For part two of my whiskey education, I focused in on Kentucky since I favored the Bulleit last time but to keep things fresh, I added the Red Label of Johnnie Walker and it’s Scottishness to the proceedings. And this time, instead of club soda, I used regular ol’ Sparkletts water to mellow the affair out.
Here are my rankings for round 2:
Bulleit – Wooden and oaken with a pleasing slide into a smooth finish with a hint of caramel and spice. The alcohol is there but it is part of the play and not the star.
Woodford Reserve – Wasn’t a fan the first time around but in this company, the balance of the heat and vanilla and smoothness slots it in at second even though it is blander in most respects to the others.
Evan Williams – Lighter upfront with an aroma of coconut. Quite perfumey. Some vanilla here too along with cut wood. Harsh on the palate though. Falls into the category of love the smell, not a fan of the taste.
Johnnie Walker Red – A light peat aroma greets the nose here. Much harsher upfront. Very campfire smokey to me.
Bulleit Bourbon was an even easier winner this time around. At this point, it will take something different for me to be a fan of the Scottish and Irish style. Too much smoke that my palate can’t handle. But there is such a difference when it comes to the Kentucky “style”. I was so hopeful for the Evan Williams but boy was it sharp on the tongue after a dazzling smell.