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…
Tag: 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…
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….
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…
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…
Demon Seed Whiskey Dark Chocolate with Maple Sugar
When I saw the new dark chocolate from Goodnow Farms, crafted in collaboration with Boston Harbor Distillery, I didn’t hesitate—I grabbed a bar immediately. As a longtime fan of Demon Seed Whiskey, which we always keep stocked thanks to its versatility, I was curious to see how its bold character would translate into chocolate. I’ve…
On the Rocks – Yuzu Matcha Martini and Japanese Boulevardier
Absolutely—I picked this up specifically because of the collaboration between On the Rocks, The House of Suntory, and Hidetsugu Ueno, the legendary Japanese bartender behind Tokyo’s iconic Bar High Five. This limited-edition release includes two 375ml bottles: the Yuzu Matcha Martini and the Japanese Boulevardier, priced at $41.99. Let’s dive in! The Yuzu Matcha Martini…