Last year, I raved about Penelope Cocktails’ Black Walnut Old Fashioned (seriously, it was a treat). If you missed it, check out my review on Instagram or the blog—link in bio. But now the real question: does today’s contender steal the spotlight? Let’s find out! This Old Fashioned brings together straight bourbon and rye whiskey,…
Tullibardine 12-Year Double Wood and The Murray 2008 Châteauneuf-du-Pape
If you found yourself in the storm’s path, chances are you’re still digging out this morning. We were close to a foot of snow the last time I looked, with more expected later this afternoon. If there’s no pressing reason to head outside, staying cozy indoors seems like the wisest choice. So settle in, pull…
Grangestone Scotch: Bourbon Cask Finish and Rum Cask Finish
Full honesty—I picked these up simply because they came in mini bottles. Grangestone is a brand owned by William Grant & Sons, one of the largest independent whisky producers in Scotland. So, are they actually any good? Let’s find out. Grangestone Bourbon Cask Finish (40% ABV): This 50 ml sample cost me $1.99. The nose…
Barrell Bourbon Cask Finish Series: P.X. Sherry Edition 001
Barrell Craft Spirits (BCS) is a brand we don’t often explore, so sampling this expression during a recent visit with friends was an exciting opportunity. This marks only our second experience with BCS. For those unfamiliar, P.X. refers to Pedro Ximénez—a type of sherry cask renowned for its rich, sweet character. For this release, BCS…
UPDATE: Isle of Skye Whisky 12-Year
This whisky review has remained one of the most popular pieces on my blog. With our bottle now officially finished, I thought it was an ideal time to look back at the impressions we recorded when we first opened it in August 2024. Did it live up to our expectations? Is it worth buying again?…
The Macallan Harmony Collection: JING and Cirque Du Soleil
We recently had the pleasure of sampling two remarkable expressions from The Macallan Harmony Collection—one in collaboration with JING Tea and the other with Cirque du Soleil. The Harmony Collection is an annual limited-edition release that celebrates creativity and craftsmanship. The JING Tea-inspired expression draws from the delicate notes of Phoenix Honey Orchid Tea, while…
Smokeshow Mixology Cocktail Syrups
Instagram ads got me good. I stumbled across this company through an ad, and after dropping a small fortune on ready-to-drink Old Fashioneds, I had to find out—are their syrups really the secret to making the perfect one at home? I went all in with their Collector’s Bundle (plus the spoon). Inside are four 16…
The Whistler Irish Whiskey Dark Symphony
Cheers to new beginnings! 2026 is here, and I’m thrilled to start the year with something new to me—a brand I’ve never featured before: The Whistler Irish Whiskey. Although I’ve featured Boann Distillery before, I’ve never reviewed The Whistler until now. For those who may not know, this whiskey is crafted by Boann—a family-owned distillery…
Jura Travel Editions: Islanders’ Expression 03, The Road, and Perspective 01
And with that, 2025 is nearly behind us. This is my last review of the year, and I can’t wait to see what 2026 holds for us all. This year kept us closer to home, with fewer trips than usual, but that’s something we plan to change in 2026. Our goal is to explore more…
Laird’s Blended AppleJack
Christmas week is finally here! Every year, as November fades into December, we head to Cape Cod for our annual Friendsgiving—a tradition filled with laughter, great food,and even better drinks. This year, our friends surprised us with some incredible cocktails, and one bottle stood out: Laird’s Blended Applejack. I had never heard of this brand…
Penelope Cocktails: Black Walnut Old Fashioned
Did you know Penelope Bourbon now offers ready-made cocktails? If you didn’t, well, I didn’t either—until recently! They currently offer three varieties, and I’ve managed to get two: the Black Walnut Old Fashioned and the Apple Cinnamon Old Fashioned. In this post, I’ll focus on the Black Walnut Old Fashioned. Stay tuned for a review…
Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
I’ve mentioned before that rye isn’t typically my preference. However, while attending a friend’s event recently, we came across this bottle and decided it would make a thoughtful gift. To our surprise, they opened it immediately and shared a toast with us, giving us the chance to sample it. Curious about how it measured up?…
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