Anyone that ever had whiskey has probably had Kessler Whiskey and didn't even know it. From under the bar at every tavern to most punchbowls at high school dances, Kessler is everywhere.
A man walks into a tavern and sits down at the bar. The bartender asks him what he wants to drink. The man looks into his shirt pocket, then says that he will have Kessler on the rocks. A little bit later, the bartender notices the mans glass is empty so he asks him if he would like another Kessler. The man at the bar looks into his shirt pocket again and says he will have another Kessler. At last call, the bartender asks him if he wants another drink, and again the man looks into his shirt pocket and orders another. At closing time, the bartender asks to the man why he looks in his shirt pocket every time before ordering. The man tells him that he has a picture of his wife in his pocket and when she starts to look good, he knows he's had enough.
Julius Kessler's whiskey is an American blended whiskey. From 1888 to 1921, he went door to door, booze house to booze house, peddling his "smooth as silk" bottom shelf hootch to anyone and everyone. His picture is always on the bottle, and it may be the best selling whiskey of all time. However, it is now owed by Jim Beam Brands, which claims it is the number two seller in the world.
I had a very young experience with Kessler. Let's just say a whiskey sling through a nipple on a baby bottle gave me two days of sound sleep and my mother two days of panic attacks. I had Kessler from a punchbowl at a wedding reception just before being introduced to a nice young lady who is now my wife of thirty-two years(thanks Kessler). I had three full cases of Kessler whiskey left over from my wedding reception that I stored in my closet for 20 years, only to start giving it away as stocking stuffers to friends. I also had one in the garage for medicinal purposes only. I recently renewed my acquaintance with Kessler "smooth as silk" whiskey. Just looking at that noble bottle and Julius' picture gave me goose bumps and a sense of nostalgia. I don't care how Kessler tastes, looks, or smells. I like it! Kessler is not altogether smooth as silk, but it is tasty. And it can be found anywhere alcohol can be bought. There it is, right on the bottom shelf were it should be and cheap as hell!
Taste: 4 - Like I said, not exactly smooth as billed, but it is not unpleasant and its not harsh on the aftertaste.
Cost: 5 - About a buck and a half more then the vile Fleischmann's brand. It's a great upgrade. A ten spot can get you a fifth of Kessler and a Burger king Whopper. "Have it your way". Just can't beat that.
Packaging: 5 - Picture of a proud Julius Kessler on a very distintively shaped GLASS container.
Effects: 5 - I married her didn't I?
Mixability: 4 - Try a Kessler with cola, lemon juice, and a few maraschino cherries, and enjoy along with a peanut butter and ham sandwich. Kessler's is an everyday man's whiskey
Next time we will review our final bottom shelf whiskey: Ten High Kentucky whiskey (a real charmer).
Here's looking up yours from Bottom Shelf Russ!
You can read the other entries from The Bottom Shelf With Russ here:
Fleischmann's
THE Northern Lights
Canada (Out)House
R&R
Canadian LTD
G&W Five Star