Bourbon In My Belly

Having never taken to Scotch, Bourbon is my vice of choice. Over the years, I’ve worked my way from Mr. Beam and Maker’s, to smoother whiskeys. Knob Creek and Woodford Reserve did the job for a while, but on this trip to the local Siegel’s, I needed something a little nicer.  I came looking for the highly rated Pappy Van Winkle’s 20 year. The man behind the counter explained that it’s hard-to-impossible to find, but pointed me to Basil Hayden’s.

Basil Hayden’s is a small batch bourbon from the Jim Beam Small Batch distillery (who also put out Knob Creek, Baker’s, and Booker’s.) They use twice as much rye, which helps makes for a super smooth and light bodied bourbon. What does all that mean? If you’re like me where most scotch is a bit too strong for your pallate, this will do you right. Strong flavors of peppermint and tea. Goes great neat, or on the rocks. Easy to drink, just ask Julie Blacklidge, and about half of the D web staff.

At $38, it’s the best bourbon I’ve ever had the pleasure of drinking. Obviously a little expensive to drink everyday at work… but maybe just Friday’s.

For all the Scotch lovers out there (I’m looking at you, Ron Burgundy) I’m trying a glass of The Macallan 18 year this weekend (the sherry oak series.) We’ll see if that’ll change my mind.