More Reviews

Reviews for 2020

September 2020 - North American Whiskey

September 2020 - North American Whiskey
This month's Spirits feature is North American Whiskey

North American Whiskey Reviews

Doc Swinson’s 15-Yr Cask Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
96 points
$149
A monster of a bourbon with a bold, chewy texture and piles of spice; serve on the rocks and pair with a cigar.
Stagg Jr. Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
95 points
$49
A seamless bourbon that invites you to dive right in; high-octane, full flavor, but still maintains an elegant personality.
WELLER Full Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
95 points
$49
A complex, fruity, sophisticated bourbon with a never-ending finish.
Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
95 points
$59
An elegant, pure bourbon that sings.
Knob Creek 12 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
95 points
$59
A rich, warming bourbon with savory nuance.
Old Elk Straight Rye Whiskey
95 points
$89.99
A downright delicious Rye Whiskey that will be stupendous in cocktails but will shine even brighter when sipped neat; ultra-concentrated flavors that delight the senses.
95 points $89.99
Calumet Farm 14-Year-Old Single Rack Black Straight Bourbon Whiskey
95 points
$119
Delightful silky texture and well-integrated flavors make this a rock solid bourbon for all manner of cocktails.
WELLER Single Barrel Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
94 points
$49
A spot-on Straight Bourbon that pops on the palate; make a stupendous manhattan or simply sip neat.
Old Elk Straight Wheat Whiskey
94 points
$64.99
A spicy, well-refined wheat whiskey with great minerality and a smooth-sipping texture.
94 points $64.99
Sagamore Spirit Distillers Select Straight Rye Whiskey
94 points
$69
A rich and fruity rye whiskey with a distinctive luxurious style; highly recommended for gifting and sipping.
Old Potrero 18th Century Rye Whiskey
94 points
$70
A complex and peppery rye whiskey with great herbal character.
Knob Creek 15 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
94 points
$99
A full-bodied, full-flavor, mature bourbon that delights the palate with notes of leather, tobacco and roasted nuts.
Eagle Rare 10 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
93 points
$29
A lively and outgoing bourbon that sings with a melange of ripe fruits and elegant spices.
Knob Creek 9 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
93 points
$34
A bold and coating Bourbon that delivers rich flavors and velvety texture.
Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
93 points
$39
A distinctive, spicy, peppery bourbon to serve on the rocks, in spicy summertime cocktails or winter warmers.
Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
93 points
$39
A bright, distinctive, complex bourbon that offers a fruit basket of flavor atop toasty, oaky notes.
Doc Swinson’s Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Sherry Casks
93 points
$59
A rich and full-bodied bourbon with a satisfying bouquet of nuts, cherries and spices.
Old Elk Wheated Straight Bourbon Whiskey
93 points
$64.99
A pure bourbon with clearly defined, mature aromas and flavors that hit the nail on the head.
93 points $64.99
Noteworthy Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
92 points
A rich and decant nose of caramel and nuts leads to a surprisingly delicate, evolving palate with a distinctive herbal nuance; buoyant, intriguing and never heavy.
Winchester Double Oak Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
92 points
A rich and decadent nose of caramel and nuts leads to a surprisingly delicate, evolving palate with a distinctive herbal nuance; buoyant, intriguing and never heavy.
Hirsch The Horizon Straight Bourbon Whiskey
92 points
$34
A mild and creamy craft bourbon that will work well in winter warmer cocktails.
Rebecca Creek Small Batch Blended Bourbon Whiskey
92 points
$49
A rock-solid Blended Bourbon with silky texture and sweet-spicy flavors.
WELLER Antique 107 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
92 points
$49
A distinctive and slightly herbal bourbon whiskey that delivers rich complexity.
Journeyman Distillery Field Rye Fig Flavored Whiskey
92 points
$59
A silky, autumnal whiskey that delivers rich, delicious flavors in a dry and highly sippable package.
Rebecca Creek 10yr Straight Bourbon Whiskey
92 points
$59
A rich and nutty classic bourbon that hits the spot.
Rebecca Creek Double Barrel Blended Whiskey
92 points
$113
A full-flavor blended whiskey that delivers piles of tasty, mature, pure flavors; bourbon enthusiasts need apply.
Jeppson’s Bourbon Whiskey
91 points
$25
Best Buy
A rock solid bourbon with refined flavors and instant appeal; great for manhattans, old fashioneds, shooting or sipping.
91 points $25 Best Buy
Wild Turkey 101 Rye Whiskey
91 points
$37.99
A rich and spicy rye that will make an excellent rye manhattan.
91 points $37.99
Davidson Reserve Four Grain Small Batch Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey
91 points
$44
A solid nutty Bourbon that will shine in most any cocktail.
Davidson Reserve Small Batch Tennessee Straight Rye Whiskey
91 points
$59
A robust rye whiskey with big oak notes and green, herbaceous nuance.
Journeyman Distillery Corsets, Whips and Whiskey Wheat Whiskey
91 points
$59
A charming wheat whiskey that comes alive with water; serve on the rocks or in highballs for a full-flavor experience.
10 Distillery Rd. Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
90 points
A distinctive bourbon with loads of character; spicy, sweet, with hints of smoke, this is a fantastic choice for manhattans.
Quarter Horse Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
90 points
A distinctive bourbon with loads of character; spicy, sweet, with hints of smoke, this is a fantastic choice for manhattans.
Yellow Banks Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
90 points
A distinctive bourbon with loads of character; spicy, sweet, with hints of smoke, this is a fantastic choice for manhattans.
Old Tub Straight Bourbon Whiskey
90 points
$22
A well-balanced, lengthy bourbon that's chic and stylish without being flashy.
Rebecca Creek Fine Texas Blended Whiskey
90 points
$29
A vibrant whiskey that checks all the boxes; this American Blended Whiskey over-performs for the category.
Gold Bar Rickhouse Straight Bourbon Whiskey
90 points
$34
A bold, smoky, entirely different bourbon.
Widow Jane American Oak Rye Mash Whisky
90 points
$44
An eau-de-vie like whiskey that sings with high notes of the rye grain; delicate and sophisticated.
Boot Hill Straight Wheat Whiskey
90 points
$49
Generous sweet aromas welcome the imbiber to the glass; this rich, full-bodied wheat whiskey is sure to satisfy.
District Made Straight Rye Whiskey
90 points
$49
A dense and spicy rye that delivers piles of dark, brooding flavor.
Journeyman Distillery Featherbone Bourbon Whiskey
90 points
$49
A mild, bakery-fresh bourbon for summer whiskey cocktails.
Blanton’s Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
90 points
$59
A lighter-bodied but refined bourbon that will play very well in stirred cocktails.
Conciere Bourbon Whiskey
89 points
$11.59
Best Buy
A rich bourbon that offers seriously satisfying caramel flavors.
89 points $11.59 Best Buy
Kelley American Single Malt Whiskey
89 points
$44.99
A light-bodied, fresh and spicy single malt that invigorates the palate with a complex melange of herbs and fruits.
89 points $44.99
District Made Straight Bourbon Whiskey
89 points
$49
A spicy, chocolatey, herbal spirit that offers a complex change of pace to classic bourbon flavors.
Old Line Cask Strength American Single Malt Whiskey
89 points
$54.99
A twisting and turning American Single Malt Whiskey that keeps things interesting; flavors of chocolate, mint and spicy ginger are welcome respite from sometimes homogenous bourbon.
89 points $54.99
Frey Ranch 5 Year Bottled in Bond Straight Rye Whisky
89 points
$59
A punchy, bone-dry rye that opens up with water; serve on the rocks or in stirred cocktails.
Bird Dog Honey Jalapeño Flavored Whiskey
88 points
$19
Best Buy
A sweet and spicy whiskey that will be a fun cocktail ingredient and shooter.
88 points $19 Best Buy
Bird Dog Chocolate Flavored Whiskey
88 points
$19
Best Buy
A sweet, chocolatey flavored whiskey that's easy to sip and share.
88 points $19 Best Buy
Royal Canadian Small Batch Canadian Whisky
88 points
$19
Best Buy
A highly mixable Canadian whiskey that hits all the right notes.
88 points $19 Best Buy
Larceny Straight Bourbon Whiskey
88 points
$24
A rich and spicy bourbon with distinctive earthy qualities.
Basil Hayden Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
88 points
$39
A bright and nutty bourbon that brings the spice.
Doc Swinson’s Straight Rye Whisky Finished in Rum Casks
88 points
$39
A solid rye whiskey to add herbal, spicy character to cocktails.
Journeyman Distillery Pit-Spitter Cherry Flavored Whiskey
88 points
$44
A yummy cherry whiskey with an all natural vibe; sip, mix and shoot!
Old Elk Blended Straight Bourbon Whiskey
88 points
$49.99
A spicy bourbon that will play well in highballs.
88 points $49.99
Cadée Cascadia Port Finished Rye Whiskey
88 points
$52
A palate-lifting rye that undulates between creamy caramel and bright spices; a joy to sip and mix.
Low Gap 4 Year Old Bavarian Hard Wheat Whiskey
88 points
$75
A mild whiskey with bakeshop flavors and smooth texture.
Low Gap 7 Year Old Rye/Bourbon Blend American Blended Whiskey
88 points
$200
A funky nose leads to a sweet and mild palate in this cocktail-ready American Blended Whiskey
WELLER 12 Yr. Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
87 points
An estery, fruity bourbon that will play well in citrusy summery cocktails.
Bearface One Eleven Series Oaxaca Agave Spirit Blended Whisky
87 points
$49
A totally unique Canadian whiskey with a smoky-sweet style; endless cocktail possibilities.
Saint Liberty Josephines Flathead River Straight Rye Whisky
87 points
$54
Powerful, brawny oak notes dominate this rye whiskey; when seeking the oakiest whiskey out there, this one might top the lists.
Seagrams V.O. Gold Canadian Whisky
86 points
$16
A tingly Canadian whisky for casual highballs.
Bird Dog Ruby Red Grapefruit Flavored Whiskey
86 points
$19
Bright citrus flavor pops on the palate of this sweet flavored whiskey.
PB&W Peanut Butter Flavored Whiskey
86 points
$29.99
This whiskey delivers everything it promises; serve chilled for an easy pb&j shot or mix it up into creative, nostalgic cocktails.
86 points $29.99
Traverse City Whiskey Co. American Cherry Edition Flavored Whiskey
86 points
$30
A boldly cherry-flavored whiskey that will be fun in lemonade.
Leadslingers Bourbon Whiskey
86 points
$35
A solid bourbon with mellow vibes; shoot and mix.
Cadée Straight Rye Whiskey
86 points
$39
A fun, spicy whiskey with potential.
FEW American Whiskey Blended
86 points
$49
A dry, chewy whiskey that's easy to mix with; try in most any cocktail.
Frey Ranch Four Grain Straight Bourbon Whiskey
86 points
$49
A dry, chewy bourbon with a hint of minty nuance.
Journeyman Distillery Cask Strength Last Feather Rye Whisky
86 points
$59
A high-octane, spicy, peppery rye.
Cadée Medusa American Whiskey
86 points
$99
A rich and chewy American Whiskey that offers a lot of flavor and power for the category.
Boot Hill Bourbon Whiskey
85 points
$39
A peppery, herbaceous bourbon that will star in cocktails.
Cadée Straight Bourbon Whiskey
85 points
$39
A lighter bodied bourbon that doesn't skimp on flavor; floral high notes make for a sophisticated sipper.
Cadée Deceptivus Port Finished Bourbon Whiskey
85 points
$52
A somewhat minty bourbon with extroverted oak.
Saint Liberty Marys Four Grain Straight Bourbon Whiskey
85 points
$54
A rich and distinctive bourbon with kisses of maple, herbs and spices.
Old Potrero Straight Rye Whisky
85 points
$65
A dry and chewy, nutty rye.
Texas Ranger Blended Whiskey
84 points
$24
A candied whiskey that will play well in winter warmers and sweet whiskey cocktails.
Wheel Horse Kentucky Straight Rye Whisky
84 points
$27
A distinctive whiskey with funky fruit top notes and classic caramelly flavors underneath.
Leadslingers Minuteman Single Malt American Whiskey
84 points
$35
A fruity, fiery single malt that tickles the palate.
Untitled No. 18 Blended Whisky
84 points
$79
A dry, distinctively herbaceous craft whiskey.
Leadslingers Fighting Spirit Rye Whiskey
83 points
$35
An interesting, floral rye whiskey that will make for bright and interesting creative cocktails.
Grand Teton American Single Malt Whiskey
83 points
$39
An herbaceous American Single Malt with distinctive flavors to discover.
Mendocino Spirits 3 Year Old Straight Bourbon Whiskey
83 points
$70
A youthful, carefree whiskey for mixed drinks.
Saint Liberty Berties Bear Gulch Straight Bourbon Whiskey
80 points
$44
A lean and funky bourbon for cocktails.
Journeyman Distillery Last Feather Rye Whisky
80 points
$49
A youthful, peppery and extroverted rye for the craft whiskey curious.
Shortcut: https://www.tastings.com/Calendar-Spirits/Review-2020-09-01-North-American-Whiskey.aspx