By Richard Thomas Rating: B- Given that I often wax romantic about the place of copper and oak in a distillery, Coppercraft is an outfit with an undeniably cool name in my book. As the axiom goes, though, what’s in a name for this West Michigan craft distiller? Coppercraft is in the midst of making the transition from sourced whiskeys ...

By Richard Thomas Rating: B- I’ve been on something of a kick with American malt whiskeys made from beer lately, but, technically speaking, that is not what the Oregon Single Malt from Rogue Ales is. Unlike their Dead Guy Whiskey, the Oregon Single Malt isn’t made from a wort in common with one of their beers. Instead, it relies on ...

By Richard Thomas Rating: B Kilchoman is quite unlike the other distilleries of that famed Scottish isle of Islay. When it went operational in 2005, it was the first new distillery on the island in 120 years. For a time, it was also the most westerly distillery in Scotland. Moreover, Kilchoman is a small farm distillery, a throwback to the ...

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 Richard Thomas Rating: B+ Old Forester Birthday Bourbon occupies the second tier bourbon’s hot autumn release season. The series certainly has its fans and delivers good, reliable quality, but it’s not quite as esteemed as the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, let alone the Van Winkle line. That said, this year’s installment has two points that make it extra special. ...