Woodford Reserve + Original Makers Club Bourbon Tasting
HerKentucky's Heather C. Watson reviews the newest limited edition Distillery Series bourbons from Woodford Reserve.
Last night, my beau and I attended the Original Makers Club's tasting party for Woodford Reserve's Distillery Series bourbons. It was a perfect summer night for an outdoor party.
My shadow has big hair. Because, of course.
Woodford Reserve Master Distiller Chris Morris and Master Taster Elizabeth O'Neill led us through the proper tasting methods, including how to properly nose the aroma, why you don't give it a big swirl as you would with a wine tasting, and how to sip the whiskey for optimal taste.
I loved the Sweet Mash Redux. This bourbon had a really sweet, fruity up-front note that was extremely pleasant and reminiscent of an Irish whiskey. I'd recommend this for a fan of Bushmills or Jameson, anyone who loves fruity notes of apple, pear, or cherry, or those who often complain that bourbons have a harsh taste.
The second whiskey we sampled was Double Double Oaked. A variant of the popular Double Oaked label, this bourbon was aged an additional year. A lot of folks at the tasting detected deep, spicy notes in this one. At first, I found it very unstructured with a strong burn. However, when paired with the cheesecake samples we were provided, it was delightfully spicy against the brown sugar crust.
One of my favorite aspects of attending Woodford Reserve tastings is the way that they integrate food to influence flavors. They've developed a fascinating flavor wheel, and they always put great care into choosing food that works with a particular bourbon. Of course, it doesn't hurt when, like last night, the food was chosen by brilliant local chef Ouita Michel.
After the tasting, we moved to the lawn for drinks, snacks, music, and a fabulous display of basket charring.
My cousin Amy and her husband joined us for the festivities!
Chris and Elizabeth used hay from American Pharoah's stall to light the barrel, which was allowed to burn for seven seconds, leaving the barrel "toasted."
The air was filled with a magical scent of roasted marshmallows; it was such a fantastic sensory experience and really illustrated how the toasted barrels produce the rich, caramel-vanilla finish for which Woodford Reserve is known.
Thanks so much to Original Makers Club and Woodford Reserve for the fabulous party and delicious samples!
The 5 Best Bourbon Tours for People Who Really Don't Drink Bourbon
Kentucky's distilleries offer so much more than just bourbon!
Now and again, I find myself singing the praises of a bourbon distillery tour, either to a fellow Kentuckian or an out-of-towner,only to be met with an unenthusiastic "Oh, I'm not a big drinker" or "I don't really like bourbon." I'm always taken aback by these responses. Sure, distilleries produce bourbon, which is often quite delicious, but they also tell so many authentically Kentucky stories.
The thing that makes Kentucky's bourbon distilleries so very special isn't just the product that's being made. It's the timelessness, the history, and the community spirit that surround the Kentucky spirits industry. The master distillers still carry a little jar of their secret recipe home every night so that the original mash bill can never be lost, in a throwback to the earliest days of bourbon-making. When tragedy strikes a distillery, Kentuckians are concerned. We don't just worry about the lost booze or the hit to the Commonwealth's tourism industry; every distillery contains friends, relatives, and colleagues who are directly impacted. This week alone, when the site of the upcoming Brown-Forman Whiskey Row visitors center was destroyed by fire and the Heaven Hill warehouse was damaged by storms, our thoughts turned immediately to the safety of our friends who work in the spirits industry. It often feel that even those of us who don't choose to imbibe are connected the bourbon family.
In the spirit of our Summer Fun Lists, here are the top 5 can't miss bourbon attractions for folks who aren't all about the bourbon. Click here to download.
5. The Speakeasy Experience at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience. If you're interested in the history of Louisville or a fan of Jazz Age history, you absolutely MUST take this tour. It's quick (usually runs around half an hour) and cheap ($12). It's led by a bourbon historian who takes on the character of a Prohibition-era barkeep; he even infuses a fascinating little story from his own family into the tale. If you or your guests find yourselves in downtown Louisville on a weekend, you should make a point of stopping by this attraction on your way to the Slugger Museum or 21C. If you don't like bourbon, I can promise you that someone in the tour group will be happy to take the complimentary taste of 23 year Evan off your hands for you!
4. The National Landmark Tour at Woodford Reserve. This is an amazing experience for history and architecture buffs. It's about the evolution of Central Kentucky; it just happens to use a bourbon distillery to tell that story.
3. Jim Beam American Stillhouse. It's just so amazingly beautiful out at Jim Beam. It's like you've been carried back in time to a perfect little village amidst rolling foothills. As you pass the on-site fire department and the statue of Jim Beam, you feel more like you're in a really well-decorated theme than a distillery; don't miss barbecue from the on-site restaurant!
2. The Ghost Tour at Buffalo Trace. Spend an eerie hour or so on the historic riverbanks of our Commonwealth's capital city, looking for the ghost of Col. Blanton. If haunted mansions and ghostly lore are your thing, you must take this tour!
1. Dinner Series at Maker's Mark. Maybe you don't like bourbon, but you love good food in a gorgeous setting, right? Maker's Mark has some pretty incredible dinners lined up for the summer, including the Rick Bayless. That's right: Rick Bayless at Maker's Mark. That one is a foodie can't-miss!
Happy Touring, y'all!
The HerKentucky Guide to Mint Juleps
Gear up for Kentucky Derby 141 with a fresh batch of mint juleps!
Happy Derby Week, y'all! Kentucky Derby 141 is almost here, and HerKentucky has a series of tips that will help you do Derby like a local. Today, we're talking about the Kentucky Derby's signature cocktail, the mint julep!
Mad Men's Betty Draper serves mint juleps.
Mint juleps are one of the most iconic things about the Kentucky Derby. Oddly, they're among the most divisive, too. Some folks find the signature blend of Kentucky bourbon whiskey, simple syrup, and muddled mint to be a refreshing spring cocktail, while others consider it a waste of good bourbon. I love a julep around Derby Day, while my beau cites legendary Louisville newspaperman Henry Watterson's recipe: "Pluck the mint gently from its bed, just as the dew of the evening is about to form upon it ... Prepare the simple syrup and measure out a half-tumbler of whiskey." "Pour the whiskey into a well-frosted silver cup, throw the other ingredients away and drink the whiskey."
Whether you love or hate the drink, it's pretty much a rule that you have to know how to make a mint julep if you're entertaining folks around Derby time.
The first thing you need to do is decide on a julep cup. A silver julep cup is, of course, the traditional way to go. I recently had a chance to talk to Matt Burnett of Wakefield-Scearce Galleries. For Matt, the julep cup is, quite literally, the family business. His grandfather, Mark Scearce, was a jeweler turned silversmith who was originally drawn to julep cup design while buying up coin silver during the World War II silver shortage. Over the years, Mr. Scearce developed a unique design that incorporates an English-style watermark and a seal denoting the current U.S. President. Silver julep cups are stunning, of course, but I asked Matt whether it was a lot of work to constantly polish a set. "Not if you use them often!" was his quick response. "Frequent use keeps them shiny!"
Antique coin-silver julep cups at Wakefield-Scearce.
Stoneware julep cups from Louisville Stoneware are another fantastic option. These gorgeous cups are a colorful and unique way to keep your julep cold, yet staying comfortable to the touch.
When it comes to bourbon, I always advise people to stick to what they personally like to drink. After all, a mint julep is just like any other cocktail, and comes down to personally preference. Of course, you should keep that within reason; it's a travesty to mix 23-year Pappy Van Winkle with anything. Woodford Reserve or Maker's Mark are always good. Old Forester makes for a delicious cocktail. (That's what the track is using this year!)
Another consideration is your mint -- most recipes call for Kentucky Colonel. This year, I picked up a Chocolate Mint varietal as well; can't wait to see how the flavors vary!
Of course, you can get as fancy or as simple with your sugar for the simple syrup as you like. I use demerara sugar for a little more complex flavor.
Classic Mint Julep Recipe
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 cups water
- Sprigs of fresh mint
- Crushed ice
- Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey (your favorite brand is the best!)
Make a simple syrup by boiling sugar and water together for five minutes. Cool and place in a covered container with six or eight sprigs of fresh mint, then refrigerate overnight. Make one julep at a time by filling a julep cup with crushed ice, adding one tablespoon mint syrup and two ounces of Kentucky bourbon. Stir rapidly with a spoon to frost the outside of the cup. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.
Have a great Derby Week! Cheers, y'all!
Maple Bourbon Sparkler
Happy National Maple Syrup Day! If there were ever a food item that deserves its own day, it’s this one! It takes 30-40 gallons of maple sap boiled down to create one gallon of that delicious maple syrup and it goes on everything! From pancakes, waffles, muffins, and grits to sweet potato fries and bacon, it is quite a versatile item to have in your arsenal. So in honor of this luscious syrup, I am shaking things up with my festive Maple Bourbon Sparkler.
I just love how the deep maple flavor compliments the vanilla and spice notes of the bourbon and the addition of champagne and a splash of lemon make this cocktail bright and drinkable. It's the perfect libation for all of your holiday parties!
Maple Bourbon Sparkler
· ½ Tablespoon of Pure Maple Syrup
· 2 Ounces of Maker’s Mark Bourbon
· Squeeze of a Lemon Wedge
· 3 Ounces of Brut or Extra Dry Champagne. **
Instructions
1. Fill your favorite cocktail shaker with your maple syrup, bourbon and the squeeze of lemon. Shake until well combined and chilled.
2. Pour into champagne flute and top with champagne.
3. Enjoy and Repeat.
*I added a maple sugar rim for the photos. It was very sweet. I do not recommend it!
**Please use only Brut or Extra Dry Champagne/Sparkling Wine. It will be much too sweet with an Asti or Spumante.
HerKentucky's Holiday Wish List for the Bourbon Lover
The best holiday presents for bourbon lovers
Most Kentuckians have at least one serious bourbon lover on their holiday gift list. Many of us have plenty of bourbon lovers who'd just adore a present that celebrates Kentucky's signature spirit. Here are the absolute best pieces of bourbon swag I've seen this year; I'm sure the folks on your holiday list would agree!
Grandpa's Cough Syrup Needlepoint Flask, Smathers & Branson. What a hilarious way to transport a little nip!
HerKentucky's Shot of Bourbon Tee. If you'd rather be somebody's shot of bourbon than everybody's cup of tee, we've got the right shirt for you!
A bottle of 23 year-old Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve. Why not shoot for the good stuff?
Drink More Bourbon, Y'all Leather Coasters by Clayton & Crume. These are gorgeous, high-quality waxed leather coasters with an important embossed message.
Subscription to the Bourbon Review. The best way to keep up with the latest labels and trends in bourbon.
A bottle of Willett Pot Still Reserve. This high-corn and rye blend is getting great reviews.
I'd Rather Be Drinking Bourbon Mug, Louisville Stoneware. This is on my own letter to Santa this year. Why not serve up your morning coffee with a shot of truth?
An individual bourbon barrel with your favorite team's logo, Bluegrass Barrels. Dispense your favorite blend from a unique tabletop barrel.
Bourbon and Bad Decisions Tee, Bourbon Built. Y'all, I just love this. It gets straight to the point.
23-Year Pappy Long-Sleeved Tee, Pappy & Co. If you can't give a bottle of Pappy, this gorgeous shirt is the next best thing.
We've teamed with some of our very favorite Kentucky-based brands to help you (or your favorite bourbon lover) out a little. We're offering y'all three exciting bourbon swag giveaways. You can enter to win a Bourbon & Bad Decisions tee, a Pappy & Co long-sleeved tee, or a set of 4 Clayton & Crume leather coasters using the Rafflecopter widgets below.
Cheers, y'all!
The HerKentucky Guide to Speakeasy Louisville: The Seelbach
Louisville's Seelbach Hotel was a famous gathering place for mobsters and flappers alike.
Welcome to the latest installment of the HerKentucky Guide to Speakeasy Louisville! On Thursdays throughout the fall, we'll travel back to the Jazz Age in the Derby City, when the nation's Prohibition laws didn't quench the collective thirst for Kentucky Bourbon. We'll channel our inner Daisy Buchanans and dance the Charleston at Louisville's finest establishments. And, of course, we'll take a sip or two of the native drink that kept the city's spirits high. Today, we'll visit the famous hotel that served as a playground for some of the nation's most notorious mobsters and inspired one of the seminal novels of the generation.
Seelbach Hotel, circa 1910, Library of Congress holdings of the Detroit Publishing Company Photo Collection.
The Seelbach Hotel -- "the only fireproof hotel in the city" -- was built by Bavarian brothers Otto and Louis Seelbach in 1905 at the corner of Fourth and Walnut Streets in Downtown Louisville. The hotel design was of the Beaux Arts Baroque style and reflected turn-of-the-century opulence, but the Seelbach's lasting legacy would be its ties to the Jazz Age.
Postcard view of the Seelbach's Rathskeller, the basement level restaurant and bar.
Underworld figures like Lucky Luciano and Al Capone frequented the hotel in the 1910s and '20s, drawn by clandestine high-stakes poker games and Kentucky bourbon whiskey. Cincinnati mobster George Remus found that there was a lucrative business in bootlegging the city's native spirit. The hotel's secret passageways famously helped these guests elude police and move liquor. Remus's exploits stood out to a young serviceman named Scott Fitzgerald who'd recently dropped out of Princeton, enlisted, and been stationed at nearby Camp Taylor.
F. Scott Fitzgerald's Battalion, from the May 30, 1917 issue of the Daily Princetonian. Uniforms were custom-made for the soldiers by Brooks Brothers.
Second Lt. Fitzgerald had his share of fun at the Seelbach -- he was even thrown out of the hotel after a night of merrymaking -- and drew upon his experiences in the late 1910s when writing The Great Gatsby. The title character's shadowy past is based at least in part on George Remus's bootlegging exploits, and his paramour, Daisy Buchanan, was a Louisville debutante. Of Daisy, Fitzgerald wrote:
“She had a debut after the Armistice, and in February she was presumably engaged to a man from New Orleans. In June she married Tom Buchanan of Chicago, with more pomp and circumstance than Louisville ever knew before. He came down with a hundred people in four private cars, and hired a whole floor of the Seelbach Hotel, and the day before the wedding he gave her a string of pearls valued at three hundred and fifty thousand dollars.”
Over the years, the Seelbach has changed hands and even briefly closed before it was restored to its original opulence. The hotel manages to retain the elegance of bygone days while providing modern amenities. And, as you walk the halls of the grand old hotel, it's easy to imagine that, just for a moment, you caught a glimpse of days gone by -- perhaps a Big City mobster, a flapper debutante, or a young soldier with a story to tell...