Inevitably, I get this question from just about everyone when they find out I am a whiskey geek. Even whiskey geeks (using the term with respect) will ask other geeks what their favorite is. I think it's a popular question and a good way to start a conversation.
Most people will respond ... "it's like picking your favorite child. It just seems wrong."
So, ok...if I had to pick what would it be? To be fair, I don't think I can pick only one. So let's start here. Am I in the mood for craft or big bourbon? I've written about this before HERE. But push come to shove what would I pick?
I still struggle when I'm standing in front of all my whiskey friends deciding what to pick to drink. It's like when you were in school, and you were picking sides for a game. Who do you want on your team? There are the popular kids or the ones that always get picked. There are good second stringers (they're good, just not as good), there's average and then there's ones that no matter how many times you pick them, you regret the pick. There's also the mercy pick.
But there's one more selection. It's the sleeper. The one you are always looking for that will surprise you. Maybe there's just something about it that you know is there, you just have to give it a chance. But we are talking about favorites. The one you always go to or if you were to only have this one, which one would it be?
For me, if it's craft, it's going to be be New Holland Beer Barrel Bourbon (go ahead and scoff, but hear me out). This is the craft whiskey that opened my eyes and took me on a journey. I was in Holland Michigan at the distillery tasting room when I discovered it years ago. And whenever I am back in Holland ( I have friends who live there), I buy at least a case because I can't get it in Iowa.
If I see it in a store when I'm out of state, I will buy it unless I know I have several bottles at home.
Now I gravitate to whisky's that are between 95 and 115 proof, but this whiskey is only 80 proof. And I love it! It's chock full of flavors for me. If you have watched any of our tasting video's you have probably seen a sign with the logo on it of this whiskey. And, whenever I have someone taste it, they are pleasantly surprised by it.
If it's big bourbon, it's going to be Elijah Craig. The regular offering comes in at 94 proof and the private barrels and limited offerings are usually 120 proof. (I have a shelf full of different bottles)
So, there you have it. My "favorites" or the ones I can't live without. When I don't want to have to decide or I just want something friendly , I will pull one of these and have a pour.
What am I drinking while I write this? New Holland Beer Barrel Bourbon - 80 proof
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