Brian Haara
Bourbon. Law. Author.
Sipp’n Corn Book Review – Lawyerly Libations
I found a new book to add your personal collection or holiday gift list—Lawyerly Libations, Concoctions for the Counselor, Apéritifs for the Attorney, Elixirs for the Esquire, and Additional Alcoholic Anecdotes: A Cocktail Compilation for the Burgeoning Barrister’s Bar, by Michael J. McCormick.
While the title is a mouthful, and maybe only funny to a lawyer, don’t be dissuaded. The title is a tongue-in-cheek prelude to McCormick’s witty style, through which he showcases cocktail history while diving into related (sometimes tenuously related) legal stories and even more historical context. Better yet, the legal stories often wryly mock the absurdity of lawyers and the law, just like the title.
Lawyerly Libations tells a different story in each of its 21 Chapters (a shout out to the 21st Amendment) paired with 21 classic cocktail recipes. Chapter 7 has one of the best explanations of the Whiskey Rebellion with fun citations to Hamilton: An American Musical along with robust citations and footnotes for anyone interested in a more scholarly approach. Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton wanted to fund the nation’s debt by taxing domestic whiskey production—the infamous Whiskey Tax—which spawned rebellion in western Pennsylvania in 1791, and McCormick tells the rest of the story.
Plus, because using law as a resource wouldn’t be complete without raising a dispute, Lawyerly Libations tees up a fight for the first “American” cocktail. There’s a case to be made for the Old Fashioned, with its sheer simplicity and a recipe contained in the first U.S. cocktail recipe book in 1862. A better case is made for the Mint Julep, with its roots as a Persian tonic (گلاب / gulāb) and its arrival on our shores in the late 17th Century, the innovation of Virginia colonists who made it with mint leaves, and then through the mid-1800’s when ice became more readily available and it became more recognizable to what it is today. And a seemingly weaker case can be made for the Sazerac®, but in typical legal fashion, it’s the Sazerac that secured trademark protection for “America’s First Cocktail®.”
Lawyerly Libations is an entertaining and fast-paced read that has been impeccably researched. Consider it for at-home bartenders, drinks enthusiasts, history buffs, and, of course, lawyers in your life.
Lawyerly Libations, Concoctions for the Counselor, Apéritifs for the Attorney, Elixirs for the Esquire, and Additional Alcoholic Anecdotes: A Cocktail Compilation for the Burgeoning Barrister’s Bar
Author: Michael J. McCormick
Published: July 9, 2022
Purchased on Amazon for $13.99.
Sipp’n Corn Review – Nose Your Bourbon Part II; A New Mini Sample Kit
Need a gift?
I do enough guided tastings to know that sometimes you need a nudge—a reminder of an aroma memory—to help articulate what you’re experiencing during a bourbon tasting. I just helped a friend with a Bottled-in-Bond tasting of Heaven Hill 6-year (the discontinued one), E. H. Taylor Small Batch, and Henry McKenna 10-year.
My friend warned me that while he knew what he liked, he could never really find the words to describe what he was tasting. Because I discovered the Nose Your Bourbon Bourbon Nosing Kit in 2020 (see my review here: Sipp’n Corn Review), I suggested that my friend give everyone the new miniaturized Bourbon Sample Kit.
We started the guided tasting with the sweet aromas of brown sugar and caramel, moved onto the dark fruit note of cherry, shifted to corn grain, and then finished with black pepper and oak. This primed everyone’s senses and we jumped into the first bourbon with excitement to share impressions that, frankly, I had never seen in a previous guided tasting.
Check out the Sample Kit ($29.00 and free shipping) and never get left behind in a tasting.
Sipp’n Corn Bourbon Review – Old Fitzgerald Bottled in Bond Fall 2022 Decanter.
The spring edition of Old Fitzgerald was a surprising 17 years old. People went nuts. Then Heaven Hill followed it up with a 19-year old release and enthusiasts clamored for it like no Old Fitzgerald before. For the smart few who open their bottle, will it be worth the $240 price tag? Plus, now with two extra-aged releases, are the days of 8 and 9-year Old Fitzgerald a thing of the past? Heaven Hill certainly keeps us on our toes for each Spring and Fall release.
Old Fitzgerald Bottled in Bond Fall 2022
Bourbon: Old Fitzgerald Bottled in Bond Decanter Series
Edition: Fall 2022
Distillery: Heaven Hill
Age: 19 years
ABV: 50% (100 proof)
Cost: $240.00
Tasting Notes
Appearance:
Copper penny with a red hue.
Nose:
I expected more oak with the gaudy age statement. It’s still deep with mature oak and leather, but it’s also nutty with butterscotch candy sweetness, rounded out with black tea and a heady, nectarous honeysuckle.
Taste:
The balance is remarkable. With a creamy, buttery texture, the spicy oak coats your mouth as it shifts to vanilla, toffee, and pralines, and then turns back to oak with the full array of baking spices.
Finish:
The finish has a gear shift that I love, but at first, I mistook it as a short, flat finish. After a quick burst it faded but then it rebounded with sustained warmth. It’s oak-driven and dry, still with a touch of cocoa as it fades.
Bottom Line
Pair this with the Spring 2022 release of Old Fitzgerald and you have two of the top ten bourbons of the year, easily. These are remarkable bourbons and strong buys.
Disclaimer: The brand managers kindly
sent me a sample for this review,
without any strings attached.
Thank you.
Sipp’n Corn Tasting Notes – 15 Stars Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.
One of this past fall’s newest bourbons was 15 Stars Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. 15 Stars is a merchant bottler with the good fortune of being able to source from Kentucky—which of course is getting easier, but not yet for the age obtained by 15 Stars. This 15 Stars bourbon is a blend of 7 and 15-year old bourbons, which is almost unheard of in the Kentucky sourced market.
15 Stars Tasting Notes
Whiskey: 15 Stars Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
ABV: 53.5% (107 proof)
Cost: $140.00
Appearance:
Dark amber consistent with its age.
Nose:
The age is also evident in the aromas. The proof is hidden behind richly sweet aromas of caramel and vanilla that come with age, along with dark ripe fruit, brown sugar, cinnamon, leather and oak. The leather in particular had a subtly of old worn leather.
Taste:
Creamy and nutty with great vanilla and a little less caramel than I expected. The oakiness is exceptional. It also hides the proof, not that 107 is “high” anymore, but I still would not have guessed that it was over 100 proof.
Finish:
The finish is long, starting with brown sugar sweetness before shifting to a drying oak and more leather as it fades, with some cherry cola as it finally disappears.
Bottom Line
This is an impressive bourbon. My flavor memories can’t peg the source, which I suppose is a testament to the blending and creating something different than the distiller produces. Definitely be on the lookout for yourself or as a gift this season.
Disclaimer: The brand managers kindly
sent me a sample for this review,
without any strings attached.
Thank you.
2022 BRIAN’S BOOK AND A BOTTLE ™
You can make 2022 brighter with the right bottle of Bourbon or Rye Whiskey paired with Bourbon Justice. Think of these bottles for gifts as Holiday parties ramp up, for the whiskey enthusiast on your list, or just for treating yourself. Brian’s Book and a Bottle™ has the right suggestion for everyone on your list:
For your business partner: Bourbon Justice and Pursuit United because partners Kenny Coleman and Ryan Cecil are showing everyone how to do it right. You’ll show yourself to be the creative brain of the operation.
For your impossible family member: Bourbon Justice and Russell’s Reserve by Wild Turkey. Lord knows that we need to get back to solid roots and there’s hardly anything as solid as Jimmy Russell, Mater Distiller at Wild Turkey since 1954. Jimmy has been the heart and soul of Wild Turkey and he can tell you all about family.
For a host/hostess: Bourbon Justice and Wilderness Trail. Shane and Pat’s authenticity is evident in every bottle of Wilderness Trail, and your host will appreciate the low barrel entry proof sweet mash far more than that bottle of white wine that keeps getting regifted. Step up with the most memorable gift of the evening.
For your boss or other authority figure: Bourbon Justice and Old Elk. There may not be a distillery with a more diverse offering than Old Elk, with Bourbon, Rye, wheat whiskey, wheated Bourbon, barrel finished Bourbon, and more, giving you the opportunity to nail the perfect gift to showcase your wisdom. That sensibility and personalization will show that you are a crucial part of the team.
Where to find Bourbon Justice:
Best deal: Bourbon Justice is on a 50% off sale through Potomac until Dec. 31 with promotion code 6HLW22 — use this link: Potomac.
Fastest Shipping: Amazon is tough to beat — you know the drill: Amazon.
Signed by me: Visit A Taste of Kentucky in person or online for a signed book or tell them that you’d liked it personally inscribed and I’ll make it happen. They ship anywhere.
Please enjoy the Holidays responsibly!
Brian Haara 