Sippin' History
March 2, 2012 9:10 AM Subscribe
Quest for the Perfect Bourbon: Voices of Buffalo Trace Distillery is a documentary from the Buffalo Trace Oral History Project, part of the Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History at the University of Kentucky Libraries.
I had a bacon-bourbon old fashioned a few weeks ago. It was about the best drink I've ever had.
posted by 2bucksplus at 9:20 AM on March 2, 2012
posted by 2bucksplus at 9:20 AM on March 2, 2012
Basil Hayden
posted by charles148 at 9:21 AM on March 2, 2012 [2 favorites]
posted by charles148 at 9:21 AM on March 2, 2012 [2 favorites]
So, this Buffalo Trace. If I'm a fan of bourbon, I'll like it?
posted by clvrmnky at 9:25 AM on March 2, 2012
posted by clvrmnky at 9:25 AM on March 2, 2012
The best bourbon is the one you have at hand.
posted by backseatpilot at 9:27 AM on March 2, 2012 [6 favorites]
posted by backseatpilot at 9:27 AM on March 2, 2012 [6 favorites]
Thanks for posting this, it's really good so far.
There are segments with "Mike Veach, Bourbon Scholar", here's an article on the man, who I think has one of the coolest jobs possible.
posted by helicomatic at 9:27 AM on March 2, 2012 [1 favorite]
There are segments with "Mike Veach, Bourbon Scholar", here's an article on the man, who I think has one of the coolest jobs possible.
posted by helicomatic at 9:27 AM on March 2, 2012 [1 favorite]
I've found the perfect bourbon. It's called Whistle Pig.
Totally awesome, but not bourbon. It's 100% rye.
Also, Buffalo Trace is my go-to inexpensive bourbon, so I like this, but I'm confused. The Oral History Project screams PepsiBlue, but the academic association with U of K means... it's not? Whatever, we need more bourbon and bourbon scholarship in the world, period.
posted by The Michael The at 9:43 AM on March 2, 2012 [2 favorites]
Totally awesome, but not bourbon. It's 100% rye.
Also, Buffalo Trace is my go-to inexpensive bourbon, so I like this, but I'm confused. The Oral History Project screams PepsiBlue, but the academic association with U of K means... it's not? Whatever, we need more bourbon and bourbon scholarship in the world, period.
posted by The Michael The at 9:43 AM on March 2, 2012 [2 favorites]
Oh dear Lord it is an absolute sin how much I love bourbon.
clvrmnky: yes, you should try Buffalo Trace. It is literally one of the world's best distilleries and arguably the best one standing in the US right now. If you can, try their Eagle Rare 10yr - it's a criminally underpriced bourbon (I paid $25, I think). I hear tell that this is essentially the same whisky as Blanton's Single Barrel, which is more than double the price, but I can't verify it.
I also recommend:
Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage: All the fun of drinking a 10yr old single barrel whisky, hand labeled bottle that comes out once a year, for only $25. It's very well-balanced and tastes fantastic--that 10 years in the barrel shows, it dwells lightly on the tongue, and it's got a lovely cinnamon-y finish.
Elijah Craig 12yr: Another criminally underpriced bourbon (I paid $24). I drink it, and get visions of butterscotch, vanilla, root beer, caramel, spice, oak....
Old Grandad 114: That's right, I said it. So it's got a spicy burn, but that's what makes it great, knowing that it'll put hair on your chest while still letting you enjoy the caramel and vanilla tones. Another $25 bargain.
If you feel like dropping some dough, seek out Buffalo Trace's once-a-year release George T. Stagg, from their Antique Collection. Uncut, and aged for 15 years. Yes, you can actually sip it at 143 proof.
posted by magstheaxe at 10:02 AM on March 2, 2012 [4 favorites]
clvrmnky: yes, you should try Buffalo Trace. It is literally one of the world's best distilleries and arguably the best one standing in the US right now. If you can, try their Eagle Rare 10yr - it's a criminally underpriced bourbon (I paid $25, I think). I hear tell that this is essentially the same whisky as Blanton's Single Barrel, which is more than double the price, but I can't verify it.
I also recommend:
Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage: All the fun of drinking a 10yr old single barrel whisky, hand labeled bottle that comes out once a year, for only $25. It's very well-balanced and tastes fantastic--that 10 years in the barrel shows, it dwells lightly on the tongue, and it's got a lovely cinnamon-y finish.
Elijah Craig 12yr: Another criminally underpriced bourbon (I paid $24). I drink it, and get visions of butterscotch, vanilla, root beer, caramel, spice, oak....
Old Grandad 114: That's right, I said it. So it's got a spicy burn, but that's what makes it great, knowing that it'll put hair on your chest while still letting you enjoy the caramel and vanilla tones. Another $25 bargain.
If you feel like dropping some dough, seek out Buffalo Trace's once-a-year release George T. Stagg, from their Antique Collection. Uncut, and aged for 15 years. Yes, you can actually sip it at 143 proof.
posted by magstheaxe at 10:02 AM on March 2, 2012 [4 favorites]
You've got your bourbon in my history. And your history in my bourbon.
It has a flavor.
posted by BlueHorse at 10:02 AM on March 2, 2012
It has a flavor.
posted by BlueHorse at 10:02 AM on March 2, 2012
I know there is a world of bourbon out there to try, but Old Crow and Maker's Mark satisfy me so much I don't feel the urge to explore.
posted by furiousxgeorge at 10:03 AM on March 2, 2012
posted by furiousxgeorge at 10:03 AM on March 2, 2012
That video was pretty neat, thanks. Always great to hear about people who are passionate about making something and the care they put into it.
posted by backseatpilot at 10:05 AM on March 2, 2012
posted by backseatpilot at 10:05 AM on March 2, 2012
There was a period over a month or so last summer when the local liquor stores were selling bottles of Buffalo Trace for $15 dollars. That was a good month. I think.
posted by logicpunk at 10:05 AM on March 2, 2012
posted by logicpunk at 10:05 AM on March 2, 2012
I know there is a world of bourbon out there to try, but Old Crow and Maker's Mark satisfy me so much I don't feel the urge to explore.
posted by furiousxgeorge at 1:03 PM
Aaaaaaaand the terrorists have won.
ME AND GILRAIN ARE IN KENTUCKY SO YOU SHOULD LISTEN TO OUR TO WHAT WE SAY DAMMIT ESPECIALLY ME BECAUSE I'M ONLY 30 MILES FROM THE NEAREST LEGAL DISTILLERY AND I MAY JUST SAY FUCK IT AND HEAD THERE ON MY LUNCH BREAK TO MAKE SURE MY RECOMMENDATIONS ARE STILL RIGHT.
posted by magstheaxe at 10:18 AM on March 2, 2012 [4 favorites]
posted by furiousxgeorge at 1:03 PM
Aaaaaaaand the terrorists have won.
ME AND GILRAIN ARE IN KENTUCKY SO YOU SHOULD LISTEN TO OUR TO WHAT WE SAY DAMMIT ESPECIALLY ME BECAUSE I'M ONLY 30 MILES FROM THE NEAREST LEGAL DISTILLERY AND I MAY JUST SAY FUCK IT AND HEAD THERE ON MY LUNCH BREAK TO MAKE SURE MY RECOMMENDATIONS ARE STILL RIGHT.
posted by magstheaxe at 10:18 AM on March 2, 2012 [4 favorites]
I drink fancy expensive beer, can't be a connoisseur of everything. :P
posted by furiousxgeorge at 10:40 AM on March 2, 2012
posted by furiousxgeorge at 10:40 AM on March 2, 2012
Another Kentuckian here!
Buffalo Trace makes many fine products, and they have the best ground tours also. Hell, I go every couple months and it's always a pleasure. I'm not sure how widely available it is outside of The Bluegrass, but their buffalo cream liqueur stuff is shockingly good when mixed with root beer; it's just a blend of heavy cream and bourbon but it's delicious for a bourbon blend liqueur.
posted by broadway bill at 10:44 AM on March 2, 2012 [1 favorite]
Buffalo Trace makes many fine products, and they have the best ground tours also. Hell, I go every couple months and it's always a pleasure. I'm not sure how widely available it is outside of The Bluegrass, but their buffalo cream liqueur stuff is shockingly good when mixed with root beer; it's just a blend of heavy cream and bourbon but it's delicious for a bourbon blend liqueur.
posted by broadway bill at 10:44 AM on March 2, 2012 [1 favorite]
Buffalo Trace is a pretty damn good bourbon. And great for mixed drinks.
Every once in a while bartenders in Portland Oregon choose a single barrel to have bottled and shipped out here. Those bottles have to be brokered by a liquor store, so some of it becomes available to the public. I've had bottles from three of these single barrel purchases and a bottle of a single barrel of Eagle Rare. Excellent liquor, all of it.
Maybe this documentary gets into this, but Buffalo Trace is at the end of an R&D project that took detailed measurements on 96 white oak trees, then cut those trees down, made two barrels from each, and filled those barrels with the same distillate. Now, after some 8+ years, they are bottling and releasing the bourbon from each of those barrels.
Prior or during that project, they surveyed their rickhouse (the warehouse that holds the barrels of aging bourbon) and produced a map of qualities similar among barrels that were held in the same location of the building.
They're at the very least telling us that they're thinking hard about what they're doing. And also making good whiskey.
posted by Prince_of_Cups at 11:04 AM on March 2, 2012 [2 favorites]
Every once in a while bartenders in Portland Oregon choose a single barrel to have bottled and shipped out here. Those bottles have to be brokered by a liquor store, so some of it becomes available to the public. I've had bottles from three of these single barrel purchases and a bottle of a single barrel of Eagle Rare. Excellent liquor, all of it.
Maybe this documentary gets into this, but Buffalo Trace is at the end of an R&D project that took detailed measurements on 96 white oak trees, then cut those trees down, made two barrels from each, and filled those barrels with the same distillate. Now, after some 8+ years, they are bottling and releasing the bourbon from each of those barrels.
Prior or during that project, they surveyed their rickhouse (the warehouse that holds the barrels of aging bourbon) and produced a map of qualities similar among barrels that were held in the same location of the building.
They're at the very least telling us that they're thinking hard about what they're doing. And also making good whiskey.
posted by Prince_of_Cups at 11:04 AM on March 2, 2012 [2 favorites]
Totally awesome, but not bourbon. It's 100% rye.
EXACTLY.
posted by spicynuts at 11:23 AM on March 2, 2012
EXACTLY.
posted by spicynuts at 11:23 AM on March 2, 2012
Alright, since the Kentucks are taking over this thread, I feel the need to stand up and represent the Yanks.
Hudson Valley Baby Bourbon. Drink it and know.
posted by spicynuts at 11:30 AM on March 2, 2012
Hudson Valley Baby Bourbon. Drink it and know.
posted by spicynuts at 11:30 AM on March 2, 2012
Totally awesome, but not bourbon. It's 100% rye.
EXACTLY.
I see what you did there. Well done.
2.5 hours until whisk(e)y time.
posted by The Michael The at 11:42 AM on March 2, 2012
EXACTLY.
I see what you did there. Well done.
2.5 hours until whisk(e)y time.
posted by The Michael The at 11:42 AM on March 2, 2012
I'm a big fan of Noah's Mill. Think I might walk up the street, get a bottle and drink it during the upcoming Tornado Apocalypse.
posted by Mcable at 11:46 AM on March 2, 2012 [2 favorites]
posted by Mcable at 11:46 AM on March 2, 2012 [2 favorites]
At 17:25 in the video the barrel crossing sign is just too good.
posted by jade east at 12:34 PM on March 2, 2012
posted by jade east at 12:34 PM on March 2, 2012
Serious Eats did a piece on this yesterday which I found interesting. This really puts me in the mood for fireplaces and deep introspection.
posted by d1rge at 12:49 PM on March 2, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by d1rge at 12:49 PM on March 2, 2012 [1 favorite]
Four Roses is an excellent Bourbon for folks who haven't acquired a taste for it yet.
My personal favorite is Black Maple Hill. Hard to come by, but worth the journey.
posted by MiltonRandKalman at 1:45 PM on March 2, 2012
My personal favorite is Black Maple Hill. Hard to come by, but worth the journey.
posted by MiltonRandKalman at 1:45 PM on March 2, 2012
I know there is a world of bourbon out there to try, but Old Crow and Maker's Mark satisfy me so much I don't feel the urge to explore.
Shameful.
posted by MiltonRandKalman at 1:48 PM on March 2, 2012 [2 favorites]
Shameful.
posted by MiltonRandKalman at 1:48 PM on March 2, 2012 [2 favorites]
Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve 20 year. Ugly label, great bourbon.
posted by How the runs scored at 2:22 PM on March 2, 2012 [2 favorites]
posted by How the runs scored at 2:22 PM on March 2, 2012 [2 favorites]
magstheaxe, I've always liked you around here, and now you've gone and done it: you've made me spouse you.
I was on a trip to DC recently and had the good fortune to go to Jack Rose not once but twice, and one of those times was on work's dime. My boss got a flight of Willet; I think the Sopressata was my favorite (can't be positive because it was a...long night). I will certainly be seeking it out again.
And now I really want some bourbon but I'm working and I'll have to drive in a little while. Soon as the clock strikes four, though...
posted by rtha at 2:28 PM on March 2, 2012
I was on a trip to DC recently and had the good fortune to go to Jack Rose not once but twice, and one of those times was on work's dime. My boss got a flight of Willet; I think the Sopressata was my favorite (can't be positive because it was a...long night). I will certainly be seeking it out again.
And now I really want some bourbon but I'm working and I'll have to drive in a little while. Soon as the clock strikes four, though...
posted by rtha at 2:28 PM on March 2, 2012
I drink fancy expensive beer, can't be a connoisseur of everything. :P
Also, yes, yes you can! I started with the fancy microbrews and they have poured me down the path of single-malt whiskies (and interesting blends) and fascinating gins and bourbons. Rum is on the list.
What you need to do is organize a mefi [liquor type] tasting in your area. We've done a few here and they are excellent in every way imaginable. We have vague plans for a bourbon tasting in the spring.
posted by rtha at 3:08 PM on March 2, 2012
Also, yes, yes you can! I started with the fancy microbrews and they have poured me down the path of single-malt whiskies (and interesting blends) and fascinating gins and bourbons. Rum is on the list.
What you need to do is organize a mefi [liquor type] tasting in your area. We've done a few here and they are excellent in every way imaginable. We have vague plans for a bourbon tasting in the spring.
posted by rtha at 3:08 PM on March 2, 2012
Hmmmm... I've got
Maker's Mark
Elijah Craig 12y.o.
Jim Beam
Jim Beam Rye
Old Weller 107
Woodford Reserve and
Booker's 126 all sittin' in my cabinet
if I'm not sippin' one of the good ones, I like to add a little Gran Marnier, ginger ale and ice and stir in a collins glass.
thanks for the post, gives me something to look for next time i'm in kentucky.
posted by OHenryPacey at 3:23 PM on March 2, 2012
Maker's Mark
Elijah Craig 12y.o.
Jim Beam
Jim Beam Rye
Old Weller 107
Woodford Reserve and
Booker's 126 all sittin' in my cabinet
if I'm not sippin' one of the good ones, I like to add a little Gran Marnier, ginger ale and ice and stir in a collins glass.
thanks for the post, gives me something to look for next time i'm in kentucky.
posted by OHenryPacey at 3:23 PM on March 2, 2012
I'm awful fond of BT's higher-end single barrel, Blanton's. But I also love Basil Hayden, Booker's, and Black Maple Hill when I can get it.
posted by uberchet at 5:48 PM on March 2, 2012
posted by uberchet at 5:48 PM on March 2, 2012
Sipping the very last of a bottle of Michters right now. Nice but not my favorite.
posted by octothorpe at 6:39 PM on March 2, 2012
posted by octothorpe at 6:39 PM on March 2, 2012
I don't like to taste, I like to gulp.
posted by furiousxgeorge at 7:12 PM on March 2, 2012
posted by furiousxgeorge at 7:12 PM on March 2, 2012
I find eagle rare to be too... sharp. Basil Hayden, Knob Creek, and Michters various productions all make me happy.
posted by flaterik at 4:31 AM on March 3, 2012
posted by flaterik at 4:31 AM on March 3, 2012
Funny, I have a bit of a cold tonight, and was just thinking that a bourbon was called for. Maybe a bourbon sour, you know - for the vitamin C.
If we're recommending our favourites, I tend to haunt liquor stores hoping to find a bottle (or a shelf full) of W L Weller Centennial that's been overlooked. I just loved it when it was more available, and now I pull over at little old liquor stores and hunt for it the way I hunt for Crest Vanilla Mint toothpaste (which also seems to have gone scarce).
I say this in part hoping others enjoy it if they find it - and that if someone finds a stash of the bourbon (or the toothpaste), that they tell me so I can buy some more and greedily hoard it.
posted by peagood at 5:40 PM on March 3, 2012
If we're recommending our favourites, I tend to haunt liquor stores hoping to find a bottle (or a shelf full) of W L Weller Centennial that's been overlooked. I just loved it when it was more available, and now I pull over at little old liquor stores and hunt for it the way I hunt for Crest Vanilla Mint toothpaste (which also seems to have gone scarce).
I say this in part hoping others enjoy it if they find it - and that if someone finds a stash of the bourbon (or the toothpaste), that they tell me so I can buy some more and greedily hoard it.
posted by peagood at 5:40 PM on March 3, 2012
I'm a big fan of Noah's Mill. Think I might walk up the street, get a bottle and drink it during the upcoming Tornado Apocalypse.
posted by Mcable at 2:46 PM on March 2
Mcable, don't make these poor non-Kentuckians cry! Don't you know how hard it is to get Noah's Mill and Rowan's Creek out-of-state?
Wine/liquor saleswoman here, my Buffalo obsessions:
Buffalo Trace Colonel E.H. Taylor Warehouse C Tornado Surviving Bourbon
Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection
Buffalo Trace Thomas Handy Sazerac Rye
As mentioned above, Buffalo Trace Single Oak Project
And for The Bourbon Connoisseur Who Has Everything, The Buffalo Trace Your Own Entire Unique Barrel of Bourbon
PS, Mcable, I really hope you made it through the tornados ok. We were spared in Louisville but across the bridge the death count keeps rising. Maybe all us Kentuckians should do a roll call, k?
posted by sunnichka at 9:52 PM on March 3, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by Mcable at 2:46 PM on March 2
Mcable, don't make these poor non-Kentuckians cry! Don't you know how hard it is to get Noah's Mill and Rowan's Creek out-of-state?
Wine/liquor saleswoman here, my Buffalo obsessions:
Buffalo Trace Colonel E.H. Taylor Warehouse C Tornado Surviving Bourbon
Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection
Buffalo Trace Thomas Handy Sazerac Rye
As mentioned above, Buffalo Trace Single Oak Project
And for The Bourbon Connoisseur Who Has Everything, The Buffalo Trace Your Own Entire Unique Barrel of Bourbon
PS, Mcable, I really hope you made it through the tornados ok. We were spared in Louisville but across the bridge the death count keeps rising. Maybe all us Kentuckians should do a roll call, k?
posted by sunnichka at 9:52 PM on March 3, 2012 [1 favorite]
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posted by spicynuts at 9:18 AM on March 2, 2012