Reviews

“Words are, in my not-so-humble opinion, our most inexhaustible source of magic." –Albus Dumbledore Cedar Ridge Distillery has just released its oldest expression to date, and it just might be the most magical pour in Iowa. The name behind this old straight rye whiskey intrigued us, so we sought out the answer, just beyond Platform 9¾. The number didn't come from just anywhere, though; it's the age of the whiskey within! While the TTB prefers to work only with integers, whisk

Barrell Bourbon Batch 038 arrives at a fitting moment in American whiskey. As the nation marks its 250th year, Barrell celebrates the occasion by honoring bourbon's legacy and embracing the evolution of American whiskey. Today's bourbon certainly extends well beyond its point of distillation, with thoughtful blending emerging as a respected and defining expression of American whiskey. Batch 038 captures the spirit of modern bourbon, distilled across four states, masterfully b

“A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.” – Jackie Robinson The unconditional kindness and proclivity towards sharing that is inherent in the whiskey community is one of my favorite parts about being in this industry. It's the direct message that turns into a dear friend—when someone goes above and beyond to help you expand your palate and experience because that is simply what brings them joy. That's what I got from striking up a conversation with

The first cigar blend from Barrell Bourbon has officially landed, and I'm surely not the first person to wonder why it took them so long. Cigar blends soared onto the whiskey scene a few years ago but seem to have fallen off recently, suggesting their time in the limelight has passed. It seems I may be wrong in this thinking. The buzz around this release is real. Heck, I'm excited about it, and guess what? I don't even smoke cigars. You don't have to be a cigar enthusiast to

In Bardstown Bourbon Company's latest distillery reserve release, its commitment to innovation is showcased in a Garryana Oak barrel finished bourbon, offered in 375ml bottles exclusively at its gift shop and tasting room in Louisville. This particular expression features a blend of 3 bourbons, aged 9 and 10 years, each with a different mashbill of corn, rye, and malted barley. The blend was finished (also known as double barrled, for those paying attention) for 10 months in

“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