Tag: Brown-Forman Corporation Page 7 of 8

The Brown-Forman Corporation is one of the largest American-owned companies in the spirits and wine business. Based in Louisville, Kentucky, it manufactures several well known brands throughout the world, including:
Woodford Reserve bourbon whiskey
Jack Daniel’s Tennessee whiskey
BenRiach single malt whisky
GlenDronach single malt whisky
Glenglassaugh single malt whisky
Canadian Mist whisky

Woodford Reserve vs Bulleit Bourbon

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 09/28/2020

In Whisky Comparison

Today I look at another side by side bourbon comparison; this week between one of my favourite bourbons against one of John’s favourite bourbons. I look at the Woodford Reserve vs Bulleit Bourbon.

Both very well known and readily available in South Africa. I wonder which of these two will be the favourite after our side by side afternoon experiments.
For these side by side comparisons, we usually move out onto the patio (it is summer in SA right now and pleasantly warm) and then pour two glasses of each and then sit back and taste.

When you have two bourbons next to each other, you can better understand the different spices and sweet notes that each bourbon has.

Bulleit Bourbon Frontier Whiskey

Review and tasting notes Bulleit Bourbon Frontier Whiskey with glass Woodford Reserve vs Bulleit
Bulleit Bourbon whiskey was inspired by a 150-year-old family recipe created by founder, Tom Bulleit’s, great-great-grandfather Augustus Bulleit. The original recipe was for a rye whiskey made with 2/3 rye and 1/3 corn. It was produced between 1830 and 1860 in Louisville, Kentucky. The younger Bulleit first served in the US Marine Corps and then went to law school.

But he always dreamt of recreating his ancestor’s recipe. In 1987, he created a small batch bourbon, bearing the family name. To make sure it is qualified as bourbon, he’s adjusted the mash bill to 68% corn, 28% rye and 4% malted barley.

The Bulleit bourbon bottle shape is modelled on the medicine bottles of old, with raised lettering and a skew label. Just like it might have looked in the 1860s. Today it is owned by Diageo and is produced at the Kirin Brewing Company Four Roses distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. This bourbon is readily available in SA.
Also Read: Maker’s Mark vs Buffalo Trace Bourbon

Woodford Reserve Bourbon Whiskey

Review and tastingnotes Woodford Reserve Straight Bourbon with glass Woodford Reserve vs Bulleit

Woodford Reserve is a brand of small-batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey produced by the Brown-Forman Corporation. A distiller named Elijah Pepper began producing small amounts of whiskey in 1797 and soon afterwards built a distillery.

Following Elijah’s death in 1831, his son Oscar Pepper inherited the distillery. The distillery became known as The Oscar Pepper Distillery. He hired a Scotsman, Dr James Crow as the head distiller.

Crow was a qualified physician and a chemist. He championed the sour mash fermentation process that is key in the production of bourbon. After changing hands a few times and falling in disrepair, Brown-Forman purchased the property in 1993 and refurbished it to bring it back into operation. They renamed it The Woodford Reserve Distillery in 2003.

The mash bill for Woodford Reserve features a high percentage of rye. It has a 72% corn, 18% rye and 10% malt ratio. Unusual also for being triple distilled and having the lowest proof upon entering the barrel where it matures for at least 6 years.

Woodford Reserve vs Bulleit Bourbon Whiskey

Woodford Reserve vs Bulleit bourbon whiskey comparison

	Bulleit Bourbon	Woodford Reserve Bourbon
ABV	45%	43.2%
Type	Bourbon whiskey	Bourbon whiskey
Mashbill	68% corn, 28% rye, and 4% malted barley	72% corn, 18% rye and 10% malt
Colour	Light amber	Clear honey amber
Nose	Quite spicy, lacking the more traditional bourbon sweetness. Some sweetness reminiscent of sticky toffee pudding and vanilla bean. After standing for a while, some caramel comes through.	Honey sweetness with apricots and oranges. There are bits of condensed milk richness mixed with vanilla and hints of spices.
Palate	Loads of spice, but is not overwhelmingly spicy. After the initial spice, there are notes of toffee caramel and vanilla with a bit of wood and orange floating about. Freshly baked sugar biscuits. Water brings sweetness forward.	Oak and sweetness perfectly balanced with a bit of apricot and cinnamon spiciness. Notes of tangy winter fruits and vanilla mixed with toffee. Creamy and smooth with a full body and a satisfying mouthfeel
Finish	Long and lingering, it stays with you long after finishing the glass. Notes of mild spice and hints of oak.	Long and lingering and ends in notes of sweet spices
My Rating	Excellent	Excellent
Comments	It's a rich, chewy mouthful of bourbon. Bold character	Smooth with a great balance between sweet and spicy.
Price	$33	$40
Pairs well with	Bacon, spicy BBQ chicken wings	Aged Parmesan cheese, dark chocolate, roasted hazelnuts, Hawaiian Pizza

The Woodford Reserve bourbon is softer, sweeter with notes of fruity apricot, vanilla and oak. The balance between sweetness and oak spice is inviting, and this bottle leaves a smile on my face. In comparison, the Bulleit is bolder, spicier with notes of orange and vanilla.

Both of these releases have a strong finish, and the traditional oak and vanilla note that, for me, characterises a bourbon. The Bulleit bourbon has a unique character that makes it more memorable, and John loves it. He does not need any help in finishing the Bulleit bourbon.

If you like a softer, sweeter bourbon, the Woodford Reserve is perfect. If you are looking for something bolder and spicier, then grab the Bulleit. Both of these releases are worth space on your whiskey shelf. I am rather happy that John prefers to Bulleit, now I don’t have to share my bottle of Woodford Reserve bourbon with him.

I have also done a side by side comparison between the Woodford Rye and the Bulleit Rye as well as with the Buffalo Trace to see how they stack up against each other.

Also Read: Maker’s Mark vs Woodford Reserve

Gentleman Jack vs Woodford Reserve Bourbon

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 03/30/2020

In Whisky Comparison

Welcome to another instalment of my side-by-side comparison series, where today, I’ll be delving into the world of fine whiskey as I pit Gentleman Jack vs Woodford Reserve bourbon.

Exploring the nuances between these two exceptional spirits has been an absolute delight, as it’s amazing how much more you can appreciate a drink when you have something to measure it against.

In the past year, I’ve ventured into the realm of American whiskey, comparing Woodford Reserve to Jack Daniels Single Barrel and pitting Gentleman Jack against Jack Daniels Old No 7.

But today, it’s all about the showdown between Gentleman Jack and Woodford Reserve – a Tennessee whiskey versus a classic bourbon, both hailing from the esteemed Brown-Forman stable.

The question on my mind: which one will emerge as my favourite after this side-by-side tasting?

Gentleman Jack Whiskey

Jack Daniels Gentleman Jack whiskey with glass

Let’s begin with Gentleman Jack. Introduced in 1988, this Tennessee whiskey was crafted to cater to those seeking a more refined, premium brand experience. Its unique 3- 5 day double filtration process through sugar maple charcoal (Lincoln County process) sets it apart.

The mash bill for Gentleman Jack comprises 80% corn, 8% rye, and 12% malted barley. First, it undergoes charcoal mellowing before ageing in the barrel. Then, it receives a second sugar maple charcoal mellowing after maturation, just before bottling.

This process has made Gentleman Jack a globally recognized Tennessee whiskey.

Woodford Reserve Bourbon

Woodford Reserve Straight Bourbon with glass
Now, onto Woodford Reserve, a brand synonymous with small-batch Kentucky bourbon whiskey. Its lineage traces back to 1797 when distiller Elijah Pepper began crafting small quantities of whiskey, eventually establishing a distillery.

Over the years, the distillery passed through various hands and saw periods of neglect. However, the legacy of Woodford Reserve lives on. Its mashbill features a notably higher percentage of rye, with a composition of 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malt.

While it doesn’t carry an age statement, Woodford Reserve typically matures for around 6 years.

Gentleman Jack vs Woodford Reserve Bourbon

Gentleman Jack vs Woodford Reserve Bourbon Comparison

	Gentleman Jack whiskey	Woodford Reserve Bourbon
Type	Tennessee whiskey	Bourbon whiskey
Mashbill	80% corn, 8% rye, 12% malted barley	72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malt
ABV	43%	43.2%
Colour	Golden dark copper	Clear honey amber
Nose	Spicy oak, caramel and vanilla sweetness and faint hints of wood smoke. It has a sophisticated edge to it.	Honey sweetness with apricots and oranges. There are bits of condensed milk richness mixed with vanilla and hints of spices
Palate	Smoky oak and hints of charcoal. 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.	Oak and sweetness perfectly balanced with a bit of apricot and cinnamon spiciness. Notes of tangy winter fruits and vanilla mixed with toffee. Rich, buttery and smooth with a full body and a satisfying mouth feel
Finish	Medium length with dark Indian spices and faint bits of charcoal and vanilla.	Long and lingering and ends in notes of sweet spices
My Rating	Excellent	Excellent
Comments	It has a distinctive personality, smooth, complex but it easy drinking and smoother and richer than the regular Jack Daniel's	Rich and buttery with a great balance between sweet and spicy.
Price	$40	$40
Pairs well with	Buttered NY strip steak	Aged Parmesan cheese, dark chocolate, roasted hazelnuts, Hawaiian Pizza

The Gentleman Jack brings notes of smoky oak, vanilla and ripe cherries.It has a green herbal note mingling with cinnamon and cardamom spice. It is smooth and easy to drink with a medium finish.

The Woodford Reserve has notes of oak, apricot and condensed milk. Winter fruits, toffee and faint oak. Rich and buttery with a bold character.

Now, the moment of truth – my verdict. Woodford Reserve bourbon takes the lead in this head-to-head comparison in my book. It boasts a richer and smoother profile when sipped side by side, offering an all-around more pleasant drinking experience.

However, it’s essential to note that Gentleman Jack is by no means a subpar whiskey. It carries its own air of sophistication and complexity. It’s a whiskey that can certainly hold its own, and I wouldn’t turn down a second glass. It’s just that my palate leaned towards the sweeter notes of the Woodford Reserve bourbon.

In the UK, a bottle of Woodford Reserve retail for around £30 on Amazon and in comparison, the Gentleman Jack retail for around £31. Both these releases are in the affordable category.

As for my collection, I’ll be replenishing my bottle of Woodford Reserve without hesitation. So, whether you lean towards the elegance of Gentleman Jack or the bold allure of Woodford Reserve, one thing’s for sure – both these fine spirits are worthy of a spot in any whiskey lover’s collection.

Also Read: Woodford Reserve Rye vs Bulleit Rye whiskey

Glenglassaugh Revival Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 03/09/2020

In Single Malt whisky

Today I look at the Glenglassaugh Revival single malt Scotchwhisky. What a great name for a whisky release: Revival. I realised that this whisky comes with a unique story. The Glenglassaugh distillery is a single malt Scotch whisky distillery located in the Highland Region.

It sits on a hillside, not too far from the sea. A local entrepreneur James Moir and his two nephews established the distillery in 1875. Another distillery connected to a grocery store, like so many others.

Moir had an expanding grocery business and wanted to establish a distillery that would produce a whisky for his customers. The site was chosen due to its proximity to a clean water supply, the Glassaugh Springs and easy access to the nearby barley fields.

Highland Distillers bought the company in 1892. In 1960 it was rebuilt and upgraded to double the production capacity and to yield lighter spirit. However, during the economic downturn of 1986, this small remote distillery stopped production. But there was a light at the end of the still.

Also Read: Mackmyra Svensk Rok Whisky

In 2008 an independent investment group bought the distillery from the Edrington Group (where it landed up) and started production again. They released some of the pre-1986 stock as exclusive releases and won various prices with their releases.

The first spirit distilled under the new ownership was bottled and released as Glenglassaugh during 2011. In 2013 the Benriach Distillery Company purchased the distillery.

That is why the name Revival is such a fitting name for this release. This distillery kept on coming back time and time again. The Glenglassaugh Revival single malt is the first single malt Scotch released from this distillery available for retail.

Glenglassaugh Revival Whisky Review

Revival has been matured in a mix of ex-red wine and fresh ex-bourbon casks and then finished for 6 months in ex-Oloroso sherry butts. It is a NAS release. It is not chill-filtered with no added colour.

REGION: Highland

ABV: 46%

COLOUR: Amber gold with green hints

NOSE: Green grass, pine needles, caramel sweetness and fresh earth. Dry apricot with bits of butterscotch and vanilla. Quite sweet.

PALATE: Drying oak, citrus and pepper. The sweetness promised by the nose does not carry through to the taste. Bits of sawdust, cocoa powder and bitter lemon. Medium-bodied. Not very complex. Water brings more lemon pepper forward.

FINISH: Medium with bitter lemon and pepper.

RATING: GOOD

This Glenglassaught is a very dry whisky. John described it as licking an oak plank. I found it quite astringent. After a finish in sherry casks, I was expecting more sweetness and red fruits, but neither of us picked up any of these notes.

I am glad that I only have a small bottle because if it were a big bottle, it would still be standing in my whisky room in 10 years. It did not put me off tasting more from this distillery, and I will continue to explore the Glenglassaugh Evolution, and Glenglassaugh Torfa releases over the next couple of months.

Also Read: Maraska ABC Whisky

Jack Daniel’s vs Gentleman Jack Whiskey

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 12/23/2019

In Whisky Comparison

Jack Daniel’s is one of those polarising brands. Some people love it; some people hate it. Regardless of your view, Jack Daniel’s has become a cult brand worldwide, and you can find it in most bars and liquor stores. But when it comes to Jack Daniel’s vs Gentleman Jack whiskey, what sets them apart?

Jack Daniel’s whiskey story begins with the enigmatic Jasper Newton ‘Jack’ Daniel, a man of Welsh and Scottish descent. He established the Jack Daniel’s distillery around 1866.

During his lifetime, grew rapidly and made Tennessee a significant player in the American distilling industry. Jack, a confirmed bachelor, left the distillery to his nephew Lem Motlow.

Jack Daniel’s remained in the family until 1956, when Brown-Forman acquired it. This drinks conglomerate has nurtured the brand ever since. Jack Daniel’s is renowned as the highest-selling American whiskey globally.

However, it’s important to note that despite its production methods resembling bourbon, it’s not considered bourbon due to one key difference.

Tennessee whiskey, including Jack Daniel’s, undergoes a filtration process known as the Lincoln County Process, where the spirit is filtered through sugar maple charcoal before maturation.

Also Read: Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel vs Woodford Reserve Bourbon

Jack Daniel’s No 7 Whiskey

Jack Daniel's Old No 7 with glass Comparison: Jack Daniel’s vs Gentleman Jack Tennessee whiskey
The iconic Jack Daniel’s Old No 7 is the flagship product in this Tennessee whiskey range and undergoes this filtration process once before ageing in oak casks. It has no age statement.

Gentleman Jack Whiskey

Jack Daniels Gentleman Jack with glass Comparison: Jack Daniel’s vs Gentleman Jack Tennessee whiskey
In 1988, Gentleman Jack debuted as an upscale offering, catering to consumers seeking a more premium experience. What distinguishes Gentleman Jack from its sibling is its unique filtration process.

This whiskey is twice filtered through sugar maple charcoal, first before entering the barrel and then again before bottling.

While some sources suggest that Gentleman Jack may be aged longer than the regular Jack Daniel’s, it’s essential to note that the ageing process for Jack Daniel’s is determined by the distillers’ judgment, making it challenging to define an exact age.

Jack Daniel’s vs Gentleman Jack Whiskey

Jack Daniel’s vs Gentleman Jack Tennessee Whiskey Comparison

	Jack Daniel's Old no 7	Gentleman Jack
Type	Tennessee Whiskey	Tennessee Whiskey
Mash bill	80% corn, 12% barley and 8% rye	80% corn, 12% barley and 8% rye
ABV	43%	43%
Colour	Light amber	Golden dark copper
Nose	Sweet with caramel, vanilla and dry oak and a hint of smoke. Some dried fruit and marzipan.	Spicy oak, caramel and vanilla sweetness and faint hints of wood smoke. It has a sophisticated edge to it.
Palate	Toasted oak and butterscotch sweetness. Hints of vanilla, overripe cherries and nuts. Something like sour cherries and cereal on the palate. It is quite an oily whiskey. Mellow and smooth.	Smoky oak and hints of charcoal. 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.
Finish	Medium length with some toasty oak, butterscotch and spice.	Medium length with dark Indian spices and faint bits of charcoal and vanilla.
My Rating	Very Good	Excellent
Comments	Not very complex. However, it is easy-drinking and great to use in marinades or basting sauce when cooking.	It has a distinctive personality, smooth, complex but it easy drinking and smoother and richer than the regular Jack Daniel's
Price	$27	$35
Pairs well with	Smoky chicken, KFC	Buttered NY strip steak

When it comes to the taste, Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 offers notes of toasted oak, cherries, vanilla, and nuts. It’s mellow and smooth but not overly complex. In contrast, Gentleman Jack presents a richer and more complex profile with additional smoky oak, cinnamon, dark roast coffee, and a blend of cherries and vanilla.

It remains an easy-drinking whiskey but offers a more profound flavour experience. The distinctive Jack Daniel’s distillery notes are more harmoniously integrated in Gentleman Jack.

In essence, Jack Daniel’s vs Gentleman Jack can be likened to comparing someone from the rougher side of town who made it big through hard work and perseverance (Jack Daniel’s) with a confident, well-dressed, and comfortable individual (Gentleman Jack).

In addition to this exploration, I’ve also compared Gentleman Jack and Woodford Reserve bourbon side-by-side to further dissect their unique qualities and flavour profiles.

Also Read: Maker’s Mark vs Woodford Reserve

Jim Beam Double Oak vs Woodford Reserve Double Oaked

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 03/11/2019

In Whisky Comparison

Jim Beam Doubled Oak vs Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon side by side comparison
In this instalment of my ongoing series, I will compare two interesting bourbon releases: Jim Beam Double Oak vs Woodford Reserve Double Oaked bourbon whiskey.

The aim is to delve into each whiskey’s unique strengths and distinctions. There might even be a clear winner. Previously, I’ve dissected the Elijah Craig 12 year old vs Evan Williams Single Barrel bourbon and pitted Jack Daniels Single Barrel against Woodford Reserve bourbon in a side-by-side showdown.

Today, it’s all about Jim Beam Double Oak vs Woodford Reserve Double Oaked.

Jim Beam Double Oak Bourbon Whiskey

Jim Beam Doubled Oak vs Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon

Let’s start with Jim Beam’s offering. Jim Beam Double Oak bourbon whiskey is a more budget-friendly option than the Woodford Reserve Double Oak. This bourbon begins its journey as the standard Jim Beam White Label Kentucky Straight bourbon whiskey.

As bourbon tradition mandates, it undergoes a four-year ageing process in brand-new, charred American oak barrels. The extended maturation period in these fresh charred barrels imparts a heightened spiced oakiness and caramel sweetness to the liquid.

The mash bill for this release consists of approximately 77% corn, 13% rye, and 10% malted barley. Following this initial ageing, the bourbon is transferred to another set of new, charred American oak barrels for further ageing, adding complexity to its flavour profile.

Jim Beam Double Oak is presented in premium packaging featuring embossed glass and textured labelling. It is part of the Beam Suntory portfolio.

Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon Whiskey

Jim Beam Doubled Oak vs Woodford Reserve Double Oaked bourbon

Now, let’s shift our focus to Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon. In 2017, I had the pleasure of attending an event featuring Jack Daniel’s & Woodford Reserve, where I had the opportunity to savour the Woodford Reserve Double Oaked bourbon.

Launched in 2012, this expression showcases a delightful interplay of creamy, toasted flavours reminiscent of Malva pudding, as my friend Emily noted.

This bourbon begins life much like the classic Woodford Reserve but takes a unique turn during ageing. After its initial maturation, it undergoes a secondary ageing process in brand-new barrels, which are heavily toasted and lightly charred.

The mashbill for the Double Oaked variant comprises 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley. This secondary ageing imparts a sweet, oak character to the bourbon while enhancing its fruity, vanilla, and caramel notes. This expression marked the first new addition to the Woodford Reserve lineup in over 15 years.

Also Read: Jim Beam bourbon vs Jack Daniel’s whiskey

Jim Beam Double Oak vs Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon

Jim Beam Double Oak vs Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon whiskey comparison

	Jim Beam Double Oak	Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
Type	Bourbon	Bourbon
ABV	43%	43.2%
Colour	Deep golden copper	Golden mahogany
Mash bill	77% corn, 13% rye, 10% malted barley	72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley
Nose	Oak, vanilla bits of toffee sweetness, cinnamon. Not a very complex nose.	Malva pudding, apricot jam, cream, dark cherries, candied fruits, caramel, honey with hints of cinnamon.
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.	Honey, toasted oak and fruity spices. Vanilla, caramel with hints of dark chocolate cherries. Rich and smooth. Adding a few drops of water smoothes it out even more and brings a few more sweet notes to the front.
Finish	Overwhelmingly spicy and dry	Medium length with creamy cinnamon and honey.
My Rating	Very Good	Excellent
Comments	Dry, woody and overwhelmingly spicy.	Unpretentious and comfortable. It's beautifully smooth, easy on the palate with a warming gentle finish.
You will like it if you are looking for…	If you like a spicy dram, this Jim Beam Double Oak is the bottle for you	Smooth and sweet and just delicious!
Price	$24	$60
Pairs well with	Spicy Chicken, strong cheddar cheese, Grilled New York Strip Steak	Coconut Macaroons, Malva Pudding, dark chocolate, Parmesan Cheese, Roasted Lamb

Now, the moment of truth – the comparison! Tasting these two double oak releases side by side is an eye-opener.

The Jim Beam bourbon is spicier when compared to the Woodford Reserve with a drying oak, vanilla and toasted bread notes. The spiciness in in the Jim Beam overwhelms many of the other notes.

The Woodford Reserve bourbon has a soft, inviting sweetness, beautifully counterbalanced by the spicy oak notes. It boasts a cinnamon, vanilla, chocolate cherry deliciousness and a creamy richness that make every sip a true delight.

I’ve found myself replacing that bottle once or twice already, and it’s easy to see why. When it comes down to it, Woodford Reserve gets my vote every single time.

Notably, there’s a substantial difference in price between them with the Jim Beam being more affordable. However, the Woodford Reserve bourbon whiskey reigns supreme when it comes to sheer indulgence.

So, there you have it – Jim Beam Double Oak vs Woodford Reserve Double Oaked bourbon whiskey. This showdown reveals distinct characteristics and a clear winner for those seeking a top-tier double oaked bourbon experience.