The Last Call

 Journeyman Distillery Fine Girl Brandy Review.      Journeyman Distillery has become a familiar name on this channel, and for good reason. Originally rooted in Michigan and now operating a second distillery in Indiana, Journeyman continues to push craft spirits forward while keeping production fully in-house. More recently, some of the releases that once felt exclusive to Michigan have started showing up in Indiana as well, which is always a welcome sight.      Fine Girl Brandy immediately stands out as something a little different from the usual whiskey fare. Brandy doesn’t show up often on the channel, but it’s a category I genuinely enjoy when done well. After having a pour of this at the bar months ago and remembering it fondly, I was excited to revisit it with a focused tasting and see how it holds up on its own.      Fine Girl Brandy is made using Vidal Blanc grapes sourced from St. Julian Vineyards, a longtime Michigan producer k...

West Fork Whsky Co. Hot Honey Finished Bourbon Whiskey Review       West Fork Whsky Company has become a familiar and trusted name on my back bar, and for good reason. Distilling, aging, and bottling all of their spirits in Indiana, they’ve consistently shown a willingness to experiment while still respecting the core of what makes good whiskey enjoyable. This Hot Honey Finished Bourbon is part of an ongoing collaboration with local spice expert King Butter, and Batch 3 marks a noticeable evolution in the series.      Having spent time with both Batch 1 and Batch 2, I came into this release with a mix of excitement and curiosity. The first batch was bold and cask strength, the second leaned heavily into spice. Batch 3 introduces a higher age statement and promises a better balance between bourbon character and finishing influence. I had tasted this previously at the distillery, but a fresh pour at home always tells the real story.      T...

Three Floyds Distilling Bottled in Bond Malted Wheat Whiskey.      Three Floyds Distilling is a name I find myself revisiting more often than I ever expected. Based out of Munster, Indiana, they built their reputation in the beer world with cult favorites like Zombie Dust and Gumballhead before shifting serious focus toward distillation. Over the last several years, that same creative energy has clearly carried over into their spirits lineup. Wolfborne immediately stood out to me because it represents something truly uncommon in American whiskey, a bottled in bond malted wheat whiskey built around a mash bill that most distilleries would never attempt. As soon as I saw the grain breakdown, I knew this was a bottle I had to spend time with.       Wolforne is distilled, aged, and bottled entirely by Three Floyds using a single pot still and meets all bottled in bond requirements. For the full video review visit the link here:  https://youtu.be/b2ah0...

 Bear Wallow Distillery Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey Review.      My introduction to Bear Wallow Distillery came years ago through their core releases, and I immediately appreciated how proudly local their approach was. They distill, age, and bottle everything in-house, relying on Indiana grains and keeping things small enough that most of their whiskey never even makes it out of their own region. That kind of dedicated local following says a lot about a distillery’s character. So when I learned they were releasing long-aged single barrel offerings near the end of 2025, I made it a point to stop by while visiting the area, and I left with this bottle in hand, excited to dive deeper.      This single barrel straight bourbon is a big step forward for Bear Wallow. Coming in at 64.7% ABV and aged 8 years and 4 months, it carries a mash bill of 65% corn, 25% wheat, and 10% malted barley. No rye at all, which allows the wheat to take a more expressive suppo...

Four Finger Distillery Bottled in Bond Bourbon Whiskey Review.           Four Finger Distillery is one of those craft producers that continues quietly building something special, and their Bottled in Bond Straight Bourbon feels like a meaningful milestone for where the distillery is today. Based in Indianapolis, Indiana, Four Finger produces nearly everything in-house, from gin and vodka to absinthe, rye, and even peated bourbon. Released in 2025, this bourbon follows their Bottled in Bond rye and continues the distillery’s push toward more mature, transparent, and confidently crafted whiskey.      The name “Four Finger” itself tells a story. Formerly known as 1205 Distillery, the brand changed their name to pay tribute to the founder and master distiller Brad when he lost his pinky finger during the construction of the distillery. Rather than treating it lightly, the distillery embraced it as part of their identity, creating a name that stan...

 Brother Justus Cold-Peated American Single Malt Whiskey Review.           I received this spirit as a review sample from Brother Justus,  linked here . It is important to clarify this did not impact the ratings of this review.      American single malt continues to be one of the most exciting categories in whiskey right now, and Brother Justus is clearly aiming to push that frontier even further. Their Cold Peated American Single Malt immediately caught my attention, not just for the concept, but for the story behind it.      Brother Justus, the distillery, draws inspiration from a real historical figure during Prohibition. Brother Justus believed that while whiskey was illegal to make it wasn’t immoral. Through his knowledge of copper pot stills and whiskey, he assisted over 1,600 family owned distilleries make a living during the times of Prohibition. That mindset of independence and craftsmanship feels like i...

Hard Truth Double Oaked Bourbon Whiskey Review.       Hard Truth Distilling has quickly become one of Indiana’s breakout names, known first for its exceptional sweet mash ryes and now steadily expanding its bourbon lineup. When I first heard about their new Double Oak release, I knew I had to track down a bottle. Thankfully, a family member visiting the distillery snagged one for me. I’ve loved what Hard Truth has done in the past, and the idea of them giving their sweet mash bourbon the double oak treatment instantly caught my attention.       True to their transparent approach, this is a barrel-proof, small-batch release, just 28 barrels total, and for now a distillery exclusive. Hard Truth employs a sweet mash process, meaning they start each fermentation fresh instead of using remnants from the previous batch like in a sour mash. The result tends to be a brighter, more vibrant flavor profile. Now up to this point their sweet mash bourbon for m...

 Four Finger Distillery Bottled in Bond Rye Whiskey Review.      Craft whiskey is alive and thriving in Indiana, and Four Finger Distillery continues to be a name that defines what small-batch passion can achieve. Based out of Indianapolis, Four Finger handles every step of the process, distilling, aging, and bottling, right in-house. This level of control and transparency is rare, and their latest release, a Bottled in Bond rye whiskey, feels like a proud milestone. Having loved their barrel-proof rye (my top Rye of 2024), I was excited to see how this one held up under the Bottled in Bond standard.           Four Finger Distillery , once known as 1205 Distillery, carries one of the more memorable origin stories. Its name comes from founder and master distiller Brad losing a finger during the construction of the stills, a touch of grit that now defines the brand’s spirit. Visit their tasting room, and you’ll find great cocktails, a frie...

Waterloo Barrel Aged Gin Review.      I received this spirit as a review sample from Waterloo Gin,  linked here . It is important to clarify this did not impact the ratings of this review.      There’s something deeply satisfying about a distillery that takes a familiar spirit and reshapes it into something entirely its own. Waterloo Gin, based out of Texas, has done just that with their Barrel-Aged Gin—an experiment that brings together the floral brightness of gin with the smooth, warm depth of oak aging. This bottle comes in at 47% ABV and is aged for at least two years. Full disclosure—Waterloo was kind enough to send this bottle over for review, but rest assured, my thoughts are entirely my own.      For me, gin has always held a special place. I’ve been a fan long before I ever sat in front of a camera with a tasting glass, and barrel-aged gins in particular have always intrigued me. They’re a rare breed on most shelves, bridging t...

 West Fork Whsky Co. Korean Barbecue  Finished Bourbon Review.      Every now and then, a whiskey comes along that breaks all the rules, and West Fork Whisky Company has made a habit of doing just that. In recent time they have been doing some creative finishes with their in house distilled, aged and bottled whiskey. West Fork has teamed up once again with the culinary wizard King Butter for a truly experimental release: a straight bourbon whiskey finished in a  Korean barbecue barrel . This limited release promises something wild, savory, and entirely new in the world of bourbon.      West Fork and King Butter (storefront   linked here )  have already made some great and unique finishes with their hot honey and Swoleracha hot sauce cask projects, but this one might take the cake, or rather, the steak. With only about 50ish bottles in existence, the concept alone had me intrigued: barrels that once held rich Korean barbecue sauce, n...

Waterloo Prickly Pear & Rose Gin Review.       I received this spirit as a review sample from Waterloo Gin,  linked here . It is important to clarify this did not impact the ratings of this review.      Waterloo Gin has been making waves lately with a complete rebranding that feels both confident and refreshing. Out of Texas, they’re bringing local pride to every pour, using regional ingredients and a transparent production process that’s rare to see. Their Prickly Pear & Rose Gin is the latest addition to their lineup and immediately eye-catching with its striking, bubblegum-pink hue. It’s a bottle that looks every bit as beautiful as it tastes.      Waterloo’s process is all about transparency and craftsmanship. Their base spirit starts from corn and runs through a vapor chamber distillation, allowing each botanical to shine without becoming overbearing. What really sets them apart is the way they list every single botanic...

 Waterloo Gin No. 9 Gin Review.      I received this spirit as a review sample from Waterloo Gin,  linked here . It is important to clarify this did not impact the ratings of this review.      Every so often, a distillery steps forward and reminds you why gin deserves just as much reverence as whiskey. Waterloo Gin, out of Texas, does exactly that with their No. 9 expression. Transparent, elegant, and rooted in craftsmanship, this gin not only highlights local botanicals but showcases a distillation process built on precision and respect for flavor. Waterloo was kind enough to send over a bottle for review, and as a longtime fan of gin, I was eager to dive in and see if this could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with some of the best.      Waterloo Gin No. 9 is crafted using a vapor chamber distillation process where the vapor passes through nine botanicals before condensing. Those botanicals include lavender, juniper, grapefruit, pecan,...

 Hard Truth Single Barrel Bourbon Finished with Toasted Amburana Oak Review.      Hard Truth has long been one of my favorite craft distilleries to keep an eye on. Based in southern Indiana, they’ve built a strong reputation in rye whiskey but have been steadily carving out space in the bourbon world. This bottle represents a first for them, not only a single barrel bourbon, but one finished in toasted Amburana oak. Picked by Handy Spot Liquors here in Indiana, It’s a bold experiment, and one I was excited to open up with my wife before sitting down to share it here.      The foundation is a five-year-old straight bourbon, finished for six weeks in toasted Amburana oak. That finishing choice can be polarizing, Amburana is known for strong, cinnamon-sugar, sometimes overpowering notes.  For the full video review visit the link here:  https://youtu.be/AtECT_YT7XI . Age Statement: 5 years. ABV: 56.65%. Mash bill: Area of Distillation: Nashvil...

 High West Bottled in Bond Bourbon Whiskey Review.      High West has been on my radar more than usual lately, surprising me in ways I didn’t quite expect. I’ll admit, I’ve been critical of them in the past, particularly when it comes to pricing, but this Bottled in Bond release caught my attention. Not only is it one of their first whiskeys made entirely from their own distillate (following the Bottled in Bond Rye), but it also comes with a level of transparency that I greatly appreciate. From mash bill to grain sourcing, High West is showing us exactly what went into this bottle, and that makes me lean in closer.      This straight bourbon comes in at 50% ABV, aged a minimum of four years under the Bottled in Bond Act requirements. The mash bill uses GMO Colorado yellow corn and Idaho rye, no barley or wheat in sight. That grain-forward approach really sets the tone, and it’s refreshing to see High West not only disclose the mash bill but also the or...

Three Floyd's Distillery Well of Whispers Single Malt Whiskey Review.           Three Floyds has long been a staple in the craft beer world, but in recent years they’ve been turning heads with their distilling program. Based in Indiana, they’ve been releasing some unique whiskeys, often playing with high malt bills and even incorporating grains tied to their brewing heritage. Their newest release for 2025, the Well of Whispers American Single Malt, is bottled in bond at 100 proof and made entirely with malted barley grown in Lebanon, Indiana. That transparency and local sourcing is exactly what I love seeing from craft producers, and I was eager to see how Three Floyds would handle a straight-ahead American single malt.      The Well of Whispers is crafted from 100% Indiana-grown malted barley, distilled and aged entirely in-house by Three Floyds. As a bottled in bond whiskey, it carries the guarantee of being at least four years old, distill...

 Three Floyds Dark Lord Straight Malt Whiskey Review.     Three Floyds is a name most folks know for their legendary beer; Zombie Dust, Gumballhead, and, of course, Dark Lord, the Russian Imperial Stout that has become a cult classic. But in recent years, their ambitions have stretched beyond hops and barley into the world of craft spirits. For their 20th anniversary of Dark Lord in 2024, they released something bold: a straight malt whiskey finished in Dark Lord beer barrels. This one carries not just the Three Floyds reputation, but the energy of their beer-fueled legacy.      What’s fun here is the mash bill: barley, wheat, oats, and corn. It’s already unique on paper, but when you layer on finishing time in barrels that once held one of the heaviest stouts around, it creates a collision of grain and beer culture in a bottle. I’d been sitting on this release for far too long, but with a 6-year version just hitting shelves, it seemed like the perfect time...

 West Fork Whsky Co. Bloody Butcher Bottled in Bond Bourbon Review.      West Fork Whsky Co. is no stranger to this channel, and they’ve consistently shown what a craft distillery can achieve when they stay true to their roots. Based in Indiana, West Fork not only ages, distills, and bottles their own spirits, but also takes pride in pushing boundaries with unique mash bills and special releases. Tonight’s pour, the Bloody Butcher Bottled in Bond Straight Bourbon, is one of those examples.      My very first encounter with this heirloom grain was through West Fork, and it left a lasting impression. It’s not for everyone, but when handled with care, it can create a profile that’s both exciting and refined. This release is especially intriguing, as it’s not just a 100% Bloody Butcher mash bill, it’s also bottled in bond, carrying with it the standards of quality and transparency. For the full video review visit the link here:  https://youtu.be/y14D4...

Chattanooga Whiskey Triple Islay Tennessee High Malt Whiskey Review.       From the moment I laid eyes on this bottle, I had a hunch it would be something special. Chattanooga Whiskey has been gaining a reputation in the craft world for its meticulous attention to detail and innovation in high malt Tennessee whiskey. Though my experience with the distillery had been limited, I was already a fan. When I stumbled upon this bottle of Triple Islay Cask Finish at a local shop, it felt like striking gold. Released in 2025 as part of what appears to be a recurring limited series, this expression had built quite a bit of buzz online, and for good reason.      This is not your average American whiskey. Chattanooga went above and beyond with this one, blending precision and creativity in every step. The whiskey begins with three distinct mash bills (listed below). Each mash bill is aged separately in peated scotch casks sourced from three unnamed but heavily spe...

Traveler's Point Distillery Signature Edition Bourbon Whiskey Review.      Traveler’s Point Distillery in Kirkland, Indiana, has been making waves in the craft whiskey scene. Known for transparency around their process, sharing entry proofs, mash bills, barrel sizes, and sourcing much of their grain locally, they’re building a reputation for honest, hands-on whiskey. During a recent trip to the distillery, I stumbled upon their Signature Series Bourbon, a small experimental release that immediately caught my eye with its deep, almost red color. With only 500 bottles produced, mine being #442, this is truly a small-batch passion project, available only at the distillery.      Master distiller Mel Lytton decided to play with 10-gallon barrels, and the result is one of the most unique pours I’ve come across this year. For the full video review visit the link here:  https://youtu.be/24QWAKyY34A . Age Statement: N/A. (Aged in 10 Gallon barrels). ABV: ...