This bourbon, made by the Buffalo Trace Distillery, is aged for at least 10 years. Makers Mark isnt as spicy as rye-influenced whiskeys, making it a great Bourbon for a pairing. Are you a whiskey lover searching for redemption? If you like to sip Pappy Van Winkle from a Baccarat crystal tasting glass, thats just fine. With a relatively low . What's the difference between batched whiskey and single barrel whiskey? Wild Turkey 101 is bottled at 101-proof, or 55.5 percent ABV and has a suggested retail price of about $25 for a 750mL bottle. The 12 Best Bourbon Whiskey Brands to Drink in 2023 - Esquire It isn't sweet, but rather is more cherry essence instead. We argue incessantly about it on Twitter and Reddit. Still chasing that 'malty high,' I've tried some of the American single malts, but most recently tried the Woodford Reserve Malt Whiskey. Dont let the initial sticker shock deter youwe promise Kujira Ryukyu 12 Year Whisky is worth the investment if youre passionate about Japanese whisky. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Small-Batch: There are no legally-defined parameters as to what small-batch actually means. On the palate it is buttery smooth, with a hint of sweetness and a brilliant bold body. The Johnnie Walker portfolio offers a wide range of whiskey options, each with its own color that indicates the whiskey's price and age. You may even already be familiar with our top choice Knob Creek. "[The] flavors come only from one of every 10,000 casks that has the exceptional quality, character, and flavor to deliver a remarkable taste, he noted. It offers anice mouthfeel as it has a buttery feel, abit warm at first, giving way to vanilla, brown sugar, baking spice, hazelnuts and a light touch of mint. The whiskey is pulled from the barrel at 109 proof before being proofed down a notch. I found my vice. The consistency is driven by the Master Distiller father-son duo of Jimmy and Eddie Russell, who have a combined 100-plus-years at the company. Black pepper and summer fruit are up front, with notes of caramel and warming spices in the middle, and vanilla and butterscotch on the back end. Check our Makers Mark in-depth review to see the price breakdown of each bottle from the brand. Tasters will note an oaky nose with hints of cherry and sweet caramel, a somewhat thin mouthfeel, and an average finish of black pepper and clove. ", Minnick echoed Veach's point. The Best Rye Whiskey Brands - Town & Country It's thick, spicy, chocolatey and a bit oaky. However, if you are in the market for a little guidance as to what might be a quality bourbon to try, one that you can actually find for less than $100 per bottle (and mostly much less than that), here is an updated list of twelve bourbon brands to drink now. Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon Review | Breaking Bourbon He lives in Brooklyn with his wife, two daughters, and one cairn terrier. Blended whiskeys on the other hand, can contain a number of whiskey products from different distillers and distillation periods, as well as other flavorings. When she's not sharing her passion for the Oxford comma with anyone who will listen, she is a proud cat parent, avid yogi, tea enthusiast, and co-host and co-producer of the podcast "Crime Culture". And it certainly is a high rye content36 percent, in fact. It comes out of the barrel at around 109 proof necessitating . This particular bourbon is touted as mellow and earthy, with notes of rich caramel and stone fruits, making it a tad too sweet for an old fashioned, but great for something like a Werther's hot toddy. Looking for a flavorful high-proof bourbon that wont break the bank? As mentioned before here, the RR10 is worth a try, but doesn't have the punch of a 101 proof. In America, there are three kinds of whiskey. Disappointing compared to Maker's Mark and Woodford Reserve I think I'm on my sixth bottle which might be nothing to be proud of but at only $35 for a 750ml bottle, it's not a financial line item I have to make up an excuse for at the end of each month." Barrel: Whiskey is distilled in oak barrels or casks in order to impart the most flavor into the liquid. Wild Turkey is a classic for a reason, and while the brand has many other expressions to try, we recommend starting with the 101. Details for the 2022 edition will be arriving soon, so stay tuned. Heaven Hill is a longstanding Kentucky distillery that makes whiskey under other labels like Elijah Craig and Evan Williams. Written by David Jennings, American Spirit provides lush detail on the brand's history, and put me on to this idea (perhaps inadvertently). GIN BASIL SMASH 14 Blue Gin, Basilikum, Zitrone, Zucker . Bourbon Is Becoming Stupid Expensive. While the bourbon will obviously differ depending on which barrel it comes from, this is a really good and affordable whiskey that you should try and compare tasting notes to the classic Black Label. PDF LE BAR - sanssouci-wien.com Whiskey is a spirit distilled from fermented grain mash (wheat, rye, barley, and corn) and then aged in wooden barrels. As our Senior Food Producer June Xies personal favorite, she was quick to sing Hillrock Solera Aged Bourbon Whiskey's praises, saying, the high-proof combined with the pronounced flavors of fruit and spice make this whiskey seemingly melt and evaporate in your mouth while giving you a flash tasting menu experience reminiscent of Willy Wonkas three-course dinner gum in alcohol form.. "Wheated" just means that wheat is used as a flavoring grain in the mash bill instead of the usual rye, along with the requisite corn and malted barley. This is a superior Bourbon well worth its money. I would choose Basil Haydens as a good beginner bourbon, says Bryan Walls, lead bartender at Barnsley Resort in Adairsville,Ga. Its only 80 proof so its not too hot. Woodford Reserve for sipping, 101 for mixing Woodford Reserve is a smoother and easier drinker than the Wild Turkey. And make sure to try out different mash bills, from wheated bourbons to high-rye recipes. The result is a somewhat sweeter bourbon, with notes of honeyed papaya and peppered apricot. A favorite among bartenders, this Bourbon offers rich and complex flavors far superior to what you might expect at its price point. Menu at McCormack's Big Whisky Grill pub & bar, Tuckahoe, N Parham Rd Some distilleries basically only use palletized but if theyre working with a variety of different types of [products]," Russell said. Although Woodford Reserve operates on a site where bourbon has been made since the 1800s, the brand was first introduced in 1996 by parent company Brown-Forman (which also owns Jack Daniels and Old Forester). There are so many good bottles out there that are extremely affordable, so theres no reason to spend too much money. Pappy Van Winkles 23 Year Family Reserve wins that crown at a recommended retail price of $3,000. Earned gold and double gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2012, 2013 and 2014. Wild Turkey 101 Every now and again, on https://www.hotukdeals.com people moan when the 81 comes up as being on special offer, but how the 101 isn't, so when the 101 was available for 25 I. Region: Nevada | ABV: 45% | Tasting Notes: Caramel, Brown Sugar, Vanilla. We tell people they are wrong for liking certain brands or drinking it a particular way. The sweetness and finish of this Bourbon are often regarded as being superior to any other Bourbon on the market. This is the OG of the collection, created by legendary master distiller Booker Noe at a time when such high proof bourbon wasnt really what anyone was looking for. Try it with a traditional Old Fashioned or branch out with a Bourbon Sour or Manhattan for a sensational drink. Also called the Alligator Char, it is obtained after 55 seconds of fire. Then there are brands like Barrell Bourbon (part of Barrell Craft Spirits), which carefully select stock from various whiskey-producing states and countries, tastes and blends innovative combinations, and frequently releases new batches without being afraid of missing the mark. They say with age comes wisdom. Four Roses has been around since 1888, making it through the prohibition period before disappearing from shelves for 40 years. 750 ml. The higher amount of rye in the mash bill gives this bourbon a spicy kick that goes well with its sweet character. It uses hand-selected barrels for the aging process and has a smooth flavor to match. Jim Beams Small Batch Collection was created by former master distiller Booker Noe in 1992, at a time when bourbon was struggling for relevance (hard to imagine now). Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Single Barrel (1st selection) Evan Williams 2004 Vintage Single Barrel Eagle Rare 10 yr. Joey Smith, Bar Director of New York City's Chez Zou, loves this liquor, saying, Michter's Bourbon is an American whiskey steeped in history and is one of the best bang for your buck products on the market. Though it also drinks pretty good neat, Smith is sure to include it in one of Chez Zous signature cocktails, the Banana Danse. One of the few differences in barrel-to-barrel production is the brand's use of palletized and standard rack aging warehouses, but the vast majority of the bourbon rests in the latter. Go ahead and pick up a bottle of the 10- or 25-year-old bourbon if you can find it (sorry, you probably cant), or the bold Barrel Strength Rye, but Michters US1 is what you should turn to for everyday drinking. However, this liquor is made specifically in Tennessee (hence the name) and must go through what's called the Lincoln County Process, which includes a filtering process using sugar maple charcoal. If you prefer something sweet, try bourbon, which has been aged for at least two years in oak barrels and contains at least 51 percent corn in its "mash bill" (the blend of grains that form the whiskey). 20 Best Whiskey Brands Of 2023 - Top Whisky Bottles - Delish There are four Small Batch expressions available: Bookers (barrel proof, filtered only for char), Basil Hayden (mild 80-proof, high-rye bourbon), Bakers (relaunched as a single barrel release), and Knob Creek. So, while it wasnt as important a factor as the above, cost was something taken into account when putting together this list. 4 alligator charred barrels. There is no real meaning behind the term small batch, so for many brands it simply means smaller volume than other whiskies they produce. Wild Turkey is a classic, unpretentious American whiskey brand that permeated the publics consciousness well before Matthew McConaughey was named creative director back in 2016. The distillery uses two mash bills and five yeast strains to create 10 different recipes to work with, and four of these recipes are used to make Small Batch. Region: Kentucky | ABV: 50% | Tasting Notes: Corn, peanut, caramel. Aged for three years and boasting a mashbill of 75 percent corn, 15 percent rye, and 10 percent malted barley, its no wonder that Jodie Battles, Beverage Director for Boston area restaurants Toro, Coppa, and Little Donkey, and her colleagues chefs Ken Oringer and Jamie Bissonette, consistently look forward to the yearly release of Pinhooks Flagship Bourbon. The Wild Turkey is a more tasty bourbon as the higher proof adds a nice kick to it without being too hot. Tennessee whiskey is also sweet, aged in oak barrels for at least two years, and contains at least 51 percent corn. Try Wild Turkey 81 and Wild Turkey 101 side-by-side; both are made with blends of 6- to 8-year-old juice, and everything but the 20 proof difference is the same. Plus, Evan Williams is one of the top-selling bottled-in-bond whiskies, meaning it has been aged and bottled according to U.S. Standards of Identity for Distilled Spirits regulations. Kentucky, the birthplace of Bourbon, produces 95 percent of the worlds Bourbon supply. Few bourbons (or distilleries) better represent the 2010s than Buffalo Trace, which went from relative obscurity to the bourbon brand in record time. But it can be difficult to know which brand and bottle are for you. Spicy and sweet and perfectly balanced, Knob Creek 9-Year-Old packs a solid punch in a single sip. We spend exorbitant amounts on rare releases, then make fun of people for doing the very same. The 12 Best Bourbons Under $50 to Drink in 2023, The 10 Best Wheated Bourbons to Drink in 2023, The Best Whiskeys to Use for Old Fashioneds, Basil Haydens Kentucky Straight Bourbon Review, The 12 Best Kentucky Bourbons to Drink in 2023, The 13 Best Rye Whiskeys to Drink in 2023, Rye Whiskey Vs. The Woodford Reserve (Alternatives) is nicely balanced, body is creamy and does not have any off-putting or demanding notes. Proof: Another term for measuring the alcoholic content of a beverage. Each bottle of the classic Kentucky bourbon carries more than 200 tasting notes from "bold grain and wood, to sweet aromatics, spice, and fruit and floral." Whether you enjoy this rich, pungent Scotch whisky by yourself or in the company of esteemed guests, we think Ron says it best: Prepare to experience true freedom and bliss., For mixologist Simon Sebbah of American Bar in New York City's Greenwich Village, Laphroaig Quarter Cask's "buttery, fruity and cigar smoke notes can be exploited in many waysneat, on the rocks or just a few drops in a cocktail.. Mischa says: January 14, 2015 at 3:02 am How about Widow Jane 8 YR Straight Bourbon? The proof: While the general consensus is that a higher proof (or ABV) number results in a better whiskey, this isnt always the case. Per Breaking Bourbon, it features the expected caramel, toffee, and vanilla notes on the nose, followed by a hit of spice, oak, and butterscotch. Its craft whiskey that tastes as good as the big brands (although it should be noted Moet Hennessy now owns the company). Jeffersons believes that temperature fluctuations, salt air, and the gentle rocking of the ship all work together to weather a truly fine Bourbon. Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon is Wild Turkey's flagship brand. Blantons claims that its the original single barrel Bourbon whiskey and is known for its unique bottle shape. So by that token, it should be no surprise that Powersa nearly 230-year-old whiskey makerknows how to make a killer bottle of Irish whiskey. Sure, Pappy Van Winkle is also a wheated bourbon, but why even consider that when you can find Makers Mark virtually everywhere for a fraction of the price? You will get a bit of oak on the palate here, but nothing that overpowers the classic flavors of vanilla, caramel and dried fruit. The Single Barrel is an excellent whiskey too, but for something tasty and more moderately priced check out Four Roses Small Batch. Kujira is not commonly known in the states and made from 100% long indica rice," he said. Date of experience: August 2011. Whats more, Offerman loves Lagavulin so much that the brand and he collaborated to create his own Offerman Edition bottling. Wild Turkey 101 Review - The Whiskey Jug James MacInnes, Liquor Boss at Miami's Klaw Restaurant, swears by Redemption Straight High-Rye Bourbon for cocktails. Distilled, not diluted. It may lack a bit of depth, but if youre the type who can never have too much rye, you just might fall in love with this bottles subtly sweet, slightly spicy flavor. We list them all in our Blantons bottle price list. If you have tried the regular Wild Turkey 81 you are going to find the 101 to be a vast improvement. While this last whiskey may not be the flashiest, its arguably the most consistently excellent. Jeffersons rich amber Bourbon is known for its red apple aroma and dried fruit flavor. After that, they must age for four years in a state-owned warehouse and be bottled at 100% proof/50 ABV. Wild Turkey Rare Breed vs. WT101 : r/bourbon - reddit This process removes the bitter tannins, allowing for a smoother flavor once the mixture has been added. Its a brand that knows exactly whats what when it comes to distilling: its master distiller is Jimmy Russell, the worlds longest-tenured active distiller. Wild Turkey 81 Vs. Wild Turkey 101 | by Alan Marshall | Medium The perfect mix of modern luxury business and lifestyle stories. Thank kychilehead . For another great option if you want a great value bourbon with a more modern twist, check our Bulleit bourbon review. Elijah Craig has a particular legacy in the world of bourbon drinking and the Elijah Craig Small Batch provides a brilliant continuation of just that. What does proof do for flavor? Eagle Rare goes down smooth and leaves awesome light caramel, toasty notes that make you feel loved, says Katsumi Yuso Ruiz, bartender and co-owner of Curio Bar, Roger's Liquid Oasis and Brass Tacks in Denver. This relatively small Washington State distillery can hold its own with the best of the best in the bourbon world. . The huge variety of brands, distilleries, proofs, and ages has made the world of whiskey a fascinating one; albeit slightly challenging if youre not sure where to start. One with a slight nuttiness, a swirl of caramel, and a respectable 100 proof, Knob Creeks 9 Year Old is simple yet enjoyable, a popular choice for beginners and connoisseurs alike. And after years of shifting into different production phases, Michters is finally at the point where the whiskey produced in-house is making its way into bottles, along with sourced and contract distilled stock. I also do enjoy Dickel 8yr Bourbon and KC 9yr. The company is also committed to eco-friendly practices, like recycling, composting, and land restoration. Delish editors handpick every product we feature. A cult Bourbon, Old Grand Dad is not for the faint-hearted. They don't even play with barrel char levels; all bourbon ages in deep, dark No. We talked to some experts who think these brands are pretty neat. A winner of many international awards, it features rich butterscotch and caramel flavors with hints of fruit and toffee. Reply. Old Grand-Dad 114 clocks in at 114 proof, as indicated by the name, which is high but not overpoweringly so. To top our ranking of the best bourbons of the year, we picked Four Roses Single Barrel bottle. But Blantons higher-rye mash bill proved a success and the brand has risen from strength to strength over the years. The Hands-Down Best Bourbon Brands in 2023, The Hands-Down Best American Single Malt Whiskey, We spend exorbitant amounts on rare releases, Matthew McConaughey was named creative director, Whiskey 101: From the Bottle to the Glass, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. Every product is carefully selected by our editors. The Wild Turkey 101 isone of the best bourbons in terms of value, it goes head to head with much pricier and elite bottles making it a no-brainer. .css-1kgqwta{background:#ffffff;background-color:#ffffff;-webkit-background-size:100% 200%;background-size:100% 200%;border:thin solid #FF3A30;border-radius:2rem;color:#000;display:inline-block;font-family:Lausanne,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:0.875rem;letter-spacing:0.04rem;line-height:1.3;padding:0.625rem 1.25rem;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;text-decoration-color:#FF3A30;text-decoration-thickness:.0625rem;text-transform:uppercase;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;white-space:pre-line;width:auto;}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-1kgqwta{padding:0.5rem 0.7rem 0.3125rem;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-1kgqwta{padding:0.6rem 1.125rem 0.3125rem;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-1kgqwta{padding:0.6rem 1.125rem 0.3125rem;}}.css-1kgqwta:focus-visible{outline-color:body-cta-btn-link-focus;}.css-1kgqwta:hover{color:#000;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;-webkit-background-position:100% 100%;background-position:100% 100%;background-color:#FF3A30;}ReserveBar TotalWine. single-malt whiskey) only contains whiskey from a single distillery using a single malted grain. To qualify as Bourbon, the grains must feature at least 51% corn. "The high-proof alcohol with the mix of passionfruit, gentian, and lemon makes for an amazingly refreshing bourbon cocktail.. The distillery has released some truly fantastic new expressions in its Whiskey Row series, like the 1920 Prohibition Style and 1897 Bottled In Bond, as well as the 117 Series which includes the recent Whiskey Row Fire expression. Why it's better: Say what you want about NDP 's, but Smooth Ambler puts out some amazing bourbon. Fortunately, the core eponymous expression from Buffalo Trace is a solid workhorse bourbon that plays well with other ingredients in a cocktail and is solid enough to drink on its own. If youre looking for Makers with some extra kick, check out Cask Strength, an uncut bourbon that is still very approachable with a relatively low barrel proof of 108 to 114, or the 101 proof expression. This 100-proof bourbon (and rye) got its 9-year-old age statement back in 2020 after it was removed for a few years, and some limited-edition 12 and15-year-old expressions came to market as well. Looking to take your fully-stocked bar for a test drive? On the palate, its candied notes are balanced by oak, char, and spice. The bourbon is made from a mash bill of four grainscorn, wheat, rye, and barleyall grown locally. First of the nose would not suggest a 101 proof spirit bottled at 50.5 abv. Wild Turkey 101 : Iowa ABD Wild Turkey 101 is one of the best value bourbons around. Wild Turkey - whisky.de This is a sweet and mellow bourbon with the right level of heat that drinkers of all levels will appreciate alike. Many booze brands slap "small batch" on their bottles, but Michter's means it: A maximum of twenty full barrels are produced in each run. Wild Turkey 101 refuses to compromise on standards of excellence. And dont be put off by the whisky spelling: it uses a process similar to that of Scotch, but thats where the similarities end. Faint cherry notes play across the nose. The distilling team also experiments with mash bills and maturation with Woodfords Masters Collection and Distillery Series, as well as the annual Batch Proof Seriesthe current release takes the proof up from Woodfords standard 90.4 to 118.4. Best Rye Whiskey: Wild Turkey 101 Rye. The 114 proof has a complex nose, a velvety sip, and a burst of flavor on the tongue. Then, the barrels are charred, offering a smoky environment that almost caramelizes the liquid. 15 Best Bourbons: Top Whiskeys To Drink (2022) - Luxe Digital We asked experts for their takes on which whiskey brands are tops for a range of price ranges and for recommendations on the smoothest, easiest-to-drink bottles on the market. Some really good bourbons are Four Roses Single Barrel, Pappy Van Winkles 23 Year Family Reserve, Elijah Craig Small Batch, and Woodford Reserve Double Oaked. of these ultimate gifts for whiskey lovers. Region: Kentucky | ABV: 50.5% | Tasting Notes: Oak, Spice, Vanilla. Whatever the age, the rich caramel and brown sugar flavor, along with that signature Jim Beam nuttiness, shines through. Formerly known as Ridgewood Reserve 1792 and 1792 Ridgemont Reserve, 1792 is another brand that offers taste beyond its value. The mixture is then heated, to break down the structure of the grains, which produces fermentable sugars. This gives it a light, spicy flavor that's perfect for a Big Apple Manhattan. However, to be called a Bourbon, it must also be produced in the United States and be made from 51 percent corn. ", It just works better in an old fashioned or a Manhattan than bourbon," he said. The brand is almost built for side-by-side tastings and teaching the drinker what levers a whiskey maker can pull to change the spirit. [] Related article: Wild Turkey 101 vs Woodford Reserve Bourbon: Which Whiskey is Better? Woodford Reserve is pleasant and subtle on the nose, with hints of wood, mint, vanilla and caramel. Its not the most complex rye whiskey on the market, but the Elijah Craig still offers solid middle-shelf quality. Overall 87.5 Nose (5) Palate (5) Finish (5) Balance, Body & Feel (5) Sending User Review 3.11(263votes) Comments Rating3.6(5reviews) More from The Whiskey Jug Wild Turkey 101 8 Years Export Review Wild Turkey 8 years Review Youre sure to savor the smooth taste of The Balvenie Caribbean Cask 14-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky, which is another top pick for Battles. Theres also the annual Birthday Bourbon, one of those coveted unicorn bottles that people line up outside of liquor stores for the night before it hits shelves. Like other whiskey, it must be bottled at a minimum of 80 proof. Best . Wild Turkey blew my expectations out of the water. Region: Kentucky | ABV: 50% | Tasting Notes: Apple, Spice, Oak. Haven't had OF1910 yet, but it's definitely on my list. The design feels sleek, [and it] looks good on a bar cart.. Master Distiller Elmer T. Lee released Blantons Single Barrel Bourbon in 1984, at a time when the Bourbon industry appeared to be on a downward slope. Eye. All of These Bourbons Are Better Than Pappy Van Winkle Woodinville Bourbon . According to Battles, the intention behind Pinhook Flagship releasing new vintage bourbons each year is to highlight the best of their barrels at that time.. Woodfords mash bill is made from 72% corn, 18% rye and 10% barley; the rye content makes it a bit spicy. Its almost impossible to go wrong with anything Pappy Van Winkle so, if its proving tricky to get your hands on the 23 Year release, the 15 Year and 20 Year are also top contenders. It features powerful vanilla notes combined with hints of honey and a nose of spices and nutmeg. Its sweet and just a little bit spicy, with prominent notes of vanilla and fruit. Barrell doesnt have that problem very often though, as is the case with the newest bourbon, Batch 033 (a blend of 5 to 9-year-old bourbon from Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee). Apart from smaller craft operations, Wild Turkey is the closest thing to a control experiment in whiskey. The Russells fought tooth and nail to keep the barrel entry proof, one of the brand's historical hallmarks, lower than the industry average of 125. The Classic 86 Proof clocks in with slightly higher alcohol content (and more flavor) than your average baseline bourbon, while the Signature 100 Proof is a bartenders best friend. Try one of these whiskey cocktail recipes or treat yourself to one (or more!) Dont forget to try Old Forester Rye as well, a 65-percent rye whiskey that is soft and sweet on the palate. Woodford Reserve is a smoother and easier drinker than the Wild Turkey. Don't be put off by the ABV, because this whiskey backs up its heat with a complex palate and smooth finish. If you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Last but not least, you have rye whiskey, which is also generally aged in oak barrels, but by law, it must contain at least 51 percent rye. Its very smooth and easy drinking. The time, care, dedication, and craftsmanship that goes into Bourbon makes it quite unlike anything else youll spot in the liquor cupboard. 5 Most Underrated Bourbons/Whiskies - Blog The result is a deep color and spicy flavor profile to the bourbon. Old Forester must be the best bang for your buck, so if it turns out bourbon is not your thing its no big deal, says Chris Keller, bartender at Osaka Ramen in Denver. A wheated Bourbon combined with a large dash of bitters will result in a well-rounded, spice-heavy Old Fashioned. Also called the Alligator Char, it is obtained after 55 seconds of fire. We may earn a commission from these links. Age/Age Statement: Though not required, many distilleries display their whiskey offerings with the amount of time theyve spent aging. It also is one of the few to bear a nine-year age statement, not always a mark of quality but in this case indicative of a properly aged bourbon. This is good tasty bourbon thatgives a moderateyet pleasing burn; add a large ice ball if you want it go down easy. "The spiciness balances out the sweeter elements.. sugar, two dashes of Angostura bitters and garnish with a lemon or orange twist in a sturdy Old Fashioned glass to complete. Distillery Wars- Wild Turkey 101 vs Woodford Reserve - YouTube Sip 101 and Russell's Reserve 10-year together; the former is more youthful and 11 proof points more stout, but the latter's 10-year minimum shines through clear as day (if you find it at a bar or collecting dust at your liquor store, the 17-year-old Bottled-in-Bond Master's Keep release is an even better comparison). Generally, the bourbon is about six to eight years old, with the spice from Four Roses high rye mash bill nicely complementing the fruity notes from the yeast.