BourbonBlog.com Mixologist Stephen Dennison and Tom Fischer use the elBulli creative approach in a cocktail experimentation session to make “Greyhound on Steroids” using the world’s only Blue Corn Vodka in the video episode below. Stephen uses a special ice garnish, making the drink progressive. Part One and to be continued. × Filmed at Varanese Restaurant,… Read more »

 
Mint Julep Creations Video Episode from the Four Roses Julep Contest 2010

BourbonBlog.com’s 2010 Four Roses Julep Contest Video episode. Watch the Kentucky Derby Mint Julep created with Four Roses Bourbon by ten Louisville bartenders and mixologists, including the winning recipes featured below. × RECIPE LINKS: 1st Place Winner-  Cherry Blossom Julep Recipe by Rory McCollister of Varanese 2nd Place – The Perfect Finish Recipe by Aaron Price,… Read more »

 
Zaya Rum Review

Comment: Moving operations from Guatemala to Trinidad in recent years (and enduring the obvious supply issues associated,) Zaya now seems to be back online and producing this fine aged and blended rum with surprisingly few hitches. Distiller: Zaya Rum Company, Trinidad Age: 12 years Proof: 40% ABV, 80 Proof Notes: This is a blended rum… Read more »

 
Kilo Kai Iced Coffee

As the temperatures get warmer, people begin thinking less about steaming-hot cups of coffee and start looking to iced-coffees. This is a nice variation on the king of the class… Vietnamese Coffee. Enjoyed as the daily pick-me-up beverage of choice in this tropical zone, we could think of no better way to incorporate the flavors… Read more »

 
Bubble Tea Expression

In Southeast Asia, people commonly enjoy a beverage called ‘bubble tea.’ It is a variety of juices, teas and extracts to which sweetened, cooked tapioca pearls are added. The drink is enjoyed with a larger-than-life straw, through which the pearls might pass. At BourbonBlog.com, we have decided to use this as the inspiration for our… Read more »

 
Four Roses Julep Contest Winners and Recipes for 2010

BourbonBlog.com‘s Tom Fischer was a judge in the recent Four Roses Julep Contest which is held annually in weeks prior to the Kentucky Derby. Varanese’s Rory McCollister won 1st with his Cherry Blossom Julep  (recipe below and photo above), making it Rory’s second year in a row to win and the third time Varanese has… Read more »

 
Bourbon Barrel Smoked Pork, using retired Maker’s Mark Barrels

Smoking with retired Maker’s Mark Bourbon Barrel tops and bungs adding flavor and depth on the grill at Varanese Restaurant in Louisville, Kentucky. Chef and Proprietor John Varanese shows us how in this video episode. The BBQ rub and the caramelizing sugars…mmmm watch. Special thanks Chef John Varanese, Dave Allen, Stephen Dennison and Cinephreak Pictures

 
Firefly Sweet Tea Bourbon Review

Having my first taste of the new Firefly Sweet Tea Bourbon from the makers of the Firefly Vodka and I’m giving you all the review below. A lively, fun flavor for a Spring and Summer sipper. I like what they’ve done here. Firefly Distillery Co-Founder Scott Newitt told me during our interview earlier in the… Read more »

 
The Woodford Reserve $1,000 Mint Julep with Tiffany & Co. to benefit The Barnstable Brown Kentucky Diabetes & Obesity Center

Woodford Reserve Bourbon tells BourbonBlog.com will celebrate the glamour and glitz of the Kentucky Derby with the Ultimate Kentucky Derby Luxury: the world’s most exclusive mint julep cup. The Woodford Reserve $1,000 Mint Julep Cup Experience will feature a collection of 73 silver cups designed by Tiffany & Co. exclusively for Woodford Reserve. Proceeds from… Read more »

 
Early Times Kentucky Whisky Limited Edition Bottle for 150th Anniversary at 100 Proof

Early Times Kentucky Whisky tells BourbonBlog.com that they have just released a one-time, limited release expression celebrating their 150 anniversary in a 375ml commemorative bottle seen to the left. The Early Times 150th anniversary edition is bottled at 100 proof and carry an Early Times retro 1920’s label. Early Times is usually bottled at 80… Read more »