In Defense of Bottom-Shelf Bourbon

There are no bad bourbons and whiskeys, only better bourbons and whiskeys. Bourbon is America's spirit. Usually known for making its drinkers look classy (brands like Pappy Van Winkle can go for literally thousands of dollars per bottle) most of your more common brands like Jim Beam, Knob Creek and Maker's Mark range anywhere from $20-50. However, while these are right at eye level on the liquor store shelves, if you drop to a squat you will see the stuff most people forget about: At the bar, they call them wells. Some of the more pretentious people will say it's "the shitty stuff." But I say, this is the stuff that will give you the best bang for your buck. Behold, Evan Williams and the Bourbon of Kings, (or at least presidents and famous writers) the one and only Old Crow.

I will unapologetically tell anyone who asks that Maker's Mark is my favorite bourbon. Always has been, always will be. But I had my first experience with Evan Williams at the ripe age of 19. (Sorry, mom and dad!) While most people will only think you're cheap when they see you drinking it (you can find it at your local liquor store for about $12 a bottle and the label looks like a Wal-Mart Jack Daniel's knock-off) this stuff has a smoother burn than Jim Beam at barely half the price. I have drank it neat and while I wouldn't go so far as to call it palatable, it's at least tolerable and is one of the best to mix, especially with Coke or ginger ale. Be careful with this stuff though, as one too many with it will make you wake up face down in front of your kitchen cupboards with no recollection of how you got there on the Fourth of July (again, sorry mom and dad.) As for the embarrassment of drinking a Jack Daniel's wannabe, spend another small sum of money and get                                                          

If you've never heard of Old Crow, you're not alone: this stuff has been around for over 180 years and is the best cheap whiskey you've probably never heard of. Not only is it a party starter, but it's a conversation starter. This is the drink of legends. Seriously: it was a favorite of both Mark Twain and 18th President/Yankee Badass Ulysses S. Grant. Last time I went to my corner store, I copped a bottle of Old Crow for just $8.99. Despite being the original sour mash whiskey, Old Crow has a flavor sweeter than most of its more expensive counterparts, and definitely packs more of a punch than its unbelievably low price would suggest.

There are very few spirits as versatile as bourbon, and none as good. But when you're short on cash and looking to catch a buzz, the major names in bourbon aren't always an option. Luckily, that's where the cheap ones come in. Next time you're getting ready to roll to a party and find yourself in this situation, reach for one of these low-budget classics. When someone asks, "What are you drinking?" you can reply, "America" and ride away on a bald eagle.

Thanks for reading and be sure to follow me on Twitter (@SrMashSweetAds) and always drink responsibly.

Photos: Evan Williams - http://whiskey.underthelabel.com/l/801/Evan-Williams-Kentucky-Straight-Bourbon-Whiskey

Old Crow - http://drinks.seriouseats.com/2011/02/drinking-the-bottom-shelf-old-crow.html

Johnnie Walker's "Keep Walking" Campaign Has Legs

Every once in a while in advertising, we stumble across a tagline and campaign that not only captures where our brand is at in the moment, but is so timeless that it is able to do so for years at a time. Nike has "Just Do It." Campbell's has "M'm, m'm good!" Johnnie Walker has "Keep Walking." When a campaign stands the test of time, it is said to have legs, because it has the ability to stand on its own. Johnnie Walker has been using "Keep Walking" since 2000, and every year it solidifies itself even more as the most famous brand of scotch in the world. So how have their advertisers captured the essence of their brand in every corner of the world
with just two simple words? To put it simply, its meaning is something that every person can relate to.

https://www.behance.net/gallery/1219875/Johhnie-Walker-Print-Campaign

http://www.advertolog.com/johnnie-walker/print-outdoor/the-step-2222055/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/316237205061078318/


The same way that we all have a story, each of our lives is a journey. With "Keep Walking", Johnnie Walker is not only encouraging us to persevere through the trials and tribulations of life, but to celebrate the good, and take them with us as we do. Great print ads tell a story with as few words as possible, but the best campaigns are effective with both print and video. For example, Johnnie does this incredibly well with their moving "Dear Brother" ad. Seriously: watch this and try not to cry in your drink.

No matter what, even if it is the loss of someone we love, we are called to keep walking and live the best lives we can. For the protagonist of this commercial, many of his greatest memories involve sharing a drink with his brother. The bond between the two of them created by Johnnie Walker will live on long after they are apart from one another, and so will the campaign the ad is a part of.

Thanks for reading, and as always be sure to follow me on Twitter (@SrMashSweetAds) and drink responsibly. Cheers!

You Don't Have the Stones... But Maybe You Should

Nothing beats a glass of your favorite whiskey on the rocks. But every whiskey drinker, from the lightest dabbler to the most seasoned connoisseur has experienced one of the biggest bummers when drinking with ice in the glass: the good stuff just gets watered down. Some have tried to combat it with one giant ice ball as opposed to cubed or crushed, but doing this takes up more of the glass. So how can you keep your drink cool without diluting it? The answer is simple: whiskey stones.


Whiskey stones are a relatively new technology in the drinking world, but they have seen many different styles in a short amount of time. From stainless steel to various types of actual rock (soapstone and granite are the most popular) the principle is the same: Put these bad boys in the freezer for a few hours before use, take them out, drop them in the glass, and enjoy. Not only will they keep your drink cold, but they will do so without watering down your drink, and look awesome in the process.


The best part? Not only are they reusable, but they are also economical. Teroforma, a home and kitchen products company, mills their soapstone whiskey stones in the great state of Vermont and some of their sets sell for as little as $10. (And for a few dollars more, you can even get a customized set!) So next time you're thinking you want it on the rocks, put it on the stones instead.

Thanks for reading and as always, be sure to follow us on Twitter (@SrMashSweetAds) and always drink responsibly.

http://www.teroforma.com/whisky-stones-gifts/