Augusta Distillery Buckner's Single Barrel 13 Year Bourbon

Every so often, when the timing is right and the aging process is exactly where they want it to be, Augusta Distillery releases their Buckner's Single Barrel 13 Year Bourbon.  There are two things you should know about this bourbon; it is delicious and it always sells out - quickly!  The bottle we are tasting today has a "bonus" to it if are a proof hound, because this one is just a tick away from being considered a hazmat bottle.  Let's get into it...

Reddish brown with streaks of burgundy throughout the bottle and Glencairn.  The packaging is eye-catching (yes folks, that matters) and this is one of those bottles that makes your heart skip a half of a beat when you see it in the wild.  

The nose gives vibes of an old dusty bookstore, damp country road, grilling spices and buttercream frosting.  Tasted neat, we uncovered flavors of roasted nuts, cigar smoke, pecan pie filling and a peppery goodness.  Underlying interests of homemade vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce swirled around before coming to an extremely long and lingering finish that the proof chasers will appreciate.

For reference, this was bottle #10 from barrel #420.  Don't let the price tag deter you.  This is a very special bottle and again, it is a SINGLE barrel.  There are other producers selling you 13 year, twenty-plus barrel blends for the same or higher prices.  You don't want to sit on this one.  Find it ...... NOW!

ABV:  69.75% (139.5 proof)

Distillery:  Augusta Distillery

Suggested retail price:  $229.99

Drink The Bottles score:  94/100

 

First West Toasted Oak Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

 

We have long been fans of what Rick and Ricky Johnson are doing over at 15 Stars Bourbon.  They have always focused on rich, exciting flavors and their blending is second to none.  There has never been a release that we have tasted where we weren't instant fans.  So, when we found out that they were releasing a new label - First West - that included some of their own distillate in the blend, we jumped at the opportunity to give this some attention.

This is the First West Toasted Oak Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a blend of 5, 6, and 7 year old bourbons, which is really impressive for a first-release label.  The Johnsons have included some of their bourbon that they personally crafted from their proprietary red, white and blue corns, making this, at least for us, a much-anticipated and welcome new phase of their business.

We were immediately impressed by the packaging of this bourbon.  The initial releases in the First West series also include a Small Batch Bourbon and and Extra Aged Bourbon, all bottled in historic-era (recycled) blue glass, creating a more authentic approach to the Old West and the early days of distilled spirits.

This bourbon was a lot of fun to try and figure out.  It kept evolving with more air time in the glass.  Initially we discovered stone fruits, peppercorn, and banana bread, eventually leading to vanillas bean and cherry.  A drop of water really changes things!  The hard cherry candy flavor persisted from beginning to end, bringing along soft caramel chews, fruit basket and dried earth.  While the finish wasn't particularly long, it was very pleasing with the cherry candy, sweet tobacco, and ripe fruits with an oaky backbone.  The proof makes this a very easy drinker and we can't wait to get our hands on the other expressions in this series.

ABV:  49.0% (98 proof)

Distillery:  15 Stars Bourbon

Suggested retail price:  $69.99

Drink The Bottles score:  92/100

New Weller Ultra-Aged Whiskey Expressions from Buffalo Trace Distillery

 

Frankfort, KY (July 25, 2025) - Buffalo Trace Distillery is thrilled to announce two super-premium wheat whiskey innovations from the Original Wheated Bourbon brand, including the second edition of Weller Millennium, comprising a new blend of ultra-aged wheat whiskeys; and Weller 18 Year Old, the brand's oldest age statement to date.  Meticulously crafted to push the boundaries of maturation and blending, these releases boldly demonstrate the exceptional aging potential and versatility of wheat in American whiskey production.

Produced at The World's Most Award-Winning Distillery, both innovations celebrate the original wheated bourbon reciped pioneered by William Larue Weller in 1847.  At a time when rye and corn dominated the market, Weller's use of the more delicate wheat grain - primarily a food crop - resulted in a smoother, sweeter whiskey that set his whiskeys apart.  These latest expressions honor Weller's legacy of innovation as Buffalo Trace Distillery continues its ongoing exploration of wheat in pursuit of crafting the world's best whiskey.

Weller Millennium #2:  Following the inaugural Weller Millennium released in May 2024, the second edition presents a newly-crafted blend of vintage straight wheated bourbon and wheat whiskeys.  Consistent with its predecessor, each component was distilled at Buffalo Trace Distillery in 2001, 2003, and 2006 and set aside for the sole purpose of creating this extraordinary blend in tribute of one of its forebearers, W.L. Weller.  By thoughtfully blending these individually distinct whiskeys, the resulting spirit attains a depth and complexity that transcends the sum of its parts.

"Weller Millennium was crafted to feature some of the first whiskeys distilled in the new millennium amid a period of transformation at Buffalo Trace Distillery.  This second edition takes last year's release a step further, with a new blend that we humbly believe is an improvement over the well-regarded first edition," said Andrew Duncan, Global Brand Director, Buffalo Trace Distillery.  "By carefully selecting and blending barrels dating back to the early 2000's, we have revisited a chapter in the distillery's history that shaped who we are today."

The second edition of Weller Millennium offers a balance of dark cherry, rich butterscotch and warm vanilla that unfolds over layers of well-aged oak.  The finish is bold and enduring, culimating in an oak-forward crescendo that leaves a lasting impression.  Suggested retail price is $7,500 for the 750ml hand-crafted crystal decanter.

Weller 18 Year Old:  As the oldest age stated whiskey in the Weller portfolio, Weller 18 Year Old brings exceptional grace and depth as an ultra-aged, 90 proof wheat whiskey.  This new release stands as a testament to the distillery's dedication to innovation, demonstrating that Kentucky-aged whiskey can mature beautifully well beyond more commonly seen age statements.

"Weller 18 Year Old is the culmination of curiosity, tradition and time," said Harley Wheatley, Master Distillery, Buffalo Trace Distillery.  "The softness of the wheat has evolved into something rich and wonderfully expressive.  We are extremely proud of the resulting whiskey, which showcases the versatility and potential of a wheat-forward mashbill."

On the nose, the whiskey reveals notes of delicately aged fruits and tobacco.  The palate offers a harmonious balance of warm baking spices and crisp green pear, delivering depth without overwhelming, and leads to a lasting finish.

This 700ml handrafted crystal decanter carries a suggested retail price of $499 and will be available via Global Travel Retail at airports including LAX, JFK adn LHR.

Sazerac Rye 100 Proof Whiskey from Buffalo Trace

 

FRANKFORT, KY (July 21, 2025) – Buffalo Trace Distillery proudly announces a new, higher-proof addition to its renowned Sazerac Rye Whiskey portfolio, Sazerac Rye Whiskey 100 Proof. Developed in response to demand from bartenders and whiskey enthusiasts, this innovative expression is designed to offer enhanced flavor, versatility and control in cocktail creation while maintaining the smooth, approachable profile that defines Sazerac Rye.

After extensive development to ensure the elevated proof complements rather than overwhelms its signature flavor, Sazerac Rye Whiskey 100 Proof delivers a richer, more structured whiskey that stands up beautifully in both bold and classic cocktails such as the Sazerac and Manhattan.

“As the whiskey of America’s first cocktail, Sazerac Rye has played a central role in rye whiskey’s resurgence,” said Andrew Duncan, Global Brand Director at Buffalo Trace Distillery. “Bartenders have increasingly embraced 100 proof ryes for the balance, strength and versatility they provide. Sazerac Rye 100 Proof offers greater control over flavor and balance, empowering creativity behind the bar. It’s built to be the perfect cocktail whiskey.”

A longtime favorite among bartenders, Sazerac Rye Whiskey honors both the character of New Orleans and the history of American spirits. Known for its spicy, peppery, and dry profile, rye whiskey plays a vital role in cocktails that demand a harmony of sweet and dry ingredients.

“Sazerac Rye 100 Proof was crafted specifically with bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts in mind,” said Harlen Wheatley, Master Distiller at Buffalo Trace Distillery. With the renewed interest in classic cocktails that rely on a rye whiskey base, we focused on ensuring this higher-proof spirit delivers complexity and structure without losing its signature profile. We’re proud of the result and look forward to seeing it elevate cocktails around the world.”

Similar to its 90-proof counterpart, Sazerac Rye Whiskey 100 Proof features aromas of clove, vanilla, anise, and pepper. On the palate, it reveals subtle notes of candied spices and citrus, leading to a smooth finish with hints of licorice. The higher proof amplifies these flavors, offering a richer, more balanced drinking experience.

As of July 1, 2025, Sazerac Rye Whiskey 100 Proof is now available at retailers, bars and restaurants in select markets via Sazerac’s United States distributor networks at a suggested retail price of $29.99 per 1L bottle; taxes and fees will vary by market.

Additionally, Sazerac Rye Whiskey 100 Proof joins the Sazerac Barrel Select (SBS) program as its newest single barrel offering. This provides select accounts the opportunity to hand-pick their own barrel of Sazerac Rye 100 Proof. As part of the launch celebration, the first 100 on-premise accounts to select a barrel will receive a limited-edition commemorative barrelhead to display in their bar or restaurant.

For more information, visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com.

 

Buzzard's Roost Ambuzzadors Select Single Barrel Rye 2025

 

We have been enjoying multiple bottles from Buzzard's Roost for a couple of years and we were recently introduced to the fan club - Ambuzzadors - that was started in 2022.   Twice a year these die hard fans are invited to Whiskey Row to the Buzzard's Roose headquarters for a barrel pick.  The cool thing about these bottles is that they are extremely exclusive; they do not go into distribution and they are available only online at at Whiskey Row.

We recently received a 100mL sample bottle of the Buzzard's Roost Ambuzzadors Select Single Barrel Rye 2025 to taste, and this one.... is a HIT!  Caramel-gingerbread in color, this has concentrated and defined aromas of peach, apricot, coffee bean, chocolate bits and dried earth.  For a bottle that has a mash bill of 95% rye and 5% malted barley, we were really taken back by the citrus flavors that held on from beginning to end along with rich, butter cream icing and toasted nuts.  The finish sticks around and reminds you that your next sip if just moments away.  Aged for 5 years and finished for 18 months in a lightly charred custom toasted barrel.   This bottle convinced us to sign up for Ambuzzadors and who knows, maybe we will be on the next barrel pick!

ABV:  57.5% (115 proof)

Distillery:  Buzzard's Roost

Suggested retail price:  $85.00

Drink The Bottles score:  92/100

2021 Maldonado Family Vineyards Proprietary Red Wine

 

Located in the Jamieson canyon region of Napa Valley are some vineyards producing some very tasty and affordable wines under the Maldonado Family Vineyards label and also a second label dubbed Farm Worker.  Owner and winemaker Hugo Maldonado created this Mexican-American family owned winery was previously a vineyard manager at Newton, providing him the tools of the trade to eventually leave his footprint in the valley.

The 2021 Maldonado Family Vineyards Proprietary Red Wine is a secret blend of reds and it provides a satisfying and extremely approachable expression for those who tend to shy away from a 100% bolder Cab.  This one suggests that it is comprised of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah, but the important thing here is how this wine makes you feel. 

Scarlet red in the glass with shades of plum skin, the aromas of juicy plum, marzipan, petrichor, flower boquet and spice dance together wonderfully.  We gave this some time in the glass without decanting to bring out the aromas and flavors of blueberry pie, cocoa powder, English breakfast tea, raspberry compote and scorched earth.  The finish is straight forward but this could definitely be a daily drinker for someone who loves a red blend.  

ABV:  15.3%

Napa Valley, CA

Winery:  Maldonado Family Vineyards

Suggested retail price:  $48.00

Drink The Bottles score:  90/100

High Bank Distillery Co Whiskey War Barrel Proof Whiskey

Adam Hines and his dad turened a motorcycle ride through Kentucky and Tennessee into a dream, which eventually became an award-winning and groundbreaking distillery..... in Ohio!  After tons of blood, sweat and tears, High Bank Distillery Company has found its foothold and Hines is dubbed the most awarded Master Distiller in Ohio.   For those of you who only believe that good whiskey is born in Kentucky, you are sorely wrong.

We tasted the High Bank Whiskey Company Whiskey War Barrel Proof expression, which is a blend of small batch handcrafted straight whiskeys.  This is batch number 107 and according to the ditillery, has an age statement of at least 5 years.  This was actually honored as the Best Blended Whiskey in America a few years ago at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.  No pressure here, but this bottle need not rest on its laurels.  We gave this the once over and admittedly......  it is deserving of all the praise.

The color of the whiskey is sunflower disk florets with streaks of gold.  The nose presents some abundant mixed fruits - think Apple Jacks or Fruit Loops cereal!  Joining in are aromas of cinnamon, vanilla bean, carmelized sugar and tanned leather.  In the mouth is more of the same but adding drops of soy sauce and dustings of white pepper on a very memorable finish that you immediately want to go back and re-visit.  There's a nice viscous coating and despite the nearly 119 proof on this batch, you only get a suble hug and not a searing burn, which can happen with higher proofs.  

We hope that this is only the beginning of a beautiful friendship with High Bank Distillery Company.  It is easy to see why they are awarded so many accolades.  This is a beautiful bottle!

ABV:  59.43% (118.86 proof)

Distillery:  High Bank Distillery Company

Suggested retail price:  $60.00

Drink The Bottles score:  94/100

 

Bardstown Bourbon Company Hokkaido Mizunara Oak Barrel Finish Whiskey

Bardstown Bourbon Company is known for their unique offerings that set them apart from every other distillery in the United States.  It seems that there isn't anything they won't try and if you're a finished whiskey fan, BBC is definitely in your wheelhouse!  Once in awhile, this innovative and forward-thinking company issues a distillery-only release, which is the case with this Hokkaido Mizunara Oak Barrel Finish blend of whiskeys.

Mizunara Oak trees grow twisted in the hardest-to-reach corners of Japan.  The wood is incredibly rare and highly acclaimed for many industries.  This incredibly rare whiskey was comprised of just SIX barrels of Mizunara Oak, aged for 28 months to provide the unique and unforgettable flavors in this 375mL bottle.  The whiskeys that make up this incredible blend carry age statements from nine to fifteen years, each with it's own unique mash bill.

Blend            Origin            Age            Mash Bill

47%               KY              15 Yr           75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley

33%               KY              14 Yr           78% Corn, 10% Rye, 4% Malted Barley

15%               IN                9 Yr             45% Corn, 51% Rye, 4% Malted Barley

5%                 TN              18 Yr            84% Corn, 8% Rye, 8% Malted Barley

We lept at the opportunity to taste and share our thoughts on such a small batch, highly anticipated release.  Saddle brown color with flashes of ripe berries when touched by light, this bottle is oozing with aromas of toffee, roasted nuts, Kentucky butter cake and oak.  Unique and mouthwatering, flavors of brown butter, vanilla, Three Musketeers candy bar, toasted S'mores and baking spices round out the evolving and changing flavor profile.  On the sweeter side from beginning to end, this has a rich mouthfeel that quickly puts a satisfying smile on your face.

If there was a down side to this bottle, it is that it can only be found at the Bardstown Bourbon Company  distillery gift shop and Louisville tasting room while it lasts.  But the hunt is half of the fun, isn't it?  This bottle was absolutely exceptional!

ABV:  54.65% (109.3 proof)

Distillery:  Bardstown Bourbon Company

Suggested retail price:  $99.99

Drink The Bottles score:  95/100

 

Green River US Army 250th Anniversary Commemorative Bourbon

 

In case you haven't heard by now, we are HUGE fans of Green River Distilling Company.  In fact, we voted their Rye the Best Rye of 2024!  A couple of weeks ago, the U.S. Army celebrated their 250th birthday and Green River showed them some serious love - in style!  How cool is it to get your own commemorative bottle and to have a portion of the proceeds be donated to various non-profit groups that support US soldiers.  This particular bottle comes in at 111.1 proof, which is an honor to Veteran's Day on November 11th.  

We can tell you this.  This bottle IS available across the US in many markets.  We just returned from Scottsdale and saw this sitting on the shelf.  If you're a Green River enthusiast, an Army veteran or want to provide a special gift to the soldier in your life, we highly suggest this bottle.

Carmel color to the rim, this bourbon is comprised of barrels in the four-to-seven year age statement.  The mashbill is 77% corn, 14% rye and 9% malted barley, presenting aromas of cinnamon stick, red fruits, pomegranate, cedar and book leather.  On the palate is a very warm and welcoming blend of caramel syrup, nutmeg, vanilla sponge cake and baking spices.  The finish is pleasantly lingering and you'll immediatley want to "try that again" as soon as the glass is empty.  The special packaging and label are just a bonus to the appeal and this bottle is all around solid!  Hooah!

ABV:  55.55% (111.1 proof)

Distillery:  Green River Distilling Co.

Suggested retail price:  $49.99

Drink The Bottles score:  92/100

Samuel Maverick Private Reserve Bottled in Bond Bourbon

 

In beautiful San Antonio, Texas, sits a former bank and mint building in the heart of downtown, just a stone's throw from the Alamo.  If you aren't careful, you'll just assume it is indeed another bank building and you may have to re-trace your steps.  The property at 115 Broadway used to be part of Samuel Maverick's family estate and it has a rich history as the former Lockwood Bank.  Although the building saw various tennants throughout the years, it is now the proud home of Maverick Whiskey.

The distillery's namesake, Samuel Maverick, has a long and colorful history in the southwest United States.  Maverick served in many political positions, was a Texas land magnate and he cheated death more times than most people should.  He made the most of his adventurous life and it makes perfect sense to honor him with a whiskey brand.

The Samuel Maverick Private Reserve Bottled in Bond Bourbon is our first look at any selection from Maverick Whiskey.  Burnt umber in the glass with hues of maroon peeking about, this bourbon is created in small batches and aged for more than five years in actual bank vaults under the distillery!  Maverick uses Char #3 barrels and a mash bill of 72% corn, 18% Wren's Abruzzi rye and 10% malted barley, resulting in a very aromatic introduction that includes mesquite smoke, clove, honeysuckle and brown butter.  Incredibly silky-smooth mouthfeel with Crème Brûlée, caramel corn, allspice, nutmeg, marry very well here with a finish that is framed by the toasted nut flavors that bring this all together.  This was a fantastic introdution to Maverick Whiskey for us and we will keep an eye on what is next for this distillery!

ABV:  50.0% (100 proof)

Distillery:  Maverick Whiskey

Suggested retail price:  $56.00

Drink The Bottles score:  90/100

John Emerald Distilling Company John's Alabama Single Malt Whiskey

 

In east central Alabama lies an unassuming distillery that has been slowly and steadily making a name for itself for the past decade.  They're producing whiskeys, rums, vodka, gins and other liquers that you won't find anywhere else in the country.  Today we are taking a look at John's Alabama Single Malt Whiskey, the namesake spirit from John Emerald Distilling Company.

This small batch craft distillery honors one of their forefathers, John Emerald Sharp, by offering a 100% malted barley single malt whiskey.  This whiskey speaks volumes of the locale, boasting that it was the first legal whiskey to be produced in Alabama in 100 years.  The malted barley is smoked with local peach and pecan woods, further identifying the uniqueness of this brand while adding to the overall enjoyability of this spirit.

Copper color with light hues of chocolate bar, this single malt whiskey has as subdued nose initially that is slightly reminiscent of a single malt Scotch with the earthy notes and toasted nut aromas.  We let this one sit in the glass for a bit, allowing some air to touch the liquid as we thought there would be more to this - and we were right.  Additional aromas of cooked apples, vanilla and clove present themselves, leading us to flavors of tropical fruits, dried field grass, nutmeg, vanilla and caramel candy.  This is very smooth, which you would expect in part from the proof point, but also because of the attention to detail in the overall distilling process.  The finish is a touch short, but we aren't hung up on the finsih since this one is so unique.  And we are fans!

ABV:  43.0% (86 proof)

Distillery:  John Emerald Distilling Company

Suggested retail price:  $49.99

Drink The Bottles score:  87/100