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Reviews for 2024

August 2024 - North American Whiskey

August 2024 - North American Whiskey
This month's Spirits feature is North American Whiskey

North American Whiskey Reviews

Four Roses Warehouse Liquors Selection Barrel Strength Single Barrel Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey
98 points
Lovely rye spice and vibrant mint on the nose, and the palate is oak dominant and rich with a slight tannin in a truly prolific way; a perfect Winter warmer loaded with autumnal spices.
Larceny Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Batch No. A124
97 points
$64
Water advisory, may be lured in by delicious Whiskey smells and then have your palate numbed into only tasting delicious pastries, candied nuts and spiced fruits; this is a dram that drinks you back.
Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Warehouse Liquors Barrel Select Barrel #008 Bottled In Bond Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
96 points
Very complex herbal notes interwoven with red fruits and touch of orange zest; softer and rounder on the palate than expected for 100 Proof, really only showing the ABV with a spicy zest on the finish, and doing all of this spectacularly.
Pikesville Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
96 points
$54
Love. Sweet, spicy, and has nuanced complexity that holds the ABV very well and is just a pleasure to taste and sip.
Larceny Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Batch No. B524
96 points
$64
Powerful and delicious and classically American through and through; the Bourbon equivalent of cruising around in your Ford Mustang.
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Batch No. B524
96 points
$74
This no-joke Whiskey stings the nostrils in such a delightfully complex way; a bit like happily eating your creme brulée or bananas Foster while the sugar is still on fire.
Stranahan’s 10 Year Old Mountain Angel American Single Malt Whiskey Batch No. 4
96 points
$129
A touch youthful and grain-forward in flavor, but in the best way possible that also shows restraint with the barrel regiment; a shining example that American Single Malt is turning into an outstanding category.
Maker’s Mark Cask Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky Batch No. 21-05
95 points
$44
What this might lack for in complexity is made up for with intense pastry deliciousness; is a 3 star Michelin meal at $1000 really better than Grandma's freshly baked cinnamon roll?
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Batch No. A124
95 points
$74
A sweet and alluring nose with a bold, punchy palate; there is excellent balance and sophistication here while the elevated ABV adds layers of flavor without distracting.
Heaven Hill Grain To Glass Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon Whiskey
95 points
$99
Subtle on the nose for something that is 121 Proof and about to wallop you in the mouth; bruising palate aside, this is also delicious and coaxes you back with a complex melange of flavors.
Maker’s Mark Limited Edition 11 & 12 Year Cellar Aged Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky
95 points
$149
Classic 80s heavy metal right here: bold, powerful, perhaps a bit abrasive and too old for some, but also capable of packing full a stadium of fans to enjoy it over and over; The Masters of Oak are calling your name.
Old Fitzgerald Spring 2024 10 Year Old Bottled In Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
94 points
Really pretty on the nose and the palate, and delivers on those confectionary and fruit notes but in a gentler, kinder way than one might expect; a damn fine sipper.
Rittenhouse Bottled-In-Bond Straight Rye Whiskey
94 points
$27
Perhaps a bit hot and spicy for sipping neat, but this exactly what you want from a Rye Whiskey base in cocktails.
Elijah Craig Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
94 points
$33
There is some age and depth of flavor in the mix here; a rich and expressive Bourbon that knows its parts and plays them well.
A. Overholt Straight Rye Whiskey
94 points
$39
A damn good versatile Rye Whiskey that is more than good enough to sip, with lots of flavors that hit the nose and palate from all different angles.
Virginia Distillery Co. Cider Cask Finish American Single Malt Whiskey
94 points
$44
A unique expression that gives you characteristics of a younger Whiskey combined with the subtlety of a well-aged spirit; you'll want to come back for more.
Virginia Distillery Co. Cabernet Cask Select American Single Malt Whiskey
94 points
$44
Rich, subtle, and complex on the nose and palate, this woody and spicy Whiskey will hold up beautifully in your Old Fashioned.
Four Roses Small Batch Select Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
94 points
$45
Very light on the nose and palate for 104 proof; some alcohol shows up on the finish but this sipper will pleasantly destroy you with sweet deliciousness before you realize you are drinking over proof Whiskey.
Heaven Hill 7 Year Bottled-In-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
94 points
$49
Uncomplicated yet complex; a lush and inviting example of the category, this is the definition of what Bourbon is supposed to be.
Stranahan’s Sherry Cask American Single Malt Whiskey
94 points
$69
Outside of the Celtic Nations you would be hard pressed to find anyone balancing single malt and Sherry casks more elegantly; a powerful American Single Malt reflecting a new tradition.
Tincup 14 Year Old Fourteener Bourbon Whiskey Release No. 1
94 points
$69
A bit unique in the world of Bourbon, but its layers of complexity make it absolutely delicious.
Stranahan’s Diamond Peak Caribbean Rum Cask-Finished American Single Malt Whiskey Batch No. 003
94 points
$79
Traditional single malt grain sweetness with some secondary wine cask influence adding layers of dried red fruit and tropical notes; tasty and a lot of fun.
Doc Swinson’s 5 Year Old Exploratory Cask Moscatel Cask-Finished Blended Straight Bourbon Whiskey
94 points
$80
Hot but not overwhelmingly so; tasty and hits all of the right notes, especially with a few drops of water.
Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
93 points
$21
Best Buy
A rich, classic, and well-executed Straight Bourbon that makes no mistakes.
93 points $21 Best Buy
Evan Williams Bottled-In-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
93 points
$21
Best Buy
The most Bourbon-y a Bourbon that ever did Bourbon.
93 points $21 Best Buy
Ole Smoky Peanut Butter Flavored Whiskey
93 points
$26
A fun mixer or shooter that has loads of vanilla cream and peanut butter flavor.
Larceny Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
93 points
$27
A well-crafted and classic Wheated Bourbon; a big bale of spices pop up on the palate right away letting you know what you're happily in for.
Bernheim 7 Year Old Small Batch Original Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey
93 points
$33
Delicious, classic, consistent; a lovely, light, and drinkable Bourbon where the wheat makes for a smooth, sweet tipple instead of a big, spicy brute of a dram.
Elijah Craig Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
93 points
$33
Rye Whiskey, Rye Whiskey you don't let me down, Rye Whiskey drinks with this and never will you frown.
Four Roses Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Barrel No. 6-4 E
93 points
$35
A rich and delicious sipper that is just about as classic a Bourbon as one can find; this will elevate your cocktails, pair with a cigar, or be a trusty companion just as it is.
Maker’s Mark 46 French Oaked Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky
93 points
$35
Sweet on the nose with some slightly bitter chocolate on the palate to balance it out; this Bourbon is inviting and a really well-crafted sipper.
Whiskey Del Bac Limited Release Sentinel of the Desert Rye Whiskey Batch No. 3
93 points
$40
A sweet, spicy, mildly smoky, untraditional Rye Whiskey; and while a touch hot on the ABV it's also undeniably tasty and draws you back in to sip, savor, and contemplate.
Stranahan’s Blue Peak Solera Finish American Single Malt Whiskey
93 points
$42
Filled with love and positivity sipping Whiskies like this because it demonstrates an understanding of traditional single malt flavors with a dash of American uniqueness.
Bondstone Toasted Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
93 points
$45
A classic after dinner Bourbon loaded with baked fruits and cinnamon flavors; well-balanced for its slightly elevated alcohol content.
Mayor Pingree 6 Year Old Alpha Blended Rye Whisky
93 points
$49
Bold spices and herbs with loads of sweet barrel character make this a Rye Whiskey worth sipping or for taking your Old Fashioned to another level.
Shelter Distilling American Single Malt Whiskey
93 points
$49
Young and a bit American oak-forward that will appeal to many Bourbon drinkers and is still a well crafted Single Malt that will be of interest to traditionalists as well.
Widow Jane Apple Wood Rye Cask-Finished Blended Straight Rye Whiskey Batch #28
93 points
$49
Like drinking a heavily spiced apple pie with a Whiskey flambée.
Widow Jane Paradigm Rye Blended Straight Rye Whiskey
93 points
$49
A bit youthful but a very rich, warming, and toothsome Rye Whiskey.
Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
93 points
$54
A fruity and spicy Straight Bourbon that is brave enough to challenge.
Few Bottled-In-Bond Straight Bourbon Whiskey
93 points
$54
A really complex and tasty Bourbon; well balanced that leans a touch sweet, is surprisingly gentle for 100 proof, and remains fascinatingly delicious.
Stranahan’s Original American Single Malt Whiskey
93 points
$54
For the smarty pants that wants their American Single Malt to taste like single malts from the EU.
Knob Creek 10 Year Old Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
93 points
$69
A beautiful and powerful Rye with enough oak and age to round out the spices and have everything in balance as well as belie the ABV; a sipper that will make a great Old Fashioned or pair with a medium-bodied spicy Nicaraguan cigar.
Redwood Empire Rocket Top Bottled In Bond Straight Rye Whiskey Batch No. 004
93 points
$79
The rye still tastes a little young and bready, but otherwise fawning over everything about this tasty, tasty Rye Whiskey.
Shelter Distilling Cask Strength Blue Corn Bourbon Whiskey
93 points
$79
A blue corn and sweet corn creme brulée dram that you'll want to drink more and more of.
Uncle Nearest Single Barrel No. 905 Tennessee Whiskey
93 points
$79
A robust and commanding cask-strength Tennessee Whiskey that will embolden cocktails and thoroughly warm and placate the palate with a few drops of water.
Doc Swinson’s Limited Edition Exploratory Cask Golden Hour Rum and Port Cask-Finished Straight Rye Whiskey
93 points
$80
Vibrant red fruits and cherry here with beautiful rye spices and juicy, sweet berry notes that linger on the palate.
Lion’s Pride Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished In Rum Barrels Batch #8153
93 points
$99
Vanilla cinnamon candies from beginning to end; just a warm and delicious dram.
Lion’s Pride Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished In Tequila Barrels Batch #8129
93 points
$99
Delicious and a bit unusual; somewhere between a high rye mashbill Bourbon and a Reposado Tequila.
Old Emmer Toasted Barrel Straight Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey
93 points
$99
Rich and chocolatey with a lingering finish lifted with some spice to balance out the sweetness; carries its ABV very well.
Uncle Nearest Master Blend Edition Tennessee Whiskey Blend No. 032
93 points
$149
Bold, flavorful, and super tasty from start to finish with lots of deep, intense flavors that beckon you back.
Limousin Rye Warehouse Liquors Barrel Select Single Barrel Whiskey
92 points
Very woody, but super complex layers of baking spices and roasted nuts make this a highly enjoyable nip.
Skrewball Peanut Butter Flavored Whiskey
92 points
$29
Vibrant and delicious candied peanut butter with an underlying chocolate aroma and flavor; pair with chocolate peanut butter ice cream in a waffle cone.
Tincup Straight Rye Whiskey
92 points
$33
A tasty and dialed in entry level Rye Whiskey; love to see the growth of the category.
Forty Creek Double Barrel Reserve Canadian Whisky
92 points
$40
A rich, grainy, and creamy Canadian Whisky with a lively, tingling finish.
Flag Hill Straight Bourbon Whiskey Batch #18
92 points
$42
A decadent Bourbon with a rich, sweet, and earthy character that continues from nose to finish; almost like a never-ending essence of pecan pie.
Four Roses Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
92 points
$42
Just wonderful, old fashioned sippin Bourbon for enjoying any dang time and is sure to elevate a cocktail or cigar pairing.
Virginia Distillery Co. Port Cask Reserve American Single Malt Whiskey
92 points
$44
It's the Whiskey equivalent of the big burly cowboy that hits on your date in front of you and you're ok with it for some reason; made for a campfire.
Lodestar American Whiskey
92 points
$45
Youthful and grain-forward but shows excellent distillation and nicely balanced cask influence; a sweet sipper or fun cocktail component that will showcase the mashbill.
Hirsch Selected Whiskeys The Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
92 points
$49
Youthful and almost confectionary with maple candies and a lingering but balanced spiciness.
Old Emmer Cask Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
92 points
$49
A potent and creamy cask-strength Bourbon with lovely peach, caramel, and spice notes that linger in a maple-hued halo.
Virginia Distillery Co. Goose Island Bourbon County Stout Finish Bottled In Bond American Single Malt Whiskey
92 points
$49
Super rich and malty, this is delicious and skews towards a savory sweet dessert in the glass.
Widow Jane Baby Jane Blended Straight Bourbon Whiskey
92 points
$49
A delicious and high quality Bourbon with an interesting orchard fruit freshness to the nose.
Few Bottled-In-Bond Straight Rye Whiskey
92 points
$54
A lovely craft Rye Whiskey with a very cool tea note.
Switchgrass Spirits Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon Whiskey
92 points
$54
A lush and satisfying BIB Bourbon with ample fruit, grain, and oak notes to propel your session into the stratosphere; a natural for cigars.
Switchgrass Spirits Bottled-In-Bond Rye Whiskey
92 points
$54
A spicy banana bread loaded with extra nuts; interesting and delicious.
Copperworks Distilling Company Maltsmith American Single Malt Whiskey
92 points
$59
An American Single Malt with vibrant tropical fruit tones that while tasty enough on its own will truly be a star and show off its bold fruit flavors and over proof strength in Tiki applications; tiny umbrella optional.
Sagamore Spirit Cask Strength Straight Rye Whiskey Batch 13AB
92 points
$59
Beautiful chocolate aromas and deep baking spice notes make this a delightful sipper and something that would be amazing with a Maduro wrapped cigar or used in a Black Manhattan.
Uncle Nearest 1856 Tennessee Whiskey
92 points
$59
Big and sticky-sweet but not overly candy-like; tons of baked goods and honey drip off this Whiskey.
Whiskey Del Bac Classic American Single Malt Whisky
92 points
$60
A really beautiful American Single Malt with sweet grain, barrel spice, and a playful wisp of smoke.
Koval Distillery Bottled In Bond Bourbon Whiskey
92 points
$65
Smooth and a touch sweet yet with excellent balance.
Copperworks Distilling Company Farmsmith Single Origin American Single Malt Whiskey
92 points
$69
A really fun and interesting barley-dominant nose that draws you in and makes you want more, with grain and creamy notes with lots of Fall spices and Summer fruit.
Sagamore Spirit Double Oak Straight Rye Whiskey Batch 8AI
92 points
$69
Bold oak flavors balance the underlying rye spice with baked goods and vanilla; a hedonistic pleasure for those that love these flavors.
Redwood Empire Grizzly Beast Bottled In Bond Straight Bourbon Whiskey Batch No. 004
92 points
$79
With a rich, dark, and earthy sweetness, lovely cinnamon spice, and a touch of fruit, this is a Whiskey to sip slowly and ponder.
Thresh & Winnow 10 Year Old Single Cask Rye Whiskey
92 points
$98
Really pops with the earthy flavors of the rye and then is nicely highlighted with pepper spice, light herbs, and barrel vanilla and baking spices.
Heaven Hill Grain To Glass Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
92 points
$99
A sipping Rye Whiskey for the bold and the beautiful.
Heaven Hill Grain To Glass Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
92 points
$99
You want Bourbon? Can you even handle Bourbon? This is what Bourbon should be for sipping, mixing, pairing with a cigar, or meeting the needs of any occasion at all for that matter.
Lion’s Pride Bottled In Bond Straight Bourbon Whiskey Batch #8173
92 points
$99
A delicious Bourbon with a nice green herb pop and light spice; smooth and well-structured.
Widow Jane Lucky Thirteen Blended Straight Bourbon Whiskey Batch #31
92 points
$109
Fascinating and deliciously complex; there are few Bourbons that make you come back and investigate for more like this one does.
Evan Williams Black Label Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
91 points
$14
Best Buy
Good, young, and with that caramel and Cracker Jack finish, it's exactly what it is supposed to be and you have to love that.
91 points $14 Best Buy
Maker’s Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky
91 points
$26
Warm and inviting aromas with a sweet and rounded palate and classic Bourbon flavors; just a solid daily dram.
Pendleton Midnight Brandy Barrel-Finished Blended Canadian Whisky
91 points
$29
A warming, spicy Canadian Whisky that will play nicely in cocktails.
Tincup American Blended Whiskey
91 points
$36
A nice, youthful Bourbon-esque Whiskey for cocktailing or sipping.
Pendleton 1910 12 Year Old Canadian Rye Whiskey
91 points
$44
Tasty and layered with complexity; a slow sipper to enjoy the ride of flavors.
Mayor Pingree 6 Year Old Chachi Blended Bourbon Whiskey
91 points
$49
A damn tasty sippin Bourbon with loads of sweet and spicy confections and just a hint of fruit; like drinking a barrel in the best ways.
Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch Tennessee Whiskey
91 points
$49
A delicious and concentrated roller coaster of honey, summer fruits, and oak.
Clermont Steep American Single Malt Whiskey
91 points
$59
A densely packed, spicy, oaky American Single Malt Whisky that needs a little time and water to open up and reveal itself.
Fortune’s Fool The Overture Straight Rye Whiskey
91 points
$59
A bit youthful and tannic on the palate, but smells beautiful and is really quite gentle for its higher proof.
Redwood Empire Foggy Burl American Single Malt Whiskey Batch No. 001
91 points
$99
A wonderfully dainty American Single Malt with waves of spicy fruit, grain, and oak flavors in a heady balance.
Four Roses Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
90 points
$24
This is what you want your go-to, everyday Bourbon to taste like.
Pendleton Blended Canadian Whiskey
90 points
$24
A lovely Canadian Whisky with a persistent nuttiness and sweetness throughout.
Doc Swinson’s 5 Year Old Session Blended Straight Bourbon Whiskey
90 points
$39
Tropical fruits with some earthy and woody spices make this very tasty indeed.
Bondstone Double Oak Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
90 points
$45
A classic and dialed in Rye Whiskey that will make a damn fine Old Fashioned or Manhattan.
Whiskey Del Bac Dorado American Single Malt Whisky
90 points
$60
Light smoke with a light sweet spice to the barley grain; would love to pair this with an Ashton Cigar.
Forty Creek Copper Bold Reserve Canadian Whisky
89 points
$24
A rich and maple-y Canadian Whisky sipper; use this in a stirred after dinner drink and take advantage of its coffee notes.
Barley Creek Distillery Original Whiskey
89 points
$39
It's simple and versatile with a nice amount of sweetness that's so soft and inviting you can sip on it all day.
Lion’s Pride Single Barrel Straight Bourbon Whiskey Batch #8113
89 points
$99
Beautiful red and black fruit flavors with a rich and slightly tannic umami finish.
Flags Of The Fallen Foundation Charlie Straight Bourbon Whiskey
88 points
$35
Nice flavors of grain and barrel, and sweet, simple, and smooth; it's tasty enough for a sipper or enjoy the crisp, short finish for shooting.
Shelter Distilling Small Batch Blue Corn Bourbon Whiskey
88 points
$49
Sweet but earthy and grassy with some roasted nuts and cocoa and light baking spice to the finish; a very unusual and pleasant flavor journey.
Flags Of The Fallen Foundation Thirteen Heroes Sierra Malted Small Batch Bourbon Whisky
88 points
$57
A very unusual umami-forward Bourbon that breaks the flavor mold of the category and will make intriguing cocktails for adventurous mixologists.
Tincup 10 Year Old Bourbon Whiskey
88 points
$62
Spicy, grainy, woody, and all around interesting.
Forty Creek Confederation Oak Reserve Canadian Whisky
88 points
$64
There is a very nice texture here and it really showcases the grain with a lovely maple note.
Shelter Distilling Single Barrel Blue Corn Bourbon Whiskey
88 points
$69
This Bourbon walks the line between fruit and spice, and is a good workhorse Bourbon for cocktails while nice on its own, on the rocks, or with cigars.
Storm King Distilling Co. Single Barrel Bottled In Bond Colorado Straight Bourbon Whiskey
88 points
$85
A well-made craft Whiskey with interesting and complex flavors that swirl on the palate.
Forty Creek Barrel Select Canadian Whisky
87 points
$19
Rich maple goodness on the nose and palate to the degree you might be tempted to add this to your weekend breakfast; a pleasant and approachable Canadian, just ready to say "Hello!"
Wild Call 4 Year Old Small Batch Tennessee Whiskey
87 points
$19
A pleasant and easy drinking sipper; soft and rounded flavors that will balance nicely in cocktails or go down dangerously smooth on the rocks.
Forty Creek Honey Spiced Flavored Canadian Whisky
87 points
$26
Like an American Sortilege; has a nice sweet baking spice layered onto the Bourbon.
Sagamore Spirit Straight Rye Whiskey Batch 51
87 points
$39
A lovely spice backbone pairs with a vibrant cherry essence that makes this a nice sipper or a natural base for a Manhattan.
Tom’s Town Double Oaked Bourbon Whiskey Finished With Oak Staves
87 points
$45
Rich, oak-dominant flavors that will especially cater to those that love the flavors of root beer.
Flags Of The Fallen Foundation Delta Seven Straight Bourbon Whiskey
87 points
$57
A highly sippable traditional Bourbon.
Storm King Distilling Co. Small Batch American Single Malt Whiskey
87 points
$75
Toasted grains on the front end that evolve into spices and green notes.
Copperworks Distilling Company Malted Peatsmith American Single Malt Whiskey
87 points
$79
A smoky and savory American Single Malt to pair with BBQ dinners or cigars.
Thresh & Winnow 10 Year Old Single Cask American Single Malt Whiskey
87 points
$98
Waves of fun and nostalgic flavors make for a very thoughtful sipper.
Jacob’s Pardon Small Batch American Whiskey Batch No. 03
87 points
$161
Good with surprisingly discernible flavors given the ABV, but also super hot and tannic, given the ABV as well; keep away from open flames, but keep safely within reach of your glass.
Ole Smoky Mango Habanero Flavored Whiskey
86 points
$26
Mango and tropical fruit with loads of floral notes, and all of that sweetness hides some real peppery heat on the palate and finish; tasty but few signs of Whiskey.
Barley Creek Distillery Peanut Butter Whiskey
86 points
$39
Very peanut and peanut butter focused with some traces of Whiskey in there.
Fortune’s Fool The Prelude Straight Rye Whiskey
86 points
$55
For the grain and the proof, this is rather restrained on the nose and palate with a spicy cinnamon pepper punch to the finish.
Storm King Distilling Co. Side Gig American Straight Whiskey Batch # 9
86 points
$75
Sweet, youthful, and woody with some fun flavors but not all in harmony; there is some good distillate here and this should be fun to check in on as it matures.
Forty Creek Maplewood Reserve Canadian Whisky
85 points
$89
A solid Canadian Whisky that has enough proof to stand up in cocktails.
Black Velvet 10 Year Old Reserve Select Barrel Stock Canadian Whisky
84 points
$12
A Canadian Whisky that would love to be your sweet cocktail base.
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