This sample comes to me from the infinitely awesome bar of @ra1nmannn. I thank him for providing it to me for review! This is one of those unicorns you don't see very often. Even more rare... is an open bottle. Well when good friends are up for good pours, inevitably you end up with sips like these. I've been afforded two tastes at this bottle thanks to the generosity of Eric & our larger whiskey community and for that I am truly grateful. If you have a favorite whiskey shared story, drop it in the comments for me! The Buffalo Trace Distillery website describes this release, saying: In the nineteenth century, bourbon aristocrat Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor, Jr. exuded a passion for producing the finest whiskey in the world. This bourbon honors Taylor’s enduring spirit of innovation and commitment to exceptional whiskey by introducing Amaranth as the flavoring grain. Amaranth was originally cultivated by the Aztecs and is known as the “Grain of the Gods.” This ancient grain is similar to wheat, but offers a complex taste with subtle flavors ranging from a nose of butterscotch and spearmint, to a finish of pecans and dark berries. Amaranth roughly translates to “never fading,” just like the legacy of Colonel Taylor, the founding father of the modern bourbon industry. Now let's get into a review. Company on Label: Old Fashioned Copper (Buffalo Trace) Whiskey Type: Bourbon Mash Bill Percentages: A modified Buffalo Trace Mash Bill #1 which is normally Low Rye < 10%) but here the rye is replaced with a unique grain: amaranth Proof: 100° Age: NAS (but per the press release for this it's older than 10 years) Further identification: The Amaranth Grain of the Gods release was a one time release for the Taylor lineup that came out near the middle of 2019 Nose: Immediately the glass is bursting forth with an intensely sweet, syrupy cherry juice aroma that is quite enticing. Pungent, intense typical-Taylor sweetness that reminds me a lot of the single barrel expressions I've tried. It's tart red berries all over the place with background sweet floral tones that level it off into the candy realm. There's definitely something unique about this on deeper inhales where the cinnamon spice that maybe typically comes in with the rye grain is distinctly missing. It makes the nose lean towards more of a silky smooth nose-feel that has touches of cream, leather, chocolate and a slight peppery oak bark trailing off softly. Time for a sip to see what this pour can do! Coming back to the nose I find the delightful bourbon-y aromas of caramel and plum. The nose-feel continues to be very silky and the glass is approachable at any depth you want to take your nose. Later in the glass things do transition into an earthy realm which I am enjoying. Typically I find that the mainstay Taylor releases can be a bit one-directional, despite doing those few flavors incredibly well. This release certainly has layers. As I write that and return the glass to my nose I'm greeted by a rich funk that has shown itself. I'd describe it best as a peanut shell that came too close to the fire. There's also a rich leather aroma that floats away into a creamy marshmallow on the back end of a long inhale. As the glass nears empty rich butterscotch jumps out at me. Wow, yeah - that is an excellent aroma that I don't want to end. Tipping and tilting the glass I shake up black coffee, vanilla bean, stewed apricot, and white pepper. The empty glass smells of distinct nutmeg, citrus zest, and creamy oak. Palate: My first sip is surprisingly funky with a lot more oak than I was expecting from the nose experience. The sweet cherry syrup is definitely there but feels hidden behind a wall of wood that you certainly don't typically find on the more traditional Taylor offerings. Another sip brings on orange marmalade, sweet grape, and a undulating linger of grenadine. The overall palate reminds me of all things that are the color red for some reason. It's sweet and lovely all the way through after the first sip through me for a loop. Continuing into the glass with a larger sip and swish shows off impressively little spice and heat with big oak notes coming through the strongest followed by a distinct amaretto sweet pop and a long sizzle of a slightly nutty flavor I can't quite place. The nuttiness could certainly be the amaranth grain showing up as that grain has been described as tasting a bit earthy and nutty, but I haven't had the pleasure of experiencing the grain on it's own myself to know for certain. The linger is impossible long with cherry being the dominant flavor, but the intensity could definitely be a little higher for it to really have 'wow' factor. Coming back to another sip after some time I am finding more and more of the nuttiness taking over the sweet cherry profile; it's like the two flavors are at odds and fighting each other in a Dragon Ball Z style clash. Molasses, butternut squash and a tiny hint of banana can be dug up late in the glass. My last sip is distinctly earthy with a pop of sandalwood upfront followed by a soft, tapering linger of cherry, bitters and licorice. Rating: 4/5 While this release certainly does something really unique, I'm not sure if I wanted it to do the things that it did. It felt distinctly off-profile for Taylor, but at the same time had flashes of the familiar. I don't think it told a very compelling story overall for such a limited release, but I still thoroughly enjoyed the dram that I was afforded thanks to my good friend Eric! The nose once it opened up was really something special and the final tastes made me yearn for the rest of the glass to have tasted the same. Follow up perspective: Immediately after finishing the Amaranth sample I poured a small taste of my Taylor Single Barrel to see where what I know to be a pleasing release stacks up against what I just tasted. The nose on the single barrel is drastically neater and sweeter overall and my first sip confirms my suspicions that the Amaranth sample tasted fairly muted. The Single Barrel offering bursts forth with incredible sweetness and is marked by the distinct nerdz candy I always search for on these releases. It's lovely and I think this follow up tasting helps to solidify my confidence with my score. I'd easily give Amaranth the complexity nod, but the Single Barrel is definitely better.

There's a fun new release on the market capturing a new form of whiskey innovation: blending Irish whiskey with American bourbon. The brainchild of master distiller Brian Nation, this release aims to bridge a gap between categories that have historically remained very distinct. Though many Irish whiskeys will employ used bourbon barrels in their finishing, the river doesn't often flow the other way given that bourbon needs to be aged in new,, charred American oak. From the Keeper's Heart website, Brian's background is described well: He is an absolute legend in the world of Irish Whiskey and we couldn’t be more proud to call him a member of our family. Brian’s experience speaks for itself. For the last 7 years he was Master Distiller for some of the most renowned and high quality Irish whiskeys in the world including Jameson, Redbreast, Midleton Very Rare, the Spot range and Powers Irish Whiskey. It is not just Brian’s taste for whiskey that brought him to Keeper’s Heart—Brian was captivated by the opportunity to bring his skills and family to America in order to explore new expressions in whiskey, bringing together two whiskey traditions to create something entirely new. We are thrilled he is part of the family. The blend consists of triple distilled pot still Irish whiskey, Irish grain whiskey, and presumably MGP bourbon given the mash bill listed. I've long been vocal about keeping Irish whiskey and bourbon separate, previously berating Redbreast cask strength for having too much bourbon influence. I mentioned that at "117.4 (and with some bourbon barrel aging going on) I'm too closely reminded of a plain bourbon itself; something that I would reach for if that was my hankering". I've long enjoyed both styles of whiskey, and long preferred to keep them separate, to be used for different moods and different times of year. Despite all that skepticism, I have ventured to give this release a fair evaluation tonight. I have had several previous tastings where I explored and jotted down some formative thoughts so I know that any individual tasting I conducted was not a one-off. Now let's get down to business! I want to mention that Keeper's Heart provided this bottle at no cost to me and with no strings attached. I thank them for the opportunity to give this an honest review! Company on Label: O'Shaughnessy Distilling Co Whiskey Type: Blended Whiskey Mash Bill Percentages: Unconfirmed percentages of 100% Malted & Unmalted Barley, 100% Malt and the bourbon mash consisting of 75% Corn, 21% Rye, and 4% Malted Barley Proof: 92° Age: NAS, though all subcomponents are listed as minimum 4 years Further identification: This is a release I believe came out in 2022; it comes alongside several other releases that spans an interesting product family Nose: Right away creamy pot still viscosity coats the nostrils. A deep inhale produces bright notes of vanilla, hay malt and buttered King's Hawaiian dinner rolls. Layers of malt part to reveal hints of caramel and butterscotch. Creamy coffee bean aromas mix well into a tiramisu sweetness. The Irish influence seems to dominate on the nose. Traditional notes of shortbread cookie can be found in every corner. There's an inherent metallic characteristic that seems to attach to all the other flavors. Deep inhales leave me wanting for more volume. Let's dive into a sip. Coming back I find a lot more oak alongside a soft river of freshly squeezed orange juice. Delicate nutmeg and gingerbread characteristics layer in softly. I can't understate how low volume this pour is. It's beyond approachable and would stand out to novice whiskey drinkers who don't want to appreciate layers of taste and smell. Ground coffee and raspberry tart can be found when really (and I mean really) chugging some air through the nose. The empty glass smells of Pirouline wafer sticks, clementines and a big city asphalt jungle. Palate: Oily buttercream frosting jumps out at me first. Another sip evolves the simplicity of the first sip with popcorn and orange pound cake. Caramel and light lemon peel layer in softly. Everything here is beyond delicate to the point of being nearly muted. Another sip evolves into raisin bread, though it is distinctly missing a desired layer of cinnamon to complete the profile. My last sip is oily, viscous and perfectly content being a silky smooth delivery of the same buttercream frosting the glass started with. The linger is short and mellow with hints of tarragon, menthol cigarettes and raspberry gelato. Rating: 3/5 (Decent. I can go either way on it.) This is a very simple whiskey. I think it's been blended for true mass-consumption and that's totally cool. A ton of people are going to love this release, but your diehard Irish whiskey lovers and long time bourbon fans are probably not going to be flocking to find a backup of this one. I myself found this quite off-putting when I first opened it, but it has started to grow on me now on the fourth time I've revisited this. Hopefully this review helped you. Let me know what you think down in the comments. Cheers!

Taylor Barrel Proof... Which of the latest batches is the best? That is the burning question in my mind tonight, so I had @amongstthefernsco set me up a blind sample flight of batch 9, 10 and 11. My taste of Batch 9 comes from a sample that my good friend Mark graciously provided me with. I purchased and recently freshly opened both batch 10 and 11. They were blinded for me, but for sake of clarity I will reveal which glass is which below. Let's jump in! Company on Label: Old Fashioned Copper (Buffalo Trace) Whiskey Type: Bourbon Mash Bill Percentages: Buffalo Trace Mash Bill #1 (Low Rye < 10%) Proof: Batch 9: 130.3° Batch 10: 127.3° Batch 11: 129.0° Age: NAS (supposedly 6-8 years) Further identification: Batch 9 is the 2020 release, Batch 10 comes from 2021, and Batch 11 just released in 2022; see my latest post on Batch 11 for a helpful identification list Batch 11: On the nose plenty of butterscotch, caramel and oak. It feels decadent and dessert-like with oodles of vanilla, brown sugar and charred effervescence. Bright linen tones give this the illusion of age. Cinnamon tones meld softly. Jumping into a sip of this glass shows off dark cherry skins, plum, apricot, nutmeg and cacao. It comes across with just a kiss of heat that makes your chest shudder slightly. Not bad at all with anise, black tea and prevalent oak. I get really unique Christmas Tree Shop vibes from this glass that are interesting, but I wouldn't say this is my favorite profile. Finishing off the glass I'd put this at a solid 4/5 for me. Batch 9: Smelling this glass produces the same notes of caramel and oak, though much more muted. Definitely the most lacking of the three noses. There's something savory like sea salt and vinegar chips in there too. Sipping this I find lovely stone fruit up front. Candied cherry, strawberry and all the typical sweetness you'd expect out of the Colonel Taylor brand. I'm incredibly surprised by the dichotomy between the nose and palate here. The mouth feel is thick, coating, flavorful and lingering which is everything I look for in a bourbon. It's bold and inviting. Just beautiful. 5/5 stuff. Batch 10: The brightest and fruitiest of the three glasses on the nose. It's dusty for days and very reminiscent of the experience of being in a rick house. Lovely fruit, age, heft and overall complexity. This is an exemplary bourbon nose. Vanilla layers in well as a creamy dessert profile. Tasting this glass shows me subtle fruit, mint and bready tones. It has intriguing layers. Cacophonous and savory; I am loving the salted meat characteristic hiding out in here. This flavor profile used to be one of my favorites (think Booker's Country Ham), but for someone who has evolved through every phase of barrel strength, I think I tend to prefer sweeter tones today. I'd peg this one at a high 4/5 for me tonight. Ranking: Batch 9 > Batch 10 > Batch 11 I'm glad I dove in on this blind tonight. Damn am I disappointed that the least accessible one happens to be my favorite! I am also surprised I have a different rating for batch 10 as I had when I reviewed it un-blinded last year. I think this has more to do with my palate and personal preference changing some towards more sweeter profiles rather than just in-your-face proof which was more of my jam last year. Hope this ranking helps you in some way. Cheers!

This 2022 end-of-year release of Taylor Barrel Proof is finally here! I was fortunate to win the right to purchase this bottle from a raffle run by Vinnin Liquors. I of course dove right into it and started forming some thoughts on this new release. I've recently just finished my bottle of Barrel Proof Batch 10, so I have some of those notes fresh on my mind as well. Perfect time to dive into this one for a thorough review. Buffalo Trace describes this years release on the back of the bottle saying: Edmund Haynes Taylor, Jr. was born in Kentucky in 1830. After moving to Louisiana with his great uncle Zachary Taylor as a boy, Edmund eventually returned to Kentucky where he made his most indelible mark on history as a founding father of the modern bourbon industry. Hearty and complex, this uncut and unfiltered whiskey was drawn directly from barrels aged in warehouses constructed by Taylor over a century ago. Hand-selected and bottled over 125 proof, it reflects the way whiskey was produced in the days before prohibition. With hints of chocolate and molasses, it is smooth, yet powerful and uncompromising - just like its namesake, Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Notably this batch 11 shares the same proof as batch 3 did, so in order to figure out the difference between those two you'll have to look at the laser code on the bottle. If you don't know where to find the laser code drop me a comment at the bottom of this page and I'd be glad to help you out. If you're ever struggling to figure out which proof corresponds to which batch like me, here's a helpful list. Taylor Barrel Proof batches by proof and by year: Batch 1: 134.5° (2012) Batch 2: 135.4° (2013) Batch 3: 129.0° (2014) Batch 4: 127.2° (2015) Batch 5: 127.5° (2016) Batch 6: 128.1° (2017) Batch 7: 129.7° (2018) Batch 8: 129.3° (2019) Batch 9: 130.3° (2020) Batch 10: 127.3° (2021) Batch 11: 129.0° (2022) I thoroughly enjoyed Batch 10 which earned my top score and a 'Keep Amongst the Whiskey' distinction. Let's see how the new release stacks up! Company on Label: Old Fashioned Copper Distillery (Buffalo Trace) Whiskey Type: Bourbon Mash Bill Percentages: Buffalo Trace Mash Bill #1 (Low Rye < 10%) Proof: 129.0° Age: NAS (supposedly 6-8 years) Further identification: Batch 11 is the 2022 release of the barrel proof offering which first originated in 2012; this yearly release is set to be joined by a possible E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Rye at some point, which I am looking forward to Nose: Thick, decadent caramel and oak are prevalent on first raising the glass to my nose. Gobs of dark molasses, gingerbread, brown sugar and black bread tingle in the nostrils. I find an effervescent aroma on deep inhales that reminds me of dark earth meeting verdant plant growth. This smells much higher aged than the rumored 6-8 years, though my sense could be fooling me here. Wafting from one nostril to the next I find light confectioners sugar, cigar smoke and dry newspaper on the right. On the left the glass drums up subtle floral tones alongside nondescript sweetness. Deep inhales on either are surprisingly easy, maintaining an approachable nose-feel devoid of any evidence of proof. The well rested glass produces quite muted tones of anise and cacao. After an aggressive swirl of the glass more vanilla tones flush out white lily, black pepper and allspice. Attempting to dig further leads only to a bit of nose-blindness setting in, so let's dive in on a sip. Returning from sipping I begin to find the strawberry tones the palate produced, but layered in with a shortcake feel that really starts to feel complete & cohesive. The whole glass is much more lively now with a good bit of metallic proof showing through a thin veil of white linen. I love the well aged oak and caramel tones on the nose, but I can't find too many other interesting aromas here today. As I get closer to the bottom of the glass I finally start to find more of the cherry candied sweetness one would come to expect from the Taylor label these days. The empty glass smells of rich barrel funk, amaretto, newspaper and Kentucky rack house dust. Palate: My first sip is a surprisingly citrus forward for Taylor. I find lemon peel, pomegranate, peach and strawberry sherbet up front. The mouth coating is thin but prevalent. Cherry hots sit squarely in the center of my chest in a delicate manner. The proof here is again invisible as it was on the nose. The linger tapers off slowly without much flavor volume. Another sip produces a little flash of tart red fruit sweetness; cherry, plum and date flavors sizzle on the tongue. The fruit dances a bit before splashing into a creamy river littered with chunks of cinnamon. Rye bread, molasses and a subtle hint of rosemary give this an interesting direction I wasn't expecting. Sipping towards the bottom of the glass highlights a noticeably sweeter profile than before with maraschino cherries and soft amaretto. My last sip is easy with tannic red grape, nutmeg, cinnamon and black raspberry leading the way. The linger is soft and short with stewed plum, muddled cocktail apricot, candle wax and dry cacao. Rating: 4/5 (Really good; I want one of these on my shelf.) Overall this definitely lacks the wow factor that batch 10 had. It's still a solid bourbon I'm certainly glad is on my shelf, but I don't think I am going to be hunting a backup of it any time soon (given the difficulty). Maybe we finally found where the canceled George T Stagg barrels ended up? Hope this review helped you out today. If it did, consider buying me a coffee! Cheers!

I tasted this alongside an Heaven Hill BiB 7 year as a bit of a bottled in bond battle. I had tasted the E.H. Taylor many more times before the Heaven Hill offering. I will include a note on my preference between the two after the rating. See the Heaven Hill review here. Company on Label: Old Fashioned Copper (Buffalo Trace) Whiskey Type: Bourbon Mash Bill Percentages: Buffalo Trace Mash Bill #1 (Low Rye < 10%) Proof: 100° Age: 4 years Further identification: Late 2019 purchase Nose: Chocolate & molasses. Brown sugar that layers into a sweet silky cherry. Slight spice when you dig through the caramel. Light cinnamon that isn't biting. Vanilla here is sweet... cake or dessert-like. An orange zest and slight tannin forming later in the nose. After sipping, some light oak can be found. No ethanol to be found here, deep inhales are exceptionally sweet & satisfying. The chocolate & molasses sweetness is indomitable. Palate: Mmm. Explosive candy sweets. Sugary molasses melts into liquid strawberry, apple and cherry. Drinks in a wave from front to back, and lingers most near the very back of the tongue. Some pepper and a hint of deep, dark red grape. A touch of citrus gives this a complexity that turns this from a candy novelty to an exceptional (relatively) accessible sipper. Rating: 4/5 (Really good; I want one of these on my shelf.) Due to the lower age producing a more explosive and complex experience I have to give a nod to the @buffalotrace offering over the Heaven Hill tonight. Both pours were thoroughly enjoyable and I would recommend having each on your shelf.

People from all walks of whiskey life have likely heard of the brand and distillery Buffalo Trace. Known for now also housing some of the most coveted whiskeys including the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, Pappy Van Winkle, Eagle Rare, and Weller - this is a distillery that definitely does not have a demand problem in today's markets. But you, the savvy drinker, might want to know if their flagship release might a suitable cost effective alternative to chasing their rarer releases? How do single barrel picks compare? Well you've come to the right place if you're interested in either of those questions. I've enjoyed the abundance of availability of these bottles that comes with living in a competitive Massachusetts market. We have a lot of great retailers who do a ton of business across this brand. As such, I've never had to struggle to find these releases - whether it be the flagship release or a retailer store pick (single barrel). I know this isn't true of all states, so apologies if your level of access is different to mine! For some deeper brand history and information I'd recommend jumping over to Buffalo Trace's website or Whiskey.Rocks. Now let's dive in on the whiskey. Are these worth chasing? Company on Label: Buffalo Trace Whiskey Type: Bourbon Mash Bill Percentages: Buffalo Trace Mash Bill #1 (Low Rye < 10%) Proof: 90° Age: NAS, but commonly discussed to be around 6-8 years old; though the only legal requirement being over 4 years here Further identification: Below is a review of the flagship release of Buffalo Trace that was released in 2021 based on the laser code; I discuss single barrel picks further down if you are interested in that! Nose: Immediately sugary tones begin to bubble out of the glass. Subtle oak soaks into the nostrils as crème fraîche, apricot and toasted almonds billow out in a thick fog. Light green apple dances atop a raw pie crust being smoothed out over a bed of flour. A swirl of the glass reveals black pepper, softened gently by a wave of vanilla. Creamy red wine like cabernet sauvignon can be smelled from a distance. It takes a bit of a keen nose to pull out they layers here. Let's jump over to the tasting notes before returning to the nose. Coming back from a sip I find the caramel and butterscotch to be more pronounced. Level oak continues to serve as a solid base to the glass. Freshly baked focaccia bread and lovely barrel funk meet to create a calming, warm and inviting medley of aromas. Vanilla softens into a buttery cake frosting texture near the bottom of the glass. The empty glass smells of brown sugar, savory barbecue, and a fig newton bar. Palate: Woah... where the nose was soft this is quite punchy! Cherry hots, orange peel, grapefruit and bubblegum all dance on the palate in a dazzling and sizzling array. A squeeze of lime juice and can be found in the thin, oily linger. Another sip shows off caramel, biscotti and candied apple. Impressively sweet without venturing into cloying territory, I forgot how good this bottle is. I have definitely had more than a few bottles since I began my journey as a whiskey enthusiast & this sip is a great regrounding to where I started. Cherry seems to be the dominant fruit as the glass settles out some of its excitable start. Yogurt mixes in late to form an interesting strawberry parfait profile that I'm enjoying. As the glass gets lower more tannic styled fruits begin to layer in. Plum, blackberry, raisin and stewed apricot form an old fashioned fruit compote that is both simple and enjoyable. My last sip is fruity, balanced and thoroughly enjoyable. There's heft in the linger that drinks above its proof without becoming too hot. Ultimately the sweetness here makes this a classic bourbon profile that will be remembered for ages. Rating: 4/5 (Really good; I want one of these on my shelf.) This is a fine example where blending skill can be better than identifying unique barrels. The flagship release soared with layers upon layers of delicious flavors that most single barrels can't keep up with. While not an overly exceptional whiskey, it's a classic profile that I think even the most seasoned whiskey drinkers can return to and find something they love. The best part of the flagship releases is the consistency. When you go for another bottle of this you can expect to find much the same as the last bottle you enjoyed. Single Barrel Pick Comparisons and Discussion Where the flagship release is a blend of barrels working together to make a cohesive and consistent flavor profile, single barrels are just single components of what is normally a blend. At Buffalo Trace today, just 40 barrels make up each small batch blend. The tasters and master distiller stay hard at work making sure they are achieving a consistent and tasty flavor profile. As for the single barrels, sometimes there are ones that just don't fit the traditional profile or maybe they are deemed exceptional by the tasters. Those barrels go to the loyal retailers who have supported the brand for a long time and they get to choose from an array of barrels which one happens to be their favorite. All it takes is a good palate and solid intuition and you'll find the type of barrel that people want to enjoy. I've been helping retailers pick barrels for some time now and not only is it an incredibly fun experience, I think it offers an opportunity for stores to connect on a deeper level with their customers. This is an opportunity for them to trust you to make the best decision you can make and ultimately bring home what is likely going to be a sizeable number of bottles exclusively for that store location. I've seen retailers jump headfirst into this kind of picking program for it to ultimately fall flat in the marketplace because customers either don't know, don't trust, or don't already have a relationship with the folks involved with the picking. Barrel picking is penultimate; you need an established base of good customers & a trustworthy set of palates (yes plural) in order to make this work. The two groups I help run, Mass Bourbon Alliance and Spirit Animal Society, have mastered this type of collaborative relationship. Other stores have done it incredibly well, even without that help. Below are a few of my favorite stores I have recently visited that have either well-established or up-and-coming whiskey single barrel programs. I'll also discuss how these single barrel offerings vary from the flagship release we reviewed above. If you want to read the full review of each single barrel, click the link at each title! Dion's Single Barrel #491 Where the flagship was consistent, this one was flashy. Fun, realistic candy flavors jumped out at me at every corner from sweet tarts to skittles and apple pie to mulled wine this was an exceptional barrel that showed off unique characteristics that were more buried on the blend. This is a great example of a single barrel reaching new highs compared to the flagship release. This shared the most similarities with the flagship release and yet it was still distinctly different. Plaza Package Single Barrel #226 This pick had much more caramel, butterscotch and bready tones. It lost some of the fruit complexity of the blend for a more straightforward set of cherry and strawberry flavors. I'd call this one a touch simpler than the flagship, while still maintaining the same level of incredible approachability that both exemplify. I'd call this one a solid replacement to the flagship. Kappy's Single Barrel #021 This is a great example of a single barrel that ended up falling short compared to the flagship release (yes that's possible). For whatever reason this one just didn't land with me. I ended up giving it a lower score than the flagship because it had a bit too much spice and heat for my preference on this style of bourbon (a low proof sipper). I did end up finding some old fashioned cocktail flavors that pushed it to a point where it certainly was not bad, I just thought there were better examples of this distillate out there, and this tasting chronicle highlights that possibility. No offense to Kappy's whatsoever here, I know they can still pick good whiskey. If I were picking a barrel of Buffalo Trace and you presented me with these three options, I'd definitely personally pick the Dion's barrel #491. It was exactly what I look for when I pick barrels - exceptional flavors, complexity and a level of approachability that I think a majority of whiskey drinkers can enjoy. That's it! What do you think of these findings? Are you a Buffalo Trace fan? Let me know what's on your mind in the comments. Cheers!

If you read my last two Buffalo Trace single barrel reviews feel free to skip this section! Before we get into another one of these - I'd like to say the usefulness of most single barrel reviews really ends at the lengths of the distribution channels for the source of the pick. Your mileage may vary significantly barrel to barrel, but one thing is for certain - if you are a local customer to a store who does great picks - you are in for a good time. I'm taking some time this season to highlight a few of the stores I have visited who I think do exceptional picks. I will be utilizing a reasonably accessible brand like Buffalo Trace to kickstart that conversation. I also thought this was a good medium because of its lower proof; this serves as a level playing field for approachability of whiskey drinkers of all calibers, and also keeps me level headed as I taste through several releases. As I weave together a few store pick reviews over my next few posts, either look at this as an opportunity to get to learn the picking team at the store being reviewed (if it is anywhere near you), or look for high level trends to see if chasing single barrels of this release are worth it to you. You might find some interesting info here! Now let's get into the whiskey! The fun part! Company on Label: Buffalo Trace Whiskey Type: Bourbon Mash Bill Percentages: Buffalo Trace Mash Bill #1 (Low Rye < 10%) Proof: 90° Age: NAS, but commonly discussed to be around 6-8 years old; though the only TTB requirement has it being over 4 years Further identification: Barrel #021 comes from Kappy's - a great chain in Massachusetts Nose: Light, herbaceous and floral on the nose! What a funky change of pace here. Oak dominates this early glass. Bright linen and dry vanilla permeate the senses. Floral tones like white lily and bright Spring daffodils continue to jump out at me. Let's have a taste. Funky earth and leather sneak into the glass after returning from a sip. This pour continues to emanate dark, funky tones all throughout. I find a chest full of anise, clove and metallic black pepper. The empty glass smells of cardboard, dark oak bark and damp soil. Palate: Zesty lemon peel hits the back of the throat sharply at the start. Angostura bitters, level oak and allspice clash strangely. Thin cherry syrup comes across slightly oily but laced with an overtly spicy cinnamon backbone. I find this a little imbalanced and slightly proofy which feels a bit comical given the ABV number listed on the label. Another sip and swish levels this out into an enjoyable profile that closely resembles an old fashioned. Orange peel clearly layers in and I am comforted by familiar flavors again. The linger is fairly long, propped up by a thick mouth coating of orange blossom honey. Quite a bit of red wine flashes up at times in tannic waves. My last sip is clove forward with a searing drop of magma that flows through my chest. I can't believe a 90 proof like this can drink this hot! Rating: 3/5 (Decent. I can go either way on it.) Overall this release didn't really jive with me. I think I prefer the sweeter barrels of this and this one had too many funky layers of spice. While this particular release didn't land, a majority of them do from the 1940 Barrel Society which I'm glad to be a member of. Check out your local Kappy's for single barrel picks and let them know I sent you! I'd recommend the Blueberry Port finished bourbon from Starlight & grab an Old Soul Tintype while you are there too.

Before we get into another review - I'd like to say the usefulness of most single barrel reviews really ends at the lengths of the distribution channels for the source of the pick. Your mileage may vary significantly barrel to barrel, but one thing is for certain - if you are a local customer to a store who does great picks - you are in for a good time. I'm taking some time this season to highlight a few of the stores I have visited who I think do exceptional picks. I will be utilizing a reasonably accessible brand like Buffalo Trace to kickstart that conversation. I also thought this was a good medium because of its lower proof; this serves as a level playing field for approachability of whiskey drinkers of all calibers, and also keeps me level headed as I taste through several releases. As I weave together a few store pick reviews over my next few posts, either look at this as an opportunity to get to learn the picking team at the store being reviewed (if it is anywhere near you), or look for high level trends to see if chasing single barrels of this release are worth it to you. You might find some interesting info here! Now let's get into the whiskey! The fun part! Company on Label: Buffalo Trace Whiskey Type: Bourbon Mash Bill Percentages: Buffalo Trace Mash Bill #1 (Low Rye < 10%) Proof: 90° Age: NAS, but commonly discussed to be around 6-8 years old; though the only TTB requirement has it being over 4 years Further identification: Barrel #226 was picked by Plaza Package out of Great Barrington, MA Nose: Oh wow - the caramel and butterscotch is pervasive on this glass. The creamy nose-feel opens up to toffee, buttered dinner rolls and prevalent candied apple. I'm reminded of sour apple airheads here. There's an inherent softness here that works. It feels like there is a pile of confectioners sugar not far away. Light graham cracker tones fill the glass. Let's dive in on a sip! Returning to the glass I find hints of leather, vanilla and faint cigar smoke. The nose has significantly more complexity than the palate and I find myself savoring the aromas of caramel, popcorn and warm salted pretzels. The empty glass smells of coarse linen, honeysuckle and grenadine. Palate: Gobs of cherry lead the way on this. Hints of strawberry and the lightest sprinkle of nutmeg hang along the edges. This drinks impossibly soft. Another sip and swish reveals hints of cardamom and honey sweetness. There's less in the way of fruit here than usual but more bakery or coffee shop style treats showing up. As the glass weathers on I do start to find some more cherry tones returning which is nice. Marshmallow layers in nicely with strawberries and cream. My last sip is a lovely citrus medley of zested lemon, Earl gray tea, and just a hint of cherry following through. Yum! Rating: 4/5 (Really good. I want one of these on my shelf.) This one has a clear winner of a nose, but less in the flavor department. I think overall approachability makes this one a great choice for newer whiskey drinkers. This is a solid pick and having tried some of the other barrels that Jen has picked, I know that Plaza is the place to stop in for whiskey single barrel picks out in the Berkshires. Cheers!

Before we get into this - I'd like to say the usefulness of most single barrel reviews really ends at the lengths of the distribution channels for the source of the pick. Your mileage may vary significantly barrel to barrel, but one thing is for certain - if you are a local customer to a store who does great picks - you are in for a good time. I'm taking some time this season to highlight a few of the stores I have visited who I think do exceptional picks. I will be utilizing a reasonably accessible brand like Buffalo Trace to kickstart that conversation. I also thought this was a good medium because of its lower proof; this serves as a level playing field for approachability of whiskey drinkers of all calibers, and also keeps me level headed as I taste through several releases. As I weave together a few store pick reviews over my next few posts, either look at this as an opportunity to get to learn the picking team at the store being reviewed (if it is anywhere near you), or look for high level trends to see if chasing single barrels of this release are worth it to you. You might find some interesting info here! Now let's get into the whiskey! The fun part! Company on Label: Buffalo Trace Whiskey Type: Bourbon Mash Bill Percentages: Buffalo Trace Mash Bill #1 (Low Rye < 10%) Proof: 90° Age: 8 years Further identification: Barrel #491 was selected by Dion's - a family run group of liquor stores out of Massachusetts; it came from Warehouse I, Floor 6, and it was barreled on 8/26/2014 Nose: Decadent baked apple aromas can be smelled from several inches away from the glass. As I inch closer buttery pie crust joins the syrupy apple alongside hints of cinnamon - culminating in a deliciously complete apple pie profile. Longer inhales on my left nostril produce subtle hints of sweet cherry and peach cobbler. Bright oak is surprisingly prevalent. Let's jump into a sip now. A great volume of funky barrel influence can be dug up returning from a sip. It feels oily and soft in the nose; any inhale is devoid of sharp edges. Caramel builds well near the bottom of the glass. The empty glass smells of smoked apple cider and soft mulled wine. Palate: Green apple sweet tarts and red strawberry skittles crash onto the palate with abundant candied sweetness. Hints of anise propagate across the tongue in a shimmering dance. Orange peel and pound cake are a delicious treat here; everything is coming across as liquid dessert to me. Hints of Lindt excellence intense orange dark chocolate bars pulse in the linger. Another sip is again quite sweet with stewed plum, raisin and raspberry cheesecake. My last sip is a sweet return to the sweet tart beginnings though now I find even more sugary delights with a layer of strawberry pixie stick coating my mouth. The linger is medium and I'm fairly impressed with the volume of flavor on this glass despite this being well below my desired proof point. I find myself yearning to go in for a second glass. Rating: 4/5 (Really good; I want one of these on my shelf.) This one was a real treat. I appreciate the traditional apple forward notes I have come to expect out of Buffalo Trace, but the candy store layers that unfolded were quite a surprise. The picking team at Dion's seems to know what they're about with this one delivering above-norm complexity and a fun layer of barrel funk I recognize from another one of their releases. Cheers!

I don't know why I've stared at this bottle for so long. I just never seemed to get the urge to want to drink it (knowing how Lot "B" tastes already thanks to friends with bottles). Today I looked at it and I had that urge for the first time, so I went for it. Today isn't any special day - it just felt right! I will be revisiting this a few more times and will update this review if anything changes, but I'm going against one of my own rules and reviewing a single glass here that has been opening up on my desk for the last hour and a half. For the uninitiated, the Van Winkle line is the lower age tier of the Pappy Van Winkle lineup. Don't get it confused either or the crazed enthusiasts of this stuff might chew your head off. I am not one such enthusiast and I've long believed that modern Pappy is so very clearly not the same stuff that created the hype around this brand in the first place. Modern drinkers of post-Stitzel-Weller distillate should approach these pours - and the prices they fetch - with a healthy dose of intellectual honesty. I know these are great special occasion bottles to share with your closest friends and family, but try them in a blind sometime and see how they really stack up against other much more readily available whiskeys today. You might save yourself a lot of time, headaches and dollars if you do! Now - let's see how this one drinks for me today. Company on Label: Buffalo Trace Whiskey Type: Wheated Bourbon Mash Bill Percentages: Buffalo Trace Wheated Mash Bill Proof: 90.4° Age: 12 years Further identification: This is a 2021 release (laser code L21xxx...) that I purchased in December of that year Nose: Up front there is marvelous candied sweetness. It's very reminiscent of E.H. Taylor Single Barrel or Weller 12 with that liquid candy aroma pervasively emanating from the glass. Cherry is the dominant smell, but alongside it notes of saffron, lemongrass, and rich earthy caramel invade the senses. It's surprisingly potent for a lower proof such as this. It's a fun medley of sweets; strawberry, orange peel, raspberry and plum all kind of meld in a somewhat forced blend. It's like a mashup of all the different skittles in one. Time for a sip! Blueberry port wine shows up after coming back from a sip. The glass is creamy and soft in every way. A good volume of oak is really noticeable now too, its vague weaving aromas not quite conjuring up full memories. A swirl of the glass reveals much more dark oak with the bark, the damp dirt beneath its roots, and the fallen leaves around its base all culminating in a distinctly Fall aroma. When I think of oak influence & how much is just right before becoming too much - this is about where I would draw the line. Normally I find this level of oak in releases 12-15 years old out of Kentucky so this one is spot on with that trend. As the glass gets lower the leather tones I found on the palate form in the glass well. The empty glass smells of orange sherbert, graham cracker and wrought iron fencing. Palate: Mmm, soft cherry wood hits my palate first. The linger and drop that follows is a creamy mudslide of vanilla that delivers cinnamon hots directly to my stomach in a swift swoop. The mouth feel is on the thinner side, though its candied sweetness is still noticeable in a lower volume than the nose let on. Another sip reveals slightly tannic plum, raspberry jam and a bag full of skittles sitting in a pouch of leather. Where the nose was like Fall - the palate brings Spring. The fruit starts bright on the palate with a kiss of sugar before it pops and melts into creamy rivers of dark, syrupy cherry pie filling. Another sip and swish reveals hints of brown sugar, vanilla biscotti and pie crust. Cherry continues to be the mainstay flavor hitting my palate. Subsequent sips towards the bottom of the glass don't turn over any new complexities. My last sip is a simple sweet treat with strawberry honey and berry forward cereal tones lingering softly. Rating: 4/5 (Really good; I want one of these on my shelf) This is good but certainly not the best bourbon out there! I'd put this about on par with Old Rip Van Winkle 10 year and today's Weller 12. 2019 Weller 12 had some significantly better volume of flavor that I think this lacks a bit. It's simple, but certainly delicious and for that it earns my 4/5 score! If you can't find this, go buy a Maker's Mark 46 Cask Strength and thank me later. Hope you enjoyed this one. Let me know if you have tried this pour in the comments & if you agree with my findings or not! Cheers.

I love a good single barrel collaboration! Liquor Junction was kind enough to loop @MassBourbonAlliance in on this as well as a Knob Creek, Blanton's and Weller Full Proof barrel pick that should be hitting this Winter. When I saw this 36% rye on the tasting table I was immediately excited for what it might be! I wish we tasted this earlier in the flight, but we had our work cut out for us on the other barrel picks as well. Do you have a favorite MGP release you've tried? If so let me know in the comments! Company on Label: Bardstown Bourbon Company - this will be bottled under the "Hirsch" label (Distilled in Indiana) Whiskey Type: Bourbon Mash Bill Percentages: 60% Corn, 36% Rye, 4% Malted Barley Proof: 114.40° (subject to change before bottling approval) Age: 8 years Further identification: Lot # 13L21 was sampled on 7/14/2022 for Liquor Junction to consider for a single barrel pick; collaborating with Derek (@Bourbondipity_) and myself - the @MassBourbonAlliance tasting group was in agreement that this was a resounding yes! Nose: Up front this starts with a soft, unassuming creamy caramel profile. A bit deeper of a dive and the nose flourishes with floral sweetness like vanilla orchids and hints of jasmine. The oak is tame and level. Tiramisu drifts slowly into the nostrils. Longer inhales show off toffee. Overall the nose feels very well put together and will certainly offer an approachable yet satisfying softness to whiskey enthusiasts new and old. Soft flashes of linen introduce thin strands of cinnamon that give just a touch of spice in the nose-feel. Subdued orange peel is trying to come out of the glass but likely needs a friendly sip to really open up. Mmm. The nose certainly open up after a sip. I find lovely barrel funk, leather and black pepper. The unique floral characteristics are again comforting and delicious in the nose. Wow - late in the glass the vanilla characteristics evolve incredibly well. The empty glass smells of honey, rose petals, chocolate, fresh-sawn lumber, and lavender. Palate: From the first sip I find an incredibly different palate than the early nose let on. There's a marvelous fruit sweetness that flashes up front that then leads to a beautiful creamy caramel viscous mouth coating that lingers infinitely long in warm bourbon waves that rise through the chest. Wow. What was a rather lackluster early nose in intensity turned out to be a wallop of a first sip. Another sip reveals the aforementioned fruit sweetness to be made up of orange marmalade, ripe red cherries, plum and a dash of Angostura bitters. Sweet and spicy red grapes bubble up to the surface at times in sweet surprises. Overall this has a great balance and manages to deliver a really unique bourbon profile that is not often achieved out of the 36% rye mash bill. Nearing the bottom of the glass some more citrus characteristics come to the foreground with lemon peel hanging out of a cup of chamomile tea loaded with honey. My last sip is a doozy of a delicious wave with orange sherbert, cornbread and a rich drizzle of warm caramel pleading for me to pour another glass. The linger is exceptionally long with sweet molasses, white pepper-laced oak, and a creamy angel food cake that tapers off slowly. Rating: Two Thumbs Up What a unique barrel! When we first tasted it (after a round of Blanton's, Weller Full Proof, and Knob Creek) I think there was definitely not enough time to see just how exceptional this barrel really is, and perhaps a bit of proof-blindness that had already set in. I am so glad I got to revisit this one as the notes just felt so easy to find here. While this definitely didn't feel like it chartered into completely new territory or set a new bar for what whiskey can be, I will say it's incredibly crushable & also incredibly nuanced if you want to take your time with it too. I love a good versatile pour like this and will often find myself sharing something like this when I am in a group setting and we are chatting about things that maybe aren't whiskey at that time. It's easy to enjoy for everyone, and if you take the time to notice - it really is a great whiskey. I'll be sure to revisit this one once it is bottled!

A highly sought after new release from Wild Turkey is up for review today! This release is another Eddie Russell special which was crafted as a new age stated Wild Turkey product. This one should be easier to find than the only older age stated release, 16 year old Russell's Reserve 2003. It has recently started distributing nationally, but in fairly low quantities. Because of that, there has been a lot of clamoring to acquire this one for many whiskey enthusiasts. A lot of excitement goes into something of this caliber and pedigree. I found myself getting caught up in it as well. I'm hoping to be able to let folks who don't have one yet know what they are (or are not) missing with this review and maybe convince a few people who are hoarding them to get them open and shared. I was astounded to find and purchase my own bottle which I knew would make for a great tasting. I am just recently coming off the heels of one of the best Russell's Reserve Single Barrel store picks I've tasted to date, and I have even higher hopes for this. But hopes are not in a whiskey reviewers best interest.... So I tried this a few times to get past the new bottle jitters and let it air a bit before finally getting prepared to sit down and review it fairly. Well about a week after opening, I'm ready to do just that. Here goes! Company on Label: Wild Turkey Whiskey Type: Bourbon Mash Bill Percentages: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Barley Proof: 114.8° Age: 13 years Further identification: Russell's 13 comes with a white top label and a blue bottom label; it is NCF stated; update as of 3-Sep-2022: this is the LL/JD laser code original batch 1 release that came out in April of 2021 Nose: Dark chocolate nibs on the first introduction freshen to the glass. Prevalent sweetness throughout. Lovely strawberry and fig. Strawberry smell is almost fuzzy in my nostrils. Well-aged oak is certainly present from the start. Creamy citrus is riding on the back of the fig note. Feels like a spicy cowboy has rode into town ready for a gun fight. A little bit of dusty funk I'd attribute to a fairly standard Russell's aroma. Nose is actually incredibly light/airy. Time for a sip. Nose turns much more towards caramel now but also carries a slight astringency like wet paint for a moment. After that passes there is a definitive light nuttiness to this; like a bag of mixed nuts, but smelled from a far. It’s mellow & easy on the senses. The oak finally has returned & brought with it a little of vanilla bean. A bit of proof is evident later in the nose. I almost could mistake this for some kind of wine barrel finish honestly. I wish I could keep going on how this had infinite layers, but the complexity seems to have mainly ended here. Empty glass of chocolate, red grape & funky fig. Palate: Instant sweetness with rich layers of cherry, molasses, and a smoky strawberry with a heavily charred texture. I almost envision a strawberry dump cobbler in a Dutch oven over a bed of coals & a little ash/charcoal has fallen in after moving the lid too quickly. Lovely fruity mouth coating that spreads to every corner of the palate. Slight wine tannin on the linger, but a great sizzle & pop of chocolate & cinnamon. Beautiful sweet layers to this. Very much desert pour level of sweetness for me; I’d pick this over pie. When I first opened this I was getting much more nuttiness. Now the sweet red fruits are almost overwhelming. I’m really glad I didn’t do this bottle the disservice of reviewing the neck poor as it has evolved dramatically after the first open (this is actually my third open now). Very creamy mouth feel, but drying in the cheeks with the heavier oak. Back of the tongue sizzles with a pop rocks spice. Level, well-balanced & delicious. Rating: 5/5 As good of a score as this got - so did my last Russell's Single Barrel store pick... To me, this doesn’t have a significant difference and feel compared to that. If you are really banging your head against the wall trying to find one of these - just go for a single barrel pick. I just so happen to have another one of those single barrel picks open… Maybe a head to head next?