Pioneering Scotch whisky distillery Nc’nean   pushes boundaries of spirit making in new limited-release: Scotland’s leading organic whisky distillery, Nc’nean, continues to build its reputation as an industry innovator with the launch of its latest limited-edition whisky, Huntress Orchard Cobbler, into the USA. The Huntress series is inspired by Nc’nean’s namesake – the Gaelic goddess Neachneohain, who was known as a huntress and for walking her own path. This series is centred around that ethos of discovery, and Nc’nean’s passion for hunting for unique flavours in whisky making. This year’s release is named Orchard Cobbler, for its deliciously warming and homely flavours of Cherry Bakewell, apricot marmalade and vanilla custard. This particular Huntress release is incredibly unique, in that the spirit used is only produced once a year when the distillers cross over from one distillation recipe to another. Nc’nean is widely recognised for pushing the boundaries of conventional Scotch. Unlike most distilleries, it runs two different spirit recipes each year, one for whisky set to be released at a younger age and one set to be released after ten or more years. The spirit matured for Huntress Orchard Cobbler comes from the distillation in the week after the spirit recipe is switched – a time where cut points are changed and unusually high fruity compounds flood into the spirit. So fruity, that the whisky is named after one of the team’s favourite fruit desserts. Nc’nean founder and CEO, Annabel Thomas comments: “This dram perfectly encapsulates our creativity, innovation, and unique approach to whisky. Its origins trace back to our master distiller, Jim Swan, who played a pivotal role in developing what would become the Nc’nean spirit and maturation process. Throughout the year, we run two different spirit recipes at the distillery, a practice that Jim and I discussed. Huntress Orchard Cobbler is crafted from the transitional weeks between these recipes, resulting in this wonderfully fruity spirit. This unplanned outcome highlights the magic of experimentation and the beauty of doing things differently.” About Nc’nean: Nc’nean is an award winning independent, organic whisky distillery on the west coast of Scotland. Nc’nean began distilling in March 2017 and from inception has strived to do things differently. In pursuit of new flavours in whisky, Nc’nean uses longer mashing times, slower fermentation and experiments with unusual yeasts not commonly used within whisky distilling. Nc’nean matures its whisky on site in ex-bourbon, sherry and scraped, toasted, and re-charred ex-red wine casks, along with many other smaller and more unique cask experiments.  The high, narrow cut on the still helps to produce a purer spirit; the unusual lamp-glass-shaped stills encourage a gentle distillation and significant amounts of reflux, creating a lighter spirit that retains its fruity notes.  The Nc’nean ethos of sustainable production is embedded in everything it does. In July 2021 Nc’nean achieved verified net zero status for carbon emissions from its own operations (scope 1 and 2). It is the UK’s first whisky distillery to be classified as net zero for scopes 1 & 2 and reached its goal 20 years ahead of the industry target. In addition, all Nc’nean’s products are certified organic, its bottle is 100% recycled glass and it recycles or reuses 99.9% of its waste. Commentary from the author: This is a really gorgeous bottle, and a refreshing bit of innovation coming out of a newer Scottish distillery. I'm thrilled to see the notes on their gentle distillation with high reflux, the nod to the low and slow processes of old, and I'm always excited to hear about new experiments with yeast strains. Nc'nean provided me with samples of their products for the purposes of a review with no strings attached. I'm grateful to have the opportunity to try something new to me and will be patiently exploring a dram in accordance with the Amongst the Whiskey editorial policy . Let's jump into that pocket-sized review I promised you. Whisky Details Company on Label:   Nc'nean Whisky Type:  Single malt Scotch whisky Mash Bill Percentages:  100% organic Scottish barley Proof:  97 ° Age:  No age statement (NAS) Further identification:  This is a new release from a young Highland distillery, producing 6,153 bottles (630 for the US market), first available in September of 2024 at an MSRP of $120; the maturation casks used are 66% scraped, toasted, and recharred ex-red wine, 31% ex-American whiskey, and 3% oloroso sherry casks Pocket-Sized Flash Review Nose:  Upon lifting the glass to my nose, I'm immediately met with some classic malt tones such as sugar cookie and raspberry tart; it instantly reminds me of some of my old favorite Irish whiskeys. Further fervent inhales produce aromas of burlap sacks, potato skins, apricot, and I find my mind wandering towards a dusty museum filled with vintage clothes. It's a distinctly light spirit in the nose, dancing playfully in a comfortable wave, like a gossamer thin curtain blowing on the breeze through an open window. Time for a sip! Returning from a sip I find a warm cast iron wood stove lit to stave off winter's cold pouring in. There's certainly plenty of tart crust and crumbly cobbler aromas interwoven throughout this glass. Deeper inhales transport me to a cozy pub with wood tones abound, instilling a quiet mind, a widening smile, and a comfortable state of nostalgia. It's a light and ephemeral whisky, one that's not readily picked apart, that dances along the edges of memories not fully remembered, but distinctly felt. Later in the experience some darker tones prevail, like the damp air of an old town lined in cobblestone. The empty glass smells of light lavender, mountain moss, and dried apricot. Palate:  My first taste reveals a surprisingly cacophonous flavor explosion: peach, pear, and currant zip across the tongue in a tantalizingly quick flash of emotion. Another sip is less bashing and more cohesive as milk chocolate, coffee bean, raisin, and cherry cobbler slowly ooze over the taste buds. Sipping later in the glass shows off a well put together whisky, one that doesn't boast nearly as much fruit as I might have expected given the introduction, but shines in its oiliness and creaminess in the mouth. The finish is low, slow, and undulating with notes of vanilla bean custard and Spanish flan. TL;DR: Soft sipping whisky that perfectly nails the cobbler crust notes, but isn't quite fruity Rating:  3.5/5 ( Good enough. There's something to enjoy here.) This is a wonderful sipping whisky. My only qualm might be the price tag, when similarly oily and flavorful 14 year expressions simultaneously exist at around the $80 price point. I can certainly understand the inputs that Nc'nean are using are more costly than most other distillery counterparts, but I'm not sure the full potential of those design decisions have been realized in their aged spirit as of yet. I look forward to watching this distillery with bated breath as Annabel Thomas and team continue to innovate marvelously in the whisky world!

Some would consider a single barrel to be the ultimate definition of limited. Single barrels have been known to yield just a small number of bottles, ranging from a pretty standard range of 180–220 bottles from well-aged whiskey, as high as 267 if little to no evaporation occurred, or all the way down to something as crazy as just a handful of bottles on exceptionally 'short barrels'. Single barrels have been incredibly trendy in recent years, with enthusiasts across the country beating their chests claiming to have found one of the best of the best for themselves. Four Roses Limited Edition bucks that trend with a small batch, barrel strength bourbon that is a blend of many well-aged barrels. It's an opportunity for master distiller Brent Elliott to sign his name to what he considers his yearly masterpiece. This blend, consisting of bourbons from the OBSV, OESK, and OESF recipes, aims to balance the unique characteristics of each of these recipes  and how they matured in their own barrels into something that nearly everyone in the bourbon world can appreciate. This is quite the tall task as Brent picks through the delicate fruit, rye, baking spice, light grain, and minty tones these mash bills and yeast strains impart on the final product. The 2024 release yielded 16,680 bottles. While that number seems high, consider some of the market alternatives, like Pappy Van Winkle 15 year, boasting a similar age statement—that release might produce less than 5,000 bottles. It wouldn't be surprising given the age statements on the barrels for this project that Brent would have had to have blended something north of 200 barrels in order to produce this kind of yield with over 3300 gallons needed to be mixed. Mixing that kind of quantity into something of spectacular quality is no short order, so it's no surprise Brent decides to only undertake this kind of project once per year. Still, with 34 million regular whiskey drinkers in the US, it's not like there's a bottle waiting on the shelf for everyone, so with 16,680 bottles—an increase from 2023 which produced 15,600, the 'Limited Edition' distinction still clearly finds its mark here. I am blessed to have tried many of these bottlings through the years, including the original 2008 Mariage , the 2013 125th Anniversary , 2021 , 2022 , and 2023  limited edition releases. I've also enjoyed countless single barrel offerings  and even gone to the distillery to select my own  a handful of times. What has built in my mind since is a complete trust that the barrels aging in the Four Roses warehouses are capable of bourbon greatness. While the label bearing that name is not a guarantee of quality, it's certainly a good starting place. Let's see where the 2024 bottling of the Four Roses limited edition small batch barrel strength bourbon lands on my quality scale . Company on Label:  Four Roses Distillery Whiskey Type: Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey Mash Bill Percentages:  31% OBSV, 23% OESK, 39% OESF, and 7% OBSV, resulting in a derived average mash bill of 69.3% corn, 25.7% rye, and 5% malted barley Proof:  108.2° Age:  31% 12 year, 23% 15 year, 39% 16 year, and 7% 20 year, resulting in an average age of 14.81 years Further identification:  The 2024 release yielded 16,680 bottles, first available in the fall at an MSRP of $220 Nose:  Right up front is the classic barrel funk that comes with teenage age statements, alongside a distinct mintiness that the largest portion of the OESF recipe is known for can be found with little trouble. Oh yeah, that's well aged whiskey with zero flaws and zero tannic tones, which I'm quite glad for. Deep inhales produce vanilla biscotti tones and a light frothiness, as if you dunked the biscotti into a warm cappuccino. Warming the well-rested glass in my hands produces notes of leather, a light earthiness like slippery clay, and a bouquet of sweet floral tones like heliotrope and cherry blossom. Deep inhales offer hints of caramel and butterscotch before the prevalent woodshop aromas swing back in en masse. I reckon it's time for a sip here. Coming back from a few sips puts on a nose that continues to lean in on the wood tones while getting keen compliments from graham cracker and biscoff aromas. Honey-jasmine perfume makes the mind long and swoon for what is just out of reach. Late in the glass, I find a richness that is most welcome as the caramel and butterscotch tones from earlier take on a new potency. This is the kind of deep inhale nosing experience that results in deep, satisfying sighs and a wide smile. The empty glass smells of warm baked cinnamon coffee cake, graham cracker, leather, and white pepper. Palate:  My first sip reveals balanced cherry and mint—an odd combo to read in close proximity, but somehow it works just perfectly on this pour. The mouthfeel is silky but not too coating, leaving the impression of elderflower and a long-departed vanilla creaminess. Another sip raises the bar with distinct wood spice, soft crème fraîche, and honey-laden graham cracker. Overall, it's decadent, balanced, classy, relaxing, and sweet—everything you could ask for out of an easy-sipping, complex bourbon. Tasting later in the glencairn continues to impress as honeysuckle, light lavender tea, and thin slices of pear slowly shimmer across the taste buds. The mouthfeel continues to be very easy and approachable, as if a gossamer layer of silk were waving on a cool breeze across the tongue. Sipping near the bottom of the glass offers a well-rounded finish of cherry juice, grenadine, and red delicious apples. While this isn't the type of bourbon that leaves you with a profound, thought-provoking experience, it's an absolute masterclass in balance and flavor blending skill. My last taste is much like the sips that came before: perfectly integrated cinnamon baking spice, juicy pear, a quick pop of cherry, and a long linger of subtle mint and a general earthiness. Yum! TL;DR: Impeccably balanced bourbon that drinks classy, easy, and lovely Rating:  4.5/5 ( Absolutely delicious. Enthusiast grade pour. ) What an incredible masterclass in blending for drinkability this pour is. The 2024 release shines as an incredibly relaxing bourbon to sit with and sip slowly, to which I can certainly attest, as I spent the better part of 2 hours with this glass during this write-up. With the 2024 offering, Brent Elliott has proven once again why he has earned the title of master distiller at Four Roses, expertly blending huge quantities of the distillery's oldest stocks into something well-worth sipping. Savor this on its own, and you're in for an absolute treat of a bourbon with this pour. I'm certainly going to enjoy my bottle, but I likely won't have the itch to hunt for a backup at this price tag. If you're interested in how it stacks up against some of the other Four Roses Limited Edition releases, check out the blind flight I tasted through comparing the 2021, 2022, and 2023 releases below. You might be surprised where it landed! WRITTEN BY: NICK ANDERSON With nearly 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.

I've been a big fan of Cathead Distillery for a while now. Their 7 year Tintype Series # 1 really blew me away, and I've enjoyed many wonderful single barrel selections that Kappy's in Massachusetts has brought to the state in years past. When this new release dropped in the fall of 2023, I rushed out to buy one despite the higher cost this time around. I chalked it up to the 9 year age statement. Yet after a few tastes, this bottle has languished for an entire year on my to-do shelf. If that isn't telling enough, I'll honor my self-prescribed review obligation by finally getting around to a full write-up a full 365 days after I bought this bottle. You might be surprised by the rating below. The shelf will be glad to be rid of its tired companion. Why the long face with an expensive bottle, you might ask? Let's consult some of the internet's opinions before we get into things here. /u/mudsock_Indiana on Reddit  warns of the variation in the Tintype (TT) series, saying: Just be cautious when finding a TT Series 1 on the shelf. Series 1 first came out in 2021 with less than 1,100 cases. The second release of Series 1 came out in 2022 with a different proof, and MUCH better than the first batch in 2021. You could find the second batches on store shelves until about the Spring or early Summer of 2023. Then, in Fall of 2023, Cathead released a third batch of Series 1 with a different proof, and it’s still not as good or near the same as that second batch. Of course, the TT Series 2 was also released in Fall of 2023 and although it’s a 9 year, it doesn’t even hold up near as well as that second batch of TT Series 1. I’m quite the whack job for the TT series, so I do consider myself a bit of an enthusiast for that TT product only. I hadn't really known about the subtle label obfuscation with reality being three bottlings under the guise of Tintype 1 nomenclature. At the minimum, that's pretty deceitful and definitely not a practice I'd recommend modern whiskey bottlers attempt with a very well-educated whiskey drinking base championing the market. I dug in a little further and was able to find the three proofs, which was actually not that simple of a task, since the proof is tucked away on the back label on these, which nearly nobody ever takes a picture of unfortunately. Except for Brad Drell and myself, apparently. The first release of Tintype Series 1 was in 2021, bottled at 119.2 proof, according to the photo on Whiskey Jar Blog . I tried a sample of this bottling and remember enjoying it quite a bit, but not as much as the second bottling from 2022. Mark Pringle seems to have enjoyed it as well. The second release, and this is the one you'll want to hunt for if my review sounds up your alley , was bottled in 2022 at 122.3 proof. This was Cathead's claim to fame. It should celebrated, revered, and cherished—not used as a marketing crutch for future releases. Cathead currently lists a Tintype Series 1 on their website , which I have to assume is that third batch, released in 2023 at 119.5 proof. This is the one we saw show up at a higher cost than the 2022 bottling. I have not reviewed this bottle. Now that we've done our research, let's taste some new whiskey, shall we? Will Tintype Series 2 live up to the legend of the 2022 bottling of old? In accordance with my editorial policy , this whiskey was torturously tasted three times before I offered my well-triangulated opinion. On to the notes! Company on Label: Bottled by Cathead Distillery (distilled in Indiana) Whiskey Type: Straight Bourbon Whiskey Mash Bill Percentages: 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley Proof: 122.2 ° Age: 9 years Further identification: Tintype Series # 2 features blues artist Hermon Hitson with a tintype done by Timothy Duffy, it is still readily available at an MSRP of $159.99 (below the cost Cathead has it listed for ) Nose:  On first lifting the glass to my nose, I find a flat, muted profile that offers just hints of dry paper, corn husks, and musty cardboard boxes. Deep inhales produce little pleasure as dry vanilla and crushed-up alka-seltzer slowly drift into focus. Try as I might, there's just not much to find here. Time for a sip. Returning from a sip makes the nose even less enjoyable as things have turned towards a synthetic perfume aroma. Late in the glass, I struggle to pull meaningful enjoyment from the glass as my attention shifts immediately to thousands of other pours I'd rather have than this. The saving grace at the bottom of the glass are some marshmallow characteristics that can't be argued with. The empty glass smells of root beer barrel candy. Palate:  A touch of creamed corn leads the way on first taste before dry toffee, and just a flash of molasses registers on the linger. Subsequent sips are medicinal in character, with cherry cough syrup coming across as tannic and sharp. Late in the glass, more flavors do develop, such as oversteeped tea, ginger molasses cookies, and dry breadcrumbs. Overall the pour comes across a bit stale, like a baker trying to make one last pastry out of all the scraps from the previous projects. My last sip offers a profile akin to skim milk and almond butter; it does not sip like any whiskey I would expect to pour again. The finish is medium in duration at the end of the glass, offering hints of graham cracker and bland paper characteristics that remind me of accidentally eating part of your candy packaging. TL;DR: This is an upset stomach in a bottle; gas station sushi at Michelin pricing Rating:  2/5 ( Poor showing. Doesn't please my palate. ) I'm not the least bit surprised that this has been sitting on shelves everywhere I look, alongside the newly overpriced re-release of Tintype Series #1 . In a pretty egregious turn of events that likely transpired due to a glowing review of their second bottling of the 7 year Tintype bourbon , we saw Cathead re-release more Tintype series 1 at a different proof—pretty clearly a different blend, which is made clear with a release year on the back label as well. Myself, like many other enthusiasts took notice when this came back around. I rushed to pick up the new Series 2 because of the strong belief I had in the brand following that pinnacle whiskey I tasted before. Did they think we weren't going to notice? Does Cathead assume the average person won't be able to tell the difference? Are the palates on their team not able to differentiate what is high quality whiskey versus swill? Do you think they just get lucky with series 1? I think these are all fair questions, ones that should clearly shake any confidence one has for this brand. I'm certainly going to be looking at Cathead with pretty severe skepticism from here on out. NICK ANDERSON With nearly 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.

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (OCT. 28, 2024) – The Buffalo Trace Antique Collection has returned for the fall 2024 season, representing some of the finest whiskeys produced by America’s Oldest Continuously Operating Distillery. This year’s portfolio includes all five Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC) staples: Eagle Rare17-Year-Old Bourbon, George T. Stagg Bourbon, Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey, Sazerac 18-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, and William Larue Weller Bourbon. "William Larue Weller Bourbon shines among the Collection this year with its caramel notes and long, creamy finish. It's fitting that this year also marks the 25th anniversary of Sazerac Company's acquisition of the Weller brand,” stated Buffalo Trace Distillery Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley. "For more than two decades, we've worked hard to craft the signature flavors that whiskey enthusiasts love, both within the Weller brand and the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection. Our commitment to this tradition is stronger than ever, and we look forward to carrying it well into the future." Each expression in the Antique Collection is housed in a clear glass bottle, displaying its rich color. The back label on each bottle offers a detailed history and description of the whiskey. The limited-edition Buffalo Trace Antique Collection bottles are sold individually and available nationwide at a suggested retail price of $149.99 (local taxes and fees will vary). William Larue Weller Bourbon The 2024 William Larue Weller barrels aged over twelve years on the lower floor of a rick warehouse at Buffalo Trace Distillery at a barrel entry proof of 114. The Antique Collection’s uncut, unfiltered wheated recipe bourbon is hand-bottled at 125.8 proof and honors W.L. Weller, who pioneered the wheated bourbon recipe, substituting wheat for the traditional rye grain. On the nose of the 2024 William Larue Weller, a blend of new leather, light pipe tobacco, and caramel, enveloped by the warm sweetness of marshmallow and hints of ripe fruit. Rich caramel and toffee notes coat the palate with a long finish and oak, caramel, and fruit notes. The 2024 Global Whisky Challenge awarded last year’s William Larue Weller Bourbon “Best of Class” North America during the 2024 Global Whisky Challenge. Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old Bourbon Bottled at its initial strength of 101 proof in tribute to the original Eagle Rare brand launched in 1975, this year’s Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old Bourbon was distilled in the spring of 2007. On the nose, Eagle Rare 17 delivers complex notes of oak and caramel intertwined with subtle undertones of vanilla and pepper spice with a caramel sweetness evened by the spiciness of rye, toasted oak, and tobacco on the palate. A combination of caramel, pepper, leather, and oak, paired with roasted tobacco and dried fruit finishes this 17-year and 4-month-old whiskey. Last year’s Eagle Rare-17-Year-Old Bourbon marked the oldest release of the spirit since its inclusion in the Antique Collection. Several well-respected spirits competitions recognized the expression, including the 2024 Whiskies of the World Competition, where the 19-year-old whiskey won a Double Gold, Best in Class medal. George T. Stagg Bourbon Buffalo Trace Distillery first released George T. Stagg bourbon in 2002 in response to a consumer request for a well-aged, barrel-strength whiskey. The Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is known for its bold character reminiscent of its namesake, the original purchaser of O.F.C. Distillery, now famously recognized as Buffalo Trace Distillery. This year’s George T. Stagg sits at 136.1 proof and is comprised of barrels aged more than 15 years and two months. The whiskey presents a powerful aroma of deep aged wood, rich oak, and dark cherry. A layered profile of spice, oak, caramel, and a soft touch of cinnamon hit the palate. Its long and drying finish leaves a lasting impression of complexity and warmth. The 2024 International Whisky Competition awarded last year’s George T. Stagg First Place for the Best Bourbon, American, and Kentucky Whiskey. Sazerac 18-Year-Old Rye Whiskey Bottled at 18 years and five months and named after the official cocktail of New Orleans, the 2024 Sazerac 18-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey has scents of oak and leather with subtle hints of ripe plum, rye grain, and earthy undertones. Rye spice, smoke, dark cherry, and a touch of licorice jump on the palate. The finish on this year’s Sazerac 18-Year-Old Rye lingers gracefully, imparting subtle hints of tobacco and charred oak. The 2023 Sazerac 18-Year-Old Rye was honored with the Gold “Outstanding” Medal in the 2024 International Wine and Spirits Competition. Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey The team at Buffalo Trace Distillery filled the barrels for this year’s Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey at 125 proof over six years ago. This uncut, unfiltered whisky is now 127.2 proof, bumping up in alcohol percentage from last year’s nearly 125 offering. Inspired by the bartender who first used rye whiskey in the original Sazerac cocktail, Thomas H. Handy is bottled directly from the barrel, honoring its traditional method from over a century ago. The 2024 Thomas H. Handy is bold and invigorating with scents of freshly cracked black pepper and cinnamon. Spice and oak flavors are prominent, with a long-lasting finish of cinnamon, pepper, and clove. The 2023 Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey was awarded a Double Gold Medal at the 2024 Singapore World Spirits Competition. Note from the authors: We are certainly looking forward to exploring the 2024 releases of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection. This highly esteemed array of bottles has long been on the Amongst the Whiskey review cycle, and quality seems to be paramount in every one of these limited bottlings. As a self-proclaimed Stagg man , Nick Anderson is most looking forward to trying George T. Stagg , while ace author and resident rye hound Jes Smyth is most excited for the Sazerac 18 year. We know these are going to be only available in limited numbers and quite hard to find, so we hope to be able to guide your hunt this release season! WRITTEN BY: THE AMONGST THE WHISKEY TEAM Nick Anderson and Jes Smyth combine to bring decades of whiskey sipping experience to Amongst the Whiskey . Both regarded as patient, trustworthy, and thorough tasters, they have earned the respect of whiskey enthusiasts near and far.

I've been tasting this release in different capacities since first being introduced to it by a good friend back in October of 2023 shortly after it started hitting shelves. Now on my 5th individual tasting in 5 months of this bottle on a fresh palate, I'm confident that I've definitively explored everything there is to experience on this bottle. It's an intricate story; a tale I've grappled with since my first taste. How might I rate this bottle? Unfortunately at this point, I have been exposed to quite a few opinions and even seen some of my fellow industry writers finish their own reviews of this release. My conundrum? I've disagreed with just about everyone else's opinion on this one. Fans crazy enough to track down this limited edition release are undoubtedly aware of the whole 10 recipe  spiel. Anyone who's been reading my reviews for long enough also knows I thoroughly love Four Roses  and always look forward to the yearly limited edition release. To further illustrate this point, the 2022 release  managed to earned my incredibly elusive 5/5 score  and I'm quite scrupulous about what earns the tail end of the bourbon quality distribution. That said, this isn't as impossible-to-get as the likes of Pappy Van Winkle (a foolish endeavor, but I'll save that for another review ) with a bottle count all the way up at 15,060. That means about a 3,000 gallon blending tank (15,060 x 750mL = 11,295,000mL) was used to mix up this batch for consistency across the board. Now in it's 16th release, the limited edition offering has become a core part of the Four Roses identity. With Brent Elliott at the helm since taking over from Jim Rutledge in 2015 and his 10 prior years of experience with the brand, there has been a common hand (and palate) in every one of these batches. Not every batch has been stellar - that's the fickle nature of bourbon. I recently had the opportunity to try the 125th anniversary release from 2013 and found it to be a little lackluster overall. Regardless of the realization of satisfying the neediest of whiskey nerd needs, the Four Roses brand in general has seen wild success in recent years . I've been to the distillery several times to do single barrel selections for my local retailer, and I know they make damn good bourbon. But how good is this particular release? You might have the same question, my dear reader. Before you go out and drop $200 on a bottle of whiskey, wouldn't you like to know if you're going to enjoy it? Let's dive in and see if we can't get a few of those lingering questions answered. Company on Label:   Four Roses Distillery Whiskey Type:  Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Mash Bill Percentages:  A blend of Four Roses' two mash bills 95% E mash bill (75% corn, 20% rye, 5% malted barley) 5% B mash bill (60% corn, 35% rye, 5% malted barley) Proof:  108 ° Age:  12 years (a blend of 12-25 year barrels) 40% 14 year OESK barrels 35% 12 year OESV barrels 20% 16 years OESV barrels 5% 25 years OBSV barrels Further identification:  The 135th Anniversary bottling from Four Roses first released in September of 2023 at an MSRP of $200; I am reviewing bottle 276 of 15,600 Nose:  On first raising the glass to my nose I find rich oak is most dominant. The age on this is almost unbearable, holy smokes! Traditional notes that accompany double digit age statements can readily be found throughout: caramel, molasses, anise, carraway, clove, French tarragon, and allspice all bubble up in potent waves. There's a good bit of wood smoke and old varnish stuck in the glass that acts like a screen for some of the more delicate notes beneath. A touch of sandalwood, a note I'm quite sensitive too personally, sticks out on the well-rested glass. Deep inhales produce more dry oak, light vanilla, leather, brown sugar, graham cracker, black pepper, and dark, burnt bread. The highlight of the pour here is clearly all the age and I don't really find any of the base recipe characteristics I know and love. Let's have a sip. Sticking my nose back into the glass shows off charcoal and cacao powder. Beyond that, I find this has turned rather reserved and ultimately a little boring. The potency of the prior notes has all but vanished, notably a positive for the sandalwood tone, but disappointing overall. As I continue my exploration, everything continues to be light on the nose, telling me this might be a better fit for the Summer rather than the Winter. With further rest a bit of caramel creeps back in. Subtle red berry undertones are trying their hardest to poke out, but continue to be buried by a cloud of obfuscation. Bits of cinnamon and well-oiled leather can be discovered by the patient observed. The empty glass smells of old wooden crates, smoke, light raspberry vinaigrette, damp soil, oak bark, confectioners sugar, juniper berries, and fluffy, unadorned pancakes. This is a bit of a wild conclusion to an otherwise insipid pour if you ask me. Palate:  My first taste shows off great stewed plum, apricot, and cherry cordial. The mouthfeel is on the thinner end with subtle amaretto sticking around, but it's notably not drying despite all the age behind the blend. Another sip builds upon some of the traditional wood spice with parallels to some tannin-forward Merlot examples; black cherry, blackberry, and plum do well to stave off the black pepper and allspice onslaught I can feel waiting in the wings. I also find vanilla pudding, crème brûlée and bocconcini mozzarella cheese balls at times. The linger is semi-sweet, featuring prominent Earl Gray tea, as well as patisserie treats like raspberry tart and vanilla macaron that show off some unpretentious class. Back end hints of mint and lemon peel give this a little bit of depth that I am craving. Late in the glass I find little evolution beyond the well-crafted flavor triangle of wood, fruit, and spice. It's not high-flying, eyebrow-raising, or hair-on-end quality, but I can taste the intention that went into the blend. My last sip is tannic up front, sweeping across the tongue like cherry fun dip, before blooming into nutmeg, anise, and rich caramel brittle. TL;DR: A rather austere hyper-aged blend, surprising for what is normally an exceptional release Rating:  3/5 ( Decent. I can go either way on it. ) Overall I find this to be a little lacking on both nose, palate and finish. There's certainly no sharp edges, but it almost comes across too cohesive - a blend that fades into the crowd despite all its crazy age. While this is absolutely enjoyable, I could definitely live without it. I would not say the same about the 2022 release , which captured my heart and attention at every sip and moment of zen with nose in glen. I have enjoyed some wonderful moments with this bottle, notably sharing a dram with my dad while we were out on a February hike through the woods that was inherently beautiful, likely more to do with the scenery and the company. While any whiskey has the power to be exceptional when put in the right situation, it's the patient, objective evaluation of whiskey quality over several thoughtful tastings that drives me to continue to provide these reviews to you, my dear reader. I hope that you appreciate the tactfulness and can overlook how long it took me to get this out to print. I'd love to hear if you agree or disagree with my rating down in the comments!

Established in 1871 by Alexander Wilson & Co. and located near the town of Buckie in the Speyside region of Scotland, Inchgower Distillery is one of many in the  Diageo portfolio . Inchgower is a significant player in the blending game and is most notable for producing rich, full-bodied whisky with a hint of coastal brininess. According to scotchwhisky.com , a hotter-than-usual second water during the quick mashing regime drives the spicy characteristic forward, which cuts back any overt nuttiness. There's also a distinct waxy characteristic that can be found (similar to another coastal plant we adore ) due to the steeply angled lyne arms on the stills. Inchgower's history includes being one of few distilleries briefly owned by the town council after the Wilsons declared bankruptcy in 1936, to then be purchased by Arthur Bell two years later, which would eventually absorb into Guinness, bringing Inchgower to the Diageo portfolio as of present. It's a distillery that certainly isn't new to the robust single malt scotch scene (say that three times fast) but may be overlooked as only a workhorse in the whisky world. Inchgower is most often used as a blending component for the well-known brand Johnnie Walker, along with distilleries under the Diageo umbrella, most notably Clynelish, an Amongst the Whiskey Team favorite. But like Clynelish, Inchgower also produces limited-release single malt bottlings, often through independent bottlers like Douglas Laing and Signatory, and, as you can tell from the picture above, had, once upon a time, participated in the legendary  Manager's Dram's Tasting Sessions . While Inchgower may not be as widely recognized as some of its Speyside neighbors , we believe it deserves as much attention as some of the other Goliaths in the Speyside region, (we're looking at you, Glenfiddich ). There is, however, a dedicated following of malt-manic enthusiasts who can be found waxing poetic  over the power of this unique single malt scotch whisky, especially for those who appreciate a deeper, more robust whisky style. This Manger's Dram bottle was a door prize during the June 2024 Whisky Legends tasting hosted by the abundantly generous Gregory Cloyd. Armed with a well-calibrated palate, the Amongst the Whiskey Team (Nick and Jes, respectively) were fortunate enough to explore this bottle together over several days the following month. After we sat with our third tasting, we agreed that an encore review of an already robust Manager's Dram review series would be necessary. So, how did Inchgower land? Read on to find out. Company on Label:  Inchgower Whiskey Type:  Single malt scotch whisky Mash Bill Percentages:  100% malted barley Proof:  117.8 ° Age:  13 years (distilled in 1994 and bottled in June 2007) Further identification:  On the front label: "Specially selected by Malt Distillery Managers within Diageo Distilling Ltd and bottled at natural strength", which was selected by manager Ian Breen Nick's Thoughts Nose:  My goodness, upon lifting the glass, I find myself in the midst of a field of wildflowers, the bees buzzing along happily ignoring my presence. A wave of honeysuckle swirls into the nostrils as jasmine, vanilla, and lavender wash over the senses. When I talk about the ephemeral beauty of whisky, this type of whisky is precisely what I am thinking of. This glass is beauty, nostalgia, and perfection in a moment. It's stopping to pay attention to the sounds of nature in the aromatic garden. It's a 1998 box of honeycomb cereal . It's comfortable, like lying in bed late into the morning as the bright sun tries to peer through the blinds covering the windows. The empty glass smells of simple scones, and a full circle return to the field of wildflowers. Palate:  Upon sipping this liquid silk, a surprise punch of wood spice tingles across the tongue. Sipping it feels like having a malt on the bartop of your favorite pub. I find lemon tea, hibiscus, grenadine, and pomegranate as I sip through patiently. It's a tingly, effervescent dram with a mouth coating that lingers long in a way that feels like you've just had a great, creamy cigar. Hints of allspice, clove, and black pepper are surprising but quite welcome in the linger. Sipping late in the glass offers some sweet honey butter tones that remind me of the legendary old Clynelish B malts. My last sip is a delicate dance between creamy, sweet, and spiced—everything I look for in a complex, robust, and delicious whisky. It finishes resinous, fat, and creamy all the way through with some vegetal undertones. This is a wonderful single malt whisky. Jes's Thoughts Nose:  Immediately, my eyes flutter shut, and my mind exhales a wistful sigh of appreciation. I'm taken to a seaside town in the middle of a farmer's market as a lightly salted breeze mixes with smells of soft baked pretzels, jars of artisan honey, and oversized crêpes filled with cream and strawberries. Upon deeper inhales, freshly cut flowers bloom from the glass, roses, and gardenia stems, plucked from black buckets and wrapped in a simple white paper. Goodness, I could spend hours with this nose, lounging, legs crossed, smiling wide. The empty glencairn smells like a sparkling saltwater pool surrounded by prairie grasses and purple clovers. Palate: Wow. The soft velvet mouthfeel is a beautiful juxtaposition to the burst of spices jumping on my tastebuds. I want to linger on the intro, but the flavors transition gorgeously, like a perfectly curated album meant to be listened to in original song order. There's lemon black tea with spoonfuls of honey, tingly black pepper, rich brown clove, and creamy hints of ruby red grapefruit. There's a comfortable beauty to this sip like a familiar night sky cluttered with stars and the awe felt every time you look up. The linger is long and evolving. This dram is determined to not be forgotten any time soon. My final sips are abundantly creamy with a wonderful heat of sweetness. The finish is as wistful as the first smell, with eyes closed and a mind swooning over this delightful whisky. TL;D R: creamy, sweet, and spicy notes will guide you on this wistful journey of complex flavors Rating:  4.5/5 ( Absolutely delicious. Enthusiast grade pour. ) Fans of bolder, spicier American whiskey like bourbon and rye will find a lot to love in this dram. Sip this alongside the 1990s hit "The Power" by SNAP! for maximal enjoyment. Written by: The Amongst the Whiskey Team NICK ANDERSON & JES SMYTH

Why so limited? Well, when it sells out instantly from anywhere from a $449  to a $800  price tag, there's probably some good whiskey within. How do you know when one of these rarities is hitting your area, though? How many 'connections' do you need to find it? If it were truly an "IYKYK" world, these would never have to go through a retail partner, would they? The best of the best barrels would sit in personal collections, being sipped off for the next hundred years. Thanks to visionaries like Pablo Moix, Rare Character is bringing these barrels to the well-educated public. Education. That's how you know when one of these gems is ready to hit your glencairn. Pay attention. Read, support, and revere the best independent whiskey reviewers  of our generation. There are good people trying to connect you with the right whiskey if you stop to listen. You might be wondering what gets me excited in the whiskey world a decade into my own tasting journey. When so many enthusiasts seem to be falling out of the industry, I'm still finding things to love. Admittedly, I've also turned to dusties, as many of us do when the same-old gets same-old. I enjoy pre-prohibition whiskey, Pennsylvania ryes, and anything pot distilled, but I really get excited when a knowledgeable friend goes out of their way to let me try something truly exceptional. So what does one seek out to continue to impress passionate whiskey enthusiasts? What could you possibly bring to your next bottle share or intimate tasting in 2024? You'll draw no ire with a bottle of Brook Hill in tow, I can confirm. This one was passed around fervently at a recent meeting of the minds, where it was greeted with raised eyebrows and a whole lotta wows from my circle of friends. Ready for a review? I know I am. Let's dive in to the latest and greatest from Rare Character. Company on Label:  Rare Character Whiskey Company Whiskey Type: Straight rye whiskey Mash Bill Percentages:  Undisclosed Indiana rye mash bill Proof:  132° Age:  11 years Further identification:  This is Fresco , single barrel number 1709, a special selection from Pablo Moix; the bottle under review is bottle 67/69 Nose:  Leading with lemon custard cake, silky peach flambé, and vanilla bean pound cake—my heart and mind immediately melt into this glass. Hints of black pepper, maple-glazed ham, and rosemary produce an instant classic; this is a complex rye for the ages. Leaning in on piney, woodsy tones, I find myself transported to the great wilderness of Alaska, somewhere that pinnacle ryes like pre-prohibition Sam Thompson often take me to. Long inhales let you know this is aged to perfection: aromas of old, creaky floorboards, good diner coffee, lemon hard candy, reduced beurre blanc, and allspice dram are well integrated and unctuously presented. There is little evidence of the proof showing up in the nose, but it's not lacking in volume in the least. Let's go in for a taste. Coming back from a sip reveals aromas of the verdant spring forests of the Pacific Northwest after a rain. Flan, pine, and rich buttery biscuits are all impressive layers here. It's woody to the max, without overdoing it; put it somewhere in that 2020 George T. Stagg range with linen, woodshop aromas, and bowling alley blues. Butterscotch pudding is a lovely completion to the pour before the empty glass reveals notes of lemon tea, potpourri, vintage whiskey, and American Spirit mellow yellows. Palate:  My first taste is zesty and bright, leading with red licorice, lime agua fresca, juicy grapefruit, and raspberry chamomile tea. The mouthfeel is wonderfully oily, thick, coating, resinous, and delicious, as lemon tang and caviar impress the senses. It's got this earthiness that calls for an adventure, but a classiness that says, "How about champagne instead?" The linger is long and tingly in the lips and gums—way more high-flung and exciting than any bourbon in recent memory. Subsequent sips are buttery, bold, and bright on the tongue. This drinks vintage, level, bougie, and blissful. The finish yields an unquantifiable duration of coffee ice cream, sweet Jimmies (sprinkles for you non-New Englanders), and Pillsbury crescent rolls. Yum. TL;DR: Eye widening, truly divine whiskey; if rye is on the come up, this is the act to follow Rating:  5/5 ( Pinnacle whiskey. A true rarity in quality. ) This whiskey is nuts. It handily blows away the " Want " rye barrel that was distributed in Massachusetts by a pretty strong margin, and that's saying something for this whiskey to be stomping on the number 6 spot on the top 24 rye whiskeys  list that we put together at the end of August. Brook Hill is most definitely going down in the history books when we look back at another golden era in whiskey. Sip this alongside Backpackers by Childish Gambino . NICK ANDERSON With nearly 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.

Anyone who has paid attention to the craft distillery movement recently will have likely heard of Middle West Spirits. As one of the first craft distilleries in Ohio, Middle West has played a significant role in contributing to the growth of the craft distillery movement, even paving the way for other craft distilleries in Ohio . As such, when an influential distillery in the middle of the West releases its first cask strength offerings for one of its core three products, there's a little bit of an unavoidable buzz. Get it? Since its initial release, one of Middle West Spitis's hallmarks has been its Dark Pumpernickel rye. This expression is a testament to the innovation Middle West pursues and the boundaries they are willing to push when it comes to unique and complex whiskey. So, it may go without saying that a cask strength offering of this fan favorite has garnered much attention, to the point of selling out. Thank you to the folks at Middle West for providing this bottle as a gift and in celebration of their 16-year milestone. I am humbled any time a bottle is sent as a thanks for supporting a distillery. The reviewing process, however, will remain the same as with any other bottle I sit with for an extended time to get to know it better. So, what did this cask-strength pumpernickel have to say? Read on to find out. Company on Label:  Middle West Spirits Whiskey Type:  Straight rye whiskey Mash Bill Percentages: 80% dark pumpernickel rye, 10% non-GMO yellow corn, 5% soft red winter wheat, 5% barley Proof:  125.7 ° Age:  4 years Further identification:   One of three flagship offerings from Middle West that have been bottled at cask strength for an MSRP of $69.99 Nose:  Upon first lifting the glass, I'm struck by a rather distinct quality entering my nose, like bran muffins baking in the oven and saturating the air. The volume here is substantial, with a lovely pumpernickel rye spice that reminds me of cinnamon-stewed plums. A few swirls release a bit of earthiness, like picking mint leaves while kicking up dirt during a moonlit walk. The fruitiness is abundant with ripened plums and late-in-the-season grapes dropping from the vine—the mature and tired ones. The uniqueness has me curious about what I will taste. I shall wait no longer! Returning to the nose after a sip ushers in more proof, my nose scrunches slightly at it. The sweet and spicy quality, however, is holding, and takes me to a darkened kitchen for a midnight snack as comforting and satisfying as this. There is a slight hint of cork, a possible result of the bottle being shipped on its side when it usually wouldn't have otherwise. Late in the glass brings in black tea and more mint. The empty glencairn smells like the bottom of a cake dish pan with a sticky charred crumb layer that no one ever wants to have to clean. Palate:  Salted caramel chews lead the way, followed most ardently by purple plums and dark cherries. Sweet on sweet doesn't last long before the rye spice rushes in, notably nutmeg, cinnamon, and cardamom. A sizzle of grilled lemon dances across my tongue as the finish moves into a minty, sugary dessert. A tootsie roll lands in the palm of my hand, warm and soft from being in my pocket. Additional sips swing between being too hot and totally fine. The linger is moderate with a hint of fennel seed and a whisper of something metallic. The heat of the proof begins to overwhelm my palate as I get closer to finishing my pour. The last sip reminds me of that scoop of jello on a plate filled with all the fixings for Thanksgiving; adding it to your plate made sense then, but now you're not too sure you want to finish it. TL;DR: a range of unique flavors make for a memorable, albeit somewhat hot, cask strength rye Rating:  3.5/5 ( Good enough. There's something to enjoy here. ) There is no shortage of craft and flavor when it comes to this pour, nor is there a question that this is cask strength. I don't consider myself sensitive to proof but rather aware of the delicate balance required for cask-strength spirits. After speaking of my woes to my fellow whiskey reviewer, he suggested a few drops of water, and I was astounded by the difference. With just a few drops of water, the heat dampened, and the flavors amplified, as did my wish that the entire bottle could taste like this. A sage reminder that it's important to take your glencairn into your own hands and do what you feel is right . In this case, it was water. We're at a unique time in the world of whiskey, where the options are too many for any one person to try in their lifetime. Even so, I'd like to see more patience being exercised with distilleries in finding a whiskey's fullest potential, one drop of water at a time. Not all cask strength whiskeys are meant to be cask strength, so experiment with your pours; sometimes, the results are better than what's in the bottle! 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.

15 Stars: named in honor of Kentucky's legacy of being the 15th state on the historical 15 star and 15 stripe US flag. As for the "First West" distinction, that comes from the same factoid, double clicking in to give a nod to the fact that the 1795 addition of Kentucky was the first state west of the Appalachians, in a 3-state region known as America's First West. I'd like to thank 15 Stars for providing the bottle pictured for the purposes of a review with no strings attached. Company on Label:  15 Stars Whiskey Type:  Blend of straight rye whiskeys Mash Bill Percentages:  Undisclosed Proof:  105° Age:  6 years (blend of 6, 7, and 8 year ryes) Further identification:  This is bottle number 2485 from batch 2-SSDD, a blend of sourced whiskeys from KY, IN, and TN, still available at an MSRP of $89.99 Nose:  On first inhale, I find a bright, lively whiskey. It offers dry grape skins, plum, and Columbian coffee beans up front before some unmitigated ethanol and sharp, disjointed edges show the evidence of rushed blending. Deep inhales remind me of fresh earth cover scent wafers. Hints of savory tones are not quite distinct but subtly reminiscent of a distant whiff of vinegar. Vanilla quickly replaces that smell in a tumultuously changing glass. The empty glass offers aromas of campfire ash, tin can, and dead pine needles. Palate:  At first sip, a wave of zest skitters across the tongue with grapefruit and lemon curd. The linger that follows carries a mild pomelo character and a general feeling of booziness, like a gin cocktail might. Another sip offers pine needle tea and tannic acorn vibes that are less-than-enjoyable on the tongue. My last sip distinctly reminds me of some younger Irish whiskey blends that have forfeited balance for price. TL;DR: A multitude of clashing aromas and tasting notes make for a disjointed blend Rating:  2.5/5 ( Okay whiskey. Nothing special about this pour. ) This is a messy, weird whiskey. While nowhere near unpleasant to drink, it doesn't offer me any excitement either. While I've seen plenty of people fervently offering praise to what 15 Stars is putting out these days, this 6 year First West rye is just not for me. I'd be glad to revisit the brand, as I don't think this is their best work. NICK ANDERSON With nearly 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.

What do you think of when you read the words transparency, integrity, and honesty? Do you think of whiskey? James Saunders, a seasoned whiskey enthusiast turned founder of New England Barrel Company , certainly does, and for good reason: he built his brand around those words. Developed in 2020, New England Barrel Company began as a brand that could possibly equalize the overabundance of mediocre sourced whiskey in the market, as Saunders shared with me in a quick conversation: New England Barrel Co. was formed because of how often large contract manufacturers allow a lot of subpar whiskey to reach the shelves. I was tired of friends getting bad $50-60 bottles of sourced small batch offerings or spending $80 on a 2-year-old craft distilled product, not feeling like they got their money's worth, and then swearing off craft. Personally, I have my opinions on the quality of sourced whiskey. I've been burnt one too many times by recommendations from a friend of a friend of someone. My trust in the quality of curated whiskey brands has definitely taken a hit as a result. But surely there must be good barrels waiting to be discovered, even if it's sourced, right? Saunders thinks so and offers extra reassurance to us, weary whiskey consumers, before handing over our trust and money willy-nilly. You may find comfort in transparency, one of the key tenets of the New England Barrel Company brand. I know I do. But not without a few questions first, like who NEBCo sources their whiskey from. Ask, and Saunders will answer: We started with Green River and MGP, contract distill now at Bardstown Bourbon Company but ~25% of our barrel holding come from craft distillers with minimal distribution. Saunders holds roughly 150-200 barrels at a time and is set on not scaling past this number. The barrels contain a range of bourbons from Jim Beam, Barton, and Green River, and ryes from MGP exclusively for the 95/5 mash bill. He openly disapproves of barely legal ryes (hear-hear, James!). Are you curious about the bottle itself? What about the label or the wax? I was. Ask James, and he'll tell you about his conversation with himself about not letting "perfection be the enemy of the good" when it came to the wax. Even the smallest details on the label, like the birds, hold meaning. This particular label with the lighthouse is not original to the brand; different iterations have existed since 2020. But, according to Saunders, the evolution of his labels falls in perfect symmetry with the evolution of the New England Barrel Company brand, which he affectionately refers to as his "fifth child." The birds on the label represent his wife and four children, by the way, and spoiler: the wax really isn't that difficult to get through. I also wondered what the future holds for New England Barrel Company. I didn't even have to ask; Saunders is literally an open book. Come 2025, Saunders hopes to highlight more distilleries in their single-barrel program (like Green River and Bardstown Bourbon Company, for example) along with craft distilleries as well. He believes, along with many of those paying attention to market trends, that the future of the whiskey industry is unstable and will likely be hurting hard soon. The possibility of 300 craft distilleries going under in the next year is a reality we are already starting to see unfold. It's with this thought in mind that he wants to be as transparent as possible about who he is representing in the single barrels and in New England Barrel Company's blends, which is his current significant initiative. With a focus on well-priced blends, New England Barrel Company offers small batch blends that also push the envelope on what many may consider an acceptable age statement for "good whiskey." Many of these blends are age-stated at 3+ years, a fact Saunders will not hide, and also perhaps a challenge posed to those who believe lower-aged whiskey simply cannot taste good. Saunders is determined to change this narrative, one bottle at a time and, in the near future, one taste at a time at a brick-and-mortar operation. As of early October 2024, Saunders received approval to open a small retail and tasting room in Reading, Massachusetts. This space will also have the capacity to house a blending and bottling production. The tasting room will offer the core blends of New England Barrel Company, as well as limited releases, experimental batches, and single barrels, with a hopeful opening date of Spring 2025. With so much to look forward to, an evident passion behind the brand, and nothing to hide, it's reasonable to conclude that the whiskey inside is likely the star shining bright for all of us to try. This single barrel rye release, selected for Liquor Junction, sold out within hours and has garnered a bit of attention from whiskey enthusiasts who keep an eye on up-and-coming brands. I was fortunate enough to snag my first-ever bottle of New England Barrel Company recently and am thrilled to taste and review it. So, without further ado (and rhyming), let's dive in! Company on Label:  New England Barrel Company Whiskey Type:  Straight rye whiskey Mash Bill Percentages: 95% corn, 5% rye Proof:  131.04 ° Age: 11.5 years Further identification:  This is a single barrel selected by Liquor Junction in collaboration with Amongst the Whiskey founder, Nick, and select whiskey enthusiasts from Massachusetts Nose:  The smells wafting out of my glass have my eyebrows rising excitedly. Leading the way is melted butter, ready to be poured into a mixing bowl for lemon bars that will be packed for a leisurely stroll through sun-warmed pine trees with a crisp fall breeze. Wow. All of that just from my first smell. What else is in here? Okay. YUM. This smells like a slow and decadent Saturday morning—lounging in your pajamas until noon, kind of slow, with thick slices of cinnamon-spiced coffee cake covered in rich buttercream icing and tiny nibbles from milk chocolate-covered caramels because chocolate in the mornings should be normalized. Returning to the nose after a sip is a revisit of pajamas and a second breakfast (or third if you're a Hobbit); instead of maple syrup, there's a dusting of cinnamon sugar. There's also lemon tea and baked peaches covered in the crumble of a cobbler. Late in the glass is sweet and nostalgic with a hint of bubblegum. The empty glencairn smells like a vintage candy shop. Palate:  The creaminess found on the nose has transferred straight to my tongue. What a treat. Speaking of, this tastes like a generous second helping of lemon custard with a berry tart on the side. Goodness, though, there's an excellent cakeiness to this mouthfeel and this rye spice, wow! Take me to a well-worn couch with a plate of gingerbread cake and cream cheese frosting. After a few sips, the flavors continue to reveal themselves, like lifting the lids of chaffing dishes at an all-you-can-eat brunch buffet; there's so much to be found here. Caramel chews, lemon candy, and the slightest hint of artisan root beer that leans into a fun sense of nostalgia. Late in the glass, I find grilled peaches, fresh granola from a farmers market, and the tinest hint of dill, like a giggle escaping during a quiet moment of serious reflection. My farewell sip is a lovely mug of lemon tea and flakey fruit-filled Danish. TL;DR: With flavors that are ready to impress, prepare yourself for a ride; this rye is not shy! Rating:  4.5/5 ( Absolutely delicious. Enthusiast grade pour. ) Sometimes, all it takes is one bottle to become a fan of a brand. Sometimes, it takes many. More often than not, it never happens. I am happy to say my first experience with New England Barrel Company has them solidly on my list of brands to watch, with a bunch of hearts surrounding their name like I would do in my yearbook next to the picture of the boy I had a crush on. Yes, I think it's safe to say I have a crush on this brand, and when that happens, I do things outside of the norm, like hop on YouTube for a live review of this pour with esteemed Amongst the Whiskey reviewer: Nicholas Paul Anderson . 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.

Early on in the toasted barrel finishing craze that Michter's first championed in 2014 with their first releases of toasted barrel bourbon and rye. I remember adoring the 2018 toasted sour mash and the ever-fickle 2020 toasted rye , Both of those expressions, alongside the first release of Elijah Craig toasted barrel,  were some of the first whiskeys that really nailed one of my favorite tasting notes: marshmallow. 10 years into the dynamic landscape of finishing barrels, has Michter's perfected the recipe? Are they hitting a consistent stride or continuing to innovate? Without any further insights from our busy friends at the Shively distillery, we'll just have to taste it to find out. You may be surprised to learn that I generally disapprove of the practice of "double oaking" and "toasted barrel finishing" whiskey. The reason for this wary mind really lies in the science of barrel aging and what happens during different phases of whiskey maturation. Even the longest open-air seasoning durations won't fully strip new white American oak of its inherent tannins. Early in the process of aging whiskey, these harsher tannins dominate the flavor profile of younger whiskey. Often this will come across as dry, chalky, or bitter in the mouth. As the years go by, these tannins get less noticeable, perhaps through precipitation or degradation of those youthful tannins or a masking impact of other powerhouse molecules like esters and aldehydes. When well-aged whiskey gets re-barreled into new oak, it is effectively de-aging whiskey. It seems really counterintuitive to me, so I've never really understood the craze to keep doing this kind of finishing. Alas, Michter's has managed to continue to pull it off pretty darn well, so I'll keep an open mind for today's exploration. Heck, I already came out and said it was one of my favorite things I tasted at Kentucky Bourbon Fest , believe it or not. Before we move into a review, I'd like to mention that because this is a batched product, your mileage may vary if the batch number on the neck of the bottle differs from mine. Now let's go! Company on Label:  Michter's Distillery LLC Whiskey Type: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Mash Bill Percentages:  Undisclosed Kentucky bourbon mash bill (min 51% corn) Proof:  91.4° Age:  NAS Further identification:  Batch 24H2817 was first bottled in August of 2024, I first sampled this year's release in September with Andrea Wilson at Kentucky Bourbon Fest; it's now hitting shelves at an MSRP of $110, though I was able to buy this for myself at $99.99 in Massachusetts Nose:  The aromas from a distance almost comes across like an early exploration of Jim Beam or Jack Daniel's—when you're first getting into whiskey and almost everything is new and exciting. As I lift it to my nose properly, I find bananas foster, crème caramel, and cinnamon-loaded churros. My first experience has me nodding along, thinking, "Okay, this is definitely bourbon." It's a touch thin and dry, though part of that may be due to the temperature in my neglected glass as I wrote up the introduction here. Warming my glencairn in my hands, I find salted caramel and sandy seashores. Working in deeper, a warm baked pretzel characteristic I really enjoy crops up. There's just a hint of smokiness that is reminiscent of a waft of a distant charcoal grill going on a crisp, cold evening. The empty glass smells of milk duds and mascarpone cheese. Palate:  My first sip is a stark surprise, contrasting the nose as cherry cordial, milk chocolate, and raspberry jam ooze across the taste buds. Another quick sip reiterates a fervent excitement as caramel macchiato, vanilla biscotti, and fluffy pancake slowly work their way through all my senses. It's inherently bourbony, which is rather unsurprising as what I'm sipping is a bourbon, but I find it takes it just that micro-step further and really delivers on some nuance against the classic flavors. The linger is on the shorter end, which creates an unfortunate urge to sip this faster than I normally would during a longform review tasting. Sipping later in the glass offers some lovely hints of brown sugar, molasses, and a strong linger of toffee. The finish is nearly nonexistent as a swirl of wind blows expectations out the window. As patience dwindles, I venture into my last sip. Oh my... the golden idol  has been found. My Indiana Jones treasure has been found! Marshmallow, at last, if only for a fleeting moment! As the cave crumbles around me and the boulder lurches towards my impending doom, I find the comfortable embrace of the previously truant finish. Pop-Tart crust, artichoke dip, and crunchy toffee chunks come together in a truly eclectic mix. TL;DR: Well, this was an odd pour... slightly off bourbon tones feel tampered with somehow Rating:  3/5 ( Middle of the road whiskey. An average showing. ) Like many of the other examples of toasted barrel, I'm once again fairly disappointed with a light, fickle, young-feeling dram. I know Michter's is capable of much better than this, but I understand the need to keep filling a demand that so clearly exists. I may just need to start bowing out of that demand pool personally, as there are plenty of other offerings from the core Michter's lineup that I enjoy and a few special releases I truly adore (looking at you, Michter's 10 year rye ). Why the big dichotomy between my experience at KBF and now? I wonder if it was the phenomenon of experiences being elevated when tasting in front of the master of maturation, or perhaps it's just the natural variation batch to batch with these fickle toasted barrels. I may not have all the answers, but I sure have a well-calibrated data point for you. I hope this helps you on your whiskey journey! NICK ANDERSON With nearly 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.

When a whiskey enthusiast comes across a truly special single barrel of bourbon, it can be a magical moment. Hair stands on end, chills ripple through the body, and eyes widen. Some keep their mouth shut, wondering how they might bottle a small stash for themselves to enjoy for the rest of time. Pablo Moix, however, chooses to bottle it for you to enjoy... if you're quick enough to find it that is. The Brook Hill name has been rippling through the whiskey community for some time now. After resurrecting the name from a defunct, historical whiskey label from before prohibition, Rare Character has honored the historical significance by only putting their finest whiskey into this release. Wondering what it might taste like? Lucky for you, we open our bottles here. Let's dive in on a full taste through of Brook Hill "King's Leap" bourbon. Company on Label:  Rare Character Whiskey Company Whiskey Type: Straight Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey Mash Bill Percentages:  Undisclosed Kentucky bourbon mash bill (min 51% corn) Proof:  129.35° Age:  10 years Further identification:  This is King's Leap, single barrel number 306, one of the first two barrels to enter the Massachusetts market at an MSRP of $250; the bottle under review is bottle 42/102 which I bought from a local retailer in 2024 Nose:  The glass leads with caramel chews and cinnamon coffee cake. It's potent, rich, and elegant all at once in the nose—like the drop of a rollercoaster. Aromas are notably devoid of the overly sweet fruit tones expected from modern bourbon. It's just good bourbon. Hints of crushed graham crackers slowly impress the senses. The nose feel is soft and creamy despite the impressionable notes being spice forward. This is a masterclass on balance. Dry cigar leaf can be found second hand. After a long rest, it leans on some garden flowers soaked in the sun. Leather typical of hyper-aged bourbons is prevalent now. This is lovely to nose, but it's now time for a sip. Graham cracker, warm hay, and sprawling cornfields under the scorching summer sun can be discovered after returning from a taste. Crème brûlée can be enjoyed late in the pour. The empty glass smells of more oiled leather, light coffee bean, and a suddenly overwhelming wave of nutmeg. Palate:  On first sip, this spicy bourbon leaves no doubt about its origins. This is Kentucky bourbon through and through with a long, warm embrace taking hold comfortably. Leaning in on complex spice, bright vanilla, and silky caramel that coats every bit of the mouth and esophagus, this is a slow-savoring bourbon not meant for crushing. The mouthfeel reminds me of Michter's 25 year, dancing into a hint of cherry pipe tobacco and a deep leather characteristic. Subsequent sips offer calm, brooding introspection. The finish is a flash in the pan with shishito peppers hitting cast iron coated in butter, bar at Willett cashews, raisin, and a sliver of dark chocolate. The glass ends with an enjoyable nostalgia for the good old days of bourbon. Hot tamales and vintage, dark cola tones complete a thoroughly enjoyable pour. TL;DR: Vintage tones and a soft, patient, classic bourbon vibe make for a perfect pour Rating:  5/5 ( Pinnacle whiskey. A true rarity in quality. ) I haven't had a classic bourbon like this in ages. It manages to drink both vintage and new at the same time with perfect balance despite the monstrous proof. Brook Hill is rightfully earning a place amongst the stars with single barrels like this hitting the shelf for enthusiast grade consumption. This is a truly pinnacle whiskey achievement for Rare Character, and this bottle rightfully earned a pretty spectacular placement in our top 24 bourbons worth drinking right now list. Bravo. NICK ANDERSON With nearly 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.