Peerless High Rye Bourbon (92)

This bourbon is 108.6 proof (54.3%). The nose opens up with sweet oak, maple syrup and some sort of muffin that I can’t seem to pinpoint. On the palate, I’m still trying to figure out which type of muffin this reminds me of. I’m leaning more to a blueberry or banana nut muffin. This has a medium, spicy finish. The nose has complexity and makes me want to come back and smell it again and again. Water does sweeten it up but I feel like it loses its balance. I would love to try this one over one large rock. Cheers!

Holladay Soft Red Wheat Bottled in Bond (91)

This heated bourbon is a bottled in bond bourbon, meaning that it has to be 100 proof (50%). The nose goes from a sweet wheat to a sweet oak. It’s soft and approachable. Initially bitter, but not off-putting. Cherries, which I get on a lot of wheated bourbons. Instantly reminds me of a bagel and some sort of sweet jelly or jam. This bottle could be mass appealing, especially with those who enjoy wheated bourbons. I would be interested in blinding this against Green River Wheated Bourbon, Weller Special Reserve, and Maker’s Mark 101. To me this leans more towards Green River’s product than Maker’s Mark.

Booker’s Bourbon 2023-03 “Mighty Fine” (91)

This batch of Booker’s is 126.6 Proof (63.3%). On the nose I get sweet oak and apple cinnamon. The palate leans to more of a dry oak, peanuts and caramel. Similar to how salty peanuts can dry out your palate, that’s what I get here. Similar to a dry wine. There is a medium finish and has notes of corn and leather. Booker’s remains a bottle that I enjoy!

Remus Repeal Reserve 7 (90)

This whiskey immediately hits me with a smoky element. I would classify this more as barrel char or even more of a tobacco note, not a “peat” note or anything like that. I also get a sweetness going in the direction or brown sugar and a slight floral note. This shows the complexity of this whiskey, however it leaves me wanting more in terms of depth of flavor. The finish is long and has notes of black pepper. At this price point and to be a limited release from a major distillery, I was a little disappointed. Overall, still a good whiskey.

Fort Hamilton Single Barrel Bourbon (90)

This bottle was provided by Fort Hamilton.

I find this approachable and could easily see that it has mass appeal at 95 proof. There are flavors of brown sugar, citrus, and baking spices on the nose. The palate brings forth plum and floral notes. If this were provided at a tasting room or distillery as part of a flight, I would think that those who are new to whiskey, would select this as their favorite.

Fort Hamilton Single Barrel Rye (91)

This rye is very dark in color and starts out with heavy oak and citrus notes on the nose. On the palate, the citrus seems to go away but sweet vanilla comes in with a touch of black pepper “rye spice”, and leather. I would say this isn’t your “typical” rye whiskey, as it is missing notes such as pine, mint, wintergreen, etc. If you were to squeeze an orange over a charred oak stave, you’d have this whiskey. It is hot and definitely drinks its proof of 122 proof (61% ABV).

Baker's 7 Year Single Barrel Bourbon
Baker’s 7 Year Single Barrel Bourbon (92)

The ages on these bottles vary, however the MINIMUM is 7 years old. This particular bottle that I am trying is 8 years 6 months. It opens with a citrus element and has a ‘bright” nose. Typically when I say that, it’s just in reference to brighter notes instead of “darker” notes, such as chocolate, tobacco, leather, etc. The palate follows the nose but adds depth to it and carries for a medium to long finish. I wouldn’t classify this as a super complex whiskey, however the experience improves as I move through each stage. From the nose, to the palate, to the finish. This is 107 proof and very enjoyable for my palate.

Basil Hayden Toast (86)

There are faint notes of oak and vanilla but they are masked by the off-putting, artificial notes. I feel that this bourbon lacks depth, flavor and complexity and at this price point, there are plenty of other options out there.

Green River Wheated Bourbon (91)

If you were to make some toast and put grape jelly on it, that’s this bourbon. Very approachable at 90 proof but maintains flavor and depth. There’s a sweet citrus note that comes through on the palate as well. Not overly complex or unique but still a fantastic bottle at a fantastic price point.

JTS Brown Bottled in Bond
JTS Brown Bottled in Bond (90)

The first thing that I notice is that this whiskey is not overly complex. But then again, at about $15, I don’t think it’s supposed to be. With that being said, it is interesting that the nose brings darker, dusty notes but the palate is much brighter. Even though there is a slight metallic note, this is one of the VERY FEW whiskeys at this price point that I don’t mind drinking neat.