Tastes

[8.30.24] Yes, this is a post-dated review. Truth is, I was a bit too sloppy from drinking this an a half dozen other things on Lake Norris to leave a fresh review back in June. Now that it's almost finished, its probably time to post a review on this 22-G single barrel we picked up at the Liquor Barn in Lexington on the way down. And no, I didn't drive the boat. Predictable sipper that I could backpack on the lake, this bottle was a go-to when I knew people wanted some extra bourbon. [We also picked up a bottle of Broken Barrel but that's a sad story for a different day]. This bottle smells like oak and leather but is fruitier than others and a couple of ice cubes can make four fingers turn from a summer sipper in a full on drink in a hurry. Pair with mint and a bit of maple syrup to make a killer back porch drink for one of the hottest summers I can remember.

[6.8.24] This one was a pleasant surprise, but first a disclaimer. They call this 4-grain on the bottle but the reality is 4 different TYPES of grain. A bit of false advertising to someone whose life is a bit more grain based than some. The whiskey itself though, excellent. Had it over breakfast at the in-laws and theyve once again scored a nice bottle. I think it's spicier at the end than the beginning, with mild bourbon typicals: vanillins, tannins, etc. but for the 95 proof, this is smooth. A very balanced bourbon without being bland.

[5.17.24] This one is probably not anything special. Honestly, I thought I'd had it years ago and apparently never kept a note. Regardless, my impression has improved somewhat but the real reason I remembered to include it was the joy of my mother-in-law finding it at the liquor store on a release day. She had quite the haul and tagged this in with the cluster. The story was worth it. Simple whiskey. Has some bite and is spicy, not as raw oak and wood chips as I remembered, but more fall spices like cinnamon. Good, not great, but good and I'll remember sipping this one after taking care of the in-laws' fish for a while.

[5.30.24] It does seem like I've been drinking a fair bit of whiskey lately... As one does. This was actually a Christmas gift from the brother-in-law. Admittedly, if your brother-in-law is giving you whiskey for Christmas - it's going ok. I think some of these barrels are being used for a "bossing" good bourbon-barrel maple syrup project. Speaking of, maple syrup is exactly what I'd add to this in a mixed drink. This is smooth beyond its proof with a sweet vanilla malt flavor, almost like a liquor milkshake (complete with more oily profile than I think is credited by others on this app). Easy drinker, room temperature. To put it in perspective, I had mine after ice cream and still thought it was sweet.

[5.24.24] These bottles are still a bit ot a puzzle to me so I was glad to be able to taste another from someone's collection. Capped off a great night but nothing stacks against our Russell's. Minty. At first I thought it was a myth but as you swallow and the flavors start to clear, it becomes more apparent. This a julep whiskey if there was ever one made. Easy to drink but it has one clear purpose - Derby Day.

[5.24.24] Memorial Day weekend, on the lake, beachhouse in Michigan where rentals are prohibited. This is the life. And kudos to our friends for putting us up for the night. Hands down, best whiskey I've had in at least a year. This is the #22-0011 and I would own the barrel. Easy drinker, sipping like an 80 but riding in the 100s. Smooth, sweet, and a bit fruity on top of all the usual good flavors you'd expect from Russell's line.

[5.25.2024] A much-earned (by the family) family trip to Michigan led to a lakehouse visit with some of our favorites. Turns out we share a love for Russell's and broke out a sip of this treasure. This is a bit stiff (think like that raw bite of Stagg Jr.) but I think thats the point. A touch salty brings to mind horse harness sweat leaching through the leather. Oak is more of an aged barrel than that raw greenness coming through in some younger renditions. A solid drink but the right Russell's Single Barrel can trump it.

[3.4.24] Another hype whiskey sold by another famous person. Thats what I figured I'd write after some old family friends had us over for dinner and their son (whom I've watched grow up) offered me a glass. But this is to Buffalo Trace as Longbranch is to Wild Turkey - surprisingly good. Sweeter (is sweet, green oak leaves an option?) than I need but pretty thick and leathery, this is an easy sipper for the porch this summer. Buy it before the price goes up and it loses its value. I see people ruining this one by popularity just like a few other select batches have gone by the wayside.

[1.30.24] Facebook ad services were CERTAIN that I needed this bottle (sweet bottle, heavy glass!) ever since Thanksgiving. After a disappointing season of lotteries and a cold Weller release line loss, this was my consolation bottle when it hit the shelf that same night. And its good. Good, but not great. For an organic bottle with home-raised grains and a 4-cereal blend sporting a good story, I gave this 4 stars. But the bourbon itself isn't excellence. It is obviously high corn, very sweet, almost like a vanilla scented Yankee candle. Especially easy to drink and if it werent for the price, could replace my Jameson for bad decisions sipper. Won't probably keep this stocked on the shelf unless the price drops about $10.

[12.25.23] Another Christmas and another dram shared with my father-in-law. This year's edition features another sherry cask that comes at you a bit higher proof (>80 proof is definitely caught on with the marketers now). Sherry casks still rule but an irish whiskey like this is a bit plain to really get the value from it. Smoother, softer on the tongue with a bit of that red wime undertone (this would be good with Christmas chocolate) but there's a bit of an ether after note that would probably slow my intake. This one woild really kill with a Dublin-inspired cranberry cocktail for the holiday season.