By an act of Congress in 2007, September was declared National Bourbon Heritage Month. While we’ve been celebrating behind the scenes all month, we figured that as this great occasion comes to a close, it would be the perfect time to share a recent visit we took to popular Washington, D.C. bar and restaurant, Bourbon, with our friends at The Whiskey Library.
Located in D.C.’s hip Adams Morgan neighborhood, Bourbon came highly recommended, so when we made a trip down to the nation’s capital a few months back, this place was first on our to-do list. Since D.C. is a whiskey town, it should come as no surprise that a place called Bourbon has its fair share of whiskey – more than 400 American whiskeys, to be exact.
In addition to an epic whiskey selection and over 20 flight options, Bourbon offers a popular cocktail program focusing on seasonal farm-t0-table ingredients and a constantly changing menu, as well as a growing food program. We were lucky enough to stuff our faces over a massive meal with owner James Woods, who purchased the establishment 3 years ago from the owner of one of Washington’s other whiskey hot spots, Jack Rose. Along with Brian Thompson, Tim Moll, and Robert Floyd from The Whiskey Library, we chatted food, D.C., and, of course, bourbon.
While enjoying a meal of sweet potato waffle fries, crab cakes, fish and chips, and buttermilk fried chicken, we sipped on The Whiskey Library’s single barrel of Elijah Craig. Brian, their Chief American Whiskey Officer gave us some background on the collaborative effort that went into creating the cask:
“When Heaven Hill Distillery re-launched their single barrel program with their Elijah Craig brand of bourbon, we [The Whiskey Library] were selected as the only D.C. company out of all the bars, restaurants, and retailers to choose a barrel. The group of us met up at Bourbon, and with the help of James, and General Manager, Jess, tasted through various samples. We compared the samples to the older 12 year age statement Elijah Craig as well as the newer ‘small batch’ expression which is a little younger. In choosing our selection, which we did blind (not knowing the age) we looked for something that was really rich and flavorful. We wanted to pick a bourbon that was universally pleasing, but also one that could stand out in a crowd and within the Elijah Craig lineup. While the nose of the one we choose took a little time to open up, the taste was stunning. And once the nose did open up we knew we had to have it. After we made our selection we learned it was a 9 year bourbon, one of the younger of the samples. We also got to keep the barrel, which we have sitting at Right Proper Brewery where we have a wonderful beer being aged in it and should be ready later this Fall!”
Long story short, next time you’re in D.C., stop by Bourbon, eat everything, and try the Elijah Craig or the Smokestack, a woodchip infused Old Fashioned, smoked to order.
2321 18TH ST NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20009
