Rye Whiskey Reviews

Buzzard's Roost Char #1 Rye Whiskey Review

The nose finds soft aromas of fresh plums and peaches before brighter aromatics such as citrus and cedar move in. The expected rye guys–dill and spearmint–arrive later.

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BITB Club

Replay: BITB Live Tasting #10

This month's super-sized tasting kits included seven samples providing a fantastic range of expressions, including budget-friendly bottles and pricier, hard-to-find new releases.

Bourbon Whiskey Reviews

Cream of Kentucky Cask Strength Bourbon Review: Is It Worth $95?

It finishes warm and hangs around a long time. Judging by its light color and lean mouthfeel, it's about 5 years old, which would explain its lack of complexity.

New Brand Releases

Penelope Bourbon introduces premium 2024 Estate Collection

The exceptional craftsmanship of the Penelope Estate Collection demonstrates the brand’s commitment to offering a portfolio of high-quality aged products sought out by aficionados, and hand-crafted in limited allocations by Penelope’s signature standards.

Bourbon Whiskey Reviews

Bardstown Bourbon High Wheat Review – Rich, Soft, and Complex at 106 Proof

The nose starts off nutty (think cracked, toasted wheat) before a whiff of orange marmalade arrives. Caramel and campfire balance each other before sweet corn, golden raisin and honey join the party.

Industry News

Wyoming Whiskey names Brendan Cook as new Master Blender

Cook’s leadership is poised to elevate Wyoming Whiskey in the category, strengthening the brand’s commitment to crafting exceptional spirits that are a true expression of Wyoming’s rugged and pristine landscape.

Industry News

Wes Henderson launches new portfolio of premium American whiskey: True Story

Wes Henderson is joined at True Story by his six sons, continuing the legacy of his father, Lincoln Henderson, who was responsible for creating some of America’s most beloved spirits.

This Round's Mine

Are popular whiskey festivals a good gauge for bourbon’s ‘health’?

But does such enthusiasm truly reflect the health of the bourbon category? Are events like the Bourbon Festival and WhiskeyFest and myriad other whiskey-centric events around the country truly indicative of the category’s health?

Industry News

Buffalo Trace offers Master Distiller "Day in the Life" Opportunity

“If you are a bourbon enthusiast, now is your chance to become an honorary member of the Buffalo Trace Distillery team during this rare opportunity,” said Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley.

Bourbon Whiskey Reviews

Woodinville 8-year Straight Bourbon Whiskey Review

This is a dense bourbon, and deep, dark oak tones dominate and before cooked stone fruit, dried figs and baking spices roll across the palate, sweetening the whole.

Bottle of the Day

BOTD Spotlight: J. Mattingly 1845 Classic Bourbon

What sets this bourbon apart is its double-stave aging process, where the spirit is finished in a secondary barrel with additional staves, adding layers of complexity and character.

Bottle of the Day

BOTD Spotlight: Breckenridge Distillers High Proof Bourbon

Breckenridge Distillers High Proof Bourbon is an elevated version of their classic bourbon, boasting a higher proof that amplifies its already complex flavors.

Get To Know

Erisman eases New Riff into older, bolder whiskies

"These are not delicate little Scotches–and I love delicate little Scotches. But this is fat ass Kentucky-style whiskey."

Bottle of the Day

BOTD Spotlight: Hugh Hamer Double Oaked Bourbon

What makes this bourbon stand out is its unique double-oaking process. After aging in new American oak barrels, the bourbon is transferred to another barrel for a second round of aging, resulting in an intensified flavor profile.

Bottle of the Day

BOTD Spotlight: Charles Goodnight Texas Straight Bourbon

Charles Goodnight Bourbon isn’t just a whiskey—it’s a tribute to Texas history. With roots in the Lone Star State, this bourbon brings bold flavors and a touch of the wild frontier to your glass.

Bottle of the Day

BOTD Spotlight: Milam & Greene Bottled In Bond Straight Bourbon

Milam & Greene is renowned for creating premium bourbons, and their Bottled in Bond Straight Bourbon is no exception.

Bottle of the Day

BOTD Spotlight: Still Austin Cask Strength Bourbon

Still Austin is a relatively new player in the bourbon game, but they’ve quickly made a name for themselves with their dedication to craft and quality.

Bourbon Whiskey Reviews

Old Forester 2024 Birthday Bourbon Review

On the nose, there is every classic Old Forester aroma: a little acetone and banana, citrus peel and deeply charred oak. Juicy Fruit Gum is all over this, as are surprises like a chocolate-coated cream-filled donut, candy bar (nougat and milk chocolate), nutmeg and cocoa powder.

Get To Know

Get to Know: Bryan Smith, master distiller and partner, Hard Truth Distilling Co.

So, I was listening to what’s their plans were … and I asked if I could join them on the project. Sometimes something opens up in front of you, and you see this vision of what it could become, and you want in on it.

Get To Know

Time to Level Up Your Bourbon Hunt with Dan The Bourbon Man!

Imagine this: you’re scrolling your phone, and bam—an email alert notifies you that the allocated bottle you’ve been after has been spotted at a store near you.

Kentucky Bourbon Festival

Shop these single barrel buys at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, Sept. 13-15

I was asked to pick a few favorites for Bourbon & Banter readers who will be attending this sold-out event. The list below is not in order of picks liked best, rather it partially reflects the order in which we visited distilleries to taste them.

Bottle

Maker's Mark Cellar Aged Bourbon 2024 Release Review

This bourbon just never runs out of gas. Every sip is a revelation, a new view into a complex whiskey providing countless vistas.

Bottle of the Day

BOTD Spotlight: 10th Mountain Bourbon

10th Mountain Bourbon is more than just a bottle of whiskey—it's inspired by the soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division, a legendary alpine military unit.

Bourbon Whiskey Reviews

Bulleit Barrel Strength Bourbon Review

Loads of baking spice, blackberries and cooked stone fruit cruise in on a wave of honey and an undercurrent of oak. It's sturdy but not fire-breathing hot as the nose suggested it would be.

Bottle of the Day

BOTD Spotlight: Breckenridge Rum Cask Finish Bourbon

Breckenridge Distillery is known for pushing boundaries and creating distinctive spirits, and their Rum Cask Finish Bourbon is a perfect example of that spirit of innovation.