“The only thing we chase our whiskey shots with are high fives!” – Joe Buckler
This Whiskey Wednesday with Brian, I will be featuring a variety of bourbons which are my recommendations for you to enjoy this Thanksgiving. A more individual, in-depth review will be forthcoming. Please feel free to test these out while you impress your friends and family with your bourbon knowledge.
Appetizers: Four Roses – Yellow – 80 Proof
The appetizer course is a time for family gathering, snacking and drinking before the big meal. This is the time when you must ask yourself the most important question of the day… Do I want to share my bourbon? If so, Four Roses, Yellow, is a great bottle to have on hand for a variety of people attending the big day. This bourbon is 80 proof, so it is mild to drink “neat” or “on the rocks”. This bourbon is also great for mixing. So go ahead and let your extended family try out some bourbon on Thanksgiving. Don’t worry about them “ruining” it by mixing it with Coke. Better yet, plan on making old fashioned’s for anyone wanting to join in the bourbon fun. This one is perfect for a beginner and smooth to drink while snacking on appetizers while everyone is waiting on that juicy bird to come out of the oven.
Main Course: Elijah Craig – Small Batch – 94 Proof
The bird is out of the oven and the table is set. Side dishes are being strategically placed on the table and your family is jockeying for seats. What is missing? The main course beverage! Elijah Craig Small Batch is a perfect bourbon pairing for the main course of this Thanksgiving meal. This is also when everyone around the table has to put on their “big boy” or “big girl” pants, because this bourbon, is not for mixing. Elijah Craig should be enjoyed neat or on the rocks (if you must). Elijah Craig is a stronger flavored bourbon yet smooth to the taste. You will taste hints of caramel and vanilla as it warms you from the inside out. Elijah Craig is one of my favorite bourbons and I always keep a spare bottle hidden away just incase I run out.
Dessert: Angel’s Envy – 86.6 Proof
The meal is winding down and your pants are much tighter than earlier in the day. You think to yourself, “why didn’t I wear sweatpants today?” As you gaze across the room, there it is… dessert. Whether you are having pumpkin pie, cookies, apple pie or a fourth helping of turkey, Angel’s Envy is for you. Angel’s Envy is the perfect bourbon to round out your Thanksgiving day meal. Angel’s Envy is aged in port wine casks for 3-6 months, so you will have a touch of sweetness in the bourbon which will pair well with your dessert of choice.