Tastes

There is simply no better bourbon regularly available for under $15 (usually found for $10-12). Evan Williams Black Label sometimes makes me wonder why I even buy anything else.

A favorite, especially under $40. I do love me some Wild Turkey 101, too, but lately I have been wanting some lower proof whiskey.

Solid. This is not quite as good or unique as the Frey Ranch Rye, but their bourbon is a great example of craft whiskey done right. Not sure the age on this — other than at least 4 years given no age statement on the bottle — but I wonder if more time spent aging would help bring a bit more to the table. Regardless, this stuff is definitely worth checking out; even if there are some better bourbons out there that are cheaper, these guys are doing things the right way and they are definitely on to something.

Was really quite blown away by this — I haven’t been this smitten with a new craft rye since I first tasted Wilderness Trail Rye. The folks at Frey Ranch really know what they are doing, as the flavors here are all very balanced and the 100-proof point is perfect.

Batch 22J113 (new label). Marshmallow with toasted nuts and some juicy, fruity sweetness (glazed peaches or apricots). Also some floral notes I really liked without being too light.

Nice drink to ring in the new year: bold but not overpowering, sweet but not cloying, just the right amount of heat.

Nice, pleasant nose of honey, graham crackers, and crisp apple with caramel. Not bad on first sip, with similar flavors as the nose, but this quickly turns to oaky and hot, with a thin mouthfeel and poor finish — but at least the finish is short. What’s worse, the flavor profile is barely good enough to disguise in an Old Fashioned. Trying to figure out what to do with the rest of the bottle…

This was everything I already loved about the Russell’s Reserve line, dialed up to 13 (years). Truly very special from start to lingering finish.