Category: Hall of Fame

Since Campari owns Wild Turkey AND Appleton Jamaican rum it was only a matter of time before this collaboration was born. Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Voyage is comprised of 10yr Kentucky Straight bourbon finished in Kentucky for an undisclosed amount of time in ex-14yr Jamican pot still rum casks. Bourbon finished in rum cask has been around for awhile but this is by far the highest profile brand and highest price point to attempt it. On the nose, a perfect blend of pot still fruit and Kentucky oak spice. There’s a vanilla potpourri aroma with candied orange and caramel as well. On the palate, the 106 proof 10yr spirit is a perfect balance of Kentucky oak and soft tropical fruit. Molten chocolate cake and more spice set up the long finish. The pot still rum is there the whole time but it never manages to take over or destroy the CORE Wild Turkey spice and oak driven experience. Fantastic blending all the way around!

Approximately six years old and 51% rye, Sazerac 90 proof rye is just a spicy as it needs to be, and just about as smooth as any whiskey can possibly be! With the recent release of a LOT of product into the market we thought it the perfect opportunity to give this a try. On the nose a hint of citrus, then loads of fruit and cinnamon spice. On the palate, sharp spice, rock candy, and pollowy soft vanilla with chocolate covered oranges.

Recently acquired by the Coors Whiskey Company, Blue Run bourbon has been on a red hot streak for the last few years enlisting brand folks from the sneaker world and beyond to build a fresh take on luxury priced Kentucky Bourbon. With their “High Rye” a 111 proof 30% rye mash straight Kentucky Bourbon blended and approved by Four Roses legend Jim Rutledge, they’ve managed a legit hit. Soft orchard fruit and cinnamon spice on the nose with a touch of mint. The palate is a minty spice bomb with cardamom and deep barrel spice notes along with rock candy and Cinnabon. It’s a great bourbon for a high end Old Fashioned as well. Use spiced cherry bitters, you’ll thank us!

The 6th and last barrel from Warehouse P, Floor 3 in our Bourbon World 2023 Buffalo Trace series may be the best of an amazing bunch. Very sweet fruit cocktail and oak combo on the palate with a touch of mint and cinnamon to balance out the sweetness. More mid-palate weight than some others and a really balanced, zero bite finish.

Wildflower honey on the nose with cherry cordial, vanilla bean, and caramel. On the palate, more soft caramels with mint and piney rye spice emerging. Unlike the berry bombs in this year’s Bourbon World Buffalo Trace series, this Warehouse L, Floor 4 is soft and elegant, emphasizing sweet mint and softer barrel spices. It just can’t be said enough that these Buffalo Trace single barrels are possibly the BEST value to flavor single barrels in the world.

The 4th barrel in our 2023 Buffalo Trace single barrel series is a HIGH FLOOR oak and spice bomb. It’s the 7th floor of a 9 floor concrete and tile building, so soft, balanced, regulated heat is likely the condition relative to other warehouses/floor combos. Most mature oak profile of the set so far. Bourbon candy aroma, deep set oak with some caramel corn as well. On the palate, loads of sugar and oak, maple syrup, rock candy, candy apple, and cinnamon spice throughout. This is rich, balanced oaky, dessert bourbon and just so darn drinkable at 90 proof.

Exploding herbs, leather, and fruit on the nose. Warehouse P, Floor 5. Unlike the berry driven Warehouse O and L, this P warehouse, floor 5 really brings the lighter, more floral and elegant notes to the party. Silky and soft on the mid-palate with more emerging florals, rock candy, pez, vanilla milkshake and a lightly peppermint finish. Get this one slightly chilled, no ice, and ENJOY!

The latest Russell’s Reserve 13yr is actually a blend of 13, 15, and 21 year old Wild Turkey bottled at 114.8 proof. Even though it took a STEEP price increase, it’s still one of the most sought after bourbon releases of the year, so let’s dig in. On the nose, a very complex and rich blend of vanilla bean, Jamaican pot-still rum, raisins, and leather. On the palate, a leather whip to the tongue, then rich candied oranges, toffee, and creamy caramel emerge. Spice is BIG, but in the background, leather is massive, but not overpowering. Sweetness is throughout, but never cloying or too rich. This is a massive whiskey that drinks light, and a light whiskey that drinks massive. It’s balanced, focused, and altogether damn delicious.

Before they took the “Jr” off the label, they released this 17th batch of Stagg Jr. at 128.7 proof, unfiltered. This WILL go down as a historic bottling. Rich berry and vanilla aromas, almost cassis, blackberry liqueur-like with a touch of cinnamon spice. On the palate, very richly spiced with more dark fruit on the finish. Fantastic depth and mouth-feel for the proof.

Blood Oath Pact 9 is a blend of 16yr and 12yr old Kentucky straight bourbon along with a 7yr old finished in Oloroso sherry casks, bottled at 98.6 proof. Intensely lifted herbal notes on the nose with mint, pine, and honey emerging, some yellow fruit as well. On the palate, a very rich and warming center palate, exploding with orange fruit, leather, and spice. Best mid-palate intensity I’ve ever had in a bourbon. Extremely spicy finish with a touch of fruit at the end.