Tag: straight bourbon whiskey

  • Blue Note r/bourbon Pick “Blackberry Sparkler” Scoresheet & Review

    Blue Note r/bourbon Pick “Blackberry Sparkler” Scoresheet & Review

    Blue Note is an amusingly and appropriately named brand, given its base of operations. The actual distillery is DSP-TN-21021 which, despite only being licensed in 2014, is still the oldest distillery license in Memphis, TN. B.R. Distilling began operations in 2018 by sourcing barrels from a variety of producers, ranging…

  • Maker’s Mark Private Selection “Sweet Bourbon Dreams” Scoresheet & Review

    Maker’s Mark Private Selection “Sweet Bourbon Dreams” Scoresheet & Review

    It’s no secret that I’m a Maker’s Mark fan. Even when the brand frustrates me, they still find a way to win me over, whether with a stellar new product or a cute ambassador gift in time for the holidays. Being a reliable, available, affordable producer of solid wheated bourbon…

  • Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit Scoresheet & Review

    Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit Scoresheet & Review

    Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit has had a couple of interesting moments in an otherwise mostly uneventful journey thus far. The product launched in 1994, sporting a somewhat divisive fantail bottle design. Many consider Kentucky Spirit the second single barrel bourbon from a big-name distillery after Blanton’s from Buffalo Trace, with…

  • Maker’s Mark 2022 Wood Finishing Series (BRT-02) Scoresheet & Review

    Maker’s Mark 2022 Wood Finishing Series (BRT-02) Scoresheet & Review

    I’ve grown increasingly jaded towards finished whisky over time. In theory, it’s an interesting—even exciting—idea: Take a mature whisky and dump it into a different, secondary cask for a few weeks, granting it more flavor, dimension, and complexity. However, the sheer volume of bottles using finishing casks has exploded to…

  • Old Forester 1920 Scoresheet & Review

    Old Forester 1920 Scoresheet & Review

    Old Forester’s Whisky Row line is nothing if not homage-filled. Introduced in 2014, the series includes four bottles that offer consumers a more upscale (but still available and affordable) way to enjoy Old Forester bourbon. Each expression takes its identify from a key year in Brown-Forman’s brand history and, in…

  • Knob Creek Single Barrel 9-Year Scoresheet & Review

    Knob Creek Single Barrel 9-Year Scoresheet & Review

    Single barrels are all the rage these days. Much of this is thanks to the prominence of barrel picks selected by everyone from local and online groups to independent stores, retail chains, and online outlets. Even before these selections exploded in popularity, the rule of thumb was to grab one…

  • 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…

  • Maker’s Mark 2022 Wood Finishing Series (BRT-01) Scoresheet & Review

    Maker’s Mark 2022 Wood Finishing Series (BRT-01) Scoresheet & Review

    2021 was the year I visited Kentucky for the first time—I probably don’t need to tell you what I did. During that trip, I visited almost a dozen distilleries. Since the state welcomes many people throughout the globe, there was no shortage of inquiries throughout the tours and tastings. Of…

  • Weller Antique 107 Scoresheet & Review

    Weller Antique 107 Scoresheet & Review

    One of the most common sentiments modern whiskey fans share is the desire to explore. This may apply a specific category (such as bourbon), multiple categories, or just spirits in general. Regardless, each individual likely has a comfort zone they return to time and again. Anyone who knows me knows…

  • Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Scoresheet & Review

    Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Scoresheet & Review

    The Russell’s Reserve name has become a force to be reckoned with in the past couple of years. Much of this is thanks to the 13-Year and Single Rickhouse LEs being introduced, both contributing an increased degree of interest in the brand. It’s been a long time coming, too, as…

  • Bulleit Bourbon Scoresheet & Review

    Bulleit Bourbon Scoresheet & Review

    Discussing the Bulleit name can feel like walking into a foggy field with randomly placed landmines. Whether due to controversy surrounding Thomas E. Bulleit, the mere association with its parent company (see: Eboni Major, Redemption), or the gossip surrounding its current bourbon source, there’s no shortage of head-scratching to find…

  • Maker’s Mark 46 Cask Strength Scoresheet & Review

    Maker’s Mark 46 Cask Strength Scoresheet & Review

    Maker’s Mark frequently finds its way into my collection. Their core lineup is available, affordable, and of competent quality, yet they’re hardly in rarefied company these days. Much of the interest surrounding Maker’s Mark from present-day whisky lovers can be traced back to the introduction of Maker’s Mark 46. The…