Whiskey collecting has grown from a niche hobby into a global passion shared by enthusiasts, investors, and casual drinkers alike. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or looking to deepen your appreciation, understanding the basics can help you build a meaningful and enjoyable collection. In this guide, we’ll break down what new collectors need to …
Vermont-based non-distiller producer (NDP) and micro-distiller WhistlePig is releasing it’s oldest whiskey yet, The BigSheBang. A 30 year old single malt, the whiskey is obviously sourced, as WhistlePig was founded in 2007 and did not release its first product until 2010. The BigSheBang was finished in in Vin Santo barrels, a rare Italian dessert wine known …
By Richard Thomas Rating: B The most approachable of the latest Lock, Stock and Barrel releases (I wrote up their 21 year old rye earlier this month) is their new Vatted Rye. Frankly, I adore the name. It is borrowed from the now outmoded Scotch whisky terminology of referring to a blend of malt whiskies …
By Richard Thomas Rating: A- As it has been years since I last wrote about the brand, a brief background summary of Lock, Stock and Barrel is called for. The brand is owned by Cooper Spirits, a company founded in 2006. Cooper Spirits is an independent bottler, reliant upon sourced spirits, but knowing their foundation …
By Richard Thomas One of the possible shifts in trends I foresee is that if New Sober continues to make headway with Gen Z, whiskey could tumble into unpopularity again and for familiar reasons. In the 1970s, the Boomers moved away from the whiskey and other brown spirits enjoyed by their parents, embracing wine and …
By Richard Thomas At the end of 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared “no level of alcohol consumption is good for you.” Before that came an EU study linking even moderate drinking to cancer, but that received less media attention. This issue did not garner cause a press furor until Summer 2024, when a …
By Richard Thomas Rating: B Despite its illustrious name, Canadian brand Crown Royal has had the reputation of being a middling brand from nation now widely considered as fifth among the five traditional whiskey nations (Canada, Ireland, Japan, Scotland and the USA). Lately it seems parent company Diageo, the British drinks goliath, has decided to …
Crown Royal has raised its game with a new Crown Royal Reserve Aged 12 Years Blended Canadian Whisky. The new Crown Royal Reserve Aged 12 Years continues to be an approachable yet elevated offering, highlighting the artistry and dedication that define Crown Royal. With richer depth, bolder flavor and delicious complexity, this refined whisky sets …
By Richard Thomas Rating: A When I established The Whiskey Reviewer in 2011, it was already inconceivable to stay on top of both the growing realm of world whiskey and the burgeoning American craft distilling scene. The American small distilling sector was already too large and growing too fast, although the new distilleries popping up …
Crown Royal has released the third installment in its Extra Rare Series, this one now standing as the oldest whisky ever sold by the company: Crown Royal Aged 31 Years. The three-decade old barrels hand selected by Mark Balkenende, Crown Royal Master Blender, to showcase our Canadian rye whisky’s spice, vanilla and smoothness. “Crown Royal …
