I read an article recently about making a good Old Fashioned.  It stated plainly that rye whiskey works best, that very little sugar (simple syrup) be used and that you go heavy on the bitters.  I thought I would test this assertion and tried an old fashioned made with rye whiskey and it was actually very good.  The article recommended using George Dickel Rye, which has a mash bill of 95% rye, – very high in comparison to other rye whiskeys.  So, I got a bottle of the George Dickel and oh my goodness talk about a perfect Old Fashioned.  I won’t be using anything else for my Old Fashioneds here on out.  If you like an Old Fashioned, give one made with George Dickel Rye a try.  You won’t be disappointed.

High West is craft distillery in Park City, Utah and they put out some damn good whiskey.  I was able to try the both the Rendezvous Rye and the Campfire yesterday.  The Rendezvous is delicious.  Nice caramelly nose and smooth pleasant flavor profile.  Very drinkable.

The Campfire is a more classic offering and is infused with smoke.  It has smoky nose like a nice peaty scotch and it definitely has nice scotch flavors as well.  Smokey and good.

I recommend both of these High West offerings.  I rate the Rendezvous at 84 and the Campfire at 83.

Bob

I tried Four Roses Small Batch a couple of years ago and remember not being too impressed.  Recently I thought I would give it another shot.

The nose is deceptive and does not foretell its taste.  The smell is of clear alcohol, almost like vodka with a just a hint of brown sugar.  It has wet mouth feel, not dry.  Flavors of white pepper and brown sugar come through.  It has some heat on mid-tongue but not harsh (90 proof).  It has a sweet finish.  Not spectacular, but not as bad as I remember.  I rate it at 78.  If you are looking for an easy drinking dram, give it a whirl.

Check out the link to a great article about the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, which includes George T. Stagg (my all time favorite bourbon)

https://blog.distiller.com/buffalo-trace-antique-collection-2017/

I came across this article that speaks to the virtues of simplicity, especially when it comes to mixed drinks.  The article includes recipes for 7 three ingredient mixed drinks.  I am looking forward to trying each of these as I am finding myself that the simpler the drink, the more enjoyable it can be.   Check it out and give some of these a whirl.

http://www.insidehook.com/thats-the-spirit-three-ingredient-cocktails?eid=8582ab0e4438e42639034f4b54fcc6f3&utm_source=InsideHook&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=nation&utm_content=food_drink

Bob

UPDATE JULY 27 – You will recall that a friend recommended that I pick up the Elijah Craig Small Batch limited release and I went out and found some, but was not able to try and rate them yet.

I have now had the chance to try it and WOW it is good stuff.  Smells of dried stone fruits (apricots), and has just the right amount of sweet almost caramelly character to it.  Its finish is long last (dry) yet very enjoyable with the perfect amount of bite.  Go and get some of this.  In this price range – it cannot be beat.  I rate this at a very high 90.

Thanks for the recommendation Thosing Jo.

Bob

During a recent visit to Boise, Idaho, I had the pleasure of stopping into the Whiskey Bar (whiskeybarboise.com).  They had the Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection Organic 6 Grain Release available.  I had to give it a go.

It was staggeringly good.  Heavy almost musty nose to it.  It was smooth with complex flavors, herbal notes, and a minerally earthiness to it.  It had slight sweetness to it, but noticeably lacked a caramel or vanilla type finish, which is different from most bourbon, but not bad.  I really like this but it is a small limited release, so the taste I had will probably be the first and last one. I rate this pretty high – 92.

So today I was at Walmart and saw a bottle of Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye on a clearance rack.  I could not believe it.  It was marked down significantly, so I bought it and was pleasantly surprised.

This stuff is light in color and so smooth.  Not particularly full-bodied, but has great herbal and spicy notes to it.  I really enjoy this.  I rate it 88.  Go out and get some – a great change of pace.

Bob

Great article on local distilleries in various states – I need to start trying some of these for sure.

http://www.esquire.com/food-drink/drinks/a54739/best-whiskey-distilleries-in-america/

As many of you know, George T. Stagg is my all time favorite bourbon, but it is hard to find and very expensive.  Then there is Stagg, Jr.  I tried some the other day and I was surprised at how good it is at its price range.

It has many characteristics of George T. but muted.  It is barrel proof and hot, 134 proof. Its nose is full of caramel and dried fruits, but you can definitely smell the heat.  It has a hot start but finishes with complex notes similar to George T., but just not a pronounced. You can taste dried dates, burnt marshmellow and cinnamon.  This is good stuff and great for the price range.  Tamp its heat down with a splash of water and enjoy.  I rate it 90.

Bob