The Bourbon Trials

“There is no bad whiskey.
There are only some whiskeys that aren't as good as others.”
---
Raymond Chandler

Here at Hopper-Inc. We are fans of bourbon. We like alcohol in general: beer is great, some of us dig wine, many different liquors are terrific, but let’s be honest, bourbon is king! We have had many and, of course, plan to have many more. We thought we would share our opinions of the bourbons we try. Not long, involved, pedantic, complicated reviews, just very simply what we like and don’t like in general about each one.
For us the two most important bourbon factors are flavor and bite. Flavor is the obvious one, why would you drink something that doesn’t taste good? The other is “bite.'' The bourbon has to have that little “bite” on your tongue and in your throat that reminds you that you are drinking alcohol.
Maybe you’ll agree with us, maybe you won’t, these are just our thoughts and opinions…
And we drink, so keep that in mind.

Flavor Ratings

Bite ratings

The bourbons and our opinions:

All bourbons are tasted in Hopper-Inc glasses with one ice cube.
Bourbon was allowed to sit on the ice cube for sixty seconds.
Why so precise? We are both accomplished drinkers, but more importantly, one of us is a math teacher.

larceny

The toast?
None, it was sadly forgotten...

Pete
Ed*

*Our tasters were in agreement regarding Larceny's taste and bite, but it should be noted that while Ed thought the taste was good, it did leave him a little flat. We're not sure what he meant, but thought you should know...

Pete
Ed

elijah craig

The toast?
To Don Rickles.

Ed
Pete

Pete

maker's mark
cask strength

The toast?
To Mort Sahl.

Pete*
Ed*

*As Maker's Cask Strength hits your tongue the taste is pleasant and the bite is minimal.
However as you continue to swallow, the taste evolves into something very good and the bite occurs in your throat.
"This is one fine bourbon."

four roses

The toast?
To Dr. Z.

Pete
Ed

Pete*
Ed

*Pete thought the bite was better than good, but not up to the "better" rating. So perhaps good-and-a-half? However we don't have a rating for that.
So it's being noted.
Duly noted.
Or dully noted, your choice.