The Whiskey Reviewer A World of Whiskey, Poured Every Weekday

By Father John Rayls Rating: B At first glance, it struck me as peculiar that I would be the one chosen to review this particular product. While it’s true that I really enjoy a good Irish Whiskey, I do not consume mixed drinks or cocktails that often (my Irish Mule notwithstanding). Compounding things is that my wife drinks almost no ...

By Father John Rayls Rating: A- Grangestone Highland 12 Year Old Single Malt Whisky is produced by an independent bottler, reportedly by retailer Total Wine via their in-house operation, Spirits Direct. They certainly do love to push this particular purchase when you happen to ask about it. The sourcing, as is often the case with these things, is a mystery. The ...

By Richard Thomas While we do not hold annual awards as such here at The Whiskey Reviewer, we do have a more informal way of handing out laurels to those whiskeys that have garnered our sincere and lasting admiration. Each member of active staff is invited to name two whiskeys that got his or her foremost attention during the calendar ...

By Father John Rayls Rating: B+ I was cruising the “bottom-shelf” at a local liquor warehouse when I discovered a nondescript bottle of bourbon listed for under 25 bucks. The bottle appeared generic and the label did nothing to draw any attention, but I had found Lazy River Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey nonetheless. I had never heard of it. Apparently, ...

By Father John Rayls Rating: B In 1927, The Hilhaven Lodge was created as a remote recreational retreat for its owner outside of nearby Hollywood. Former owners have included Ingrid Bergman and producer Alan Carr, and the current owner is director and producer Brett Ratner, best known for his Rush Hour films. Ratner partnered with Diageo to produce The Hilhaven Lodge Blended ...