The Last Call

       There’s something exciting about finding a store pick that instantly feels different the moment you pick up the bottle, and this Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Barrel Proof Tennessee Rye absolutely delivered on that promise. Picked by Rich out of Greentown, Indiana, this wasn’t just another random single barrel sitting on a shelf. This was one of those bottles that local bourbon groups talk about for weeks after it disappears, and judging by how quickly it sold out, people knew it was special.      Jack Daniel’s has quietly become one of the most reliable names in American whiskey when it comes to rye. A lot of people still associate the brand with Old No. 7 and whiskey mixed with cola, but their barrel proof rye program is on an entirely different level. These single barrels consistently bring bold character, heavy oak influence, and an oily richness that stands toe-to-toe with some of the best high-proof rye whiskey on the market.    ...

     Virginia Distillery Company has quietly become one of the more interesting names in the American single malt category. Between their focus on blending, finishing techniques, and pushing deeper into brewery collaborations, they’ve carved out a lane that feels genuinely creative instead of gimmicky. Their earlier Goose Island collaboration already proved they understood how to handle stout finishes without completely overwhelming the whiskey underneath, so expectations were high heading into this Old Rasputin release.      That curiosity only grows once you realize this wasn’t a quick secondary finish tossed together for marketing. This is a six-year-old American single malt aged in ex-bourbon barrels before spending roughly ten months in Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout casks. For beer lovers, especially fans of that rich North Coast stout profile, this bottle immediately sounds like something special. The real question becomes whether the stout fini...

          When Heaven Hill announced that the very first batch of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Rye would become an ongoing A, B, and C batch release series, it immediately grabbed the attention of rye fans and bourbon drinkers alike. Elijah Craig’s barrel proof bourbon line already carries a loyal following, so the idea of bringing that same treatment over to rye whiskey felt like a natural next step. The hype hit hard almost instantly, especially after this release earned Whiskey Advocate’s Whiskey of the Year for 2025.      Finding a bottle turned into a hunt for many people. Shelves cleared quickly, secondary prices climbed a bit, and most drinkers were left hoping they’d eventually stumble across one at retail. That’s exactly what happened here months later: sitting quietly on a shelf at only slightly above SRP. At first glance, this bottle almost feels understated for a barrel proof release. The proof lands at a fairly low 54% ABV, and even...

I received this spirit as a review sample from Fincasa Whiskey,  linked here . It is important to clarify this did not impact the ratings of this review.      Fincasa is back with Batch 4 of their rum barrel-finished rye, and this one feels like a bit of a full-circle moment. After stepping into Puerto Rican rum casks in Batch 3, they’ve returned to Barbados rum barrels, territory that helped define their earlier releases. Having followed this lineup since Batch 1, it’s been fun watching the progression.       Like previous releases, Batch 4 is built on a foundation of Indiana-sourced rye, most likely from MGP, a distillery that’s become synonymous with high-quality rye whiskey. While the exact mash bill isn’t disclosed this time around, earlier batches leaned on a blend of the classic 95/5 and 51% rye recipes, and this seems to carry a similar profile. The whiskey is aged for at least 5 years before being finished for 8 months in Barbados rum bar...

     Region 5 is one of those brands that feels rooted in passion before anything else. Born from a group of bourbon enthusiasts in Indiana, they’ve started to gain traction by focusing on transparency, solid age statements, and approachable pricing. This single barrel pick, selected by the Kokomo Whiskey Club, leans into that same philosophy while adding a layer of local collaboration that’s always great to see.      At 9 years old and bottled at 54.9% ABV, this MGP-sourced bourbon checks a lot of boxes on paper. Single barrel, cask strength, and a proven mash bill, it’s the kind of release that doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel, but instead aims to execute the fundamentals really well. For the full video review visit the link here:  https://youtu.be/uimN7j1Lm4Y . Age Statement: 9 years (Single barrel). ABV: 54.9% (Cask strength). Mash bill:  75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley. Area of Distillation:  Lawrenceburg, Indiana. Appearance: ...

       Hard Truth has been a staple in my whiskey journey for a long time, and for good reason. As an Indiana-based craft distillery, they’ve consistently shown they can stand alongside bigger names, especially with their sweet mash approach. This 7-year rye marks their oldest release to date, and with such a small batch, only around 10 barrels, it immediately feels like something special. There’s also a bit of personal anticipation here. I’ve had their younger expressions and even picked up their 6-year distillery release, but before I could get to it, this 7-year dropped.       Naturally, expectations are high, especially knowing how well their younger sweet mash ryes already perform. This is a sweet mash straight rye whiskey, which sets it apart right away. Unlike the more common sour mash process, each fermentation here starts completely fresh—no backset, no carryover. That means every batch has the potential for subtle variation, influenced b...

     Woodford Reserve and I have had a bit of a rocky relationship lately. Revisiting some of their recent releases hasn’t exactly gone smoothly, especially when expectations and execution don’t quite line up. Then comes this barrel strength rye, a bottle that originally launched with a premium price tag but has quietly found itself sitting on shelves at steep discounts. So the real question becomes: is this a redemption story for Woodford, or just another case of hype cooling off?      This is Woodford’s true barrel strength Kentucky straight rye whiskey, bottled at a bold 62.55% ABV. The mash bill leans rye-forward with only 53% rye, giving it a better step into rye for bourbon lovers. Woodford’s use of this mash bill leans slightly sweeter than traditional high-rye recipes, and at barrel proof, it gives them a chance to showcase how their distillate holds up without proofing adjustments. It’s also worth noting this comes in a 700ml bottle, part of their ...