I've written enough bourbon reviews in my years to know which bottles are worth the hunt and which ones fall into the category of "interesting concept, mediocre execution." Kentucky Nectar—the Fall 2025 release at 101 proof—is decidedly in the former camp. This is a bourbon that respects its wheat-heavy foundation while allowing the honey finish … Continue reading Tasting Notes: Kentucky Nectar Fall 2025 Release, A Honey-Finished Wheated Bourbon That Doesn’t Oversell the Sweetness

Producer: Rare Character WhiskeyAvailable: Hokus Pokus Liquor, three Louisiana locationsBarrel Code: K45-035Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon WhiskeyMashbill: 51% corn / 45% rye / 4% malted barleyAge: 7 years 7 monthsProof: 126.32°Price Paid: $95.00Format: Single Barrel Cask Stength Introduction The K45 code represents one of Rare Character's most intriguing offerings—a "barely legal bourbon" that sits exactly at … Continue reading Tasting Notes: Rare Character K45-035 Single Barrel Series for Hokus Pokus Liquor

The Willett Family Estate Small Batch Bourbon represents a pivotal moment for Kentucky Bourbon Distillers and the historic Willett brand. For nearly two decades, Willett built its legendary reputation on a foundation of carefully sourced single barrel releases—the "purple tops"—that became the stuff of bourbon lore among serious enthusiasts. Those early releases, many believed to … Continue reading Willett Family Estate Small Batch Bourbon: A New Chapter in Accessibility for Willett’s Purple Tops

Introduction A friend of mine stumbled upon this bottle at the Tobacco Plus in Marksville and picked it up for me knowing my affinity for barrel strength selections and limited releases. The Clover Barrel Strength bourbon from the Louisiana Bourbon Collective selection coordinated by Grande Krewe in New Orleans immediately caught my attention, not just … Continue reading The Clover Barrel Strength—Louisiana Bourbon Collective Selection: A Unique Single Barrel from Piedmont Distillers

Introduction Welcome back to Part VII of the Fall Limited Release Bourbon Series here at the Whiskey Jar. After clearing shelf space for the King of Kentucky last month—a decision I do not regret—I have now had the privilege of sitting down with what may be the most interesting and polarizing release of the entire 2025 … Continue reading Fall Limited Release Bourbon Series, Part VII: Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection Sweet Oak Bourbon

Introduction Welcome back to Part VI of the Fall Limited Release Bourbon Series here at the Whiskey Jar. It has been a busy quarter at work—Chapter 11 bankruptcy work never sleeps, unfortunately—but I've finally managed to review this bottle I've been anticipating most all year and have had on my shelf for about a month. Regular … Continue reading Fall Limited Release Bourbon Series, Part VI: The Final Chapter — Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Beacon

I consider myself incredibly lucky to have secured another unicorn for the bar this season—a bottle that, frankly, I never thought I'd see much less purchase. This is the first bottle of King of Kentucky I have ever seen in a store or even a bar. I was so excited when I picked this up … Continue reading Fall Limited Release Bourbon Series Part V: King of Kentucky 17 Year Old Bourbon

If you’ve been anywhere near the bourbon Facebook groups lately, you know the feed is absolutely buzzing. It’s that time of year—fall limited release season—where the hunt is fierce, and the "crotch shots" of steering wheel bottle pics are flying left and right. I consider myself incredibly lucky to have secured not just one, but … Continue reading 2025 Fall Limited Release Series Part IV, The Stagg Party: 2025 George T. Stagg and Stagg Batch 25A

To me, the Four Roses annual release Small Batch Limited Edition is the pinnacle of the Fall Limited Release Bourbon season. This is the only limited release bourbon Four Roses does each year, whereas other distilleries have multiple limited release bourbons. I look forward to getting this bottle each year, and the price has continued … Continue reading 2025 Fall Limited Release Series Part III: Four Roses Small Batch Limited Edition

Penelope's recent release of their Toasted Barrel Private Batch Marshmallow Toast caught my eye specifically because of the marshmallow profile—a flavor descriptor you don't see every day in bourbon circles, and frankly, when I saw it, I had to grab a bottle and see what all the internet chatter was about. My purchase was delayed … Continue reading Tasting Notes: Penelope Toasted Barrel Private Batch Marshmallow Toast