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North American Whiskey
Reviews for 2019

November 2019 - North American Whiskey

November 2019 - North American Whiskey
This month's Spirits feature is North American Whiskey

North American Whiskey Reviews

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Three Chord Amplify Rye Whiskey
93 points
$49.99
Three Chord
Amplify Rye Whiskey
Golden amber color. Aromas and flavors of rye crisps, baked apricot, nutmeg, fresh dill, and sage with a satiny, crisp, fruity medium body and a sleek, compelling, medium-long finish. A smooth, well-integrated rye with both spicy and delicate flavors that delight the senses; practically cognac-like.
93 points $49.99
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Date Tasted:
OYO Double Cask Collection Oloroso Wheat Whiskey
93 points
$74.36
OYO
Double Cask Collection Oloroso Wheat Whiskey
Golden amber color. Aromas of toasted marshmallow, mixed fruit tart, marzipan, honeyed melon, and biscuit with a slightly chewy, crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a seamless, appealing, medium-length cream of wheat, spumoni, salted almonds, sultanas, and peppery gingerbread finish. A bright and balanced melange of fruity notes blend with caramel-y oak and pure grain flavors; a tasty whiskey that will appeal to fans of all North American Whiskey styles.
93 points $74.36
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Date Tasted:
WELLER Special Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
92 points
$24.99
WELLER
Special Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Golden amber color. Aromas of black tea, caramel, clove, sweet tobacco, and sliced bananas with a satiny, crisp, dry medium body and a warming, complex, long roasted pecans, brown sugar crumble, and toast finish. A satisfying bourbon that offers a spicy entry swiftly followed by a rich and nutty center.
92 points $24.99
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Date Tasted:
1792 Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
92 points
$29.99
1792
Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Amber color. Aromas and flavors of roasted cashew, banana chips, dark chocolate, and caramel with a satiny, crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a refreshing, medium-long finish. A nutty, fruity, satisfying whiskey with lots of easy-to-love character.
92 points $29.99
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Date Tasted:
Middle West Straight Wheat Whiskey
92 points
$42.18
Middle West
Straight Wheat Whiskey
Amber color. Aromas and flavors of sweet brandied cherry, vanilla bean, coconut cookies, creamy caramel, and autumn leaves with a satiny, vibrant, dry medium-to-full body and a smooth, complex, long finish that exhibits accents of nutmeg, egg custard tart, flaky baklava, and milk chocolate finish. A mature, stately wheat whiskey that will be well-appreciated by bourbon connoisseurs.
92 points $42.18
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Date Tasted:
Boulder American Single Malt Whiskey - American Oak
92 points
$58
Boulder
American Single Malt Whiskey - American Oak
Golden amber color. Aromas and flavors of creamy caramel, roasted peanuts, ripe raspberry, grilled meats, and sliced bananas with a round, crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a seamless, complex, medium-long finish that presents shades of herb focaccia, buttered crepes, whipped cream with nutmeg, and ganache finish. A tasty, complex American single malt with a lengthy finish that unveils new flavors with each sip.
92 points $58
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Date Tasted:
Oregon Spirit Distillers Straight Rye Whiskey
92 points
$60
Oregon Spirit Distillers
Straight Rye Whiskey
Amber color. Aromas of dense rye bread, herb butter, honey, stewed fruits, and cinnamon with a round, vibrant, dry medium-to-full body and a graceful, distinctive, long sunflower seeds, candied orange peel, and parsley finish. A dense, super-flavorful rye whiskey that offers great purity of grain flavors surrounded by skillfully executed oak flavors; drink this.
92 points $60
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Date Tasted:
Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey
91 points
$26.99
Sazerac
Straight Rye Whiskey
Amber color. Aromas of gingery spice cake, chocolate buttercream, honey roasted macadamia, leather, and polished wood with a silky, vibrant, dryish medium body and a graceful, intricate, medium-long toasted marshmallow, dried cherry, rye toast, and dried herbs finish. A rock-solid rye whiskey that nails the style; a benchmark.
91 points $26.99
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Date Tasted:
Great Lakes Distillery Still & Oak Straight Rye Whiskey
91 points
$40
Great Lakes Distillery
Still & Oak Straight Rye Whiskey
Golden amber color. Aromas and flavors of rye toast, candied yams, gingerbread, caraway, and tarragon with a satiny, vibrant, fruity medium body and a peppery, complex, long finish with notes of caramel, dark chocolate, rosemary, and peanut butter finish. An herbaceous, rye-lover’s rye that boldly expresses the grain; mature and tasty.
91 points $40
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Date Tasted:
Boulder American Single Malt Whiskey - Port Cask
91 points
$58
Boulder
American Single Malt Whiskey - Port Cask
Dark amber color. Baked aromas and flavors of digestive biscuits with honey, flan, rum-raisin, chocolate-covered almonds, and nougat with a round, crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a hot, elegant, medium-long finish conveying nuances of mango coulis, toasted barley, dried banana, and watercress finish. A rich and toothsome single malt that hits every note.
91 points $58
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Date Tasted:
Putnam New England New England Whiskey
91 points
$69.99
Putnam New England
New England Whiskey
Dark copper color. Aromas of fresh baked croissant, pumpernickel, and chestnut with a round, vibrant, fruity medium-full body and a tingling, complex, very long cherry preserves, grilled pear, herb butter, toasted marshmallow, saddle soap, chocolate-hazelnut spread, and fresh mint finish. A spectacularly complex and dense American Single Malt Whiskey that offers incredibly well-integrated flavors and a deliciously satisfying finish; buy this.
91 points $69.99
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Date Tasted:
Virginia Black Whiskey
90 points
$39.99
Virginia Black
Whiskey
Golden amber color. Aromas of brandied cherries, creme Anglaise, chocolate-covered caramels, and banana bread with a slightly chewy, crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a graceful, medium-length toffee popcorn and spanish peanuts finish. A rock-solid American whiskey that’s a pleasure to sip and will play very well in bourbon cocktails; over-delivers for its category.
90 points $39.99
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Date Tasted:
Boulder American Single Malt Whiskey - Peated
90 points
$58
Boulder
American Single Malt Whiskey - Peated
Dark amber color. Aromas of smoked apricot, autumn leaves, honeycomb, chocolate malt balls, and apple pie with a slightly chewy, vibrant, dryish medium-to-full body and a peppery, interesting, medium-long caramel, spiced pumpkin, and cinnamon toast finish. A lightly peated, fruity and complex single malt whiskey that is sure to please.
90 points $58
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Date Tasted:
OYO Double Cask Collection OYO Sherry-Finished Bourbon Whiskey
90 points
$65.06
OYO
Double Cask Collection OYO Sherry-Finished Bourbon Whiskey
Amber color. Aromas and flavors of rich caramel, honey-drizzled apple, toasted nuts, dark chocolate, rose petal, and fine furniture with a satiny, bright, dry medium-to-full body and a warming, complex, medium-long finish. A robust and chewy whiskey with well-developed aromatics that jump from the glass.
90 points $65.06
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Date Tasted:
Middle West Dark Pumpernickel Straight Rye Whiskey
89 points
$42.14
Middle West
Dark Pumpernickel Straight Rye Whiskey
Amber color. Aromas and flavors of ground cinnamon, vanilla candle, rye seed, ginger, sandalwood, and chai latte with a supple, crisp, dry light-to-medium body and a tingling, medium-to-long finish that shows notes of carob cookie finish. A youthful rye that will play well in a wide variety of cocktails.
89 points $42.14
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Date Tasted:
Middle West Wheated Straight Bourbon Whiskey
89 points
$42.18
Middle West
Wheated Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Amber color. Woody aromas of pine, cedar plank, and dried leaves with a chewy, crisp, dry medium-to-full body and a medium-length caramel corn and carob finish. A woody, chewy craft bourbon with a well-rounded finish.
89 points $42.18
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Date Tasted:
Three Chord Twelve Bar Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey
89 points
$74.99
Three Chord
Twelve Bar Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Amber color. Aromas of instant cocoa, nut brittle, crayons, and dried cherry with a supple, crisp, dry medium body and a silky, brisk candy corn, caramel topping and persimmon pudding finish. A distinctive bourbon for cocktails.
89 points $74.99
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Date Tasted:
Cedar Ridge Iowa Bourbon Whiskey
88 points
$39
Cedar Ridge
Iowa Bourbon Whiskey
Amber color. Aromas of cinnamon scone, pecan praline, banana cake, licorice, and ripe fruit with a slightly chewy, crisp, dryish light-to-medium body and a peppery, amusing, medium-length french toast, maple, chewy caramel, and hint of espresso finish. A chewy and character-rich bourbon with an edge.
88 points $39
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Date Tasted:
Oregon Spirit Distillers Straight Bourbon Whiskey
88 points
$45
Oregon Spirit Distillers
Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Copper color. Herbal aromas of stone pine, brioche, rye toast, leather, and candied ginger with a satiny, crisp, dry medium-to-full body and a peppery, medium-length toffee, caramelized nuts, and cracked pepper finish. A spicy, potent bourbon best for creative herbal cocktails and those seeking a unique dram.
88 points $45
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Date Tasted:
Tire Fire Heavily Peated Whiskey Single Malt
88 points
$49.99
Tire Fire
Heavily Peated Whiskey Single Malt
Amber color. Aromas and flavors of iodine, soft pretzel, smoked seaweed, soft white bread, pear, and smoked meats with a satiny, crisp, dryish light-to-medium body and a warming, captivating, medium-length finish that shows touches of white chocolate, coriander, peppercorns, and ash finish. A successful peated American Single Malt with lots of flavors to unpack.
88 points $49.99
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Date Tasted:
Dad’s Hat Straight Rye Whisky
88 points
$54.99
Dad’s Hat
Straight Rye Whisky
Amber color. Aromas and flavors of pastry dough, chamomile tea, ripe apple, and baking spices with a chewy, crisp, dry medium body and a warming, brisk finish revealing notes of graham cracker and licorice finish. A youthful, dry and chewy rye for lovers of the style.
88 points $54.99
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Date Tasted:
Benchmark Old No. 8 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
87 points
$11.99
Best Buy
Benchmark
Old No. 8 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Golden amber color. Sweet aromas of sticky toffee pudding, candied pineapple, molasses cookie, and maraschino cherry with a satiny, crisp, dry-yet-fruity light body and a delightful, medium-length baking spices and vanilla finish. A fruity and welcoming whiskey that will be joy to mix in cocktails or sip neat.
87 points $11.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Bird Dog Praline Flavored Whiskey
87 points
$19.99
Bird Dog
Praline Flavored Whiskey
Amber color. Candied aromas and flavors of Irish cream, chocolate ganache, pecan praline, vanilla custard, and tapioca pudding with a glycerous, vibrant, very sweet medium-to-full body and a graceful, relaxed finish imparting suggestions of caramel corn finish. A very sweet, decadent flavored whiskey that won’t be turned down.
87 points $19.99
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Date Tasted:
OLD WILLIAMSBURG Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
87 points
$19.99
OLD WILLIAMSBURG
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Amber color. Aromas of spiced apple relish, roasted corn, and sultanas with a satiny, crisp, dry medium body and a smooth, delightful, medium-length toasted rye with apple butter, candied ginger, and caramel finish. A solid cocktailing bourbon that hits all the marks.
87 points $19.99
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Date Tasted:
FJW Solera-Style American Whiskey
87 points
$31
FJW
Solera-Style American Whiskey
Amber color. Nutty aromas and flavors of toffee-coated popcorn, candied peanuts, egg nog, and roasted apple with a slightly chewy, crisp, dry medium-to-full body and a smooth, medium-length finish with notes of smoked almonds and black tea finish. A smoky, nutty whiskey that will play well in a variety of winter-warmer style cocktails.
87 points $31
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Date Tasted:
Cathead Old Soul Blended Straight Bourbon Whiskey
87 points
$44.90
Cathead
Old Soul Blended Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Amber color. Aromas of cocoa powder, vanilla yogurt coated nuts, orange peel, and dry roasted peanuts with a satiny, crisp, dryish light-to-medium body and a tingling, appealing, medium-length toffee-coated popcorn and caraway finish. A solid bourbon that will work in a wide range of cocktails.
87 points $44.90
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Date Tasted:
Elk Rider Rye Whiskey
87 points
$45
Elk Rider
Rye Whiskey
Gold color. Aromas and flavors of cucumber-melon, rye crisps, and fennel with a supple, bright, dry-yet-fruity light body and a smooth, breezy finish with notes of alfajores, peppermint and violet finish. A green and herbaceous Rye whiskey for fresh, springtime whiskey cocktails.
87 points $45
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Date Tasted:
Canadian Club 1858 Canadian Whisky
86 points
$12.99
Best Buy
Canadian Club
1858 Canadian Whisky
Amber color. Aromas and flavors of dried fig, hint of vanilla, and caramelized nuts with a supple, bright, dry-yet-fruity light body and a hot, brisk finish. A mild and approachable Canadian whisky for all manner of mixed drinks.
86 points $12.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Three Chord Blended Bourbon Whiskey
86 points
$44.99
Three Chord
Blended Bourbon Whiskey
Golden amber color. Aromas of chess pie, pastry dough, brown sugar crumble, black tea, bay, and wheat crackers with a satiny, crisp, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a sleek, breezy baked peach and cinnamon finish. A toasty blended bourbon whiskey that offers plenty of fruity notes to cocktail play.
86 points $44.99
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Date Tasted:
Triple Crown North American Blended Whiskey
85 points
$17.99
Triple Crown
North American Blended Whiskey
Golden amber color. Aromas and flavors of brandied cherry, dried orange peel, baking spices, fresh herbs, and vanilla soft serve with a satiny, crisp, dryish light-to-medium body and a peppery, breezy finish. An easy drinking blended whiskey that will certainly ring familiar for bourbon drinkers.
85 points $17.99
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Date Tasted:
Cask House Bourbon Whiskey
85 points
$19.99
Cask House
Bourbon Whiskey
Golden amber color. Aromas of grilled corn, marzipan, chocolate wafer cookie, roasted aliums, and modeling clay with a satiny, crisp, dry-yet-fruity light body and a peppery, odd, easy caramelized root vegetables, balsamic glaze, and ground pepper finish. A distinctive take on Bourbon with a savory side that will make for interesting cocktail play; the rum agricole-lover’s bourbon.
85 points $19.99
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Date Tasted:
Creek Water Distilled from Bourbon Mash Whiskey
85 points
$25
Creek Water
Distilled from Bourbon Mash Whiskey
Golden amber color. Aromas and flavors of lemon curd, fresh herbs, and red apple with a round, crisp, dryish light-to-medium body and a tingling, breezy finish with notes of caramel, peanut butter chips, and flaky pastry finish. A creamy and slightly herbal whiskey for spring long drinks.
85 points $25
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Date Tasted:
Bespoken Spirits Distilled from Bourbon Mash Whiskey
85 points
$29.99
Bespoken Spirits
Distilled from Bourbon Mash Whiskey
Dark amber color. Woody aromas of cinnamon pastry, varnished wood, bay leaf, lanolin, and cacao nib with a slightly chewy, crisp, dryish medium-to-full body and a warming, engaging, medium-long chocolate coated caramel, black tea with cream, boston cream pie, and smoked pecan praline finish. A woody and herbal whiskey with a rich and creamy finish.
85 points $29.99
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Date Tasted:
Bearface Triple Oak Canadian Whisky
85 points
$39.99
Bearface
Triple Oak Canadian Whisky
Golden amber color. Aromas of vanilla candle, smoky leather, orange sherbet, and fruit punch with a satiny, crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a seamless, interesting, medium-length toasted brioche with caramel and cinnamon finish. A vanilla-laden, smoky Canadian whiskey with a great sense of richness.
85 points $39.99
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Date Tasted:
Basil Hayden Caribbean Reserve Rye Whiskey
85 points
$44.99
Basil Hayden
Caribbean Reserve Rye Whiskey
Dark copper color. Aromas of plump raisins, toasted brioche with a cinnamon swirl, dried apricots and figs, and dried banana with a silky, crisp, fruity medium body and a smooth, interesting, medium-length molasses, madeira cake, and gingerbread finish. A distinctive spirit with notes of dried fruit; a fun cocktail ingredient.
85 points $44.99
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Date Tasted:
Old Fourth Distillery Bottled in Bond Bourbon Whiskey
85 points
$47
Old Fourth Distillery
Bottled in Bond Bourbon Whiskey
Amber color. Aromas of cedar shavings, vanilla yogurt-covered nuts, caramel-bread pudding, and bay leaf with a satiny, crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a hot, medium-length dried cherry and apricot and ground cinnamon finish. A spicy, high octane bourbon to sip on the rocks.
85 points $47
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Date Tasted:
Treaty Oak Ghost Hill Bourbon Whiskey
85 points
$49.99
Treaty Oak
Ghost Hill Bourbon Whiskey
Golden amber color. Aromas and flavors of yeasty coffee cake, milk chocolate, honey, and woodshop with a silky, crisp, dry light-to-medium body and a smooth, brisk finish with nuances of Chistmas stollen finish. A mild and approachable bourbon with a pastry-like flavor profile that will work in a wide variety of cocktails; Irish whiskey drinkers need apply.
85 points $49.99
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Date Tasted:
Black Eagle Bourbon Whiskey
84 points
$14.99
Black Eagle
Bourbon Whiskey
Light gold color. Aromas of buttered corn and caramel drizzle with a soft, bright, dryish light body and a smooth, medium-length sweet corn fritter and frosted spice cake finish. A simple but classic Bourbon with a nice lingering finish that hits the spot.
84 points $14.99
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Date Tasted:
Bird Dog Black Cherry Flavored Whiskey
84 points
$19.99
Bird Dog
Black Cherry Flavored Whiskey
Golden amber color. Aromas and flavors of maraschino cherry, marzipan, and apricot stone with a round, crisp, sweet medium body and an even, breezy finish with accents of almond cookie finish. The amaretto alternative for whiskey-lovers; dose your holiday cocktails with this sweet and flavorful spirit.
84 points $19.99
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Date Tasted:
Bird Dog Strawberry Flavored Whiskey
84 points
$19.99
Bird Dog
Strawberry Flavored Whiskey
Golden amber color. Aromas of raspberry candies and fruit cocktail with a glycerous, vibrant, sweet light-to-medium body and a tingling, quick caramel and bubble gum finish. Bold candied fruit flavors make this an effortless and approachable shooter.
84 points $19.99
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Date Tasted:
Bendt No. 5 American Blended Whiskey
84 points
$24.99
Bendt No. 5
American Blended Whiskey
Golden amber color. Aromas and flavors of corn muffins, peaches in syrup, caramel apple, mulling spices, and gentian herb with a slightly chewy, crisp, bitter light body and a warming, breezy finish with shades of toasty pie crusts and over-steeped black tea finish. A fruity and toasty blended whiskey with a somewhat bitter finish; a solid choice for citrusy cocktails.
84 points $24.99
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Date Tasted:
Singletree Bourbon Whiskey
84 points
$26.99
Singletree
Bourbon Whiskey
Golden amber color. Aromas of fresh baguette, cherry taffy, candied orange-studded sponge, and white pepper with a light-to-medium body and a peppery, quick fruit cake and waxy chocolate finish. A fairly complex bourbon with a flashy youthfulness and interesting chocolatey style.
84 points $26.99
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Date Tasted:
Signal Hill Canadian Whisky
84 points
$35
Signal Hill
Canadian Whisky
Golden amber color. Aromas of ethanol, brown sugar, carob, and raisin bread with a lean, soft, dry light body and a tingling, brief toast and dried apricot finish. A mixable Canadian whisky.
84 points $35
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Date Tasted:
Jesse James Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey
84 points
$39.49
Jesse James
Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey
Golden amber color. Grainy aromas of wet grain, dough, cinnamon, orange peel, and carob with a satiny, crisp, dry light body and an effortless, quick peppercorns, herb muffin, and butter finish. A mild, grain-centric Tennessee Whiskey that will be a nice introduction to the category.
84 points $39.49
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Date Tasted:
Six & Twenty 5-Grain Bourbon Whiskey
84 points
$39.99
Six & Twenty
5-Grain Bourbon Whiskey
Golden amber color. Aromas of wood shavings, toasted grain, fresh herbs, and toasted ciabatta with a satiny, crisp, dryish light-to-medium body and a seamless, interesting, medium-length brown sugar, white chocolate, sourdough, and bananas in cream finish. An herbaceous, wood-centric bourbon for the craft spirits lover.
84 points $39.99
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Date Tasted:
Glyph Spirit Whiskey
84 points
$40
Glyph
Spirit Whiskey
Golden amber color. Confected aromas and flavors of spumoni, circus peanuts, bubble gum, and banana candies with a soft, dry light body and a polished, swift finish conveying notes of caramel candies and peppercorns finish. A smooth, easy-drinking spirit whiskey with lots candied appeal.
84 points $40
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Date Tasted:
Great Lakes Distillery Still & Oak Straight Bourbon Whiskey
84 points
$40
Great Lakes Distillery
Still & Oak Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Gold color. Green aromas of wet forest floor, arugula, raw grain, and sourdough with a satiny, soft, dryish light body and a tingling, fast toffee and dry roasted nuts finish. A youthful bourbon that allows the grain to shine.
84 points $40
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Date Tasted:
Cedar Ridge Single Malt Whiskey
84 points
$48
Cedar Ridge
Single Malt Whiskey
Light gold color. Aromas of vanilla malted milk, moss, alfalfa, sesame, dough, and honeycomb with a supple, bright, dry light-to-medium body and a warming, relaxed toasted sourdough and caraway finish. A pillowy single malt for easy-sipping.
84 points $48
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Date Tasted:
Oregon Spirit Distillers Straight Wheat Whiskey
81 points
$45
Oregon Spirit Distillers
Straight Wheat Whiskey
Golden amber color. Aromas and flavors of savory herbs, charred oak, wrapped chocolates, and black toast with a chewy, bright, dry medium body and a tingling, breezy finish with accents of blackened marshmallow and sourdough finish. A bold and smoky wheat whiskey with lots of chewy charred oak character.
81 points $45
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Date Tasted:
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