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“T ell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life? ”  - Mary Oliver Many folks I see across the whiskey world hunt the orange-labeled Weller like it's a piece of treasure hidden deep beneath a sea of shelfer whiskey. You'll see crotch shots in your local Facebook groups, crazy pricing all around the horn to try to make a buck off the scarcity, and countless collectors posing the completed Weller lineup on their shelf once they manage to score the elusive Weller Single Barrel. But do people even know what it is that they're hunting? Inside this bottle is the same wheated bourbon mash bill that Buffalo Trace uses for all their wheated bourbons, from Pappy Van Winkle to William Larue Weller to Weller Special Reserve. Most of those aforementioned bottlings, aside from single barrel selections, are blends. This means that they combine any number of barrels to create a consistent profile that they believe is well suited for that particular labeling and will be able to be distributed in bountiful numbers all across the world. As we scale that reach back down, we ultimately return to single barrel, the club's or connoisseur's choice over the last 5 years, it would seem. What does single barrel mean? You might be surprised to learn that the term "single barrel" is not actually a legally regulated whiskey term. Just like the term "small batch" doesn't get any verification scrutiny from the likes of the TTB, verifying single barrel bottlings would likely be labor-intensive and incredibly difficult. Instead, we rely on a bit of vigilante justice in the whiskey community—a little "truth-in-advertising" protection, if you will. Those that are paying attention likely wouldn't let a 10,000-bottle yield release be adorned with a "single barrel" label; a batch of that size would certainly be a blend of many barrels. Though single barrel isn't legally protected in whiskey regulations, it certainly comes with an inherent definition: whiskey that comes from a singular barrel of whiskey, regardless of size. This concept obviously isn't new; it's how whiskey has been sold and distributed for centuries. Hundreds of years ago it wouldn't be uncommon for the whiskey-drinking masses to come fill their own bottles straight from the barrel at their local distilleries of the time. Certain affluent and notable historical figures have been known to source their own barrels of their favorite whiskey, like Henry Clay, who visited James Crow and ordered a barrel of Old Crow bourbon to be shipped to Washington. Being the primary aging vessel for whiskey, a single barrel represents a time capsule for whiskey. You can taste it along the journey and decide for yourself when it's just right for drinking and bottling. Buffalo Trace ultimately decided now was just that time for the barrels that they select for their Single Barrel expression, which releases yearly in extremely limited numbers. If you're here wondering whether one of these rare bottles is worth hunting down, well, I have just the perfect whiskey review waiting for you below. It should be noted that I purchased this bottle with my own money. Some of the links below may be affiliate links that offer partner products at no extra cost to you. These links help me keep bringing you the best independent whiskey reviews on the internet. As always, I tasted this bourbon three times before offering my honest opinion. On with the show! Company on Label:  Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort, Kentucky Whiskey Type:  Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey Mash Bill Percentages:  Undisclosed wheated bourbon mash bill Proof:  97° Age:  NAS MSRP:  $50 (2022) Further identification:  The "Single Barrel" expression first released in 2020, though the bottle under review is a 2022 bottling, and since no two barrels are quite alike, your experience may vary Nose:  Bright caramel and butterscotch lead the way on the nose like a creamier version of Weller Antique, sans the spice. Light black pepper is softened by crème fraîche and a sunny beachside condo with all the live, laugh, love accoutrements you can think of. In odd flashes, I find soft bits of pinecone aromas. Inhaling off this glass is like walking past the candle aisle at Target. Whew! There's quite a bit of volume for 97 proof early on. Floral tones swing in after a bit of time resting, though you might not notice them under the ever-present and ever-dominant caramel scents. There's a light linen characteristic that I've often found on Buffalo Trace bourbons like George T. Stagg . Long inhales fail to materialize anything further as the glass begins to fade, and I grow impatient for a sip. Coming back after a few tastes reveals a classic, surprisingly proofy bourbon aroma that feels a touch nostalgic—nostalgic for a time long ago when I was first falling in love with bourbon as a longtime Irish whiskey drinker. It's coming across as a bit basic, entry-level, but ultimately rather enjoyable from the perspective of a whiskey novice. Some hallmarks of a jazzed-up Weller 12—the bourbon that got me into bourbon—come through here. Leaving the glass alone for a long rest amplifies some leather tones and rich oak as the glass comes to a close. The empty glencairn smells of sweet earth and cool summer night air. Palate:  On first taste I find light maraschino cherry juice that leans just a touch toward medicinal. The creamy nose doesn't materialize in as much viscosity for the mouthfeel, which leads to a little disappointment for me in the thinness of the whiskey here. Another sip quickly following the first magnifies the intensity of the first while layering in the classic bourbon note of caramel that matches the nose well. Some days (and on some of the other Weller Single Barrels that I've tried), the butterscotch translates well from the nose, but today not so much. Today's tasting is leaning in on that candied cherry profile that Buffalo Trace is well known for and oodles of caramel, as I've stated. Hints of honey and mint offer moments of complexity in an otherwise pretty monotone pour. Sipping later in the glass continues to come across a touch thin, though the creamy, easy-to-drink backbone is definitely still the dominant characteristic. The linger flashes vague thoughts of tropical fruit across the mind, but they're not distinct enough to name. Despite the glass seemingly commanding to be sipped through quickly due to the repetition of sips being additive in flavor volume, I managed to still take my time with this one. It's for this exact reason I don't find myself reaching for this bottle often. My last sip comes across a bit watery—this certainly wouldn't stand up to an ice cube, though it shows off more mint tones and a bit of tarragon. The finish is short and sweet with whipped cream, light cinnamon bread, and nondescript sweet brown flavors trailing off into nothingness. TL;DR: A flash in the pan bourbon that seems to be all about scarcity instead of complexity Rating:  3.5/5 ( Good enough. There's something to enjoy here. ) Does this label need to exist? No. It only seems to serve as a redundant collector's item with no inherent value as a drinking whiskey compared to existing products on the shelves. There are plenty of other opportunities to get a single barrel release of Weller bourbon. Stores across the nation are selecting Weller Antique and Weller Full Proof barrels all the time. Heck, I've selected over 10 of them myself, and all those picks have been better than what's in this bottle. Maybe it's the 97 proof that's just not jiving with my palate, but it just doesn't have a consistency sip to sip that I'm really looking for in a whiskey. If you happen upon one at MSRP, then have at it... but if you're shelling out hundreds of dollars for this just to complete a set that might be incomplete in another year from the introduction of a new label, I think you're chasing the wrong high. 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.

The once-yearly released E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof bourbon is one that long-time whiskey enthusiasts sure like to hunt. Dropping in the fall or winter alongside the revered allocations of Pappy Van Winkle, this one doesn't have quite as deep of a cult following as the wheated bourbon line bearing old Pappy's likeness. Fans of the E.H. Taylor line, which also includes a small batch bourbon, a single barrel bourbon, and a straight rye, are sure to have their eyes peeled for this release, though. Bottled at cask strength, this is the enthusiast's dram through and through. One might argue that this bottling or the famed Blanton's Straight from the Barrel might make a suitable addition to the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection. I've covered quite a few batches of the barrel proof bourbon releases, and this year, things get a little tricky since we have a repeat proof. If you're confused between batch 10 and batch 13, don't worry, I'll teach you how to identify which batch you have by the end of this article. The links below on each batch will take you to my previous reviews of those batches. Batches 9 and 10 were both lovely. Batch List Batch 1: 134.5° (2012) Batch 2: 135.4° (2013) Batch 3: 129.0° (2014) Batch 4: 127.2° (2015) Batch 5: 127.5° (2016) Batch 6: 128.1° (2017) Batch 7: 129.7° (2018) Batch 8: 129.3° (2019) Batch 9 : 130.3° (2020) Batch 10 : 127.3° (2021) Batch 11 : 129.0° (2022) Batch 12 :   131.1° (2023) Batch 13: 127.3° (2024) Buy E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Bourbon How to Find Which Batch You Have Now for the tricky bit when the proofs are the same, as is the case between batch 10 and the present batch 13. Here's where laser codes can help us. Etched onto almost every bottle (occasionally they get missed on the bottling line) is a serial code that gets laser etched onto the glass. It's a thin, hazy white font on shiny clear glass, so it can be quite difficult to see unless you get the right lighting. Try holding your bottle at an angle under a bright light, or if it's daytime, lean it towards a window. The code will be near the bottom of the bottle and can be anywhere around the perimeter. It's not always under a certain label, front or back, because these are just run on an automated bottling line that usually has each bottle in a random orientation. See below for what you're looking for. The faint characters "L24..." can be seen up and to the right above the 750 ML embossing Reading Laser Codes Now what do these characters mean? Why are there so many of them? The only ones we need to pay attention to are the first 3 in order to figure out what batch we have. The first one is a dud character, L, that just represents that this was bottled on the Buffalo Trace bottling line. The next 2 letters will tell us the bottling year . So L24 was bottled in 2024 , which is batch 13. If your bottle reads L21, you've got a batch 10 on your hands. You can refer back to the batch chart here, and make sure to pin this page as a future reference guide in case you need to figure out other bottlings. Once you know how to read laser codes, I'd say you're officially entering whiskey nerd territory, so proceed with caution. Now that we've got all our homework out of the way, let's taste some whiskey, shall we? Company on Label:  Old Fashioned Copper Distillery (Buffalo Trace) Whiskey Type:  Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey Mash Bill Percentages:  Buffalo Trace Mash Bill #1 (Low Rye < 10%) Proof:  127.3° Age:  NAS (supposedly around 8 years) MSRP:  $80 (2024) Further identification:  This is the 2024 release of E.H. Taylor barrel proof, the 13th release to date; it is typically only distributed once per year in the fall Nose:  Rich candied cherry and a sweet, dark vapor permeate this glass—this is Taylor through and through. It's hefty in the nose, like there's something more than just air passing through the nostrils. Sticky raisin, blackberry, and fig aromas are thick and resinous. Bright lemon tea jumps to mind as my nose scours the depths of this already thoroughly enjoyable pour. Underlying complexities of clove and allspice provide exquisite complexity. Cedar and oak mix in perfect harmony as I find myself hiking over the mountains of Maine to find the perfect fishing hole. After a long rest, the class is teeming with fruity esters; I find raspberry, apricot, and osmanthus flowers. There's an underlying sweet peach and grapefruit character as well that I'm really digging here; this is a fun glass to nose. After a few sips, the nose is still quite fruity, though it begins to turn a touch tropical as coconut and vanilla mingle in the land of sweet sunshine. At times, waves of potent oak can be found, though this comes and goes like a temporary sweeping cloud. Classic bourbon tones resonate in strong volume all throughout this experience before the empty glass presents soft clay, graham cracker, and an air of oldness, like a museum gives off. Palate:  My first sip presents massive, taking full control of my taste buds, tongue, and mind. Rich guava, peach, and apricot jam are zipping across my tongue like a Daft Punk dancer. Another sip is more accessible but just as enjoyable as candied cherry and pink peppercorn leave a lasting impression on a soft but strong linger. Sipping later in the glass is like liquid nostalgia. It's potent in the way your other high-end Buffalo Trace products might land, ultimately tasting like something right in the middle between Stagg Junior and George T. Stagg. It does drink a touch hot, but it's not a jagged, searing heat, instead landing like a bit of overwhelming news that you have to have repeated. The flavors that do squeak through the in-your-face bourbon heat are vanilla frosting, cardamom, pink lemonade, and a flash of earthy turmeric. My last sip is a multi-layered explosion of cinnamon, cardamom, and grenadine before a long, slow, tumultuous finish of maraschino cherry juice and allspice tingle on the tongue forever. TL;DR: A bold Kentucky bourbon built for end of night toasts Rating:  4/5 ( Really good. I want one of these on my shelf. ) This does drink a touch hot as a first pour of the day, but if you've warmed up your palate with something lower proof, it presents much nicer. I see this one as a great offering to bring to a bottle share where you want something that is going to stand out from the crowd without completely breaking the bank. While it's definitely going to take some hunting to find at a reasonable cost, I'd say the pour is worth the chase for me. Buy E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 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.

Part of the once-yearly Buffalo Trace "allocation season" that accompanies the oft-overhyped Pappy Van Winkle lineup, Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof has typically garnered general approval from the whiskey community writ large. I've written about these releases in previous years, having thoroughly enjoyed batches 9 through 11 prior to today. Despite not really caring to 'hunt' this years allocations, I managed to luck into this release from an old favorite liquor store of mine. Buy Colonel E.H. Taylor barrel proof bourbon If you're newer to the bourbon space, I understand that these batch numbers might be a little confusing. What we have today is the 131.1 proof release that carries the L23 laser code, meaning it was bottled and released in 2023 from the Buffalo Trace distillery. If you're ever struggling to figure out which proof corresponds to which batch like me, I've compiled a helpful list. Here are all of the Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof batches by proof and by year: Batch 1: 134.5° (2012) Batch 2: 135.4° (2013) Batch 3: 129.0° (2014) Batch 4: 127.2° (2015) Batch 5: 127.5° (2016) Batch 6: 128.1° (2017) Batch 7: 129.7° (2018) Batch 8: 129.3° (2019) Batch 9: 130.3° (2020) Batch 10: 127.3° (2021) Batch 11: 129.0° (2022) Batch 12: 131.1° (2023) As usual, I've tasted this at least 3 times (in accordance with my editorial policy ) before offering you my full review thoughts so that you can trust I've done a thorough job & not had an odd-ball one-off experience. This is a well-triangulated opinion that I'm honored to bring to you, my dear reader. Without further ado, let's dive in and see what this year's Taylor barrel proof release is all about. Company on Label:  Old Fashioned Copper Distillery (Buffalo Trace) Whiskey Type:  Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Mash Bill Percentages: Buffalo Trace Mash Bill #1 (Low Rye < 10%) Proof:  131.1° Age:  NAS (supposedly 6-8 years) Further identification:  Batch 12 is the 2023 release of Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof which first released in 2012; it carries an MSRP of $70, though it's worth mentioning that many stores will sadly mark this up well beyond that Nose:  Lifting the glass to my nose, I find a rich mocha tone that is soothing and sweet. Saccharine strawberry laffy taffy is prominent on deep inhales. Brown sugar and rich oak suggest a higher age statement than is rumored for this release. Fizzy root beer scents bubble up as the glass opens with time. Deep caramel aromas build a strong support structure for an enjoyable bourbon introduction. Coming back from a sip reveals potent linen tones, much like Stagg releases usually do for me. Your classic candied cherry that is conventional for the E.H. Taylor lineup is definitely in the mix. Exploring further, I find there are hints of salinity, like walking past the lobster tank in the seafood section of the grocery store. Late in the glass, the aromas return to that 'classic Kentucky bourbon' medley. It's simple to explore and fairly rewarding, as most well-aged bourbon from Buffalo Trace tends to be. Palate:  Rich, classic bourbon hits the tongue right away; think cherry and caramel in spades. Another sip layers in milk chocolate, walnut bread, and sweet pecan. Much like the nose, I get a bit of creamy strawberry somewhere in the middle that flashes across the tongue. The linger is short to medium with more dark, savory, bready tones. It's a classic, oaky bourbon that's been sufficiently aged, but doesn't scream complexity. Sipping later in the glass shows off hints of anise, Dr. Pepper, and sweet cherry pipe tobacco smoke. Now that the depth of the whiskey starts to ramp up a bit, spruce boughs and damp earth say, "get outside you fool." Ultimately, it lacks the captivation that a good whiskey will typically hold me in. Holding the whiskey in your mouth for extended periods of time is the most rewarding, as Werther's caramel chews melt away, revealing cinnamon and allspice. The proof here feels much like a crutch for an otherwise lackluster Bourbon—a flash and a tingle on the tongue hopefully exciting the attention away from the lack of soul or meaningful character. My last sip shows off hints of licorice, root beer barrel candy, and level oak. The finish is short and proofy in its delivery as a wave of cardboard and oak rises through the chest. TL;DR: A quotidian blend of Kentucky bourbon from Buffalo Trace Rating:  3/5 ( Decent. I can go either way on it. ) Overall, this feels like a less complex Stagg Jr. batch. It has moments of glory in which I was considering a 4 out of 5 score, but ultimately, with several tastings failing to register any real emotion or excitement out of me, this leaves me feeling like this is a middle-of-the-road bourbon. There's absolutely nothing wrong with it, and I'm certainly glad to have a bottle on my shelf. If you're interested in diving a little deeper, let's compare this release to the previous 2 batches below! Bonus Head to Head to Head: Batch 10 vs 11 vs 12 Batch 10  was a great follow-on to batch 9 which was one of my favorites. Batch 11  slumped a little in excitement but was still a solid bourbon with plenty of unique characteristics. Let's revisit 10 & 11 to see where 12 stacks up against them! On the nose: Nosing batch 12 first sets the stage: classic oak, caramel, mocha, linen, and a hint of root beer. Later on: simple syrup and proof. The empty glass smells of rather plain, head-shakingly simple caramel. Diving into batch 11... light funk, it produces even more linen & oak than 12 demonstrated. It's delicately fruity with brown sugar, molasses, and gingerbread. Sugar cookie notes jump out later on. The empty glass smells of old, dusty oak. Batch 10 presents the most elegant, balanced, and poised. Raspberry tart, chocolate, vanilla bean, and a slight maple sweetness dance in the glass. Mmmh. It's no surprise why I am on my 2nd bottle of this. The empty glass bursts with citrus, chocolate, and creamy elegance. Nose Ranking:  10 > 11 > 12 On the palate: For sipping through, I'll go in the reverse order as nosing. Batch 10 on first sip presents beautifully with candied cherry, syrupy grenadine, silky vanilla, well-aged wood influence galore, and it carries a great oily mouthfeel highlighting tart grape. Goodness gracious, that is good bourbon. I forgot just how good that is. Is it bad that I don't want to move on? Move on, I must. Batch 11 lands with grace and ease on the taste buds, with delicate orange peel not coming across as too zesty. The glass continues to evolve quickly as notes of subtle cherry, strawberry, plum, and a creaminess I can't shake undulate across the tongue. The creamy vanilla undertone carries great notes of cinnamon, dates, and boozy amaretto. Yum. My goodness, it's so fruit forward... All the fruit you can imagine jump out of the glass. At last, we move into batch 12, which punches above the other two glasses in the spice department, but it's not a distinct & digestible spice—it just seems to be proof. Sipping further reveals this glass really just isn't that special to me for whatever reason. I shake my head in general disappointment as compared to the other two glasses. Palate Ranking:  10 > 11 > 12 Really, batch 12 feels like a distant afterthought when compared to previous vintages of the barrel proof release. I'm quite disappointed to have spent my own money on this one and will certainly not be looking for a backup as I have done for previous batches. If you're still on the hunt for this one, I hope this review helped you out today. If it did, consider buying me a coffee ! Cheers!

We all know the type... The vegan who won't stop yammering about kale. The CrossFit junkie that loves to tell you how many pull-ups they can do. The Looney Tunes character who enjoys ice baths or cold showers and extols their virtue to all who will listen— this one is me . Then there's the modern whiskey enthusiast, living in one of the best eras of American whiskey. Passionate to a fault, who just can't shut up about the latest bourbon craze— also me, for the record . There is nothing wrong with having a hobby that you are deeply passionate about—it's when we endeavor to share that passion where we often need a reminder to have compassion. In our day-to-day interactions, we are naturally drawn to those who we have something in common with. That might be taste in music, a common sports team, or the most fervent of conversations: a shared passion. There's nothing quite like the instant friendship that forms around communal excitement. You've found your people. "Have you tried the latest Stagg Junior batch?" "Yeah, they really fell off this past year, huh?" "That's what I've been saying!" Those two will undoubtedly have a long and lovely conversation. They'll exchange numbers or follow each other on Instagram and generally have a strong basis for understanding one another, even if their personal preferences differ slightly as the breadth of conversational topics widens. One of these characters from above might really love Wild Turkey but despise Jim Beam for their own deeply personal reasons. One might adore sherry finished whiskey for the uber-rich depth and sweetness it can potentially add to an already good base whiskey, the other might turn their nose at the word 'finished'. While they might disagree on these subtleties and occasionally poke friendly jabs at one another, I'm sure they'll never forget bonding over the 2024 slump in Stagg Junior quality. One of these personas might even have a successful social media presence , with an audience eager to hear the latest well-reasoned opinion. If you're here reading this, you can likely envision yourself in one of these roles. You're a whiskey enthusiast. Whatever your experience level, you're here because you have a passion for whiskey, so let's make sure we don't fall into some common pitfalls. Not everybody is going to be just like us. We're not going to hit it off gangbusters with everyone we meet. It's how we handle ourselves when it's not infinite compatibility, commonality in opinion, and shared thoughts that truly define our ability to have human compassion—a character trait that seems to be dwindling towards the point of extinction in the world today. Jim Beam vs. Wild Turkey—which do you prefer? Take the example of the distillery disagreement; perhaps from the perspective of the character that just doesn't do Beam. They might have good reasons for that distaste: a long history of anticompetitive practices that mothballed great historical distilleries, a general distilling philosophy that shows preference toward quantity over quality, or conceivably just a personal taste preference that doesn't jive with what they see as sad, beige, peanut water bourbon. In fact, some of those decision points are pretty well-reasoned and even well documented from comparative tastings. My dear friend and mentor, Gregory Cloyd , offered his thoughts on the matter. "Beam whiskey, even the 1960s older age statement Bonded Beam, just never appealed to my palate. Too thin, too harsh, and unbalanced. From WWII onward, their reputation was for inexpensive, widely available whiskey. Their PX contracts in WWII secured them broad worldwide exposure. Their model was mile-high column stills, rivers of cheap whiskey, and advertising. To top it all off, when that model crashed in the 1960s, rather than repenting and striving to make better bourbon, they chose to shut down the best of the old distilleries. Jim Beam, to me personally, represents all the worst characteristics of corporate greed, viewed through the prismatic lens of the bourbon industry. My palate, my purchases or lack thereof, my opinions… I simply cannot abide Jim Beam. Having opened and shared Pre-Prohibition Bonded Bourbon distilled by the actual master distiller, James Beam, I know that as late as 1910, James Beam was making beautiful, vibrant, complex, fragrant bourbon. The later choices by his heirs to pursue profit and proof gallons over quality are disappointing." I happen to agree with a lot of what Greg said here. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this opinion, and having this stance isn't inherently snobbery—it's a result of years of research, palate calibration, and education. It's when this kind of passionate opinion meets someone celebrating or even enjoying the thing that the opinionated enthusiast dislikes most that restraint must be employed. Despite all the historical research that has gone into educating some of the most ardent whiskey enthusiasts, not everybody needs to take it to that level. Greg and I happen to have that calling: to seek out the best distilling practices and celebrate those whom we believe are employing those techniques today and throughout history. We'll readily share our findings with anyone curious enough to listen. Through several hard lessons, we've also learned that not everyone needs to hear it. Vintage 1950s Beam coffee warmer decanter Jim Beam is a massive distillery. There is no denying that there are a great number of people drinking their whiskey. The Beam hater might want to say to those folks, "No, you fool! Don't drink that swill. I can show you a thousand better whiskeys than that!" The only output of an interaction like this is a robbery of joy from both sides of the perspective. Negativity is already rampant enough in the news cycle and the general human condition in the post-pandemic world we've created. We're more divided than ever; the last thing we need right now is for our passions to also be divisive. Think about what a snide comment in putting down someone's whiskey preference accomplishes for a moment. The enthusiast sipping and enjoying readily available whiskey is likely happy—a fleeting enough feeling in this day and age. We should instead celebrate anyone who is enjoying a whiskey they can afford; they can go out and re-buy a bottle with no hassle, and they ultimately might use it as a conversation starter for their next meaningful human connection. It's their version of the shared disappointment in Stagg Junior quality. Not everyone is on a mission to find the perfect whiskey—if ever there were such a thing. If that's your mission, as it is mine, then kudos to you. Do so without guilt—you're not a snob—but never forget to respect the journey of others along the way or you may just become one. So, as I sit here, sipping and sniffing on a Wild Turkey Master's Keep 17 year bottled in bond bourbon, I'm keenly aware of just how lucky we all are. To be able to enjoy such a diverse array of options in the whiskey world, to savor the fruits of distilling labor that so many folks catapult into the market each year, is truly a blessing. And while I'm sitting here, marginally disappointed with a funky set of aromas that kind of smells like diapers, there's someone out there sipping on a tall glass of Jim Beam with a big smile on their face. So cheers to them and cheers to you, whichever path you choose. 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.

Anyone who is anyone in the whiskey world, which is you, me, and a few others, likely loves it when a distillery moves a core product into a cask strength offering. However, using the phrase 'Cask Strength', 'Barrel Strength', or 'Barrel Proof' (which all inherently mean the same thing) is more than a marketing tactic. 'Barrel Proof' was defined in 1977 by the TTB ( Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau ) to "preclude any misunderstanding and to effect standardization in the use of these terms." Currently, the phrase 'Cask Strength' is not included in these guidelines. However, the TTB has since aimed to expand definitions to include it. Below are the current guidelines for 'Barrel Proof' whiskey, which can be found in greater detail on TTB's website : A distilled spirits label bearing the phrase "Original Proof," "Original Barrel Proof" or "Entry Proof" indicates that the proof of the spirits entered into the barrel and the proof of the bottled spirits are the same. Further, "Barrel Proof" on a distilled spirits label indicates that the bottling proof is not more than two degress lower than the proof established at the time the spirits were gauged for tax determination. Defintions aside, distilleries that use cask strength on their labels seem to adhere to the same guidelines as those listed for barrel proof. However, until cask strength is officially defined, the consumers' trust lies in the hands of the master distiller and, in some cases, the master blender. Yes, bottling cask strength whiskey may seem simple, if the offering is a single barrel, but it can be more involved than simply transferring a barrel to bottles. This is where a Master Blender comes into play. And Still Austin brought in a powerhouse to elevate their straight rye whiskey into cask strength form: For this exceptional rye spirit, we've tapped Master Blender Nancy "The Nose" Fraley to slect the most exceptional barrels of our Straight Rye Whiskey, known as "The Artist," which we then blended and bottled at the same proof at which the spirit was aged. This is a more aromatically intense, tenchicolor version of The Artist... "The Artist" Still Austin's Straight Rye Whiskey at 99.6 Proof Nancy has had her nose in several distilleries in recent years, producing finished products that are often a testament to what a master distiller and master blender can accomplish when synergies align. In the case of Still Austin, it seems Mike Delvante and Nancy Fraley are out to accomplish high synergistic ranks. Apart from the distillery team (if you haven't checked out Still Austin's story, I cover it briefly  here ), Still Austin is also quite notable for its low-age statements compared to other distilleries in cooler climates (like Kentucky). And, for anyone who has tried Texas whiskey, they know that their climate is an entirely different beast when it comes to aging whiskey. That's all to say, I'm ready to sip this two year cask strength whiskey and see what it's all about! Company on Label:   Still Austin Whiskey Type:  Rye whiskey Mash Bill Percentages: 100% Texas Rye Proof:  116 ° Age:   2 years MSRP: $65.99  (2025) Further Identification:  A double gold recipient at the 2024 San Franscisco World Spirits Competition Nose:  The first inhale is incredibly oily, with orange spice cake at the center of a rippling effect of aromas. Red hots, lemon pudding, pine tree bark, and a hint of bubble gum complete the circle. Deeper inhales produce orange creamsicle, muddled cherries, a whisper of milk chocolate, old-growth pine, and a barrel funk suggesting this is much older than two years. The smells wafting out of my glass are familiar and unique all at the same time. Returning to the nose after a few sips reveals deeper wood spices, caramalized orange slices, and a return of that lovely bubblegum note. Clove, cinnamon, and ginger mostly take over as the liquid grows lower, reminding me of a Christmas potpourri dish. The empty glencairn smells of toasted hay and granulated sugar. Palate:  Sweet forward, with orange and cinnamon leading the way, the palate is oily and inviting, a perfect replicate to the nose and a tell of a well-blended whiskey, in my humble opinion. Additional sips intensify the heat; Allspice prodimently takes over with soft, warm rye bread cooling in the background. The finish is another rippling effect of tastes: Allspice, ginger, and a shaving from a Life Saver's evergreen mint. Muddled cherries mixed with cinnamon apples appear as the liquid level lowers in my glass. A whisp of mint completes the final sip as I sit back with a satisfied smile on my face. TL;DR: this Texas rye boldly embraces its age through a consistent & robust flavor profile Rating:  4/5 Really good. I want one of these on my shelf. Still Austin's cask strength rye is a masterclass in consistency from nose to palate, and I must say, Still Austin is quickly becoming the hallmark distillery for such a feat. The orange, all-spice, barrel funk note is in nearly every expression I've tried of theirs, and, not to toot my own horn (toot), but when blinded, I could identify Still Austin simply by this note. That aside, this cask strength rye is so lovely and is a craft whiskey I would absolutely recommend to anyone looking to diversify their rye and/or craft selection.   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.

"Whiskey has killed more men than bullets, but most men would rather be full of whiskey than bullets." -Winston Churchill Irish whiskey, believed to be one of the earliest distilled spirits, likely originated around the 1100s, when Irish monks brought back some learned techniques from southern Europe. Since its first official documented record in 1405, the production of Irish whiskey has undergone a tortuous evolution into the dynamic and delicious whiskey category we know and love today. A few pivotal moments in whiskey history were the invention of the Coffey still, hefty taxation on whiskey ingredients from the Crown, a splintering away from traditional single malt techniques, and the hardships that most distilleries faced through periods of prohibition and weak demand. What has emerged through all these difficulties is a vibrant landscape of new and old Irish whiskeys that probably sprawl across your local bottle shop, well beyond the days of there only being a few distilleries still producing Irish whiskey. You might even be staring at a liquor store shelf right now, wondering which bottle is worth your hard-earned dollar... The top Irish whiskey from 2024 To help on your search for the best Irish whiskey, we'll want to first know what to look for on the label. Irish whiskey can take many forms, but thankfully, there are a few legal rulings that define the distinct categories of Irish whiskey. These categories typically taste quite different from each other, so you'll want to make sure you go for the right style for you. Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey :  Made from a majority of malted and unmalted barley  (at least 30% of each) and up to 5% of other cereal grains such as oats or rye that were then distilled on a pot still at a single distillery and aged for a minimum of 3 years Single Malt Irish Whiskey :  Made from 100% malted barley that is then distilled to no higher than 94.8% ABV on a pot or column still from a single distillery in Ireland, aged for a minimum of 3 years in wood, and bottled at no less than 40% ABV with no additives except water and/or caramel coloring Blended Irish Whiskey :  Made from any combination of mash makeups  from any combination of distilleries , but normally a combination of malt and grain, distilled to no higher than 94.8% ABV, and aged for no less than 3 years Single Grain Irish Whiskey :  Made from a mixture of grains such as wheat, rye, oats, corn, or barley (with a maximum content of 30% malted barley) that are typically distilled at a single distillery on a higher-throughput, flavor-stripping column still before being bottled no lower than 40% ABV We personally prefer single pot still and single malt offerings, but all these categories are capable of producing great flavor. The best thing to do here is to taste through a few that sound up your alley. Bourbon barrels aging in a Kentucky rickhouse, some of which are likely destined for Ireland one day Another major influence on the flavor you can find on the final bottled product will be the barrel types that were employed to age the whiskey. Because Ireland is scarcely populated with oak trees, most of the barrels used in the maturation of Irish whiskey are previously used barrels. Unlike bourbon, which has regulations necessitating the use of new, charred white oak barrels for aging, Irish whiskey is free to use any wood vessel that exporters can spare. Common cask types employed are bourbon, sherry, port, and madeira casks, though you'll find a plethora of finishes listed below. There are many other factors you can dive into by thoughtfully reading some of the thorough whiskey reviews you'll find on this site. The Irish whiskey landscape is now more diverse than ever, so we try to bring the most up to date, thorough, honest reviews to you, for your reading pleasure. We hope all the nerdy details contained here have not been a bore, but if they have, let's get a move on to the real recommendations now! Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase at one of our partner sites at no additional cost to you. The Top 25 Irish Whiskeys as of 2025: 25: Two Stacks The First Cut Blended Irish Whiskey This is unlike any Irish whiskey you are used to. The nose offers smoked barbecue chips on a plate of fresh fried fish, hot off a smoking charcoal grill. The palate is saturated with smoke and ash from a day old camp fire, a sure sign that this is a Scotch drinker's Irish dram through and through. ABV: 43% // Cost: $43.99 24: Redbreast 18 Year Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey The nose offers granulated sugar, balsam fir, and vanilla bean ice cream. The palate whispers through notes of raisin bread, chestnut, orange, and fig. This is a surprisingly easy sipping Irish whiskey if that's your jam! ABV: 46% // Cost: $290.99 23: Natterjack Cask Strength Irish Whiskey The polar end of the spectrum from our last pick... This is a beast of an Irish whiskey. We're glad to see Gortinore Distillers & Co. pushing the boundaries of traditional Irish whiskey. Even at 126 proof, this is balanced and loaded with flavor. Expect to find orange zest, clove, and honey as you sip through this one. If you can't find this particular bottle, try their lower proof expression for as low as $51.99 . Either are pretty great value in our book. ABV: 63% // Cost: $89.99 22: Redbreast 21 Year Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey The nose is quite shy throughout, with soft hints of pepper, pear liqueur, powdered sugar, and some fun umami tones. Expect vanilla biscotti cookies on the palate with red jello mixed with diced pineapple and strawberries. Yeah, this one is interesting. ABV: 46% // Cost: $339.99 21: Fercullen Single Cask 23 Year Ruby Port Finished Single Malt Irish Whiskey Both the pictured 22 year single cask and the 23 year cask that we reviewed were selected by the New Hampshire Liquor Commission in partnership with Bord Bia. This collaboration brought a whole slew of goodies, but this one stood out above the rest for its balance of sweet honey barbecue, bubble gum, and vanilla parfait flavors. ABV: 52.6% // Cost: $249.99 20: Blue Spot 7 Year Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Another doozy of a 117.4 proof cask strength Irish whiskey here; the Midleton profile gets washed away a bit by the ethanol on this one, but fans can expect a hefty taste of caramel, creamy orange, vanilla, and sweet wine influences. ABV: 58.7% // Cost: $169.99 19: Glendalough Double Barrel Irish Whiskey Expect a delicate nose with dry tropical and spice-forward aromas. We tasted a lot of bourbon influence here, but it's a fresh, creamy, and overall enjoyable profile all throughout. We've also confirmed this makes a pretty spectacular cocktail . ABV: 42% // Cost: $34.99 18: The Whistler 16 Year Rivesaltes Ambre Cask Single Malt Irish Whiskey This is another cask that came out of the New Hampshire Liquor Commission and Bord Bia partnership, and it's a doozy. This pour offers a dynamic nose of tropical fruit, leading into a tingling palate of pineapple and barbecue sauce. The finish is where things really turn interesting as the complex linen and umami tones round out a really unique dram. ABV: 55.9% // Cost: $149.99 17: Redbreast 12 Year Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey This one might come as a surprise given its availability, but when blinded against Redbreast 21 year, the 12 year shined. With an impeccable mouthfeel, this pour offers incredible depth and lingers forever. It's too beautiful to write in short form, so if you're interested in tasting notes, you'll have to read the full review . This 80 proof whiskey should be on every enthusiast's shelf. ABV: 40% // Cost: $69.99 16: Yellow Spot 12 Year Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Yellow Spot Irish whiskey embodies the single pot still category perfectly, with notes of sweet strawberry, plum, and creamy hot chocolate. All this comes together to result in a delightful 92 proof dram fit for a whiskey drinker of any skill level! ABV: 46% // Cost: $113.99 15: The Whistler Single Malt Irish Whiskey Champagne Cask This dynamic pour offers aromas of tropical fruit, barbecue sauce, and a good balance. The tingling palate offers sweet and spice before finishing with a lovely bit of milk chocolate. We weren't sure about the finishing cask in our blind tasting, but it will undoubtedly excite those open to experiencing a more unique and interesting whiskey experience, much like the pictured orange wine cask finish also available from NHLC. ABV: 56.56% // Cost: $89.99 14: Glendalough Mizunara Finish Single Malt Irish Whiskey For those who enjoy a classic and well balanced Irish whiskey, this release will not disappoint. Expect a sweet nose with a coconut forward palate. While this 13 year expression is no longer available, we believe the 7 year will be just as balanced and enjoyable as is the rest of the Glendalough lineup . ABV: 58.7% // Cost: $94.99 13: Boann P.X. Sherry Cask Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey This whiskey is like a liquid dessert. The nose is old-school sherry with notes of honey, tangerine, and sticky dates leaping from the glass. This is an instant classic. The palate offers plum, fig, raisin, white pepper, and farm fresh honey. Yum. ABV: % // Cost: $69.95 12: Bushmills 16 Year Single Malt Irish Whiskey This is one of those 80 proof whiskeys you could get lost in for hours as nostalgia, music, and delicacy culminate in a dreamy experience. Sliced pear, grape skins, peaches, warm bread, and biscotti are the champions of an experience that benefits from time and patience. ABV: 40% // Cost: $175.99 11: Red Spot 15 Year Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey This is a new bottling of the trusty old Red Spot. On first crack it didn't quite wow us, but after some time and air things really started turning magical. Expect a gentle and soft nose with sugar cookie, anise, bread dough and coconut shavings before this glass morphs into a spiced pepper note. Grapefruit, coconut and hint of bubblegum round out the palate on a pour that gets better and better with time and patience. ABV: 46% // Cost: $204.99 10: Teeling Single Malt Irish Whiskey River City Whiskey Society Single Cask Selected by River City Whiskey Society for Roco Wine & Spirits , this single malt Irish whiskey is heavy on the caramel and spice notes. Bourbon fans, rejoice; this Irish will fool you into thinking it's your favorite American dram. That familiarity makes this an easy choice to go back to time and time again. ABV: 47% // Cost: $89.99 9: Clonakilty Rum Cask Finished Irish Whiskey Single Cask Select This is the best New Hampshire Liquor Commission selection we got to taste! A rum finished Irish whiskey may sound odd, but don't let that scare you away. This bright nose is fresh with floral tones and has a layered palate of sweet and spice. Overall, we can see this being enjoyed during a windy but mild spring day as notes of rose water and nutmeg round out a fantastic sipping whiskey. ABV: 57.9% // Cost: $59.99 8: Green Spot Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Chateau Leoville Barton Bordeaux Finish Watch out, this pour is crushable! Expect well mapped and rich flavors from rasin to ginger with a clear and welcome wine influence. Our smiles confirm that we, too, enjoyed the journey this pour took us on! The finish is all gunpowder as this potent dram produces fireworks in our eyes. ABV: 47% // Cost: $89.99 7: Boann Maderia Cask Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Okay, now we're really getting into the good stuff. This whiskey is waxy up front on the nose with dominant apricot and pear tones early on. As this complex dram warms up, we find apple cider doughnuts, bananas foster, and a big kettle filled with an all day stew. The palate presents oily, thick and rich with brined ham, sourdough bread, stewed plum, apricot jelly, and a kiss of nutmeg. Goodness, this is good. The finish here isn't overpowering and this is probably Boann at their best. ABV: 47% // Cost: $69.95 6: Gold Spot 9 Year Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Unfortunately for modern whiskey hunters, this expression is way better than the newer 13 year release you might be seeing sitting on shelves. If you can turn this one up, expect a rich and vanilla forward nose with classic sugar cookie notes and a strong and long finish. This pour is the equivalent of getting wrapped up in a warm towel. ABV: 51.4% // Cost: $322.99 5: Redbreast 27 Year Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey (Batch 3) Enjoy this one while you still can! This pour just got a proper price hike... While we don't condone such gouging, this juice is worth the squeeze. While you shouldn't expect a loud lecture from this long aged whiskey, you'll still find notes of clementine, fig, bread, and spring grasses. This rather calm pour may encourage you to sit back and listen to the quiet wisdom of well made whiskey. ABV: 54.6% // Cost: $770.99 4: Bushmills 10 Year Bourdeaux Finished Single Malt Irish Whiskey - Burlington Wine & Spirits Single Cask This is sleeper for sure, especially at this price. It's a bright and earthy pour where one can find unique notes of fruit snacks and art supplies with a foundation of familiarity on the nose. The palate is subtle but evolves with anise, wispy smoke, muddled fruit, and crisp, classic sugar cookie. Free of faults, this extremely approachable expression will go as far as you want to take it! ABV: 46.5% // Cost: $64.99 3: Redbreast PX Edition Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey The 2021 release is one that consistently hits all the marks of an affordable and perfectly executed Irish whiskey. Exploring through this, we find a fruit-forward nose and sultry palate stocked with rich grilled pineapple. This pour continues to receive high marks as we taste through the differences year to year . You'll find Nick waxing poetic about this one just about everywhere he goes. ABV: 46% // Cost: $103.99 2: Powerscourt Ruby Port Finished Single Malt Irish Whiskey - Liquor Junction Single Cask What a surprise the end of this tasting yielded... A whiskey just shy of 5 years here was singing circles around the other pours with ease. This is one of the best Irish whiskeys we've ever tasted, period. This glass produced a nose filled with grape candies, tropical fruits, and a hint of smoke. The silky palate brings forth pineapple and fruit punch with a long and decadent linger. This was a stand-out, for sure. Absolutely delicious! ABV: 61.3% // Cost: $89.99 ( Coming soon ) 1: Powerscourt Cognac Finished Single Malt Irish Whiskey - Liquor Junction Single Cask Wow. It's not often you get completely shocked by a blind tasting, but this is just what happened when we got to the end of the blind bracket that informed this power ranking. What a robust and special pour this is. It's definitely your long-time whiskey enthusiast-style dram with a solid bit of heat to it. If you're not ready, this one can certainly humble you. Taste through and you can expect sticky fig dough, baked sugar cookies, sweet earth, and a warming finish. This is the Irish whiskey we've been waiting for, finally arrived in 2025. ABV: 62% // Cost: $89.99 ( Coming soon ) In Summary: Best Overall:  Powerscourt Cognac Finished Single Malt Barrel Pick by Liquor Junction ( $89.99 ) Best Readily Available Option: Redbreast PX ( $103.99 ) Best Sub $50 Budget Option:  Glendalough Double Barrel ( $34.99 ) Best Splurge: Redbreast 27 Year ( $500+ ) Best Mixer:  Blue Spot ( $169.99 ) Well, it's been another tremendous year for Irish whiskey. We couldn't be more excited to see how this category continues to grow and proliferate as more and more spectacular distillers, bonders, and blenders come to market. Hopefully, you found an exceptional whiskey that fits your budget as part of this article. Subscribe down below if you want to hear more from the AmongstTheWhiskey.com team in the near future! Written by: The Amongst the Whiskey Team NICK ANDERSON & JES SMYTH

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

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

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

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

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

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