Category: Bourbon Whiskey Reviews

Still Austin Blue Corn Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon Review

What’s most intriguing about this bourbon is its lack of sweetness. A glance at the mash bill shows it’s limited to 51% corn, which explains a lot of it since it’s roughly 25% lower than most bourbons on the market. I can’t decide whether I like that reduced sweetness, but it’s got my attention.

Still Austin Blue Corn Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon Review

BOTTLE DETAILS

POPS' NOTES

SHARE WITH: All bourbon fans, especially those harboring doubts about Texas bourbon.

WORTH THE PRICE: $80 is a bit high compared to larger distillery BIBs, but it's craft whiskey, and sometimes you gotta pay a bit more for it. And if you don't, it may sell out before you can try it, which happened with this one.

BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: Bar, mostly because it may be all you ever see.

OVERALL: This is Release No. 3 in a Still Austin bottled-in-bond series that includes a Red Corn Bourbon and a High Rye Bourbon. Since both were well regarded by the Bourbon & Banter team, we were happy to receive samples late last year.

On this one, the nose is a little muted for me: a balance of spring flowers and rye with a bit of oak in the background. You have to be patient to coax out some obscurities like white icing on gingerbread and Bottle Caps cola flavor. Some rye bread dough comes on with time.

The palate is equally subtle, a softie, frankly, and it takes some concentration to identify its virtues. Cooked corn, rye and dried lemon peel lead the way with back notes of eucalyptus (think a faint hum of Ricola throat lozenges) bringing up the rear. The finish is medium-length, herbal and warming. (I don't focus too much on finishes, but medium length and heat from a good 100-proof finish can be a treat, and this one is.)

What's most intriguing about this bourbon is its lack of sweetness. A glance at the mash bill shows it's limited to 51% corn, which explains a lot of it since it's roughly 25% lower than most bourbons on the market. I can't decide whether I like that reduced sweetness, but it's got my attention. What I do like about it is the distiller's desire to go a little against the typical bourbon grain bill.

What's also intriguing is the monster rye portion (44%) of the mashbill. I don't recall seeing such a high rye bourbon ever, not even in Still Austin's own High Rye Bourbon (which is only 25%.) But, strangely enough, the rye doesn't come in roaring with spice notes like you might assume. In fact, I've triple-checked that mashbill to ensure 44% isn't a typo, but the math doesn't lie. So where is that rye punch in the face I expected?

When sweetness falls short in a traditionally sweet bourbon, what do you do? I make an old fashioned with it to see if bitters, demerara syrup and some dilution will bring it to life. It did, and unexpectedly, its oak notes came to the fore along with some baking spice. While I expect to sip this neat a few times more, I'm betting Still Austin Blue Corn BIB Bourbon will serve better in some upcoming cocktails.

BRAND NOTES

“As a distiller, I've always wanted to push the boundaries with the amount of rye in a bourbon mash-bill," said John Schrepel, head distiller at Still Austin. "With blue corn being such a sweet variety of corn, it was the perfect fit to achieve 44% rye in this bourbon blend. This is my personal favorite spirit that we've ever produced.”

  • Nose: The spirit boasts notes of cream soda and malted milk, with a hint of spiced plum and country apple cider. 
  • Palate: With the first sip, the palate is greeted with a velvety texture, with intricate notes of dark-chocolate candied citrus, followed by the sweetness of carrot cake and buttercream frosting. Hints of crème de menthe, nougat, and Manuka honey elevate the flavor of this bourbon. 
  • Finish: The finish is well-balanced with chewy notes of dark sherry and crème brûlée, with lingering notes of eucalyptus, oak spice, and black tea.

Disclaimer: Bourbon & Banter received a sample of this product from the brand for review. We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you.


Milam & Greene Batch 3 Castle Hill Bourbon Review

I’ve never been a fan of the children’s vitamin note common to whiskeys made there, and I assumed this would bring more of the same. It didn’t. This is a delicious whiskey with unique virtues appreciated in its aromas and flavors.

Milam & Greene Batch 3 Castle Hill Bourbon Review

BOTTLE DETAILS

  • DISTILLER: Produced by Milam & Green from an undisclosed Tennessee distillery
  • MASH BILL: 84% Corn | 8% Rye |8% Malted Barley
  • AGE: 15 years, 6 months
  • YEAR: 2023
  • PROOF: 114.5 (57.25% ABV)
  • MSRP: $199.99
  • BUY ONLINE: Shop Milam & Green

STEVE'S NOTES

SHARE WITH: Any bourbon fan, especially anyone skeptical about bourbons aged in Tennessee.

WORTH THE PRICE: Yes, since this is about the average rate for a 15-year bourbon.

BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: Bar. If you like it, hunt for a bottle. You won't be disappointed.

OVERALL: I didn't want to like this bottle because of its obvious George Dickel lineage (though M&G did not mention that distillery's name). I've never been a fan of the children's vitamin note common to whiskeys made there, and I assumed this would bring more of the same. It didn't. This is a delicious whiskey with unique virtues appreciated in its aromas and flavors.

The nose starts off with a mixture of tobacco barn, ground almonds, dried peach and wild flowers–totally unexpected attributes in a whiskey of this age. (The Dickel note is there, but barely.) The whiskey has a creamy mouthfeel quickly invigorated by black pepper and a heavy dose of baking spice, which strengthens appreciably with every sip. Soon enough, you're visiting a patisserie where everything seems accented by cinnamon, sweet pastry and melted milk chocolate. Step away from it for several minutes, and the spice notes linger. A sniff on return reveals Luxardo cherry and burnt orange notes, followed by a sip that turns up Nutella and ripe banana–again, neat little surprises. The finish is long, warm and luxuriant: exactly what great long-aged whiskey should deliver.

For fans of the details: This bourbon aged in Tennessee for 15 years and one month, and the final five months of aging occurred in Blanco, Texas, home to Milam & Green. Specifically, these 20 barrels were ricked in Rickhouse 2, row 1. According to master blender Heather Greene, Texas's summer climate nudged the whiskey to blending readiness.

The average yield from each barrel was 17.5 gallons, computing to an angels' share of 67 percent. That limits the yield to 144 9-liter cases.

BRAND NOTES

The Castle Hill Batch Three 15-Year-Old Bourbon has a deep amber color and warm scents of cinnamon, maple syrup, cooked apples, and brown sugar. It is a hearty pour resplendent with dark chocolate and oak along with hints of sweet fig and rich dates that linger and then soften to a velvety finish.

Disclaimer: Bourbon & Banter received a sample of this product from the brand for review. We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you.


Heaven’s Door Bootleg Series Vol. V Review

I might recommend making this your only pour of the night or at least your first. It’s a bourbon unlike most anything else on the shelves and requires, dare I say, deserves, some devoted attention.

Heaven's Door Bootleg Series Vol. V Review

BOTTLE DETAILS

DREW'S NOTES

SHARE WITH: Spendy people, Bob Dylan superfans, and friends who love a good Manhattan cocktail.

WORTH THE PRICE: 2023 was a big year for $500+ bourbons with lots of brands making their way further and further upmarket. Heaven's Door's Bootleg Series has been at the pricey end of their lineup for five years now, yet even they felt compelled to raise the going rate on this one. I personally would not spend $600 on this bottle or even half that, but for the well-heeled bourbon collector/Bob Dylan lover who has everything else, this one won't disappoint on the quality or uniqueness front.

BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: Bar all the way. The Bootleg Series continues to be a showcase for some of the better finishing experiments from Heaven's Door, making it worth the splurge on an ounce at your favorite overstocked whiskey saloon or luxury hotel bar. I might recommend making this your only pour of the night or at least your first. It's a bourbon unlike most anything else on the shelves and requires, dare I say, deserves, some devoted attention.

OVERALL: As with the four Bootleg Series releases that came before this one, we don't get a lot of backstory on this whiskey outside of age and finishing cask. While I don't necessarily need to know the nuances of the specific vermouth and the duration of finishing time, at this price, I feel like drinkers might deserve that information. Regardless, this is a pretty unique whiskey. Vermouth cask finishes are a rarity (Dad's Hat Rye Vermouth Finish is the only other one that comes immediately to mind), and without even really researching the statement, I'm going to say this is the oldest out there. The goal here, of course, is not to make a large format Manhattan but to enhance and complement the underlying bourbon. And in that Heaven's Door has succeeded admirably.

On the nose, the winey characteristics of the vermouth aren't overpowering, but they lend a nice dryness and a layer of oxidized fruit notes that work exceedingly well with the bold oak and baking spice notes of the well-aged bourbon at its core. On the palate, that balance is even more apparent, delivering high tone red fruits and roasted walnuts to offset sweeter, richer praline and cinnamon sugar notes. Even at 114 proof, it's as approachable as any well-built cocktail from the first warming sip to the long, lingering finish accented by notes of lemon-kissed black tea, raw honey, and allspice.

BRAND NOTES

Heaven’s Door is pleased to announce the highly-anticipated annual Bootleg Series release for 2023. Bootleg Volume V is an exceptional 18-year-old straight bourbon whiskey secondarily finished in Spanish vermouth rouge casks. 

The Bootleg Series offers rare and unreleased whiskeys with special blends and barrel finishes that showcase Heaven’s Door’s innovative approach to whiskey making. Each bottle is adorned with one of Dylan's original paintings on a hand-crafted ceramic bottle and presented in a bespoke leather journal.

Nose: Rich, complex aroma with dark fruit notes, hints of allspice, and subtle vanilla undertones.

Palate: Delicate notes of caramel, honey, and vanilla, resulting in a clean, pleasant, and lingering finish that leaves a lasting impression.

Disclaimer: Bourbon & Banter received a sample of this product from the brand for review. We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you.


Never Say Die Small Batch Bourbon Review

Perhaps the big question for most is whether the whiskey is noticeably influenced by its journey to and rest in England. For me, at least, the answer is no. It tastes like a 6-year-old bourbon should–like any bourbon aged here for six years would taste.

Never Say Die Small Batch Bourbon Review

BOTTLE DETAILS

  • DISTILLER: Produced by Never Say Die. However, the distillery behind the liquid is vaguely disclosed as "in Danville, Ky.," while mentioning that Pat Heist and Shane Baker are cofounders of this brand. In other words, Wilderness Trail Distillery.
  • MASH BILL: 75% Corn | 21% Rye | 4% Malted Barley
  • AGE: 6 years
  • YEAR: 2023
  • PROOF: 95 (47.5 ABV)
  • MSRP: $75
  • BUY ONLINE: Only available through online stores in England.

STEVE'S NOTES

SHARE WITH: Any whiskey fan curious about what a trans-Atlantic voyage and year's stay in England won't do to a barreled bourbon.

WORTH THE PRICE: Nope.

BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: Bar.

OVERALL: The nose is highly approachable: fruity aromas of canned peach, cherry syrup, cooked corn, a little oak and black pepper. The palate is more of the same, with a good mouthfeel and a long, warm finish. There's nothing to dislike about this bourbon, but for $75 a bottle, I'm not racing off to get one.

Perhaps the big question for most is whether the whiskey is noticeably influenced by its journey to and rest in England. For me, at least, the answer is no. It tastes like a 6-year-old bourbon should–like any bourbon aged here for six years would taste.

The only thing I don't like about this whiskey is the press release introducing it. For starters, it's six pages long, and in that English way, punctuation is both strange and optional. It's a fulsome pitch loaded with bunk such as this:

"... Never Say Die Bourbon made its maiden voyage from Kentucky to Derbyshire’s White Peaks Distillery, landing on English shores in July 2022 – to the acclaim of critics and bourbon-lovers alike."

Oh, the drama ... something akin to McArthur's soggy booted return to the Philippines!

"... further matured in England, at Derbyshire’s White Peak Distillery."

So? It aged at a distillery as opposed to No. 10 Downing St.?

It doesn't matter where you stash it in England; it's perpetually cool. At least Jefferson's Ocean travels into widely varying temperature zones. A straight shot 'cross the pond doesn't compare.

It’s a unique journey with three distinct climatic conditions (Where? Inside the ship, outside the ship and on the ground in England?) that not only accelerates the aging process but also leads to unique variations in each small-batchrun-on due to factors like the timing of the ocean voyage, and length of time resting at White Peak.

Firstly, wow, that's an impressive run-on sentence! Secondly, ten years of aging in England is like ten months of aging in Kentucky. You can haul that whiskey there, but it ain't changing in a year's rest.

And I still don't buy the argument that the ocean's jostling changes whiskey appreciably. If the liquid is merely bumping against the barrel's charred inner surfaces, perhaps its color will be darker. But it's widely known that most barrel flavor is gained from deep within the wood, not on the surface. A jolly-good jostling on the way to England isn't forcing that liquid deeper into the barrel's staves.

But it's the Never Say Die name origin story that I wish would just, well, die. How many goofy bourbon-and-horse stories are on Kentucky whiskey labels already? And what makes this crew think theirs is interesting or believable? And did no one read this and say, "Hmm. If this brand's story includes a horse race, how about we limit the time it takes to read this release to the time it takes to run a horse race?" But that never happened. And as a result, the whole is a doozy ... because of such entries as this:

"In 1951, on Hamburg Farm in Lexington, KY, a foal had a rough birth and its life was in danger due to poor breathing. Legendary horseman John A. Bell III was on site and poured a shot of whiskey down the throat of the struggling foal. During the night, the young horse made a dramatic recovery and was aptly named Never Say Die."

Given the current state of American racehorse management, it's more likely that "during the night" the foal got a shot of a now-banned substance. But let's use our imaginations and muse a bit: Perhaps the whiskey was something dreadful and akin to Fireball, and it made the horse cough and start gasping for air, breathe deeply and thus revive.

Yeah, that sounds like a parody of "All Creatures Great and Small," or just another bad bourbon and horse story. In the end, the horse was named, Never Say Die. But keep reading, 'cause this contrivance isn't even flagging.

Download the full press release and read it yourself...if you have time to kill.

Never Say Die Small Batch Bourbon Press Release
Never Say Die Small Batch Bourbon Press Release.pdf
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According to the press release, when Never Say Die won the 1954 Epsom Derby in an upset, a woman named Mona Best, a resident of Liverpool, England, pawned her jewelry and bet it all on the swift-hoofed Yankee steed. When Best's bet saw her make a killing on a horse named with immortality in mind, she did what all the newly minted rich do: buy an historic Victorian home and convert it into a music venue in which her son, Peter Best, would play.

If you know your rock and roll history, you're likely ahead of me on this: Best was hired to drum for The Quarrymen, a group later renamed The Beatles. But in the end, Best's best wasn't good enough, and John, Paul and George replaced him with Ringo as the drummer.

No lie! They really included this story in a release about bourbon!

And in case you forgot, I wrote that Never Say Die Small Batch Bourbon is good. Not worth $75, but good nonetheless.

BRAND NOTES

Our flagship product, with a mash bill using 75% corn, 21% rye and 4% malted barley. Considered a “High Rye” Bourbon, this offering has spicy notes characteristic of a rye, but with the complexity of a Bourbon whiskey, which can be enjoyed neat, on ice or in your favorite cocktail.

Disclaimer: Bourbon & Banter received a sample of this product from the brand for review. We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you.


I.W. Harper Cabernet Cask Reserve Bourbon Review

Too often secondary finishes are used to cover up mediocre juice and can leave an unbalanced sweetness with an unpleasant finish. This is not the case with the Cab Cask Reserve, and, to me, it tastes like a better-balanced, more nuanced Angel’s Envy Port Finish.

I.W. Harper Cabernet Cask Reserve Bourbon Review

I.W. Harper made an indelible mark on bourbon history. In 2015, the brand was resurrected in the U.S. by Diageo, and a Cabernet-finished product was released in 2022. This newest addition to the modern I.W. Harper lineup is an affordable and approachable whiskey that works both neat and in a cocktail. Plus, it comes in such a pretty bottle.

I.W. Harper is a truly historic name in the annals of bourbon whiskey. The brand's history dates back to 1872 when Isaac Wolfe Bernheim (yes, this Bernheim and that Bernheim) joined with his brother and a friend to forge the Bernheim Brothers liquor firm in Paducah, Kentucky. A few years later, in 1879, they launched a premium whiskey under the label of I.W. Harper. The brand was a 19th-century sourced product (See, folks? Nothing is truly new.), pulling barrels from Nelson County (i.e., Bardstown) and selling them to much success under their own make. Business boomed for the brothers, and they saw significant accolades, including medals from competitions at fairs and expos, leading the product to be marketed as "The Gold Medal Whiskey" (again, nothing is new!). Soon they outgrew their small spot in Paducah, moved to Lousiville, and were one of only ten distilleries in Kentucky that survived and operated throughout Prohibition.

I.W. Harper Cabernet Cask Reserve Bourbon Review
Excerpt from a 1962 ad for I.W. Harper Whiskey

The Bernheim distillery changed hands a few times over the past century, first to the Schenley Distilling Company (then one of the largest liquor conglomerates in the nation) then to Heaven Hill in 1999. While owned by Schenley, the brand focused sales overseas, as the international market had developed a much more robust thirst for bourbon than drinkers did stateside. But in 2015, Diageo purchased the I.W. Harper label and relaunched this historic brand with a standard and 15-year expression. Then, just last year, in 2022, they introduced the subject of this article: the Cabernet Cask Reserve.

BOTTLE DETAILS

ERIN'S NOTES

SHARE WITH: Lovers of Angel's Envy, Napa wine, and those who can't say no to a pretty bottle.

WORTH THE PRICE: $50 is entirely fair for a pour like this, especially when other wine-finished bourbons are on the market for well over $100. If you drink Angel's Envy, the I.W. Harper Cabernet Cask is the same MSRP.

BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: Bottle if you are a wine finish person; Bar if you are drinking curiously. Either way, trying this won't break the bank. The gorgeous bottle will look lovely on a home bar and you can make a great cocktail with it (see below).

OVERALL: I first tried the 15-year expression in 2015 at an event in D.C. called the "Bourbon Barrel of Compromise," where I was in a room sipping whiskey with Mitch McConnell, John Boehner, Jimmy Russell, and many other well-known Kentuckians. The bourbon bar was packed with expressions from numerous brands, but the I.W. Harper caught my eye due to its beautiful beveled glass bottle. I honestly didn't care for it at the time, and when I asked Jimmy what I should drink next, he doused my glass with about five fingers of Kentucky Spirit (then in the iconic turkey-tail bottle). After my glass was full, we were all called to listen to speeches, and I was somehow shoved right into Boehner. I asked the then-Mr. Speaker what whiskey he was quaffing, but he refused to spill the tea. Politicians. Anyways, since that evening, the I.W. Harper brand never crossed my radar until I was offered a bottle of the Cab Cask Reserve.

I.W. Harper Cabernet Cask Reserve Bourbon Review
The 2015 Bourbon Barrel of Compromise

As many may know, I am not the biggest fan of finished whiskeys. Too often secondary finishes are used to cover up mediocre juice and can leave an unbalanced sweetness with an unpleasant finish. This is not the case with the Cab Cask Reserve, and, to me, it tastes like a better-balanced, more nuanced Angel's Envy Port Finish. If asked to choose between the two, I would recommend the Cab Cask over the Angel's Envy.

This bourbon also makes a lovely cocktail. The brand shared an excellent recipe - the Cab Cask Sour - a version of the New York Sour. The drink features a California Cab float, which offers a lovely visual and is perfect for the holidays.

BRAND NOTES

I.W. HARPER CABERNET CASK RESERVE

Over a century ago, I.W. Harper sought to create the world’s most refined bourbon: a timeless Kentucky Straight Bourbon that was a step above. Now I.W. Harper is modernizing this classic whiskey with exceptional style and substance.

Introducing I.W Harper Cabernet Cask Reserve. This spirit is a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey aged for four years in new charred American oak barrels, then perfected in luxury California Cabernet Sauvignon casks and bottled at Stitzel-Weller Distillery, one of the true cathedrals of the American Whisky industry.

Our Cabernet Cask Reserve takes the distinct character of fine Cabernet wine and pairs with our bold bourbon to create a clean, dark fruit and wine-like aromatics, along with an exceptionally complex flavor.

Seeming contradictions come together to create an exquisite harmony of taste, resulting in a smooth and smoky taste of rich oak and vanilla out front, with a hint of dark fruit on the backbeat. While recommended to enjoy neat, I.W. Harper Cabernet Cask Reserve can be enjoyed on the rocks or mixed in a cocktail for complementary tastes, like the Boulevardier.

TASTING NOTES

COLOR: Bright amber.
NOSE: Dark fruit, spice with wine-like aromas.
TASTE: A smooth and smoky taste of rich oak and vanilla out front, with a hint of dark fruit on the backbeat. FINAL: A clean, lingering, smooth finish.

IDEAL SERVING SUGGESTION

Recommended neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail, like the Boulevardier.

CAB CASK SOUR COCKTAIL RECIPE

I.W. Harper Cabernet Cask Reserve Bourbon Review

CAB CASK SOUR INGREDIENTS

  • 1.5 oz I.W. Harper Cabernet Cask Reserve Bourbon
  • 3/4 oz simple syrup*
  • 3/4 oz lemon juice
  • 1/4 oz California Cabernet Wine

CAB CASK SOUR PREPARATION

Combine whiskey, simple syrup, and lemon juice into a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake thoroughly for 30 seconds. Strain over ice into a rocks or Old Fashioned glass. Top the cocktail with the Cabernet. Garnish with an orange peel and Luxardo cherry.

Optional: for an even more festive preparation, garnish with fresh cranberries on a cocktail pick.

*To make Simple Syrup, heat 1 cup of water and dissolve in 1 cup of white granulated sugar. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Store in the fridge. For a richer, sweeter drink, my Rich Simple Syrup recipe is in my Ultimate Guide to the Old Fashioned.

Disclaimer: Bourbon & Banter received a sample of this product from the brand for review. We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you.

Michter’s 10 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Review

The nose leads with sorghum molasses, raspberry tart, dark fired tobacco, glove leather, creamed corn, soda bread, macadamia nuts, chocolate graham cracker. Yeah, all that and more.

Michter's 10 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Review

BOTTLE DETAILS

STEVE'S NOTES

SHARE WITH: Bourbon fans who deeply appreciate nuanced whiskeys such as this.

WORTH THE PRICE: Yes, if you're splurging a little, though $185 ain't cheap for most.

BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: Bottle, and partly because this release a single barrel and by design delivers uniqueness. Michter's 10 Year Bourbon has been so incredibly consistent over the years that any risk it'll be off is arguably zero. It's earned the trust to deserve a "bottle" rating.

OVERALL: The nose leads with sorghum molasses, raspberry tart, dark-fired tobacco, glove leather, creamed corn, soda bread, macadamia nuts, chocolate graham cracker ... yeah, all that and more. On the palate comes toasted oak, dark caramel, chocolate ganache, ground coffee and almond croissant and the subtlest hint oak with no appreciable tannin. The finish is so soft, short and warm that it seems deliberately designed, and I'm enjoying it.

While it's likely no one reading this will have the chance or part with the cash (given secondary pricing influence) to find two of these, it would be neat to do so. That's because the whiskey in this 10 year release could represent some of the last long-age releases using whiskey made by its undisclosed contract partner.

Its Shively distillery just completed its eighth year in operation, which means its aged stocks are approaching this lowest watermark of Michter's long-aged whiskeys. It might make for a nice reference bottle to compare with future releases that may differ some in taste.

All that said, given Michter's November release of its 25 Year Bourbon, who, other than the powers that be, could guess the size of its cache of tanked whiskeys that could be used to add consistency to future 10, 20 and 25-year releases? As the brand mentioned in its notes below, the whiskeys in this bottle are older than the age statement, but its team thought more time in the barrel would drive it closer to their taste preferences.

So let's put it this way: In the lifetimes of some reading this, we may never taste a Michter's release that presents any noticeable deviation from its delicious norm due to the company's ability to select, hold and wisely ration out its old whiskeys.

BRAND NOTES

This March, Louisville-based Michter’s Distillery released its 10 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon. No Michter’s 10 Year Bourbon was shipped by the company in 2022, so this will mark the first release of this single barrel whiskey since 2021.

“I thought that the 10 Year Bourbon we are now releasing was drinking beautifully last year, but our Master Distiller Dan McKee and our Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson told me that with one more year of maturation it would be extraordinary,” stated Michter’s president Joseph J. Magliocco. “At Michter’s the goal we strive for is to produce the greatest American whiskey. We’re grateful for all the understanding and patience that our loyal Michter’s fans have shown in waiting an additional year for the release of our 10 Year Bourbon.”

Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Famer Wilson brings tremendous experience to her role of overseeing maturation of all Michter’s barrels. She observed, “There are many characteristics we are evaluating when considering barrels for this release including complexity, body and depth. These are the aspects of a whiskey that make it memorable, and we feel the additional time has complemented this release creating an experience that builds to the finish.”

“One of the most important things I learned from our late Master Distiller Willie ‘Dr. No’ Pratt was patience. He would not release a product unless he felt it was at its peak maturation,” commented McKee. “Last year, Andrea and I tasted the then already well over 10 year old bourbon and spoke about it. We both felt that it would be exceptional with one more year in the barrel. I’m so excited about how it turned out.”

Disclaimer: Bourbon & Banter received a sample of this product from the brand for review. We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you.


Remus Gatsby Reserve Review

Remus Gatsby Reserve leads with aromas of caramel, candied dark fruit and saddle leather, with slight brown sugar and very sweet candied notes.

Remus Gatsby Reserve Review

BOTTLE DETAILS

DREW'S NOTES

SHARE WITH: MGP fans, friends who dig the bottle as much as the bourbon inside, and your cask strength-loving pals who swear haz-mat proof is the only way to drink.

WORTH THE PRICE: $200 is usually my limit on a special bottle, so this is at least priced accordingly. That said, a bottle this expensive needs to be better than good, and it helps if it also has a redemptive novelty to it, not some ridiculous backstory or cockamamy finish, but a distinguishing quality that makes me want to revisit it and savor it. Clocking in below 100 proof as a cask strength expression certainly adds a bunch of points in its favor.

BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: Bar. I was on the fence here. The inaugural 2022 release tips the scale to BOTTLE, but this year's release just lacks some of the depth that made that bottle such a unique experience. It's still a damn fine bourbon, full of those quintessential qualities that have come to define MGP and now Ross & Squibb. It's definitely worth splurging on a pour or three at your favorite well-stocked watering hole.

OVERALL: Barrel strength bourbon has been having a moment for a while now, and the whiskey world took notice last year when Ross & Squibb released their first cask strength Remus Gatsby Reserve. That bottle was an even lower proof than this latest release with an impressive approachability that still allowed for a unique concentration and intensity of flavor. It turned a lot of heads for good reason.

The sequel this year offers up plenty of that same quality and uniqueness, starting with a dark, caramelized aroma of praline, berry cobbler, spice cabinet, and barrel char notes that alternate between coffee and baking chocolate. The palate is a touch spicier and more herbal than last year's release with an immediately warm entry that simmers across the sip. Notes of chocolate mint and tart, dark cherry give way to peppermint bark and brûléed sugar before a slightly drying finish of old leather, seasoned oak, and chocolate-covered cherries.

BRAND NOTES

Crafted with the finest 15-year-old reserves, this ultra-limited, cask strength straight bourbon celebrates F. Scott Fitzgerald’s legendary novel, “The Great Gatsby”, a century ago – from its events in 1922 to its publication in 1925.

Legend has it, Fitzgerald’s titular character ‘Jay Gatsby’ was inspired by Remus. Some say Fitzgerald and Remus’ fortuitous 1918 meeting began the ‘drums of destiny’. Others believe Fitzgerald gathered plenty of influence from Remus’ many newspaper exposés.

Remus Gatsby Reserve leads with aromas of caramel, candied dark fruit and saddle leather, with slight brown sugar and very sweet candied notes. The taste profile is characterized by flavors of caramel, oak, dark fruit syrup, candied raisins, char and brown sugar, while the finish lingers with notes of saddle leather, cherry and oak.

Disclaimer: Bourbon & Banter received a sample of this product from the brand for review. We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you.


King of Kentucky Single Barrel Bourbon Review

The nose is huge, leading with that unmistakable Brown-Forman yeast note that’s fruity, candied, floral and tropical. Browned biscuits, cinnamon, dark chocolate (yeah, it flirts with Mexican hot chocolate), confectioner’s sugar, old oak and licorice.

King of Kentucky Single Barrel Bourbon Review

BOTTLE DETAILS

  • DISTILLER: Brown-Forman
  • MASH BILL: 79% Corn | 11% Rye | 10% Malted Barley
  • AGE: 16 years
  • YEAR: 2023
  • PROOF: 125.8 (62.9% ABV)
  • MSRP: $299.99

STEVE'S NOTES

SHARE WITH: Bourbon fans who love big, robust, high-proof, barrel-strength whiskeys.

WORTH THE PRICE: Yeah, especially given its quality and current prices. Find me a 16-year-old whiskey this good that sells for $300 anywhere.

BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: Bottle if you can get it. It's a treasure.

OVERALL: Perhaps it was my palate, but when King of Kentucky was revived and released six years ago, it was hot as hell and simply uncomfortable to drink. It seemed hot just to be hot, which is completely contradictory to Brown-Forman's love of easy-drinking low-proof whiskeys. I don't recall anything about the two subsequent releases, but this year's and those in the prior two years have made this bourbon one of the most exciting releases of the year for me. And like it's name implies, this liquid rules the palate, and every olfactory neuron and tastebud is a serf in its flavor-packed fiefdom.

The nose is huge, leading with that unmistakable Brown-Forman yeast note that's fruity, candied, floral and tropical. Browned biscuits, cinnamon, dark chocolate (yeah, it flirts with Mexican hot chocolate), confectioner's sugar, old oak and licorice. I could go on, but I won't, because I want to taste it.

On the palate, it's busy, tingly and warm. It's not playing around at 125.8 proof. After laying down a veneer of toasted oak, toffee and buttered cinnamon toast emerge. A second sip delivers hard cherry and orange candies and an amazingly honeyed texture–which is welcome, given the heat this creates. The finish is moderately hot, but amazingly long and warming. A whiskey this old with so little tannin and so much fruit ... what a pleasure it is to drink!

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Read reviews of previous years' releases of King of Kentucky.

BRAND NOTES

The King of Kentucky 2023 expression is a 16-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon. Approximately 3,800 bottles will be produced with a suggested retail of $299.99.

“We are excited to celebrate the sixth year of the King of Kentucky brand with an extremely robust selection of 16-year-old barrels,” said Brown-Forman Master Distiller Chris Morris. “This brand demonstrates Brown-Forman’s commitment to and expertise in the growing American Whiskey category.”

King of Kentucky is an annual release of a single barrel inventory featuring a barrel-strength, minimally-filtered proof presentation, with each release and every barrel being unique. For this year’s iteration, Morris chose a single lot of barrels to set aside for the limited-release product from 2007.

“This year’s release of 51 barrels came from one production date, July 19, 2007. All the barrels were aged in Warehouse G at the Brown-Forman Distillery,” said Morris. “This showcases what a difference each individual barrel has at this extreme age on the color, flavor, and aroma of this wonderful whiskey.”

Proof: 125.8

Age: 16 years

Aroma:  Dark graham cracker, vanilla and charred oak notes sweetened with hints of port, cognac and milk chocolate coated coconut.

Flavor: Dark chocolate mocha with traces of black tea and leathery tannins.

Disclaimer: Bourbon & Banter received a sample of this product from the brand for review. We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you.


Bardstown Bourbon Co. Discovery Series 11 Review

Loads of tropical fruit and lilac lead on the nose followed by orange lemon zests and a hint of dried grain. The deeply toasted oak reminds you that a 13-year-old bourbon makes up the bulk of this blend.

Bardstown Bourbon Co. Discovery Series 11 Review

BOTTLE DETAILS

  • DISTILLER: Bourbon from Bardstown Bourbon Co. and two unidentified distilleries.
  • MASH BILL: Distillery 1: 73% of the total blend at 13 years old: 75% Corn | 13% Rye | 12% Malted Barley. Distillery 2: 21% of the total blend at 10 years old: 78% Corn | 13% Rye | 9% Malted Barley. Distillery 3: Bardstown Bourbon Co., 6% of the total blend at 6 years old: 68% Corn | 20% Wheat | 12% Malted Barley
  • AGE: 6 years
  • YEAR: 2023
  • PROOF: 118.1
  • SRP: $139.99
  • BUY ONLINE: Currently out of stock online

STEVE'S NOTES

SHARE WITH: Any bourbon fan.

WORTH THE PRICE: Not quite. It's a bit high, but still a really good and unique bourbon. Read on.

BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: Bar

OVERALL: Often, when I cook dinner, I pour something in the review queue to get acquainted with it while I work, listen to a book and sear the devil out of whatever protein is on that night's menu. I've really enjoyed doing that with Discovery 11 because it's not only good, it generally goes well with whatever I'm nibbling while I work.

Loads of tropical fruit and lilac lead on the nose followed by orange lemon zests and a hint of dried grain. The deeply toasted oak reminds you that a 13-year-old bourbon makes up the bulk of this blend. At 118 proof, it invigorates the palate, opening it up to taste old standards such as light caramel, browned butter and dark honey in subsequent sips. There's not much complexity here, but it's got a lot of easygoing charm all the same. I usually appreciate a super-approachable whiskey like this one, but at $139.99, I expect more. It's nicely spicy from front to back and leaves a warm trail of baking spices on the finish. It is an all-around good pour that deserves some charcoal-grilled fish and a great chocolate brownie to accompany it.

BRAND NOTES

Our Discovery series highlights the art of blending, creating exciting expressions that together are greater than the sum of its parts. Through artfully combining rare and exemplary whiskies we discover from all over the world, this series pushes the boundaries of innovation by creating completely unique flavor profiles and styles. Each release gives you something new to discover.

Discovery #11 offers rainier cherry, butterscotch, brown sugar and roasted peanut on the nose, then a spirited palate of toffee and cinnamon spice, followed by a finish of ripe red fruit and oak.

Disclaimer: Bourbon & Banter received a sample of this product from the brand for review. We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you.


Wild Turkey Generations Review

This bottle is so unique among the Wild Turkey pantheon that it really has to be experienced and shared, and until another release comes along that tastes this good and carries this kind of backstory, I’m going to say, albeit reluctantly, that it’s worth the MSRP. 

Wild Turkey Generations Review

BOTTLE DETAILS

  • DISTILLER: Wild Turkey
  • MASH BILL: 75% Corn | 13% Rye | 12% Malted Barley
  • AGE: Blend of 9-, 12-, 14-, and 15-year-old bourbons
  • YEAR: 2023
  • PROOF: 120.8
  • MSRP: $450
  • BUY ONLINE: Buy from Wild Turkey


DREW'S NOTES

SHARE WITH: Wild Turkey super fans, people who avoid the brand, and family. Wild Turkey lovers will naturally gravitate to this bottle because of the unique brand story behind it and the rarity of a cask-strength, non-chill-filtered Wild Turkey with this kind of age in the mix. Those bourbon fans who wouldn't self-identify as Turkey nuts should also give this one a try because it truly is unlike anything else I've tasted from the brand. And before politics totally ruins our holiday dinners again, it seems particularly appropriate to share this one and its heartwarming story with your bourbon-loving family members.

WORTH THE PRICE: This is the most expensive Wild Turkey ever. And not by a small amount. Master's Keep bottlings haven't exactly been good values in recent years, but they sure look like bargains against this bottle. At 5,000 bottles released, some collectors may feel it's not quite rare enough to justify the investment (considering there will likely be some secondary valuation at work). But Generations really shouldn't be for the collectors. Let them have Russell's Single Rickhouse and age-stated releases. This bottle is so unique among the Wild Turkey pantheon that it really has to be experienced and shared, and until another release comes along that tastes this good and carries this kind of backstory, I'm going to say, albeit reluctantly, that it's worth the MSRP. 

BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: Bottle if you can and bar for the rest of us. For most of us, it's financially irresponsible to purchase a bottle this expensive. That doesn't mean you shouldn't splurge on a pour at your favorite bourbon bar. I almost never recommend someone spend over $200 on a bottle of bourbon, but if you've got the coin and you're looking for a true shelf trophy to enjoy on special occasions and with special people, you really can't do much better than Generations.

OVERALL: Kentucky is known for its distilling dynasties, but few are more tenured or more admired than the Russells. This bottle commemorates their impressive achievements and adds to them, marking the first time (to my knowledge) three generations have come together to create a whiskey. Jimmy, his son Eddie, and Eddie's son Bruce each selected a bourbon that appealed to their palate with Jimmy choosing a final top dressing to tie it all together, or so the story goes. The result is one of the best Wild Turkey releases I've ever tasted.

On the nose...SO. MUCH. CHERRY. The note shows up in some Wild Turkey expressions, but this is big concentrated, and dark, alternating between cocktail and cola with a thick undertone of rich caramelized sugar that contrasts beautifully with the high tone, fruity sweetness. As things open up, a bit of cooked orchard fruit arrives alongside burly notes of old leather and damp tobacco. As engaging as any Wild Turkey out there, dusty or otherwise. 

The palate is impressively balanced and packed with all the flavor you'd expect from such a complex, high-proof blend. But it's just as impressively approachable, with a hugging warmth that simmers across the sip. Things kick off with a mix of dark brown sugar and a vanilla-kissed cola note that's almost effervescent at times. The cherry isn't nearly as dominant on the palate as it was initially on the nose, but it's there and slow-cooked, almost pie filling, joining Haribo peach candies and baked apples to round out a decadent fruit basket of flavor. Baking spice takes over on the midpalate with freshly grated cardamom, clove, and cinnamon before an elegant finish of caramel apple, cocktail cherry, and brown butter.


BRAND NOTES

Generations is a 120.8-proof blend that showcases sweet notes of vanilla, caramel, and dark cherry that give way to warm notes of pepper and aged oak. An aroma of oak and vanilla is followed by floral and spice notes with hints of baked apple, toffee and cloves. The unique combination of aromas and flavors caps off with a finish of dark fruit and baking spice with lingering notes of sweet toffee and oak.

Disclaimer: Bourbon & Banter received a sample of this product from the brand for review. We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you.