Kyle invited a few friends over after work on Friday to indulge in a bourbon tasting experience. You might ask “why?” and I would answer “good question…” The truth of it is, actually, that he has challenged himself to 30 days of bourbon drinking, hoping that he will acquire a taste for it. Honestly, that’s the truth.
Back to Friday night. A few friends came over, one of which was crucial to the party - a born and raised Kentuckian. He was our tie to anything civilized about this experience, furthering our knowledge of single barrel, proof testing and other insights into the world of bourbon.
We tried two different kinds, Blanton’s and Basil Hayden’s. I have to say that the bourbon drinking experience was much what I expected - intense and accompanied by the burn that naturally goes along with drinking 96 proof alcohol. I really wish I could say something interesting about the taste, something romantic like “my taste buds experienced a warm smokiness on the front and a long finish of oak and dark chocolate….” but closer to the truth goes something like, “my taste buds experienced a sharp burn on the front, which then smoldered in my chest for a long finish.”
Given this, you might be surprised to hear that I actually didn’t think my first bourbon drinking was that bad. Not good, but not bad. Perhaps I’ll have to try it again to test the theory that tastes like these are acquired. I mean, I didn’t like red wine either when I first drank it. People can change…sometimes it just takes 30 days to make changes happen.
Posted on March 3rd, 2008 by katiejocannon
Filed under: Food
On other nights, I might feel the need to defend myself….I mean, I could see how this “forced” bourbon drinking could be taken. But, fortunately, I just finished a “neat” glass of Basil Hayden’s - a Kentucky bourbon that has put me in a better mood.
As the “born and raised Kentuckian” at this party, I must say that I am honored to be part of Kyle’s 30 days of bourbon. When I truly decided to pick up the habit, it took me a couple of bottles to really get the taste. A splash of water doesn’t hurt as well. I am personally not a fan of adding ice, but to each his own.
And thanks to Camacho Watcho and the Deets for introducing me to this bloging thing.