One of this past fall’s newest bourbons was 15 Stars Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. 15 Stars is a merchant bottler with the good fortune of being able to source from Kentucky—which of course is getting easier, but not yet for the age obtained by…
Kentucky Owl has announced two new whiskey releases in time for the holidays — Kentucky Owl Batch #12 and Kentucky Owl Mardi Gras XO Cask Limited Edition. Batch #12 continues the legacy started in 2014 with Batch #1, the first Kentucky Owl bourbon released since Prohibition. Batch #12 is the latest limited batch release iteration …
Broken Barrel Whiskey Company, a bottler of sourced whiskeys specializing in stave insert finishes, recently added a fifth expression to its core lineup of bourbon and rye. Introducing Americana, a 100 proof (50% ABV) straight American whiskey featuring a mash bill of 80% corn, 14% rye and 6% malted barley. Americana explores blended American Whiskeys …
By Richard Thomas Rating: B+ A short history lesson is necessary to explain Bomberger’s Declaration. The 1980s and 1990s were a decidedly mixed period for the American Whiskey industry. On the one hand, the seeds of its future revival were being sewn with the creation of premium expressions, like Blanton’s and Elijah Craig. Maker’s Mark …
By Richard Thomas Rating: B Kentucky Owl released their St. Patrick’s Edition earlier this year, I rolled my eyes so hard the thud on the floor was audible in Louisville, Cincinnati and Bowling Green. Kentucky Bourbon for an Irish holiday stretches things a bit far for even a casual drinker, I should think. For those …
By Richard Thomas Rating: B Liquor generally and whiskey specifically is so popular these days, it seems many celebrities want to get in and own their own brand, and musicians in particular seem drawn to whiskey. Keeping that in mind, it probably shouldn’t be a surprise that Bob Dylan partnered with an outfit called Spirits …
Gordon & MacPhail is unveiling a collection of exceptionally rare whiskies from closed distilleries across Scotland – a new annual series of single cask releases from its revered liquid library. The ‘Recollection Series’ features a trove of whiskies from distilleries lost to the mists of time, giving enthusiasts and collectors a unique opportunity to enjoy …
By Richard Thomas Rating: B+ A decade ago, Utah’s High West was a fan favorite, instantly earning a reputation for transparency at a time when a handful of whiskey bloggers led an often trollish obsession among enthusiasts with the sometimes shady marketing employed by non-distiller producers. High West was unusual in not only did they …
Kentucky Owl Takumi Edition Bourbon Whiskey is collaboration between Master Blenders John Rhea (Kentucky Owl) and Yusuke Yahisa (Nagahama Distillery), this latest limited edition release blends new and old, showcasing Kentucky bourbon through the eyes of Japanese whisky. Both Kentucky and Japan are home to whiskey lovers who respect tradition and craftsmanship, but who also admire innovation. The Japanese term kaizen — continuous improvement …
By Douglas Fraser Rating: A- Shady Mile is said to be made (sourced) from the tenth oldest distillery in the state of Kentucky, and named after a point in the country roads where bootleggers met to conduct business and have a sip of whiskey. The whiskey is known to come from Owensboro, and Green River …
