Whiskey Reviews
Perhaps my taste is connected to my mind's eye. I taste whiskey in the images that emerge from each sip, and good sip can transport and inspire. What does each glass make me or you? I'm not a taste describer. Can't be. Call my imagery for what it is: an adventure of sorts.
Whiskey is my great affair, a timeless lady shared by such men as US Grant, Winston Churhill and William Faulkner, and our fathers and their fathers. I have my wife, and I love her, but whiskey is the queen of all mistresses, communed by all, living and past. Each glass is a shared glass of history, a chance at reflection, and a maker of warmth. To enjoy a fine whiskey is to follow the same road as those have travelled it before, and have not travelled it yet.
Follow her, this shrouded mistress of spirit. Flowing, graceful she beckons down the same distilled trail that our forbears once did. Yet, travel smartly. Whiskey is a powerful thing. I recommend you start with these favorites of mine. The rewards will not disappoint a man of proper upbringing and good character.
It is Knob Creek that makes distillers think long indeed about taking on the American south when it comes to bourbon. There is no sense to such a challenge. Aged nine years, Knobb Creek has a nice smokey flavor that brings character to the senses. How good is Knob Creek? If the Revolution were fought and won again today, Kentucky would be the American capital. |
Maker's Mark is rich, smooth and goes easy over ice, with a fine meal of any sort. A whiskey as perfect as this brings a religious responsibility. There is no doubt the Lord God will smite you if you mix this with anything more than a dash of water. |
If you are to share one drink of refinement with your father, this is surely it. Macallan is the badge of refinement and distinction. There is a sharp rebuff to the unitiated. It serves to remind that the gray among us is to sometimes be savored for the experience it is. This classic scotch has become renowned for good cause. Now you might call us scoundrels for recommending an import after making so much noise of them, but this single malt scotch is so good that I do not care. |
This bottle is not to be trifled with lightly. Laphroaig is a peaty thing, and that can put some off. Images consume you with each taste. Those who brave this Claymore of a whiskey will find the adventure only makes them both more manly and refined. With every glass Laphroaig shouts: "Behold, I am King of Scotches". "Yes", I say, "You are." |
One might examine all the logos, recipes, t-shirts, sponsored bands, and blacked out hungover days of youth, and be tempted to move along. But yall come back 'round to Tennessee, and sit a spell with Old No 7. Underneath all the hype is a pretty damned good whiskey. Have a glass like a gentleman, and do as I: Hand your wife the keys and man up. This will not be your last glass, this evening. |
You might look at the price and assume this whiskey inferior. You would be missing out. Smooth, with a slightly sweet note to it, this sleeper whiskey is surprisingly good, whether you are budget constrained or not. |
You might almost call this the American response to Laphroaig. This is no mess in a glass. This is a symphony. How does Elijah Craig make me feel? Like a frontiersman in the 18th century returning to the fire. Like seeing the stars with my son. This is the quintessential patriot's whiskey, offering so many images. I cannot count them all. Butterscotch! Elijah Craig is one of the greatest whiskeys ever made. |
Hot, mischievous and smooth. Blanton goes down smooth and warms you up right away. Some old Hondo might ask: "Hey Stork, did you like that?" before adding, "I pissed in it!" I sit down my glass and ask back: "geez Hondo, what did you drink, because this is a great!" Blanton is a modern song: riding off in the back of my friend's GTO, spinning in the snow. I feel 19 again. Good stuff. |