Bonus Post - Mini Review - Knob Creek Single Barrel

Welcome to the mini review for Know Creek Single Barrel. I was given two ounces by friend of the site, Ashwin!

Manufacturer: Beam Suntory (Jim Beam)

Age: 12 years, 3 months, 3 days

Mash Bill: Unknown (however, most Knob Creek are 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% barley)

Alcohol: 60%

Bonus Post - Maker's Mark Distillery Tour

Welcome to the second distillery tour bonus post. Our first looked at Woodford Reserve. Today I'm focusing on the stunning Maker's Mark Distillery in Loretto, Kentucky where you can see how the bourbon is made and even dip your own bottle of Maker's Mark.

Some of the takeaways from this tour were that the Maker's Mark grounds are absolutely beautiful. This was by far the most picturesque of the distilleries that I have been to. Also, seeing how each bottle was hand dipped and having the chance to dip your own is a must do.

Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch Review

Welcome to the review for Evan Williams 1783

Manufacturer: Heaven Hill

Age: Unknown

Location Produced: Bardstown, Kentucky

Mash Bill: Unknown

Aroma (from manufacturer): Oaky vanilla, sautéed butter, and sweet corn

Taste (from manufacturer): Semi-sweet, oaky, and honeyed

Finish (from manufacturer): Lean, off-dry, and regal

Alcohol: 43%

Who is this for?: People looking for a cheaper, yet decent bourbon. I would recommend for mixing, infusions, as well as drinking on the rocks.

Cost (Ohio): $18.99



Review: Taste - As always, we'll start with the taste. For a $19 dollar bottle, this has a decent amount of flavor. I did get the flavor of the oak, however, I didn't get any honey. Surprisingly, it goes down pretty well for a bourbon this cheap. Score 26 out of 35

Smoothness/Finish - This one lingers a bit. It's funny that Heaven Hill says that the finish is 'regal'. My first car when I turned 16 was a 1984 Buick Regal (Olympic edition). What made this car unique is that

Bonus Post - Apple Cinnamon Infused Bulleit

Welcome to the instructions and review for our first infusion. For this one I want to do something different and fun so I am creating a cinnamon/granny smith infused Bulleit Rye. This is something anyone can do to add variety and excitement for their bourbon and makes a wonderful autumn drink.

Ingredients:

• 750ml of Bulleit Rye (or a bourbon of your choice. I recommend something on the cheaper end because it will inherit the taste of the ingredients)
• 1 or 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2 granny smith apples
• 1 large mason jar
• Cheesecloth or strainer

Willett Straight Rye Family Estate Review

Welcome to the review for Willett Straight Family Estate Bottled Small Batch Rye

Manufacturer: Kentucky Bourbon Distillers

Age: 3 years

Location Produced: The Willett Distillery, Bardstown, KY

Mash Bill: Unknown

Aroma (from manufacturer): Beautiful layering of brandied cherry over a mildly tart cherry. It opens up with time and is reminiscent of cutting into your desert with your fork which releases cinnamon and baking spices with just a hint of oak to remind you that this is high proof youthful.

Taste (from manufacturer): A robust rye with dark cherry, burnt vanilla, and spices for days. It's a delicious rye with a weighty mouthfeel. Balance - It is insanely well balanced with the alcohol so perfectly integrated at 115 proof you'll forget its there, but you'll find yourself smiling more and happier with each dram.

Finish (from manufacturer): Long and the spices dominate this batch, while the cherry does punch its way through to the surface.

Alcohol: 54.5%

Who is this for?: People who like sipping their bourbon. At nearly 55% alcohol, this isn't for college kids.

Cost (Ohio): Not available in Ohio... $79.99 online

Review: Taste - Score 28 out of 35

This rye has a really nice, sweet nose that doesn't overpower you with the alcohol. For a whiskey at nearly 55%, it didn't come though on the palette, which is great. Johny got hints of vanilla, which weren't on the flavor profile. Overall, this was an enjoyable, solid rye.

Bonus Post - Woodford Reserve Distillery

If you are ever lucky enough to find yourself Versailles, Kentucky, I strongly recommend taking a tour and a tasting at the beautiful Woodford Distillery. I've been fortunate enough to done this twice. The first time in 2011 and then again in 2016 and want to share some of the experience with the readers of the blog.

The grounds of the distillery are beautiful and historic with the stone aging rooms and retired copper pot stills still visible.

Basil Hayden's Bourbon Review

Welcome to the review for Basil Hayden's Bourbon. Our very first review. Let's get started!

Manufacturer: Beam Suntory (Jim Beam)

Age: Unknown

Location Produced: Basil Hayden's Distillery, Clermont, KY

Mash Bill: 63% corn, 27% rye, 10 % barley

Aroma (from manufacturer): Spice, Tea, Hint of Peppermint

Taste (from manufacturer): Spicy, Light-bodied, gentle bite

Finish (from manufacturer): Dry, Clean, Brief

Alcohol: 40%

Who is this for?: Everyone, especially those that may not be enthusiasts who want an easy to drink straight, yet delicious bourbon.

Cost (Ohio): $39.98 + tax

Let's get to the review!

Taste - Score 29 out of 35

As the manufacturer describes it, Basil Hayden's is very light bodied with a gentle bite. Unlike other bourbons, this doesn't leave an overly alcohol taste. It stays on the palate the perfect time for me. Some people call it bourbon water due to the 40% alcohol, light color, and smoothness. I disagree and call it delicious.