There’s something uniquely Kentucky about a bourbon brand built on big dreams, bluegrass backroads, and a story that’s a little complicated around the edges. Limestone Heritage Bloodlines is exactly that kind of pour — a bottle tied to Georgetown, Kentucky, ambition, and lately, a fair amount of controversy. Originally connected to the proposed Limestone Heritage Distillery project in Georgetown, the brand was part of a vision for a large distillery and visitor experience in

There’s something special about a Maker’s Mark Private Selection. Each bottle tells its own story—built from a custom combination of oak staves that tweak and shape the classic wheated profile into something uniquely personal. This particular pick, the 1st Annual Hy-Vee “Honor Flight Bourbon”, carries not just a tailored flavor profile, but a meaningful purpose behind it as well. That alone makes it worth a closer look, but fortunately, what’s in the glass backs it up. The De

Some releases feel like they were meant to stay under the radar… until you actually get a pour in your glass. This 117 Series 1910 Extra Extra Old is one of those bottles. It doesn’t come in a flashy size, it doesn’t chase hazmat proof points—but what it does offer is something Old Forester has always done well: depth, balance, and just enough creativity to keep things interesting. And in this case, they leaned all the way into it. A Bit of History Old Forester is one of the

There’s something about a bottle that carries both nostalgia and quiet confidence—and Cream of Kentucky fits that bill beautifully. It’s the kind of name that sounds like it belongs in a dusty rickhouse ledger from a century ago, but what’s inside the bottle feels right at home in today’s bourbon renaissance. A Quick Sip of History Cream of Kentucky is a revived label with roots going back to the late 1800s. The brand dates all the way back to 1888, when I. Trager & Co. intro

Every now and then you come across a bottle that doesn’t scream for attention. No big marketing push, no long lines, no inflated secondary hype. Just sitting there…waiting. Uncharted Kentucky Wheated Bourbon feels like one of those bottles—and honestly, that’s part of the appeal. A Bit of the Story Uncharted is a newer label in the bourbon landscape, and the name fits. It leans into the idea of exploring less-traveled paths—both in how the whiskey is sourced and how it’s pres

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

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

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

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...