In the last few years, whiskey has grown in popularity. With so many brands available and new distilleries emerging or redefining themselves, it's easy to get overwhelmed with all the options. This column is here to help you learn the basics of various whiskies, scotches and bourbons before you invest in a new bottle.
The spirit: Red River Texas Bourbon
This weekend will be a big party weekend here in D-FW. There will be several parties to watch the Red River Rivalry game, which general consensus says will be a blowout in favor of OU over Texas. There's a greater chance that the party will be the best part of your OU/Texas experience and I have found the perfect bottle for you to bring to any Red River Rivalry party: Red River Texas Bourbon.
The first sip is sweet then tastes like a bit of pepper and oak. It is balanced with no one element trying to steal the show. Another reason to grab this bottle is price -- for around $30 you don't have to worry about breaking the bank on some bourbon that your buddies may end up drinking way too much of. This is a good beginners bourbon bottle, great for adding ice or diet coke.
If you don't care about the game there still a good reason to buy a bottle of Red River Bourbon. Each of the three Red River whiskeys that local distiller Western Son produces prominently displays Texas wildlife, and a portion of proceeds from each sale goes towards supporting Texas Parks and Wildlife.
Here is what you can expect...
Nose: Vanilla, oak
Taste: Sweet corn, pepper, vanilla, oak
Finish: Medium, slightly sweet
Price: $30
Booze News Insider Josh Hart is an amateur reviewer, but a professional drinker. He has been sipping and learning about whiskeys for a more than a decade and hopes to help you sift through the basics, to find the best bottles for you.
