Bourbon

It is the summer of 2015 and there has never been a better time for American Whiskey. Bourbon is on fire. Rye has gone prime time. And just about every state in the nation is now home to an amazing craft distillery.

I want to officially thank my college buds from Kentucky who eased me away from vodka and beer and brought that first bottle of Makers Mark up to Philadelphia.

I have never enjoyed research so much. Here are my current recommendations:

The House Bottles:

  • Makers Mark
  • Knob Creek
  • Bookers
  • Old Forrester
  • Bulleit
  • Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel

The Call Brands:

  • Makers Mark 46
  • Woodford Reserve
  • Whistle Pig 10 Rye
  • Michters Rye
  • Rowan’s Creek
  • WL Weller 12
  • WL Weller Special Reserve
  • High West
  • Colonel Taylor Small Batch
  • Blade & Bow
  • Widow Jane
  • Knob Creek Single Barrel
  • Blanton’s Original Single Barrel
  • Four Roses Single Barrel
  • Smooth Ambler Old Scout
  • Barrell Whiskey
  • Few Bourbon Whiskey

Top Shelf:

  • Makers Mark Cask Strength
  • Hillrock Estate
  • Lock Stock and Barrel Rye
  • Whistle Pig Boss Hog Rye
  • Whistle Pig Old World Rye collection
  • Buffalo Trace Single Oak Project
  • Forged Oak
  • Angel’s Envy Rye
  • Colonel Taylor Single Barrel
  • Stagg Jr.
  • Jefferson Select Presidential
  • Jefferson Straight Rye
  • Orphan Barrel Barterhouse
  • High Wire Jimmy Red Corn

If you are lucky to find it:

  • Mic Drop Straight Bourbon Whiskey (my new favorite)
  • Pappy Van Winkle 23
  • Pappy Van Winkle 20
  • Rip Van Winkle 12
  • William Larue Weller Cask Strength
  • Old Forrester Birthday Barrel
  • Lost Prophet
  • Anything from Parker’s Heritage
  • Angel’s Envy Cask Strength
  • George T. Stagg
  • Black Maple Hill 21
  • Black Maple Hill Rye
  • Rittenhouse Very Rare Straight Rye 21