The Daily Gopher - The Daily Gopher Bourbon Bracket 2014Your online home for Minnesota Golden Gophers football, basketball and hockey.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/49211/daily-gopher-fave.png2014-08-08T15:00:35-05:00http://www.thedailygopher.com/rss/stream/56854682014-08-08T15:00:35-05:002014-08-08T15:00:35-05:00TDG Bourbon Bracket Semi Finals
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<figcaption>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>We are down to the Final Four, each distinctive region has a winner and now they face off with the other winners. Time to place your votes...</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/assets/4876172/Capture.JPG"><img src="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/assets/4876172/Capture_medium.JPG" class="photo" alt="Capture_large"></a> <br id="1407526342962"></p>
<h4>VALUE BOURBON vs. BARREL PROOF BOURBON</h4>
<p>The semi-elusive Weller 12 vs. the occasionally released Elijah Craig Barrel Proof. A very interesting match-up between two very different bourbons. The ECBP was a brand new release in 2013 and Heaven Hill has announced that they will continue to release this bourbon into 2015. Weller 12 is a staple but hard to come by in parts of the country.</p>
<h4>Weller 12 yr</h4>
<p><b>Whiskey Advocate Rating: </b>89<br><b>Distilled by:</b> Buffalo Trace<br><b>Tasting Notes (</b><a href="http://whiskyadvocate.com/buying-guide/" target="_blank">hijacked from here</a><b>) :</b> <i>A pleasantly sweet, easy-going, well-balanced experience. Creamy vanilla, caramel, candied corn, and ripe berried fruit , along with more subtle notes of glazed orange, cocoa powder, and wood shavings. If I were going to ease a new bourbon drinker into the category, I might pick this one.</i></p>
<p>This bottle of bourbon is often heralded as the one bottle to buy <a href="http://www.esquire.com/blogs/food-for-men/pappy-van-winkle-idiots-guide" target="_blank">if you cannot get your hands on</a> the exclusive and elusive Pappy Van Winkle. Mostly because it is also a "wheated" bourbon, which means the secondary grain used is wheat rather than rye. The Weller line as well as the Pappy line was previously distilled at the now shut-down Stitzel-Weller distillery before having the label and recipe purchased by Sazerac (essentially Buffalo Trace) where it is now produced.</p>
<p>The Weller 12 is just so well balanced and gives you some sweet flavor while still being under $30. With this bourbon I appreciate the caramel and creamy vanilla taste and the drinkability of it. In Minnesota this is a difficult bottle to find, I find that it gets allocated here once or twice a year and only at stores who carry a healthy whiskey selection. Other places of the country, like Texas, this stuff is readily available year round. If you see it...buy it. If you don't like it, I'll take it off your hands.</p>
<p>vs.</p>
<h4>Elijah Craig Barrel Proof</h4>
<p><b>Whiskey Advocate Rating: </b>89<br><b>Distilled by:</b> Heaven Hill<br><b>Tasting Notes (</b><a style="background-color: #ffffff;" target="_blank" href="http://whiskyadvocate.com/buying-guide/">hijacked from here</a><b>) :</b> <i>Quite dark in color, turning cloudy with water. Don’t let that deter you. A thick, chewy bourbon, with layers of nutty toffee, nougat, cocoa, and toasted marshmallow, peppered with cinnamon and vanilla. Oak and leather on the finish dry out the whiskey nicely. Not the most refined bourbon, but the flavors it delivers make up for it.</i></p>
<p>This is another 2013 new release and it was wildly popular. This particular barrel proof is thick. There is a thick molasses to this BP that I haven't found elsewhere. This BP was pretty hard to find, has had multiple releases over the last year but all are a chewy, tasty treat.</p>
<p>I'm a big fan of every Elijah Craig I have had. The 12 yr is my favorite daily pour, the no-longer-sold 18 yr is outstanding (maybe the best under $60 bottle I've ever had) and this ECBP is a unique and complex barrel proof. Hard to find. There have been a few different releases and most of them have made it to MN, they don't typically sit on shelves for very long but they will hit shelves.</p>
<h4>LIMITED EDITION REGION vs. RYE REGION</h4>
<p>This one should be a landslide (hate to lead the voting here). The Sazerac is a nice rye, versatile in that it can stand alone as a nice sipping rye and it is excellent to be used in mixed drinks. But the Four Roses Lt Ed bottlings are just too strong here. This is like when Florida Gulf Coast made a nice run to the Sweet 16 only be thwarted and held to just 50 points by Florida on the second weekend. But maybe the voters will surprise me here...</p>
<h4>Four Roses Limited Edition Single Barrel & Small Batch</h4>
<h4></h4>
<p><b>Whiskey Advocate Rating: 96</b><br><b>Distilled by:</b> Four Roses<br><b>Tasting Notes (</b><a style="background-color: #ffffff;" target="_blank" href="http://whiskyadvocate.com/buying-guide/">hijacked from here</a><b>) :</b> SMALL BATCH 2013 - <i>A marriage of 13 and 18 year old bourbons. A mature yet very elegant whiskey, with a silky texture and so easy to embrace with a splash of water. Balanced notes of honeyed vanilla, soft caramel, a basket of complex orchard fruit, blackberry, papaya, and a dusting of cocoa and nutmeg; smooth finish. Sophisticated, stylish, with well-defined flavors. A classic!</i></p>
<p><b>Whiskey Advocate Rating: 92</b><br>SINGLE BARREL 2014 - <i>Thirteen years old, but it shows its age nicely. It’s peppered with complex dried spice notes (mint, cinnamon, ginger, vanilla), yet it also has interwoven sweet notes (maple syrup, caramel, honey) to keep the whiskey from being too dry. Hints of dark chocolate and berried fruit add complexity. Dry, spicy, tobacco, and leather-tinged finish. Great complexity!</i></p>
<p>Every year Four Roses has 2 separate limited edition releases. In late spring they will release a LE Single Barrel. This will actually be multiple single barrels and one bottle to the next might be dramatically different. In the fall they release their LE Small Batch. This is taking a few different batches, blending them together and bottling them. The 2012 and 2013 LE Small Batch won Whiskey Advocate's American Whiskey of the Year award. Both were a couple of my favorite bourbons I've ever tasted.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.fourrosesbourbon.com/ten-unique-bourbon-recipes/" target="_blank">What makes Four Roses unique is that they have 10 very specific recipes</a>. There are 2 different matshbills and 5 different yeast strains they will use to make their bourbons and each bottle will tell you the recipe that was used. Their<a href="http://www.fourrosesbourbon.com/single-barrel/" target="_blank"> regular single barrel</a> that you can find on most liquor store shelves is the OBSV recipe. The letters to note are the 2nd and 4th letters. In this case the B represents which mashbill was used. The B is a higher rye content as opposed to the E which is slightly higher corn. The 4th letter represents one of their 5 yeast strains which bring out various flavors.</p>
<p>The 2014 LE Single Barrel is an OESF recipe that is 11 years old. Higher corn, fuller bodied whiskey that is a bit more sweet and fruity than other strains. Still hunting for this one.</p>
<p>vs.</p>
<h4>1 - Sazerac</h4>
<h4></h4>
<p><b>Whiskey Advocate Rating: 88</b><br><b>Distilled by:</b> Buffalo Trace<br><b>Tasting Notes (</b><a href="http://whiskyadvocate.com/buying-guide/" target="_blank">hijacked from here</a><b>) :</b> <i>Youthful and very lively. Bold, crisp, spices (mint, cinnamon, vanilla) are softened by soothing, sweeter notes (candied fruit, coconut, caramel, and rum notes), becoming dry, flinty, and spicy on the finish. It is very clean and polished, and it is superior to other rye whiskeys in this age range. Nicely done!</i></p>
<p>This rye is one of the best ryes you can actually find on a shelf. It isn't easy to find but you can find it on shelves around town. I originally bought a bottle as this was the primary rye to buy if you wanted to make a sazerac drink, the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.neworleansonline.com/neworleans/cuisine/drinks/sazerac.html">official cocktail of New Orleans</a>. But I've come to appreciate and drink this one straight on nights when I feel like a rye.</p>
<p><b><u>VOTING</u></b></p>
<ol>
<li>I will put each of the matchups in the comments below</li>
<li>You vote by "Rec'ing" the comment.</li>
<li>Please only vote for one in each of the match-ups.</li>
<li>Voting will go for 2 days.</li>
</ol>
<p>let the voting begin.</p>
https://www.thedailygopher.com/2014/8/8/5983659/tdg-bourbon-bracket-semi-finals-elijah-craig-weller-four-roses-sazeracGopherNation2014-07-31T10:03:46-05:002014-07-31T10:03:46-05:00TDG Bourbon Bracket Quarterfinals - Part 2
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<p>The Daily Gopher bourbon bracket rolls on with the Limited Edition and Rye Regional Finals!</p> <p>So we have all of our first round winners set and time to move on to the quarter finals. I'll do a couple separateposts one for the left side of the bracket and one for the right side. But it is time to move this thing along so we can get into Gopher Football.</p>
<p>The matchups...</p>
<p><b><u>LIMITED EDITION REGION FINALS</u></b></p>
<p>Predictably the top seeds moved on and this match-up could very well be the premier match-up of the entire bracket. These two are really the two best in the bracket and two of the best available period (Pappy be damned). But I broke up the regions intentionally so we'd get to talk about different types of bourbons/ryes. These are really difficult to get your hands on which is sad but every sip is incredible.</p>
<h4>1 - George T. Stagg</h4>
<h4></h4>
<p style="font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal;"><b>Whiskey Advocate Rating: 95</b><br><b>Distilled by:</b> Buffalo Trace<br><b>Tasting Notes (</b><a target="_blank" href="http://whiskyadvocate.com/buying-guide/">hijacked from here</a><b>) :</b> <i>The new, younger sibling to George T. Stagg. George T.’s signature is its bold nature and high proof, and Junior follows in its footsteps. The aromas are very nice: bold spice (clove, dusty mint, cinnamon, evergreen) with layers of burnt sugars, cocoa, charred oak, and berried fruit. However, on the palate, those sugars become dominated by aggressive spice, leather, and unnecessary tannin, most notably on the finish.</i></p>
<p style="font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal;">I talked a little about George T. Stagg in the barrel proof region, but now I'll give it the full coverage it deserves. A yearly release from Buffalo Trace as part of their Buffalo Trace Antique Collection. GTS is barrel proof and is usually very strong. The 2013 release was the weakest on record at 128 proof but 2012 was nearly 144 proof. What makes this incredibly strong bourbon so good is that it is very strong without killing you. It packs a punch but still offers you incredible and rich flavors; it won't kill your taste buds like many other spirits that are around 70% alcohol might.</p>
<p style="font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal;">This is one is incredibly difficult to get your hands on so suggesting you go to your local liquor store and buy it is futile. But if you are sitting at a bar with a good bourbon selection and see the Stagg on the menu, it is worth it. The 2012 Stagg was certainly better than 2013 imo but both are outstanding.</p>
<h4>2 - Four Roses Limited Edition Single Barrel & Small Batch</h4>
<h4></h4>
<p style="font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal;"><b>Whiskey Advocate Rating: 96</b><br><b>Distilled by:</b> Four Roses<br><b>Tasting Notes (</b><a target="_blank" href="http://whiskyadvocate.com/buying-guide/" style="background-color: #ffffff;">hijacked from here</a><b>) :</b> SMALL BATCH 2013 - <i>A marriage of 13 and 18 year old bourbons. A mature yet very elegant whiskey, with a silky texture and so easy to embrace with a splash of water. Balanced notes of honeyed vanilla, soft caramel, a basket of complex orchard fruit, blackberry, papaya, and a dusting of cocoa and nutmeg; smooth finish. Sophisticated, stylish, with well-defined flavors. A classic!</i></p>
<p style="font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal;"><b>Whiskey Advocate Rating: 92</b><br>SINGLE BARREL 2014 - <i>Thirteen years old, but it shows its age nicely. It’s peppered with complex dried spice notes (mint, cinnamon, ginger, vanilla), yet it also has interwoven sweet notes (maple syrup, caramel, honey) to keep the whiskey from being too dry. Hints of dark chocolate and berried fruit add complexity. Dry, spicy, tobacco, and leather-tinged finish. Great complexity!</i></p>
<p style="font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal;">Every year Four Roses has 2 separate limited edition releases. In late spring they will release a LE Single Barrel. This will actually be multiple single barrels and one bottle to the next might be dramatically different. In the fall they release their LE Small Batch. This is taking a few different batches, blending them together and bottling them. The 2012 and 2013 LE Small Batch won Whiskey Advocate's American Whiskey of the Year award. Both were a couple of my favorite bourbons I've ever tasted.</p>
<p style="font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.fourrosesbourbon.com/ten-unique-bourbon-recipes/" target="_blank">What makes Four Roses unique is that they have 10 very specific recipes</a>. There are 2 different matshbills and 5 different yeast strains they will use to make their bourbons and each bottle will tell you the recipe that was used. Their<a href="http://www.fourrosesbourbon.com/single-barrel/" target="_blank"> regular single barrel</a> that you can find on most liquor store shelves is the OBSV recipe. The letters to note are the 2nd and 4th letters. In this case the B represents which mashbill was used. The B is a higher rye content as opposed to the E which is slightly higher corn. The 4th letter represents one of their 5 yeast strains which bring out various flavors.</p>
<p style="font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal;">The 2014 LE Single Barrel is an OESF recipe that is 11 years old. Higher corn, fuller bodied whiskey that is a bit more sweet and fruity than other strains. Still hunting for this one.</p>
<p><b><u>RYE REGION</u></b></p>
<p>A couple of good ryes still on the board here. Sazerac is actually one of the few ryes not produced by MGP in Indiana. I found this <a target="_blank" href="http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/07/28/your-craft-whiskey-is-probably-from-a-factory-distillery-in-indiana.html">interesting article on non-distiller produced whiskeys</a>.</p>
<h4>1 - Sazerac</h4>
<h4></h4>
<p style="font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal;"><b>Whiskey Advocate Rating: 88</b><br><b>Distilled by:</b> Buffalo Trace<br><b>Tasting Notes (</b><a href="http://whiskyadvocate.com/buying-guide/" target="_blank">hijacked from here</a><b>) :</b> <i>Youthful and very lively. Bold, crisp, spices (mint, cinnamon, vanilla) are softened by soothing, sweeter notes (candied fruit, coconut, caramel, and rum notes), becoming dry, flinty, and spicy on the finish. It is very clean and polished, and it is superior to other rye whiskeys in this age range. Nicely done!</i></p>
<p style="font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal;">This rye is one of the best ryes you can actually find on a shelf. It isn't easy to find but you can find it on shelves around town. I originally bought a bottle as this was the primary rye to buy if you wanted to make a sazerac drink, the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.neworleansonline.com/neworleans/cuisine/drinks/sazerac.html">official cocktail of New Orleans</a>. But I've come to appreciate and drink this one straight on nights when I feel like a rye.</p>
<h4>2 - Rendezvous Rye</h4>
<h4></h4>
<p style="font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal;"><b>Whiskey Advocate Rating: 95</b><br><b>Distilled by:</b> High West<br><b>Tasting Notes (</b><a href="http://whiskyadvocate.com/buying-guide/" target="_blank" style="background-color: #ffffff;">hijacked from here</a><b>) :</b> Thanks to the high rye content, this whiskey is very spicy, with cinnamon, crisp mint, and fennel. Underlying sweet notes of caramel, molasses, vanilla, macaroon, cocoa, and candied fruit provide a calming effect and enhance the whiskey's complexity. But in the end, the rye is the victor, emerging with a vengeance and giving the whisky a bold, warming, spice finish.</p>
<p style="font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal;">A blend of two different ryes. High West takes a younger rye that is 95% rye and blends it with a much older rye that is 80%. Both of these are very high in their rye content, remember it only has to be 51% to be classified as a rye. I have not had a lot of experience with this particular bottle. South Lyndale Liquors has a single barrel Rendezous Rye that is a special blend for them, I have tasted this and it was very good. This is a good bottle to own, though it doesn't exactly fall into the value criteria.</p>
<p style="font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal;">High West is a distillery based out of Park City, UT. They source most of their rye from MGP in Indiana but are making their own and will eventually be releasing their own whiskey. They are a well-regarded micro-distillery and you really can't go wrong with anything they have produced or bottled.</p>
<p style="font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal;">I would highly recommend you make the trip to South Lyndale and try their special single barrel. It is delicious.</p>
<p><span>VOTING</span></p>
<ol>
<li><span>I will put each of the matchups in the comments below</span></li>
<li><span>You vote by "Rec'ing" the comment.</span></li>
<li><span>Please only vote for one in each of the match-ups.</span></li>
<li><span>Voting will go for 2 days.</span></li>
</ol>
<p>Have fun. Get out and try some of these!</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/assets/4839824/Capture.JPG" target="_blank"><img alt="Capture_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/assets/4839824/Capture_medium.JPG"></a> <br id="1406816720921"></p>
https://www.thedailygopher.com/2014/7/31/5955229/tdg-bourbon-bracket-george-t-stagg-four-roses-sazerac-high-westGopherNation2014-07-31T09:36:31-05:002014-07-31T09:36:31-05:00TDG Bourbon Bracket: Quarterfinals - Part 1
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<p>The Daily Gopher bourbon bracket rolls on with the Value and Barrel Proof Regional Finals!</p> <p>So we have all of our first round winners set and time to move on to the quarter finals. I'll do a couple seperate posts one for the left side of the bracket and one for the right side. But it is time to move this thing along so we can get into Gopher Football.</p>
<p>The matchups...</p>
<p><b><u>VALUE REGION FINALS</u></b></p>
<p>My two favorites of this region advanced and this is a pretty good matchup. I have actually done a blind taste test of these two and there was a clear winner. Both are great bourbons and when you factor in the price both are outstanding bourbons. The Weller 12 is hard to find but I strongly encourage you to use this as an excuse to head to <a target="_blank" href="http://shop.southlyndale.com/store/">South Lyndale</a> (South Mpls) or <a target="_blank" href="http://www.g-will.com/">G-Will</a> (mostly northern suburbs) or <a target="_blank" href="http://www.thecellars.com/">Cellars</a> (SE suburbs and Plymouth) and grab yourself one of their private single barrels of the Elijah Craig 12.</p>
<h4>1 - Weller 12 yr</h4>
<p><b>Whiskey Advocate Rating: </b>89<br><b>Distilled by:</b> Buffalo Trace<br><b>Tasting Notes (</b><a target="_blank" href="http://whiskyadvocate.com/buying-guide/">hijacked from here</a><b>) :</b> <i>A pleasantly sweet, easy-going, well-balanced experience. Creamy vanilla, caramel, candied corn, and ripe berried fruit , along with more subtle notes of glazed orange, cocoa powder, and wood shavings. If I were going to ease a new bourbon drinker into the category, I might pick this one.</i></p>
<p>This bottle of bourbon is often heralded as the one bottle to buy <a target="_blank" href="http://www.esquire.com/blogs/food-for-men/pappy-van-winkle-idiots-guide">if you cannot get your hands on</a> the exclusive and elusive Pappy Van Winkle. Mostly because it is also a "wheated" bourbon, which means the secondary grain used is wheat rather than rye. The Weller line as well as the Pappy line was previously distilled at the now shut-down Stitzel-Weller distillery before having the label and recipe purchased by Sazerac (essentially Buffalo Trace) where it is now produced.</p>
<p>The Weller 12 is just so well balanced and gives you some sweet flavor while still being under $30. With this bourbon I appreciate the caramel and creamy vanilla taste and the drinkability of it. In Minnesota this is a difficult bottle to find, I find that it gets allocated here once or twice a year and only at stores who carry a healthy whiskey selection. Other places of the country, like Texas, this stuff is readily available year round. If you see it...buy it. If you don't like it, I'll take it off your hands.</p>
<h4>2 - Elijah Craig 12 yr</h4>
<p><b>Whiskey Advocate Rating: </b>88<br><b>Distilled by:</b> Heaven Hill<br><b>Tasting Notes (</b><a target="_blank" href="http://whiskyadvocate.com/buying-guide/" style="background-color: #ffffff;">hijacked from here</a><b>) :</b> <i>Very much in the Elijah Craig style: thick and chewy, with layers of toffee, molasses, and vanilla cream. Notes of caramel-nut fudge, cinnamon bun, and blackberry brandy keep it fun. There’s just the right amount of dried oak spice on the finish to round things out. Very good, solid, affordable bourbon.</i></p>
<p>The Elijah Craig 12 year old bourbon is much easier to find than it's regional championship opponent and delightful. On the shelf you can find the small batch with relative ease and is also pretty easy to find a liquor store's private single barrel around town (South Lyndale, G-Wil Liquors, Cellars to name a few). The difference in this case is minimal. The regularly produced bottling is technically a small batch, meaning they will take a smaller number of barrels, mix them and then bottle them. This is done to maintain a bit of taste consistency. The single barrels can taste different from barrel to barrel, liquor stores are sent samples and can pick the specific barrel they want to be bottled exclusively for them. These can vary in taste but are all relatively similar. You cannot go wrong with the small batch and some single barrels are outstanding for the price point.</p>
<p>This bourbon will have a bit more spice and thickness than the Weller 12 while still holding some of the caramel sweetness. This is nearly an everyday pour for me. For a private single barrel of this, I highly recommend South Lyndale located in South Minneapolis).</p>
<p><b><u>BARREL PROOF REGION</u></b></p>
<p>This region had a significant upset. I assume the familiarity and availability of the Bookers won out over the name and label of the Stagg Jr. Not totally surprising and the Stagg Jr may have been overseeded. ECBP on the other hand won through and I'm guessing should win this matchup as well. Both of these barrel proofs are very strong. One is going to give you little caramel with it's punch and the other is going to be more of the toffee and molasses ilk.</p>
<h4>2 - Elijah Craig Barrel Proof</h4>
<p><b>Whiskey Advocate Rating: </b>89<br><b>Distilled by:</b> Heaven Hill<br><b>Tasting Notes (</b><a href="http://whiskyadvocate.com/buying-guide/" target="_blank" style="background-color: #ffffff;">hijacked from here</a><b>) :</b> <i>Quite dark in color, turning cloudy with water. Don’t let that deter you. A thick, chewy bourbon, with layers of nutty toffee, nougat, cocoa, and toasted marshmallow, peppered with cinnamon and vanilla. Oak and leather on the finish dry out the whiskey nicely. Not the most refined bourbon, but the flavors it delivers make up for it.</i></p>
<p>This is another 2013 new release and it was wildly popular. This particular barrel proof is thick. There is a thick molasses to this BP that I haven't found elsewhere. This BP was pretty hard to find, has had multiple releases over the last year but all are a chewy, tasty treat.</p>
<p>I'm a big fan of every Elijah Craig I have had. The 12 yr is my favorite daily pour, the no-longer-sold 18 yr is outstanding (maybe the best under $60 bottle I've ever had) and this ECBP is a unique and complex barrel proof. Hard to find. There have been a few different releases and most of them have made it to MN, they don't typically sit on shelves for very long but they will hit shelves.</p>
<h4><span>4 - Bookers</span></h4>
<p><b>Whiskey Advocate Rating: 89</b><br><b>Distilled by:</b> Jim Beam<br><b>Tasting Notes (</b><a href="http://whiskyadvocate.com/buying-guide/" target="_blank" style="background-color: #ffffff;">hijacked from here</a><b>) :</b> <i>Big and chewy, with nutty toffee, molasses, nougat, tobacco, pencil shavings, subtle fruit, and dried spice (cinnamon, vanilla). Leather, barrel char, and a hint of licorice root on the finish. Big, bold, and very enjoyable.</i></p>
<p>There are probably other BP bottles I like more but this one is readily available and still rather good. Heavy and caramelly in my opinion. Good complexity of flavor over the tongue. This one is strong and will knock you back a little but it is still very drinkable, especially with a splash of water. When I'm at a restaurant, and most restaurants have a terrible bourbon selection, this is what I'll drink.</p>
<p>Just about any bar/restaurant and liquor store will have this available. This bottle has some wild price swings ranging from $37-$55, best price I have seen was at Haskell's.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span>VOTING</span></p>
<ol>
<li><span>I will put each of the matchups in the comments below</span></li>
<li><span>You vote by "Rec'ing" the comment.</span></li>
<li><span>Please only vote for one in each of the match-ups.</span></li>
<li><span>Voting will go for 2 days.</span></li>
</ol>
<p>Have fun. Get out and try some of these!</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/assets/4839824/Capture.JPG"><img src="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/assets/4839824/Capture_medium.JPG" class="photo" alt="Capture_medium"></a> <br id="1406816720921"></p>
https://www.thedailygopher.com/2014/7/31/5936577/the-daily-gopher-bourbon-bracket-weller-elijah-craig-bookersGopherNation2014-07-24T12:47:06-05:002014-07-24T12:47:06-05:00TDG Bourbon Bracket: Rye Region
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Od8D808E9ZHW5j6MIIaAmKY9OVA=/0x80:4000x2747/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/36020412/20130201_jla_al2_148.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The final set of first round matchups and we finally get to the ryes. So technically we have left the world of bourbon for this bourbon bracket, but ryes a very close American brother of bourbon. Everything is the same with the exception of having more rye grain in the mashbill than corn. There is a clear difference between a rye and a bourbon. At a high level, the best way I've heard it explained is that it is like the difference between rye bread and white/wheat bread.</p>
<p>Rye whiskey almost always initially comes across as more spicey than a bourbon at first. But it is also going to be a bit more grainy and earthy and has a unique sweetness to it that you don't find as much in bourbon (you find sweetness in bourbon but this is a different kind of sweetness). At first I wasn't really a "rye-guy" but I've certainly come around and appreciate a few good ryes. Some of the higher end and limited edition ryes are incredible, but I've chosen not to include them here. This region is more like the value ryes.</p>
<h4>1 - Sazerac</h4>
<p><b>Whiskey Advocate Rating: 88</b><br><b>Distilled by:</b> Buffalo Trace<br><b>Tasting Notes (</b><a href="http://whiskyadvocate.com/buying-guide/" target="_blank">hijacked from here</a><b>) :</b> <i>Youthful and very lively. Bold, crisp, spices (mint, cinnamon, vanilla) are softened by soothing, sweeter notes (candied fruit, coconut, caramel, and rum notes), becoming dry, flinty, and spicy on the finish. It is very clean and polished, and it is superior to other rye whiskeys in this age range. Nicely done! </i></p>
<p>This rye is one of the best ryes you can actually find on a shelf. It isn't easy to find but you can find it on shelves around town. I originally bought a bottle as this was the primary rye to buy if you wanted to make a sazerac drink, the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.neworleansonline.com/neworleans/cuisine/drinks/sazerac.html">official cocktail of New Orleans</a>. But I've come to appreciate and drink this one straight on nights when I feel like a rye.</p>
<h4>2 - Rendezvous Rye</h4>
<p><b>Whiskey Advocate Rating: 95</b><br><b>Distilled by:</b> High West<br><b>Tasting Notes (</b><a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://whiskyadvocate.com/buying-guide/" target="_blank">hijacked from here</a><b>) :</b> Thanks to the high rye content, this whiskey is very spicy, with cinnamon, crisp mint, and fennel. Underlying sweet notes of caramel, molasses, vanilla, macaroon, cocoa, and candied fruit provide a calming effect and enhance the whiskey's complexity. But in the end, the rye is the victor, emerging with a vengeance and giving the whisky a bold, warming, spice finish.</p>
<p>A blend of two different ryes. High West takes a younger rye that is 95% rye and blends it with a much older rye that is 80%. Both of these are very high in their rye content, remember it only has to be 51% to be classified as a rye. I have not had a lot of experience with this particular bottle. South Lyndale Liquors has a single barrel Rendezous Rye that is a special blend for them, I have tasted this and it was very good. This is a good bottle to own, though it doesn't exactly fall into the value criteria.</p>
<p>High West is a distillery based out of Park City, UT. They source most of their rye from MGP in Indiana but are making their own and will eventually be releasing their own whiskey. They are a well-regarded micro-distillery and you really can't go wrong with anything they have produced or bottled.</p>
<h4>3 - Bulleit</h4>
<p><b>Whiskey Advocate Rating: 85</b><br><b>Distilled by:</b> Bulleit<br><b>Tasting Notes (</b><a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://whiskyadvocate.com/buying-guide/" target="_blank">hijacked from here</a><b>) :</b> <i>No age statement, but it includes 4 to 7 year old whiskeys. The mashbill is 95% rye — much higher than most standard rye whiskeys out there. It’s brisk, vibrant, and loaded with spice (crisp mint, warming cinnamon, cocoa, hint of anise). Fruit — ripe nectarine, apricot, golden raisin — drizzled with maple syrup. Dry oak rounds out the finish. Bold enough for cocktails. Mature enough to drink neat (or on the rocks). </i></p>
<p>I am not a huge Bulleit fan but people love this rye, in fact you may get some comments from other TDG writers proclaiming the virtues of this rye. This, like just about every other rye on the market, is actually made in Indiana and then bottled for various labels. High West does this, Bulleit does this, Templeton does this and others. This isn't really a problem, just worth noting and I tend to appreciate the bottlers who are up front about the source of their whiskey.</p>
<p>This really is one of those whiskeys that acts as a very good mixer as well as a good sipper. The tasting notes are true that this has more oak and raisin to it than others. Nothing wrong with this rye and of the bottles in this region it might be the easiest to find.</p>
<p> </p>
<h4>4 - Templeton</h4>
<p><b>Whiskey Advocate Rating: 79</b><br><b>Distilled by:</b> Templeton<br><b>Tasting Notes (</b><a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://whiskyadvocate.com/buying-guide/" target="_blank">hijacked from here</a><b>) :</b> <i>The labeling is a little confusing. Small batch implies a marriage of multiple barrels, not just a bottling from a single barrel; the label seems to imply both. Plus, there’s no indication of the source of this whiskey, or its age. Regardless, this is one of the sweetest and mellowest rye whiskeys I’ve tasted. Spicy fresh mint, cinnamon, white pepper, and subtle clove are tamed by sweet notes of toasted marshmallow, cotton candy, creamy vanilla, candied fruit, and red licorice. Soft finish. Rather gentle for a rye whiskey.</i></p>
<p>Not one of my favorites again, there is a pretty passionate following of this rye. Probably the additional sweetness is what draws people in. Smooth and sweet and the notes above about it being mellow is spot on.</p>
<p>For me...this is from Iowa so I've stopped drinking it. I might not let it advance to the 2nd round regardless of how the votes shake out :).</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span>VOTING</span></p>
<ol>
<li><span>I will put each of the matchups in the comments below</span></li>
<li><span>You vote by "Rec'ing" the comment.</span></li>
<li><span>Please only vote for one in each of the match-ups.</span></li>
<li><span>Voting will go for 2 days.</span></li>
</ol>
<p>Have fun. Get out and try some of these!</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/assets/4799884/TDGBracket.JPG"><img src="http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/assets/4799884/TDGBracket_medium.JPG" class="photo" alt="Tdgbracket_medium"></a> <br id="1406128318698"></p>
https://www.thedailygopher.com/2014/7/24/5933447/tdg-bourbon-bracket-rye-region-sazerac-templeton-high-westGopherNation2014-07-23T10:19:01-05:002014-07-23T10:19:01-05:00TDG Broubon Bracket: Limited Edition Region
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/TI7-KFCfLFc75Zjuu31srxr7XIU=/0x831:1530x1851/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/35964276/IMG_1352.0.JPG" />
</figure>
<p>This is the region of heavy hitters. These are a few of the bourbons that are highly sought after by many while very few are produced and distributed. They are not only difficult to find but they are also never cheap. What they are, however, are outstanding bottles of bourbon that just might change your life. OK, maybe not that good but if you are one who is used to drinking things from the lower shelves, these bourbons will blow you out of the water.</p>
<p>The bottles you see in the picture above are actually Pappy Van Winkle, the most sought after bourbon in the world and impossible to actually find. The picture you see was taken by me as I did find these over the weekend. You may notice however that the 15 year is about $1,200 to and the 20 year is $1,600. Yay for me that I found them, too bad they were so outlandishly expensive. These are so exclusive and impossible to find that I am excluding them from the bracket.</p>
<p>To get your hands on these and the bottles below you either have to get very (VERY) lucky or you need to spend much of the year building relationships with the right store managers and still hope you get lucky enough to land one. But the bottle listed below are very, very good and are arguably worth the effort it takes.</p>
<h4>1 - George T. Stagg</h4>
<p><b>Whiskey Advocate Rating: 95</b><br><b>Distilled by:</b> Buffalo Trace<br><b>Tasting Notes (</b><a target="_blank" href="http://whiskyadvocate.com/buying-guide/">hijacked from here</a><b>) :</b> <i>The new, younger sibling to George T. Stagg. George T.’s signature is its bold nature and high proof, and Junior follows in its footsteps. The aromas are very nice: bold spice (clove, dusty mint, cinnamon, evergreen) with layers of burnt sugars, cocoa, charred oak, and berried fruit. However, on the palate, those sugars become dominated by aggressive spice, leather, and unnecessary tannin, most notably on the finish.</i></p>
<p>I talked a little about George T. Stagg in the barrel proof region, but now I'll give it the full coverage it deserves. A yearly release from Buffalo Trace as part of their Buffalo Trace Antique Collection. GTS is barrel proof and is usually very strong. The 2013 release was the weakest on record at 128 proof but 2012 was nearly 144 proof. What makes this incredibly strong bourbon so good is that it is very strong without killing you. It packs a punch but still offers you incredible and rich flavors; it won't kill your taste buds like many other spirits that are around 70% alcohol might.</p>
<p>This is one is incredibly difficult to get your hands on so suggesting you go to your local liquor store and buy it is futile. But if you are sitting at a bar with a good bourbon selection and see the Stagg on the menu, it is worth it. The 2012 Stagg was certainly better than 2013 imo but both are outstanding.</p>
<h4>2 - Four Roses Limited Edition Single Barrel & Small Batch</h4>
<p><b>Whiskey Advocate Rating: 96</b><br><b>Distilled by:</b> Four Roses<br><b>Tasting Notes (</b><a target="_blank" href="http://whiskyadvocate.com/buying-guide/" style="background-color: #ffffff;">hijacked from here</a><b>) :</b> SMALL BATCH 2013 - <i>A marriage of 13 and 18 year old bourbons. A mature yet very elegant whiskey, with a silky texture and so easy to embrace with a splash of water. Balanced notes of honeyed vanilla, soft caramel, a basket of complex orchard fruit, blackberry, papaya, and a dusting of cocoa and nutmeg; smooth finish. Sophisticated, stylish, with well-defined flavors. A classic!</i></p>
<p><b>Whiskey Advocate Rating: 92</b><br>SINGLE BARREL 2014 - <i>Thirteen years old, but it shows its age nicely. It’s peppered with complex dried spice notes (mint, cinnamon, ginger, vanilla), yet it also has interwoven sweet notes (maple syrup, caramel, honey) to keep the whiskey from being too dry. Hints of dark chocolate and berried fruit add complexity. Dry, spicy, tobacco, and leather-tinged finish. Great complexity!</i></p>
<p>Every year Four Roses has 2 separate limited edition releases. In late spring they will release a LE Single Barrel. This will actually be multiple single barrels and one bottle to the next might be dramatically different. In the fall they release their LE Small Batch. This is taking a few different batches, blending them together and bottling them. The 2012 and 2013 LE Small Batch won Whiskey Advocate's American Whiskey of the Year award. Both were a couple of my favorite bourbons I've ever tasted.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.fourrosesbourbon.com/ten-unique-bourbon-recipes/" target="_blank">What makes Four Roses unique is that they have 10 very specific recipes</a>. There are 2 different matshbills and 5 different yeast strains they will use to make their bourbons and each bottle will tell you the recipe that was used. Their<a href="http://www.fourrosesbourbon.com/single-barrel/" target="_blank"> regular single barrel</a> that you can find on most liquor store shelves is the OBSV recipe. The letters to note are the 2nd and 4th letters. In this case the B represents which mashbill was used. The B is a higher rye content as opposed to the E which is slightly higher corn. The 4th letter represents one of their 5 yeast strains which bring out various flavors.</p>
<p>The 2014 LE Single Barrel is an OESF recipe that is 11 years old. Higher corn, fuller bodied whiskey that is a bit more sweet and fruity than other strains. Still hunting for this one.</p>
<h4>3 - William LaRue Weller</h4>
<p><b>Whiskey Advocate Rating: 95</b><br><b>Distilled by:</b> Buffalo Trace<br><b>Tasting Notes (</b><a target="_blank" href="http://whiskyadvocate.com/buying-guide/" style="background-color: #ffffff;">hijacked from here</a><b>) :</b> <i>The traditionally gentle demeanor of this wheated bourbon is jazzed up with some lovely complex spice (mostly coming from the oak). Sweet notes of maple syrup, silky caramel, blackberry jam, and blueberry are peppered with notes of allspice spiked with cinnamon and vanilla. Soft leather on the finish. Great balance. A lovely whiskey! Buffalo Trace Antique Collection 2013 Release.</i></p>
<p>Another barrel proof as part of the BTAC. This is the same recipe as what you will find in Pappy but it is aged differently and released as barrel proof. The 2013 WLW was released at 136.2 proof which is very high for the Weller. But this was an outstanding year for it.</p>
<p>The maple syrup and caramel flavors really come through with some depth and thickness. Loved this year's Weller probably more than this year's Stagg. This one releases far fewer bottles than the Stagg (estimated at about 4,000 bottles while the Stagg is about double that amount). Nearly impossible to get but another great bourbon to drink if you are able.</p>
<h4>4 - Parker's Heritage Collection</h4>
<p><b>Whiskey Advocate Rating: 92</b><br><b>Distilled by:</b> Heaven Hill<br><b>Tasting Notes (</b><a target="_blank" href="http://whiskyadvocate.com/buying-guide/" style="background-color: #ffffff;">hijacked from here</a><b>) :</b> <i>From a single barrel, but the barrel number is (unfortunately) not specified. It’s nicely matured, deftly balanced, and complex, with a wide range of fruit, layered sweetness, and a cabinet full of spice, especially mint. Easy to drink—I’m enjoying it immensely without adding any water—and deceptively beautiful; there are no fancy bells or whistles here. Great bourbon, honoring a great master distiller.</i></p>
<p>This is an annual release from Heaven Hill's master distiller Parker Beam. Each year is something completely different from the other releases. 2009 was a marriage of barrels from different decades. 2010 was a wheated mashbill. 2011 was finished in cognac barrels. Last year's PHC was call the Promise of Hope. Parker Beam has ALS and a portion of proceeds from the sales of Promise of Hope went to the ALC Association.</p>
<p>The bourbon itself was the first single barrel of the series. 10 year old barrels hand selected by Parker Beam.</p>
<p>The PHC collection is difficult to get but much more available than any of the bottles mentioned above.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span>VOTING</span></p>
<ol>
<li><span>I will put each of the matchups in the comments below</span></li>
<li><span>You vote by "Rec'ing" the comment.</span></li>
<li><span>Please only vote for one in each of the match-ups.</span></li>
<li><span>Voting will go for 2 days.</span></li>
</ol>
<p>Have fun. Get out and try some of these!</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/assets/4799884/TDGBracket.JPG" target="_blank"><img alt="Tdgbracket_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/assets/4799884/TDGBracket_medium.JPG"></a> <br id="1406128318698"></p>
https://www.thedailygopher.com/2014/7/23/5926171/tdg-broubon-bracket-limited-edition-pappy-van-winkle-four-roses-george-t-staggGopherNation2014-07-18T15:29:08-05:002014-07-18T15:29:08-05:00TDG Bourbon Bracket - Barrel Proof Region
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/sE-RE6LvY6JjPGVXrNhwmQDu-Q8=/0x77:4000x2744/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/35784030/20130201_jla_al2_148.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Bourbon itself has been rather popular over the last few years. We are <a target="_blank" href="http://www.hourdetroit.com/Hour-Detroit/May-2014/Bourbon-Is-Back/#.U8VsjvldVB0">currently in</a> a <a target="_blank" href="http://fortune.com/2014/02/06/the-billion-dollar-bourbon-boom/">bourbon boom</a> according <a target="_blank" href="http://adage.com/article/news/bourbon-boom-overseas-fuels-record-spirits-sales/232537/">to some</a>. And within the bourbon world it is becoming increasingly popular for distilleries to offer barrel proof releases. For those who do not know a barrel proof release is bourbon that goes straight from the barrel to the bottle. Most of your off-the-shelf bourbons are going to be watered down to a consistent proof. Which is fine, this is partially how you maintain consistency from bottle to bottle and year after year. But barrel proof bottlings can be very different.</p>
<p>Certainly the first thing you'll notice is that these are much stronger bourbons. Typically a barrel proof (or cask strength) bourbon is going to be in the 120-130 proof range while your cut bourbons will be in the 80-90 proof range.</p>
<p>These BPs are typically going to be a bit more robust and feel free to add a splash of water to calm it down a little and bring out some hidden flavors.</p>
<h4>1 - Stagg Jr</h4>
<p><b>Whiskey Advocate Rating: </b>83<br><b>Distilled by:</b> Buffalo Trace<br><b>Tasting Notes (</b><a href="http://whiskyadvocate.com/buying-guide/" target="_blank">hijacked from here</a><b>) :</b> <i>The new, younger sibling to George T. Stagg. George T.’s signature is its bold nature and high proof, and Junior follows in its footsteps. The aromas are very nice: bold spice (clove, dusty mint, cinnamon, evergreen) with layers of burnt sugars, cocoa, charred oak, and berried fruit. However, on the palate, those sugars become dominated by aggressive spice, leather, and unnecessary tannin, most notably on the finish.</i></p>
<p>George T. Stagg (GTS) is arguably the most popular of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection. It is a beauty of a barrel proof bourbon. Extremely strong but still wonderfully tasty and it won't burn like other higher proof bourbons will. But this is not the one we are talking about (yet).</p>
<p>Buffalo Trace wisely released a Stagg Jr last year for the first time. It is aged approximately 8-9 years, while the senior varies but is <a href="http://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/brands/antique-collection" target="_blank">no less than 15 years</a>. The problem with this bourbon is that it is often compared to the senior, which is kind of unfair. On it's own, this is a very good barrel proof. Strong, bold, complex in flavor but it does carry a bit of the harshness that you won't find with the senior GTS. I really like the Stagg Jr, slightly underrated because it is too often compared to the senior. It is the junior, but it is very tasty.</p>
<h4>2 - Elijah Craig Barrel Proof</h4>
<p><b>Whiskey Advocate Rating: </b>89<br><b>Distilled by:</b> Heaven Hill<br><b>Tasting Notes (</b><a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://whiskyadvocate.com/buying-guide/" target="_blank">hijacked from here</a><b>) :</b> <i>Quite dark in color, turning cloudy with water. Don’t let that deter you. A thick, chewy bourbon, with layers of nutty toffee, nougat, cocoa, and toasted marshmallow, peppered with cinnamon and vanilla. Oak and leather on the finish dry out the whiskey nicely. Not the most refined bourbon, but the flavors it delivers make up for it.</i></p>
<p>This is another 2013 new release and it was wildly popular. This particular barrel proof is thick. There is a thick molasses to this BP that I haven't found elsewhere. This BP was pretty hard to find, has had multiple releases over the last year but all are a chewy, tasty treat.</p>
<p>I'm a big fan of every Elijah Craig I have had. The 12 yr is my favorite daily pour, the no-longer-sold 18 yr is outstanding (maybe the best under $60 bottle I've ever had) and this ECBP is a unique and complex barrel proof. Hard to find. There have been a few different releases and most of them have made it to MN, they don't typically sit on shelves for very long but they will hit shelves.</p>
<h4>3 - Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr. Barrel Proof</h4>
<p><b>Whiskey Advocate Rating: </b>89<br><b>Distilled by:</b> Buffalo Trace<br><b>Tasting Notes (</b><a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://whiskyadvocate.com/buying-guide/" target="_blank">hijacked from here</a><b>) :</b> <i>The fourth in a series of limited-edition Taylor bottlings, and the first barrel-proof release. Layered sweet notes of caramel and nougat, with bright orchard fruit (especially nectarine), dried spice (vanilla, mint), and pencil shavings. The dried spice notes linger on the finish, along with tobacco. Bourbon with attitude. </i></p>
<p>3 seed but this is probably my favorite of the group. It is strong but it has a lighter feel to it. The aftertaste almost lingers as bubblegum on your pallet. Very unique in my opinion. The few Taylor bottles I have had, I've loved them all and this one might rank at the top. For me this is a great summer BP while it's first round opponent above is a better winter BP choice.</p>
<h4>4 - Bookers</h4>
<p><b>Whiskey Advocate Rating: 89</b><br><b>Distilled by:</b> Jim Beam<br><b>Tasting Notes (</b><a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://whiskyadvocate.com/buying-guide/" target="_blank">hijacked from here</a><b>) :</b> <i>Big and chewy, with nutty toffee, molasses, nougat, tobacco, pencil shavings, subtle fruit, and dried spice (cinnamon, vanilla). Leather, barrel char, and a hint of licorice root on the finish. Big, bold, and very enjoyable.</i></p>
<p>There are probably other BP bottles I like more but this one is readily available and still rather good. Heavy and caramelly in my opinion. Good complexity of flavor over the tongue. This one is strong and will knock you back a little but it is still very drinkable, especially with a splash of water.</p>
<p><span>VOTING</span></p>
<ol>
<li><span>I will put each of the matchups in the comments below</span></li>
<li><span>You vote by "Rec'ing" the comment.</span></li>
<li><span>Please only vote for one in each of the match-ups.</span></li>
<li><span>Voting will go for 2 days.</span></li>
</ol>
<p>Have fun. Get out and try some of these!</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/imported_assets/2285292/Bourbon_Bracket_JPG.jpg"><img src="http://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/imported_assets/2285292/Bourbon_Bracket_JPG_medium.jpg" class="photo" alt="Bourbon_bracket_jpg_medium"></a></p>
https://www.thedailygopher.com/2014/7/18/5902159/tdg-bourbon-bracket-barrel-proof-booker-george-t-stagg-elijah-craigGopherNation2014-07-14T16:17:35-05:002014-07-14T16:17:35-05:00TDG Bourbon Bracket - Value Bourbon Region Rnd 1
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Jqlk1JDtbjP1bB9Z9KhhhvdmjTI=/0x77:4000x2744/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/35603482/20130201_jla_al2_148.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Let's get this party started. We will begin the TDG Bourbon Bracket with the Values region. I will give you my thoughts on each of the four bottles and in the comments below you can vote for which two bottles will advance. Voting instructions will be at the bottom of the post.</p>
<p>My arbitrary criteria for this region here that these had to be bottles you can actually find, they had to under the $30 price point and they have to be really good (in my humble opinion). This was the easiest bracket to put together. I fancy myself as a value bourbon sniper. I don't have an unlimited budget but I love bourbon. So I need to find stuff that is really good at reasonable prices. There is plenty out there cheaper but these have to strike the right balance of affordable and incredibly tasty.</p>
<p>Taste is subjective, of course, and I was just reading a thread in a bourbon group I'm in. The thread was people taking turns declaring other "daily pours" were terrible. One guy says he can't stand Elijah Craig 12, while the next guys says he loves it and hates Eagle Rare 10 and someone else says they detest just about anything Buffalo Trace makes. What's my point? The point is that you need to try all of these for yourself.</p>
<p>I have included a more professional reviews under each of the bourbons. My pallat is very amateur and limited to just a few descriptors like spicy, sweet and caramel (I avoid smooth, I hate it when people use smooth as an indicator of something really good).</p>
<p>Well, without further adei let's get to the Bracket. Below are the four top seeds with some commentary from myself.</p>
<h4>1 - Weller 12 yr</h4>
<p><b>Whiskey Advocate Rating: </b>89<br><b>Distilled by:</b> Buffalo Trace<br><b>Tasting Notes (</b><a target="_blank" href="http://whiskyadvocate.com/buying-guide/">hijacked from here</a><b>) :</b> <i>A pleasantly sweet, easy-going, well-balanced experience. Creamy vanilla, caramel, candied corn, and ripe berried fruit , along with more subtle notes of glazed orange, cocoa powder, and wood shavings. If I were going to ease a new bourbon drinker into the category, I might pick this one.</i></p>
<p>This bottle of bourbon is often heralded as the one bottle to buy <a target="_blank" href="http://www.esquire.com/blogs/food-for-men/pappy-van-winkle-idiots-guide">if you cannot get your hands on</a> the exclusive and elusive Pappy Van Winkle. Mostly because it is also a "wheated" bourbon, which means the secondary grain used is wheat rather than rye. The Weller line as well as the Pappy line was previously distilled at the now shut-down Stitzel-Weller distillery before having the label and recipe purchased by Sazerac (essentially Buffalo Trace) where it is now produced.</p>
<p>The Weller 12 is just so well balanced and gives you some sweet flavor while still being under $30. With this bourbon I appreciate the caramel and creamy vanilla taste and the drinkability of it. In Minnesota this is a difficult bottle to find, I find that it gets allocated here once or twice a year and only at stores who carry a healthy whiskey selection. Other places of the country, like Texas, this stuff is readily available year round. If you see it...buy it. If you don't like it, I'll take it off your hands.</p>
<h4>2 - Elijah Craig 12 yr</h4>
<p><b>Whiskey Advocate Rating: </b>88<br><b>Distilled by:</b> Heaven Hill<br><b>Tasting Notes (</b><a target="_blank" href="http://whiskyadvocate.com/buying-guide/" style="background-color: #ffffff;">hijacked from here</a><b>) :</b> <i>Very much in the Elijah Craig style: thick and chewy, with layers of toffee, molasses, and vanilla cream. Notes of caramel-nut fudge, cinnamon bun, and blackberry brandy keep it fun. There’s just the right amount of dried oak spice on the finish to round things out. Very good, solid, affordable bourbon.</i></p>
<p>I love the Weller 12 but it can be challenging to find. The Elijah Craig 12 year old bourbon is much easier to find and delightful. On the shelf you can find the small batch with relative ease and is also pretty easy to find a liquor store's private single barrel around town (South Lyndale, G-Wil Liquors, Cellars to name a few). The difference in this case is minimal. The regularly produced bottling is technically a small batch, meaning they will take a smaller number of barrels, mix them and then bottle them. This is done to maintain a bit of taste consistency. The single barrels can taste different from barrel to barrel, liquor stores are sent samples and can pick the specific barrel they want to be bottled exclusively for them. These can vary in taste but are all relatively similar. You cannot go wrong with the small batch and some single barrels are outstanding for the price point.</p>
<p>This bourbon will have a bit more spice and thickness than the Weller 12 while still holding some of the caramel sweetness. This is nearly an everyday pour for me. For a private single barrel of this, I highly recommend South Lyndale located in South Minneapolis).</p>
<h4>3 - Evan Williams Single Barrel 10 yr</h4>
<p><b>Whiskey Advocate Rating: </b>93<br><b>Distilled by:</b> Heaven Hill<br><b>Tasting Notes (</b><a target="_blank" href="http://whiskyadvocate.com/buying-guide/" style="background-color: #ffffff;">hijacked from here</a><b>) :</b> <i>Polished and nicely balanced, with caramel as the main note, followed by candied fruit, soft vanilla, sweet corn, and nougat. Subtle spice (ginger, cinnamon) and gentle oak on the finish round out the sweet notes. Easygoing demeanor and very drinkable. Great value too! A very pleasing, versatile bourbon. </i></p>
<p>I think that technically I like the Elijah Craig 12 better than the Even Williams Single Barrel (EWSB) but they are different and it may just depend on the day.</p>
<p>This is always bottled as a single barrel and, like the EC12, you can often find this as a liquor store's private single barrel. EWSB will have a specific year on the bottle and this can vary from barrel to barrel as well as having some significant changes year to year. The 2010 release received a 95 rating from Whiskey Advocate while the last two years have received a 93. Those are very good scores, incredible when you consider it is a $20 bottle of bourbon.</p>
<p>My favorite aspect of the EWSB is the cinnamon complexity to it. I don't find it quite as subtle as the 2014 review above does, I really like this bottle. My favorite bottling of this may have been the G-Wil Liquors private SB from last year (G-Wil is a chain mostly in the northern suburbs).</p>
<h4>4 - Buffalo Trace</h4>
<p><b>Whiskey Advocate Rating: </b>90<br><b>Distilled by:</b> Buffalo Trace<br><b>Tasting Notes (</b><a target="_blank" href="http://whiskyadvocate.com/buying-guide/" style="background-color: #ffffff;">hijacked from here</a><b>) :</b> <i>Pleasantly sweet at first in flavor, with notes of brown sugar and spice (vanilla, mint), becoming dry with enveloping flavors of oak and leather. With a little water, more subtle flavors are revealed, including toffee, dark fruit, and anise. The whisky finishes long and dry with significant depth. </i></p>
<p>Buffalo Trace, as a distiller, is really hot right now. Their annual Antique Collection is nearly as difficult to find as Pappy, arguably better. This is their standard bottling of bourbon. Typically it is aged 8-9 years. What astounds me is that for a standard label bottling this bourbon has some real complexity and depth of flavors. This is a sipping bourbon that is masquerading as a mixing bourbon.</p>
<p>This can be occasionally found as a private single barrel, but that is less common and also not as obvious unless the store is promoting it. Again, if you see it...buy it.</p>
<p>Alright, are we ready to vote? Here is how it works.</p>
<h3>VOTING</h3>
<ol>
<li><span>I will put each of the matchups in the comments below</span></li>
<li><span>You vote by "Rec'ing" the comment.</span></li>
<li><span>Please only vote for one in each of the match-ups.</span></li>
<li><span>Voting will go for 2 days.</span></li>
</ol>
<p>Have fun. Get out and try some of these!</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/imported_assets/2285292/Bourbon_Bracket_JPG.jpg"><img alt="Bourbon_bracket_jpg_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/imported_assets/2285292/Bourbon_Bracket_JPG_medium.jpg"></a></p>
https://www.thedailygopher.com/2014/7/14/5857600/the-daily-gopher-bourbon-bracket-pappy-van-winkle-weller-elijah-craig-buffalo-traceGopherNation2014-06-18T13:20:15-05:002014-06-18T13:20:15-05:00The Daily Gopher Bourbon Bracket
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<p>Football is still over 2 months away and while there is some content worth writing about, getting the creative juices flowing is sometimes a challenge. But there are other juices that can help with not only creativity but also have often helped with getting through a difficult Gopher loss. Those juices are America's Native Spirit...Bourbon.</p>
<p>Several of us on the TDG staff appreciate and greatly enjoy bourbon/ and ryes. We often share our favorite distilled grain to kick off our TDG Hangouts. There have been a post or two discussing only bourbon. I have had some special bottles sighted for me from TDG community members and I have returned the favor this past fall. All of that to say that bourbon is part of the community here and to give us a break from writing about Gopher sports we wanted to put together a TDG Bourbon Bracket.</p>
<p>What exactly is bourbon? A quick lesson.</p>
<p>Bourbon is a type of whiskey. Whiskey is a distilled grain that is aged in oak barrels. There are some rules in order to be classified as a bourbon.</p>
<ul style="padding: 5px 5px 10px;">
<li style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px 15px 8px; list-style: disc;"><span>It must be produced in the United States. A common misconception is that it has to be made in Kentucky. Most bourbon is produced in Kentucky, but that is not a requirement. </span></li>
<li style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px 15px 8px; list-style: disc;"><span>The grain mashbill used must be at least 51% corn. The other 49% is a different combination of rye, wheat and usually a little bit of barley. </span></li>
<li style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px 15px 8px; list-style: disc;"><span>The grain mash is distilled and then has to be aged in brand new, charred, oak barrels. There is no minimum age requirement.</span></li>
<li style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px 15px 8px; list-style: disc;"><span>there are a few other, more technical requirements that are less important at this time but <a target="_blank" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bourbon_whiskey" style="color: #c8181d !important; text-decoration: none !important; background-color: transparent;">you can read about them here</a>.</span></li>
</ul>
<p>Scotch is also a whisky, but it is made from 100% barley. Irish Whiskey is also made of barley and typically has a slightly different distillation method. You can also find Canadian whisky (usually mostly rye based), Japanese whiskeys and even some from India. Bourbon tends to be sweeter than the rest due to the high sugar content in corn. Rye is also a whiskey that tends to be a little heartier than bourbon (think wheat bread vs. white bread).</p>
<p>A couple of years ago this really became a passion of mine and I spend far too much time stopping in liquor stores, participating in online groups, hunting down unique bottles and not nearly enough time drinking (that's probably not true I drink a lot). So the 16 bottles below are really going to be some of my favorites, were someone else to put a similar bracket together you would likely see very different pairings. But this is my bracket, my regional groupings and my selection of bottles.</p>
<h4><span>The Bracket</span></h4>
<p>I have created four regions of four bottles in each. The regions are arbitrary groupings that I came up with along with some help from the rest of the staff and a few other internet bourbon friends of mine.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/assets/4628905/Bourbon_Bracket.JPG"><img src="http://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/assets/4628905/Bourbon_Bracket_medium.JPG" class="photo" alt="Bourbon_bracket_medium"></a> <br id="1403033765073"></p>
<h4>Value Bourbons Region</h4>
<p>Considering that my liquor budget is not unlimited and if my wife were to get her way it would be dramatically reduced, I pride myself on finding a handful of bourbons that I think are outstanding and you won't have to empty your wallet. These bourbons are all under $30 and most are relatively easy to find.</p>
<p>When most people think of bourbon they think of Jim Beam or Southern Comfort or Jack Daniel's. These are all cheap and crap (yes, you can call me a bourbon snob). Some liquor stores you walk into will have Jack Daniel's on the top shelf...you can just go ahead and walk out of those stores if you are looking for anything in this bracket. This region is about bottles that are both quality and inexpensive; not just cheap.</p>
<p><b>Weller 12 yr</b> - the top seed of this region and is an outstanding wheated bourbon. For those of you who are familiar with the Pappy Van Winkle craze, Weller 12 is universally considered an excellent option if you are unable to get your hands on a bottle of Pappy. The grain mashbill (a higher wheat content than others) is the same as the Pappy recipe, just a younger version. It is increasingly difficult to find but can be found at different times throughout the year. If you can find it you'll pay in the $26-30 range.</p>
<p><b>Elijah Craig 12 yr</b> - my favorite everyday pour. This can be found all over town and there are a handful of stores who have selected their own single barrel of this. $20-25. Not a lot to say about it for now other than I love this stuff.</p>
<p><b>Evan Williams Single Barrel</b> - this is a 10 year old bourbon and a single barrel. As a single barrel one bottle you purchase at one store may have a different taste than one you purchase at another store, but they should be pretty similar. This again can be found around town and several stores have selected their own barrel. This bottle routinely gets high marks, 2013 and 2014 both received a 93 rating which is very high. And the best part...you can find this bottle for $20-22.</p>
<p><b>Buffalo Trace</b> - The Buffalo Trace distillery (Sazerac is the parent company) makes several great bourbons. This is their standard bottling but it is surprisingly tasty. Aged 8-9 years and is very good and smooth. Another great value for right around $20. On rare occasion you may find a store with a BT single barrel private selection, if you do...buy it.</p>
<p><u>Honorable Mention</u>: Four Roses Single Barrel (over $30 but very good), Old Grand Dad 114, Makers Mark 46 (also not under $30 but a good standard pour). Eagle Rare 10 yr is also excellent at around $28-30.</p>
<h4>Barrel Proof Region</h4>
<p>One trend in the bourbon world is to release barrel proof bottlings. Typically a distillery will take barrels, mix them together and then water them down to a specific proof. When bourbon comes out of the barrel it may be very strong (around 130-140 proof) or it may be weaker (100-120 proof) depending on how long it was in the barrel, where it was in the warehouse and how hot the summers may have been while it was aging. To keep a consistent flavor profile for their regular labels they will water them down to a regular proof. This is why, for example, you see every Maker's Mark bottle at 90 proof.</p>
<p>BUT now the trend is to not water them down and just release them at barrel strength. These bourbons are strong and most will water them down a little bit to tame the beast just a little.</p>
<p><b>Stagg Jr</b> - Buffalo Trace releases an annual George T. Stagg which is one of the most sought after bourbons (barrel proof) each and every year. It is usually aged around 15-16 years, it is very strong yet still maintains a terrific flavor. Last year Buffalo Trace released some 10 year old barrels of Stagg and labeled it Stagg Jr. It was met with harsh reviews from the experts who were expecting it to taste like the senior version. But once it hit the market people loved it, including this guy. Hard to find, not impossible. First release was around 134 proof.</p>
<p><b>Elijah Craig Barrel Proof</b> - another 2013 new release that got the bourbon world very excited. Elijah Craig's barrel proof is also strong (different releases in upper 120s and low 130s) but it is dramatically different than the Stagg Jr. I'll get into the flavor profile later but this one is thick and tasty. Also hard to find but it is released a couple times a year and not impossible.</p>
<p><b>Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof </b>- another big boy released by Buffalo Trace but this one is also drastically different in profile from the two above. This one might be my favorite as I find it has a unique sweetness to it's finish. Easier to find than the two above but you'll probably pay a bit more for it.</p>
<p><b>Bookers</b> - this was the first barrel proof bourbon and has been on the market for about a decade. This is a standard BP and was the idea of Booker Noe, master distiller at Jim Beam. This one can be had around the $40 range at the right store.</p>
<p><u>Honorable Mention:</u> If you find a store with private barrel selections, they'll often have what are regular offerings but at barrel proof. Four Roses Single Barrel can be found at some stores at barrel proof, if you see it...buy it!</p>
<h4>Rye Region</h4>
<p>Ryes are not bourbons. Why? Because they are made primarily with rye (again 51%), not corn. But they are similar and I will include them in my bracket. Why? Because I want to.</p>
<p>Most ryes on the market are all made at the same distillery in Indiana. MGP is a large distillery who produces but does not sell under their own label. They have multiple recipes and will sell to other distilleries looking to sell product while the stuff they distilled ages. Sometimes there is a tremendous amount of secrecy and intrigue surrounding these bottles because there are no legal requirements to state who actually distilled the juice. If you see a label that says "bottled by Company ABC" that is usually a red flag that they didn't actually distill it themselves. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but worth noting.</p>
<p><b>Sazerac </b>- Buffalo Trace's standard rye, this is kind of the best go-to rye on the market. Aged around 7 years and can usually be found for $30-40. There are periods of time when it is difficult to find so don't wait to buy it if you see it. It may be gone soon and not back on shelves for a few months.</p>
<p><b>High West Rendezvous Rye</b> - High West releases some great ryes, I chose this one to put in the bracket. They also are currently not selling their own distilled rye. They are, however, open about the fact that they are sourcing from MGP with their stuff waiting in barrels.</p>
<p><b>Bulleit Rye</b> - Also MGP, I told you most of the ryes on the market are not who they say they are. But this still has a distinct profile different from the rest. This is kind of a standard rye that is clearly above the bottom shelf and not going to break your wallet.</p>
<p><b>Templeton Rye</b> - This one is also sourced via MGP but if you read the label Templeton makes it sound like they have been distilling an unearthed family recipe from before Prohibition. Templeton is an Iowa company that is distilling their own rye, with their secret recipe but current bottlings are sourced. It is very popular and for a time was hard for stores to keep on shelves. But it is from Iowa so...</p>
<p><u>Honorable Mention:</u> Michter's Rye, this is actually very good. Not as easy to find and going to cost you a bit more. Old Overholt is cheap (I mean CHEAP), like around $12 but for the money I think it is very good. A great rye for mixing your Manhattan and it is drinkable straight as well. Angel's Envy Rye. This is one of the more fascinating ryes I've ever had but I can't tell if I love it or kinda don't like it. It is just really interesting.</p>
<h4>Limited Edition Bourbons Region</h4>
<p>This is the heavy hitting region. These are all 1-seeds and outstanding bourbons. But these are going to cost you and they are really (REALLY) hard to find. I spend most of the year building relationships at targeted stores with the hope of being able land one of these bottles. These are the ones where if you were so inclined you'd be able to resell these at 2 or 3 times their retail (sometimes more).</p>
<p>Some of you may be familiar with the phenomenon that is Pappy Van Winkle. This is the most limited edition and most sought after bourbon in the world. Buffalo Trace distills this bourbon for the Pappy Van Winkle label and it is annually released in the fall. The most sought after bottles are the 15 year, 20 year and 23 year releases. These are so absurdly hard to get that I chose not to include them. Are they extremely tasty? Yes. Are they worth the incredible hype? That is arguable. They do win awards, which makes them even harder to get. But again, they are so absurd I am excluding them from this bracket. The Pappy 20 is one of my favorite bourbons I've had, this isn't sour grapes for never finding one or not actually liking it. I do like it and I have had my hands on bottles.</p>
<p><b>George T. Stagg</b> - I mentioned this one earlier, but this bourbon is one of the most sought after in the world. Buffalo Trace releases a Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC) annually around the same time as their Pappy release. The Stagg is one of these and is probably my favorite of the BTAC collection. Last year's version came in at about 143 proof, this year was much tamer but both were outstanding. What makes this so great is that it is VERY strong but doesn't overpower and maintains great flavor and smoothness after the initial pop.</p>
<p><b>Four Roses Lt. Edition (Single Barrel or Small Batch)</b> - each year Four Roses releases their LE Single Barrel in the spring and their LE Small Batch in the fall. The LE Small Batch was Whiskey Advocate's American Whiskey of the Year in 2012 and 2013. The Single Barrel is also outstanding. I'll explain the difference later in more detail, but both are getting harder to get and both are great.</p>
<p><b>William LaRue Weller </b>- another member of the BTAC, also barrel proof and also amazing. This is a similar recipe to that of Pappy so you'll find some similar characteristics with one notable exception being that this one is barrel proof. The 2013 release was 136 proof, the strongest of this brand since it was first released in 2005.</p>
<p><b>Parker's Heritage Collection</b> - This is a very different release every year from Heaven Hill's Master Distiller Parker Beam (yes that Beam family, different distillery). Parker picks out something unique every year to be a special and limited edition release. Some years are better than others but they are all unique and some of the older versions can be found online for 4 or 5 times their retail.</p>
<p><u>Honorable Mention:</u> The rest of the BTAC; Sazerac 18, Eagle Rare 17 and Thomas H. Handy Rye. Old Forrester Birthday Bourbon is also an annual release that is sought after by some.</p>
<p>So there you have the inaugural TDG Bourbon Bracket with a bit of commentary. Feel free to share your thoughts on the bottles below and tell me what I missed. I'd love more than anything to hear what is in your cabinet and what you like to drink on a regular or semi-regular basis.</p>
<p>---------</p>
<p>EDITOR'S NOTE: I am going to be out of town for a week and way off the grid. So be patient, the actual voting in the regions will occur in about a week. But I wanted to get this out to open up discussion.</p>
https://www.thedailygopher.com/2014/6/18/5815634/the-daily-gopher-bourbon-bracket-pappy-van-winkle-stagg-buffalo-traceGopherNation