And just like that, we’re already in August! Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve been reviewing classic American bourbons that deliver fantastic flavor without breaking the bank. One thing I’ve learned is that some of the most enjoyable pours are the ones that don’t require a big investment. Today, I’m switching things up with…
Category: Sample Size
Jim Beam Black Aged 7 Years
With so many whiskey brands releasing new expressions, it’s easy to get caught up chasing the latest and greatest. And yes, I definitely enjoy doing that. But I also want to make sure I’ve covered the classic whiskies that have stood the test of time. These are the budget-friendly bottles that are still worth keeping…
Balvenie 12 Year DoubleWood
I’m a fan of Balvenie, and one of the whiskies I hadn’t gotten around to trying yet was their 12 Year DoubleWood. When I spotted it in a 50ml mini, I had to pick it up. Minis are one of the easiest and most affordable ways to sample a whisky without committing to a full…
Aberfeldy 12 Year
Every now and then, you need a whisky that’s not only easy to sip but also versatile enough to hold up in a cocktail. Honestly, I think Aberfeldy 12 Year is one of those whiskies. But before I get into this expression, let’s talk a little about the brand. Aberfeldy was founded in 1898 by…
Taconic Bourbon Cream
More whiskey brands are stepping into the Bourbon Cream space, and I’m all for it. The latest one I had the chance to try was Taconic Bourbon Cream. I recently shared my thoughts on their Double Barrel Maple Bourbon, which I really enjoyed, and this bottle proved to be just as impressive. Let’s dive in….
The Whistler Beekeepers Select Irish Honey Whiskey Liqueur and Cocktail Recipe
Today is World Bee Day! By now we all know the important role bees and other pollinators play for people, plants and the planet. To celebrate, The Whistler sent me The Whistler’s “Bee Mine” cocktail kit to raise a glass to these small mighty creatures. I’ve written about Whistler before, and as a big fan…
Oceanus Hibernicus
I hadn’t heard of this brand until recently, when I found myself staring at a bottle at my local Total Wine. The packaging immediately caught my attention. What really intrigued me, though, was the fact that it blends Scotch and Irish whiskeys, something I don’t recall seeing before, and at $35, the price felt right….
Old Emmer Finest Wheat and Cask Strength Bourbon
Old Emmer is a private‑label whiskey you’ll mostly find at Total Wine. It comes out of Kentucky, and there’s some chatter that it might be produced at Buffalo Trace. It uses an ancient Emmer wheat strain in its high‑wheat mash bill—something you don’t come across every day. During my visit to Total Wine, I spotted…
McConnell’s 5 Year Irish Whiskey
Today, we’re taking a quick look at another Irish whiskey as we count down to St. Patrick’s Day. John and James McConnell established their distillery and brewery in 1899, following the passing of their father, Hugh McConnell. Today, the distillery operates out of North Belfast. For this review, I picked up a 50ml bottle of…
Bondstone Double Oak and Toasted Barrel Whiskey
Bondstone is a brand I’ve just discovered, and it’s from a relatively new distillery. IJW Distillery sources barrels and blends them into unique expressions—and I’m here for it! I’m obsessed with mini bottles, so when I spotted both the Double Oak and Toasted Barrel, you know I had to grab them. Let’s check them out!…
Buchanan’s Deluxe 12-Year Blended Scotch Whisky
I’ve strolled past this expression at the liquor store countless times without giving it a chance. But when I noticed it in a mini last month, I figured it was the perfect opportunity to finally try it—especially since I’m a fan of their Pineapple expression. Time to find out whether skipping it all this time…
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…
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