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

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.

Remus Reserve Babe Ruth Reserve Bourbon 2025

Remus Bourbon brings back Babe Ruth Reserve

The 2025 edition pays homage to the Sultan of Swat with a new

medley of three mash bills, inspired by Babe’s legendary #3

ST. LOUIS (June 9, 2025) – The Bambino is taking a curtain call. Remus Bourbon, the award-winning whiskey inspired by the roaring spirit of Prohibition, is proud to announce the next chapter of its official partnership with the Babe Ruth Family – the ultra-limited 2025 Remus Babe Ruth Reserve. In tribute to the true legend from that era, a limited supply of 8,399 bottles, one for each of the Babe’s at-bats, will arrive at retail this month at a minimum suggested price of $149.99 per 750mL bottle.

“We’re honored to pay homage to one of baseball’s icons with our latest collector’s release of Remus Babe Ruth Reserve,” said Ian Stirsman, master distiller of Ross & Squibb Distillery. “Our 2025 edition is masterfully crafted and is sure to give baseball fans and high-rye bourbon lovers a unique and memorable way to celebrate America’s pastime and its most legendary player.”

The 2025 edition of Remus Babe Ruth Reserve features a medley of three high-rye bourbon mash bills – inspired by Ruth’s #3 – which include specially selected barrels distilled in 2016 and 2017, comprising 44% rye, 49% rye and 36% rye bourbons, respectively. The result underscores the expertise of the Ross & Squibb Distillery in distilling and blending rye bourbons. At 111 proof (55.5% ABV), the taste profile offers brown sugar, cinnamon and fig on the nose; hints of nutmeg and toasted marshmallow on the palate; and a warm finish of oak, leather and baking spices.  

“The estate of Babe Ruth is thrilled to once again collaborate with Ross & Squibb Distillery on the limited edition 2025 Remus Babe Ruth Reserve,” said Tom Stevens, grandson of Babe Ruth. “Babe Ruth is synonymous with excellence, and Remus upholds this standard with each uniquely presented bottle. We are confident that collectors and baseball fans alike will conclude that Remus hit another home run with this special release. Babe would be proud.”

The 2025 edition of Remus Babe Ruth Reserve is packaged in an ornate rectangular art deco-inspired glass bottle featuring an embossed baseball-diamond pattern and unique baseball bat knob wooden-cork closure. The front and back labels incorporate Ruth’s iconic signature, pinstripes, and elements of a baseball diamond. A QR code on the back label allows consumers to scan and find out what Ruth did in the game of their bottle’s at bat.  

To learn more about Remus Babe Ruth Reserve and the rest of the Remus portfolio, visit RemusBourbon.com.

If you pick up a bottle of this release, drop us a line. We would love to hear your thoughts!

UPDATE 07/01/2025:

We just received a media sample bottle of this expression and it is absolutely STUNNING! Golden amber color with very prominent Fig Newton cookies, cinnamon candy, nutmeg and vanilla on the nose. This tastes like grandma's kitchen and farm when you were growing up - cocoa powder, spice cabinet, saddle leather, and toasted bread. This finish goes and goes and goes...

ABV: 55.5% (111 proof)

Distillery: Ross & Squibb Distillery

Suggested retail price: $149.99

Drink The Bottles score: 93/100

 

Redwood Empire Grizzly Beast Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon

 

Yes, folks.  Exceptional whiskey and bourbon isn't exclusive to eastern Kentucky.  And Redwood Empire is testament to to proving that point.  They are disrupting the spirits industry with their distinctive offerings and philanthropic efforts.  As of this writing, the iconic brand with the eye-catching labels has planted nearly 1.8 million trees - one for every bottle of Redwood Empire whiskey sold.  That statistic is endearing and showcases the social responsibility that this team believes in, all while making whiskey that is enjoyed across the US and beyond.

Master Distiller Jeff Duckhorn and Master Blender Lauren Lauren Patz have spent most of their lives in the wine utopia of the world - Napa and Sonoma.  It only makes sense that the company calls this area its home and the duo is helping produce some world-class spirits.  Redwood Empire currently offers two bottled-in-bond bottes.  Today we are taking a look at the Redwood Empire Grizzly Beast Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon.

The distillery recently released Batch 4 of this bottle.  We are working off of a recently received sample of Batch 2, so there will likely be some differences, albeit small.  The 5 year, BiB release showcases a mash bill of 66% Corn, 23% Rye, 7% Wheat and 4% Malted Barley.   Although we try not to anticipate what a bottle will taste like, admittedly we were expecting this to be sweeter initially.  Great honey color with a nose of forest floor, sage, oak, and bits of leather.   After some time in the glass and additional swirling, ripe dark cherries made an appearance as well.  We love the mouth-coating feel of this one and it was the perfect introuduction to flavors that included cinnamon, tanned leather, sweet cherry tobacco and spice cabinet.  The finish lingered and held on to those flavors, also hinting at milk chocolate on the end.  

We tasted this neat at first but introduced a single ice cube which brought out that sweeter, fruitier side that we knew was hiding.  This is absolutely a solid pour and we know this is one that you will enjoy!

Check out our first thoughts in this YouTube short

ABV:  50.0% (100 proof)

Distillery:  Redwood Empire

Suggested retail price:  $89.99

Drink The Bottles score:  92/100

Penelope Havana Straight Bourbon Finished Whiskey

 

There's no doubt that we love trying new spirits.  But, lets face it, after awhile when you taste bottle after bottle, sometimes the true expression and spirit of the liquid can get lost in translation.  On the other hand, when soething like this bottle shows up at mail call, you immeditely take notice and can't wait to share it with every bourbon enthusiast you know.  And that's just what we did!

This is Penelope Havana Straight Bourbon Finished Whiskey (Batch 1), a 4 year bourbon finished for twelve months in Caribbean rum casks and then an additional finishing of one month in farm-sourced maple syrup barrels.  The outcome?  Deliciousness to the extreme!  The mash bill is 74% Corn, 7% Rye, 16% Wheat and 3% Malted Barley, creating a viscous golden-brown liquid that has aromas leaping from the glass.  Homemade oatmeal banana cookies, maple candy, and fresh-baked Amish friendship bread on the nose at first whiff.  This bottle takes you down so many twists and turns like the Cuban streets that share its namesake.  Light oak, pie crust, Wet Nuts ice cream topping and vanilla round out this sweet finish and we appropriately call this "dessert in a glass".  

Havana is the latest release in the Cooper Series of bottles released by Penelope.  The Cooper Series marries Penelope bourbon with unique finishing casks from around the world, creating uber-inviting and creating expressions that both enthusiasts and collectors seek.

Literally every person we have shared this bottle with (and that's been a LOT) have all concluded that this is one of the most unique pours they have tasted in a very long time.  Our biggest regret is not being able to find another bottle.  It's just simply wonderful and would pair with anything from chocolate covered strawberries to Rice Krispie treats to your favorite cigar.  Well done!

ABV:  46.5% (93 proof)

Distillery:  Ross & Squibb (MGP) 

Suggested retail price:  $79.99

Drink The Bottles score:  96/100

 

Seacrets Distiling Company Bourbon Whiskey

 

Ocean City, Maryland is a huge tourist town during the summer months and also the home of Seacrets Distilling Company.  Seacrets Distilling is the first distillery in Ocean City since Prohibition and it has become a destination spot for locals and out-of-towners alike.  The state-of-the-art distillery features antiques as part of the structure and features from 1933 (or earlier), which is the year when Prohibition ended.  They are currently producing handcrafted gin, vodkas, rums, whiskeys and today's selection, the Seacrets Distilling Company Bourbon Whiskey.

Every part of this bourbon is created in house - mash bill, fermentation and distillation.  The grains are locally sourced (MD and DE) and the mash bill of GMO-free corn, rye and barley helps create a uniquely flavored whiskey that is aged four years.  

The color is more harvest gold than your traditional amber and you immediately catch aromas of charred oak, grilling spices, dry wheat toast and earthy qualities.  The taste is a stark and pleasing contrast against the nose, presenting orange peel, maple candy, baking spices, leather and toffee.  The finish lingers for just a moment and you catch a hint of peppercorn and dried herbs on the back end.  We are going to try this in an Old Fashioned soon.  This bourbon is not overly sweet and would likely be a great marriage to the cocktail.

ABV:  45.0% (90 proof)

Distillery:  Seacrets Distilling Company

Suggested retail price:  $60.00

Drink The Bottles score:  90/100

 

Pine Bluffs Distilling Ryed Bourbon

Jeff here.  Mutt and I tag teamed the bottles we received from Pine Bluffs Distilling out of Pine Bluffs, Wyoming and we were super impressed by everything from the packaging, their website and of course, the whiskey.  Today I'm tasting and discussing Pine Bluffs Distilling Ryed Bourbon, a high corn mash bill that consists of corn (60%), rye (20%) and malt (20%).  

When Chad and Theresa Brown set out to build their dream in southeast Wyoming, the distillery was a pipe dream from the creation of home distilling.  The unassuming, state-of-the-art distillery "in the middle of nowhere" now supports the local community with everything from purchasing local grains to providing local jobs for people passionate about whiskey and other spirits.

The first thing I noticed about this Batch 11 Ryed Bourbon was the bottle.  If you've been around here long enough, you know how I feel about the importance of smart packaging from the top to the bottom and the front to the back.  The WYOMING FARM TO FLASK embossing, the weight of the bottle and the simple but effective label round out the package.  But enough about that.  Let's get into it.

You'll notice when you pour this into the glass that it is not necessary crystal clear.  Pine Bluffs Distilling does not chill filter their spirits, so you're are likely going to get that raw haziness that comes from leaving out that process.  Respectable.  Dark caramel color with a sweeter nose that encourages roasted corn, vegetable garden, honeysuckle and cinnamon aromas.  Incredibly smooth and full-bodied feel that coats the mouth with flavors that resemble the nose.  After a couple of sips I picked up additional flavors of herbs, pumpkin, roasted sweet potatoes and the finish.  If you're a lower proof fan or are just looking for something to sip neat, this bottle deserves your attention.  It's delicious!

Jeff's YouTube video review of Pine Bluffs Distilling Ryed Bourbon

ABV:  46.0 % (92 proof)

Distillery:  Pine Bluffs Distilling

Suggested retail price:  $45.00

Drink The Bottles score:  92/100

 

Town Branch Overproof Kentucky Straight Whiskey

 

Lexington Brewing & Distilling Company produces some of our favorite products from both the brewing and distilling sides of things.  Their bourbon barrel ale is an absolute game changer in the beer arena.  So far, every one of their whiskeys have resonated with us and our readers, and this one is no exception.  This is the Overproof Kentucky Straight Whiskey under the Town Branch label.  

This is a smart blend of four Kentucky straight whiskeys:  Bourbon Whiskey (70%), Wheated Bourbon Whiskey (10%), Double Oak Whiskey (10%) and Rye Whiskey (10%).  At just 10% Rye and the remaining liquid Bourbon, this is incredibly smooth and flavorful with a finish that is literally mouth-watering.  The mash bills on these whiskeys is:  Bourbon (72% corn, 15% rye, 13% barley), Wheated Bourbon (70% corn, 22% wheat, 8% barley), Double Oak (72% corn, 15% rye, 13% barley finsihes in 90% rye, 5% corn, 5% barley barrels) and Rye (90% rye, 5% corn, 5% barley).  The whiskey ages from four to eight years old.

Those are a lot of numbers to digest, so lets get to the important stuff.  What did we think?

Tasted from a small sample bottle (you can see that in the video below), we tasted this three ..... yes THREE times!  After filming, we finished this bottle because we kept finding new descriptors and the last tasting was after we let this sit in a Glencairn (neat) for about 45 minutes.  Initially we discovered cotton candy, sweet hard candy, fig Newtons and clove on the nose.  There was a nicely balanced proportion of sweetness up front that carried through to the chewy and savory flavors.  Golden raisin, flavored honey sticks, baking spice and pumpkin pie spice rounded out the layers palate-pleasing goodness.  Another bonus about this bottle?  It is an incredible value!

Check out our 3 minute YouTube video!

ABV:  52.0% (104 proof)

Distillery:  Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co.

Suggested retail price:  $39.99

Drink The Bottles score:  93/100

Row 94 Straight Bourbon Whiskey

It's no secret that sometimes celebrity-endorsed products don't work out.  The celebrity walks away with a sack of cash and the company behind the madness is stuck trying to convince consumers that the product is worth spending their hard-earned money.  Unfortunately, the result is often having an abundance of non-selling product sitting on shelves for months upon months.  That will NOT be the case here.  We tasted and thoroughly enjoyed Row 94 Straight Bourbon Whiskey, distilled by Green River Distilling Company and endorsed by country and bluegrass superstar Dierks Bentley.  The name comes from Nashville's Music Row and the year that Bentley fell in love with country.  The Thunderbird logo represent his album Riser.

When we first popped this cork, we knew we were in for a ride.  Gold-orange in the glass, this bourbon is full of orange marmalade and sweet chocolate aromas.  In the mouth is a savory and bright candy bomb, framed by chocolate covered orange cookies, Italian sweet chocolate, Biscoff cookie butter, island fruits and toffee.  The mash bill is 70% Kentucky grown corn, 21% rye and 9% malted and row barley.  We are huge fans of Green River Distilling, so we had a sneaky suspicion we were going to be instant fans of this bourbon.  And we are.  And you will be too. 

Gimmick?  Hardly.  Flavorful and worth the price?  No doubt.  Will Bentley and Green River produce additional expressions?  Time will tell.  But, if they do, we will be first in line to try them!

Check out our YouTube review of Row 94!

ABV:  47.0% (94 proof)

Distillery:  Green River Distilling Company

Suggested retail price:  $49.99

Drink The Bottles score:  91/100

 

Spirit Hound Distillers Colorado Bourbon Whiskey

 

Due north of Boulder, Colorado sits a small town of about 2200 residents and an unsuspecting distillery, born out of the reamins of and old motorcycle repair shop.  Head distiller and co-founder CraigEngelhorn (aka Hair of the Dog) had a dream to take his home-brewed beer hobby to the next level.  With the help of some like-minded friends, Spirit Hound Distillers was born.

Today we're tasting two expressions from Spirit Hound.  The first up is the Barrel Project Bourbon, a single barrel bourbon finished in Amercan single malt whiskey barrels.  We should first start by pointing out that every time SHD (Spirit Hound Distillers) refers to WHISKEY, the use the alternative, sans "e".  We don't.  We are "E" people through and through.  But we all have the same love for the stuff in the bottle.

This is a really nice lower entry proof bourbon that is as laid back as a Coloradan on a holiday weekend.  Light to medium brown, full of buttery maple syrup and vanilla bean on the nose.  It's very inviting!  Cherries, strawberry, eucalyptus and baked sweet potatoes play nice with each other mid palate, leading to a mild peppery finish that you won't soon forget.  This isn't just a win for SHD or Colorado, but for the whiskey community as a whole.  

ABV:  43.0% (86 proof)

Distillery:  Spirit Hound Distillers

Suggested retail price:  $67.99

Drink The Bottles score:  91/100

Now this is the epitome of Colorado, at least to us.  This limited-release is a straight malt whiskey finished in Kentucky Breakfast Stout (KBS) barrels from Founders Brewing of Grand Rapids, Michigan.  Despite its lighter color, this whiskey shows off some deep aromas of country road, chocolate and vanilla.  On the palate is quite the pleasant surprise with vanilla, mocha bits, very milk oak, charred mixed nuts and cardimom.  The finish throws some heat your way to make sure you're paying attention.  Don't let the proof fool you.  This bottle is one to take note of and one that probably won't last long at your home bar!

ABV:  45.0% (90 proof)

Distillery:  Spirit Hound Distillers

Suggested retail price:  $71.99

Drink The Bottles score:  89/100

Lux Row Small Batch Rye PX Sherry Cask Finish

 

Our friends at Lux Row Distillers have another hit on their hands!  This new, limited-release bottle is their Small Batch Rye finished in PX Sherry Casks.  For finished whiskey lovers, this is one you'll want to seek out.  For straight rye fans, this one will appeal to you as well.  So many distilleries are finishing whiskey in about every type of previously-used spirits container you can think of, and Lux Row has this talent fine-tuned.

Tasted from sample, this is brown sugar in color.  On the nose is a sweeter fruity note, fig pudding, hints of flower bouquet and grape.  We dug right into this one and found that the palate was not as sweet as we had anticipated or that was hinted from the nose.  Mutt got spice up front while Jeff took note of the espresso bean taste.  The spice tapered off quickly and suggested cinnamon stick, fig and roasted nuts (specifically cashews) on the back end.  This was literally mouth-watering.

While this is a limited release, it is available at the distillery and will be released in select markets in January 2025.   Check out our YouTube video review below.

ABV:  56.0% (112 proof)

Distillery:  Lux Row Distillers

Suggested retail price:  $59.99

Drink The Bottles score:  93/100

Remus Repeal Reserve Bourbon Series VIII

 

The newest batch of Remus Repeal Reserve is hitting shelves now and there's a lot to be excited about with this Series VIII release.  Master Distiller Ian Stirsman made some changes by blind tasting this and ultimately deciding on 101 proof and by also using a higher proportion of high rye recipe bourbon than in previous releases.  While some Remus Repeal Reserve releases have had more components in the final blend, the ten-to-seventeen year old aged bourbons really fire on all cylinders and have created a fantastic pour.

Series VIII is comprised of 9% 2007 bourbon (21% rye), 24% 2014 bourbon (21% rye) and 67% 2014 bourbon (36% rye).  The older bourbon definitely shows it hand in this expression, displaying aromas of cherry syrup, fine bound book leather, roasted nuts, vanilla and overly ripe plums.  It is mouth-watering and immediately eye-opening and it is reminiscent of your dad's bourbon that he purchased twenty years ago and occasionally sipped on when mom was away.

The initial taste offered elements of cherry cordial, light mocha beans, dried fruits, baking spice and light pepper.  Very silky on the palate and easy to approach for another sip..... and another.  It's sweet but stays in check by the pepper and oaky balance that rounds out the finish.  This is an fine example of the art of blending, tasting, testing and presenting the best effort of that work.  The Remus Repeal Reserve series has been increasingly popular over the years and this is a testament to why you need to try to find this for your home bar!

ABV:  50.5% (101 proof)

Distillery:  Ross & Squibb 

Suggested retail price:  $99.99

Drink The Bottles score:  93/100

Still Austin Whiskey Company - Cask Strength Bourbon and Rye Whiskeys

 

If you've been following the whiskey world for any period of time, you no doubt have heard the phrases "grain to glass" and "craft distillery".  For whiskey enthusiasts, these phrases have a cult-like following as many view the grain to glass designation as the best and only way to truly make whiskey and appreciate the craft involved, beginning to end.  While we know that not every distillery has the ability to make this their practice, we certainly appreciate keeping everything in-house when possible.  To us, it often improves the quality and overall production of the spirits.

Still Austin Whiskey Company was the brain child of recent retiree Cleveland Seals and he sought the help of his son Chris to explore the reality of whether or not to open a distillery.  The pair drew closer, spent a ton of time together, drank a lot of whiskey, had deep conversations and eventually arrived to the decision that the Texas hill country needed a distillery.. But not just any distillery.  They wanted to craft a product that was completely representative of the area, with local sourced grains and the ability to oversee what goes into every bottle from start to finish.  

We had the opportunity to explore two of Still Austin's cask strength offerings - their bourbon and their rye whiskey.  The bourbon has a minimum of a 2 year age statement while the rye isn't disclosed just yet.  For you whiskey snobs, you've probably already clicked off of this article after reading the previous sentence.  But if you were patient and openminded enough to stick around, let us just say this:  color.   Look at the color.  Do these bottles look like they've been sitting in char #3 barrels for only 2 years?  Nope.  That's the beauty of the hill country weather.  The fluctuations, going from one extreme to another, really give the barrels a work out and many people argue that the whiskey tends to age in half the time as many other parts of the country.  Let's take a look!

The Still Austin Cask Strength Bourbon Whiskey is an enchanting, pecan-colored whiskey featuring an eye-catching label of "The Musician", created by Austin artist Marc Burkhardt.  Burkhardt creates all of the original label which adds to the appeal.  The mash bill contains Texas grains consisting of white corn (70%), rye (25%) and malted barley (5%).  First aromas feel like we are in grandma's kitchen as she whips up some homemade biscuits with fresh blackberry jam.  There's a lovely minty and sweetness that arrives after some time out of the bottle and in the glass.  On the palate we noticed reduced brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ripe stone fruits and mint.  The finish was very warm and the mint really came through.  Thoroughly impressed with this.  Still Austin's first bottle release of any spirit was in 2020 during the height of Covid.  We really hope they are keeping some barrels in storage as we would love to see what a 6, 8 or 10 year Still Austin would taste like (assuming the Angel's Share wouldn't grab all of the liquid!).

ABV:  59.0% (118 proof)

Distillery:  Still Austin Whiskey

Suggested retail price:  $60.00

Drink The Bottles score:  94/100

The Still Austin Cask Strength Rye Whiskey is an inviting hickory-colored and aromatic whiskey that is mouth-watering and beautiful.  Made from 100% Texas rye, this is a blend of the best-of-the-best rye barrels from Master Blender Nancy Fraley.  If you know the name, you know her work and there were not shortcuts here.  This is beautiful.  Berry pie, cinnamon and tropical fruits on the nose.  Mint, pencil shavings, lemon meringue, whip creeme and almond cookies with plenty of spice on the tongue.  There is a hint of mint and apricots on the very long and satisfying finish.  Rye fans, you'll want to get your hands on this!

ABV:  58.0% (116 proof)

Distillery:  Still Austin Whiskey

Suggested retail price:  $65.00

Drink The Bottles score:  93/100

2024 Yellowstone Limited Edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

 

Hold on to your hats for this one, folks!   This is the 2024 Yellowstone Limited Edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.  This creation is a blend of seven and seventeen year Kentucky bourbons from Master Distiller Stephen Beam and it is tracking to become one of our favorite limited-edition releases of the year!  

We visited this bottle on three separate occasions - a "pop and pour" (see video below), a more formal tasting the next day, and a re-visit about 10 days later - all neat and all from a Glencairn.  As we describe in the video link below, we know that most folks buy a bottle and then go home and immediately taste it right away.  We knew there was something very special about this bottle which is why we tasted it multiple times and the results were so varied and incredible.

Our first impression (remember, pop-and pour) was an inviting, dusty funkness that was reminiscent of a box of old baseball cards and a sweet cigar wrapper.  There was a sweetness to the aromas that carried over to the taste from begining to end.  Subsequents tastes brought stone fruits, rhubarb, cherry cola, brown sugar, maple candy, saddle leather and honey.   There is so much going on here.  We would love to gather a group of 10 folks to taste this and we honestly think those ten people would come up with over 100 taste descriptors for this bottle.  Presented with a reddish-amber color, this 101 proof stunner is dialed in, allowing for a mouth-coating and satisfying finish.  We used adjectives like "fantastic" and "phenomenal" for this bottle.  It's incredibly special!

Our initial thoughts via our YouTube channel

ABV:  50.5% ABV (101 proof)

Distillery:  Limestone Branch Distillery for Yellowstone Bourbon

Suggested retail price:  $99.99

Drink The Bottles score:  96/100