Tag: B+ grade

  • Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C919 Scoresheet & Review

    Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C919 Scoresheet & Review

    Elijah Craig Barrel Proof is easily one of bourbon’s worst kept secrets. Whenever there’s a “best bourbon for the money” discussion, you’re all but guaranteed to see Heaven Hill’s triannual flagship pop up. After all, we’re talking about an uncut, unfiltered 12-year bourbon with an MSRP of around $60-$70. It’s…

  • Barrell Bourbon Batch 026 Scoresheet & Review

    Barrell Bourbon Batch 026 Scoresheet & Review

    These days it’s odd to not see Barrell Craft Spirits get brought up when discussing the art of blending. Some might even say they paved the way for taking certain NDPs seriously. Given the acclaim they’ve received, be it for bourbon batches or their unique, finished products, it’s safe to…

  • Barrell Bourbon Batch 025 Scoresheet & Review

    Barrell Bourbon Batch 025 Scoresheet & Review

    Barrell Craft Spirits is one of those brands that gives off a rather distinct aura. Visit their website and you’ll find a succinct statement from founder Joe Beatrice regarding their vision. Long story short, distillation takes a backseat in favor of blending and bottling cask strength spirits based on consumer…

  • Maker’s Mark 2019 Wood Finishing Series (RC6) Scoresheet & Review

    Maker’s Mark 2019 Wood Finishing Series (RC6) Scoresheet & Review

    These days it’s easy to take for granted the number of options when it comes to whiskey. More specifically, the sheer volume of choices one has when considering traditional whiskey and finished whiskey has become downright overwhelming. Maker’s Mark is just one example of this. Where they were previously known…

  • Old Forester 1910 Scoresheet & Review

    Old Forester 1910 Scoresheet & Review

    I’ll always have a soft spot for Old Forester. Their core lineup isn’t terribly diverse, but the ones I’ve tried have generally left a strong impression, from the stupidly impressive value that is Old Forester Rye to the Whiskey Row darling, 1920. Speaking of Whiskey Row, today I’m going to…

  • Little Book Chapter 4: “Lessons Honored” Scoresheet & Review

    Little Book Chapter 4: “Lessons Honored” Scoresheet & Review

    My reviews of the 2020 Booker’s batches do a sufficient job articulating how I feel about the brand as a whole: Absolutely enjoyable whiskey for a perhaps unreasonable price. Despite their batched nature, there are certain expectations with Booker’s, be it the 6-7 year age statement, rickhouse details, 120+ proof…

  • Goodwood Stout Barrel Finish Bourbon Scoresheet & Review

    Goodwood Stout Barrel Finish Bourbon Scoresheet & Review

    Every now and then we all stumble upon something that makes us go “what the hell happened here?” This occurred with me just the other night while looking through my growing collection of samples, deciding which one I’d sit down and analyze. Goodwood Stout Barrel Finish bourbon ended up piquing…

  • 1792 Small Batch Scoresheet & Review

    1792 Small Batch Scoresheet & Review

    When the topic of sourcing whiskey is brought up, three companies instantly spring to my mind: MGP, George Dickel, and Barton 1792. A little time and research are all you need understand how ubiquitous these three are. In the case of Barton 1792, brands like Sam Houston, Calumet Farm, and…

  • Doc Swinson’s Alter Ego Bourbon (Batch 21-004) Scoresheet & Review

    Doc Swinson’s Alter Ego Bourbon (Batch 21-004) Scoresheet & Review

    Most of us are acutely aware of the boom whiskey has been going through, particularly with regards to bourbon. This explosion in popularity has brought with it an utterly stagging bottle selection for American whiskey in general. All this selection breeds competition, and one of the most popular ways for…

  • Eagle Rare Scoresheet (V2) & Review

    Eagle Rare Scoresheet (V2) & Review

    I remember the days when Eagle Rare sat on shelves here in Florida. It wasn’t that long ago—not even ten years. My friend and I would walk into places like ABC and Walgreens, mostly to get stuff to mix, and we’d notice stuff like Eagle Rare with its tentative $30…

  • Hibiki Harmony Scoresheet & Review

    Hibiki Harmony Scoresheet & Review

    A passing glance at my content is all it takes to see where my whisk(e)y preferences lie. That may not be surprising, given how copious and relatively affordable options for American whiskey are. Yet they make a world of difference for the ever-curious drinker that I am. I do still…

  • Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Scoresheet & Review

    Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Scoresheet & Review

    Woodford Reserve has always struck me as an ideal crowd-pleasing whiskey for more traditional drinkers. There’s both a simplicity and elegance to their marketing, be it the font and logo, bottle designs, or even just images of their distillery. That appeal was enough to stick with me, since Woodford Reserve…