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Bourbon

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- Nick's Import
Makers Mark Private Select Cask Strength Bourbon Whisky (700ml) - The Original Barracuda Selection

Kentucky, UNITED STATES

$165. 00
Bottle
$1980.00 Dozen

Beyond single barrel picks: Barrel customisation. A unique approach to the Private barrel program.
Whether you consider it genuinely novel or simply a clever gimmick, this series - which is rarely found in Australia - follows the success of the 2015 distillery-only release of Maker's 46 at cask strength. It's not quite the same as the Private Selection Wood Finished Collection, instead the Private Barrel Program is aimed at retail or restaurant partners. As with any private pick, you get to pre-taste and purchase a barrel. The twist is, you then choose ten finishing staves from a set of five options: Baked American Pure 2, Seared French Cuvee, Maker’s 46, Roasted French Mocha and Toasted French Spice. That's 1001 possible stave combinations. Given the number of potential combinations, not every bottling is going to be a winner. We feel this selection succeeds in taking Maker's in a new direction that's truly engaging.
The finishing staves were 2 x Baked American Pure 2, 1 x Seared French Cuvee, 3 x Maker's 46, 2 x Roasted French Mocha and 2 x Toasted French Spice. What firstly strikes you is the gorgeously pure, bright copper colour, followed by a bouquet that shifts ground and blossoms over five to ten minutes, opening with pecan pie, vanilla, dried coconut and light rye (even though there's none in the mashbill), later smelling more like Armagnac - think dates, dried apricots, brandy cream sauce and dark chocolate. Tasted undiluted it's unbelievably restrained - at least on entry where it hits the tongue pillow-soft. Once again, those classic Bourbon notes of vanilla oak and caramel arrive but, in this expression, half the finishing staves were French oak, which usually means more wood spice and astringency - consequently, it's Bourbon that's a balancing act between sugars and tannin. That also makes it more elegant than most. You've got to work this around your mouth to extract extra richness and / or give it plenty of time to breath. Those sweeter caramel-vanilla notes recover through the finish and aftertaste, mingling with cinnamon, clove, peppermint, dried fruits and satisfying spirit heat. If you're partial to high cocoa dark chocolate, you should love this, or if you just like variation in your American whiskeys, it offers a nice point of difference. As with the best wood aged spirits, we found its sweet spot after 20-30 minutes of breathing.
Commissioned by "The Original Barracuda", Dubai's largest retail wine and spirits store to celebrate their 25th Anniversary and labeled as such, according to the Maker's website, this is a single barrel bottling, however the total outturn isn't stated. You can also expect the mash bill to be the distillery's standard at 70% corn, 16% wheat and 14% malted barley. [55.35% Alc./Vol. barrel tasted] One shipment only.

Delivery Information
- 92
Makers Mark Bourbon Whisky (700ml)

Kentucky, UNITED STATES

$65. 99
Bottle
$791.88 Dozen

ABV: 40%

Maker's Mark is the world's only bourbon made in small quantities of less than twenty barrels per batch. 'Which means', we are told, 'that the distillers have time to be choosy.' Indeed, the producers attention to detail and commitment to quality is legendary, and on a value/quality basis Maker's Mark must out rank almost every other bourbon on the market.

The brand leapt out of obscurity in 1980 after the Wall Street Journal published a front page story on the history of the distillery. Suddenly everyone wanted to try it. Unfortunately, Makers Mark was only producing 38 barrels a day - as opposed to the industry standard of 1,300 barrels a day. Small production, however, was the key to the brands success. Since 1953 the Samuels had been steadfast in the belief that making small batches of bourbon at a time, using winter wheat instead of rye would produce a better whisky. Apparently they were correct. As Michael Jackson puts it in his World Guide to Whisky, 'The defining smoothness is achieved, arguably, at the expense of some flavour because Maker's Mark eschews rye in favour for wheat with which to season the palate. This is an accepted alternative way of producing bourbon but few distillers pursue it; Old Fitzgerald is a notable example.' Furthermore, Maker's Mark use an old rollermill instead of a more modern and efficient hammermill to cook the grain because they feel it is less likely to scorch and impart bitterness. They also don't use a pressure cooker to speed up the process, instead preferring an open cooker which allows more aromatics from the air about to penetrate the mash. The new whisky is matured in charred oak casks for a minimum of six years. At first the barrels are placed on the upper hotter floors of the warehouses. Then after several summers they are moved down to the lower, cooler stories. Maker's Mark is a blended whisky, meaning that different aged whiskies are blended together aiming to accentuate the positive characteristics while masking the others. Finally, Maker's Mark is labelled as 'whisky,' (the scotch spelling) rather than 'whiskey'. This is because the owners and their forebears are Scottish. Today, Makers Mark often shows up at White House banquets and has found a particularly strong following in Japan. The distillery itself, dating back to 1889, has been fully restored by Bill Samuels senior and is now a National Historic Landmark.

Tasting note: Deep amber polished brass appearance. Toasted marshmallow and vanilla in the first sniff. Opens up further with dusty cocoa, new leather and dilute maple syrup like flavours while hints of spicy rye add freshness. Firm, dryish delivery offers controlled sweetness with vanilla, dilute maple syrup and manuka honey flavours. Concludes mildly peppery and with minty rye dominating the finish. Milder than what it used to be, but more rye input too, especially on the finish. 40% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... Rich, brilliant amber hue. Sweet caramel, pecan pie, and brown spice aromas have a perfumed fruity edge. A silky enty leads to a dry medium-to full-bodied palate with rich roasted nuts, salt, dried fuits, dark caramel, tea leaves, and pepper spice. Finishes with a bold but balanced wave of heat and spice. Very nice. International Review of Spirits Award: Gold Medal
Rating: 90 points (Exceptional) - tastings.com

Nose: Aroma with delightful strands of exotic fruit and honey. Fruit cake. Oak adds to feeling of class. Palate: Lush, pleasingly deep and malty. A firm nuttiness adds extra oily, chewability to the toffee. Finish: Drier than of old. Caramel toffee with the oak guarantees a bittersweet edge. Comment: An old faithful of a bourbon. Never lets you down and being from the wheaty school always shows good oak balance. Nose is to die for. Rating: 8.5

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- 90
- Packaging may vary
Makers Mark 46 Bourbon Whisky (700ml)

Kentucky, UNITED STATES

$86. 99
Bottle
$1043.88 Dozen

ABV: 47%

Surprisingly, this is Makers Mark’s first new product since the distillery was founded more than 50 years ago. It's essentially a variation on traditional Makers Mark, whereby the finished product is transferred in just–emptied barrels containing a series of heavily seared French Oak staves – the number '46' refers to the stave profile utilized, not the ABV - which is left to interact, and season the Bourbon for an additional 2-3 month period. The searing eliminates any tannic bitterness within the oak, contributing a series of spicy notes otherwise non-existent with traditional wheat Bourbon profiles.
Other reviews... - (n23.5) crushed toasted hazelnuts dappled with honeycomb and delicate hickory; beautifully even and well mannered; (t24.5) quite superb: an initially thick, intense delivery which fans oak in directions; excellent weight as those honeycomb notes go into overdrive; a dotting of wheaty and oaky spices but it’s the way the softest of silky and highly complex flavours crash feather-like into the taste buds which cranks up the points; (f23) surprisingly light and simplistic with the accent firmly on vanilla; (b24) some people have a problem with oak staves. I don’t: whisky after all, is about the interaction of a grain spirit and oak. This guy is all about the nose and, especially the delivery. With so much controlled honey on show, it cannot be anything other than a show-stopper. Frankly, magnificent. I think I’ve met my Maker’s. 47% (94 proof) - 95 Points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2013
...It’s not earth-shattering bourbon, however it levels up one of the most iconic bourbon brands on the planet to a really enjoyable level. I’m normally not the biggest Maker’s Mark fan, so I went into this tasting a little skeptical. While the bourbon definitely starts strongest in the nose and fades from there, Maker’s 46 still left me pleasantly surprised. Everything about Maker’s 46 seems to be more refined than the standard Maker's. From the more sophisticated looking bottle, one that breaks away from the iconic square influence of regular Maker’s, to the flavor profile, which is all around an enhancement of the standard Maker’s Mark profile. It should be noted however, that individuals who love the flavor profile of Maker's Mark may be turned off by this enhanced fuller finish. That being said, while I may not stock my bar with Maker’s Mark, I would gladly buy another bottle of Maker’s 46. - breakingbourbon.com
...This is original “Red Wax” Maker’s Mark bourbon that received additional aging in barrels containing internal “seared” French Oak staves. The original Maker’s Mark, being a wheated bourbon (instead of rye, which is typically used), is a rather mellow, easy-to-drink bourbon. The French Oak staves in “46” add firm, complex, dry spices (lead by warming cinnamon, followed by nutmeg and clove), herb (a suggestion of Green Chartreuse liqueur, perhaps?), and some polished leather “grip”, which dovetails well with Maker’s trademark layered sweetness (caramel, vanilla, a hint of honey). I’m also picking up some dried fruit in the background. The seared oak stave influence is somewhat aggressive but never to the point of being excessive... 90 points- John Hansell - whiskyadvocate.com

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- 93
- Nick's Import
- ABV may vary
- Batch may vary
Makers Mark Cask Strength Bourbon Whisky (700ml)

Kentucky, UNITED STATES

$139. 99
Bottle
$1679.88 Dozen

ABV: 55.35%

Maker's Mark haven't been as prolific as other American whiskey producers. Not necessarily a bad thing if your core product is solid. Apart from Maker's 46 and some short-lived variations like Maker's Black Label (the latter only available in select markets), the range has remained relatively steadfast. The Bourbon review (gobourbon.com) explains the motivation behind this new offering - a natural strength beauty scheduled for release in bars and restaurants only. We've snuck in a few bottles for those keen to get a sneak peek of what by all reports is a smashing Bourbon: "When Bill retired in 2011, his son Rob Samuels took charge and he has recently overseen the launch of a cask-strength Bourbon for their legion of fans. The company says it’s using regular Bourbon that’s ready to be bottled as regular Maker’s Mark, and is simply not cutting it at all with water... Folks familiar with the iconic Maker’s bottle will probably think it’s a “mini-me” version of the original due to its similarity in shape, label and trademarked free flowing red-waxed tassels. Maker’s hopes to bring more of the product to market next year and have enough to fill some shelves in retail stores (but no promise of that yet)." Please note: Batch number and alcohol volume may vary.
Other reviews... [Earlier batch tasted] This is what I wish the standard Maker’s Mark would be: more mature, spicier, more complex, and with a richer finish. Caramel kissed with honey provides a base for marzipan, cotton candy, cinnamon, clove, and a balancing leather dryness on the finish. 56.6% Alc./Vol. 93 points - whiskyadvocate.com (Winter 2014) Reviewed by: John Hansell

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McLain & Kyne Jefferson's Very Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

Kentucky, UNITED STATES

$89. 99
Bottle
$1079.88 Dozen

ABV: 41.15%

McLain & Kyne is not a distillery, but a 'non-distiller producer' located in Louisville Kentucky. Founded by well known Bourbon historian, Chet and son Trey Zoeller over fifteen years ago (1997), they often source small unique lots of Bourbon which larger distilleries don't find profitable enough to distribute. Roughly 3-4 different bourbon recipes from 8-12 barrels are blended to create the varying ‘very small batch’ Jefferson's labels (Jefferson’s, Reserve, Presidential and Rye) – a miniscule number compared to other ‘small batch’ offerings that often blend up to 200-300 barrels per release.

Other Reviews...The whiskey’s formula has been improved, and now consists of a higher percentage of older whiskies (into the high teens) than the original release (which I rated 81). Nicely balanced, with candied fruit, blackberry jam, soft vanilla, kettle corn, and a kiss of mint. Pleasant, unpretentious, and uncomplicated. 85 points - John Hansell (www.whiskyadvocate.com.au)

Delivery Information
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2013 Michter's Single Barrel Cask Strength 20 Year Old Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

Kentucky, UNITED STATES

$19999. 00
Bottle
$239988.00 Dozen

ABV: 57.1%

Collectors note: This is supplied as bottle only and comes from a private collection.
Debuting in 2012 but not released every year, Michter's 20 year old is the second oldest age statement from the legendary distillery that has seen a meteoric rise in collectibility. Michter's state "While we regularly sample all our Michter's barrels to see how our whiskey is aging, we pay even extra special attention to our barrels once they are over 17 years old. At Michter's we consider 17 to 20 years the "Fork In The Road Point" when certain barrels of whiskey can achieve an extraordinary level of quality. It is these particular barrels that our Master Distiller Dan McKee personally selects for our very limited bottling of Michter's 20 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon."
Although the exact provenance of these early Michter's releases remains undisclosed, bourbonculture.com comments, "2012 was a busy year for Michter’s. Work was in progress for both their Shively distillery, Fort Nelson location and the continual release of both highly aged whiskies from the barrels they sourced at Willett to the new whiskies that expanded their lineup.
That’s why it was shocking to see a 20 year old bourbon being released. M20 would go on to be released every year (with the exception of 2017) in very limited amounts of bottles.
2012’s bottling was labelled “Single Barrel” but was eventually changed to reflect it was a “small batch” in 2016 and beyond. It is widely speculated that the first single barrel of M20 contained Stitzel Weller inside. It may never be known how many more releases contained the holy grail of bourbon in it, but M20 continues to draw a large fan base each year."
An interesting speculation that leads one to wonder what this 2013 release contains.
Tasting note: Deep copper with gold ochre edges. Opening aromas of boot polish and old leather gradually give way to deep scents of buttered nuts and toasted popcorn. Returning after 4-5 minutes of air contact finds top notes of vanilla fudge amid flashes of apricot jam, dilute maple syrup and cocoa. Tongue nipping peppers have barely tamed with extended age in what's otherwise a concentrated yet nicely rounded attack; with delicate bitter-sweetness in the early stages, finding more definition towards the finish as rich, nutty, vanilla soaked flavours enter. Late sugars vie with the penetrating oak. Concludes long, dry and leathery with the paprika peppers driving the aftertaste. If you spend less than 10-15 minutes on this brooding effort you won't be doing it justice. One to savour. 57.1% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... [Barrel No. 1646 tasted] A soothing bourbon, with maple syrup, blackberry preserve, polished leather, roasted nuts, marzipan, vanilla toffee, dusty dates, subtle tobacco, and a hint of pedro ximinez sherry. Soft, flavorful finish. The oak is kept in check, with layered sugars and fruit for balance. The price of admission is steep, but this whiskey is very satisfying. 93 points 57.1% Alc./Vol. - maltadvocate.com, (Spring 2013) Reviewed by: John Hansell

Delivery Information
- 89
- 92
Michter's US*1 Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey (700ml)

Kentucky, UNITED STATES

$120. 00
Bottle
$1440.00 Dozen

ABV: 45.7%

"A deceptively weighty Bourbon which is an essay in genteel understatement." - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2023
The Michter's "US 1" bottlings are so named to honour Michter’s heritage. The brand was established in 1753 as America’s first whiskey company. Washington and his troops drank Michter’s while they were hunkered down in Valley Forge. The US*1 Bourbon is made from a mash bill that features the highest quality American corn, however the complete recipe remains undisclosed. It's matured to the peak of perfection, with barrels often aging in excess of eight years. Truly “small batch,” each release is typically composed of no more than two dozen barrels, leaving no margin for “blending out” imperfection and thus necessitating excellence from every barrel. This deep copper-coloured whiskey presents dryish aromas with subtle notes of corn chip, vanilla, cinnamon and smouldering oak in the first pass; hints of caramel develop in the second phase. Remains a tad subdued through to the final inspection where choc-peppermint, rye-like aromas and fresh sawn oak feature. A lively delivery offers nicely balanced flavours of charry oak, grilled corn and vanilla slice; drying towards the finish where spicy rye-like notes kick in. Fine tannins trail off into hints of cracker biscuit and old liquorice strap. Vibrant and youthful. 45.7% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... A deceptively weighty Bourbon which is an essay in genteel understatement. Complex and fascinating, especially in the many guises the cocoa creates. 92 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2023
[notes from 2005] The bouquet has a dry, grainy aroma which is accented by peppery/spicy scents. The palate entry is surprisingly sweet and corny, considering how dry the aroma is; the midpalate point is deep, corny sweet, sap-like and a bit syrupy. Ends up well and balanced, with a backnote of dried red fruit (raisins, prunes). 90-95 points - wineenthusiast.com
...Aged in new oak for an indeterminate time. A bold and aggressive whiskey. Intensity from the get-go on the nose: Butterscotch, over-ripe banana, creme brulee, and cinnamon. The body takes all that and runs with it, adding brisk oak elements, apple pie notes, dried figs, and a touch of red hot candies. That bit of heat doesn’t last. The finish is seductive and supple, offering a wonderful balance between dusty wood and brown sugar sweetness. An excellent buy, the dearth of data on the spirit notwithstanding. - drinkhacker.com

Delivery Information
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- 91
Noah's Mill Cask Strength Bourbon Whiskey (700ml)

Kentucky, UNITED STATES

$169. 99
Bottle
$2039.88 Dozen

ABV: 57.15%

Note: ABV may vary from batch to batch.
Tasting note: [BATCH QBC 16-25 tasted] Bright brassy copper. Dessert style opening sniffs include tea biscuits, vanilla fudge, mocha and hints of sticky date. Air contact dries and lightens the bouquet introducing liquorice root, and fresher, woody/peppery notes. Linear on entry. Mid palate is mildly bittersweet, bolder, oily, resinous, plummy, warming but keenly balanced at high ABV. Finishes with a brisk flurry of sweet baking spices and late cedary oak. 57.15% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... "The oldest of the four in years, and also the highest in alcohol. It has managed to maintain its balance of flavors and keep the oak notes from becoming too dominant. Bolder and more masculine than Rowan’s Creek, but not as teasing or seductive. Still, it’s a great effort. 89 points - www.maltadvocate.com, Vol. 14, #2
“Stunning small grain, the rye in particular starring...This is one of Kentucky’s most complex whiskies by far. Small grains, big heart.” 91 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible

Delivery Information
- 88
1993 Old Forester 13 Year Old Birthday Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

Kentucky, UNITED STATES

$2499. 00
Bottle
$29988.00 Dozen

ABV: 48%

Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks.
Being vintage-dated releases of hand-picked barrels, the Birthday Bourbons will vary in style from year to year. According to the Master Distiller, this edition is characterised by a naturally spiced palate that comes with a cool, refreshing hint of spearmint. Bottled in 2006 at 48% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... The same vintage as last year’s Birthday Bourbon but aged one year longer. Last year’s version was quite intense with a lot of wood influence. What does one more year in wood do to the whisky? Surprisingly, the oak spice seems less dominant, and the flavors are more balanced. Still, this is still a serious bourbon drinker’s bourbon. Piquant, dried spice notes of vanilla, cocoa, mint, and cinnamon are tamed by layers of maple syrup, caramel, and toffee. Every once in a while some fruits try to get recognized. A powerful, after dinner bourbon. 88 points - whiskyadvocate.com

Delivery Information
- 91
- Nick's Import
- Reduced
Old Forester Signature 100 Proof Bourbon (1000ml)

Kentucky, UNITED STATES

Reduced from $120.00
$99. 99
Bottle
$1199.88 Dozen

ABV: 50%

"...a much improved product, [that] can finally stand toe-to-toe with its competition."- breakingbourbon.com
According to owners, Brown-Forman, this is a favourite of bartenders. An ongoing NAS release composed of 72% corn, 18% rye and 10% malted barley, the label doesn’t actually say “Signature”, instead its title honours founder, George Garvin Brown, whose actual signature is depicted. Albeit young, BF have done a decent job of creating an affordable, solid, high proof Bourbon with body and palate weight. The nose has a few tell-tale signs of youth, with a touch of bubblegum and gobstopper, banana cake and candied peach but it's augmented by dark chocolate, spice and late hints of peppermint. The palate feels more mature, with cherry ripe chocolate, pipe tobacco and lots of wood spice. Mild tannins give a grippy feel to the finish, followed by a flash of rye and a pleasing pepper warmth that goes on at length. Neither too sweet nor too dry, and at 100 proof the overall balance is satisfying - If you can get past the screw cap and basic presentation, you'd happily sip this neat or use it as a base for cocktails. 50% Alc./Vol. Value one litre bottle.
Other reviews... As a much improved product, Old Forester Signature 100 Proof goes a long way correcting its past wrongs, and can finally stand toe-to-toe with its competition....Old Forester Signature will be an introductory bourbon to a lot of people, or an everyday bourbon to more seasoned drinkers. This price range comes with certain expectations though, like a more memorable flavor profile, that while not overly complex, still provides some flavor depth and sophistication. Evan Williams Single Barrel, Four Roses Small Batch, and Eagle Rare all accomplish this within this price range. Old Forester 86 and 100 proof bourbons have struggled with this for many years. They were far from bad bourbons, they just weren’t all that memorable. Unfortunately what was most memorable about them was their dreadful finish. With this nearly fixed, and a rich palate and respectable depth, Old Forester Signature now provides a solid pour at a great price point. - breakingbourbon.com, 2019 review.
Gold Medal - International Spirits Challenge

Delivery Information
- 92
Old Forester Statesman 95 Proof Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

Kentucky, UNITED STATES

$89. 99
Bottle
$1079.88 Dozen

ABV: 47.5%

"...the weight ration and length of each phase is spot on. Charming." 92.5 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2023.
Inspired by the film,”Kingsman: The Golden Circle,” and named after the characters playing American secret service counterparts, the whiskey promises bold flavours blended to a smooth 95 proof from hand-selected casks from the warmest places in company's warehouse. 47.5% Alc./Vol.
thewhiskeywash.com has more to say about the marketing effort... "The company held a large press conference to unveil the new bourbon, partly because the movie purportedly features many mentions of its hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, as well as the distilling industry. Brown-Forman, of course, was consulted on that part of the script. In the movie, the men of the Statesman group run a whiskey distillery as a front for their covert, good-guy operations. Old Forester stuck its own toe into the somewhat covert waters by releasing the whiskey discreetly in small allotments around the city just after the press event. Even the brand’s master taster, Jacquelyn Zykan, claimed she had no clue where around town they’d show up".

Delivery Information
- 91
Old Forester 80 Proof Bourbon (700ml)

Kentucky, UNITED STATES

$63. 99
Bottle
$767.88 Dozen

ABV: 40%

In the 1800's, American whiskey was sold in bulk to rectifiers, wholesalers, brokers and retailers. Barrels were branded with a distillery or 'brand' name. Package stores and druggists bottled their own labels from bulk supplies. Unscrupulous rectifiers, jobbers and retailers would often tamper with the quality and integrity of the whiskey in a barrel. In 1870, George Garvin Brown, a young pharmaceuticals salesman in Louisville, Kentucky, saw the need for a consistently high-quality whiskey that met medicinal standards. With $5,500 in saved and borrowed money, Brown and his half brother started J.T.S. Brown and Bro. They sold Old Forester Bourbon Whiskey exclusively in sealed glass bottles to assure its quality, making it America's first bottled bourbon.
Whisky writer, Jim Murray considers the Old Forester brand synonymous with "...fabulous quality".
Tasting note: [43% bottling tasted.] Deep brass / copper. Toasted marshmallow is the recurring theme on the nose with intermittent flashes of shellac, vanilla wafer and then drier, minty rye notes entering late. Good balance and weight with semi sweet and slightly oily flavours including liquorice bullets, glace cherry and vanilla wafer biscuit before light, peppery rye and the drying oak kicks in. Solid, youthful Bourbon.
Other reviews... This tawny Bourbon has a rich, spiced scent reminiscent of fruitcake. On the palate, look for caramel studded with dried cherry, orange peel and clove, finishing quite dry. A great profile for classic cocktails, and not too precious to mix. 93 points
- www.wineenthusiast.com

Delivery Information
- 88
Old Louisville Whiskey Co. Straight Bourbon Whiskey Batch 2 (750ml)

Kentucky, UNITED STATES

$319. 00
Bottle
$3828.00 Dozen

ABV: 48%

A straight Bourbon, aged 7-10 years and bottled at barrel proof – uncut, unfiltered. Prickly opening sniffs reveal dried corn over light vanilla and caramel; wavers and narrows, accenting oak shavings before bouncing back. Lots of oak to the attack; Fruit cake, dried peach, sweeter grains and vanillas struggle to gain ground over the wood spices which clinch the finish. Ends mildly astringent, fading with bitter dark chocolate and moderate persistence. 75% corn, 21% rye and 4% malted barley. 1622 bottles produced. 48% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

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Old Rip Van Winkle 107 Proof 10 Year Old Bourbon Whiskey (700ml) - Circa 2013 bottling

Kentucky, UNITED STATES

$3999. 00
Bottle
$47988.00 Dozen

ABV: 53.5%

Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product pictured.
A bottling for avid collectors. Regarding the dating, we know that the Van Winkle cognac-style bottle was introduced in 2013, but this also has the same label as the older squat bottles. It's not certain when the newer/current label with the old man was moved from the side to the centre of the label, and there is no laser code evident on this bottle, but the old style label would suggest this is one of the original cognac bottles still using the squat label. 53.5% Alc./Vol. One only.

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Old Rip Van Winkle 15 Year Old 107 Proof Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) - Squat Bottle

Kentucky, UNITED STATES

$8999. 00
Bottle
$107988.00 Dozen

ABV: 53.5%

Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product pictured.
A quasi-mythical bottling of the legendary wheated Bourbon that stems from the brand's earliest days - hence it was distilled at Stitzel-Weller. It was superseded by the Pappy Van Winkle 15 year old in 2004 / 2005, so stocks have been off the market for over a decade. Of all the wheated Bourbons out there, including Weller, Buffalo Trace, Maker’s Mark, Old Fitzgerald et al, the Van Winkle label is the most famous and sought after today. 53.5% Alc./Vol.

Delivery Information
- 93
Old Rip Van Winkle 107 Proof 10 Year Old Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

Kentucky, UNITED STATES

$1999. 00
Bottle
$23988.00 Dozen

ABV: 53.5%

The esteemed Old Rip Van Winkle Bourbons are once again available in tiny quantities. This 107 proof (53.5%) 10 year old bottling replaced the previous 90 proof (45%) release. Back in 2009 we had an opportunity to taste a small sample from Batch #BU512. A robust sipping Bourbon with powerful, prickly, vanilla-heavy aromatics accompanied by marzipan and a touch of candied orange, it is equally concentrated and mouth-filling; Yet, for a high-strength offering, the approachability and balance at this proof were notable. 53.5% Alc./Vol.

Delivery Information
- 88
Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old 107 Proof Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) - Squat Bottle

Kentucky, UNITED STATES

$4999. 00
Bottle
$59988.00 Dozen

ABV: 53.5%

Other reviews... ...really well balanced and weighty whiskey. 88 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2008
Deep burnished copper hue. Decadent sweet molasses and spice aromas. A lush, rich entry leads to a full-bodied palate of toffee, lavish vanilla, brown spices, and peppery rye notes. Finishes with a long sweet praline and spice fade. Deep and richly balanced. International Review of Spirits Award: Gold Medal
91 points (Exceptional) - tastings.com

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Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve 107 Proof 15 Year Old Bourbon Whiskey (700ml) - Pre 2006 bottling

Kentucky, UNITED STATES

$9999. 00
Bottle
$119988.00 Dozen

ABV: 53.5%

Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product pictured.
It's no secret that Pappy Van Winkles are known as some of the best whiskeys money can buy - and the hardest to find. Millionaires have just as much difficulty as the average joe. But Pappy isn’t impossible to obtain, you just have to be ready to purchase on release. About 80,000 bottles are offered annually. Truly unusual, uber-rare discoveries are the historical bottlings like this. Judged to be a pre-2006 release, one clue to the dating of Pappy Van Winkle is the raised lettering on the label. The words “Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve” were embossed so they protruded until around 2006, when a new label style was introduced that used flat lettering. You can see the difference in a side-by-side comparison of Pappy 15 from 2005 and 2008, for example. 53.5% Alc./Vol. One only.

Delivery Information
- 95
- 92
Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve 20 Year Old Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) - Pre 2006 bottling

Kentucky, UNITED STATES

$11999. 00
Bottle
$143988.00 Dozen

ABV: 45.2%

Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product pictured.
It's no secret that Pappy Van Winkles are known as some of the best whiskeys money can buy - and the hardest to find. Millionaires have just as much difficulty as the average Joe. But Pappy isn’t impossible to obtain, you just have to be ready to purchase on release. About 80,000 bottles are offered annually. Truly unusual, uber-rare discoveries are the historical bottlings like this. Judged to be a pre-2006 bottling, one clue to the dating of Pappy Van Winkle is the raised lettering on the label. The words “Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve” were embossed so they protruded until around 2006, when a new label style was introduced that used flat lettering. You can see the difference in a side-by-side comparison of Pappy 20YO from 2005 and 2008, for example. For this edition, the back label features a picture of Pappy completing a round of golf. 45.2% Alc./Vol. One only.
"...beautifully constructed and remains one of my favorite bourbons ever." - breakingbourbon.com
In a blind taste test of whiskey labels from around the world, the Beverage Tasting Institute in Chicago gave the 20-year old Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve a 99 out of 100 rating... the highest mark ever awarded. It began as a rye-heavy style but it's now a wheated bourbon, making the whiskey softer, sweeter, mellower and more rounded. It remains the most-awarded of the Pappys, and is sometimes compared with top shelf cognac, helped by its slightly younger age and slightly lower proof.
Other reviews... An ancient Bourbon, so should be a flavour powerhouse. But this is all about understatement and complexity. 95 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2020
...Amber mahogany. Rich, mature aromas of vanilla, cinnamon, leather, tea berry, coconut, and dark fruit-very complex indeed. Big, coating, soothing texture. Flavors are very mature, rounded and nicely balanced, with notes of molasses, dried fruit, cinnamon, and teaberry. It finishes long, with a very soothing demeanor.... An exemplary example of the style. 92 points - whiskyadvocate, 3rd Quarter 2001 Issue-Vol. 10#3
...This has always been my favorite Van Winkle bourbon and after this recent tasting, it remains that way. It has aspects of all of the other Van Winkle bourbons in a single package. It’s nose is by far the best out of the bunch. It proves how important a bourbon’s nose really is to the entire tasting experience. The palate features the rich fruit flavors of the 12 Year, the cinnamon of the 15 Year, and a touch less oak than the 23 Year. It’s beautifully constructed and remains one of my favorite bourbons ever. - breakingbourbon.com
...Nose: Deep, powerful and concentrated. This has moved into almost rancio territory: eucalypt/laurel, spice, burnt orange peel, apple, pear, biscuity wood. Palate: Soft and surprisingly delicate given the age. A charred note adds to the complexity. Gentle and elegant: cigar box, prune, molasses, soot. Finish: Long. In fact it’s very, very long and complex. Comment: A subtle sipper to be taken neat and definitely without ice! 90 points David Broom - whiskymag.com
Raised lettering. See "Other Tips" https://whiskeyid.com/van-winkle-timeline/

Delivery Information
- 95
Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve 23 Year Old Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

Kentucky, UNITED STATES

$6999. 00
Bottle
$83988.00 Dozen

ABV: 47.8%

Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product pictured. Comes complete with faux velvet bag.

Home to one of the highest rated whiskeys in the world, and now released bi-annually, the 23 year old began as a semi-annual bottling in 2005 that would quickly sell out upon release. That changed in 2010 when it was made a permanent member on the portfolio. Distilled and bottled by the Sazerac Company at its Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, the various age statements on offer are regarded by many as some of the finest bourbons in the world. As the oldest of the Pappy Van Winkle line up, the 23 year old is also the woodiest of the range with a slightly diminished sweetness. However bourbons of this ilk always need ample air contact to show their finer points, which was precisely Jim Murray's experience upon re-tasting it for his 2020 Whisky Bible (95 points review below). Almost unobtainable, it routinely commands big dollars.
Other reviews... The corn oils kiss and caress, the tannins barge and batter in a good cop / bad cop delivery... one of the holy grails of bourbon is to produce a consistently a 23-25 year old bourbon which is still sweet and not tannin dominated: no easy task. [this is] unquestionably drier... there are still sugars enough to give some fabulous moments on the palate. The tannins do though, still have the biggest say. But remember, this whiskey has matured for a very long time. 47.8% Alc./Vol. 95 points - Jim Murrays Whisky Bible 2020
...Nose: Deep, powerful and concentrated. This has moved into almost rancio territory: eucalypt/laurel, spice, burnt orange peel, apple, pear, biscuity wood. Palate: Soft and surprisingly delicate given the age. A charred note adds to the complexity. Gentle and elegant: cigar box, prune, molasses, soot. Finish: Long. In fact it’s very, very long and complex. Comment: A subtle sipper to be taken neat and definitely without ice! 90 points - David Broom, www.whiskymag.com

Delivery Information
- 87
Rabbit Tale Dareringer Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (700ml)

Kentucky, UNITED STATES

$144. 99
Bottle
$1739.88 Dozen

ABV: 46.5%

Made from a mash bill of 68% corn, 18% wheat and 14% malted barley, this Straight Bourbon takes a leaf out of the Scotch Whisky playbook with a finishing in PX (sweet) sherry casks from Spain’s artisanal Casknolia Cooperage. Initial aging takes place in alligator char level barrels (the heaviest char of them all). Winner of back-to-back Double Gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, plus another Gold at the World Whiskies Awards. 46.5% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... Dareringer is a straight bourbon that is aged in new toasted and charred oak barrels and then finished in Casknolia Pedro Ximenez Sherry Casks. Batches are relatively small at no more than 15 barrels, however batch numbers are not provided on each bottle. While PX Sherry Cask finished bourbons can be over-the-top, Rabbit Hole manages to deliver a well-balanced experience that’s quite delicious. Dareringer is full of sweet fruit notes, but manages to hold to its bourbon base with flavors of caramel and oak weaving in and out. Moreover, it’s surprisingly full-flavored for the proof which will appeal to a wide audience as it doesn’t taste high proof, but offers a rich character. If you’re a fan of PX Sherry Cask finished bourbons, Dareringer is definitely worth checking out. - breakingbourbon.com
...A potpourri of herbs, dried flowers, licorice, candied lemon peel, baklava, and furniture polish on the nose. The palate shows some minerality and is a bit bitter, but has prominent blueberry, grape, and boysenberry flavors, along with licorice, coriander seed, mint, and oak spice. It finishes with dark fruit, menthol, licorice, roasted nuts, and plenty of oak. Takes water well. 87 points - whiskyadvocate.com

Delivery Information
- 89
Rabbit Tale Cavehill Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (700ml)

Kentucky, UNITED STATES

$114. 99
Bottle
$1379.88 Dozen

ABV: 47.5%

Rabbit Tale “Cavehill” is one of the company's flagship offerings, labelled as a 'four-grain triple malt' recipe due to its mash bill of 70% Corn, 10% Malted Wheat, 10% Malted Barley and 10% Honey Malted Barley. Aged for a minimum of three years in new American oak barrels, the palate is described as warming with hints of citrus, melted toffee and vanilla bean. 47.5% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... I’ve got to give it to Rabbit Hole, out of the gate their whiskeys weren’t overly exciting, but as the distillery has matured, so has their approach to their whiskeys. Made in small 15 barrel batches, Cavehill with its unique mashbill offers an interesting flavor profile in an extremely accessible and friendly sip. This is a great next step for many whiskey drinkers looking for something a touch more interesting, but fear going too far over the line. Its approachable delivery of sweet, but not-too-sweet flavors against a more traditional spice and peppery finish works well. It’s young and lacks complexity, but brings a clean and bright taste to its delivery. It's accessible in all the right ways, and while it might not immediately wow, it maintains a level of intrigue that makes it quite a bit of fun to drink. - breakingbourbon.com
...Rabbit Hole's core bourbon brand now carries the name Cavehill, though the liquid remains unchanged. The nose starts with dried red fruits, drying oak tannins, raspberry jam, and an earthy note. A palate of spiced oak, milk chocolate, caramel, white pepper, and sweet black cherry is followed by a lengthy finish of orange peel, honey, sweet lemon cake, creamy chocolate, and pepper spice. Rich flavors, creating an easy whiskey to savor. 89 points - whiskyadvocate.com

Delivery Information
- 90
- 91
- 88
Redwood Empire Pipe Dream Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

UNITED STATES

$139. 99
Bottle
$1679.88 Dozen

ABV: 45%

Named after the 14th tallest tree on the planet, Pipe Dream is a mix of four to twelve year old Bourbons, some made at Sonoma County's Graton Distilling Co., others sourced from Kentucky, Indiana and Tennessee. The high corn mash bill is balanced out with 21% raw rye and 4% malted barley. The nose opens with attractive, youngish aromas of peach tart, cherry chocolate, white pepper and citrus zest. Entry develops into a semi-sweet, well-rounded profile offering toasty oak, dried peach and lively spices. Fresh oak and hints of muddled mint balance the finish. A quality mid-tier Bourbon with a typical profile and nice texture. Matured in northern California. 45% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews… For a whiskey of this age, the hickory content is high. And a very sweet hickory at that. Very distinctive Bourbon. 91.5 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible.
...An herbaceous nose offers spearmint, spice, tea, and leather. Coconut on the palate, followed by orange oil, peach pie, vanilla, brown sugar, and chocolate-covered almonds. The finish has spice, nutty dark chocolate, espresso, and melon. Cohesive, balanced, and well-textured. 88 points - whiskyadvocate.com
I’m not sure if Redwood Empire’s goal was to create a quintessential bourbon flavor profile, but they certainly nailed it if that was the case. Pipe Dream Bourbon is mainly a straightforward bourbon that nails the caramel/vanilla/oak trio with expert precision. Easy sipping and inoffensive in every way, Redwood Empire nails being an every-person bourbon. That decision ends up being a double edged sword, as it makes the bourbon a bit on the boring side, lacking much excitement besides its delightful strawberry rhubarb aftertaste. The bourbon will probably work best as a gift to a budding bourbon drinker that will be equally impressed by the out-of-the-mainstream selection and enchanting label design. For more experienced drinkers, despite its straightforwardness, it gets a few bonus points for its amazingly smooth and buttery consistency. For its price, it's hard to beat the value it offers. - breakingbourbon.com
94 points - Tasting Panel Magazine - Nov 2020
DOUBLE GOLD - SIP Awards - Aug 2020
DOUBLE GOLD - San Diego Spirits Festival - Sept 2019

Delivery Information
- 89
- 89
Redwood Empire Grizzly Beast Bottled in Bond Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

UNITED STATES

$199. 00
Bottle
$2388.00 Dozen

ABV: 50%

Redwood Empire's 100 proof version is produced from 66% corn, 23% rye, 7% wheat and 4% malted barley, aged five years in 200 litre barrels, toasted and charred to level three. Bitter peel, wood shavings and tingling alcohol are evident on the nose before settling into fruity-vanilla territory. Despite the high ABV, it's a middle-weight, accessible style; If at first the wood feels a little too assertive and grippy, work it around your mouth to extract sweeter notes of cherry and ripe peach. Oak and spices rally at the finish, leaving the impression of bitter dark chocolate. The label references the Grizzly Giant, a massive Sequoia in Yosemite National Park. Batch 002 tasted. 50% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews… All manners of orange are here, with orange peel, Creamsicle, and a hint of orange soda right up front. This citrus is joined by sweeter elements: a drizzle of maple syrup and inviting wood spice. The palate is creamy, and that tangy, zesty citrus carries on, though there's also blueberry cobbler, a burst of Red Hots, and buttered toast sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon. A moderate-length finish balances oak with tart red fruit. (3,000 bottles) 89 points - whiskyadvocate.com

Delivery Information
- 90
- 91
Redwood Empire Pipe Dream Cask Strength Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

UNITED STATES

$220. 00
Bottle
$2640.00 Dozen

ABV: 58.4%

Distilled from majority corn and rye and aged at least four years, the aromas are drier than its lower strength sibling, presenting carpenter’s workshop, fresh oak shavings, light cocoa and budding vanilla sweetness. Somewhat restrained, this gathers momentum in a layering of dry, woody notes swell as rolling tobacco, dark chocolate with a touch of red berry and liquorice root. Lots of warming spice and astringency through the finish. Mature, but some may find the wood too much. Batch 001 tasted. 58.4% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.
Other reviews… Spice-driven bakery shop aromas highlight the nose with notes of cinnamon babka, Christmas cake, gingerbread cookies, and powdered sugar sitting alongside a woodsy, pine forest quality. Water brings out toasted coconut and caramelized banana. A creamy and honeyed palate delivers tobacco leaf, vanilla cream, rye spice, cinnamon scone, and bitter chocolate. It’s zippy and benefits from added water. Whipped cream punctuates a lengthy finish Spice abounds on this robust and potent whiskey. 91 points - whiskyadvocate.com

Delivery Information
- 89
Rowan's Creek Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

Kentucky, UNITED STATES

$134. 99
Bottle
$1619.88 Dozen

ABV: 50.05%

Back in the late 1700's when John Rowan first settled in Kentucky, whiskey making was the order of the day. John went on and made a name for himself as a respected judge & statesman. The creek still bears his name. As a small batch bottling the profile will vary from batch to batch.
Tasting note: [BATCH QBC 16-23 tasted] Amber-gold. The nose is 'pretty' for a Bourbon - almost floral, with aromas of beeswax, stewed pear, caramel fudge, light clove and white pepper. Incredibly approachable at high proof. So softly spoken, yet with a hard, peppery edge from the oak; just enough lingering vanilla/fruit sweetness to hold your attention, but the wood threatens the balance. Lean and savoury. 50.5% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... . Beautifully balanced, like Kentucky Vintage, but more complex and with greater depth. It’s also not as boldly dry as Pure Kentucky X.O. Rather, it is softer and more seductive. This is splendid bourbon! It would be a shame to adulterate this bourbon in any way—don’t even think of mixing it. Find yourself a quiet moment, pour yourself a measure, and savor. (Batch 03-59)
- www.maltadvocate.com 2nd Quarter 2005 Issue—Vol. 14#2

Click here to learn more about American Whiskey

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2018 Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Barrel Proof Release 128.8 Proof (64.4%) Straight Rye Whiskey (750ml)

Kentucky, UNITED STATES

$1999. 00
Bottle
$23988.00 Dozen

ABV: 64.4%

Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product pictured.

One of five bottlings in the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, the 2018 Handy was matured for six years and four months in 73 hand picked barrels, then bottled uncut and unfiltered.
Other reviews.... Cereal grain notes and fresh-cut oak suggest some youthfulness here, but the stone fruits and hot caramel sundae appear dense and richly layered. On the palate the big, up-front sweetness evolves into nougat, marzipan, and caramel-covered apple, sprinkled with root beer spices, before more grain and pastry notes appear on the finish. Powerful and vibrant stuff.
93 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: Jeffery Lindenmuth (Winter 2018)

Delivery Information
- 94
Van Winkle Special Reserve Lot "B" 12 Year Old Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) - 2007 bottling

Kentucky, UNITED STATES

$3999. 00
Bottle
$47988.00 Dozen

ABV: 45.2%

Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product pictured.
"For those who like their Bourbon hairy, bristling with spice, honey and big oak integration." - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible
Collectors may wish to note the laser code on this once-off from a private seller: J0100713:55. According to Whiskey ID the J = the bottling line, 010 = the 10th day of the year, 07 = the year bottled, 13:55 = the time bottled in military time, hence a determination regarding the provenance of this bottle can be made with some confidence. 45.2% Alc./Vol.
[2013 bottling tasted] I’ve always been a fan of Lot B. It’s sweet and fruity and easy to enjoy. It was the first Van Winkle bourbon I owned and I gladly shared it with whoever was interested in trying it. Of course I never had anyone refuse it, but more importantly, everyone that tried it, loved it. That’s a good way to sum up Lot B. It’s a crowd pleaser. It also has the most in common with Pappy 20 Year with its fruit-forward palate than any of the other Van Winkle bourbons. At the same time, it’s a bit simple and its proof is a bit light for its flavor profile. It’s often the most overlooked in the collection and part of that is probably due to its lackluster labeling. It deserves better. It’s a great bourbon with easy-to-enjoy flavors, but I just don’t know if it has enough of the “Pappy magic” to warrant the kind of price it commands on the secondary. If I’d never had it before, I’d gladly pay up, but after the hype fades, I’d think twice. - breakingbourbon.com

Delivery Information
- 93
- Limit One per customer
W.L. Weller 12 Year Old Wheated Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

Kentucky, UNITED STATES

$250. 00
Bottle
$3000.00 Dozen

ABV: 45%

Rated No.2 by dramdata.com in the top ten whisky investments for 2019. Recording a 50% increase and now selling for over $480 both here and in the US, our recommendation is a strong buy.
Many Australian collectors remain oblivious to the surge in demand and dwindling supply of premium American whiskeys. In the US and Europe, ask for Pappy Van Winkle et al. and retailers will laugh in your face. Meanwhile, older age statements from Michter's and the annual releases from Buffalo Trace's 'Antique Collection' are seducing collectors and selling at stratospheric prices on the secondary market. Asia is fast catching on. The good news is, so long as international allocations are honoured, buyers in countries like Australia can capitalise on fair opening prices. Right now, Weller 12 should be on your list. With tiny volumes imported via official channels, this may be your last chance before the market wakes up.
Produced by Buffalo Trace Distillery, replacing rye with wheat makes for an extra smooth Bourbon. This is also aged considerably longer than most wheated styles. In fact, the boys at breakingbourbon.com reckon Weller 12 is as close as you can get to tasting Pappy Van Winkle - it comes from the same recipe as Van Winkle Lot B, which is also aged 12 years, (but it's not matured in the sweetest spots in the warehouses). Factor in the price difference and you have yourself a bargain.
"Does it get better than this? Van Winkle recipe, aged 12 years, low price... There are a very few bourbons that can flat-out beat it without blowing your budget." - breakingbourbon.com
Other reviews... Sheer quality. And an enormous leap in complexity and grace from the 7yo.
93 points- Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2018
A “wheated” bourbon, meaning that it doesn’t have the spicy rye notes found in a more traditional “ryed” bourbon. A pleasantly sweet, easy-going, well-balanced experience. Creamy vanilla, caramel, candied corn, and ripe berried fruit , along with more subtle notes of glazed orange, cocoa powder, and wood shavings. If I were going to ease a new bourbon drinker into the category, I might pick this one. 89 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: John Hansell (Fall 2008)
Double Gold Medal Best Straight Bourbon - 2018 New York International Spirits Competition
...Balanced, and sporting a great flavor profile, this is one bourbon that is far better than many in its price range... Does it get better than this? Van Winkle recipe, aged 12 years, low price and an above-average nose/palate/finish? There are a very few bourbons that can flat-out beat it without blowing your budget. Also don’t let the Weller’s line of underwhelming bottle design and labels deter you from finding the gem. The money Buffalo Trace saves on the bottle itself is passed along to the consumer. As their shortages continue, if you see a bottle of W.L. Weller 12 Year, grab it. It might not immediately blow you away with gimmicks, but once you familiarize yourself with it, you're likely to become great friends. - breakingbourbon.com

Delivery Information
- 90
- 94
- Limit One per customer
W.L. Weller Special Reserve Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

Kentucky, UNITED STATES

$119. 99
Bottle
$1439.88 Dozen

ABV: 45%

"Almost too soft and easy to drink. A thousand kisses in a glass."
94 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2021
Weller is a “wheated” bourbon, meaning that it doesn’t have the spicy rye notes found in a more traditional “ryed” bourbon. Originally created by the Stitzel-Weller Distilling Company, the brand is named after William Larue Weller, a distiller who is credited by some as being the first to use wheat as the secondary grain in bourbon as opposed to the more common rye. The style here is softly spoken on the nose, so give it ample time to open up. Threads of vanilla wafer biscuit, honeycombe and caramel nib weave a silky tapestry across the tongue with a seductively sweet, oily, tea biscuit-like finish where oak adds delicate spice. The overall effect feels elegant, understated. In short, a textural Bourbon that whispers and hints, which for some will make it all the more engaging. If you like wheated styles, put this next on your list. 45% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... Once a 7 year old product, W.L. Weller Special Reserve no longer carries an age statement, but the wheated bourbon still brings caramel-forward joy and hints of watermelon and fresh-baked bread. Enjoy the short bursts of crème brulee, praline, honey, Jolly Rancher watermelon candy, and a hint of nutmeg, because it’s not there long. You can see the potential. 82 points - maltadvocate.com, reviewed by: Fred Minnick (Spring 2016)
...The bourbon maintains its abundant sweetness on the palate, delivering a tasty yet classic mix of honey, caramel, vanilla, and light fruit. A very slight amount of oak rounds things out. Spice fails to make an appearance, likely a result of the wheated mashbill and relatively low proof, but in doing so, allows the sweet flavors to really come forth. The resulting experience is a nice one, leaving little to complain about aside from its characteristically gentle delivery. - breakingbourbon.com

Delivery Information
- 90
Whistle Pig PiggyBack 6 Year Old Bourbon Whiskey (700ml)

Kentucky, UNITED STATES

$114. 99
Bottle
$1379.88 Dozen

ABV: 50%

Following on from the very successful PiggyBack Rye release is this 6 year old Bourbon. A high corn mash bill with a dash of rye plus six years in char #3 barrels has resulted in a sweeter profile. Combined with a high ABV, it shines in citrus and sour drinks but boasts enough character to enjoy on its own.
Other reviews... Buttered bread, brown sugar, pecan pie, lemon juice, nutmeg, marzipan, and fresh pound cake highlight a warm and inviting nose. There’s a pleasant nuttiness on the palate, along with root beer spices, cocoa powder, cherry pie, and cinnamon hot chocolate all delivered on a creamy texture. Vanilla bean, baking spice, dried herbs, and cherry syrup punctuate the lengthy finish. Sweet dessert flavors paired with earthy and warming spices make this a winner. 90 points - whiskyadvocate.com
Double Gold - New York Wine & Spirits Competition 2023

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Widow Jane Lucky Thirteen 13 Year Old Single Barrel Straight Bourbon Whiskey (700ml)

UNITED STATES

$399. 00
Bottle
$4788.00 Dozen

ABV: 49.5%

This is the slightly higher proof version of Lucky Thirteen (49.5% as opposed to 46.5%), bottled non-chill filtered & proofed with limestone mineral water from the legendary Rosendale Mines of NY. It's our understanding that this was originally released only as part of a private single barrel program. It's still offered in relatively limited quantities, but is now a permanent product in Widow Jane's core lineup as of late 2021 - at the lower proof.
Other reviews... Golden amber color. Aromas and flavors of sea salt on caramel, dried roses, baked pear, apple, and peach cobbler, and roasted carrots with a satiny, dryish full body and a tingling, prodigious, very long finish with accents of candied ginger, pralines, leather, caramel, and and vanilla buttercream. In a market loaded with young Bourbons, this is a dram for serious Whiskey drinkers that appreciate a lot of oak and age. 94 points (Gold Medal, Exceptional) - tastings.com

Delivery Information
- 96
Wild Turkey Master's Keep Voyage Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

Kentucky, UNITED STATES

$350. 00
Bottle
$4200.00 Dozen

ABV: 53%

"...this rum cask-finished gem shows Russell in tremendous form." - whiskyadvocate.com
A high-proof 10 year old bourbon with a secondary maturation in casks that previously held 14 year old Jamaican pot still rum, marking the first rum cask finish in Wild Turkey’s history. Crafted by Master Distiller Eddie Russell in partnership with Dr. Joy Spence, the renowned Master Blender of Appleton Estate, Voyage reflects over 80 combined years of experience in crafting exceptional spirits. The collaboration makes sense given that both distilleries are owned by parent company, Campari. Russell wanted to use barrels that held pot still rum as opposed to column still rum for the finish, but Spence was a little dubious at first. “She said, ‘Son, you can’t handle that stuff, it’s too much for you,'” said Russell. “I’m like, let me try. It was 14-year-old pot still rum barrels, and we finished the whiskey in them for ten to 12 weeks... I wanted funk and fruit notes, a little bit of molasses and cocoa.” The praise is unanimous. The secondary maturation has been deftly handled. Voyage is a high-point in the Master’s Keep series. Save one for your collection, but get one to drink too. 53% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered. Collectable.
Other reviews... Master distiller Eddie Russell’s latest iteration in the Master’s Keep collection is a 10 year old bourbon matured in No.-4 char barrels and then finished in Jamaican rum casks selected by Appleton Estate’s master blender Joy Spence. The whole series has been triumphant, but this rum cask-finished gem shows Russell in tremendous form... An alluring nose of vanilla, cinnamon, dried herbs, bitter chocolate, rickhouse, and red berries. Stupendous on the palate, with rich chocolate, herbal notes, brown sugar, honey, cherry, and peppery spice. With water it sweetens, bringing notes of almond, sweetened iced tea, and chocolate. Balanced and mellow, with a long finish of tobacco leaf, mellow spice, and rich chocolate. 96 points - No.5 in Whisky Advocate's top 20 whiskies for 2023. - whiskyadvocate.com
...There’s definitely a hint of the rum right from the start: The nose is sweeter than any Wild Turkey expression you’ve ever had, well-spiced with clear raisin notes paired with banana-walnut bread, then a rumbling note of barrel char. With time in glass the whiskey blows off some of its heavier fruit elements, with a lingering touch of creosote hanging in the air. The palate is again quite sweet and very fruit-forward. Fans of Wild Turkey may be taken aback by its power and expressiveness. You may even be forgiven for thinking this might be a whiskey-finished rum rather than the other way around. Again, bright notes of raisins, toasted nuts, and some coconut notes pop immediately, followed quickly by citrus and stone fruit elements. Surprisingly acidic, almost sour on the finish, there’s a bold, fermented cherry quality that sticks with you and feels more like its part of a cocktail than a straight whiskey. In some ways, it reminds me of WhistlePig’s insane Siren’s Song release from last year — though here some restraint has been exhibited. Hints of cocoa on the finish balance out some of the fruit, and while it’s enduringly sweet throughout, it never comes across as overblown. I feel like I could sip on this all day, and to be honest, I kind of did. Whiskey season is just about to get started, but this is an early Top 10 candidate, for sure. Question: Would it be crazy to use this as the base for a Mai Tai? Wrong answers only. - drinkhacker.com
...this secondary maturation has transformed this whiskey into something very special. It’s a beautiful bourbon, not overwhelmed by the rum cask finish as can sometimes happen. On the palate, there are notes of brown sugar, grape jelly, banana pudding, black pepper, cherry topped vanilla sundae, orange zest, and honeycomb. The Wild Turkey character is definitely still there, but it has become more of a background note with just enough of that recognizable grainy, nuttiness to complement the sweetness that came from the rum. 97 points - robbreport.com
Notes from the producers... aged in Wild Turkey’s classic No. 4 char barrels. After finishing in the Kentucky heat of a timber rickhouse, the result is a tropically influenced American icon, bursting with a palate of fruits, caramel and aged oak, and a warm, long-lasting finish of chocolate and spice.
*At the time of writing, this product references Whisky Advocate’s original review from late 2023 (96 points). The rating in the Top 20 was 95 points. We assume this is a typographic error on the editor’s behalf.

Delivery Information
- ABV may vary
Wild Turkey Bourbon Whiskey (700ml)

Kentucky, UNITED STATES

$55. 99
Bottle
$671.88 Dozen

Wild Turkey was first created as a hospitality gesture for a group of wealthy sportsmen seeking the remarkable wild turkey bird. In 1893 Bourbon made by the famous Ripy brothers at the distillery was selected from more than four hundred whiskeys to represent Kentucky at the World's Fair. After the repeal of Prohibition in 1933, the old Ripy distillery was put back to work creating what many consider to be the finest bourbon ever to come out of Kentucky. Wild Turkey has since become something of a bench mark.
This reduced strength version of the original eight year old 101 proof was first released in 1974 in response to a market demand for lower proof bourbon. Aged for at least four years, it is distilled according to age old Kentucky traditions and matured in charred white oak barrels until it develops its legendary, smooth honeyed character. It's an excellent, masculine style of whisky.
Little known fact...
Since 1992, Wild Turkey Bourbon has provided title sponsorship of the National Wild Turkey Federations National Turkey Calling Championships. Each year,about 30,000 avid sportsmen and wild turkey enthusiasts flock to the annual convention and sport show. Spectators gather to watch contestants cluck, putt, purr and gobble their way to the highest level of 'turkeydom.' The competitors use box and slate calling devices, as well as mouth diaphragms, tubes and their natural voices!
Other reviews... Attractive traces of walnut oil amid the soft corn and firmer rye on the nose. An immediate impact of massive oak-laden, liquoriced corn and firmer more mouthwatering grains. The finish sweetens with a slight stirring of honey. It's not just the extra strength that takes this into a different class from the 80 proof. Much better barrel selection, underlined by some suprising liquorice notes Easily the best non-age-stated standard Wild Turkey I've ever come across.
87 points- Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible, 2006

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- 95
- Packaging may vary
Wild Turkey Russell's Reserve 10 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, UNITED STATES

$79. 99
Bottle
$959.88 Dozen

ABV: 45%

At the Wild Turkey Distillery, bourbon is a family tradition with Master Distiller Jimmy Russell following his father and grandfather before him. You’ll still see Jimmy, now joined by his son, Eddie, early in the morning, inspecting shipments of grains as they come in, checking the stills, or wandering through the warehouses to make sure the barrels are getting the proper circulation.

Jimmy and Eddie recently realized they had more in common than just their family connection. “Both Eddie and I believe 10 years is a wonderful stage of maturity for a bourbon,” comments Jimmy. In fact, it was Eddie who suggested to Jimmy that they offer a special bottling for consumers to enjoy. Jimmy agreed and in honor of their joint effort, he put their name on it. Russell's Reserve is deep amber in color with a nose that is rich in vanilla, oak, toffee and a touch of old leather. The body is huge, and the palate is very spicy with notes of chili peppers, tamarind, almonds and cumin. The Whiskey was awarded a Silver Medal at the 2000 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Tasting note: Initially a robust Bourbon sniff offering spicy toffee apple, sweet cereal, vanilla, dark chocolate and dried fruits. Settles down after several minutes becoming more pancake and maple syrup like. The palate exhibits a mouthwatering sweet / dry balance with massive, crisp, crunchy grains (plenty for rye lovers here) followed by beautifully integrated spices. Finishes perfectly clean, dry with hints of cool mint freshness that goes on an on. Remains one of the Bourbon world’s top values.

First tasted June 2011... Gold colour. Shellac at first, then clears with attractive scents of vanilla and clove becoming distinctively nougat and nutty. Initially soft in the mouth but becomes big and spicy. Mid palate shows semi sweet char grilled corn flavours, then turns dry like a good rye, before finishing wonderfully fresh and clean with a subtle peppermint burst. Amazing length with gentle spices and peppermint persisting. Lovely stuff that’s also atypical from this distillery. 45% Alc./Vol. 93 points

'A controlled explosion of complexity... Entirely flawless whiskey'. - Jim Murray. Other reviews...
Nose: Fascinating layering of diverse aromas ; something almost smoky to this one, perhaps from extracting a peculiar, heavy-ish character from the oak; thinned by a delicate gooseberry note (yes, really!) - as opposed to the usual citrus - which itself is sandwiched between subtle Demerera sugar and vanilla; the rye also makes itself heard; Taste: the body flexes muscles enough to compound the rich brown sugar/liquorice background and intense rye fruitiness. Serious chewing required; Flavour: excellent depth, with the oaks now offering impressive soft bitter balance; remains long and consistent as the spices amplify; Body: unquestionably an upgrade on the last bottling i examined and shows complexity of this world great distillery. But i still cannot even begin to get my head around that a whiskey named after bourbon legend Jimmy Russell is bottled at 90 proof and not his own preferred 101. One of the true wonders of the whiskey world, that...45%
Rating: 94 - note sourced from Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2010
Nose: Stunning rye-citrus combo...Taste: seriously mega for its age, not so much in the firm cocoa oak, but the utter enormity of the small grain depth...Finish: gentle, minty spices cool the mouth... Entirely flawless whiskey.
Rating: 96 - note sourced from Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2006

Click here to learn more about Bourbon Whiskey.

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- 95
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Wild Turkey Rare Breed Barrel Proof Bourbon Whiskey (700ml)

Kentucky, UNITED STATES

$109. 99
Bottle
$1319.88 Dozen

ABV: 58.4%

Rare breed, as the name suggests, is a unique bourbon experience. A marriage of Wild Turkey 6, 8 and 12 year olds, Rare Breed is 'barrel proof', meaning that it is bottled at barrel strength with no water added to lower the proof or dilute the flavour. Master Distiller, Jimmy Russell follows suit even after bottling - he keeps his Rare Breed in the freezer so he doesn't have to add ice, which would melt and ultimately dilute the flavour! Non-chill filtered.
Other reviews... A clever glass bottle, its roundness reinforcing the mouthfeel and character of the bourbon itself: one of the most rounded in all Kentucky. In some ways this whiskey is the blueprint for Bourbon: its characteristics embrace what we mentally define as Bourbon. - 95.5 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2023
Cotton candy, marshmallows roasting over an open campfire, baked apples, and cornbread batter start a whiskey that then offers hints of caramel apples, pumpkin pie, and roasted pecans. Water opens it up to more nuanced fruit, spice, and sweetness. Without water, brown-sugar butter dominates about mid-palate and leads to a long finish. Dilution makes this a completely different whiskey experience. 90 points - whiskyadvocate.com
...The nose is distinct with chocolate mint notes, baking spice, plenty of vanilla, and a bit of pepper. On the palate, it’s an awfully hot whiskey, which helps bring out more of the toasty wood notes alongside those almost candylike notes of sweetness. Water won’t hurt ya: It’s a big help in coaxing out notes of flambed banana, toasted marshmallow, and some coconut notes. The finish is a big one: Bursts of caramel sauce, milk chocolate, and a vanilla reprise. - drinkhacker.com
"The nose offers spice and spearmint, with vanilla sweetness hiding behind heat. The palate opens with brown sugar and vanilla, leading into burnt toast and char. Sultry smooth all the way through even with its hefty proof. Dry oak and spice come out on the finish with pine, mint, and the lingering rich sweetness of vanilla in myriad forms, think: vanilla frosting, pudding, and pound cake." - distiller.com
Gold Medal at the 2000 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Notes from the producer... Dark amber colour, indicative of the age of the blend, this offers a rich, deep, aromatic nose. Assertive with hints of light oranges, mint, and tones of sweet tobacco reminiscent of grandfather's pipe-bowl. Complex, full bodied palate, long, warm and nutty , lingering in the mouth with hints of hot peppers and well-toasted whole wheat bread, yet soft despite the power of the alcohol. One to be savoured.

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Wild Turkey 101 Proof Bourbon Whiskey (700ml)

Kentucky, UNITED STATES

$75. 99
Bottle
$911.88 Dozen

ABV: 50.5%

Matured for eight years (considered the optimum period for bourbon) in new charred oak barrels, this is the original Wild Turkey style as made by the companies founders, the Ripy Family. The Ripy house style was selected out of 400 to represent Kentucky at the World Fair in 1893.

Master Distiller, Jimmy Russell (with more than thirty years of service) now overlooks operations. His 8 y.o. uses a lower proportion of corn and more wheat to produce an exceptionally smooth taste. As many competitors distill at higher (and less expensive) proofs, they must add water to bring down the proof of their bourbons. Wild Turkey, on the other hand, comes out of the barrel at about 109° allowing our distiller to add little water and retain the true characteristics of the bourbon flavour. Wild Turkey is put into the barrel at a lower (and more expensive) proof. Jimmy Russell likens it to making a great soup; if you cook it longer at a lower temperature, you retain the best flavours.

Tasting note: Nose of sweet corn and charred American oak. Exceptionally soft, but rich aroma for a high proof bourbon. Its taste is powerful. Deep, complex, honeyed, vanillan palate - rich with caramel, vanilla and notes of honey and brown sugar. Clean warm spirit, finishing long with caramel and woody sweetness. 50.5%.Alc/vol.

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Wild Turkey Russell's Reserve Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

Kentucky, UNITED STATES

$104. 99
Bottle
$1259.88 Dozen

ABV: 55%

You can't go wrong with a single barrel / high proof Bourbon that skips the chill filtration process.
With Wild Turkey's latest release, expect everything you love about Turkey, only amplified several notches. Master Distiller Jimmy Russell and his son Eddie Russell have chosen casks from 'premium locations' inside their warehouses - usually close to the centre. The release also marks a significant packaging change.
Tasting note: Amber gold. Lifted whiffs of minty / apply rye over rich vanillas. Brief air contact adds caramel nib and sweet oak with sustained menthol/mint freshness. Solid from end to end with charry oak, corn bread and menthol. Magnificent balance: barely a prickle. Finishes as a vanilla-oak saturate; lingering sponge cake and peppermint in the aftertaste. Quite special, particularly at this price point. 55% Alc./Vol.

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Wild Turkey Diamond Anniversary Limited Edition Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

Kentucky, UNITED STATES

$599. 00
Bottle
$7188.00 Dozen

ABV: 45.5%

Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such may have some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product not pictured. Comes with wooden presentation box.
A limited edition release in celebration of Father’s Day, blending 13 to 16 years old Bourbons.
Presented at 91 proof (45.5% ABV).

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- 90
Wild Turkey Longbranch Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey (700ml)

Kentucky, UNITED STATES

$76. 99
Bottle
$923.88 Dozen

ABV: 40%

Another celebrity affiliated spirit arrives with Matthew McConaughey joining Wild Turkey as the company’s Creative Director in 2016 (making him one of the highest paid directors in the ad industry). With the new role comes the launch of Wild Turkey Longbranch, a small-batch Kentucky bourbon with a touch of Texas (McConaughey's homestate – hence the connection).
McConaughey worked with Master Distiller, Eddie Russell from concept to bottle. It's an eight-year-old whisky distilled from a mash bill of 75% corn, 13% rye and 10% malted barley. What sets it apart from standard Turkey is that it's further refined through a proprietary process involving two separate charcoal filtrations – the first uses charcoal made from American white oak and a second employs charcoal made from Texas mesquite wood, which adds notes of smoky sweetness.
Will this be a stayer on the market, or a flash in the pan? It's anyone's guess, however collectors (and Turkey completionists) may want to snap it up early: Longbranch is marked by the fact that it’s the only Wild Turkey to be produced bearing the signature of someone other than the Master Distillers.
Says McConaughey. , “Longbranch, in its simplest form, is an extended hand, inviting a friend into your family. So the branch that was extended to me from the Russells was a long one, one that reached from Kentucky to Texas and back again. I offered the mesquite from my great state to add to their legendary Kentucky whiskey and together we made Longbranch.”
Bob Kunze-Concewitz, CEO at Campari Group, said “As a lover of Bourbon, and an integral part of the team, it was a natural next step for Matthew to partner with Eddie to create a new product for Wild Turkey. We are proud of the work they’ve done and have great expectations for this amazing new whiskey.”
Tasting note: Brassy gold. Aromas of pencil shavings / fresh-sawn oak, sweetening with gobstopper, caramel, vanilla and a delicate peppermint lift. Kind of like "The Forgiven", this offers more rye than most other Turkeys. Youthful, medium dry flavours of caramel fudge, vanilla and orange zest are countered by a crisp, mint-fresh finish. The spices are low key, and its mildly oily, dry and faintly smokey through the aftertaste. A shame Australia gets a lower proof version than the States. 40% Alc.Vol.

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Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

Kentucky, UNITED STATES

$145. 00
Bottle
$1740.00 Dozen

ABV: 50.5%

Wild Turkey was first created as a hospitality gesture for a group of wealthy sportsmen seeking the remarkable wild turkey bird.

The company's 'Kentucky Spirit' is a limited release, 101°proof release drawn from a single barrel. Each barrel is hand-selected at the peak of maturity before the bourbon is poured out and bottled. A stickler for quality, Jimmy Russell personally selects each of the barrels used. His challenge is to find single barrels that capture the essence of Wild Turkey, while at the same time, having a similarity that gives each taste of Kentucky Spirit consistency from bottle to bottle.

"Kentucky Spirit has a complex layering of almonds, honey, blackberries and leather. The finish is almost aristocratic -- long, dark, lingering, and crying out for a fine cigar", he says.

Available in limited quantities, each and every bottle is handsomely packaged with a hand-signed label bearing the barrel number, date and warehouse number.

Recipient of one Gold Medal from the 2011 San Francisco Wine & Spirit Competition.

Other reviews... Beautiful deep amber color. Lavish aromas of a cornucopia of dried fruits, vanilla maple fudge, Demerara sugar, and artisan chocolate toffee with a supple, lightly tannic full body and long,warming anise, toasted grain, and dusty mineral finish. A powerful oak driven, yet elegant bourbon. 94 points (Exceptional)
International Review of Spirits Award: Gold Medal. - tastings.comsize>

Nose: The most herbal and spicy of the WT range: wild thyme, sage, fennel, coriander, nutmeg, cumin. Also smokier than the rest with notes of molasses, chestnut honey, crème brûlée. Palate: Complex and very soft. Raisin bread, butter, tupelo honey/maple. Finish. Huge and everlasting. Highly complex.Comment. As sexy as Isaac Hayes' Hot Buttered Soul. One to savour all night. 90 points - David Broom, whiskymag.com

Delivery Information
- 94
- 95
Willett Pot Still Reserve Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

Kentucky, UNITED STATES

$144. 99
Bottle
$1739.88 Dozen

ABV: 47%

"Another fabulous whiskey from Willett." - Jim Murray
Established in 1935 and still a private family owned and operated company, Willett Distillery (aka Kentucky Bourbon Distillers or ‘KBD’) have built a reputation as a bottler for a wide portfolio of brands including Johnny Drum, Rohan's Creek, Noah's Mill and Kentucky Vintage amongst others. In short, they're rather like an American version of a Scottish-style independent bottler. They purchase barrels of young whiskey and age them in their hill-top warehouses south of Bardstown.

Unmistakable in its bottle shaped after a copper pot still, Willett Pot Still Reserve was first released in 2008. This latest expression is a restrained, drier style, so if you're looking for layered vanilla and caramel richness in your whiskey, look elsewhere.
Tasting note: [Batch 15D1 tasted] Honey amber hue. Vapoury spirit before the aroma settles into form; dry and spicy at first developing blood orange, gum and sweet oak notes with further air contact deepening and sweetening the bouquet as vanilla, rock lolly, corn cob and peppermint come to the fore. Medium dry, full bodied delivery. Dried corn, orange zest and cocoa. Firm oak and a touch of tea leaf before the finish gains momentum with a thread of sugars. Concludes peppery, dark rye bread-like, mildly sappy and with solid length. Showcases the flavour range of bourbon and rye with a finely tuned sweet-dry balance. 47% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... Another fabulous whiskey from Willett. You can so often trust them to deliver and here they have given us a Bourbon showing serious oak injection, yet a sweetness that counters perfectly. 95.5 points - Jim Murrays Whisky Bible 2017
First tasted 2011... Deep gold, brassy colour. The nose has a restraint and softness that's very appealing. Aromas of grilled corn, roasted nuts and vanilla; a hint of blood orange emerges with time in the glass. On the palate, this is a big, spicy whiskey, but by Bourbon standards it's on the drier side. Roast chestnut and dried corn flavours at mid palate, with a hint of rye making an appearance on the finish. Excellent balance and length. 91 points

Delivery Information
- 97
William Larue Weller Barrel Proof 2017 Release 128.2 Proof (64.1%) Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

Kentucky, UNITED STATES

$1999. 00
Bottle
$23988.00 Dozen

ABV: 64.1%

Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product pictured.

2019 World Whisky of the Year. 97.5 points, Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2019

Consecutive releases of Weller rarely rate below 97 points from the likes of Jim Murray. John Hansell of whiskyadvocate.com notes, "The key to bourbons that use wheat instead of rye (like this Weller), is to get the right amount of wood influence to balance the sweet notes and add depth." Going by the review below, it sounds like the 2017 nails it. This is expected to go down as one of the greats...
Other reviews... This is a work of art. It begins by revealing vanilla, from custard to cake icing. Then it speaks caramel with a dark chew, crème brûlée, and Werther’s Original hard candy. From here, complexity takes over, with candied popcorn, butterscotch, chocolate ganache, French toast, maple, honey, pumpkin pie, fried pie dough, blueberries, and cinnamon, with hints of molasses and pecan. The long finish seems to offer a concentration of all the flavors. Delicious. Editor's Choice. 64.1% Alc./Vol.
95 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: Fred Minnick (Winter 2017)

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Woodford Reserve Distiller's Select Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (700ml) - Batch 10

Kentucky, UNITED STATES

$199. 00
Bottle
$2388.00 Dozen

ABV: 45.2%

Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such may have some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product pictured.

This older iteration of Distiller's Select appears to be the precursor to the current Distiller's Select, which is now re-presented with a blue label and, curiously, labelled as Batch 001. Apart from the timber presentation case, the key point of difference in this bottling is its higher ABV - 45.2% as opposed to just 40% on the entry-level Woodford Reserve. It's also a batch release. As of 2019 they were up to batch 037 in the USA, so this is certainly a very early edition in the series and reported to be a mixture of pot still whiskey distilled at Woodford and column still spirits from the Brown-Forman Distillery in Shively, Kentucky. The exact ratio is undisclosed. Collectable.
Other reviews... [April 2017] Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select may not be as relevant as it once was in the marketplace, however it still serves a purpose. Its simple flavor profile offers a way to dive into bourbon without being overwhelmed by worrying about trying to pick out exotic flavor characteristics. Additionally, for those who have since moved on from drinking it neat, it still offers a good base for cocktails due to its straightforward and approachable flavor profile that doesn’t overpower the drink. There’s still a time and place for Distiller’s Select, but it's just not as exciting as it once was. - breakingbourbon.com

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Woodford Reserve Kentucky Derby 149 Bourbon Whiskey - 2023 Release (1000ml)

Kentucky, UNITED STATES

$99. 99
Bottle
$1199.88 Dozen

ABV: 45.2%

Woodford's 2023 edition honours the 50th anniversary of Secretariat winning The Kentucky Derby in 1973, a unique moment in thoroughbred history that remains the fastest win in the race's history. The label features artwork from equine artist, Jaime Corum, a proud Kentuckian. The distillery states, "Secretariat is one of the most iconic thoroughbreds in horse racing history, and it’s an honour to celebrate his enduring legacy through our $1,000 Mint Julep program,” said Woodford Reserve Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall. “The money raised from this charity program will help ensure the impact of Secretariat is told for many years to come." 45.2% Alc./Vol.

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Woodford Reserve Master's Collection Batch Proof 2023 Release 124.7 Proof (62.35%) Bourbon Whiskey (700ml)

Kentucky, UNITED STATES

$250. 00
Bottle
$3000.00 Dozen

ABV: 62.35%

"...a tempting, mouth-watering whiskey that’s hard to put down and which works perfectly well, even at full strength." - drinkhacker.com
Described by one taster as "Double Oak on steroids" the 2023 Master's Collection Batch Proof edition employs Woodford’s standard mash bill of 72% corn, 18% rye and 10% malted barley with barrel-to-bottle entry. It is reportedly similar to Batch Proofs of the past with the high-rye content contributing a mix of spices alongside a chocolatey accent. Taking over from Chris Morris in 2022, second-generation distiller Elizabeth McCall was the woman in charge of the release describing the whiskey as possessing all the trademark flavours of Woodford Reserve, but in a bigger, bolder delivery. Both aromatically and in the mouth it's a major step up in weight compared to the distillery's standard fare, featuring keynotes of cherry-ripe chocolate, vanilla and spicy rye as well as late hints of pipe tobacco and banana bread in an oily, delicately bittersweet, cocoa-dusted finish. Given the higher ABV, quality and relatively accessible price point, this bottling should be a straightforward buying decision for drinkers and collectors alike. 62.35% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... While Woodford Reserve’s Batch Proof has been an annual release since 2018, we’ve reviewed it only once, in 2020. The whiskey isn’t designed to change dramatically from year to year, however. It’s a mingling of standard Woodford Reserve barrels all pulled into a single batch, then bottled at barrel — or, in this case — “batch” strength. If you like Woodford at its standard 90.4 proof, the idea holds, well, you’ll love it at full strength. This year that hits 124.7 proof, less than 1% abv different than 2020’s 123.6 proof. As in 2020, I like this plenty, and it carries a lot of Woodford’s DNA, just plumped up. Chocolatey and nutty on the nose, the wood components are soothing and well-integrated, leaving room for some Maraska cherry notes to emerge. Increasingly toasty as it develops in glass, the bourbon offers a faint but pleasing smokiness, perhaps of applewood smoke curing bacon. Similar characteristics imbue the palate: Chocolate and cherry, with ample baking spice backing the duo up. Baked apple and banana load into the van shortly after, filtered through a slight smokiness and an evergreen quality that nods vaguely at dill. Well-rounded and engaging, it’s a tempting, mouth-watering whiskey that’s hard to put down and which works perfectly well, even at full strength. Add some water if you’d like, but then you’ve basically got yourself a glass of Woodford. - drinkhacker.com
...A real treat on the nose, this brings cherry-dipped vanilla soft serve, Funfetti birthday cake, strawberries and cream, frosted strawberry Pop Tart, and strawberry milk. Red Hots are front and center on the palate, though time and water bring out more red fruit: cherry cough drop, raspberry preserves, and red pepper jelly. Chocolate-covered chiles and a crack of white pepper ensure the heat lingers throughout the lengthy cinnamon-spiced finish. 92 points - whiskyadvocate.com

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Woodford Reserve Master's Collection Historic Barrel Entry Bourbon Whiskey (700ml)

Kentucky, UNITED STATES

$270. 00
Bottle
$3240.00 Dozen

ABV: 45.2%

The 18th Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection release continues to explore a particular aspect of whiskey making. This year’s is created from a mashbill of 72% corn, 18% rye and 10% malted barley and bottled at 45.2% Alc./Vol. New-make went into the barrel at 100 proof. The entry proof plays an important role in the maturation process, and the standard for barrel entry proof has changed over the past two centuries. The bourbon of the 19th century had a barrel entry of 100 to 103 proof, and after the repeal of Prohibition, barrel entry proof levels began to increase. Why is this significant?
Evrim Icoz from thewhiskywash.com explains, "A lot of distilleries use 125 proof (set as the maximum standard by law in 1962) as their base because this means they do not have to use as many barrels to hold the less watered down distillate. This saves a lot of space and money. However, there are notable distilleries that have lower than average barrel entry proofs such as Maker’s Mark (110 proof) and Michter’s (103 proof). When bourbon enters the barrel at a lower proof, it contains more water content compared to higher proof spirits. This higher water content allows for more efficient extraction of flavors from the wood during the aging process. The lower proof enables a slower and more gradual interaction between the bourbon and the barrel, allowing for the extraction of desirable flavors from the oak, such as vanillin, caramel, and other compounds that contribute to the bourbon’s flavor profile. Lower barrel entry proofs can result in less intense barrel influence on the bourbon. The wood influence, such as tannins and other compounds present in the oak, can be mellowed and balanced by the lower proof."
Bourbon writer, Fred Minnick points out, "...this subject is one of friendly debate; most agree with former Maker Mark’s Greg Davis, who notes that his 110 barrel entry proof doesn’t make Maker’s Mark better than Heaven Hill or another distillery going in at 125. “It just makes it different,” Davis says.
Other reviews... The bourbon starts off with a wonderful nose showcasing lighter aromas that feel like they’ve mingled together perfectly over time. It elicits reminders of a dusty bourbon from the 70s. But the palate abruptly changes course, focusing instead on drier flavors with a prominent bland oatmeal with a raisin note. A mingling of various light spices caps off the sip, with a pleasant warming heat before gently fading. While Historic Barrel Entry delivers a slightly elevated sip compared to the standard Woodford Reserve and is well-composed, the asking price doesn’t match the overall sip. For those who are fans of the series or the brand overall, this will be a subtle but pleasant hit, for everyone else though, the asking price may be a bit too steep. - breakingbourbon.com

Delivery Information
- Nick's Import
Woodford Reserve Distiller's Select 2022 Holiday Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (700ml)

Kentucky, UNITED STATES

$109. 99
Bottle
$1319.88 Dozen

ABV: 43.2%

Followers of this brand know that each year Woodford Reserve releases a limited-edition holiday bourbon bottle. 2022’s is a little bit special, and a departure from the presentation of the rest of the series. Although it is slightly late (or early) for Christmas, collectors won't care. In the words of Woodford Reserve Master Distiller, Chris Morris, “A Woodford Reserve holiday bottle is the perfect gift for any whiskey lover. This bottle is guaranteed to put everyone in the holiday spirit and will stand out beautifully on a bar cart. It’s a great gift to take to holiday parties – or a treat to yourself.”
Decorated with a golden 'snowfall' design, the brand ambassador says “it compliments the rich colour of the bourbon and conveys the joyful spirit of the holiday season". 43.2% Alc./Vol. Very limited stocks.

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If the US has a national spirit, it would have to be Bourbon - by definition, a spirit distilled from a mash that's at least 51% corn to less than 80% ABV and aged in new charred oak barrels. The flavours imparted by the new American oak tend towards vanilla, clove and caramel. Varying proportions of different grains in the mash make for different styles. Wheat and rye are common; the latter adding spice and complexity. However a little goes a long way - as little as 5% can make a significant impact.

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