By Randall H. Borkus Rating: A This 2024 release of US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Bourbon is the latest in ten years of the label. The Toasted Barrel expression is distinguished from the standard US*1 Bourbon by its double new oak treatment: a second maturation round in a toasted barrel, following its initial rest in a …
By Richard Thomas When it comes to good drink and fine food, living in Kentucky offers a bounty so good that it often surprises those not acquainted with the Commonwealth. The presence of the bourbon industry obviously covers the first part of that pairing, but also serves as the wellspring for the latter. Whiskey and …
By Richard Thomas Rating: B+ Technically, the second round of 2024’s Old Fitzgerald Bottled in Bond still came out in the autumn: even if bottles didn’t reach shelves (or samples reaching reviewers) until it was officially early winter, the actual announcement was on December 12. For those who are not very aware of the calendar, winter …
By Richard Thomas Rating: B Before tackling this wheated bourbon, a word about Mary Dowling Whiskey Company generally is in order, especially since their internet presence is currently limited to a Facebook page and write-ups like this one. The name Kaveh Zamanian should be a familiar one to Kentucky bourbon industry watchers, as he is …
For the first time since 2022, Master Distiller Dan McKee and Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson have approved the release of Michter’s 20 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon. “It’s always a special event for us at Michter’s when we bottle and release some whiskey that is over two decades old,” commented Michter’s President Joseph J. Magliocco. …
By Richard Thomas Rating: C+ Whiskey barrel aged wines are now very much a thing, so much like beer, the absence of a whiskey barrel aged wine poses the question of why they have not delved into the practice. You know a thing is a fixture when its not being there is sometimes more interesting, …
Maker’s Mark, the iconic Kentucky bourbon driven by the pursuit of better flavor and a better world, has announced Dr. Blake Layfield as the brand’s next Master Distiller and Beth Buckner as lead blender. “Visionary leadership has been a critical and consistent factor in the success of Maker’s Mark, from the moment Bill Sr. and …
By Richard Thomas Rating: B+ This was one of the reviews lost during The Whiskey Reviewer‘s hacking incident in late October/early November 2024. So, this is the second (and hopefully last) time I am writing up the latest release from Angel’s Envy, their Triple Oak bourbon. More than a decade ago, Lincoln Henderson and his …
By Richard Thomas Rating: B+ Jimmy Russell is one of the living legends of not just Kentucky bourbon, but of world whiskey generally. That legend began 70 years ago, when Russell first began working at what was then called Anderson County Distilling, sweeping floors in 1954. During Russell’s time as an employee, the name would …
West Fork Whiskey Co. has opened its new cocktail bar and tasting room in the vibrant Fountain Square neighborhood of Indianapolis. Located at 1233 Shelby St., the new venue is set to open its doors in Winter 2024/2025 and is aimed at providing locals and visitors a unique space to experience the best of West …
