"... you don't know what you got till it's gone." - Counting Crows I grew up in Atlanta, where I thought that the worst alcohol related law was the inability to purchase on Sunday. Well, now that I have lived in North Carolina, I can say without a doubt, that the worst alcohol related regulation is the ABC store. Don't get me wrong, there are some perks. I pay MSRP, and sometimes get a discount on my favorites like Four Roses. However, due to how the ABC runs (the state controls … [Read more...]
Top Picks for Best Value Bourbons: A Southern Guide
Finding the best value bourbons doesn’t have to be difficult. While some bourbons are pricey, many delicious options won't empty your wallet. This post explores some of the best value bourbons. We’ll cover factors to consider and bourbons to try. We'll also address FAQs to help you in your search for the perfect pour. Table of Contents: Unlocking Bourbon Value: What to Look For Value is subjective, depending on your preferences. Generally, the best value bourbons offer a pleasant … [Read more...]
Elijah Craig Straight Rye Whiskey: A Smooth Sip of Southern Heritage
There's nothing quite like a sip of whiskey to evoke the warm and welcoming spirit of the South. And when it comes to rye whiskey, few brands have a legacy as rich as Elijah Craig. The name Elijah Craig is synonymous with quality and tradition, and their rye whiskey is no exception. One of the first things you'll notice about Elijah Craig Straight Rye Whiskey is its color. It has a deep, amber hue that is the result of aging in charred oak barrels for at least four years. This aging process … [Read more...]
Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon Whiskey
If I'm being honest, Woodford Reserve isn't my go-to bourbon. I feel like I'm paying more for the marketing of a well known brand that has positioned itself as a luxury brand. That said, they still make damn good whiskey. The Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon has been on my list because I typically pull towards the flavors that a double oak would produce. It didn't disappoint. In fact, it made me want to buy more Woodford in the future. The Basics Distillery: Woodford … [Read more...]
DEFIANT, American Single Malt Whisky from North Carolina
Well, this was way different from what I was expecting. But if I'm being honest, I didn't know what I was expecting from my first sip of Defiant American Single Malt Whisky. Produced by Blue Ridge Distilling Co, this spirit pulls from traditions of Scottish whisky and marries it with the New World style of American whiskey. Defiant is a new way of distilling. We’re not bound by barrels or recipes or tradition." Since I live in Denver now, I don't get to taste from the sweet nectar of … [Read more...]
5 Books for Every Whiskey Lover
Whiskey and books seem like they might go together like peanut butter and jelly. Both are typically relaxing, can be enjoyed in a nice leather chair, and have been known to unite people from across the world. Cheers to whiskey, books, and your soon to be growing library. My own experience has been that the tools I need for my trade are paper, tobacco, food, and a little whisky.” — William Faulkner Humor and History The Essential Scratch & Sniff Guide to Becoming a Whiskey Know-It-All: … [Read more...]
Rough Rider Double Casked Straight Bourbon Whiskey Review
Welcome to New York I know, I know. New York is nowhere near the South, but let's just use this post to introduce the expansion of The Trot Line. Over the past few months, I've had a few amazing whiskeys from across the States. When my go to W.L. Weller is sold out (Weller crisis?), a bottle from somewhere other than Kentucky or Tennessee can quickly catch my eye and water my tastebuds. This weekend, a bottle of Rough Rider Double Casked Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Batch 11), by Long Island … [Read more...]
Michter’s Toasted Barrel Finish Bourbon Review
I picked up a bottle of Michter's Toasted Barrel Finish Bourbon today. It's the first of Michter's that I have ever tried or bought, and it wasn't part of my original plan when I walked into Lucky's Beverage in Woodstock. This limited release (2,000 cases) from Michter's is based off of their US*1 Bourbon. They're other regular line ups include an American Whiskey, a Rye, and a Sour Mash. The Toasted Barrel finish includes an extra step from the US*1 Bourbon. Unlike most bourbon barrels which … [Read more...]
W.L Weller Bourbon Is Actually Good
A few weeks ago, I published an article about some awesome and affordable bourbons that you should try. This week, I thought I would take it a step further by finding a dirt cheap, yet sippable bourbon. So, I took $10 to my local bottle shop and picked up a bottle of W.L Weller Special Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon (from the Buffalo Trace Family). W.L. Weller Special Reserve is unique because it is a wheated bourbon. While most bourbons use corn, barley, and rye, W.L. Weller replaces the … [Read more...]
5 Sip Worthy Bourbons that Won’t Break the Bank
When I first started drinking bourbon, I thought that there were two types: crazy cheap and Woodford Reserve. Thankfully, I've had bourbon loving friends like Spencer who have joined me on my journey to find well rounded, sip worthy bourbons that are affordable too. Every few months, I like to share my top 5 favorite bourbons that are under $35 (for .750ml). Feel free to leave one or two of your favorite affordable bourbons in the comments below. Never Sacrifice Quality Due to Your Bourbon … [Read more...]