The Booze Bag: Bulliet Bourbon
This Weeks Review: Bulliet Bourbon
I was very happy to stumble upon Bulliet Bourbon in my local package store a few months ago and I have been enjoying it ever since. It’s priced at about $28 dollars (which for bourbon is right in the middle range). I was actually looking for a more familiar whiskey and not bourbon at all, when Bulliet’s unique Old West patent-medicine-type bottle caught my eye. I am sure their marketing department shoots for that. Anywho, like the sucker I am, I bought it and I have been thoroughly impressed.
As I write this review I realize I should probably know the difference between Whiskey and Bourbon. Even after googling the nuance, it is a bit confusing. To be classified as ‘bourbon’ a whiskey’s contents or “mash” must be 51% corn, where ‘whiskey’ can have other ingredients. For a better explanation go here. Both whiskey and bourbon are in the same family and the differences appear to be minor (ingredients and distilling). I have always found bourbons a little mellower than whiskey, but that could just be in my head.
The best thing you can do with Bulliet Bourbon, or any type of bourbon for that matter, is put it into a “Whiskey Smash”. I discovered this drink quite accidentally at Eastern Stantard in Boston and loved it instantly. It is lemony yet smooth and not biting like a Caprina or too fruity like a Mojito. The secret … the real thing that just pushes this drink far ahead of almost anything else, is the simple syrup. Simple syrup is the magic ingredient that bars use to give drinks a more smooth “professional” consistency. It’s also the reason that trying to replicate a drink at home never quite works.
(Until now)
A Whiskey Smash is similar to a Mint Julip and its ingredients are almost the same, with the addition of fresh lemon. Simple syrup, minced mint leaves, crushed ice (key) and two ounces of whiskey per shaker. Everything should be muddled and shaken together before adding a generous amount of whiskey. It is a minor amount of prep for one drink, but likely just enough that you don’t see them offered at every bar you go to. Eastern Standard lists theirs at about $10 per drink, but I am telling you it’s worth it.
Or you can just make your own:
Bulliet Whiskey Smash
- 1 1/2 oz Bulliet Bourbon
- 1 oz Water
- 1 lemon (juiced)
- 12 mint leaves, finely minced
- 3/4 oz of simple syrup
Combine in a shaker – serve over crushed ice.
