Merry Christmas from Dan and BaseballandBourbon!
Dan’s Bourbon of the Week: Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year
Author: dtmckernan
Dan’s Bourbon of the Week: W. L. Weller Special Reserve
Not a fun weekend for the sports lover in me. On Saturday, my beloved Missouri Tigers – so close to the national championship game – got steamrolled by the running game of Auburn. I’m not certain, but I thing they may still be counting the yards Auburn racked up. The season certainly isn’t a loss – the Sugar Bowl awaits – but to be so close and fall short…
Meanwhile, the Detroit Lions continue to fumble away the division lead, this week with a loss to the ‘Iggles‘ in snowy Philadelphia. A loss which will cost me a bottle of bourbon, due to my wager with my Philly-raised brother-in-law, no less. Thanks a lot, Lions!
Luckily, in these moments of toil and woe, comfort can be found easily enough in a bottle of bourbon, so this week, I crack open the W. L. Weller Special Reserve for a taste.
The Weller’s have always been popular with the wife and I – first of all, the smooth taste of wheated (rather than rye) bourbons are more my speed. The Weller family of bourbons have been favorites of our for a while – yet another great member of the Buffalo Trace family.
The nose was a bit strong – more reminiscent of it’s 107 proof cousin than the 90 proof it is. Definite hints of corn and a woodiness not unlike sawdust poked out from the grain-rich alcohol scent.
The taste was wonderfully smooth. Mouth feel was soft and buttery, but not so much as to be creamy. Again, wood and charred oak appeared, although not overwhelmingly so. With ice, I noticed a much stronger sense of caramel and something vaguely nutty, like pecan.
On the finish, a bit of pepper – again, very very smooth. A medium finish, without a burn but rather refreshing.
This may not have the complexity of a great bourbon, but for the taste (and a remarkable price point), it is a very good one.
Dan scale (1-10): 7.9
Dan’s Bourbon of the Week: Buffalo Trace Single Oak Project Barrel Number 136
A bittersweet weekend to be sure, but one deserving of a nice bourbon. My Missouri Tigers beat Ole Miss on Saturday night, propelling them to a number five ranking in the country – exciting times indeed! Next week it’s a matchup against Texas A&M, for the chance to play in the SEC championship game.
Unfortunately, Sunday led to a feeling all Detroit Lions fans know to well: the dismay of watching our beloved Motor City Kitties grab a defeat from the jaws of victory. Four interceptions, a fumble, and a blocked punt to boot (pun sadly intended). A brutal game watching experience while the November cold howled outside.
If that wasn’t enough, this week we raise our bourbon glasses to the passing of one of the best television characters I can remember rooting for (Spoiler Alert): Richard Harrow on Boardwalk Empire. In my 36 years of television watching, I have grown fond of a lot of shows and certain characters – Silvio Dante (Sopranos), Jim Halpert (Office), Boyd Crowder (Justified), and on and on. But few, if any, did I root for as much as I did for the sad, sharpshooting war veteran from Boardwalk Empire. I (and we) rooted for his salvation, and felt true joy when he found it. He was often the conscience on a show full of dark, evil deeds. And last night, in the season finale, he was laid to rest after saving those people he cared about most, and was done in by the very soul he had found. Rest in peace Richard – we drink to you!
So without further ado – our bourbon of the week!
Today we try another bottle from the ever fun and interesting Buffalo Trace Distillery‘s Single Oak Project, and today’s comes from batch number 136. A few details about 136:
Barrel # 136
Distillation Date: 1/6/2003
Age: 8 years old
Entry Proof: 125 info
Bourbon Recipe: Rye
Char Level: #4 Char
Months: Seasoned 6
Tree Cut: Bottom
Warehouse: L
Warehouse Type: Concrete Floor
Warehouse Location: L-3-27
I do love trying these unique one-of-a-kind bourbons, for the reasons I’ve stated before – much of the fun for me is in comparing the differences, the subtleties of the character that so many bourbons have, and by making each barrel so different, Buffalo Trace has really given us something to enjoy in that special way.
My take: There was much disagreement in the house on this one between my wife Jen and I. This particular batch exemplifies the differences in what each of us likes in our bourbons.
The nose was warm and inviting – a rich caramel and toffee gave way to notes of dried fruits and an almost sticky sense of molasses and honey. One of the best noses I’ve encountered.
The mouth-feel was rich and thick, although not overwhelmingly so. The taste was quite smooth, carrying through on the toffee and caramel, with a bit of molasses and nutmeg thrown in for good measure. It was a little too smooth for Jen, who likes her bourbon spicy and punchier. The finish was medium and also smooth, not overwhelming or harsh in the least.
To conclude – I liked this one – alot!
Dan scale (1-10): 8.1
Dan’s Bourbon of the Week: Old Weller Antique 107 Proof
Back in the saddle after a pretty miserable week – I had the misfortune of breaking a tooth on my way to a gig in upstate Michigan last week, and by last weekend, I had a fever, an inability to open my mouth more than an inch and worst of all, no appetite for food or even bourbon. So I skipped my Bourbon of the Week last week, lest I deliver a less-than review. Also, because consciousness was escaping me at large. A root canal, some hefty antibiotics and the TLC of my wonderful wife and I’m almost back to full strength.
And of course, for all the weeks for me to power down, it had to be Pappy Van Winkle release week. I will post later this week with my thoughts about the great Pappy search, the craziness that is ‘collectors bourbon’ right now (and how disheartening it can be for a true bourbon enthusiast) and how vultures are despicably ruining a great thing, but for now let’s just say that it looks like the PVW release of 2013 has left me high and dry.
So for my return, I go to a time tested and trusted friend. My Bourbon of the Week is Old Weller Antique 107 Proof.
One of the many things I enjoy about bourbon is the amount of variables can influence taste. Aging, where the barrels are stored, the char, the oaks, the blend, the sour mash recipe – so many possible variations. Old Weller Antique 107 adheres to one of the standards that makes the Van Winkle’s so highly touted: it uses wheat instead of rye, and uses the same mash bill. This is why some have referred to the Old Weller as ‘poor man’s pappy.’ And there are certainly some similar qualities there.
My take: The Old Weller Antique 107 is a fine bourbon, with a fantastic price point. The nose is lovely, even from a distance, with thick notes of caramel, as well as some light apple, citrus, vanilla and even a bit of warm toffee.
The taste is thick and leans a bit toward the creamy, with a soft palate. Vanilla, caramel comes with the good kick of that 107 proof. You taste a bit of the earthiness that often comes with wheat. There’s a soft spiciness in the back, but not overwhelming. With a chip of ice, it opens up a little bit more and has a touch more zest.
The finish has a slight burn, but really not what you might expect. It’s a medium-long finish, and quite satisfying. Overall, a solid bourbon indeed!
Dan scale (1-10): 8.0
Whisky Advocate’s Winter Issue Top 10 Buying Guide Reviews
I’ve been a little under the weather this week, so I’ve held off on selecting a “Dan’s Bourbon of the Week” until I get all my taste buds back, but in the meantime, the Whisky Advocate has released their Winter Issue Top 10 Buying Guide – quite a few on this list I can’t wait to try!
Dan’s Bourbon of the Week: Corner Creek Reserve Bourbon Whiskey
It is beginning to really feel like autumn. The front yard is covered in leaves, the furnace has been turned on for the year, and Daylight Savings Time is over, shortening our days. This weekend certainly felt like fall – winds blowing, football on TV and a fire in the fireplace.
I am not a bourbon enthusiast that dwells on packaging – sure, a nice looking bottle is always welcome, but it certainly isn’t what I use to define what I’ll be drinking. That said, this week’s selection Corner Creek is unique because it looks like a plain and simple wine bottle. Not a looker, necessarily, but not a bad bourbon either.
Corner Creek comes to us from… well, no-one on the internet seems to be sure. Many signs point to it being a Willett product, but I haven’t seen that confirmed. Where-ever it is from, it is a blended bourbon, and one whose unremarkable bottle belies a unique, if not amazing, quality drink.
My take: The nose is earthy. It smells of grain, floral, and a slight hint of sweetness, like vanilla. Upon a little air, the different grains are more obvious – rye and wheat especially. Finally, the oak is definitely present as well.
The taste has one unique characteristic that sets it apart from most bourbons I’ve tried: it was very dry. Almost like a red wine dry. The taste was soft, and had notes of vanilla, oak, with a touch of nut and leather. It wasn’t unpleasant, but each sip left me wanting a little more flavor. The finish was equally smooth, and Jen and I agreed this was a pretty good, if unspectacular, bourbon.
Then, we added the ice chip. Ice opens some bourbons up and closes others – this falls into the former category. While the taste stayed dry, we could get a touch more of the citrus peel and caramel in the flavor.
This is not the bourbon I would drink for something unique, but I would recommend it to a first-time bourbon drinker, or someone for whom harsher bourbons left a bad impression. And the price point ($25 in Michigan) was reasonable.
Dan scale (1-10): 7.4
Bourbon Link – Alton Brown talks with Julian Van Winkle
Alton Brown, multi media foodie star, talks to Julian Van Winkle about Pappy, waiting lists, fancy bottles, and a bourbon tasting. Note to remember – don’t let Alton and his flask near your Pappy!
Ballpark of the Week: PNC Park (Home of the Pittsburgh Pirates)
Ballpark of the Week: PNC Park (Home of the Pittsburgh Pirates)
The first ballpark I will post about is PNC Park, home of the Pittsburgh Pirates, and my favorite ballpark to visit to date. Nestled on the North Shore of the Allegheny River, right around the corner from where the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers join to form the mighty Ohio river, this ballpark lives up to all the hoopla that has surrounded it since it’s opening in 2001.
My opportunity to visit PNC came in the late summer of 2008. My sister Denise was attending graduate school in Pittsburgh, and suggested it as an opportunity for my other sister Therese, girlfriend Jen and her to get together and enjoy an evening. Pittsburgh (as was so often the case) was well out of the playoff hunt, and had begun a series of post-game concerts and fireworks for a week in August to boost attendance. After some consideration – Collective Soul, Phil Vassar or REO Speedwagon – the latter was chosen and we planned for a Thursday night at the ballpark.
The drive in was a bit confusing – I have never failed to be absolutely lost in the confusing layout that is Pittsburgh (few know this, but Pittsburgh’s system of roads and highways was laid out by a drunken cat with a Spirograph). I’m quite sure I drove over the same bridge several times, before finding a nice parking space across the river. The walk from parking lot to ballpark was wonderful as we could see the stadium and the river, before entering at the left field entrance by the Willie Stargell statue.
The stadium looks right, with it’s steel beams, in the city that made so much of it for so long. The fans on this night were excited and fun, and there was a nice spirit of camaraderie. The team was 11 games under .500 and playing the equally (at the time) hapless Reds, but the general atmosphere belied this and made it enjoyable. I was concerned when I looked up and realized, our seats, in section 305, were upper upper deck, but again, I was in for a treat.
Despite it’s altitude, the view from 305 was outstanding. PNC Park was built to be intimate, and it most certainly is. We got a fantastic view of the field, and a magnificent view of downtown Pittsburgh across the river. We settled in for the game, and watched several players who would make names for themselves in the future play (it was the rookie season for Jay Bruce and Johnny Cueto, and the second for Brandon Moss). The game was low scoring, and the pace move quickly as a summer Pittsburgh evening turned to night. Johnny Cueto…I think he comes up in Pittsburgh Pirate lore again later…
I walked around the stadium, and was impressed by the jovial easy-going nature of the crowd. I did not hear vulgarities or even much heckling. Again, that may have been due to the more family-friendly fireworks crowd, and the Pirates lack of success, but it was still nice.
Now I admit, I did not try the Primanti’s Bros sandwich that is so legendary around Pittsburgh…at least, not on this visit. I found concession prices for other eats and drinks about on par with what I expected from other parks: dogs around $5, soda at $6, beer at $8. More than anything, I was impressed by how I could walk around the stadium and see amazing views from every location.
Back up in 305, the game (and it’s lack of offense) was starting to bore my sisters and Jen, but the skyline and conversation were not, and when the game ended at 10:00, we wandered down to the riverfront part of the park. While the strains of “Keep On Loving You,” “Can’t Fight This Feeling” and “Take It On the Run” played from centerfield, we walked along the riverfront, watching the band over the fence and looking at the buildings in the distance. The fireworks began, and the Pittsburgh sky lit up to the ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ of the crowd.
PNC Park became, and is still,my favorite MLB Park. As you’ll see, I’ve been to a few, and I’ll get to them all. But it will take a pretty impressive park to knock this out of number one.
Dan’s scale (1-10): 9.2
Below are my stats. I’ll post them for every park I’ve visited. I include the big details, as well as who I visited with. Lastly, I am a huge fan of throwback jerseys, and for every stadium I visit, I buy one of a player from that organization I admired as a kid, from watching them or reading about them. So for every one, I will also list the throwbacks I’ve purchased for each.
PNC Park – August 14, 2008. Cincinnati Reds at Pittsburgh Pirates
Date: Thursday, August 14, 2008, 7:05PM
Seat: 305, V, 8
Ticket Cost: N/A
Went with: Jen Weaver, Therese McKernan, Denise McKernan
Attendance: 35,439
Time of Game: 2:54
Linescore:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Reds 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 3 7 1
Pirates 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 8 0
Winning Pitcher: Johnny Cueto (8-11)
Losing Pitcher: Ian Snell (4-10)
Save: Francisco Cordero (23)
Jersey: Roberto Clemente (1971)
A glimpse at the field, PNC Park, Pittsburgh PA
Dusk at PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA
Pittsburgh on a Thursday night from PNC Field, Pittsburgh, PA
Roberto Clemente statue, PNC Park, Pittsburgh PA
Wishbone and skyrockets in flight, PNC Park, Pittsburgh PA
Wishbone and Willie Stargell statue at PNC Park, Pittsburgh PA
This week on Baseball and Bourbon…
…I’m going to get a few ballpark reviews on here, as well as look at some of the new fall 2013 bourbon releases. Stay tuned!
Dan’s Bourbon of the Week: Calumet Farm
Ahh, What a bittersweet weekend. The name of this blog may be “baseball and bourbon,” but if you’ve read a few posts, you know that I am equally a football fan. Last night, my college – the University of Missouri – lost a nail-biter of a game in double overtime to South Carolina. This hurt as Missouri was in fifth place in the BCS, and could have been headed for a national title chance. When I woke up this morning, the loss still lingered. But with the Detroit Lions playing Dallas at 1 o’clock, and a new bourbon to try, hope sprung eternal.
The Detroit Lions. Oh what an exasperating team they can be. In my 36 years on this earth, I have been able to witness one playoff win. Optimism has been high this season, and the Lions have responded by playing the style of up and down, win one lose one football they have played most of my life. Today’s game against the Cowboys seemed particularly important, as losing would definitely move them to the far edges of the playoff picture.
The game was thrilling, but the ending…what an ending. Taking the ball 80 yards in less than a minute, with quarterback Matt Stafford diving in to score the winning touchdown with mere seconds on the clock: amazing. So maybe my newly uplifted spirits guided my review of this weeks selection, the Calumet Farm bourbon. But like the Lions, this drink was sweet.
My take: Calumet Farm comes courtesy of a recommendation (like many of my selections) from the guys at Kakos in Birmingham, MI. It’s a newer bourbon line, with the name from a farm well known for it’s Kentucky Derby winning steeds. I do not know the source of Calumet Farms, and it has no age statement. This one was right up my alley.
The nose was sweet – vanilla, corn, caramel.
The taste is a little thin, but full of butterscotch, vanilla, caramel,charred oak and a slight, white pepper. It didn’t taste like an older bourbon, so my guess is that it’s 6 years or under. But it was still flavorful and smooth.
And the finish – absolutely delicious, sweet and so very smooth. I actually had more than my usual first tasting because it was so smooth. I should mention Jen found it a bit bitter, and she is less of a fan of smooth than I am (she likes single barrels more, where I am a bigger fan of blends).
I feel weird saying this about a bourbon that is so new on the scene, but I loved it.
Dan scale (1-10): 8.7
*Update – I have since been told that Calumet Farm Bourbon was a very limited run, and will probably not be available again after this year. If you’ve heard something different, please let me know. Otherwise, best gettn’ while the gettin’ s good!
Baseball and Bourbon 