Either that or the Bell's Oberon.

I went to a whiskey bar last week and had a mint julep that blew my mind. I'm not normally a bourbon drinker but it was so good. Someone recommend a good KY bourbon for julep making.

Also, I tried out the peated single malt Connemarra that I think tentoze prefers over Redbreast. I have to admit it was pretty good. Just picked up a bottle.

Damnit kingfish I can see you in the Users Browsing this forum list.

How much did the Connemarra run you?

Have you ever tried Basil Hayden bourbon?

In the bar, I think it was $12 or so. The whole bottle was $42 at my store which I think is about the same as I pay for the Redbreast.

No, I've never tried that. I'm not a bourbon drinker. I think the only bourbon I'd had before that mint julep was Jim Beam back in my college days which might explain why I never ventured further.

For me, I like Maker's Mark for juleps.

I think it's just naturally sweet which suits the drink perfectly.

I mean, if you want to drink a high end bourbon, just drink the bourbon on the rocks.

I do not care for Maker's to drink straight. But as a mixer for cocktails, it does work really well. I'm also interested in their new experimental bourbon (i think it's called 42 or something).

OK maybe this is the call then. I don't picture myself drinking bourbon straight. I just want something for juleps with it finally getting hot here.

edit: thanks guys.

It's pretty much my stock bourbon. I've either got that or a bottle of Knob Creek around the house at all times.

For me, it's a notch above Jack or Beam but not too overpriced.

I've wanted to try some Booker's bourbon forever but at $60 a fifth it's a bit pricey for Kentucky bourbon. May have to have a taste test at a bar first.

Ben, have you tried Basil Hayden? It's really good. I prefer it to Blanton's.

Nope. First I've heard of it. Thing with bourbon for me is that I rarely sit down with a glass on the rocks. If I'm having an after dinner drink somewhere it's most likely scotch. But, growing up in the South, the true test of a bourbon was how it went with Coke. Every Fall I always get the itch and I know you know what I'm talking about.

I'll always be a loyal follower of the sweet nectar.

Since my mention of fickerson (hail! hail!) brought the goodly lady back to the board, if only momentarily, if only due a chortling phone-call with the sssqqquuuiiirrrggg or someone such as re: my utter disdain for her grandeur, I am going to say, now, bring beachy lunchtime musings back. Somebody. This thread's title "summertime libations" always triggers my mind to recall that long-ago super-cool obner(d).

Where beachy at?

I just saw this. We usually have some of all this, plus Pappy Van WInkle and Woodford Reserve (probably my favorite sipping bourbon) on hand at The Compound....too bad your invite has been rescinded Ben.

A) I believe you and I plowed through a whole bottle of some Woodford one night down there.

B) I have KK. She outranks you for invites with Colonel Jesup.

C) You're a lousy fucking softball player Jack!

I keep meaning to check this place out, but every time I'm in DC, I am horribly under-dressed for the atmosphere.

http://washington.intercontinental.com/food-drink/round-robin-scotch-bar

apparently, its a pretty hot spot for politicos. Oddly enough, their signature drink is the mint julep. Legend has it Henry Clay, himself taught the bartenders how to make it. Here's a video of how they make it:

Btw, all this talk about juleps led me to get some Woodford Reserve this evening.

I've started enjoying this one:

Not as flavorful as Bell's Oberon or New Belgium Mothership, but a very drinkable beer for the warmer weather.

Thanks for the link. I have lunch at the willard every year when I'm home for Christmas. I bought the maker's mark saturday and lots of mint from the farmers market yesterday. Searching out a recipe was going to be the next task.

No shit Todd, a Kolsch? It's hard to find people here that try to make them, and when they do they always over-do it. It's supposed to be light, summery, a little dry, but with a sweet finish.

Been hot and humid as fuck here, like even at midnight around 90 and wet outside. Been drinking a lot of vodka with club soda and a lime, refreshing but dangerous. That kinda heat and something so watery and refreshing means I can forget I should not just chug each one like a glass of water.

I made the wife something yesterday with white wine, frozen fruit chunks, fruit juice, and Gran Marnier, and she went through it in like 4 seconds. ...then "wait how much was in that? I feel kinda fuzzy."

I made one yesterday using essentially this recipe. I definitely think buying a muddler is a good idea if you don't have one. They are pretty cheap, and really bring out the mint's oils. My wife hates bourbon, but was into the taste of my completed drink. Don't know if it made a difference, but I used confectioners sugar and seltzer water instead of simple syrup. I didn't use super-fresh mint, but it still was great--if not too minty.

Let me introduce you to the French 75, for the next time you want to get folks dangerously wasted before they know it: gin, lemon, sugar, that nine dollar champagne on the bottom shelf....

http://www.esquire.com/drinks/french-75 ... e#wondrich

Openly Hydrating

I just had to try this new Pinnacle "Whipped Cream" vodka. Drinking it with Simply Orange. Fuckin' dreamcicle, baby!

I also want to try their cotton candy vodka.