Photo via Liqour.com

So – I like to work hard, and play harder. I also firmly believe to live while alive – don’t just occupy a seat. A good drink is something I enjoy.  I also enjoy learning. So… after ordering an “old fashioned” at the hotel bar one night while traveling for work, I realized I liked it and wanted to learn how to make one myself. This is me, writing about learning bourbon. I probably won’t use the right words, I’m not a pro – just a guy that is having fun drinking bourbon.

The Standing Rankings:

  1. Four Roses Single Barrel ($40)
  2. Jim Beam Black Extra Aged ($16)
  3. Four Roses Yellow Label ($22)
  4. Maker’s 46 ($37)
  5. Gentry Charleston Lowland Reserve ($35)
  6. Buffalo Trace ($28)
  7. Knob Creek ($30)
  8. Woodford Reserve ($35)

The focus will be on the different bourbons. Me being frugal, I’m also interested in finding out how much price really matters. Does a more expensive bourbon effect how much I enjoy an “Old Fashioned”. I will (and have) played with a few recipes of which I’ll share. However, all bourbons are ranked based on what I will call the “Simple Old Fashioned”.

Objectives:

  1. Learn how to make an “Old Fashioned” whiskey
  2. Try different bourbons (various styles and prices) and rate them from preference
  3. Share the results

Rules:

  1. Use the same recipe across all samples *See The Simple Recipe below
  2. Only vary the recipe once a ranking is given
  4. Bourbon will be force ranked from most liked, to least liked
  5. Will be categorized into 4 categories:
    1. Look forward to buying again
    2. Would buy it again
    3. Probably wouldn’t buy it again
    4. Definitely not buying again

…and with that, let’s start sampling the bourbon!

The Simple Recipe

  • 2 oz Bourbon
  • 1/2 oz Simple syrup
  • 3 dashes angostura bitters

Prepare:

  1. Fill mixing glass 3/4 full with ice from my fridges ice dispenser
  2. Add bitters, simple syrup, then bouron (I’m using a jig to ensure consistent pours)
  3. Stir for 30 seconds
  4. Pour into glass with solid ice cube of choice (cube or sphere)
  5. *Sometimes I have an orange handy to add an orange peel; I’ve found this doesn’t overly effect the taste, but is fun to throw in.