Tales from the Bottom Shelf - Review of Old Grand Dad 114

The title of this post, “Tales from the Bottom Shelf” may be perceived as a negative connotation.  Trust me when I say that this is only referring to the spot that the liquor stores choose to place this hidden gem of the bourbon world.  In an age where some enthusiasts are only seeking the latest limited edition offering from one of the big boys, there are missed opportunities for great tasting from these same distilleries.

One such offering is the classic 114 proof sipper from Jim Beam – Old Grand Dad.  Since this bottle spends its life on the bottom shelf of almost every liquor store, it doesn’t get too much attention.  My first introduction to this beauty was in a cocktail paired with a cinnamon syrup, ginger and soda.  A fine cocktail but once I realized how great this was on its own, I quickly changed my ways.

There is a ton of flavor packed into to OGD 114.  Much like its brethren, the more mature Basil Hayden, the lower proof 100 edition and the 86 (or 80 depending on how old the bottle is) it presents in a deep amber color with nose of orange among the classic caramel notes.   My favorite way to drink bourbon is to find the sweet spot around 108 proof.  At 57% ABV, This can be a bit spicy.  I suggest letting your dram breath for a few minutes, take a sip and add a small piece of ice to further soften.  

The palate brings more orange with hints of fresh pepper, cinnamon, herbal notes of sage and mint with a classic vanilla tone.  Though it does not offer an age stamp, OGD 114 drinks like 4-year-old bourbon.  The hints of oak and deep color validate this assumption.  

My favorite part of this $24 bourbon is the finish.  Long, rich, delicious without a hint of bitterness.  Even at this proof, it is dangerously smooth and easy to drink.  One warning - don’t enjoy it too much – it will make you swear off those 80 proof “watered down” bourbons! 

Where to find OGD - Any liquor store....

Price - $19 - $30.00

Jefferson Reserve Groth Reserve Cask Finish Review

Jefferson's newest submission to the world of bourbon comes from a wine barrel.  This bottling is presented in the traditional Jefferson's Reserve mold with a distinguishing red label sporting all the critical specs.  Groth, a 4-6 year old chill filtered bourbon is mellowed in former cabernet wine casks sourced form California's Groth Family Winery.  The roughly 9 month finishing process in these French oak barrels lends a number of unique characteristics to the spirit.  The color of this sipper has just a hint of the red hued cousin that formerly occupied the barrel. 

The nose is reminiscent of a classic 6 year whiskey with prominent vanilla notes and a nutty aroma. 

On the palate, Groth presents familiar notes of caramel and vanilla.  Coming in at 90.2 proof, the best way to enjoy this tasty beverage is over a few ice cubes which releases a sweet nose and red wine notes.   I have tried Groth a number of different times.  Each round, I find different notes to call out.  Almonds, nectarine, honey, peaches, berries and even toffee. 

Towards the end of the tasting, you really discover the flavors of the wine barrel aging.  There is a dry finish similar to that of a quality cabernet. 

I really enjoyed this unique entry into the bourbon world.  It comes with a price tag around $80 so it is a special occasion drink.   Try it today with a few other bourbon enthusiasts - you will be glad you did.  

http://jeffersonsbourbon.com/ 

Review of the Rooster's Nest Bourbon Beard Oil - Batch 2 - Wear Your Bourbon

There is a unique barber shop located in downtown Lexington Ky. - one like no other.  This traditional style-and-shaving parlour is called The Rooster's Nest.  Catering to the man that once was and now coming back strong, The Rooster's Nest rejuvenates the place a man needs to be and where any age can go to get a proper trim and shave. 

While providing a unique atmosphere with impeccable service, The Rooster's Nest also carries products that follow suit.  The one product that brought me through their door was the handmade Bourbon Beard Oil that the owner makes himself.  Now on their fourth batch, they have seen a wave of success with this tonic.  After speaking with Jason Glass, the owner, I found that just like bourbon, a good "mash bill" for beard oil is just as important as its oak-aged counterpart.

Jason, the creator of The Rooster's Nest wanted to make a beard oil that is close to home.  While experimenting with different mixtures and over 7 months of trial and error, he finalized his first batch.    The contents include sweet almond oil, grape seed oil, hemp, jojoba, tobacco oil and of course bourbon.  Makers Mark was used in batch one.  After his first batch sold out, batch two was quickly created.  This was the oil The Four Barrels tested.  Batch two was tweaked and the bourbon was changed to Bulleit.  They felt the viscosity was too thick on the first run and wanted to find a better balance with the alcohol content. 

So what makes a good beard oil?  Many believe that it's the scent but a good oil is so much more.  Most beard oils are generally based on one of the following ingredients like grape-seed, jojoba, argan, or coconut oil.  Choosing the right ingredients will in-rich one's bead in nutrients and interact with ones skin.  No one wants an itchy beard or break outs.  After trying the bead oil for a couple of weeks, I found that it created great results.  On my first day I noticed the fragrance of the oil and the unique ingredients.  The tobacco was most notable and was more of a natural scent that was pleasant and carried a strong musk smell that one would expect from a men's parlour shop.  

I've always come to believe my skin was sensitive to oils and dirt.  Growing up, I had skin issues like most boys did.  As I applied the Bourbon Bead Oil each day I found that it did not effect my skin in any negative way. In fact I noticed that it softened my beard and provided hydration to both my hair and the skin on the surface.  By the second week, I could feel that my beard was less coarse and easy on the touch.  

 The Rooster's Nest is now up to batch four and they feel they have nailed it.  Not wanting to share all their secrets, they continue to adjust their ingredients to find that perfect blend of what they are searching for.  With the current batch, they also adjusted the packaging.  The tonic now boasts a dropper to extract the oil.  The team feels this will offer a cleaner application and enhance ease-of-use for the user.  The creators also shared some future ideas that got my beard tingling and I will leave you with two words, bourbon and rum.  You will have to visit their parlour to find out what it is.  It will be worth the trip.  

"There was a time, not so long ago, when a man could head down to his local barber shop to get a great haircut, a hot lather straight razor shave, and relax in a place where a man could be a man.   That place still exists, it's The Rooster's Nest Barber Shop and Shaving Parlour. Visiting  The Rooster's Nest is like stepping back in time to a place where men shined their shoes, kept a tight crease in their pants, and they sure as heck kept their hair looking sharp. From the 1955 barber chairs to the walls full of pictures of a time long since gone, The Rooster's Nest is the perfect place to get one of our “13-Step Straight Razor Shaves”. Put a record on the hi-fi, grab a drink out of our old fridge, thumb through an issue of “Bachelor Pad” magazine, and relax in a real man's sanctuary. A real barber shop isn't a thing of the past. Come on down to The Rooster's Nest. Its a place you can call your own."

 

bottles currently go for $25.00 

 Check out their social media outlets below:

Website 

Facebook  

Instagram

Also, check out our store and order your own Bourbon Nation T-shirt today!  www.bluegrassbourbonco.com

Now Open - The Four Barrels Official Store - Bluegrass Bourbon Co.

With much work and anticipation, The Four Barrels has created and launched our official store, Bluegrass Bourbon Company .  We decided to launch the online store in conjunction with the blog to expand our passion for the bourbon industry. 

Today the Bluegrass Bourbon Company released the official Bourbon Nation Tee.  Our first of many bourbon specific designs to come.  Along with apparel, the store will also carry bourbon related products, both locally and nationally proud. 

Follow us on instragram under thefourbarrels and bluegrassbourbon

Thank you for all your support and raise your glass for another milestone!

Cheers!
    

Visit us at www.bluegrassbourbonco.com