There are bourbons I drink … and there are bourbons I like. And the two are not always the same. Some bourbons I immediately like; others I grow  to like. With some of Castle & Key’s earlier releases, I was less than impressed. This one - Castle & Key’s 7-year Wheated Cask Strength  — absolutely falls into the bourbons I like. But before we get to the glass, let’s take a little stroll through Castle & Key’s  backstory, because this place has one of the most romantic, movie-wo

You ever open a bottle and immediately think, “Yep… this one’s gonna be a porch-sipper” ? That was me with Speakeasy Bourbon from Willett . But before we get to the glass, let’s take a quick stroll through Willett history — because this family’s story is half the fun of drinking their stuff. A Quick History Lesson The legacy traces back to the years just after the Civil War, when John David Willett was a Master Distiller and part-owner of the Moore, Willett & Frenke Distiller

There’s something comforting about returning to Maker’s Mark —like going back to that friend who’s always steady, always welcoming, and somehow always has a fresh bottle open on the counter. For all the wild experimentation we see from distilleries today,  Maker’s has this quiet confidence about who they are and what they do. Which, honestly, makes their annual Steward’s Release  so fun. It’s Maker’s stepping out of their Sunday-best wheated sweetness and saying, “ Alright, l

Pairing Your Bracket Emotions With the Perfect Pour s If there’s one thing every March Madness fan understands, it’s emotional whiplash. One minute you’re riding high as your Cinderella pick knocks off a powerhouse. The next, your entire bracket is in flames because a team you had in the Final Four suddenly forgot how to shoot free throws. In moments like these, a good bourbon doesn’t fix anything—but it sure makes the ride more enjoyable. So, in the spirit of the season, her

Ah, spring. That magical time of year when the sun comes back, the birds start singing, and we all pretend we’re excited to clean things. But while everyone else is out here alphabetizing spice racks and wrestling with their garage clutter, we  tackle something much more important: the spring cleaning of the home bar . Don’t worry — this isn’t the kind of cleaning that requires rubber gloves or existential dread. Think of it more like a seasonal tune-up for better cocktails,

Every once in a while, a bourbon reminds you why you fell in love with single barrels in the first place. Not because it’s loud. Not because it’s chasing shock value. But because it quietly, confidently delivers complexity, balance, and craftsmanship in a way that feels effortless. This Bardstown Bourbon Company Single Barrel  does exactly that. A Brief Word on Bardstown Bourbon Company Founded in 2014, Bardstown Bourbon Company  was built with a bold, almost disruptive idea

Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to slow down, pour something good, and enjoy a pairing that feels both classic and a little indulgent. Bourbon and chocolate might sound like an easy match, but when you line up the right styles with the right flavors, the combination becomes something special — the kind of pairing that makes you stop mid-sip and appreciate how well these two worlds fit together. Bourbon’s natural sweetness, oak influence, and warm spice make it a dream p

Every distillery has a story, but Heaven Hill’s  is one of those rare ones that feels genuinely woven into the fabric of Kentucky bourbon. Five Brothers Bourbon  leans into that heritage with a name that honors the Shapira brothers, the family who founded Heaven Hill back in 1935. The bottle itself doesn’t scream for attention — it doesn’t have to. What’s inside does the talking, and it speaks with the kind of easy confidence that only comes from decades of knowing exactly wh

A while back, I was in my favorite Total Wine & More  establishment and saw a large display of Old Emmer Finest Wheat Bourbon Whiskey . I asked an employee for a complimentary pour (I always appreciate!) and asked if he could tell me anything about it. “ It’s flying off the shelves. We can’t keep it in stock .” Really – tell me more … “ Well, you’ve heard of Elmer T. Lee  – well this is similar. And the ‘old’ is tied to ‘Old Taylor’ ” … Hmmm … My mantra is “ Never let the tru

Some bourbons demand attention; others earn it. Old Bardstown Estate Bottled Bourbon  falls squarely into the second category — a bottle that doesn’t chase hype, doesn’t posture, and doesn’t need to. It’s the kind of pour that rewards curiosity and reminds you why traditional Kentucky bourbon still hits the spot. From Family Roots to Kentucky Legend Old Bardstown Estate Bottled Bourbon  is produced by the Willett Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky. Willett’s bourbon story is,

Few names evoke nostalgia quite like John Denver’s 1971 hit single Country Roads . Pair that sentiment with bourbon, and you’ve got a recipe for something truly special. Take Me Home Country Roads 4 Lane Bourbon  is more than just a whiskey—it’s a tribute to Appalachian heritage, craftsmanship, and the open road. A Journey in Every Sip Inspired by the iconic song that celebrates the beauty of West Virginia and the Appalachian spirit, 4 Lane Bourbon aims to capture that same s

There’s something magical about winter evenings: the glow of holiday lights, the smell of cinnamon and ginger wafting through the kitchen, and—if you’re lucky—a glass of bourbon in hand. But here’s the secret: bourbon isn’t just for sipping. It’s a flavor powerhouse that can elevate your favorite seasonal desserts into unforgettable experiences. Let’s talk about a few pairings that will make your holiday table shine. Pecan Pie + High-Rye Bourbon Pecan pie is already a decaden

If you’re a bourbon enthusiast, you know that Old Grand-Dad has a storied history in American whiskey. Known for its high-rye mash bill and bold character, this brand has been a staple for decades. But today, we’re diving into something truly special: Old Grand-Dad 7-Year Bottled-in-Bond —a release that brings heritage and craftsmanship together in a way that feels both nostalgic and exciting. A Brief History Old Grand-Dad sounds like a brand that your father or grandfather d

More and more “ house bourbons ” or “ store bourbons ” are coming to market, it’s Costco’s Kirkland brand, Liquor Barn’s Flatboat series , Binny’s Clark & Sheffield  lineup, or today’s selection - Chestnut Farms  - there is a common thread - they’re all from the 1792 Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky.  Craft Names from a Distilling Giant I was recently in Austin, Texas for work and my co-worker shared that she and her partner were enamored with a great tasting bourbon for the

Close to downtown Lexington, Kentucky is The Distillery District . At one time, this area was a bustling industrial complex. Today, it is...

A few years ago, at Justins’  in Lexington, Kentucky, I saw an old bottle of Wild Turkey 101 from the early 1970s and wondered what it...

Double barreling isn’t a new sensation. Old Forester  pioneered the concept in 1910 when a fire in the bottling building caused a stir,...

It’s Summer in the Midwest. The last weeks of sweet corn season are winding up at our local Farmer’s Market and we’re enjoying all the...

They say that confession is “ good for the soul ”. I have to confess that this is a bottle I’ve seen on the shelf many a time, have...

In these challenging economic times, I’m always looking for a bargain - especially if there is a way to try multiple bourbons or whiskeys...