The Pepper House – one of the most historic sites in Kentucky distilling history – has been restored and transformed into the home of Woodford Reserve’s Personal Selection barrel program. Dating to 1812, when it was built by early Kentucky distiller Elijah Pepper and his family, the house has been vacant for decades. It sits …
Updated June 23, 2024 By Richard Thomas Rating: B Whenever I am asked about how to organize a trip on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, my first question is always “Where are you staying, Lexington or Louisville?” This is because these two cities, the largest in Kentucky, either embrace or sit on either side of most …
Last week Heaven Hill Distillery announced the launch of Heaven Hill Grain to Glass. This new line is a collection of Kentucky whiskeys features three new mashbills: a high rye bourbon whiskey, a wheated bourbon and a rye whiskey that departs from the Kentucky rye style. The farm-driven nature of this unique line of whiskeys …
Texas’s Milam & Greene has introduced the third release of the 2024 Wildlife Collection: Cardinal Single Barrel Bourbon, a limited-edition, cask-strength whiskey. The Milam & Greene Wildlife Collection explores the correlation between the environment in the Texas Hill Country and how it impacts the flavor of aging bourbon. Each bottle of this collection highlights native …
By Richard Thomas Rating: A Once one gets past their regular release line-up and into its limited expressions, Michter’s Distillery is not in the habit of doing annual batches. As I will discuss in detail in two weeks with a feature rounding-up the best of Michter’s Barrel Proof Rye, these things could come out the …
By Richard Thomas The first time I called on Wilderness Trail was early summer 2016. Located in picturesque Danville, a college town on the southern boundary of the Bluegrass that is an example of “ye can’t get thar from here!” (whatever direction you come from, it seems you must go somewhere else first to get …
The consumption of alcoholic beverages spans nearly all cultures and epochs, marking its significance not just as a leisure activity but also as a pivotal element of social and economic structures. From ancient rituals to modern-day celebrations, alcohol has played a diverse role in society. This article explores the rich tapestry of history behind alcohol …
By Richard Thomas Rating: B Continuing with the recent practice of using the Basil Hayden brand to produce many, many iterations of Beam-made whiskeys, the latest such twist has yielded Basil Hayden Subtle Smoke. The journey that led the brand, which started out as a light, dry and 8 year old, 80 proof version of …
By Randall H. Borkus Rating: A- After a 2022 hiatus that surprised everyone, Michter’s returned its 10-year-old single barrel bourbon last year in imposing style with one of the best 10-year-old bourbon whiskeys that they have ever offered, and arguably the best since 2010. Michter’s 10 Years Old Single Barrel Straight Bourbon is always aged …
Today, Old Forester announces a surprise release of its most coveted and rarest expression, President’s Choice, just in time to celebrate Father’s Day. Bottles from several single barrels will be sold online (where shipping is legal) and at Old Forester (tourist) Distillery in downtown Louisville starting at 10 a.m. June 12. President’s Choice dates to …
