Happy Hour Mailbag: Because Silkk The Shocker Is Jim Beam
You all have questions. I might have the answers. Lets get after it.
I will admit this upfront. I’m not an expert by any means about any of my favorite brown spirits. I am an enthusiast. Me, being an enthusiast, means that I do partake in various experiences that sharpen my sensibilities. Those experiences, and the feelings they provide, is what shapes what I like and don’t like.
Therefore, today embarks on a journey where I will take on the bravest of tasks and attempt to answer your questions about whiskey and other miscellanies from the Collective. I will answer them in the only way I know…by being myself.
Have questions? Send me an email at brownliquorcollective AT gmail DOT com. Or, drop them in the comments section and we’ll get them answered. Now let’s enjoy the show.
Q: I’m looking for a gift for my cousin, as I am the best man for his wedding and we’re both recovering from a bachelor’s party in which I ran out of underwear. TMI, I know, but anyway…he’s a fan of Johnnie Walker Black (or Blue when our Uncle’s paying for it), Glenfiddich or Glenlivet. Any suggestions? My budget is about $200. Thanks.
— Kevin, @the_black_panther_75
Ed: First off, it’s very clear that you weren’t raised right and for that it’s not your fault. My mother raised me to always pack more underwear than you need when going out of town because you never know what might pop off. I feel like going on a bachelor party trip is the exact scenario for needing an insane amount of drawls…but I digress.
I would recommend Chivas Regal Ultis ($140 at Total Wine), as it’s in line with your cousin’s taste with blended scotches and I had a chance to sip this in New York late last year. The first thing you’ll notice are the notes of vanilla, honey and baked apple pie. The finish is velvety and lasting. Some might say that the ABV (40) is low to justify the cost, but as I stated previously about the Michter’s US-1, strength isn’t worth it if you can’t appreciate it. You can appreciate this bottle, and your cousin will appreciate you.
Q: I’ve been a casual whiskey drinker for years and want to become more sophisticated. However, I’m also trying to get my “Summertime Fine” body in shape so I can look like LeBron James. Any help?
— JMo, @jmott15
Ed: You’ll never have a LeBron body, I’m sorry to have to be the one to break it to you.
However, I would say that enjoying whiskey while dieting isn’t as hard as you might think. Back in 2018, I switched to a ketogenic diet which primarily cuts out carbs and sugar and lost 19 pounds in about 8 weeks combining the diet with running 2–3 days a week. If you’ve been following my writing, you can tell my whiskey consumption hasn’t really changed, but the fact is that I’ve cut out cocktails from my consistent consumption.
Sipping neat while dieting will be your friend (1–2 ounces will net ~100 calories) and it’ll help you nose and taste whiskeys better. It’s a win-win.
Q: I was listening to some old No Limit and I was amazed at how terrible Silkk The Shocker was at rapping. If you had to compare him to whiskey, what bottle would he be?
- Terresa, @TerresaWillimas
Ed: For a time, for some people, Jim Beam White Label served a purpose. A good one, in fact. Not bad in a cocktail. Not bad with coke. Sipping it straight or on the rocks, however, is a laborious task. Both give me a headache if consumed too frequently.
Q: I’m looking to get a non-Hennessy/Remy Martin/Courvoisier cognac?
- LLC
Ed: H by Hine. Tastes like cherry pice and spices. Cinnamon notes. A clean sip with decent heat on the backend. Notes of 7-Up cake and banana pudding. Plus, you can get it for around ~$40. You’re welcome.
Q: Do you drink anything besides whiskey these days?
- Mom
Ed: I tried to drink E&J as you do, but I had to give that up. I got inspired by watching Ghetto Gastro on First We Feast making sweet potatoes with Martell Blue Swift to create a cognac glaze. After those sweet potatoes were gone, the bottle stayed…and now it’s in my rotation.