Reviews

“A nice blend of prediction and surprise seem to be at the heart of the best art.” – Wendy Carlos With rumors abound after its incredible inaugural launch through my friend Frank Dobbins , the Old Cassidy brand from Rare Character was ripe for speculation. With just one other single barrel coming through Unicorn Auctions in 2025, this remains the most mysterious brand from Rare Character, even with the likes of Brook Hill still making waves through the whiskey market. I got

“Nothing more completely baffles one who is full of trick and duplicity than straightforward and simple integrity in another.” – Charles Caleb Colton Did you think this was another one of those legendary Heaven Hill Heritage Collection releases at first glance? I did too—and didn't hesitate to spend the $150 that was asked of me at the register when one of my local stores got a few bottles in. It's a simple mistake when the marketing is so similar. They both come in a blue bo

Image provided by Green River Distilling Co. High proof fanatics, rejoice! Green River Distilling Co. is expanding its award-winning lineup with the launch of Wheated Full Proof Bourbon. In their press release, Green River mentions why the wheated recipe was next in line for their full proof designation: "Wheated bourbon represents roughly one-third of the North American Bourbon market, with growth projected through 2031, even as average prices continue to climb across the c

What hallmarks do you look for in small distilleries? Is there something you gravitate toward without realizing its importance until the pattern is established? Perhaps you seek out pot-still production, for example, or you look for a brand's commitment to preserving the historical ways of crafting whiskey, or you enjoy a passionate focus on local ingredients. Whatever the reason, I wonder: are consumers being too hard on the little guys who are pursuing their passions? I don

“Waste no more time arguing what a good man should be. Be one.” – Marcus Aurelius When I heard this year's George T. Stagg release crossed over the threshold beyond the magic hazmat number, I knew I had to track one down. While the bourbon hunt was a little slower to produce this year, the generosity of the whiskey community turned up strong. My dear friend Matt Long, also known as @rarewhiskeynomad or "Hazzmatty," sent along a sample for review. Matt runs an incredible comm

“The wise are instructed by reason, average minds by experience, the stupid by necessity, and the brute by instinct.” – Marcus Tullius Cicero If you are on the hunt for Stagg this year, you have come to the right place. I have had the good fortune of trying most of the existing Stagg Jr. releases through the years and regularly recalibrate my ratings against previous batches. You'll find my full power ranking at the Stagg Hub , your one-stop shop for all things Stagg Jr. and