Today marks the one-year anniversary of joining Amongst The Whiskey as a contributing writer ! For now, sit back, pour a dram you can sink into, and come along as I send us back in time to the year time, but I highly recommend it," is what I believe he said, but let's be honest, this was several years don't know if it was the hat, the cold, or an instinct that this bottle would become a comfort pour for years Inevitably, my palate has matured over the years and, as such, certain whiskeys that I once adored could

.” – Marcus Aurelius When I heard this year's George T. While the bourbon hunt was a little slower to produce this year, the generosity of the whiskey community His family Christmas card this year was an easy 5/5 for me, and I am deeply grateful for his kindness Undisclosed Buffalo Trace mash bill # 1 (high corn, low rye, and malted barley) Proof:  142.8° Age:  15 years This just might be the bourbon of the year.

Some information from the trip: For this particular pick in June 2021, we were presented with 10 barrels and 10 recipes to choose from, we knew this tasting was going to be difficult. Whiskey Type: Bourbon Mash Bill Percentages: 75% Corn, 20% Rye, 5% Malted Barley Proof: 124.2° Age: 10 years (5 months) Further identification: Warehouse PN, Barrel No. 8-6D. Distilled Dec. 22, 2010, Barreled Jan. 10, 2011, Bottled July 8th, 2021.

back down, we ultimately return to single barrel, the club's or connoisseur's choice over the last 5 years Hundreds of years ago it wouldn't be uncommon for the whiskey-drinking masses to come fill their own just that time for the barrels that they select for their Single Barrel expression, which releases yearly Heck, I've selected over 10 of them myself, and all those picks have been better than what's in this shelling out hundreds of dollars for this just to complete a set that might be incomplete in another year

named " Strawberry Krunch, " this particular Old Forester single barrel gained quick popularity a few years Company on Label:  Old Forester Whiskey Type:  Bourbon Mash Bill Percentages:   70% corn, 18% rye, 10%

At just 6 years old - compared to the 12-18 year ages of the other releases - this doesn't scream "top Mash Bill Percentages: Buffalo Trace Rye Mash Bill (Assumed/Estimated at 51% rye) Proof: 130.9° Age: 6 years Dipping my nose back in I find exuberantly sweet perfume notes alongside pear and apricot. My last sip is punchy with more tea, peach and pear that comes before a long sunset of lemon tones. I would love to blind this against a good 6-8 year 95/5 rye from MGP or Bardstown Bourbon Co.

Company on Label: Old Forester Whiskey Type: Bourbon Mash Bill Percentages: 70% Corn, 18% Rye, 10% Barley The empty glass smells of butter cream, pear and light florals. Palate: Whew! Nearing the bottom of the glass I swear this could be finished in a honey barrel; it's so sweet and enjoyable

special in their own way and I remember blinding them six ways from Sunday throughout that interesting year Company on Label: Elijah Craig (Heaven Hill) Whiskey Type: Bourbon Mash Bill Percentages: 78% Corn, 10% Rye, 12% Barley Proof: 132.8° Age: 12 years Further identification: Batch C920 was the 3rd and final release of the 2020 calendar year Nose: Caramel and molasses burst out of the glass upon raising it

Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley Proof: 116.8° Age: NAS (formerly known to be a blend of 6, 8 and 12 year A new, lighter, dusty oak is starting to come through now. Oh near the bottom of the glass as things warm up from the heat of my hand is where this starts to get I don't want to finish it now for fear of this smell going away. Rating: 4/5 Yeah, this is a solid pour too - but definitely in a different way than last night's Kentucky

The vanilla has that dusty old oak tinge to it that definitely says 15+ year age on this. The 2020 release was my easy choice for whiskey of the (last) year. Label: Buffalo Trace Whiskey Type: Bourbon Mash Bill Percentages: Buffalo Trace Mash Bill #1 (Low Rye < 10% ) Proof: 130.4° Age: 15 years Further identification: 2020 Release George T. ) Proof: 116.9° Age: 15 years Further identification: 2019 Release - this came to me by way of sample

Label: Buffalo Trace Whiskey Type: Bourbon Mash Bill Percentages: Buffalo Trace Mash Bill #1 (Low Rye < 10% ) Proof: 130.4° Age: 15 years Further identification: 2020 Release Leather, cinnamon, cherry & tobacco Oak really only shows up late for 15 years in a barrel. Easily the best bourbon I tasted in 2020.

market has begun to teem with competition, the average age has crept lower and lower with every new year name on the map, and you have an inconsistent recipe for a bottling that is only released once per year They do vary pretty drastically year to year. distillery Proof: 98.6° Age: NAS Further identification: A Midwinter Night's Dram & its 'Acts' are a limited yearly Unfortunately this years quality looks nothing like the previous batches I have tried.