We, the SCWC (Southern California Whiskey Club), have done several blind whiskey tastings over the years, but our virtual tasting of 20 blind ryes was our most ambitious yet. We held our first big blind tasting in 2016 to see how people would talk about various rye whiskeys when … [Read more...] about 20 Blind Ryes: A Virtual Experiment With the SCWC
Whiskey
Daviess County Bourbon Cabernet Sauvignon Finish Review
First the 1981 Daviess, then the newly launched Daviess County Bourbon and now that same whiskey finished in Cab Sauv barrels - Daviess County Bourbon Cabernet Sauvignon Finish. That’s right, another bourbon finished in some kind of wine barrels in a desperate hope that wine and … [Read more...] about Daviess County Bourbon Cabernet Sauvignon Finish Review
1997 The Munros Ledaig 20 years Review
Today’s single malt scotch review is the second oldest in this mini Ledaig run, but only just. I recently picked up this 1997 The Munros Ledaig 20 years from K&L on a suggestion from a friend and I’m incredibly happy I did for 2 reasons. The first being, as you’ll see, … [Read more...] about 1997 The Munros Ledaig 20 years Review
Elijah Craig Rye Whiskey Review
Last up in our rye whiskey review mini-series is the Elijah Craig Rye Whiskey. One of the newest releases from the venerable whiskey powerhouse of Heaven Hill, this whiskey has the same mash bill as the Rittenhouse Bonded and the Pikesville Rye, but thanks to barrel maturation, … [Read more...] about Elijah Craig Rye Whiskey Review
Paul John Christmas Edition 2018 Review
Our next whisky in this Indian Whisky review series is the Paul John Christmas 2018. A whisky that was supposed to make it to the USA, but due to complications, never did. However, that didn’t stop folks on the other side of the pond from enjoying it, and enjoy it they … [Read more...] about Paul John Christmas Edition 2018 Review
Barrell Bourbon Batch 23 Review
To date, there is not a batch of Barrell I haven’t enjoyed and today’s bourbon review, the Barrell Bourbon Batch 23, isn’t going to break that streak. They’re doing amazing things over there with their sourcing and blending and it makes me happy… and a tad sad. Not because of … [Read more...] about Barrell Bourbon Batch 23 Review
Booker’s Beaten Biscuits (2019-04) Review
The last batch of Booker’s, for 2019, is the subject of today’s bourbon review; Booker's Beaten Biscuits (2019-04). I’m a big fan of Booker’s, I’ve never had a bad batch and its been a staple in my home bar since about 2006/2007 when I have first gifted a bottle of Booker's … [Read more...] about Booker’s Beaten Biscuits (2019-04) Review
2019 Angel’s Envy Cask Strength Port Finish Review
Given the choice between the 2018 and 2019, I’d take... 2019. I also liked the 2018 more than the 2017, so it seems that I'm liking these more and more each year. Now that the inevitable question of YoY comparison is out of the way we can get down to the task at hand. The 2019 … [Read more...] about 2019 Angel’s Envy Cask Strength Port Finish Review
TTB Standards of Identity for Whiskey in Plain English
Want to know why a certain whiskey, or any other distilled alcoholic beverage, is classified the way it is? Consult the TTB Standards of Identity (§5.22) and it will tell you. However, they can be a bit difficult to decipher at times because they’re written in legalese. To try … [Read more...] about TTB Standards of Identity for Whiskey in Plain English
Peerless Barrel Proof Rye Whiskey Review
I’ve been hearing nothing but good things about the Peerless Barrel Proof Rye Whiskey. But to be honest, the $110-$140 price tag for a 2-year-old whiskey has been scaring me off. I mean, c’mon… really? Is something that young REALLY that good? I can get a 4-year-old New Riff … [Read more...] about Peerless Barrel Proof Rye Whiskey Review