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“Although no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.”  - Carl Bard Through the years, I have admittedly grown weary of toasted barrel finishes. Far too often, the process of adding a new barrel late to the equation typically de-ages already mature stock. Even if processed in a way that is favorable to producing sweet tones, this nonsensical approach to whiskey maturation has drawn my ire in more than a few reviews . I'm glad to see that Jack Daniel's took a completely different approach with this heritage barrel release, aging in a toasted barrel from the very start. Another underappreciated but impactful input parameter that the distilling team chose to use was a lower barrel entry proof: 100° instead of the industry norm of 125°. The higher barrel entry proof maximizes yield but ultimately ages differently in the barrel. There are quite a few distilleries beginning to re-explore the practice of low barrel entry proof in an effort to put quality above quantity, and seeing a big legacy brand like Jack Daniel's leading the charge is really heartwarming to me. This release will be offered year-round as part of the Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Collection giving us the chance to bring the unforgettable flavor of our Heritage Barrels to more of our friends. Offered at 100 proof (50% ABV) and matured at least seven years in our highest elevation barrel houses, Single Barrel Heritage Barrel has a soft oak nose infused with vanilla and graham cracker, rich notes of vanilla, marshmallow, and toffee across the palate, and a lingering finish of brown sugar. It is a whiskey that we think Jack himself would have been proud to have crafted and enjoyed with friends. While toasting has always been a part of the cooperage processing, the barrels used in the 2025 reinvigoration of this release were toasted over a heat pod for 24 minutes, a full 12 minutes longer than their traditional barrel toasting process. The barrel is then given a quick char to fit into the legal requirements of Tennessee whiskey. As you read through this review, keep in mind that this is a single barrel product, so there may be barrel to barrel variation that won't be captured in any one writeup. The Jack Daniel's team is fairly well known for their consistency, however, so I would imagine the nuances will not be as profound as the delta that's been generated by the difference in barrel entry proof and toasting process. Now let's dive in for a taste! Company on Label:  Distilled & Bottled by Jack Daniel Distillery, Lynchburg, TN Whiskey Type:  Tennessee Whiskey Mash Bill Percentages:   80% corn, 8% rye, 12% malted barley Proof:  100° Age:  8 years MSRP:  $69.99 (2025) Buy Online: Frootbat Further identification:  This is barrel number 25-05993, which was filled July 12, 2017, and bottled September 18, 2025 Nose:  On first lifting the glass to my nose, I find a wave of potent vanilla, caramel, and toffee that reminds me of the first batch of their 12 year expression, but with just enough new flair to be different than any other Jack Daniel's bottling to date. There's a lovely depth to this nose, delivering creamy molasses, coffee roll, and Andes mint aromas in potent undulations. The warm patience required to plumb the full depths of a Glencairn is rewarded here. After a long rest, I'm thoroughly pleased with the warm medley of salted caramel turtle pie and dusty, well-seasoned oak. While the complexity gives way at this point in the glass, I find myself quite satisfied with this nose. Returning from a sip yields the aroma of a sweet, salty seaside, littered with cool summer shops offering trinkets and taffy. Molasses does well to cover any signs of tannins all throughout this pour before the empty glass settles into dark chocolate and flaky croissant. Palate:  My first taste offers a lovely translation from nose to palate as whipped cream, coffee ice cream, and caramel sauce mingle in melty goodness. Another sip is consistent with the first, offering slightly less depth than the nose led with and drinking slightly hotter than the expected warmth of a 100 proof pour. As I continue my exploration of this glass, I find the sweetness rising with confectioners' sugar dusting every part of my mouth. The linger is slightly tingly with vanilla laced quite interestingly with mint. Despite being less enamored than the nose, there's still a good bit to enjoy here. After every sip I am left with a creamy mouth coating to the tune of a well-made tres leches cake. My last sip settles the glass out with Lindt Intense Orange dark chocolate and candied cherry that finishes with a slow simmer, like boiling water over a bag of chamomile tea. TL;DR: A differentiated Jack Daniel's whiskey finds a comfortable place in my heart and on my shelf Rating:  4/5 Really good. I want one of these on my shelf. With this release, Jack Daniel's manages to deliver something fresh and nuanced in a world of flavors that seem to be trending more towards standardization. Leaning in on innovative processes while maintaining solid quality standards is what will keep this brand thriving well past 2025. I'm certainly finding enough joy in each pour to keep me coming back for more. I think I'll be hunting a backup bottle here soon. 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.

“Consistency is always the best teacher.”  - Stephon Marbury I remember the day I got my first bottle of Four Roses Limited Edition. This bourbon release wasn't really on my radar from 2018 through 2020, but I finally had my interest piqued during the 2021 winter raffle at Liquor Junction in MA. I put in plenty of entries, having been a devout supporter of Liquor Junction's single barrel program for quite some time, and I was lucky to have my name pulled several times. The 2021 Four Roses Limited Edition small batch barrel strength bourbon was at the top of my list. I opened it right away, before I could even snap a picture for my Instagram page, pulled out a pen and a notebook, and set to furiously scribbling down the notes that would eventually become my full review for AmongstTheWhiskey.com . On Christmas Eve of that same year, I sat down with my dad, a pour for each of us in hand, sifting through dozens of old photographs, reminiscing, sipping, and laughing about stories I had never heard before. Four Roses has elevated so many special moments for me and my dad since that day, which I will be eternally grateful for. After the magic of that moment, I have dutifully sought—and bought—every release since. 2021 Christmas Eve pours for pops and me When news of the imminent release of the 2025 Limited Edition was dropping, perhaps nobody was more excited for this release than Four Roses superfan Kyle Ganrude, the thoughtful taster behind the @moonlightrickhouse handle on Instagram . While I scoured Massachusetts for a bottle, I was in Kyle's DMs, probing for excitement levels and any insider knowledge he might have on how to score an early bottle here, in Kyle's home state of Minnesota, or perhaps even at a favored destination in Kentucky. Without one in hand for either of us, I challenged him to join me on a collaborative review when we did finally end up scoring one. With a deep love and knowledge for Four Roses, he willingly accepted—perhaps without knowing the true verbosity required to fill the pages of an Amongst the Whiskey article. Kyle and I had similar arcs from other spirits into bourbon, and after hearing his story through a series of interview questions I posed to him, I'm even more impressed by his commitment to elevating the conversations about American whiskey on social media today. With a Four Roses collection like this , I could think of nobody more qualified to help evaluate this year's Limited Edition release. Ready to learn a bit more about the man behind the page? Tell me about your whiskey journey; why is Four Roses so important to you? "Back in the mid-2000s I wasn’t drinking bourbon; I was drinking Captain Morgan and Crown Royal. The two higher-end Crown Royal products I loved the most were Cask 16 and the original release of XR Waterloo. Those were the first two whiskeys I ever drank neat. And both whiskeys had me searching for rarer bottles of Crown, including tax stamp bottles dating back to the 1950s. Back then my only foray into bourbon was Maker’s Mark. I wasn’t a fan. I bought a Blanton’s in 2010 and thought it was good, but it didn’t capture me like I thought it would. Fast forward 8 years, a friend gave me a sample of an NCF store pick of Weller Antique—I was blown away. It was bourbon from here on out. Not long after that, a friend had me try my first Four Roses Barrel Strength Single Barrel. I was intrigued by the different recipes, the single barrels all at barrel strength, and the nerdiness of the warehouse codes. I was hooked. Since then, I’ve steadily grown my collection of unique Four Roses single barrels. I’ve found other people who care deeply about the brand and have built so many great friendships along the way. Although I have been part of groups on Facebook for years, I had not dipped my toes into Instagram until 2023. With Four Roses being my favorite distillery, starting the Moonlight Rickhouse page was easy. I’m already drinking all these amazing barrels, sharing with my friends, and talking about them together, but I noticed not as many people were talking about them online. I saw a need, and I’ve loved connecting with so many people over Four Roses since then." Four Roses is important to me because I believe the distillery puts out the most consistent barrel strength single barrels in the industry. It’s extremely rare to drink a ‘bad’ private selection. In fact, over all the years enjoying Four Roses Bourbon, there has only been one barrel I truly didn’t like. What misconception in the whiskey world would you like to clear up? Price doesn’t equal flavor. Just because something is expensive doesn't mean it ' s good. Create your own path. Try a wide variety of bourbon, drink samples. It takes a long time to figure out what you truly enjoy, and your palate may change over time. Comparison is the thief of joy. Enjoy what you have regardless of the size of your collection. Bottles are meant to be opened! What makes Four Roses so consistently great? "One of the most intriguing things about Four Roses is their two mash bills (20% rye vs 35% rye) and five yeast strains, creating 10 unique recipes. This can be a confusing barrier to entry for the average whiskey drinker looking to explore barrel strength bourbons. One bourbon drinker may try one barrel and decide Four Roses is not for them. While another person may try one barrel and decide they love it, diving right in to explore more. I’m clearly the latter. The whole idea behind my page is to share my love of Four Roses and show that there is greatness in every recipe and tier." Inside a Four Roses rick house "Arguably the most unique part of Four Roses is the fact that they have single story rickhouses. Each warehouse is only six barrels high. Tier one near the floor and tier six near the roof. This adds to a more consistent product because the temperature does not vary as much compared to the larger multi-story rickhouses at other distilleries. It’s a distinctive feature that contributes greatly to the overall consistency at Four Roses." How are single barrel expressions different than blends? "I wasn’t planning on getting into the single barrel private selections in this article, but since you asked, there are plenty of Four Roses private selections that I would put up against the best of the best. If you follow my page, it's easy to see my preference is barrel strength single barrels. There’s something special about how a barrel can live in one location for roughly ten years, be dumped into a glass bottle at barrel strength without chill filtration, and you can pour it at home essentially straight from the barrel. The nuances you get from a Four Roses single barrel are incredible." Small Batch Limited Editions are still bottled non-chill filtered and at barrel strength, but the blends tend to be more mellow compared to barrel strength single barrels. Kyle is the Four Roses guru in my book, and I actually love that he typically prefers single barrels over the hyper-aged blends; I think that sets him up to have the same brutal honesty that I do when I write reviews. I also appreciate his willingness to share his perspective. When I asked for one misconception he wanted to correct, he offered four really poignant perspectives instead! That's the kind of long-winded whiskey rant that I adore. It's clear to me that there is a lot of passion behind the @moonlightrickhouse page. We both tasted this release completely separately, without having discussed quality, tasting notes, or thoughts prior to this interview. For this collaborative review, I have included both of our tasting notes below. You'll find Kyle's notes in a slightly different color as we go through this. I'll have a few more big questions for Kyle in the outro, but for now... on with the tasting! Company on Label:  Distilled and aged by Four Roses Distillery, Lawrenceburg, Kentucky Whiskey Type:  Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey Mash Bill Percentages:  A blend of both B and E mash bills: 38% 13 year OBSV 17% 13 year OBSK 35% 13 year OESV 10% 19 year OESV Derived mash bill: 66.75% corn, 28.25% rye, and 5% malted barley Proof:  109° Age:  13 years (a blend of 90% 13 year and 10% 19 year barrels, resulting in an average age of 13.6 years) MSRP:   $250 Further identification:  The 2025 Limited Edition first released on September 3rd Nose:  On first lifting the glass to my nose, I find a quintessential, classic bourbon—not a knock or a cop-out on notes just yet; it's just one of those whiskeys you feel like you already know right from the get-go. Another whiff and plumcot comes through clear as day, followed quickly by apple pie, warm out of the oven with a dash of cinnamon on top. Wow, deep inhales produce such a clear medley of clove, allspice, and earthy paprika. The earthiness continues on subsequent sniffs, revealing cumin and turmeric aromas that have me feeling warm and at home with this glass; the sum of the spices elucidates a warm cup of winter spice tea. Cradling my glencairn in my hands to impart a bloom of warmth, I find the apple pie aroma remaining most clear to my senses. Plunging my nose as deep into my glass as it will go, I discover the distinct muskiness of an autumnal forest floor covered in leaves gripped by sweet decay. Hints of macerated cherry, pear, and soft honeysuckle play a supporting role in this easy-to-nose bourbon. Swirling the glass in an attempt to elicit a transformation reveals little extravagance. The typical wood spice of a double-digit bourbon is nowhere to be found in this glass, even with aggravation, which is quite rare. Kyle's notes: Old rick house, French toast, vanilla, oak, honey, cinnamon, and tres leches—phenomenal. After a sip, bold molasses cookie aromas unfold, leaving me in simple, glorious wonder. Some orange tones waft through like a distant memory blown in by the sea. Late in the glass I find sweet apple strudel covered in confectioners' sugar alongside a dusty aroma I rarely come by in modern bourbon. The empty glass smells of oolong tea and graham cracker. Palate:  I find my tongue delighted by the warm greeting of my first sip of the day. I leave the tiny taste on my tongue for 15 seconds or so before swallowing. Caramel corn, caramelized peach, and molasses cream cookies are an incredible array of flavors delivered at just the right proof, volume, and texture. Another chewy sip reveals pistachio ice cream and a kiss of fresh mint. This is a sweet tooth's delight, though balanced well by the more earthy undertones that continue to support the structure and integrity of this well put together whiskey. As I explore further into the glass, I discover even more evolution in this whiskey. There's a bit of a red wine characteristic to it at times, which reminds me of a semi-sweet Crianza tempranillo. Sipping further, orange creamsicle is now the star of the show, screaming off the ice cream truck popsicle stick onto my eager taste buds. The pine in the air is no match for a sweetness such as this, leaving my tongue saturated and thoroughly satisfied. As the orange fades, the vanilla remains, bringing with it subtle nutty undertones of roasted walnut and pecan with a touch of salt. My last sip is a bittersweet farewell to this impressive array of fruit and dessert before the finish carries on for an impressive length of syrupy cranberry sauce. Kyle's notes: Rich, coating, fruit, oak, vanilla frosting, and a vintage character that finishes medium-long with lingering cinnamon and rye spice. TL;DR: At the perfect barrel proof and booming with sweetness, this is an impressive feat of blending Rating:  4.5/5 Really good. I want one of these on my shelf. Kyle and I agreed perfectly on this one, both giving it a 4.5 on the Amongst the Whiskey rating scale . This is a delectable whiskey that I am sure Brent Elliott is going to be delighted with as his tenured legacy continues to develop. This is quintessential bourbon in my book—but it's not a comparison whiskey. It's not built for flights or the vibrant hum of the content-first creators. This is the bourbon for the patient and the proud—for those who taste with purpose. If any of that sounds like you, I hope you feel like you've found your home here. Now I have a few more questions for Mr. Moonlight, so stick with me, my dear reader. What are your thoughts on the quality of this year's Limited Edition release? "The 2025 small batch limited edition is a great bourbon. It’s comprised mostly of my two favorite recipes—OESV and OBSK—so I knew I would enjoy it solely based off the recipes in the blend; however, this year’s limited edition completely exceeded my expectations." Who deserves most of the credit for the 2025 Limited Edition release, given the whiskey was distilled between 2006 and 2012? "When talking about Four Roses, you absolutely have to mention Jim Rutledge. He helped bring the brand back to the United States market, introduced single barrel, among many other impressive achievements. He is a legend in the industry. The distillate for this release was created under Rutledge’s tenure as Master Distiller, so you certainly need to credit him as part of this. However, current Master Distiller Brent Elliott has been with Four Roses for 20 years, in roles ranging from production to blending and also quality. Brent has been Master Distiller at Four Roses for 10 years now, and there is no denying it’s his blend. His attention to detail and quality—carefully tasting, analyzing, and studying different runs of barrels that ultimately created a truly excellent blend." Where would you rank this Limited Edition release versus the last 5 years? 2019 is the best in the last 10 years , including 2025. However, 2025 is not far behind it, number two  in my rankings. Kyle Ganrude of @moonlightrickhouse Kyle was a great sport through this, and I really appreciate him taking the time to offer a synergistic perspective to this review. If you're a Four Roses fan and not already a follower, what the heck are you waiting for? If you want a little more context, check out some of the previous Limited Edition releases that I have on my shelf for comparison in the YouTube video below. 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.

Consider, for a moment, all that goes into making whiskey. A master distiller is tasked with planning the optimal blend of ingredients, including yeast, grain, and wood, as well as determining the ideal aging time. The master blender is responsible for the care and curation necessary to bring together various barrels for blending purposes. It's an intentional gathering of what is needed to make whiskey, so that each barrel is a provision for tomorrow, to be enjoyed, shared, and sustained for generations to come. In a bold leap towards approachability, Milam & Greene announced  Provisions  as a new addition to their lineup in September 2025. This 80-proof blend is a combination of Texas pot still whiskey and Kentucky straight bourbon, featuring a "Texification" finish—their way of indicating aging was done in the Texas climate. Milam & Greene  is known for experimenting with climate and finishes, emphasizing that the Texas climate accelerates the aging process and offers a distinct richness compared to Kentucky's aged whiskey. The Amongst the Whiskey team believes this is a sound argument, based on our diligent and well-researched findings when we tasted the difference between Milam & Greene's Texas-aged whiskey and their Kentucky-aged whiskey. I want to thank the folks at Milam & Greene for providing this bottle and the opportunity to taste this release with no strings attached. I enjoyed spending time with this low proof bourbon and am excited to share my thoughts with you today, dear reader. On with the notes, shall we? Company on Label:  Milam & Greene Whiskey Type:  A blend of straight bourbon whiskeys Mash Bill Percentages: 84% corn, 8% rye, 8% malt barley Proof:  80 ° Age:  NAS MSRP: $35.99 Further Identification:  This Autumn 2025 is the first edition batch called Edwards Plateau Nose:  There is surprisingly good volume on the nose, right off the bat. This smells like classic bourbon, though with a dash of Texas funk, like a cowgirl sitting on a hay bail with a stick of cotton candy in hand. There's a doughy quality to this nose, reminiscent of cinnamon roll dough. Citrus comes next, leaning toward the sauce typically found on orange chicken. Additional swirling releases floral notes, reminding me of soft blooms found in the springtime. Roasted cinnamon and baking spices reveal themselves deep in the nose. More swirling brings out sticky honey and crushed graham crackers. I'm rather impressed. Returning to the nose after a few sips amplifies the cinnamon spice and milk chocolate notes, accompanied by a hint of cherry skins. As I near the end of my glass, a consistent spice with a hint of floral tones emerges, leaning toward a potpourri-like aroma. The empty glass smells of root beer foam, soft dirt, and sunken floorboards. Palate: My first taste follows the nose, with a surprising mouthfeel of silk. There is also a distinct funk here, with notes of wet oak and wildflowers, but overall, it's a bomb of sweetness: powdered sugar, caramel, graham crackers, vanilla cream, and milk chocolate shavings. Mid-palate, there are Hawaiian rolls, milk duds, and malted chocolate powder. This is the bunny slopes of whiskey; the view is there, you have some fun, and leave with a better understanding of what whiskey is all about. Additional sips add fruit to the equation, specifically cherries, underripened for their season. As I continue to sip toward the end of my experience, a stacking of flavors, specifically that funk I mentioned earlier, becomes apparent. If you've ever skimmed your finger along the bubbling surface of a fermentation tank, that taste is what lingers on my tongue. My final sip is a flash of honey vanilla sweetness and cinnamon spice, a farewell similar to its hello. TL;DR: Expect a flavorful standout amongst the other bland lower proof whiskies Rating:  3.5/5 Good enough. There's something to enjoy here . The team at Milam & Greene accomplished something here that cannot be overlooked. They blended a flavorful bourbon at a proof point typically known to be "watered-down" in taste. While it won't wow you, as some of those older, higher proof bourbons absolutely can, for what this bourbon presents, it is well on its way to leading the charge in the low-proof category for bourbon whiskey. This bottle is well worth a purchase if you happen to find it at your local liquor store. 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.

“Every oak tree started out as a couple of nuts who stood their ground.”  - Henry David Thoreau Michter's is back once again with another of their famed toasted barrel expressions. The basic premise of this bottle is that they take their sour mash American whiskey and further mature it in an additional finishing barrel. This second barrel isn't charred in the traditional way but toasted using indirect heat. Michter's has been exploring this category since 2014, when they first released this concept to the world. Ready to find out what it tastes like? Let's get on with the review! Company on Label:  Bottled by Michter's Distillery LLC, Louisville, Kentucky Whiskey Type:  Kentucky sour mash whiskey (American whiskey—not bourbon) Mash Bill Percentages:   Undisclosed Proof:  86° Age:  NAS MSRP:   $110 Further identification:  This is batch number 25H2753, meaning it was bottled in August of 2025 Nose:  Molasses and heavy oak tannins leap out of the glass long before it reaches my nostrils, which makes me blink in visible disappointment. Youthful oak is exuberant and overly excited to greet me. Going back in for another whiff, I'm reminded of a charcoal barbecue grill, full of soot and metal. There's some strong maple tones here, but everything is laced with the sharp oak of a rather brash barrel. After a 30 minute rest, the sharp oak tones finally begin to fade, though the tannic nature remains. Light clay, vanilla, and citronella candle aromas creep in on subsequent inhales. After a few sips, the nose returns to the barbecue vibes, suddenly producing blue cool ranch Dorito aromas. The empty glass smells of plantain and sesame seeds. Palate:  As liquid hits lips, I'm quite a bit more enthused about the palate than the nose. A light dusting of Fun Dip sugar splatters over the taste buds before falling away quickly. Another quick sip reveals a consistent molasses that has translated from the nose well. It's a slightly bitter profile but it offers a decently creamy mouth coating. Each passing sip is somehow even less impressionable than the last, though there's certainly something to be said about how easy drinking it is. A long sip and swish reveals light apple tones, though I was straining to identify it in its thin veil of flavor. Late in the glass is where this gets some redeeming qualities with soft hints of marshmallow. My last sip is a rushed departure for the exit, an iconic Irish goodbye that makes the introvert in me proud, but the whiskey reviewer in me sad. The finish has one flicker of salted edamame before vanishing for good. TL;DR: Youthful oak only made this into a thin, tannic mess, though it's still easy enough to sip Rating:  2.5/5 Okay whiskey. Nothing special about this pour. This has always been a polarizing release for me . The whole concept of toasted barrel is writ large a good one, with countless fans of the category that will sing its praises. I am just not one of those people who enjoys this type of profile at this stage in my whiskey journey, and it's okay to admit that. This could continue to be a great whiskey for novices to train their palates on, but to my taste buds, it seems like the kind of pour suited for a drift into relaxation, not a complex whiskey worthy of adoration or deep exploration. It feels rushed or poorly executed at best and surely feels out of place in a limited release category considering this only comes around once every three years. I much prefer the traditional sour mash at a significantly lower price, so maybe we should think about putting the toasted barrel trend on pause. Alas, not every whiskey is going to be wow worthy, and 2025 has unfortunately struggled to produce a lot of winners in either traditional or innovative categories. For me, I think I'll be skipping this release the next time it comes around and save more of my whiskey budget for craft releases going forward. 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.

“Halftime is where champions rewrite the playbook—reflect, refuel, return stronger.”  - Farshad Asl There's a moment when you feel the tides shifting, when the game is on the line and suddenly—you feel that glimmer of hope. I've been lucky to have felt it many times in my lifetime as a Massachusetts native watching Drew Bledsoe, Adam Vinatieri, and Tom Brady win Super Bowl after Super Bowl for the infamous New England Patriots. Perhaps the most incredible comeback story of them all was the 28 to 3 deficit in the third quarter of Super Bowl LI against the 2017 Atlanta Falcons. After an abysmal performance in the first half, the game looked all but over... but then, there was a spark. Brady flashed to life, jumping into a no-huddle formation that saw a flurry of crisp, perfected plays. With time bleeding out, the scoreline evened, and the veteran quarterback, ready to take this game to the finish line, beat down the visibly exhausted Falcons defense, which was ultimately defeated by James White crossing the goal line in overtime. Will 2025 be the year for Stagg? While these iconic stories can seem rare, there are countless opportunities we're given to live out this exact same heroic arc. It's the story of the comeback kid, down and out after a bout of bad luck, ready to win it all. Stagg, in all its post-junior tumult, is in one such position. After a pretty atrocious showing in 2024 , this brand is ripe for a return to glory. Having tasted 18 different expressions of the junior line, I am not ashamed to admit that I love this bottling. I self-proclaim myself to be a "Stagg man," but that doesn't mean I'm willing to accept sub-par quality. In accordance with my strict editorial policy , I regularly review the latest and greatest whiskey. Sometimes bottles are sent to me, but more often than not I have to buy them with my own scratch. This bottle is an example of the latter. With the patience of the collective community wearing thin and demand seemingly cratering for whiskey in general, now is the time for brands to be leading with their best. Blending prowess and distilling knowledge will be how the modern distiller survives what appears to be another era of an impending bourbon glut. The last time we saw this kind of lopsided supply and demand ratio, more than a few distilleries fell by the wayside . One lucky distillery has stood the test of time, though it had to change hands a few times through the glut era. Known historically as the George T. Stagg Distillery, the comeback story of Frankfort saw the eventual Buffalo Trace property undergo piecemeal ownership transfers between names like Albert B. Blanton, Ancient Age Distilling Company, Schenley, Age International, and Japan's own Takara Shuzo, namesake of the Japanese Blanton's export. Stagg, however, is an even older name. In what I wrote about further in my Stagg Hub article, the origin of the George T. Stagg name goes all the way back to 1835, the birth of the name itself. While Buffalo Trace continues to use the name for marketing purposes, the whiskey they produce today is very much their own contemporary creation, governed by modern distilling practices. What we are tasting now will be part of the legacy of our generation. Will future tasters look back on us as fondly as we look back upon George T. Stagg, I wonder? Today I will be diving into the latest batch of Stagg, formerly known as Stagg Junior, which is their 28th bottling of this expression since their first release in the winter of 2013 . As usual, I'm tasting this neat out of a glencairn on a fresh and sober palate, and my notes and rating are based on three independent tastings of this bottle. Now, on with the review! Company on Label:  Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort, KY Whiskey Type:  Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey Mash Bill Percentages:   Undisclosed Buffalo Trace mash bill # 1 (high corn, low rye, malted barley) Proof:  126.5° Age:  NAS (though rumored to typically be around 8 years old) MSRP: $70 Further identification:  This is the 25A batch of Stagg Jr, which first arrived in late summer 2025 Nose:  On first lifting the glass to my nose, I find sweet caramel dominant and candied apple a bit more reserved. Another long inhale shows little evidence of spice, but a sweet, soothing strawberry aroma can be teased out of the cool depths. Blooming with a little stirred heat, I find graham cracker and white pepper. A stronger swirl transforms the glass into evocative oak before it settles back into Hershey's strawberry syrup. Deep inhales produce a bit of tingling wood spice, as one might expect out of a decently aged Kentucky bourbon at this proof. Nosing further, I find wafts of molasses, cornbread, and brown sugar all playing minor background roles. As I try to dig further, the glass runs out of steam and turns a bit thin with a simple vanilla and allspice remnant hanging on in the wispy air of my glencairn. I'm pleased with the opening remarks, but it's time for a sip. Coming back to the nose, which I nearly forgot to do as I sipped through with eager attention, leaves me with a widening smile. Vanilla biscotti, caramel chews, and light strawberry candy offer a perpetual treat for the nostrils. The empty glass smells of light marshmallow and the inside of a camping tent. Palate:  My first taste is hotter than the nose let on; ethanol booms as cordial falls softly on the tongue. Another sip, free from the aftershock of the day's first sip of whiskey, offers a much deeper complexity. Caramel cookies dipped in strawberry milk make my nostalgic taste buds quite happy. The flavor categories from the nose translate well; I find the strawberry syrup backbone, the molasses mouth coating, and the inherent oak, but they land a touch drier than expected overall. Sipping further without reservations about quality, I discover this glass does have the classic cherry hots that Stagg Junior may be most known for. It's a bold profile I couldn't possibly recommend to a whiskey novice, but one I know the longtime bourbon heads will probably enjoy. A long sip settles things down significantly, with an easy booziness you might find in a Manhattan cocktail. The linger is a bit lacking, though the delivery of flavor is on point. On swallowing, a nice wave of cranberry juice comes over the senses before fading into a simple bed of flour. My last sip is kind and sweet to me, calling forth a wonderful array of memories of some of my favorite Louisville nights, sipping on the old great batches of Stagg Junior at Garage Bar as the sun takes flight. For the first time in quite a while, I'm thoroughly pleased with this pour of Stagg Junior. TL;DR: A lovely return to form for Stagg with a balanced strawberry-forward dram Rating:  4/5 Really good. I want one of these on my shelf. This reminds me quite a bit of Stagg Jr batch 15 . The strawberry tones are incredibly unique to these particular batches, though I find batch 15 to be a bit more pronounced and consistent. It is so wonderful to see Stagg Junior, a line I have consistently explored through most of my review career, returning to a form that I can endorse as "whiskey that doesn't suck." If you want to see a live review of my first taste of this batch, head over to the HackandMack YouTube live that I recently jumped on for some fun whiskey banter between good folks. 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.

“It is always important to know when something has reached its end. Closing circles, shutting doors, finishing chapters—it doesn't matter what we call it; what matters is to leave in the past those moments in life that are over.”  - Paulo Coelho, The Zahier After 10 years of limited-edition releases covering a surprising range of flavors for Wild Turkey, the brand is ready to retire the Master's Keep series. Starting in 2015 as a way to release some of their rarest and strangest stocks, the 10th and final bottling showcases a mingling of 10 year bourbon chosen by Bruce Russell and Eddie's choice 16 year bourbon. It offers a nod to the 10 years that Master's Keep stood as a beacon of quality while reaching even further into Wild Turkey's storied past. Bruce and Eddie Russell—Photo by The Shout I've been very fortunate to have tasted quite a few of the Master's Keep releases. To this day I keep a handful of bottles on my shelf for sharing and comparison purposes, including the 17 year bottled in bond expression, Revival , One, Unforgotten, Voyage , and Triumph . I enjoy all of them for very different reasons, each one serving a different niche of flavor that might fit into a mood, a place, or a time of year. Some may consider the Generations release an unofficial sibling of the Master's Keep lineup, given the same glass and much of the same intentional blending skill was used. Release timeline: 2015: Aged 17 Years 2017: Decades 2018: Revival 2019: Cornerstone 2020: 17 Year Bottled in Bond 2021: One 2022: Unforgotten 2023: Voyage 2024: Triumph 2025: Beacon While this particular story is coming to an end, it's obvious Wild Turkey is still poised for success. With the legendary legacy of Wild Turkey being shepherded by three generations of the Russell family, there is no modern distillery with as rich of a story as this family carries. In quiet conversations with Bruce in the reverent bonded A warehouse, I came to understand just how gratefully the Russells steer such a revered brand. While they weren't the original founders or inventors, the whole brood seems to carry the profound duty to keep the ship on course. I couldn't think of a more deserving set of remarkable people. After tasting through the brunt of the Master's Keep lineup, few could deny that this distillery is capable of putting out some exemplary whiskey. From the box: "Wild Turkey Master's Keep Beacon is a celebration of the past, that shines light on the future of the American whiskey icon from Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. In a first for a Master's Keep release, the blending of hand-selected whiskeys was a collaborative effort between master distiller Eddie Russell and his son, associate blender Bruce Russell, marking the only time a second Russell signature has appeared on Wild Turkey's most precious series. The highest-proof release in the collection to date, Master's Keep Beacon draws on stocks from two distinct points in the recent history of the Wild Turkey legacy, to tell a tale of evolution, progress, and mastery. Eddie's choice, a 16-year-old bourbon, offers a robust oak foundation complemented by nuanced earthy tones, and accents of honey, vanilla, caramelized sugar, and a touch of gentle spice. Distilled between 2007 and 2008, it was among the last remaining distillate produced in the original facility Eddie cut his teeth in, prior to a 2011 expansion that ushered in a new era for the famed distillery. In contrast, Bruce's 10-year-old selection lends a bold, long-lasting finish that has become a signature preference of the youngest Russell. Reflecting his journey as an apprentice under his father and grandfather's guidance, the whiskey was distilled in 2015, and is among the very first Bruce produced when he joined the family business. With the support of his grandfather, hall of fame master distiller Jimmy Russell, Bruce worked tirelessly on this whiskey, overseeing every step from grain quality inspection to fermentation, distillation and maturation. Together, Eddie and Bruce have crafted a high-proof bourbon of unparallelled distinction; a labor of love that represents years of training and honing of the craft. With its harmonious blend of flavors from distinct eras — Wild Turkey Master's Keep Beacon is a testament to shared valuers and the timeless art of bourbon making." I have been patiently and thoroughly exploring this release over the last three weeks after finally securing a bottle from my go-to Massachusetts retailer. So, let's get on with the whiskey, shall we? As usual , I tasted this neat out of a glencairn after letting it rest for at least 5 minutes. Company on Label:  Wild Turkey Distilling Co., Lawrenceburg, KY Whiskey Type:  Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Mash Bill Percentages:  75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley Proof:  118° Age:  10 years (a blend of 10 and 16 year barrels) MSRP:   $300 Further identification:  This 750mL bottled, encased in a textured fold-open black box, first released in September of 2025 Nose:  Deep undulating waves of caramel and confectioner's sugar lead the way on this glass. A subtle roll of the glencairn opens up deep black pepper and allspice aromas, leading me to believe this has some solid age on it. There's a distant underlying root beer aroma that can easily be missed but certainly contributes to the show. Another whiff after a long rest produces browned butter and molasses. So far the nose is a simple yet thoroughly enjoyable affair. With a swirl the wood influence erupts in a wave of heat, unleashing cedar and pinenut. The remnant aromas are so buttery, I can nearly picture myself sitting in a dark movie theater with a big bag of heavily buttered popcorn. Caramel and butter are the two most dominant smells prior to a sip. Revisiting after a taste unfolds a classic Turkey funk that harkens back to much older releases... think Austin Nichols era. Despite a slight change in character, the butter persists. Late in the glass, a wonderful layer of creamy cigar smoke wafts in alongside beautiful vanilla extract, completing an incredibly interesting development arc. The empty glass smells of milk duds and leather. Palate:  On first taste, I am surprised by the vibrancy of this whiskey on my tongue. While the nose was creamy, dark, and heavy, the palate comes across effervescent and sweet. Wow—this is a big whiskey for 118 proof; I'd say it drinks up closer to 130. Revisiting shortly after reveals maraschino cherry and nectarine sweetness. The linger is balanced, bold, and prevalent, with a Werther's caramel sitting right on my sweet tooth. A long sip and swish continues to come across chewy, like munching down on several pink Starburst candies. This is the type of glass that keeps secrets and makes you work for the notes and the inner workings. It's a rewarding process. Chewing through more liquid gold, I find strawberry tart, toffee, and orange creamsicle dancing in wonderful little compartments of beauty. It reminds me of looking out over Manhattan, catching glimpses of so many busy lives I'll never get to know fully. My last sip offers a flash of maple bacon before dulce de leche croissants leave me in enigmatic bliss. TL;DR: Creamy, balanced, and full of surprises; this is great whiskey Rating:  4.5/5 Absolutely delicious. Enthusiast grade pour. This is exactly what I look for in a whiskey: depth, complexity, mouthfeel, and grace. While it doesn't quite get to hair-raising territory, I have found myself absolutely crushing on this bottle since picking it up in mid-September. After going above and beyond on my typical required three tastings , I am quite confident in my score for this bottle. Anyone that knows and loves Wild Turkey will find a lot of joy within the last Wild Turkey Master's Keep. May it serve as a beacon to other modern distillers on what quality whiskey should taste like. 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.

“Life is a balance of holding on and letting go.”  - Rumi First hitting the market in the early 2000s, thanks to some bottling line help from Julian Van Winkle III, perhaps no ultra-aged Kentucky straight rye whiskey has seen such remarkable evolution as Michter's 10 year rye. This label, now 25+ years into the grand rebirth of the Michter's brand, continues to top charts and win hearts. While it's nearly impossible to tell the whole history of Michter's on one webpage, the pertinent detail to modern drinkers is understanding where we are on the three-phase timeline that Joe Magliocco put together as the guiding principle for the Michter's brand. Traditionally tight-lipped about the intricate details of their production methods, I reached out to the team to get some clarity here, specifically wondering when, if ever, the 10 year expression will be made from Michter's Shively distillate. Tess Driscoll, marketing manager for Michter's, set the record straight on the game plan: Phase 1 - We sourced Kentucky Straight Rye and Kentucky Straight Bourbon of a style that we really liked and hoped to eventually emulate ourselves. We had nothing to do with the production of this Phase 1 whiskey. Phase 2 - We couldn't yet afford our own distillery, so we went to a Kentucky distillery with excess capacity and produced there with our recipes (yeast, mashbills, our entry proof, etc.). As a condition of working there, we were not allowed to identify them. While we were technically a non-distiller producer because we did not own the physical facility, we were like a chef doing his own cooking in someone else’s restaurant kitchen before he could afford his own. Phase 3 - At this stage, we had the financial resources and built our own distillery in the Shively section of Louisville. Michter’s Shively Distillery opened in 2012 with whiskey filtration, bottling, and test distillation. During the year 2015 at Michter’s Shively Distillery, we began barreling distillate produced on our full scale, all copper column to pot still doubler distillation system crafted by Vendome Copper and Brass Works. So it would stand to reason that with barrels being filled in 2015, we might be firmly planted in phase 3—full-scale Michter's Shively production. The back of the bottle and the longstanding notion that Joe always leads with quality first would disagree with that dream. It seems that as of 2025, Michter's distillate isn't quite ready for the 10 year limelight. It's been well documented in many of my prior reviews that this label typically features whiskeys aged longer than 10 years, so I wouldn't expect the contents to be Michter's distillate until at least 2027. When it does show up, I anticipate it will be announced clearly, broadly, and proudly. So to answer the burning question in the room: the 2025 Michter's 10 year rye is still sourced/contract-distilled , at least for now. "Throughout all three phases, our philosophy has maintained that not every barrel matures on the same timeline. Rather than release a whiskey at a specific age, we release individual barrels when our Master Distiller Dan McKee and our Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson deem them ready. As a result, Michter's 10 Year Rye is typically older than the age statement on the label. Although we began barreling our Michter's Shively distillate in 2015, we have not yet bottled any Michter's 10 Year Rye distilled in Shively, but we look forward to bottling it once it reaches our high-quality standards." Regardless of phase or tumultuous production handling changes, one vision has remained constant through the years: consistency. While flavor profiles can vary year to year, especially as we see the brand continue to cross into new production phases, the team is putting in immense effort to ensure a specific calendar year release will be enjoyable for everyone, despite being a single barrel product. This stems from the small batch production methods and careful filtration that I got to see firsthand at Michter's Shively with Master Distiller Dan McKee and fellow science nerd Katherine O'Nan. "Because all our releases at Michter's are very small batch (our batching tanks have been intentionally sized to hold no more than the contents of 20 full barrels) or single barrel, we take extraordinary steps during aging to help our barrels mature in a similar manner throughout our warehouses. We monitor humidity and airflow in our temperature-controlled warehouses, none of which are higher than four floors. While every barrel of Michter's 10 Year Rye may not be identical, we have been able to achieve a consistent flavor profile." The nuance that Tess captures here is subtle but powerful and often completely overlooked in the modern era of whiskey reviews. Far too often I see write-ups talking broadly about a specific year's release, as one might do for wine vintages. This has always been a single barrel expression, so just dishing out the year isn't going to cut it for the serious whiskey enthusiast. If you're going to properly describe the whiskey, you have to list the barrel number. Despite this universally understood variation in whiskey maturation, it is heartwarming to see the care that has gone into making the experience as consistent as possible for those who put their trust in thorough whiskey reviewers like us . That's the beauty in seeking balance—without being able to blend in a quantity that will satiate the thirsty hoard that is yearning for more Michter's 10 year rye, the team continues to stay true to their time-tested practices of long open-air seasoning durations, low barrel entry proof, and putting quality over quantity. That's the simple recipe for how Michter's has pulled off the impossible, taking single barrel mainstream. Where once there was exclusivity, now we find balance. Company on Label:  Bottled by Michter's Distillery LLC Whiskey Type:  Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey Mash Bill Percentages:  Undisclosed Proof:  92.8° Age:  10 years (though likely older) MSRP: $210 Further identification:  Barrel 25E1658 was bottled in May of 2025 Nose:  The glass leads soft and sweet with dusty butterscotch, lemon lollipop, and sugar cookie, which all sit in perfect balance. Woodshop walnut comes across smooth and polished. It's rich, elegant, and refined in the nose, to the point I can plunge as deep as I'd like. I recognize it's an understated whiskey, something the modern proof hounds might call disappointing in their precipitousness, but I find myself loving every bit of it. After a few inhales, subtle fruit begins to bloom in the glass. Starting with pale papaya before intensifying with lychee, this glass is just beautiful. Watermelon, pomegranate, and strawberry burst out in complex riffs that tantalize and excite—I haven't had a whiskey this great in quite some time. Nosing this is creamy and dreamy, the combination of its parts being perfectly balanced, yet somehow still potently aromatic. It makes me smile and dream. Dreams of days without stress or responsibility, when tranquil light was the only sensation of import. It reminds me fondly of the early days when I first fell in love with American whiskey—the perfect rye in my eye. Deep inhales on the well-rested glass continue to deliver enchanting waves of crème de cassis, vanilla bean, and a sweet medley of peaches and cream. As I run out of room on the page for my scrawling and fervent handwritten notes, I finally decide it's time for a sip. Coming back to the nose after a few sips is just as rewarding as creamy and bright tones continue to flourish. Demerara sugar and light cola will impress any sweet tooth. Late in the glass, the aromas finally begin to settle out as I know I've spent a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon plumbing the depths of this glencairn. The empty glass smells of creamy lobster bisque and light molasses. Palate:  On first taste, I find citrus and salt, like a fresh lime squeezed over a deliciously crafted chicken taco, adorned with a sprig of cilantro. It's perfectly balanced in the mouth, just as it was on the nose, with an orange cream soda profile that completely coats the mouth in a buttery sweet haze. Another taste, another journey into rye heaven; not a single prickle of spice—the way great rye should be. Instead, vanilla biscotti, Columbian robusta pour-over coffee, and dried raspberry leave a light and lovely lingering impression on the tongue, which leaves my mouth sticky and watering in anticipation of further sips to come. Working through the glass, I continue to be impressed by the grace and class of this pour—this is what all great ryes wish they could be. A long sip and swish elevates vintage whiskey vibes as fruitcake, raisins, and Boston cream doughnuts all continue to cater to the amazement of this longtime whiskey enthusiast. The linger is perfectly satisfying in length and intensity, sending lemon frosting and tozzetti dancing across the top of my palate as my tongue seeks out further pockets of deliciousness. Sipping near the bottom of the glass is bittersweet, as I know not many whiskeys are going to live up to this one in the coming days. The long linger of sweet crêpes, strawberries, and whipped cream is a dreamy send-off to an amazing rye. TL;DR: Another balanced and thoroughly expressive home run rye from Michter's Rating:  4.5/5 Absolutely delicious. Enthusiast grade pour. This is one of the most astounding releases of 2025 for me. Anyone searching for a silky sipper to complement their already-impressive whiskey collection will not be disappointed by this bottle. It's one of the first whiskeys this year that truly wowed me and made me feel deeply passionate about the whiskey industry again; I'm so grateful for moments like this. Get yourself one of these! WRITTEN BY: NICK ANDERSON With 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.

“Old age and treachery will always overcome youth and exuberance.”  - David Mamet It seems that everybody is releasing older and older whiskey these days. Particularly poised for success in this category would be legacy distilleries like Heaven Hill, which has been family owned and operated since their founding in 1935. Having survived the wartime rationing of World War II, the whiskey glut of the late 20th century, and their catastrophic 1996 distillery fire, Heaven Hill shines today with more than a few tales to tell about their storied past. Their rickhouses, though likely plumbed deeply during the pandemic-era boom in barrel picks, remain full of aging whiskey—over 2 million barrels, with more on the way . It's the solemn honor and duty of current master distiller Conor O'Driscoll to craft a great blend using the barrels that were distilled and laid down under the late, great Parker Beam . It's also his duty to keep those rickhouses stocked up for future generations, though I think they have enough to spare with the 277 barrels that went into this blend. The barrels selected were filled in August and September of 2005, where they sat for 19 long years on the 5th and 6th floors of rickhouse Y. “This 19-year-old Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey is especially unique, as a product with this mashbill at this age offers an exceptional depth and complexity that is rarely seen,” says Master Distiller Conor O’Driscoll. “It truly represents the high standard that Heaven Hill is known for and is a great example of how craftsmanship and patience can pay off when you’re willing to wait for the highest-quality product to come from the whiskey-making process.” So why wheat whiskey? It's not a broadly produced whiskey category, but one that we have seen from Heaven Hill before. There have been many releases of wheated bourbon, differentiated only by a subtle difference in the majority grain (corn for bourbon, wheat for wheat whiskey). The Larceny and Old Fitzgerald lines are common examples of wheated bourbon you may have seen or tasted. For wheat whiskey, we've only ever seen niche releases from the Parker's Heritage Collection and the Bernheim line, the latter of which was introduced in 2005 and extended into barrel-proof territory in 2023. Investing in this area as a limited, specialty release was nothing short of bold. Perhaps there were signals that suggested market demand for more wheat whiskey, but from the age statement delirium, as well as a long love for the vanilla-forward bourbon that Heaven Hill traditionally produces, this whiskey enthusiast was interested enough to fork over a few Benjamins to find out for myself. Let's get into it. Company on Label:  Heaven Hill Whiskey Type:  Kentucky straight wheat whiskey Mash Bill Percentages:  51% wheat, 37% corn, 12% malted barley Proof:  100° Age:  19 years MSRP: $300 Further identification:  This is the 2025 release of the Heritage Collection, the 4th in this modern series Nose:  On first lifting the well-rested glass to my nose, I find rich flan, laced with a kiss of sweet maraschino cherry. The yawning array of aromas that present while I continue to inhale are dominated by old rickhouse wood and leather in all the best ways for a whiskey of this stature. In the left nostril, tendrils of earthy, delicate Hungarian paprika coil upwards; in the right, splashes of sweet nectarine juice. As I return to equal opportunity nosing, I find the air of Kentucky in my glass as sweet tea comes through clear as day. Scents of peaches and cream follow quickly behind in a subtle, sultry little development that piques my intrigue. This is one of those glasses you could just nose forever. With a swirl, the fruity tones vanish behind a disturbed layer of allspice and dust, like running a horsehair brush over an old plank stored high in the barn. Flashes of vanilla custard and a little bit of the "it" factor leave me a thoroughly happy man. Coming back from a sip makes the glass lean a touch more savory, like we've just begun the main course at Watch Hill Proper, and I've surely brought my appetite for duck. Deep inhales late in the glass continue to be both approachable and enjoyable as caster sugar and ebony silkily slide through the nostrils. The empty glass smells of pancake batter and Nilla wafers. Palate:  On first sip, the entirety of my mouth is consumed by the experience. Vibrant peach flambé reverberates on the taste buds in the midpalate, while vanilla frosting tinges the sides. The gums tingle with the sensation of biting into some cool, sweet treat in the dead heat of summer. Lingering in every nook and cranny is the same nectarine tone that the nose led with. Another small sip reveals warm cherry dump cobbler, grilled peaches, and angel food cake dusted with confectioners' sugar. A long sip and swish proves the inherent drinkability of this whiskey while also putting peach scones and puffy crêpes on full display. The dominant characteristic here is definitely that sweet peach, and I have to say, I can't recall another whiskey quite like this. Tasting near the bottom of the glass is head-shakingly enjoyable—a disbelief at the balance, complexity, and quality of the pour as a touch of apricot and candied cinnamon almonds gracefully land on the tongue and in the mind. My last sip is exquisite, like the delicate flower of utmost beauty that you dare not touch. It features applewood-smoked pineapple and a strong finish up in the gums with sweet cantaloupe. TL;DR: A refreshingly different release that shines in its own peach-laden lane Rating:  4.5/5 ( Absolutely delicious. Enthusiast grade pour. ) The uniqueness of the peach tones this whiskey produced, as well as the complex evolution it underwent throughout the duration of my tasting, left me particularly impressed. In comparison to some of the other releases in the Heritage Collection, I'd say this lands right in line with both the 17 year bourbon and the 18 year release I previously reviewed. Trying to power rank them further would just be an exercise in nitpicking; all of these whiskeys have been tremendous. 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.

“All you need in this life is ignorance and confidence, and then success is sure.”  - Mark Twain It's no stretch to say that much that is fanciful tends to be overpriced. The Old Fitzgerald decanter series is a bit of an exception to that rule, though, as pricing has historically instead been based on the age of the whiskey within. Since the fall of 2023, though, that relationship seems to have decoupled, according to a spectacular visual from Whiskey Decision . Despite changes in price, Heaven Hill has stuck to a twice-yearly cadence for this wheated bourbon, bottled at the ever-consistent bottled-in-bond 100 proof. It's a fickle release for me, as most of the wheated bourbon mash bill from Heaven Hill is to my taste buds. I can't seem to crack into the Larceny lineup and find anything I enjoy. Elijah Craig , however, I adore. There's no denying these bottles are gorgeous, and I've certainly enjoyed my fair share of the releases throughout the years. There's no doubt there's been some lovely whiskey bottled in this decanter, especially the VVS 13 year, which topped our charts for the bourbon of the year in 2024 . Still, some might argue this fanciful presentation is something of a ruse—a bourgeois bottle design aimed to mislead consumers into thinking they're getting a top-shelf pour. Luckily for you, my dear reader, at AmongstTheWhiskey.com , we only review based on the quality of the whiskey within, so let's get to talking about that, shall we? Company on Label:  Old Fitzgerald Distillery (Heaven Hill) Whiskey Type:  Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey Mash Bill Percentages:  68% corn, 20% wheat, 12% malted barley Proof:  100° Age:  9 years MSRP:  $130 Further identification:  This wheated bourbon from Heaven Hill is a biannual staple for the brand, bottled in their fanciful decanter as a nod to the storied past of the Fitzgerald name Nose:  On first lifting the well-rested glass to my nose, I find simple caramel, a bit dry in aromatic texture. Oodles of black pepper, clove, and vanilla come across as synthetic—like a mass-produced bourbon-scented candle. Aromas of fresh dried linen are intriguing but lack an inherent enjoyment factor. There's certainly a strong character here as I begin to pick up hints of a slightly floral deodorant, burlap, and waves of that classic Heaven Hill vanilla. After another long rest, there's a return to classic, light caramel that is nearly ubiquitous in well-aged Kentucky bourbon. Returning the nose to the glass after a few sips reduces the pour to smoldering ash and oak water. The capricious liquid within is unsettlingly unstable at times, my mind shifting towards sour cream and onion dip during long, searching inhales. As my excitement with this glass fades, I find myself yearning to just sip through the rest of it so I can move on to a better pour to end my night. Nearing that moment, I find the empty glass smells of cracked plastic and light grass. Palate:  My first sip is light, playful, and sweet as lemon curd and green tea come together. After a brief moment, rich caramel sauce and flan coat the tongue in confectionary delight before a linger of cheesecake and Brazilian chocolate dance in the mouth. There's an underlying fruit sweetness that is reticent to reveal itself clearly. Given the prior nosing experience, I'm a bit surprised at how much I enjoyed that first sip. After another small swish and swallow, the profile picks up a touch of tannic and astringent characteristics, with the tip of my tongue prickling under an obviously manageable 100 proof. This is a dynamic dram that doesn't try to do too many things; instead, it does a few things well. The slightly oily, quite creamy mouthfeel is probably my favorite part of sipping through this year's spring release of Old Fitzgerald. On concurrent sips with less patience, the slow fade of the creamy vanilla tones doesn't have a chance to break down before mingling with grilled pineapple and pear liqueur. The dressing of cinnamon here isn't overbearing, though I do find this pour to be fickle day-to-day. As the glass nears empty, I find the profile doesn't have any further complexities to offer the palate, but it is more consistent than the nose, which is a strong positive in this case. My last sip regales me with tales of caramel monkey bread and peaking early. The finish is medium to short with just a hint of mint underneath German Weizenbier. TL;DR: An interesting balance between cozy and bold, this year's spring release is certainly sippable Rating:  3.5/5 ( Good enough. There's something to enjoy here. ) This is a crushable whiskey in every sense of the word. While this didn't shine consistently enough to earn a higher score after 5 tastings, there were certainly a few times I really enjoyed it during my lengthly review process. After much deliberation, I've discovered that it shines best as a pairing with a rare steak dinner. Let this be a reminder to you: taste your whiskey several times before you ever write it off! You might be sleeping on something you really enjoy under certain conditions. If you're looking for some alternative recommendations, I'd suggest hunting down a bottle of Henry McKenna for much less, or if you really want to splurge for the best... go for Heaven Hill Heritage Collection 17 year bourbon . WRITTEN BY: NICK ANDERSON With nearly a decade of sipping experience, Nick Anderson brings a well-calibrated palate to his profound passion for the whiskey industry. Beginning in Irish whiskey before expanding into bourbon, rye, and beyond, he has long been taking the ephemeral observation of unspoken enjoyment and translating it into meaningful words. He is the owner and primary long-winded whiskey writer for AmongstTheWhiskey.com , and he hopes you find resonance in the patient conveyance of an honest whiskey review.

For the curious whiskey enthusiast... We're bringing out the big guns today. I did a blind tasting of this live on Instagram with @amongstthefernsco , and it was a blast. We very clearly identified this as the better whiskey when compared blindly to Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A122. Now that that's out of the way, I thought it was time to do a deeper dive on this release. Given the relative rarity of this bottle, I'm sure there are many who are curious if this is worth chasing. I hope this review helps you to come to your own conclusion there. Now let's get into it! Company on Label: Heaven Hill Whiskey Type: Bourbon Mash Bill Percentages: 78% Corn, 10% Rye, 12% Malted Barley Proof: 118.2° Age: 17 years (a blend of 28% 20 year, 44% 19 year, and 28% 17 year bourbons) Further identification: This is the 2022 release from Heaven Hill under the Heritage Collection banner; it debuted in the Spring of 2022 at an MSRP of $275 Nose: From a foot away I can smell the rich caramel from what seems to be a great deal of barrel influence. Soft orange peel dances in the air. Upon bringing the glass to my nose, I find a rich, dark molasses right upfront. Wow, there's definitely a lot of oak going on here. There's a lovely cinnamon spice that trails off into rich pepper, damp earth, and a dense pile of firewood. I'm finding a lot of the rich funk you would expect out of this release. I'm almost reminded of the pervasive cinnamon hots that some of the Starlight Cigar Batches take on from the Brazilian Amburana oak finishes, but it is distinctly more subtle here. The orange peel I was smelling from a distance is subdued now as more of the cool, dark, earthy tones express themselves in this early glass. Caramel, rich oak, and molasses continue to be the persistent aromas in the glass before sipping on anything. There are hints of a bright vanilla bean and some herbaceous garden bed smells hiding in the depths. Oh, now there's much more vanilla and just a touch of linen; it's like a Heaven Hill light switch just went off in my brain! We've returned to the big oak tones and big, spice-forward black pepper notes—time for a sip. Wow, the vanilla characteristics have turned really delectable after a sip. What a delicious aroma! The soft herbal tones have also returned in a larger way. Coffee grounds can be dug up with a prying nose. I'm really sticking a lot to the nutty tones here—testament perhaps to the fact that this almost certainly has to be from the gifted Beam yeast, given the timeline of the awful fire that occurred at Heaven Hill in 1996. That slight nuttiness is one of my favorite characteristics in whiskey, personally. It's not overpowering here and balances extremely well with the traditional vanilla that's been ramped up to the perfect age. As I get near the bottom of the glass, I find myself wanting to drift away into silent enjoyment rather than keep up the analytics, which is typically a sure sign of a truly enjoyable pour! As the liquid in the glass seems to keep disappearing, I start to find some hallmarks of age: aromas of a leather-bound book, oiled mahogany, and troves of oak trinkets. The empty glass smells like vanilla perfected with just the right amount of sweetness. Palate: My first sip is surprisingly fruity given the experience on the nose. I find a ton of zesty orange peel right away. The cinnamon hots are definitely also present, so that transferred well from the initial nose. There's an impressive ease to the palate, which is surprising for a first sip of the day. Even from one sip, there is a long linger highlighted by a slight salty peanut flavor. I'm more reminded of peanut shells, and there's a touch of milk chocolate if you work your tongue around the rich mouth coating. I am already starting to think that this is a fantastic glass to sit and savor, and it might not do as well in a head-to-head format where there is a faster pace and more flavors competing. It's subtle and nuanced from the get-go, but perhaps lacking a bit of wow factor up front. That said, I do think it delivers an exceptional experience for someone with a refined palate. Perhaps it's time for another sip? I think so. Airing out a second sip builds in soft cherry skins, apricot, and buttery peach cobbler. There is a big chest hug after this sip for me today. The similar peanut and chocolate linger from the first sip persists but builds in intensity closer to a Reese's peanut butter cup. A larger sip and swish brings me to a lovely maraschino cherry with just a kiss of rye spice. It's cocktail-forward in its sweetness with what feels like a dash of Angostura bitters on the side. As I near the end of the glass, this continues to stand up really well: zesty orange peel, confectioners sugar, My last sip is a delight as blood orange, cherry parfait, and cinnamon doughnuts pepper my taste buds. The linger is long, with a singing caramel, butterscotch, and molasses granola that sticks to every surface of my mouth. Yum! Rating: 5/5 ( Just wow. One of my favorites. ) This is a damn fine release from Heaven Hill. I'll certainly be sharing it and enjoying it in good company, but I'm not going to give this one a " Keep Amongst the Whiskey " rating, as I don't think I will be able to readily find another to enjoy once this bottle is gone. Buy Heaven Heritage Collection Hill 17 Year Bourbon WRITTEN BY: NICK ANDERSON With nearly a decade of sipping experience, Nick Anderson brings a well-calibrated palate to his profound passion for the whiskey industry. Beginning in Irish whiskey before expanding into bourbon, rye, and beyond, he has long been taking the ephemeral observation of unspoken enjoyment and translating it into meaningful words. He is the owner and primary long-winded whiskey writer for AmongstTheWhiskey.com , and he hopes you find resonance in the patient conveyance of an honest whiskey review.

Vacation reviews continued! It's been a great week of river reviews. Drinking drams with my old man is always a great time. Even better when we are catching beautiful brook trout too. Tonight we have an old staple coming back around in a new barrel. Let’s see how this one drinks! Bonus pictures to follow... Company on Label: Heaven Hill Whiskey Type: Bourbon Mash Bill Percentages: 78% Corn, 10% Rye, 12% Barley Proof: 100° Age: 10 years Further identification: Barrel 9862; barreled on 12/22/10 Nose: Rich stewed stone fruits immediately, like plum and cherry. Powerful citrus zest pops out alongside a tame caramel. Molasses pools heavy in the corners. Dark Heaven Hill cloth/paper note I'm starting to become really accustomed to finding. Similar to the note on HH BiB. Nice herbal chocolate blend with some orange zest and pepper. Really feels like a Lindt "Intense Orange" bar. Thoroughly powerful and complex. Palate: Delicious syrupy plum and apricot. Slight candied apple, but primarily vanilla and caramel coming through. Darker and packed with more flavor than some other Henry McKenna barrels I have tried, this is definitely the type of barrel I prefer. I think 1/3 of the bottles I've bought have been winners like this one now. More citrusy today than when I first cracked this one yesterday for #McKennaMonday, it's a little different today. Some more spiciness today too, but not a cinnamon hots or pepper spice hot... it's something tied into the vanilla or molasses. Thorough mouth coating with mint and vanilla, the finish yields a relaxing medley of dark fruit and sweet vanilla that can do no wrong. Despite the inconsistencies, I'll be regularly keeping this #AmongstTheWhiskey. Rating: 4/5 Buy Henry McKenna Bourbon Here Brook trout caught by yours truly

Company on Label: Heaven Hill Whiskey Type: Bourbon Mash Bill Percentages: 78% Corn, 10% Rye, 12% Barley Proof: 100° Age: 10 years Further identification: Barrel 9563; barreled on 11-16-09 Oh this one is rich and dark instead of the usual light citrus I get. The nose is still very citrusy, but it also comes with a dark leather and cherry. Vanilla bean ice cream is so creamy; a light caramel drizzle mixing in. Pepper, butter and very malty notes coming out now. The cherry has turned to a sour candy. The leather is just so potent mixed with the dessert vanilla. A thick honey can be found on the edges of the glass. I could nose this forever. Palate is quite a departure from the experience I was having on the nose. Simply unique in its own regard, it punches forward with a syrupy, minty oak. Dark fruit like dates and figs sit in the middle. Slightly tannic on the oak note but balanced by a hint of sweet honey. Rye grain is the predominant addition to the flavor mix, but presents very subtly. Finish is low in intensity but long in duration. I feel like I'm left in a thin cloud of dark sweetness. Rating: 4/5