Category: Bourbon whiskey Page 2 of 7

Last week, while binge-watching NCIS New Orleans Season 3, a bottle of whiskey caught my eye. Pride and Gregorio were sharing a whiskey from a very distinctive bottle. As I scrutinized the screen, I realized it was none other than Blanton’s Gold edition bourbon whiskey—a bottle I had in my own collection. I knew I had to join the NCIS team and savour it.

Blanton’s Gold edition bourbon boasts the iconic Blanton’s bottle shape – short, round, and crowned with a unique stopper. This particular release, Blanton’s Gold, is a rare gem in the bourbon world, bottled at an impressive 51.5% ABV.

The origins of Blanton’s bourbon trace back to 1984, when it was introduced as a single barrel bourbon. This spirit is created at the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, and owned by the Sazerac Company.

In the world of whiskey, a single-barrel bourbon like Blanton’s is distinctive because each batch originates from the contents of a single barrel, never blended with other barrels.

Now, what sets the Blanton’s bottle truly apart, besides its elegant stature, are the eight different stopper designs. These ornate stoppers each feature a figurine of a racehorse and jockey, capturing various scenes of a horse race, from the starting gate to the thrilling finish line. Will I be collecting more stoppers, or will this solitary horse stand alone in my collection?

Blanton’s Gold Edition bourbon whiskey undergoes aging for a commendable 6 to 8 years. The mashbill has a higher rye percentage, and each bottle is meticulously hand-filled, sealed, labelled, and individually numbered.

Also Read: Pairing Snickers and Bourbon

Blanton’s Gold Edition Bourbon Whiskey

COUNTRY: USA

ABV: 51.5%

COLOUR: Dark amber

NOSE: Prepare for an aromatic journey with robust oak, warming rye, condensed milk, subtle hints of sun-dried oranges, and the inviting embrace of vanilla. The nose alone is a testament to the excellence of this bourbon.

PALATE: While there’s a hint of alcohol burn initially, give it some time to breathe. The palate is an symphony of flavours featuring toasted oak, fudge, notes of cinnamon, chocolate-covered oranges, a touch of Sichuan pepper, whispers of cherries, honey, and the soothing essence of vanilla.

It’s big, beautiful, and complex. If you choose to add water, proceed cautiously, as only a few drops are needed to unlock further intricacies while taming the alcohol intensity.

FINISH: The bourbon’s grandeur extends to its long-lasting finish, filled with the delightful aftertaste of fudge, cinnamon, a pinch of pepper, and subtle hints of orange peel.

RATING: DIVINE

Blanton’s Gold Edition is a bourbon whiskey that left me and John in awe. We’ve savoured many outstanding bourbon whiskeys, including the beloved Maker’s 46 and Woodford Reserve Double Oaked bourbon, but none have earned the “divine” label until now.

The Gold Edition bourbon is more than just a whiskey; it’s a special occasion dram. Its sophistication and complexity command your full attention, making it a treasure worth savouring. In fact, it almost made us cancel our dinner plans, as it enticed us to spend the evening getting better acquainted with its exceptional character.

Also Read: Four Roses Single Barrel bourbon

Jim Beam Double Oak Bourbon Whiskey

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 10/30/2017

In Bourbon whiskey

A couple of months ago, I fell in love with a bourbon filled to the brim with flavours of malva pudding and dark, sweet cherries. The Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon promised and delivered a delectable taste experience. At the same time, I also found the Jim Beam Double Oak bourbon whiskey in the shop and just had to try this, too.

The Jim Beam Double Oak bourbon whiskey is considerably more affordable than the Woodford Reserve variety. Making it an intriguing alternative to the Double Oaked bourbon. You can read all about the history and background of Jim Beam in some of the other blog posts.

The Double Oak bourbon starts as the classic Jim Beam White, ageing for four years in freshly charred, new American oak barrels as required. However, what sets it apart is its unique double-barreling process.

After the initial ageing period, the liquid is transferred to new, charred American oak barrels for a second round of ageing. This extra time in new charred barrels allows the bourbon to develop a deeper level of spiced oakiness and caramel, creating a distinct flavour profile.

Similar to the Woodford Reserve Double Oak and Maker’s 46 bourbon, Jim Beam Double Oak’s double-barreling process imparts a unique character to the spirit. It’s not just about the process but also the presentation.

Jim Beam Double Oak is released in the Beam premium packaging, featuring embossed glass and textured labelling. Some bottles even come with a branded glass, adding an extra touch to the experience. At around R 300, this bourbon offers an affordable yet premium option for bourbon enthusiasts.

The Jim Beam brand is part of the Beam Suntory stable and retail for around R 300.

Also Read: Slaughter House Whiskey

Jim Beam Double Oak Bourbon Whiskey Review

COUNTRY: USA

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: Deep golden copper

NOSE: Oak, vanilla bits of toffee sweetness, cinnamon. Not a very complex nose.

PALATE: Peppery oak, vanilla, brown sugar, toasted bread, hints of cherries and dry wood. Adding water softens the spiciness a bit, but does not bring the sweeter notes forward.

FINISH: The finish is overwhelmingly spicy and dry, leaving a lasting impression.

RATING: VERY GOOD

This bottle is a must-try if you’re a fan of bold, spicy bourbon. However, if you prefer something softer and sweeter, in that case, this bourbon might not be your best pick. The intense oak and spiciness from the extra maturation can overwhelm those seeking a milder taste.

Suppose you’re willing to splurge a bit more. In that case, the Woodford Reserve Double Oaked offers a delightful balance between soft sweetness and spicy oak, making it a superior choice for those looking for a more well-rounded bourbon experience.

For those curious about other offerings from Jim Beam, I’ve also explored the Devil’s Cut and the Jim Beam White Label bourbons in previous posts. Moreover, I’ve compared the Woodford Reserve Double Oaked and Jim Beam Double Oak side-by-side to uncover the nuances that set these two remarkable releases apart.

Whether you’re a bourbon connoisseur or just starting your bourbon journey, a world of flavour is waiting to be explored with these exceptional choices.

Also Read: Wild Turkey Rare Breed Bourbon

Maker’s Mark 46 Bourbon Whiskey

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 09/25/2017

In Bourbon whiskey

If you’re a bourbon whiskey enthusiast, you’ve undoubtedly come across the iconic Maker’s Mark bottles, sealed with their striking blood-red wax tops. The golden liquid inside is as exceptional as the recognizable red wax seal.

My husband, John, and I are no strangers to the pleasures of Maker’s Mark. It graces our shelves quite often, but recently, our eyes have been on the highly anticipated Maker’s Mark 46 bourbon whiskey.

During one of John’s frequent travels, he managed to secure a bottle of this whiskey. And, to our delight, we’ve learned that Maker’s Mark 46 will soon be available in South Africa, making it easier to replace our beloved bottle when the time comes.
Now, the burning question is, what sets the “standard” Maker’s Mark bourbon apart from the Maker’s 46 bourbon? According to the website, Maker’s 46 is the first new addition to their lineup since the 1950s, designed to introduce a spicier dimension to their classic release.

The process behind Maker’s 46 whiskey starts with their standard Maker’s Mark bourbon. They insert heavily seared French oak staves into freshly emptied Maker’s Mark barrels, which are then refilled and returned to the ageing warehouses.

The “46” designation represents the culmination of countless experiments, with experiment No. 46 ultimately achieving the desired flavour profile.

Maker’s Mark is unique because it doesn’t include rye in its mash bill. Instead, it relies on red winter wheat (16%), corn (70%), and malted barley (14%).

Also Read: Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon

Maker’s Mark 46 Bourbon Whiskey Review

The Maker’s Mark 46 bourbon whiskey is aged longer than the standard Maker’s Mark, so the wood has a longer time to impact on the bourbon.

COUNTRY: USA

ABV: 47%

COLOUR: Dark polished copper with red notes.

NOSE: The nose boasts a rich and sweet bouquet with notes of plump maraschino cherries, oak, vanilla, caramel, hints of honey, and buttery cinnamon toast.

PALATE: Rich and creamy. There are notes of oak, vanilla cinnamon, all perfectly balanced. The Maker’s Mark 46 has a big mouthfeel. It is smooth like creamed honey. After the second sip butter toffee, toast and hints of pepper show up. While water can mellow the heat, sipped neat’s just as delightful.

FINISH: The finish is long and lingering, concluding with notes of caramel, pepper, and vanilla.

RATING: EXCELLENT

Maker’s Mark 46 is a bolder and spicier alternative to the traditional Maker’s Mark bourbon whiskey, featuring an oilier mouthfeel and a delightful complexity. It’s an easy-drinking and delicious bourbon.

Our bottle is rapidly depleting and is unlikely to last through September, making it a fitting tribute to Bourbon Heritage Month. We eagerly await October to restock this bottle.

For those looking to experiment, the Maker’s Mark website offers an array of amazing recipes, such as the Mint Julep Lamb Chops.

In another blog post, I conducted a side-by-side comparison between Maker’s 46 and standard Maker’s Mark, revealing which one earned my preference.

With its distinct character and unique production process, this bourbon is a must-try for any bourbon connoisseur.

Also Read: Maker’s Mark vs Buffalo Trace Bourbon

Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon Whiskey

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 08/21/2017

In Bourbon whiskey

Earlier this year, I was privileged to attend an event featuring Jack Daniel’s and Woodford Reserve. That’s when I had my first taste of the Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Kentucky Straight bourbon whiskey.

The moment I tasted the creamy toasted flavours, it instantly brought to mind the comforting embrace of Malva pudding. It was a match made in heaven, and I promptly bought the Double Oaked into my ever-growing spirits collection.

The delectable Malva pudding is a beloved sweet dessert originating from the Cape Malay tradition in South Africa. This dessert is a South African favourite with its luscious apricot jam and spongy caramelised texture. It is often served piping hot alongside custard or ice cream. Some even elevate it with a touch of liquor or brandy, making it a perfect winter treat.

I’ve always enjoyed Woodford Reserve bourbon, both the whiskey and the brand itself. It’s one of those bourbons that pairs wonderfully with pizza and effortlessly elevates classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned.

But what sets the Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Kentucky Straight bourbon whiskey apart from the standard Woodford Reserve bourbon?

This unique expression begins its journey just like the classic Woodford Reserve. After its initial ageing, it’s further matured in fresh oak barrels that have been generously toasted and lightly charred.

This process imparts an additional layer of sweet oaken character to the bourbon while enhancing the notes of fruit, vanilla, and caramel. It’s the first new Woodford Reserve expression to emerge in over 15 years.

Also Read: Blanton’s Gold Edition Bourbon

Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon Whiskey Review

COUNTRY: USA

ABV: 43.2%

COLOUR: Golden mahogany

NOSE: As you raise the glass, you’re greeted by the aromas of Malva pudding, apricot jam, cream, dark cherries, candied fruits, caramel, honey, and subtle hints of cinnamon.

PALATE: On the palate, there is honey, toasted oak, and a delightful interplay of fruity spices. Vanilla and caramel notes dance alongside hints of dark chocolate cherries. It’s a rich and smooth experience, and a few drops of water enhance the sweetness even further.

FINISH: The Double Oaked bourbon offers a medium-length finish, leaving behind a creamy embrace of cinnamon and honey that lingers on the palate.

RATING: EXCELLENT

The Woodford Reserve Double Oaked bourbon whiskey epitomises an unpretentious, comforting. It’s remarkably smooth, and has a warming, delicious finish. There’s a delightful richness to the palate that’s thoroughly enjoyable, striking an elegant balance between sweetness and spice.

It’s time to whip up some Malva pudding and pair it with the Double Oaked. I couldn’t resist comparing it with the Jim Beam Double Oak to truly appreciate this Woodford Reserve release’s subtle nuances and distinctiveness. in my opinion, there is a definate winner between these two releases.

Also Read: Maker’s 46 Bourbon

Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Select Whiskey

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 05/22/2017

In Bourbon whiskey

During March this year, I got to meet Cam Dawson at a Jack Daniel’s function and taste a few exciting Jack Daniel’s releases. It was a great function that introduces a few whisky friends to more of how Jack Daniel’s is made.