2019 Pope Valley Winery Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

 

Napa Valley has been on our mind a lot these days with the Pickett Fire still burning.  Although 90% contained, at this writing the fire has been burning about 2 weeks.  There has been much discussion and speculation already about grape taint from the smoke, as was the case for many wineries that experienced repurcussions from the 2020 Glass Fire.  Fingers crossed for all!

The 2019 Pope Valley Winery Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is a nearly textbook example of what we are looking for in a Napa Valley Cab.  Dark blackberry color in the glass, this wine has lifting aromas of blue and red raspberries, star anise, beef steak tomato and hints of blackcurrant.  This expression is unctuous, providing a lush and mouth-coating experience from beginning to end.  More dark fruits, freshly sawn timber, wisps of vanilla curd, dry earth, dried herbs and leather.

This wine is another example of the talents of winemaker Michael Coode and a nod to Napa Valley.  The Reserve Cabernet is absolutely delicious and will drink remarkably well for another 15-20 years.

ABV:  15.1%

Napa Valley AVA

Winery:  Pope Valley Winery

Suggested retail price:  $92.00

Drink The Bottles score:  94/100

 

Hooten Young Bottled In Bond Bourbon

 

Norm Hooten, US Army MSG (Ret) is a co-founder of the Hooten Young Whiskey brand.  He is a real-life hero who not only spent time on the battle lines but also in the battle of the opioid crisis as a pharmacist for the Department of Veterans Affairs.  They take patriotism very seriously, committing to support non-profit organizations for veterans and the military.

Like many iconic brands, this one started with a dicussiopn and a "what if" dream by a fire.  As whiskey and cigar enthusiasts, Hooten and his small team knew what they wanted to do and where they wanted to go.  And so eventually the Hooten Young brand was born and they are building a legacy to last a lifetime.

This is the second expression from Hooten Young that we have had the pleasure of tasting.  This is their Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon.  We have long been fans of BiB bourbon, partly because of the specific guidelines imposed by Uncle Sam that allow a distillery to bestow the Bottled-in-Bond label.  

We tasted this neat and it quickly put a smile on our faces.  Subtly sweet from beginning to end, the chestnut colored whiskey provided us with apple spice cake, toffee, peppercorn and hints of eucalyptus on the nose.   First sips introduced us to layers of caramel, brown sugar and cinnamon toast, allspice, white pepper and baked earth.  While we don't smoke, the folks at HY recommend pairing this with one of their Ma Deuce Cigars and sipping this slowly with friends.  We think that's a fine idea.

You can use code DRINKTHEBOTTLES at checkout for free shipping from their website!

ABV:  50.0% (100 proof)

Distillery:  MGP Ingredients for Hooten Young

Suggested retail price:  $41.99

Drink The Bottles score:  92/100

Penelope Bourbon 2025 Estate Collection Lineup

Penelope Bourbon introduces the 2025 Estate Collection

Highly anticipated collection showcases higher age statements, new innovation and increased allocations across each release

St. Louis (August 21, 2025) - Award-winning Penelope Bourbon announced its 2025 Estate Collection - a bold array of five distinct expressions with minimum age statements of 10 years - for fans of premium and ultra-premium straight bourbon whiskey.  The expanded collection includes a reimagined Founders Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, the introduction of new Omega Straight Bourbon Whiskey finished in Omega French Oak barrels, and the award-winning Single Barrel and Private Selection bourbons.  

This release includes:

Penelope Founders Reserve 13 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon - MSRP $199.99

Cask strength 121.4 proof (60.7% ABV) with a mash bill of 78% corn, 10% rye and 12 % malted barley.

Penelope Omega 11 Year Straight Bourbon Whiskey - MSRP $129.99

109.8 proof (54.9% ABV) with a mash bill of 78% corn, 10% rye and 12% malted barley.

Penelope Single Barrel 10 Year Bourbon - MSRP $89.99

This 99 proof (49.5% ABV) has a mash bill of 75% corn, 21% rye and 4% malted barley.

Penelope Private Stock 10 Year Bourbon - MSRP $79.99

106.8 proof (53.4% ABV) offering has a mash bill of 74% corn, 20% rye, 1% wheat and 5% malted barley.

If we receive samples of these we will provide full reviews!

 

Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Heritage Barrel Tennessee Whiskey

Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Heritage Barrel Tennessee Whiskey

The new year-round offering, crafted with the help of a slow-toasting barrel technique, becomes a permanent extension to the Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel family of whiskeys 

Lynchburg, Tennessee (August 21, 2025) – The Jack Daniel Distillery today announced Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Heritage Barrel Tennessee Whiskey will now be offered year-round as part of the Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Collection. 

The permanent launch follows award-winning Heritage Barrel limited special releases in 2018 & 2019 that also utilized Jack Daniel’s distinct barrel toasting technique to create a unique and rich character. 

“The way our barrels are built and our ability to experiment are two of the most important parts of the Jack Daniel’s whiskey-making tradition,” said Chris Fletcher, Master Distiller at the Jack Daniel Distillery. “It was exciting for us to see what our Heritage Barrels produced with previous limited releases, and we’re thrilled to bring that same unforgettable flavor to more friends with this permanent offering.” 

To craft the expression, Jack Daniel’s classic Tennessee Whiskey mash bill of 80% corn, 12% malted barley, and 8% rye, is distilled and mellowed through 10 feet of sugar maple charcoal. Barrels are prepared with a high-toast, low-char toasting technique inspired by the earliest barrel-making traditions, creating a deeper, richer toasted layer before the barrel is charred. The whiskey then enters the Heritage Barrels at a lower proof of 100 and is matured in some of the highest-elevated barrel houses in Lynchburg, Tennessee. While each barrel will vary in age, all Single Barrel Heritage Barrels are matured for at least seven years. 

Offered at 100 proof (50% abv), Single Barrel Heritage Barrel has a soft oak nose, warm notes of honey and candied fruit across the palate, and a lingering finish of brown sugar. 

Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Heritage Barrel Tennessee Whiskey is available now nationwide in the U.S. in 750 mL bottles with a suggested retail price of $69.99. An international rollout will follow in the coming months.

 

 

 

Penelope Bourbon Debuts Ready-to-Pour Black Walnut Old Fashioned

Penelope Bourbon extends its line of award-winning ready-to-pour offerings with Black Walnut Old Fashioned

Latest release in the red-hot segment expands Penelope’s range of convenient and high-quality bottled cocktail offerings

ST. LOUIS (Aug. 6, 2025) - On the heels of its successful debut in the ready-to-pour market with its first-ever bottled cocktail, Peach Old Fashioned, Penelope Bourbon released its second award-winning handcrafted cocktail innovation - Black Walnut Old Fashioned. Perfect for summer occasions from backyard soirees to casual moments at home, Black Walnut Old Fashioned is Penelope's latest modern take on the favorite classic cocktail.

Penelope doubles its footprint in the robust ready-to-pour market with the addition of Black Walnut Old Fashioned. This premium bottled cocktail is crafted with Penelope Bourbon's signature commitment to quality and craftmanship. Black Walnut Old Fashioned features hand selected award-winning Penelope straight bourbon and rye whiskey blended with black walnut bitters and vanilla demerara, a rich and flavorful raw sugar with light traces of molasses for a warm caramel flavor. The result is an expertly crafted cocktail made for effortless enjoyment.

Bottled at 76 proof (38% ABV), Penelope Black Walnut Old Fashioned is available nationwide starting in August for a minimum suggested retail price of $29.99. The new variety is presented in Penelope's distinctive white matte 750mL ready-to-pour cocktail bottle with deep, rich walnut-colored bottle lettering.

"The ready-to-pour market is exciting territory for us, and we're innovating again with Black Walnut Old Fashioned - our latest unique take on the classic cocktail," said Michael Paladini, Penelope Bourbon founder and vice president of strategy for MGP Ingredients.

Penelope's latest unique take on the classic Old Fashioned opens with an aroma of warm vanilla, with hints of maple, allspice and cocoa. Tasting notes include fresh brown sugar followed by light allspice, cinnamon and vanilla on the palate with a finish of velvety toffee, hints of nut and lingering caramel.

"Black Walnut Old Fashioned is a great variation of the Old Fashioned that we love. Using our bourbon and rye blend as the foundation for this release creates an amazing base for a whiskey forward cocktail," said Danny Polise, founder and master blender of Penelope Bourbon. "We hope all will enjoy how easy it can be to experience a delicious Penelope cocktail."

Both Black Walnut Old Fashioned and Peach Old Fashioned recently earned platinum medals in the Pre-Mixed Cocktail category at the 2025 ASCOT Awards.

2022 Barnett Vineyards Sangiacomo Vineyard Carneros Chardonnay

 

Having been together for twenty years, there is nothing we enjoy much more than a good love story.  And that is exactly what we found as we dug into the history behind this and every other bottle of wine from Barnett Vineyards.  Proprietors Fiona and Hal Barnett fell in love - not only with each other - but also with Napa Valley in the early 1980's.  They did what most wine enthusiasts only dream about.  They bought what would eventually become 40 acres of prime grape-growing land up on Spring Mountain.  Five years later, the first yield of Spring Mountain Cabernet was born.  And the rest, as they say, his history!

The 2022 Barnett Vineyards Sangiacomo Vineyard Carneros Chardonnay is a stand out wine in a year that produced lovely Chardonnay overall, despite some challenging heatwaves.  This wine produced 62 barrels and was aged Sur Lee in 20% new French Oak and 80% used, using barrel fermentation and natural malo-lactic fermentation.  Knowing exactly when to harvest your grapes during heat spikes and then treating those clusters with kid gloves results in carefully crafted, delicious Chardonnay, which is exactly what we have here.

Lovely metallic gold color to the edge of the glass.  Pome fruits are dominant with the addition of orange blossom, gardenia, and tropical rains.  It is absolutely mouth-watering at first smell and we tasted this one at about 68° rather than chilled so we could discover the layers of flavor.  Tasting white wines at room temperature has historically provided us with more insight and appreciation of the full picture painted in each bottle.  Peach, nectarine, crème brûlée and framing minerality dance beautifully together, creating a supple and memorable wine with each taste.  All Chardonnay should be this tasty and have the aging potential this one exhibits!

ABV:  14.6%

Carneros AVA - California

Winery:  Barnett Vineyards

Suggested retail price:  $48.00

Drink The Bottles score:  93+/100

Yellowstone Bourbon Ready-to-Serve Canned Cocktails

 

 Yellowstone Bourbon Launches Ready-to-Serve Cocktails

The New Collection of Premium Cocktails Offers Three Distinct Bourbon-Based Expressions That Blend the Brand’s 150-Year Heritage With Convenience and Sustainability

ST. LOUIS, (August 5, 2025) - Today, Yellowstone Bourbon, the historic bourbon brand known for its rich Kentucky heritage, announced the launch of Yellowstone Cocktails, a new offering of premium ready-to-serve cocktails. Made with award-winning Yellowstone Kentucky Straight Bourbon and all-natural ingredients, Yellowstone Cocktails feature modern flavors to meet the needs and tastes of today’s whiskey-drinkers, and cater to the increased demand of consumers looking for convenient, high-quality and spirits-based ready-to-serve options. 

Yellowstone Cocktails offer a versatile and elevated drinking experience rooted in 150 years of bourbon expertise. Dating back to 1872 when it was first distilled by Joseph Dant as a tribute to America’s first national park, Yellowstone Bourbon has become known for its smooth, high-quality whiskey while embracing innovation in making premium small-batch bourbons. Crafted under the supervision of Stephen Beam, seventh-generation Master Distiller at Limestone Branch Distillery, home of Yellowstone Bourbon, Yellowstone Cocktails are designed for those who appreciate and expect quality with ease. 

“We created Yellowstone Cocktails to bring the rich character of our bourbon into flavorful, ready-to-serve formats that fit into the on-the-go lifestyle of today’s consumer,” said Beam. “Each expression is designed to highlight the depth and versatility of our whiskey, and offers an effortless way to enjoy a quality cocktail wherever the moment takes you.”

Every bottle delivers a bold, bourbon-forward taste in a convenient, shareable 750mL format, equivalent to six standard cocktails. The lineup of Yellowstone Cocktails includes:

• Gold Rush: A rush of fig honey, and lemon—this cocktail combines classic flavors with a fresh, modern twist. The sweetness of fig honey is balanced by the brightness of fresh lemon, offering a sophisticated yet contemporary experience. (ABV 25%, SRP $24.99)

• Old Fashioned: The Old Fashioned combines blood orange, bitters, and cherry for a refreshing take on a classic. The bright tang of blood orange adds a lively contrast to the bitters, while the rich cherry finish brings a touch of sweetness and depth. (ABV 35%, SRP $24.99)

• Espresso: A perfect kick of coffee, vanilla, and raisin, this bourbon-based, ready-to-serve espresso drink combines the rich, robust flavor of espresso with the smoothness of bourbon, creating a bold, indulgent treat for coffee lovers. The warmth of vanilla and raisin add depth and complexity to every sip. (ABV 25%, SRP $24.99)

True to Yellowstone Bourbon’s values, the cocktails were crafted with the intention to be enjoyed in moments outside - whether that be in a national park or in your local city park - and with sustainability at heart. Each lightweight, spill-proof bottle is made using clean energy and packaged in fully recyclable materials, allowing drinkers to savor the great outdoors while helping to preserve it. Since 2018, Yellowstone Bourbon has partnered with the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) in a shared mission to protect our nation’s public lands. Over the past seven years, the brand has donated $1,000,000 to help preserve national parks and inspire the next generation of park advocates.

"As a company, we are proud of our ongoing commitment to sustainability and our partnership with the NPCA,” added Beam. "We believe in protecting the lands that inspired our brand, and with the launch of Yellowstone Cocktails, we aim to continue that commitment by offering a product that allows people to enjoy our bourbon in a convenient and eco-conscious way.”

Yellowstone Cocktails will be rolling out on shelves at select retailers nationwide and will be available online, at a suggested retail price of $24.99.

We can't wait to get our hands on these and share our thoughts with you!

Rebel 10 Year Single Barrel Bourbon

We were very fortunate to taste this latest release from a 100mL sample bottle. Historically, media samples that are less than a full size bottle can be much different in taste, but not always. This selection didn't list the barrel number, but we couldn't wait to dig in! The mash bill is 68% corn, 20% wheat and 12% malt.

Carmelized sugar color with dominant citrus aromas that were tangy and bright. Some time in the glass and additional swirling brought cinnamon, nutmeg and oak to the nose. Full of flavor, this rugged specimen showed us citrus fruit basket, sweet vanilla pudding, cashew nut and spice cabinet, leading to a very memorable and solid finish.

Rebel Bourbon produces about six different varieties currently, and to date, they have all been super solid in our opinion. This is another feather in the cap for Master Distiller John Rempe and a nod to the consistently quality whiskey that Rebel continues to bring to market. Well done!

On a side note, this bourbon has won some very impressive industry awards recently, including:

• Double Platinum at the 2025 ASCOT Awards
• Double Gold at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition
• Double Gold and Consumer's Choice at the SIP Awards
• Gold and Single Barrel American Whiskey of the Year at the 2025 Bartender Spirits Awards

There were 2,600 cases (6 bottles each) produced of this limited edition whiskey!

 

ABV:  50.0% (100 proof)

Distillery:  Lux Row Distillers

Suggested retail price:  $99.99

Drink The Bottles score:  94/100

Augusta Distillery Buckner's Single Barrel 13 Year Bourbon

Every so often, when the timing is right and the aging process is exactly where they want it to be, Augusta Distillery releases their Buckner's Single Barrel 13 Year Bourbon.  There are two things you should know about this bourbon; it is delicious and it always sells out - quickly!  The bottle we are tasting today has a "bonus" to it if are a proof hound, because this one is just a tick away from being considered a hazmat bottle.  Let's get into it...

Reddish brown with streaks of burgundy throughout the bottle and Glencairn.  The packaging is eye-catching (yes folks, that matters) and this is one of those bottles that makes your heart skip a half of a beat when you see it in the wild.  

The nose gives vibes of an old dusty bookstore, damp country road, grilling spices and buttercream frosting.  Tasted neat, we uncovered flavors of roasted nuts, cigar smoke, pecan pie filling and a peppery goodness.  Underlying interests of homemade vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce swirled around before coming to an extremely long and lingering finish that the proof chasers will appreciate.

For reference, this was bottle #10 from barrel #420.  Don't let the price tag deter you.  This is a very special bottle and again, it is a SINGLE barrel.  There are other producers selling you 13 year, twenty-plus barrel blends for the same or higher prices.  You don't want to sit on this one.  Find it ...... NOW!

ABV:  69.75% (139.5 proof)

Distillery:  Augusta Distillery

Suggested retail price:  $229.99

Drink The Bottles score:  94/100

 

First West Toasted Oak Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

 

We have long been fans of what Rick and Ricky Johnson are doing over at 15 Stars Bourbon.  They have always focused on rich, exciting flavors and their blending is second to none.  There has never been a release that we have tasted where we weren't instant fans.  So, when we found out that they were releasing a new label - First West - that included some of their own distillate in the blend, we jumped at the opportunity to give this some attention.

This is the First West Toasted Oak Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a blend of 5, 6, and 7 year old bourbons, which is really impressive for a first-release label.  The Johnsons have included some of their bourbon that they personally crafted from their proprietary red, white and blue corns, making this, at least for us, a much-anticipated and welcome new phase of their business.

We were immediately impressed by the packaging of this bourbon.  The initial releases in the First West series also include a Small Batch Bourbon and and Extra Aged Bourbon, all bottled in historic-era (recycled) blue glass, creating a more authentic approach to the Old West and the early days of distilled spirits.

This bourbon was a lot of fun to try and figure out.  It kept evolving with more air time in the glass.  Initially we discovered stone fruits, peppercorn, and banana bread, eventually leading to vanillas bean and cherry.  A drop of water really changes things!  The hard cherry candy flavor persisted from beginning to end, bringing along soft caramel chews, fruit basket and dried earth.  While the finish wasn't particularly long, it was very pleasing with the cherry candy, sweet tobacco, and ripe fruits with an oaky backbone.  The proof makes this a very easy drinker and we can't wait to get our hands on the other expressions in this series.

ABV:  49.0% (98 proof)

Distillery:  15 Stars Bourbon

Suggested retail price:  $69.99

Drink The Bottles score:  92/100

New Weller Ultra-Aged Whiskey Expressions from Buffalo Trace Distillery

 

Frankfort, KY (July 25, 2025) - Buffalo Trace Distillery is thrilled to announce two super-premium wheat whiskey innovations from the Original Wheated Bourbon brand, including the second edition of Weller Millennium, comprising a new blend of ultra-aged wheat whiskeys; and Weller 18 Year Old, the brand's oldest age statement to date.  Meticulously crafted to push the boundaries of maturation and blending, these releases boldly demonstrate the exceptional aging potential and versatility of wheat in American whiskey production.

Produced at The World's Most Award-Winning Distillery, both innovations celebrate the original wheated bourbon reciped pioneered by William Larue Weller in 1847.  At a time when rye and corn dominated the market, Weller's use of the more delicate wheat grain - primarily a food crop - resulted in a smoother, sweeter whiskey that set his whiskeys apart.  These latest expressions honor Weller's legacy of innovation as Buffalo Trace Distillery continues its ongoing exploration of wheat in pursuit of crafting the world's best whiskey.

Weller Millennium #2:  Following the inaugural Weller Millennium released in May 2024, the second edition presents a newly-crafted blend of vintage straight wheated bourbon and wheat whiskeys.  Consistent with its predecessor, each component was distilled at Buffalo Trace Distillery in 2001, 2003, and 2006 and set aside for the sole purpose of creating this extraordinary blend in tribute of one of its forebearers, W.L. Weller.  By thoughtfully blending these individually distinct whiskeys, the resulting spirit attains a depth and complexity that transcends the sum of its parts.

"Weller Millennium was crafted to feature some of the first whiskeys distilled in the new millennium amid a period of transformation at Buffalo Trace Distillery.  This second edition takes last year's release a step further, with a new blend that we humbly believe is an improvement over the well-regarded first edition," said Andrew Duncan, Global Brand Director, Buffalo Trace Distillery.  "By carefully selecting and blending barrels dating back to the early 2000's, we have revisited a chapter in the distillery's history that shaped who we are today."

The second edition of Weller Millennium offers a balance of dark cherry, rich butterscotch and warm vanilla that unfolds over layers of well-aged oak.  The finish is bold and enduring, culimating in an oak-forward crescendo that leaves a lasting impression.  Suggested retail price is $7,500 for the 750ml hand-crafted crystal decanter.

Weller 18 Year Old:  As the oldest age stated whiskey in the Weller portfolio, Weller 18 Year Old brings exceptional grace and depth as an ultra-aged, 90 proof wheat whiskey.  This new release stands as a testament to the distillery's dedication to innovation, demonstrating that Kentucky-aged whiskey can mature beautifully well beyond more commonly seen age statements.

"Weller 18 Year Old is the culmination of curiosity, tradition and time," said Harley Wheatley, Master Distillery, Buffalo Trace Distillery.  "The softness of the wheat has evolved into something rich and wonderfully expressive.  We are extremely proud of the resulting whiskey, which showcases the versatility and potential of a wheat-forward mashbill."

On the nose, the whiskey reveals notes of delicately aged fruits and tobacco.  The palate offers a harmonious balance of warm baking spices and crisp green pear, delivering depth without overwhelming, and leads to a lasting finish.

This 700ml handrafted crystal decanter carries a suggested retail price of $499 and will be available via Global Travel Retail at airports including LAX, JFK adn LHR.