Sanders Sippers: Bourbon Night!

Eleven of us gathered at the Shorthorse bar last night to sample and learn about Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

We started the warm-up act with traditional frosty Mint Juleps.  Next came the main course of food:  barbecued pork (with whiskey sauce), cheese grits, cole slaw, corn muffins, and bourbon pecan tarts.

Dessert was, of course, the headliner:  Bourbon!  We sampled:
Makers Mark--got rave reviews from everyone.  Smooth, tasty, well balanced.
Wild Turkey--whoa!  At 101 proof, it tasted as strong as it was.  Okay if you can handle the bite.
Russell's--Surprise!  We'd never even heard of this one till Deb Oliver who owns D&D Liquor suggested we try it.  Unanimously great reviews!  Super smooth, with a little less kick than Makers Mark.  Close to the same price too.
Buffalo Trace--another fun discovery.  The bottle was appealing, so we got it.  Buffalo Trace is not as smooth as Russell's, but very sippable, with an interesting long, very sweet finish, almost like a blended Scotch.
Rebel Yell--nothing wrong with this one either, but definitely less smooth and distinctive.
Early Times--Eeugh!  Bottom shelf.  I'll use this one for cooking.  Acceptable if that's all you have, or if you're out roughing it.  But if you order bourbon in a bar, spend a couple more dollars and ask for something that's truly outstanding.  You would not believe the difference...until you taste them!

The scores:

1.  Makers Mark

2.  Wild Turkey

3.  Russell's

4.  Buffalo Trace