Ben Bitten Posted November 22, 2011 Share Posted November 22, 2011 Both my mother and my father-in-law like whiskey sours - so this year for the holidays my wife and I thought we'd try our hand and making our own for them. However, whiskey is not something my wife or I drink frequently (if I want something stiff I usually go for tequila (an none of that chaser crap neither )). So, I'm looking for recommendations - what's a good whiskey? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J-BAR #18287 Posted November 22, 2011 Share Posted November 22, 2011 Irish whiskeys, like Powers, Tullamore Dew, Jameson's, are triple distilled and milder than bourbon or scotch. Good neat, with ice, or mixed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eamon Chute Posted November 22, 2011 Share Posted November 22, 2011 Whiskey sours are typically made with bourbon or rye. For a good "mixing" bourbon try Buffalo Trace or Makers Mark. In a rye Sazarac would be my choice. EC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben Bitten Posted November 22, 2011 Author Share Posted November 22, 2011 Much obliged, fellas. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickasaw Bill SASS #70001 Posted November 22, 2011 Share Posted November 22, 2011 OLD CHARTER from the bottle or a glass , don't waste it with mixers CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subdeacon Joe Posted November 22, 2011 Share Posted November 22, 2011 Jameson is a good mixer. So is Johnny Walker. Wild Turkey and Jim Beam are good bourbons. Oh...Crown Royal! Another good mixer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texas Phil Peeno #50923 Posted November 22, 2011 Share Posted November 22, 2011 Makers Mark, Woodsford Reserve and Bulliet are my preferences. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Notso Slim, SASS #67301 Posted November 22, 2011 Share Posted November 22, 2011 Knob Creek or Makers Mark (they are small batch and very good) and just plain old Jack Danels Black label Jameson is my favorite but the only thing that should go in the glass with it is ice and or water. Slim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheriff Oso, SASS #57788L Posted November 22, 2011 Share Posted November 22, 2011 Wild Turkey makes a fine 101 proof RYE, tho all I would ever mix it with would be water (and just a splash. I like a nice Bin Laden after a hard day's work. 2 shots and a splash of water!) FWIW...YMMV SOso Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subdeacon Joe Posted November 22, 2011 Share Posted November 22, 2011 Jameson is my favorite but the only thing that should go in the glass with it is ice and or water. Slim I used to think that way about some of them - too good to use as a mixer. Then I started thinking about cooking with wine, if you don't want to drink it, why cook with it? A superior whiskey will (usually) give you a superior drink. I know that is anathema to many, but once you get past the initial shock of even considering using a 25 year old Macallan for a mixed drink it makes sense. Now, you have to be careful. I like Bowmore, very smoky and a touch salty. I tried that to make a Godfather (scotch and amaretto) and it was horrible. The salt clashed with the amaretto. But other smoky scotches worked well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Chief Posted November 22, 2011 Share Posted November 22, 2011 Wild Turkey American Honey. No mixing just sipping. (good for back aches) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben Bitten Posted November 22, 2011 Author Share Posted November 22, 2011 choices, choices. Many thanks, all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Utah Bob #35998 Posted November 22, 2011 Share Posted November 22, 2011 I used to think that way about some of them - too good to use as a mixer. Then I started thinking about cooking with wine, if you don't want to drink it, why cook with it? A superior whiskey will (usually) give you a superior drink. I know that is anathema to many, but once you get past the initial shock of even considering using a 25 year old Macallan for a mixed drink it makes sense. Now, you have to be careful. I like Bowmore, very smoky and a touch salty. I tried that to make a Godfather (scotch and amaretto) and it was horrible. The salt clashed with the amaretto. But other smoky scotches worked well. Exactly. If you are the type who enjoys mixed drinks, using cheap ingredients will only render an inferior result. I enjoy Makers Mark and Bulleit for bourbon but I'm not against an occasional Jack Daniels. For Tequila I like makers such as Don Julio. NOT Cuervo. In an Irish I like Clontarf. Velvety smooth. As soon as the weather turns I may whip up some hot buttered rum and toast Rogers' Rangers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dusty Balz, SASS#46599 Posted November 22, 2011 Share Posted November 22, 2011 Other peoples whiskey!!! Serious? good whiskey in a whiskey sour? Save the good stuff for a glass full of ice I like Jameson and Tullamore Dew best, followed by Pendelton and Buffalo Trace. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clueless Bob Posted November 22, 2011 Share Posted November 22, 2011 I prefer George Dickle over JD. George isn't as sweet as Jack. Nor Crown for that matter. And I don't touch to-kill-ya!!!!. And for me, scotch, single blends and a few blended, only need a glass accompanied of course with a fine cigar. Make the glass alittle warm.... Aaaaahhhhhhh... BLISS!!!!!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subdeacon Joe Posted November 22, 2011 Share Posted November 22, 2011 Other peoples whiskey!!! Serious? good whiskey in a whiskey sour? Save the good stuff for a glass full of ice I like Jameson and Tullamore Dew best, followed by Pendelton and Buffalo Trace. I prefer George Dickle over JD. George isn't as sweet as Jack. Nor Crown for that matter. And I don't touch to-kill-ya!!!!. And for me, scotch, single blends and a few blended, only need a glass accompanied of course with a fine cigar. Make the glass alittle warm.... Aaaaahhhhhhh... BLISS!!!!!!!!! Don't get me wrong, I still think the best use for premium distilled beverages is neat or maybe a splash of water (which can often help bring out some of the flavors) or a little ice (if it is over about 80 degrees). But, if the urge for a mixed drink hits, why not use the best ingredients you can afford? Yeah, store brand scotch and ginger ale with some of the bottled lime juice will yield something drinkable. But MacCallan, Cock&Bull Ginger Beer, some lime zest and a bit of fresh lime juice is something you will actually enjoy. Hint - make a flavored syrup with lots of grated ginger and lime zest. Strain it and add a spoonful to your drink. ADDED: Dickle Sour Mash is well worth the price if you can find it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Tennessee Stud, SASS# 43634 Life Posted November 22, 2011 Share Posted November 22, 2011 I much prefer my own... a real fine, sour mash... dated September. It is a genuine... double-rectified... pop skull. Aged in a keg.... (and holds a bead like no other, I might add). Other than that... just gimme any of the other, lesser-known, but decent sour mash squeezin's... Jack Daniels, George Dickel, etc. If you could find this disconinued stuff... buy it up if ya can... Lem Motlow. I got two cases of this stored up for when SHTF happens... and it is the best sour mash ever made... bar none. ts Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duffield, SASS #23454 Posted November 22, 2011 Share Posted November 22, 2011 Since you are only going to make a few Whiskey Sours for your inlaws, cost should not be a factor. In this case, I recommend Blanton's bourbon. It is a bit pricy, but it is worth it. Duffield Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Okie Sawbones, SASS #77381 Posted November 22, 2011 Share Posted November 22, 2011 I disagree with youse bums. Mixing a fine whiskey or bourbon is like drinking a fine wine with a cigar. All of the subtle nuances are lost. Just get a mid-range whiskey or bourbon like Jack Daniels Black Label and mix away. Save the fine stuff for sipping. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subdeacon Joe Posted November 22, 2011 Share Posted November 22, 2011 I disagree with youse bums. Mixing a fine whiskey or bourbon is like drinking a fine wine with a cigar. All of the subtle nuances are lost. Just get a mid-range whiskey or bourbon like Jack Daniels Black Label and mix away. Save the fine stuff for sipping. Not like we are suggesting 17 or 21 year old Balvine. And cigars and port are an ancient and honourable tradition! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yellowhouse Sam # 25171 Posted November 23, 2011 Share Posted November 23, 2011 I like plain ole Evan Williams and it won't bankrupt you either. Going up the scale Bulleit is pretty dang good stuff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mack Hacker, #60477 Posted November 23, 2011 Share Posted November 23, 2011 I like plain ole Evan Williams and it won't bankrupt you either. Going up the scale Bulleit is pretty dang good stuff. Good answer. You might substitute Ezra Brooks for Evan Williams as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jacknife Posted November 23, 2011 Share Posted November 23, 2011 What you mean "good whiskey"? Ain't no such thing as "bad whiskey". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Professor Tull, SASS #66742 Posted November 23, 2011 Share Posted November 23, 2011 George Dickel George Dickel George Dickel Makers Mark Bulleit P Tull Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Korupt Karl Posted November 23, 2011 Share Posted November 23, 2011 Since you are only going to make a few Whiskey Sours for your inlaws, cost should not be a factor. In this case, I recommend Blanton's bourbon. It is a bit pricy, but it is worth it. Duffield I was a bourbon drinker for years. My day to day preference was Woodford Reserve or Ridgemont Reserve.....my special day bourbon was as someone else had mentioned....Blantens and as they say a bit pricey but if you drink it straight you'll fall in love. KK Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chili Pepper Kid, SASS #60463 Posted November 23, 2011 Share Posted November 23, 2011 Bulleit!! CPK Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Apache Hawk 60642 Posted November 23, 2011 Share Posted November 23, 2011 Read my by line for a good mixer ! Bulliet...nice and neat....no ice....no water...no mixer ...period ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Calamity Kris Posted November 23, 2011 Share Posted November 23, 2011 Back in my whiskey drinking days, I preferred Jack Daniels Single Barrel or Gentleman Jack. As I recall, they weren't too pricey and were very smooth. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deja Vous Posted November 23, 2011 Share Posted November 23, 2011 Glenlivet... I don't drink large amouts, so I go for taste... I like cognac too, warmed .. and good red wine like a good Merlot. I get loaded pretty easy, so I go for taste cuz I can.. And I don't get drunk.. I will get what I call "warm" or "fuzzy".. but nothing more.. so I can dabble with more coslty drinks that way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harvey Mushman Posted November 23, 2011 Share Posted November 23, 2011 I used to think that way about some of them - too good to use as a mixer. Then I started thinking about cooking with wine, if you don't want to drink it, why cook with it? A superior whiskey will (usually) give you a superior drink. I know that is anathema to many, but once you get past the initial shock of even considering using a 25 year old Macallan for a mixed drink it makes sense. Now, you have to be careful. I like Bowmore, very smoky and a touch salty. I tried that to make a Godfather (scotch and amaretto) and it was horrible. The salt clashed with the amaretto. But other smoky scotches worked well. +1 On the Bowmore - a great Islay single malt!! And my favorite Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yellowhouse Sam # 25171 Posted November 23, 2011 Share Posted November 23, 2011 What you mean "good whiskey"? Ain't no such thing as "bad whiskey". I respectfully disagree! A buddy of mine brought some Canadian Hunter or such to deer camp one time. Cheapest there was on the shelf but passed for alcohol I guess and it smelled and tasted like formalin. On second thought it was drinkable after you let it sit so the formaldehyde would kinda vaporize...took lots of coke to hide the off flavor though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waimea Posted November 23, 2011 Share Posted November 23, 2011 If you feed them the good stuff you run the risk of them wanting to stay. You must ask yourself, "Is it REALLY worth it?" Waimea Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chili Ron Posted November 23, 2011 Share Posted November 23, 2011 Howdy, Fer mixin seems like most any whiskey is as good as the next. But it makes sense that better ingredients make a better drink. Dickle 12 is Tenn. sippin whiskey, says so on de label. Put into a drink I doubt anyone would complain. It is considerate to buy from Tenn. or KY as opposed to outside the us. Best CR Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Tennessee Stud, SASS# 43634 Life Posted November 23, 2011 Share Posted November 23, 2011 I know... I know it truly sad... but let's face the facts.... Both my mother and my father-in-law like whiskey sours Dam... sure is hard on figgerin' out how to sour-up some good whiskey... we still got a man's job ahead of us. ts Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben Bitten Posted November 23, 2011 Author Share Posted November 23, 2011 So many suggestions... Thanks, pards! I finally went with Maker's Mark. Damn good straight too! Smooth and well flavored. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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