The Bourbonators

Poker points update through April

2012-05-11T18:17:00.001-05:00

I update the poker points with minutes to spare before the May meeting. If I win both tournaments and knock everyone out, I'm right back in this thing.

It could happen...

Lagavulin Distillers Edition

2012-04-20T20:01:00.001-05:00

I have to say, this was worth the wait. Smokey, peaty with notes of sweet and nutty. Very nummy. Not sure if it's better than the standard Lagavulin. Might have to try them side by side.

How Well Does Scotch Age in Zero Gravity? A Distiller Launches Some to Find Out | Popular Science

2012-04-11T16:19:00.001-05:00

Inquiring minds need to know. I firmly place this in the category of marketing hyperbole. Which reminds me, have we ever tried the more terrestrial version of this? This one does not ring any bells.

Ready for the meeting? be sure to update your calendar invite soon to reserve a spot for the Lagavulin Distillers Edition that I've had sitting in my house calling my name in a whispered voice that no one else seems able to hear but no less is driving me crazy.

How Well Does Scotch Age in Zero Gravity? A Distiller Launches Some to Find Out | Popular Science

Today is World Whisky Day

2012-03-26T08:36:00.000-05:00

According to the Internets, today is World Whisky Day!

While I applaud the idea of celebrating the water of life, I wonder who chose a Monday...in March? A Monday?

Sigh.

Back to work...

March poker points added

2012-03-20T18:46:00.001-05:00

I finished adding the points earned in March. You guys letting me catch up on purpose?

Happy day before St. Patrick's Day!

2012-03-16T10:03:00.000-05:00

A coworker shared this video with me. It's an old country tune performed by Tim O'Brien and company. The relevant lyrics can be found at about the 2 minute mark. They go a little sumpin' like d'is:

They say whiskey slows you down and clouds up your thinkin
But as long as they make whiskey I’d say we’ll keep on drinkin
As long as life keeps hittin hard, a drink will help you to take it
And long as we drink whiskey, they’ll continue to make it

Enjoy...

Laphroaig Whisky Tasting

2012-03-08T18:23:00.001-06:00

Gangs all here at the Friends of the Library whisky tasting. Can't say this is the best planned event I've ever been to. While venue is cool. This table layout and seat assignments blows.

Last months whiskey - The Dalmore

2012-03-05T14:39:00.002-06:00

Last months whiskey - The Dalmore I was unable to attend, but the host for February, Mark M. was kind enough to take this photo. I'll have to figure out why he can't post here. Silly technology.

I'll add this to our list too. Any thoughts on how good this was? The bottle looks cool.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Poker points updated

2012-03-04T16:04:00.001-06:00

I got the book from Mark and updated the poker points. Holy crap! I need a lot of points to catch up!

Laphroaig single malt whisky tasting

2012-02-23T11:13:00.002-06:00

Laphroaig tasting sponsored by Andy's and Friends of the Library, March 8 at the Plummer House. One free Designated Driver for every 3 attendees at $30 each.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dGxpb29QOVdIc3RfRDI1THhDSHlBcmc6MQ

The Serious Eats Guide to Single Malt Scotch

2012-02-17T10:11:00.002-06:00

Possibly everything you ever wanted to know about single malt scotch, though I guess that would depend on exactly what it is you wanted to know. Good information nonetheless.

http://drinks.seriouseats.com/2012/02/what-is-single-malt-scotch-whisky-speyside-lowlands-highlands-islay-cocktail-101.html

Poker points updated

2012-01-29T15:01:00.001-06:00

Finally. I got all of the poker points entered. Enjoy. How many points are we playing for? You guys are rocking it this time. Holy crap.

Experimental Buffalo Trace

2012-01-25T10:10:00.001-06:00

Anyone else see this in the Apollo Liquor newsletter?

Special Purchase - Buffalo Trace 2011 Experimental Collection

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY RELEASES LAST EXPERIMENTAL COLLECTION OF 2011

Bourbon made with Rice and Oats Are the Latest Two Experiments

Those creative distillers have been up to it again at Buffalo Trace Distillery. The latest round of whiskies in the Experimental Collection are two bourbons - one made with rice and one made with oats. And like their breakfast-sounding names, both provide a hearty mouthful without being over powerful.

Details are as follows:

Rice Bourbon Whiskey - These barrels were filled on April 30, 2002, and aged on the 7th floor of Warehouse I for 9 years and 5 months. Corn, malt and rice are the ingredients used in the recipe, resulting in a very clean aroma with the barrel notes of caramel and spice. A crisp flavor on the tongue is noticed, without any heaviness or oiliness whatsoever. A slight dryness near the end provides a quick finish. It is a very delicate whiskey.

Oat Bourbon Whiskey - These barrels have the same fill date, aging location and aging time as the Rice Bourbon. Corn, malt and oats are the ingredients used in this recipe, resulting in a pleasantly smoky nose with a rich aroma of toasted oats that offers a nice complexity. On the palette, the smokiness intrigues as hints of dried fig and stone fruit come through, and eventually give way to an earthy finish.

The Experimental Collection will be packaged in 375ml bottles. Each label will include all the pertinent information unique to that barrel of whiskey. These whiskeys will retail for approximately $46.35 each. They are 45% alcohol by volume. Each experiment is very rare and very limited. For more information on the Experimental Collection or the other products of Buffalo Trace Distillery, please contact Kris

Thoughts? Damn, our queue is getting longer. Anyone thinking two meetings a month? Don't tell the Mrs. I suggested that...

Auchentoshan for the win

2012-01-20T22:46:00.001-06:00

Thanks to Bammer for suggesting the Auchentoshan. The group was quite happy with this one. Very smooth, nice balance of flavors. Excellent choice for the price. It was $40 + tax in these parts. Treat of the night was quite possibly this peanut butter / chocolate chip ball with apples or graham crackers. I was partial to the apples.

As for poker, ugh. Get in ahead and...well. You know.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

January Meeting

2012-01-19T20:48:00.000-06:00

I stopped over to Apollo yesterday at lunch. Picked up two bottles for whiskey club. The one on the right is ~$50. The one on the left, well, I'd very much like to try it.

According to the calendar, we will probably only have enough people for the bottle on the left.

When will be able to try the bottle on the right? Can we say February? March? 2012? Private tasting in my basement cuz I got thirsty?

Darrin, I'm putting you in charge of adding a page for the whiskeys we want to try.

See you all tomorrow night!!!!

2012-01-19T10:21:00.002-06:00

These all sound interesting: http://drinks.seriouseats.com/2012/01/thats-the-spirit-3-american-whiskeys-you-should-know-corsair-balcones-stranahans-review.html

Scotch in a can?

2012-01-02T22:04:00.002-06:00

I can definitely see situations where this could be a useful product...

http://reason.com/blog/2012/01/02/will-scotch-in-a-can-get-the-four-loko-t

Finally - Templeton Rye!

2011-12-16T19:19:00.001-06:00

The December spirit is our long sought after Templeton Rye. Look it up and be jealous.

September - Scapa 16 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky Review

2011-11-08T17:49:00.002-06:00

The selection for September was the 16 year old Scapa. After a minor uncorking incident, resulting in some creative use of a cork and strainer, we were able to sample this scotch.

It has a delicate nose of fruit and with a hint of honey. The honey carries over with the taste, accompanied by oak caramel and vanilla with a nice peppery burn. Finishing with caramel and spice.

Overall, a very enjoyable scotch.

Poker points updates through October

2011-11-07T10:19:00.001-06:00

Not sure I'm a huge fan of how this spreadsheet is working, but the poker points are somewhat updated. Behind the scenes is a spreadsheet with all of the details by month. Should make it easier to do entry but this aggregate screen, well, it is what it is right now. If anyone is a whiz at Google Docs, let me know. Maybe you could help me get this looking a little nicer. Be sure to check your inbox as the next meeting date has been chosen. November 18. Hope to see you all there. If you didn't get an invite, let me know and I'll make sure you get it.

Whiskey purchased for tonight's meeting

2011-10-14T12:55:00.003-05:00

With a smile on my face, I can check off one todo item for today: buy booze. Here's a glimpse. Apollo Northwest Liqours set us up with a very good price too.

Don't forget to sign up for the Whisky Tasting!

2011-10-01T23:58:00.000-05:00

Don't forget to sign up for the Apollo Scotch Whisky tasting to be held Wednesday October 26th at The Oakwood Broadway Hotel. This time, we will be sampling the Arran Malts. Cost is $25 and the event is limit to 40 people. You can sign up by heading down to the Apollo by Best Buy north.

Oh...and who can host this month?

September's Whisky: Tobermory 10 year

2011-09-09T21:18:00.002-05:00

This unchillfiltered 10 year old whisky from the Isle of Mull is the spirit of the month. Early reviews are positive for the peaty whisky lovers. The new guys aren't big fans. I'm sure there will be more to after they get done cracking my pocket aces. Friggin' 4 card flushes.

August - Bakers Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey Review

2011-09-07T17:45:00.002-05:00

Once again this months meeting is rolling around without my review from last month. So, I guess it's time to post.

I've been putting this off, not because I didn't like the whiskey, but I failed to take any notes.

We selected Baker's 7 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. I'm surprised, but I think this is one bourbon that I had not tried before, and I don't know why. It's surprisingly smooth for the proof, however, if you let your palette get to clean, the next sip will catch you off guard. As I don't have any notes, I didn't take a detailed profile. However, I don't think I really needed one, as when I think of bourbon this is exactly what it should taste like.

$200,000 for a Blended Scotch?

2011-09-07T17:38:00.002-05:00

Chivas will release 21 bottles of a 45 year blended scotch: The Honours of Scotland, Tribute To Honours
The empty bottle might even give you some ROI, with it's 413 diamonds and 22 carats of other gemstones inlaid in gold and silver.