Barrels? We don't need no stinking barrels. Part 1: Buffalo Trace White Dog

This will be part one of an exciting three part series on white whiskey.  Ironically, this is the only one of the three that calls itself whiskey.

White whiskey is what you get when you don't put your distillate in a barrel, AKA moonshine.  The Buffalo Trace white dog is 125 proof.  Drinking it neat gives a hell of a burn.  It's got some corn, grain and yeast flavor.  With, like I said, a hell of a burn at the end.  Let's add water.

Well, that brings out some sweetness.  And.... not much else.

So, does that dog hunt?  If by hunt, you mean get you drunk.  Then yes.  If you mean taste good.  Not really.  There's a reason that god made the oak tree; it was for coopering barrels for bourbon.  This was made for the person who just has to know what it tastes like right out of the still.  It is sold in 375 ml bottles at the same price as a 750 ml bottle of the bourbon.  Tricky bastards.

Wry Slamma Jamma: Yabba Dabba Done!

Bruce Pearl was fired today.  I think that he's a hell of a coach, but dude.

I shouldn't have given Aaron Craft my world famous brontosaurus ribs!

The Tyrconnell Single Malt

We continue our St Pattie's day tradition of enjoying a fine Irish Whiskey at home, while all of the amateurs clog the bars.

This was a Christmas gift from Cousin David.  Thank you.

Web Tasting Notes: 

Colour: Golden Yellow

Nose: Full and fruity aroma with a citrus – spiciness taste

Taste: Well structured with honey notes hanging from the nose. A tang of oranges and lemons, a strong malt presence that balances well with the oily sweetness

Finish: A long finish with the malt becoming more dominant to the end without the soft fruits and honey, which helped make up the middle.

Alcohol content: 40%

Serving Suggestions: The Tyrconnell can be served neat in a tumbler, or with a little water to taste.

My Take:  Avoid water.  It does not take much to make this whiskey to taste too thin.  I agree that it is oily.  I think that it tastes salty and spicy, with a sweet leather finish.  This is a sipper.  The kind of whiskey that you sit back and enjoy.  Take some time to philosiphize about the universe, wondering where in the world is World-Wide-Kev?

Grade: B

Wry Slamma Jamma: 2011 NCAA Tournament Prediction

I got Ohio State over BYU in the final; the ultimate match-up of good vs evil.  Ohio State will win.  Why?



Evil will always beat good because good is dumb.

Vine Talk

From time to time, I get an e-mail asking to check out something new on the booze scene.  Usually, I ignore any e-mail that doesn't involve a free bottle of liquor being sent to my house.  Hint.

I received a trailer for a new show called Vine Talk, featuring Stanley Tucci.  He's a fine actor, but I don't know if that gives him the chops to wax on about wine.  Other than the obvious access that money brings to the table.  I was ready to ignore it, then suddenly, I saw something special in the video.



Bed Bath & Beyond 2005.  Delicious.

At least I know that they saved money on coasters and invested it in the wine.



Wry Slamma Jamma: Bo Ryan is an Alien



I have been quiet lately.  But I have not deserted my post.  I am watching you, you alien basketball fiends.



Legends and Leaders renamed Tiger's Blood and Adonis DNA

Many felt that the Big 10 was being egotistical when the conference named its divisions Legends and Leaders.  In an effort to bring some modesty to the conference, Commissioner Jim Delaney has hired Charlie Sheen as a consultant.

"Charlie brings the kind of down home midwestern values that our conference likes to represent.  Let's face it, his dumb-ass show is the kind of brainless crap that midwesterners just suck up.  Plus, his hatred of Alcoholics Anonymous went over really well in Wisconsin."

When asked what other qualities brought the two titans together, Delaney pointed out the obvious.  "Joe Paterno also has Tiger's blood and Adonis DNA, so it was a natural fit."