Boys of Bourbon » Marcus

The Macallan 10 year-old

Marcus — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 22:09:16 +0000

Note to all Bourbon fanboys: it’s okay to indulge in other spirits from time to time. Especially when there are so many options to explore. I thought I would take a minute to introduce our first review of single malt Scotch. Same rules apply: have fun while dressing up your ice and let us know what you think. The Macallan Fine Oak 10 year-old was a great contrast to my regular Buffalo Trace. At only $30 you’ll probably find it at the lower end of your local supplier’s scotch price options. It loses little in taste, however, for being a bargain. With a nose any scotch lover could get excited about and a subtly sweet aftertaste, this is one to remember to keep on hand…just in case that bourbon needs to age a bit more. Being Macallan’s youngest, this is a good sign Macallan’s older generations are worth a future review. Check out Macallan’s own tasting notes on their website here.

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Buffalo Trace | Rating 89

Marcus — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 19:39:01 +0000

I know many of you readers agree with the Boys that good bourbon is best enjoyed with a good story. Most distilleries recognize this and present their whiskeys with a nostalgic label or grand tale. I’ve noticed the real story has to be in the taste. Buffalo Trace combines both of these in the right way. With a great aroma, nearly sugary taste even with water, and a smooth finish, I was highly appreciative of this gift bottle and toasted each glass to fellow connoisseur and gifter, Broseph. No wonder these guys (also responsible for Blanton’s and Weller’s) were named Distiller of the Year for the past three years by several industry publications. I give it a solid 89. But, Marc, what’s so good about that story? I was so distracted by this bourbon’s easy drinking, I didn’t have time to make one before it was gone. Check out a well spun yarn at buffalotrace.com under Adventurer’s Diaries or buy a bottle and send us one of your own.

Sam Houston | Rating 91

Marcus — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 13:37:05 +0000

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

Old Whiskey River | Rating 82

Marcus — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 13:29:57 +0000

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.

Dickle | Rating 85

Marcus — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 13:23:43 +0000

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

Bulleit Bourbon Frontier Whiskey | Rating 44

Marcus — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 13:02:20 +0000

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.