As Cedar Ridge Distillery celebrates its 21st birthday, the 2026 Anniversary Edition offers another glimpse into how this Midwest craft distillery is shaping its identity as an Iowa whiskey producer. Last year marked the inaugural release of this anniversary edition for its twentieth year, by bringing together Iowa bourbon finished in Tokaji, Ruby Port, Amontillado Sherry, and second-use new American oak barrels. The result was a bourbon designed to tell the story of Cedar Ridge's past, that of winemaking, while showcasing the cask finishing techniques that have helped define its place in the whiskey Industry. What was once assumed to be a one-and-done release, Cedar Ridge has done it again, this time with their 2026 anniversary edition to celebrate their 21st year and "dedicated to our fans in and outside of Iowa and this place we call home". Rather than simply putting an anniversary number on a bottle, Cedar Ridge had decided to use each edition as a way to capture a moment in its history. As an author and storyteller myself, I absolutely adore that this year's bottle represents another chapter in a story that is still being written. A big thank you to the team at Cedar Ridge Distillery for generously sending a bottle of the 2026 Anniversary Edition. I genuinely appreciate the opportunity to experience this release and share my thoughts honestly. Company on Label: Cedar Ridge Distillery Whiskey Type: Straight bourbon whiskey Mash Bill Percentages: 74% corn, 14% rye, 12% malted barley Proof: 112° (56%) Age: NAS MSRP: $64.99 Further Identification: This straight bourbon whiskey is finished in Madeira, Napa Cabernet, Tokaji, Tawny Port, and Pedro Ximénex Sherry Casks Nose: Robust and rich, the nose opens with cinnamon Red Hots and black pepper before quickly melting into warm bread pudding topped with plump golden raisins, followed by a whiff of cooling peach cobbler fresh from a cast-iron skillet. A few swirls release a delicate yet distinct essence of fig jam and sparkling rosé. This nose reminds me of moving from a grumpy mood into a light, happy one. As I explore the glass further, I find a distinct craftiness I absolutely love—wet oak bark, damp soil, and fields of sun-warmed wildflowers. There’s a deep liveliness here, with the wine influence clear without ever overpowering the bourbon distillate. After a few sips, the aromas spread through the glass, settling into something softer and more relaxed before a few more swirls bring back that initial effervescence. This pour certainly knows how to keep me engaged. With the liquid almost gone, I find myself moving through varying degrees of sugar, cinnamon, black pepper, fig, plum, and even a hint of honey. The empty glass leaves behind rain-soaked grapevines and weathered oak floorboards. Palate: My first sip of the day, and this whiskey has a lot to say. This is unmistakably bourbon finished in wine casks, yet neither element tries to overpower the other. The palate follows the nose, opening with the bourbon's familiar sugary cinnamon character before a wave of juicy fruit blooms across the tongue. Mid-palate brings deep, rich notes of fig and plum, beautifully intertwined with graham cracker and milk chocolate. The finish is warm, long, and pleasantly persistent, with unexpected pops of root beer and lime, though both prove rather ephemeral. With each additional sip, the influence of the wine cask finishes becomes more pronounced, but always in a balanced and welcoming way. As I make my way toward the bottom of the glass, I find myself transported to a beachside bar with a glass of red sangria in hand, generously garnished with orange, lime, and apple. Maybe even a cocktail umbrella. What a journey this pour has taken me on. TL;DR: An expressive and evolving pour that you won't soon forget Rating: 4/5 Really good. I want one of these on my shelf. Finished whiskey, or bourbon in this case, is so much more than dumping distillate from one barrel into another and letting it hang out until it's "ready." As someone who has tasted her fair share of finished bourbon, from the exceptional to the not-so-great, I understand just how fickle the process can be—and how much more complicated it becomes when blending enters the equation. Murphy Quint and the team at Cedar Ridge have continued to prove themselves, in my mind, as people who understand how to strike that delicate balance. This release is a prime example of what well-executed, well-balanced finished bourbon can be. WRITTEN BY: JES SMYTH With 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 industry's passion, she tastes each sip with intention and purpose, 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.

“Our doubts are traitors and make us lose the good we oft might win by fearing to attempt.” –William Shakespeare When Pride of Anderson County first dropped in 2023, it was a collector's dream bottle. Ultra-limited. Sourced by the already legendary cast from Rare Character, it also had the support of one of the most prolific Wild Turkey whiskey writers in the industry, David Jennings. The back label was rich with transparent details about the sourcing pedigree: campus location, warehouse, floor—everything. Rare Character was already well known for finding and distributing great single barrels, and David had a long-dormant dream of bringing cask strength Wild Turkey to consumers. After a chance encounter between Jennings and Rare Character Pablo Moix, they turned that dream into a reality. The auction results that followed tell the rest of the story. These bottles were fetching collectible prices. I somehow never got my hands on a bottle in the years that followed, but I was always curious. Pride of Anderson County Front Label Now in its third year since inception, the brand seems to be taking Pride of Anderson County in a slightly different direction. All clear nods to Wild Turkey have been removed from the labeling, likely due to new non-disclosure agreements in an effort to distance the Wild Turkey name from a product they have no marketing control over. We no longer get warehouse names and locations but have retained some transparency with the barrel number and distillation year still featured on the back label. While the age statement has fallen slightly since the earlier releases, nine and a half years is no young whiskey by Kentucky bourbon terms. My anecdotal experience on accessibility has been that distribution is far more widespread in 2026. These bottles are now actually hitting shelves in the Massachusetts markets when, formerly, I had only heard whispers about where to get this bottle. That's good news for whiskey drinkers, quite possibly the best news for ardent fans of Wild Turkey who are curious what their beloved Russell's Reserve tastes like at cask strength. While we won't know what warehouse it came from, it's still a tasting opportunity that drinkers should rejoice about. Are you seeing these at bottle shares? At your buddy's house? I recently had a chance to compare two different barrels with my friend Jason Kass. The two were wildly different profiles. That's the beauty of single barrels. Bottles like this are what the whiskey hunt is all about. With access at an all-time high, I sat down to taste through barrel 048 of Pride of Anderson County to settle it once and for all: is this a bourbon drinker's bottle or just another hyped-up collectible? As always, I tasted this at least 3 times on a sober palate before offering my honest rating down below. Company on Label: Distilled and aged in Kentucky; bottled by Rare Character Whiskey Co. Whiskey Type: Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey Mash Bill Percentages: Undisclosed, but assumed to be 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley Proof: 116.46° (58.23%) Age: 9.5 years Buy Online: Frootbat Further identification: This is barrel no. 048, bottle no. 200 from a barrel that was distilled in 2016 and bottled in 2026 Nose: On first lifting this glass, I find a rich wave of caramel and butterscotch, two hallmarks of good old Wild Turkey bourbon. Returning the nose to glass produces dank barrel funk, black pepper, and allspice. It's surprisingly leathery and oaky for its age, but I'm nearing the bottom of my bottle, and typically the Russell's single barrels I have reviewed in the past have only gotten better with time and air. This release seems to be following suit. Deep inhales are surprisingly forgiving for an uncut, unfiltered Kentucky bourbon such as this. While the glass led with the familiar, it is slowly developing into something completely different. Ripe pineapple and guava tones produce a vibrant, summery profile I wouldn't ever peg as a Wild Turkey profile from any of their aging campuses. While I've had some wonderfully fruity and floral whiskeys from Camp Nelson's warehouse E, this is something in a class of its own, perhaps elevated from some additional aging time in Rare Character's Lexington-based barrel house. The wood spice tones continue to proliferate in the glass, offering a distinct connection to earthy tones that keep this whiskey grounded and real, while a bright lemon frosting tone offers strong differentiation from the profile I started with. Deep inhales after a long rest offer aromas of vanilla saltwater taffy and patchouli. I like this nose quite a bit. After a few sips, the glass never changes in character, but the enjoyment factor continues to skyrocket as the creaminess prevails over all else. Think 'the richest buttercream frosting you've ever smelled' with this one. Just before the last sip of the glass is vanquished, I find subtle complexities of cherry and apple pie, both freshly baked and cooling next to each other on a wire rack. Get that vanilla bean ice cream ready... As I sit and reminisce on this pour, I find the empty glass the most moving from a quality perspective. Everything about this pour was clean, but the evolution was thoroughly complex, and particularly so on the nose. In the liquidless glencairn I find caramel and cashew melded into a sweet and crunchy brittle that once again tricks my brain into a level of perception that goes far beyond just sipping whiskey. This is what thoughtful tasting is all about. Palate: My first sip is a tapestry of sweetness: vanilla bean ice cream, honeysuckle, and lemon cake instantly delight. Another sip is even more pervasive with a rich mouth coating that reminds me of a gooey cinnamon roll covered in icing. The linger is sweet and easy, a siren song of sorts, where the brain could nearly be convinced it was snacking on a sweet treat instead of sipping bourbon. Lemon buttercream frosting is the unique differentiator that sets this apart from your typical Russell's single barrel pick. Savoring a long sip and swish never puckers or punches but reveals lovely peach tones, orange zest, and a lovely cinnamon-clove medley that zings right up the sides of the tongue. It's an expressive whiskey, one that is not shy about dominating your taste buds, but it's never overbearing or hot. My last sip is as delightful as the rest with level oak, a lovely medley of fruit and floral tones, before oozing into a tingly, long finish of caramel, raisin, and expressed orange peel. TL;DR: What an unbelievable nose... if you can sit with this for a while, you'll surely be rewarded Rating: 4.5/5 Absolutely delicious. Enthusiast grade pour. If you've ever sat down to pick barrels with someone with a truly great palate, you know what they're looking for and what they're avoiding—they'll tell you. Having sat down with Pablo Moix to select both a bourbon and rye from Jack Daniel's (alongside his dogs and JD's own Nacho Libre, of course), I can see Pablo's palate at work here with Pride of Anderson County. This is a nuanced, differentiated whiskey that deserves to be elevated beyond a standard Russell's label. Tasting it next to a really great Russell's single barrel pick, I stand by my statement. This Pride of Anderson County is a cut above the rest and worth the splurge in my book. I'll certainly be hunting for another bottle! WRITTEN BY: NICK ANDERSON With over a decade of sipping experience, Nick Anderson brings a well-calibrated palate to his profound passion for the whiskey industry. Beginning with Irish whiskey before expanding into bourbon, rye, and beyond, he has long been taking the ephemeral observation of unspoken enjoyment and translating it into meaningful words. He is the owner and primary long-winded whiskey writer for AmongstTheWhiskey.com, and he hopes you find resonance in the patient conveyance of an honest whiskey review.

If you read my write-up on Glenmorangie The Original, perhaps you were inspired to take that first step into the land of malt. If so, congratulations—you've crossed the bridge! Now that you're safely on the other side, hopefully with the realization that all Scotch doesn't have to be smoky, peaty, or intimidating, it's time to take the next step. The question now is: where do you go from here? Well, I'm glad you asked. Because the Lasanta 15 year just might be the answer. Where The Original showcased the bright, elegant side of Glenmorangie's signature style, Lasanta 15 turns down the lights into something warmer, darker, and more complex. The transformation is driven by maturation in casks that are likely familiar to both bourbon and wine drinkers alike. Matured in both ex-bourbon and sherry casks, Lasanta invites a richer, more layered profile. You're no longer asking whether Scotch is worth exploring. Instead, the question becomes how different casks can shape and elevate the very same distillate, revealing an entirely new side of the whisky. So, perhaps the next logical question is this: How well did Glenmorangie balance the influence of two very different casks with the character of its own distillate? I, for one, was certainly curious. Having sampled a range of sherry-matured single malts throughout my journey into this category, I've come to appreciate just how delicate that balance can be. Too much sherry and the distillate fades into the background. Too little, and it feels as though the whisky never truly got the chance to know its barrel. It's certainly a delicate dance between spirit and cask where each complements the other without either demanding the spotlight. So, how does Lasanta 15 hold up to the demands of such an intricate balancing act? More importantly, is it the logical next step for bourbon drinkers venturing deeper into the world of single malt Scotch? The answers await in the glass—and in the tasting notes below. Before I dive in, I'd like to thank Glenmorangie for the opportunity to sample Lasanta 15. In accordance with Amongst the Whiskey's editorial policy, this review comes with no strings attached and reflects my own honest thoughts after multiple tastings on a sober palate. Company on Label: Glenmorangie Whiskey Type: Highland single malt Scotch whisky Mash Bill Percentages: 100% malted barley Proof: 80° (40%) Age: 15 years MSRP: $69.99 Further Identification: This expression was aged for 15 years in used sherry and bourbon casks Nose: Rich and vibrant, the nose immediately opens with crushed red grapes, baked peach pie, tea cakes topped with milk chocolate frosting, and cinnamon sprinkled over freshly baked Hawaiian rolls. It feels like stepping into an intimate, dimly lit space—wide-open patio doors inviting in the evening air, gauzy curtains gently moving in the breeze, and a glittering cityscape stretching out below. Deeper inhales reveal more of the bourbon cask influence, bringing forward clove, cinnamon, and a gentle warmth. There’s also a marshmallow-like quality here—soft, fluffy, and sweet. The sherry influence is impossible to ignore; in fact, there are moments when I find myself searching for the whisky beneath the richness of the sherry. Returning to the glass after a few sips, the balance begins to reveal itself. Chocolate syrup and silky honey weave their way through the fruit and sherry notes, accompanied by a subtle touch of salt and sand. As the last drops disappear, the aromas remain remarkably persistent, continuing to offer indulgent dessert notes of milk chocolate syrup drizzled over warm, flaky croissants. Palate: Oh, yum. Fruity, sherry-forward, and silky, with bursts of cinnamon spice, ripe peach, and a gentle crack of black pepper. The second sip is just as expressive as the first, with the sherry influence taking center stage and carrying through into a finish of cinnamon and ginger. The fruit remains present, though I find myself searching a little more intentionally for the whisky beneath the richness of the sherry. With patience, notes of milk chocolate and silky honey begin to emerge, adding a softer sweetness beneath the bolder flavors. After several sips, the finish takes on a slightly drying quality, which may be where the faint tree nut character I’m noticing begins to appear. My final sip is a melody of silk, sherry, peach pie, summer fruit compote, and warming oak spice. This is a pour meant for cool evenings, long gazes, and light touches. TL;DR: A layered whisky that reveals itself with time and patience Rating: 3.5/5 Good enough. There's something to enjoy here. This pour is remarkably approachable, especially with a 15-year age statement. While I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it as a first step for someone completely new to single malt Scotch, it is a great next step for those ready to explore beyond the basics. It may even highlight the many ways this category can surprise and challenge a curious palate. WRITTEN BY: JES SMYTH With 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 industry's passion, she tastes each sip with intention and purpose, 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.

For bourbon drinkers, the leap into single malt Scotch may seem like a big one. With that big, bad, and scary word—peat—standing between them and the category, whether for good reason or simply because of preconceived notions (hint: a lot of Scotch is unpeated!), many bourbon drinkers never give Scotch a fair shot. But for those who are malt-curious, the question then is this: where to begin? There isn't really a right way to bridge this gap, but there are perhaps wrong turns that could have a bourbon drinker running back toward the comforting blue grasses of Kentucky. If this is starting to feel less like a whisky review and more like a pseudo-therapy session for bourbon drinkers, well, you're not too far off. As someone who wholeheartedly admits to taking a completely wrong turn upon first journeying amongst the malts, I can confidently say that I did find my bridge, eventually. It took some time and convincing, but I found it, and, as such, I'm always on the lookout for easy bridges to traverse into the land of malts—with the sole purpose of harassing my fellow bourbon drinkers out of their comfort zone. And what better way to take the leap than with a Scotch whisky that spent 12 years maturing in used bourbon casks? Glenmorangie did just that with the latest release of their reimagined signature single malt titled 'The Original'. Love vanilla notes? Come closer. Enjoy those whimsical honey tones? Lean in a little further. Worried that the lower ABV will leave the mouthfeel watery and the flavor lacking? Prepare for a paradigm shift. Ready to taste the familiar while witnessing an intricate dance of silky fruit and pot still malt? Then perhaps it's time to cross that bridge. Before I dive into this tasting, I’d like to thank the folks at Glenmorangie for the opportunity to experience The Original. In accordance with Amongst the Whiskey's editorial policy, this review comes with no strings attached. I tasted on three separate occasions on a sober palate, allowing myself the time and space to experience the whisky thoughtfully and independently. Company on Label: Glenmorangie Whiskey Type: Highland single malt Scotch whisky Mash Bill Percentages: 100% malted barley Proof: 80° (40%) Age: 12 years MSRP: $49.99 Further Identification: This expression was aged for 12 years in a used bourbon cask Nose: Silky and sweet, with a distinct cereal note that reminds me of what lingers at the bottom of a bowl of Frosted Flakes. There’s also a quality of sea air here—slightly salty, lightly floral, and threaded with lovely tropical fruit, particularly orange and peach. It’s remarkably approachable, with a wisp of waxiness and the sticky sweetness of honeycomb. Deeper inhales reveal something slightly synthetic, perhaps a cotton-like quality or an extension of the waxy character I noticed earlier. Overall, the nose is beautifully balanced, moving between sweet vanilla, tropical fruit, and the faintest hint of saltiness. Returning after a few sips only amplifies the aromas in my nostrils. Each note I initially found seems richer, as though someone has turned the dial to high definition. It’s velvety and luscious, and I find myself wishing the palate could deliver that same silky texture. As I continue to sip and explore, an earthy quality begins to emerge, evoking tropical flowers and a coarse, sandy peach on an overcast day—humid, but cool. It’s an intriguing evolution, with each return to the glass revealing something a little different. Palate: Hm, that’s nice. Silky on the tongue, just as the nose suggested, with a lively and welcoming effervescence. Vanilla and honey lead the way, quickly transforming into sweet orange candy and fresh slices of juicy peach before finishing with a touch of oak spice, expressed here through cinnamon and tongue tickles. Additional sips remain remarkably consistent, with the peach note taking center stage. Think grilled peaches slowly caramelizing as their natural sugars begin to ooze and intensify. Gosh, I sure do love a whisky that stands strong and true to its tasting notes, and this is absolutely one of them. Nothing feels disjointed or difficult to tease apart. Instead, each flavor arrives with clarity, making the experience all the more enjoyable. My final taste remains beautifully balanced while offering a little more than I initially experienced, leaving my tongue with pops of black pepper tucked between bursts of juicy peach and sweet vanilla. TL;DR: A satisfying whisky that delivers exactly what it promises, sip after sip Rating: 4/5 Really good. I want one of these on my shelf. If you're a bourbon drinker who has yet to venture into single malt Scotch, Glenmorangie is a great place to begin. It may not taste like bourbon, but it offers enough familiar territory to make bridging the gap feel a little less daunting. It may even leave you wondering why you waited so long to explore the category in the first place. WRITTEN BY: JES SMYTH With 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 industry's passion, she tastes each sip with intention and purpose, 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.

Sweet Staggy Stagg! This phrase, often said in the voice of Norbert from the old Nickelodeon cartoon Angry Beavers, is a nostalgic line you'll often hear from me, a self-proclaimed Stagg man. As the eponymous hero of the Stagg Hub, my goal will be to keep this page up to date with all the latest releases of both Stagg Jr (which no longer features the "Jr" on the label as of the batch 18 release) and the more senior George T. Stagg (a staple of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, or BTAC for short). If all the batches, proofs, and years have you confused, read on and keep this page bookmarked for easy reference in the future! If you don't want to scroll through the introductions and background details that will follow, feel free to use the links below to jump down to the release tables: Stagg Junior Batch List George T. Stagg Release List Please note these are best viewed in non-mobile format on a computer browser. The History Sketch of George T. Stagg The origin story for this brand harkens all the way back to 1835, when George T. Stagg was born in central Kentucky. George would come to be known as "The Ultimate Salesman." After starting his early life in the shoe industry, George would find himself transitioning into and excelling in a life of Army work. At the conclusion of his service in the Civil War, George struck up selling Kentucky whiskey in Missouri with a business partner named James Gregory. This business put George in contact with many of the successful Kentucky distillers, one of which was Colonel Edmund Haines Taylor, Jr.—another name you should recognize from the Buffalo Trace portfolio. Taylor, falling on some hard times in the distilling business, ended up owing Stagg a substantial sum of money. Stagg, ever the opportunist, turned a tough situation into a business opportunity. He wiped the debts that Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr owed and, in return, took ownership of both of Taylor's distilleries: the O.F.C. Distillery and the Carlisle Distillery. They worked together as pseudo-partners for a time, though Stagg was ultimately the majority shareholder in all their ventures, including the E.H. Taylor Jr. Company, which was founded in 1879. This relationship would unfortunately not last, with Taylor parting ways and going off to run the Old Taylor Distillery, which is now owned and operated by Castle & Key at the time of writing. A 1917 distilled bourbon from the Geo. T. Stagg Distillery The more notable of the named distilleries in connection to this story is the O.F.C. Distillery, O.F.C. standing for a few names that Taylor used interchangeably: Old Fashioned Copper and Old Fire & Copper. After Taylor's separation and a number of hot-button lawsuits between the two Kentucky gentlemen, the O.F.C. Distillery and other holdings would be renamed under 'George C. Stagg and Co.' in 1890. With his health on the decline at this time, he chose to retire this same year. George T. Stagg would live to be 58 years old, passing away in 1893. His distillery would live on in his name, with 1904 seeing the distillery become "The George T. Stagg Distillery," which is sometimes shortened to "Geo Stagg" in print. This would notably be one of the distilleries that was allowed to remain open through prohibition. An example of this distillery's whiskey, bottled in 1928 as a ripe old 11.5 year bourbon, was opened, studied, savored, and enjoyed when I last got together with my dear friend Gregory Cloyd. What an honor it was to taste, learn, and respect the history of George T. Stagg in liquid form! In 1929, the distillery was bought by the spirits goliath Schenley, which I've also written about, as they then continued to produce whiskey under the new prohibition rules. This distillery was likely one of Schenley's powerhouse Kentucky producers, though they were making all kinds of spirits for the next handful of decades. Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky As the history of the man behind the name began to fade with the inexorable passage of time, the distillery would once again change hands in 1992, when the Sazerac Company purchased it. The name would become Buffalo Trace Distillery in 1999, apparently due to this location by the bank of the Kentucky River being an ancient Buffalo crossing. That takes us to today, where the same distillery now distills, ages, and crafts whiskey under several of the historical brandings associated with related prominent whiskey figures. The recipes, people, and equipment have all been replaced and modernized, though, meaning the whiskey produced today is not necessarily the same as what came before. So from the perspective of someone who has tasted the old stuff, you might be wondering about my opinion on Stagg bourbon as it stands today. Well, my dear reader, you're in luck, as I make it a point to write about as many of these releases as I can. Whenever I have completed my own review of any of these releases, I will also include a link to it. If you'd like to share a batch I haven't reviewed yet, I'd be glad to be able to offer my thoughts on a shared sample. For now, let's jump into the nitty-gritty details on everything Stagg bourbon! Stagg Junior The ever-bold Stagg Junior, now just simply 'Stagg', is the uncut, unfiltered Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey produced from Buffalo Trace's mash bill # 1. This is the same mash bill used in the flagship Buffalo Trace, Colonel Taylor, Eagle Rare, and Benchmark bourbon variants. These bourbons are non-aged-stated (NAS), though widely assumed to be 8-12 year blends, which I would attest to based on my experience with these batches through the years. Some batches sip older and some taste a bit younger, but given the notes I've drawn from these, 8-12 years feels like the right range. All grown up - Stagg Jr loses the junior designation in 2022 In an interesting rebranding, Buffalo Trace decided to drop the 'Jr' from the label on the summer release in 2022, despite this release having all the hype and respect in the world behind it with the old name. They have also begun to add their own batch naming convention as of the Winter batch in 2022, which is really where the confusion starts but also hopefully ends. Since they are taking matters into their own hands, there isn't a clean continuity, as you'll see in the table below. There is at least a robust and repeatable system for the future, so if you're looking at a newer bottling on the shelf, you'll want to look at the bottom right portion of the front label for the batch information. Company on Label: Buffalo Trace Whiskey Type: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Mash Bill Percentages: Buffalo Trace Mash Bill # 1 (Low Rye < 10%) Proof: Varies, thus far between 125.9° and 134.4° Age: NAS (Rumored to be around 8 years) Further identification: Stagg (Junior) normally releases twice per year, a winter and a summer release, but since 2023's new naming convention was put in place and we have now seen a "C" batch land within the calendar year, and now in 2024 and 2025 there's even a "D" batch that dropped; while this hopefully means more accessability of these batches, I hope it doesn't come at the cost of quality Power Ranking All the Best Stagg Batches Amongst The Whiskey's Top Stagg Jr Batches (Click to Expand) 1: Batch 12 2: Batch 17 3: Batch 14 4: Batch 18 5: Batch 15 6: Batch 11 7: Batch 26B 8: Batch 25A 9: Batch 23A 10: Batch 5 11: Batch 22A 12: Batch 16 13: Batch 25B 14: Batch 24A 15: Batch 24B 16: Batch 22B 17: Batch 26A 18: Batch 24D 19: Batch 25C 20: Batch 23B 21: Batch 23C 22: Batch 25D 23: Batch 13 24: Batch 24C Stagg Jr Batch Information: All the Proofs and Release Dates Key: Batch — Proof / ABV — Release Date 26B — 125.2° / 62.6% — Summer 2026 26A — 129.3° / 64.65% — Spring 2026 25D — 129.2° / 64.6% — Winter 2025 25C — 125.6° / 62.8% — Winter 2025 25B — 126.9° / 63.45% — Winter 2025 25A — 126.5° / 63.25% — Summer 2025 24D — 127.4° / 63.7% — Winter 2024 24C — 128.9° / 64.45% — Winter 2024 24B — 127.8° / 63.9% — Winter 2024 24A — 127.6° / 63.8% — Summer 2024 23C — 125.9° / 62.95% — Late Winter 2023 23B — 127.8° / 63.9% — Winter 2023 23A — 130.2° / 65.1% — Summer 2023 22A — 132.2° / 66.1% — Spring 2023 Batch 19* — 130° / 65% — Winter 2022 *Labeling changed to "22B" Batch 18* — 131° / 65.5% — Summer 2022 *First Stagg Batch Without “Junior” Batch 17 — 128.7° / 64.35% — Winter 2021 Batch 16 — 130.9° / 65.45% — Summer 2021 Batch 15 — 131.1° / 65.55% — Winter 2020 Batch 14 — 130.2° / 65.1% — Summer 2020 Batch 13 — 128.4° / 64.2% — Winter 2019 Batch 12 — 132.3° / 66.15% — Summer 2019 Batch 11 — 127.9° / 63.95% — Winter 2018 Batch 10 — 126.4° / 63.2% — Summer 2018 Batch 9 — 131.9° / 65.95% — Winter 2017 Batch 8 — 129.5° / 64.75% — Summer 2017 Batch 7 — 130.0° / 65% — Winter 2016 Batch 6 — 132.5° / 66.25% — Summer 2016 Batch 5 — 129.7° / 64.85% — Winter 2015 Batch 4 — 132.2° / 66.1% — Summer 2015 Batch 3 — 132.1° / 66.05% — Winter 2014 Batch 2 — 128.7° / 64.35% — Summer 2014 Batch 1 — 134.4° / 67.2% — Winter 2013 George T. Stagg The more senior, older-age bourbon from Buffalo Trace bears the historical name George T. Stagg. As of the more recent bottlings, the inside of the back label features a sketch of Stagg himself that can be seen once the bottle has been sufficiently consumed to reveal the image. First introduced in 2002 in response to a growing consumer demand for well-aged barrel proof whiskey, this has become a yearly staple of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection. Is Stagg the King of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection? What this release also does really well is layer in a level of transparency that is non-normal for Buffalo Trace and Sazerac as a whole, with the antique collection seeing a release letter that accompanies each year's vintage. These letters feature information such as the year of distillation, release timing, proof, mash bill grain sources, fermentation specs, distillation techniques, aging locations, evaporative loss, and aging specifics. All of the released letters can be viewed and downloaded at the bottom of this page. Company on Label: Buffalo Trace Whiskey Type: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Mash Bill Percentages: Buffalo Trace Mash Bill # 1 (Low Rye < 10%) Proof: Varies, between 116.9° and 144.8° Age: Varies, between 15-18 years Further identification: George T. Stagg, a critical component of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC), releases once per year, other than the notable exceptions of a multi-release in 2005 and no release in 2021 due to a lack of quality barrels; while the release year isn't distinctly called out on a bottle of George T. Stagg, you can figure out your release year by reading the laser code, or by using the proof table below Power Ranking the George T. Stagg Releases Amongst the Whiskey's Top George T. Stagg Releases Ranked (Click to Expand) 1: 2025 2: 2024 3: 2020 4: 2022 5: 2019 6: 2008 7: 2023 George T. Stagg Releases by Year, Proof, and Age Key: Release Year — Proof — Age 2025 — 142.8° — 15 years, 4 months 2024 — 136.1° — 15 years, 2 months 2023 — 135.0° — 15 years, 3 months 2022 — 138.7° — 15 years, 5 months 2021 — No release — N/A 2020 — 130.4° — 15 years, 4 months 2019 — 116.9° — 15 years, 3 months 2018 — 124.9° — 15 years, 4 months 2017 — 129.2° — 15 years, 3 months 2016 — 144.1° — 15 years, 4 months 2015 — 138.2° — 15 years, 1 month 2014 — 138.1° — 16 years, 4 months 2013 — 128.2° — 15 years, 11 months 2012 — 142.8° — 16 years, 9 months 2011 — 142.6° — 18 years, 5 months 2010 — 143.0° — 17 years, 7 months 2009 — 141.4° — 16 years, 7 months 2008 — 141.8° — 15 years, 6 months 2007 — 144.8° — 15 years, 6 months 2006 — 140.6° — 16 years, 3 months 2005 (Fall) — 141.2° — 15 years, 4 months 2005 (Spring, Lot A – Kentucky) — 130.9° — 16 years, 8 months 2005 (Spring, Lot B – All States) — 131.8° — 16 years, 8 months 2004 — 129.0° — 16 years 2003 — 142.7° — 15 years 2002 — 137.6° — 15 years George T. Stagg Release Letters I hope this was a helpful article for you. Don't forget to bookmark this page, share it with your friends in the whiskey community, and join the conversation below!

“Be bold enough to live life on your terms, and never, ever apologize for it.” –Mandy Hale Little information ever follows the often unannounced arrival of a new Stagg Jr batch. It's part of the reason why I've dedicated a significant portion of my writing time to cover the ups and downs of this sometimes vaunted release. While there has been much debate lately on consistency, both in terms of general quality and bottle-to-bottle variation, one thing has remained relatively constant through the years: the cost. Stagg Junior (yes, I still use the Junior) represents great value for folks who are into cask-strength Kentucky bourbon. It has solid age on it, which unfortunately we only know from experienced tasters trying it and estimating, since Buffalo Trace does not offer clear stats on their labels or website information. The flavors are typically bold and boisterous on this pour; it's one that even inexperienced tasters should be finding some specific tasting notes on. If you're one of those sensory description skeptics, perhaps this is a bottle to try. While I still recognize that access is still a limiting factor, if you find this on a shelf for anything near MSRP, it's a buy all day for me for any new batch. They seem to be coming around in better numbers these days, but perhaps that's just my new whiskey hunting tendencies. I go to a gym that happens to be right next to an awesome liquor store in my home state, so I pop in six out of the seven days of the week typically. That helps with the access part. As for the quality distinction, that's where the reviews come in. You also have to take a "believability score" into consideration when reading any review. A few questions you could ask yourself as you think through the believability of any whiskey review you encounter might be: "Did this person get a bottle for free?" "Does the reviewer have an ongoing business relationship with the producer?" "Has this reviewer tasted enough of this category to know the full range of quality?" For me, I have been thoughtfully tasting whiskey for over a decade, and writing about it professionally since 2018. I always disclose if and when I have received a bottle for free in my reviews, as well as when there is a paid partnership involved, which is incredibly rare. In terms of Stagg experience, I've tasted nearly every batch at this point. You might call reviewing Stagg my shtick. I encourage you to think about believability going forward; it's helped me tremendously in my work life. You've stuck with me this far, dear reader; shall we venture into the whiskey? Company on Label: Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort, KY Whiskey Type: Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey Mash Bill Percentages: Undisclosed Buffalo Trace mash bill # 1 (high corn, low rye, malted barley) Proof: 125.2° (62.6%) Age: NAS (though rumored to typically be around 8 years old) Buy Online: Frootbat Further identification: Batch 26B of Stagg first released in the Summer of 2026 Nose: After a longer-than-intended rest in the glass, my nose finds an open barn door giving off faint hay aromas before a sweeter bouquet blooms from that warm, earthy bed. Classic Stagg Junior cherry and cinnamon tones give me some confidence that this is going to be an enjoyable pour. Black pepper, molasses, gingerbread cookie, and dark caramel come together in a classic bourbon profile that fills my nostrils with clean bliss. Long inhales are soft and easy, presenting no trace of a harsh edge or ethanol at all. It's that "just right" porridge, with oodles of caramel tones to enjoy. After a sip, vanilla frosting cakes every surface of the glass with another easy profile that continues to be vibrant and alive in the glass. Cherry cordial returns with more exploration, my favorite part of this pour. Sniff too long, though, and the glass might go cold on you as it has for me. The empty glencairn smells of pancake batter and lovely milk chocolate. Palate: My first sip is a bigger punch than I was expecting based on the gentleness of the nose, but this is a cask strength bourbon after all. The mouthfeel is thick and elegant, like a gourmet dessert prepared by an expert chef. This particular dessert consists of red velvet cake with a creamy drizzle, adorned with a sweet red raspberry for flavor and presentation. It's layered like a dessert too. Lovely. Subsequent sips continue to amplify the experience and impress all of my senses. Sipping this feels like waking up on the right side of the bed, finding a surprise hundred dollar bill in your pocket, and getting an unprompted compliment from a stranger all at once. It's like a good day that just keeps getting better. Sipping near the bottom of the glass reveals the same sticky, thick caramel bliss the glass started with. The last dregs of the glass finish strong with amaretto, cinnamon, peach, and cranberry. This has been a lovely dram from start to finish. TL;DR: Big, bold, beautiful flavors like Stagg has been known for for over a decade Rating: 4/5 Really good. I want one of these on my shelf. Finally, a proper callback to the Stagg Jr days of old. A return to form, if you will. This is the Stagg team figuring it out again: the right barrels at the right time with the right flavor profile. I hope they can continue to capture the magic that they pulled off with 26B for many years to come. While this still won't dethrone the likes of the elder George T. Stagg release, it does represent an incredible value for fans of bold Kentucky bourbon. It handily earns the "Keep Amongst the Whiskey" distinction as I am hunting backups with conviction right now. WRITTEN BY: NICK ANDERSON With over a decade of sipping experience, Nick Anderson brings a well-calibrated palate to his profound passion for the whiskey industry. Beginning with 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.

“Write your story as it needs to be written. Write it honestly, and tell it as best you can. I’m not sure that there are any other rules. Not ones that matter.” –Neil Gaiman What were you up to in 2003? You might have found yourself curating the perfect iTunes mix, furiously tapping away at a flip phone, drafting a T9 text to your friend, or enwrapped in an argument over if Clay Aiken should have won American Idol over Ruben Studdard. Regardless of what you were doing, the fine folks at Heaven Hill Distillery were busy laying down new-make bourbon in their signature recipe. With the acquisition of the Bernheim Distillery in Louisville wrapped up in 1999, this was the powerhouse production facility that Heaven Hill needed, operating under D.S.P. KY-1 which you can find on the front label of this release alongside their bottling plant in Bardstown under D.S.P. KY-31. Twenty-two long years later, we find ourselves in a very different world. We've mostly forgotten about Britney Spears and Madonna kissing at the VMAs and have thankfully left low-rise jeans as a thing of the past—yet much of how we enjoy bourbon has somehow stayed the same through this vast transition. When you look back at some of the old forums like StraightBourbon.com you see familiar whiskey nerd banter: friendly disagreements about ratings, rankings, lists, and value. Not far off from the Reddit threads or Instagram comments of 2026, are they? The whiskey from these barrels, however, has changed quite a bit in those 22 years. Starting off clear as water when it went into the new charred white American oak, it has slowly picked up depth of flavor and richer caramel color with every passing year, sitting bung-up in the hot racks of Warehouse Y in Bardstown, Kentucky. I don't want to know how much liquid was lost to evaporation in that time, but I'm sure glad the whiskey that survived has found its way to my glass. I bought this bottle with my own money for the purposes of this review, alongside personal enjoyment, of course. Let's dive in for a review, shall we? Company on Label: Heaven Hill Distillery, Bardstown, Kentucky Whiskey Type: Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey Mash Bill Percentages: 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley Proof: 129.2° (64.6%) Age: 22 years Buy Online: Frootbat Further identification: The 2026 release of Heaven Hill Heritage Collection features whiskey aged at the Heaven Hill rickhouse site, with 270 barrels being pulled from the 5th and 6th floor of Warehouse Y, where they have been resting since 2003 Nose: Rich vanilla and obvious oak tones waft out of the glass from a distance, two recognizable hallmarks of ultra-aged Heaven Hill bourbon. Bringing the nostrils closer to the liquid amplifies allspice, black pepper, and old newspaper. Behind those sharper notes, I find a comfortable home in sweet cherry blossom, caramel, and molasses. It's a bourbon in every way that my nose has been trained to understand. Hints of coconut and chocolate offer the complexity a whiskey of this age ought to have. After a long rest, the whiskey becomes creamy in a tiramisu kind of way, leading me to wonder if the mouthfeel might follow suit. My curiosity is urging me to inquire. After a taste, my nose is far more infatuated. Rich buttercream frosting aromas swirl my mind into a comfortable paste. Long inhales are covered in chocolate, milk chocolate now in the distinct form of Hershey's Kisses. Just a hint of vintage earthy clay can be found if you really get to digging. As the liquid level gets lower, the sweet bourbon aromas just get better and better here. They haven't changed or evolved too much; it's still a base character of vanilla, angel food cake, and caramel, but the enjoyment factor is quite high now. The empty glencairn smells of milk chocolate, graham cracker, and marshmallow. Palate: My first sip presents distinctly as expected, both from the nose experience and my historical tastings of Heaven Hill bourbon. Waves of sweet vanilla frosting carry gobs of cherry and raspberry toward the tongue before crashing into the taste buds with dark chocolate and black pepper tones. The wildness of the first sip doesn't dissuade me from another in the least. This one produces strawberry shortcake and chocolate chip cookie tones alongside unmitigated, proofy heat. Taking a break before revisiting reveals a slightly tamed experience still brimming with vanilla and toffee tones, now with a light dusting of cinnamon and red fresno pepper. Overall, I am left a bit wanting in the depth department as I patiently taste with my usual careful intention. Sipping near the bottom of the glass illustrates a classic, enjoyable, old bourbon. At the final taste of my pour, my taste buds report back a blanket of flavor: vanilla woven with graham cracker that settles gently before dissipating into the comfort of a black, starless night. The finish is slightly shorter than expected, but full of caramel and cream tones. TL;DR: A straightforward and enjoyable old Kentucky bourbon that is undeniably Heaven Hill Rating: 4/5 Really good. I want one of these on my shelf. I'm a little surprised by how ordinary this whiskey landed. At an MSRP of around $320, I'd expect to find something a little more profound than the handful of tasting notes listed in the press release, which happen to be right on point, by the way. While I thoroughly enjoyed my bottle, especially sharing it with friends and loved ones, I'm not exactly sad to see it go. Given the cost involved with procuring a backup, I believe I'll be spending my money elsewhere. Craft, perhaps? Comparing this new Heritage Collection release to the 17 year expression, widely regarded as one of the best Heritage Collection releases to date, is quite the interesting tasting. The comparison itself instantly reveals that there really is no comparison. The 17 year Heritage Collection from 2022 just has way more depth that is readily available and instantly apparent. While the base whiskey is definitely still the same DNA—Heaven Hill through and through—the 17 year release has the orange peel, the nuttiness, and the coffee tones I absolutely adore. If you haven't read that full review, you're going to want to pull that up next. WRITTEN BY: NICK ANDERSON With over a decade of sipping experience, Nick Anderson brings a well-calibrated palate to his profound passion for the whiskey industry. Beginning with 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.

“Words are, in my not-so-humble opinion, our most inexhaustible source of magic." –Albus Dumbledore Cedar Ridge Distillery has just released its oldest expression to date, and it just might be the most magical pour in Iowa. The name behind this old straight rye whiskey intrigued us, so we sought out the answer, just beyond Platform 9¾. The number didn't come from just anywhere, though; it's the age of the whiskey within! While the TTB prefers to work only with integers, whiskey nerds can fawn over as much detail as they like when a distillery is both creative and transparent. This release is a subtle nod to the magical world of Harry Potter, and for a whiskey this limited and highly anticipated, the name couldn't be more fitting. While Nick isn't a big Harry Potter fan, he knows enough to be dangerous and absolutely loves rye whiskey. Fortunately for the Amongst The Whiskey team, Jes happens to be both a published author and a lifelong admirer of the wizarding world. Pair that with our well-documented combined appreciation for rye whiskey and our deep respect for Cedar Ridge as one of the leading craft distilleries of this day and age, and this release already had all the ingredients for bottled magic. Once word spread of this release, Jes wasn't about to leave anything to chance. Alarm set and ready the moment orders opened, she secured a bottle before it disappeared. That proved to be a wise decision, as Cedar Ridge released the whiskey in two online drops, one week apart, and both sold out within hours. As luck would have it, or perhaps patience, Nick was provided a bottle by Cedar Ridge for the purposes of this review. Thus, the magic continues as Jes and Nick join forces to jointly review Cedar Ridge's oldest rye whiskey released to date. Our tasting notes are written from a dual perspective, with Jes' notes written in the lovely gold of the Cedar Ridge front label, while Nick's notes will be in traditional black. Company on Label: Cedar Ridge Distillery Whiskey Type: A blend of straight rye whiskey Mash Bill Percentages: 85% rye, 12% corn, 3% malted barley Proof: 115° (57.5%) Age: 9 years & 9 months MSRP: $59.99 Further identification: This limited-edition expression features a blend of 9.75 year barrels hand-selected and blended by master distiller Murphy Quint Nose: Holy candied fruit, Batman! The whiskey in this glass immediately bursts forth with the juicy scent of Gushers candy as soon as I stick my nose in it. Silky, sweet, and bold—the hallmarks of Cedar Ridge rye, in my opinion. My mouth is watering already. Another inhale: yummy red licorice tones galore on such a succulent nose-feel. There's a wide array of aromas: mint chocolate ice cream, lemon gumdrops, graham cracker pie crust, plums, and figs. As these tones slowly fade, some Hubba Bubba bubblegum moves in to take its place. Deep inhales produce a subtle black pepper tone that reminds me of Glenlivet, accompanied by New England florals Summersweet and Milkweed. The culmination of the experience has my mind in the realm of honey, vanilla, and a touch of clove. After a taste, the nose gets a bit more shy as the taste buds are still firing signals and sensations long after the sip. Confectioners' sugar and molasses are comfortable on this easy-sipping rye. A sip and swirl releases lovely cinnamon sugar on top of toasted rye bread, dried wildflowers, farmers market honey dripping down the sides of a glass jar, and the slightest hint of Christmas spice. Going back in, my nose still loves everything it smells: vanilla, patchouli, and light florals. As the liquid disappears, richer notes of molasses, soft leather, and tissue paper appear. Late in the pour, cinnamon begins to dominate, most akin to a Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, sweet and enjoyable. The empty glass smells of marshmallow, rye grain, and milky oolong tea. Palate: Goodness, is that a velvety mouthfeel, and wowza, is this exploding with flavor. Pink and red Starburst candies dance across the tongue on first taste, absolutely wild and incredibly lovely. The first sip almost tastes as if this rye has spent a moment in a finishing barrel, though it hasn't. Just Iowa winters and summers at work, I suppose. Another small follow-on sip produces more vibrant fruitiness that immediately made me believe this is a finished rye, but it seems that's not so. Incredible. Sipping further, I find this drinks well under its 115 proof points. A waterfall of flavors drench my tongue with each sip: there's chocolate and mint candies, puffs of ground cinnamon and clove, graham crackers, and toasted rye bread. A larger sip and swish is like tasting in high definition. Bold red licorice with a zing of cinnamon racing up the edges of the tongue is unbelievably clear to me. Sipping down yonder in the glass reveals light lemon tones mingling slowly, like an expressed lemon peel over an already sweet cocktail. As the liquid disappears, the flavors are strong and steady, with well-balanced oak, really lovely heat, and a sweet linger of fig, raisins, and honey buns. A touch of root beer can be found on the prolonged finish as I regretfully arrive at my last sip. It's delicious. A full circle return to the cherry and strawberry that the pour started with has left me with a big smile on my face. Yum. What a magical pour! TL;DR: A wildly vibrant and fruity rye that has been aged well and expertly blended Rating: 4.5/5 Absolutely delicious. Enthusiast grade pour. Kudos to the team on this one, because a blend of this size is not easy to pull off. Those fruit tones?! I'm smitten. This release is yet another in a long line that has left me completely enamored with Cedar Ridge, much like falling deeper into a book series with every chapter. Written by: The Amongst the Whiskey Team NICK ANDERSON & JES SMYTH

Barrell Bourbon Batch 038 arrives at a fitting moment in American whiskey. As the nation marks its 250th year, Barrell celebrates the occasion by honoring bourbon's legacy and embracing the evolution of American whiskey. Today's bourbon certainly extends well beyond its point of distillation, with thoughtful blending emerging as a respected and defining expression of American whiskey. Batch 038 captures the spirit of modern bourbon, distilled across four states, masterfully blended by the team at Barrell, and bottled at cask strength You may be wondering what exactly sets this batch apart from the previous thirty-seven releases. I certainly had the same question but didn't have to look far for the answer. This blend is old, one of the oldest standard Barrell bourbon batches to date, more accurately, and it's all right there on the label. Barrell discloses the age of every component, reflecting a transparency that few blending houses offer. The derived mash bill is also disclosed, giving enthusiasts more insight into the blend than is typical for sourced bourbon. Barrell's cask strength bourbon batches were once released quarterly, but in recent years the series has transitioned to an annual release schedule. As a result, Batch 038 serves less as another installment and more as an annual showcase of what Barrell believes its flagship bourbon should represent. Before diving into the glass, I'd like to extend my sincere thanks to Barrell for providing a review sample of Batch 038. The bottle was sent with no expectations or editorial input, and, as always, the thoughts that follow are entirely my own. With that said, let's pour a dram and see what this year's flagship release has to offer. Company on Label: Barrell Craft Spirits Whiskey Type: A blend of straight bourbon whiskeys Mash Bill Percentages: 79% corn, 17% rye, 4% malted barley Proof: 116.96° (58.48%) Age: 8 years (8-15 year blend) MSRP: $89.99 Further Identification: A blend of Kentucky (12 years), Tennessee (12 & 15 years), Indiana (9 & 10 years), and Maryland (8 years) bourbons Nose: Whoa, okay, this is rich and dark. A quality I attribute to well-aged oak immediately wafts into my nostrils, lifting my eyebrows in curious appreciation. Thick molasses and supple leather take the lead, with roasted cinnamon, sweet black tea, and hints of old books. Deeper inhales produce sweeter dessert tones, sticky caramel buns, melted vanilla ice cream, and diner coffee. Swirling the liquid in my glass transports me to my childhood kitchen where a pitcher of water waits for a packet of powdered fruit punch to be poured in. There’s also a lovely, soft caramel chew that comes out. Digging my nose deep into the glass doesn’t yield much beyond proof, which is to be expected of cask-strength whiskey. Following several sips, the nose has settled into a soft array of milk chocolate-covered raisins, waffle crumbs, and a mini mason jar of boozy red fruit jam. The empty glass smells of rain-soaked corn fields. Palate: My first sip is a power punch of proof and oak, not necessarily off-putting, but certainly a reminder that this is cask-strength whiskey. A second sip has my tongue appreciating the soft and juicy texture of this whiskey, alongside a medley of cinnamon, black pepper, ripe plums, and plump purple raisins. Additional sips layer in supporting flavors that are quite lovely. I’m finding pineapple juice, orange Fanta, Granny Smith apples, and freshly baked corn bread with a side of cinnamon butter. After about five minutes of palate rest, the return sip mirrors what I found on the nose: molasses, milk chocolate, vanilla whipped cream, and brewed coffee. I’ve found that with older whiskeys, time in the glass only amplifies the complexity of the aromas and flavors. This is definitely the case with this blend. My final sip is probably the best yet, silky and well-balanced, with well-integrated cinnamon spice and just the right amount of candied fruit. TL;DR: Among the oldest and most impressive Barrell batch core releases to date Rating: 4/5 Really good. I want one of these on my shelf. These batch releases have consistently highlighted well-balanced blending techniques—each part of the blend is distinct and works together to create something cohesive and enjoyable. Barrell really upped their game when they upped the age statement on this release. Depending on your palate and appreciation for the oak-forward character of well-aged whiskey, your experience may vary. Give this dram the time it deserves, and you'll be rewarded with a beautiful evolution in the glass with every sip. WRITTEN BY: JES SMYTH With 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 industry's passion, she tastes each sip with intention and purpose, expressing the intricacies of whiskey in a relatable and heartfelt way. She is thrilled to be a contributing writer for AmongstTheWhiskey.com and hopes her words will resonate with those ready to explore the beautiful world of whiskey.

Photo Courtesy of Jim Hough of Liberty Pole Spirits Few things get the writers at Amongst The Whiskey more excited than a craft whiskey collaboration. So when we learned Liberty Pole Spirits and MB Roland Distillery had joined forces, we couldn't wait to taste the two limited releases debuting on July 1: Pennntucky and Kentsylvania. In this article, you'll find the official press release, followed by our tasting notes on both expressions. Collaborations like these celebrate not only great whiskey, but also showcase the shared passion that continues to drive the craft whiskey movement forward. Here's hoping we see many more partnerships that honor and preserve America's rich and diverse whiskey heritage. Liberty Pole Spirits and MB Roland Distillery Announce Historic Collaboration Blending Two Iconic American Whiskey Traditions in Celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary WASHINGTON, PA and PEMBROKE, KY — As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of its founding, two independently owned craft distilleries deeply rooted in America’s whiskey heritage have come together for a groundbreaking collaboration celebrating the distinct whiskey traditions that helped shape the nation. Liberty Pole Spirits of Pennsylvania and MB Roland Distillery of Kentucky are proud to announce what is believed to be the first intentional collaboration blending Kentucky Bourbon and Pennsylvania Monongahela Rye, each produced by distilleries located in the regions where those whiskey traditions originated. The project brings together two of the most historically significant American whiskey styles—Kentucky Bourbon and Monongahela Rye—each crafted in the regions where those traditions were born. The limited release will debut on July 1, 2026. Timed to coincide with the nation's semiquincentennial celebration, the collaboration serves as a tribute to the enduring legacy of American whiskey and the role it has played in the country's history dating back to the earliest days of the Republic. Few places are more closely tied to the birth of American whiskey than Western Pennsylvania and Kentucky, making the collaboration a fitting tribute to America's 250th birthday. From the rye whiskey traditions of Western Pennsylvania, closely tied to the Whiskey Rebellion, to the rise of Kentucky Bourbon as America's native spirit, the release symbolizes a coming together of two legendary whiskey cultures ahead of the nation's milestone anniversary. "This project is about more than blending whiskey," said Jim Hough, co-founder of Liberty Pole Spirits. "It's about honoring American history, celebrating the craftsmanship that defines our industry, and recognizing the regional whiskey traditions that helped build this country." The collaboration began with each distillery selecting one of its own barrels and one barrel from the other distillery, resulting in two separate custom blends. Liberty Pole Spirits created its own interpretation of the marriage between the styles, while MB Roland crafted a distinct blend of its own, allowing whiskey enthusiasts to experience two different visions built from the same base whiskies. Founded in Washington, Pennsylvania, Liberty Pole Spirits has become nationally recognized for reviving authentic Monongahela-style rye whiskey using a grain-to-glass approach, sweet mash fermentation, double pot distillation, and aging in Pennsylvania’s only five-story rickhouse. MB Roland Distillery, located in western Kentucky, is widely respected for its dedication to Pre-Prohibition style distilling methods, ingenuity in crafting unique Kentucky bourbons and whiskeys, such as their Dark Fired Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, and commitment to using premium, food-quality local grains. The collaboration also reflects the growing camaraderie and creativity within the American craft whiskey community. Rather than competing, the two distilleries embraced the opportunity to learn from one another and create something entirely new. "This was an opportunity to showcase how different whiskey traditions can work together in a way that highlights the strengths of both," said Paul Tomaszewski, co-founder of MB Roland Distillery. "The final blends are unique, expressive, and distinctly American." The release is scheduled for July 1 and will be unveiled during a live social media event featuring respected whiskey voices from across the industry, including Fred Minnick, Steve Akley of the ABV Network and Jordan Moskal of Breaking Bourbon, joining the teams from both distilleries. Quantities will be extremely limited. The whiskeys will be available primarily through the participating distilleries, with a small allocation also offered via pre-sale with direct-to-consumer shipping to select states outside Pennsylvania and Kentucky. Suggested retail pricing is expected to be $79.99 at the participating distilleries and $85 for direct-to-consumer shipments where permitted. Additional details regarding proofs, bottle allocations, and release events will be announced soon. Company on Label: Libery Pole Spirits & MB Roland Distillery Whiskey Type: A blend of straight whiskeys Mash Bill Percentages: Undisclosed Proof: 105.6° (52.8%) Age: NAS MSRP: $79.99 Further identification: Liberty Pole Spirits blended their Pennsylvania Monongahela rye with MB Roland's Kentucky bourbon Penntucky Whiskey Blend Tasting Notes Blended by Liberty Pole Spirits Nose: Immediately an interesting whiskey to the nose, fizzy ginger ale, bright melon, and pear come to the forefront of the mind on first inhale. The fizziness continues to tingle in the nose like Pop Rocks in the nostrils. Quite a bit of the Manongahela rye is shining through here. Graham cracker with a hint of sweet milk chocolate leads us towards the early fixin's for s'mores. The mixture of all these things is unique in all the right ways. Hints of green tea and pine create subtle contrast to the sweeter tones. Graham cracker again returns, bringing the mind towards darker tones despite the general effervescence that has continued throughout. On returning to the nose, a bit of cinnamon sugar and oak begins to suggest some age exists in this blend. On deep inhales, more overlap from the palate shines through with kiwi adorning a boozy tropical cocktail. Flashes of caramel and crème brûlée can be made out in small flashes of bourbon influence. The empty glass smells of grilled corn, potpourri, and caramel apple. Palate: On the first sip we find a chewy, thoroughly complex whiskey full of fruit flavor galore. If we hadn't read the label, we'd have thought this was finished—this is really neat. Fig, prune, kiwi, and melon express juiciness with a light citrus lime and light bubbly 7UP finish. Another sip continues to offer intrigue and flavor as green tea meets creamy miso soup... yum! Grilled peach and light earthy mint can be found from light volleys against the taste buds. A touch lighter than the nose presents, our last sip reveals light oak, cinnamon, and a touch of toasted rye bread. As you sit with this longer, the layers shift and evolve, a hallmark of a great whiskey in our book. The finish is durable and inoffensive, giving a tip-of-the-tongue tingle with a kiss of candied green apple. TL;DR: A wildly differentiated sip that results in a balanced harmony of two historic styles of whiskey Company on Label: MB Roland Distillery & Liberty Pole Spirits Whiskey Type: A blend of straight whiskeys Mash Bill Percentages: Undisclosed Proof: 108.2° (54.1%) Age: NAS MSRP: $79.99 Further identification: MB Roland Distillery blended their Kentucky bourbon with Liberty Pole Spirits Pennsylvania Monogahela rye Kentsylvania Whiskey Blend Tasting Notes Blended by MB Roland Distillery Nose: Coming off Penntucky, this smells way more like bourbon. The nose is approachable; classic caramel and molasses hit first before a wave of maple candy and marshmallow. Common to them both are the grilled characteristics, here leaning more in towards grilled corn than grilled fruit. Cream soda tones proliferate with time in the glass. Hints of graham cracker and cinnamon bun with vanilla icing offer decent backbone to the dominant bourbon tones. Dry rickhouse funk presents a level experience from start to finish with fewer high-flying fun characteristics surprising us along the way. Corn husks and hints of coconut are the final presentations before we're ready to move on for a sip. Returning to the nose, a wave of crisp apple dances in the nose. The manongahela rye component finally starts to eek out a bit with time, offering a light dustiness that we really like. The burnt ends of shish kabob sticks coming off the grill come to mind. The nose is getting more interesting with time as more rye integrates into the foreground. Creaminess suddenly envelops the experience as a splash of butterscotch expands our enjoyment. A hint of fried dough with powdered sugar transports us to a local carnival. The empty glass is reminiscent of some old-school whiskey production methods. Our empty glasses smell like cheesecake, dried flowers, and a hint of tin. Palate: A lively yet approachable caramel and brown sugar profile produces a very definite bourbon experience. We're admittedly left a bit confused by this one, wondering where all the vibrant rye character is hiding out in this blend. Cinnamon bun sweetness leads on the tongue before just a hint of darkness creeps in on the linger, suggesting some rye influence with clove and allspice. Subsequent sips are very drinkable and enjoyable, a profile that will likely be a crowd-pleaser. Sipping near the bottom of the glass is still nice without blowing us away, adding in subtle fruit complexity that never quite enters awareness but contributes to the sipping session overall. Our last sip is a round, expanding experience with a finish that follows suit—milk chocolate and graham cracker, the hallmark of the marriage of these two distilleries. TL;DR: Using the same components, this blend turned out surprisingly distinct from the other blend Final Thoughts from the Authors Penntucky— This is a very cool whiskey. The Venn diagram between the nose and palate overlaps just enough to be cohesive. The character of this whiskey hasn't been destroyed by any of the input processes. Thoughtful distillation, aging, and blending have resulted in an intriguing craft whiskey blending two whiskey styles known around the world. Give this bottle some airtime, and we believe it will evolve from a rye-forward sip to a bourbon drinker's favorite dram. Kentsylvania— taste this one BEFORE the Penntucky if you want to properly enjoy the bourbon-forward profile before the rye monster comes swinging through on Penntucky. This tasting confirms our love for craft whiskey. This is one of those whiskeys that just get better and better with subsequent sips. Start with a small pour and work your way down to empty, and you'll likely be reaching for another. Written by: The Amongst the Whiskey Team NICK ANDERSON & JES SMYTH

These QuintEssential American Single Malt special releases from Cedar Ridge Distillery are exactly that: special. With a distinct spotlight on Cedar Ridge’s winemaking foundation alongside Iowa distilled malt and a noteworthy age on these blends for the ASM category, Quint and the team at Cedar Ridge have truly tapped into something special here. Following the award for Best American Single Malt at the World Whiskey Awards for the 1st anniversary of Pete & Sherri, the 2nd anniversary release comes with rather high expectations. Perhaps with that in mind, master distiller Murphy Quint decided to move away from the heavy influence of Amontillado finishing casks and instead introduced Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks alongside Amontillado for this release. Pete & Sherri Married isn’t just a play on words, either, but a literal marrying of peat and sherry into a balanced force of complexity and approachability. It's a commonly held belief that many whiskey enthusiasts (emphasis on that “e”) shy away from peat because they dislike its smoky profile. After several experiences with Cedar Ridge’s American Single Malt releases and knowledge of Quint’s background and appreciation for Single Malt Scotch, by all accounts, Quint is blazing the trail for American Single Malt and what it can offer to consumers who may not know they need this expression in their lives. Many thanks to the team at Cedar Ridge for providing a bottle and the opportunity to spend time with this release. I'll be honest—my expectations were high going in, which probably explains why I devoted more time than usual to reviewing it. Was the extra effort justified? Read on to find out. Company on Label: Cedar Ridge Distillery Whiskey Type: American Single Malt Whiskey Mash Bill Percentages: 100% Iowa grain malted barley Proof: 114.4° (57.2%) Age: 6 years (6-8 year blend) MSRP: $99.99 Further Identification: A blend of 2-row pale malted barley aged in ex-bourbon barrels finished in Pedro Ximénex and Oloroso herry hogsheads and peated malt aged in ex-bourbon barrels finished in Amontillado sherry butts Nose: The aromas that greet me as I lift the glencarin to my nose are abundantly rich, doughy, and fruit-forward. I find dark cherry skins, silky dark chocolate, and subtle wisps of gentle campfire smoke. Digging my nose deeper into my glass, Cider Ridge funk is found—think humid air, damp soil, and sun-warmed barrels. My mouth is watering as I swirl the liquid, but I remain diligent on nosing. Peppermint leaves, freshly grated ginger, and tingly bits enter my nostrils, quite the fun experience with the liquid warming and evolving. Okay, I can't hold off anymore; it's time for a taste. The nose is a bit more proof forward after a sip. There’s a craft funk that only marginally contributes to the rolling landscape of evolving aromas earlier, but certainly adds a lovely bit of flair. As the liquid begins to disappear, I am too, into rows of grapevines and grass damp with evening dew. Having sat with this pour for almost an hour now, it has mellowed substantially into a comfortable full circle moment, cherry syrup over thick chocolate cake. The empty glass smells of light campfire smoke, melted candle wax, and a fruit pie compote. Palate: The liquid on my tongue is silky and heavy, coating every nook and cranny with cherry and grape notes. Balancing the sweet, I find spice, both from the heat of this higher proof pour and a refined oak spice, subtle cinnamon with clove. A second sip ushers in more cherry notes with big chocolate energy. The finishing casks are certainly the stars shooting across my tongue with the malted whiskey steady as a bright full moon. The peat is subtle, so much so that it’s easy to look it over. There’s also a dry, earthy influence I’m finding on the back palate—dusty tilled farm fields and dry artisan bread from a farmers market. Additional sips layer fruit with chocolatey desserts, best eaten in a clear dish and a silver spoon. Nearing the bottom of my glass, the flavors continue to roll over my tongue, not super sticky per se, but lovely in a cohesive way. Malted milk balls and cherry jam round out my final sip. TL;DR: A rich and expressive pour that your taste buds will enjoy even more Rating: 4/5 Really good. I want one of these on my shelf. It's not often I use the phrase "run, don't walk" (actually, this may be the first time), so let that be a testament to how serious I am. At the time of publication (June 2026), Cedar Ridge announced their first Double Gold award from the 2026 San Francisco World Spirits Competition for Pete and Sherri. Also at this time, bottles are still available for purchase on Cedar Ridge's website. Run, don't walk, folks. So, if you can snag a bottle, do it! WRITTEN BY: JES SMYTH With 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 industry's passion, she tastes each sip with intention and purpose, 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.

“Fishing is a delusion entirely surrounded by liars in old clothes.” –Don Marquis This is a bottle I have been hunting for some time. I'm not sure if we've historically had distribution for Old Charter Oak available in Massachusetts, but when a bottle was sitting in the glass cabinet at one of my local stores for a hair above MSRP, I pulled the trigger without a second thought. For some reason it took me a few weeks to open this one after waiting years to finally taste it. Friends coming over for barbecues and birthday parties saw it on my to-do shelf and commented things like, "oh you're going to like that," or "why haven't you cracked that yet?!" I didn't have a good answer. Perhaps it was all the fishing I've been doing across Western Mass, Montana, and Maine lately. Too busy for a pour. Far too busy for a thorough review... Old Charter is a vintage brand that goes way back into the annals of whiskey history. Now under the purview of Sazerac, the parent company of Buffalo Trace Distillery, there's not much of a nod to that history other than a boastful message that reads like an overly confident teenage boy beating his chest about how he's the best at something he just learned how to do. Without a real story about what quality of oak was used, what seasoning techniques were employed, an age statement, a mash bill, or really anything of substance—it's hard to validate the claims of "we're the best at everything all the time" that the back label narrative tries to tout. Old Charter Oak back label Marketing is a funny thing, isn't it? Whiskey enthusiasts are probably more immune to it than most, but it still likely plays a role in what becomes popular these days. This is a brand I haven't seen exploding in the many years it has existed. It's not one that commands a premium on the secondary market, so what purpose does it serve? Without a clear story from what's on the packaging, we'll have to dive in on the liquid within to suss out the truth. In accordance with my editorial policy, I tasted this three times on a sober palate to bring you the full scoop below. Company on Label: Distilled, aged, and bottled by the Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort, KY Whiskey Type: Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey Mash Bill Percentages: Undisclosed Proof: 95° (47.5%) Age: NAS Buy Online: Frootbat Further identification: This is a 2026 bottling based on the "L26" laser code on the bottle Nose: On first lifting the glass to my nose, I find a comfortable aroma, something like savory home-cooked food coming in from the kitchen, distracting me from the evident corn liquor in my glass. Dusty oak, corn fritters, and light maraschino cherry juice are all wonderfully consistent aromas for my nose to find. With a little time in the glass, light black pepper, caramel, and sticky toffee tones develop nicely. I'm impressed by this one so far. This is one you can nose for as long as you like, and nothing off-putting ever crops up, resulting in an aromatic gourmand experience that would be hard for anyone to snub outside of a barrel-proof-or-bust closed-minded tater. Even with a long rest in the glencairn, the whiskey within is robust and enjoyable all throughout. After a sip the nose takes on slightly more barrel funk, suggesting a decent amount of aging time in good wood. Long inhales offer further testament to this whiskey's appellation with bountiful layers of oak continuously pouring through my nostrils. The empty glass smells of dark wood paneling and saltwater taffy. Palate: My first sip is neat and orderly, much like the nose presented, but with a new character resembling sweet tea with a hint of peach. Another sip layers in more sweetness, leaning into a sugar-laden candy peach ring. Chewing further tells me that this isn't going to be an overly complex whiskey, but the consistent sacchariferous characteristic still has my attention. Consistency and complexity are often at odds, and this pour leans heavily into the consistent category. Continuing to work through the glass shows off a mouthfeel that isn't quite a thick viscosity, yet it still manages to come across sticky, like the remnants of a juicy orange dripping down and drying on your hands. Late in the glass, little changes, but the whiskey remains quite drinkable for what it is. My last sip offers the same peach sweet tea we started with, finishing soft and slow with just a kiss of fresh mint you would find suspended in a bubbling white rum mojito. TL;DR: Sweet tooths rejoice, we've got a crushable whiskey picked just for you Rating: 3.5/5 Good enough. There's something to enjoy here. While I have to give these guys a little bit of credit for making something so consistently sweet and enjoyable, if you're like me and have an experienced palate, this isn't one of those wondrous whiskeys that will live on in legend. It's a one-float parade. It's just decent bourbon being made by good folks at one of the biggest Kentucky distillers in the game. If my notes were resonant, give them a try. If you like my style of honest whiskey reviews, subscribe to my once-monthly newsletter so you can keep getting real stories instead of just marketing. Cheers, friends! WRITTEN BY: NICK ANDERSON With over a decade of sipping experience, Nick Anderson brings a well-calibrated palate to his profound passion for the whiskey industry. Beginning with 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.