Smooth Booze Reviews: Bourbon
Continuing the alcohol reviews after the other day’s rum reviews, this entry concerns Bourbon. Actually, American Whiskey would be more appropriate, since I’m not about to make separate categories for Canadian, rye, etc. But this definition works for now.
My experience with Bourbon is a distant second to my favourite, Rum, but I’ve tried most of the ones I’ve found. The selection available here in Spain is very limited and therefore so is the depth of my knowledge. Bourbon is also pretty expensive, and I’m less prone to experiment with it. Thankfully, a quick look at the scores makes it clear that the fes whiskeys that are available aren’t at all shabby.
Before I start, I’ll just refer you to the rating system explained. Remember that the score also takes price into account (which is why Jim Beam gets the same score as Woodford Reserve — the former costs about a third of what the latter goes for and is still pretty good.) Anyway, here go the reviews:
Woodford Reserve 
Without a doubt the best I’ve tasted.
Makers Mark The best you’re likely to find in a bar around here.
Jim Beam Black Truly impressive for the price, smooth and full-flavoured.
Jim Beam My standard bourbon, great value-for-money.
Wild Turkey 
Smooth and reasonably priced, but it’s getting impossible to find!
Jack Daniel’s Nice, distinctive flavour but a touch too expensive.
Four Roses Tastes kind of like perfume, too sweet.
August 28th, 2007 at 9:38 pm
You should give some thought to Old Forester’s which has been my bourbon ordinaire for many years. It is entirely drinkable on its own and suitable for a Manhattan.
August 28th, 2007 at 9:45 pm
Thanks John, I’ll be sure to give Old Forester’s a try if I ever see it, but like I say, there really aren’t that many choices available in Spain.
August 29th, 2007 at 12:01 am
And I notice that I misspelled my own name. Humiliating for a copy editor.