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 … [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...]
Wild Turkey 101 Kentucky Straight Bourbon
In the hunt for lesser known bourbons, it seems as if I have mistakenly skipped over Wild Turkey*. Spencer, my partner at The Trot Line, has suggested over and over again that I pick up a bottle of Wild Turkey 101 and Rare Breed. At The Trot Line, we like to feature great products at an affordable (most of the time) price, and Wild Turkey 101 supposedly checked off both of those boxes. It's Sunday and I have some time to relax, so I went over to my local bottle shop and grabbed a bottle to … [Read more...]
Tennessee’s Whiskey Revival with Belle Meade Bourbon
This is a great time to be an American whiskey drinker. It seems as if this amazing part of our heritage is making its way back into the spotlight in a major way. If you have been keeping an eye on whiskey expansion like we have, then you have most likely noticed the high quality products making their way to the market. While Kentucky tends to steal the spotlight for bourbon, they are by no means the only state producing high quality whiskey. Tennessee has made some major changes to their … [Read more...]
Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey
There are bourbons that I could go out and buy for $45 and up, and enjoy very much. Then there are a few (probably less) bourbons that I could spend $25 for, and fall completely head over heels over. These types (the less expensive) of bourbons don't come around often, but Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon stands out as a strong competitor with the pricier brands. At The Trot Line, we try to keep an eye out for those special buys. The affordable price for this solid American whiskey makes up only a … [Read more...]
The Most Versatile Whiskey Found Down South
A few months ago, Charlie and Jim of American Spirit Whiskey invited me to join them at The Family Dog in Atlanta. I was coming down from Marietta, so I knew that I needed to leave a bit early to make it to Virginia-Highlands a few minutes early. Of course, I managed to take the route with anaccident blocking 3 lanes on i75. Halfway there, my tire pressure monitor went off and I was already a few minutes late. I pushed through Virginia-Highlands on a half inflated tire (which will damage your … [Read more...]