To commemorate International Whiskey Day, I’ve decided to list the top 10 most memorable pours of bourbon I’ve ever had. It’s hard to narrow this down to 10, but people always ask me for my favorites, so here they are in no particular order.
1) William Larue Weller — I was still new to unicorn bourbons, but I was able to try the 2016 WLW the year it came out for $28 an ounce. I was blown away that a whiskey at 135.4 proof tasted as smooth as butter.
2) Four Roses Al Young 50th Anniversary — I’m lucky to have called Al a friend, and he signed this bottle to me personally. It’s a memory I will keep forever. And the bourbon inside is a masterpiece in blending.
3) King of Kentucky — I’m not really sure I have a favorite year of this Brown-Forman release because they’re always solid pours. I just wish it didn’t cost the price of a castle to worship the King.
4) Old Crow Chessman Decanter — I was fortunate to get a pour of this rare bourbon from the late 1960s at the secret Vintage Library inside Bardstown Bourbon Company. I spent at least 30 minutes sipping less than an ounce of whiskey, and I’ll never forget it.
5) Michter’s 20 Year Bourbon — Michter’s president Joe Magliocco isn’t afraid to pull out some amazing stuff sometimes, especially if you’re visiting with other members of the media. This 20-year bourbon blew my mind and my taste buds. It continues to haunt me in dreams — in a good way.
6) Belle Meade Honey Bourbon — Back when Belle Meade used MGP bourbon, this nectar of the gods featured straight bourbon finished in Trubee honey casks. The bottle I have is 116.4 proof, so it packs quite a punch. But that faint whisper of honey is perfection.
7) Jack Daniel’s 14 Year — Just released this year, the buzz is real. I love that they kept it at barrel strength, as my sample I was fortunate to try was a whopping 126.3. It should taste like fire, but instead it’s Grandma’s country biscuits lathered in honey, butter and banana.
8) Russell’s Reserve 15 Year — I’ll always be a Wild Turkey girl at heart, so this latest unicorn release from the legendary distillery doesn’t disappoint. I just wish my last name was Russell and I had keys to their rickhouses.
9) Maker’s Mark Denim Bottle — Made to celebrate the University of Kentucky basketball team winning the NCAA Championship in 1996, this highly sought-after prize is a butterscotch bomb through and through. I don’t know what they did back then that they don’t do now, but it is simply marvelous.
10) Pappy Van Winkle 15 Year — Yes, I’ve had the complete vertical of Pappy products, but my favorite to this day remains the 15-year-old. Perfectly balanced and intricately nuanced, the wheated bourbon has just enough oak influence you want without going overboard.
