Thoughts on "high proof" bourbons?

[abandonedbrain]

I've been drinking bourbon long enough to know the brands I like, and I'm finally moving up in proof in those brands. I'm finding that most of the time, higher proof is more pleasing as it holds up better on ice, and helps involve the sinus cavities more. It's amazing to me, though, that some whiskeys at 100 (like Heaven Hill BIB 7-year) hit harder than some barrel/full proof bottles (like Elijah Craig Barrel Proof at almost 130 proof).

I recently picked up a bottle of the higher-proof version of my current favorite daily driver, Knob Creek 9-year. The Single Barrel Reserve at 120 proof was a complete disappointment IMHO, as it didn't bring anything new to the table compared to the standard 100 proof. Matter of fact, blind tasting with one of my neighbors (a Wild Turkey fanatic) revealed we both preferred the overall taste and nose of the standard 100 proof. That's an extra $17 USD I won't spend again.

I did find that Old Grand Dad 114, although a fair sipper, was fantastic as a mixer in cocktails! Replaced my current go-to (JD 7-Year Black) in the drinks cabinet.

What's your thoughts on higher proof bourbons? Overhyped?

[barelfly]

I like the higher proof because I think the flavor stands out, but that isn’t always the case. Especially as you point out in your taste test.

But for Elijah Craig as an example - I don’t care for the high proof stuff they put out, their A, B and C bottles they release each year. Something about them that just doesn’t do it for me. But the regular is ok, and the toasted and rye, I really enjoy. So, it’s all preference really. Some bottles I enjoy, I wish they were a bit higher in proof just for a little more flavor. People can always add in a drop of water or ice cube to cut if needed.

And….make sure you check out the show us your bourbon thread….some fun stuff in there, showcasing a lot of cool bottles!

[briano52]

I tend to get overwhelmed by the proofs over 100. I usually pour my bourbon over rocks, stir briefly or shake once and then pour the bourbon off the ice. This tempers the alcohol heat a bit but still preserves most of the nice flavors of a fine bourbon. I prefer this method over drinking on the rocks which quickly waters down flavor.

James Bond liked his martinis shaken and not stirred. I always thought he got it backwards. With fine spirits, that have good flavor, I find that shaking over ice tends to dilute too much so that flavors are diminished. On the other hand, a quick stir and then a pour off the ice into a glass with no ice, preserves flavor and complexity in the spirit.

[fzxdoc]

I like this approach, especially with higher proof liquors. Getting the burn off so the flavor can be appreciated is what it's all about.

Kathryn

[mrteddyprincess]

My thoughts are few, but my response is that given a choice, I'll always go with the higher proof bourbon, especially cask strength.

B

[cruiseplanner1]

Agree. Took me some getting used to the "bite" of the high proof cask strength but with one ice chip in it now when I go back to my regular bottles seems like something is missing

[pknj]

I like the higher proof (> 100) for cocktails, as it balance the sweetness in an Old Fashioned or Manhattan. I do tend to like the lower proof for sipping, still.

Find that as I get older, I struggle with “fighting” either a higher proof, too hoppy IPA, or too intense a Scotch and use want something a little easier or lighter.

That said, I am better at making a cocktail now, maybe more patient or just more picky with age? Here is my new go-to when the week has been a drag - last step tends to be the most important:



Orange blossom old fashioned:

- .5 oz orange blossom simple syrup (1:1 ratio of 55 grams sugar/45 grams water/10 grams orange blossom water)

- 2 oz bourbon

- 2 dashes orange bitters

- 2 dashes angostura bitters

- two drops homemade saline (80/20 water to salt)

- stir with ice, strain over 1 large cube

- garnish with maraschino cherry and a little cherry juice to taste

- drink

- repeat

[barelfly]

I like the orange blossom addition. I also use orange bitters in my OF and an orange peel. Really like the addition. I’ll have to look into the blossom water syrup. Thanks for sharing this.

[Richard Chrz]

I'm a barrel proof guy, typically neat, I just love the heat that comes with most of them, especially rye. If it is too easy to drink, it is consumed too quick.

[fzxdoc]

Well, that's true that easy drinks go down easy. But some of the higher proofs curl my eyelashes while hiding the richness of their taste. I have to sidle up to them.

K.

[Richard Chrz]

fzxdoc , truly I need to open my eyes a bit more to it. There is no reason it could not be dressed up a bit, I just lack any creativity with it. Maybe that is what I need to consider. What are some of your favorite ways to bring out more depth?

[fzxdoc]

For me, Richard, the higher the proof, the smaller the sip. I imagine that's what you do as well.

As a rule, I don't like diluting a really good liquor with water or ice.
K.

[Skinsfan1311]

I keep a large variety of whiskey on hand, from 90 proof up to 140+. I drink whatever I'm in the mood for. 100‐110 proof is the sweet spot for me, but sometimes I like higher proof whiskey. I just follow my palate, which frequently changes. When I drink barrel-proofers it's with a splash or over a large cube for hazmats.
That said, never give up on a whiskey. Revisit it later because everyone's palates change, sometimes several times over the course of a day. What tastes great one day, may not taste as good on another day. Happens all the time.

[luvthemstillers]

The standard single barrel reserve Knob Creek at 120 proof is very similar in profile to its lower proof offerings. What you need to search for is the single barrel store picks from Knob Creek. Depending on the palate of the selection team at a given store, those selections can be absolutely fantastic. I was fortunate enough to get to participate on a Knob Creek barrel pick several years back through my local whiskey club, and Jim Beam really rolled out the red carpet for us.

Another really great barrel proof selection that I personally recommend is Wild Turkey Rare Breed. It takes everything great about the standard 101 proof and brings it up to a whole other level. It is my go to for a barrel proof sipper.

[Huskee]

KC to me has always tasted way hotter than its proof. I agree that going barrel proof doesn't seem as a big a jump as with others.

[fzxdoc]

Haven't had Wild Turkey Rare Breed for years. I may have to reacquaint myself with it. Thanks.
Kathryn

[briano52]

I like the flavors in most all of the KC bottlings. But the 120 proof straight overwhelms me. So, I mellow it out by shaking very briefly over ice and then pouring it into a glass straight up to be sipped slowly when not driving anywhere.

[klflowers]

I really don't have a proof preference. I just like what I like. I have a pretty wide selection thanks to my recent trip through KY. My current favorites are the bottles I got at Whiskey Thief - 110.8 and 117.5 proof. Old Grandad single barrel 114 is excellent. But my daily is Buffalo Trace, regular old 90 proof.

[Huskee]

Like anything it's personal and depends on what the barrel proof bourbon is, some are well worth it and some aren't. Typically, I prefer them. They cost more, yes, but you get more mileage out of the bottle.

Here's a couple for instances, according to my personal opinion:

Cask Strength Maker's Mark = not worth it. Bland, hot.
Cask Strength Maker's 46 = worth it.
Larceny Barrel Proof = Wonderful, outstanding. (Regular Larceny = meh, sorta ok).
Barrel Proof Sazerac Rye = pretty darn good
Barrel Proof Elijah Craig = pretty darn good, some batch numbers are out of this world great
Barrel Proof Four Roses Single Barrel = often outstanding, but on occasion you can get a 'meh' one.

In the case of Larceny, it just changes the whole beast in my opinion to something different and excellent. In most cases it's just a hotter version of what you already know. It's fun finding out which is which though!

[cruiseplanner1]

Always a tough call on whisky as everyone has different tastes. Kind of like pizza, no one ever orders the same thing.

[pknj]

Has anyone had luck with any of the "single barrel" whiskeys out there, bourbon specifically? I got burned with some Irish a while back (just heat, no flavor) and decided to leave the final product to the professionals, but wondering if others have had better luck?