"Trying to predict the future is a discouraging and hazardous occupation… if by some miracle a prophet could describe the future exactly as it was going to take place, his predictions would sound so absurd, so farfetched, that everybody would laugh him to scorn. So if what I say now seems to be very reasonable, … Continue reading The Bourbon Future, Part I

I have never tried Old Grand-Dad until tonight. I really can't explain why. This was a bourbon that never struck my fancy. Not in college, not as a struggling young lawyer, and for some reason not until now even though I buy just about every high proof release I can get my hands on. I … Continue reading Old Grand-Dad 114; $30?

Last November Hokus Pokus bought a barrel of 14 year old Barrell Bourbon Single Barrel. Since then, Barrell has released their last three batches of bourbon all with 14 year old Cascade Hollow bourbon from Tennessee as a component. Last year's and this year's Single Barrel picks from Hokus are this wonderful juice. Tasting it … Continue reading Barrell Bourbon 14 year old Hokus Pokus Pick: Why The Latest Barrell Bourbon Batches Have Been So Good

Campari Group, the owners of Wild Turkey, last year started their whiskey barons series, releasing pint sized bottles of bourbon with pre-prohibition brand names. Hokus Pokus has has these, and while I have no problem shelling out $100 for a good bottle of bourbon, $50 for a pint was somehow a problem for me mentally. … Continue reading W.B.Saffell Kentucky Straight Bourbon: Yes, it is worth $50 a pint

Barrell Bourbon Batch 18 and Batch 19 have both been great. I think this is due to the use of Four Roses bourbons of different recipes with their wonderful 14 year old Cascade Hollow bourbon from Tennessee. Batch 20 is another wonderful blend along the same lines; I am less sure of the provenance of … Continue reading Barrell Batch 20: It’s Like Food Network Sourced A Bourbon

I was thrilled with Barrell Bourbon Batch 18. So much so I actually put off reviewing Batch 19, thinking they would use Heaven Hill bourbon in the next batch, which is good, but not as good as when they blend Four Roses or MGP bourbon in the mix. But when Batch 20 came out recently … Continue reading Barrell Bourbon Batch 19: A Close To Perfect Bourbon

James E. Pepper distillery is a very old distillery that closed in 1958 but has been resurrected by an entrepreneur, Amir Peay, who has no relationship to the Pepper family, which includes many bourbon notables from the bourbon past. James E. Pepper, the former proprietor for whom the distillery is named, is credited with popularizing … Continue reading James E. Pepper 1776 Straight Bourbon

Confusion erupted yesterday and today when my cousin posted a picture of this year's Hokus Pokus Old Forester barrel pick but quoted my review from last year's barrel: "The Hokus Pokus Single Barrel is not as good as the Birthday Bourbon. But it’s competitive as hell with it. Surprisingly so. And as opposed to a … Continue reading Hokus Pokus Old Forester Single Barrel Pick 2019-I helped pick this bad boy

Whistlepig has made a name for itself in the Rye Whiskey world. Initially bottling whiskey distilled in Canada, they are distilling their own stuff in Vermont but have been sourcing older stuff from MGP. Unlike many American ryes, this mashbill is all rye plus a little barley. Most American ryes have corn in the mashbill … Continue reading Whistlepig Single Barrel Cask Strength Rye-Hokus Pokus Pick: A Top Drawer Bottle

South Carolina's low country is not a place where distilling comes to mind. Hot, humid summers and mild winters. Yes, they do drink a lot of bourbon around those parts, but making it and aging it there? High Wire Distilling in Charleston is definitely an oddity not only for its locale but the ingredients they … Continue reading New Southern Revival Straight Bourbon Whiskey from High Wire Distilling