Buzzard's Roost Ambuzzadors Select Single Barrel Rye 2025

 

We have been enjoying multiple bottles from Buzzard's Roost for a couple of years and we were recently introduced to the fan club - Ambuzzadors - that was started in 2022.   Twice a year these die hard fans are invited to Whiskey Row to the Buzzard's Roose headquarters for a barrel pick.  The cool thing about these bottles is that they are extremely exclusive; they do not go into distribution and they are available only online at at Whiskey Row.

We recently received a 100mL sample bottle of the Buzzard's Roost Ambuzzadors Select Single Barrel Rye 2025 to taste, and this one.... is a HIT!  Caramel-gingerbread in color, this has concentrated and defined aromas of peach, apricot, coffee bean, chocolate bits and dried earth.  For a bottle that has a mash bill of 95% rye and 5% malted barley, we were really taken back by the citrus flavors that held on from beginning to end along with rich, butter cream icing and toasted nuts.  The finish sticks around and reminds you that your next sip if just moments away.  Aged for 5 years and finished for 18 months in a lightly charred custom toasted barrel.   This bottle convinced us to sign up for Ambuzzadors and who knows, maybe we will be on the next barrel pick!

ABV:  57.5% (115 proof)

Distillery:  Buzzard's Roost

Suggested retail price:  $85.00

Drink The Bottles score:  92/100

2021 Maldonado Family Vineyards Proprietary Red Wine

 

Located in the Jamieson canyon region of Napa Valley are some vineyards producing some very tasty and affordable wines under the Maldonado Family Vineyards label and also a second label dubbed Farm Worker.  Owner and winemaker Hugo Maldonado created this Mexican-American family owned winery was previously a vineyard manager at Newton, providing him the tools of the trade to eventually leave his footprint in the valley.

The 2021 Maldonado Family Vineyards Proprietary Red Wine is a secret blend of reds and it provides a satisfying and extremely approachable expression for those who tend to shy away from a 100% bolder Cab.  This one suggests that it is comprised of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah, but the important thing here is how this wine makes you feel. 

Scarlet red in the glass with shades of plum skin, the aromas of juicy plum, marzipan, petrichor, flower boquet and spice dance together wonderfully.  We gave this some time in the glass without decanting to bring out the aromas and flavors of blueberry pie, cocoa powder, English breakfast tea, raspberry compote and scorched earth.  The finish is straight forward but this could definitely be a daily drinker for someone who loves a red blend.  

ABV:  15.3%

Napa Valley, CA

Winery:  Maldonado Family Vineyards

Suggested retail price:  $48.00

Drink The Bottles score:  90/100

High Bank Distillery Co Whiskey War Barrel Proof Whiskey

Adam Hines and his dad turened a motorcycle ride through Kentucky and Tennessee into a dream, which eventually became an award-winning and groundbreaking distillery..... in Ohio!  After tons of blood, sweat and tears, High Bank Distillery Company has found its foothold and Hines is dubbed the most awarded Master Distiller in Ohio.   For those of you who only believe that good whiskey is born in Kentucky, you are sorely wrong.

We tasted the High Bank Whiskey Company Whiskey War Barrel Proof expression, which is a blend of small batch handcrafted straight whiskeys.  This is batch number 107 and according to the ditillery, has an age statement of at least 5 years.  This was actually honored as the Best Blended Whiskey in America a few years ago at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.  No pressure here, but this bottle need not rest on its laurels.  We gave this the once over and admittedly......  it is deserving of all the praise.

The color of the whiskey is sunflower disk florets with streaks of gold.  The nose presents some abundant mixed fruits - think Apple Jacks or Fruit Loops cereal!  Joining in are aromas of cinnamon, vanilla bean, carmelized sugar and tanned leather.  In the mouth is more of the same but adding drops of soy sauce and dustings of white pepper on a very memorable finish that you immediately want to go back and re-visit.  There's a nice viscous coating and despite the nearly 119 proof on this batch, you only get a suble hug and not a searing burn, which can happen with higher proofs.  

We hope that this is only the beginning of a beautiful friendship with High Bank Distillery Company.  It is easy to see why they are awarded so many accolades.  This is a beautiful bottle!

ABV:  59.43% (118.86 proof)

Distillery:  High Bank Distillery Company

Suggested retail price:  $60.00

Drink The Bottles score:  94/100

 

Bardstown Bourbon Company Hokkaido Mizunara Oak Barrel Finish Whiskey

Bardstown Bourbon Company is known for their unique offerings that set them apart from every other distillery in the United States.  It seems that there isn't anything they won't try and if you're a finished whiskey fan, BBC is definitely in your wheelhouse!  Once in awhile, this innovative and forward-thinking company issues a distillery-only release, which is the case with this Hokkaido Mizunara Oak Barrel Finish blend of whiskeys.

Mizunara Oak trees grow twisted in the hardest-to-reach corners of Japan.  The wood is incredibly rare and highly acclaimed for many industries.  This incredibly rare whiskey was comprised of just SIX barrels of Mizunara Oak, aged for 28 months to provide the unique and unforgettable flavors in this 375mL bottle.  The whiskeys that make up this incredible blend carry age statements from nine to fifteen years, each with it's own unique mash bill.

Blend            Origin            Age            Mash Bill

47%               KY              15 Yr           75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley

33%               KY              14 Yr           78% Corn, 10% Rye, 4% Malted Barley

15%               IN                9 Yr             45% Corn, 51% Rye, 4% Malted Barley

5%                 TN              18 Yr            84% Corn, 8% Rye, 8% Malted Barley

We lept at the opportunity to taste and share our thoughts on such a small batch, highly anticipated release.  Saddle brown color with flashes of ripe berries when touched by light, this bottle is oozing with aromas of toffee, roasted nuts, Kentucky butter cake and oak.  Unique and mouthwatering, flavors of brown butter, vanilla, Three Musketeers candy bar, toasted S'mores and baking spices round out the evolving and changing flavor profile.  On the sweeter side from beginning to end, this has a rich mouthfeel that quickly puts a satisfying smile on your face.

If there was a down side to this bottle, it is that it can only be found at the Bardstown Bourbon Company  distillery gift shop and Louisville tasting room while it lasts.  But the hunt is half of the fun, isn't it?  This bottle was absolutely exceptional!

ABV:  54.65% (109.3 proof)

Distillery:  Bardstown Bourbon Company

Suggested retail price:  $99.99

Drink The Bottles score:  95/100

 

Green River US Army 250th Anniversary Commemorative Bourbon

 

In case you haven't heard by now, we are HUGE fans of Green River Distilling Company.  In fact, we voted their Rye the Best Rye of 2024!  A couple of weeks ago, the U.S. Army celebrated their 250th birthday and Green River showed them some serious love - in style!  How cool is it to get your own commemorative bottle and to have a portion of the proceeds be donated to various non-profit groups that support US soldiers.  This particular bottle comes in at 111.1 proof, which is an honor to Veteran's Day on November 11th.  

We can tell you this.  This bottle IS available across the US in many markets.  We just returned from Scottsdale and saw this sitting on the shelf.  If you're a Green River enthusiast, an Army veteran or want to provide a special gift to the soldier in your life, we highly suggest this bottle.

Carmel color to the rim, this bourbon is comprised of barrels in the four-to-seven year age statement.  The mashbill is 77% corn, 14% rye and 9% malted barley, presenting aromas of cinnamon stick, red fruits, pomegranate, cedar and book leather.  On the palate is a very warm and welcoming blend of caramel syrup, nutmeg, vanilla sponge cake and baking spices.  The finish is pleasantly lingering and you'll immediatley want to "try that again" as soon as the glass is empty.  The special packaging and label are just a bonus to the appeal and this bottle is all around solid!  Hooah!

ABV:  55.55% (111.1 proof)

Distillery:  Green River Distilling Co.

Suggested retail price:  $49.99

Drink The Bottles score:  92/100

Samuel Maverick Private Reserve Bottled in Bond Bourbon

 

In beautiful San Antonio, Texas, sits a former bank and mint building in the heart of downtown, just a stone's throw from the Alamo.  If you aren't careful, you'll just assume it is indeed another bank building and you may have to re-trace your steps.  The property at 115 Broadway used to be part of Samuel Maverick's family estate and it has a rich history as the former Lockwood Bank.  Although the building saw various tennants throughout the years, it is now the proud home of Maverick Whiskey.

The distillery's namesake, Samuel Maverick, has a long and colorful history in the southwest United States.  Maverick served in many political positions, was a Texas land magnate and he cheated death more times than most people should.  He made the most of his adventurous life and it makes perfect sense to honor him with a whiskey brand.

The Samuel Maverick Private Reserve Bottled in Bond Bourbon is our first look at any selection from Maverick Whiskey.  Burnt umber in the glass with hues of maroon peeking about, this bourbon is created in small batches and aged for more than five years in actual bank vaults under the distillery!  Maverick uses Char #3 barrels and a mash bill of 72% corn, 18% Wren's Abruzzi rye and 10% malted barley, resulting in a very aromatic introduction that includes mesquite smoke, clove, honeysuckle and brown butter.  Incredibly silky-smooth mouthfeel with Crème Brûlée, caramel corn, allspice, nutmeg, marry very well here with a finish that is framed by the toasted nut flavors that bring this all together.  This was a fantastic introdution to Maverick Whiskey for us and we will keep an eye on what is next for this distillery!

ABV:  50.0% (100 proof)

Distillery:  Maverick Whiskey

Suggested retail price:  $56.00

Drink The Bottles score:  90/100

John Emerald Distilling Company John's Alabama Single Malt Whiskey

 

In east central Alabama lies an unassuming distillery that has been slowly and steadily making a name for itself for the past decade.  They're producing whiskeys, rums, vodka, gins and other liquers that you won't find anywhere else in the country.  Today we are taking a look at John's Alabama Single Malt Whiskey, the namesake spirit from John Emerald Distilling Company.

This small batch craft distillery honors one of their forefathers, John Emerald Sharp, by offering a 100% malted barley single malt whiskey.  This whiskey speaks volumes of the locale, boasting that it was the first legal whiskey to be produced in Alabama in 100 years.  The malted barley is smoked with local peach and pecan woods, further identifying the uniqueness of this brand while adding to the overall enjoyability of this spirit.

Copper color with light hues of chocolate bar, this single malt whiskey has as subdued nose initially that is slightly reminiscent of a single malt Scotch with the earthy notes and toasted nut aromas.  We let this one sit in the glass for a bit, allowing some air to touch the liquid as we thought there would be more to this - and we were right.  Additional aromas of cooked apples, vanilla and clove present themselves, leading us to flavors of tropical fruits, dried field grass, nutmeg, vanilla and caramel candy.  This is very smooth, which you would expect in part from the proof point, but also because of the attention to detail in the overall distilling process.  The finish is a touch short, but we aren't hung up on the finsih since this one is so unique.  And we are fans!

ABV:  43.0% (86 proof)

Distillery:  John Emerald Distilling Company

Suggested retail price:  $49.99

Drink The Bottles score:  87/100

West Bottoms Whiskey Company Kansas City Whiskey

 

Sometimes you're lucky enough to come across something that is so enjoyable, without any preceived expectations, that you almost don't want to tell anyone about it.  But that makes no sense because that's exactly why we do this - to share GREAT spirits with our audiences.  We found exactly that with the Kansas City Whiskey from West Bottoms Whiskey Company.  

West Bottoms Whiskey Company is the brain child of Founder and Master Distiller Alex Lindsey.  This inn available in over 300 locations in Kansas and Missouri.  It is quickly becoming a destination locovative distillery in the central United States steadily creating a footprint in the whiskey world and is nowation with great pours, distillery tours and even their own Cocktail Parlor, located in a pre-Prohibition era train tunnel.  Sounds like a road trip is in order!

Bronze to gold in color, this blend of bourbon and rye whiskies also incorporates a small amount of Oloroso Sherry, a dry Spanish variety that adds fig and sweet dried fruits to the nose.  The aromas come across in the flavor profile as well, bringing along baking spices, plum, chocolate bits and a warm, lingering Kentucky, er, make that Kansas City hug!  This is such as easy sipper, we would have sworn that it was closer to an 80 proof whiskey.  We can't wait to see what else West Bottoms Whiskey has in store!

Check out Mutt's short review on YouTube

ABV:  47.0% (94 proof)

Distillery:  West Bottoms Whiskey Co.

Suggested retail price:  $39.99

Drink The Bottles score:  91/100

Acre Distilling Texas Smoked Single Malt Whisky

 

We know every single day that we are blessed to taste spirits and wines from all over the world.  We have really grown to appreciate craft distilleries and the unique products they are producing while making their footprint in a behemoth market.  When we partnered with Acre Distilling out of Fort Worth, Texas, we knew they would wow us with some unique Texas whiskeys and they really delivered.  This is a limited edition expression, the Acre Distilling Texas Smoked Single Malt Whisky.

The distillery will be celebrating their 10 year anniversary later this year and they have become not only a tourist destination, but a staple within the community.  They have embraced the neighborhood, offering an exquisite place to have a drink with friends and also offering different tasting experiences.  Vinepair has dubbed Acre Distilling Company as "One of the Ten Best Craft Distillery Tasting Rooms in America."  Do you need any more reason to visit?

We were really excited to try this limited edition bottle, comprised of barley that is smoked, malted and distilled in house.  Forty percent of the barley is smoked over Texas pecan and Texas peach woods, creating a very unique, although also familiar, flavor profile.  The whisky is aged in used bourbon barrels from the distillery.  Although an age statement isn't provided, it would appear by the color and mouth feel that this expression falls in the twenty four to forty eight (ish) months aging.  

Cinnamon stick color in a gorgeous bottle and beautiful label.  Aromas of sweet smoke, hay mount, and scorched earth dominate.  If you didn't know any better, you would almost swear that you were tasting a Scotch from the Isle of Islay.  The peaty flavors you know from Scotch is the star here, but is joined by sea air, vanilla and hints of citrus.  As Scotch drinkers ourselves, we are actually going to store this one in the bar with our Scotch selections and share it with some folks who are fans as well.  We will re-visit this bottle often.

ABV:  50.0% (100 proof)

Distillery:  Acre Distilling Company

Suggested retail price:  $65.00

Drink The Bottles score:  88/100

Eagle Rare 12 Year Old Bourbon Added to Buffalo Trace Line

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY REACHES HIGHER WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF EAGLE RARE 12: A PERMANENT NEW ADDITION TO ITS AWARD-WINNING PORTFOLIO

Enabled by the Distillery's 10-year, $1.2 Billion Expansion Project, Eagle Rare embodies the heights reached when time-honored tradition and bold innovation merge together.

FRANKFORT, KY (June 5, 2025) - Buffalo Trace Distillery formally announces the introdution of Eagle Rare 12: a bold, aspirational, yet accessible bourbon and the latest result of the World's Most Winning Distillery's commitment to distilling and aging expertise.  The latest age-stated addition to the famed Eagel Rare lineup, Eagle Rare 12 debuts as the Distillery completes its 10-year, $1.2 billion expansion project, which played a pivotal role it its creation.

With the release of Eagle Rare 12, Buffalo Trace Distillery continues its endeavor to offer enthusiasts innovative new expressions on its journey to make the world's best whiskey.  The liquid - Buffalo Trace's iconic Mashbill #1 - is aged for a minimum of 12 years in meticulously-monitored warehouses, with each barrel hand-selected by the distillery's expert team.  In addition to aging a minimum of two years longer than Eagle Rare 10, this special expression is bottled at 95-proof (47.5% ABV) to deliver exceptional depth, character and distinction.

"This whiskey represents more than just time in the barrel - it's the result of years of dedication, innovation, and an unwavering commitment from our entire team," says Buffalo Trace Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley.  "The investments we've made - in time, resources and effort - have allowed us to explore new possibilities in aging and flavor, and this release is a proud reflection of that journey."

Eagle Rare 12 opens with a sweet, oaky aroma and delicate hints of almond.  On the palate, it delivers bold complexity, featuring subtle vanilla and toasted oak, leading to a rick, lingering finish with warm notes of toffee.

"At Buffalo Trace Distillery, we believe there are no shortcuts to create outstanding whiskey - there is no substitute of quality time spent in the barrel.  With Eagle Rare, we are always striving but never satisfied, constantly experimenting to enable better-tasting age stated bourbons," noted Andrew Duncan, Global Brand Director at Buffalo Trace Distillery.  "When it was introduced, Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey brought higher quality standards to whiskey around the world; now Eagle Rare pushes the bounds of age stating excellence in Bourbon."

Eagle Rare 12 will be released to select retailers, bars and restaurants across the United States beginning June 2024 at a suggested retail price of $49.99 per 750ml bottle (local taxes and fees dependent); additional international markets will follow in Fall 2025.  The expression joins the Eagle Rare lineup of Eagle Rare 10, Double Eagle Very Rare, Eagle Rare 25 as well as Eagle Rare 17, released each fall as part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection.

 

Penelope Bourbon Creates First Ever Cigar Blend

 

Penelope Bourbon makes a big splash in the cigar scene with Cigar Sessions Chapter 1 American Whiskey 

Limited-edition release crafted for the ultimate medium-bodied cigar pairing is the first in a series of releases to enhance the complexity and enjoyment of cigar occasions

 

ST. LOUIS (June 3, 2025) – Whiskey and cigars have always been savored together, but never quite like this – Penelope Bourbon elevates the timeless pairing of whiskey and cigars with the debut of Cigar Sessions Chapter 1. Always innovating, the Penelope team struck a match for cigar lovers by crafting the first-of-its-kind cigar pairing. The first release in the annual Cigar Sessions, Chapter 1 is crafted to complement medium-bodied cigars, with future Chapters designed to explore a range of cigar pairings. 

The blend of unique American whiskeys featured in Cigar Sessions Chapter 1 – Straight Bourbon, 100% American Single Malt and American Light Whiskey – results in a one-of-a-kind rich and balanced profile developed specifically to enhance the enjoyment of medium-bodied cigar pairings. Made in small batches and aged six years with a mash bill of 72% corn, 15% rye and 13% malt, Penelope Cigar Sessions Chapter 1 is bottled at 101 proof (50.5% ABV). A limited allocation of 7,500 cases (6-in) is available in select markets starting this month for a minimum suggested retail price of $79.99 per 750mL bottle. 

The unique new addition to Penelope’s Limited Releases expressions was crafted in collaboration with renowned cigar blenders Cynn Coburn of Dissident Cigars and Lee Marsh of Stolen Throne Cigars. The Penelope blending team worked closely with Coburn and Marsh, drawing on their deep knowledge of cigars to craft a whiskey blend meticulously designed to complement and enhance the medium-bodied cigar experience. 

“We wanted to create a truly authentic cigar blend – one that was created in partnership with a group of highly talented cigar master blenders,” said Michael Paladini, Penelope Bourbon founder and vice president of strategy for MGP Ingredients. “We are excited to release Chapter 1 of our Cigar Sessions – the perfect complementary pour for medium-bodied cigars.”

Cigar Sessions Chapter 1 opens with notes of milk chocolate, vanilla and candied apple on the nose; with chocolate, dried peach, tobacco and warm caramel on the palate. The finish imparts flavors of toffee, dark fruit and light oak. 

“This is a very unique blend of American whiskeys that came together,” said Danny Polise, Penelope Bourbon founder and master blender. “We explored 19 various mash bills with the cigar blender team trying countless blend combinations. To our surprise, and delight, it was the balance of the American Single Malt together with the American Light Whiskey and the straight bourbon that resulted in a flavor profile that makes it the perfect choice for a cigar pairing.” 

Cigar Sessions Chapter 1 is part of Penelope’s annual Limited Releases – exclusive offerings featuring some of the rarest and more unique barrels, representing the pinnacle of blending innovation and barrel selection. Other Limited Releases include American Light Whiskey, F*ck Cancer and award-winning Toasted Rye. A product locator for the Penelope family of bourbons can be found here. 

Fans can follow @penelope on Instagram for more information about Cigar Sessions Chapter 1 including where and when fans can meet the cigar blenders for special tastings and events. 

ABOUT PENELOPE BOURBON

Founded in 2018, Penelope Bourbon has become one of the fastest-growing award-winning premium whiskey brands. We offer a range of uniquely blended and finished straight bourbon and whiskey expressions known for their smoothness and rich flavor, and premium handcrafted ready-to-serve cocktails. Our Penelope Core Series expressions have won more than 40 spirits industry awards including double platinum at the 2024 ASCOT Awards and double gold at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition for Barrel Strength. We continue to innovate within our Cooper Series, Limited Releases and Estate Collection to further establish our place among the top premium whiskey brands and prove that with passion, dedication, and love, anything is possible. For more information, visit PenelopeBourbon.com and follow on Facebook and Instagram.

ABOUT LUXCO

Founded in St. Louis in 1958 by the Lux family, Luxco is a leading producer, supplier, importer and bottler of beverage alcohol products with a mission to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of consumers, associates and business partners. Luxco operates as MGP Ingredients Inc. (Nasdaq: MGPI) Branded Spirits division since its acquisition in 2021. The company’s extensive and award-winning premium portfolio includes brands from four distilleries: Ross & Squibb Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, where Penelope and Remus bourbon are produced; Bardstown, Kentucky-based Lux Row Distillers, home of Rebel, Ezra Brooks, and Blood Oath bourbons; Lebanon, Kentucky-based Limestone Branch Distillery, maker of Yellowstone Bourbon; and Arandas, Mexico-based Destiladora Gonzalez Lux, producer of 100% agave tequilas including El Mayor and Exotico. For more information, visit Luxco.com.