By Father John Rayls Rating: A- I am always reluctant to write a review on any liquid that deviates from too far from the definition of whisk(e)y, which includes any form of liqueur. It’s really rather simple: I enjoy whiskey and prefer sticking close to my roots. However, an in-home movie night with friends offered a perfect venue to break ...

By Richard Thomas Rating: B- James E. Pepper has now come home to its roots, with brand owner Amir Peay having opened a new distillery in part of what used to be the Pepper distillery in Lexington, Kentucky. Production only began this past January, however, so it will be at least a few years (more likely several) before any in-house ...

By Richard Thomas Rating: B+ Moonshine has a reputation for being rocket fuel. In truth, illicit moonshine often is fairly high octane stuff and for sound economic reasons. Although stories of white lightning being distilled so high as to be able to run a car off it are usually just that, stories, the proof often is high because it’s easier ...

By Richard Thomas Rating: B- Although the Rye Craze, with its attendant shortages of even that bargain shelf classic Old Overholt, may be several years in the past, the Rye Revival is still ongoing. That revival has brought a moribund class of American Whiskey back to life, and in so doing breathed life into extinct styles, such as the Pennsylvania ...

By Debbie Shocair Rating: B- Tommy “Red” Bordner began learning his way around the moonshiner’s still when he was just twelve years old, and today he heads up a distillery in Boiling Springs, SC, where he is making a bevy of  (legal!) spirits. His output spans a range from flavored moonshines to an agave spirit (not made in Mexico, so ...