The Most American Thing With Ze Frenchy Name
Bourbon, that is. Sonny weighs in with a remarkable-sounding spirit I’ve never tasted nor even heard of. Excellent! Forthwith, my notes on rednectar:
* Blanton’s is a favorite — bold but not too fiery.
* But if you do want fiery, Wild Turkey — high proof, of course — is the hands-down winner. If you want burn-in-hell fiery, reach for the Fighting Cock, but you better have something serious to cry over.
* Woodford Reserve has always tasted, to this palate, like someone left out about one finger of backwash and melted ice in a SOLO cup. Seek refreshment elsewhere.
* Knob Creek ain’t doin’ it for me neither.
* Bulleit and Maker’s occupy the solid middle ground. They are the decent, God-fearing Americans of bourbon. But Maker’s is still cooler.
* Want some awful fun? Try Old Grand-Dad. It’s orange.
Well, that’s not the greatest list of all time — there are a lot of brands I’d like to get to know a little better (Pappy van Winkle, Sonny’s Weller). But it should keep you busy, indoors or out.
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3 Comments - add your own
Matt S. — July 9, 2008 at 12:14 am
I have to say I’ve always thought Knob Creek was pretty serviceable. In fact, I typically lump it with Makers in being a decent middle of the road affordable bourbon. YES, Makers is “cooler,” but I’m not anti-Knob Creek.
For those who at some point have to buy cheap stuff — you know, in the plastic jugs — Faulkner drank Early Times when times were tough. And it appears in most Walker Percy novels.
Mike P — July 9, 2008 at 12:18 pm
3 cheers for Blanton’s! Very smooth and sippable. Also, I endorse Bulleit as well…I find it’s a bit sweeter than some of the other brands mentioned.
Sonny Bunch — July 9, 2008 at 4:16 pm
I found the last bottle of Wellers at a Capitol Hill liquor store before my dentist appointment today. I totally bought it.
Woodford Reserve has always reminded me of an expensive mixing bourbon…what rich people use instead of Beam to mix with Coke. It doesn’t work at all on its own, though it mixes quite nicely with ginger ale.
I’m intrigued by Pappy Van Winkle. I might buy a bottle at some point this summer.