Headed to France any bourbon suggestions?

[michaelturtle1]

Spending 10 days in France split between Paris and Brittany, have been doing a bit of research and came across Maison du whisky. Other than that is there any bourbon to be had across the pond? The Blanton's barrel strength is on my list as are any age stated Wild Turkeys.

[OscarV]

Yep, gotta get an 8yo 101 WT and any WT over there.

In France you'll see some names you never heard of before, a lot of long aged stuff that Heaven Hill bottles for export only that's not great (woody) but if you can get it cheap why not get one or two.

[squire]

Sounds like a great trip. The store you mentioned is well known for both it's selections and it's prices but would certainly be on my list of places to visit.

[Flyfish]

My son-in-law tells of being the guest of some people in France who made him an excellent meal, including some exceptional wine. After dinner, his host offered him a special treat. You have heard, perhaps, of Jaque Danielles?

Sometimes European prices make even ordinary stuff a "special treat."

[squire]

Yeah I've heard of him, hails from Cajun country.

[cowdery]

When I'm in Europe, I like to drink Four Roses, the standard yellow label expression. It's readily available and comfortably priced, and superior to Jim and Jack.

[SFS]

Don't know if it's export only to the US, but if you see Bastille, it is to be avoided.

[squire]

When in France drink like the French.

[VAGentleman]

Jack Daniels Silver Select Single Barrel is great stuff and available at the duty free stores

[cowdery]

Just so you know, Silver Select is exactly the same as the single barrel sold at retail. But you're right about it being good.

[c2walker]

Just so you know, Silver Select is exactly the same as the single barrel sold at retail. But you're right about it being good.

Single Barrel is 94 proof. Silver Select is 100 proof.

[tanstaafl2]

Not bourbon but I would be looking for Eddu Silver Buckwheat whisky or the rarer Eddu Gold. But then I like looking for the oddities that you are unlikely to find in the States when traveling.

[michaelturtle1]

Not bourbon but I would be looking for Eddu Silver Buckwheat whisky or the rarer Eddu Gold. But then I like looking for the oddities that you are unlikely to find in the States when traveling.

Odd is good!! Thank you all for your suggestions!!

[Pieface]

Single Barrel is 94 proof. Silver Select is 100 proof.

I have it on good authority that the consumer can't detect a 6 point proof drop

[fishnbowljoe]

Jack Daniels Silver Select Single Barrel is great stuff and available at the duty free stores

I thoroughly agree. Tasty stuff.

[BradleyC]

I have it on good authority that the consumer can't detect a 6 point proof drop

Nice one.

Is that tasting panel confirmed?

[TheNovaMan]

Don't know if it's export only to the US, but if you see Bastille, it is to be avoided.

They have that on the shelf at my favorite store. I haven't bought any.

[SFS]

They have that on the shelf at my favorite store. I haven't bought any.

Nor should you, IMHO. Perfumey, among other serious faults.

[sailor22]

Always check the back bar in France. There has been a lot of interesting Bourbon imported over the years and it shows up in unexpected places.

That being said, you have the opportunity to taste a lot of interesting small producer Cognac's Armagnac's and Calvados that have never been imported to the US while your there. Don't pass up the chance to taste or buy some obscure but delightful French Brandy while your focusing on Bourbon.

[michaelturtle1]

After a week in France I have pretty much covered my bases in searching for American Whiskey, and to be honest there really is not much here... Just about every Marche sells Jim,Jacque and Four Roses Yellow Label. The more upscale liquor stores carry the occasional Blantons ( only MDWsells barrel strength), HH while label, EC 12, Ritt, Pikesville and a few Hudson's. the bigger grocery stores carry Old Virginia (6yrs) and Old Woody (3yrs). Van Winkle products have not been available since 2010 (at least that is what I was told at MDW, and the 8yr WT 101 has been replaced by the NAS 101. I am headed out to more rural areas thru the weekend so maybe I will find some of the oddball HH stuff as it doesn't seem to be available in Paris.

[WhiskyRI]

Hit duty free on your way home - but be careful based on your connecting flights. After you clear customs in the US you will need to check anything duty free into your luggage you won't be able to carry it on - no matter they tell you. I watched someone at TSA stateside pour out a $200 bottle of wine (to make sure TSA didn't get it) because their luggage had already been checked. Not sure if it available or not by Jim Beam Six Grains might be available in the duty free shops. Also I'd expand your horizons and pick up some local non-export Armagnac and/or Calvados. Not bourbon but both can be very tasty. Bon Chance

[393foureyedfox]

The Blanton's barrel strength is on my list

first thing that came to mind....

Edited June 13, 2013 by 393foureyedfox

[michaelturtle1]

I am imagining Paris has a few rocking duty free shops at the airport, I have a connecting flight in Boston and already have 5 bottles checked and have been through the repack and rechecking luggage after customs so I doubt I will be buying anything there.. I have enjoyed a couple bottles of Calvados, good stuff but didn't hook me enough to lug one home. Not a huge Armagnac or cognac fan so I skipped on shopping for those...