Old Elk Slow Cut Review: Smooth Sipper with a Unique Proofing Twist
On the palate, things are once again unsurprisingly approachable, dangerously approachable even. In fact, this is one of the easiest drinking whiskeys I’ve encountered.
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Tequila Ocho Old Fitzgerald Barrel Aged Anjeo Review
High notes of lemon cream candy, butterscotch, hibiscus, agave nectar, oak and baking spice combine for an incredibly balanced pour whose finish is bright, tingly, clean and short.
Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series ‘The Keepers Release’ Bourbon Review
I have to admit that when I learned of this new release, I thought, “How long can this Wood Finishing Series go on?” Well, it took only one taste of The Keepers Release to convince me that this extension of the series is a great idea.
Old Hamer 10 Year Bourbon Review: Corn-Fueled Classic
After sampling a handful of these different 8- and 10-year-old barrels, Pops and I decided that instead of a “Bottle” rating, we should buy a barrel.
Bernheim Barrel Proof Original Wheat Whiskey Batch A225 Review: The Wheat Bomb Returns
I keep harping on the Bernheim Barrel Proof A release from 2024, but it really did stand out to me in a short-lived series that, while consistently good, hasn’t produced many very memorable expressions. This latest release, however, is nipping at its heels.
Pinhook 9-Year Vertical Rye Review: Aged Elegance Unveiled
Tingling with spices like white pepper and coriander, it practically vibrates on the palate. Darkly toasted bread, French roast coffee, charred lemon, dried cherry, spearmint and some campfire mingle nicely alongside cocoa nibs. The finish is simple: long and warming.
Jack Daniel’s 14-, 12- and 10-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey Review: Age Matters
It’s big on the palate without being a brute; as in none of the Coy Hill muscle or heat. I like those, too, but they have their place, and there’s no place for that in this mature, balanced and well-mannered Tennessee whiskey.
Middle West Spirits Cask Strength Wheat Whiskey: Wheat Done Right
This whiskey is all about toasted aromas and flavors being superbly integrated. I’ll take this whiskey over any purposely “toasted” release I can think of because those notes aren’t all barrel and new lumber.
Green River Wheated Single Barrel Bourbon Review: A $60 Cask Strength Gem
This high-proof release is in my sweet spot for wheated bourbon. Below 100 proof, wheated bourbon is unassertive and short on spice for my palate. As Maker’s Mark Cask Strength proved years ago, magic happens in wheated bourbon proofed well past the century mark.
New Riff Balboa Rye 2025 Review: A Bold Take on Heirloom Rye
This liquid is its own animal, a whiskey that, tasted blind, might fool a few folks into thinking it’s a low-rye bourbon. Get a bottle and let the fun begin.