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.

The About page mentions alcohol reviews, but sharp readers will notice there are none up yet. Well, this is about to change!

Dave’s Drinks brings you Smooth Booze Reviews — one post, many opinions. And none more than a line long. The idea is just to let you know my completely baseless opinions on alcohol I have tried, maybe with a view on deciding what to buy when in a quandary.

There are three things you should take into account before heeding my advice. Firstly, I live in Spain. This means that the same brands I buy here may not be the same in your part of the world. Secondly, I live in Spain. This means that prices may vary wildly compared to wherever you live and therefore the value for money aspect, which is important in rating a drink, may vary. Finally, I live in Spain. This greatly affects the selection of booze available compared to other countries, both in missing brands and in additional brands (notably rum from latin countries).

And of course, these are my personal preferences. You’ll notice that I like full-flavoured rums like those from Jamaica or Guyana (Demerara).

Keep in mind that this post is a work-in-progress, so it might pop up to the top of your newsreader occasionally. Changes will be clearly marked for your convenience. Take a look at the rating system explained to determine what the stars mean.

So, on with the show.

Captain Morgan’s Black Label Jamaica Rum (Jamaica) Very full-flavoured, reasonably priced.

Havana Club Añejo 3 Años (Cuba) Essential for most cuban drinks.

Myers’s Original Dark Rum (Jamaica) As intense as Morgan’s Black Label, but a touch too sweet.

Appleton Estate V/X (Jamaica) Smooth and subtle, yet definitely Jamaican.

Appleton Special Jamaica Rum (Jamaica) In your face.

Wood’s Navy Rum (Guyana) Intense flavour and strong (67%).

Pampero Especial (Venezuela) Distinctive flavour, smoother than most.

Santa Teresa Gran Reserva (Venezuela) Pretty nice.

Bacardi 8 (Puerto Rico) Very nice, but expensive.

Cacique (Venezuela) One of the better latin-american style rums.

Havana Club Añejo 7 Años (Cuba) Deep and rich Cuban flavour. Expensive, though.

Bacardi Reserva (Puerto Rico) A bit rough around the edges.

Brugal (Dominican Republic) Ok, but generic.

Barceló (Dominican Republic) Ok, but generic.

Captain Morgan’s Spiced Gold (Puerto Rico) Not bad, but gimmicky. Limited uses.

Mount Gay Eclipse (Barbados) Nothing special about it, a standard Gold rum.

Rhum Agricole St James Royal Ambre (Martinique) Not bad flavour, but a bit rough.

Bacardi Carta Blanca (Puerto Rico) Nearly all alternatives are better.

Malibu Coconut Rum (Barbados) Artificial.