Anyway, Clint – Jim Beam must be thinking of you. They are rolling out a new bourbon – Red Stag. It has black cherry in it. I think that this might be right up your alley! It’s a little too sweet for my taste, but I thought of you immediately. I don’t think you would have to mix this with anything but perhaps a little ice/water. See if you can find it, and let us all know what you think.

Can hardly wait to get back down to the next stop on the Bourbon Trail! I think we’ll be heading to Makers’ Mark next.

Heading to “God’s Country” (aka Kentucky) over the week of Memorial Day. Going to add some new stamps to my Bourbon Trail Passport. The plan is to definitely go to Jim Beam (maker of FINE small batch bourbons – Bakers, Bookers, Basil Haydens – as well as their name bearer). I understand that their tour is one of the better ones. I find it hard to believe that it could be any better than Buffalo Trace or Woodford, but I’ll let y’all know what I think when I get back.

Have a great holiday, and sip slowly.

Thanks for the continued pointers. Ha, actually my drink of choice thus far has be Bacardi Gold ‘n’ Pepper, haha.

I do live near the Bluegrass State (SW Indiana), so I can somewhat identify with “bourbon culture” if you will.

I had some Beam straight and Coke the other day at a friend’s house; it was okay but seemed a bit ….bitter I guess. Not bad but not my favorite. Guess it’s time to get some Mark and see how that goes.

Thanks all,
Clint

I only answered part of your question. As for “flavorless” liquor. There really isn’t anything that is totally flavorless, but vodka comes closest. (Obviously, not the flavored varieties – but that might be something you would find interesting as thus far you’ve been drinking things with the Dr.) Another suggestion would be rum as it tends to go well with juices and sweeter mixers.

I’m sure I’m not alone, though, in hearing your reactions to whatever bourbon(s) you try. I have to admit, I started out with rum and Coke. It took me several years to get “into” scotch then bourbon. Once I tasted bourbon, though, I found my drink of choice. Must have something to do with being born in Kentucky.

Maker’s Mark is an excellent bourbon. I’m chuckling at the thought of bourbon with “training wheels.” Seriously, though, if you are going to start tasting bourbons, Maker’s would be an excellent choice. The lovely thing about bourbon (as with scotches – but that’s another story) is that there are so many. Each has it’s own idiosyncrasies and nuances.

My suggestion – take your time. Taste many over a period of time. (I don’t suggest trying one right after the other after the other – muddies your palate). As I’ve said before, bourbon is an acquired taste. Each and every bourbon lover has their own favorite(s).

Thank you for the advice, that seems to be the general opinion. Though I do enjoy drinking for the flavor, what are some flavorless options?

What do y’all think about Maker’s Mark, would that be a good first bourbon?