Updated July 26, 2025 By Debbie Shocair Average Rating: B Given what I do, most whiskey fans presume I am opposed to flavored whiskey. On the contrary, I appreciate the flavored stuff as “gateway whiskey,” bringing into the fold those who still harbor reservations. Founded by the late and esteemed Robert Cooper, Cooper Spirits has …
Wolves Whiskey, a non-distiller producer in California heretofore best known for its work with American Single Malts, already had a deal in place with Kentucky’s Willett Distillery to acquire stocks of Willett-made rye. Now that deal has yielded the first Wolves Whiskey expression with an age statement: Wolves and Willett Limited-Edition 10 Year Rye Whiskey. …
Noted mixologist Molly Wellmann has been hired on as Master Taster at the Hidden Barn Whiskey. In her new role, Wellmann will be helping with the batching and single barrel selections of Hidden Barn Whiskey, as she builds on the tasting profile and batching style developed by Master Blender Emeritus Jackie Zykan. “Jackie got us …
Bardstown Bourbon Company (BBCo) is best known in the Kentucky bourbon industry for its position as the leading contract distiller, but it has also developed a reputable line of its own releases. Now it has unveiled the latest in its BBCo Distillery Reserve Series, Hokkaido Mizunara Oak Barrel Finish. After blending a thoughtfully chosen collection …
By Richard Thomas Rating: B+ The full name for this bottle is 15 Stars Fine Aged Rye Founder’s Reserve, but most 15 Stars concoctions come with a tile of “Fine Aged” something. Another rye from 15 Stars is called First West. To simplify description and avoid confusion, I’ve dropped that part and zeroed in on …
By Richard Thomas Rating: A- During the 2010s, Utah’s High West made a splash with whiskey nerds for their transparency. Although they were a negociant (or non-distiller producer, as bloggers who didn’t know there was a better term already in use in whisky circles preferred to call such a company), they had two characteristics that set …
J. Mattingly 1845 (formerly known as It’s Bourbon 30 of Georgetown, Kentucky) is purchasing the equity ownership of its founder, Jeff Mattingly. The transaction will leave 100 percent of the company’s ownership with an investment entity controlled by Andrew Varga and Carl Cordova of Gold Corn & Co. “We are honored and thrilled to be …
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 …
Two Stacks Irish Whiskey is giving the often overlooked category of single grain whiskey some real attention with its latest offering, now available throughout the US through importer Foley Family Wines & Spirits. It is available in both a 700 ml bottle and the unique 100 ml Dram in a Can. As one of only …
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 …
