-
High West Rocky Mountain Rye 21 Year
Distiller Score 93
Imagine if you will, Little Red Riding Hood taking a wrong turn into a biker bar with her basket full of goodies. Cinnamon sugar cookies mingled with leather and tobacco might be strange to envision, but it is an accurate description of the whiskey. Vanilla and wood spices emerge, and as you sip, there's a momentary sweetness on your tongue. Dark rye grain and red apple skins linger on your palate. My, what big flavors you have! All the better to drink you up!
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
-
Wild Turkey Master's Keep Revival
Distiller Score 95
Strawberry jam on warm cornbread pulls you in on the nose, with red fruits, rye spice, cocoa powder and oak. The palate kicks off with vanilla, syrupy pancakes, baking spices, and black pepper, with milk chocolate and oak coming on late. A long-lasting finish showcases brown sugar, rich vanilla sweetness, and a dose of spearmint, along with leather, and more oak and spice. Very much an amplified, fruitier Wild Turkey.
Reviewed by Jake Emen
-
Four Roses Limited Edition Single Barrel Bourbon (2013)
Distiller Score 98
Hot on the nose with hints of rye bread, maple and peppermint. Coming in at barrel proof this whiskey does well with a touch of water to open up the aromas. Touches of lemon rind, green fig and nutmeg come through once opened. On the palate, chocolate, peppermint and maple are followed by a mild and ripe stone-fruit characteristic. The finish is long with woody notes and baking spices lingering throughout.
Reviewed by Dennis Gobis
-
Hardin's Creek Kentucky Series - Clermont
Distiller Score 95
The aroma is filled with caramel popcorn, baked apples, cornbread and charred marshmallows. However, those sweet aromas don't make for a super sweet bourbon. Instead, it's hearty and warm with a dry, but not aggressive or tannic mouthfeel. Further tastes bring out pencil shavings and pie crust mixed with more baked apples and woody flavors. This is a bourbon that stays with you for the long haul. Make sure you've got some time to sip and enjoy.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
-
Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye 13 Year
Distiller Score 92
A nose of honey, clove, rye, oak and the initial blast of heat. The palate is filled with spicy cinnamon and Szechuan peppercorns before fruity notes of cherry and pear appear. Maple sugar candy rounds off the taste. Finish is long and complex with cherries and pepper notes continuing through.
Reviewed by Rob Morton
-
Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch Bourbon (2020)
Distiller Score 94
You'll find quite a wide array of aromas from the sweet (vanilla, milk chocolate, sweet corn,) to the fruity (lemon peel, apple & cherry fruits) to the savory (brown butter, gentle barrel spices, toast). As you taste, rye spice comes through as well as a moderate oaky flavor, but the bourbon isn't too chewy or tannic. You can still find those fruit and sweet notes too. A bit of leather shows up as well. The finish is lengthy with a tangy, bittersweet profile as well as a touch of green vegetal notes. A great bourbon that shows dimension. Would serve neat or with a splash of cool water.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
-
Garrison Brothers Guadalupe (2024 Release)
Distiller Score 84
The aroma is full of roasted coffee, dark toasted bread, waxy corn and peanut husks. It's a bit sweet on the tongue with some rich vanilla flavors then it's fairly chewy on the palate with a concentrated plum and berry flavor at the finish. It's bold from beginning to end. Water intensifies the waxy profile on the nose and you lose the berry notes so would advise to drink neat.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
-
Belle Meade Bourbon Mourvèdre Cask Finish
Distiller Score 91
Juicy plums and cherries open on the nose, with oak, brown sugar, and baking spices. The palate is big and booming, with smoky char, cinnamon, spearmint, orange peel, and raisins. There's a mix of fruity, near savory and lightly acidic notes which walk a line of influence between vermouth and verjus. A length finish continues to unfold over time, with swirling sweetness, spice and oakiness giving you plenty to chew on.
Reviewed by Jake Emen
-
Charbay Hop Flavored Whiskey Release III
Distiller Score 94
There's almost a cognac-like elegance to the nose of this whiskey. The palate is quite hot and the flavors are massively concentrated. There's deep espresso, savory and floral hops, and secondary citrus flavors. A bit of water is a must. With a few drops, everything comes alive, particularly the hops which are clear and present all the way into the never-ending finish. This is a must for lovers of hoppy beer and those looking for something completely outside the box.
Reviewed by Paul Belbusti
-
Cascade Moon Edition No. 2
Distiller Score 94
The aroma on this whiskey is incredibly enticing and full of rich, sweet caramel, barrel spices, vanilla, and oak. On the palate, the whiskey has a medium body and the flavors focus more on the spice factor. It's tangy and not too tannic with the age of the whiskey really showing here. Further nosings expose a dried herb aroma with a savory beef jerky note. The finish is lengthy and more bitter than sweet. Lots going on here and one worth seeking out.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
-
King of Kentucky 14 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon (2018 Release)
Distiller Score 94
At more than 130 proof, this first release of "King of Kentucky" is aptly named. On the palate it walks a tightrope of sweet and spicy; it's thankfully not too woody despite its age, with sweet oak vanilla coming through alongside hints of cedar and cherry. A bit numbing at full strength, a few drops of water help to bring out the depth and nuance of the spirit, mellowing its bold heat. Even then the finish is exceptionally long, with a bit of hazelnut and the lingering memory of an excellent bourbon. This is sure to be a sought-after whiskey, and it's deserving of the status.
Reviewed by Jacob Grier
-
Pappy Van Winkle 23 Year
Distiller Score 89
Nose is full of oak, baking spices, vanilla and char. The palate is thick and viscous with more oak, spice, leather, and tobacco. Finish is long and can at certain points be unwanted. Overpowering burnt sugar, charred wood, and wood.
Reviewed by Rob Morton