cformes Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 I'm having some friends over tonight, both of whom are wine lovers, with the intent of introducing them to bourbon and all of its glory. The question is: what should I pull out for them to start with? Here's a list of what I have at the moment:BTMakers MarkStranahansYamazaki (I know, not bourbon, but still cool)Black Maple HillRowan's CreekNoah's MillFour RosesFour Roses SBOVW Lot BPVW 15PVW 20PVW 23GTS08WLW08Saz08Handy08ER08ER07Hirsch 16Jefferson's ReserveBookersBeam WhiteBeam BlackBernheim (Not Bourbon)BulleitVintage 17Michters 10Rittenhouse BIBSazeracI think I should include a little uncut Stagg, just for fun. What would you suggest? 3, 4, 18 different types? Which ones? Order? I'm not sure that I wouldn't just walk through the line with them, but I don't think that would do anyone any good.Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SBOmarc Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 Give them a brief intro into styles and variety and let them make selections. A flite of Van Winkle is another way you could go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spun_cookie Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 I would sat two flights for experience.Do a 1/4 oz of each in that flight.Flight 1: Makers MarkOVW Lot BPVW 15PVW 20PVW 23WLW08Hirsch 16Bernheim (Not Bourbon)Flight 2:BTFour RosesFour Roses SBSaz08ER08ER07BulleitVintage 17SazeracThomas HandyThat would be plenty of goodies for two distinct flights and the you could just let them go wild from there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ILLfarmboy Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 If it were me, I'd select one wheater, one low rye and one high bourbon and two rye whiskeys. If thy are new to whiskey entirely, I would stay away from the barrel proofers. I would go with Makers, Buffalo trace, Beam Black, Four Roses (either iteration) and then Saz Jr. and Rittenhouse BIB. I'd go with the wheater, Makers Mark, first, then the ryed bourbons and finally the rye whiskeys. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishnbowljoe Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 Chris, I would try to do a step ladder starting with a lower end bourbon, then work my way up. Going from my tastes, and doing the best with my slightly limited experience, here are my choices.1. Jim Beam White2. Maker's Mark3. Bulleit4. Buffalo Trace5. Four Roses Single Barrel6. Lot BSee how that goes, and if they are still interested, explain the BTAC to them. Then maybe have a second flight of BTAC, Hirsch, and PVW 15-20-23.I haven't yet tasted the Hirsch or PVW 20 & 23. For those I'm going by reputation and what I have gleaned here at SB. Good luck with your tasting. Let us know how it goes. Joe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gothbat Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 VWSR12, FR1B, Rittenhouse BIB (maybe add a 4th, the Bernheim) and then suggest something different based on what they liked of those 3 or 4. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ILLfarmboy Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 VWSR12, FR1B, Rittenhouse BIB (maybe add a 4th, the Bernheim) and then suggest something different based on what they liked of those 3 or 4. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cformes Posted November 21, 2008 Author Share Posted November 21, 2008 Hey gents, Thank for the suggestions!! There are some fantastic assortments there. Let me tell you what I wound up with:1. Yamazaki 12: they were non-boubonites, and I thought the single malt would be anecdotal and also provide a basic and bold comparison for the non-peats in the room.2 .Black Maple: It's an excellent bourbon, and on the lower end of the price chain. I was hoping that it would draw them in.3. GTS08: I wanted to peak in the middle, as Shakespeare had intended. Both of my friends, without prompting, commented on the quality and flavor here (backed up my choice to buy 7 bottles of this). A wonderful high note.4. PVW15: DIfferent from the Stagg, but still a quality pour. Also the first wheater in the group. 5. Michter's 10 yo bourbon: Not much response here. I must be alone in my love of this one. For the most part, it's been shunned by my brethren, but it's still one of my favorites.So that's what we drank over a dozen or so games of pool and chats about life. Thank you for the suggestions, I really tried to use them in my choices, and in retrospect would have poured a bit more from the "utility" section with the GTS as a culmination, rather than trying to cover all of my non-rye bases.Thanks again, and have a great night! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gothbat Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 I'm not sure what your reasoning is but I like your suggestions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kickert Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 I know you have already done your tasting, but when I am walking people through try to offer contrasts. I usually do three flights:High Wheat / High Corn / High Rye (Weller SR, OC10, Bulleit/WT)Less Age / More Age (Weller SR, Weller 12)Personal Favorites (ER10, ETL)Then I offer them a taste anything they want. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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