The Ledges Bourbon Tasting — June 2026
- Jun 27
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 2
PLEASE REMEMBER TO DRINK RESPONSIBLY
Cigar smoking and drinking alcohol are for adults of legal smoking and drinking age.
About The Ledges
Website: https://www.theledges.com/
Address: 32 Castle Down Dr, Huntsville, AL 35802
Phone Number: 256.883.0860
PLEASE REMEMBER TO DRINK RESPONSIBLY
Cigar smoking and drinking alcohol are for adults of legal smoking and drinking age.
June 2026 Bourbon Tasting at The Ledges Ballroom
Author: Jeff (“His”) with Ashley (“Her”) filling in
Joint Introduction
June in Huntsville has a way of showing off — long golden evenings, warm breezes, and just enough anticipation in the air to make a bourbon tasting feel like an occasion. The Ledges hosts two monthly rituals: a scotch tasting and a bourbon tasting. This post is all about the June 2026 edition of the bourbon series, a night built for slow sipping, good conversation, and a menu crafted with intention.
Nancy Fae — our usual “Her” voice — was under the weather, so she sat this one out. But the Good Life never goes unrepresented. Our daughter Ashley stepped in, ready to taste, observe, and offer her own clever commentary. Together, we carried the banner for His, Hers & the Good Life.
How the Night Unfolded
We arrived early, the sky doing that soft Huntsville thing where sunset feels like a warm exhale. Ashley made a beeline for the bar and ordered her signature Amaretto Sour — crafted, as always, with precision by Joey, our favorite bartender. It’s comforting when a drink arrives exactly as expected, especially when the night ahead promises surprises.
Walking into the ballroom, we felt that familiar sense of elegance — tables dressed beautifully, conversations floating through the air, the kind that sound like business, golf, or both. At the front of the room, the bourbon lineup stood ready, Glencairn glasses prefilled and waiting like a welcoming committee.
The Expressions
1. Old Fitzgerald 7-Year-Old "Bottled In Bond" Wheated Bourbon Whiskey Fall 2018 (50 ABV)
2. Obtainium Straight Bourbon Whiskey (58 ABV)
3. Nulu "Double Oaked" Straight Bourbon Whiskey (62 ABV)
4. Bib & Tucker 10-Year-Old "The Tennessee Ten" Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey (46 ABV)
PLEASE REMEMBER TO DRINK RESPONSIBLY
Cigar smoking and drinking alcohol are for adults of legal smoking and drinking age.
The Tasting Pairings
Chef Phil and his team had prepared a four-course pairing menu, each dish designed to meet its bourbon counterpart halfway. The room felt intentional, curated, and quietly celebratory.
Course One
Old Fitzgerald 7-Year Bottled-in-Bond
Paired with: Sweet Spot Bruschetta Alabama peaches, smoked gouda, prosciutto, local honey, aged balsamic
Jeff’s #1 bourbon of the night.
A wheated bourbon with a soft sweetness that paired beautifully with the peaches and honey. The bruschetta was a gentle opener — familiar, comforting, and balanced.
Course Two
Obtanium Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Paired with: Southern Crudo
Yellowtail, black fig mostarda, Benton’s country ham, smoked pecan
Jeff’s #2 bourbon of the night.
Ashley surprised herself by loving the yellowtail. The Obtanium brought a punchy 58 ABV, but the dish softened it with a mix of sweet, salty, and smoky. A bold pairing that worked.
Course Three
Nulu "Double Oaked" Bourbon Whiskey
Paired with: Barrel House Tartare Bourbon-cured egg yolk, black garlic purée, pickled green tomato, smoked pecan crumble, benne seeds
Jeff’s #3 bourbon of the night. Ashley surprised herself again — this time with the tartare. The
Nulu’s double-oaked richness met the dish’s depth head-on. A pairing for people who appreciate layers.
Course Four
Bib & Tucker 10-Year “The Tennessee Ten”
Paired with: Sweet Finish
Alabama peaches, brown butter caramel, toasted pecans, vanilla bean crème fraîche
Jeff’s #4 bourbon of the night.
Ashley enjoyed this dessert but wished the portion was larger — always a sign of success. The bourbon itself was softer, gentler, and a nice landing spot after the higher-proof lineup.
Chef Phil and team delivered another thoughtful, beautifully executed menu. Every plate felt like a conversation with its bourbon counterpart.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO DRINK RESPONSIBLY
Cigar smoking and drinking alcohol are for adults of legal smoking and drinking age.
Joint Closing — His, Hers & the Good Life
His
There’s something special about a night built around craftsmanship — bourbon, food, and the people who appreciate both. My ranking may be set, but the experience was the real winner. Old Fitzgerald took the crown, but every pour had its moment.
Hers
I’ll admit it: when I first read the menu, I wasn’t convinced. Crudo? Tartare? Egg yolk cured in bourbon? But Chef Phil nudged me out of my comfort zone, and I’m grateful he did. Every dish surprised me in the best way. Sometimes the Good Life is found in the unexpected.
The Good Life
Evenings like this remind us why we show up — to taste, to learn, to enjoy, and to share. Whether it’s bourbon, food, or the company, the Good Life is built one thoughtful moment at a time. And June’s bourbon tasting delivered plenty of them.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO DRINK RESPONSIBLY
Cigar smoking and drinking alcohol are for adults of legal smoking and drinking age.
Disclaimer: Cigar smoking and drinking alcohol are for adults of legal smoking and drinking age. Life’s Rants promotes the responsible and legal enjoyment of premium cigars and alcohol by individuals of legal age. We do not endorse or encourage smoking or drinking among minors.
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