What got you started

[TNbourbon]

...Now I am also curious about a non-bourbon but something that is popular which is Seagrams 7. Does it have bourbon in it? Is it related to bourbon? How many other non-bourbon american whiskeys are out there besides the Tennessee ones?

Seagram's 7 Crown is a blended whiskey. See here for definitions:

http://www.distill.com/specs/USA10.html

The gist is that it must only contain 20% of 'straight' whiskeys -- aged at least 2 years in new oak barrels -- with the remainder being "added harmless coloring, flavoring or blending materials, and, separately, or in combination, whisky or neutral spirits." 'Neutral spirits' is another term for vodka.

In the case of Seagram's 7, I think it contains 30% straights.

The Tennessee whiskeys, while not bourbons -- in name, anyway -- also are not blends.

To name a few blended American whiskeys: Kessler, Beam 8 Star, Calvert Extra, Four Roses, (older) Cream of Kentucky, Ancient Age Preferred. Early Times, Michter's US1 and Conecuh Ridge are bourbon-based blends, but blends nonetheless. There are others.

Domestic Southern Comfort, by the way, contains no whiskey at all, though an export-only 'Reserve' label does.

[blue lander]

I started with Old Grand Dad 114, which I guess was a trial by fire. Although I've never felt it to be a harsh tasting drink, even from the beginning. It always amazes me that, even at bourbon bars, when I bring up Old Grand Dad the yuppies who frequent the place look at me like I just admitted to drinking diesel fuel.

[barturtle]

Tim, you completely forgot Rye, Wheat and Corn whiskies as being non-bourbon American whiskies! There are also a few malt whiskies floating around.

[TNbourbon]

Tim, you completely forgot Rye, Wheat and Corn whiskies as being non-bourbon American whiskies! There are also a few malt whiskies floating around.

Didn't forget -- just limited myself to addressing the ones he specifically mentioned, blends and Tennessee. Even at that, I got kinda long-winded. You wanted more?

[fogfrog]

Well, what got me started was Jim Beam White 7YO. This stuff is pretty darn easy to drink! I just had a bit neat. There is no need to dilute this fine bourbon. It is sweet neat. I do agree there are some flavors found in other bourbons that are lacking in the White Label 7YO. Now I am drinking the Elmer T. Lee and it has some more flavors than the Beam has.

Paul

[barturtle]

Long-Winded? PALease.... I've seen you get long-winded and thats not even close:slappin:

[Tank415]

Hi all, new to the forums here. I had my first drink of bourbon around the time I was 18, Jim Beam white. I've been on a Rebel Yell kick for the last couple of years. I end up sipping it straight(neat?) and always end up cutting it with some coke (it mixes so well). I'm planning on venturing out to try some of the stuff you all talk about on this board. My local ABC store is running a sale on EWSB and I think I am going to pick some up. Very happy to have found this site.

[TNbourbon]

Welcome, Tank! Many fine folks here, and many fine bourbons to be tasted. :toast: to an amiable journey.

[Tank415]

TNbourbon, thanks! I look forward to it.......

[SBOmarc]

All that was in house was Old Grand Dad 86 proof. On occaission dad would get the BIB. It wasn't a bad way to be introduced to the world that I live in now.

[mythrenegade]

Well, I first tried Jim Beam (whatever the standard cheap stuff is, I think it's white 7 year old) to put in egg nog. Tried it straight, hated it. Kept drinking Johnny Walker Black and never went back to Bourbon. My brother in law showed me the world of single malt scotch and I stopped drinking Johnny Walker.

Last year I started watching a program called "The Thirsty Traveler" on Fine Living. Great show, and the episode on Bourbon made me curious to try Maker's Mark. I bought a bottle of Maker's Mark and Elmer T. Lee, and found that I really liked the Maker's Mark. I finished the bottle and bought another. From there things kinda got out of hand....

Joel

[gluce]

Well i started in the military with JD of course. I am drinking right now my WT12 yr Limited Edition I found in Omaha. I graduated to Jack Single Barrel, great stuff.

Anyway I started into Blantons (yrs have past by now, I fast forwarded to today) I enjoyed it. Then I noticed AH Hirsch, I purchased it and then my trek started. I am also a big Irish whiskey fan.

I tend to buy the more expensive bourbons for the most part 30.00 plus. I love the VW 12yr, as well as the Pappy 20. I have not purchased the 23 yr but it doesn't sound like I am missing much. The 20 yr is awesome stuff. The 12 WT I found is unbelievable stuff too.

I went to a Bourbon tasting the other night at a local liquor outlet and they were sampling the JB family, I do not care for that line at all. The guy hosting it though was quite funny, he said he loves it when people say they smell this or that in a bourbon. It was very comical.

I do tend to enjoy the better bourbons. I really enjoy Old Charter Proprieters Reserve, Pappy 15 is good too. Ah Hirsh 16 yr a fine bourbon as well. I can't bring myself to buying a bourbon for 10 or 15 bucks. I guess I have turned into a bourbon snob.

I am comfortable with the more expensive bourbons. I will invest in a case if a deal is to be had. Like I said earlier the Irish whiskeys are a great bunch too. If you haven't tried the Middleton Very Rare it is awesome (they age this particular whiskey in used bourbon barrels exclusively). I have opened a bottle of the 2004 and 2005.

I also want to say that SB.Com has really encouraged me since last November to go out and buy these bourbons. My wife is flustered to some degree, I put her off by saying Ebay baby. We will make some money. Of course I plan on keeping these bourbons for my own. I would say that since November I have spent over 5,000.00 on liquor. But I have a heck of a stash and I share.

We all need a hobby!!!

Later,

George

[gluce]

Ps BlueBassDad, I have not forgotten you on the WT12 yr.

[bluesbassdad]

If you decide to drink it all yourself, I will be disappointed but understanding. :grin:

Yours truly,

Dave Morefield