Uncle Oswald Posted October 1, 2008 Share Posted October 1, 2008 I searched around a bit, but couldn't seem to find this topic covered quite in the way I'm asking. So, cocktails that employ Bourbon as a base spirit, what Bourbons do you use in what drinks and why? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Uncle Oswald Posted October 1, 2008 Author Share Posted October 1, 2008 For a Mint Julep, I turn to Maker's Mark. I feel Maker's adds just the right amount of sweetness and I feel less bad clouding its taste than say I would with a more premium bourbon. I take my Manhattans with Woodford Reserve. Couldn't really tell you the specifics why, it just works for my tastes.However, my Bourbon cocktail of choice is the Old Fashioned. All of the additional ingredients are there to compliment and season the Bourbon, never marring its original flavor. With these, I really love Booker's, but will take any of the higher proof premiums as well. Beyond that, I generally prefer to take my Bourbon neat or with a splash. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OscarV Posted October 1, 2008 Share Posted October 1, 2008 I never was a cocktail guy.I always drank my whiskey/whisky on the rocks until a few years ago when I started to appreciate it neat.But I'm sure there are a lot of members here that can suggest the right bourbon for a particular cocktail. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cowdery Posted October 1, 2008 Share Posted October 1, 2008 I tend to use an inexpensive bond for most cocktails, such as JTS Brown BIB, VOB BIB, or Rittenhouse Rye BIB. I often prefer rye for whiskey cocktails over bourbon. In all cases I like something with a lot of flavor that will cut through the other ingredients. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TNbourbon Posted October 2, 2008 Share Posted October 2, 2008 ...I often prefer rye for whiskey cocktails over bourbon...Well said -- otherwise, my bourbon 'mixed drinks' generally consist of rye-recipe with ginger ale, and wheater with cola. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gillman Posted October 2, 2008 Share Posted October 2, 2008 I use my own blend of bourbons only, bourbons and rye, and sometimes either of the latter and some Canadian. I find I get a complex, smoother result by using numerous whiskeys than one. I taste it first to make sure it is right, if it isn't, I'll adjust it. Last night I had a Manhattan made this way with just a capful of vermouth. When you use good aged bourbons, you don't need too much vermouth, but using some imparts the right winy note. I drank it slowly over 2 hours.Gary Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Uncle Oswald Posted October 5, 2008 Author Share Posted October 5, 2008 Since I'm seeing a lot of you mention Rye Whiskey, what Rye would make a really great Sazerac? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rughi Posted October 7, 2008 Share Posted October 7, 2008 Since I'm seeing a lot of you mention Rye Whiskey, what Rye would make a really great Sazerac?Sazerac!It's a great 6 or so year old rye from Buffalo Trace.Roger Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Uncle Oswald Posted October 17, 2008 Author Share Posted October 17, 2008 Sazerac!It's a great 6 or so year old rye from Buffalo Trace.RogerThat's what I was going to purchase by default because, well, the drink was named after the Rye (or was it vice versa?). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sailor22 Posted November 4, 2008 Share Posted November 4, 2008 I have made my Sazeracs with 6 yr Sazerac and thought it was a really good cocktail. I have been told the Absinth used is important - I used a substitute and it was still good.I have used Van Winkle Rye for my Manhattans for years and it makes a mighty fine one - Manhattans are something of a hobby and the VW 13 Rye makes my favorite. It's biggest draw back is that it is impossible to find in bars - in fact any Rye is hard to find. I default to JD Black because it is common and makes an OK cocktail. The first Manhattan with Bourbon that I really LOVED was the one I made last week - a slight variation of the "Perfect Manhattan" recipe that I found on the Four Roses web site using FRSB. I used 3 oz (or a touch more) rather than the 2.5 recommended. A light delightful cocktail. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ILLfarmboy Posted November 14, 2008 Share Posted November 14, 2008 ...However, my Bourbon cocktail of choice is the Old Fashioned. All of the additional ingredients are there to compliment and season the Bourbon, never marring its original flavor. With these, I really love Booker's, but will take any of the higher proof premiums as well. Beyond that, I generally prefer to take my Bourbon neat or with a splash.I still drink Manhattans on occasion but I find myself drinking Old Fashioneds more and more. Your point about "never marring its original flavor" is spot on. I prefer rye Old Fashioneds but have experimented with bourbons too. I find Weller Antique makes a fine Old Fashioned. I use a drop of Angostora bitters and several drops of Fee Brothers. Fee brothers has a more Christmas spice character. My typical recipe is as follows:2 1/2 ounces whiskeyone tea spoon sugarone tea spoon waterfour/five drops bitters; one of Angostora and three or four Fee brothersone slightly molested orange sliceone maraschino cherryFirst I add the sugar, bitters and water, give that a stir to dissolve the sugar. Then I add the orange slice and slightly molest it in the sugar/bitters mixture, not too much though, full on muddling will release too much juice. Then I add some ice and the cherry and give it a stir.What's your recipe/procedure? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gillman Posted November 14, 2008 Share Posted November 14, 2008 Ditto amount of whiskey (any American or Canadian kind if it tastes good). I use maple syrup for the sweet element. Coming as it does from a tree, I find it complements whiskey drinks. Usually Angostura or Peychaud and orange bitters go in. I do not use an orange slice although this would go well it, but orange bitters supplies a similar flavour (you could use a bit of triple sec too). No cherry, I use that in Manhattans sometimes. I just stir it well and serve, sometimes on ice, sometimes not. I agree with the insight that the whiskey character is preserved, and it is a classic preparation.Gary Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Uncle Oswald Posted April 30, 2009 Author Share Posted April 30, 2009 I still drink Manhattans on occasion but I find myself drinking Old Fashioneds more and more. Your point about "never marring its original flavor" is spot on. I prefer rye Old Fashioneds but have experimented with bourbons too. I find Weller Antique makes a fine Old Fashioned. I use a drop of Angostora bitters and several drops of Fee Brothers. Fee brothers has a more Christmas spice character. My typical recipe is as follows:2 1/2 ounces whiskeyone tea spoon sugarone tea spoon waterfour/five drops bitters; one of Angostora and three or four Fee brothersone slightly molested orange sliceone maraschino cherryFirst I add the sugar, bitters and water, give that a stir to dissolve the sugar. Then I add the orange slice and slightly molest it in the sugar/bitters mixture, not too much though, full on muddling will release too much juice. Then I add some ice and the cherry and give it a stir.What's your recipe/procedure? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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