Just a couple of observations before we get into the competition tonight. First, I have been having a lot more food from restaurants during our shared time apart than I ever did previously. I almost never went out to eat, I seldom had delivery and never did take-out. And this isn’t for a reason that was immediately apparent to me. I mean, yes I do want to support local businesses. And that is how it started. But I think the reason is mostly that I used to run to the grocery store if I decided at the last minute that I no longer wanted what I had planned to have for supper. Now, I really don’t want to do that so I have food brought to me. Which is kind of a win-win. The restaurants get an increase in business during a trying time and I don’t expose myself needlessly.
My second observation really is a product of the first. It is really important for me to put on jeans now and then. Not because I particularly like jeans, but because they provide a better barometer of whether or not I’ve been having too much take out. I mean the pajama pants I’ve been wearing around the house for the last month are super comfortable. However they really kinda expand with you as the number of orders of fried chicken, pizza, etc begin to replace the grilled chicken, fish or rice that would normally be on the menu.
But, let’s stop talking about the food that is making my jeans tight and start talking about the booze that is making my jeans tight. Specifically tonight’s contestants.
And as always, the following Bourbons were tasted blind at the same time. There may be odd or inconsistent tasting notes between these contests and other reviews because of how they pair/interact with one another.
Maker’s Mark 101 proof vs. Very Old Barton 100 proof
Whiskey 1 (Maker’s Mark 101)
Nose: Sweet toffee, vanilla, fruit, delicate floral notes, and dusty oak.
Mouth: Starts sweet with caramel. Moves to spicy ginger, mint and cedar as it stays in the mouth.
Finish: Medium to long with a nice spice. Ripe fruit, cedar, and baking spice.
Whiskey 2 (Very Old Barton 100)
Nose: Old dusty lumber, sugar cookies, almond.
Mouth: Hot and spicy (capsaicin spice not baking). Dry with almond and baking spice.
Finish: Medium and warm with lingering notes of dusty wood, buttercream frosting and baking spice.
Pre-Reveal Thoughts:
These are both good. But #1 has a nicer nose. Both are tasty in the mouth, but #1 has a really nice finish.
Reveal: It should be no surprise that Maker’s 101, one of the most expensive bourbons in the competition, beats Very Old Barton 100, the least expensive. But even so, I will still probably be bringing more Very Old Barton 100 than Maker’s 101 home with me from my next Kentucky trip. Maker’s Mark 101 proof advances and moves into the Finals.
Heaven Hill Bottled in Bond (6 Year) vs. Four Roses Single Barrel
Whiskey 1 (Heaven Hill Bonded)
Nose: Toffee, dried grain, mint, caramel
Mouth: Sweet and spicy. Caramel, mint, dried grain, baking spice
Finish: Medium length and warm. Black tea, cinnamon, nutmeg
Whiskey 2 (Four Roses Singel Barrel)
Nose: Black tea, cinnamon red hots, nutmeg
Mouth: Black tea, caramel, cinnamon, nutmeg, citrus
Finish: Medium length and warm. Black tea (with lemon), caramel, baking spice.
Pre-Reveal Thoughts:
These are both delicious. It was hard to choose between them. Ultimately it just came down to preference and, boy, that tannic black tea note was too good to pass up.
Reveal: It is not a surprise that Four Roses took this round. As commenter ZX said in the last post: “I have a deep and abiding love for HH OSB BiB, but it's a standard bourbon made from not overly selective batching. And when FR SB is on, it's ON.” That sums it up on this one. Both were good, but Four Roses Single Barrel was just better. And it advances to the Finals because of it.
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