Scoring with a ‘Manly’ Drink

According to the website askmen.com, nothing says “brawny” like a glass of bourbon. Could this be why I feel such a sense of pride for having correctly identified this classic American whiskey on the blind tasting portion of my recent exam?

I should mention that I failed to identify the two other spirits—Poire Williams and Calvados. Yet I feel no shame in that. After all, how many hard liquor ads feature chiseled alpha males refreshing themselves with pear and apple brandy after a hard day of roping cattle?

Scoring on the “manly” drink gave me a distinct sense of triumph, especially considering my lack of whiskey-drinking experience. But to be honest, bourbon is fairly easy to spot. Most of that has to do with how it is produced.

Bourbon must be made from a mash bill (mix of grains) containing at least 51 percent corn and aged for a minimum of two years in new charred-oak barrels, which boost the smoothness by removing harsh elements while giving the spirit a lovely reddish hue.

These rules insure bourbon’s characteristic aromas and flavors—rich and nutty with layers of vanilla, caramel, and sweet spice. I found it infinitely more palatable than most other whiskeys. Still, I’m not ready to fully embrace it as a wine substitute at the end of a busy workweek.

Now that my spirits studies are over I may sprinkle this blog with the occasional aperitif, digestive, or refreshing cocktail—but for the most part, I’ll be back to my vinous roots.

Tags: bourbon