This post should be aptly named "Thursday Tornado". Last Thursday, we (over)indulged in a spree of reckless abandon as the gentleman of Elmwood St and I partook in some bad movie watching, Partick Swayze memorializing, whiskey drinking and poeticizing of the wax. As the previous post mentioned, we planned to watch the Swayze gem Roadhouse to honor our beloved, fallen hero. Needless to say the night unfolded as follows:
In anticipation of the evening's plans, the Chief and I ventured down to the local liquor store to purchase a bottle of bourbon. After a few minutes of deliberating, we picked up a bottle of the Wathen's Single Barrel Kentucky Bourbon. This bourbon hit our price point sweet spot of around $30 that we typically aim for when selecting a bourbon (although a few less expensive standouts will likely be covered in a later post). There were several different responses to the whiskey. I personally felt as though there wasn't anything special about the flavor to distinguish it from a more commercially accessible Jim Beam although the smoothness was above average. However, my esteemed colleagues assessed that the whiskey had a "smooth, incredibly sweet finish" and was "good for the price". I also believe the word "drinkable" was used at one point. So essentially, we had a decent "Bud Light" of bourbons on our hands. Less filling. Tastes great.
Of course our world was shattered when Jeebus McB barged in with ANOTHER bottle of bourbon, having just stopped at the liquor store on his way back from work. This time we were hit with a bottle of Henry McKenna Single Barrel bourbon. The two things we noticed about this bourbon were its proof (contained 50% booze-ahol vs. the average 40-45% you see in many bourbons) and its felt-feeling label. A comment was made that we could drink enough bottles of this stuff to make a card table. In terms of taste, all I can say is wow. This bourbon hit me like a truck... in a good way(?). It was smooth and to me had a hint of sour cherry or citrus. I would definitely say this one is worth trying out again.
As for the movies, I will likely leave that for another post (perhaps by another blog contributor) to round out the night for everyone. Needless to say, I learned that genetic modification can occur in reptiles if bitten by mutant rats that have been exposed to toxic waste. I also learned that Patrick Swayze likes to put baby in the corner... and then rip its throat out.
First off, I can't believe you compared Walthen's Single Barrel to Jim Beam. That is just cruel. It is way better than that, and doesn't touch off my gag reflex the way Jim does (eff you, freshman year of college).
ReplyDeleteThe McKenna was very good, if for no other reason than the felt labeling on the bottle can double as a pillow later on in the night. Is it wrong that I wanted to just rub that felt on my face for hours? I don't think it is.
You're right. It's not fair for me to have compared the Wathen's to Jim Beam. It's much smoother and worth the extra $5-10 per 750 mL. It does have a little bit of that bourbon "funk" that's likely a mix of the wood from the barrel, the corn mash used and whatever secret herbs and spices that give some bourbons that nutmeg and banana flavor. In moderation, the flavors add a nice complexity but can be overpowering when I'm in the wrong mood (or when using glasses out of your cupboard). And dear lord yes, I've had that college experience with Jim Beam too. It must be some right of passage shared by all lovers of whiskey and bad movies. Let's just say there is a picture of me floating around looking a little like Ralph Macchio as Danny Larusso in the Karate Kid (bandana on forehead and all) holding an empty handle of Jim Beam that I polished off one night in college. Ah, good times.
ReplyDeleteHell, if we threw a bandana on you right NOW you'd look like Daniel Larusso. In fact, that's gonna happen at some point during the next bottle of whiskey. I guarandamntee it.
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