Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/359372
august 2014 / the tasting panel / 93 J. R. EWING PRIVATE RESERVE KENTUCKY STRAIGHT BOURBON To celebrate the premiere of the third season of the re-launched Dallas television show, Warner Brothers commissioned the production of a bourbon whiskey worthy of one of television's most conniving and devious characters, J. R. Ewing. The studio engaged the Southfork Bottling Company for the project, and in February 2014, the company released J. R. Ewing Private Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon, a whiskey the fictitious oil baron most assuredly would have enjoyed. The 80-proof bourbon is crafted in Bardstown, Kentucky, from a mash bill of premium corn and rye. After distillation, the whiskey is matured in charred, new American white oak barrels for no less than four years. The whiskey has a burnished copper color, a velvety textured, medium- weight body and Texas-sized, semi-sweet nose. Its initial entry is mild and quickly expands, bathing the palate with the flavors of vanilla, cherries, baking spice, caramel and zesty citrus. The finish is long and spicy warm. "You don't need to be notorious to appreciate this exquisite bourbon," says Mike Howard, CEO of parent company Prairie Creek Beverages. "The whiskey is superbly balanced and brimming with flavor. What's not to enjoy?" PRARIE CREEK BEVERAGES Ryan January is the Spirits Buyer at top retailer Wally's in Los Angeles. He thinks J. R. Ewing Bourbon possesses an approachable, pleasing flavor profile at the right price. PHOTO: DUSTIN DOWNING With a glimpse of South Fork through a half-full bottle of J. R. Ewing bourbon, Dallas, the ever-popular TV show, in its past and current iteration, breaks down the fourth wall. The drama can be translated into a pleasur- able sipping experience, available at retailers across the country. At Wally's Wine & Spirits in Los Angeles, Spirits Buyer Ryan January was excited to include J. R. Ewing on the shelves of this ultra-prestigious store. "I grew up watching I Dream of Jeannie," he admits, referring to Larry Hagman (aka J. R. Ewing on Dallas) in his first hit television series from the 1960s. "Of course it was in the first or second reruns by then," adds the 36-year-old. "And then…I was also a big Dallas fan." But what also impressed January was that his customers were asking for the bourbon before it hit the market. "This type of popularity will certainly help sales, but there's also an American creativity to bringing the brand to life. We're already seeing the bourbon category exploding—much in thanks to bartenders who enjoy coming up with unique ways to showcase the spirit's best attributes."—Meridith May