Tastes

Russell’s Reserve 10 Year is everything you want in a well-aged, affordable bourbon. Crafted by Jimmy and Eddie Russell at Wild Turkey, this small-batch bourbon balances rich oak, deep caramel, and just enough spice to keep things interesting. At 90 proof, it’s an easy sipper that still carries plenty of depth. For around $40, this bottle is a must-have for anyone who appreciates classic Kentucky bourbon. Nose: Rich caramel and vanilla lead the way, followed by toasted oak, dark cherry, and a hint of baking spice. There’s a citrusy brightness, almost like an Old Fashioned in a glass, with a touch of leather and cocoa rounding things out. Palate: Buttery in the best way—thick, smooth, and full of flavor. Notes of dark fruit, and warm cinnamon hit first, followed by oak, and a bit of eathiness. A citrus note lingers, giving the sense of a well-crafted cocktail, with honeyed sweetness balancing everything beautifully. Finish: Long and warming. The spice lingers just enough, fading into caramelized sugar, seasoned oak, and a hint of dark chocolate. It’s rich but never overwhelming, leaving a lasting impression that makes you want another sip. Russell’s Reserve 10 Year gives you the feeling of sipping an Old Fashioned straight from the bottle—rich, buttery, and balanced with just enough sweetness and spice.

Rittenhouse Rye is an absolute classic—a Bottled in Bond powerhouse that brings rich spice, deep sweetness, and a satisfyingly full mouthfeel. It’s a rye that doesn’t hold back, delivering bold character with enough balance to keep you reaching for another pour. Another Heaven Hill bottled in bond that keeps me loyal to the brand excited about their stewardship of old brands like Rittenhouse and Mellow Corn. Nose: Cereal grains and cinnamon lead the way, followed by warm brown butter and toasted marshmallow. There’s a rich, almost campfire-like depth, with just a touch of oak sneaking in. Palate: Salted butter in the best way—creamy, rich, and layered with baking spices and rye bread. The viscosity is spot-on, coating the palate with warm spice and just the right amount of sweetness. Finish: Long and building. The spice slices through but doesn’t overwhelm, lingering on the tongue with a smoky, molasses/brown sugar note like in a fresh batch of homemade chocolate chip cookies. Rittenhouse Rye is a staple for a reason. It’s bold, balanced, and endlessly versatile—whether you’re sipping or mixing, it delivers every time.

Mellow Corn is a rare gem in the whiskey world—one of the few Bottled in Bond corn whiskeys still widely available. It embraces its heritage with a bold yet approachable profile, offering a nostalgic sip reminiscent of classic American whiskey before bourbon took the spotlight. Mellow Corn delivers a buttery sweetness with just enough bite to keep things interesting. At around $20, it’s a must-have for anyone looking to expand their palate beyond the usual suspects. Not to mention its cult following on Reddit- check out r/mellowcorn. Nose: Sweet creamed corn, honey-drizzled Jiffy cornbread, and roasted peanuts. A light floral note with hints of fresh oak and a touch of spice. Palate: Buttery and full-bodied upfront. Sweet corn dominates, with notes of honey and baking spice. The 100-proof presence gives it a slight peppery edge without overpowering the sweetness. Finish: Medium in length, leaving behind a warm mix of vanilla, oak, and lingering corn sweetness. A hint of nuttiness and pepper rounds it out, making for a pleasantly balanced fade. Mellow Corn is a whiskey that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and that’s exactly why it works. It’s sweet, bold, and undeniably unique, delivering a simple but satisfying experience that punches above its price point. Whether you’re sipping it neat, on ice, or mixing it into a cocktail, this one is always a good time! Makes an excellent old fashion paired with Nixta Corn liquor.

I love Brown-Forman for their unique ownership of a cooperage, and this chiseled and charred barrel treatment brings out some of my favorite BF notes—especially banana bread. This is an easy sipper at just $35, delivering a rich and warming experience without overwhelming heat. This pour killed my bottle, but I’ll be adding another one soon! Nose: Strong brown sugar, banana bread, and cereal grains. A backbone of toasty oak with a hint of spice. Palate: Sweet and buttery on the front. Oak tannins and baking spices add structure. That banana bread note lingers beautifully throughout. Finish: Medium to long, sits with you like a dear friend you haven’t seen in a while. Starts in the throat and radiates to the chest, leaving a warm, comforting embrace. Cooper’s Craft 100 Proof punches well above its price. The chiseled barrel finishing adds a unique depth, bringing out sweet, oaky, and spicy elements without overpowering the signature Brown-Forman banana note. Whether you’re a fan of Old Forester or Woodford Reserve, this bourbon offers a fresh but familiar experience. Absolutely worth a try!

A classic and affordable bottle, Elijah Craig Small Batch delivers everything you’d expect from a Heaven Hill product. It punches above its class with a well-balanced, flavorful profile. While I don’t reach for it as often as some of its Heaven Hill cousins, I always enjoy it on occasion. Nose: Herbal and spicy, with notes of burnt marshmallow adding depth. Palate: Sweet but not overly so, featuring red fruit like cherries, subtle baking spice, and a touch of pepper. Finish: A slow build that lingers, offering generous warmth without being overwhelming.

Evan Williams 1783 is an easy daily drinker, and I’ll definitely be adding it to my regular lineup. At under $20, it’s one of the best bargains in bourbon—a great example of why I keep coming back to Heaven Hill. Nose: Sweet and inviting, with notes of honey and caramel. Palate: Ultra-sweet upfront—rich honey and caramel—balanced by warm baking spices and the earthiness of oak as it settles in. Finish: Sits further back on the palate, offering a subtle warmth that builds into a lingering, sweet Kentucky hug.

Store Pick- Kingston Pike Liquors, Knoxville TN (barreled in 2014) Nose: sweet, earthy, clove, honey Palate: smoky (almost scotch-like), earthy tone, heavy oak (sticks wifh you well after sipping), vanilla, honey Finish: spice forward, slow growing spice in the chest Not bad, pretty complex. Would drink again but wouldn’t rush to do so.

I love Wilderness Trail- they have a cool story of consulting the biggest names in the industry alongside creating one of the fastest growing brands in Kentucky. Dr. Pat Heist and Shane Baker know what they are doing from the craft and science perspective, and have so much history in the industry. With Campari now owning majority stake, I know this brand will be preserved for years to come. From sweet mash to the commitment to providing the one of the best bottled-in-bond product on the market, I cant wait to see how WT expands. Nose: Nutmeg, peanuts, oak, tobacco Palate: sweet corn, toffee, cocoa, fresh peeled apples Finish: sits forward on the tongue before moving to a gentle Kentucky hug; keeps me wanting to come back for over and again This is a perfect sipper for me. Unique in that it has one of the highest wheat contents at 24%- you’d never know the rye wasn’t a part of the equation. At a proce point of around $50, this is a perfect add to any home bar.

I’ll begin by saying this bourbon is in the same category as Mellow Corn: cheap, consistent, tasty, and a wonderful Heaven Hill BIB product. It’s a perfect beach sipper (currently enjoying neat on Amelia Island). Don’t let the price keep you from picking this one up. Nose: sweet, burnt sugar, marshmallow, and a bit of candied nuts. The wood is present but not overwhelmingly so. Palate: sweet, a little nutty, still carries that marshmallow from the nose. Finish: for 100 proof, this puppy is smooth. Slight tingling lingers on the tongue (mid to back) to remind you of the BIB you are enjoying. No burn just a slight Kentucky “side” hug. I’d give this BIB an 80/100.

Sweet notes of caramel, honey, and char. Subtle warmth on the lips. Goes down smooth with distinguished finish on the back of the palate.