Bourbon and Bites #2: An Orphan, a Secret and a Tornado

1732 Saint Charles Avenue,New Orleans LA 70130

29 January, 2021

Description

Jefferson's Presidential Select 16yr, Col E.H.Taylor Warehouse C Tornado Surviving, Orphan Barrel Rhetoric 20yr bourbon /small bite tasting Jefferson's Presidential Select 16 yr : Jefferson’s Presidential Select 16 Year old underwent a unique aging process. The bourbon, which started as a straight Kentucky Bourbon whiskey, was first fully matured for 10 years in new American Oak casks. From there, the bourbon was aged for an additional six years in fresh casks. Who Jefferson's sourced the liquid from is a secret, but we know it is a high rye mash bill. Could it be Buffalo Trace? Four Roses? Old Forester? Heaven Hill? --- paired with Bleu cheese stuffed apricots wrapped in prosciutto Orphan Barrel Rhetoric 20 yr : Orphan Barrel Distillery a creation of the spirits giant Diageo, is a program where "orphaned" barrels were found in old rick houses and distilleries. The majority of these barrels came from Old Bernheim Distillery which Heaven Hill purchased after a fire destroyed it in 1996. Based on the age and flavor profile of Rhetoric 20, we believe the liquid is from the Old Bernheim Distillery around 1994. --- paired with Creole crab stuffed deviled eggs Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr Warehouse C Tornado Surviving : Part of the Colonel E.H. Taylor line from Buffalo Trace, this offering is from a selection of 93 casks that were exposed to the elements by a tornado in April of 2006. The tornado damaged Warehouses B and C. B was empty at the time; however, Warehouse C (an old brick building built by E.H. Taylor himself in 1881) had 24,000 barrels, many of which were exposed to the humid Kentucky climate during the repairs. Buffalo Trace decided to bottle these barrels separately, as the heat had accelerated the oaking process, claiming 64% of each barrel on average and creating a distinct flavor. The casks selected ranged from 9 years and 8 months to 11 years and 11 months. Bottled-in-bond at 50% ABV --- paired with smoked sausages wrapped in bacon and baked in brown sugar. Meat Candy