Australian retail bourbon range..

[camduncan]

There seems to have been some interest here in the bourbons available in the different markets, so when I was out of town visiting my parents last weekend , I snapped a couple shots of the bottle shop at the family pub. There are more pictures, which I can post later, but this was the range of bourbons sold in the drive-through...It's typical of the range I see in most of the bottle shops locally - the only thing missing is the Small Batch range.

[bobbyc]

Have you tried the " Real McCoy" yet?

[camduncan]

I've tried the Real McCoy a few times with coke when I'm out at pubs or clubs, but never on its own.

It's probably slightly less of a bourbon than Jim Beam White.

[bourbonv]

Bobby,

When I left U.D. the Real McCoy was one of their products designed just for the Australia market. I believe it still is. It was not a bourbon then, but instead a mixture of Corn Whiskey, bourbon and neatral spirits. I did not care for it - rather bland in my opinion.

Mike Veach

[Dave_in_Canada]

What is the nature of that Jim Beam bottle top shelf to the right of GJ?

[Paradox]

It's the new Jim Beam and Port that's available in Australia Dave. Why do all the different things have to get released overseas?!

[Dave_in_Canada]

I notice that it is distributed by Maxxum. They also distribute in Canada. Hmmmm. 700ml is a rather odd bottle size.

[Paradox]

I don't know conversions Dave, but is cl and ml similiar? What I mean is: Is 70cl and 700ml the same thing? If they are, many of the export bottles I have are 70cl (Like all the export Blanton's).

[Dave_in_Canada]

Yes 70cl is the same as 700ml.

[Jono]

I have never heard of Cougar bourbon...who makes it? Is it an Australian only product?

[Tallica]

I believe its only sold in Australasia, Jim Murray makes reference to it in his book "classic bourbon......."

[Jono]

Barossa Valley, that location sounds like you are in wine country...correct? I should know as I do drink a fair amount of Aussie wine. How about a Cougar Bourbon tasting report!

[TNbourbon]

Cougar is a brand of Continental Spirits -- which distributes widely in Asia -- which is itself a subsidiary of Foster' Group, the Foster's beer people. That said, I can't find anything about who actually distills it.

Here's a link:

Cougar Bourbon

Another Australian website which sells it -- Nick's -- lists it, however, as a Kentucky product.

[Jono]

It reads like they may add artificial flavoring..."enhanced by charred oak toast flavoring" vs barrel aging flavors. The Black Douglass scotch is a combination of grain and malt blends. Both sound like lower shelf products. But I could be wrong...we need a brave Aussie or two to perform some tastings and report back.

[Tallica]

You are right, its all about wine here.

I work at Penfolds in Nuriootpa an iconic name here down under & Which is probably the largest Premium winery in the southern hemisphere.We bottle about fifty million litres per year.In Boones contribution,Its great to see the passion & pride show through for her company & industry.

I will try adding tasting notes when I next try the cougar( don't expect too much)

Its a bit like wine I know what I like but have trouble describing why.

Even mixed with coke(sic) I can tell what most of my bourbons are in blind tasting, but still have trouble describing why I prefer one to another when drinking straight.