What is this?

I recently got into bourbon. And by "got into," I mean I drank some and it blew my mind. If it had been a movie, the bourbon would have been a pretty girl running her hand through her hair in slo-mo while all other sounds and sights in the world were obfuscated by sparkly lights and love songs.

I am not a
connoisseur. You will not read about "accents," "notes," or "noses." You will only read about bourbon. Cheap bourbon. Under $25 per 750ml. Some of these bottles, you will have to wait and hunt and clip coupons to get them that cheap, but it can be done.

Sunday, February 12, 2012

#10 Old Grandad 114




At 114 proof, I couldn't believe how smooth this one was. Until I swallowed it, at which point a taste like burnt mulch bloomed in my sinuses. I can't tell if that's good or not. I do enjoy standing in front of the grill all day smoking meat with what basically amounts to smoldering mulch. I don't know. I enjoyed buzzing off only one glass, but I also had a mild, unpleasant burning sensation in the back of my throat.

I really want to like this one, since at 114 proof it's like getting a 1L for the price of 750ml. But I have to be honest, it doesn't taste anywhere near as nice as the others on this list. Maybe that smoke flavor is sought after by more discerning palates.

The longer you let the ice sit in it, the more tolerable it gets. It really doesn't belong on this list as something that is pleasing to drink, but at 114, it's just too economical.

update: I just wanted to like this too much because of the "114." The aftertaste isn't smoke, it's bile. It tastes like you just vomited. With every sip, I feel I'm tasting Old Gran Dad's balls. So, if your goal is to slip into oblivion for awhile, the "114" factor will do that for you. Just use lots of ice and drink it fast. Chase with water. Or beer.

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