When I started this blog, I said I'd review a scotch or bourbon and a cigar from time to time. I've been churning out CNF articles for the last couple of months and I've neglected that part of the original vision for the blog. But I digress.
Over the last couple of weeks, I've had the chance to enjoy some very tasty beverages. But before I get into that, I'd like to throw out a much belated thanks to the good folks over at Scapa Technologies. At the last EclipseCon, through the bequest of a friendly WTP PMC member, I was fortunate enough to end up with one of the bottles of Scapa 14yr that they brought along. Scapa is an Orkney Islands scotch that's hard to come by in my neck of the woods. I've had the Scapa 12yr before though, and I have to say that it goes great with a good steak -- particularly a ribeye or prime rib. I've always thought it had a nice honey with a hint of vanilla flavor that's different from the more peaty or smokey scotches. It also goes very well with any medium to full bodied cigar.
At least once or twice a week, I catch up with a friend of mine to catch the fights. The past two weeks have been pretty decent boxing matches, but particularly good for bourbon.
If you're looking to try something a little more full bodied than your average bourbon, without quite the taming that an aged bourbon undergoes, check out the Wild Turkey Kentucy Spirit. The flavor is full enough to be compared to the 10 year Wild Turkey Russell Reserve, but still has a nice ruggedness like a straight up Wild Turkey 101. Each Kentucky Spirit bottle is individually labeled with the warehouse, row, barrell, and date of bottling. Each barrell is hand selected by Jimmy Russell, the master distiller of Austin Nichols.
And finally, the week before last, I was lucky enough to try Some Pappy Van Winkles 20yr. This really was a cut above just about any other bourbon that I've had. It's very smooth, but still has a nice little afterburn. I would describe the flavor as having the hint of butterscotch on the aftertaste, which was unique among the bourbons I've had before. This is another of the many fine tasty beverages not available in my local area, although there is one savvy local establishment that carries the Pappy Van Winkle's 15yr, which is great -- but the extra 5 years on the 20yr really makes a difference!
Well, I think that's about all I have to add on this topic for now. In my next Boxing and Bourbon post, I'll cover a few cigars that I've had recently -- both new and old favorites.
* The image of Pappy Van Winkles was linked to from their website. The other two images were my own.
