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You're out of: Jim Beam or Jack Daniel's Replace it with: Evan Williams Single Barrel 2001

American whiskey is in an interesting place right now. We’re in the midst of an absolutely explosive renaissance, bourbon sales alone are up almost 40% in the last six years, and the variety of craft, small-batch, single barrel and special vintage selections on the market is joyfully overwhelming. Go to your local bar, though, and you’ll find new and interesting offerings in every other spirit category but only a handful of the most tried and true American whiskeys. I have nothing against the classics, it’s just you know where to find them. For your home, get something particular. The annually released Single Barrels from Evan Williams are consistently special and this year’s edition is no slouch: yes, it’s a tinge harder, less refined than previous years, but that’s a nice reminder that growing up doesn’t mean wearing down.

My Pappy was a McCoy, I ain’t drinkin’ nothin’ from Kentucky: How about New York? The whiskeys coming out of Tuthilltown Spirits -- the Empire State’s first distillery since Prohibition shut down a thriving Rye industry -- may be a glimpse into the future of craft distilling. Its Hudson Baby Bourbon is a standout: hugely drinkable, made from 100% New York corn, with a smoothness and palette simplicity that compares nicely to its genteel Tennessee cousins.

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Comments

Dudell

84489 4

Bulldog Gin is my favorite. Great gin and looks really cool on a bar.

Jan 20, 2011 at 3:23 PM
ortizlife

391698 1

GREAT piece... while you're at it, take some of those and put it into elegant decanters for a little more of a classy look and less of a 'corner pub' one...

http://theyounggentlemensguide.com/

Jan 21, 2011 at 11:08 AM
Chris Koch

672979 10

ortizlife: so glad you like the article, and nice rec on the decanters. here's to drinking better AND more stylishly in 2011!

http://www.theidiotproof.com

Jan 21, 2011 at 3:51 PM
Deaths-
Door-
Spirits

739369 2

Thanks for the Death's Door Gin shout out! We appreciate it!

Benjamin Webb
608-441-1083
Madison, WI
http://www.deathsdoorspirits.com

Jan 21, 2011 at 5:39 PM
Chris Koch

672979 10

Benjamin: so happy to give the shout out, it's really such an exceptional gin. One of my favorite bartenders uses it for a signature Last Word, any recommendations from you guys (or anyone else here) for a fresh, spring, gin-based cocktail?

Keep up the great work. Hoping to make it up to Washington Island eventually to see you guys in action.

Jan 22, 2011 at 5:20 PM
malcedor

607608 47

hmmm... a gin-based spring cocktail? lately i've been experimenting with my own take on the "cherub's cup" (muddled strawberries, hendrick's, st. germain's, lemon juice and simple syrup, topped with champagne or brut rose).

my version - for the moment - consists of muddled blueberries and raspberries, junipero gin (although i may try death's door after reading your description), st. germain, and fresh lemon juice. my girlfriend likes it topped with ginger beer, i prefer a splash of club soda or nothing.

personally i've been pretty damn satisfied, and it certainly is a fresh-tasting beverage. give it a try and let me know what you all think...

Jan 23, 2011 at 1:36 PM
R3353

666109 3

Canadian Hunter is a very cheap Cown alternative for those that mix with cola or ginger ale. And by very cheap I mean plastic bottle. But you have fancy decanters by now, right?

Jan 24, 2011 at 3:28 PM
Deaths-
Door-
Spirits

739369 2

Chris -

A cocktail that's gaining popularity in Madison is the Death's Door Gin Old Fashioned (classic style - brandied cherries are a must).

Here are a few others:

Basil Cucumber Gimlet

2 oz Death's Door Gin
3/4 oz Cucumber Syrup (equal parts cucumber juice and sugar)
3/4 oz Fresh lime juice
2 oz double strength Jasmine Tea
2 fresh basil leaves

Add slapped basil leaves to bottom of shaker tin. Fill with ice and build drink with remaining ingredients. Cap and shake with vigor. Strain into a chilled coupe glass. No Garnish.

Seventh Heaven

2 oz. Death’s Door gin
¾ oz. maraschino liqueur
1 ½ oz. grapefruit juice
1 mint leaf

GARNISH: mint leaf

Shake all ingredients in iced cocktail shaker. Strain into chilled cocktail/martini glass and garnish with mint leaf.

Jan 25, 2011 at 2:23 PM
martinimav-
en

497311 16

Martin Miller London gin taught me to love gin. It has all the herbal goodness of Bombay Sapphire but I like this better. It's sweet and aromatic, tickles the tongue, and cries out to you "Taste Me", preferably chilled.

Jan 27, 2011 at 2:38 PM
revolgnad

323713 1

That's a bottle of Evan Williams Black Label in the picture, not the single barrel (in case anyone wants to pick some up). The EV single barrel is a great whiskey, but for a Beam/Daniel's replacement I'd suggest Buffalo Trace as closer to the price point.

Feb 04, 2011 at 2:07 PM