'07 Sampler

[boone]

At the Dinner Thursday Night

Dane gave me that green apron I'm wearin' in the first picture :grin: :grin: The front has "Boone" Tavern on it...many folks thought that it was "his" kind apron and even pulled mine up to see if there was a "suprise" beneath it :slappin: :slappin: :slappin: We laughed so hard we could hardly catch our breath :slappin: :slappin:

Sooooooooooooo...I made my way over to the "desert" table and grabbed a dark (chocolate) cake and a white (vanilla) cake...waltzed over to Dane's table and asked him if he'd like "DARK" meat or "LIGHT" meat? :slappin: :slappin: :slappin: Needless to say, we all had great fun :grin:

[boone]

I take special note to the part "2007 Kentucky Bourbon Festival Scholarship winner announced" :grin: :grin:

Erica, my youngest is vying for that scholarship...She just called me and read part of her "500 word essay" about the impact bourbon has had in her life and the other's around her...She's been working very hard on her story :grin: :grin: :grin:

I was very proud after hearing her read that :grin: :grin: :grin: but of course, I am bias as all get out :grin: :grin:

I am going to ask her permission to post it here (after entry)...Please keep your fingers crossed for her :grin: :grin:

Bettye Jo

Well, we didn't win the scholarship. I know the folks who won it and am happy for all of them :grin: :grin: Glad it went to a "Heaven Hill" co-worker's :grin: son :grin:

Here's Erica's essay :grin: :grin: My scanner is on the blink so I have to "re-type" it.

Bourbon's Impact on Kentucky by Erica E. Boone

I have been surrounded by bourbon all of my life. Every day while crossing over the bridge into Bardstown I roll down my window to get a stronger smell of the sour mash that is being fermented. For my 6th birthday, I wanted to go to Heaven Hill to see my mother while she was working. Whenever I walk into that building to this day, I still take a deep breath through my nose because honestly, I do think that the smell is very pleasant. My first job will be at a distillery as summer college assistance. The truth is...bourbon has affected me and my entire existence without even taking a drink. With bourbon being involved with most of my life I believe that it would be reasonable to note that the bourbon industry has also made it's mark on the state of Kentucky as well.

For any town, tourism can either make or beak you. Some travel from all around the world just to see something worth while. Within the heart of Kentucky, there is a gowning city that is famously known as "The Bourbon Capital o of the World." It is here in Bardstown that thousands appear each year to savor the history, the smell, the taste, and the good times that wait. Without the bourbon industry, there would be very little to draw in such a crowd. The truth is that people like bourbon. It is full with the flavor of tradition that leaves behind a good taste. Helping my mother with the Heaven Hill booth at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, I have met people from California, New York, Maryland, Canada, Japan, Sweden and all around the world. Whenever I asked why they chose to come all the way to Kentucky , they would often seem shocked to hear that question. Many would tell me of the nostalgia that bourbon carries, with stories of how the industry had begun and it's origins. Many spoke of the essence of it all. One man had even gave me a pat on the back and told me to count my blessings. Through this experience I began to feel pride for where I have come from. A pride that I know the bourbon industry has not only given to me but to other's as well.

Businesses like Heaven Hill, Jim Beam, Maker's Mark and Four Roses employ thousands of people giving jobs to anyone willing to be a respectful worker. With the industry of bourbon, jobs are plentiful. There are hundreds of children like me who have been raised by a mom or dad working in a whiskey distillery.. My mother worked as a label machine operator for 7 years until she decided to become a line mechanic; a job that a female has never done before. Heaven Hill not only encouraged her to become a mechanic, the company also provided the funds for her to attend college so that she cold learn the criteria of industrial maintenance. For a period of three years, they sent my mother to Elizabethtown Technical College where she became a certified industrial maintenance technician.

There are plenty of people like my mother and I who have benefited from the bourbon industry and the impact it delivers. Family owned corporations have seemed to construct and empire around bourbon, creating tradition, enveloping pride, employing others, drawing crowds and crating a good taste.

I believe Heaven Hill put it best when quoted "Good times happen here"

They were most certainly correct.

Additional information--Something you should know about me is that bourbon is my heritage. My great great Grandfather was Joseph L. Beam, the fist Master Distiller at Heaven Hill and one of the first original incorporators. My great grandfather, Harry Milburn Beam, also distilled at Heaven Hill.

A vast majority of my family has been involved with the bourbon industry. I have aunts and uncles that are employed through bourbon manufacturing. As you have read my mother works in maintenance and has been employed by Heaven Hill for nearly 15 years. My older brother and sister have worked at Heaven Hill during the summer to put themselves through college. I also will be employed at Heaven Hill this summer to do the same.

[boone]

Good thing about Dawn now knowing how to post pics, is we now get to enjoy seeing Bettye Jo's smiling face more.

Looks like everyone was having a great time.

I took a bunch of pictures...a few hundred would be a "modest" number...

I'll be postin' here for quite awhile :grin: :grin:

Here's one taken at the entrace doors of the Sampler...left---Pam Gover, Exectuive Director of The Kentucky Bourbon Festival (middle) Johanna Lawson, assistant (right) our very own Cliff :grin: :grin: Bourbonian of the Year 2007...Nice looking shirt CLiff! :grin: :grin:

The second picture is a very famous person :grin: :grin: ...

:grin: :grin: Paul Newman! :grin: :grin: at the Sampler partying with Straightbourobon.com folks the entire weekend !!!! :grin: :grin: :grin: (second picture)

Nahhhhhhhhh...just messin' with y'all...That's our very own "Troyce" (Jim) doing his "Hollywood" wave! :grin: :grin:

We luv ya Jim! Smokin' Joe too :grin: :grin: :grin: Can't say one without the other...Great guys---the third picture...Jim (TROYCE) me :grin: and Joe (Smokin'joe) :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin:

Sorry, I don't recall the name of the guy on the far right

[TNbourbon]

Bettye Jo, tell Erica if the bourbon thing doesn't pan out for her, she might go see the local newspaper editor. Youngster or not, that piece would not be out of place in many of the better community news sheets around the country.

Although it is commonplace on this website, putting two or more interesting and correct sentences together has gotten to be more and more a lost skill for the general student population. She done good!

[Gillman]

Just got back, left by car at 8:45 a.m., got to my door at 7:15 p.m. Not bad considering we stopped a total of an hour and a half. Traffic was light and the weather was perfect.

Many great experiences, the people, the bourbon, the food. (Ever had a mutton barbeque sandwich? An echo of Olde England, mutton meat, survives in corners of Kentucky including a barbeque restaurant on Old Bardstown Road).

Nice to meet some new people and all the old faces.

Fave whiskeys included the ORVW 12 on the table at Sampler, the 1940's Kentucky Tavern from Joe (rich and fruity), the Fairfield McKenna (dry and elegant), the early 70's Beam black label (treacle-like and very rich and smooth) and Tim Sousley's 1957 VOF. Hey, even Jeff's buffalo decanter McCormick 101 proof pleased with its fine taste. (McCormick did make, or choose, some good bourbon, evidently).

My Sazerac seemed to please many and it was an honor to me that Julian accepted the one-third left of the bottle to add to his whiskey collection.

Randy's dinner was superb. There were many fine beers including that Sweetwater stout and the McHenry Baltimore beer.

Lots more to say in due course.

Great people, great whiskey, sums it up for now.

Gary

[boone]

Nice to meet some new people and all the old faces.

Randy's dinner was superb. There were many fine beers including that Sweetwater stout and the McHenry Baltimore beer.

Great people, great whiskey, sums it up for now.

Gary

The dinner was very good...Thanks Randy :grin: :grin: :grin:

A few pictures...

The second one is Jon (bucky1) enjoying the dinner...Note his glass, I picked it up and said "wow" that's a nice one...and suddenly one appears...Just for me...my "official" tasting glass during the sampler :grin: :grin: :grin: Thanks, Jon :grin: :grin:

The third picture includes a new face :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: Welcome Tim (tsh3406) :grin: :grin:

From left to right...Tim (TNbourbon) Chuck Cowdery (cowdery) Tim (tsh3406) and Joel (TnSquire) :grin: :grin: :grin: I hope you enoyed your first "tour" of our place :grin: :grin:

[Gillman]

More on the whiskeys:

Bernheim Wheat, which was served to us by Craig Beam at Sampler at the request of Bettye Jo (a double honor there), was really good, deeper and fuller than when first released. I wonder if it is the original barrels just 3 years older or so. However made, it was a fine whiskey with a subtle taste and not necessarily easy to tell from a good bourbon.

Some special tastes included a number of "unofficial" barrel samples, some older Dants, that great Mellow Mash from Doug, and Jeff's beer.

Thanks to Cliff for the special gifts including the 20 year old bottle of a retro Canadian Club. I used some of it to top up my CC-based Canadian whisky blend and it really "made" that blend, until then it wasn't quite right. Left that one (the blend) on the table with my Manhattan Rye, whomever took it home, enjoy them both, they are both rye whiskey but as different as chalk and cheese. Thanks too to LeNell and Ben for the very kind gift of Fee's barrel-aged bitters, this will enlarge the range of my cocktail-making materials.

Speaking of rye, a Pikesville in Toddy's stated on the reverse label it is 3 years old, I believe earlier versions stated 4 years of age. Whatever the situation, the 3 years aged Pikesville is excellent and proves once again that the right maturity denotes a fine whiskey, not a minimum number of years on the label.

I want to mention too the fine whiskeys Cliff generously offered at the afternoon party at his place (and what a place!). A Weller 12 (one of four S-W barrels some SB-ers bought a few years ago) was particularly good, sweet and rich and reminding me of the older Old Fitz' at their best "back when". I know I am forgetting many other whiskeys but there are too many to recall.

Gary

[luv2hunt]

Good thing about Dawn now knowing how to post pics, is we now get to enjoy seeing Bettye Jo's smiling face more.

Looks like everyone was having a great time.

Yeah! And Bettye Jo is the one who taught me how to resize and post them!

We had a great time.....wish we could have stayed for the festivities on Sat.

Dawn

[Gillman]

Just some further notes:

Thanks to Tim Sousley for his fine, ND-oriented trades (and the Beat Generation book!) - I always get the better part of the deal with Tim and this is due to his well-known generosity and spirit of camaraderie.

Thanks to Doug for his amazing samples of all kinds of things, all of absorbing interest. And for the Anchor Bock beer, Doug.

Thanks to Jim for establishing this close-knit group years ago where such friendliness and selflessness could abound - sorry you weren't here, but you were in spirit.

If there is one whiskey that stands out, it is probably Joe's 1940's Kentucky Tavern. There were others almost as good or maybe as good, but that 40's example of Kentucky distilling was a gem. Joe is a true gentleman and his generosity in making this available for study and delight should be remarked on here.

Gary

[Virus_Of_Life]

Just got home a little bit ago, tired and feeling really under the weather. This cold hit me Thursday afternoon and really put a damper on a lot of my plans :hot: , but didn't kill all the fun as I managed to "man up" and still be at the gazebo three nights :grin: .

I'll have more to say later, but just want to give a big thanks that go to everyone involved.

... now Ima gonna finish my chicken noodle soup and get to bed...

[jeff]

Now that I've dried out for a day I can reflect on this great weekend. It was good seeing my old friends again, as well as meeting many new, and future, members. The Pappy 23 barrel picking was fantastic, I think everyone will be pleased with the selections. Unfortunately I missed the dinner Friday night, which looks to have been as much fun as it was last year. Thanks again to Randy for organizing that :toast: There was a fantastic selection of bourbons on the table Saturday night. I used this as a excuse to open up a White Bison with admittedly low expectations, but I think everyone was pleasantly surprised with the contents. I hope everyone had a safe trip home. Lets do it again in September!

[cowdery]

I, too, had a great time and as good as the whiskey is, it's the people who make it so much fun.

When we first started to "do" the sampler as a SB.com activity, it was in part because it was a smaller, more intimate gathering. This time, at least on Friday and Saturday when I was there, the gazebo crowd was approaching the size of the September events.

The bottom line, I think, is that one trip a year to Kentucky just isn't enough.

I liked the official "sampler" event, including its new (last two years) location. If the people who run the KBF were smart, they would do something exactly like it during the festival. The "gala" incorporates a virtually identical tasting, but they would do well to offer it, at its more modest $30 price, without all the pretension of the gala.

But then, I could start any number of sentences with, "if the people who run the KBF were smart..."

[boone]

A few more pictures from the Gazebo on Friday night :grin: and one (3rd picture) from the dinner...Tim's Whiskey's of the World table.

[doubleblank]

Those last two pics are of Julian looking at the barrel samples he brought of the BT wheated whiskey he hopes to use in future Van Winkle bottlings. I didn't get a taste of the 1999 distillate, but did try the 2002 and liked it alot.

As said before, the people are what makes this trip so special and fun. The whiskey wasn't bad either. The Gazebo tables were loaded down with interesting whiskeys. And the focus on bringing some interesting beers just to mix it up was a great idea.

OK, now for some humor (I hope). We laughed so hard at the Gazebo on Saturday night my sides hurt. First story:

There were two gentlemen that were staying at the GN that had been amply served at the Sampler. Upon returning to the GN and seeing our gathering at the Gazebo, they decided to join us. They grabbed a couple of seats and began to explore what was on the tables. They seemed to be nice enough guys. At some point late in the evening, they figured they had tasted enough whiskey and it was time for bed. Getting out of their chairs was a struggle that took both of them working together to accomplish. They tried, but couldn't even say "Good night". They began to shuffle their way out of the Gazebo, again working as a team to stay upright. They went about 20 feet and got to the edge of the parking lot. There was a look of fear on their faces....."How are we going to step off the curb down to the parking lot without doing a faceplant?" We are now laughing pretty hard in the Gazebo with some saying "I've been there before". They solve their delima by holding onto a parked truck as they step down the 8 inch curb to the lot. Now began the trek across 100 feet of pavement to the hotel. Slowly, but surely, they made it. Again.....a puzzled look...."Where is our room?" After about five minutes, they decide its upstairs. Gentleman A is able to make it upstairs by holding onto the railing using his GI Joe kung foo grip. Gentleman B elects to get up there on his hands and knees. We're now hysterical in the Gazebo. After another 5 minutes working with their electronic keys, the door opens and they are rewarded with a standing ovation from the Gazebo. They turn and give us a "Go to Hell" look but still can't utter a word. Gentleman A now decides that he's got his "drunk" buddy to bed and returns to the Gazebo.......I not sure what for. He returns....looks at the tables of bottles......looks at us.....then begins his shuffle back to his room without saying a word.

I'll work on the other stories later. I had a great time and rolled back into Houston around noon on Monday.

Randy

[boone]

Bourbonjoe checks out the Gazebo "fodder":grin: :grin:

Doug (fricky) Kim and Joel (TnSquire) the smiles on their faces tell the tale :grin:

Anna, Ying and Carson enjoy desert after the dinner :grin:

[cowdery]

Randy,

Part of the reason I left when I did Saturday night (which was after 1:00 AM) was because I foresaw almost exactly the situation you described and decided I didn't want to see it in actuality. That's one thing I do worry about, that sometime our friendly hospitality might come back to bite us. I sounds like no harm was done. If nothing else, it looked like this wasn't the first time for either gentleman.

It bears noting, especially for those who have never been to one of these events, that intoxication--especially to that degree--is pretty rare. Usually, the only people who have trouble finding or getting to their rooms are the ones who have just as much trouble when they're sober. (You know who you are.)

[doubleblank]

Several of us were ready to come to their assistance if the situation became dangerous......ie falling over the railing. When we saw the one fellow on his hands and knees, he couldn't do more than get a scrape or two.

This was my fourth Sampler and I've never seen anyone near their condition until now. In fact, if I had noticed them earlier, I would have suggested they retire earlier than they did. The whole beauty of staying at the GN and partying at the Gazebo is that it eliminates the DUI/somebody really getting hurt possibility. If these guys had even tried to open a car door, all of us would have grabbed their keys.

Randy

[LeNell]

Great to see y'all. Sorry we missed the catered dinner and accidentally planned our cocktail party at our cottage that evening. (I've been way too busy to pay as much attention to posts as I'd like.)

We picked a kickin' barrel of rye for Red Hook Rye #2, had a dang good time at the Mellow Moments event at Four Roses (watch out for that special 40th year Jim Rutledge cask strength/unfiltered bottling this fall), restocked my Chuck hot sauce, and enjoyed some Keene's ham. Sharing whiskey with good friends from all over the country makes it worth that long drive down.

See you in the fall if not in NYC!

[dougdog]

Where to start?

First, Thanks go to Jim for putting a website together that gathers like minded people from around the world to share the common interest of Bourbon…the information contained here is important too, but a close second to the friends and associations gained.

A lot has already been written; I’ll try and throw a couple more good tasting experiences in.

Thanks go to Tim Sousley for the “Birth year” vintage bourbons he shared on Thursday night and Friday night. The 1957 J W Dant was a nice “time travel”. Tim also hooked us up with a 1957 Old Grand Dad that was my best sip of Grand Dad yet, Christian’s bottle from late 60’s was a close second. Thanks go to both.

Tim has already been mentioned for a few others he brought...Ditto from me on those. VOF…’nuff said!

Thanks go to R2 for the Rippy whiskey he shared…what a distinctive and delicious product they made.

Later in the evening, Bourbon Joe and I got invited by LeNell over to the cottage that she and Ben were staying in and poured the new Rye selection she and her entourage had made the day before…I’ll just say this, it might be the best Rye I’ve ever tasted, get your orders in early…this is a “don’t miss this one” kinda thing.

Randy Blank’s selection of contributions deserves additional recognition too, what a great selection of delicacies he brought!...Thanks Randy

BTW…crawling and graveling for Bourbon ensures a generous pour! Thanks for that “special” treat Bettye Jo!

Thanks go to Randy and all those who helped with the dinner on Friday night…Looks like this is becoming tradition Randy…sign me up for next year…

The beers were a nice change, my most memorable was the refresher that Jeff poured on my first visit to Cliff’s new home…Great beer Jeff !…and a beautiful home Cliff !

Gary had a delicious Sazerac that he concocted…he is a “mixologist” for sure! Glad I got 4 ounces out of that bottle before Julian got there…thanks Gary. (BTW, was nice to spend some time with you and Libby tasting and talking whiskey and Spirits. I learned a lot)

Four Roses was on the Dog’s radar again…if the Bourbon they poured at the Mellow Moments Club lunch wasn’t enough, Brent (the lab guy) poured the high rye mash bill with the spicy yeast, barrel strength, un-cut version for a taste in the sensory lab…let’s put it this way, I now have a new goal.

As usual, even in 4 days there was too little time and too much to taste, so I didn’t get to try everything, guess I’ll try again next year…

Was nice hanging out with you Joe and Doug…

I know I’m leaving something and or someone out…I reserve the right to add to this later.

All-in-all a grand time…..is it September yet?.....oh wait, we have Frankfort coming up in June, Yippppeeeee!

[BourbonJoe]

I really cannot add much to what has already been said, but I can add some photos.

Special thanks to:

1. Cliff for having us over to his social gathering. Beautiful home and family Cliff and great libations.

2. Doug for showing us his new house and "the back 40". Great place Doug. Next time I'm bringing a fishing rod.

3. Randy for putting on Friday night's wonderful dinner.

4. Everyone else in attendence. Thank you for your kindness and friendship. Also for sharing your special whiskeys with us. :bowdown: :bowdown:

By the way, the Gazebo was one lonely place on Sunday night. It was only me and Fricky (along with 3000 mosquitos). See y'all in September.

Joe and Doug

:usflag:

[Barrel_Proof]

Wow! Another great time with sb.com friends.

After returning to NYC in crazy Sunday night traffic a few times, we decided to relax in KY on Sunday and hit the road Monday. After watering the lawn and packing the car, we were off before 11. We rolled through the Holland Tunnel, crossed the Williamsburg Bridge and pulled into our zero barrel garage (ha!) just after midnight.

It was great to see everyone and glad that a few more of you got to meet the kids and have a pour or three with us at our KY house.

Stories are many, but must follow.

[TnSquire]

Kim and I made it back Sunday afternoon after a quick stop at the Huddle House.

Thanks everyone for a great weekend. You guys made us feel welcome and it felt like we had known most of you for years. Kim is even thinking about signing up. lol. We met great people, had great bourbon and I even learned a new way to signal for help.

The Randys, Christian, Bettye Jo, Dawn, Jim, Joe, and Chuck, it was good to meet you after reading your stuff.

LeNell, we will come see you next time we are in the city, although I am not sure if Redhook is ready for two Alabama women.

Kim's bourbon balls are from another world! Can I have the recipe? Please?

I think we are coming up in the fall.....need to start looking for a place to stay.

Thanks again guys what a trip.

[dougdog]

I really cannot add much to what has already been said, but I can add some photos.

Special thanks to:

1. Cliff for having us over to his social gathering. Beautiful home and family Cliff and great libations.

2. Doug for showing us his new house and "the back 40". Great place Doug. Next time I'm bringing a fishing rod.

3. Randy for putting on Friday night's wonderful dinner.

4. Everyone else in attendence. Thank you for your kindness and friendship. Also for sharing your special whiskeys with us. :bowdown: :bowdown:

By the way, the Gazebo was one lonely place on Sunday night. It was only me and Fricky (along with 3000 mosquitos). See y'all in September.

Joe and Doug

:usflag:

Joe/Doug

My pleasure to show you around... lots to do on the homestead so the place is still pretty raw...(bring fishing pole and insect repellent)

BTW...I can see from your photos that I totally missed tasting the little bottle of Old Overholt Rye...but one could understand, with a table loaded down like that, it would be easy to overlook...

I'll try and be more diligent next time...hee heee, ha ha

dp

[gr8erdane]

After another wonderful Sampler I have only one question? Why do the Samplers always seem to fall on the same weekend as I come down with the worst cold of the season and can't taste anything?????? A sore throat and cough requiring lots of Halls Mentholyptus really put a damper on the weekend for me and I apologize to all who were expecting vintage Dane-isms, especially to all the first timers. I promise to be back into form for September! I spent the rest of my vacation time either on the tarmac at O'Hare circling and waiting for our gate to clear or lying on my back trying to sleep. NOT a great way to wind down a wonderful weekend! Christian, I'm hoping you got over yours faster than I'm getting over mine! As usual, the Sampler itself paled to seeing old friends and making new ones. Hope to see all of you again soon!

[boone]

A few more pictures...The first one, from left to right...Dane (gr8erdane) Randy (doubleblank) Randy (Rancastle) and Christian (Virus of Life)....

Not long after this was taken...I laughed and laughed at Randy Blank :grin: :grin: :grin: He was tellin' this story about...

about...

Well....

It was funny :cool: ...All of us were laughing :slappin: :slappin:

I've never seen Randy laugh so hard...so much...he struggled to tell the story :slappin: :slappin: :slappin:Funny stuff :lol:

The second picture is "Smokinjoe" :grin: :grin: Kinda obvious how he got his name :grin: