Tag: whiskey

  • Jameson Caskmates Stout Edition Scoresheet & Review

    Jameson Caskmates Stout Edition Scoresheet & Review

    Using secondary casks to “finish” a product is the perfect example of an idea that started as something novel and quickly exploded into its own flimsily defined subspace. It wasn’t long ago that toasted bourbons and beer barrel finishes were considered new and innovative, but are slowly treading “been there,…

  • Montana 1889 Whiskey Scoresheet & Review

    Montana 1889 Whiskey Scoresheet & Review

    When people think of American whiskey, the two states that instantly spring to mind are Kentucky and Tennessee (and Indiana for some). Yet as interest in the often-colorful spirit continues to grow, other states have taken notice with craft distillers popping up, either hoping to get a piece of the…

  • Jameson Black Barrel Scoresheet & Review

    Jameson Black Barrel Scoresheet & Review

    Jameson Black Barrel is one of those expressions that underwent a slight rebranding pretty recently. What was formerly known as Jameson Select Reserve Black Barrel has been simplified to the iteration most of us are bound to find on shelves today. Either way, it’s easy for a more casual drinker…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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 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…

  • Very Old Barton 100 Scoresheet & Review

    Very Old Barton 100 Scoresheet & Review

    When it comes to ubiquitous bourbon brands in the modern day, few spring to mind quicker than Barton 1792. This is especially so when it comes to sourcing. Calumet Farm, Sam Houston, Goodwood, and more source from this Sazerac-owned distillery. Considering how frequently these brands can command triple digits for…