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Dark Arts Tres Vieux Quintessence 15 Year Indianan Straight Rye Whiskey

Release: 2026 Kentucky Bourbon Festival in Bardstown, KY; September 11-13

Distilled by MGP in Lawrenceburg, IN

Mashbill: 95% rye, 5% malted barley

Age: 15+ years

Cask fill date: April 2011

Cask dump date: August 2026

These barrels were NOT aged in Iowa

Proof: 116.64

Batch size: 5 barrels

MSRP: $199.99

Brown butter. Maple syrup. Pine. Rosemary.

Dark chocolate. Stone fruit. Mint. Citrus.

Nose: Cantaloupe. Light spearmint. Milk chocolate. Butterscotch. Hint of dusty attic.

The melon is prominent upfront… hard to miss. Spearmint is very subtle. Much of the nose smell smells like some type of candy bar. The dusty attic hint at the end isn’t unpleasant, but it clearly demonstrates the age. Nothing feels too oaky. Nicely balanced. The typical MGP 95/5 bursting aromas are not widely present. This doesn’t smell bright.

Palate: Strong dill. Spearmint gum. Strong orange zest. Cherry Twizzlers. Medium-thick viscosity.

There it is! The palate is packed with notes commonly associated with MGP 95/5… all amplified. Nothing dull or boring about this palate. The notes are very potent… with only the Cherry Twizzlers taking any real concentration to pick up. After 15 years of oak, this is still clearly MGP 95/5.

Finish: Brown sugar. Brief Bazooka gum. Big Red gum. Mint toothpaste aftertaste.

Finish is initially sweet, but then dominated by the cinnamon gum.

Overall, I like this rye a lot. However, it drinks much hotter than anticipated for 116.64 proof. Based on the heat, I would have guessed around 130 proof.

I’m a big fan of MGP 95/5 with good age, but this Dark Arts is the 4th best I’ve had in the last week. The three ahead of Dark Arts came from Circle City Whiskey Co. However, one of them was just named “Best Rye 11 Years & Older” at the 2026 ASCOT Awards and another finished in the Top 3 for the same category at the 2025 ASCOT Awards.

With that said… this Dark Arts is very good.

Sample provided by Dark Arts Whiskey House

Rating: 7 | Great | Well above average

Dark Arts Supernova 21 Year HAZMAT Indiana Light Whiskey

Release: 2026 Kentucky Bourbon Festival in Bardstown, KY; September 11-13

Distilled by MGP in Lawrenceburg, IN

Age: 21+ years (almost all in Indiana)

Aged in used bourbon barrels

Blended and re-barreled at 10 years into freshly dumped bourbon barrels

Proof coming off the still: above 160, below 190

Barrel entry proof: Undisclosed, but most likely above the 125 proof maximum that applies to bourbon. MGP light whiskey typically has a barrel entry proof above 125… as the distillate comes off the still between 160-190 proof… whereas bourbon must come off the still below 160 proof. This is why we see so many HAZMAT light whiskeys.

Light whiskey is not “diet whiskey.” Light whiskey became an officially recognized category in 1968… “lighter” in character due to being aged in used barrels or new uncharred barrels… and being distilled to a higher proof than bourbon… and allowing a higher barrel entry proof than bourbon.

Initial barrel fill: Fall 2004

Barrel dump: July 2026

Blend of 4 barrels

Mashbill: 99% corn, 1% malted barley

Proof: 142.7

MSRP: $199.99

Nose: Buttercream frosting. Yellow cake. Caramel popcorn. Milk chocolate.

The milk chocolate takes a long time to develop. Dominant aroma’s are definitely buttercream and yellow cake. Smells very dense.

Palate: Honeycomb. Sweet corn. Apricot. Crème brûlée.

Plenty of sweetness, but not cloying. One of the thickest mouthfeels I’ve ever experienced on a light whiskey. The re-barelling does wonders!

Finish: Oxidized pineapple. Buttery piecrust. White pepper. Vanilla custard.

Flavor profile is bold… and the really dense mouthfeel makes this extra special. This is arguably the best light whiskey I’ve ever personally tried. My favorite note is probably the oxidized pineapple on the finish… it wraps everything up extremely nicely.

Definitely worth waiting in line for at KBF

Sample provided for review by Dark Arts Whiskey House

Rating: 8 | Excellent | Really quite exceptional

The 8 is in regards to all types of whiskey. If I’m talking to comparatively to other light whiskeys… this is probably the best whiskey I’ve ever had…

Appalachian Barrel Co. 12.5 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Nickname: Anniversary

Barrel No. K2-2

Commemorates the 1-year anniversary of Appalachian Barrel Co… the oldest barrel yet released by ABC

Proof: 137.72

Mashbill: 74% corn, 18% rye, 8% malted barley

No confirmation from ABC, most likely distilled by Barton 1792 in Bardstown, KY

Aged in Bardstown & Louisville

Barrel filled: March 2014

Barrel dumped: last week of July 2026

As of now, ABC has only designated 6 barrels with the barrel code “K2”

MSRP: $225 (750 ml)

Nose: Leather. Cracker Jacks. Banana bread. Cooked red apple peel.

Plenty of oak, but not excessive. The Cracker Jacks come across as if the coating is a bit overheated, but it still works. Banana bread is rather balanced… late hit of the tannins from apple peel.

Palate: Cherry syrup. Spice cake with cream cheese frosting. Caramelized ripe bananas.

Cherry syrup surges big right out of the gate along with a syrupy mouthfeel. Interesting tingle in both corners of the mouth. Much sweeter and viscous than the nose suggested.

Finish: Cherry cola (heavy on the cherry). Black pepper. Dried mint.

Simply put… this is stellar. I fully understand that $225 seems quite high for a 12.5 year bourbon. With that said, this is extremely good. The cherry syrup note is potent… and the mouthfeel just makes the cherry syrup feel that much more pronounced.

At least this specific barrel… definitely a fine tribute to a one year anniversary for ABC!

Sample provided for review by Appalachian Barrel Company

Rating: 8 | Excellent | Really quite exceptional

Jack Daniel’s Distillery Series No. 017 High Angel’s Share Tennessee Whiskey

Limited Edition release: Summer 2026

Distilled & barreled in 2016

Age: 10+ years

Aging location: atop Coy Hill; on the top floor of Barrelhouse 1-13; the barrelhouse has 7 floors

The top floors of Barrelhouse 1-13 experience extreme summer heat & intense temperature swings, leading to massive evaporation (a high "angel's share") that concentrates the sugars and oak influence into ultra-high-proof, heavily coveted single barrel and special release whiskeys.

The elevation of Coy Hill allows for more direct sun exposure, stronger wind movement, larger day/night temperature swings, hotter summers & colder winters.

The first High Angel’s Share release since 2018

Proof: 138.4

Selected by Whiskey Taster Dale McGee

Mashbill: 80% corn, 12% malted barley, 8% rye

Length of fermentation: 6-7 days

Proof coming off the still: 140

Barrels: 10-12 minute toast; 25 second char
Bottle size: 375 ml (between char 3 & 4)

MSRP: $44.75

Distilled in Lynchburg, TN

Nose: Almond extract. Werther's Original. Orange Circus Peanuts. Sugar cookie.

The high proof definitely does not present on the nose. Considering the conditions that produced a high amount of angel’s share, the nose is very balanced. No overwhelming notes. No sharp notes. Remarkably sweet regarding tannin content.

Palate: Pecan pie filling. Banana fritter. Unsweetened cocoa powder. Weak black tea.

Mouthfeel grows more dry as it goes. The tannins show up more as the sip sits. The nose is deceptive in this regard.

Finish: Dried hay. Intense dark chocolate. Tobacco. Toasted pecan.

The proof finally causes the forehead to sweat a bit.

Overall, the tannin content in the mouth is a bit more than I typically prefer, but I like it. In 2026, I prefer the 12 year and 14 year releases to this. When the nose smelled sweet and less tannic, I was hoping the palate would follow.

It’s hot outside today and my home is battling humidity. This is definitely a winter whiskey!

Bottle provided for review by Jack Daniel’s

Rating: 6 | Very Good | A cut above

Bardstown Bourbon Co. Victoria Pineapple Barrel Finish Blend of Straight Bourbon Whiskeys Finished in Oak Barrels With Oak Staves and Pineapple

Debut release in the BBC Barrel Finish Series

Release: July 2026

A marriage of straight Bourbon & rye rested 27 months in rum casks, refined w/ fresh pineapple and additional wood staves during secondary maturation.

Pineapple rum casks sourced from the Caribbean. Victoria Pineapple was added to the casks as the rum aged.

The rum casks are most likely associated w/ Planteray Stiggin’s Fancy Pineapple Rum. BBC has openly used Plantation Rum casks for finishing in the past.

Distilled in Indiana

40%: 11 year; 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley

40%: 10 year; 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley

20%: 11 year; 95% rye, 5% malted barley

Proof: 106

MSRP: $139.99

Artwork: Margaret Archambault

Nose: Pineapple core. Less bright kiwi. Banana bread. Tobacco. Black licorice.

Despite the fruit notes, the fruit isn’t particularly vibrant… all muted… and feel green or a bit under-ripe. If you’re expecting a big bold explosion of pineapple, that’s not what you get. The banana bread note is what sticks out the most. The tobacco isn’t particularly strong. For someone who appreciates traditional bourbon and rye, I enjoy this nose more than I anticipated.

Palate: Candied pineapple. Mouthfeel is immediately dense and oily… as I’d expect from the pineapple infusion. Sweetness continues with maraschino cherry. Caramel corn. Brown banana.

The initial palate is all sweetness with an immediate rush, but the sweetness does tone down.

Finish: Bananas foster as the brown banana note from the mid-palate joins with cinnamon, vanilla, and brown sugar. Finish feels less oily… more dry and spicy.

The transition from the nose to taste is wild. The nose doesn’t hint at anything sweet or oily, but that’s definitely what the palate brings. I enjoy this, but I have to be in the mood for this type of sweetness.

Regarding the sweetness, in the mouth, it feels a lot like a liqueur. If I can actually get my wife to taste this, I think she might actually enjoy this whiskey. She has taken a lot of distillery tours with me… and the only sample she has ever legitimately liked was Wild Turkey American Honey. This is sweet enough that I think my wife might actually sip this without making too much of a funny face.

This would also make some really interesting cocktails, but I’m guessing people are not going to want to make cocktails with a $140.

I do enjoy this, but it’s not something I’m going to reach for every day due to the sweetness. It’s also not something I’m particularly going to pull off the shelf at $140. With that said, I do appreciate the unique and innovative approach.

Bottle provided for review Bardstown Bourbon Company

Rating: I struggle with where to rate this. If I’m pouring something for me to drink while sitting on my couch at night, I’m going to reach for a lot of other things in my collection first. When I think about what else I might reach for first, this definitely isn’t going to be at the top due to the sweetness. With that mentality, my personal preference combined with the price… 4 or 5.

If I’m rating this for people who like something sweet? If I’m pulling something out of the cabinet for a guest in my home who isn’t a “bourbon bro”… this would be a prime candidate to grab. The casual American whiskey consumer is probably going to absolutely love this.

SHĀNG East + West Whiskey Aged in American Oak

Kentucky Blend

Produced by Maritine Brands

MSRP: $45.99 (500 ml)

Proof: 92

Aged at least one month

Pairs the depths of jiang xiang solid-state fermentation with sweet mash American red sorghum, produced from the same grains that formed the foundation of jiang xiang whiskey

Jiàngxiang whiskey blended with 100% red sorghum distillate distilled by Whiskey House of Kentucky in Elizabethtown

The red sorghum was distilled with sweet mash fermentation up to 155 proof on a column still

The two spirits are blended and aged in oak barrels

Nose: No. 2 pencil. Whoppers malted milk ball. Dentist office. Over-ripe plantain. Honeysuckle.

Overall, very sweet, yet complex. Nothing harsh or offputting. I didn’t know what to expect, but I actually like this. This actually has some characteristics of young single malt.

Palate: Sliced radish. Cucumber rind. White vinegar. Grape Nuts. Dry mouthfeel.

This definitely isn’t for me. The nose is very sweet, but the palate isn’t sweet at all. It’s got a lot of sharp and sour notes that I just don’t care for.

Finish: Water chestnut. Green apple skin.

I’m out. I like the nose, but I don’t enjoy any other aspect of this spirit. I’m glad I got to try it, but I don’t ever need to try this again.

Sample provided by SHĀNG

Rating: 2 | Poor | I wouldn't consume by choice

Old Cypress “Kentucky Mafia” Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Release: July 2026

Barrel No. K51-02

Age: 8+ years

Finish: 84 days in Old Cypress’ custom barrels

The finishing barrels feature staves that were open-air seasoned for 6+ years and made into a Hoffmeister-style with less tannins… from ZAK Cooperage

Mashbill: 51% corn, 45% rye, 4% malted barley

No confirmation, but I strongly suspect that this was distilled by Jacob Call in Owensboro, KY at Green River

Proof: 121.3

MSRP: $110

Nose: Lavender baby powder. Grape Big League Chew. Cherry Chapstick. Raw pecans.

The grape bubblegum is the most prominent and I like it. Also, a big fan of the baby powder note. Raw pecans add a nice bit of tannin.

Palate: Vernor’s Gingerale. Apple pie filling. Buttercream frosting. Slight eucalyptus. Crazy oily mouthfeel.

The nose feels a bit light, so the incredibly thick mouthfeel caught me off guard. Not all ginger ale is equal… Vernor’s is definitely my favorite… less sharp. The apple pie filling feels a lot like the McDonald’s apple pie filling… more sweet.

Finish: Prune juice. Carrot cake without the frosting. Cherry Pepsi aftertaste.

This is lots of fun! Every aspect of this whiskey is complex and unique. As an Owensboro resident, I’m thrilled to know this was the distilled by Jacob Call!

Sample provided for review by Old Cypress

Rating: 7 | Great | Well above average

Brother Justus American Whiskey

Mashbill: 100% Minnesota-grown 2-row malted barley

Malting house: Rahr Malting

Yeast: DADY by Red Star

Fermentation: 7 days; closed-top

Aged in new oak char 3 & 4 barrels harvested from the Minnesota Oak Savanna

Oak grown in colder climates yields tighter wood grain than oak growing in warmer climates

Barrel manufacturer: The Barrel Mill (Avon, MN)

Barrel size: 30 & 53 gallons

Proof coming the still: 170-178 at final collection, start around 180, finishes by 150 proof

Batch size: 50-55 barrels

Oldest barrels: 4-4.5 years

Average age: 3.5-3.75 years

Still type: hybrid reflux

Still manufacturer: HBS, DYE, ABE

Barrel entry proof: 120

Barrel fill point: both top & side

Aged in climate controlled warehouse; mobile barrel racks & pallets

Natural harvest proof: 130+

Proof reduction process:
RO water; slow-proofed in 10 proof increments w/ ~1 hour rests while agitated. 1 day minimum rest, but 3 days is preferred

MSRP: $69.99

Accolades: Double Gold at 2026 San Francisco World Spirits Competition

Nose: Ferrero Rocher filling. Butter Rum Lifesavers. Orange Circus Peanuts. Cherry syrup.

Lots of sweet notes, but never too sweet. The Circus Peanut note hits the hardest. I like this.

Palate: Golden Grahams cereal. Nilla Wafers. Brown banana. Almond milk. Medium viscosity.

Put it all together, it tastes like the composite profile homemade banana pudding.

Finish: Spice cake. Shortbread cookies. Banana Laffy Taffy.

Definitely enjoyable! It’s fascinating in that it’s only not considered American single malt whiskey because it comes off the still above 160 proof. It’s an interesting conversation piece that you’re actually going to enjoy drinking.

Bottle provided for review by Brother Justus

Rating: 6 | Very Good | A cut above

Old Steelhouse Blueprint Series Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

Single Barrel No. 100

Mashbill: 100% rye

Distilled by Jacob Call in Owensboro, KY

Age: 7+ years

This single barrel is currently featured in the “bottle your own” experience at the Old Steelhouse Distillery Tasting Room in downtown Bardstown, but this bottle was prepackaged. While at the tasting room on July 3, 2026, I did thieve from the barrel, but this bottle from the same barrel was already bottled.

Proof: 127.6

MSRP: $45 / 375 ml

Nose: Canned pears. Sultanas. Starfruit. Vicks Vaporub.

Initially all fruit. Across all Owensboro 100% rye I’ve had, the sultana/grape note always seems to be there. Very fruity… not a ton of spice. Cooling note at the end is nice. The fruit isn’t nearly as bright as other Owensboro 100% rye I’ve had… more oak here, but definitely not too much.

Palate: Lipton Brisk Raspberry Tea. Tea tree oil. Rice Krispies treat. Thick mouthfeel.

I definitely feel the proof. The Lipton Brisk Raspberry Tea is certainly dominant, but I’m good with it because I like it.

Finish: Oxidized Granny Smith apple. Sour cocktail mix. Green tea. Good & Plenty candy.

Heat from the proof hangs around.

Only 600 barrels of Owensboro 100% rye were laid down… and I enjoy all of them that I’ve tried. I appreciate that this barrel has more oak on it than some of the others I’ve had.

Bottle provided for review by Old Steelhouse

Rating: 6 | Very Good | A cut above

Yellowstone Limited Edition 2026 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Ruby Port and Tawny Port Casks

Distilled in Bardstown, KY for Limestone Branch Distillery

None of the bourbon was distilled by Limestone Branch. All components either come from stocks initially from Lux Row or a partner distillery.

Blend of 7 & 14 year bourbon

Blended prior to finishing in port casks

Blended to around 105 proof before entering port casks

The body of the blend is 7 years old; ratio is undisclosed, but 7 year is the majority, but a good amount is 14 year

Length of finish: “medium”… around 12 weeks

Finishing is done in St. Louis, Missouri

Mashbill: 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley

Tawny & Ruby casks are 50:50 split

Proof: 101

MSRP: $99

Nose: Asphalt after a summer rain/petrichor. Blackberry bramble. Cracker Jacks. Whoppers.

I love petrichor… so we’re off to a great start! The blackberry note is definitely fruit mixed with woody stems. This works for me.

Palate: Brown butter. Fig Newtons. Tootsie Roll. Allspice. Thick mouthfeel.

Spice really shows up late. Absolutely love the viscosity. The Tootsie Roll note is very specific.

Finish: Shiitake mushroom broth. Heavily toasted marshmallow. Mild cinnamon. Brown butter.

I like this quite a bit… more than the 2025 10 year unfinished bourbon. It’s fascinating to see how both port influences show up. I’m typically not a huge fan of port finishes, but this one really hits the spot. I feel like the price is very justified.

101 proof is the signature for this series and it feels right. This feels like something that experienced drinkers are going to want, but the 101 proof also makes it something that a more casual or novice drinker would also fully appreciate.

Bottle provided for review by Limestone Branch Distillery for review

Rating: 7 | Great | Well above average

Starlight Honey Reserve Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Honey Barrels (2026)

Distilled in Borden, Indiana

Blend of 3-grain and 4-grain bourbon

Blend ratio: The 3-grain component makes up the larger share

Barrel ages (pre-finish):
Youngest barrel: 4 years, 5 months
Oldest barrel: 6+ years
Average age: approximately 5 years

Natural harvest proof (pre-finish): 108–118 proof

Mingling time (pre-finish):Approximately 7 days.

Honey barrels entry proof: Varies significantly

The honey: Estate honey harvested from the Huber family farm. Depending on the season, the bees pollinate strawberries, peaches, blackberries, apples, and wildflowers.

Honey barrel size: 53-gallon

Honey resting time In cask (prior to bourbon): Varies significantly by season; shorter in the hot summer months, longer in colder winters

Prior barrel use for honey barrels: Bourbon or rye

Bourbon dumped from honey barrels: Still resting in casks.

Finish length: 6 months to 1+ years

Rickhouse for secondary maturation: Warehouse 2, west side

Rickhouse positioning: Low, mid, and high elevations; predominantly exterior placement

Mingling time (post-dumping):Typically 7–10 days

Natural harvest proof (finished bourbon): Roughly 108–114 proof

Proof: 106

MSRP: $65

Nose: Very mild honey, perhaps even floral honeysuckle. Cantaloupe. Light powdered sugar. Dried apricot.

Nose isn’t particularly potent, but it’s enjoyable. Definitely does not smell sticky sweet, which is a positive. I don’t care for honey cask finishes that are sticky… and stickiness is completely avoided here. I’ve smelled spirits with a stronger honey note that never actually touched honey. No single note dominates another. Sweet and fruity, but never overpowering.

Palate: Mead… more so than sweet honey. Honey hard candy. French vanilla. Subway macadamia nut cookies.

Sweet & juicy mouthfeel. The honey presents in two forms… initially less sweet and then be cutting more sweet and standard. Who doesn’t love a subway macadamia nut cookie? My personal favorite!

Finish: Unsweetened cornbread. Over-baked oatmeal cookies. Oak. Much more dry than the initial palate… tannins definitely dry up the mouth… with the ever so slightest hint of honey in there somewhere mixing with the dryness.

I think Starlight Honey Reserve is absolutely one of the best recent expressions of honey-finished bourbon. Over the last year, I’ve been able to try numerous high-quality honey finished bourbons and ryes… many of them coming with a much higher price tag…. and Starlight Honey Reserve is clearly in the upper echelon of honey-finished whiskey. My personal preference is a honey finish that isn’t stupid, sticky sweet and not overwhelmingly honey… and I feel that a lot of entrants into this category fall into that camp… and Starlight is refreshingly different… at least based on my personal preference.

Sample provided for a review by Starlight Distillery

Rating: 7 | Great | Well above average

My rating is based upon my interest in reaching for this bottle in comparison to any other bottle in my total whiskey collection. However, if I am specifically reaching for something with a honey finish… comparing it against other honey finishes… rating would likely be a 9.

Full Ryde Bourbon, Batch 002-25

Proof: 115

The blend:
51%: 8 year: Indiana (MGP); wheated & rye-based bourbon
49%: 13 year: Kentucky

Mashbill: 4-grain; undisclosed

MSRP: $99.99

Nose: Unbaked pie crust. Angel food cake. Orange zest. Interior of Whoppers.

Nose is pretty restrained. Not a lot going on. Working really hard to pick out different scents.

Palate: Walnut. Sweet potato fries. Sunflower seed butter. Maple sugar candy.

Mouthfeel is incredibly oily & thick! The city is actually wild! Palate has far more character and complexity than the nose. Nothing mild or muted about the palate.

Finish: Cream cheese danish. Peanut brittle. Nutmeg. Plantains.

Still feels almost sticky. The peanut brittle note on the finish just isn’t for me. As a kid, my mom made peanut brittle and the sweetness filled the house, but it was a sweetness that just never set right with me… and this floods my memory with a house saturated with densely sweet peanut brittle in the air.

If you don’t have negative childhood memories of peanut brittle… you might actually love this. It’s just not for me.

Sample provided for review by Full Ryde

When it comes to rating this one, it’s difficult because I have a personal aversion to a specific note. Those who do not have such a personal aversion to peanut brittle will probably like this.

Rating: 4 | Sub-par | Not bad, but many things I'd rather have.

Starlight Mizunara Reserve Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Japanese Mizunara Barrels (2026)

Batch No. 0003

MSRP: $149.99

Blend of 3-grain and 4-grain bourbon

The 3-grain component is the larger share; the exact ratio varies by barrel, as these Mizunara casks weren’t filled on the same day

Before finishing, age range of the barrels:
Youngest: just over 8 years
Oldest was 9.5 years
Average: approximately 8.5 years

Natural harvest proof of blend before finishing: 108–112 proof

The blend mingled around 7 days before finishing

Mizunara casks manufacturer: Ariake Sangyo, the last independent cooperage in Japan… located in Miyazaki

Mizunara staves compared in width to standard American barrel staves: some are as narrow as a finger’s width; others are comparable to a standard American oak barrel

Mizunara casks are both new & used

New Mizunara casks, mix of heavy toast and medium toast; made from trees around 200 years old

Used Mizunara casks, 2 prior uses

Mizunara cask entry proof: 108–112 proof

Mizunara cask size: 225–228 liters

Mizunara cask dump dates: Late February to early March 2026

Length of finish: 8 months to over 1.5 years

Secondary maturation location: Warehouse 2; Exterior, low-to-mid elevation

After dumping, bourbon mingled 7–10 days

Natural harvest proof of finished bourbon: 110 proof.

Angel’s share evaporation comparison between Mizunara casks and standard American oak barrels:
It’s generally comparable, though new Mizunara casks tend to see somewhat greater loss, given the wood’s higher grain porosity. Occasional leaks in Mizunara casks are more common than with American oak and can also increase evaporation in isolated cases

Nose: Oatmeal raisin cookie dough. Shea butter. Root beer candy. Dried orange peel.

Very pleasing nose. Each note clearly shows up at some point, but it all keeps coming back to the root beer candy… the ones shaped like little barrels. The nose never sits still, but the root beer candy is what keeps surfacing more than any other note.

Palate: Toasted almond that quickly turns spicy into real cinnamon toast with butter… not Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal. Bavarian cream. Overly-brown shortbread cookie.

The palate shifts a lot! Briefly nutty, then big hit of juicy spice… and then it becomes very creamy… and then a tiny bit astringent with the overly-brown shortbread cookie.

Finish: Dried rose petals. Macaroon cookie. Very ripe pear. Sassafras root. Long, slow simmer.

I’m definitely a fan! No sharp notes. No hint of too much oak. Consistently, Starlight does a fantastic job with Mizunara… perhaps better than anyone else. While most other distillers/NDPs work with Mizunara staves, Starlight invests in actual Mizunara barrels… very expensive Mizunara barrels.

Mizunara staves are much less expensive than actual barrels. Japanese oak tends to not grow very straight… and it tends to have a high concentration of knots. As a result, it’s difficult to get lengths of Mizunara to produce full-size staves to raise barrels… resulting in very expensive barrels. Working with small pieces of Mizunara is a much easier task… which is why so many producers go that route. Starlight went the more difficult and more expensive route… and it paid off.

Sample provided for review by Starlight Distillery

Rating: 8 | Excellent | Really quite exceptional

Koala Bare Easy Peasy Gin

Distilled by Larrikin in Lawrenceburg, KY

Distilled with Australian botanicals:
Lemon verbena
Citrus peel
Australian native coriander
Finger lime
Lemon Myrtle
Australian juniper

Proof: 84

MSRP: $40 (750 ml)

Nose: Lemon zest or perhaps Country Time Lemonade. Mild peppermint. Soft Granny Smith apple. Very mild grapefruit pith.

Lemon zest isn’t overwhelming, not like a lemon-scented furniture polish. From the start, the juniper is definitely not the main attraction… and that sits well with me. I’ve never been a huge gin fan, but this nose works for me. Smells much more of very bright fruit…. much less pine needle.

Palate: Mild lime zest. Ginger ale. Fresh mint leaf. Oxidized sliced green apple. Mouthfeel initially feels rather thin, but then eventually moves into something just south of medium viscosity.

From the start, there is no walloping punch of herbaceous flavors that typically come with gin… it’s actually pretty mild… something that I theoretically wouldn’t mind sipping neat… unlike most gins I’ve had.

If you’re looking for an explosion of flavor in a gin meant for cocktails… the explosion isn’t there.

Finish: Mild grapefruit pith. Very mild pine needle. Mild white pepper. Ginger ale. Very short in length.

This one’s fascinating. I’ve never purchased a bottle of gin, but I’ve been sent a few to review. Of those I’ve been sent for review, this is the one I am most apt to actually drink neat. The absence of the explosion of herbaceous flavors makes this very sippable neat. However, as a whiskey and rum drinker, I still can’t see myself reaching for a neat glass of gin… but if I was to do so… this would be what I would want.

While it serves as a quality neat sipper, it can easily get lost in many gin-based cocktails. Perhaps the best cocktail for this gin is The Southside… essentially a gin Mojito served up in a coupe glass.

For something a bit more simple, I suggest a highball with a premium ginger ale… avoid more aggressive ginger beers.

Bottle provided for review by Koala Bare

Garrison Brothers Cowboy Bourbon 2025 Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Distilled in Hye, TX in 2019

Certified Texas Whiskey

Master Distiller: Dennis Todd

Age: at least 6 years old

Proof: 146.4

Corn variety: Food grade No. 1 white from farms in South Texas

Sweet mash fermentation running 4-5 days

Mashbill: 74% Texas-grown white corn, 15% red winter wheat, 11% malted barley

MSRP: $249.99

Nose: Buckwheat honey. Soy sauce. Dark chocolate. Apple cider spices. Raisins.

This smells deep, dark, and brooding. Based on the nose, this is going to pack a lot of oak. This doesn’t smell like a beginners bourbon. This smells powerful.

Palate: Fig Newton. Unsweetened dried cherry. Leather. Concentrated cola.

Dense mouthfeel.

Finish: Whoppers. Burnt brown sugar. Tobacco. Leather.

As expected, deep and brooding… and not something that someone new to bourbon should or would randomly grab off the shelf. With that said, the Texas heat is managed quite well. As brooding as it is, there is nothing offputting about it. Oak is not excessive. The HAZMAT proof still feels dairy drinkable.

I’m sipping this during a heat wave in July… realizing that this is definitely a better option for a cold winter night versus this present moment. My family camps a lot… I could see this being very enjoyable on a cool fall night went camping with friends.

Bottle provided for review by Garrison Brothers

Rating: 7 | Great | Well above average

Little & Foster Marriage of Mashbills 9 Year Straight Bourbon Whiskey (2026)

Batch No. 1 (6 barrel blend)

Distilled by MGP in Lawrenceburg, Indiana

Blended in Covington, KY by John Little & John Foster

John Little is the former Head Distiller & CEO at Smooth Ambler in Maxelton, WV… leaving in 2025 to start Experience Distilled, a consulting and barrel brokerage

John Foster formerly served as Director of Sales & Marketing at Smooth Ambler

Blend of 2 mashbills:
1/3: 60% corn, 36% rye, 4% malted barley
2/3: 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley

Barrel manufacturers: Kelvin & ISC; char 4

Bottled in March 2026

21% rye: filled October 2015
36% rye: filled November 2015

Age: 10 years, 3+ months

Label states 9 years because future batches might utilize 9 year, but Batch 1 is all more than 10 years

Barrels aged in Indiana: 6-8 years, depending on the barrel

Outside of Indiana, barrels aged in West Virginia and shipped to KY for bottling

Natural harvest proof: 117

Proof: 107 (NCF)

MSRP: $80

Nose: Brownie batter. Burnt brown sugar. Tobacco. Sweet mint.

Mostly deep and dark aromas, with the slightest bit of mint. Smells like what you would expect for 10 year bourbon distilled in Indiana… no hint of too much oak.

Palate: Strong dried apricot. Milk chocolate. Orange zest. Strong dark honey.

Thick and oily mouthfeel. Plenty fruit and sweetness, but very distinct phases of sweetness.

Finish: Black pepper. Dark honey. Tobacco. Dark maple syrup.

Oily mouthfeel all the way! I don’t think it’s too sweet at all, but if you like sweet on well-aged bourbon… you’re really going to appreciate this. The profile was great, but the mouthfeel makes this that much more fun.

Sample provided for review by Little & Foster Whiskey Co.

Rating: 7 | Great | Well above average

Starlight 10 Year Reserve Indiana Straight Bourbon Whiskey (2026)

Release date: June 20, 2026

Batch 2

Distilled in Borden, IN (Southern Indiana)

Proof: 114.2 (same as the 2025 release)

100% estate-grown heirloom non-GMO corn and a portion of estate-grown rye

Blend of Starlight’s 3-grain & 4-grain bourbon mashbills

60% corn, 20% rye, and 20% malted barley

51% corn, 20% rye, 20% malted barley, and 9% wheat

Fermentation: 7 days, cool, sweet mash; closed-top; stainless steel

Wine yeast — Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Distillation: 500 gallon Vendome copper pot; double distilled; typically high cuts

Barrels in blend: 10

Cooperages: Kelvin, Canton, Seguin Moreau, ISC

NOTE: The 2025 release utilized all Seguin Moreau 225-liter Icone Elevation barrels

Char/Toast Level: Levels 1–4 char; some barrels feature extra toasted heads & toasted-then-charred staves

Stave Seasoning (Open-Air): 12–36 months

Barrel Entry Proof: 108–112

Fill Dates: Multiple — primarily fall 2015 and with some from January–March 2016

Dump Date: May 2026

Age of Oldest Barrel: ~11 years, 2 months (March 2015 to May 2026)

Age of Youngest Barrel: ~10 years, 2 months (March 2016 to May 2026)

Warehouse Journey:
Initially matured in Warehouse #1 (cooler environment)

Later transferred to Warehouse #2 (warmer, more open environment — the warmest pocket of the rickhouses)

Warehouse Position / Elevation: Barrels were mixed throughout the warehouse and pulled and blended at different points based on how the blend was developing. Most barrels gained 4–6 proof points during aging; others lost 1–2 proof points.

Mingling Time Post-Blend: 3 weeks

MSRP: $250

Nose: Seared steak drippings. Mulled wine. Maple scented candle. Peach cobbler. Camphor vapor rub.

I prefer the 2026 nose to 2025. Wildly complex. The more you sit with it… more pops up. Well balanced. No sharp edges. No signs of being overly tannic.

Palate: Buttery pie crust. Honey Bun. Grilled peaches. Maple granola. Highly dense mouthfeel.

I also prefer the taste of 2026 to 2025. The 2026 packs more sweet fruits and sweet bread notes and less tannin. When it comes to unfinished whiskey… this is easily the best I’ve had from Starlight.

Finish: Honeyed cornbread. Freeze-dried Strawberries. Sweet tea.

I sampled all 10 barrels that went into the 2025 blend, along with the actual blend. I enjoyed all of it, but 2025 never quite gave me the “DAMN!” moment. Sitting here with 2026, “DAMN!” has been silently said inside of my head a few times.

This is crazy good! The sweetness of 2026 it perfectly managed. Definitely not too sweet, but sweet…. this is perfectly in my wheelhouse.

Sample provided for review by Starlight Distillery

Rating: 8.5 | Excellent | Really quite exceptional

Penelope Architects of Golf Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished With American Oak Staves, Hole 1

Release: Summer 2026

Architects of Golf collection will culminate in 18 different batches, correlating to holes on the golf course, with each hole differentiated by the time and intensity of the stave finishing process

Hole 1: lighter American oak stave influence

Finishing staves are produced with OakScan technology from Tonnellerie Radoux

Age: 6+ years

Proof: 94

MSRP: $59.99

Nose: Heavily toasted marshmallow. Brut perry. Toasted brioche. Toasted almonds.

The marshmallow note is very mild, focusing more on the toasted shell rather than the sweetness. Tannins are not overwhelming, but clearly the dominant feel.

Palate: Wooden popsicle sticks. Milk Duds. Espresso beans. Butter pecan ice cream. Medium viscosity.

Definitely different flavors in there, but again, tannins dominate… and it feels a bit more unbalanced compared to the nose. Tannins are a bit much for me. Not much sweetness at all… minus a fleeting touch of the butter pecan ice cream that skews heavier toward the pecan.

Finish: Chewed No. 2 pencil. Ginger beer. Leather. Grape-Nuts cereal.

I love a lot of things that Penelope has done, but this release just isn’t for me. I’m not going to chase loads of oak, but I understand plenty of people love that profile. This can simply be a case of personal preference. There’s more tannin in every phase of this bottle than I care for. I don’t like overly sweet bourbon, but I definitely want more sweetness than what this offers.

Bottle provided for review by Penelope

Rating: 4 | Sub-par | Not bad, but many things I'd rather have

Whiskey War Double Double Oak Blend of Straight Whiskies Finished in a Second & Third New Oak Barrel

2026 America 250 release

Produced by High Bank Distillery in Columbus, Ohio

Age: 6.6 years

Blend of multiple states, styles, and mashbills

Proof: 116.84

Bottles produced: 1,776

MSRP: $109.99

Nose: Dark chocolate. Burnt caramel. Skoal Wintergreen. Cinnamon powder.

Definitely the first time I’ve ever used Skoal Wintergreen for a note, but it’s perfect. The aroma is crazy nice! Plenty of tannin and spice. Off to a great start!

Palate: Cherry pipe tobacco. Unsweetened cocoa powder. Ground ginger. Mint. Very dense mouthfeel.

Palate is equally great as the nose. This is damn near perfectly balanced.

Finish: Clove. Cherry Pepsi. Leather. Anise.

High Bank stuff isn’t distributed in Kentucky… this is my first experience with Double Double Oak… and good grief… it’s fantastic!

I don’t often hunt backup bottles, but this one is worthy!

Bottle provided for review by High Bank

Rating: 8 | Excellent | Really quite exceptional