By Randall H. Borkus Rating: C+ Barrell Craft Spirits recently announced the release of some cask finished whiskeys and their 10th Anniversary Barrell Bourbon, but I’m still working with Barrell Rye Batch 004! This is their first rye batch since 2020. Rye Batch #004 blend consists of straight rye whiskeys from Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana and Canada. The Indiana rye barrels ...

By Kenrick Thurston-Wilcox Rating: C+ Celebrity-endorsed spirits have become common, using the established star power to boost the status and sales of their products. With products like vodka and gin, it’s relatively easy for a distillery to roll out a product soon after conception, as they do not have to wait any time for the liquid to age. Whiskey is ...

By Richard Thomas Rating: C+ Isle of Skye is a blended Scotch whisky, created by Ian Macleod Distillers. Here at The Whiskey Reviewer, we are familiar with their work through Tamdhu, Sheep Dip, Pig’s Nose and Glengoyne. When it comes to whisky, the islands most often thought of are Talisker, Islay, the Orkneys and Jura. For the rest of the ...

By Richard Thomas Average Rating: C Here at The Whiskey Reviewer, we took a look at Old Elk, the brand launched with the guidance of former MGP Master Distiller Greg Metze, with their 2018 inaugural Blend of Bourbons. They’ve since opened their tasting room in Fort Collins, Colorado and have greatly expanded their line. It’s well past time to circle ...

By Richard Thomas Rating: C- Although the company was notionally started earlier, it’s been  more than a decade since WhistlePig 10 Year Old Rye was first released. The product was very much a creation of opportunity and moment. Raj Bhakta, a former investment banker, Apprentice contestant and Congressional candidate, wanted to start a whiskey company. Bhakta sought the advice of ...