What is a Store Pick Bourbon?
Ah, bourbon—the amber nectar that has captured the hearts and palates of many. From the rustic bars of Kentucky to upscale cocktail lounges, this sophisticated spirit has ascended the throne of fine liquors. But amidst the well-known brands like Maker’s Mark, Buffalo Trace, and Woodford Reserve lies a fascinating world of “store pick” bourbons. If you’ve ever wandered into a well-stocked liquor store and spotted that elusive bottle with a handwritten label proclaiming “Store Pick,” you may have wondered: what on earth is that? Fear not, dear reader; let us take a spirited dive into the delightful and perplexing universe of store pick bourbons.
The Basics: What Makes Bourbon “Bourbon”?
Before we get too deep into the store pick rabbit hole, let’s take a moment to savor the basics. What exactly makes a bourbon a bourbon? The rules are stricter than a Victorian tea party host.
1. Geographic Region: To be labeled as bourbon, this splendid spirit must be produced in the United States. While many think of Kentucky as the bourbon capital, it can technically come from anywhere in the U.S.
2. Corn Content: Bourbon must contain at least 51% corn in its mash bill. The remaining percentage can be a medley of other grains, like rye, wheat, and barley. The corn gives bourbon its sweet character—like candy corn but for your palate.
3. Aging in New Charred Oak Barrels: Every drop has to be aged in new charred oak barrels. This is crucial, as the char helps create the flavor profile we all know and love. And no, you can’t just pop it in a barrel that’s seasoned with pickle juice and call it bourbon.
4. No Additives: The rules dictate that bourbon cannot contain any additives or flavoring. What you taste must come from the grains, the barrel, and time itself. No flavored syrup nonsense here!
5. Distillation Proof: Bourbon can be distilled to no more than 160 proof. After it spends its time aging, it can be bottled at a minimum of 80 proof. So, alas, the bourbon won’t be doing pirouettes on your tongue after all.
Enter the Store Pick
Now that we have the fundamentals down, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of store pick bourbons. In short, a store pick bourbon is a bottle of bourbon selected by a specific retailer directly from a distillery. Sweet, right? But wait, there’s more!
The Process: Picking the Perfect Barrel
Here’s where it gets fun, and possibly the most entertaining aspect of bourbon shopping. When stores collaborate with distilleries on a store pick, they are often allowed to taste from several barrels. Yes, you heard that right. Several barrels! It’s like a sommelier competition but with a lot more of that beautiful, caramel-colored goodness flowing.
How It Works:
1. Barrel Selection: Retailers are invited to the distillery (or a sampling event) where they taste from various barrels. Think of it as a buffet of bourbon, where the stakes are high, and everyone is keenly aware that tasting is indeed a serious business.
2. Tasting Notes: Retailers take meticulous notes on each barrel’s flavor profiles. You might hear things like, “I get notes of vanilla, butterscotch, and a hint of the sadness I feel on Monday mornings.” (Kidding, kidding—you won’t find sadness in a good bourbon!)
3. The Final Decision: Once the retailer has narrowed it down, they select a single barrel that stands out from the crowd. This is where personal preference comes into play—some prefer a sweeter bourbon, while others may lean towards spicier notes. Ultimately, one lucky barrel gets the golden ticket, and voilà! A store pick is born!
The Charm of Exclusivity
Store pick bourbons have a special charm that often makes them more desirable. After all, who doesn’t want an exclusive product? It’s like wearing a custom-tailored suit to a wedding; you just feel fancier. The limited availability means you won’t find it on every shelf, and that adds a delightful thrill to the hunt. If you manage to snag that beautiful bottle, you might find yourself feeling like Indiana Jones, but instead of running from boulders, you’re simply trying not to knock over a display of champagne flutes.
Fun Fact: The Label
Many store pick bourbons feature a unique label that reflects the retailer’s personality. Some labels may be humorous, while others could be artistically grand. It’s kind of like the bourbon version of a family crest, except instead of a lion and a sword, you might see a raccoon wrestling with a bottle of bourbon.
But don’t get too attached; once that barrel is gone, it’s gone! So if you happen to spot a store pick that tickles your fancy, grab it while it’s still on the shelf. It’s the ultimate FOMO (fear of missing out) experience for bourbon aficionados.
The Taste: What to Expect
So, what can one expect from a store pick bourbon that is different from its mainstream counterparts? Let’s unravel this flavor mystery.
1. Depth of Flavor: Because store picks often stem from a single barrel, the flavor profile can be more pronounced and unique. While a distillery might blend different barrels for their regular offerings to create consistency, the store pick allows for a one-of-a-kind tasting experience. If you find a barrel that offers flavors of toasted oak, rich caramel, and even a hint of cherry, consider yourself lucky—it’s not something you’ll find every day.
2. Variability: The variance between barrels means that store picks can range greatly in taste. One store’s bourbon might be reminiscent of a warm hug on a winter night, while another barrel might bring the zing of a spicy summer ball. Each release tells its own story, allowing spirits enthusiasts to expand their palates and discovery journeys.
3. Higher Proof Possibilities: Since many stores opt for barrels at higher proof for their picks, you might get an experience that packs a hearty punch. It allows for a richness that can oftentimes be diluted in a blended bourbon, converting each sip into a thrilling adventure. Just remember that with great power (or alcohol content), comes great responsibility!
The Community: Bourbon Lovers Unite!
Part of the thrill of the store pick experience is the community that surrounds it. Bourbon hunters, as they affectionately call themselves, often congregate online and in-person to share their experiences. From Twitter to dedicated Reddit threads, people can share the latest and greatest store picks, and it’s the modern-day equivalent of trading baseball cards—except, instead of a rare Honus Wagner card, you’re raving about a delightful 13-year-old cask strength bourbon. Delightful, indeed!
The Unique Value Proposition
But let’s dive a bit deeper into why store picks hold substantial value.
1. Value for Money: While some store picks may carry a higher price tag than standard bottles, you often get a greater value due to their exclusive nature and distinctive flavor profiles. Think of it as buying a fine wine you could brag about at dinner parties—or more importantly, to your bourbon nerd friends.
2. Collectability: Many bourbon enthusiasts embark on a quest to collect store picks from various retailers, turning their shelves into veritable museums of bourbon history. Who doesn’t want a shelf that showcases their journey through the bourbon landscape? If you find yourself hosting a gathering, you can tell stories of the unique selections you’ve made—like how you fished that special bottle out of a muddy creek during the last bourbon festival.
3. Supporting Local Business: By purchasing store picks, you’re often supporting local retailers, which is a win-win. Small businesses are the backbone of any community, and buying a store pick allows you to connect with your local liquor store while enjoying a unique bourbon experience.
In Conclusion: The Pursuit of Bourbon Happiness
So there you have it, dear readers—a delightful romp through the world of store pick bourbons. Next time you find yourself in the vicinity of a liquor store, take a curious gander at their selection. Seek out that coveted store pick and embrace the intriguing story behind it. Uncork that unique barrel, pour a dram, and let the robust flavors take you on a journey of sensory delight.
Bourbon, after all, is not just a drink; it’s an experience, a conversation starter, and occasionally, a cure for what ails you after a long week at work. Embrace your adventurous side, and remember: you’ll never know if you don’t pick!
So go forth, pursue, discover, and enjoy that magical land of store pick bourbons. Your taste buds will thank you—and so will your inner bourbon aficionado! Cheers! 🥃