What hallmarks do you look for in small distilleries? Is there something you gravitate toward without realizing its importance until the pattern is established? Perhaps you seek out pot-still production, for example, or you look for a brand's commitment to preserving the historical ways of crafting whiskey, or you enjoy a passionate focus on local ingredients. Whatever the reason, I wonder: are consumers being too hard on the little guys who are pursuing their passions? I don't think so. Committing to a bottle of whiskey from a micro or craft distillery is an investment that comes with a higher price tag than, say, a bigger distillery. I'm certainly not a numbers person or an expert on profit margins and losses, but I can speak as a small distillery enthusiast who is intentional about my purchases and pours. Weldon Mills Distillery , located in Weldon, North Carolina, is a micro-distillery that both distills and crafts unique blends of whiskey, gin, rum, and vodka. That may seem redundant to read, but many small distilleries start out with sourced whiskey that they bottle themselves while their own stock is aging. So, it is important to note. Founded in 2018, Weldon Mills has two locations on the Roanoke River and offers both a distillery open to the public and a historic corn mill that serves as an event venue. In addition to the idyllic river views of the North Carolina landscape, the distillery proudly sources everything locally, from the water to the corn to the wheat and barley, directly from their home state. If you'd like to learn more about Weldon Mills Distillery, please visit their website . Our mission is to elevate life's moments, both big and small, by delivering the world's finest bourbon experience through a portfolio of elegant spirits defined by unmatched quality and craftsmanship Thank you to the folks at Weldon Mills for reaching out and providing the opportunity to try their whiskey. With certain hallmarks in mind and a palate ready to taste, I hope to offer a well-rounded review of a smaller distillery you may have never heard of before, so you can be a more informed and intentional consumer. Now, onward to the fun part! Company on Label:  Weldon Mills Distillery Whiskey Type:  A blend of straight bourbon whiskeys Mash Bill Percentages: Undisclosed Proof:  114.9 ° Age:  At least 2 years MSRP: $64.95 Further Identification:  Weldon Mills uses a three-grain mashbill with locally grown North Carolina corn, malted wheat, and barley Nose: Before I even lift the glass to my nose, I can smell the whiskey wafting from the table next to me. Once the rim of my glencarin is nestled cozily under my nostrils, I inhale robust and oily aromas that initially lean quite doughy. A second inhale ushers in pronounced cinnamon spice and rich caramel, and it has my mind relaxing into the familiarity of bourbon. Swirling the liquid releases additional wood spice, notably clove, with flashes of candied orange and baked apple pie. Digging my nose in deeper, which is quite easy even at this proof, I find subtle vanilla tones and the slightest hint of pepper. After a bit of rest, the welcome back has taken on richer tones of cinnamon buns, glazed donuts, and flaky pastry dough. Returning to the nose after several sips deepens the aromas into notes of steamed cappuccino and milk chocolate-covered orange slices. As the liquid disappears in my glass, the aromas hold steady, where each whiff is a reminder of what consistency smells like during a long sit with a dram. The empty glass smells of sweetened tea and damp hookah ash. Palate:  The first flash of liquid on my tongue has my eyes widening ever so slightly—this is silky! Steaming pour-over coffee, vanilla biscotti, and cream cheese coffee cake overwhelm my taste buds in a surprising and enjoyable way. The mid palate presents a nuanced flavor of hay and "craft", standing tall and proud as a lovely heat and cinnamon sugar spiced finish rounds out my first sip. The linger is medium in length with flavors that remind me of ginger tea and melted sugar cubes. Another sip isn't as coffee-forward as the first and now welcomes in fruit tones: orange marmalade, and stewed plums drizzled with vanilla frosting. Additional sips blend the flavors already tasted while offering new ones along the way, with pops of root beer, hot chocolate, and semi-sweet whipped cream. The cinnamon and underlying orange tones remain the common thread among the other mingling notes. The lingering layers, with each sip, leave behind earth tones, like corn husks and spring rain. As I approach my final sip, the flavors begin to join as one, tying a lovely bow on this tasting experience. TL;DR: Expect a comfortable and enticing flavor profile with a silky smooth palate Rating:  3.5/5 Good enough. There's something to enjoy here. This is an excellent dram to liven up your taste buds while not overextending your palate into unfamiliar territory. The smell and taste of North Carolina grains are not masked or hidden, which may pose a challenge for some. With additional aging, I do think the aromas and flavors will shine in ways that could make this a wow-worthy whiskey. For that reason, Weldon Mills is absolutely on my radar! 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.

Photo provided by Bardstown Bourbon Company January 27, 2026 (Bardstown, KY.)  — Bardstown Bourbon Company, one of the most innovative distillers in American whiskey, will reveal a comprehensive packaging transformation across its core portfolio this year. The bold new design reflects the brand's continued commitment to pushing the boundaries of bourbon while maintaining the exceptional quality standards of their award-winning American whiskey portfolio. Strategic Brand Evolution Enhances Retail Visibility with Palette That "Pops" on Shelf The packaging update marks a strategic visual evolution of Bardstown Bourbon that speaks not only to the forward-thinking ethos that defines the brand, but more clearly to the premium spirit within. The refined modernist aesthetic keeps the brand's signature bottle shape while introducing sophisticated design elements that strengthen the brand's positioning. Key design updates include: Enhanced Visibility on Shelf: Secondary labels and bold tyopgraphy, plus distinctive iconography Improved Product Clarity: Prominent designations and intuitive bar calls for each expression Refined Color System: Strengthens visual separation and SKU differentiation Premium Materials: Soft-touch label substrate adds density and distinction, elevating the bottle's feel and presence Authenticity through Iconography: Debossed topographical map nods to place of origin, offering a tactile bridge to Bardstown's push to challenge boundaries while honoring time-tested tradition Sealed with a heavier weighted cord, the elements merge thoughtful, minimalist design with genuine personality that ensures each expression "pops"—both on retail shelves and on the back bar. Thoughts and reactions from the Amongst the Whiskey team can be found at the bottom of this page . Strategic Redesign Furthers Brand's Innovation Strategy "Our new packaging amplifies what made us who we are: bold, innovative, transparent and high-quality. Every element, from our beautiful bottle to the premium materials, tells the story of our unwavering commitment to excellence while signaling our evolution as a brand that is ready to boldly step into the future," said Pete Marino, President of Lofted Spirits. "At Bardstown, we are constantly pushing ourselves to redefine what premium means in today's market while staying true to the values that earned our customers' trust. This packaging is another part of our promise that innovation and tradition can coexist beautifully, creating something that honors our legacy while writing the next chapter for our story." The push to redesign emerged as the brand scaled with nationwide distribution. While well-known within the whiskey industry, the packaging was recessive on the shelf and failed to provide clear differentiation between expressions. The project began with deep market research and national agency support before it was ultimately brought in-house and overseen by Design Director Ron Jasin. Bardstown Bourbon Company worked with international printing house Eurostampa , which specializes in premium spirits packaging. New Single Barrel Offering Included in Phased Rollout The refreshed design will begin rolling out in early spring on Bardstown's core productions: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Bottled-in-Bond, High Wheat Bourbon, and Kentucky Straight Rye. Later in the year, the refreshed design will expand to the brand's Single Barrel Program, Discovery Series, and award-winning brand collaborations. Along with redesigned packaging, a new single-barrel option will be added to the brand's by-the-barrel program. In addition to Kentucky Straight Bourbon and Rye Whiskeys, barrel buyers will not be able to select a Wheated Bourbon from the same 20% wheat recipe that comprises Bardstown's Bottled-in-Bond. This latest evolution signals not just a design update but a reaffirmation of Bardstown Bourbon Company's commitment to pushing the boundaries of bourbon through innovation, transparency, and world-class American whiskey. "The labels have changed. The standards haven't," said Dan Callaway, Master Blender. "Inside these beautiful bottles is the same award-winning whiskey—the consistent quality that defines our pursuit of what's possible." Thoughts from the Authors From Jes: If you were hunting bottles in 2023, then you may remember the moment when Bardstown Bourbon released its first core products. I certainly do, and they were quite difficult to find at first, and for good reason. The inaugural release of core products from a well-respected brand at a price that wouldn't make consumers second-guess pulling it from the shelf was exciting news! When I finally found the bottled-in-bond expression, I was elated. Aside from what I heard was going to be great bourbon, I absolutely adored the bottle design, particularly the back image of the tree. Unfortunately, the redesign eliminated this detail, the designs shown through to the back of the bottle, which was something I had actually considered a visual staple for Bardstown Bourbon. I will miss seeing the pretty artwork through the bottle, but as someone who enjoys clean, concise labeling and appreciates transparency right there on the label, I believe this design shift will further highlight Bardstown's diverse profile and visibility on shelves in a positive and necessary way. From Nick: This label is definitely eye-catching, with that front label highlighting what people really need to know at a glance. The wheated bourbon enthusiast, in particular, might be more apt to try or buy when they see that bright blue, textured topographical background with the bold "high wheat" that gives them a raised eyebrow. What I appreciate most is that the transparent origin details, mash bills, age, and blending percentages all remain accessible to the more curious connoisseur. While my gut reaction is probably somewhat resistant to the change, favoring the detail-rich lore that Bardstown Bourbon Co. was built on, I understand the need to remain accessible to everyone in order to scale your business beyond the small cross-section of whiskey geeks who might typically peruse this site. I know I'll be looking out for their rye whiskey in 2026 and beyond. About Bardstown Bourbon Bardstown Bourbon Company is pushing the boundaries of innovation while honoring the traditional art of making great whiskey. With the most modern, technically advanced whiskey distillery, Bardstown Bourbon combines the highest quality distillation and spirited hospitality into a modern, authentic bourbon experience unlike any other on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail™. Bardstown Bourbon Co. Is working to push the entire Industry In a direction that is more innovative, more transparent, and more collaborative. Bardstown Bourbon was named Icons of Whiskey Global Brand Innovator of the Year (2025), IWSC's Worldwide Whiskey Producer of the Year (2023), and the only brand represented on Whisky Advocate's Top 20 list in five different years (2019, 2021-2025). Bardstown Bourbon Co. It is a part of Lofted Spirits, one of the largest American Whiskey distilleries in the U.S. For more information, visit BardstownBourbon.com and  find a bottle near you  today.  Written by: The Amongst the Whiskey Team NICK ANDERSON & JES SMYTH

I tasted this alongside an E.H. Taylor Small Batch as a bit of a bottled-in-bond battle. This was my first opening of the Heaven Hill BiB. I try not to review neck pours, but this is one of them where I did. Read the follow-up pour of E.H. Taylor Small Batch here . Company on Label: Heaven Hill Whiskey Type: Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey Mash Bill Percentages: 78% corn, 10% rye, and 12% malted barley Proof: 100° Age: 7 years Further identification: I purchased this in early 2021 and reviewed it within the same year Nose: Bright, sweet, dry vanilla. Something else attached to it that resembles the smell of a fresh stack of paper. Candied apple. White pepper. A tobacco that is very light and masked in a touch of ethanol. Dry, old oak. Definitely primarily driven by vanilla & white pepper. Some extra char here yields a marshmallow note I've thoroughly enjoyed out of some Elijah Craig offerings. Some light raisin notes round this nose out well. Late nose is most enjoyable; it turns all sweet. Palate: Wow, unironically smooth. Incredibly balanced mouthfeel on first sip, with the pepper and a light zest forming in the center of the tongue. Vanilla is a permanent fixture around the rest of the mouth coating. This drinks just ridiculously silky smooth. The marshmallow bits of char here mix well with a rich plum. No matter how I chew this, I can't elicit any bite. The vanilla and paper I experienced on the nose crescendos very intensely on these chews, however. The linger is intensely long, driven by a recently acquired vanilla sweet lemon cake that breathes through my airways for the better part of a minute. The overall vibe is definitely explosive vanilla notes. Rating: 4/5 This is a whiskey that has stood the test of time. With consistently great vanilla flavors, this is one of the best values in bourbon still today. WRITTEN BY: NICK ANDERSON With over a decade of sipping experience, Nick Anderson brings a well-calibrated palate to his profound passion for the whiskey industry. Beginning in Irish whiskey before expanding into bourbon, rye, and beyond, he has long been taking the ephemeral observation of unspoken enjoyment and translating it into meaningful words. He is the owner and primary long-winded whiskey writer for AmongstTheWhiskey.com , and he hopes you find resonance in the patient conveyance of an honest whiskey review.

“Waste no more time arguing what a good man should be. Be one.” – Marcus Aurelius When I heard this year's George T. Stagg release crossed over the threshold beyond the magic hazmat number, I knew I had to track one down. While the bourbon hunt was a little slower to produce this year, the generosity of the whiskey community turned up strong. My dear friend Matt Long, also known as @rarewhiskeynomad or "Hazzmatty," sent along a sample for review. Matt runs an incredible community called The Whiskey Coalition , which I'm glad to be a part of. His family Christmas card this year was an easy 5/5 for me, and I am deeply grateful for his kindness as always in sharing this. You would be hard-pressed to find a more magnanimous man than Matt. He's the kind of guy that would make Marcus Aurelius proud. With my review of the 2024 George T. Stagg turning up a perfect score, let's see if 2025 can live up to the pinnacle quality that is expected out of a bottle from the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection. After Matt sent along this sample, I was able to track down a bottle of my own, which enabled me to taste this three times prior to my final review in accordance with my editorial policy . Tasting this side by side with the 2024 release enabled a thorough review and a well-reasoned rating, which you'll find below! Company on Label:  Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort, Kentucky Whiskey Type:  Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey Mash Bill Percentages:  Undisclosed Buffalo Trace mash bill # 1 (high corn, low rye, and malted barley) Proof:  142.8° Age:  15 years, 4 months Buy online:   Frootbat Further identification:  The 2025 George T. Stagg specs are detailed in their yearly release letter: Nose:  The nose leads with bold rickhouse funk, laden with rich caramel tones that exude an immediate elegance. While the complexity takes a little while to warm up, I start finding raspberry meringue roulade and vanilla tones first before the pervasive oak begins to let more notes free from its grasp. Light chocolate and confectioners' sugar dance in the nostrils. Sun-warmed farm fields come to mind as I inhale with happy, closed eyes. While there's allspice, black pepper, and clove aromas, they have all been softened by the chocolate tones, the general creaminess, and a wonderful aroma of homemade bread baking in the oven. I cannot believe how exquisite this feels in the nose without a hint of heat or any of the hazmat proof. After a patient rest, a mixed berry fruit compote tone begins to develop, giving texture that wasn't there before. Blueberry pie and stewed apricot build well on deep inhales. I am still amazed by the approachability here... After finally jumping into a sip, I return to a nose filled with beignets, molasses, and just a dab of butterscotch. An infinitely long inhale plays the story above on repeat, inducing only smiles and chills. The empty glass smells of cherry bounce and warm, bakery-sweet monkey bread. Palate:  My first sip shows up in a big way with more cherry than I know what to do with. It's juicy and mouthwatering on the tongue like sucking on a Jolly Rancher before coconut and cream shimmer off in the elegant linger. This is a beast of a bourbon that doesn't seem to taste like previous releases. The added nuance of that really fun coconut layer definitely sets this bottle apart in my mind. Another sip to reground me shows off decadent caramel monkey bread and cinnamon swirl sourdough. Goodness, this is good. The central theme of this pour is definitely that luscious cherry characteristic, which weaves its way throughout the entire experience. Sipping later into the dram reveals more candy shop sweetness, now leaning towards Sweet Tarts and Smarties, two nostalgic hits from my upbringing. I admit I am taking the smallest sips possible to preserve every minute of this pour, because this is damn delicious whiskey. Another poke into the glass as the liquid level is getting painfully low produces crème de menthe pie and a new layer of creamy caramel. My last sip is like a fond farewell to a friend with bodacious pear tart, nutmeg, peach flambé, and cherry dump cobbler layering out like a kneading cat in an infinitely long finish. TL;DR: Cherry for days on an elegant and refined profile that belies the hazmat proof Rating:  5/5 Pinnacle whiskey. A true rarity in quality. After having a taste of this, my desire to hunt down a bottle was multiplied tenfold. I am grateful to have done so since then, and this enabled a deeper understanding of the inherent quality of this incredible bourbon. Comparing this pour to the 2024 George T. Stagg tells me everything I need to know. The 2025 release is better in every way, unless you are looking for a bit of that punchiness. If you like a whiskey that smacks you around a little bit, the 2024 is going to do that a bit better. As far as depth of flavor, evolution through complexity, and refined elegance, the 2025 bottling of George T. Stagg is a perfect whiskey in every way. This just might be the bourbon of the year. WRITTEN BY: NICK ANDERSON With over a decade of sipping experience, Nick Anderson brings a well-calibrated palate to his profound passion for the whiskey industry. Beginning in Irish whiskey before expanding into bourbon, rye, and beyond, he has long been taking the ephemeral observation of unspoken enjoyment and translating it into meaningful words. He is the owner and primary long-winded whiskey writer for AmongstTheWhiskey.com , and he hopes you find resonance in the patient conveyance of an honest whiskey review.

“The wise are instructed by reason, average minds by experience, the stupid by necessity, and the brute by instinct.” – Marcus Tullius Cicero If you are on the hunt for Stagg this year, you have come to the right place. I have had the good fortune of trying most of the existing Stagg Jr. releases through the years and regularly recalibrate my ratings against previous batches. You'll find my full power ranking at the Stagg Hub , your one-stop shop for all things Stagg Jr. and George T. Stagg. It has all the proofs, the rankings, the history, and more. It is through this lens that I am ready to examine the 3rd batch that was released at a strangely quick pace in the winter of 2025. 2025 Batches by Proof/ABV 25A : 126.5° / 63.25% 25B : 126.9° / 63.45% 25C : 125.6° / 62.8% 25D : 129.2° / 64.6% As I wrote in my review of batch 25D , I think Buffalo Trace needs to slow down on the release pace and hone back in on quality. I would much prefer to see two releases that knock my socks off than have to spend so much time informing folks which batches are worth scooping versus leaving on the shelf. Part of why I decided to go so deep on reviewing Stagg Jr. batches was because I was the guy standing in a liquor store back in 2018, staring at 5 different proofs without any sense of what the differences between them would be. I had no clue which ones were good or if any of them were worth haggling over. I am glad I took that risk back in the day, and I hope this review puts you in a more informed position than I found myself in back then. Company on Label:  Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort, Kentucky Whiskey Type:  Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey Mash Bill Percentages:  Undisclosed Buffalo Trace mash bill # 1 (high corn, low rye, and malted barley) Proof:  125.6° Age:  NAS (though rumored to typically be around 8 years old) Buy online:   Frootbat Further identification:  This is the 25C batch of Stagg bourbon, which arrived in winter 2025 Nose:  As I get into my first smell of the glass, I find a wave of traditional bourbon caramel that runs right down the middle. Black pepper and allspice swing in gentle spice before a wave of decaying fall leaves takes over the experience. Long inhales are a bit metallic but settle into small pops of vanilla and caramel. I can't say I'm too excited yet nosing through, as the simple aromas come across a bit synthetic. After a long rest, things settle into a comfortable territory that is just simple, classic Buffalo Trace bourbon ramped up to a comfortable proof. Light toffee and candy wrapper aromas fill my nostrils late in the glass. The empty glass smells like graham crackers and vanilla Tootsie Rolls. Palate:  Putting glass to lips I find the black pepper and allspice the nose was touting, as well as the big sploosh of caramel that falls over the entire tongue in a scrawny, thin mouthfeel. Sampling again is a carbon copy of the first, a rather one-note caramel experience. Dutifully plumbing the depths reveals a bit of anise and burnt pancake scraps before a metallic linger takes over. For a seasoned Stagg Man, this is pretty disappointing overall, but if this was your first-ever Stagg batch, I don't think you would notice as much. Light raspberry tones start to ramp up late in the pour but fail to materialize in a meaningful way. As I continue to work through this pour, I find myself easily distracted with things other than the whiskey as it fails to capture my attention. My last sip is mundane yet enjoyable, with more vanilla tones proliferating on a medium-length finish. TL;DR: Crowd-pleasing, airy bourbon that doesn't quite suck Rating:  3/5 Middle of the road whiskey. An average showing. With 25D firmly in the dud category, 25C manages to elevate the experience quite a bit. While it doesn't soar as high as some other batches I have reviewed , if you can find this at MSRP, I am sure it'll be a crushable bottle for you and your friends to enjoy. If you are a more tenured enthusiast like me, you'll want to seek out batch 25A or 25B for a little more quality. If you find this style of honest review appealing, consider subscribing to my once-monthly newsletter , where I give the inside scoop on all kinds of whiskeys that are worth hunting as well as which ones to skip. Cheers! WRITTEN BY: NICK ANDERSON With over a decade of sipping experience, Nick Anderson brings a well-calibrated palate to his profound passion for the whiskey industry. Beginning in Irish whiskey before expanding into bourbon, rye, and beyond, he has long been taking the ephemeral observation of unspoken enjoyment and translating it into meaningful words. He is the owner and primary long-winded whiskey writer for AmongstTheWhiskey.com , and he hopes you find resonance in the patient conveyance of an honest whiskey review.

“If the path be beautiful, let us not ask where it leads.” – Anatole France What do you do when one of your favorite local liquor stores has a bottle of Stagg Junior hiding in plain sight? First, you confirm it's available for sale at a reasonable price, and then you pop it with the folks at the shop, of course! That's exactly what I did with my friends over at Curtis Liquors in Weymouth, MA when I found this batch 25B hiding in the lockup case. With the foil peeled and cork popped, we were delighted with our first pour from a new batch, especially after how good batch 25A was. Whiskey always tastes better when you share it with good people. Since then, I've been dutifully working through this bottle, with a little help from my friends, of course. I have been a long time fan of Stagg Jr I was excited to get into 25B again, thinking it was going to be the great finale of 2025, until I heard news of new batches showing up again. Like 2024, it seems we were fated to have four releases. Batches 25C and 25D started to hit shelves at nuanced proofs, something I have tracked over time in my Stagg Hub article—well worth a bookmark if you haven't already. Of course I have since hunted those down and had all four on hand to compare and contrast. I'll give you my power rankings for 2025 down below, but you'll have to check out that Stagg Hub link to see how they feather into the broader release landscape. Company on Label:  Distilled, aged, & bottled by Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort, Kentucky Whiskey Type:  Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey Mash Bill Percentages:  Undisclosed Buffalo Trace mash bill # 1 (high corn, low rye, and malted barley) Proof:  126.9° Age:  NAS (though rumored to typically be around 8 years old) Buy online:   Frootbat Further identification:  This is the 25B batch of Stagg bourbon, which arrived in winter 2025 Nose:  Oh yes... immediately I find a classic Stagg bourbon nose in this glass. With a widening smile, I pick up caramel apple and sweet rickhouse funk aromas. This is well balanced overall, allowing me to get my nose as far into the glencairn as I care to search, which is all the way, naturally. Level oak is pervasive and tells a tale of age and wisdom. Hints of fresh topsoil come to mind on long inhales. Floral characteristics build in neat little surprises along the way before ebbing away, revealing incredible sweet fruit. Nosing further, strawberry puree and orange creamsicle aromas tantalize and excite. This is a really fun pour so far. After a sip, the nose only gets better as more of those strawberry tones come in, bolstered by new sweetness that reminds me of fruit punch. Layer in the complexity of an underlying scent of root beer, and you've got a beautiful depth of aroma here. Late in the glass, the slow takeover of floral tones begins again, a wonderful evolution that continues to have staying power in this glass. The core characteristic continues to be a beautiful vanilla profile. The empty glass smells of waffles and light macadamia nuts. Palate:  On the tongue, ubiquitous sweetness from distinguished strawberry cake lands just right with a little bit of a kick at the end that reminds you this is barrel proof bourbon and not actually dessert. It's an exciting, rambunctious pour right from the get-go. Another sip is easier than the first, oozing orange marmalade before finishing with a tingling mouthfeel that feels like sucking down an ice-cold root beer float. The linger is quite solid, but not quite dialed up to maximum potential as light cola and indistinct breadiness fade to black. Subsequent sips reveal a continual array of balance and flavor, everything one should expect out of a well-made barrel proof bourbon. I'm finding loads of vanilla tones now, the back end of that orange creamsicle from the nose, but just lacking a little bit of that creaminess translating into the mouthfeel. Chewing a little further shows off that sweet fruit punch character, coming across more like Sweet Tarts now. I find myself taking small sips to savor this one fully, because it is hitting quite a few great notes right now. I am quite pleased as the orange creamsicle character returns with beautiful vengeance. My last sip is a complete treat as the simple vanilla profile reigns proud in its consistency. The finish is low and brooding but rumbles on quite long with nothing off, just a wave of candy sweetness as far as the mind can see. TL;DR: Batch 25B shows out strong with consistent core flavors and a little flair Rating:  4/5 Really good. I want one of these on my shelf. With how approachable this pour is and the flavors being on a range that I think folks will enjoy, 25B is definitely a beautiful batch worth hunting down if you can find it. If you like my long-form tasting notes, no-nonsense rating scale, or thorough tasting process, consider subscribing to my once-monthly newsletter so you don't miss out on the next best bourbon! Since I now have reviews done of all the 2025 batches, here is my power ranking: Batch 25A Batch 25B Batch 25C Batch 25D A neat little descent into madness, isn't it? WRITTEN BY: NICK ANDERSON With over a decade of sipping experience, Nick Anderson brings a well-calibrated palate to his profound passion for the whiskey industry. Beginning in Irish whiskey before expanding into bourbon, rye, and beyond, he has long been taking the ephemeral observation of unspoken enjoyment and translating it into meaningful words. He is the owner and primary long-winded whiskey writer for AmongstTheWhiskey.com , and he hopes you find resonance in the patient conveyance of an honest whiskey review.

“The world is a dangerous place to live, not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it.” – Albert Einstein I love reviewing all the Stagg Junior releases whenever I can, but this shift towards four releases a year is getting a little ridiculous. Not only do I believe this has caused a significant slide in the general quality of these batches, as we saw with the 2024 releases, but it also makes understanding which ones are worth the hunt even more complicated for barrel proof bourbon enthusiasts. Lucky for you, I have all the 2025 batches in hand as well as many of the previous releases for comparison purposes. I have tasted them all side by side and now have three sober tastings under my belt for this particular batch, 25D. On with the review! Company on Label:  Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort, Kentucky Whiskey Type:  Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey Mash Bill Percentages:  Undisclosed Buffalo Trace mash bill # 1 (high corn, low rye, malted barley) Proof:  129.2° Age:  NAS (though rumored to typically be around 8 years old) Buy online:   Frootbat Further identification:  This is the 25D batch of Stagg bourbon, which arrived in late winter 2025 Nose:  Immediately upon lifting the glass to my nose, I find a classic Kentucky bourbon rickhouse aroma—some of that dark, weathered wood we know and love. Another sniff doesn't do wonders beyond that, though I find a slight traditional Tootsie Roll aroma trying to poke out from behind the wood funk. Wafts of vanilla scream traditional bourbon through and through. After a sip, the nose is sharper, filled with black pepper aromas that tingle and steer the nose clear. Late in the glass, some hints of grilled pineapple and a light bit of lemon lollipop can be found if you really look. Earthiness joins the simple vanilla aroma that has persisted throughout this pour. The empty glass smells of musky wetlands and caramel. Palate:  My first sip is a little hot to the tongue, with classic Stagg cherry hots coming across a bit disjointed and jagged, a hallmark of an unharmonious blend. Another quick sip reveals more ethanol burn amidst light flavors of anise and cola. Unfortunately, what should be an array of great flavors demonstrated here are all lost on the dulling effects of harsh whiskey. Sipping further does nothing to improve the profile here, as I am left with a mouthful of a synthetic tingle with little of the accompanying joy that barrel proof bourbon traditionally brings. The synthetic feel sticks around on the linger like a synthetic sugar—think Sweet'n Low here, blegh. My last sip is one of the best, oddly, featuring toffee and vanilla yogurt. The finish is of a decent length, but with no volume, as chalky artificial vanilla reminds me of a poorly mixed protein shake. TL;DR: Expect muted flavors and unmitigated ethanol abound on this dud Rating:  2.5/5 Okay whiskey. Nothing special about this pour. With all heat and no sweet, this batch makes Stagg a dull boy. While some of the previous batches have lived up to the 8-12 year old bourbon range, this batch feels noticeably younger. With a noticeably short for my typically verbose tasting prose, I have to call this one a dud. Check out the batch power rankings on the Stagg Hub , and you'll see just how low this has sunk in the quality range for Stagg Junior. Bookmark that page while you're over there, as it will be continuously updated as new batches get released! WRITTEN BY: NICK ANDERSON With over a decade of sipping experience, Nick Anderson brings a well-calibrated palate to his profound passion for the whiskey industry. Beginning in Irish whiskey before expanding into bourbon, rye, and beyond, he has long been taking the ephemeral observation of unspoken enjoyment and translating it into meaningful words. He is the owner and primary long-winded whiskey writer for AmongstTheWhiskey.com , and he hopes you find resonance in the patient conveyance of an honest whiskey review.

The 2021 release of Michter's 10 Bourbon is making the rounds. I have a bit of my 2020 release bottle still available, so let's see how they taste next to each other! I actually tasted these blind but was able to identify them easily given my extensive experience with the 2020 release and didn't feel the need to hide which was which here. You can see my previous 2020 Michter's 10 Year Bourbon notes here . 2021 Michter's 10 Year Bourbon Company on Label: Bottled by Michter's Distillery Whiskey Type: Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey Mash Bill Percentages: Undisclosed Proof: 94.4° Age: 10 Years Further identification: Barrel No. 21D1232 2020 Michter's 10 Year Bourbon Company on Label: Bottled by Michter's Distillery Whiskey Type: Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey Mash Bill Percentages: Undisclosed Proof: 94.4° Age: 10 Years Further identification: Barrel No. 20F1287 2021 Review Nose: Earthy, dark oak with cinnamon undertones. Light citrus floats like a cloud with no zesty bite. Slightly tannic fruit with a touch of sweet funk. Caramel moves even more dark fruit in. Very nice complexity, even early on, pre-sip. Lovely marshmallow creaminess has rolled in. Fruit has parted for now to let the caramel dance on its own, slowly turning over in the glass. Wow, a swirl really makes this pop with that marshmallow and baking spice. Palate: Linen and herbal funk lead the way; strange metallic caramel happened early on, maybe an effect of the dreaded neck pour? Citrus and leather improve things drastically with time. Great proof rise with baking spices, some light anise, and plums. Longer finish than you would expect out of 94.4 proof; this is a lovely but still somehow light experience. Waves of citrus, hay, and leather float over longer sips. Bigger flavor than before, I believe this is the 2021, which I will certainly be keeping #AmongstTheWhiskey. 2020 (Re) Review Nose: Bright spice and light sweetness. Dry vanilla layered over smooth oak. Powdered candy sweets like smarties. Some sweet tarts. Sweeter citrus, like a lemon drop. Light caramel swings in some enjoyable baking spices and a hint of some herbal tones. Light linen and leather mix well, predominantly leaning towards the linen side. Something shiny like stainless steel. Chocolate herbs pop on a light swirl. Some mature rye spice showing late in the glass. Light pepper. Palate: Candy sweets! Cinnamon red hots, cherry syrup, and the drying presence of those smarties. Hmmm, molasses and syrupy stewed herbs. Very interesting. Oaky for sure, but balanced with a sweetness that keeps it from becoming drying past the gums. Leaning heavily on the lemongrass freight train, this doesn't evolve as rapidly as the other glass. It takes its time, weaving a sweet and slow story together that is certainly meant to be savored. The finish is long and slow, building up from molasses and pears into a rye spice crescendo that leaves you looking forward to the next sweet sip. Final Ranking: 2021 > 2020; although the candy profile of 2020 has its merits, I enjoy the higher level of complexity I am getting out of 2021.

I've got an interesting new distillery to put on your whiskey radar. Middle West Spirits out of Columbus, Ohio is serving up well-aged craft whiskey with few frills and full transparency these days. The bottle is adorned with all the marketing accoutrements you would expect, such as "small batch craft", "smooth full bodied four grain", and "handcrafted in the heart of the Ohio River Valley". They lean heavily on their local grain to glass techniques, and all of these blurbs are surprisingly resonant if you dig deeper on the brand. I get the sense that this is a pretty legit operation. This "Michelone Reserve bottling" pays homage to the grandfather who inspired it all. They use Speyside bourbon cooperage in Jackson, Ohio and distill on a 68 inch diameter column still that runs 68 feet tall. They're a surprisingly large operation that seems to be just hitting stride this year. I'd like to thank Middle West for providing Amongst the Whiskey writer Jes Smyth with this bottle, which she passed along to me for review with no strings attached. I'd like to say I'm just exploring this for my third tasting, the norm for AmongstTheWhiskey.com reviews according to our editorial policy, but I'm actually three-quarters of the way through this bottle. It was put out on the table at my last Texas Hold'em table, and few could withstand its powerful allure as I continued to rake chips into my pile. My best friend Zach, who is more of a whiskey novice, was waxing poetic about how good it was. I readily agreed. So now we're here, with a bottle nearing empty and no review to show for it... but an empty bottle is kind of a review in and of itself, isn't it? I usually only bring and share my best, so if you're in my company and a bottle is getting low, you know it's going to be good. Such is the case for Middle West's cask strength wheated bourbon. Let's get to the real notes, shall we? Company on Label:   Middle West Spirits Whiskey Type:  Straight wheated bourbon whiskey Mash Bill Percentages: 68% non-GMO yellow corn, 16% Ohio soft red winter wheat, 11% dark pumpernickel rye, and 5% malted 2-row barley Proof:  122.2 ° Age:  4 years Further identification:   This is batch 001 of the cask strength wheated bourbon (four grain) series, one of three new flagship offerings from Middle West, now available at an MSRP of $69.99 Nose:  Lovely barrel funk escapes the glass en masse upon first lifting it to my nose. Sweet caramel, molasses, and waffle breading jump out at me before more subtle graham cracker and cinnamon layer in behind. If you're not a proof hound, this one's probably going to make you cough a little on deep inhales. Nosing this reminds me a bit of a slightly younger Stagg Jr., and I'm totally here for that. There's subtle allspice, black pepper, and dank woodshop aromas galore. It's bold but not out of line in any way. Time for a taste. Returning the nose after a few sips brings forth sweet Whoppers, funky toffee, praline, and the dense, ephemeral beauty that inherently comes with well-aged whiskey. I'm liking whatever the Speyside cooperage is doing for these guys quite a bit. As my glass runs dry, I find subtle hints of grilled pineapple, honey, and Cherry Garcia ice cream. Palate:  My first sip presents like your first bite of cinnamon coffee cake. It's soft, flaky, and doughy in the mouth before the perfect balance of sweet and spice trickles from front to back across the tongue. The lingering mouthfeel is a touch of wild mint on the tip of the tongue and Werther's everywhere else. Another sip shows off caramel popcorn, Crunch chocolate bar, and peanut butter granola—I really dig everything about this whole profile. Overall everything is surprisingly subtle for the proof point. Cherry syrup and grenadine linger long after a taste. At the end of a long savored glass, I taste beignet, ganache, and raspberry tart. It lingers long into the 4th quarter, and I swoon with every sip. TL;DR: This might just replace your favorite allocated bourbon Rating:  4.5/5 ( Absolutely delicious. Enthusiast grade pour. ) This feels like the perfect fall whiskey, bottled at just the right proof. No water necessary . I'd say this falls somewhere between my enjoyment of Weller Antique and your average Stagg Jr batch. While the nose and finish match the vibe of Junior pretty well, something in the middle presents just a little bit lacking but is still very clearly crushable. It's certainly a whiskey worth visiting—and then revisiting—as cooler weather comes knockin' in the Northeast. Grab yourself some Middle West Spirits today ! 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.

“Life, if well lived, is long enough.” – Seneca In the era of glamour shots of unopened bottles, few dare to tell the tale of what's inside. When I saw this bottle on the shelf for a decent enough price, I knew it was going to be my Christmas dram to share with my dad, who appreciates a pour of whiskey from me every once in a while. Not only did we get to enjoy it over a remarkable game of cribbage, but I also got to share it with my cousin the next day and even sipped it with my mom the day after that! Put those three tastings together, and you've got a well-formed opinion on a whiskey worth writing about. If nothing else, let this be a reminder for you to open those bottles: my experience in sharing those pours goes far beyond the words on this page. In the end, I am still a whiskey writer, so I triangulated those experiences and sat down for one final taste of the 2025 release of Old Rip Van Winkle 10 year wheated bourbon. Company on Label:  Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery (Buffalo Trace), Frankfort, Kentucky Whiskey Type:  Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey Mash Bill Percentages:  Undisclosed wheated bourbon mash bill Proof:  107° Age:  10 years MSRP:   $150 Buy online:   Frootbat Further identification:  The 2025 release of Old Rip Van Winkle is part of the annual allocated whiskey release that Buffalo Trace does in the fall of each year Nose:  Cherry, fluffy cotton candy, juicy orange, and sour sweet tarts lead the way on this immediately enjoyable pour. Entenmann's raspberry cheese Danish aromas build with a little time and patience. After a sip, fun dip chalkiness comes in like those old-school sugar straws. Poking around further, I find the glaze on a bundt cake as well as a vintage antique shop filled with old vinyl. After a long rest, linen, lemon poppy seed, and black tea build well. Late in the glass is consistent with tingly black pepper and oodles of lemon tones. Ginger, allspice, leather, pear, and light cream tones offer nuance as the remainder of the pour is slowly savored. The empty glass smells of light linen and anise. Palate:  My first sip is easy as can be, with oodles of cherry and mixed berries jumping out of the glass. Each taste leaves a solid mouth coating with syrupy sherry sweetness hanging around in every crevice it can find. Ginger snap cookies show up poppy on subsequent sips. A long, savoring swish is filled with cherry cordial and maple sugar. This glass is a little skiddy at times, slumping flat in lulled moments, and occasionally jumping around in vibes. A black pepper dissonance is the only moment of curiosity to note. The glass performs strongest when sipped through at a quicker pace, offering a classic caramel chew and cinnamon-dusted apple cider doughnut on a medium finish. TL;DR: Consistently good whiskey that pours best when shared with family Rating:  4/5 Really good. I want one of these on my shelf. While Lot B might be my favorite mixer , the Old Rip Van Winkle release continues to be a consistent hit for my palate, landing somewhere just a touch north of the quality of the standard Weller Antique bottling. While not quite as deep as Pappy 15 year , it is noticeably less sleepy. If vibrant, exciting whiskey is more your jam, Old Rip might be a more consistent bottle for you, available at a lower price. I personally like my whiskey a little more exciting, but I also understand that quality ratings shouldn't follow personal taste preferences. If my writing suits your fancy, consider subscribing to my once-monthly newsletter . Cheers! WRITTEN BY: NICK ANDERSON With over a decade of sipping experience, Nick Anderson brings a well-calibrated palate to his profound passion for the whiskey industry. Beginning in Irish whiskey before expanding into bourbon, rye, and beyond, he has long been taking the ephemeral observation of unspoken enjoyment and translating it into meaningful words. He is the owner and primary long-winded whiskey writer for AmongstTheWhiskey.com , and he hopes you find resonance in the patient conveyance of an honest whiskey review.

“Anything in life worth doing is worth overdoing.”  - Shane Patton Typical Maker's Mark releases get aged to taste in their traditional rickhouses for around 6 to 8 years. Maker's Mark Cellar Aged adds years to that range with a clever trick that prevents their whiskey from becoming bitter and over-oaked. By resting barrels in an isothermal limestone cave that Maker's calls their "cellar," wood interactions are slowed while oxygen continues to interact with the spirit, increasing complexity without falling into the tannin trap of hyped-aged whiskey. Finally free from the misconception that older whiskey was not possible for the distillery, the 2025 release of Cellar Aged is the oldest whiskey Maker's has ever released, with a 14 year component in the blend. The cellar is cool in every sense of the word. The dim lighting and exposed stone wall give it a rough hideout feel, somewhere a Bond villain might make their home base. When I visited back in May of 2023, the temperature inside was a full 30 degrees cooler than the outside air, a sweet relief from Kentucky's brutal summers. The property in Loretto is truly stunning. If you've never been, I highly recommend you plan a stop in next time you're visiting the Bluegrass State. I recently was able to sample the 2025 Cellar Aged thanks to the 12 day bourbon exchange that my good buddy Derek Laverriere puts on every year around Christmas time. Brian Spencer contributed this particular bottle, and I am deeply grateful to have the chance to review a whiskey I didn't otherwise get to hunt down this year. On with the review! Company on Label:   Maker's Mark Distillery , Star Hill Farm, Loretto, KY Whiskey Type:  Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey Mash Bill Percentages:  70% corn, 16% wheat, 14% malted barley Proof / ABV:  112.9° / 56.45% Age:  11 year (a blend of 74% 11 year, 10% 13 year, and 16% 14 year barrels) MSRP:  $175 (2025) Buy Online:   Frootbat Further identification:  The 2025 release is the 3rd edition of Cellar Aged which was available in September of this year Nose:  On first lifting the glass, I find some lovely wood funk that usually only happens at high age statements for Kentucky bourbon. Rich dark chocolate tones layer in rapidly in a way that jives quite nicely with the oak. The pour needs no scapegoat for tannins, though; they're noticeably nowhere to be found—which is a check in the win column in my book. Deep inhales show off aromas of flan, vanilla biscotti, and graham cracker. With some time and air, intriguing fruit tones begin to build, reminding me of candied strawberry and yogurt malt balls. While these start subtle, they rise in prominence as a new act begins in the glass. Haribo cherry gummies take over before falling back into black pepper, allspice, and prominent oak. Vanilla and molasses remain dominant undertones as the glass continues to evolve. After a sip, all the funk is still there, though it comes across sweeter than earlier. This is further bolstered by a wonderful mocha latte aroma that just sings to me with subtle dashes of whipped cream and nutmeg, telling a pretty incredible story of quality, nuance, and craftsmanship. I can't think of another whiskey in recent memory that has matched a nosing experience quite like this. After a long rest, notes of dense fudge brownie bites are an absolute treat for the senses. Long inhales mingle in amaretto and confectioners' sugar, which support the fudge tones so well. The empty glass smells of a delicious summer camp Choco Taco. Palate:  Woah, this is bigger than I thought it was going to be based on the nose. Cherry hots come on strong before being cooled by a sweet strawberry parfait as the first sip leaves me with a big Kentucky hug. Another quick sip shows this was mostly just palate acclimation, as huge peach tones blossom on the tongue—tingly sweet like a sugary peach candy ring... Yum! Returning to the glass after a long rest results in a reintroduction to just how functionally complete this sip is. It does a multi-act performance not just on the full glass evolutions, but also on each sip. An introduction of sweet cream starts subtle, ramping up with graham cracker, peaking with a bubbling raspberry dump cobbler, and sliding back down into maraschino cherry juice before finishing with low and rumbling chocolate and almond tones. The shape of the experience resembles a bell curve (a normal distribution for my math nerds), which is the ultimate example of balance. Sipping near the bottom of the glass produces big waves of body chills as this liquid bliss forces eyes to close and lips to curl into a smile. My last sip is just as consistently great as the rest of them, reproducing the multi-act performance of cream, fruit, bread, and chocolate tones. The finish is long, leaving a rolling feeling like dough is being kneaded in my chest. It's going to take a little bit of time to wipe this smirk off my face. TL;DR: A bountiful surprise of complexity, depth, and flavor that will leave you smiling ear to ear Rating:  4.5/5 Absolutely delicious. Enthusiast grade pour. This is everything I had hoped Cellar Aged would be and more! It was one of the clear standout pours of the 12 day exchange and got very similar ratings from my 11 other tasters before I told them my thoughts. I look forward to seeing what Maker's Mark continues to improve upon with this release, as there's not much left to perfect! WRITTEN BY: NICK ANDERSON With over a decade of sipping experience, Nick Anderson brings a well-calibrated palate to his profound passion for the whiskey industry. Beginning in Irish whiskey before expanding into bourbon, rye, and beyond, he has long been taking the ephemeral observation of unspoken enjoyment and translating it into meaningful words. He is the owner and primary long-winded whiskey writer for AmongstTheWhiskey.com , and he hopes you find resonance in the patient conveyance of an honest whiskey review.

“Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.” – Epictetus The history of Pappy Van Winkle is remarkable. It's a phoenix-from-the-ashes story when you look back at the struggling family label that managed to weather a bourbon market collapse only to go on to become one of the most sought-after whiskeys on the planet. The story begins with Julian "Pappy" Van Winkle Senior, who started as a traveling salesman for W.L. Weller & Sons in 1893. By 1935, the original Pappy was ready to open the now-legendary Stitzel-Weller Distillery in Shively, Kentucky. Pappy ran the distillery until 1965 when he passed away at age 91. Pappy's son, Julian Van Winkle Junior, took over the business at a time when bourbon was unfortunately going dark. Demand for aged whiskey cratered as public sentiment shifted towards clear spirits like vodka and gin through the 1960s and 1970s. By 1972, facing pressure from family shareholders, Julian Jr. was forced to sell the Stitzel-Weller Distillery along with its notoriously great brands like Old Fitzgerald and Weller. One label was spared from the sale: Old Rip Van Winkle . Julian started a side hustle, J.P. Van Winkle and Son. With the Old Rip brand in hand, he bought back his own family's old whiskey barrels from the new owners and began bottling them under the Old Rip Van Winkle label as an independent bottler. We'd call this kind of business a non-distilling producer today. Due to the lack of popularity in this era, we saw a plethora of commemorative decanters come out to make the product more appealing to a wider audience. Through sheer will, passion, and ingenuity, Julian Junior successfully kept the Van Winkle name afloat through incredibly challenging years in the bourbon business. When Julian III took over in 1981, the new owners of the Stitzel-Weller Distillery ended the bottling agreement that was previously in place, leaving the family brand without a physical location to bottle their bourbon. To stay in business, Julian III decided to buy the Old Hoffman Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky in 1983. He would use this location much like his father did as a bottling and storage location for sourced whiskey instead of a pure-play distillery. Bourbon was still not back in full favor in the States, but Japan was buying well-aged American whiskey, keeping an entire industry alive. While operating out of this location, the name changed to Old Commonwealth Distillery. After weathering the storm, it was time for a comeback. With Diageo selling off old stocks of the Stitzel-Weller Distillery barrels for a mere $200 a pop, Julian III was stocking up. The 1994 release of the first 20 year old Pappy Van Winkle bourbon would go on to make the brand a global sensation. In 2002, the Van Winkles went into business with Buffalo Trace Distillery, where all Pappy Van Winkle is distilled and bottled today, though the label will still give a historical nod to the Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery. While there were some transition years when the whiskey was still Stitzel-Weller distillate, these stocks have long since dried up. The bottling location today is centered in Frankfort, Kentucky, which is where Buffalo Trace is located. Demand for this release today still drastically outpaces the supply, a complete turnaround from the bust era of the 70s and 80s. It seems that the phoenix is still soaring. The full production volume and bottling quantities for the 2025 release of Pappy Van Winkle 15 year bourbon remain undisclosed, which only adds to the mystique of the brand. Despite being a bottle that most would hoard and never open for fear of missing the perfect occasion, I open my bottles . They taste better that way, you know. Having had this pour three times now, tasted neat on a sober palate each time, I'm ready to offer you my full review. Company on Label:  Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery (Buffalo Trace), Frankfort, Kentucky Whiskey Type:  Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey Mash Bill Percentages:  Undisclosed wheated bourbon mash bill Proof:  107° Age:  15 years MSRP:   $240 Buy online:   Frootbat Further identification:  This is the 2025 release of Pappy 15, as confirmed by the "L25" laser code on the bottom edge of the bottle Nose:  As soon as this whiskey is in the glass, a sweet cherry aroma can be found from about a foot away. Raising the rim of my glencairn to my nostrils, I discover raspberry vinaigrette dressing over a bed of iceberg lettuce. This slightly strange note reminds me a bit of rancio, but it's not too deep into the late stages of detritus here. Deep inhales normalize the profile to cherry skins, allspice, and plenty of peppery oak. The salad dressing vibe returns but quickly splits off into just the raspberry component. Classic bourbon caramel is here in spades. Nuances of molasses and milk chocolate complement the consistent cherry aroma that has ebbed in and out of awareness since the start of the glass. After another 15 minutes of rest in the glass, this blooms into a much bigger and functionally complete whiskey experience. I find a delightful red velvet cake aroma layered with buttercream frosting and, of course, a cherry on top. Breathing this in gives off easy notes of toffee and crème fraîche before a bit of cinnamon heat begins to tingle the nostrils. After a sip, the caramel tones only get stronger and more pronounced while french toast and confectioners' sugar layer in nicely. Toasted almond and nutmeg find their mark late in the pour. The empty glencairn smells of worn leather, dry tobacco, and light anise. Palate:  My first taste is sweet and easy, offering an obviously oak-influenced bourbon full of rich ripe cherries. Another sip, and the wonderful raspberry sweetness from the nose translates well, without the aforementioned greenery accoutrements. With an incredibly easy-drinking demeanor, the fruit tones have a lot of room to play. I envision cherry, raspberry, plum, and green apple all arranged on stage, spinning around each other in a musical performance on my tongue. The linger offers more apple tones accompanied by a light chocolate layer. Picking through patiently, I find elderflower liqueur and a faint sprig of mint—and I do mean faint here—almost barely perceptible except when chewing through the linger. The milk chocolate tones that sweep through rapidly can easily make you miss some of the more nuanced subtleties here. Sipping late in the glass elevates pear tarte tatin with a nice dash of brown sugar. On the final taste of this glass, I find a neat full-circle tie-in back to the cherry and oak start before a medium finish of raisin, vanilla ice cream, and milk duds round things out. TL;DR: Everything about this bourbon is nice, but it leaves me feeling a little sleepy Rating:  4/5 Really good. I want one of these on my shelf. If you're looking for the refined, smooth, well-aged sipping bourbon, then this is the glass slipper for you. It's quite enjoyable, ultimately fully embodying the word "nice" from start to finish. Thinking about the broader whiskey landscape, this bourbon lands a bit sleepy, missing a bit of the wow factor that other bourbons have achieved . While this is a solid bourbon, I have had equally memorable experiences with other bottles. I recently bought a bottle of a non-chill filtered Weller Antique 107 store pick . The Weller Antique pick is bottled at the same proof but is wildly more exciting. Expect a more viscous mouth coating and vibrant fruit to show up potent and delicious on the Antique, while you will find far more oak, leather, caramel, and subtle woodspice on the obviously older Pappy 15 year. In general, you might be surprised to discover there isn't that much daylight between the pours flavor-wise. All that said, I also compared the 2025 release to two other Pappy 15 year bottlings. Out of the 2021, the 2023, and the 2025 releases I tasted side by side, I like the 2025 the best. I want to also take a little time to set some of the record straight from my last review , where I feel like I was a little too harsh—unduly so. Pappy is far from crappy, and the people who built the brand and continue to shepherd it to the best of their ability deserve all the credit. I still hold the opinion that there are other whiskeys out there in this same 4/5 rating range that are much easier to find, and part of my ardent perspective on the 2021 Pappy Van Winkle 15 year came from that passionate belief. I hope my honest perspective and willingness to learn through experience are something you appreciate, my dear reader. If this level of transparency is something you appreciate, consider subscribing to my newsletter or sharing this review with a friend! WRITTEN BY: NICK ANDERSON With over a decade of sipping experience, Nick Anderson brings a well-calibrated palate to his profound passion for the whiskey industry. Beginning in Irish whiskey before expanding into bourbon, rye, and beyond, he has long been taking the ephemeral observation of unspoken enjoyment and translating it into meaningful words. He is the owner and primary long-winded whiskey writer for AmongstTheWhiskey.com , and he hopes you find resonance in the patient conveyance of an honest whiskey review.