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Two Souls Spirits is at it again, challenging commonly held beliefs in the whiskey world in hopes that consumers will step out of their comfort zones and give their latest release a go. Not only have they released a somewhat misunderstood expression, Light Whiskey, but they're also doing so with one of their youngest barrels to date, and from a distillery whose origins began in Poland. There's a lot to chew on, or rather sip on, here, so let's start with the basics: What is Light Whiskey (or American Light Whiskey, both are interchangeable)? The TTB ( Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau ) created the Light Whiskey category in 1968, which was a surprise for me to learn, considering its lack of popularity in modern times. But more on that in a moment. To be Light Whiskey in the United States, specific guidelines must be met: Made from grain Distilled to more than 160 proof (80% ABV) but no less than 190 proof (95% ABV) Aged in used or new uncharred oak barrels Bottled at a minimum of 80 proof (40% ABV) Distilled after 1968 to receive the light whiskey designation If you're wondering what makes this whiskey different than the rest, you're not the only one. How about that distillation proof number? That seems a bit ... high, right? Yes. Unlike bourbon or rye whiskey, which cannot have a barrel entry proof of more than 80% ABV, Light Whiskey requires it. The high barrel entry proof (or distillation proof, not to be confused with bottling proof) makes this different from other whiskies. It often results in a lighter, creamier, and gentler flavor profile, which was a consumer demand during the whiskey crisis of the 1960s. Light Whiskey came onto the scene during that time as a way to diversify the whiskey market, or more likely, to try to keep the heart beating, even if ever so gently. Unfortunately, or maybe not, bourbon and rye regained popularity in the 1980s when consumers returned to favoring bolder and more robust flavors. Today, Light Whiskey circulates amongst niche whiskey communities and those looking to broaden their palates. In the case of Two Souls Spirits Light Whiskey, this expression hails from Kozuba & Sons, a distillery of Polish origin now based in St. Petersburg, Florida, since 2014. On Two Souls Spirits website , they shared: [This barrel was] our first official purchase as Two Souls Spirits. We visited Kozuba & Sons in March of 2022 determined to buy a barrel of their highly-acclaimed hight-wheat rye whiskey, but couldn't resist coming away with what, in our humble opinion, is one of the tastiest whiskeys we have ever released. For better or for worse, Light Whiskey has become rather synonymous with hyper-aged MGP—a popular MGP brand with a 17-year-old American Light Whiskey in particular. This whiskey-producing powerhouse responsible for bringing recognition to the category in recent years may also be a roadblock for craft distilleries looking to break into the Light Whiskey scene with age statements not in the double digits. Fear not! We consumers can answer the call of curiosity and ask not what well-aged whiskey can do for us but what well-made whiskey can do instead. Age and quality may be correlated, but age is certainly not the only cause for good whiskey. Will that be the case with this 3-year-old American Light Whiskey? Let's dive in and find out. Company on Label:   Kozuba & Sons (Bottled by Two Souls Spirits) Whiskey Type:  Light Whiskey Mash Bill Percentages: 100% Malted Rye Proof:  123.48 ° Age:   3 years MSRP: $69.99 Further Identification:  Initially finished in a used Kozuba rye barrel, TSS then transferred and aged in a second finishing ex-bourbon barrel from their first release Nose:  Right from the jump, the nose presents creamy and sweet, with notes of sticky honey and puffy marshmallows. Cinnamon and nutmeg come in soon after, a reminder of the barrel finishes, which work well in shaking up what could be a one-noted sweet bomb. A few swirls release notes of fresh apple, orange slices, and a well-ripened fuzzy peach. This smells like spring, fresh and fruity with extra spoonfuls of sugar. Deep inhales reveal how well-balanced this nose is; the aromas are gentle but by no means quiet. Returning to the nose after a few sips brings forth a soft floarity of blooming honeysuckle flowers dancing in a cool breeze. With deeper inhales, there is now a toasted note coming through, as is a bit of alcohol, which blows away rather quickly. The empty glass aromas are vanilla cream, lime skin shavings, and granulated sugar. Palate:  What an impeccable mouth feel. Wow. The pure silk gliding across my tongue is accompanied beautifully by the taste of clover honey and vanilla bean. A lovely, warm rye spice comes in mid-palate, mirroring what I experienced on the nose (which I adore!). With a few more sips, the spice and sweet mingle into the best part of a cinnamon roll: the gooey, sweet, and decadent middle. The linger is long and fizzy, like taking a swig from a warm can of ginger ale. As the liquid grows lower, the flavors continue to evolve; honey remains steadfast, with a welcome bit of molasses and clove. The final sips leave a lasting impression with a pop of winter green mint and crumbs from a box of honey graham crackers. The uniqueness of this sip cannot be understated. TL;DR: a creamy dram packed with gentle flavors that will have you swooning for more Rating:  4/5 Really good. I want one of these on my shelf. Hats off, once again, to Two Souls Spirits for pushing unique and delicious whiskey into the market. Offered at a reasonable price point, with an equally reasonable proof, this particular offering is, in my opinion, the perfect introduction to Light Whiskey. I look forward to sharing this pour with loved ones during a cool spring evening after a Sunday supper of roast ham.   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.

“The light music of whiskey falling into a glass—an agreeable interlude.” - James Joyce Michter's has a proven track record of unveiling some pretty epic whiskey. From some legendary 10 year bourbon and rye to the ultra-aged 25 year expression, this is a brand known for pushing the envelope on what it means to offer a premium product. Given that the modern distillery kicked off distillation at Shively in 2015, the whiskey that goes into these prodigious age statements has to be a set of sourced barrels that they had squirreled away for a special occasion, perhaps to celebrate the brand's renewed vigor and success in their new home in Kentucky. Michter's Master Distiller Dan McKee and Amongst the Whiskey Writer Jes Smyth at Michter's Shively Michter's is a storied brand that has history dating back to 1753, when Michael Shenk first filed a patent for a gristmill in Schaefferstown, Pennsylvania. This site would be the home of vaunted distilling lore from that fateful year all the way up until 1990, when the legendary late Dick Stoll received the unfortunate call from the bank that would end up shuddering the distillery in Schaefferstown for good. If you're interested in the incredible saga that occurred in the span of those 250 years, I'd be remiss not to recommend this spectacular write-up from Michael Veach for Bourbon Culture. Mike did a spectacular job covering the whole story from past to present—if you're a Michter's nut, this is the article for you. Photo credit: Linda & John Lipman - ellenjaye.com The Michter's we know today in Louisville arose out of a very timely buy from Joe Magliocco, a former Michter's salesman who had a certain nostalgia for the brand. After learning of the availability of the abandoned trademarks, he secured the rights to the Michter's name for a paltry $275 in 1996. While it certainly took some time to figure out the path forward, Magliocco now has a singular bottle of whiskey that retails for more than quadruple that brilliant initial investment. This by no means undermines the incredible story of modern Michter's. The effort that has gone into building the brand into a household name in American whiskey is certainly no small feat, and it's been a true joy to follow along with their successes. While the suggested retail price for the 20 year bourbon is set by the brand at $1,200, given the limited nature of this bottling, you'll likely have to shell out a little more if you want to score your own bottle . It should be noted that there are other 2024 batches out there; I've seen folks talking about a 24I3208 batch, so it's not just 597 bottles for everybody... Accessibility aside, if you want to match the experience that I chronicle below, seek out batch 24I3207. While I've certainly written my fair share of Michter's reviews and even had a brief run-in with previous bottlings of the 20 year expression , this is ultimately my first time getting to purchase and thoroughly review my own bottle. As always , I thoroughly tasted this three times before offering my thoughts and numerical rating. Now let's get on with the show! Company on Label:  Bottled by Michter's Distillery LLC, Louisville, Kentucky 40216 Whiskey Type:  Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey Mash Bill Percentages:  Undisclosed bourbon mash bill Proof:  114.2° Age: 20 years MSRP:  $1200 Further identification:  Batch 24I3207 first released in November of 2024 Nose:  Upon lifting the glass to my nose, I find the rich bouquet of hyper-aged bourbon. Browned butter, creamy waffle bread, and butterscotch are the most apparent aromas, but I can tell this glass is just getting warmed up. Further nosing with my glencairn cupped in warming hands produces sassafras bark, old school Barq's root beer, and other resinous terpenes that remind me specifically of the pine forest in Myles Standish State Forest in Carver, MA. It's the kind of forest that springs up after a devastating fire, the ultimate memento of the resiliance of life. What I'm most impressed by here, and with the previous batches of the 20 year expression I've tried, is a lack of an over-oaked characteristic that can often turn these hyper-age statements too dark and tannic. This bourbon is easy and enjoyable in the nose, calling to mind the comfortable hum of a breakfast diner on an early weekend morning. Coming back from a few sips to the nose, I find the creamy tones have proliferated nicely, reminiscent of a warm, oozing glaze you might find slipping down the side of a freshly made coffee cake. There's a lovely old-fashioned Christmas candy medley that really has me nostalgic here, as I find myself in the dark wood-lined dining room of my late grandmother's house, which also happened to be located in Carver, MA. As the glass nears empty, the perpetual underlying comfort of sweet vanilla tones has me in pure elation. The empty glass offers hints of coconut shavings, granite, and rich leather. Palate:  My first sip is instantly exquisite: juicy red berries, creamy flan, and a tingling, subtle spice make for the perfect first sip of bourbon. Another small sampling elevates a potpourri spice blend that's warm and inviting, mixing in cinnamon, lemon, and clove that is being lovingly prepared for a Thanksgiving feast. The mouthfeel is soft and enveloping, building swirling coffee cake and raspberry struesel in elegant refinement. As I continue to slowly sip through this glass, I find it remarkable that one pour can take you on such a journey through life's memories; I'm incredibly grateful for moments like this. Overall, this is a leathery, old bourbon, to be certain. Interestingly, the pour it reminds me of most is a 1916-1933 I.W. Harper 18 summers old bottled in bond whiskey that I've had the great pleasure of sampling through multiple times thanks to the venerable Gregory Cloyd. My last sip is a satisfying farewell of sweet maraschino cherry and raspberry parfait before a long, comfortable finish of pipe tobacco exudes strong Lord of the Rings vibes. This. Is. Perfection. TL;DR: Golden old whiskey reminiscent of a bygone era Rating:  5/5 ( Pinnacle whiskey. A true rarity in quality. ) This is undeniably great bourbon. There's not a fault to be found, no matter how long you dig for it. It's built up by exquisite components and completely bucks the assumption that whiskey in this age range is inherently overoaked. Where some might run at the thought of trying to balance the profile of a 20 year bourbon, Michter's shines in their blending ability. If there was one pour I could go back to without fear of the bottle running dry, this would be it. So, back to the original question: does an ultra-rare bourbon mean what hits your glass is going to be ultra-delicious? In this case, it's a resounding yes. 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.

Hot on the scene is the 2025 Bomberger's, this year adorned with a new name and a new finishing technique. Bomberger's traditionally has featured chinquapin oak and long open-air seasoning durations. This year, it features a "Precision Fine Grain"—or PFG for short—barrel finish in French oak that has been open-air seasoned even longer . In a time where new labels are bountiful, Michter's has pulled off true differentiation. The sharp red label is a nice change from the traditional packaging of old. It's unclear if this is a complete phase shift towards this new technique, or if we'll see a return to the form with 108 proof chinquapin oak finishing in 2026. Michter's explains their process on their website, saying: The year 2025 marks the first release of Bomberger’s PFG™ (Precision Fine Grain) Kentucky Straight Bourbon. The focus is to be precise at every step of the Bomberger’s PFG™ production process. Bomberger’s PFG™ is made by first aging Kentucky Straight Bourbon in a new toasted and charred American oak barrel. After full maturation, the Kentucky Straight Bourbon is removed from the first barrel and placed in a second new, custom, proprietary toasted and charred French fine grain oak barrel of the most exacting specifications. These barrels are toasted at a tightly defined temperature range for a precise period of time before they receive a select charring. The whiskey is matured in these second barrels before being dumped into small batches that undergo our signature filtration prior to bottling at 100.2 proof (50.1% ABV). The Bomberger’s PFG™ finishing barrel is a blend of wood from various origins, including the revered Tronçais, Allier, Nevers, and Vosges forests. It is constructed from wood that has been naturally air dried outdoors for a minimum of 40 months in France near the Charente River, which has a unique seasoning environment influenced by humidity, microflora creation, climate, wind direction, and elevation. After this seasoning, the staves are hand selected to construct the Bomberger’s PFG™ finishing barrels. Wondering if you should try to hunt this one down? Let's dive in for a full review. Company on Label:  Bottled by Michter's Distillery LLC, Louisville, Kentucky 40216 Whiskey Type:  Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey Mash Bill Percentages:  Undisclosed Proof:  100.2° Age:  NAS MSRP:  $140 Further identification:  Batch 25A0085, released in February of 2025, features bourbon aged in a traditional Michter's toasted and charred American oak barrel before being finished in a toasted and charred French fine grain oak barrel Nose:  On first whiff, I find mocha latte aromas most prominently, a clear hallmark of the French oak influence. Inhaling deeper, there's a light, musty wood character that follows with a kiss of tannic Syrah wine. Underlying that is a level base of butterscotch, earthy clay, and vanilla extract. On long, drawn-out exploratory breaths, I find brown sugar, leather, and a touch of tobacco. Overall, it leans on the darker end of the aroma spectrum, harboring a neat niche of savory-sweet that manages to call flan to mind. It's quite differentiated from what more traditional bourbon drinkers might expect given the unique cooperage decisions that were made, but I think that differentiation is a strong positive for me personally. After a long rest, rich puffs of graham cracker dust and dried Medjool dates are attention-grabbing in the best way. Returning my nose to the glass after a few sips reveals perfectly creamy tiramisu, which translates well between the nose and palate. Pomegranate and persimmon offer a surprising bit of depth late in the experience, before the empty glass exudes aromas of milk duds and vintage bourbon. Palate:  My first sip carries all 3 pillars of a great, complex whiskey profile: I find some fruit sweetness, some creamy tones, and a spice finish that manages to hit every part of the mouth and tongue in a unique yet well integrated way. Another sip elevates dark chocolate, espresso bean, and nutmeg in a swirling, building way that feels more conducive to patience. The spice can dominate the profile a bit if you let it, but focusing through that sprinkling of coriander and earthy paprika, there are some fun flavors to be found. I love how dominant the chocolate and vanilla general flavors are, though they have a bit of complexity within themselves too. The chocolate leans towards a tiramisu character, while the vanilla plays in the custard cake space. The cohesive combination of both of these things lands somewhere in the panna cotta realm with a dusting of shaved cacao. Sipping near the bottom of the glass only continues to elevate the coffee and nutmeg flavors of this glass, which I am finding to be quite delightful, like a necessary mid-afternoon pickmeup often is. My final sip is the sweetest, most wonderful slice of coffee cake that was long overdue. The finish is just as magnificent as the sip, as mascarpone, caramel, and tamarind slowly taper off in perfect balance. TL;DR: Thoroughly unique yet exquisitely flavorful, this is whiskey done right Rating:  4/5 ( Really good. I want one of these on my shelf. ) Hats off to Michter's on this one; the cooperage choices that were made for this release, especially the 40 months of open-air seasoning, resulted in a whiskey well worth savoring. I also appreciate the choice to step down the proof on this release from the typical 108 proof we see on Bomberger's, as I think with the spicier tones present on this pour, things could have gotten out of hand. If you like those dark, brooding tones on a well-aged whiskey, or are a fan of French oak in general, this release will be for you. Buy Bomberger's Precision Fine Grain Bourbon 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.

"There is no bad whiskey. There are only some whiskeys that aren’t as good as others." -Raymond Chandler Irish whiskey, believed to be one of the earliest distilled spirits, likely originated in the 1100s, when Irish monks brought back some learned techniques from southern Europe. Since its first official documented record in 1405, the production of Irish whiskey has undergone a tortuous evolution into the dynamic and delicious whiskey category we have today. Notable moments in history that caused changes would include the invention of the Coffey still, the notable taxation from the Crown, which saw a splintering away from traditional single malt techniques, and the hardships most distilleries faced through periods of prohibition and weak demand. What has emerged through all this hardship is a vibrant landscape of delectable drams that sprawl across your local bottle shop. You may be staring at a liquor store shelf right now, wondering which bottle is worth your hard-earned dollar... A rare single pot still expression from Redbreast First, we'll want to know what to look for on the label. Irish whiskey can take many forms, but thankfully, there are some rules that define the distinct categories of Irish whiskey. These categories typically taste quite different from each other, so you'll want to make sure you go for the right style for you. Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey :  Made from  a majority of malted and unmalted barley  (at least 30% of each) and up to 5% of other cereal grains such as oats or rye that were then distilled on a pot still at a single distillery and aged for a minimum of 3 years Single Malt Irish Whiskey :  Made from 100% malted barley that is then distilled to no higher than 94.8% ABV on a pot or column still from a single distillery in Ireland, aged for a minimum of 3 years in wood, and bottled at no less than 40% ABV with no additives except water and/or caramel coloring Blended Irish Whiskey :  Made from any combination of mash makeups  from any combination of distilleries , but normally a combination of malt and grain, distilled to no higher than 94.8% ABV, and aged for no less than 3 years Single Grain Irish Whiskey :  Made from a mixture of grains such as wheat, rye, oats, corn, or barley (with a maximum content of 30% malted barley) that are typically distilled at a single distillery on a higher-throughput, flavor-stripping column still before being bottled no lower than 40% ABV My personal favorite styles are single pot still and, more recently, single malt offerings. All these categories are capable of producing great flavor, but those two typically tickle my fancy. Bourbon barrels aging in a Kentucky rickhouse, some of which are perhaps destined for Ireland one day From here, the next biggest influence is going to be the barrel types that were used to age the whiskey. Because Ireland is scarcely populated with oak trees, most of the barrels used in the maturation of Irish whiskey are previously used barrels. Unlike bourbon, which has regulations necessitating the use of new, charred oak barrels for aging, Irish whiskey is free to use any vessel that exporters can spare. Common cask types employed are bourbon, sherry, port, and madeira. There are many further factors you can dive into by reading my full reviews of each whiskey below. Note that some of these may have batch-to-batch variation that occurs depending on the release year. I wrote about dissecting bottle laser codes  as well, if you need that helpful tool. I hope all these nerdy details have not been a bore, but alas, if they have, we're ready to move on to my personal recommendations now! Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. The Top 24 Irish Whiskeys as of 2024: 24: Triple Dog Blended Irish Whiskey A light, airy, and bright whiskey at 80 proof—this one also won't break the bank. The distinct bottle design certainly stands out on the shelf. Sipping through this one patiently leaves a little to be desired as a long-time whiskey enthusiast, but I can also see this being quite the crowd pleaser for its inherent drinkability. ABV: 40% // Cost: $41.99 23: Northcross Triple Wood Blended Irish Whiskey A subtle, sneaky whiskey that offers more than meets the eye if you take your time with it. This is another crowd-pleasing sip, offering chocolate and creamy tones for an easy-going dram. Try this one a few times before writing it off, as it was a fairly fickle pour for me. This clocks in at a neat 86 proof. ABV: 43% // Cost: $32.99 22: Redbreast Tawny Port Cask Edition Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Redbreast usually comes out swinging. The tawny port cask edition ended up delivering an incredibly delicate fruit basket that was definitely worth sipping, but led to a few moments of nodding off. It's a thin whiskey with light flavors that don't quite shine, even at 92 proof. Peach and orange flavors will greet those willing to take this dram on! ABV: 46% // Cost: $167.99 21: Redbreast Small Batch Cask Strength Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey I know, this one is a mouthful to say. This release is also a bit of a cult favorite amongst bourbon drinkers because of the higher proof point of 117.4, so good luck finding this. If you do stumble upon one and want to sip it, you can expect buttercream, pound cake, spice, and unmitigated ethanol. If you're not used to the heat, this one may overwhelm you as it cranks things up with cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg. ABV: 58.7% // Cost: $322.99 20: Blue Spot 7 Year Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Another doozy of a 117.4 proof cask strength Irish whiskey here; the Midleton profile gets washed away a bit by the ethanol on this one. Fans can expect to taste caramel, Easter candy, vanilla, and sweet wine influences in this rather rare bottling. I have some strong feelings that ultimately disagree with most of the consensus I see online here, so your mileage may vary on this release. ABV: 58.7% // Cost: $169.99 19: Glendalough Mizunara Finish Single Malt Irish Whiskey I don't have a full review written for this release, but it had a fairly early exit in my blind bracket I ran for last year's St. Patrick's Day tasting . To be fair, it was matched up against Redbreast Lustau, which you will see as you scroll below! I sipped this 92 proofer at a whiskey tasting that included the whole Glendalough lineup , and this release was my favorite from the company. It's mizunara character is buttery, floral, and delicious enough to make this list! ABV: 46% // Cost: $80 18: Tyrconnell 10 Year Madeira Cask Single Malt Irish Whiskey Here's a funky one... Madeira casks impart a wonderful balance between sweet and savory as salty and nutty flavors swirl around peach, pear, and coffee cake. This is one I don't find myself revisiting often, but when I do, I'm always content with this 92 proof sip. ABV: 46% // Cost: $110 17: Tyrconnell 16 Year Single Malt Irish Whiskey A clear step up from the 10 year expression, this earthy dram is well worthy of exploration. Bottled at 92 proof is just right here as dark chocolate, salted caramel, sugar cookie, and a light, sugary cinnamon mix make for a decent sip. A lengthy maturation in bourbon barrels means this is a whiskey that remains supremely drinkable. Don't sleep on Tyrconnell ! ABV: 46% // Cost: $100 16: Yellow Spot 12 Year Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Oh yes! This is sweet springtime in a glass. Yellow Spot Irish whiskey embodies the single pot still category perfectly, with notes of sweet strawberry, plum, and creamy hot chocolate. All this comes together to result in a delightful 92 proof dram fit for a whiskey drinker of any skill level. ABV: 46% // Cost: $113.99 15: Bushmills Black Bush Blended Irish Whiskey This budget-friendly, 80 proof, sherry-forward whiskey has always had a place in my heart. The sherry casks utilized on this release push forward a sweetness that is unmistakable. Hints of copper, molasses, and a thick, viscous lemon frosting highlight the start of a great sip. The finish carries caramel and toffee to a wonderfully complete whiskey. ABV: 40% // Cost: $28.99 14: Teeling Single Grain Irish Whiskey This is the only single grain whiskey that made the list. It's very different than the rest, so pay attention. Fruit parfait and nerds effervescence lead, but then things turn savory. Flat milk and coffee beans are a surprise before the fruitiness returns with a syrupy grenadine consistency. This is a really interesting 92 proof whiskey worth grabbing. ABV: 46% // Cost: $44.99 13: Bushmills Prohibition Recipe Blended Irish Whiskey The Thomas Shelby label has already hooked you if you are a Peaky Blinders fan. Thankfully, the whiskey inside is also quite good, with notes of bready caramel, zesty orange peel, dark butterscotch, and strawberry rhubarb pie. This was a big surprise for me when I first discovered it after my long-time favorite Black Bush got a bit tiresome. Bottled at 92 proof by the historic Bushmills Distillery. ABV: 46% // Cost: $27.99 12: Redbreast 21 Year Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Although this one boasts a mighty age statement, it's actually on the lighter end of the flavor spectrum. Fans of the citrus-forward flavors of gin will find this one to be right up their alley. It's impossibly balanced for a whiskey, and you might easily forget there is 92 proof behind this sip! ABV: 46% // Cost: $339.99 11: High N' Wicked The Wild Rover Single Malt Irish Whiskey We're really getting into the good stuff now. Vanilla, rich oak, tea, honey, and molasses make for a bold 117.4 proof sip. The tingling linger shows off plum, raisin, crème brûlée, and a decadent array of sweet cinnamon. Check out the full review on this one! ABV: 58.7% // Cost: $112.99 10: Bushmills 16 Year Single Malt Irish Whiskey This is one of those 80 proof whiskeys you could get lost in as nostalgia, music, and delicacy culminate in a dreamy experience. Grape skins, peaches, warm bread, and biscotti are the champions of an ephemeral whiskey experience. ABV: 40% // Cost: $154.99 9: Green Spot Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey This single pot still Irish whiskey is a great change of pace as notes of pear, honeysuckle, sweet cream, and pie crust come together in sweet complexity. It's a refreshing whiskey meant to be sipped under the warm sun, where chocolate and sugar cookie dance in a short linger you will find yourself savoring over and over again at an easy 80 proof. ABV: 40% // Cost: $54.99 8: Gold Spot 9 Year Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey A newer release, recently one-upped again by a 13 year offering , sneaks into the top 10 with a wonderfully deep character. This whiskey offers brown sugar, nutmeg, vanilla, nutmeg, and spice cake in a wonderfully complete Irish whiskey. Gold Spot 9 year rings in at 102.8 proof. ABV: 51.4% // Cost: $322.99 7: Redbreast Lustau Edition Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey This is one of those whiskeys that just gets better with time. As this bottle oxidized through the years, I found myself loving it more and more. A strange phenomenon, but a welcome one. You can expect to find a balanced 92 proof sip that shows off creamy buttery tones, bodacious sherry influence, and a deeply oily mouthfeel. ABV: 46% // Cost: $199.99 6: Teeling 28 Year Single Malt Irish Whiskey Another doozy of an age statement here, but damn, this is a good whiskey. With notes reminiscent of old Brora, fans of single malt whisk(e)y will find plenty to love here. Balance and integration are paramount as sea salt, hot black tea, allspice, and black pepper come together in a cacophonous but beautiful rage. It's surprisingly potent for 92 proof! The finish is more delicate with caramel, honeysuckle, and peach rings. Definitely check this one out if you can find it. ABV: 46% // Cost: $550 5: Red Spot 15 Year Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey This is a whiskey that has stood up to many blind tastings. It has an undeniably delicious quality to it. Flavors one could expect to find would be an earthy backbone before black pepper, allspice, caramel, wine, and marshmallow dance on the tongue. Sip this one slowly; it's 92 proof and full of greatness! ABV: 46% // Cost: $204.99 4: Redbreast 12 Year Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey This one might come as a surprise given its availability, but for me, this is a functionally complete Irish whiskey. It's creamy for days, offers incredible depth, and lingers forever. It's too beautiful to write in short form, so if you're interested in tasting notes, you'll have to read the full review . This 80 proof whiskey should be on every enthusiast's shelf. ABV: 40% // Cost: $69.99 3: Redbreast PX Edition Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Holy smokes, this 2022 release really blew my socks off. Leading with bold cherry, crème brûlée, and sweet toffee, this 92 proof Irish whiskey is one for the record books. The mouth coating is lovely and thick, as earthiness greets caramel, creamy vanilla, and coffee bean. Just wow. ABV: 46% // Cost: $103.99 2: Redbreast 27 Year Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey (Batch 3) Though the price tag on this is high enough to scare off most whiskey budgets, this is one I do believe is worth the price of admission. It's a full-volume whiskey bottled at 106.2 proof that just sings. Punchy citrus tones introduce a juicy array of red fruit and a thick, oily, viscous mouth coating. Buttercream frosting, lemon pudding, scone, and freshly brewed coffee deliver exquisite depth and balance. The finish is long, smoldering, and well-poised. This is one of my favorite whiskeys of all time, and I am glad to have a bottle to share amongst friends. ABV: 53.1% // Cost: $878.99 1: Redbreast Dream Cask Fifth Edition Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Goodness gracious. This has all the hallmarks of a dusty whiskey produced 100 years before its time. I've had the great pleasure of sipping some pre-prohibition bourbon, and this whiskey reminds me of some of those leather bombs. Gorgeous plum, fig, pear, and raisin sing through every second of this exquisite liquid. Two preconceived notions were broken by this pour for me. This bottle single-handedly proves that one, high-proof Irish whiskey can be delicious, and two, 30 years is not too long to spend sitting in oak. It's gentle trip to a final bottling proof of 113.8 puts careful distillation and maturation on full display. My goodness, Billy Leighton and David McCabe, take a bow. Did you see this one coming? ABV: 56.9% // Cost: $550 In Summary: Best Overall:   Redbreast Fifth Edition Dream Cask Best Readily Available Option: Redbreast 12 Year Best Sub $50 Budget Option:   Bushmills Prohibition Recipe Best Splurge: Redbreast 27 Year Best Mixer:   Redbreast Small Batch Cask Strength What a lovely category Irish whiskey is. Drop a comment down below if you have thoughts on this curated list of some of the best Irish whiskeys out there!

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 23A 7: Batch 5 8: Batch 22A 9: Batch 16 10: Batch 24A 11: Batch 24B 12: Batch 22B 13: Batch 24D 14: Batch 23B 15: Batch 23C 16: Batch 13 17: Batch 24C Stagg Jr Batch Information: All the Proofs and Release Dates Batch Proof / ABV Release Date 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 - Labeling Change to 22B 130° / 65% Winter 2022 Batch 18 - First Stagg Batch Without "Junior" 131° / 65.5% Summer 2022 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 125.9° and 134.4° 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 Release Year Proof Age 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 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 months 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!

Time passed, and filled along with his The place of many more; Time came, and hardly one of us Had credence to restore, From what happened one day, the man Whom he had known before. —Edwin Arlington Robinson Released three times per year in January, May, and September, Larceny Barrel Proof is a small batch, non-chill filtered bourbon featuring Heaven Hill's wheated mashbill. The Larceny brand is the modern heir of Heaven Hill's historic wheated mash bill known at the distillery as O.F.D. or "Old Fitzgerald Distillate". This bolder and more distinctive expression is usually more available to consumers than another popular Heaven Hill wheated bourbon release,  Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond . The standard 92 proof of Larceny was first released in 2012 and is ongoing (a shelfer, if you will). The barrel proof, however, is relatively new on the scene and was first released in 2020. Since three batches of the barrel proof are released yearly, the label distinguishes them by letters (A, B, C) and three numbers representing the month (1, 5, 9) and year (20, 21, 22, etc). It should also be noted that each batch varies in proof point, as well. I do owe credence to Larceny, the standard proof in particular, for contributing to some of the first bottles on my shelf. The last bottle of Larceny Barrel Proof I purchased is the one featured today. As you can see, I haven't spent much time with it, perhaps four pours total, and I will admit, it lives rather far back in a dark corner on one of my shelves at this point. Was it a hiccup in the timeline of all things whiskey that kept me from revisiting this bottle? Or was this a forgotten dram for a more likely reason? Let's dive in and find out, shall we? Company on Label:   Old Fitzgerald Distillery (Heaven Hill) Whiskey Type:  Bourbon Mash Bill Percentages: 68% Corn, 20% Wheat, and 12% Malted Barley Proof:  126.4 ° Age:   6 years (a blend of 6 to 8 year barrels) MSRP: $70 (2023) $64.99 (2025) Further Identification:  This is batch C923 released in September of 2023 Nose:  Wow. Oak, you're not shy, are you? If I close my eyes and imagine my location, purely by this smell, my nose would be right up against a barrel aging in a damp rickhouse, and I am inhaling deeply. Which, let's be honest, is fun, but this is way too overpowering for the liquid in my glencarin. With effort, I can nose-blind the oak influence and find in its place classic bourbon notes, creamy caramel, and thick vanilla syrup. Crushed Michigan cherries and confectioner's sugar are also pleasantly present. Deep inhales have a slight ethanol quality, which is where the proof is most obvious. Returning to the nose after a few sips offers some relief from oak, as a toasted brown sugar has taken over but is quickly dominated by the alcohol, unfortunately. The evolution isn't complex, and the proof does not jump out of the glass in a way that burns. The empty glass smells of cotton balls, wood varnish, and a used incense holder. Palate:  Sizzling caramel and cherry syrup coat my tongue with the first sip. The silky wheat influence shows up mid-palate like a loaf of freshly baked wheat bread. The finish is all heat, burning off any additional flavors that could have sat down and chatted for a minute. Maybe a second sip will offer them room at the table. Yow. Hot. Caramel, cherry, and a passing by wave of vanilla combine in one fast and furious hello before the obvious heat and abundance of cinnamon take over. The linger is long and tingling, a bit earthy too, albeit slightly drying. I find myself less inspired to continue sipping as I believe subsequent tastes will result in a stacking effect of this very obvious heat, but sip on I will. Luckily, the gap between flavor and heat does not change, although the imbalance remains constant. As the liquid grows lower and I take my final sip, I find my palate waving a white flag. TL;DR: a sip with kicked-up heat but at the detriment of developing flavors Rating:  3/5 Middle of the road whiskey. An average showing. Unfortunately, this drank hotter than the stated proof and eventually dominated the flavors as a result. I remember thinking the same thing when I purchased this bottle in 2023, but am glad to have explored it again. I will likely gift this bottle at this point. If you have brands that once enticed and are wondering what happened, or if they will be just as nice, I encourage you to dust off those bottles and give them another go. Even if they don't land like you once remembered, it's probably the most validating way to gauge your palate's growth and, in turn, will educate you on what you like now and what's worth spending your money on as a result.   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.

This article has been expanded upon with the introduction of " The Stagg Hub " which covers every batch of Stagg Jr and the George T. Stagg bottlings that I've had the chance to try. Head over to that write up if you're looking for the latest and greatest on all things Stagg. Recently I was able to blind taste batch 12-18 of Stagg Jr and 2020 George T Stagg all at once (they were small pours). It was an incredibly tasty lineup, but there were distinct differences batch to batch. Though I was blinded to which glass was which - I will be posting post-reveal as to not lead to unnecessary confusion. Read on to check the ranked order, or feel free to watch my reel with audio on ! If you've ever struggled to identify the Stagg Jr batch by proof, here's a helpful list of each along with their release dates: Batch 19 - 130 proof - Winter 2022 (AKA "22B") Batch 18 - 131 proof - Summer 2022 Batch 17 - 128.7 proof - Winter 2021 Batch 16 - 130.9 proof - Summer 2021 Batch 15 - 131.1 proof - Winter 2020 Batch 14 - 130.2 proof - Summer 2020 Batch 13 - 128.4 proof - Winter 2019 Batch 12 - 132.3 proof - Summer 2019 Batch 11 - 127.9 proof - Winter 2018 Batch 10 - 126.4 proof - Summer 2018 Batch 9 - 131.9 proof - Winter 2017 Batch 8 - 129.5 proof - Summer 2017 Batch 7 - 130.0 proof - Winter 2016 Batch 6 - 132.5 proof - Summer 2016 Batch 5 - 129.7 proof - Winter 2015 Batch 4 - 132.2 proof - Summer 2015 Batch 3 - 132.1 proof - Winter 2014 Batch 2 - 128.7 proof - Summer 2014 Batch 1 - 134.4 proof - Winter 2013 The seasons listed are rough approximations of release timing, and your local distribution may vary. The notes presented below were from the conglomerate tasting, but feel free to click through the batch link to a deeper review of each. Now let's get into this epic flight! Company on Label: Buffalo Trace Distillery Whiskey Type: Bourbon Mash Bill Percentages: Buffalo Trace Mash Bill #1 (Low Rye < 10%) Proof: Varies by batch Age: NAS, though George T. Stagg is supposedly aged 15 years and the Junior batches around 8 years Further identification: Batches can be identified by proof via the list above Ranking #1 - 2020 George T. Stagg Nose: Wow—weirdest of the bunch with orange peel, tea tones, and yummy kool-aid. Fun and fruity here. I really like this. Butterscotch and tons of caramel come up. Leather and cinnamon. Just perfect. Easily the best nose. Delicious caramel popcorn comes up late in the glass. Palate: Funky beauty. Clay and fruit parfait. Cherry and tobacco are prominent. Figs, raisins, and chocolate all dance perfectly. Linen and vanilla sit in this ever-repeating undulation of the most magnificent linger. Buy 2020 George T Stagg Bourbon #2 - Batch 17 - 128.7 Proof Nose: Mostly bready tones coming through on the nose here. Graham cracker and confectioners sugar are light and easy on the nose. Plenty of oak going on here. Later, it turns decadent and rich with plenty of sweetness. Robust cherry and graham cracker. Mmm. Palate: Oh yeah. That's my fruity jam right there. Plum, raspberry, grape, cherry, and raisin all mixed into one beautiful medley. That's delicious. Vanilla sits lovingly in the linger. It's a wonderful fruit bowl. There are some slight tannic notes, but it still remains perfectly balanced. After tasting this, I don't want to sip anything else for a long while as the tangy flavors sit on my tongue. Nearly tied for #1. Buy Stagg Jr Bourbon Batch 17 #3 - Batch 14 - 130.2 Proof Nose: Molasses and bread notes jump out first. It's soft, but loaded with caramel. Complex and funky, the glass feels surrounded by a waffle cone. Cherry is prevalent and delectable. It's one of the fruitiest here. Sweet and easy on the nose, it demonstrates a classic corn-forward bourbon profile. Late in the glass, it really forms a fantastic funk as loads of barrel influence come through. Palate: Woah. All that funk translates to the palate too. Sweet black bread and molasses drink neat and complete. There's a marvelous citrus punch that produces one of the heftiest sips without turning too hot. The spice portions fade quickly and reveal cherry and strawberry before tapering off into a long linger of tobacco and allspice. Hints of anise can be found in subsequent sips, layering onto an awesome array of flavors. Buy Stagg Jr Bourbon Batch 14 #4 - Batch 18 - 131 Proof Nose: Leather and barrel funk up front. Digging, I find complex fruit and floral tones. I love this nose. There's intense creaminess and frosting sweetness all through this. A soft tobacco and barrel funk note has good heft. Caramel, vanilla, and dusty oak scream well-aged bourbon. Candied fruit and cherry skins sit in the linger. A hint of smokiness excels this into exceptional territory. Palate: A lovely cherry forward profile presents up front. Cinnamon hots swing in later in the sip, much like I remember batch 14. Caramel, chocolate, and plenty of bakery sweets hang on strong. Another sip shows off zesty and bright with candied apple and honey. Cherry is dominant and delicious. Mmm. Buy Stagg Bourbon Batch 18 #5 - Batch 15 - 131.1 Proof Nose: Funky black pepper and woodshop aromas characterize the early glass well. Candied cherry and dried fruit are a solid backbone. Palate: Punchy and bold upfront, and then it becomes inviting with strawberry shortcake on the back end. Vanilla, linen, and troves of oak burst forth. This glass has a long, simmering linger of cherry hots. So good. Buy Stagg Junior Bourbon Batch 15 #6 - Batch 16 - 130.9 Proof Nose: Much softer than the other glasses. I find linen, cereal, oats and plenty of vanilla. Funky tropical fruits hide in the corners and occasionally will escape the glass. Late in the glass things simplify as hints of savory tones seep into the dominant vanilla profile. Palate: Hmm, fruity and floral on my first sip. The sweetness of vanilla frosting invades the mouth, though it ends up feeling a touch thin. Strawberries and cream is a fun note, though I can't help but feel that the fruit notes I am finding here are lower in quality to the other glasses. It feels slightly imbalanced and ultimately a middle-of-the-pack release for me. Buy Stagg Junior Bourbon Batch 16 #7 - Batch 13 - 128.4 Proof Nose: Vaguely fruity... like freeze-dried strawberries. Creamy tones and cherry are there. It's sweet and easy on the nose. Quite funky late in the glass, though not in a way that suggests high-quality aging. Palate: Hot up front... Though notes of wheat bread cool things slightly. It's funky with hints of sand, spice, and incense. Molasses sits heavy in the mouth. It has a sharp citrus punch that stings the throat slightly. It punches hard but doesn't stick around long. Buy Stagg Junior Bourbon batch 13 #8 - Batch 12 - 132.3 Proof Nose: This glass is blindingly bright as vanilla pops up first. Simple cinnamon and brown sugar sit in the nostrils. Later in the glass, the aromas briefly turn potent before causing a bit of numbness in the nose that returns this to a simple profile that doesn't amaze. Palate: This is the hottest of any of the glasses as cinnamon punches me in the throat. Coming back for another sip, I find this drinks like magma still for no reason. It's just too hot and too muted all over. Not a winner. This may have been due to the fact it was the only whiskey that was poured from a sample jar, which may have experienced some unfortunate sample jar taint that I've written about at length . Buy Stagg Junior Bourbon Batch 12 Ranking Summary: GTS > 17 > 14 > 18 > 15 > 16 > 13 If I were to cluster these into groups of quality, I'd lay them out below, with my estimated score of each. Exceptional (5/5): George T. Stagg, 14, 17, 18 Good (4/5): 13, 15, 16 Disqualified: 12 The last place finish of batch 12 might be a big surprise for folks, as batch 12 has long been lauded as one of the best by experienced whiskey drinkers. For me, it came off way too hot compared to the rest of the batches I tried and produced little in the way of aroma and palate complexity. This may have been because of the fact that the batch 12 taste I reviewed here was provided to me in sample form. I have since revisited batch 12 and found it to be way better than the sample in this tasting presented. For that reason, I will disqualify it from this ranking! What are your favorite Stagg Jr batches?

Long-lauded as the king of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, I too have fallen for the rich, perfected flavors of George T. Stagg bourbon . Having tasted some of the original Geo. T. Stagg whiskey from the early 1900s , I'm well equipped to tell you if this year's release is any good. The fact that they only release it once per year and will also skip years if the quality isn't good enough should be telling enough. I've tasted quite a few years of Stagg, and they are, for the most part, some of the best bourbon I've enjoyed in my long tenure as a whiskey taster. What makes it so great usually is its balance between epic volumes of flavor and supreme drinkability. I've often used it as my toast pour; when I need to really celebrate an occasion, we bust out the Stagg. Christmas, birthdays, promotions—you name it—they've all been celebrated with the legendary George T. Stagg. This is not to say there aren't dud years. I think the 2023 release was a bit of a miss personally . I had asked myself going in, "Is GTS still the king of the Antique Collection?" Unfortunately for the 2023 bottling, the answer was a resounding, "No." I went in depth with that one too, comparing the 2019, 2020, and 2022 releases, noting that the 2023 was a deadbeat, last-place finisher. But it's a new dawn, it's a new day, it's a new life for me... and I'm feeling good . Buffalo Trace kindly enough sent along a media sample of the 2024 bottling for review with no strings attached, and that's just what I'll be reviewing here today in accordance with my editorial policy . Is the crown ready to come back? Let's dive in and find out. Company on Label:  Buffalo Trace Distillery Whiskey Type: Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey Mash Bill Percentages:  Undisclosed Buffalo Trace mash bill #1 (high corn, low rye, malted barley) Proof:  136.1° Age:  15 years Further identification:  The 2024 release of George T. Stagg is detailed in their yearly release letter: Nose:  Lifting the glass to my nose shows off a whiskey rearing to go. Cherry cordial, buttercream frosting, and barn-cured tobacco leaves lead the way—this is the Stagg  I remember falling for. Deep inhales nose well underproof as creamy vanilla cupcake, pear liqueur, and glazed doughnut tones permeate the wonderfully balanced glass. Brown sugar, dark, rich oak, and wonderful rickhouse funk offer all the hallmarks of a well-aged bourbon. After a sip, walnut and almond tones become stronger, though the dominant character remains trending towards Buffalo Trace's classic stone fruit. Nosing late in the glass offers delectable marshmallow notes, one of my favorite notes to find in whiskey. The marshmallow adorns a beautifully boozy hot chocolate profile, one that has been made more robust by the creamy addition of sweet amaretto. Late in the glass, leathery tones begin to take over a bit, though it remains just a perfect bourbon throughout. Sweet panela, thick maple caramel, creamy espresso, and bitey graham cracker smell like the most inviting coffee shop you've ever been to. There are candles, board games, and bake-at-home warm salted pretzel kits in a boutique shop next door. Everything about this pour oozes comfort and class. Butterscotch, lavender, caramel, and bergamot undulate in infinite, poised complexity. Each component countervails the next, never letting the glass grow boring over a two-hour tasting. The empty glass smells of a distant campfire, granite grindstone, the misty spray of a Maine waterfall, and tempranillo grape. Palate:  My first sip is far bolder than the nose led on, though it carries that same cherry cordial and a buttercream frosting note predominantly. The mouthfeel is pervasive, tingly, sweet, and creamy—everything I like in a barrel proof bourbon. Another sip and swish reveals tart raspberry, ganache, and mulberry up front before a tingling linger of cinnamon simple syrup, anise, and allspice swings in softly. This glass tastes like fall. It carries with it the excitement of hiking without sweating, the sling of an arrow, the quickened heartbeat of a lover drawn near for warmth. Sipping later in the glass continues the cherry theme, now leaning towards a root beer profile, settling somewhere closest to a less-sweet cherry cola. As the glass nears empty, the volume knob stays pegged. Almond extract, Luxardo cherry juice, and bergamot round out a perfect glass of whiskey. My last sip is like the confident actor finishing their lengthy performance with perfect accuracy and pizzazz. Linalool gives off that sweet, earthy, woodsy tone, while sweet tea cools the senses. The finish is long, smoldering, and thoroughly enjoyable. Stewed quince, plum, and the infinite complexity of a loquat leave me utterly satisfied. TL;DR: A majestic performance from Stagg, delivering infinite complexity in perfect harmony Rating:  5/5 ( Pinnacle whiskey. A true rarity in quality. ) The king of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection is back. This glass has such a wonderful balance between hefty, in-your-face flavor and drinkability with this year's GTS release, something that was a bit of a struggle last year. The 2024 release manages to shine bright without the need for comparisons to any other years—it's a marvelous whiskey in its own right. The effort that went into getting this right must have been massive. Kudos to the team behind this bottling, as this is one of the finest whiskeys I've tasted in a long while. If you're interested in seeing where this lands in relation to the rest of the GTS releases I've tasted, make sure to check out the Stagg Hub . Buy 2024 George T Stagg Bourbon 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.

With the 9 year Gold Spot edition first releasing in 2022 and being fairly well received across the board, there was a good bit of excitement in the whiskey community for a 13 year age statement bearing the same paint swath. The Spot Whiskey website describes this release, saying: The latest addition to the Gold Spot’s series is a thirteen-year aged whiskey, once again championing the use of wine casks in whiskey, transcending tradition, and demonstrating the harmonization of heritage and innovation. The extraordinary expression marries Gold Spot’s established use of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, with a unique maturation in Valpolicella Riciotto Italian wine casks for 16 months. This final maturation elevates Gold Spot’s subtle spice notes, with the red wine adding layers of dark fruits, berry compote and creating a softly textured sweetness, finishing with a touch of oak and sweet wine. This special whiskey, the perfect balance between Irish whiskey and Italian wine, celebrates the exceptional story of seven generations of the Mitchell family, guardians of Spot Whiskey and one of Ireland’s premier wine families. The charcuterie board shines in this pairing First released on March 11, 2024, in Europe via the Midleton website at €150, this left US-based Irish whiskey fans in the lurch for some time. Months later it finally began showing up on shelves here in the States, but pricing seemed to be all over the map, as if Pernod Ricard couldn't figure out what to price it at through different distributors. I saw discounted pre-sales as low as $180, and the OHLQ website currently has it listed for $300 . Pricing seems to have settled somewhere around $215 , though it remains sitting in stock, whereas the 9 year was commonly held for year-end raffles in 2022. Perhaps the price has something to do with that. We'll taste through to see if there's value to be had here nonetheless! Company on Label:  Midleton Distillery Whiskey Type:  Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Mash Bill Percentages:  100% malted and unmalted barley Proof:  92° Age:  13 years Further identification:  This is the 2024 Generations Edition of Gold Spot, hitting retail shelves across the globe in a 700mL bottle format at an MSRP of about $285 Buy Gold Spot 13 Year Irish Whiskey Nose:  The nose leads with what some might call a more Scottish-style malt; light florality and apple aromas present quite delicately up front. Warming my glencairn in my hands unlocks Madagascar vanilla beans, fresh dryer sheets, and a hint of the wine cask influence to come. Deep inhales are a bit metallic, bland, and dry. I'm waiting for a bloom to occur, but all I get is the stark blank slate of a cold winter wind. The wine cask finishes are notably tamped down, buried, and muted here. Little changes after a sip of this utterly boring whiskey. The empty glass smells of wet granite, wool, and slivered almonds. Palate:  My first sip is a nice departure from the muted nose of the early glass. Light biscuit is fluffy and clean in the mouth as a pad of melted butter begins to seep through the nooks and crannies. The mouthfeel is great: oily, generally sweet, but quite devoid of any distinct flavor character. Another sip matches that, but with an incremental addition of subtle, dried jackfruit. Sipping late in the glass is the most enjoyable, as little flashes of cheesecake and your traditional Irish whiskey sugar cookie note can be found. My last sip finishes with little fanfare and no forlorn face for its departure. TL;DR: Flat, bland, and boring—this release is a slap in the face to Irish whiskey fans Rating:  2/5 ( Poor showing. Doesn't please my palate. ) 9 Year Gold Spot vs 13 Year Gold Spot Final thoughts: I don't normally talk about value here, but this is a pretty egregious mismatch between price and quality. In a neat demonstration that older is not always better, this is a very clear step down from the 9 year Gold Spot release, and at nearly double the cost, it has me baffled who this could possibly be marketed towards. I bought this bottle with my own hard-earned dollar and feel completely duped for that decision. If you're hunting for something better for cheaper, I'd recommend Redbreast 12 year , Green Spot , or peruse all of the top Irish whiskeys worth drinking for something that calls to you. 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.

Michter's is a brand ripe with a rich and storied history, one that I've covered many times on this website . Getting to explore the nuances from year to year and barrel to barrel for a bottling as coveted as Michter's 10 year bourbon is truly a blessing. It should be noted that this bottle was intentionally bought for the sake of this review, but it was purchased by my dear friend Jon Gjebrea , co-owner of Noble Cigars , to whom I am grateful for giving me the chance to review this particular barrel from Michter's. Despite people typically talking about this release by way of vintage, a term that typically denotes the bottling year, as is more traditional in wine, Michter's 10 year whiskeys are single barrel products, which inherently have variation between them. To address this, Michter's offers bottling months in the letter that follows the two-digit year statement on their neck label. A represents January, and F, as we have here today, represents a June bottling date. The rest of the numbers are a unique identifier for that exact barrel. We therefore should be considerate as we discuss our experiences with single barrels, something I've long mentally fought with as a whiskey reviewer. With all those caveats out of the way, let's talk some whiskey! Company on Label:  Bottled by Michter's Distillery LLC, Louisville, Kentucky 40216 Whiskey Type:  Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey Mash Bill Percentages:  Undisclosed Proof:  94.4° Age:  10 years MSRP:  $185 Further Identification:  This is a single barrel release product, so your mileage may vary; the bottle under review came from barrel 24F2384 Nose:  Immediately upon lifting the glass, I find a wave of vinegar-forward barrel funk emanating upwards. Another long inhale is surprisingly muted, leaving me feeling a bit perplexed about this pour, as I'm normally used to an immediate and distinct character from Michter's 10 year bourbon releases. This offers none of the quaint, comfortable Kentucky bourbon character I've come to expect out of an expensive bottle like this. Vague flashes of bleached linen, tannic grape skins, and earthy compost aromas are off-putting and befuddling. Deep inhales fail to register much else at all in a lingering moment of deep dismay. After a few sips, little development occurs in the glass to improve upon the fairly disappointing structure of aroma here. Touches of vanilla and toasted oak can be made out to the generously patient observer. The empty glass smells of caramelized Vidalia onions and tonka beans. Palate:  On first sip, the sad story of the nose is momentarily displaced as I find soft red berries and watered down Riesling ice wine washes across the tongue. Little evidence of proof registers with the sensory system, and the flavors are rather odd here. Vidal Blanc grape and this tart orange jam combine in an incredibly nuanced, differentiated way—in stark contrast to anything I'm used to sipping on right now. Caraway seeds and a slightly overbaked crostata tart crust come together on the short, bodiless linger. Further sips are disjointed, like the mouth has wandered off to a different part of the museum while your mind was lost in space. A moment of panic sets in that something is being missed. For this bourbon, what was missed was the mark. A nonexistent mouthfeel leaves me yearning for so much more, as gossamer-thin spindles of weak and marginalized flavors struggle to tell a cohesive story. Sipping late in the glass offers some redeeming qualities, but I'd still much prefer to move on to a better whiskey at this point. Yeugh . I really am actually struggling to enjoy this pour, unfortunately, as some of the apple cider vinegar tones begin to take hold in my mind. To me, this particular barrel seems to taste rather over-oaked, with a panic-sell decision point being made on what was clearly not going to go the distance to 20 or 25 years without puckering even the most experienced palates. My last sip offers comfort in knowing this drinking experience is over as dry raspberry sweet tart flavors entertain just the outskirts of enjoyment. The finish is short, drying, and tannic, as malbec grape and 90% cacao dark chocolate leave me shuddering. TL;DR: A drastically different spectrum of flavor on this year's 10 year bourbon leaves me nonplussed Rating:  2.5/5 ( Okay whiskey. Nothing special about this pour. ) I know Michter's knows good whiskey , but this particular bottling is just not that. I've seen others waxing poetic about the 24A and 24B barrels from this year's run of single barrel releases. With another data point coming from my experience favoring the 23A barrels of 10 year bourbon , is it safe to start assuming the earlier bottlings from each year tend to be better than the later months? There's that theory, or perhaps this is just sourced from a different distillery than last year. My taste buds were screaming Heaven Hill on the 23A, but this 24F tastes quite a bit like Old Forester distillate, which to me tends to exude a younger character. Both are interesting theories, but the bottling month variation is an interesting one to experiment with further given the nuance in how barrels continue to mature throughout the year. Let me know down in the comments: Are earlier letters, which represent the bottling month of the barrel, inherently better than later expressions from each year? My taste buds certainly think so, but I'd love to have a taste of 24A or 24B to know for sure. Want to taste for yoursel? Buy Michter's 10 year rye here. 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.

“Are you sure that we are awake? It seems to me that yet we sleep, we dream.” -William Shakespeare High West Distillery continues to roll out their once-per-year port-finished Rendezvous Rye series, A Midwinter Night's Dram . The name, a play on Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream , was likely born out of a stroke of genius, mid-marketing meeting, by a team searching for a name not fraught with copyright infringement. What better place to look than 16th-century England? This release has been long-lauded by whiskey enthusiasts who have cherished the blend of MGP and High West rye. Some have speculated the ratios are tipping more towards High West distillate these days, something I'd probably agree with as the flavor profile has definitely changed over time. Another feasible possibility is that access to similar stocks that were used in previous years has been cut off, which is supported by what David Thomas Tao reported on with Kentucky whiskey being a component of some former acts . As production numbers have soared into the ~190,000 bottle range annually, I've tried to warn folks that this isn't the small production, limited release bottle it once was . But old traditions die hard, and no other bottle is more synonymous with the cold winter season than A Midwinter Night's Dram. We've still got plenty of cold weather to power through here in New England, so I found myself reaching for a pour of something cozy this evening. It just so happened to be a bottle I haven't written about yet, so I sat down in order to deliver you a long-overdue review. This is a bottle I've shared around quite a bit since scooping it up at the end of 2024, crowdsourcing opinions that have ranged wildly from reserved delight all the way to pure terror. After tasting it many times, I find myself settling somewhere in the middle with this act. A well-formulated opinion surely beats a rushed one, so I'm proud to be finally ready to share my thoughts on this one. Let's dive in. Company on Label:  High West Distillery Whiskey Type: A blend of straight rye whiskeys Mash Bill Percentages:  Undisclosed proportions of the Rendezvous rye mash bill comprised of 95% rye, 5% malted barley distilled by MGP and 80% rye, 20% malted rye distilled by High West Proof:  98.6° Age:  NAS MSRP:  $149.99 Further identification:  This is the 2024 release, the 12th act, bottled on the 4th day of the run according to the scene on the front label , which was first made available in October of 2024 Link: Buy A Midwinter Night Dram Straight Rye Whiskey Nose:  Lifting the glass to my nose, I find sticky red raisin, pear, plum, and fig—immediately suggesting a heavy port influence. Another long inhale produces an array of typical holiday spices: think allspice, cardamom, cinnamon, and clove. Vinegar and raspberry jam follow in a halfway decent evolution. Overall, it's a little dry in the nose, but I am happy to find more rye character than was present on Act 11 , something I had a really strong opposition to in that review . Deep inhales begin to get thin as the enjoyable fruit and spice give way to a can of dried-up paint. After a sip, the nose thins to a simple medley of fig and allspice. Lemon frosting and cranberry ginger ale swing in late in the glass. My empty glencairn smells of synthetic leather, a kiss of smoke, and plain yogurt. Palate:  On first taste, I find a robust rye first and foremost. Cardamom, dill, mint, allspice, and cumin lead the way on a messy conglomeration of flavor. I'm simultaneously glad to find a rye at the heart of this release but also a bit disappointed in its quality. It's a funky sip, perhaps attributable to the malted rye component in the mash bill, which is always an interesting distillation choice to see. The linger carries dominant flavors of moist raisin and raspberry jam. Another sip is once again spice-forward rye character that hugs you at every step of the way. Boozy Italian cherries and a kiss of aperol can be found on the midpalate before the more drying flavors of graham cracker and ginger root powder swing through to sweep away the enjoyment. My last taste is a soft splash of grenadine, clashed by dry clove, and finished with a light dusting of cacao powder. TL;DR: While a clear step up from Act 11, this still isn't anything all that special Rating:  3/5 Middle of the road whiskey. An average showing. I postulated against calling this a comeback in my title, but really—don't call this a comeback. It's a passable whiskey at best, but for most whiskey enthusiasts and cost-conscious drinkers, this is likely to be a pass this year. If you don't know any better about what great rye whiskey tastes like, you just might enjoy this, but for those of us cursed with the awareness of the full range of the quality scale, this surely doesn't hang in the broader whiskey landscape. 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.

"invent yourself and then reinvent yourself, don't swim in the same slough. invent yourself and then reinvent yourself, and stay out of the clutches of mediocrity." — Charles Bukowski Marketed by Buffalo Trace as "the world's best single barrel bourbon" and "the original single barrel bourbon," it's obvious this grenade-shaped bottle and distinctive cork topper with a horse and jockey in various racing positions is out to impress. Ask any whiskey enthusiast or appreciator of the spirit, and I bet, hands down, a bottle of Blanton's was heavily sought after at one point or another. Perhaps you are currently seeking one as you read this. I was certainly guilty of such tendencies when I first started diving into this hobby, and I have several bottles on my shelf as a testament to that once-upon-time first chapter of my whiskey journey. I was recently gifted this bottle of Blanton's Gold from a person with a true heart of gold, my Dad. At a slightly higher proof than the original Blanton's and with a higher rye mash bill, Blanton's Gold is marketed as the "spunkier" version of the whiskey expressions coming out of the metal-cladded Warehouse H on Buffalo Trace's famed campus. The limited release first premiered in the summer of 2020 by the Sazerac Company and is released annually. I am actually quite curious if the slight variations listed between the original Blanton's and Gold Edition turn out to be noteworthy or not, which is why this bottle opened, and the liquid was poured into my glencairn. Company on Label:  Blanton Distilling Company Whiskey Type:  Bourbon Mash Bill Percentages: Buffalo Trace Mash Bill #2 (Higher Rye 12-15%) Proof:  103 ° Age:  6-8years MSRP: $129.99 (2025) Further Identification:  Dumped 9-10-24 from Warehouse H, Rick 51, Barrel 62 Link: Buy Blanton's Gold Bourbon Nose:  Upon first lifting the glass to my nose, after an unintentional long rest, I find a good amount of oak filling my senses. The volume is substantial, with that classic Buffalo Trace fruit sweetness. A chalky candy, like crushed-up Smarties, comes next, followed by gooey caramel chews and vanilla cream. It's familiar and cozy, like wrapping up in an oversized plush blanket. Hints of cinnamon and fading oak have me covering a yawn as I snuggle in and prepare to take a sip. Returning to the nose after a few sips has me frowning in confusion. The nose and palate are so wildly different. There's so much more on the nose: sugar and cinnamon rolls warm from the oven, strawberry shortcake, black tea, vanilla biscotti, and a hint of frother cappuccino foam. The empty glass smells like stale Dr. Pepper and Hot Tamales candy. Palate:  An abundance of sweetness and spice, notably cinnamon, flashes across my tongue with the first sip, but all too quickly, a surprising heat takes hold and burns away any remaining flavors. With a feeling reminiscent of whiplash, but for my tongue, I take a second sip in hopes that this dram was simply the overeager horse settling into the endurance portion of a long-form race. Another flash of promising flavors fades again like the lightbulb of an old-fashioned camera. I find myself frustrated with the tease of flavors and the potential for what could be if only the heat and spice didn't overwhelm the palate so quickly. Creamy vanilla and silky caramel melt into nothing but a watery mess, and there's little left to locate other than oak spice and cinnamon to keep my attention. I'm stuck in a wish to taste more of what was initially on my tongue. The finish is a spooked cat running off into a darkened alleyway as the linger reminds me of licking the tail end of a strawberry popsicle in order to read the joke on the stick better. Because, at this point, I'm not sure whether to laugh or cry. TL;DR: a promising nose fades quickly into disappointment on the palate Rating:  3/5 Middle of the road whiskey. An average showing. While the nose held much potential, enough that I would have raised my bet If I were a gambling woman, this pour could not surpass my experience of the original Blanton's okayness. I will, however, continue to revisit this bottle, out of sheer stubbornness, to see what time and air do to the palate because that nose did prove to be worth future efforts.   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.