The Intoxicologist

In case you haven’t been to The Intoxicologist Facebook page, you’re missing out on a Scotch cocktail creation contest that ends Monday, November 16 at noon CST.  You may use any Scotch you like to create your cocktail, however I will be using Glenfiddich Single Malt Scotch Whisky and Grant’s Blended Scotch to recreate them for judging.  Please include a cocktail name and exact measurements for your drink recipe.  All ideas are welcome, but need to fall within 5 ingredients or less using easy to find ingredients.  Join me at The Intoxicologist on Facebook to submit your cocktail creation.  Winners will be announced sometime next week.

New cocktail contest – Hot Brew!  Hot coffee, hot chocolate and hot ciders make the top of the list for winter warm-ups.  But these three basics are of course not the only hot drinks to sip while taking the chill out of one’s bones.  Enter your best winter warm up drink recipe (cocktail or Mocktail) and I’ll award a Starbucks prize to the winner.  Contest ends Friday, November 20.  All entries must be submitted to The Intoxicologist Facebook page.

Speaking of winter warm ups…

Winner of the Jim Beam Bourbon cocktail creation contest in the week prior to Halloween, Dan Bliss, created the Beamin’ Punkin.  Dan says this is a family favorite and speaks to Jim Beam Bourbon lovers everywhere.  Sit back and enjoy!

Beamin’ Punkin

Dan Bliss, Omaha NE

1-1/2 ounce Jim Beam Bourbon

2 ounce Pumpkin Spice Schnapps

Cinnamon Stick

Clove & Nutmeg

Warm the ingredients in a heat proof mug.  Torani Pumpkin Spice Syrup may be substituted for schnapps. 

Another seasonal warmer to get you through a cool evening or early morning tailgate party…

Dulce Dominicana

1 ounce Brugal Anejo or Extra Viejo Rum

1/2 ounce Vanilla Liqueur

1/4 ounce Allspice Liqueur

1 cup Apple Cider

Pinch of whole cloves

Pinch of star anise

Three orange slices

Heat all ingredients, except for alcohol, over the stovetop until simmering.  Add to mug containing alcoholic ingredients, straining out spices and fruit.  Garnish with one of the stewed orange slices and a fresh star anise.

Living Grand & Teenie: Low Calorie Cocktail & Drink Recipes

Holiday in a Glass: Fall to Thanksgiving Cocktails

Hot Brew: Winter & Holiday Hot Coffee Recipes

Reviews – Classic Cocktails – Holiday Cocktails - Low Calorie Cocktails

Drink Recipes & Photos

Holiday Recipes @ National Cocktails Examiner – Low Calorie @ National Cocktails Examiner

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www.discus.org – Distilled Spirits Council of the United States

Copyright 2009 Cheri Loughlin – The Intoxicologist – All Rights Reserved

Tuthilltown Spirits answers a few obvious questions about their whiskey that many consumers question right off the bat such as ‘Does bourbon have to come from Kentucky?’  The answer is no.  While there are specific legal requirements such as bourbon must be at least 51% corn with no additives such as coloring or sugar among other things, bourbon may come from other areas within the United States.  Tuthilltown Spirits plainly states on the bottle ‘Hudson Baby Bourbon’ rather than Kentucky born and raised.  The baby reference is in regard to the shortened aging process.  This isn’t ‘Straight Bourbon’ aged for a minimum requirement of two years that bourbon drinkers are accustomed to consuming.  Tuthilltown Spirits opts for a range of 2 and 3 gallon size barrels for aging allowing the Baby Bourbon to ‘mature’ at an increased rate (3 to 6 months).  Their theory is this shortened time allows the bourbon to extract the essence of the oak more quickly than the usual long term aging process of commonly known bourbons aged in larger barrels. 

My thought: You know how great lasagna or Mexican casserole tastes fresh out of the oven?  Pretty darn delicious, right?  How about the next day when the flavors have had a chance to sit with themselves and marinate a bit to get used to each other for just a little more time.  Lasagna and Mexican casserole sometimes taste even better as leftovers.  I am not suggesting leaving bourbon out overnight, but what I am suggesting is possibly there is something to the theory of long term aging rather than short term aging.  The Tuthilltown Spirits process varies from conventional methods as does the flavor.  This is definitely a try it yourself type spirit with nothing offhand to compare it to rather than fresh off the cob ear of corn flavor deep in the root of the spirit.  It’s different, not the usual whiskey or bourbon one would ordinarily come across in a bar or liquor store.  But isn’t that what the artisanal movement is all about; experimentation?  Tuthilltown Spirits has not exactly cornered the market on experimentation in the realm of bourbon and whiskey, but they are doing something exceedingly distinctive. 

Hudson New York Corn Whiskey Tasting Notes:

Raw corn with a scant hint of butter.  Milk weed.  Total sense of freshly shucked corn in the aroma and flavor.  Bitterness in the finish. 

Hudson Manhattan Rye Whiskey Tasting Notes:

Chicory flavor.  Plenty of wood notes in the scent.  Smoother around the edges with more body than the Hudson NY Corn Whiskey.  Hot spice – sort of like infused spice like Red Hot candies burn the tongue, but not cinnamon like.  Grassy/grainy sense to this.  No sweetness to this whiskey at all.

Hudson Four Grain Bourbon Whiskey Tasting Notes:

Quite a bit of barrel overtone.  Water opens up the wheat and it becomes a bit sweeter with noticeable hints of mocha.  Bitterness to this likened to that of almond skins. 

Hudson Baby Bourbon Whiskey Tasting Notes:

More like a bourbon with rounder edges than the others.  Corn is still recognizable underneath, but almost hidden. There is dryness on the nose that is predominant in each of the Hudson whiskies.  An extreme amount of wood tone.  Hot spice on the tongue. 

Overall the distinguishing characteristics in the Hudson whiskies seem to be basic wood, raw corn and grain.  The shortened aging process does not pull fruit and nut to a great degree from the wood barrel as is often recognized in other whiskies and bourbons.  But, I’ve seen this particular spirit in action at tastings with crowds flocking to it as a spirit that colors outside the lines, not the run of the mill whiskey.  That is terrific.  It gives something new to chew on, gurgle around the gums and create a new spirit breed and cocktail format.  However, it is an acquired taste.  That taste could be raw, cutting edge, discerning or fashionable.  It just depends on how your palate and eye towards artisanal wants to perceive it.  Tuthilltown Spirits is just different than the usual.  Perhaps that is their niche.  Departure from the typical is what sets Tuthilltown Spirts apart from the rest. 

Scarecrow – created by The Intoxicologist

1 ounce Hudson New York Corn Whiskey

1/2 ounce NAVAN Vanilla Liqueur

1/2 ounce Banana Nectar

1/4 ounce Tuaca

1 teaspoon Simple Syrup

Combine liquids in a cocktail shaker with ice.  Shake to blend.  Strain into an old fashioned glass over fresh ice. 

Tastes a little like unroasted buttered sweet corn.  Extreme corn flavor.  Definitely have to love the flavor of corn to care for this particular cocktail since it plays up the tone of the corn whiskey. 

Bourbon Cocktail Recipes - Top 10 Classic Cocktails - Drink Recipes & Photos

Spirits Reviews - Holiday Drink Recipes

When Death Comes Knocking: Death’s Door Gin Review - Death’s Door Spirits Drink Recipes

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www.discus.org – Distilled Spirits Council of the United States

Copyright 2009 Cheri Loughlin – The Intoxicologist – All Rights Reserved

Tuthilltown Spirits is part of the Classic & Vintage Portfolio of Handcrafted, Artisanal Gem Spirits

Buffalo Trace Dog Days Welcome - Not a bad way to start the weekend.

Buffalo Trace Distillery hosts White Dog Days this weekend.  Festivities began last night with a tour of the distillery and special toast with White Dog by Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley and barrel signing by all invited guests.  Everyone can join in on White Dog Days fun by venturing out to Keeneland Racecourse this afternoon.  The first 1,000 patrons to enter the gate receive a pair of Buffalo Trace jockey goggles.  Patrons may also enter the Buffalo Trace Distillery Sweepstakes.  White Dog Days weekend offers more exciting events open to the public at the Buffalo Trace Distillery Saturday.  Don’t miss out.

I had the opportunity to take an inside look at the Buffalo Trace Distillery Thursday evening.  Photos from the distillery along with Harlen Wheatley toasting with White Dog may be found on the National Cocktails Examiner page.  A few more favorite photos from the evening are featured below.

There are some amazing old buildings on the Buffalo Trace Distillery property this is just one small example of beautiful old windows that just mesmerize.

Buffalo Trace Distillery Mash Recepticle in the process of filling

Bubbling Mash - tastes like yeasty beer. It wasn't obvious at first, but at closer examination the grain and color became apparent. This is just fascinating.

The new 'NASCAR' still that will do just about everything. Plaque of Col. EH Taylor Jr is in the background.

Buffalo Trace Distillery 'NASCAR' Still Fixture. There is just something about this photo that captured my attention. It's stunning in my opinion.

Buffalo Trace Distillery White Dog Tap

Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley rolls the newly signed barrel into the warehouse. Guests in attendance of the evenings festivities signed the barrel at the end of the distillery tour.

Cocktail Recipes - Bourbon Drink Recipes – Drink Recipes & Photos

Buffalo Trace Bourbon Recipes - Bourbon Drink Recipes

Buffalo Trace Bourbon Classic & Contemporary Cocktails

Buffalo Trace Bourbon: Sophisticated Sipper, Cocktail Diverse

Apple Trace Teenie - Brainstorm - B-B52

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www.discus.org – Distilled Spirits Council of the United States

Copyright 2009 Cheri Loughlin – The Intoxicologist – All Rights Reserved

Baker’s Bourbon became a fast favorite bourbon earlier this year due to its wonderful display of vanilla and caramel notes.  My preferred way of enjoying Baker’s is with a single cube left to melt idly in the glass while the bourbon warms to room temperature again.  Savoring the full warmth of this one increases the enjoyment in my opinion.  The texture remains smooth as silk, full and rich, warm and supple. 

Kentucky Sparkler – created by The Intoxicologist

1 part Baker’s Bourbon

1/4 part Simple Syrup

1/4 part Lemon Juice

3 drops Orange Bitters

1-1/2 part Zipang Sparkling Sake

Lemon Twist Garnish

Combine Baker’s Bourbon, simple syrup, lemon juice and orange bitters in a mixing glass with ice.  Shake to blend and chill.  Strain into a cocktail glass.  Top with 1-1/2 part Zipang Sparkling Sake.  Garnish with lemon twist. 

After searching through bourbon recipes I came across the Ginza cocktail that uses ordinary sake within the cocktail.  The Ginza inspired the Kentucky Sparkler.  This cocktail reduces the ratio of bourbon due to Baker’s higher proof, but fully utilizes its flavor.  This version also takes full advantage of newer Zipang Sparkling Sake seen on the market turning this drink recipe into a celebration style cocktail when the need arises.   The addition of bitters adds depth of character and a hint of spicy flair. 

Bourbon Cocktail Recipes - Top 10 Classic Cocktails - Drink Recipes & Photos

Kentucky Cowhand - Maker’s Mark Bourbon Drink Recipes

Bourbon Drink Recipes - Knob Creek Bourbon Drink Recipes - Basil Hayden’s Bourbon Drink Recipes

Hitting the Maker’s Mark: Hangman’s Noose - Gekkeikan Sake Drink Recipes

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www.discus.org – Distilled Spirits Council of the United States

Copyright 2009 Cheri Loughlin – The Intoxicologist – All Rights Reserved

Maker’s Mark Bourbon carries off as a rather hearty bourbon, dark in color with rich, deep flavor.  There are subtle cherry tones with chocolate filtering in between hints of orange and possibly a fraction of apricot peel.  At 90 proof there is surprisingly little burn.  The maker hit his mark right on target with this American Spirit.

Hangman’s Noose – created by The Intoxicologist

1-1/4 ounce Maker’s Mark Bourbon

1/2 ounce Godiva Liqueur Original

1/4 ounce Sweet Vermouth

Place ingredients in a mixing glass with ice.  Shake to chill.  Strain into an old fashioned cocktail glass.

The Hangman’s Noose plays up the characteristics of Maker’s Mark Bourbon with a bit of cinnamon and chocolate shine coming through without dominating the original spirit.  Surprisingly not too sweet.  Vermouth helps add a little balance while bringing our more spice.  This makes a great Halloween drink recipe due to the name or holiday cocktail due its classic style. 

Bourbon Cocktail Recipes - Top 10 Classic Cocktails - Drink Recipes & Photos

Kentucky Cowhand - Maker’s Mark Bourbon Drink Recipes

Bourbon Drink Recipes - Knob Creek Bourbon Drink Recipes - Basil Hayden’s Bourbon Drink Recipes

The Intoxicologist on Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon

www.discus.org – Distilled Spirits Council of the United States

Copyright 2009 Cheri Loughlin – The Intoxicologist – All Rights Reserved