Whiskey and guns often go together. There’s a reason that ATF does regulates alcohol and tobacco products, too. It’s no surprise that many gun enthusiasts also enjoy sampling all of the vices.
I have yet to venture into cigars, but bourbon has always been my go-to choice. I’m far from the days of throwing back shots of Jack at my local college bar (those memories are hard to access now). Still, now, in my mid-thirties, I appreciate savoring a good bourbon, especially during the waning daylight, where the days are colder and the nights get longer. It was perfect, then, when one of my favorite Guntubers, Jake from the 1911 Syndicate, partnered with the Whiskey Blendery on a special holiday edition.
Miracle On 1911th Street
The 1911 is obviously one of Jake’s favorite guns, so it’s no surprise that the whiskey he helped create is named for JMB’s classic design. And with the fast-approaching holiday, the name also plays on the classic Christmas film, Miracle on 34th Street. But more about the liquid courage . . . .
This bourbon is a limited release is a 10-year-old wheated single-barrel bourbon finished in Brazilian Amburana oak for added warmth and depth. On the nose, it greets the senses with rich aromas of cinnamon, sugar, vanilla icing, maple, graham cracker, with just a hint of Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal. Each sip is complemented by honey, oak, and sweet cream. As you indulge, expect a decadent palate with maple, vanilla bean, French toast, cereal milk, brown sugar, and sweet tea, blending with subtle oak and tobacco notes to create a comforting balance of sweetness and gentle bitterness.
As the liquid tickles your senses, the finish reveals the flavors of the holiday season.
At this time, the Miracle on 1911th Street is still available for purchase. The price is $149.99 plus shipping. If you miss out, don’t worry, I’m hoping 2026 will bring another rendition of a 1911 Syndicate collaboration.
Pairing
Recently, SNW associate editor Jeremy S. released his book Guns & Whiskey, pairing guns with, well, good hooch. While that’s more elaborate and beyond my experience, I decided to pair this particular fine bourbon with a few of my favorite winter reads. That’s a pretty much ideal way to spend a holiday season evening.
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens: This classic holiday read is one of my favorites. Dickens tells the classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and his transformation from a heartless, selfish man to a person of character and generosity. Dickens does this through the visitation of three ghosts, revealing his sins and lack of empathy, while hinting at what’s to come. While you’ve probably seen one or more of the many film adaptations and know the basic story, reading Dickens in the original is well worth your time.
Legends of the Fall by Jim Harrison: This is a sweeping tale of love, loss, and the bonds of family set against the rugged Montana landscape. The story follows the Ludlow family, particularly the three brothers—Alfred, Tristan, and Samuel—and their father as they navigate the challenges of World War I, personal tragedy, and shifting loyalties. Harrison’s narrative weaves together nature, history, and human emotion into a touching reflection on mortality, honor, and the lasting strength of family ties. I should warn you, the symbolism and emotion in this book make it a heavy read.
The Road by Cormac McCarthy: This is a stark, haunting journey of a father and son navigating a post-apocalyptic landscape stripped of civilization and hope. Amid ash-gray skies and barren terrain, they fight to survive in a world filled with desperate, often violent survivors. The novel examines the depth of human resilience, the bond between parent and child, and the fragile persistence of morality in the face of destruction. McCarthy’s sparse, lyrical prose captures both the desolation of a dying world and the enduring spark of love and humanity. One of the opening lines reads, “He thought the month was October but he wasn’t sure. He hadn’t kept a calendar for years. They were moving south. There’d be no surviving another winter here.” As you read, you’ll notice McCarthy’s disregard for the rules of language, which is frustrating for some, and for others it makes him one of the most beloved American authors.
Zooming Out
Winter holiday months are a time to slow down. They invite us to pause and savor the small, often overlooked moments. For me, that means enjoying two fingers of fine bourbon or mixing a smooth Old Fashioned, all while diving into a good book. The Miracle on 1911th Street limited bourbon is the perfect companion for these long, cold months. When the chill really sets in and snow begins to fall, rather than heading out to the range, I tend to head for a good book and a good glass. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.
Stop fooling yourself – just put a straw in the bottle or chug it from the bottle and drink it that way, and skip the glass.
😁