By Richard Thomas Rating: B+ In my mind, the first proper in-house expression to come from Bardstown Bourbon Company, under their own brand name, was this wine barrel-finished bourbon. It marked a rather early transition (just a couple of years into operations) from being a contract producer and collaborator to having their own products, even if this initial example is ...

By Randall H. Borkus Rating: C+ For over a decade, bourbon lovers have enjoyed Woodford Reserve’s annual Master’s Collection whiskeys. Master distiller Chris Morris’s pledged some time ago he would never repeat a Master’s Collection release, so each year offers enthusiasts something new to look forward to. This collection has been high on my list of annual bottles I dedicate ...

By Richard Thomas Rating: B- Kentucky Owl built a strong reputation among enthusiasts for its limited edition releases of well-chosen, finely blended, sourced bourbons (their rye releases have received less acclaim). The brand dates back to 1879, with the modern company seeing revival in 2014, which was then acquired by Stoli in 2017. Now Kentucky Owl is moving out of ...

By Emma Briones Rating: B When a whiskey becomes a cult dram, it is because it has that extra something special. But Red Spot was, until recently, something more than that; it was whiskey that disappeared in the ’60s, unknown to modern enthusiasts except as a vintage item, and one that left a mark for many. Red Spot is the ...

By Emma Briones Rating: B Changing the full concept of a brand can be risky, but it sometimes happens, especially when ownership or management changes. The Glenrothes, which is returned to the Edrington Group’s portfolio in 2017 (The Macallan, Highland Park), is seeing a makeover in its brand style with a whole new range: the Soleo Collection. It is a ...