Category: Bourbon whiskey Page 4 of 7

Slate Blended Bourbon Whiskey

On 09/05/2016

To kick of Bourbon Heritage month, I try a Slate blended bourbon whiskey. This one is a budget bourbon again. And after my last two budget bourbon experiments, I attempt this one with some level of trepidation.

I tried both the Heaven Hill Old Style and the Evan Williams Kentucky Bourbon and needless to say, they will be part of our collection for a long time to come. Finishing the bottles will be difficult unless I start making bourbon-based cocktails in bulk.

I found the Slate bourbon in one of the smaller bottle stores that I visit. The amount of information on this brand, distillery, age and origin is so limited that I needed to scroll to the 4^th page on Google before finding anything worthwhile; let’s just say, I have a few antacid ready next to my tasting glass, just for in case.

But before I get to the tasting, here is a bit of the info that I found on Slate blended bourbon. According to the marketing spiel:

“… Slate is known as one of the smoothest bourbons on the market. Silky, smoky and sweet it is great neat over ice or if you would rather, mixed with cola.”

My research indicated that Slate blended bourbon is a Diageo new style product launched in Australia (and South Africa) to test the market before launching globally.

Slate Blended bourbon is blended in Chicago from various bourbons to create a smoother mouthfeel. There is also a Slate ’20 version, which is a ‘ready to drink’ alcopop blend of Slate bourbon, lime and ginger. (Only available in the UK as far as I can see)

Slate ‘20 takes its name from the blended bourbon used in the recipe, which is sourced from the Four Roses distillery in the US. The ’20 refers to 1920 when bourbon was first distilled in Chicago.

In SA, the Slate blended bourbon retails for around R200 ($14). After all of that, let’s try this blended bourbon and see.

Also Read: Bourbon Coffee

Slate Blended Bourbon Whiskey Review

COUNTRY: USA

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: A dark golden colour.

NOSE: Subtle with cereal and caramel, oak and vanilla notes.

PALATE: Smooth, spicy vanilla, honey sweetness and oak. Medium body bourbon that is not very complex. Easy drinking. Adding water enhances the sweetness and it becomes almost too sweet.

FINISH: Medium length finish which ends in sweet caramel notes.

RATING: VERY GOOD

It does not give me heartburn, and it is undoubtedly better than the Heaven Hill Old Style and the Evan Williams bourbon. Having said that, it will not win any major prizes. It is supposed to taste like “real old Chicago bourbon”… I am not sure if there is anyone who still knows what “Real Old Chicago bourbon” tasted like, so I take their word for it.

Has anyone tried this bourbon before?

Also Read: Koval Bourbon Single Barrel

Gentleman Jack Tennessee Whiskey

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 07/25/2016

In Bourbon whiskey

I got this bottle of Jack Daniel’s Gentleman Jack Rare Tennessee whiskey as a gift about a year ago, and it is certainly time that I open and try it. I had tasted the Jack Daniel’s Old No 7 before and gave it a Very Good rating. Certainly not my favourite dram, but it will do in a pinch (perhaps a very tight pinch, but it will do).

Will this premium version of Tennessee whiskey impress me more? I wrote about the history of the Jack Daniel’s company in my Jack Daniels post. Introduced during 1988 as an upscale offering to appeal to consumers who wanted to move to a more premium brand, Gentleman Jack is called a Rare Tennessee whiskey.

Gentleman Jack is twice filtered through sugar maple charcoal. First, it is charcoal mellowed before going into the barrel. Then it is sugar maple charcoal mellowed again after reaching maturity, before being bottled. The regular Old No 7 is only charcoal filtered once.

Also read: Evan Williams Bourbon 2006 Vintage

According to some sources, Gentleman Jack is aged longer than the standard Jack Daniels. But as Jack Daniel’s is aged until the distillers are happy with it, it is difficult to define the age.

In South Africa, Gentleman Jack whiskey is about R60 more expensive than the regular Old No 7. It is one of those polarizing brands. Some people love it, some people not so much.

On to the important part – the taste. Is all the extra mellowing and drama going to make a Gentleman from this ordinary Jack?

Gentleman Jack Tennessee Whiskey Review

ABV: 43%.

COLOUR: Very similar to the regular Jack Daniel’s. It is a rich golden dark copper liquid.

NOSE: Gentleman Jack has spicy oak, caramel and vanilla sweetness and faint hints of smoke. It has that traditional Jack Daniel’s nose, but with a more sophisticated edge to it.

PALATE: Smoky oak and hints of charcoal. It reminded me of the smell that moment just before you light a BBQ. Herbal notes are coming through mixed with chocolate, rich dark roast coffee, hints of pepper and cinnamon intertwined with cherry sweetness and vanilla. The palate is bold and quite a big mouthful. Water smooths out the notes and adds sweetness.

FINISH: Medium length with dark Indian spices and faint bits of charcoal and vanilla.

RATING: EXCELLENT

It is a whiskey that has a distinctive personality. It’s smooth, complex, but it is easy drinking and more upmarket than the regular Jack Daniel’s whiskey. To me, this Jack is a gentleman from the rougher side of town that made the big time through hard work and perseverance. He is confident, well dressed and sure of who he is but comfortable about where he has come from.

I have done a side by side comparison between the Old No 7 and the Gentleman Jack to see how big the differences between the two are. I have also done a side by side comparison between the Gentleman Jack and the Woodford Reserve. Putting them next to each other in a tasting shows the differences and strengths very well.

Also Read: Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel whiskey

Evan Williams Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 06/06/2016

In Bourbon whiskey

In today’s whiskey exploration, I’m delving into the fascinating realm of Evan Williams Kentucky Straight bourbon whiskey. Over the past few years, I’ve embarked on a journey through various whisky and bourbons.

My pilgrimage began with traditional Scottish single malts and blends before exploring world whiskies from India, Taiwan, South Africa, Europe, and Australia. Eventually, my journey led me to the sweet embrace of bourbon and Tennessee whiskies, as my palate tends to lean toward the sweeter notes.

Living in South Africa, I’ve encountered some limitations regarding the availability and affordability of bourbon, especially with the challenges brought on by currency fluctuations. However, my quest for new experiences led me to discover this budget-friendly gem, Evan Williams bourbon whiskey.

Also read: Jack Daniel’s whiskey

Upon first glance, the labelling of Evan Williams Kentuckybourbon bore a striking resemblance to that of Jim Beam Black bourbon, another budget-friendly option. It’s worth noting that Evan Williams is part of the Heaven Hill portfolio, a company with a rich history in whiskey.

Evan Williams bourbon debuted in 1957, courtesy of Heaven Hill, and it takes its name from the man credited as Kentucky’s first distiller. It’s reassuring to know that the Heaven Hill company remains independently owned, staying true to its heritage.

This particular bourbon release boasts an ageing period of around 4 to 5 years. The burning question on my mind: Can Evan Williams stand up to the likes of Jim Beam Black bourbon, or is it destined to be relegated to the bargain bin? Let’s dive into the tasting notes.

Evan Williams Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey Review

COUNTRY: USA

ABV: 43%.

COLOUR: Dark reddish gold

NOSE: While Evan Williams bourbon whiskey exhibits the traditional bourbon aromas of toasty oak and vanilla, there’s a subtle undercurrent of corn syrup. However, I must admit that the nose lacks the layering and complexity I often seek in a bourbon.

PALATE: On the palate, Evan Williams offers little complexity beyond the expected toasty oak, vanilla, and hints of spice. The rough edges of this bourbon are hard to ignore, and it has a light body and mouthfeel. Even with the addition of water, complexity remains somewhat elusive, revealing chilli and bitter orange peel notes, but not enough to fully elevate the experience.

FINISH: A bit rough and fortunately does not linger too long.

RATING: GOOD

This bottle will be part of my collection for quite a long time. Definitely not close to my favourite. It offers little depth and complexity. It has a raw alcohol note that makes it hard to drink and I will probably only use this in cocktails.

Curious to see how Evan Williams stacks up against other options from the Heaven Hill stable, I poured a glass of Heaven Hill Old Style bourbon for a side-by-side comparison.

While both hail from the same family, Evan Williams manages to outshine Heaven Hill Old Style, albeit marginally. These bourbons could easily be found in a classic spaghetti western movie scene.

If you seek a bourbon that invites you to unwind and savour its nuances, I’d suggest exploring other options. Personally, I found more satisfaction in the Evan Williams Single Barrel bourbon.

Over the weekend, I compared Evan Williams and Jim Beam bourbon head-to-head to see how they measure up against each other. You can find my thoughts by following the link for the full rundown.

To round out my bourbon journey, I also pitted Evan Williams against the timeless Jack Daniel’s, providing a comprehensive perspective. You can read all about that adventure. Cheers to the continued exploration of the world of bourbon!

Also Read: Wild Turkey Rare Breed Bourbon

Bulleit Bourbon Frontier Whiskey

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 04/18/2016

In Bourbon whiskey

In the bourbon world, few names carry the weight of tradition and history, like Bulleit bourbon Frontier whiskey. This remarkable spirit traces its roots back to a 150-year-old family recipe. The recipe was created by Augustus Bulleit, the great-great-grandfather of the brand’s founder, Tom Bulleit.

The story begins in the mid-19th century when Augustus crafted a distinctive rye whiskey, using a blend of 67% rye and 33% corn, right in the heart of Louisville, Kentucky, between 1830 and 1860.

Tom Bulleit’s journey to resurrect this extraordinary family legacy was a winding one. He first served in the US Marine Corps and then pursued a career in law. Yet, the dream of recreating his ancestor’s recipe never left him.

In 1987, he took the plunge and created a small batch bourbon that would bear the iconic family name. To ensure it qualified as a true bourbon, the mash bill was adjusted to 68% corn, 28% rye, and 4% malted barley.

One of the first things that capture your attention about Bulleit bourbon is its distinctive bottle shape. Modelled after antique medicine bottles, it features raised lettering and an askew label, reminiscent of how it might have appeared in the 1860s. In 1997, Seagram acquired the Bulleit brand, setting the stage for its continued journey.

Following various acquisitions, the Bulleit brand now rests under the ownership of Diageo, and its production takes place at the Kirin Brewing Company Four Roses distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky.

Bulleit bourbon frontier whiskey is readily available in South Africa and is typically priced at around R 400. In the USA, you can find it for approximately $42.

Related Article: Uncle Nearest 1856 whiskey

Bulleit Bourbon Frontier Whiskey

COUNTRY: USA

ABV: 45%

COLOUR: Light amber

NOSE: Bulleit bourbon greets your senses with a spicy punch upfront, departing from the usual sweetness associated with traditional bourbons. In the background, hints of sticky toffee pudding and vanilla bean emerge. With time, a subtle caramel note weaves into the aromatic tapestry.

PALATE: This bourbon is a rich, chewy experience, brimming with spice that never overwhelms. Beyond the initial spice, you’ll discover notes of toffee caramel, vanilla, and a touch of wood. In the background is subtle hints of orange and freshly baked sugar biscuits.

Even when water is added, Bulleit bourbon maintains its frontier spirit, becoming smoother and slightly sweeter, all while retaining its robust character.

FINISH: The finish is delightful – long, lingering, and memorable. It stays with you well after you’ve savoured the last drop, boasting bold notes of mild spice and subtle hints of oak.

RATING: EXCELLENT

Bulleit bourbon departs from the familiar sweetness found in traditional counterparts. Its uniqueness lies in its unparalleled flavour profile, making it a standout choice for those seeking something extraordinary.

And if you’re intrigued by Bulleit bourbon whiskey, don’t miss the opportunity to explore its sibling, Bulleit Rye whiskey.

I’ve undertaken a side-by-side comparison between Bulleit and Woodford Reserve bourbon, shedding light on their nuanced differences. In my final tasting experience of 2021, I set Bulleit bourbon alongside Buffalo Trace bourbon, aiming to determine which one captures my preference.

Also Read: Sazerac Rye vs Rittenhouse Rye whiskey

Heaven Hill Bourbon Whiskey

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 02/29/2016

In Bourbon whiskey

With the fall of the South African Rand against most currencies, my little hobby is becoming expensive. So image my surprise when I walked past a liquor shop that had some “bargain bourbon”. It was the Heaven Hill Kentucky Straight bourbon whiskey.

At about R150 and in a glass bottle, this looked interesting. I was, however, sceptical about the quality. I first went to visit Google; just to see if I am buying a real bargain or a cheap knock off.

Some reviewers think that this no age statement, screw-top Heaven Hill Kentucky Straight bourbon whiskey is not too bad. According to my research, it will not win international prizes for complexity, but it is, according to some people, drinkable and affordable.

So, I bought it, and we are going to give it a try. Heaven Hill was founded in Bardstown, Kentucky shortly after Prohibition ended in the US. The Shapira family wanted to produce and market bourbon and premium American whiskeys. During the 1990s the Heaven Hill company diversified their portfolio.

They acquired more brands and obtaining import rights for gin, malt whiskey vodka and various other liqueurs and spirits brands. Today, Heaven Hill is the seventh-largest distributor of bourbon in the US. Other brands in their portfolio include Evan Williams and Elijah Craig bourbon whiskey and Rittenhouse Straight Rye whiskey.

In 2014, the name changed to Heaven Hill Brands. The Heaven Hill company remain independently owned. The Heaven Hill bourbon whiskey is aged for about 4 years.

Related Article: Jim Beam Devil’s Cut Bourbon

Heaven Hill Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Review

COUNTRY: USA

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: Not as dark as some of my other bourbons. It has a pale golden mahogany colour.

NOSE: Not quite as rich as its peers. There are notes of condensed milk, caramel and fruit mixed with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg. There is a bit of alcohol bite on the nose. Not a very complex nose.

PALATE: Slightly more complex, but still not equal to some of our other bourbons. There are notes of spice, caramel sweetness. A bit of bitter orange in the background. Water softens the alcohol bite and makes it marginally smoother. The Heaven Hill bourbon is medium-bodied.

FINISH: Medium length and end in notes of inoffensive spice.

RATING: GOOD

I suspect that this Heaven Hill bourbon whiskey might work great in marinades for meat. For some or other reason, this bourbon reminds me of the old spaghetti westerns.

The scene: A bar in a small town in the middle of a God forgotten, desert area. The good guy (Clint Eastwood) riding into town on his horse, to track down the bad guy. The bad guy is sitting in the bar, drinking a bourbon neat, the bottle next to him: this bottle of Heaven Hill Old Style bourbon.

And when Clint Eastwood enters the bar, the Heaven Hill is the first thing he shoots at. The glass bottle next to the bad guy explodes as Clint’s bullet eliminates it. And then the fighting starts. Can you picture it?

Also Read: Evan Williams Bourbon