In episode 3 of Thirsty Thursday Cocktails, we’re crafting the ultimate Bourbon Based Boulevardier, pronounced: BOOL-LUH-VARRR DEE-AY. This bourbon-based Boulevardier is bold and warming—a drink you’ll eagerly reach for on a crisp fall or winter evening. Originating from 1927, this classic cocktail combines bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Campari to perfection. Whether served neat in a coupe glass or over an ice ball in a rocks glass, this drink exudes sophistication. In this episode, we’re opting for a coupe glass to enhance the warmth and elegance of the cocktail.
RECIPE: 1.5 Ounces of Bourbon 1 Ounce of Sweet Vermouth 1 Ounce of Campari Fresh Orange Peel for Garnish
“The Barons of Whiskey” was a group of men that helped make Kentucky bourbon legendary, ushering in bourbon’s golden age more than 100 years ago. Wayne and I recently enjoyed a tasting of two of the three: Bond & Lillard and W.B. Saffell. Unfortunately, we have been unable to locate Old Ripy.
These are two of the three Barons of Whiskey line: Bond & Lillard anad WB Saffell.
Bond & Lillard was a trusted name in the pre-Prohibition whiskey industry. It was first distilled by John Bond in what was then called, Cedar Run, KY now known as Anderson County, in 1820. A veteran of the American Revolutionary War, Bond moved his distilling operation closer to Lawrenceburg, KY after the war. The brand gained international attention in 1904 when it won the Grand Prize at the St. Louis World’s Fair for its flavor, strength, and appearance.
W.B. Saffell pays tribute to William Butler Saffell, who began distilling as a teenager and built his first distillery in 1889. This bourbon is inspired by the delicate spirit he produced at the time and is the first in the collection to have legendary Master Distiller Eddie Russell working on the spirit.
Please be sure to read our approach to Tasting Whiskey if you haven’t already.
Bond & Lillard Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Mashbill – 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley Age – Non-age-stated; reportedly aged at least 7 years Proof – 100 Other – 375 ml bottle Price Paid – $59.94
Tasted Neat – Lemon zest, green apple, honey, cardamom with a cinnamon finish.
Tasted with dried cranberry – Toasted oak, citrus gone, white pepper finish.
Tasted with a pecan – Citrus returned, honey forward, and quite oaky.
Tasted with dark chocolate – Green apple returned, sweetness is more of a caramel, slight oak.
WB Saffell Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Mashbill – 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley Age – Non-age-stated; reportedly blends of 6, 8, 10, and 12 years Proof – 107 Other – 375 ml bottle Price Paid – $58.85
Color – Light Amber and Copper
Aroma – Sweet and rich. Dark caramel, molasses, nutmeg, and apricot.
Tasted Neat – Caramel, vanilla, maple syrup, dark chocolate, baking spices. The finish is long and warm with caramel, bits of citrus, cinnamon, and black pepper.
Tasted with dried cranberry – Butterscotch with pepper on the back.
Tasted with a pecan – Creamy, smooth, pepper is gone.
Tasted with dark chocolate – Sweet butterscotch, very creamy.
Discussion and Final Notes
Bond & Lillard smells and tastes like summertime. With the lemon zest and honeysuckle on the nose, and even its golden hue, it invites you to enjoy it in the sunshine. As you dive into it, your senses really linger on the citrus, green apple, honey, and floral notes while surprising you with a nice cinnamon finish.
W.B. Saffell is rich, creamy, and incredibly flavorful. When thinking of seasons, this screams Fall Festival. The aromas of dark caramel, molasses, nutmeg, and apricot urge you to give it a try. One taste and you are not disappointed as the caramel opens up to include vanilla, maple syrup, and dark chocolate. Its long and warm finish is amazing with pops of caramel, citrus, and then cinnamon and black pepper.
Each expression is unique and worthwhile. We certainly enjoyed them and recommend each as a nice addition to your collection.
Cheers, Rebecca & Wayne
Photos by Rebecca Herman McBrayer
Spirit Requirements
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey: Such whiskeys have all the requirements of bourbon: Made in the U.S, distilled at <= 160 proof, barreled at <= 125 proof, aged in new, charred oak containers, bottled at >= 80 proof.
Straight bourbon means it is aged at least 2 years (and must have an age statement if less than 4). In addition, to be Kentucky Straight Bourbon, it has the additional requirement that it must be produced and aged at least 1 year in the state of Kentucky.
For additional information on bourbon requirements, please read this post – Bourbon Whiskey.
NOTE: The bourbons in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producers for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.
Your Bourbon Journey 