Copper Fox Rye Whiskey by Wasmund’s

2/3 rye, 1/3 malted barley smoke-dried over applewood and cherrywood smoke and aged in used bourbon barrels. Sound interesting enough for you? It should be. Complex, artisan rye whiskey. If you see it — grab it. $38

White Dog Mash #1 by Buffalo Trace Distillery

This is a must-buy for someone who wants to expand their bourbon knowledge. Buffalo Trace’s White Dog is straight from the still and bottled at 125 proof. It uses the same mashbill (corn, rye, malted barley) as their Buffalo Trace Bourbon, and thus presents you with the rare opportunity to drink one next to the other for comparison.

On the nose, White Dog is undoubtedly a corn whiskey, but hints of rye and spice follow close behind. The sweetness of the corn hits the palate first, but it is not strong enough to overcome the subtle nuances of the sour rye, spices, and malted barley that hit the palate through the finish. This whiskey is surprisingly smooth. You would think at 125 proof the heat would be thoroughly present up front, but the burn manages to stick to the chest leaving you with a warming sensation.

Self-Education:
Pour yourself a short glass of White Dog and a glass of Buffalo Trace Bourbon and you will have before you a lesson in bourbon distilling and aging. Smell and taste the White Dog and take a few notes, then do the same with the bourbon. You should be able to highlight the differences and deduce which flavors came from the mash and which came from barrel-aging. Hopefully you will come away a little more knowledgeable, and with a greater appreciation for the art of distilling and aging whiskey.

Clay Shot Flask by Wentworth Pewter

Need a flask to match your passion for sporting clays? No, we didn’t think so either, but man would it go well with the tweeds. The Clay Shot Flask (6oz.) has a high-polished finish and plenty of space for a personal engraving. Handmade in Sheffield, England, and available in the US through Sir Jack’s. $75

BCS Tailgate Cocktails (via Garden and Gun Magazine)

Roll Tide

1 oz. Southern Comfort 
1 oz. pomegranate liqueur (such as Pama Liqueur)
1 oz. cranberry juice 
1/2 oz. sweet and sour mix 
1/2 oz. simple syrup 
2 drops Fee’s orange bitters

Combine all ingredients in a shaker filled with ice. Shake well and pour entire contents into a rocks glass. Garnish with a twist of lemon.

Les is More

1 1/2 oz. citrus vodka 
3/4 oz. crème de violette
1 oz. lemon juice 
1 tsp. local honey

Combine all ingredients in a shaker filled with ice. Shake well and pour entire contents into a rocks glass. Garnish with a large swath of lemon peel. 

*photo taken by Sara Essex Bradley 

Blanton’s Original Single Barrel Bourbon

Blanton’s Original Single Barrel Bourbon ages in tin-clad Warehouse H through the hot Summer months. It continues to age ‘hot’ through the Winter thanks to a steam heating system. The warmer the warehouse is, the more the staves of the barrel expand. This allows the bourbon to seep further into the cracks of the alligator-charred interior and pull more flavor from the oak. The result is a bourbon with excellent color and deeply complex flavors.

If you’re looking for consistency you aren’t going to find it in a single barrel bourbon. What Blanton’s does offer is the location of the barrel your bourbon came from. Note the rick number and the barrel number. If you loved the bourbon from that barrel look for other bottles from the same location. Even still, the bourbon is going to vary from year to year.

Despite the variances, Blanton’s does offer some characteristic notes that will almost always be present. The opening has hints of rye, vanilla and honey that balance with the strong presence of caramel. A good mild burn carries with the caramel flavor to finish, which I have found to be different with every bottle. A good amount of spice can be found on the end, but you might also get a taste of pepper, maple, chocolate, tobacco, or cinnamon depending on your barrel.

This bourbon will keep an enthusiast’s interest, but it’s one you could also enjoy with a newcomer without reservations.

Favorite Barrel so far - #290, Rick 28 (2008) 

Cigars and Scotch Bow Tie by Buffalo & Co.

Whiskey tumblers and cigars for your tie? Yes, please. We were quite impressed with how much detail B&C was able to get in with embroidered detailing. Just look at those ice cubes… and now I’m thirsty. $54.95

Once upon a time, Jack Daniel’s brewed beer.

A bourbon drinker’s recurrent nightmare.

What are your favorite Fall beers?

Oyster Shooter Ribbon Belt by Knot Belt Co.

Oyster shooters by the bay make for a wild night… or a messy one. Either way, show your pride for the briny shooter with this ribbon belt from Knot Belt Co. featuring an oyster on the half shell and a revolver pistol. $38

Oyster Shooter
1 raw oyster
1 teaspoon cocktail sauce
1 lemon wedge (squeeze to your liking)
vodka (fill ‘er up)
*add a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick 

Imperial Rum Punch
The Imperial Hotel, Chestertown, MD 

Ommegang Belgian-Style Pale Ale, 6.2% ABV. Citrus nose and flavor make this a great Summer beer (though probably not best in the heat)
A- on Beer Advocate