By Richard Thomas Rating: C+ For longer than The Whiskey Reviewer has been in existence, whiskey nerds have scoffed at the term “small batch.” If anyone was complaining about it in the actual small batch era of the 1990s, I was happy enough to not meet them; in those days, the bourbon fans I knew were …
Buffalo Trace Distillery has introduced Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Distiller’s Council: a new limited-edition, ultra-premium bourbon, made using equipment and based on techniques originally invented by Taylor himself, this 100 proof bottling stands as the closest modern interpretation of the fine bourbons produced under his leadership at O.F.C Distillery (now Buffalo Trace) during the 19th …
Kentucky’s Castle & Key Distiller has announced the release of Castle & Key 6 Year Old Small Batch Bourbon (50.5% ABV; $39.99 SRP, 750ml). The new, older small batch expression is currently available at the distillery in Frankfort, KY, Castle & Key 502 retail store in Louisville, KY, and online at castleandkey.com. The new 6 …
Starlight Distillery has announced the coming release of its first ever 10 Year Bourbon. From the heart of Huber’s Orchard & Winery, where seven generations of farming traditions run deep, this bourbon begins its journey with a large portion of estate-grown grains—meticulously harvested, milled, and sweet mash fermented before being double pot distilled on our …
Bardstown Bourbon Company (BBCo) is best known in the Kentucky bourbon industry for its position as the leading contract distiller, but it has also developed a reputable line of its own releases. Now it has unveiled the latest in its BBCo Distillery Reserve Series, Hokkaido Mizunara Oak Barrel Finish. After blending a thoughtfully chosen collection …
What the latest batch of Booker’s will be called has become one of those things enthusiasts make light humor of, since the legendary Beam Master Distiller Booker Noe seems to have an endless supply of personality quirks, colleagues, tales and life features to use in putting a title on each of the annual four batches. …
Lancaster Spirits Company, a Scottish craft distillery located on the edge of the ancient Forest of Bowland, has embarked on a defining partnership with Max McFarlane, one of Scotland’s most respected whisky makers. McFarlane’s career of more than four decades in the Scotch whisky industry saw him work as lead whisky maker for brands including Glengoyne, …
Northern Kentucky’s New Riff Distilling’s Single Barrel line has grown, as now 6 year old bourbon barrels are available for selection. “For years, New Riff has offered an exceptional Single Barrel Experience — intentionality is a cornerstone of everything we do and that ethos certainly extends to the experience we offer to those who choose to pick …
By Richard Thomas Rating: B+ The full name for this bottle is 15 Stars Fine Aged Rye Founder’s Reserve, but most 15 Stars concoctions come with a tile of “Fine Aged” something. Another rye from 15 Stars is called First West. To simplify description and avoid confusion, I’ve dropped that part and zeroed in on …
By Randall H. Borkus Rating: A In late March 2025, Michter’s Master Distiller Dan McKee and Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson approved the release of Michter’s 10 Year Single Barrel Bourbon. “Rather than on a strict age schedule, at Michter’s we bottle whiskey when our production team deems it fully matured. This continues the standards …
