by Steven Doyle
This past weekend Bonnie Wilson, who oversees the beverage program at The Ranch in Las Colinas, Whiskey Cake and Mexican Sugar, invited Drew Mayville, Master Blender at Buffalo Trace in for a special evening dining paired with some pretty special bourbons. To start the evening Wilson created a beautiful cocktail to get our palates started, but be there no doubt that the night would be filled with first rate bourbon finished off with one of the fine cigars that the Ranch offers in their large humidor.
Drew Mayville joined Buffalo Trace Distillery in 2004 as Director of Quality, Processing and Blanton Manufacturing Operations. Since he joined the distillery, he has worked hands-on with the award-winning whiskies produced at Buffalo Trace. Mayville regaled the crowd with information on the making and blending of the variety in the Sazerac line up which included Buffalo Trace, Blanton’s, Eagle Rare, Thomas Handy Sazerac Rye, E.H. Taylor Single Barrel and Stagg Jr.
Without a doubt the surprise tasting for the evening was the elusive E.H. Taylor which is the second limited edition bourbon in the Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor, Jr. collection with a Single Barrel Bourbon. This Bourbon was aged 11 years and 7 months years in Warehouse C, which was built by Col. Taylor in 1881. The bourbon has a beautiful butterscotch taste with a slight citrus and smokiness often associated with a fine scotch. The 100 proof single barrel bourbon whiskey has been aged just over 11 years, and by far one of the more fascinating drams I have sipped. Don’t expect to find this bourbon very often, as it is highly allocated, but Wilson has plenty in supply at The Ranch.
Dinner was created by The Ranch chef Grant Morgan who offered a wonderfully spicy tortilla soup, a choice of chicken, fish and beef, as well as as brown butter and orange bunt cake with a brown sugar and bourbon ice cream.
We will keep you apprised of future dinners, as they are always a pleasure of education and taste. Wilson is hosting another dinner tonight in Plano at Whiskey Cake. To be added to that list call 972.993.2253. The dinner is at 6pm.
