Tag: straight whiskey

  • Ezra Brooks Bourbon Scoresheet & Review

    Ezra Brooks Bourbon Scoresheet & Review

    People like to say “first impressions last a lifetime” when they recall something unfavorable that ended up worse for the wear. Such a saying certainly has credence in some scenarios, but like most things, it’s not one size fits all. Even when we remind ourselves that a first impression isn’t…

  • Rebel Bourbon Scoresheet & Review

    Rebel Bourbon Scoresheet & Review

    If you asked a drinker to list some readily available bourbons, chances are they’d have no problem naming individual expressions. Now take that same drinker and ask them to list some readily available wheated bourbons (wheaters). Answers may vary depending on the person and the market they live in, but…

  • New Riff Bottled in Bond Bourbon Scoresheet & Review

    New Riff Bottled in Bond Bourbon Scoresheet & Review

    When it comes to American craft distillers, New Riff spring to my mind as one of the first who seemed to do it right. Their marketing is spot-on with the fantastic motto (“new riff on an old tradition”), neat logo, excellent bottle design, and impressive transparency. What’s more is that…

  • Michter’s 10-Year Single Barrel Bourbon (2021) Scoresheet & Review

    Michter’s 10-Year Single Barrel Bourbon (2021) Scoresheet & Review

    Michter’s is a brand that’s bound to leave folks with a host of questions. Some of these might be simple, such as the origin of the name Michter’s (short version: Michael + Peter), while others don’t have a straightforward answer, like the on/off availability and pricing for certain expressions. Until…

  • Jim Beam Black Scoresheet & Review

    Jim Beam Black Scoresheet & Review

    Few words will make a whiskey fan’s ears perk up more than “age.” Try as we might to convince ourselves that age is “just a number” and that more age doesn’t automatically mean a better product, there’s always something alluring about trying something that’s even slightly older. For example, if…

  • Knob Creek Straight Rye Scoresheet & Review

    Knob Creek Straight Rye Scoresheet & Review

    Knob Creek as a brand is often hard to go wrong with. Want a bourbon that’s available, affordable, versatile, and high quality? The standard Small Batch has you covered. Want the same aspects but with stronger flavors, variety from bottle to bottle, and a reasonable bump in price? Look no…

  • Spirits of the Apocalypse Bourbon Scoresheet & Review

    Spirits of the Apocalypse Bourbon Scoresheet & Review

    Sponsorships have a way of making things feel disingenuous.  Whether it’s Linus Tech Tips’ cheeky segue ways or specially branded booze bottles, eye-rolling is bound to ensue. Diageo are no stranger to this with their Game of Thrones scotch lineup, Lagavulin Offerman Edition, and Walking Dead bourbon, otherwise known as…

  • 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…

  • Heaven Hill Bottled in Bond 7-Year Scoresheet & Review

    Heaven Hill Bottled in Bond 7-Year Scoresheet & Review

    Discussing Heaven Hill Bottled in Bond is akin to mentioning two mutual friends and having someone whisper “they got history” into your ear. Not long ago, Heaven Hill offered a bonded product with a 6-year age statement that cost south of $20. People loved it and happily let other people…

  • Heaven Hill Green Label 6-Year Scoresheet & Review

    Heaven Hill Green Label 6-Year Scoresheet & Review

    Heaven Hill is undoubtedly one of the most prolific distilleries. Whether you’re looking for a cheap mixer, a reliable daily, or a true special occasion bottle, Heaven Hill will almost certainly be in the running. This is doubly so when it comes to the more budget-oriented drinker. The Evan Williams…

  • 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…

  • Maker’s Mark Cask Strength (Batch 20-03) Scoresheet & Review

    Maker’s Mark Cask Strength (Batch 20-03) Scoresheet & Review

    Maker’s Mark isn’t a brand I normally associate with high-value products. Many of my peers even consider the entry-level bourbon to be a more premium offering than other, similarly priced expressions. Branding certainly plays a part, which only goes even further if you visit the distillery in Loretto. Maker’s Mark…