Notes: This whiskey is produced at the scenic Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort (close to Woodford Reserve Distillery if you are touring) home of numerous other whiskies such as Ancient Age, Blanton’s, Eagle Rare 10, Eagle Rare 17, Old Charter, Rock Hill Farms, Hancock Reserve,George T. Stagg, W. L.Weller Special Reserve, W. L.Weller 12, andElmer T. Lee. (See our Adventure Section for a tour of the distillery). This is a straight (unblended) sour mash bourbon.

Appearance:  Red/gold in the bottle – except at the neck which is thinner, where it is more gold/brown. Wheat-colored in the glass, on swirling leaves a even coat on the glass with long legs developing.

First Impression: Corn, toffee, vanilla, ginger, rye notes, with the char of the barrel chiming in. Dry, but slightly sweet finish, and on more warming: char, toffee, some spicyness. A short-to-medium rye/barley finish.

Taste: Dry start, medium mouth feel, slightly oily mouthfeel /body to it, with a slightly astringent finish. Lets you know you are drinking whiskey- not soda pop.

Drinks: A better grade of good around-the-house bourbon that stands up to a lot of mixers and doesn’t get lost in the mix. Makes a wonderful Manhattan or Old Fashioned. Cheap enough to use without stinting or wincing.

Cigar: Goes well with a smaller medium-bodied cigar such as a Hemingway Short Story or a natural panetella.

Final Thoughts: A good robust bourbon – a solid drinkable whiskey and a interesting variation of the lineage. If you can’t find Buffalo Trace in your local store (quite possible) this makes a reasonable (and sometimes cheaper) substitute

Bottle: Basic square old-style bourbon bottle. Rather similar to any number of other brands. Old-style title script is printed on the label with three colors. Simple layout on rectangular label gives it a antique feel.

Website: http://www.bourbonwhiskey.com/