Continental's Charter Oak 80 proof 4 yo

[dougdog]

I found this bottle in a local liquor store and used the search to gain more information about this bourbon. I could not find any listing on the site. A friend mentioned the distillery was out of business, Can anyone help with more history about this bottle. Thanks ahead of time....doug

Stats, 4/5 qt, red tax stamp, Continental Distilling Co Linfield Aa/Lemont Ill. copper distilled, charcoal filtered distilled in Penna? Fill level down slightly.

[cowdery]

Continental is a long-time bottler/rectifier in this area. (Chicago area) I'm going to guess this was a knock-off of Old Charter, which name is also a reference to Connecticut's Charter Oak.

[squire]

Morning Doug,

This was an entry level Bourbon in our area (Central Mississippi) in the late '60s through early '70s. It was priced less than the standards of the day, Olds Crow, Taylor, Charter, Forrester, etc.

As college students Charter Oak was our regular party whiskey because it cost less. I remember the version we got as being a rye recipe similar in taste and apperance to Barton's Ten High.

Regards,
Squire

[dougdog]

Squire,

I rather enjoy the "stories" and history of old bottles, thanks for your post.

I should make a correction to the original description on the first post.

The bottle reads Continental Distilling Co. Linfield, "Pa".

(not Aa as posted)

This is a 80 proof, 4yo, age stated.

Thanks again!

best regards, dougdog

[squire]

Evening Doug,

This story sort of relates to another thread but I'll include it here.

I am named after my mother's father and got to know him before his being gathered in the mid 1950s. He suffered from heart ailments during the last three years of his life and his doctor prescribed four ounces of whiskey a day, two in the morning and two in the evening. The doctor insisted the medicine be 'quality bottled stuff' as opposed to the commonly available home made versions as ours was still a dry state.

I vividly recall my bible believing teetotaling grandmother's somewhat somber face as she poured his 'medicine', (that's all she could bring herself to call it), and carrying it to him as she was in charge of the 'medicine' in the house. Some time after his morning prescription he would feel better and after getting out of bed go romp with one of the numerous grand children who were ever present. Even in his '70s he preferred the company of children over most any adult and over a half century later I easily recall his smile, laugh and bad jokes.

Since his medicine was MD prescribed I assume there was some sort of pipeline for bottled goods in place during those years but have no idea who or which State Agency may have monitored such activity but having had a county Sheriff in my linage suspect such things were 'local option'.

About ten years later my older brother and I found the stash in a disused closet off the back of the old kitchen. The original house had been built in 1821 and had several additions. My grandfather's medicine had been stored away from the eyes of any guests, even those who might have went into the pantry, and consisted of two bottles, Belmont and Four Roses. The Four Roses was almost empty, about one once left, and the Belmont was about 1/3 full.

From this evidence I presume my grandfather prefered Four Roses. No comparison can remain because my brother and I approiately dispenced the evidence so as not to embarass our grandmother. Our taste buds were not that well developed in our teens but from what I recall I think there was some rye in the Belmont mash bill.

I would like to get a bottle of Belmont of the era just for the family commection and to have some when my son graduates or gets married or something similar. I have always thought this brand was widely available and am frankly supprised that numerous bottles are not cheaply to be had. Guess those that liked it bought it and drank it.

Anyway thats my story on Belmont which relates to another post but is prehaps better placed here.

Regards,
Squire

[boone]

A intersting story, Squire http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Thanks for sharing it with us http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Bettye Jo