Tastes

This is the one that started it all for me. It's peaty perfection and if you are lucky enough to find it for under $70, do yourself a favor and stock up.

It's not often I spill half a bottle of bourbon into my sink, but I was really disappointed in this one. Of the 4 bourbons we tasted, this was easily the most forgettable.

Even with the hype around the Van Winkle name, this rye stands alone. Though the label says 13 years, it is far likelier that most batches prior to 2016 were closer to 19 years. Sadly, the legendary tanked blend of Cream of Kentucky and Old Medley that was supplying these bottles for years ran dry in 2016. 2018 will introduce an all-Buffalo Trace rye, so its anyone’s guess if they can keep the magic going.

It’s pretty tough to beat a good OWA store pick for the money. Buffalo Trace wheated mashbill at 107 proof.

Decent, but not especially noteworthy. It’s tough to rate this very high when you can get the much better 10 year version (Eagle Rare) for a couple dollars more.

The little brother to the incredible Thomas Handy Sazerac Rye. Same mashbill, but a lower proof and less age takes away the magic and leaves a solid, but very average, rye behind.

NOSE: Floral / Sweet TASTE: Honey / Nuts / Caramel / Spice / Warm & Rich FINISH: Medium-Long for a 90 proof bourbon