bourbon as a gift

[bluesbassdad]

Joel,

I won't diss EC18, but its intense char influence is too much for some folks. I've had three or four bottles, only one of which I truly enjoyed. (OK, so I'm a slow learner.)

I think it's a bourbon everyone should try, but if I had only one shot (Ha!) at matching a person's preferred flavor profile, EC18 would not be my choice.

Yours truly,
Dave Morefield

[TimmyBoston]

I would recommend a bottling from the Van Winkle Family, 12 year Lot B, Family Reserve 15 or 20 year. Or a bottle of AH Hirsch. A Black Maple Hill may also make a nice gift.

I'm in agreement with Dave about Elijah Craig 18. I think it's flavor profile is too "love it or hate it" to risk giving it as a gift.

Good luck.

[cathy0504]

thanks for all the suggestions, guys!

i found out that his favorite is woodford reserve, but he also likes evan williams. does that help give an idea of his preferences and make any of the suggestions given sound better than others?

[cowdery]

Cathy,

I wouldn't go with a Pappy. My sense from this thread is that your relationship isn't ready for that. Giving Pappy is a very intimate act. It's not something to do on the recommendation of strangers. When it's right to give him Pappy, you'll know it.

Based on the additional intelligence you have provided, I suggest the following. Also, if any of these is available in a gift set, typically with glasses, go with that one.

Wild Turkey Rare Breed or Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit
Blanton's
Booker's
Eagle Rare Single Barrel (the 10-year-old)
Four Roses Single Barrel (may not be available in your area)

This list is not comprehensive, but any one of these will show you made an effort to go beyond the obvious.

Good luck, with the bourbon and with the boy.

[smokinjoe]

thanks for all the suggestions, guys!

i found out that his favorite is woodford reserve, but he also likes evan williams. does that help give an idea of his preferences and make any of the suggestions given sound better than others?

OK. If he likes the plain Evan Williams, then maybe try the Evan Williams Single Barrel. It's a definate step up into the premium category for this brand, but with a price of only $20-25. The bottles will have a year on them (ie 1994,1995, 1996 etc.) Any of these are very good IMO. If you can find them, they also come in a gift pack with a glass for the Holidays.

If you happen to live in Kentucky (or close), you could opt for the Four Roses Single Barrel or Four Roses Small Batch. These are both terrific bourbons which can only be found in Kentucky (maybe So. Indiana?), that happen to come in some of the most beautiful bottles around. Makes for great presentation which is only bested by what's inside of them!

Happy Hunting!

JOE

[jburlowski]

Cathy,

I wouldn't go with a Pappy. ... Giving Pappy is a very intimate act.

Oh my god... what have I been doing with my neighbors!