Wakey Whiskey: Nevada H&C Distilling Smoke Wagon Bourbon

By Eric Ducote

Good morning everyone, and a happy 4th of July to you all!  Today we celebrate, our Independence Day, and I prefer to start out that celebration with a little wakey whiskey (hashtag wakeywhiskey) before I get into the BBQ and beer.  My lovely wife Mandi recently made a trip out to Las Vegas and she was awesome enough to bring back a bottle of whiskey for me, so that's my selection for this morning.  This is the Smoke Wagon Private Barrel Straight Bourbon Whiskey by Nevada H&C Distilling Co.  They actually source their bourbon from Indiana (not uncommon), but my understanding is that they do all of the barrel aging and blending in house in Las Vegas, in addition to distilling vodka.  

Nevada H&C Smoke Wagon Private Barrel

This particular bottle is one that they aged for 10 years in a private barrel release for the Total Wine & Spirits near where my mother in law lives.  It's bottled at barrel strength, in this case 56.7% which equates to 113.4 proof.  Although not necessarily THIS barrel, their private barrel series won a double gold medal at the 2017 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.  In addition to the private barrel line, Nevada H&C puts out an Uncut and Unfiltered version which is basically a barrel strength bourbon but blended from several vintages of barrel instead of being a single barrel.  They also put out a Small Batch rye-heavy bourbon at 100 proof and the aforementioned Silver Dollar American Vodka.

Enough about the company though, how's the bourbon?  My initial thought was that this is a little on the harsh side, but it is a high proof bourbon, so I added an ice sphere (they ever recommend it on their website) and the whiskey opened up to me.  Once that little bit of chill and water was introduced the bourbon started really showing strong oak, vanilla, and chocolate notes, and the harshness turned into a pleasant alcohol presence.  It's amazing to me how some whiskeys can taste watered down while others really open up, but the main thing I think is just drink it however you like it the best.  

Cheers to you all, and I hope everyone has a fantastic 4th of July! 

Wakey Whiskey: Ironroot Republic Carpenter's Bluff Moonshine

by Eric Ducote

Good morning everyone, happy #wakeywhiskey and a happy 4th of July to you all! Whiskey might not be a native spirit to the United States of America, but here on this side of the pond we have gotten pretty damn good at making it. So good, even, that when alcohol was outlawed during prohibition, moonshine became a way of life for many Americans. In a nod to the white lightning, I'm going for a Carpenter's Bluff Moonshine from Ironroot Republic Distilling this morning.

Yes, originally the term "moonshine" referred to illegally produced spirits, but these days it's a pretty standard industry term for whiskey that hasn't been aged at all, leaving it clear in color and often much stronger than barrel aged counterparts. All distilled spirits start off colorless and high-proof before being barrel aged (or not) for various lengths of time. The spirits are then usually blended with other barrels from the same base spirit and watered down to achieve the desired alcohol content. You'll also see various whiskeys out there marketed as barrel proof, or single barrel, indicating that they haven't been blended or watered down, and you're drinking it just as it comes out of the barrel.

For "legal" moonshine though, the aging process is skipped, although there is almost always a bit of watering down to achieve a consistent alcohol content across the product line from batch to batch. In this case, Carpenter's Bluff Moonshine is made from red heirloom corn by Ironroot Republic Distilling, and bottled at 90 proof. Ironroot Republic is a relatively new distillery out of Denison, TX north of Dallas. They produce vodka and gin in addition to their corn whiskey moonshine, and have a tasting room if you ever find yourself up that direction.

On to the liquor... first off, let me say that I never get my hopes up for a white liquor, most are too harsh and too heavy on the candy corn flavors. This spirit, however, is very well done. The dominant aroma is still without a doubt the corn sweetness, but it's not overpowering, and allows me to enjoy the nose rather than reel back. The taste is more of the same, it's sweet, there are unmistakable notes of corn, but also some mineral qualities that I see in a lot of Irish whiskeys that add a very pleasant balance and really smooth out the mouthfeel and finish.

I enjoyed this one straight up, but their website also has a link to several cocktails involving the Carpenter's Bluff, including a Shine Sour which I might have to try myself.

That's all for now. I hope you are all enjoying a glass this morning, a huge #wakeywhiskey cheers to you all, and Happy 4th of July!

Red, White and 'Cue: A Look Back on Barbecue Bites Past

by Drew Broussard

Oh barbecue, where do we start? At Bite and Booze, our appreciation for barbecue runs deep. Three of our products were thoughtfully considered and concocted with the beauty of this "low and slow" cooking method in mind. Whether he's competing or simply taste-testing for the betterment of mankind, Jay has eaten his share of barbecue over the years. 

While spring time in Louisiana may be dominated by seafood, people pivot to pork, chicken and beef when the summer rolls around. Now that July 4th is upon us and we are itching to hit the grill, let's take a look back at some of our favorite barbecued dishes that we've enjoyed over the past few years!

The Best Brisket from Franklin Barbecue in Austin, Texas

Brisket from @franklinbbq. @jayducote braved the line yesterday, but of course he turned it into a tailgate party. #bbq #nofilter #atx #foodporn #nomnom #seriously #beef #brisket

A photo posted by Bite & Booze (@biteandbooze) on Nov 14, 2015 at 8:03am PST

Big Basket from La Barbecue in Austin, Texas

Doing things for real at @la_barbecue in #atx! Check out that colossal beef rib! #bbq #texas #foodpics #foodporn #barbecue

A photo posted by Bite & Booze (@biteandbooze) on Nov 18, 2015 at 12:06pm PST

Spare Ribs at Arthur Bryant's in Kansas City

Brisket from the GnarBQ 2015

St. Louis Style Ribs from Pimanyoli's

Smoked Sausages from Johnson's Boucanière in Lafayette

Sausages smoking at @johnsonsboucaniere. There aren't many prettier sights. @eatlafayette #lafayette

A photo posted by Bite & Booze (@biteandbooze) on Jan 12, 2016 at 12:44pm PST

Sampler Platter from Nola Smokehouse

Say hello to the sampler platter at @nolasmokehouse. Ribs, pulled pork, brisket, burnt ends, smoked sausage, boudin, and sides! #bbq #nola #chefrob #eeeeeats #satisfeed #instayum #instafood #foodprnshare #foodporn #instagood #foodgasm #nom #nomnom #nomnomnom #foodpic #fdlmoment 

photo posted by Bite & Booze (@biteandbooze) on Jul 10, 2015 at 9:49am PDT

Team Bacon Rouge's Pig from Hogs for the Cause

We can hardly wait for this year's @hogsforthecause!Team @baconrouge is ready to rock and roll. Make sure to grab your tickets! #hogsforthecause #pork #citypork #yummy #wholehog

A photo posted by Bite & Booze (@biteandbooze) on Mar 22, 2016 at 10:11am PDT

BBQ Plate from Mitchell's Bar-B-Q in Cheyenne, WY

Doing some #BBQ research at Mitchell's Bar-B-Q in downtown Cheyenne, WY. #thestruggle

A photo posted by Bite & Booze (@biteandbooze) on Jun 23, 2014 at 1:00pm PDT

Jay D's Barbecue Venison Pizza

When @jayducote found out @indieplate carries fresh #pizza dough and @chuckp23 stocked us with venison, the @hugjayd Louisiana Barbecue Venison pizza was born!

A photo posted by Bite & Booze (@biteandbooze) on Mar 2, 2016 at 12:11pm PST