Scotch, Bourbon and Rye – oh my!
Ron Swanson, the man who poignantly stated that the Chuckie Cheese business model is better than our current government’s, once noted that, “Clear alcohols are for rich women on diets” and Lagavulin Scotch Whisky is a “Nectar of the Gods.”
Whiskey was once solely reserved for grandfathers to drink while complaining and playing cards; now millennials seem to live for this amber colored water, as whiskey sours are for throwing up in dorm bathrooms (see: lemon drop), kids order old fashioneds in lieu of Red Bull nonsense because it sounded cool on Mad Men, and pickle backs are the root cause for our generations chronic inability to emotionally mature. While we can’t all be philosophical gin drinkers, there is a world outside of the glass ceiling of Jameson many folk have set for themselves.
So in this new regular section where one of my best friends, Dana, and I will try five different variations of something, we decided to help the masses with a good ole’ lesson in bourbons that are 1.) actually good 2.) not Bulleit. For tax purposes, if the IRS finds this, the grilled cheeses will also be written off as glorified field research.
^When you and your best friend roll into a bar about to go Whiskey Tasting
There was no question where we were going: Noorman’s Kil has been touted as one of the best places in the US to drink Whiskey and for very good reason. The bar has over 400 whiskeys in house, an extremely knowledgeable staff, a beautifully rustic decor (and backyard to boot) and the only food served are fancy grilled cheeses. We were beyond #blessed to be led by the most excellent Whiskey Spirit Guide of All Time, Kirsten (expert note: her favorites are BenRiach 15 Year Scotch and Whistle Pig Old World) and below is how she led us down the Rabbit Hole of Bourbon:
#1: Eagle Rare 10 Year Single Barrel Bourbon ($12)
The day started with this 90 proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, which retails for around $30. It was extremely smooth, very balanced, and has a medium length finish that ends on a sweet note; aka very little burn.
- When to drink: We both could definitely start the night with this one; it delivers a punch without wiping out your palette or making you go 0 to 100 real quick
- Who’s picking up this bottle: This is the ideal introduction to bourbon, one that even a non-bourbon drinker would enjoy
- Verdict: The bird’s definitely the word on Eagle Rare 10 Single Barrel
- Pulse check: Does this qualify as up growing up since college or reverting back to college…
#2: Iwai Whisky (not Tradition) ($11)
Next on the docket was this 80 proof blended Japanese Whisky, which retails for about $40. It’s aged entirely in ex bourbon barrels and boasts supreme balanced body and weight, while maintaining texture and complexity. The finish was fruitier than the others and out of all the bourbons we tried, this one actually had zero burn and scarily went down like water
- When to drink: We both felt like we could savor this in a relaxed setting or hit our stride with it over a few glasses
- Who’s picking up this bottle: This is an off the beaten path choice, definitely for someone graduating from bulleit to something a bit more sophisticated
- Verdict: While Japanese game shows definitely make me question their interpretation of American pastimes, their take on whisky is nothing to scoff at
- Pulse check: Starts throwing around likes on Instagram like:
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Coming in very strong was this 120 proof Kentucky Bourbon, which retails for about $50. It has an insanely strong flavor profile, starting off with a full blast of heat and oak, rounding out with some caramels and finishing with peppers and cinnamon. This is quite characteristic of a solid barrel proof bourbon as your tongue adjusts to the initial heat. This bourbon has an overall sweetness that does a good job hiding the high proof
- When to drink: We agreed this is a pour you could coast on once you’re a bit into the night. Note: the high proof may wipe out your palette…and your knees
- Who’s picking up this bottle: This is a real (wo)man’s bourbon, something your average Ron Swanson would savor sans recoil
- Verdict: Dana: “‘It’s like an explosion in your mouth.’ Write that down, that’s a quote right there”
- Pulse check: Kirsten is now a triple threat as our spirit guide, bartender and therapist; discourse largely revolving around Instagram babies and hellish dating stories, littered with plenty of expletives
#4: Van Brunt Stillhouse Bourbon Whiskey ($12)
Kirsten changed things up for us with this local from Red Hook, Brooklyn, which retails for $60. This 80 proof, young bourbon comes in the most adorable, aesthetically pleasing packaging and features a light, distinct flavor profile, unlike all the other bourbons we tried. This was a fairly dry, and while it definitely had a full body and sweet hints, the overwhelming notes were grassy and rustic – atypical for bourbon, but not in a negative way
- When to drink: This isn’t a bourbon either of us would bring to a party or make a “go to”, but this is an excellent option to shake things up and break that characteristic sweet-n-smokey mold
- Who’s picking up this bottle: A girl who wants a bæsic yet legitimately good bourbon addition to her bar cart
- Verdict: While we definitely liked this one – just didn’t love it – if you’re not into traditional whiskey (possibly prefer Gin) this could be a solid fit for you
- Pulse check: Notes – Why do all Journey songs sound alike and why do I know the words to all of them; none of this Whiskey burn anymore SOS; *sets alarm for 12 hours later*
We finished things off with this fantastic 100 proof bourbon, which retails for about $40. This batch was hand selected by the owner’s of Noorman’s Kil during a visit to the Kentucky distillery. Four Roses is notorious for being a pristine organization, from the corn chosen to the production facilities. This bourbon was extremely satisfying, perfectly balanced, and quite smooth with a mellow finish and pleasantly lingering bourbon flavor
- When to drink: We both agreed this could be a new standard bourbon; reliable with regards to taste, finish and quality
- Who’s picking up this bottle: This would make a great gift for someone who knows Bourbon or a wonderful nightcap
- Verdict: While this is a standard bourbon, I think it was a perfect balance of sweet and woody notes, consistent and satisfying taste, and full body without being abrasive
- Pulse check: Google Maps searching “Arepas”, “Guacamole”, “Steak”
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And for a very kind, questionably needed but 100% appreciated, on the house #6:Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky ($14), is a Japanese grain whiskey that retails for about $70. It hit all the key notes of the bourbon we know and love – sweet, rich, with a kick of smoke – and it was a full taste without being overpowering
Our favorites:
Dana – There’s an occasion for each, but if I had to chose one, the Iwai
Liz – Initially the Iwai, but now it’s a tie with the Elijah Craig
Take away:
If you drink that much whiskey after a spin class, you could fall into a dangerous mindset of going out for Turf n’ Turf, meaning a fatal amount of steak. Through our research we hope that we transform “liability” whiskey drinkers into “delightful” whiskey drinkers and that the next time you’re about to default to Jameson/Knob Creek/Bulleit/Maker’s, you go outside your comfort zone and try one of the above. We were hungover on a Monday for you – it’s the least you can do
!!! fun fact !!!
Whiskey vs Whisky
In case you’re ever curious like we were about the difference between Whiskey and Whisky… If the liquor originates in the United States or Ireland, it should be referred to as whiskey; Scottish, Canadian, and Japanese spirits are spelled whisky
Here’s a quick way to remember:
– Countries that have E’s in their names (UnitEd StatEs and IrEland) tend to spell it whiskey
– Countries without E’s in their names (Canada, Scotland, and Japan) spell it whisky
