The Last Call

     Ampersand is one of those new labels that seemed to appear almost overnight at the start of 2026, and it immediately caught the attention of enthusiasts. Founded by legendary blender and distiller Chip Tate, this release feels like a statement piece rather than a tentative first step. Seeing his name attached to a 15-year Kentucky straight bourbon finished in Tokaji casks was enough to send me bottle hunting the moment it hit the radar.      Opimus is clearly positioned as the flagship of the lineup, and the transparency here is refreshing. From mash bill to finishing time, there’s a level of openness that builds confidence before the cork is even pulled. Add in the fact that this is cask strength and reasonably priced for its age, and expectations were already running high. The mash bill is disclosed at 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley, a combination that closely mirrors classic Kentucky profiles from decades past.       Wh...

     Tonight’s pour is a special one, not just for the whiskey itself, but for the lore wrapped around it. From Augusta Distillery comes Buckner’s 15-Year Single Barrel Barrel Proof Bourbon, picked by Preet Liquor. This isn’t just any pick, this is what many in the enthusiast community affectionately (and cryptically) refer to as a “Buff Turkey.” And yes, I know that sounds like something you’d toss on the smoker come November, but stick with me.      Now, Augusta Distillery has been steadily making noise with their Old Route 8 release and a growing lineup of sourced bourbons at varying ages. Personally, I never hopped on the Route 8 hype train, price point and timing just didn’t line up for me. But what they’re doing now with their single barrel offerings is turning heads, and this Preet Liquor pick had me curious. For the record, I trust Preet Liquors they’ve been around, and they’ve got a great reputation. So, when I saw this online, I figured it was wor...