Today there was a real breakthrough in the progress of restoring the house. Ginny found all the stock that had been at the bar. She calls it my booze collection, but I much prefer the more genteel "distilled spirits" collection. For some time now I have been whittling down on the number of bottles that are on the bar. It has been common practice to acquire many different varieties and enjoy those. After our trip to Bourbon country last year I got to thinking in a much more analytical manner about what to stock as the core collection. You all know that there are many, many distilled spirits to choose from. The question was what I would go to for an "educational" tasting session wherein the pupil could get an appreciation for the varieties. So here is what ended up in the core collection.

The Glenlivet 12 years - I would call this pretty much representative of the Highland/Speyside variety of scotch. There are other distinct varieties, like Islay, but the novice wouldn't appreciate those peaty flavors. Indeed, long ago I had some Laphroaig and really disliked it because I didn't know where in the continuum of Scotch flavors it belonged. I think that The Glenlivet is the #1 selling Scotch in the world.

Eagle Rare 10 years - This is a Buffalo Trace product that has the same mash bill as their Buffalo Trace Bourbon whiskey. It has about 8% rye which is on the low end of ryed bourbons. It isn't too expensive and it is rather smooth. We visited the Buffalo Trace distillery and had a very good experience. They make a large variety of bourbons including the exceedingly difficult to obtain Pappy van Winkle. I had a chance one time to try Pappy with a friend of mine. It is very smooth. See Maker's Mark for why.

Woodford Reserve - There is no age statement, so it has to be more than four years. This is made at Versailles, Kentucky. It is a higher rye bourbon, about 16%. We visited the distillery. It uses pot stills which is interesting. This variety is tasty with the peppery, spicy flavor coming through.

Maker's Mark - This bourbon is noted for its smoothness and sweetness. The reason for that is the mash bill includes wheat but no rye. Wheated bourbons are not as common as ryed bourbons. It is the reason that Pappy's is considered so smooth. Pappy's is a wheated bourbon as well. Maker's Mark has been a favorite for quite a while. The red wax seal is hand dipped. Ginny and I got to hand dip our own bottles at the distillery.

To round out the Scotch I have Three Glenmorangie varieties: Lasanta, a sherry cask finish; Quinta Rubin, a port cask finish; and an 18 year "Extremely Rare" which is a sherry cask finish. These are very nice. They are intended for special occasions. If I were to have friends who are experienced whisky drinkers over for a tasting, I would include these.

Of course there are other distilled spirits that found their way onto the permanent roster. These include Bombay Sapphire gin, Bacardi light rum and El Dorado 15 year dark rum. The El Dorado is an excellent sipping rum.

There are lots of other stragglers on the shelf that I don't intend to replace when they are gone.

In order to keep the inventory down, I have decided to limit the "experimental" choices to just a couple. Right now, it is only one: Woodford Reserve Double Oaked. My son Robert gave it to me for my birthday. It is very flavorful with quite a bit of vanilla and fruit taste. Still working on the tasting. It resembles the whiskey which I make myself.

So that is the story. Everybody has their particular favorites. Not interested in a debate. You are all invited for a tasting, as long as we are home at the time.