Bourbon T-Shirt Quilt by Campus Quilt

Y’all know I absolutely love t-shirt quilts from Campus Quilt, and I’m so excited to pair with them to display the bourbon t-shirts I’ve collected over years of visiting distilleries. This one is so special to me; it tells the story of so many bourbon brands I love! I also love that Campus Quilt is a woman-owned business right here in Louisville!

I chose a 16-Square Stadium Quilt with sashing and flannel backing. I love the extra depth that sashing adds, and the flannel backing is so warm and cozy. A Campus Quilt would be such a special and personal holiday present for anyone on your shopping list!

The Campus Quilt ordering process is so easy. You choose the quilt size and colors, ship in your shirts, and let the Campus Quilt team do the rest! If you’re ordering a holiday present, be sure to place your order by November 15th, ensure that the shirts are delivered to Campus Quilt by November 24th, and that you request Christmas delivery on your order form. For more details, check out the terms and conditions. Another great gift idea is a gift card so you can work with the recipient to plan the exact quilt they want!

Thanks so much to Campus Quilt for helping me choose the perfect way to display my favorite bourbon shirts! I hope y’all will consider giving a Campus Quilt this holiday season!

You may also like:

• Kentucky Wildcats Campus Quilt T-Shirt Quilt

• Kentucky-themed Campus Quilt T-Shirt Quilt

Old Forester Old Fashioned

Today is National Cocktail Day, y’all. Now, I’m not usually one for these made-up internet holidays, and these days I’d rather sip my bourbon neat rather than mix up a cocktail. But, it was such a lovely afternoon to sit on the porch and enjoy an Old Fashioned.

The Old Fashioned claims its roots in the late 19th century, at Louisville’s famed Pendennis Club. I’ve heard it called Louisville’s official cocktail, and the official drink of Thurby. Whatever you call it, the sweet syrup, tart bitters, strong bourbon and hint of orange make for a lovely cocktail. You can sweeten it with a wheated bourbon or you can add a high-proof pour to even out the edges. It’s usually a great sipper, unless your bartender goes overboard with the bitters.

The best Old Fashioned I ever drank was during an interview and tasting experience. Jackie Zykan, the Master Taster at Old Forester, made the perfect OldFo Old Fashioned as we talked and tasted at the Brown-Forman Shively Warehouse. While this was kind of a once-in-a lifetime experience — trust me when I say that Jackie is one of the coolest, most knowledgeable, and all-around awesome people you’ll ever meet and I can only dream of being a badass like she is— we can all try her recipe at home.

The Perfect Old Fashioned Recipe, via Old Forester

INGREDIENTS

• 2 oz. Old Forester 100 Proof

• 0.5 oz. Demerara Syrup (2:1)

• 2 dashes Angostura™ Bitters

  Combine ingredients in mixing glass. Stir with ice. Strain over ice in a double old fashioned glass. Garnish with lemon and orange peel.

Cheers, y’all!

The Best Bourbons for Beginners

A friend recently texted me with one of my very favorite questions to answer: “If I wanted to try (and like) bourbon straight up, what should I try?”

Now, of course, my first thought was “how awesome is it to first experience bourbon as an adult who isn’t starting off by over-indulging in something cheap or by mixing it with Coke?”, then I started thinking of a few tips.

1. Start with a lower-proof spirit

Proof is, of course, the measure of alcohol by volume. The proof statement on a bottle of alcohol is twice the percentage of alcohol by volume. So, for example, a 90 proof bourbon is 45% alcohol. If you’re starting to taste bourbon straight, it’s probably easier to start with something that doesn’t have an overwhelming alcohol burn. This will help you experience more of the flavor of the bourbon and give you a better appreciation of your preferences. I’d suggest something in the 80 to 90 proof range.

My top picks for low-proof bourbons that provide a complex and delicious flavor profile are Basil Hayden’s (80 proof) or Old Forester 86 Proof. Entry-level Four Roses (formerly known as Yellow Label) is a good sipper at 80 proof, and Cooper’s Craft, at 82.2 proof, provides a good introduction to the fruity and floral notes of its older siblings in the Brown-Forman lineup, Old Forester and Woodford Reserve.

2. Look to something that works with your flavor profile. 

It always astonishes me when someone tells me that they “don’t like bourbon”, because there’s such a huge spectrum of flavors available in various bourbon expressions.

If you like sweet flavors, a bourbon with a high wheat content like Maker’s Mark or Larceny will be a good starting place. The strong vanilla and brown sugar notes of Woodford Reserve are also always great for those of us who have a sweet tooth!

If you tend to choose more savory flavors, a higher rye content is good. Buffalo Trace and its big brother Eagle Rare are a great starting point, as is Michter’s US*1. Knob Creek is another great bourbon that provides a full, spicy flavor.

3. Don’t be afraid of water.

A drop or two of water is an easy way to lightly dilute your bourbon and open up its flavor. Make sure you use a pure, clean water (nothing messes up a nice drink like a weird-flavored water or ice cube!). You’ll be able to really taste and appreciate your drink while making it a little easier to drink.

Cheers, y’all!!