By Richard Thomas Rating: A- I write this review on what has been an emotionally tortured week for America at large (the Brett Kavanaugh hearings), but also a sad one for bourbon enthusiasts, particularly the enthusiasts of Kentucky. Heaven Hill, makers of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, announced they were discontinuing the classic Heaven Hill 6 Year Old Bottled in Bond. ...

By Randall H. Borkus Rating: B+ Barrell Craft Spirits is a non-distiller producer (NDP), also known as an independent bottler, that uses sourced whiskey to create its magic in a bottle. They offer cask-strength expressions of predominantly American whiskeys.   The founder, Joe Beatrice, has expanded operations in Louisville, Kentucky and is developing his own distilling, barreling and aging facilities in ...

By Randall H. Borkus Rating: B+ In the late 1800’s, Belle Meade Bourbon was one of some 30 different labels that Charles Nelson produced, differing from some of his other products in that the brand was sourced from Sperry Wade & Company in Nashville, TN.  Belle Meade Bourbon became well known for its quality and was sold from 1878 until Tennessee ...

By Father John Rayls Rating: A- Laphroaig has usually been one of the more affordable scotch whiskies, seemingly available anywhere whisky is sold and offering up a reliable peat bomb in the bottle. As a result, it’s been one of the primary “go to” whiskies for many and for many years. Many also look to the annual release of their ...

By Richard Thomas Rating: A- Among the staples of the “Bourbon’s Big Autumn,” or the batch of much anticipated releases that come out every Fall, is Parker’s Heritage from Heaven Hill. This year will see the twelfth installment in a line that has had some memorable releases and has always been interesting. On paper, this year’s release will probably come ...