Tasting Notes

Speakeasy Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 94.4 proof/750ml, no age statement $30 suggested retail The story: The label may say this is bottled by the Bardstown Club Distilling Co., but that’s one of many fictitious distillery names used by Willett Distillery….

Jim Beam Maple 70 proof; no age statement $15.99/750ml The story: If, as Steve Jobs said, innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower, Jim Beam is determined to be a leader. Hot on the heels of the Signature Craft whiskeys…

Every fall, Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Ky., releases its Antique Collection, five extra-aged, limited-edition premium bourbons and ryes that consistently win national and international acclaim. Buffalo Trace kindly sent me small samples for review (suggested retail price for the 750ml…

Every fall, Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Ky., releases its Antique Collection, five extra-aged, limited-edition premium bourbons and ryes that consistently win national and international acclaim. The suggested retail price for each is $70/750ml; Buffalo Trace kindly sent me small samples for review….

Jim Beam Signature Craft Finished with Rare Spanish Brandy 86 proof; no age statement $39.99/750ml The story: Jim Beam, the world’s top-selling bourbon, is introducing a new line of “ultra-premium” brands. The Signature Craft Finished with Rare Spanish Brandy is the…

Wild Turkey Spiced 86 proof; no age statement $22.99/750ml The story: Bourbons with flavors added may seem like a relatively new idea, but Wild Turkey introduced a honey-flavored bourbon back in 1976 (it’s now known as American Honey). The company…

Jim Beam Signature Craft 86 proof; 12 years old $39.99/750ml The story: Jim Beam, the world’s top-selling bourbon, has introduced a new line of “ultra-premium” brands. The Signature Craft 12-Year-Old will be the permanent expression in the line; there will…

So here we are on the Monday of the second week of Bourbon Heritage Month. You want to keep the celebration going, but you’re pretty sure your boss will frown upon indulging at work. Luckily there is a way to stay in the spirit…

Old Forester Birthday Bourbon 2013 97 proof $54.99/750ml The story: Every year since 2002, Brown-Forman has released a special Old Forester Birthday Bourbon in honor of distillery founder George Garvin Brown’s birthday. This year’s edition appeared on shelves early (George’s birthday is…

2013 Parker’s Heritage Collection “Promise of Hope” bottling 10 years old; 96 proof $90/750ml The story: For the past six years, Heaven Hill has released an annual limited-edition bourbon under the “Parker’s Heritage Collection” label, named for and selected by sixth-generation…