Tastes

The best budget wheater at $15-20 a bottle. If you're a fan of the spicy (it's mellowed being a wheater), cinnamon profile - this is a daily to have in your cabinet all the time. I buy this stuff by the case when I do buy it. Uncork it and let it sit 2-3 weeks to open up.

Tastes like Grandpa and Grandma's house in the Autumn. Familiar, sweet, warm, and inviting. Nothing spectacular, but it doesn't need to be. Nostalgia in a glass at a great price.

Bottom shelf gem. $23 for a handle. If you like Old Ezra 7yr, you need this. Not quite the complexity and power you get with OE7, but for the price it hits all the things you love about a solid bourbon.

If you like Ryes but want a little more sweetness and less bite, this fits your bill. If Ryes aren't your favorite, but you'd like to have one in the cabinet, this fits your bill. If you love Ryes, you might be a little disappointed in how sweet it is, but your wallet won't hurt at this price. Doesn't blow anybody away but hits a target in the market that many will enjoy.

If you want a good bit of sweetness in a Rye, this hits all the marks. At the price point, it's a great deal. You won't be wowed, but you will be warmed.

A lovely pour. Excited for the American Single Malt profile to continue growing in the US. It has a sweet, spicy, and slightly fruity nose. The palate was definitively southern pecan forward, with a little creme brulee note. Nutty finish, but found it incredibly drinkable. Made about 30 minutes from where I grew up. Tasted at the Royal Oyster House in Gulf Shores, Alabama. 2022: I've heard that recent batches are even better than what I tasted before, so I will need to get my hands on another bottle soon.

Charcoal filtered - the first thing that impresses is the drinkability, even at 101 proof. Full and creamy viscosity. Baking spices, sweet vanilla, toasted oak, and cinnamon apples on the nose. Oak forward on the palate, but all of the flavors from the nose are present in the palate and finish. Long finish with a little heat and tingle, but exactly what you're looking for. I have to say that I'm really impressed with this one at $31.99. It doesn't have the light smoky finish that the Johnny Drum Black has, but I prefer it that way in this one. I tasted this one next to a Weller Reserve, and I'd pick Johnny Drum Private Stock every time. Willet made some delicious juice right here. 92/100.

For around the $20 range, this is a delicious bourbon. Nose is sweet vanilla and oak with hint of apples. On the palate it's those same flavors with a tad bit of smoke on the finish. Full, oily mouthfeel, unlike other bourbons at this price range (Heaven Hill Old Style). Not as rich as other Bourbons in a tier above, but still leaves you with a tingle even at 86 proof. Wanting a bit more complexity, but can't complain about anything else. Solid daily sipper.

Excellent finished Rye. On the nose, I get chicken and waffles, pancakes, and syrup. It's rich with a hint of that rye spice on the finish. It's a little pricey, but can see myself getting a bottle of this from time to time. More of a desert whiskey than something I would drink regularly.

Solid cask wheater for the price. Since I tend to be a proof hound, I prefer this over the lower proof offerings from Makers.