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Old Fitzgerald Bottled In Bond Bourbon
Distiller Score 84
The nose on this whiskey is round with a good amount of wood, baking spices, toasted oats, and light chewy pralines. Old Fitz BIB can be a little hot out of the gates, but as you get past the 100 proof-welcome you get some rich flavors of vanilla, clove, and toasted walnuts sprinkled on oatmeal. This whiskey could easily benefit from a touch of water, but truthfully, why reach for a BIB if you are simply going to add water? That said, with a little water, you will coax a bit more nuanced subtleties like cinnamon-coated walnuts, maple syrup and hints of mint from this delicious wheated bourbon.
Reviewed by Ryan Conklin
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Dark Horse Long Shot White Whiskey
Distiller Score 78
The whiskey itself comes in at 80 proof and is as clear as water. It has a very raw nasal character as you should expect. For a white whiskey it is very mild. The aroma has a faint resemblance of rising bread. And a slight floral character I’m going to chalk up to good Midwestern water.
Reviewed by Brock Schulte
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Old Heaven Hill Gold Label Bottled In Bond Bourbon
Distiller Score 77
This whiskey boasts some serious complexity on the nose for such an affordable offering with aromas of clove-spiced orange peel, charred oak, buttered toast, and caramel corn. The flavors of butterscotch, toffee, baking spice and big oaky notes dominate the palate with hints of spearmint and dried dark fruits in the background. Old Heaven Hill has a finish that only slightly lingers with light spice notes, toasted oak, and a delicate stone fruit sweetness peach pie.
Reviewed by Ryan Conklin
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Jim Beam Jacob's Ghost
Distiller Score 74
For a large volume white whiskey, the stuff is alright. It's smoother and creamier than most, with vanilla and floral notes. The year of wood contact gives it an unusual charcoal smokiness. It finishes slightly astringent, but without as much burn as many other white whiskeys in this category. The bad news is it does taste like "just another white dog put in a bottle," but the good news is it could be a lot worse.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Reilly's Mother's Milk
Distiller Score 87
This is a very easy drinking whiskey, with smooth vanilla, red apple and rich caramel flavors. Nuances of sweet spice, brown sugar and toasted oak develop upon further sipping. A slight burn in the finish reminds us that lads like Reilly like to go out swinging!
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Old Fitzgerald's 1849
Distiller Score 77
Very mild on the nose with hints of fresh cut grass, vanilla, and earth. Typical signs of charcoal filtration give this bourbon a strong mineral aroma. On the palate this bourbon thins out tremendously. The key barrel characteristics are there yet muted with a bit of astringency. The finish is medium long.
Reviewed by Dennis Gobis
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Teton Moonshine Spiced Apple Pie Whiskey
Distiller Score 65
This spirit is flavored with real apple juice and baking spice extracts which are immediately apparent on the nose. Tons of vanilla waft up as it sits and prepares the tongue for a sugar and spice explosion. They hit the mark with stewed apples and a warmth at the end that gives way to a floury, savory note--it's not just apple: it's the whole pie, crust and all!
Reviewed by Nicole Gilbert
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Early Times 354 Bourbon
Distiller Score 87
Tasting the two expressions side by side was a real treat. 354 has a lighter weight, but still tons of rich flavor. It's very peachy, with that Sugar Corn Pops cereal taste many bourbons possess, and a good hit of spice and pipe tobacco. Very pleasant and balanced. Tasted it with a novice bourbon drinker who was immediately taken with it, and more experienced ones will appreciate the mellow style for a nice change of bourbon pace.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Virgin Bourbon 7 Year 101
Distiller Score 83
On the nose: Fake maple syrup, rye and a faint hint of cigarette smoke. Palate has a back-of-mouth heat, Tennessee whiskey sweetness, vanilla and rye. The finish is quick, sweet, and with more rye on the back end.
Reviewed by Rob Morton
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Ancient Ancient Age 10 Year
Distiller Score 85
Nose is very straight forward with baking spice, honey and citrus. Palate continues along those lines adding anise and heat. Finish is simple with heat and length.
Reviewed by Rob Morton
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Old Charter 8 Year
Distiller Score 80
You just spent less than $20 on a bottle of bourbon and your insides didn't melt from drinking it. But that's not the best part - it actually tastes good! Yeah, it's nothing fancy. You're not gonna write gushy poems about it. But it tastes like a decent sipping bourbon. It runs a little sweet and cookie-like, with some of those classic bourbony leather and spice notes in the finish. More places should use this as a quality well bourbon.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Cabin Still Bourbon
Distiller Score 79
When I first asked for this whiskey from the bartender he immediately asked if I wanted a Hamm’s (beer) to back up my "Stab and Kill". I chuckled a bit but began to regret my choice. To my surprise at only 3 years of age, Cabin Still is remarkably smooth. This wheated-bourbon isn't overly sweet but rather has defining notes of hay and fresh mint. With cereal and uncooked biscuit flavors, this young bourbon leaves you feeling relaxed and warm. If you are a fan of younger, bottom shelf whiskies Cabin Still may quickly become your go-to.
Reviewed by Brock Schulte