Whiskey is Good » 6 years

Virginia Gentleman – Small Batch

Whiskey is Good — Wed, 12 May 2010 15:42:34 +0000

As you know, we like to give states other than Kentucky a voice, too. This week’s offering is a hybrid: Virginia Gentlemen, distilled by A Smith Bowman Distillery is distilled three times, twice in Kentucky by the Buffalo Trace Distillery, then again in Virginia where it is aged in charred barrels, officially making it bourbon.

So, does this third distilling across a state border make it any better? In my opinion, not at all. It seems it just misses in almost every way. Straight, it’s too harsh. Mixed, it’s too sweet. The flavors you want don’t seem to stand out in the right ways, or at all, and the flavors you want to be subtle jump to the front. All this being said, it has won numerous awards and has a decent name for itself, but in my opinion, not a great showing. I would suggest sticking with Buffalo Trace’s own label instead of venturing into this line.

Four Roses

Whiskey is Good — Thu, 06 May 2010 19:07:48 +0000

Generally, this bourbon smells very sweet, very syrupy at first, which I enjoyed thoroughly. Being aged 6 years, I was a little surprised at the bite that it had. I noticed a blend of spiciness and a pleasant oaky taste mixed with just a hint of honey, which is the second time I have noticed honey in bourbon. I would recommend this to people just starting out on bourbon and looking to get away from the status quo.

Old Whiskey River

Whiskey is Good — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 06:24:55 +0000

With a name like Old Whiskey River, and the fact that comes with an “autographed” Willie Nelson guitar pick attached to the bottle, my hopes where already high (sarcasm). However, it was under $20 and I was strapped for cash, so home with me it went. The first taste is kind of harsh. The second, still kind of harsh. Not too many flavors standing out other than the strong taste of alcohol and little oak and leather. I quickly had to throw in some Diet Coke to make it through, and that did the trick. Pouring about 50/50, the strength of Old Whiskey mixed with the sweetness of the Coke made it perfectly acceptable, if it’s what you have. I can’t say though that I will be purchasing Old Whiskey River again, unless I only have $20 and need both a bottle of whiskey and a guitar pick.

Fighting Cock

Whiskey is Good — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:43:07 +0000

Fighting Cock has a great dark amber color, with deep flavors and a touch of spice. It has a sweet, almost maple syrup undertone, which leads to a rich, woody, satisfying finish to the flavors that hit the sides of the tongue. This whiskey works well for a night gathered around the card table with “the guys”, or adding an entertaining bonus for you and your friends durring rounds of an FPS for your gaming platform of choice. I heavily suggest this for anyone who already enjoys bourbon and is ready to step outside of the preverbial barrel.