This multi-part series on the Mint Julep is presented in honor of the upcoming 150th Running of the Kentucky Derby. Long time friend and supporter, Corey White, generously authored this series and we are thankful for his support.
On race day, there may be a long shot! Corey experiments with rye whiskey and budget bourbon in part 3 of his Mint Julep experiment. Don’t miss the other two pieces on the History and Review and New Variations of a Mint Julep.
Trial #5: Jack Daniel’s Bonded Rye Whiskey (100 proof)
Aim: test the use of rye whiskey in this cocktail instead of bourbon
Trial #5 thoughts: this is a NICE mint julep (for me). I enjoy rye, and this julep has an herbaceous note that plays so well with the mint without turning into potpourri. Sweet, herbal, and it makes me feel gentlemanly. Big fan. 9/10
Trial #6: Evan Williams Bottled in Bond Bourbon (100 proof)
Aim: to test a bourbon around $20 or less.
Trial #6 thoughts: ding ding ding, this might be my winner. As I progressed through the other trials this year, I really honed in on wanting to try this Evan Williams white label bourbon. I think normally it’s a great value for the price, and there’s a slight nutty note that I tend to gravitate towards in bourbon. That note comes through here in the mint julep, and it’s very complimentary to the obvious sweet and mint elements. I genuinely don’t know which one I like more between this and the rye. I’ll give this one the edge for being a bourbon in a traditionally bourbon cocktail. 9.1/10
Where we stand as my order of preference at the end of the official Bourbon Lens 2024 Mint Julep Trials:
- Win: Evan Williams Bottled in Bond
- Place: Jack Daniel’s Bonded Rye
- Show: Bulleit 10-Year
- Russell’s Reserve 10-Year
- (Tie) Ben Holladay Rickhouse Proof, Larceny
Thanks for tuning in! Let me know which elements of a mint julep we should experiment with next year!
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