Virginia Gentleman Bourbon

[classyndry]

The other night I felt like making a mint julep since I had some mint. I realize its not exactly julep weather in the mid-atlantic, plus it was pretty late in the day, but I had a craving. I couldn't find any makers mark (my go to) so I used some Virginia gentleman 90. It worked out pretty well. I tried some straight, and was pleasantly surprised. I hadn't had any since college, when my metric for quality was mainly price. I did some research and found out that most believe the Buffalo Trace distillery sends some double distilled sauce (not technically bourbon yet) over to VA, and then A. Smith Bowman gives it one last go and barrels it. Since I'm a fan of most BT products, that further confirmed my beliefs that this is a pretty good bourbon and bargain. I didn't find it very complex, but very drinkable. I'm going to try the standard version as well, but I've found myself a new julep bourbon for sure. Anybody else given VG try? Anybody have a favorite julep bourbon?

 

[Greggj77]

Love me sum bourbon but, never had a julep. What exactly goes into them.

You got a recipe or is it just mint leaves and good ole fashioned bourbon?

 

[classyndry]

http://www.washingtonian.com/articles/restaurants/2778.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mint_julep

Personally, I like to put about 8 mint leaves in the bottom of a silver (plated) julep cup, pour in some superfine sugar (not granulated or confectioners) maybe a quarter oz of water, and gently muddle. Then I fill the cup with hand-crushed ice (but fridgerator crushed ice is fine) ice, pour in the bourbon, and give it a quick stir. The superfine sugar is really just a trick I used to make instant simple syrup (boiled sugarwater) without the hassle. Granulated sugar is fine if you're not particular. For garnish I add a sprig of mint, and I'll top the sprig with confectioners sugar for guests. I also put a straw-spoon in mine, but any straw will do. Some even sip straight from the cup. People like to be particular about the specifics, but even the poorly made juleps I've had are pretty good. As long as you like bourbon and mint, you'll probably enjoy a julep.

 

[no3putts]

I drink lots of bourbon, but never had a julep. Manhattans yes. Love those.

I've had some VGent before..like you when on a shoestring, mostly mixing with ginger ale.

 

[Anthem]

To me the Mint Julep is America's version of the Mojito...in fact they are the same save bourbon vs rum.

I love to make them for company, especially people who think bourbon is not for them, as it is a drink that is so universally drinkable and enjoyable.

Here in Michigan today it is in the 50's, so for us it is like spring and this post hit it on the head for me. I could go for a Julep right now, and it is not even close to Derby Day.

I will be looking for mint this weekend.

 

[classyndry]

A mojito has lime and soda water. I guess some people put soda water in their juleps though. I wish I had some weather like that right about now.