Here is a question that hasn't been posed in quite awhile-if ever. What is your favorite spirit (hard liquor)? I am a die-hard bourbon fan. I prefer American Whiskeys in general compared to Canadian, Irish and Scotch. And of the American Whiskeys, Bourbon is king, in my book. I would even choose a high-end bourbon over most Single malts any day. My favorites right now are Woodridge, Basil Hayden, and Blanton's, though Maker's will work in a pinch.
Not only is it a great drinking beverage anytime of year (an ice cold Mint Julep in Summer, or used to spike Spiced Cider in Winter), it is a wonderful tool for cooking. I oftentimes find myself substituting Bourbon for brandy or cognac in many dishes, as their flavor profiles can be similar when used as a reduction. I find it helps to accent the sweetness of carrots or carmelized onions in a sauce, accents the sweetness of cream when using cream to finish a brown sauce, and accents the smokiness of sauces that incorporate smoked vegetables or bones into them. It also makes a wonderful marinade for pork when combined with other ingredients such as pineapple or mustard and makes a wonderful addition to any caramel sauce.
So as you can see, bourbon, IMHO, is a wonderful, all-around beverage. Great anytime of the year, and crosses over well into cooking. So what is your favorite hard liquor?
Not only is it a great drinking beverage anytime of year (an ice cold Mint Julep in Summer, or used to spike Spiced Cider in Winter), it is a wonderful tool for cooking. I oftentimes find myself substituting Bourbon for brandy or cognac in many dishes, as their flavor profiles can be similar when used as a reduction. I find it helps to accent the sweetness of carrots or carmelized onions in a sauce, accents the sweetness of cream when using cream to finish a brown sauce, and accents the smokiness of sauces that incorporate smoked vegetables or bones into them. It also makes a wonderful marinade for pork when combined with other ingredients such as pineapple or mustard and makes a wonderful addition to any caramel sauce.
So as you can see, bourbon, IMHO, is a wonderful, all-around beverage. Great anytime of the year, and crosses over well into cooking. So what is your favorite hard liquor?