bob

Bourbon (Woodford is my standard, but I love so many)...Scotch (reach for Balvenie usually)..(neat and neat), brandy/cognac, champagne, coffee...you know what...I absolutely love beer, but I really don't enjoy beer and cigars...lager,ale,stout,porter, etc.... love them all, but I've never found a cigar to play nice with beer. I suppose, to each their own palette preference.

Good stuff all...thanks for the input. Anyone tried German whiskey? Never have even seen it on the shelf before, much less heard of it. Interesting looking varieties via websites though.

Thanks for the reply their JThomas, and the heads up on the Michter's...was not aware it was in KY....I guess I should rephrase the question being that "bourbon" is an american title.....How about "straight" unfiltered, (no additives) corn based whiskey (not rye)...might fit better. Damn, this is getting a bit too specific.....I suppose was just inquiring if anywhere else in the world makes a "bourbon" like whiskey that is not rot gut. Thanks.

Well....I spent 30 years of my life in the heart of bourbon country (central KY, USA)...and have a great appreciation for the honey dew vine water. But....I was seeking some input on Bourbon's that aren't crafted in KY. It's actually a common misconception in the states that bourbon must be made in KY....not true, it's only popular there due to the early settlers of the area and the high limestone content of the land and aquifers effecting the water's chemistry used to brew it...makes it very distinct. Bourbon is merely unmolested whiskey (no cutting or filtering)....only rule is it must be straight from a charred oak barrel with certain alcohol proof standards in the states. The only bourbon I've tried not from KY is Bowman's made in Virginia and Michter's from Pennsylvania (both left a bit to be desired)...So my question is....anyone have any positive experiences with bourbon distilled outside the states? I don't even know if they exist to be honest. Thanks all.

Glad you discovered the Balvenie Doublewood....all of their scotches are phenomenal (and personal fav's of mine) if you can, try the Portwood (it's subtle but completely different)......since you are trying to appreciate the flavor of scotch neat (which I commend)...treat it like a good brandy/cognac.....small tongue wetting sips, aroma, let it open up. I've developed an appreciation for drinking bourbon neat years ago......unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on your frame of reference)....drinking neat liquor can sneak up on you quick.... ; ). I typically go easier on the scotch and cognac....but I love bourbon with my cigars. so, go easy....try lots of different varieties and compare...just like a good cigar. splashes of water/ice cubes are subject to debate....but use a clean water source if u do. Enjoy.

If you can do number 3's leaf color, with the leaf in the date/day, and ORIS/HAVANA font's...but with the yellow ORIS/HAVANA color and black numbers, date/day from 8.....that would be it....I'd buy one on the spot. Thanks Rob, great idea. » » Prototype FOH watch 3 » » » » » Prototype FOH Watch 8 » » »

Love Bourbon....but, actually am a fan of scotch too. Depends on what is accompanying it, sweet bourbon's vs. a charcoal/peaty laddened scotch really depends on the cigar. Bourbon is my 1st love though. I'm from central KY and am rather close to all the major distilleries and have sampled/toured most of them. Here's my top list: 4. Woodford Reserve....My standard drink, what a bang for your buck, no complaints....probably the loveliest facility in the state...alot of history and those copper vats make for a wonderful and all original taste. Those Scot's sure knew what they were doing. 3. A.H. Hirsch Reserve...great drink, really mixes well with a spicy cigar....unfortunately, it's not made anymore...drink it up while you can. 2. Pappy Van Winkle, 20 year.....wonderful, smoother than silk...the 23 year is good, but the 20 is much better....that and you save $40+ more per bottle, at least around here. Open's so nicely on the rocks....would be my usual if it was around much. 1. Jim Beam, Distiller's Masterpiece....20 year (port cask)....for the lucky, this is great stuff...I mean, fantastic the 18 year cuts a bit more, but the 20 is out of this world. Should you have the opportunity, you really should indulge. All of the above are usually on a couple of rocks, unless you've never tasted it straight before....then definately take it up. Scotch is neat, bourbon grows and opens a bit on ice. My 2 cents anyway.... Cheers

Good question....I've always wondered what some of those extra letters in the commerce listing was about.

Thanks for the warm reception...

I know, quite the original screen name.....so mundane it's catchy. At any rate, just thought I'd give a hello to everyone. I've dug around a bit on this forum before posting and I like what I see. Appears very laid back compared to other's (won't mention any names, but I'm sure you all can guess a couple). Been smoking cigars for only a couple of years and I enjoy learning all I can and sharing stories about the subject. Hope to get to know ya'll soon (yes, I'm a good ol' redneck from KY....so any questions about bourbon or horse racing I'd be happy to help) Cheers.