Over the weekend, I was forced to toil with one of the most perplexing questions of my whiskey tasting career:  “What Whiskey Goes Best with Fresh Crawfish?”

There is no doubt that somewhere in the Culinary Paradise that is New Orleans many authorities exist that have undertaken this challenge and conquered.  But I chose not to solicit outside influence and embarked on this quest unguided.

It does so happen that the stars aligned for me.  A good friend came to the house bearing a gift: Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon.

And after much “research”; we tasted the crawfish against: 2009 George T Stagg, Baker’s Bourbon,  Blanton’s Original Single Barrel…etc… And of Course, the Four Roses Single Barrel.

The Crawfish were prepared very spicy, so the Stagg and Baker’s with their distinctive Rye Tones didn’t work well.  The Blanton’s was a bit too sweet…

The Four Roses paired very well:

It presents beautifully with an antique rust color.  In the nose was a bit of cinnamon and a little mild tobacco… some vanilla as well.  No burn on the lips and eases onto the palette.  Very, Very mild; A little nougat and some oak right away.  But after that I had to explore a little.  After finding some cream and a strong leather finish I decided this was a great Crawfish Whiskey.

My tasting Partner (JC) concurred and found the Four Roses a noble offering; In fact, he enjoyed it far more than I did… As I lamented that “Something was Missing”… and I believe what was missing was a little spice and heat from Rye Grass… Although, the fire of the Crawfish may very well have KO’d my palette at that point.

A gift found its way into my Whiskey Collection last night.  Austin Nichols distilled, Wild Turkey American Honey; not something that I would probably have ever picked up for myself, as this is not a true whiskey.  But in fairness, the label makes no pretentions as such.  Rather, it touts itself as: “An exceptionally smooth liqueur blended with pure honey and real Wild Turkey Bourbon Whiskey… It also claims to be the “Smoother Side of Wild Turkey”

I am naturally skeptical and even a bit conflicted.  The good folks at Austin Nichols have always been held in the highest regard (At least by me) for their purist approach in the past to their Bourbons.  The Rare Breed Offering and American Spirit are two of my favorites. 

In recent times though, I must admit, they have been taking a few forays into, shall we say, the fringe elements of distilled product marketing… Cases in point: The Wild Turkey Dry and the Wild Turkey and Cola.

I will attempt to sample the American Honey offering soon and will report back.  As always I will labor relentlessly to keep an open mind and will be certain to give it as many chances as needed.

If you are looking for something fun and original to serve at your St. Patrick’s Day Party, might we suggest:

Fill a standard tumbler half way with Bailey’s Irish Cream. Add a half Teaspoon of Starbucks VIA® Italian Roast. Stir Well. Drop in an ice cube or two and finish with a drizzle of Crème de Menthe.

If you are not a Bailey’s Fan, then stay tuned for an old family, homemade Irish Cream Recipe.

As most know, we at Barrel and Mash are strong, almost exclusive advocates of American Whiskeys.
With St. Patrick’s Day but a fortnight out, we will be taking this time to sample, review and publish notes on several select Irish Whiskeys… So stay tuned.

 
In that vein, we’re soliciting for suggestions: “What are YOUR favorite Irish Whiskeys”?
We also want to hear about your St. Patrick’s Day traditions; and in particular: “What are your favorite Toasts”?
Below are a few of our favorites… Come back to this post as we plan to update this list:

“Here is to long quiet lives with short, loud women”

“Here’s to a long life and a merry one
A quick death and an easy one
A pretty girl and an honest one
A fine Whiskey – and another one”

“Here’s to women’s kisses,
And to whiskey, amber clear;
Not as sweet as her lips,
But a tad bit more sincere”

A submission by Jeremy C, Braden C and Donovan C from Hollis, NH:

“The only easy day,
was Yesterday.”

“An Irishmen is never drunk; as long as he can
hold onto a single blade of grass to keep him from falling of the edge
of the earth.”
 

We’ll be adding more…

The Dry-Spell has come to completion. External economics, market conditions and a plethora of elements outside of our control forced the Barrel and Mash Society to “Slow our Pours” these past few months.

Many apologies to our casual readers and followers; you deserved notice.

But the good news is that we have weathered the proverbial storm and are back stronger than ever and will be bringing you: MORE tasting notes, MORE original content and MORE opportunities to get involved with the Barrel and Mash Society.

Our commitment to the celebration of fine whiskeys is absolute and we look forward to growing YOUR interest.

Cheers