Jim Beam Black has a new bottle, but the Bourbon is the same. BourbonBlog.com spoke with spokesperson for Jim Beam Black today who confirmed that this new bottle contains the same Bourbon as the original Jim Beam Black. However, the updated design gives a new dimension of branding for Jim Beam Black differentiating it from Jim Beam white label. Jim Beam Black is aged for 8 years, twice the amount of time that the original Jim Beam white label is aged.
Jim Beam Black received a 93 rating from the Beverage Testing Institute for Best North American Whiskies category. Jim Beam Black is bottled at 86 proof.
Older Design of Jim Beam Black next to the Original and still currently Jim Beam White Label
The eclectic and elegant, Z’s Fusion is on the Urban Bourbon Trail. Z’s Fusion specializes in Euro-Asian Fusion cuisine using the freshest local ingredients available. The bar stocks over 50 Bourbons, and several appetizers, entrees and a dessert feature the magic ingredient. For a truly unique Bourbon experience, try the Cherry Pipe Tobacco-infused Maker’s Mark with vapor accompaniment that was originally created by mixologist Stephen Dennison.
www.zsfusion.com
115 South 4th Street
Louisville, KY 40202-2901
(502) 855-8000
Jim Beam Bourbon and Kid Rock are breaking new ground with a first-of-its-kind campaign alongside Atlantic Records, offering fans exclusive free downloads of the new, unreleased song “Times Like These” from Kid Rock’s upcoming album and a compilation of live hits from his two-night, sold-out homecoming at Comerica Park last summer.
“After being one of Jim Beam’s best consumers for years, I’ve gotten to know the people and the product very well, and I’m excited to continue and grow our relationship in such an innovative way,” Kid Rock tells BourbonBlog.com.
Building on the momentum created in their 2009 partnership, when newly launched Red Stag by Jim Beam Bourbon sponsored Kid Rock’s “Rock N’ Rebels” tour, legal-aged Kid Rock fans and Jim Beam fans alike can now enjoy an exclusive music offering while sipping Bourbon in their backyard. These free downloads, available via tear pad or on special edition gift cartons of Jim Beam and Red Stag by Jim Beam (where legal), mark the first time a spirits brand and major record label have worked together to distribute new music from an A-List artist via a non-traditional retail channel on a massive scale.
“Kid Rock’s unique blend of music is a great fit for Jim Beam. We are excited to build on our partnership and take our relationship to the next level with this fully integrated program,” Kelly Doss, senior director Bourbons, Beam Global Wine & Spirits, Inc. tells BourbonBlog.com. “Kid Rock music downloads are not available online, so this innovative offer rewards our mutual fans with an opportunity to download some of their favorite Kid Rock music to enjoy with a glass of their favorite Bourbon this summer.”
Starting in May at participating retailers, consumers can check out special edition gift cartons of Jim Beam and Red Stag by Jim Beam to learn how they can download Kid Rock’s new song, “Times Like These,” and a limited collection of Kid Rock’s greatest hits performed live from his hometown of Detroit. This offer is only good while supplies last and only available from Jim Beam!
Jim Beam and Kid Rock will continue their commitment to service members by encouraging fans to join them in supporting America’s heroes through Operation Homefront, a nonprofit organization providing emergency and morale assistance to troops, the families they leave behind and the wounded warriors that return home. Each special edition Kid Rock carton of Jim Beam and Red Stag by Jim Beam will be marked with instructions on how to donate $5 to Operation Homefront by texting SALUTE to 90999.
Fans must be 21 years of age or older to participate. Void where prohibited. This offer is only valid in states where legal and while supplies last. Go to www.jimbeam.com or visit your local participating retailer for full offer details.
West End Tavern has the largest Bourbon list in Colorado with over 62 Bourbons. In addition, West End Tavern has 4 personally single barrel bourbons including Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare, Elmer T. Lee, and Pappy Van Winkle 17yr. West End also has several speciality Bourbon Cocktails. See Bourbon list and Speciality Cocktail examples below
baker’s
basil hayden
black maple hill 8yr
blanton’s
booker’s
buffalo trace
buffalo trace west end single barrel
bulleit
eagle rare 10yr
eagle rare west end single barrel
eagle rare 17yr
elijah craig 12yr
elijah craig 18yr
elmer t. lee
elmer t. lee west end single barrel
elmer t. lee 90th birthday edition
evan williams
ezra brooks black
four roses yellow
four roses small batch
four roses single barrel
old ezra 7yr
george t. stagg
hancock’s reserve
heaven hill deluxe
henry mckenna single barrel
hirsch 16yr
hudson baby bourbon
hudson four grain
jefferson’s
jefferson’s reserve
jefferson’s presidential select 17yr
jim beam
jim beam black
knob creek
maker’s mark
michter’s small batch
old charter
old forrester
old grand dad
rebel yell reserve
1792 ridgemont reserve
rock hill farms
sam houston
old rip van winkle 10yr 90 proof
old rip van winkle 10yr 107 proof
van winkle ‘lot b’ special reserve 12yr
pappy van winkle 15yr
pappy van winkle 17yr west end single barrel
pappy van winkle 20yr
pappy van winkle 23
w.l. weller special reserve
old weller 107 antique
w.l. weller 12yr
william “larue” weller
wild turkey 101
wild turkey russell’s reserve
wild turkey rare breed
wild turkey kentucky spirit
woodford reserve
woodford reserve master’s collection “seasoned oak”
wathen’s single barrel
RYE
hirsch 21yr
hudson manhattan rye
jim beam rye
michter’s single barrel
old overholt
old potrero 18th century
ri¹
rittenhouse 100 proof
sazerac 6yr
sazerac 18yr
thomas h. handy
van winkle family reserve rye 13yr
wild turkey 101 rye
wild turkey russell’s reserve rye
TENNESSEE
george dickel
jack daniel’s
jack daniel’s single barrel
gentleman jack
jack daniel’s gold medal
AMERICAN
hirsch american whisky
leopold bros. american whiskey
leopold bros. flavored whiskeys
michter’s american whiskey
stranahan’s colorado whiskey
BOURBON COCKTAILS
The Ron Burgundy
“kick the vermouth in the side with a pair of steel toe
boots,” and that is what we do! west end’s single barrel
elmer t lee, leopold’s tart cherry liqueur, angostura
bitters and homemade bourbon soaked cherries
Old Buffalo
a timeless old fashioned with small batch buffalo
trace, a muddled orange and maraschino cherry,
regan’s orange bitters, simple syrup and soda water
Not Your Grandma’s Bourbon and Ginger
house-infused vanilla spice bourbon with fresh ginger,
organic agave nectar and soda water
Derby Julep
the kentucky derby’s official cocktail with maker’s mark,
fresh mint, simple syrup and hand-crushed ice
Blueberry Lace
west end’s single barrel eagle rare 10yr, blueberries, basil,
organic agave nectar and a splash of soda water
Black Bulleit
bulleit, freshly muddled blackberries, lemon,
agave nectar, limoncello and an essence of rose
WEST END WARMERS
Kentucky Cocoa
maker’s mark, hazelnut liqueur, spiced hot chocolate,
topped with a giant handmade vanilla marshmallow
Tom’s Hot Toddy
bulleit bourbon, fresh squeezed lemon, honey and hot
water, garnished with a cinnamon stick and star anise
Named “Best Bar” by 5280 Magazine and The Daily Camera as well as “One of the Top 10 New Restaurants in Denver”, this classic American Tavern has for over 20 years been a Boulder tradition. Chef/Owner Chris Blackwood has created delicious home-style cuisine that features Boulder’s best burgers, steaks, chops, fish n’ chips, fantastic salads and creative daily specials
Special thanks Jason Scott Embry for telling us about West End Tavern.
James Hill of ManTripping.com reports for BourbonBlog.com and brings us his impressions of the forthcoming Maker’s 46 along with video of conversations from Maker’s Mark Master Distiller Kevin Smith during a special Maker’s 46 Dinner James attended at sola in Chicago.
What happens when you take one of the most famous brands in the world, a brand with one spirit that it has declared to be the best bourbon in the world and release a new spirit along side it?
That is exactly the question on the mind of millions of Maker’s Mark fans, ambassadors, and maybe most importantly, the people who just like to sip bourbon or mix it up in a cocktail. I am a bit of all three, but what I am not is a whiskey geek ? I just know what I like.
I typically enjoy a spicy bourbon packed with flavor like Basil Hayden or Booker’s. While I absolutely appreciate Maker’s Mark (and do enjoy it), it hasn’t been the first thing I look for when I step into a bar or order an after dinner drink.
After a fantastic bourbon dinner last week at Chicago’s sola followed by a comparison tasting between Maker’s Mark and Maker’s 46, I am extremely excited to try more of Maker’s 46. According to Kevin Smith, at the time of our dinner there was only 4 bottles of Maker’s 46 in the entire city of Chicago (and one was nearly gone after our tasting). (article continue below video)
Kevin Smith Talks about Maker’s mark 46 at Tasting Dinner at Sola, Chicago PART 1 of 2
As a result, we were privileged with only a small sample. However, based on that sample it is clear that this isn’t an improvement over Maker’s Mark, but yet it is just a new interpretation.
For those of you who aren’t familiar with it yet, Maker’s 46 essentially is the same mashbill and aging process as Maker’s Mark, until the last 3 months.
During this finishing process, additional staves of seared French oak are added to the barrel in a process that Maker’s Mark has borrowed from wine makers. Maker’s 46 is then returned to the barrel to age and what was a super smooth spirit now gains texture, new flavors, and will be bottled at a slightly higher proof than Maker’s Mark.
According to Kevin, price will be about $6-$8 more than Maker?s Mark and it will be available in June.
I can’t wait! Kevin Smith Talks about Maker’s mark 46 at Tasting Dinner at Sola, Chicago PART 2 of 2
BourbonBlog.com attends the Premiere Pre-Kentucky Derby event Out of the Blue at Louisville Executive Aviation in video episode below. Luxury cars and private jets for sale along with Woodford Reserve Bourbon and elegant jewelry.
As a Master Sommelier friend put it to me- ‘We are the Coke Generation.’ Inspired by this truth, we set to produce some recipes that appeal to people’s junk-food cravings. Sweet by definition, these should be taken at the end of the meal with (or as) dessert. We at BourbonBlog.com hope you will enjoy these creations as much as we do!
Ice Cream Sandwich Tastes remarkably close to the original
2 parts Kilo Kai Spiced Rum
1 part Tres Leches Cream Liqueur
Shaved Chocolate Garnish (or chocolate sauce rim or drizzle)
Glass: Cocktail
Place first two in a shaker. Shake until frost forms on the outside. Garnish as directed.
Snickers Bar Cordial being served at the home of Bill Samuels, Jr., President/CEO of Maker's Mark Bourbon
Snickers Bar Cordial Fat-washing isn’t just for bacon. This Cordial was served at the home of Bill Samuels, Jr., Maker’s Mark Bourbon President/CEO
For the drink:
.7 L Maker’s Mark Bourbon (enjoy the rest responsibly!)
2 King Size Snicker’s Bars
Water to Fill
In a double boiler, melt the snicker’s bars as you would chocolate. Add this to the Maker’s Mark, in a non-reactive container. Cover. Place into freezer and allow to sit for 2 days. Lightly press through a fine sieve with a rubber spatula. Return to the bottle. Fill with water. Store in freezer. Shake well before use.
For the Crema:
1 part Dumante (or Frangelico)
5 parts Heavy Cream
Just prior to serving place both into a bowl and whisk aggressively, until a foam develops. Spoon this foam over the drink.
Glass: Cordial
Playfully Interactive, the more they stir, the fruitier it becomes
Frozen Fruit Pop Cooler
1 Frozen Fruit Bar of Choice (we got ours at a Latin grocery store)
1.25 oz Right Gin (chosen for its elegant expression of juniper)
Glass: Highball
Place gin in glass and stir with pop until the pop melts to the waterline. Gently use your (washed) fingers to push the pop down to the end of the stick. Serve with a giggle and wry smile.
Article written and cocktail recipe created by BourbonBlog.com’s Beverage Consultant Chef/Mixologist Stephen Dennison.
Early Times celebrates the final year of Celeste Susany as the bottle artist for the Early Times Mint Julep commemorative bottle and you are invited to a pre-Derby event tonight*! To send her off in style, Early Times is inviting the the public to a reception tonight, Monday, April 26 at 21C Museum Hotel from 5:30pm-7:30pm. There will be cocktails and appetizers served and all of her previous artworks which have graced the bottles over the past 11 years will be on display.
Should be a great event and we hope you can make it. Feel free to pass along to anyone who you think would enjoy attending.
21C Museum Hotel
702 West Main Street
Louisville Kentucky 40202
*BourbonBlog.com has been told by Early Times that the public, ages 21+ are invited to this event.
Firefly Southern Grill receives an outstanding review from BourbonBlog.com! Firefly specializes in Bourbon with a menu of Southern specialties and regional delights that have been perfected through the generations. Firefly regularly hosts Bourbon/wine/beer and other themed dinners. BourbonBlog.com has covered many stories at Firefly Southern Grill including the video below. See below for Bourbon and American Whiskey List.
812.402.2354
6636 Logan Drive
Evansville, IN 47715
Heaven Hill Master Distiller Craig Beam hosts an “Evening of American Whiskeys” at Firefly Southern Grill.
Bakers Elegant on the palate with flavors of vanilla & caramel & a clean finish $7.00
Bernheim Contains fifty-one percent winter wheat. Sweet nose, with subtle aromas of oak, honey & wheat. Warm finish $8.00
Blanton’s Spicy aroma of dried citrus and orange peel. Flavors of cloves, burnt sugar and caramel $7.50
Booker’s High alcohol spirit that is almost overpowering. Smoky, charcoal aroma with a long finish. A splash of water exposes sweet & woody flavors $7.00
Bulleit Bourbon Frontier Whiskey Soft scents of violets, hay, spice & juniper. A little kick with some spicy peppers coming out. Finish is short and sweet $7.00
Eagle Rare Single Barrel 10 Years Old Deep amber color, sweet wood and toasted coconut aromas. Flavors of oak wood & caramel with a bit of an alcohol burn. Smooth, flavorful warming finish $8.00
Elijah Craig Single Barrel Aged 18 Years Tea colored with scent of coffee beans, vanilla, citrus & pineapple. Long, warm finish $8.50
Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Sour Mash Honey & spice nose, nutty, caramel flavors $5.50
Evan Williams Single Barrel Aromas of caramel, corn & leather with a hint of nutmeg. Flavors of sweet corn & vanilla with oak wood and nutmeg spice. Spicy finish $8.00
Evan Williams (1783) 10 Years Old Aromas of corn, spice & ginger, a little vanilla & yeast. Flavors of caramel & spice with a little oak. Long and sweet finish $5.00
Ezra Brooks Vanilla & corn aroma with a subtle floral note. Slight alcohol burn in the mouth with a short sweet finish $7.00
Fighting Cock Aged 6 Years 103° Dark fruit & vanilla nose, rich corn flavors with high alcohol heat $5.00
Gentleman Jack Aromas of smoky wood & carmel. Notes of caramel apples & spice. Sweet finish $6.50
Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Caramel & banana nose (Banana Foster’s?) with sweet fruit flavors $5.00
Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Wood, smoke & caramel corn on the nose, toasted oak, vanilla & caramel on the palate. Nice smooth and sweet finish $6.50
Jim Beam Great mixing bourbon. Perfect for Toddies, Manhattans or Juleps $4.50
Jefferson’s Very Small Batch A peach and butterscotch nose yields to flavors of vanilla and caramel, with hints of date, blackberry and orange $7.00
Jim Beam Black Vanilla & crème brulee nose. Smooth balanced taste with a moderately long finish $5.75
Kentucky Vintage Caramel & wood nose, with a background of corn & rye spice. Add in some leather & tobacco flavors. Short finish $5.50
Knob Creek Deep reddish orange, strong oak flavor with burnt caramel notes $6.50
Maker’s Mark Light amber color. Light on the palate with spice flavors. Oak & smoky aroma $6.50
Old Forester 100 Cherry nose, smokey wood & cherry flavors. Long finish $5.50
Old Granddad 100 Strong bourbon aroma. Spice & sweetness from corn & rye$6.50
Old Overholt Rye Very subtle nose, no alcohol burn. Cinnamon & mint nose; long & sweet finish $6.00
Old Pogue Corn husk & floral scents. Flavors of caramel toffee & vanilla with a little corn and oak $8.00
Old Weller ‘Antique’ 107° Earthy soil & roses on the nose, soft on the palate, sweetish $5.00
Old Whiskey River (made for Willie Nelson) The environ-mentalists’ bourbon. Corn, barley & rye from family-owned farms within 100 miles of Bardstown, Kentucky. Byproducts are used to produce bio-diesel to run his tour bus. Sweet, smooth & mellow $5.00
Pappy Van Winkle 15 Years Old Scents of vanilla, leather, burnt brown sugar & oak. Caramel & vanilla sweetness with some warm spice. Nice finish $8.50
Platte Valley Since 1856 100% Straight Corn Whiskey Corn & yeasty nose, light corn flavors on palate with hints of vanilla.
short, clean finish $6.00
Prichard’s Double Barrel Bourbon Whiskey, Kelso, Tennessee Aged for 4 years, cut to bottle proof, then aged for 5 more in a new, charred oak barrel. Very smoky $8.00
Pure Kentucky XO Scents of corn, rye, leather, citrus & organic earthy aromas. Flavors of sweet buttered corn followed by black pepper $7.00
1792 Ridgemont Reserve Scents of oak, vanilla, caramel, & charred oak. Mild sweetness followed by a spicy rye with a clean finish $7.00
Rowan’s Creek 12 Years Old Scents of apricots & cherries, with caramel toffee & a hint of mint. Sweet & fruity taste with no alcohol burn $7.50
Wathen’s Scents of licorice, tobacco & very little alcohol. Rye spice with a dry finish $8.50
Wild Turkey 101° Sweet floral nose with some nutmeg, corn & caramel flavors with a dry
finish $5.50
Wild Turkey “Rare Breed” Rye fruitiness with warm spice notes. Balanced taste of sweetness & alcohol heat $6.00
Wild Turkey Russell’s Reserve 10 yr Complex nose of rye, leather, vanilla & flowers. Bit of corn sweetness, followed by alcohol bite & spice. Long assertive finish $7.00
Wild Turkey American Honey Liqueur Smooth, more honey to it than bourbon. Sweet and smooth $6.00
Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit Single Barrel Scents of caramel, honey & cinnamon. Flavors of candy caramel corn with a splash of spice (not woody). Nice finish $7.50
Woodford Reserve by Labrot & Graham Scents of ripe fruit, caramel & spice. Flavors of sweet caramel & oak, short & sweet finish $8.00
Fine American Bourbons and Whiskey Cont’d
Corner Creek Reserve $5.50
Elijah Craig 12yr old $7.00
Four Roses $6.00
Four Roses Single Barrel $9.00
Four Roses Small Batch $8.00
Hirsch Selection Small Batch $5.00
Hirsch Selection Corn Whiskey $5.00
Michter’s Small Batch $5.00
Michter’s Single Barrel Straight Rye $5.00
Michter’s Single Barrel 10yr old $11.00
Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye $11.00
Ri $8.00
Rittenhouse Rye 100 proof $5.00
Rock Hill Farms Single Barrel $9.50
Russell Reserve Rye $7.00
*All prices, availability and information subject to change
The Early Times Mint Julep tells BourbonBlog.com that they have proudly served “Official Drink of the Kentucky Derby” for the past 23 years. In celebration of this, Early Times Kentucky Whisky continues its tradition with the release of the 2010 commemorative Kentucky Derby bottle.
The 2010 Early Times Mint Julep commemorative bottle holds special significance as the 11th and final in a series of paintings by the inimitable Celeste Susany, whose creations have graced the bottle every year since Kentucky Derby 126. In this year’s masterwork, entitled “A Golden Moment,” Susany adopts a more impressionistic style to capture the essence of this grand race. The scene spotlights the field of contenders galloping along the back stretch while the twin spires stand majestically in the background.
“Celeste’s work captures the true essence and emotion of Derby day and we’ve been so very fortunate to have her as our artist for the past 11 years,” Joe Murray, Brand Manager for Early Times Kentucky Whisky tells BourbonBlog.com. “The Early Times Mint Julep bottle has truly become a collectible among art, horse racing and whisky fans and is a must-have for Derby parties as the perfect way to serve a delicious mint julep in less than ten seconds.”
With 2010 marking Susany’s final year of doing the artwork for the commemorative bottle, Early Times is giving consumers the opportunity to submit their artwork for the chance to be featured on the 2011 Kentucky Derby bottle. Beginning April 20, consumers can log onto www.earlytimes.com/etmjartistsearch to submit their “What Derby Means to Me” artwork, as well as to see official rules and contest details. The winner will win a VIP trip for two to the 2011 Kentucky Derby, $5000 in cash, along with having their artwork featured on the 2011 Early Times Mint Julep bottle.
“It has been an honor to have the opportunity to do the artwork for the Early Times Mint Julep bottle for the past 11 years,” added Susany. “It’s time to give another artist the chance to have their work displayed for horse racing fans to collect and enjoy.”
During this year’s Derby week, more than 120,000 Early Times Mint Juleps are expected to be served at Churchill Downs. Over the past 23 years, more than 2.5 million Early Times Mint Juleps have been served between Kentucky Oaks and Derby Days at Churchill Downs. This year’s Kentucky Derby will take place Saturday, May 1, 2010 in Louisville, Kentucky.
Launching in April 2010, the newly labeled one-liter pre-mix bottle will be available in limited quantities throughout the United States for a suggested retail price of $14.99.
About Celeste Susany:
Celeste Susany was born in eastern Ohio in 1952. She spent a large portion of her life around horses in Santa Anita, Hollywood Park, and Del Mar, California. She received her degree from the Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles. Susany received recognition as a top American artist in the book Racing in Art, by John Fairley, published in 1990. She produced artwork in 1989, 1990, and 1996 for the Kentucky Derby.
About Early Times Kentucky Whisky:
Early Times Kentucky Whisky, 40% ABV, is the “Official Drink of the Kentucky Derby” made at the Brown-Forman Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky. Early Times Kentucky Whisky is one of the fine spirits produced and marketed by Brown-Forman Corporation, a diversified producer and marketer of fine quality consumer products, including Jack Daniel’s, Southern Comfort, Finlandia Vodka, Tequila Herradura, el Jimador Tequila, Woodford Reserve, Canadian Mist, Old Forester, Fetzer Wines and Korbel California Champagnes. Early Times reminds you to drink responsibly. For more information on Early Times Kentucky Whisky visit www.earlytimes.com.
About Churchill Downs:
Churchill Downs, the world’s most legendary racetrack, has conducted Thoroughbred racing and presented America’s greatest race, the Kentucky Derby, continuously since 1875. Located in Louisville, the flagship racetrack of Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ Global Select Market: CHDN) also operates Trackside at Churchill Downs, which offers year-round simulcast wagering at the historic track. Churchill Downs will conduct the 136th running of the Kentucky Derby on May 1, 2010 and the Kentucky Oaks on April 30, 2010. The track will conduct its 2010 Spring Meet from Saturday, April 24, through Sunday, July 4. Churchill Downs is scheduled to host the Breeders’ Cup World Championships for a record seventh time on Nov. 5 and 6, 2010. Churchill Downs tickets are available at Tickets.ChurchillDowns.com or by calling (502) 636-4400. Additional information about Churchill Downs can be found on the Internet at www.ChurchillDowns.com.
Jim Beam Black has a new bottle, but the Bourbon is the same. BourbonBlog.com spoke with spokesperson for Jim Beam Black today who confirmed that this new bottle contains the same Bourbon as the original Jim Beam Black. However, the updated design gives a new dimension of branding for Jim Beam Black differentiating it from Jim Beam white label. Jim Beam Black is aged for 8 years, twice the amount of time that the original Jim Beam white label is aged.
