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Journeyman Distillery Last Feather Organic Rye
Distiller Score 82
The nose is spicy but has clear notes of raw grain mash and prairie grass, (as you will find in most younger rye whiskeys) similar to grass cut in late September and October before the first freeze. There is a lot of vanilla and as such is quite sweet on the palate, surely from the new and smaller barrels which lends more to a bourbon-drinker. Finishes with light baking spices and fresh honey. Certain notes of citrus zest and peach aroma make this a perfect rye for cocktails such as a the Ward Eight.
Reviewed by Brock Schulte
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George Dickel Barrel Select
Distiller Score 91
A nose full of oak and cocoa, with a nice whiff of banana lurking in the shadows. Taste is sweet but not overpowering, nicely balanced by a warm rye spice. There's also oak and char, cherry, and vanilla. Dry with a nice, warm finish characterized by caramel and juicy tropical fruit. For the price, the very definition of an exceptional "go-to" whisky.
Reviewed by Keith Allison
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Daviess County Kentucky Straight Bourbon French Oak Finish
Distiller Score 91
A well-balanced use of French oak, which can be tricky with a spirit as muscular as bourbon. Right out of the glass is a rush of floral and pastry (think pound cake) notes that are held tightly together by sturdy rye and spice aromas. The palate is lush with nut and pear flavors that closes with a lingering tobacco note. Elegant and fun.
Reviewed by Colin Howard
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Daviess County Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Distiller Score 89
Daviess County Straight Bourbon presents a charmingly distinguished character on all fronts. The nose is gentle but expressive, with maple syrup, buttered biscuit, and sweet corn all evenly intertwined with a tempered barrel char. Flavors of caramel apple, baking spice, and vanilla coast across the palate. The body of the whiskey is smooth and lively. Great for sipping, but also bottled at a strong mixing proof.
Reviewed by Colin Howard
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Weller 12 Year Bourbon
Distiller Score 93
The nose and flavor profile shows notes such as vanilla, orange peel, and chocolate all loaded up with warming baking spices. The proof helps to tighten up the whiskey and is less cloying as a result. Is pecan maple syrup a thing? Because if it is not, it should be. This whiskey seems to show this in spades. The whiskey warms in your throat and belly, so the only thing missing really is a fresh plate of flapjacks.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Bardstown Bourbon Co. Origin Series Bottled in Bond Bourbon
Distiller Score 92
The nose is rich and enticing, with butterscotch, caramel, and peanut brittle. That nuttiness continues onto the palate, which also offers a surprising of red fruits, including apples, orchard fruits, plums, and grapes. The finish is lengthy, and showcases chocolate syrup, Tootsie Rolls, tannic oak, vanilla, and cinnamon.
Reviewed by Jake Emen
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1792 Aged Twelve Years
Distiller Score 88
The 1792 12-year has many of the same flavor traits of it younger siblings, while expressing its maturity through a host of more subtle and precise characteristics. The familiar sweetness comes through in a rich and layered maple syrup note that is countered by drier, rye-influenced Turkish apricot aromas. This bourbon rolls across the palate with a round and creamy structure that, while not overly complex, is immensely enjoyable and well balanced.
Reviewed by Colin Howard
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Clayton James Tennessee Whiskey
Distiller Score 87
A surprising bouquet of apples and pears greets the nose, along with caramel, apricot, and most surprisingly agave. The taste is rich, with maple syrup, vanilla, spice, and that curious mezcal-esque agave again. Water brings out the whiskey's floral notes as well as accentuating caramel, smoke, charcoal, and even rosewater. A truly unique and surprising Tennessee offering unlike anything else being done in the state.
Reviewed by Keith Allison
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Journeyman Distillery Featherbone Organic Bourbon
Distiller Score 82
Very sweet in the start, uncommon in young 90 proof whiskeys. Its high level of sweetness lends to its body, which is highly oily in a syrupy way. The mouth-coating lends slightly towards the novice bourbon drinker. Slightly gingery in the mid-palate this whiskey finishes quickly in both the mouth and the glass.
Reviewed by Brock Schulte
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Jack Daniel's Gentleman Jack
Distiller Score 91
The nose, palate and finish can be summed up in one southern dessert: your grandmother's banana pudding. It's got it all, from the homemade vanilla pudding, to the Nilla Wafers and sliced bananas. There's even toasted meringue on the top coupled with a warm finish from the alcohol.
Reviewed by Rob Morton
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Michter's US*1 Sour Mash Whiskey
Distiller Score 84
As a unique bourbon/rye hybrid, the nose lends aromas of chewy caramel and nougat, sweet stewed stone fruits, vanilla and spice. The flavors are rich and sweet with honey, butterscotch, and more vanilla, delicate eucalyptus, and bold spice with candied berries and orange peel. The finish lingers with spicy ginger, black pepper and cinnamon spice with hints of cooked fruits on the tail end.
Reviewed by Ryan Conklin
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George Dickel 13 Year Bottled in Bond Tennessee Whisky (Fall 2005)
Distiller Score 89
Dickel's BIB presents with an excellent balance between bold and elegant. Aromas of brandied fruit, baking spices, and crusty bread emerge at an even pace and the palate is rich with classic black pepper and caramel. A great first showing from Nicole Austin, which will certainly be embraced by bartenders.
Reviewed by Colin Howard