Tastes

A sweet, perfectly solid bourbon in beautiful bottle—that simply does not rise above mid-shelf if served blind alongside much of anything else, even to inexperienced bourbon drinkers.

Because the Stagg Jr. never won me over as much as I wanted it to, I didn’t really know what to expect when I tasted this. It absolutely knocked me to the ground. The heat on this, which endless complexity, a roundhouse kicks that does all these subtle things on your tongue after. A religious experience.

The only thing worse than hype, is reactionary anti-hype. But really, while Eagle Rare is legitimately “smooth” if that’s what you’re looking for, it has rarely beat much of anything on my shelf blind. Solid at face value, and as big hype goes, I do prefer it to blanton’s.

Maybe it’s polarizing, but I am in love with this stunner. Oatmeal, Rice Krispy Treats, & all the density & heft you’d want from a 15 year, 119.7 proof bottle. If you don’t welcome bold, brash different in your whiskey, stay home on this one. If you want to go on a ride though, Rare Perfection 15 will take you places.

I love Knob Creek generally, but there’s a different kind of sweetness about this one cutting into that heat that is just perfection.

If it sounds like a science experiment, it really isn’t. This is still recognizably a rye, but baptized—a thoroughly unique, delightful summer thriller of a bottle. I really hope Barrell goes for more than just one round here.

Here is the trick on the McKenna 10: I have never had a bottle open up as much as this one. Open it, & enjoy it on day one. Within a couple of months, a few pours in—it will absolutely seduce you.

Quite simply the best thing I’ve ever tasted. I am actually desperate for a whole bottle, & never get close to one. Help 😂

This is the one that will knockout even people who complain about finished whiskeys. I don’t love every Magnus I’ve tasted. But the Cigar Blend will make a cynic come to Jesus. I’m just sad I didn’t make my bottle last longer—always on the hunt to replace it.

No mind-bending flavors here, but as an elegant, easy sipping top shelf drinker, it’s hard to beat.