The nice guys over at
Black Diamond Liquor store in Eagan, MN recently hosted a bourbon tasting along with Melissa Thompson of
Vinocopia . Melissa brought us eight selections (see below) ranging from the more well-established to lesser known labels. Four Roses is, of course, a well known brand and Jefferson is gaining popularity for their openness and barreling/blending experimentation. I was not familiar with Prichards in the least, but the prospect of a "Double Chocolate Bourbon" added some intrigue to the anticipation, if only to provide me the chance at rebuking yet another flavored whiskey.
Anyway, this lineup was enticing as all of these bottles held great potential, but none were currently on my short list of "Must Buys," and therefore offered a good opportunity to do some exploring. My fellow imbibers consisted mostly of middle-aged women and a couple pairings of late 20-somethings. I would estimate most were at a beginner to experienced-dabbler level of whiskey drinker. The women seemed to be wine cross-overs and to further confirm my suspicion, Melissa started us out with a surprise Pinot Grigio that she thought some members would like. This was a crowd pleaser (free booze!). Once we got into the whiskey, we were treated to both a fine detailed pitch for each selection as well as some entertaining anecdotes per each producer. I attempted to jot down quick notes for each selection, but as you will see, this proved to be impossible. I will, however, share a few thoughts.
Four Roses Yellow Label Bourbon (A Mixing Whiskey!)
For many, this is a great introduction to bourbon, but for a good many others, probably a waste of time. We were informed that this was blended from ten different Four Roses bourbon recipes, but obviously blended to the least common denominator. But that is ok, it serves its purpose. I wrote descriptors like ash, weeds, wet stone and sandpaper.
Jefferson Very Small Batch Bourbon (Raised eyebrows)
This was quite an unexpected surprise and very different from the bourbons in this line up as well as others I have had recently. While indeed light, I initially noted an aroma of dark fruits, grape, though a bit musty, bubble gum.... Ultimately, it was the subtle resemblance to a young
Ichiro's that induced momentary reverie.
Jefferson VSB Reserve Bourbon (Shrug, Quality)
This bourbon was much more in line with a number of others I've had recently. Solidly grassy/grainy sweet balanced with earthenware qualities, (I could have been in a pottery shop!) The greater age of this bourbon at 12-15 years produced a wonderfully long and pleasant finish, by far the best feature of this whiskey.
Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon (See Above)
If the Jefferson had more of that grassy sweetness, this bourbon was much more confectionery with notes of butterscotch and sheetcakes, but also a freshness that evoked an image of rushing forest streams. A confluence of four bourbon recipes, this works well to produce a great balance and glossy mouth feel. Solid choice.
Everything Else!
By the fourth sample, the pace of liquor flow had started to pick up and I decided it would be better to set my pen down and enjoy the wee tipples rather than get too distraught about analyzing. Therefore, I will keep my comments to a minimum and only say that I have yet to be impressed with the
Four Roses Single Barrel. For me, the
Four Roses Small Batch and its blending of four recipes rather than one just works better. Finally, I cannot ignore the
Prichards Double Chocolate Bourbon whiskey. While it was certainly interesting to sip a whiskey that wasn't the same old vanilla story, I don't think it belongs in the same price category as a Blanton's Single Barrel or Woodford Reserve Double Barrel.
Anyway, the take-aways for me are as follows:
#1 Jefferson Very Small Batch Bourbon
&
#2 Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon
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