2008-Feb-14 - Building a Whiskey Library

     If you're like me, you've been thinking that you'd like to improve the whiskey section of your home bar. 

     Sure, I have the standards; Jack Daniels, Makers Mark, Jameson.  You probably have some combination that is similar, maybe some Jim Beam, Wild Turkey, maybe even a Bushmills. 

     These are good standards to have at the home bar.  They mostly mix well, they could be served neat, or on rocks.  Pretty much anyone that's had whiskey has probably had at least one of those, or maybe even asked for one of those by name. 

     You like those brands, yet you'd like to build up your library, not just to impress your friends with, but to enjoy yourself.  Having a good library available will help you share your knowledge and love of whiskey with any guests you might have.  Don't worry, visitors won't take you for a drunk, they'll see that you're a person that enjoys variety, and a lover of fine things.  They shall also appreciate you sharing things that they themselves might never find, or try in a bar.

     So, without further ado, what shall we round out the library with?  Keep a few good mixing whiskey's such as Jim, Jack, Jameson, Bushmills, Wild Turkey, Makers, etc..  It's not necessary to have them all of course, just have one bourbon, one Irish, and maybe a Tennessee. 

     I'll build out my library and list it for you at the bottom, keeping in mind that I'm not looking to break your bank.  You won't find Johnny Walker Blue Label here, if you wish to go with elite brands, that is of course your choice.  I'm building a library that has good quality, a wide variety of tastes, for a cost less than $50 per bottle.  Many will be in the $30 range. 

     We'll start with Bourbon.  Buffalo Trace makes an excellent bourbon.  It has only recently become available here in California, and let me just tell you, it's superb.  It's spicy.  It's hot.  It's quickly become a favourite here in the San Francisco Bay Area, and it is the drink of choice for many local bartenders. 

     They also make a single barrel offering called Eagle Rare.  They have a 10 year version, and a 17.  I prefer the 10, so that's also to be included.  It's sweet, has a vanilla scent, and is a perfect sipping bourbon.  This one will impress anyone, even an experienced whiskey drinker.  They won't believe the price either- $35.

     Next up is the Wild Turkey made Russells Reserve.  This is another great bourbon that will surprise.  It's got a vanilla hint, and it's bottled at 100 proof.  This is not for the light of heart.  It'll go to work on you quickly.  A small batch offering that is best consumed with a rock or two.

     The last of the classy bourbons (read: served neat or on the rocks) is Rock Hill Farms.  This exquisite boubon is also at 100 proof, and tastes delicious and also can be had for less than $40. 

     That rounds out our bourbon, now I'd like to add a Rye whiskey.  There are many fine ryes out there currently, and more on the way, but for my $20 I'd snatch up a bottle of the Rittenhouse 100proof.  It's a bottling that is less than a year old, and boy is it hot.  This is a dirty whiskey, and it's something I'd imagine could be served at Rick's Cafe Americain.  It's 100proof gives it more than enough ammunition to knock you over if you aren't cautious.  It can be mixed, but a word of caution, it has a very powerful flavour that must be countered by trial and error. 

     Scotch is a tough choice.  There are many quality Scotch Whiskey's on the market right now, and it seems everyone has their favourite.  Since you cannot possibly have them all, and you only have room for one right now, I'd select the Dalmore Single Malt.  It's a good solid Scotch, that will offend no fan of the highlands.  It is not a blend, so you still have something unique to serve, and will cost you much less than Johnny Walker Black blended Scotch.  The Dalmore can be had at places like Trader Joes for around $26. 

So here's the library:

Jack Daniels Single Barrel

Jameson

Makers Mark

Buffalo Trace

Russells Reserve Small Batch

Eagle Rare 10yr Single Barrel

Rock Hill Farms

Dalmore Single Malt Scotch

Rittenhouse Rye 100 proof

     Please make no mistake, of course there are higher end selections, but this is meant as a starter set that will bring joy to you and your guests.  It won't break your bank, and it won't break your bank keeping it stocked.  These are all excellent selections that taste like they should be in a higher price range.  You can offer a great variety to any guest, and they will feel that you are quite possibly the best host ever.  

     This library will bring you years of enjoyment, and will allow you a solid foundation to build upon.  Once your guests know that you're a serious whiskey drinker, they'll likely know exactly what to get you for holidays, and you just might find that bottle of Blue Label under the tree.  

Until next time, remember, ask for a glass!

2008-Jan-5 - A glass by any other name

Have you ever had the perfect night on the town?

 You know the one.  Dinner was exceptional.  The wine complemented the best steak you ever had.  The conversation was engaging and none of your friends brought up that time that you dyed your hair pink.  Your friends pick up the tab because they are just that awesome.  You head out to the hot club where everyone goes.  You step out of the cab and walk in because you are all dressed to the nines.  You drop  $20 a head on the doorman, and he hands it back to you because you're practically family.  You've always brought the good times with you, and the club appreciates that.

The club is a fantastic place to spend a Friday night.  The lights are low, and the music is just right.  There's an extraordinary lady on your arm that makes you look like the king of the world.   Your friends are in tow and the male to female ratio is just right.  You have two months salary burning holes in your pocket.  A table up front is waiting for you.  Yes, it was that kind of night.

Everything is going just swell, you head up to the bar to grab a round of ****tails.  The bar is packed, but the bartender turns and looks you right in the eye with a knowing glance.  A quick nod and he's at work.  A chilled Stoli and soda for the lady, a couple of import beers for your friends, and a solid pour of your favorite whiskey with a pair of rocks.  You didn't even have to ask, the bartender remembers.

You can’t wait for that rich amber spirit to hit your lips.  So many memories, so many future memories all associated with some good old Kentucky nectar.  Your mouth begins to water.  You reach for the wallet and turn to admire your lady.  She's staring at you.  She actually hasn't stopped staring since you left for the bar.  A wink from you is rewarded with a blown kiss.  You pretend that the kiss was a left to the chin and throw your head slightly back.  With a slight smile, you turn to pay for your drinks.  The bartender waves you off because this round is on him.  You drop down a $20 tip because you not only appreciate the free drinks, but you appreciate the supreme service the bartender provided.

You reach for the drinks, only to find them in plastic cups.  STOP!  The dream is over.

What just happened here?  A single barrel bourbon, one of a kind in this world, was lovingly hand selected from hundreds or even thousands of barrels.  Its aroma was distinct.  Its flavor was special enough to be  served on its own merit.  This barrel of bourbon was not selected to be in a blend.  This barrel of bourbon had character.  So much character that it was not destined for a small batch.  It impressed the master blender so much that he chose it as a single unmixed, unblemished offering.

And this club just put it into a plastic cup.

I don’t pretend to know the economics of switching to plastic from glass.  Which costs more, plastic disposable cups?  Or paying a bar back to wash dishes, hot water, soap, and sanitizer?

Setting aside any environmental concerns of plastic cups taking residence in a landfill just because you wanted a rye Manhattan, I can only imagine it must be a safety issue.  I can understand the need for safety at certain venues (ball games for instance).  No one wants to take a rocks glass to the beak from 30 yards away.  However, I’m seeing this more frequently at bars themselves where safety shouldn’t be much of an issue.  Many of these places still gladly serve beer in a bottle, so I must surmise that this isn’t to prevent injury, so much as it is economical.

Well when a ****tail will set you back $10-15 at some places, you know what?  Economics isn’t a factor.  I’m paying for a drink, and I expect it to be served as a drink should – In a glass.  Plastic changes the flavor of drinks.  Even my stepmother 27 years ago refused to drink a Pepsi in a plastic cup, because it altered the flavor completely, not to mention it made the soda fizz quickly and flatten out.  A glass allows your spirit to open up, and breathe.  It is a neutral container.  It is a complete support vehicle.  It takes nothing from the experience and flavor.  It adds nothing.  It simply allows.

 Why are we the public so accepting of a plastic cup for our spirits?  Is it because we believe that a spirit in a plastic cup is better than no spirit at all?  Do we just take it because that’s all there is?  Do we just accept it?    Where is the outrage?  Where are the masses that take umbrage at such a crime?  As long as we put up with it, and more importantly - pay for it, especially in places like Las Vegas, then that’s what the businesses will serve you.  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen people in Vegas order a Black Label and drink it willingly out of a plastic cup.  Why?  Why would you do that?

So I say, revolt!  The next time you are in a bar or club that offers you plastic, politely ask (because you are cool) for a glass.  If they say, “no” then you have a decision to make.  Is your favorite spirit in a plastic cup better than none?  If you don’t order the spirit you were going to have you will need to have an alternate drink of choice in mind.  For me, I go with Jack Daniels and soda water.  It’s a lousy drink in comparison, but two of these usually gets me safely through a show and will hold me over until I can find a decent bar.  If you must have your spirit, then at least mention to the bartender that it’s a shame they don’t have glasses (tip an extra buck on that drink whatever you decide so they don’t take it personally).

That's it for this week, remember folks.  Ask for a glass!