Buffalo Trace Bourbon Whiskey

Wine and Whiskey, my two favorite adult beverages. Whiskey is a spirit to me that can relate to wine, made from only certain ingredients, called different names from different regions, has multiple styles and gets better with age. I guess you can say that with other spirits as well, but not like Whiskey. Scotch Whiskey, Bourbon Whiskey, Tennessee Whiskey, Moonshine Whiskey, Irish Whiskey, Rye Whiskey, Colorado Whiskey just to name a few. Obviously not as vast as wine would be considering there are over tens of thousands different type of vines and grapes world wide. Bourbon Whiskey I would say is my personal favorite.

Bourbon Whiskey has an interesting back story, filled with legends and folklore, tales and wonders. Dates and origin have often been disputed on who started it, where it got its name and who really was the father of Bourbon. My association of Bourbon is Bourbon county, Kentucky funny part is there is no single distillery within Bourbon county, Kentucky due to ever changing county lines, and in history people dispute that fact by saying the whiskey's name came forth from Bourbon St in New Orleans. Bourbon as a name was not actually associated with the whiskey until the late 1800's, what we do know is that whiskey "Bourbon" or otherwise has been around before that time. 1964 Congress passed a legislation that Bourbon is a definitive product that can only be made in the USA and not in any other country trying to export to us any product with the name Bourbon on it. Whiskey now is one of fasting growing spirits in production exporting to over 100 countries throughout the world and steadily rising.

Bourbon is a corn based whiskey mixed with grain produced in a sour mash style aged in charred oak barrels. "High End" Bourbon whiskey is aged a minimum of 6 years, can be blended or single barrel (just like wine blended or single vineyard) with "Straight" Bourbon whiskey aged a minimum of 2 years up to 4 years. There is no real aging limit on how early you can pull the whiskey and bottle it for aging, the recommendation is 3 months.

Buffalo Trace is located on the Kentucky River in Franklin, Kentucky and has been distilling whiskey since the late 1700's. Named after the mighty Buffalo who forged trails along and across the Kentucky River the actual distillery has been in the same spot for over 2 centuries. Continuing tradition Buffalo Trace uses the exact same grains used back then, locally grown grains go into this exceptional Bourbon. Smooth in flavor and finish, hints of caramel, vanilla, oak, and dried fruit, this is a whiskey you definitely have to try. Considering it is a high end whiskey don't count it on price, I found a bottle for under $20, when usually can go upwards of $30 depending on where you buy it from. Sorry I am not going to divulge where I bought mine that will be my secret to buying more. Cheers!

Fetzer Crimson 2010 Red Blend

This deep ruby red blend is by no means a traditional style California blend. Petite Syrah, Syrah, Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon make it fruit forward, earthy, funky and smooth all at the same time. Not the mixture of varietals that usually go together but who is to say what goes together? This wine was absolutely amazing and the price point was a selling point itself, $11! Score one for the good guys. 2010 was phenomenal year for California Reds. The right type of precipitation, weather, soil, and root stock made Reds grown in CA remarkable. Fetzer Crimson Red Wine brings to the table dark stone fruits, earth, a hint of smoke, cedar, with a smooth finish. Drink now with friends, by yourself with a significant other, pair it with some good food or on its own, the choice is yours and yours alone! (Totally had to say that) Cheers!