Tonight we feature a match-up of bourbons that I have never had before tasting them blind. One is the most expensive bottle in the competition and the other is the least expensive bottle. Should be fun.
First up is our number two seed for Division Two. Coming in at 90° proof, this bourbon is created by the secretive IJW Whiskey company. It is competing under the name Hamburger Advocate, please welcome: McFarlane’s Reserve!
And its opponent, coming in at 80° proof, this bourbon is produced by the Laird’s company (of Apple Jack fame), please welcome: Banker’s Club Bourbon!
Reminder, all of the competitions this year were tasted blind and we knew the winner of the competition prior to any reveal. Notes, thoughts, and conclusions were all from before we knew what was what. Needless to say, some of my conclusions were surprising to me. Tasting notes may be a little unusual since they were being tasted at the same time and could have influenced the perceptions of one another.
Fire Pirate (Banker's Club)
Purchase Info: $16.99 for a 1.75-liter bottle, Total Wine, Burnsville, MN
Price Per Drink (50 mL): $0.49
Details: 40% ABV. Aged 3 Years.
Nose: Caramel, lots of vanilla, and a baking spice blend.
Mouth: Caramel, vanilla, honey, and a hint of oak.
Finish: Medium in both length and warmth. Notes of honey, toasted bread, and mint.
Thoughts: This is actually quite pleasant.
Hamburger Arcade (McFarlane's Reserve)
Purchase Info: $34.99 for a 1.75-liter bottle, Viking Liquor Barrel, Prior Lake, MN
Price Per Drink (50 mL): $1.00
Details: 45% ABV. Aged for a minimum of three years.
Nose: Buttered popcorn, white wine, and spearmint.
Mouth: This tastes like buttered raisins.
Finish: Mercifully short. Follows the mouth very faithfully.
Thoughts: I've only tasted something this bad once. Hopefully I never taste anything this bad again.
Winner: Fire Pirate wins big. Hamburger Arcade is the worst thing in round 1. Thankfully we are now on to round 2 and I can put all this behind me. Banker’s Club advances to Round 2.
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