Tag: small batch

  • Dewar’s Double Double 21-Year Oloroso Scoresheet & Review

    Dewar’s Double Double 21-Year Oloroso Scoresheet & Review

    I’m going to go out on a limb and guess that most non-casual scotch fans don’t give Dewar’s much time nor thought. They’re incredibly popular, thanks in no small part to their NAS minimum viable product, which makes dismissing them that much easier. There are certainly other reasons for people…

  • Just the Sip: Smokeye Hill Barrel Proof Review

    Just the Sip: Smokeye Hill Barrel Proof Review

    In my experience, “[insert blank] killer” is a cheap term used to glamorize the flagrantly mediocre as something remarkable. My first exposure to this was through the 2004 videogame Killzone, which some touted as Sony’s “Halo killer” prior to release. Now don’t get me wrong, I have a soft spot…

  • 45th Parallel R100 Rye Whiskey Scoresheet & Review

    45th Parallel R100 Rye Whiskey Scoresheet & Review

    For many whiskey fans who begin their journey with bourbon, rye whiskey is something of a hurdle. Case in point: yours truly. I tried a handful of ryes during what I’d consider my transition from whiskey hobbyist to enthusiast—although I still don’t like referring to myself as one. To say…

  • Booker’s 2023-01 “Charlie’s Batch” Scoresheet & Review

    Booker’s 2023-01 “Charlie’s Batch” Scoresheet & Review

    Booker’s hasn’t necessarily been a rare sight for my blog or collection, but it’s been a hot minute since I last covered it. In fact, if we don’t include samples, the only Booker’s that graced my presence was 2019-02 “Shiny Barrel.” That is, until 2023, when I decided I wanted…

  • Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch Scoresheet & Review

    Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch Scoresheet & Review

    Facelifts are nothing new in the world of whiskey. Most distilleries make adjustments, big or small, to their bottles every few years. Even the same producer may make a drastic change to some of their bottles, but subtle changes to others (Wild Turkey and Old Forester come to mind). Heaven…

  • Just the Sip: Elijah Craig Small Batch Review

    Just the Sip: Elijah Craig Small Batch Review

    If there’s one thing whiskey marketers love, it’s a good story. And when it comes to bourbon, few stories feel as pertinent as the individual who created the beloved brown spirit in the first place. Even if said tale could be utterly fabricated. The supposed story of Reverend Elijah Craig,…

  • Just the Sip: Four Roses Small Batch Review

    Just the Sip: Four Roses Small Batch Review

    Four Roses has long been near to my heart. More specifically, Four Roses Small Batch was what I considered my first “splurge” bottle when first sipping whiskey neat. What specifically drew me to it? The bottle design, for starters. I loved the logo embossed onto the glass and thought the…

  • Just the Sip: Wilderness Trail It’s Bourbon Night Wheated Bourbon Pick (“Wheat Science”) Review

    Just the Sip: Wilderness Trail It’s Bourbon Night Wheated Bourbon Pick (“Wheat Science”) Review

    Just the Sip reviews are a more simplified version of the existing scoresheet format with the goal of reviewing more spirits, such as samples, barrel picks, and others that may be more difficult to do full reviews on. Both scoresheet and review formats will exist and be regularly posted. Learn…

  • Michter’s US1 Small Batch Scoresheet & Review

    Michter’s US1 Small Batch Scoresheet & Review

    Present-day bourbon has effectively flipped from where it was 10 or so years ago. Boastful age statements, modest pricing, and high availability once defined the unassuming landscape. Now? The scene has exploded with NDPs, cask finishes, ballooning prices, and limited releases. In many ways, Michter’s portfolio feels like a microcosm…

  • Bowman Brothers Small Batch Scoresheet & Review

    Bowman Brothers Small Batch Scoresheet & Review

    Bowman is arguably one of the better kept secrets in bourbon. Based out of Fredericksburg, VA, the A. Smith Bowman Distillery plays host to a number of spirits, including vodka, gin, rum, and whiskey. The brand takes its name from four militia officers (John, Abraham, Joseph, and Isaac) in the…

  • Benchmark Small Batch Scoresheet & Review

    Benchmark Small Batch Scoresheet & Review

    I imagine many people look at Benchmark as little more than a meme. Perhaps not to the same degree as Mellow Corn, but it still makes a solid case. Black label? Check. Use of the word “old” and a number (8) on the bottle? Check. Lowly age statement (3 years)…

  • Knob Creek Small Batch 9-Year Scoresheet & Review

    Knob Creek Small Batch 9-Year Scoresheet & Review

    Many casual drinkers probably don’t realize just how prolific brands like Jim Beam actually are. Bottles bearing the Clermont distillery’s name are easy enough to discern, but Jim Beam plays host to many others as well. Consider their parent company, Beam Suntory, and Jim Beam’s prominence becomes that much more…