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?…

LOCAL TO NEW ENGLAND: Tamworth Distilling & Mercantile

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and if your plans take you to New Hampshire, let me tell you about Tamworth Distilling in the charming town of Tamworth, NH. I recently had the chance to visit with friends, it was just a little over two hours from Boston, and this place offers a unique experience….

Jimmy Red Classic Straight Bourbon Whiskey

So, a couple of days ago I tried a whiskey I’d never had before. Honestly, I was thinking, ‘Yeah, this probably isn’t going to be my thing.’ But let’s not jump to conclusions yet—I’ll save my verdict for later. First, let’s talk about the brand behind the bottle. This whiskey comes from High Wire Distilling…

Update: Sea Flame Spice Whiskey

Cinnamon has always been my favorite note in whiskey, and this expression delivered it in abundance—an instant favorite. We picked up this gem from Newport Craft Brewing and Distilling Co. in Newport, RI, during the summer, and now that the bottle is gone, it’s time to answer the big question: would I repurchase? Before that, let’s revisit…

Still Austin “The Artist” Straight Rye Whiskey

This is the second expression I’ve had the opportunity to sample from Still Austin. I’ll start by saying that rye whiskies aren’t typically my go-to, but I was intrigued by this one. This expression is crafted from 100% Texas-grown rye and aged for a minimum of two years. Still Austin is a craft distillery located…

Jim Beam Bourbon and Ginger Ale

Jim Beam has entered the ready-to-drink cocktail scene, and of course, we had to see what the buzz was about. They’ve rolled out two new flavors: Bourbon & Ginger Ale and Bourbon & Cola. I managed to get my hands on the Bourbon & Ginger Ale—so let’s dive in and see how it stacks up….

Update: Watertown Coconut Whiskey

While summer hasn’t officially said goodbye, fall is already making its presence known—school is back in session, September is a weekend away and the air is turning crisp. As we ease into the new season, I wanted to take a moment to share an update and reflect on the one whiskey I kept coming back…

Willett Pot Still Reserve

Isn’t this miniature bottle just the cutest? It’s a scaled-down replica of their patented Willett pot still, expertly crafted by Vendome Copper and Brass. I went with the 50ml version — a perfect intro size since I hadn’t tried it before. Let’s dive in! Nose: oak and vanilla Palate: creamy, woody, and vanilla Finish: smooth…

Sea Flame Spice Whiskey

A little while ago, my husband and I made the hour-plus drive to Newport to check out Newport Craft Brewing and Distilling Co. This spot isn’t just about beer—they also distill their own spirits, offer guided tours, serve up cocktails, and even have food on the menu. The main draw for me? Their whisky. More…

Early Times Kentucky Whisky

Early Times is a whiskey under the Sazerac portfolio, originally crafted in 1860 by John Henry “Jack” Beam. Its name is a tribute to the traditional, old-fashioned methods of whiskey-making. For decades, Early Times held a place of honor as the bourbon used in Mint Juleps at Churchill Downs during the Kentucky Derby—until a change…

Benchmark Bourbon Old No. 8 Brand

At a very reasonable price, I picked up a 100ml bottle of Benchmark Bourbon Old No. 8 Brand—a label proudly produced by the renowned Buffalo Trace Distillery. This bourbon pays tribute to the pioneering spirit of the McAfee brothers—James, George, and Robert—who ventured into what was then uncharted territory, now known as Kentucky. Let’s dive…