Bourbon.

[Aaron01]

Bought a bottle of Maker's Mark 46 (meh) and AH Hirsch small batch reserve

 

[MetroStyles]

Yalls,

Just got a nice bottle of Bourbon from a friend. As someone who is a functional and not gustatory drinker, I don't really know how to properly enjoy a real brown liquor. It is a relatively strong alcoholic bourbon. I assume this means I should be a bit more liberal in the splash of water I put in the glass to open up the taste.

How do I drink a good Bourbon unwastefully? Slowly, swirling the liquor in my mouth before drinking it?

Thanks.

 

[ama]

Originally Posted by MetroStyles

Yalls,

Just got a nice bottle of Bourbon from a friend. As someone who is a functional and not gustatory drinker, I don't really know how to properly enjoy a real brown liquor. It is a relatively strong alcoholic bourbon. I assume this means I should be a bit more liberal in the splash of water I put in the glass to open up the taste.

How do I drink a good Bourbon unwastefully? Slowly, swirling the liquor in my mouth before drinking it?

Thanks.

You seems to have it right. Just focus on it a little more and try to pick apart the tastes. Also, smaller pours.

 

[Aaron01]

Just becareful not to use too much branch water, you just want to calm it down, not dilute the palate.

Also, I've found that trying different whiskies (i.e. not just drinking bourbon, but rye, scotch, etc..) helps to decipher different tasting notes

 

[MetroStyles]

Originally Posted by ama

You seems to have it right. Just focus on it a little more and try to pick apart the tastes. Also, smaller pours.

Thanks.

Originally Posted by Aaron01

Just becareful not to use too much branch water, you just want to calm it down, not dilute the palate.

What is "branch water"? Is tap water fine or will that "ruin the balance" or something like that?

 

[IUtoSLU]

^ The super hardcore people will tell you to use distilled water or bottled water. Honestly, your palette (and mine) isn't refined enough to taste a difference. Use distilled if you have it, otherwise just use bottled (tap as a last resort).

I usually taste small sips at a time when drinking fine spirits.

 

[ama]

Originally Posted by IUtoSLU

^ The super hardcore people will tell you to use distilled water or bottled water. Honestly, your palette (and mine) isn't refined enough to taste a difference. Use distilled if you have it, otherwise just use bottled (tap as a last resort).

I usually taste small sips at a time when drinking fine spirits.

I use distilled water.

That being said, I would use NYC tap over most bottled water except maybe Fiji or Voss.

 

[MetroStyles]

Serious question - how much is a splash of water? I am drinking Rowan's Creek, which is 100.1 proof and supposedly a strong bourbon according to google. Thanks.

 

[MetroStyles]

Hmm...this bourbon tastes like bourbon. Maybe I need to meditate on it.

 

[ama]

Originally Posted by MetroStyles

Serious question - how much is a splash of water? I am drinking Rowan's Creek, which is 100.1 proof and supposedly a strong bourbon according to google. Thanks.

I love Rowans Creek. I don't think it needs much water at all. Maybe a drop or two if you want to experiment. Try it plain first. Also, when I say a drop or two that isn't a figure of speech, I mean a drop or two. Enjoy, and let us know what you think!

 

[MetroStyles]

Originally Posted by ama

I love Rowans Creek. I don't think it needs much water at all. Maybe a drop or two if you want to experiment. Try it plain first. Also, when I say a drop or two that isn't a figure of speech, I mean a drop or two. Enjoy, and let us know what you think!

Crap I put in a splash, literally. Oh well, next time I will drink it more neat.

 

[ama]

Originally Posted by MetroStyles

Crap I put in a splash, literally. Oh well, next time I will drink it more neat.

That might be why it tastes like bourbon and nothing more special. The extra power is what gives it more flavor and complexity. Try with less water next time, I think you will find it more interesting.

 

[MetroStyles]

Originally Posted by ama

That might be why it tastes like bourbon and nothing more special. The extra power is what gives it more flavor and complexity. Try with less water next time, I think you will find it more interesting.

Definitely has a sweetish first touch, like honey, and then turns to something more "bourbony" I guess. The word oakey is used by some...but I'm not sure what that means to be honest.

 

[ama]

Originally Posted by MetroStyles

Definitely has a sweetish first touch, like honey, and then turns to something more "bourbony" I guess. The word oakey is used by some...but I'm not sure what that means to be honest.

Its a slight woody bitterness. Kind of tastes like sucking a woodchip.

 

[MetroStyles]

Originally Posted by ama

Its a slight woody bitterness. Kind of tastes like sucking a woodchip.

It's crazy how the taste changes from second to second, and depending on where it is in the mouth. The tip of the tongue only for the first half a second has definite tinges of honey before transforming. I never really pay attention to the taste of my liquor, so this is quite new to me.