bit should soften it up enough for you. It comes in a pretty basic bottle with a neat tag on the back that tells you how long it was aged (this whiskey is aged 8 years) and who inspected it before it was put in the bottle. Not that it really matter if someone actually inspected it, but its nice to think there is a little bit of a personal touch that goes into each bottle. I guess that “personal touch” as well as the wonderful flavor make this whiskey a little pricey. It runs about $60 per liter.
I would normally encourage people to indulge in as much good whiskey as they want, such as polishing off a bottle in an evening. However, we are the boys of bourbon not the men of fancy whiskey who wipe their butts with Benjamin Franklins. Therefore, at $60 a bottle, I recommend sipping on a few glasses nice and slow and enjoy the flavor. After a few glasses, you can switch over to the “rotgut” brands and you probably won’t be able to tell the difference. By that time you’ll be telling girls that you are a producer and if they let you touch them on the thigh, you’ll make them a star. Point is, enjoy 1792 down to the last drop.
On a scale from one to ten, I will give it an 8. It gets points for its smoothness and general good taste, but it damn sure better be good for that much money. Bottoms up!
Proof: 93.7
Posted on October 18, 2007 - by Marcus
Bulleit Bourbon Frontier Whiskey | Rating 44
Since I had never heard of it and the bottle looks like something right out of the 19th century, I had to try it. Apparently invented by Augustus Bulleit, so it’s got that going for it, which is nice. However, it seems this particular brand has been around only since 1987. And I think the proof is in the taste. I know I don’t have to qualify this every time, but it doesn’t taste “bad.” It just has a distinct hint of dust or something…perhaps what frontier bourbon might have actually tasted like. At $20 I have to give this one a thumbs down for taste, but a thumbs up for authenticity. Of course, that is only one man’s opinion. This whiskey won the gold medal at the 2004 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, so it obviously tickles the palate for some people (i.e. whiny commenters). Maybe worth a shot for you, pun intended. Thank you thank you I will be here all week. I will still savor every last drop until the next bottle finds its way into my liquor cabinet.
FYI: 90 Proof. Just like on the frontier.
Update: In response to numerous comments, I have a removed an editing error that referred to “gays” (which had nothing to do with sexual preference, but that’s for a whole different post) and replaced it with a better example. I suggest you collect your hurt feelings and try not to take life so seriously. Your bourbon will taste better, even this shitty one, and you may wake up tomorrow and find a reason to contribute to this world instead of bitching about why it’s so unfair to you. Thank you, commenters who don’t suck (figuratively speaking, to be clear). Cheers.
Posted on October 18, 2007 - by Matt
Jack Daniel’s No. 7 | Rating 82
I’ll admit up front that I am partial to the Jack Daniel’s line of whiskeys, especially the black label. It was the whiskey that I cut my whiskey drinking teeth on. I love the fact that it is somewhere in the middle of the road as far as not being too sweet and not being too dry for my taste. It can be mixed with jut about anything and it still tastes good. Plus it drinks really well by itself. Its my utility infield if you will. It can adapt to just about any situation–on the rocks, or with water in a formal setting, or mixed with coke or sweet and sour mix at a backyard BBQ. not many other whiskeys can do that.
The Taste: As mentioned earlier its a middle of the spectrum taste wit ha slight lean towards the dry side. It doesn’t have the sting that other whiskeys have which I like.
The Bottle: What can you say, it might be the most recognizable liquor bottle ever. The No. 7 label is like none other. Or should I say the others are nothing like the old No. 7. Its an American icon. Enough said. The Price: Its in a good price range. $30-$40 at the store and a reasonable price at the bar. Not too cheap that its a regular on the 25 cent night circuit and not too expensive that it blows the budget with a couple of rounds.
The Hangover: Its a high enough end whiskey that the hangovers are usually mild. When dealing with a dark liquor its key in the hangover department to find something that’s not going to beat you to death the next morning. I’ve drank the better part of a 750 ml in a relatively short time period and woke up the next morning feeling like one million dollars.
Overall: I give Jack Daniel’s Black Label two thumbs up. The taste is good, it has a coolness factor like no other whiskey and its a quality affordable selection that doesn’t stay with you the next morning. Its one of my favorites.
Posted on October 18, 2007 - by Nic
Evan Williams Single Barrel 1994/Green Label | Ratings 35/71
To steal a line from Doug Moreland, when trying to answer the question “What did you think of the ‘only vintage bourbon’ being made?” I have to say “well let me see, let me think…” Here’s the thing: this is not a bad bourbon. In fact it is pretty good. But for all of the fuss they make about it being a vintage bourbon, you would think it would sing a song and dance with you.
Packaging: This is part of the problem. Don’t create a bunch of fancy packaging unless you are going to blow my doors off. For example, Louis XIII comes in a crystal bottle, and a fancy box. Why? Because it is will pin your fucking ears back with a serious alcohol experience. Evan Williams Single Barrel comes in a special box, is marketed by the year it was made like it was a special bottle of Opus One, and at the end of the day it it pretty good but not any better than Evan Williams’ $8 green label. That is not really a complaint about the Single Barrel as much as it is a compliment to the quality and value of the Green Label.
Taste: Since both bottles taste the same I have combined the reviews into one. These are both on the sweet side. Not nearly the quality of a quality small batch bourbon. You can taste the tannins so to speak. Neither one of these is going to inspire a note to the master distiller telling him how impressive he was. But at the end of the day, this is a good quality sipping whiskey. Faint hints of oak. To me this is every bit as good as the Jack Daniel’s it is trying so hard to emulate. Jack makes much better small batch bourbons than Evan Williams, but the Evan Williams is hands down better for the value than the No. 7 sour mash.
One note to add, make sure you mix this thing with plenty of water or coke or whatever you prefer. The day I was moving out of my house, after watching a Spurs playoff game, a buddy and I arrived back at my empty place. Poured giant glasses of this stuff, took about 3 sips, and promptly passed out. However, when I woke up, I distinctly recall thinking “man I should have put more water in that thing.” Luckily I had not spilled the drink during my sleep and was able to have it for breakfast.
Final Rating: Since I have to take price in to consideration the Evan Williams Green Label get a 71 since it only cost about $8 and the Single Barrel which cost about $25 gets a 35.
Posted on October 18, 2007 - by Jason
Baker’s | Rating 90
From the Jim Beam family, their number 2 in the line, 2nd to Booker’s. Great flavor, the oak aging is very noticeable when it hits your lips. The alcohol content is obvious when taken straight up. With a splash of water the flavors are easier to distinguish. If you are a straight up flask drinker used to a typical 80 proof don’t waster your money, but if you want to try something between Maker’s/Knob and Booker’s, don’t hesitate to give it a try. Recommended with some bottled water. My only negative is when I went to pull out my cork, it broke and I was not able to drive 60 miles back to the store where I bought it. Luckily the bottle was not compromised, as the bottom half of the cork maintained a good seal.
Alcohol Content: 107
Price: about $40
