Distillery: Maker's Mark | Series: Wood Finishing Series, 2nd Edition (Release 3 of 5)Mashbill: 70% Corn, 16% Wheat, 14% Malted BarleyProof: 109.8 (Note: a 113.3 proof batch was also released)Finishing: 10 virgin toasted American oak stavesMSRP: $74.99 / 750mLPurchased: MSRP Color A very nice, rich amber — warm and inviting, though not particularly dark. That's consistent with what Maker's Mark does differently from … Continue reading Tasting Notes: Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series: The Stewards Release (2026)

Background and a Word About the Name Before we get to the glass, it's worth explaining why "Cigar Cut" appears on this — and other — Old Elk bottles. The name is a nod to the cigar world, where a cigar cut is the deliberate, precise slice that opens up a premium cigar for an optimal draw. … Continue reading Tasting Notes: Old Elk Cigar Cut Island Blend — 2023 Release

Bardstown Bourbon Company has always played the long game. When the distillery opened, they bridged the gap between new-make and age by blending their own distillate with older sourced whiskey; a transparent, forward-thinking approach that allowed their in-house spirit to mature while they kept the lights on. Now fully of age, their estate-distilled Origin Series … Continue reading Tasting Notes: Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series High Wheat Kentucky Straight Bourbon