By Randall H. Borkus Rating: B+ West Cork Distillery was founded in 2003 by three lifelong friends; Denis McCarthy, Ger McCarthy and John O’Connell in Union Hall, West Cork, Ireland. Ger and Denis McCarthy had long histories as deep sea trawler men and O’Connell was a scientist focusing on research and development for the food and beverage industries. Inspired by ...

By Elizabeth Emmons Rating: B+ Timber Creek was founded in 2014 near Destin, FL, along Florida’s Emerald Coast (or the “Redneck Riviera,” as it is sometimes known). It was founded by Aaron Barnes and Camden Ford, neighbors who bonded over their love of beer and quality ingredients. Timber Creek uses a “gentle approach” with the grain during the distilling processes. ...

By Father John Rayls Rating: B- Although my preference is to have my whiskey neat at room temperature and without anything added, not everyone else is after that same experience. Tastes are varied and, at times, totally opposite of mine. Not only are consumers subject to their biases and preferences, but producers are as well. For instance, some distilleries want ...

By April Manning Rating: B- Booker’s Bourbon has released the second creation for 2017, and this particular installment honors a group that named legendary Beam Master Distiller Booker Noe an honorary member: the Blue Knights Motorcycle Club. This MC is a group of active and retired law enforcement officers that enjoy taking to the open road. Their bond began when ...

By Richard Thomas Rating: B+ I knew Barrell Bourbon had a hardcore fan following, but even I was surprised by how enthusiastic they were in the wake of publishing last week’s “The Top Ten Single Barrel Bourbon.” Through social media, email and comments, I was asked several times why Barrell Bourbon wasn’t on the list? Swept away by enthusiasm, they seem ...