By Richard Thomas Rating: A- Lately it has come into vogue for major distillers to cultivate limited edition series based on their warehouse properties. Only a major distiller can do this, since craft distillers often have just the one barrel house, and even if they have more than one, the geographic and construction differences between …
By Randall H. Borkus Rating: A In 1892, Joseph A. Magnus founded his Cincinnati, Ohio-based whiskey company and built a reputation for aged blended spirits, including his brand Murray Hill Club. That business closed in 1918 as Prohibition loomed. The name Magnus and its association with whiskey remained dormant for nearly a century. In 2015, …
By Richard Thomas Rating: A- When I realized The Whiskey Reviewer has been covering Remus Repeal Reserve, which is basically a showcase for the bourbons made by MGP in Indiana, from the beginning, I thought “wild.” We have not gotten every single expression and I personally did not review them all, but we were there for …
By Richard Thomas Rating: A- Five months ago, I was fortunate enough to be invited to Buffalo Trace Distillery for the grand opening of the John G. Carlisle Cafe, the eatery opened inside the old Elmer T. Lee employee clubhouse. I personally found the Art Deco-influenced decor of the cafe complimented the Arts and Crafts …
By Richard Thomas Rating: A When folks think of Four Roses and an extra-aged, limited edition release at this time of year, it’s usually because this is when we are told about what the annualized Four Roses Small Batch Limited Edition is going to be and when to expect it. Indeed, news of that expression …
By Richard Thomas Rating: A- For over 100 years, The Glenmorangie has sought whisky excellence not just thought their own traditions, but also through unusual practices and experimental methods. This includes collaborations with artists, chefs, celebrities, and other whiskey distilleries. Offered in a limited bottling and age, the whisky is one of kind with every …
By Richard Thomas Rating: A- Sometimes pundits have real, lasting influence. So, whenever I see someone scoff at Blade & Bow in a blog or an internet forum, I chalk it up to Chuck Cowdery’s very personal feud with certain individuals at Diageo, which had the trickle down effect of a chunk of enthusiasts being …
By Richard Thomas Rating: A Bulleit Rye was one of the most serendipitous, if not to say luckiest, brand extensions of its time. Introduced in 2011, the 95 proof rye came out only a little ahead of the Rye Craze and Crunch of 2011-12. Although I’m sure a brand like Bulleit, owned by the British …
By Richard Thomas Rating: A- Defying the Second Trump Trade War, Whyte & Mackay chose to go ahead and bring its Fettercairn single malts to the United States, including its entry level Fettercairn 12 Year Old. This is long overdue, as the Fettercairn Distillery is now 102 years old. The distillery was founded on the …
By Richard Thomas Rating: A A quarter century ago, Wild Turkey introduced the Russell’s Reserve brand, celebrating their already famed Master Distiller, Jimmy Russell. At the time, Russell had just celebrated his 45th anniversary working at the Lawrenceburg, Kentucky distillery. The original version was a 10 year old, 101 proof take on Wild Turkey’s bourbon …
