Tag Archives: Kentucky Bourbon

Whiskey Dreams

WHISKEY DREAMS – Basil Hayden’s Manhattan

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I was craving a Manhattan, and decided to try and blend something a little different, which ended up in the best Manhattan I’ve ever had.

The base is Basil Hayden’s Kentucky Straight Bourbon, mixed with sweet vermouth, Dom Benedictine, and garnished with a Bada Bing Cherry.

This combo results in just the perfect level of sweetness that blends and swirls with Basil Hayden’s woody, spice, and oaky notes. This Manhattan scored a 95/100, putting it at the very top of the Manhattan scale.

Recipe:

  • 4 ounces Basil Hayden’s
  • 1 ounce Sweet Vermouth
  • 1 ounce Dom Benedictine
  • 2 Bada Bing Cherries
BottleScorePriceType
Manhattan - Basil Hayden's & Dom Benedictine95$55 / 750mlManhattan
Manhattan - Balcones91$55 / 750mlManhattan
Manhattan - Blade And Bow90$55 / 750mlManhattan
Manhattan - Basil Hayden's88$35 / 750mlManhattan
Old Fashioned On The Rocks Knob Creek83$13 / 750mlOld Fashioned
Manhattan - Fistful of Bourbon80$40 / 750mlManhattan
Manhattan - Four Roses Small Batch76$30 / 750mlManhattan
Manhattan - Legent75$35 / 750mlManhattan
Manhattan-Death's Door74$40 / 750mlManhattan
Manhattan - Wild Turkey73$35 / 750mlManhattan
Manhattan - Bulleit Bourbon69$28 / 750mlManhattan
Manhattan - Dogfish Head Alternate Takes69$55/ 750mlManhattan
Manhattan - Knob Creek Small Batch69$30 / 750mlManhattan
Manhattan - Elija Craig Small Batch66$27 / 750mlManhattan
Manhattan - Redemption Bourbon53$30 / 750mlManhattan
Manhattan Stillhouse50$25 / 750mlManhattan
Manhattan Agitator49$30 / 750mlManhattan
Manhattan - American XXX Born35$26 / 750mlManhattan

Whiskey Dreams

WHISKEY DREAMS – Willett Pot Still Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey

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I’ve had this Willett Pot Still Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey sitting on a shelf for a few weeks and finally decided it was time to crack it open.

I’m always nervous opening offerings with really distinct bottles. I’m afraid that the unique bottle is there to distract you from something else. Happily, at least with this Willet Post Still Reserve, that wasn’t the case.

The nose on this starts a little on the punchy side. The alcohol overpowers the more refined notes, at least until you open it up with a few drop of water. Those drops of water really let the brown sugar and vanilla shine though.

This reminds me really heavily of Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style Bourbon with its brown sugar that really sits on the mid tongue and then transitions to oak and char on the finish. Is it as good as the Old Forester? Not quite. It’s good, but it doesn’t finish as smoothly as the Old Forester in my opinion.

I enjoyed this Willett Pot Still Reserve Straight Bourbon, but not enough to put it in my Whiskey Safe. That rougher finish cost it some points for me, although the price does seem reasonable for this level of whiskey. Willett Pot Still Reserve Straight Bourbon scored an 81/100.

Pros

  • The brown sugar and vanilla is really enjoyable.
  • If you like a sweet middle and an oaky finish, you will love this.

Cons:

  • Some small rough edges on the finish.
  • Hard to hide the bottle if your sneaking new whiskey into the house as it is quite distinctive.

BottleScorePrice
Redbreast 12 Cask Strength97$99 / 750ml
Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style Bourbon96$65 / 750ml
Redbreast 12 Year96$80 / 750ml
Jameson Distiller's Safe95$65 / 750ml
Colonel E.H. Taylor Small Batch Bourbon94$45 / 750ml
Booker's "Sip Awhile" 2017-493$80 / 750ml
Knappogue Castle 14 Year92$68 / 750ml
Redbreast 1591$99 / 750ml
Bib & Tucker91$75 / 750ml
Dublin Liberties Copper Alley Irish Whiskey90$75 / 750ml
Angels Envy90$65 / 750ml
Tyrconnel 16 Year88$95 / 750ml
Powers Three Swallow87$38 / 750ml
Knappognue Castle 12 Year87$55 / 750ml
Tyrconnel Single Malt87$49 / 750ml
Fighting 69th86$30 / 750ml
Green Spot86$75/ 750ml
Jameson Triple Triple85$45 / 750ml
Tin Cup85$30 / 750ml
Uncle Nearest 185684$55 / 750ml
Smooth Ambler Old Scout Whiskey84$40 / 750ml
Kilbeggan Traditional Irish Whiskey84$30 / 750ml
Lambay Cognac Finish83$65 / 750ml
Jameson Caskmates Stout Edition83$50 / 750ml
Glenmorangie The Original 10 Year82$50 / 750ml
Jameson Blender's Dog82$67 / 750ml
Tullamore D.E.W. 1481$75 / 750ml
Redwood Empire Pipe Dream Bourbon81$45 / 750ml
Jameson Black Barrel81$39 / 750ml
Jameson IPA Edition80$30 / 750ml
This Dubliner80$35 / 750ml
Jameson80$40 / 750ml
Don Julio 194280$160 / 750ml
Old Forester 187080$55 / 750ml
Monkey Shoulder79$35 / 750ml
Old Forester 189779$55 / 750ml
Michters US 1 Small Batch79$45 / 750ml
Yellowstone78$35 / 750ml
Chestnut Farms Bourbon77$45 / 750ml
West Cork77$30 / 750ml
Old Forester Statesman75$65 / 750ml
Basil Hayden's75$35 / 750ml
Eagle Rare 10 Year Old Bourbon75$35 / 750ml
Slane74$33 / 750ml
Glendalough Double Barrel Irish Whiskey74$45 / 750ml
Hirsch Small Batch74$35 / 750ml
Tullamore D.E.W 12 Year73$50 / 750ml
Tullamore Dew Rum Cask Finish72$35 / 750ml
John L. Sullivan Irish Whiskey72$25 / 750ml
Clyde May's Original Alabama Style Whiskey72$33 / 750ml
Bushmills 10 Year72$50 / 750ml
Legent72$35 / 750ml
Proper Twelve71$30 / 750ml
Mr. Whidkey70$22 / 750ml
Redbreast Lustau 12 Year Old70$80/ 750ml
Teeling Whiskey70$50 / 750ml
Tito's Vodka69$30 / 750ml
Tullamore Dew Crock69$40 / 750ml
Death's Door68$40 / 750ml
Bird Dog Kentucky Bourbon68$22 / 750ml
Teeling Pot Still Irish Whiskey67$70 / 750ml
Appleton Reserve Blend Jamaican Rum67$30 / 750ml
Cruzan No. 9 Spiced Rum67$20 / 750ml
Paddy’s Irish Whiskey66$33 / 750ml
McConnell’s Irish Whisky66$25 / 750ml
Kavanagh 16 Year Single Malt Irish Whiskey66$50 / 750ml
Four Roses Small Batch66$30 / 750ml
Beer Barrel Bourbon66$35 / 750ml
Wellsley Farms Irish Whiskey65$28 / 750ml
Kirkland Irish Whiskey65$18 / 1750ml
Quiet Man Traditional65$40 / 750ml
Powers Gold Label Irish Whiskey65$35 / 750ml
Gentleman Jack65$35 / 750ml
Kraken Rum64$25 / 750ml
Wild Turkey63$35 / 750ml
Tullamore Dew63$25 / 750ml
Bushmills Irish Whiskey62$31 / 750ml
Writers Tears61$35 / 750ml
Stillhouse Black Bourbon61$20 / 750ml
Maker's Mark60$25 / 750ml
Jefferson60$25/ 750ml
Old Grand-Dad 11459$30 / 750ml
Fighting Cock58$18 / 750ml
Elijah Craig57$27 / 750ml
Bulleit Bourbon56$28 / 750ml
Jameson Orange55$30 / 750ml
Buffalo Trace55$25 / 750ml
The Sexton54$40 / 750ml
Fistful of Bourbon53$40 / 750ml
Kilbrin 10 Year Single Malt52$55 / 750ml
Jack Daniels`51$25 / 750ml
Howler Head50$25 / 750ml
Agitator Kentucky Bourbon50$30 / 750ml
Knob Creek Small Batch49$30 / 750ml
Blade and Bow48$50 / 750ml
Widow Jane45$70 / 750ml
Teeling Single Malt43$65 / 750ml
GlenGoyne 12 Year42$75/ 750ml
Dogfish Head Alternate Takes41$55/ 750ml
Redemption40$30 / 750ml
Rowan's Creek39$30 / 750ml
Hudson Whiskey Baby Bourbon38$50 / 750ml
Natterjack Irish Whiskey35$30 / 750ml
Woodford Reserve30$13 / 50ml
Pops McCann29$35 / 750ml
Breaker29$60 / 750ml
Pure Kentucky28$40 / 750ml
Stranahan's Single Malt27$65 / 750ml
Egan’s Fortitude Irish Whiskey26$50 / 750ml
Winchester Extra Smooth15$23 / 750ml
Jack Daniels Tennessee Honey10$20 / 750ml
Hill Billy9$20 / 750ml
Fireball5$18 / 750ml
Busker Single Malt4$34 / 750ml
Kavanagh Single Malt Irish Whiskey3$35 / 750ml
Balvenie Caribbean Cask2$90 / 750ml
American XXX Born - Bourbon Whiskey1$26 / 750ml
Silkie Irish Whiskey0$30 / 750ml
Whiskey Dreams

WHISKEY DREAMS – Agitator MANHATTAN

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I used my standard recipe for a Manhattan, mixing bourbon to vermouth in a 2 to 1 ratio.

I tried this Agitator Manhattan with, and without Orange Bitters.

Agitator Manhattan

I was thinking the red wine finish on this Agitator bourbon would pair well with vermouth and make an amazing Manhattan.

Boy, was I wrong. What I was hoping would become a nice pairing of red wine and vermouth, turned out to clash, and badly.

I’m giving this Agitator Manhattan a 49/100, put it in Just Bad territory.

Pros

  • If you like cheap whiskey with strong red wine notes, this might be for you.

Cons:

  • The red wine finish from the Agitator clashes with the vermouth.
BottleScorePriceType
Manhattan - Basil Hayden's & Dom Benedictine95$55 / 750mlManhattan
Manhattan - Balcones91$55 / 750mlManhattan
Manhattan - Blade And Bow90$55 / 750mlManhattan
Manhattan - Basil Hayden's88$35 / 750mlManhattan
Old Fashioned On The Rocks Knob Creek83$13 / 750mlOld Fashioned
Manhattan - Fistful of Bourbon80$40 / 750mlManhattan
Manhattan - Four Roses Small Batch76$30 / 750mlManhattan
Manhattan - Legent75$35 / 750mlManhattan
Manhattan-Death's Door74$40 / 750mlManhattan
Manhattan - Wild Turkey73$35 / 750mlManhattan
Manhattan - Bulleit Bourbon69$28 / 750mlManhattan
Manhattan - Dogfish Head Alternate Takes69$55/ 750mlManhattan
Manhattan - Knob Creek Small Batch69$30 / 750mlManhattan
Manhattan - Elija Craig Small Batch66$27 / 750mlManhattan
Manhattan - Redemption Bourbon53$30 / 750mlManhattan
Manhattan Stillhouse50$25 / 750mlManhattan
Manhattan Agitator49$30 / 750mlManhattan
Manhattan - American XXX Born35$26 / 750mlManhattan

BottleScorePriceType
Manhattan - Basil Hayden's & Dom Benedictine95$55 / 750mlManhattan
Manhattan - Balcones91$55 / 750mlManhattan
Manhattan - Blade And Bow90$55 / 750mlManhattan
Manhattan - Basil Hayden's88$35 / 750mlManhattan
Old Fashioned On The Rocks Knob Creek83$13 / 750mlOld Fashioned
Manhattan - Fistful of Bourbon80$40 / 750mlManhattan
Manhattan - Four Roses Small Batch76$30 / 750mlManhattan
Manhattan - Legent75$35 / 750mlManhattan
Manhattan-Death's Door74$40 / 750mlManhattan
Manhattan - Wild Turkey73$35 / 750mlManhattan
Manhattan - Bulleit Bourbon69$28 / 750mlManhattan
Manhattan - Dogfish Head Alternate Takes69$55/ 750mlManhattan
Manhattan - Knob Creek Small Batch69$30 / 750mlManhattan
Manhattan - Elija Craig Small Batch66$27 / 750mlManhattan
Manhattan - Redemption Bourbon53$30 / 750mlManhattan
Manhattan Stillhouse50$25 / 750mlManhattan
Manhattan Agitator49$30 / 750mlManhattan
Manhattan - American XXX Born35$26 / 750mlManhattan
Whiskey Dreams

WHISKEY DREAMS – Agitator Kentucky Bourbon

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I’m not sure what audience Agitator is going after, but apparently its the crazy drunks? Wait, how did I end up here? – Oh, never mind.

I guess I’m a rule breaker and a rabble rousers.

According to Agitator’s web site, Agitator starts as a 21% rye whiskey that is aged for two years in new charred white oak before spending a few months in California Cabernet Sauvignon barrels.

Let’s see how that effort pays off.

The first thing that hit me on the nose was the alcohol. This whiskey is only 86 proof, but the alcohol on the nose would have made me guess higher. It wasn’t until I added some ice and let it open up that I could appreciate any of the more delicate notes. Once it opened up I could really smell the oak and vanilla. I was expecting to maybe smell something from the time spent in the Cabernet Sauvignon barrels, but the nose is all bourbon to me.

The first sip matched the nose. Straight, the alcohol smacks you in the face. Opened up a bit with some ice or water and I can appreciate the oaky vanilla on the sip, and it does finish with a red wine dry, acidic mouth feel that hints at a bit of sweet fruit.

I’m giving Agitator a 50/100, but because of its red wine roots, I am very curious to find out how it does in a Manhattan, as this is a Mixed Drinks Only bottle from here on out.

Pros

  • If you like a dry finish, this might be right up your alley.
  • Opens up with a bit of ice or water.
  • Red wine finish.

Cons:

  • The straight whiskey has a very strong alcohol punch.
  • Is $30 bucks too much for this? The fact that I’m not sure makes it a con for me.
BottleScorePrice
Redbreast 12 Cask Strength97$99 / 750ml
Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style Bourbon96$65 / 750ml
Redbreast 12 Year96$80 / 750ml
Jameson Distiller's Safe95$65 / 750ml
Colonel E.H. Taylor Small Batch Bourbon94$45 / 750ml
Booker's "Sip Awhile" 2017-493$80 / 750ml
Knappogue Castle 14 Year92$68 / 750ml
Redbreast 1591$99 / 750ml
Bib & Tucker91$75 / 750ml
Dublin Liberties Copper Alley Irish Whiskey90$75 / 750ml
Angels Envy90$65 / 750ml
Tyrconnel 16 Year88$95 / 750ml
Powers Three Swallow87$38 / 750ml
Knappognue Castle 12 Year87$55 / 750ml
Tyrconnel Single Malt87$49 / 750ml
Fighting 69th86$30 / 750ml
Green Spot86$75/ 750ml
Jameson Triple Triple85$45 / 750ml
Tin Cup85$30 / 750ml
Uncle Nearest 185684$55 / 750ml
Smooth Ambler Old Scout Whiskey84$40 / 750ml
Kilbeggan Traditional Irish Whiskey84$30 / 750ml
Lambay Cognac Finish83$65 / 750ml
Jameson Caskmates Stout Edition83$50 / 750ml
Glenmorangie The Original 10 Year82$50 / 750ml
Jameson Blender's Dog82$67 / 750ml
Tullamore D.E.W. 1481$75 / 750ml
Redwood Empire Pipe Dream Bourbon81$45 / 750ml
Jameson Black Barrel81$39 / 750ml
Jameson IPA Edition80$30 / 750ml
This Dubliner80$35 / 750ml
Jameson80$40 / 750ml
Don Julio 194280$160 / 750ml
Old Forester 187080$55 / 750ml
Monkey Shoulder79$35 / 750ml
Old Forester 189779$55 / 750ml
Michters US 1 Small Batch79$45 / 750ml
Yellowstone78$35 / 750ml
Chestnut Farms Bourbon77$45 / 750ml
West Cork77$30 / 750ml
Old Forester Statesman75$65 / 750ml
Basil Hayden's75$35 / 750ml
Eagle Rare 10 Year Old Bourbon75$35 / 750ml
Slane74$33 / 750ml
Glendalough Double Barrel Irish Whiskey74$45 / 750ml
Hirsch Small Batch74$35 / 750ml
Tullamore D.E.W 12 Year73$50 / 750ml
Tullamore Dew Rum Cask Finish72$35 / 750ml
John L. Sullivan Irish Whiskey72$25 / 750ml
Clyde May's Original Alabama Style Whiskey72$33 / 750ml
Bushmills 10 Year72$50 / 750ml
Legent72$35 / 750ml
Proper Twelve71$30 / 750ml
Mr. Whidkey70$22 / 750ml
Redbreast Lustau 12 Year Old70$80/ 750ml
Teeling Whiskey70$50 / 750ml
Tito's Vodka69$30 / 750ml
Tullamore Dew Crock69$40 / 750ml
Death's Door68$40 / 750ml
Bird Dog Kentucky Bourbon68$22 / 750ml
Teeling Pot Still Irish Whiskey67$70 / 750ml
Appleton Reserve Blend Jamaican Rum67$30 / 750ml
Cruzan No. 9 Spiced Rum67$20 / 750ml
Paddy’s Irish Whiskey66$33 / 750ml
McConnell’s Irish Whisky66$25 / 750ml
Kavanagh 16 Year Single Malt Irish Whiskey66$50 / 750ml
Four Roses Small Batch66$30 / 750ml
Beer Barrel Bourbon66$35 / 750ml
Wellsley Farms Irish Whiskey65$28 / 750ml
Kirkland Irish Whiskey65$18 / 1750ml
Quiet Man Traditional65$40 / 750ml
Powers Gold Label Irish Whiskey65$35 / 750ml
Gentleman Jack65$35 / 750ml
Kraken Rum64$25 / 750ml
Wild Turkey63$35 / 750ml
Tullamore Dew63$25 / 750ml
Bushmills Irish Whiskey62$31 / 750ml
Writers Tears61$35 / 750ml
Stillhouse Black Bourbon61$20 / 750ml
Maker's Mark60$25 / 750ml
Jefferson60$25/ 750ml
Old Grand-Dad 11459$30 / 750ml
Fighting Cock58$18 / 750ml
Elijah Craig57$27 / 750ml
Bulleit Bourbon56$28 / 750ml
Jameson Orange55$30 / 750ml
Buffalo Trace55$25 / 750ml
The Sexton54$40 / 750ml
Fistful of Bourbon53$40 / 750ml
Kilbrin 10 Year Single Malt52$55 / 750ml
Jack Daniels`51$25 / 750ml
Howler Head50$25 / 750ml
Agitator Kentucky Bourbon50$30 / 750ml
Knob Creek Small Batch49$30 / 750ml
Blade and Bow48$50 / 750ml
Widow Jane45$70 / 750ml
Teeling Single Malt43$65 / 750ml
GlenGoyne 12 Year42$75/ 750ml
Dogfish Head Alternate Takes41$55/ 750ml
Redemption40$30 / 750ml
Rowan's Creek39$30 / 750ml
Hudson Whiskey Baby Bourbon38$50 / 750ml
Natterjack Irish Whiskey35$30 / 750ml
Woodford Reserve30$13 / 50ml
Pops McCann29$35 / 750ml
Breaker29$60 / 750ml
Pure Kentucky28$40 / 750ml
Stranahan's Single Malt27$65 / 750ml
Egan’s Fortitude Irish Whiskey26$50 / 750ml
Winchester Extra Smooth15$23 / 750ml
Jack Daniels Tennessee Honey10$20 / 750ml
Hill Billy9$20 / 750ml
Fireball5$18 / 750ml
Busker Single Malt4$34 / 750ml
Kavanagh Single Malt Irish Whiskey3$35 / 750ml
Balvenie Caribbean Cask2$90 / 750ml
American XXX Born - Bourbon Whiskey1$26 / 750ml
Silkie Irish Whiskey0$30 / 750ml
Whiskey Dreams

WHISKEY DREAMS – Blade and Bow Bourbon

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According to their website, Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey uses a unique Solera System aging process to make their whiskey. What is the Solera Aging Process?

It kinds looks like a pyramid. If you watch the little video they provide you can see they basically created a named process for blending younger and older casks before they draw off the final product to be bottled.

Solera System

So what does the end product of this pyramid process smell and taste like?

The nose is light charred oak, sweet vanilla and alcohol. None of the notes are particularly strong, they all just kind of sit there.

The first impression on the sip is vanilla and sweet until the swallow, which is dry oak and char as it goes down your throat. That char may be a shock for some. The front of your tongue picks up the sweet vanilla and when it hits the back of the throat it is raw and oaky and very strong compared to the opening.

There is an interesting duality on the swallow of this whiskey. It is a little dry from the time in the oak barrels but it is also very, and I’m struggling for the right word here, watery? There isn’t any real mouth feel to this whisky, it is just watery with no substance. I feel like something with this much oak should have more oil, something more substantial?

The stark difference between the soft sweet opening and the hardness on the swallow really cost this blended whiskey points. Blade and Bow scored a 48/100, meaning this whiskey is destined for Mixed Drinks Only.

Pros

  • Gold Medal winner at the 2015 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
  • The bottle is very cool. It feels like something the Great Gatsby would have poured alcohol from.

Cons:

  • For me, the $50 price point (where I am locally) leaves me with better options.
  • Watery mouth feel.
  • Punch of char and roughness on the swallow that is out of sync with the sweet, soft, vanilla opening notes.
  • Too expensive to be in the Mixed Drinks Only range.
BottleScorePrice
Redbreast 12 Cask Strength97$99 / 750ml
Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style Bourbon96$65 / 750ml
Redbreast 12 Year96$80 / 750ml
Jameson Distiller's Safe95$65 / 750ml
Colonel E.H. Taylor Small Batch Bourbon94$45 / 750ml
Booker's "Sip Awhile" 2017-493$80 / 750ml
Knappogue Castle 14 Year92$68 / 750ml
Redbreast 1591$99 / 750ml
Bib & Tucker91$75 / 750ml
Dublin Liberties Copper Alley Irish Whiskey90$75 / 750ml
Angels Envy90$65 / 750ml
Tyrconnel 16 Year88$95 / 750ml
Powers Three Swallow87$38 / 750ml
Knappognue Castle 12 Year87$55 / 750ml
Tyrconnel Single Malt87$49 / 750ml
Fighting 69th86$30 / 750ml
Green Spot86$75/ 750ml
Jameson Triple Triple85$45 / 750ml
Tin Cup85$30 / 750ml
Uncle Nearest 185684$55 / 750ml
Smooth Ambler Old Scout Whiskey84$40 / 750ml
Kilbeggan Traditional Irish Whiskey84$30 / 750ml
Lambay Cognac Finish83$65 / 750ml
Jameson Caskmates Stout Edition83$50 / 750ml
Glenmorangie The Original 10 Year82$50 / 750ml
Jameson Blender's Dog82$67 / 750ml
Tullamore D.E.W. 1481$75 / 750ml
Redwood Empire Pipe Dream Bourbon81$45 / 750ml
Jameson Black Barrel81$39 / 750ml
Jameson IPA Edition80$30 / 750ml
This Dubliner80$35 / 750ml
Jameson80$40 / 750ml
Don Julio 194280$160 / 750ml
Old Forester 187080$55 / 750ml
Monkey Shoulder79$35 / 750ml
Old Forester 189779$55 / 750ml
Michters US 1 Small Batch79$45 / 750ml
Yellowstone78$35 / 750ml
Chestnut Farms Bourbon77$45 / 750ml
West Cork77$30 / 750ml
Old Forester Statesman75$65 / 750ml
Basil Hayden's75$35 / 750ml
Eagle Rare 10 Year Old Bourbon75$35 / 750ml
Slane74$33 / 750ml
Glendalough Double Barrel Irish Whiskey74$45 / 750ml
Hirsch Small Batch74$35 / 750ml
Tullamore D.E.W 12 Year73$50 / 750ml
Tullamore Dew Rum Cask Finish72$35 / 750ml
John L. Sullivan Irish Whiskey72$25 / 750ml
Clyde May's Original Alabama Style Whiskey72$33 / 750ml
Bushmills 10 Year72$50 / 750ml
Legent72$35 / 750ml
Proper Twelve71$30 / 750ml
Mr. Whidkey70$22 / 750ml
Redbreast Lustau 12 Year Old70$80/ 750ml
Teeling Whiskey70$50 / 750ml
Tito's Vodka69$30 / 750ml
Tullamore Dew Crock69$40 / 750ml
Death's Door68$40 / 750ml
Bird Dog Kentucky Bourbon68$22 / 750ml
Teeling Pot Still Irish Whiskey67$70 / 750ml
Appleton Reserve Blend Jamaican Rum67$30 / 750ml
Cruzan No. 9 Spiced Rum67$20 / 750ml
Paddy’s Irish Whiskey66$33 / 750ml
McConnell’s Irish Whisky66$25 / 750ml
Kavanagh 16 Year Single Malt Irish Whiskey66$50 / 750ml
Four Roses Small Batch66$30 / 750ml
Beer Barrel Bourbon66$35 / 750ml
Wellsley Farms Irish Whiskey65$28 / 750ml
Kirkland Irish Whiskey65$18 / 1750ml
Quiet Man Traditional65$40 / 750ml
Powers Gold Label Irish Whiskey65$35 / 750ml
Gentleman Jack65$35 / 750ml
Kraken Rum64$25 / 750ml
Wild Turkey63$35 / 750ml
Tullamore Dew63$25 / 750ml
Bushmills Irish Whiskey62$31 / 750ml
Writers Tears61$35 / 750ml
Stillhouse Black Bourbon61$20 / 750ml
Maker's Mark60$25 / 750ml
Jefferson60$25/ 750ml
Old Grand-Dad 11459$30 / 750ml
Fighting Cock58$18 / 750ml
Elijah Craig57$27 / 750ml
Bulleit Bourbon56$28 / 750ml
Jameson Orange55$30 / 750ml
Buffalo Trace55$25 / 750ml
The Sexton54$40 / 750ml
Fistful of Bourbon53$40 / 750ml
Kilbrin 10 Year Single Malt52$55 / 750ml
Jack Daniels`51$25 / 750ml
Howler Head50$25 / 750ml
Agitator Kentucky Bourbon50$30 / 750ml
Knob Creek Small Batch49$30 / 750ml
Blade and Bow48$50 / 750ml
Widow Jane45$70 / 750ml
Teeling Single Malt43$65 / 750ml
GlenGoyne 12 Year42$75/ 750ml
Dogfish Head Alternate Takes41$55/ 750ml
Redemption40$30 / 750ml
Rowan's Creek39$30 / 750ml
Hudson Whiskey Baby Bourbon38$50 / 750ml
Natterjack Irish Whiskey35$30 / 750ml
Woodford Reserve30$13 / 50ml
Pops McCann29$35 / 750ml
Breaker29$60 / 750ml
Pure Kentucky28$40 / 750ml
Stranahan's Single Malt27$65 / 750ml
Egan’s Fortitude Irish Whiskey26$50 / 750ml
Winchester Extra Smooth15$23 / 750ml
Jack Daniels Tennessee Honey10$20 / 750ml
Hill Billy9$20 / 750ml
Fireball5$18 / 750ml
Busker Single Malt4$34 / 750ml
Kavanagh Single Malt Irish Whiskey3$35 / 750ml
Balvenie Caribbean Cask2$90 / 750ml
American XXX Born - Bourbon Whiskey1$26 / 750ml
Silkie Irish Whiskey0$30 / 750ml
Whiskey Dreams

WHISKEY DREAMS – ChestNut Farms

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Chestnut Farms Straight Bourbon Whiskey is distilled by Barton 1792 Distillery and is 90 proof. It won a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco Spirits Competition according to their website. What year? I couldn’t find it, but that is probably due to my poor google skills. What I was able to find is that this bourbon doesn’t have a website, and is made at the same Barton 1792 distillery where they make the Costco and Trader Joe’s brand whiskeys. (According to the internet.)

I’ve found awards are hit and miss for me. Some things that people rave over, tastes like gasoline to me, while some things that didn’t even place, were things I’d buy another bottle of, so I didn’t get my hopes up for this Chestnut Farms.

I’m not a huge fan of rye. For me it just creates a lot of sharp edges and an aftertaste I don’t enjoy. Maybe that will change as I get older. I remember a time when I didn’t like Brussel sprouts, but now I love them.

Why am I talking about rye? It’s because this Chestnut Farms has some rye added onto its 51% corn and malted barley mash bill. That usually means I’m not going to like it, but in this case, they got the ratio just about perfect. All those rough edges I don’t appreciate in rye whiskeys are smoothed out and come out as spicy warmth in my mouth.

The nose is mild. There is a little caramel and toffee, but its not complex and overall it very light.

The palate is a little different from the nose. It has that warm flush of a regular bourbon that quickly turns to oak char and then finishes with the spice from the rye. Overall it is a very well balanced whiskey and a great introduction to rye for those who aren’t really rye lovers.

Chestnut Farms is Sip Worthy and scored a 77/100. It isn’t making it into my Whiskey Safe, but it is a bottle I could see myself picking up when the mood strikes me again.

Pros

  • Perfect balance of corn and rye.
  • Ends with a nice mix of rye spice and oak notes.

Cons:

  • If you don’t like rye at all, you may not like this.
  • At a $45 price point, there are a lot of very competitive whiskeys to choose from.
BottleScorePrice
Redbreast 12 Cask Strength97$99 / 750ml
Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style Bourbon96$65 / 750ml
Redbreast 12 Year96$80 / 750ml
Jameson Distiller's Safe95$65 / 750ml
Colonel E.H. Taylor Small Batch Bourbon94$45 / 750ml
Booker's "Sip Awhile" 2017-493$80 / 750ml
Knappogue Castle 14 Year92$68 / 750ml
Redbreast 1591$99 / 750ml
Bib & Tucker91$75 / 750ml
Dublin Liberties Copper Alley Irish Whiskey90$75 / 750ml
Angels Envy90$65 / 750ml
Tyrconnel 16 Year88$95 / 750ml
Powers Three Swallow87$38 / 750ml
Knappognue Castle 12 Year87$55 / 750ml
Tyrconnel Single Malt87$49 / 750ml
Fighting 69th86$30 / 750ml
Green Spot86$75/ 750ml
Jameson Triple Triple85$45 / 750ml
Tin Cup85$30 / 750ml
Uncle Nearest 185684$55 / 750ml
Smooth Ambler Old Scout Whiskey84$40 / 750ml
Kilbeggan Traditional Irish Whiskey84$30 / 750ml
Lambay Cognac Finish83$65 / 750ml
Jameson Caskmates Stout Edition83$50 / 750ml
Glenmorangie The Original 10 Year82$50 / 750ml
Jameson Blender's Dog82$67 / 750ml
Tullamore D.E.W. 1481$75 / 750ml
Redwood Empire Pipe Dream Bourbon81$45 / 750ml
Jameson Black Barrel81$39 / 750ml
Jameson IPA Edition80$30 / 750ml
This Dubliner80$35 / 750ml
Jameson80$40 / 750ml
Don Julio 194280$160 / 750ml
Old Forester 187080$55 / 750ml
Monkey Shoulder79$35 / 750ml
Old Forester 189779$55 / 750ml
Michters US 1 Small Batch79$45 / 750ml
Yellowstone78$35 / 750ml
Chestnut Farms Bourbon77$45 / 750ml
West Cork77$30 / 750ml
Old Forester Statesman75$65 / 750ml
Basil Hayden's75$35 / 750ml
Eagle Rare 10 Year Old Bourbon75$35 / 750ml
Slane74$33 / 750ml
Glendalough Double Barrel Irish Whiskey74$45 / 750ml
Hirsch Small Batch74$35 / 750ml
Tullamore D.E.W 12 Year73$50 / 750ml
Tullamore Dew Rum Cask Finish72$35 / 750ml
John L. Sullivan Irish Whiskey72$25 / 750ml
Clyde May's Original Alabama Style Whiskey72$33 / 750ml
Bushmills 10 Year72$50 / 750ml
Legent72$35 / 750ml
Proper Twelve71$30 / 750ml
Mr. Whidkey70$22 / 750ml
Redbreast Lustau 12 Year Old70$80/ 750ml
Teeling Whiskey70$50 / 750ml
Tito's Vodka69$30 / 750ml
Tullamore Dew Crock69$40 / 750ml
Death's Door68$40 / 750ml
Bird Dog Kentucky Bourbon68$22 / 750ml
Teeling Pot Still Irish Whiskey67$70 / 750ml
Appleton Reserve Blend Jamaican Rum67$30 / 750ml
Cruzan No. 9 Spiced Rum67$20 / 750ml
Paddy’s Irish Whiskey66$33 / 750ml
McConnell’s Irish Whisky66$25 / 750ml
Kavanagh 16 Year Single Malt Irish Whiskey66$50 / 750ml
Four Roses Small Batch66$30 / 750ml
Beer Barrel Bourbon66$35 / 750ml
Wellsley Farms Irish Whiskey65$28 / 750ml
Kirkland Irish Whiskey65$18 / 1750ml
Quiet Man Traditional65$40 / 750ml
Powers Gold Label Irish Whiskey65$35 / 750ml
Gentleman Jack65$35 / 750ml
Kraken Rum64$25 / 750ml
Wild Turkey63$35 / 750ml
Tullamore Dew63$25 / 750ml
Bushmills Irish Whiskey62$31 / 750ml
Writers Tears61$35 / 750ml
Stillhouse Black Bourbon61$20 / 750ml
Maker's Mark60$25 / 750ml
Jefferson60$25/ 750ml
Old Grand-Dad 11459$30 / 750ml
Fighting Cock58$18 / 750ml
Elijah Craig57$27 / 750ml
Bulleit Bourbon56$28 / 750ml
Jameson Orange55$30 / 750ml
Buffalo Trace55$25 / 750ml
The Sexton54$40 / 750ml
Fistful of Bourbon53$40 / 750ml
Kilbrin 10 Year Single Malt52$55 / 750ml
Jack Daniels`51$25 / 750ml
Howler Head50$25 / 750ml
Agitator Kentucky Bourbon50$30 / 750ml
Knob Creek Small Batch49$30 / 750ml
Blade and Bow48$50 / 750ml
Widow Jane45$70 / 750ml
Teeling Single Malt43$65 / 750ml
GlenGoyne 12 Year42$75/ 750ml
Dogfish Head Alternate Takes41$55/ 750ml
Redemption40$30 / 750ml
Rowan's Creek39$30 / 750ml
Hudson Whiskey Baby Bourbon38$50 / 750ml
Natterjack Irish Whiskey35$30 / 750ml
Woodford Reserve30$13 / 50ml
Pops McCann29$35 / 750ml
Breaker29$60 / 750ml
Pure Kentucky28$40 / 750ml
Stranahan's Single Malt27$65 / 750ml
Egan’s Fortitude Irish Whiskey26$50 / 750ml
Winchester Extra Smooth15$23 / 750ml
Jack Daniels Tennessee Honey10$20 / 750ml
Hill Billy9$20 / 750ml
Fireball5$18 / 750ml
Busker Single Malt4$34 / 750ml
Kavanagh Single Malt Irish Whiskey3$35 / 750ml
Balvenie Caribbean Cask2$90 / 750ml
American XXX Born - Bourbon Whiskey1$26 / 750ml
Silkie Irish Whiskey0$30 / 750ml