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Hatozaki small-batch whisky is one of the flagship products of the Kaikyō Distillery in Japan. It's notably not a Japanese whisky, given it seems to contain a Scotch malt whisky component, which is really interesting. When I look at a blend like this, I often consider it an opportunity for human skill to shine. In an era of maximizing distillery efficiency in order to extend profits, I find myself admiring those who are doing things in the low and slow methods of old. The brand is founded and overseen by master distiller and blender Kimio Yonezawa, who put together this expression using five to six year old malts which were aged in ex-bourbon, ex-sherry, and mizunara oak casks. I previously reviewed their 12 year old Umeshu cask finish offering and was quite pleased with that pour. The brand describes their whisky as "round, generous, and unpeated." As I mentioned earlier, this is not a Japanese whiskey. In 2021 the Japan Spirits & Liqueurs Makers Association introduced new standards to define what could be labeled as Japanese whisky. Here are Japanese whisky must: Use only malted grains and water from Japan Be malted, fermented, distilled, and aged in Japan Be aged at least 3 years in wooden casks in Japan Be bottled in Japan at a minimum ABV of 40% The most interesting part of these regulations is the rules prohibiting misleading labeling, which is likely why this whisky is simply labeled as "whisky" and further described as a "product of Japan." Ready to find out if this whisky is worth sipping on? I'd like to thank the brand for the opportunity to review this whisky with no strings attached. Company on Label:  Produced and bottled by Kaikyo Distillery, Akashi Sake Brewery Ltd, 1-3 Okurahachiman-Cho, Akashi City, Hyogo 673-0871, Japan Whiskey Type:  Whisky (notably not listed as a Japanese whisky) Mash Bill Percentages:   100% malted barley Proof:  92° Age:  A blend of 5 to 6 year old barrels MSRP:  $70 (2025) Buy Online:   Frootbat Further identification:  This is a 2025 bottling of Hatozaki small batch whisky which is a blend of less than 20 casks Nose:  On first lifting the glass I find wonderful honey sweetness with a crisp, light texture. Some light bran flakes come through on long inhales. It's a bright whisky, one that feels like it would pair nicely with some warm summer sun. Subtle fruitiness builds with time in the glass; think fig, prune, pear, and apricot. As I pick through further, I find a lovely sugar cookie tone that reminds me of some of my favorite Irish whiskeys. Supporting undertones that I pick up on are a light florality, vanilla, and linen, likely from the ex-bourbon casks. Shy fruit tones continue well into the late part of the glass, and coming back after a sip only improves the volume on this one. The empty glass smells of honey butter and a hint of coastal sea. Palate:  On the first sip I find a crisp, clean, delicious malt; think Glenmorangie, Clynelish, or Ben Nevis here. The sugar cookie tones from the nose translate well to the palate before blooming into something more. I find buttercream frosting and sweet alyssum most impressionable on the tongue, while a touch of brine can be found in between the dominant notes. There's a light effervescence that reminds me of a dry brut, while a dainty bit of white pepper tries to embolden this impossibly ethereal pour. Everything about this glass is as light as a feather, which usually would be a knock coming from me, but this comes across as refined and elegant to my tongue. My last sip is just as clean as the rest of them with tea cake, buttered scone, and salt water Taffy finishes strong, and the finish carries on quite adequately with fried tempura lingering long. TL;DR: A wonderfully light expression of crisp malt whisky built for easy sipping Rating:  3.5/5 Good enough. There's something to enjoy here. This is a whisky that could do more, but it doesn't have to. It's a malt that is well crafted and perfectly easy to sip. While three tastings confirmed that it doesn't scream into the heights of the top end of my rating scale, it still serves a spectacular purpose as a clean, crisp budget whisky that I think just about anyone could enjoy. WRITTEN BY: NICK ANDERSON With over a decade of sipping experience, Nick Anderson brings a well-calibrated palate to his profound passion for the whiskey industry. Beginning in Irish whiskey before expanding into bourbon, rye, and beyond, he has long been taking the ephemeral observation of unspoken enjoyment and translating it into meaningful words. He is the owner and primary long-winded whiskey writer for AmongstTheWhiskey.com , and he hopes you find resonance in the patient conveyance of an honest whiskey review.

After the first launch of the bold label of Bomberger's Precision Fine Grain in 2025, the traditional annual release of the chinquapin oak aged bourbon was somewhat doomed to live in the shadow of the shiny new whiskey. The pressure must be immense to have to keep coming up with new concepts to satiate the never-ending desire for fresh releases. Michter's managed to scratch that itch with the PFG bottle by employing another new oak while leaving chinquapin in the original Bomberger's court. The comment sections I saw around release time were going bananas for the new maroon label design despite being most of the same content structure. Bomberger's PFG label When I stumbled upon a bottle of the normal Bomberger's on a Midtown Manhattan liquor store shelf, I was surprised and found myself wondering, "Have I had this whiskey yet this year?" I took to my website, ran a search, and discovered I hadn't reviewed it yet, so I admittedly overpaid a little to take it back to my hotel. Higher price tags were expected; that's NYC for you, but I deserved something interesting to sip while I was away from my normal whiskey study room, right? Michter's website had just enough intrigue for me to be willing to pull the trigger. Bomberger’s Declaration Bourbon honors the legacy of the former distillery known as Bomberger’s in the 1800s and later as Michter’s in the 20th century. Please join us in toasting and celebrating American whiskey history with this outstanding small batch 108 proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon. This 2025 release of Bomberger’s Declaration Kentucky Straight Bourbon continues the flavorful tradition of using bourbon aged in Chinquapin (Quercus muehlenbergii) oak. This year’s release uses barrels wherein the wood has been naturally air-dried and seasoned for different periods of time before undergoing our exacting toast and char specifications. The spectrum of barrels used have been seasoned for 18 months, 3 years, 4 years, and 5 years, thus changing the chemistry of the oak’s contribution during aging. The result is a bold journey of flavor with chocolate, floral notes, berries, salted caramel, baking spice, and many rich, decadent layers of complexity. The level of open-air season that the team employed here is really wild... 1-2 years has unfortunately become the industry norm for modern bourbon, so this push out to as much as 5 years of seasoning is really interesting to see. Long open-air maturation durations are typically attributable to reducing the level of tannic tones that are imparted during the early stages of whiskey aging, perhaps offering a chance to "skip ahead" in the maturation curve for any given terroir. Ready to hear how this year's Bomberger's Declaration turned out? On with the review! Company on Label:  Bottled by Michter's Distillery LLC, Louisville, Kentucky 40216 Whiskey Type:  Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey Mash Bill Percentages:   Undisclosed Proof:  108° Age:  NAS MSRP:  $120 (2025) Buy Online:   Frootbat Further identification:  This is batch number 25E1907, which would have been bottled in May of 2025; 2,438 bottles were released for this batch and bottle 143 is under review here today Nose:  Upon first lifting the glass to my nose, I find the traditional soft caramel and vanilla one would expect out of a Kentucky bourbon with some decent oak time. Another long inhale produces dehydrated cherry and a deeply earthy undertone that reminds me of an old forest floor covered in brown shed needles from red and white pines. My left nostril finds more mocha tones that remind me of Pirouline wafers, while my right nostril is filled with a sharper aroma of cardamom and green peppercorn. A long inhale back together is again vaguely fruity on this slightly fickle dram, which feels like the sum of a few disjointed parts that haven't quite jived yet. It's a nice nose, but it doesn't seem to have something to attribute its indeterminate success to. After a sip there is very little delta, revealing only a slight chlorinated pool aroma that doesn't really fit the experience. As I near the bottom of the glass, I find things level back out to a very traditional bourbon flavor triangle of caramel, vanilla, and cherry. The empty glencairn has a perfect callback to the chocolate Pirouline wafers from earlier. Palate:  My first sip is sweet like the first moment you pop a Sweet Tart in your mouth and your salivary glands go wild. Another quick taste reveals a bourbon that drinks well under proof and leaves little impression outside of a short blip of flavor. This one revealed the same dehydrated cherry the nose led with before turning slightly chalky with the mouthfeel of a powdered raspberry doughnut. Larger sips and long swishes seem to do this bourbon the most justice, jamming creamy flan and glazed doughnut sweetness into every corner of my mouth. I wish it hung around for more than a millisecond in my mouth, but that's the tale of an easy-sipping bourbon, I suppose. As I taste towards the bottom of this glass, nuances of black pepper and the crisp freshness of a Chesapeake Bay oyster are fun surprises on an otherwise narrow band of flavor. My last sip rounds out the caramel character arc before finishing with a short burst of Andes mint that feels completely out of place. TL;DR: Innovative production methods paradoxically produced a very traditional bourbon Rating:  3.5/5 Good enough. There's something to enjoy here. I had a few pours that were more enjoyable from this bottle prior to this write up, but most of my experiences were likely elevated by sharing with people who haven't had nearly as many whiskeys as I have. The coworkers I shared this one with did enjoy it quite a bit as we toasted to our collective success. I certainly found it to be a crushable bottle, one I managed to work through with quite a bit of help while I was traveling in Manhattan for work. I certainly wanted some more wow factor out of this bottle, but that's me being a bit picky and knowing that the decisions for long open-air seasoning durations they used on the intriguing chinquapin oak seem to have both been squandered on what is just a decent base distillate. All that said, this is still a crushable whiskey that is clearly a step ahead of your regular shelf options that fall more towards the middle of my very fair rating scale . I look forward to seeing what they pull out for next year's release! WRITTEN BY: NICK ANDERSON With over a decade of sipping experience, Nick Anderson brings a well-calibrated palate to his profound passion for the whiskey industry. Beginning in Irish whiskey before expanding into bourbon, rye, and beyond, he has long been taking the ephemeral observation of unspoken enjoyment and translating it into meaningful words. He is the owner and primary long-winded whiskey writer for AmongstTheWhiskey.com , and he hopes you find resonance in the patient conveyance of an honest whiskey review.

“Although no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.”  - Carl Bard Through the years, I have admittedly grown weary of toasted barrel finishes. Far too often, the process of adding a new barrel late to the equation typically de-ages already mature stock. Even if processed in a way that is favorable to producing sweet tones, this nonsensical approach to whiskey maturation has drawn my ire in more than a few reviews . I'm glad to see that Jack Daniel's took a completely different approach with this heritage barrel release, aging in a toasted barrel from the very start. Another underappreciated but impactful input parameter that the distilling team chose to use was a lower barrel entry proof: 100° instead of the industry norm of 125°. The higher barrel entry proof maximizes yield but ultimately ages differently in the barrel. There are quite a few distilleries beginning to re-explore the practice of low barrel entry proof in an effort to put quality above quantity, and seeing a big legacy brand like Jack Daniel's leading the charge is really heartwarming to me. This release will be offered year-round as part of the Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Collection giving us the chance to bring the unforgettable flavor of our Heritage Barrels to more of our friends. Offered at 100 proof (50% ABV) and matured at least seven years in our highest elevation barrel houses, Single Barrel Heritage Barrel has a soft oak nose infused with vanilla and graham cracker, rich notes of vanilla, marshmallow, and toffee across the palate, and a lingering finish of brown sugar. It is a whiskey that we think Jack himself would have been proud to have crafted and enjoyed with friends. While toasting has always been a part of the cooperage processing, the barrels used in the 2025 reinvigoration of this release were toasted over a heat pod for 24 minutes, a full 12 minutes longer than their traditional barrel toasting process. The barrel is then given a quick char to fit into the legal requirements of Tennessee whiskey. As you read through this review, keep in mind that this is a single barrel product, so there may be barrel to barrel variation that won't be captured in any one writeup. The Jack Daniel's team is fairly well known for their consistency, however, so I would imagine the nuances will not be as profound as the delta that's been generated by the difference in barrel entry proof and toasting process. Now let's dive in for a taste! Company on Label:  Distilled & Bottled by Jack Daniel Distillery, Lynchburg, TN Whiskey Type:  Tennessee Whiskey Mash Bill Percentages:   80% corn, 8% rye, 12% malted barley Proof:  100° Age:  8 years MSRP:  $69.99 (2025) Buy Online: Frootbat Further identification:  This is barrel number 25-05993, which was filled July 12, 2017, and bottled September 18, 2025 Nose:  On first lifting the glass to my nose, I find a wave of potent vanilla, caramel, and toffee that reminds me of the first batch of their 12 year expression, but with just enough new flair to be different than any other Jack Daniel's bottling to date. There's a lovely depth to this nose, delivering creamy molasses, coffee roll, and Andes mint aromas in potent undulations. The warm patience required to plumb the full depths of a Glencairn is rewarded here. After a long rest, I'm thoroughly pleased with the warm medley of salted caramel turtle pie and dusty, well-seasoned oak. While the complexity gives way at this point in the glass, I find myself quite satisfied with this nose. Returning from a sip yields the aroma of a sweet, salty seaside, littered with cool summer shops offering trinkets and taffy. Molasses does well to cover any signs of tannins all throughout this pour before the empty glass settles into dark chocolate and flaky croissant. Palate:  My first taste offers a lovely translation from nose to palate as whipped cream, coffee ice cream, and caramel sauce mingle in melty goodness. Another sip is consistent with the first, offering slightly less depth than the nose led with and drinking slightly hotter than the expected warmth of a 100 proof pour. As I continue my exploration of this glass, I find the sweetness rising with confectioners' sugar dusting every part of my mouth. The linger is slightly tingly with vanilla laced quite interestingly with mint. Despite being less enamored than the nose, there's still a good bit to enjoy here. After every sip I am left with a creamy mouth coating to the tune of a well-made tres leches cake. My last sip settles the glass out with Lindt Intense Orange dark chocolate and candied cherry that finishes with a slow simmer, like boiling water over a bag of chamomile tea. TL;DR: A differentiated Jack Daniel's whiskey finds a comfortable place in my heart and on my shelf Rating:  4/5 Really good. I want one of these on my shelf. With this release, Jack Daniel's manages to deliver something fresh and nuanced in a world of flavors that seem to be trending more towards standardization. Leaning in on innovative processes while maintaining solid quality standards is what will keep this brand thriving well past 2025. I'm certainly finding enough joy in each pour to keep me coming back for more. I think I'll be hunting a backup bottle here soon. WRITTEN BY: NICK ANDERSON With over a decade of sipping experience, Nick Anderson brings a well-calibrated palate to his profound passion for the whiskey industry. Beginning in Irish whiskey before expanding into bourbon, rye, and beyond, he has long been taking the ephemeral observation of unspoken enjoyment and translating it into meaningful words. He is the owner and primary long-winded whiskey writer for AmongstTheWhiskey.com , and he hopes you find resonance in the patient conveyance of an honest whiskey review.

“Consistency is always the best teacher.”  - Stephon Marbury I remember the day I got my first bottle of Four Roses Limited Edition. This bourbon release wasn't really on my radar from 2018 through 2020, but I finally had my interest piqued during the 2021 winter raffle at Liquor Junction in MA. I put in plenty of entries, having been a devout supporter of Liquor Junction's single barrel program for quite some time, and I was lucky to have my name pulled several times. The 2021 Four Roses Limited Edition small batch barrel strength bourbon was at the top of my list. I opened it right away, before I could even snap a picture for my Instagram page, pulled out a pen and a notebook, and set to furiously scribbling down the notes that would eventually become my full review for AmongstTheWhiskey.com . On Christmas Eve of that same year, I sat down with my dad, a pour for each of us in hand, sifting through dozens of old photographs, reminiscing, sipping, and laughing about stories I had never heard before. Four Roses has elevated so many special moments for me and my dad since that day, which I will be eternally grateful for. After the magic of that moment, I have dutifully sought—and bought—every release since. 2021 Christmas Eve pours for pops and me When news of the imminent release of the 2025 Limited Edition was dropping, perhaps nobody was more excited for this release than Four Roses superfan Kyle Ganrude, the thoughtful taster behind the @moonlightrickhouse handle on Instagram . While I scoured Massachusetts for a bottle, I was in Kyle's DMs, probing for excitement levels and any insider knowledge he might have on how to score an early bottle here, in Kyle's home state of Minnesota, or perhaps even at a favored destination in Kentucky. Without one in hand for either of us, I challenged him to join me on a collaborative review when we did finally end up scoring one. With a deep love and knowledge for Four Roses, he willingly accepted—perhaps without knowing the true verbosity required to fill the pages of an Amongst the Whiskey article. Kyle and I had similar arcs from other spirits into bourbon, and after hearing his story through a series of interview questions I posed to him, I'm even more impressed by his commitment to elevating the conversations about American whiskey on social media today. With a Four Roses collection like this , I could think of nobody more qualified to help evaluate this year's Limited Edition release. Ready to learn a bit more about the man behind the page? Tell me about your whiskey journey; why is Four Roses so important to you? "Back in the mid-2000s I wasn’t drinking bourbon; I was drinking Captain Morgan and Crown Royal. The two higher-end Crown Royal products I loved the most were Cask 16 and the original release of XR Waterloo. Those were the first two whiskeys I ever drank neat. And both whiskeys had me searching for rarer bottles of Crown, including tax stamp bottles dating back to the 1950s. Back then my only foray into bourbon was Maker’s Mark. I wasn’t a fan. I bought a Blanton’s in 2010 and thought it was good, but it didn’t capture me like I thought it would. Fast forward 8 years, a friend gave me a sample of an NCF store pick of Weller Antique—I was blown away. It was bourbon from here on out. Not long after that, a friend had me try my first Four Roses Barrel Strength Single Barrel. I was intrigued by the different recipes, the single barrels all at barrel strength, and the nerdiness of the warehouse codes. I was hooked. Since then, I’ve steadily grown my collection of unique Four Roses single barrels. I’ve found other people who care deeply about the brand and have built so many great friendships along the way. Although I have been part of groups on Facebook for years, I had not dipped my toes into Instagram until 2023. With Four Roses being my favorite distillery, starting the Moonlight Rickhouse page was easy. I’m already drinking all these amazing barrels, sharing with my friends, and talking about them together, but I noticed not as many people were talking about them online. I saw a need, and I’ve loved connecting with so many people over Four Roses since then." Four Roses is important to me because I believe the distillery puts out the most consistent barrel strength single barrels in the industry. It’s extremely rare to drink a ‘bad’ private selection. In fact, over all the years enjoying Four Roses Bourbon, there has only been one barrel I truly didn’t like. What misconception in the whiskey world would you like to clear up? Price doesn’t equal flavor. Just because something is expensive doesn't mean it ' s good. Create your own path. Try a wide variety of bourbon, drink samples. It takes a long time to figure out what you truly enjoy, and your palate may change over time. Comparison is the thief of joy. Enjoy what you have regardless of the size of your collection. Bottles are meant to be opened! What makes Four Roses so consistently great? "One of the most intriguing things about Four Roses is their two mash bills (20% rye vs 35% rye) and five yeast strains, creating 10 unique recipes. This can be a confusing barrier to entry for the average whiskey drinker looking to explore barrel strength bourbons. One bourbon drinker may try one barrel and decide Four Roses is not for them. While another person may try one barrel and decide they love it, diving right in to explore more. I’m clearly the latter. The whole idea behind my page is to share my love of Four Roses and show that there is greatness in every recipe and tier." Inside a Four Roses rick house "Arguably the most unique part of Four Roses is the fact that they have single story rickhouses. Each warehouse is only six barrels high. Tier one near the floor and tier six near the roof. This adds to a more consistent product because the temperature does not vary as much compared to the larger multi-story rickhouses at other distilleries. It’s a distinctive feature that contributes greatly to the overall consistency at Four Roses." How are single barrel expressions different than blends? "I wasn’t planning on getting into the single barrel private selections in this article, but since you asked, there are plenty of Four Roses private selections that I would put up against the best of the best. If you follow my page, it's easy to see my preference is barrel strength single barrels. There’s something special about how a barrel can live in one location for roughly ten years, be dumped into a glass bottle at barrel strength without chill filtration, and you can pour it at home essentially straight from the barrel. The nuances you get from a Four Roses single barrel are incredible." Small Batch Limited Editions are still bottled non-chill filtered and at barrel strength, but the blends tend to be more mellow compared to barrel strength single barrels. Kyle is the Four Roses guru in my book, and I actually love that he typically prefers single barrels over the hyper-aged blends; I think that sets him up to have the same brutal honesty that I do when I write reviews. I also appreciate his willingness to share his perspective. When I asked for one misconception he wanted to correct, he offered four really poignant perspectives instead! That's the kind of long-winded whiskey rant that I adore. It's clear to me that there is a lot of passion behind the @moonlightrickhouse page. We both tasted this release completely separately, without having discussed quality, tasting notes, or thoughts prior to this interview. For this collaborative review, I have included both of our tasting notes below. You'll find Kyle's notes in a slightly different color as we go through this. I'll have a few more big questions for Kyle in the outro, but for now... on with the tasting! Company on Label:  Distilled and aged by Four Roses Distillery, Lawrenceburg, Kentucky Whiskey Type:  Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey Mash Bill Percentages:  A blend of both B and E mash bills: 38% 13 year OBSV 17% 13 year OBSK 35% 13 year OESV 10% 19 year OESV Derived mash bill: 66.75% corn, 28.25% rye, and 5% malted barley Proof:  109° Age:  13 years (a blend of 90% 13 year and 10% 19 year barrels, resulting in an average age of 13.6 years) MSRP:   $250 Further identification:  The 2025 Limited Edition first released on September 3rd Nose:  On first lifting the glass to my nose, I find a quintessential, classic bourbon—not a knock or a cop-out on notes just yet; it's just one of those whiskeys you feel like you already know right from the get-go. Another whiff and plumcot comes through clear as day, followed quickly by apple pie, warm out of the oven with a dash of cinnamon on top. Wow, deep inhales produce such a clear medley of clove, allspice, and earthy paprika. The earthiness continues on subsequent sniffs, revealing cumin and turmeric aromas that have me feeling warm and at home with this glass; the sum of the spices elucidates a warm cup of winter spice tea. Cradling my glencairn in my hands to impart a bloom of warmth, I find the apple pie aroma remaining most clear to my senses. Plunging my nose as deep into my glass as it will go, I discover the distinct muskiness of an autumnal forest floor covered in leaves gripped by sweet decay. Hints of macerated cherry, pear, and soft honeysuckle play a supporting role in this easy-to-nose bourbon. Swirling the glass in an attempt to elicit a transformation reveals little extravagance. The typical wood spice of a double-digit bourbon is nowhere to be found in this glass, even with aggravation, which is quite rare. Kyle's notes: Old rick house, French toast, vanilla, oak, honey, cinnamon, and tres leches—phenomenal. After a sip, bold molasses cookie aromas unfold, leaving me in simple, glorious wonder. Some orange tones waft through like a distant memory blown in by the sea. Late in the glass I find sweet apple strudel covered in confectioners' sugar alongside a dusty aroma I rarely come by in modern bourbon. The empty glass smells of oolong tea and graham cracker. Palate:  I find my tongue delighted by the warm greeting of my first sip of the day. I leave the tiny taste on my tongue for 15 seconds or so before swallowing. Caramel corn, caramelized peach, and molasses cream cookies are an incredible array of flavors delivered at just the right proof, volume, and texture. Another chewy sip reveals pistachio ice cream and a kiss of fresh mint. This is a sweet tooth's delight, though balanced well by the more earthy undertones that continue to support the structure and integrity of this well put together whiskey. As I explore further into the glass, I discover even more evolution in this whiskey. There's a bit of a red wine characteristic to it at times, which reminds me of a semi-sweet Crianza tempranillo. Sipping further, orange creamsicle is now the star of the show, screaming off the ice cream truck popsicle stick onto my eager taste buds. The pine in the air is no match for a sweetness such as this, leaving my tongue saturated and thoroughly satisfied. As the orange fades, the vanilla remains, bringing with it subtle nutty undertones of roasted walnut and pecan with a touch of salt. My last sip is a bittersweet farewell to this impressive array of fruit and dessert before the finish carries on for an impressive length of syrupy cranberry sauce. Kyle's notes: Rich, coating, fruit, oak, vanilla frosting, and a vintage character that finishes medium-long with lingering cinnamon and rye spice. TL;DR: At the perfect barrel proof and booming with sweetness, this is an impressive feat of blending Rating:  4.5/5 Really good. I want one of these on my shelf. Kyle and I agreed perfectly on this one, both giving it a 4.5 on the Amongst the Whiskey rating scale . This is a delectable whiskey that I am sure Brent Elliott is going to be delighted with as his tenured legacy continues to develop. This is quintessential bourbon in my book—but it's not a comparison whiskey. It's not built for flights or the vibrant hum of the content-first creators. This is the bourbon for the patient and the proud—for those who taste with purpose. If any of that sounds like you, I hope you feel like you've found your home here. Now I have a few more questions for Mr. Moonlight, so stick with me, my dear reader. What are your thoughts on the quality of this year's Limited Edition release? "The 2025 small batch limited edition is a great bourbon. It’s comprised mostly of my two favorite recipes—OESV and OBSK—so I knew I would enjoy it solely based off the recipes in the blend; however, this year’s limited edition completely exceeded my expectations." Who deserves most of the credit for the 2025 Limited Edition release, given the whiskey was distilled between 2006 and 2012? "When talking about Four Roses, you absolutely have to mention Jim Rutledge. He helped bring the brand back to the United States market, introduced single barrel, among many other impressive achievements. He is a legend in the industry. The distillate for this release was created under Rutledge’s tenure as Master Distiller, so you certainly need to credit him as part of this. However, current Master Distiller Brent Elliott has been with Four Roses for 20 years, in roles ranging from production to blending and also quality. Brent has been Master Distiller at Four Roses for 10 years now, and there is no denying it’s his blend. His attention to detail and quality—carefully tasting, analyzing, and studying different runs of barrels that ultimately created a truly excellent blend." Where would you rank this Limited Edition release versus the last 5 years? 2019 is the best in the last 10 years , including 2025. However, 2025 is not far behind it, number two  in my rankings. Kyle Ganrude of @moonlightrickhouse Kyle was a great sport through this, and I really appreciate him taking the time to offer a synergistic perspective to this review. If you're a Four Roses fan and not already a follower, what the heck are you waiting for? If you want a little more context, check out some of the previous Limited Edition releases that I have on my shelf for comparison in the YouTube video below. WRITTEN BY: NICK ANDERSON With over a decade of sipping experience, Nick Anderson brings a well-calibrated palate to his profound passion for the whiskey industry. Beginning in Irish whiskey before expanding into bourbon, rye, and beyond, he has long been taking the ephemeral observation of unspoken enjoyment and translating it into meaningful words. He is the owner and primary long-winded whiskey writer for AmongstTheWhiskey.com , and he hopes you find resonance in the patient conveyance of an honest whiskey review.

Consider, for a moment, all that goes into making whiskey. A master distiller is tasked with planning the optimal blend of ingredients, including yeast, grain, and wood, as well as determining the ideal aging time. The master blender is responsible for the care and curation necessary to bring together various barrels for blending purposes. It's an intentional gathering of what is needed to make whiskey, so that each barrel is a provision for tomorrow, to be enjoyed, shared, and sustained for generations to come. In a bold leap towards approachability, Milam & Greene announced  Provisions  as a new addition to their lineup in September 2025. This 80-proof blend is a combination of Texas pot still whiskey and Kentucky straight bourbon, featuring a "Texification" finish—their way of indicating aging was done in the Texas climate. Milam & Greene  is known for experimenting with climate and finishes, emphasizing that the Texas climate accelerates the aging process and offers a distinct richness compared to Kentucky's aged whiskey. The Amongst the Whiskey team believes this is a sound argument, based on our diligent and well-researched findings when we tasted the difference between Milam & Greene's Texas-aged whiskey and their Kentucky-aged whiskey. I want to thank the folks at Milam & Greene for providing this bottle and the opportunity to taste this release with no strings attached. I enjoyed spending time with this low proof bourbon and am excited to share my thoughts with you today, dear reader. On with the notes, shall we? Company on Label:  Milam & Greene Whiskey Type:  A blend of straight bourbon whiskeys Mash Bill Percentages: 84% corn, 8% rye, 8% malt barley Proof:  80 ° Age:  NAS MSRP: $35.99 Further Identification:  This Autumn 2025 is the first edition batch called Edwards Plateau Nose:  There is surprisingly good volume on the nose, right off the bat. This smells like classic bourbon, though with a dash of Texas funk, like a cowgirl sitting on a hay bail with a stick of cotton candy in hand. There's a doughy quality to this nose, reminiscent of cinnamon roll dough. Citrus comes next, leaning toward the sauce typically found on orange chicken. Additional swirling releases floral notes, reminding me of soft blooms found in the springtime. Roasted cinnamon and baking spices reveal themselves deep in the nose. More swirling brings out sticky honey and crushed graham crackers. I'm rather impressed. Returning to the nose after a few sips amplifies the cinnamon spice and milk chocolate notes, accompanied by a hint of cherry skins. As I near the end of my glass, a consistent spice with a hint of floral tones emerges, leaning toward a potpourri-like aroma. The empty glass smells of root beer foam, soft dirt, and sunken floorboards. Palate: My first taste follows the nose, with a surprising mouthfeel of silk. There is also a distinct funk here, with notes of wet oak and wildflowers, but overall, it's a bomb of sweetness: powdered sugar, caramel, graham crackers, vanilla cream, and milk chocolate shavings. Mid-palate, there are Hawaiian rolls, milk duds, and malted chocolate powder. This is the bunny slopes of whiskey; the view is there, you have some fun, and leave with a better understanding of what whiskey is all about. Additional sips add fruit to the equation, specifically cherries, underripened for their season. As I continue to sip toward the end of my experience, a stacking of flavors, specifically that funk I mentioned earlier, becomes apparent. If you've ever skimmed your finger along the bubbling surface of a fermentation tank, that taste is what lingers on my tongue. My final sip is a flash of honey vanilla sweetness and cinnamon spice, a farewell similar to its hello. TL;DR: Expect a flavorful standout amongst the other bland lower proof whiskies Rating:  3.5/5 Good enough. There's something to enjoy here . The team at Milam & Greene accomplished something here that cannot be overlooked. They blended a flavorful bourbon at a proof point typically known to be "watered-down" in taste. While it won't wow you, as some of those older, higher proof bourbons absolutely can, for what this bourbon presents, it is well on its way to leading the charge in the low-proof category for bourbon whiskey. This bottle is well worth a purchase if you happen to find it at your local liquor store. WRITTEN BY: JES SMYTH W ith what started as a genuine curiosity for the “water of life,” fiction writer and published author Jes Smyth has nurtured her enthusiasm for whiskey ever since. From learning the vast history of whiskey making to celebrating the passion of the industry, she tastes each sip with intention and purpose while expressing the intricacies of whiskey in a relatable and heartfelt way. She is thrilled to be a contributing writer for AmongstTheWhiskey.com  and hopes her words will resonate with those ready to explore the beautiful world of whiskey.

“Every oak tree started out as a couple of nuts who stood their ground.”  - Henry David Thoreau Michter's is back once again with another of their famed toasted barrel expressions. The basic premise of this bottle is that they take their sour mash American whiskey and further mature it in an additional finishing barrel. This second barrel isn't charred in the traditional way but toasted using indirect heat. Michter's has been exploring this category since 2014, when they first released this concept to the world. Ready to find out what it tastes like? Let's get on with the review! Company on Label:  Bottled by Michter's Distillery LLC, Louisville, Kentucky Whiskey Type:  Kentucky sour mash whiskey (American whiskey—not bourbon) Mash Bill Percentages:   Undisclosed Proof:  86° Age:  NAS MSRP:   $110 Further identification:  This is batch number 25H2753, meaning it was bottled in August of 2025 Nose:  Molasses and heavy oak tannins leap out of the glass long before it reaches my nostrils, which makes me blink in visible disappointment. Youthful oak is exuberant and overly excited to greet me. Going back in for another whiff, I'm reminded of a charcoal barbecue grill, full of soot and metal. There's some strong maple tones here, but everything is laced with the sharp oak of a rather brash barrel. After a 30 minute rest, the sharp oak tones finally begin to fade, though the tannic nature remains. Light clay, vanilla, and citronella candle aromas creep in on subsequent inhales. After a few sips, the nose returns to the barbecue vibes, suddenly producing blue cool ranch Dorito aromas. The empty glass smells of plantain and sesame seeds. Palate:  As liquid hits lips, I'm quite a bit more enthused about the palate than the nose. A light dusting of Fun Dip sugar splatters over the taste buds before falling away quickly. Another quick sip reveals a consistent molasses that has translated from the nose well. It's a slightly bitter profile but it offers a decently creamy mouth coating. Each passing sip is somehow even less impressionable than the last, though there's certainly something to be said about how easy drinking it is. A long sip and swish reveals light apple tones, though I was straining to identify it in its thin veil of flavor. Late in the glass is where this gets some redeeming qualities with soft hints of marshmallow. My last sip is a rushed departure for the exit, an iconic Irish goodbye that makes the introvert in me proud, but the whiskey reviewer in me sad. The finish has one flicker of salted edamame before vanishing for good. TL;DR: Youthful oak only made this into a thin, tannic mess, though it's still easy enough to sip Rating:  2.5/5 Okay whiskey. Nothing special about this pour. This has always been a polarizing release for me . The whole concept of toasted barrel is writ large a good one, with countless fans of the category that will sing its praises. I am just not one of those people who enjoys this type of profile at this stage in my whiskey journey, and it's okay to admit that. This could continue to be a great whiskey for novices to train their palates on, but to my taste buds, it seems like the kind of pour suited for a drift into relaxation, not a complex whiskey worthy of adoration or deep exploration. It feels rushed or poorly executed at best and surely feels out of place in a limited release category considering this only comes around once every three years. I much prefer the traditional sour mash at a significantly lower price, so maybe we should think about putting the toasted barrel trend on pause. Alas, not every whiskey is going to be wow worthy, and 2025 has unfortunately struggled to produce a lot of winners in either traditional or innovative categories. For me, I think I'll be skipping this release the next time it comes around and save more of my whiskey budget for craft releases going forward. WRITTEN BY: NICK ANDERSON With over a decade of sipping experience, Nick Anderson brings a well-calibrated palate to his profound passion for the whiskey industry. Beginning in Irish whiskey before expanding into bourbon, rye, and beyond, he has long been taking the ephemeral observation of unspoken enjoyment and translating it into meaningful words. He is the owner and primary long-winded whiskey writer for AmongstTheWhiskey.com , and he hopes you find resonance in the patient conveyance of an honest whiskey review.

“Halftime is where champions rewrite the playbook—reflect, refuel, return stronger.”  - Farshad Asl There's a moment when you feel the tides shifting, when the game is on the line and suddenly—you feel that glimmer of hope. I've been lucky to have felt it many times in my lifetime as a Massachusetts native watching Drew Bledsoe, Adam Vinatieri, and Tom Brady win Super Bowl after Super Bowl for the infamous New England Patriots. Perhaps the most incredible comeback story of them all was the 28 to 3 deficit in the third quarter of Super Bowl LI against the 2017 Atlanta Falcons. After an abysmal performance in the first half, the game looked all but over... but then, there was a spark. Brady flashed to life, jumping into a no-huddle formation that saw a flurry of crisp, perfected plays. With time bleeding out, the scoreline evened, and the veteran quarterback, ready to take this game to the finish line, beat down the visibly exhausted Falcons defense, which was ultimately defeated by James White crossing the goal line in overtime. Will 2025 be the year for Stagg? While these iconic stories can seem rare, there are countless opportunities we're given to live out this exact same heroic arc. It's the story of the comeback kid, down and out after a bout of bad luck, ready to win it all. Stagg, in all its post-junior tumult, is in one such position. After a pretty atrocious showing in 2024 , this brand is ripe for a return to glory. Having tasted 18 different expressions of the junior line, I am not ashamed to admit that I love this bottling. I self-proclaim myself to be a "Stagg man," but that doesn't mean I'm willing to accept sub-par quality. In accordance with my strict editorial policy , I regularly review the latest and greatest whiskey. Sometimes bottles are sent to me, but more often than not I have to buy them with my own scratch. This bottle is an example of the latter. With the patience of the collective community wearing thin and demand seemingly cratering for whiskey in general, now is the time for brands to be leading with their best. Blending prowess and distilling knowledge will be how the modern distiller survives what appears to be another era of an impending bourbon glut. The last time we saw this kind of lopsided supply and demand ratio, more than a few distilleries fell by the wayside . One lucky distillery has stood the test of time, though it had to change hands a few times through the glut era. Known historically as the George T. Stagg Distillery, the comeback story of Frankfort saw the eventual Buffalo Trace property undergo piecemeal ownership transfers between names like Albert B. Blanton, Ancient Age Distilling Company, Schenley, Age International, and Japan's own Takara Shuzo, namesake of the Japanese Blanton's export. Stagg, however, is an even older name. In what I wrote about further in my Stagg Hub article, the origin of the George T. Stagg name goes all the way back to 1835, the birth of the name itself. While Buffalo Trace continues to use the name for marketing purposes, the whiskey they produce today is very much their own contemporary creation, governed by modern distilling practices. What we are tasting now will be part of the legacy of our generation. Will future tasters look back on us as fondly as we look back upon George T. Stagg, I wonder? Today I will be diving into the latest batch of Stagg, formerly known as Stagg Junior, which is their 28th bottling of this expression since their first release in the winter of 2013 . As usual, I'm tasting this neat out of a glencairn on a fresh and sober palate, and my notes and rating are based on three independent tastings of this bottle. Now, on with the review! Company on Label:  Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort, KY Whiskey Type:  Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey Mash Bill Percentages:   Undisclosed Buffalo Trace mash bill # 1 (high corn, low rye, malted barley) Proof:  126.5° Age:  NAS (though rumored to typically be around 8 years old) MSRP: $70 Further identification:  This is the 25A batch of Stagg Jr, which first arrived in late summer 2025 Nose:  On first lifting the glass to my nose, I find sweet caramel dominant and candied apple a bit more reserved. Another long inhale shows little evidence of spice, but a sweet, soothing strawberry aroma can be teased out of the cool depths. Blooming with a little stirred heat, I find graham cracker and white pepper. A stronger swirl transforms the glass into evocative oak before it settles back into Hershey's strawberry syrup. Deep inhales produce a bit of tingling wood spice, as one might expect out of a decently aged Kentucky bourbon at this proof. Nosing further, I find wafts of molasses, cornbread, and brown sugar all playing minor background roles. As I try to dig further, the glass runs out of steam and turns a bit thin with a simple vanilla and allspice remnant hanging on in the wispy air of my glencairn. I'm pleased with the opening remarks, but it's time for a sip. Coming back to the nose, which I nearly forgot to do as I sipped through with eager attention, leaves me with a widening smile. Vanilla biscotti, caramel chews, and light strawberry candy offer a perpetual treat for the nostrils. The empty glass smells of light marshmallow and the inside of a camping tent. Palate:  My first taste is hotter than the nose let on; ethanol booms as cordial falls softly on the tongue. Another sip, free from the aftershock of the day's first sip of whiskey, offers a much deeper complexity. Caramel cookies dipped in strawberry milk make my nostalgic taste buds quite happy. The flavor categories from the nose translate well; I find the strawberry syrup backbone, the molasses mouth coating, and the inherent oak, but they land a touch drier than expected overall. Sipping further without reservations about quality, I discover this glass does have the classic cherry hots that Stagg Junior may be most known for. It's a bold profile I couldn't possibly recommend to a whiskey novice, but one I know the longtime bourbon heads will probably enjoy. A long sip settles things down significantly, with an easy booziness you might find in a Manhattan cocktail. The linger is a bit lacking, though the delivery of flavor is on point. On swallowing, a nice wave of cranberry juice comes over the senses before fading into a simple bed of flour. My last sip is kind and sweet to me, calling forth a wonderful array of memories of some of my favorite Louisville nights, sipping on the old great batches of Stagg Junior at Garage Bar as the sun takes flight. For the first time in quite a while, I'm thoroughly pleased with this pour of Stagg Junior. TL;DR: A lovely return to form for Stagg with a balanced strawberry-forward dram Rating:  4/5 Really good. I want one of these on my shelf. This reminds me quite a bit of Stagg Jr batch 15 . The strawberry tones are incredibly unique to these particular batches, though I find batch 15 to be a bit more pronounced and consistent. It is so wonderful to see Stagg Junior, a line I have consistently explored through most of my review career, returning to a form that I can endorse as "whiskey that doesn't suck." If you want to see a live review of my first taste of this batch, head over to the HackandMack YouTube live that I recently jumped on for some fun whiskey banter between good folks. WRITTEN BY: NICK ANDERSON With over a decade of sipping experience, Nick Anderson brings a well-calibrated palate to his profound passion for the whiskey industry. Beginning in Irish whiskey before expanding into bourbon, rye, and beyond, he has long been taking the ephemeral observation of unspoken enjoyment and translating it into meaningful words. He is the owner and primary long-winded whiskey writer for AmongstTheWhiskey.com , and he hopes you find resonance in the patient conveyance of an honest whiskey review.

Sweet Staggy Stagg! This phrase, often said in the voice of Norbert from the old Nickelodeon cartoon Angry Beavers , is a nostalgic line you'll often hear from me, a self-proclaimed Stagg man. As the eponymous hero of the Stagg Hub, my goal will be to keep this page up to date with all the latest releases of both Stagg Jr (which no longer features the "Jr" on the label as of the batch 18 release) and the more senior George T. Stagg (a staple of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, or BTAC for short). If all the batches, proofs, and years have you confused, read on and keep this page bookmarked for easy reference in the future! If you don't want to scroll through the introductions and background details that will follow, feel free to use the links below to jump down to the release tables: Stagg Junior Batch List George T. Stagg Release List Please note these are best viewed in non-mobile format on a computer browser. The History Sketch of George T. Stagg The origin story for this brand harkens all the way back to 1835, when George T. Stagg was born in central Kentucky. George would come to be known as " The Ultimate Salesman ." After starting his early life in the shoe industry, George would find himself transitioning into and excelling in a life of Army work. At the conclusion of his service in the Civil War, George struck up selling Kentucky whiskey in Missouri with a business partner named James Gregory. This business put George in contact with many of the successful Kentucky distillers, one of which was Colonel Edmund Haines Taylor, Jr.—another name you should recognize from the Buffalo Trace portfolio. Taylor, falling on some hard times in the distilling business, ended up owing Stagg a substantial sum of money. Stagg, ever the opportunist, turned a tough situation into a business opportunity. He wiped the debts that Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr owed and, in return, took ownership of both of Taylor's distilleries: the O.F.C. Distillery and the Carlisle Distillery. They worked together as pseudo-partners for a time, though Stagg was ultimately the majority shareholder in all their ventures, including the E.H. Taylor Jr. Company, which was founded in 1879. This relationship would unfortunately not last, with Taylor parting ways and going off to run the Old Taylor Distillery, which is now owned and operated by Castle & Key at the time of writing. A 1917 distilled bourbon from the Geo. T. Stagg Distillery The more notable of the named distilleries in connection to this story is the O.F.C. Distillery, O.F.C. standing for a few names that Taylor used interchangeably: Old Fashioned Copper and Old Fire & Copper. After Taylor's separation and a number of hot-button lawsuits between the two Kentucky gentlemen, the O.F.C. Distillery and other holdings would be renamed under 'George C. Stagg and Co.' in 1890. With his health on the decline at this time, he chose to retire this same year. George T. Stagg would live to be 58 years old, passing away in 1893. His distillery would live on in his name, with 1904 seeing the distillery become "The George T. Stagg Distillery," which is sometimes shortened to "Geo Stagg" in print. This would notably be one of the distilleries that was allowed to remain open through prohibition. An example of this distillery's whiskey, bottled in 1928 as a ripe old 11.5 year bourbon, was opened, studied, savored, and enjoyed when I last got together with my dear friend Gregory Cloyd. What an honor it was to taste, learn, and respect the history of George T. Stagg in liquid form! In 1929, the distillery was bought by the spirits goliath Schenley, which I've also written about , as they then continued to produce whiskey under the new prohibition rules. This distillery was likely one of Schenley's powerhouse Kentucky producers, though they were making all kinds of spirits for the next handful of decades. Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky As the history of the man behind the name began to fade with the inexorable passage of time, the distillery would once again change hands in 1992, when the Sazerac Company purchased it. The name would become Buffalo Trace Distillery in 1999, apparently due to this location by the bank of the Kentucky River being an ancient Buffalo crossing. That takes us to today, where the same distillery now distills, ages, and crafts whiskey under several of the historical brandings associated with related prominent whiskey figures. The recipes, people, and equipment have all been replaced and modernized, though, meaning the whiskey produced today is not necessarily the same as what came before. So from the perspective of someone who has tasted the old stuff, you might be wondering about my opinion on Stagg bourbon as it stands today. Well, my dear reader, you're in luck, as I make it a point to write about as many of these releases as I can. Whenever I have completed my own review of any of these releases, I will also include a link to it. If you'd like to share a batch I haven't reviewed yet, I'd be glad to be able to offer my thoughts on a shared sample. For now, let's jump into the nitty-gritty details on everything Stagg bourbon! Stagg Junior The ever-bold Stagg Junior, now just simply 'Stagg', is the uncut, unfiltered Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey produced from Buffalo Trace's mash bill # 1. This is the same mash bill used in the flagship Buffalo Trace, Colonel Taylor, Eagle Rare, and Benchmark bourbon variants. These bourbons are non-aged-stated (NAS), though widely assumed to be 8-12 year blends, which I would attest to based on my experience with these batches through the years. Some batches sip older and some taste a bit younger, but given the notes I've drawn from these, 8-12 years feels like the right range. All grown up - Stagg Jr loses the junior designation in 2022 In an interesting rebranding, Buffalo Trace decided to drop the 'Jr' from the label on the summer release in 2022, despite this release having all the hype and respect in the world behind it with the old name. They have also begun to add their own batch naming convention as of the Winter batch in 2022, which is really where the confusion starts but also hopefully ends. Since they are taking matters into their own hands, there isn't a clean continuity, as you'll see in the table below. There is at least a robust and repeatable system for the future, so if you're looking at a newer bottling on the shelf, you'll want to look at the bottom right portion of the front label for the batch information. Company on Label:  Buffalo Trace Whiskey Type:  Kentucky Straight Bourbon Mash Bill Percentages: Buffalo Trace Mash Bill # 1 (Low Rye < 10%) Proof:  Varies, thus far between 125.9° and 134.4° Age:  NAS (Rumored to be around 8 years) Further identification: Stagg (Junior) normally releases twice per year, a winter and a summer release, but since 2023's new naming convention was put in place and we have now seen a "C" batch land within the calendar year, and now in 2024 there's even a "D" batch that dropped; while this hopefully means more accessability of these batches, I hope it doesn't come at the cost of quality Power Ranking All the Best Stagg Batches Amongst The Whiskey's Top Stagg Jr Batches (Click to Expand) 1: Batch 12 2: Batch 17 3: Batch 14 4: Batch 18 5: Batch 15 6: Batch 25A 7: Batch 23A 8: Batch 5 9: Batch 22A 10: Batch 16 11: Batch 24A 12: Batch 24B 13: Batch 22B 14: Batch 24D 15: Batch 23B 16: Batch 23C 17: Batch 13 18: Batch 24C Stagg Jr Batch Information: All the Proofs and Release Dates Key: Batch — Proof / ABV — Release Date 25A — 126.5° / 63.25% —Summer 2025 24D — 127.4° / 63.7% — Winter 2024 24C — 128.9° / 64.45% — Winter 2024 24B — 127.8° / 63.9% — Winter 2024 24A — 127.6° / 63.8% — Summer 2024 23C — 125.9° / 62.95% — Late Winter 2023 23B — 127.8° / 63.9% — Winter 2023 23A — 130.2° / 65.1% — Summer 2023 22A — 132.2° / 66.1% — Spring 2023 Batch 19 * — 130° / 65% — Winter 2022 *Labeling changed to "22B" Batch 18 * — 131° / 65.5% — Summer 2022 * First Stagg Batch Without “Junior” Batch 17 — 128.7° / 64.35% — Winter 2021 Batch 16 — 130.9° / 65.45% — Summer 2021 Batch 15 — 131.1° / 65.55% — Winter 2020 Batch 14 — 130.2° / 65.1% — Summer 2020 Batch 13 — 128.4° / 64.2% — Winter 2019 Batch 12 — 132.3° / 66.15% — Summer 2019 Batch 11 — 127.9° / 63.95% — Winter 2018 Batch 10 — 126.4° / 63.2% — Summer 2018 Batch 9 — 131.9° / 65.95% — Winter 2017 Batch 8 — 129.5° / 64.75% — Summer 2017 Batch 7 — 130.0° / 65% — Winter 2016 Batch 6 — 132.5° / 66.25% — Summer 2016 Batch 5 — 129.7° / 64.85% — Winter 2015 Batch 4 — 132.2° / 66.1% — Summer 2015 Batch 3 — 132.1° / 66.05% — Winter 2014 Batch 2 — 128.7° / 64.35% — Summer 2014 Batch 1 — 134.4° / 67.2% — Winter 2013 George T. Stagg The more senior, older-age bourbon from Buffalo Trace bears the historical name George T. Stagg. As of the more recent bottlings, the inside of the back label features a sketch of Stagg himself  that can be seen once the bottle has been sufficiently consumed to reveal the image. First introduced in 2002 in response to a growing consumer demand for well-aged barrel proof whiskey, this has become a yearly staple of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection. Is Stagg the King of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection? What this release also does really well is layer in a level of transparency that is non-normal for Buffalo Trace and Sazerac as a whole, with the antique collection seeing a release letter that accompanies each year's vintage. These letters feature information such as the year of distillation, release timing, proof, mash bill grain sources, fermentation specs, distillation techniques, aging locations, evaporative loss, and aging specifics. All of the released letters can be viewed and downloaded at the bottom of this page . Company on Label:  Buffalo Trace Whiskey Type:  Kentucky Straight Bourbon Mash Bill Percentages: Buffalo Trace Mash Bill # 1 (Low Rye < 10%) Proof:  Varies, between 116.9° and 144.8° Age:  Varies, between 15-18 years Further identification: George T. Stagg, a critical component of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC), releases once per year, other than the notable exceptions of a multi-release in 2005 and no release in 2021 due to a lack of quality barrels ; while the release year isn't distinctly called out on a bottle of George T. Stagg, you can figure out your release year by reading the laser code , or by using the proof table below Power Ranking the George T. Stagg Releases Amongst the Whiskey's Top George T. Stagg Releases Ranked (Click to Expand) 1: 2024 2: 2020 3: 2022 4: 2019 5: 2008 6: 2023 George T. Stagg Releases by Year, Proof, and Age Key: Release Year — Proof — Age 2025 — 142.8° — 15 years 2024 — 136.1° — 15 years, 2 months 2023 — 135.0° — 15 years, 3 months 2022 — 138.7° — 15 years, 5 months 2021 — No release — N/A 2020 — 130.4° — 15 years, 4 months 2019 — 116.9° — 15 years, 3 months 2018 — 124.9° — 15 years, 4 months 2017 — 129.2° — 15 years, 3 months 2016 — 144.1° — 15 years, 4 months 2015 — 138.2° — 15 years, 1 month 2014 — 138.1° — 16 years, 4 months 2013 — 128.2° — 15 years, 11 months 2012 — 142.8° — 16 years, 9 months 2011 — 142.6° — 18 years, 5 months 2010 — 143.0° — 17 years, 7 months 2009 — 141.4° — 16 years, 7 months 2008 — 141.8° — 15 years, 6 months 2007 — 144.8° — 15 years, 6 months 2006 — 140.6° — 16 years, 3 months 2005 (Fall) — 141.2° — 15 years, 4 months 2005 (Spring, Lot A – Kentucky) — 130.9° — 16 years, 8 months 2005 (Spring, Lot B – All States) — 131.8° — 16 years, 8 months 2004 — 129.0° — 16 years 2003 — 142.7° — 15 years 2002 — 137.6° — 15 years George T. Stagg Release Letters I hope this was a helpful article for you. Don't forget to bookmark this page, share it with your friends in the whiskey community, and join the conversation below!

“It is always important to know when something has reached its end. Closing circles, shutting doors, finishing chapters—it doesn't matter what we call it; what matters is to leave in the past those moments in life that are over.”  - Paulo Coelho, The Zahier After 10 years of limited-edition releases covering a surprising range of flavors for Wild Turkey, the brand is ready to retire the Master's Keep series. Starting in 2015 as a way to release some of their rarest and strangest stocks, the 10th and final bottling showcases a mingling of 10 year bourbon chosen by Bruce Russell and Eddie's choice 16 year bourbon. It offers a nod to the 10 years that Master's Keep stood as a beacon of quality while reaching even further into Wild Turkey's storied past. Bruce and Eddie Russell—Photo by The Shout I've been very fortunate to have tasted quite a few of the Master's Keep releases. To this day I keep a handful of bottles on my shelf for sharing and comparison purposes, including the 17 year bottled in bond expression, Revival , One, Unforgotten, Voyage , and Triumph . I enjoy all of them for very different reasons, each one serving a different niche of flavor that might fit into a mood, a place, or a time of year. Some may consider the Generations release an unofficial sibling of the Master's Keep lineup, given the same glass and much of the same intentional blending skill was used. Release timeline: 2015: Aged 17 Years 2017: Decades 2018: Revival 2019: Cornerstone 2020: 17 Year Bottled in Bond 2021: One 2022: Unforgotten 2023: Voyage 2024: Triumph 2025: Beacon While this particular story is coming to an end, it's obvious Wild Turkey is still poised for success. With the legendary legacy of Wild Turkey being shepherded by three generations of the Russell family, there is no modern distillery with as rich of a story as this family carries. In quiet conversations with Bruce in the reverent bonded A warehouse, I came to understand just how gratefully the Russells steer such a revered brand. While they weren't the original founders or inventors, the whole brood seems to carry the profound duty to keep the ship on course. I couldn't think of a more deserving set of remarkable people. After tasting through the brunt of the Master's Keep lineup, few could deny that this distillery is capable of putting out some exemplary whiskey. From the box: "Wild Turkey Master's Keep Beacon is a celebration of the past, that shines light on the future of the American whiskey icon from Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. In a first for a Master's Keep release, the blending of hand-selected whiskeys was a collaborative effort between master distiller Eddie Russell and his son, associate blender Bruce Russell, marking the only time a second Russell signature has appeared on Wild Turkey's most precious series. The highest-proof release in the collection to date, Master's Keep Beacon draws on stocks from two distinct points in the recent history of the Wild Turkey legacy, to tell a tale of evolution, progress, and mastery. Eddie's choice, a 16-year-old bourbon, offers a robust oak foundation complemented by nuanced earthy tones, and accents of honey, vanilla, caramelized sugar, and a touch of gentle spice. Distilled between 2007 and 2008, it was among the last remaining distillate produced in the original facility Eddie cut his teeth in, prior to a 2011 expansion that ushered in a new era for the famed distillery. In contrast, Bruce's 10-year-old selection lends a bold, long-lasting finish that has become a signature preference of the youngest Russell. Reflecting his journey as an apprentice under his father and grandfather's guidance, the whiskey was distilled in 2015, and is among the very first Bruce produced when he joined the family business. With the support of his grandfather, hall of fame master distiller Jimmy Russell, Bruce worked tirelessly on this whiskey, overseeing every step from grain quality inspection to fermentation, distillation and maturation. Together, Eddie and Bruce have crafted a high-proof bourbon of unparallelled distinction; a labor of love that represents years of training and honing of the craft. With its harmonious blend of flavors from distinct eras — Wild Turkey Master's Keep Beacon is a testament to shared valuers and the timeless art of bourbon making." I have been patiently and thoroughly exploring this release over the last three weeks after finally securing a bottle from my go-to Massachusetts retailer. So, let's get on with the whiskey, shall we? As usual , I tasted this neat out of a glencairn after letting it rest for at least 5 minutes. Company on Label:  Wild Turkey Distilling Co., Lawrenceburg, KY Whiskey Type:  Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Mash Bill Percentages:  75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley Proof:  118° Age:  10 years (a blend of 10 and 16 year barrels) MSRP:   $300 Further identification:  This 750mL bottled, encased in a textured fold-open black box, first released in September of 2025 Nose:  Deep undulating waves of caramel and confectioner's sugar lead the way on this glass. A subtle roll of the glencairn opens up deep black pepper and allspice aromas, leading me to believe this has some solid age on it. There's a distant underlying root beer aroma that can easily be missed but certainly contributes to the show. Another whiff after a long rest produces browned butter and molasses. So far the nose is a simple yet thoroughly enjoyable affair. With a swirl the wood influence erupts in a wave of heat, unleashing cedar and pinenut. The remnant aromas are so buttery, I can nearly picture myself sitting in a dark movie theater with a big bag of heavily buttered popcorn. Caramel and butter are the two most dominant smells prior to a sip. Revisiting after a taste unfolds a classic Turkey funk that harkens back to much older releases... think Austin Nichols era. Despite a slight change in character, the butter persists. Late in the glass, a wonderful layer of creamy cigar smoke wafts in alongside beautiful vanilla extract, completing an incredibly interesting development arc. The empty glass smells of milk duds and leather. Palate:  On first taste, I am surprised by the vibrancy of this whiskey on my tongue. While the nose was creamy, dark, and heavy, the palate comes across effervescent and sweet. Wow—this is a big whiskey for 118 proof; I'd say it drinks up closer to 130. Revisiting shortly after reveals maraschino cherry and nectarine sweetness. The linger is balanced, bold, and prevalent, with a Werther's caramel sitting right on my sweet tooth. A long sip and swish continues to come across chewy, like munching down on several pink Starburst candies. This is the type of glass that keeps secrets and makes you work for the notes and the inner workings. It's a rewarding process. Chewing through more liquid gold, I find strawberry tart, toffee, and orange creamsicle dancing in wonderful little compartments of beauty. It reminds me of looking out over Manhattan, catching glimpses of so many busy lives I'll never get to know fully. My last sip offers a flash of maple bacon before dulce de leche croissants leave me in enigmatic bliss. TL;DR: Creamy, balanced, and full of surprises; this is great whiskey Rating:  4.5/5 Absolutely delicious. Enthusiast grade pour. This is exactly what I look for in a whiskey: depth, complexity, mouthfeel, and grace. While it doesn't quite get to hair-raising territory, I have found myself absolutely crushing on this bottle since picking it up in mid-September. After going above and beyond on my typical required three tastings , I am quite confident in my score for this bottle. Anyone that knows and loves Wild Turkey will find a lot of joy within the last Wild Turkey Master's Keep. May it serve as a beacon to other modern distillers on what quality whiskey should taste like. WRITTEN BY: NICK ANDERSON With over a decade of sipping experience, Nick Anderson brings a well-calibrated palate to his profound passion for the whiskey industry. Beginning in Irish whiskey before expanding into bourbon, rye, and beyond, he has long been taking the ephemeral observation of unspoken enjoyment and translating it into meaningful words. He is the owner and primary long-winded whiskey writer for AmongstTheWhiskey.com , and he hopes you find resonance in the patient conveyance of an honest whiskey review.

Does whiskey get better with time? Or does it get better with change? Is it possible to separate one from the other? In theory, time aids in change. The longer whiskey ages in a barrel, the more it should change. However, more time doesn't necessarily mean better. No one wants to sip on an over-oaked whiskey. Conversely, more change doesn't necessarily mean better either. Too many cask finishes and too much disturbance can sometimes result in a disjointed flavor profile. I've been fortunate enough to experience various examples of hyper-aged whiskey, from the incredible Redbreast 30 Year Dream Cask to the unparalleled Michter's 20-year , and several others in between . What I've come to conclude is that a delicate balance is necessary for these oldies to truly shine. With a curious palate intact, I've begun asking questions about distillate, cooperage, and barrel entry proof. How is it that a 30-year whiskey can result in such a complexity of flavor? Could it be the gentle flavors of Irish pot distilled whiskey marrying in perfection with the oak from its barrel? What makes one 20-year bourbon dance in a kaleidoscope of flavors while another, just two years younger, stand determinedly loud in its oaky age? Could it be a lower barrel entry proof? Or is it a lower rye mashbill? The answers to this thought experiment will likely not be found within the meandering mind of a whiskey reviewer, but they may be found in the exploration of hyper-aged whiskey. New England Barrel Company has joined the ranks of hyper-aged releases with their Founders Selection 20 year single barrel releases. These Tennessee distilled barrels are the rarest to date from the brand and a great example of why trusted NDPs are an essential thread in the fabric of this vibrant whiskey market. Thanks to the generosity of founder James Saunders, I've had the opportunity to spend ample time with the New England Barrel Company Founder Selection 20 year bourbon barrel TN109, and have deepened my understanding of distillate comparisons in hyper-aged whiskey. I'm thankful that New England Barrel Company sent along this bottle for the purpose of a review, with no strings attached , and that I can offer my honest opinion, dear reader. So, let's get to it, shall we? Company on Label:  New England Barrel Company Whiskey Type:  Straight bourbon whiskey Mash Bill Percentages: 84% corn, 8% rye, 8% malt barley Proof:  118 ° Age:  20 Years MSRP: $274.99 Further Identification:  This is barrel TN109 of the 2025 Founders Selection Nose:  The first word that pops into my mind is unctuous. Well-aged whiskeys have the capability of immediately inserting a texture into my nose, and this one has quickly checked that box. Funky sweetness in the form of stewed raspberries, thick vanilla syrup, and the bottom of a freshly baked cinnamon bun mix and mingle like it's no big deal. The fruitiness cannot be overstated, and the age is transforming what might have been a chalky sweetness into a vanilla cream cheese frosting, a sticky raspberry tart filling, and an overlaying hint of old leather, soft and worn, like an old armchair chilling in the middle of a damp and fragrant rickhouse. More fruit drifts out of my glass as I sit and swirl, crates of summertime peaches, warm and sweet and ready to be grilled. This nose is charmingly expressive. I'm ready for a sip. Returning to the nose after a sip has transported me into a note I sometimes get on hyper-aged whiskey: cheese. This is a particularly bright cheese, similar to sharp cheddar, perfect for melting in fondue, accompanied by a bubbling pot of caramel, a plate of saltine crackers, and a hint of ground coffee beans, fruit compote, and baked apple skins. This is so unlike any hyper-aged whiskey I've tasted, and I'm not going anywhere. As I approach the last of what remains in my glass, I'm confounded by the doughiness I find, even with so little liquid left in my glass. The empty glass smells of sticky fruit, melted milk chocolate, and the last warm breeze of summer. Palate:  The liquid coats every bit of my tongue, like velvet. Quite lovely, but that was all I could register on my first sip. Sometimes, the mouthfeel does that. With a second sip, I'm reminded that this is old whiskey, as the oak influence makes itself known through baking spices, fresh ginger, and black pepper. There's a tartness to the flavors as well, or maybe that's an "aliveness." The linger reminds me of the smoke you would taste on a rack of barbecue ribs. A few additional sips bring in the abundance of fruit I found on the nose, but it took some time, which makes sense—there is quite a bit of old oak to get through. What I'm tasting isn't fresh or candied fruit, but rather a pie-filling quality, with strawberry rhubarb and a generous amount of baking spices. As time passes and the liquid in my glass disappears, the flavors seem to marry and relax. Baked goods stuffed with gooey fruit fillings, perfectly blended with baking spices like cinnamon and ginger, are chewy, slightly doughy, and tremendously delicious. My final sip is the best yet, with well-integrated flavors, a pleasant warmth, a consistent mouthfeel, and a bright, long-lasting finish. TL;DR: an expressive and well-balanced sip from fruit to oak Rating:  4.5/5 Absolutely delicious. Enthusiast grade pour . Time is currency. Those in the whiskey industry undoubtedly are aware of this for reasons entirely outside of their control. In my opinion, patience leads to true precision. This release is an excellent example of those who trust the process and their palates, knowing that the reward will present itself over time. WRITTEN BY: JES SMYTH W ith what started as a genuine curiosity for the “water of life,” fiction writer and published author Jes Smyth has nurtured her enthusiasm for whiskey ever since. From learning the vast history of whiskey making to celebrating the passion of the industry, she tastes each sip with intention and purpose while expressing the intricacies of whiskey in a relatable and heartfelt way. She is thrilled to be a contributing writer for AmongstTheWhiskey.com  and hopes her words will resonate with those ready to explore the beautiful world of whiskey.

"There is nothing new in the world except the history you do not know." — Harry S Truman When you sip on the whiskey of today, you may also find yourself opening a door to a nuanced view of American history. Often, brands will feature a historical figure on their packaging, leaning into their unique history of whiskey-making as a way of meaningful marketing. Whether the stories are true and verified, or whether they're simply lore passed down from generation to generation, pouring a whiskey in 2025 usually comes with a history lesson or, at the very least, a good story. As an author, I'm often intrigued by brands that come with some kind of captivating history. Lucky for me, most do, including Jefferson's Bourbon . Founded in 1997 by Trey Zoeller and bourbon historian Chet Zoeller, Jefferson's Bourbon is known for being a blending house rather than a singular distillery. Sourcing bourbon from Kentucky, Indiana, and Tennessee, Jefferson's likes to push boundaries while remaining grounded in tradition. Maybe grounded isn't the best word to use here, given their popular Jefferson's Ocean release, where bourbon barrels were aged at sea, but you get my point. They're balancing heritage—what makes bourbon what it is (legal definitions, mash bills, barrels, etc)—with innovation. "I like to say we push the boundaries of bourbon without bastardizing it." —Trey Zoeller, quote attributed from The Daily Beast I'm not sure Trey's 8th-generation grandmother would approve of such language, however, Marian McLain is considered one of the earliest documented women in US whiskey history, so she might not bat an eyelash. In fact, she's the inspiration behind the brand Jefferson's, and she might very well approve of her 8x great-grandson's choice of words. Linguistics aside, I was pleasantly intrigued by Marian McLain's vibrant history, a discovery I equally enjoyed learning about through the leather-bound neck tag that came with this bottle. It's quite the story and will shed light on why I think she may not give two hoots about foul language. If you're interested, I provide a brief overview below. Following the American Revolution, and facing the war debt of those times, war-widowed mother of five, Marican McLain, saw the rise in demand for spirits and began distilling and selling whiskey. When the government placed a "whiskey tax" on the sales of the spirit, Marian refused to pay, needing every cent to survive, and was soon arrested and imprisoned for her offense. These records make her the first woman on record to sell whiskey in America — kind of badass, right? Excuse my language (maybe), Marian. The bottle up for review is the second release of Jefferson's Marian McLain blend, the first having come and gone in 2023. There are a few key differences that make this release a standout from its predecessor—notably, the shift toward roughly 62% 13-year Kentucky bourbon in the 5-barrel blend. There are also more finishing nuances compared to the 2023 release; the proof increased from 103 to 106, and the flavor profile has also transformed, which is understandable given the absence of Tennessee whiskey in contrast to roughly 21% in the 2023 blend. Also of note is the change in master blender, which was modified from co-founder Trey Zoeller to master blender Ale Acoha. "Creating Marian McLean was about creating a spirit that feels alive with history and heart. Each of the five distinct bourbons was selected for its unique flavor and complexity. As a woman in the craft today, it's rewarding to help bring attention to someone like Marian, who helped laid the foundation centuries ago." — Ale Acoha I'm certainly on board with this logic, and for that, I will absolutely raise a glass to Marian with any friend who will dare to share this bottle with me. A special thanks goes out to the folks at Jefferson's for the opportunity to taste their product. I'm curious to explore what this release has to offer, so let's dive in! Company on Label:  Jefferson's Bourbon Whiskey Type:  A blend of straight Kentucky & Indiana bourbon whiskeys Mash Bill Percentages: Undisclosed Proof:  106 ° Age:  9 years (a blend of 9, 11 & 13 year bourbons) MSRP: $300 Further Identification:  This five barrel blend includes Kentucky 13 year bourbon (62%), Indiana 11 year wheated double oaked bourbon (15%), Kentucky rye barrel wine finish (11%), Kentucky rye barrel rum finish, (6%), and Kentucky 9 year bourbon (6%) Nose:  Right away, I feel a warm welcome from the aromas wafting out of my glass. Silky caramel and juicy pineapples make for a familiar yet enticing start, alongside wheat germ pancakes, powdered sugar, and sliced caramelized bananas. If you're envisioning a brunch buffet, then you and I are on the same page, dear reader. As time passes, the aromas evolve into more of what you find in a spice cabinet, notably ground cinnamon and black pepper, which are now old and expired. Swirling the liquid in my glass releases a hint of oiled leather and coconut husk. If you imagine someone wearing all their jewelry all at once—necklaces, bracelets, rings, (you get the point)—then you have a great visual representation of this nosing experience. It has my attention, and it's likely to draw the attention of others, possibly even raising an eyebrow. Yet, so far, the layering of aromas is presenting cohesively. I'm curious to find out if the palate aligns, so onward I sip! Returning to the nose after several sips has sharpened the aromas; the proof is evident as I inhale, much more than before. It certainly has taken on a new form, though, rather quickly, with baking spices and apple pie filling occupying my glencarin. The empty glass smells of mocha latte foam and apple-scented candle wax. Palate:  Oh, wow. That double-barreled Indiana wheat component is singing on my tongue. It's softly sweet, with notes of melted milk chocolate atop graham crackers with a sprinkling of granulated sugar. Mid-palate brings in pineapples and shaved coconut before transforming seamlessly into cinnamon candy on the back end. The flavors are pronounced in a subtle and well-practiced way. On the linger, I find the most funk: wet leather, shaved oak bark, and slices of ginger atop a summer fruit salad. The only qualm I have currently is the slight drying effect on the back of my throat. So, more sips it is! As I continue to explore, the silky texture remains consistent. The age begins to layer onto my tongue, presenting with hints of soft leather, tobacco, and red fruits. This pour absolutely has kept my attention as it morphs into more savory notes of roasted tomato and chopped basil. Closer to the end of my glass, the sweetness loses steam as cinnamon and ginger become more chatty, drowning out the silky texture. My last sip is how my first sip ended, with cinnamon and spice loud and clear, but overall, I feel comfortable with where this whiskey has taken me. TL;DR: Old bourbon blends with unconventional components for an attention-keeping sip Rating:  4/5 Really good. I want one of these on my shelf. Story time: My co-writer asked me for my thoughts after my first tasting. I told him I was "surprised by it". Jefferson's Bourbon is a brand that I don't typically seek. I tried a few examples early on, and unfortunately, those experiences weren't positive enough for me to go back. When he asked why I was surprised by this particular bottle, I told him the ugly truth: "I wondered if the five-barrel blend on a mainly 13 year old whiskey was to cover up not-so-great 13 year old whiskey." Turns out, this isn't a cover-up at all but a great example of a well-done five barrel blend. To those new or returning to Jefferson's Bourbon, I highly recommend trying this. It's welcoming enough for those just starting their whiskey journey and will keep the attention of those who appreciate the skill that goes into a cohesive whiskey blend. WRITTEN BY: JES SMYTH W ith what started as a genuine curiosity for the “water of life,” fiction writer and published author Jes Smyth has nurtured her enthusiasm for whiskey ever since. From learning the vast history of whiskey making to celebrating the passion of the industry, she tastes each sip with intention and purpose while expressing the intricacies of whiskey in a relatable and heartfelt way. She is thrilled to be a contributing writer for AmongstTheWhiskey.com  and hopes her words will resonate with those ready to explore the beautiful world of whiskey.

"Always remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else." — Marsha Mellows Russell's Reserve 13 year is back after a year hiatus with its spring 2025 release. Let's be honest, though, did you notice its absence in 2024? If you weren't living under a rock, then chances are Russell's Reserve 15 Year had your attention, your affection, or, at the very least, had you running around to liquor stores far and wide in 2024. It's okay to admit that you may have forgotten that Wild Turkey typically releases Russell's Reserve 13 annually, which they didn't do in 2024. So, the 2025 release is significant for a few reasons. One, it's following in the footsteps of its older sibling, who arrived late to the scene and took the limelight as if it were no big deal. Two, the proof on this release is the highest yet, and I know you proof hounds are swiping a bit of drool off your lower lips. It's okay, no judgment here. And the third reason this release should be marked as "kind of a big deal" is that this release will leave your wallet a little less full than perhaps you were anticipating. Although given the trend in the market, who's really surprised at the price hike at this point? All of that aside, the speculation that Wild Turkey may have put an end to their 13 year releases, following the smashing success of the 15 year release, has been put to rest. While I took to the page to write my thoughts on this release, my fellow co-writer (and generous provider of the sample I've been tasting) went to the screen. Nick breaks down this release in comparison to previous ones, offering his expertise in spoken form—a must-watch for both seasoned and new Wild Turkey fans. Let me know in the comments, did our experiences align? To be completely transparent, I haven't watched it yet, as I wanted to remain true to my own experience before hearing about another's. So, with that said, let's dive into the Spring 2025 release of Russell's Reserve 13 year! Company on Label:  Wild Turkey Whiskey Type:  Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey Mash Bill Percentages: 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% barley Proof:  123.8 ° Age:  13 years MSRP: $200 Further Identification:  Batch 6 comprises an unknown number of barrels aged at least 13 years and was released in the Spring of 2025 Nose:  The glass opens with a proofy punch, characterized by effervescence. Moving past the evident proof, I find rich baking spices, chocolate-covered coffee beans, salted pretzel dough, under-ripened plums, burnt brown sugar, and lime zest. Yes, the start here is a bit all over the place, and, to be frank, the burn in my nose has me setting my glass down for the moment. Now, I wait. . . . Returning to the nose after additional rest time has transformed the aromas into richer tones, with caramel and molasses now shining through. This is fruit-forward, leaning towards well-ripened stone fruits—plums, and cherries—but the oak continues to swing in and out in a distracting way. Swirling the liquid releases a vanilla note that has been hiding, apparently, with a quality reminiscent of saltwater taffy, complete with a wax paper wrapper. Patience, however, does wonders for the nose. The longer I sit with this dram, the creamier the aromas become. Like a first date, after the initial awkward thirty minutes (or an hour if you're me), a rhythm sets in and those involved begin to settle a bit. As the liquid in my glass lowers, it takes on more earthiness, reminding me of rippling prairie grasses and sun-drenched wildflowers, with a damp old rickhouse in the background. I wish the glass led with this bliss, rather than arriving only when the liquid is nearly gone. The empty glass smells of Nesquick powder, stale ground coffee, and fruit cup juice. Palate:  On first taste, I am blown away by the incredibly creamy palate. I find oodles of vanilla custard with ribbons of silky caramel and flakes of dark chocolate. It's chewy, which I love, and the oak isn't overpowering; it's found most prominently on the mid-palate. The back end palate is sweet and sticky, like a bowl of fruit punch with Granny Smith apple skins floating about. The linger is long and lovely. This Kentucky hug is holding on tight, and I don't mind in the least. Another sip reveals more sweetness, accompanied by a hint of spice, table sugar, plums, and cinnamon sticks. The creaminess is the star here, reminding me of the froth left at the bottom of a quickly consumed cappuccino. The linger is where I find the age—earthy funk, oiled leather, and pages in a well-used history book. Additional sips continue to take me on a fascinating journey of zig-zagging flavors. A moment of caramel quickly gives way to a pop of fruit, followed by a rush of baking spice, then transitions to a sweet vanilla syrup, and finally, a crack of black pepper. It's certainly keeping me on my toes, although I can't help but notice how unsure of itself this dram seems to be. Regardless, the creaminess remains consistent and does not falter. Nearing the end of the glass, I'm brought back to notes of milk chocolate, baking spices, and, perhaps because I've spent a long time with this pour, a touch of anise now. I think it's time to say goodnight to this dram, but not goodbye. I will be asking for a second date. TL;DR: a consistently creamy palate in a somewhat disjointed flavor profile Rating:  3.5/5 Good enough. There's something to enjoy here. This year's release had a hard act to follow, given its hiatus in 2024 for the elusive Russell's 15 Year . Perhaps this explains why the proof reached its highest point yet for these 13 year releases. Unfortunately, the higher proof didn't offer a "wow" factor for me, and instead resulted in a jostling of aromas and flavors. Time, however, is in this dram's favor, and it's my hope this will positively influence the idea that consistent greatness is achievable ... with time. I look forward to raiding my co-writer's whiskey study for a dram in the near future, if he doesn't sample out his entire bottle first. WRITTEN BY: JES SMYTH W ith what started as a genuine curiosity for the “water of life,” fiction writer and published author Jes Smyth has nurtured her enthusiasm for whiskey ever since. From learning the vast history of whiskey making to celebrating the passion of the industry, she tastes each sip with intention and purpose while expressing the intricacies of whiskey in a relatable and heartfelt way. She is thrilled to be a contributing writer for AmongstTheWhiskey.com  and hopes her words will resonate with those ready to explore the beautiful world of whiskey.