To commemorate International Whiskey Day, I’ve decided to list the top 10 most
memorable pours of bourbon I’ve ever had. It’s hard to narrow this down to 10, but
people always ask me for my favorites, so here they are in no particular order.
1) William Larue Weller — I was still new to unicorn bourbons, but I was able to try the
2016 WLW the year it came out for $28 an ounce. I was blown away that a whiskey at
135.4 proof tasted as smooth as butter.
2) Four Roses Al Young 50th Anniversary — I’m lucky to have called Al a friend, and
he signed this bottle to me personally. It’s a memory I will keep forever. And the bourbon
inside is a masterpiece in blending.
3) King of Kentucky — I’m not really sure I have a favorite year of this Brown-Forman
release because they’re always solid pours. I just wish it didn’t cost the price of a castle
to worship the King.
4) Old Crow Chessman Decanter — I was fortunate to get a pour of this rare bourbon
from the late 1960s at the secret Vintage Library inside Bardstown Bourbon Company. I
spent at least 30 minutes sipping less than an ounce of whiskey, and I’ll never forget it.
5) Michter’s 20 Year Bourbon — Michter’s president Joe Magliocco isn’t afraid to pull
out some amazing stuff sometimes, especially if you’re visiting with other members of
the media. This 20-year bourbon blew my mind and my taste buds. It continues to haunt
me in dreams — in a good way.
6) Belle Meade Honey Bourbon — Back when Belle Meade used MGP bourbon, this
nectar of the gods featured straight bourbon finished in Trubee honey casks. The bottle
I have is 116.4 proof, so it packs quite a punch. But that faint whisper of honey is
perfection.
7) Jack Daniel’s 14 Year — Just released this year, the buzz is real. I love that they
kept it at barrel strength, as my sample I was fortunate to try was a whopping 126.3. It
should taste like fire, but instead it’s Grandma’s country biscuits lathered in honey,
butter and banana.
8) Russell’s Reserve 15 Year — I’ll always be a Wild Turkey girl at heart, so this latest
unicorn release from the legendary distillery doesn’t disappoint. I just wish my last name
was Russell and I had keys to their rickhouses.
9) Maker’s Mark Denim Bottle — Made to celebrate the University of Kentucky
basketball team winning the NCAA Championship in 1996, this highly sought-after prize is a butterscotch bomb through and through. I don’t know what they did back then that
they don’t do now, but it is simply marvelous.
10) Pappy Van Winkle 15 Year — Yes, I’ve had the complete vertical of Pappy
products, but my favorite to this day remains the 15-year-old. Perfectly balanced and
intricately nuanced, the wheated bourbon has just enough oak influence you want
without going overboard.
