“There is no bad whiskey. There are only some whiskeys that aren’t as good as others.” – Raymond Chandler
I get where Mr. Chandler is going with the above quote. Yet, I somewhat disagree. There are some really bad whiskeys out there. I’m not really going to approach this column as a Bourbon “review.” Those are a dime a dozen.
Having said that, I’m also not going to write anything negative about any whiskey or brand. It’s not in good taste. And … taste is highly subjective. There are literally hundreds of different types of Bourbons out there, not to mention ryes, “regular” whiskeys, Scotches, Irish Whiskeys, Japanese Whiskeys, and on and on. They’re all different, and to each his/her own. Though this column is based on “My Bourbon Psychosis,” I will end up writing about these other whiskies as well. Man cannot live on bourbon alone.
Back to taste.
The whiskey market is not unlike the wine or craft beer market. Every different type of whiskey has a different flavor profile and offers a different experience. For instance, right now Jim Beam is the top selling bourbon in the entire world – not a fan. Not being negative, I just don’t like its flavor profile. That’s not Beam’s fault. Obviously, they’re doing something right.
It just speaks to my point that everyone is different and every bourbon is different. Those of you out there who are Bourbon pros know what I mean. Those who are novices, you’ll learn. What do I not appreciate about Beam? Well, my personal preference is for whiskeys with a sweet palate and high-proof burn. To me, Beam, like many others, has a strong tannic oak (bitter) flavor – just not my thing.
However! Beam makes dozens of whiskies under their tutelage. The Bookers series is quite nice. It has a nice balance between the tannic and sweet with the sweet on the winning side. Their Signature Craft Series from about 10 to 15 years ago was quite outstanding. Especially their “Rolled Oat” offering. One can actually taste the oats in the nicely balanced bourbon. No longer available, you might find it online or at a liquor store at a premium. I found my one and only remaining bottle at a small drug/liquor store in Madison, Ind. It was tucked back in the corner where two shelves intersected one another and it was unseen, except by me. Ah, the thrill of finding a unicorn!
This is no lie, it had about an eighth of an inch of dust all over it. I blew the dust off and snagged it up immediately. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Knob Creek Rye – an outstanding mixer that makes a perfect Old Fashioned. Gee, I guess I do like Beam!
How does one know what you like? Well, you’ve gotta try it. If you have an interest in a particular bourbon, go somewhere that has it and have a shot of it. Better yet, go to a liquor store that has tastings or bottle samplings and give it a try for free there. By all means, do NOT buy an expensive bottle of bourbon without giving it a try first. Been there, done that, and recently too.
I knew better – darned psychosis.
Jon Smyrnis is a lifelong Indianapolis area resident. He enjoys traveling, hiking, biking, kayaking, dining out, and, of course, fine cocktails and great bourbons.