Here we have two bourbons, one little known, the other very well known to the whiskey cognoscenti. Bulleit Bourbon, "frontier whiskey" as they bill it, is an old product reborn. Purportedly the first batch of it was whipped up in 1830, but over the years the brand has moved from one company to another and one distillery to another. Since 1997 Bulleit has been a Seagram brand and it is made at their Lawrenceburg, Kentucky distillery. The packaging for Bulleit is quite attractive; no bulbous perfume bottle here, Bulleit comes in a thick, flask or medicine like clear bottle

Evan Williams bourbons come in variety of prices and qualities. Those who have heard of Evan Williams are most likely familiar with their value brands, Evan William black and green. However, among bourbon lovers, Evan Williams Single Barrel bourbons have attained an almost iconic status in recent years. We crowed over the 1989, and the 1990 won a number of prizes.

And so we come to the 1991, which is pictured above. It is not a bourbon for the weak kneed. The 1991 booms- it has a huge bouquet and flavor that actually made our eyes pop open and heads recoil slightly. In a rare instance, our tasters actually felt obliged to cut it with a couple ounce of water, despite it being a relatively modest 86.6 proof. Once we softened it, though, we fell for the 1991. It is robust and tasted of honey, apple, cinnamon, mint and barrel. Very impressive, once again. (Rating ****1/4)