You are correct that Jack Daniels is not a bourbon because it is not made in Kentucky, but bourbon is made in the identical way that other sour mash whiskeys (Jack Daniels for example) are made.
Now being from Kentucky and actually in the Maker's Mark ambassador club, you will not find a bottle of Jack or Crown EVER in my house. I actually don't even let guests bring it. If they insist on drinking one of those, they must mix their drink outside (not on the deck, either). Just a little house rule of mine.
Every distillery adds their own special nuances, so I guess my above statement about "exactly" the same way is false. Makers Mark is my favorite, but there are many that I enjoy.
Baker?s ? Jim Beam Distillery ? Probably Jim Beam?s best bourbon. This is a high proof bourbon at just over 100.
Booker?s ? Jim Beam Distillery ? this can be up to 125 proof! This is the only bourbon on the market that is not filtered with water. The bottle you buy is at the same proof as when it came out of the barrell. The proof is actually hand-written on the bottle because of the fluctuation. This is an awesome bottle of bourbon to have, but it certainly is not the best sipping bourbon for obvious reasons.
Pappy van Winkle (15 or 20 year old!!!) ? Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery ? This is the most expensive bourbon I have seen. I think there is a 25 year aged bottle that goes for close to $200 (not sure on price)! I have had the 20 year aged (wedding shower gift from a GOOD friend), and it was as smooth as I have ever had. I still can?t believe that the bourbon could stand that much aging.
Blantons (most notable for the race horse on the top of the cork) was the very first single barrel bourbon available, and is excellent driking bourbon.
Hancock?s Special Reserve Single Barrel ? this is made at the same distillery as Blanton?s and is made from what the current distiller selects as the finest of all of their barrels. I have given this bottle as a gift, but I have not tasted it. This is probably my next high end purchase.
Rare Breed ? Wild Turkey Distillery ? this is their entry level high end bourbon. This is one of my favorites.
Kentucky Spirit ? Wild Turkey Distillery ? this is their top bourbon offering. I have only had this a few times. It has a nice sweet taste to it.
The regular Wild Turkey 101 is also a very good bourbon.
I've tried to like scotch, but I just can't seem to come around. I guess I'll stick to bourbon for life as a true Kentuckian should.
To the scotch drinkers--do you also smoke cigars? I see this connection a lot.
Damn, I'm a drunk! I think I had a long monologue in the wine thread, too. This is a problem!
