Any bourbon aficionados here?

[/pine]

FWIW...
A splash of good spring or branch water does a lot more than just dilute the alcohol...
Many of the aromas and flavors are oil based...good water separates the oils and opens up the bourbon...it allows all the flavors and aromas come through...

Can't remember what distillery it was or the name of the bourbon but a bottle of their bourbon came with a bottle of water because they didn't want folks lousing up their bourbon with crappy water...!

Ice made with general tap water can ruin a good bourbon...

 

[Citydude]

The MB Rowland uncut, unfiltered bourbon I like is remarkable with ice after the ice melts a tad. Not so much without ice.

 

[Citydude]

My favorite is cask strength, no ice, no water… just from the barrel to my lips

I tried an highly recommended Elijah Craig barrel proof cask strength that was 128 proof. Once past my lips, it burned all the way down with a hint of smoke. Lol

 

[NoTrespassing]

I'm pleased to hear you like your Whisky but from Scotland it is without an 'E' I am in the UK and am spoiled for choice. You really must try Glenkinchie or Aberlour medium priced but very good. It must also be Single Malt not blended. Enjoy!!!!

Yes, I got it completely backwards, and I haven't even been drinking either Whiskey or Whisky right now.

 

[DelBoy22]

I'm pleased to hear you like your Whisky but from Scotland it is without an 'E' I am in the UK and am spoiled for choice. You really must try Glenkinchie or Aberlour medium priced but very good. It must also be Single Malt not blended. Enjoy!!!!

 

[finallydribben]

I prefer it Neat. Woodford Reserve, Baker's Single Barrel and JD are my favs

 

[gstrom99]

A bit of pure spring branch water actually enhances the flavor of many whiskeys...

Wild Turkey here.

1. What's the difference between Spring and Pure Spring Branch water?
2. How do us "at home" types make good - clear ice cubes?

 

[/pine]

Wild Turkey here.

1. What's the difference between Spring and Pure Spring Branch water?
2. How do us "at home" types make good - clear ice cubes?

You can buy bottled "branch" water...but just like the bottled spring water you never know exactly where it's from or what processes it's been through...when I said pure I meant authentic...

to make ice...just use a quality bottled "spring" water...and ice trays...

We're lucky...we have authentic branch/spring water coming out of our taps...(gravity fed straight from where it comes out of the mountain...)

 

[Racenut]

I like bourbon. I like rye. I have whiskey snob friends. I watch whiskey reviews. I've tried a lot and drink more than my wife thinks I should. What I've learned is.... It's all subjective. Even my own tastes have changed over the years. Everyone has their preferences. I really dislike Jim Beam, others hold it as the standard of what a "real bourbon" should be. And I'm sure some think my favorites are undrinkable swill as well.

Bulleit is my goto. It's affordable and easy to find, $35 at Costco for a 1.75L
Larceny - more affordable, harder to find. Sweet with vanilla.
Woodford Reserve Double Oaked - I got this as a gift at Christmas. I've tried regular WR and it was OK but nothing that turned my crank. This double oaked stuff does though. I really like it.
Blantons - used to be a great pour for $50. Now it's crazy hard to find and gets marked up to $areyoukiddingme
Eagle Rare - Another good one that got popular and now getting expensive and harder to find.
Bookers - 125 proof and surprisingly smooth for a hot one. Mostly keep it around for an "Oh yeah, but have you tried..."
Clyde May's Cask Strength - really enjoyed this one, but we were also on vacation with friends so that might have helped. Good times

 

[bigtiller]

I like Angel's Envy, aged in Port? barrels, which adds a Port note. Woodford Reserve, Makers when mixed.
I hate getting an Old Fashioned with cube ice. Diluted way too quickly. I bought a large cube maker, round actually, the size of a tennis ball. Very slow melting.
Price isn't a good indicater of quality.
I like to go to distillery tastings, cheap investment before buying. And I usually learn something along the way...

I tried Angel's Envy last Christmas. 3 of us compared it to Jim Beam in a sampling test with crackers and water to clean the pallet.

It was a close race but Angel's Envy won out because it is a little smoother.

I don't know what either bottle cost, they were both gifts.