The Last Call

Backbone Bourbon Company Old Bones 15 Year Straight Rye Whiskey Review.       I received this spirit as a review sample from Backbone Bourbon Company,  linked here . It is important to clarify this did not impact the ratings of this review.      Backbone Bourbon Company, based in Indianapolis, Indiana, is known for its dedication to sourcing, blending, and crafting high-proof spirits, often with a unique touch. They have been a NPD (Non producing distiller) I have always enjoyed and spread the word on since the first pour of Decade Down I had. More recently, When I caught wind this was releasing, color me very interested. Not only because of the age...but where this is being sourced from.     This release is actually coming from Canada! Now, I'll go on the  record of saying I enjoy some Canadian whiskey, even though typically they are underwhelming and get a lot of crap from bourbon lovers. BUT, I have a feeling this release is not ...

 Backbone Bourbon Company Estate Uncut Straight Bourbon Whiskey Review.      I received this spirit as a review sample from Backbone Bourbon Company, linked here . It is important to clarify this did not impact the ratings of this review.     Now, when it comes to Backbone Bourbon Company,  I've had my fair share of releases. Personally, they take the NPD (non producing distiller) to another level. Based in Indiana, they craft spirits by sourcing from MGP and other distilleries, creating high-proof, distinctively finished bourbons and blends. This release, “Estate,” is an homage to their journey, and I was thrilled to dive in to this complex blend.      Batch one’s mash bill details a blend of three different mash bills and containing two different finishes in those blends. One of those mash bills was a high wheated, which instantly caught my attention. I’m a sucker for a good wheated bourbon. For the full video review visit the link her...

 Rogue Spirits Dead Guy Cabernet Cask Finished American Single Malt Whiskey Review.      I received this spirit as a review sample from Rogue Spirits. It is important to clarify this did not impact the ratings of this review.       Over the past couple of years  I've love doing deep dives into American single malt whiskey. Being a Scotch lover at heart, it makes me smile seeing more distilleries, big and small, playing around with malts.  Rogue, based in Newport, Oregon, began as a brewery in 1988 before expanding into spirits in 2003. The origins of Dead Guy Whiskey are rooted in community and creativity. Originally crafted for a local Mexican restaurant’s special event, the whiskey’s success quickly secured its place in Rogue’s permanent lineup.           T he whiskey is distilled from 100% two-row malted barley, which is the same barley used with their brewery, but with a different yeast strain to enhance its ...

Rogue Spirits Dead Guy Stout Cask Finished American Single Malt Whiskey Review.  I received this spirit as a review sample from Rogue Spirits. It is important to clarify this did not impact the ratings of this review.     Over the past couple of years  I've love doing deep dives into American single malt whiskey. Being a Scotch lover at heart, it makes me smile seeing more distilleries, big and small, playing around with malts.  Rogue, based in Newport, Oregon, began as a brewery in 1988 before expanding into spirits in 2003. The origins of Dead Guy Whiskey are rooted in community and creativity. Originally crafted for a local Mexican restaurant’s special event, the whiskey’s success quickly secured its place in Rogue’s permanent lineup.           T he whiskey is distilled from 100% two-row malted barley, which is the same barley used with their brewery, but with a different yeast strain to enhance its alcohol content. What sets thi...

 Backbone Bourbon Co Auld Bow-In 14 Year Old Single Grain Scotch Review.      I received this spirit as a review sample from Backbone Bourbon Company,  linked here . It is important to clarify this did not impact the ratings of this review.      Auld Blow-In scotch stands out for its rarity and unique sourcing story. Backbone Bourbon, based in Indianapolis, Indiana, is known for its high-proof offerings, great blending, diverse sourcing, from MGP in Indiana to distilleries across Canada and Kentucky. The whisky originates from the now-closed Port Dundas Distillery, shuttered by Diageo in 2010.       Backbone Bourbon managed to acquire a limited supply before the facility’s operations ceased, resulting in just 300 cases of this bottling. Featuring a blend of barley, rye, and American corn, this Scotch offers a fresh take on single-grain whisky, challenging traditional norms. The story behind just a unique scotch plus the idea of...

 Whiskey Acres distilling Bloody Butcher Straight Bourbon Whiskey Review.      I received this bottle from Holly's Package Store in Greentown, Indiana. Click here to follow them! . It is important to clarify this did not impact the ratings of this review.      Distilled, aged, and bottled in DeKalb Illinois. Whiskey Acres takes it a step further by growing their own grains, showcasing a full commitment to their whiskey from soil to glass. Recently, they’ve made their way to Indiana and I've been enjoying what they are bringing to the shelves. This is their yearly limited release of using Bloody Butcher Corn. Being someone that loves unique mash bills and grains this caught my eye instantly. I know this is another huge commitment for a craft distillery to preform.       According to Whiskey Acres social media pages, this was a day one sellout at the distillery however some did make it to the surrounding market and online. After my re...

 Knob Creek Bourbon X Rye Blended Whiskey Review.      Jim Beam has been on a roll this year, and this release certainly piqued my interest. Here in 2024 they have been doing some great releases with the Jim Beam Black getting an age statement, the Knob Creek Rye following suit. Even the Baker's lineup going a "High Rye" and the Winter reserve release. But, I'll be honest, I didn't have a bourye on my bingo sheet for any of the big distilleries. First, what is a bourye. Well essentially this is where a release is a blend of both a bourbon and a rye. A lot of times people think of Redwood Empire with the Lost Monarch or High West with their Bourye.           Now I will give Knob creek some props. They are using their two current releases for this; the 9 year bourbon and the 7 year rye. So keeping at least a 7 year age statement on this is great. Plus it helps making it feel less of a cash grab release. Now the question still bugs me....

Black Market Spirits Single Barrel Cask Strength 3 Year Rye Whiskey Review.      I received this spirit as a review sample from Black Market Spirits. It is important to clarify this did not impact the ratings of this review.          Black Market Spirits is based out of California where they are releasing some fun and unique spirits to the masses. In 2023 I had the pleasure of reviewing their core line up containing a Vodka, Rum, Gin, Fernet, and Rye. That release was a 2 year old and I really enjoyed it. Now this release is something special. Essentially, this  being sourced from the 10th oldest distillery in Kentucky, Green River. And what Black Market Spirits is doing is finding those select special barrels of rye, keeping it single barrel, barrel proof, and a 3 year age statement on it. Honestly,  everything I've had from Green River has been top notch. Plus, the fact that Black Market Spirits is transparent on this is a huge pl...

Black Market Spirits 5 Year Black Market Rye Whiskey Review.            I received this spirit as a review sample from Black Market Spirits. It is important to clarify this did not impact the ratings of this review.      Black Market Spirits is based out of California where they are releasing some fun and unique spirits to the masses. In 2023 I had the pleasure of reviewing their core line up containing a Vodka, Rum, Gin, Fernet, and Rye. That release was a 2 year old and I really enjoyed it. Seeing a new release with more age really had my sites on. This is being sourced from the 10th oldest distillery in Kentucky, Green River. And to be honest, everything I've had from Green River has been top notch. Plus, the fact that Black Market Spirits is transparent on this is a huge plus in my books. F or the full video review visit the link here:  https://youtu.be/ggPBuQVy5oM Age Statement: 5 years. ABV:  49%. Mashbill:  95% rye...

Foxes Bow Blended Irish Whiskey Review.      From time to time I scroll across Instagram (I know...shocker) and stumble into brands. With how many brands are hitting the shelves now a days you just never know what you will find. One night I was doing this and ran across Foxes Bow, and to be honest, the bottle caught my eye first. I assumed this was just another sourced whiskey project, not that there's anything wrong with that. However, once I started reading up on who is involved and what they are doing,  there's some curious points going on.      Fox’s Bow starts with an Irish whiskey aged in ex-bourbon casks before finishing it in ex-rye and ex-Oloroso sherry casks. The use of rye barrels is particularly intriguing, as it’s relatively uncommon. However, I have noticed here in 2024 a few whiskey brands using rye barrels. I am assuming the path to using rye barrels is to bring that "spicy" character without using rye grains. Now the names behind the b...

 West Fork Whsky Co. High Corn Bourbon Cherry Brandy finished.      Over the past couple of years I've been a fan of the West Fork Whsky Co. Based in Westfield, Indiana they are doing some great examples of craft whiskey in my eyes. Their "in house" brand is being distilled, aged, and bottled by them along with all the transparency on mash bills, age statements and all those deep details. This release is a bit unique. Essentially West Fork is taking a 100% corn mash bill ant then finishing it in a cherry brandy barrel.             Starting with a new American oak barrel aging for 4 years, this high-corn bourbon receives an extra 18 months in cherry brandy barrels. We don't see many distilleries use 100% corn let alone going with a bourbon vs a whiskey. The catch on this release is you are really using the barrel itself to do a lot of "heavy lifting" to bring flavors to the bourbon vs the barrel and a blend of grains. This was q...

Whiskey Acres Bottled in Bond Straight Bourbon Whiskey Review.      Whiskey Acres' Bottled in Bond Straight Rye Whiskey is the kind of spirit that makes you appreciate craft distilling. Distilled, aged, and bottled in DeKalb Illinois. Whiskey Acres takes it a step further by growing their own grains, showcasing a full commitment to their whiskey from soil to glass. Recently, they’ve made their way to Indiana and I instantly grabbled myself some of their releases. Day one I picked up their bottle in bond bourbon and bottle in bond rye.      This bourbon meets all the strict requirements of the Bottled in Bond Act: aged at least four years, bottled at 50% ABV (100 proof), and distilled in a single season under one master distiller’s supervision, and aged in a government-bonded warehouse. I know this is another huge commitment for a craft distillery to preform. Being my first checkin on the brand I came in with high hopes due to their process. No one goes...

 Hard Truth Master Distiller's Reserve 2024 Rye Whiskey Review.      I received this spirit as a review sample from Hard Truth Distilling, linked here . It is important to clarify this did not impact the ratings of this review.     Hard Truth has always held a special place for me. Based out of southern Indiana, it was one of the first distilleries I really connected with, ironically through their gin. From there it was only a matter of time before I dove headfirst into their whiskies. They’ve built a reputation not only by distilling, aging, and bottling their own spirits but also by being transparent with mash bills and blending practices. This year’s Master Distiller’s Reserve Sweet Mash Rye 2024 Blend is a perfect example of that transparency and innovation.       This release is composed of three separate sweet mash rye whiskies: one using chocolate malt, one using caramel malt, and one using malted rye. Hard Truth blended these in ...

 Hayashi Koyo Single Grain Japanese Whisky Review.      I received this spirit as a review sample from CNS Wine & Spirits. It is important to clarify this did not impact the ratings of this review.      While Hayashi may be a lesser-known name internationally, the distillery operates in Okinawa, Japan, a region known for its distinct climate and natural resources. Which contribute to the whiskey's character. Unlike some Japanese distilleries that import or source their spirits,  This is their Koyo offering, specifically made for not only enjoying neat, but in a highball cocktail. F rom fermentation to distillation, aging, and bottling is  handled at the distillery . This commitment to fully domestic production upholds traditional Japanese standards, allowing for meticulous control over quality and flavor development.        Hayashi’s whiskey is made entirely from Indica rice, setting it apart from traditional...

Kunhai Whisky Earth Taiwanese Whisky Review.      I received this spirit as a review sample from  CNS Wine & Spirits . It is important to clarify this did not impact the ratings of this review.      Kunhai Whiskey is a newer brand hitting shelves is several areas. And I'll be honest, the artwork really caught my eye. I've dabbled in Taiwanese whiskey as I've been able to and I have to give the area credit. They bring some great flavors to the whiskey world. This is the Earth release from Kunhai. Which is one of three bottles. The other two being Sky and Sun, which were both enjoyable pours for me.  Each of the names has a tie to Taiwanese culture. Earth is meant to  mirror the sensations of the colorful, culinary night markets that fill Taiwan’s streets at sundown. For the full video review visit the link here!:  https://youtu.be/VV7lnJqBihE Age Statement: N/A. ABV:  40%. Mashbill:  N/A. Area of Distillation: Taiwan. Appe...