The Last Call

 Russell’s Reserve Private Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Review.                Russell’s Reserve has long been one of those dependable names that consistently delivers solid Kentucky straight bourbon without chasing hype. Between their approachable 10 Year, reliable rye, and well-structured core lineup, they’ve earned a permanent place on many shelves. This private barrel pick, discovered during a stop at West Clay Wine and Spirits, immediately stood out as something special, especially after learning it came from the highly regarded Camp Nelson warehouses.      What made this bottle even more exciting was the blind selection process behind it. The winning barrel was chosen from multiple Russell’s Reserve options, and after tasting it on the spot, both my wife and I agreed it was an exceptional pick. After letting it rest on my shelf for a few weeks, it felt like the right time to dig in and see how it truly performed....

 Augusta Buckner’s 15 Year Single Barrel Cask Strength (BuffTrukey) Bourbon Whiskey Review.      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 b...

Wild Turkey 101 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 8 Year Review.      For years, Wild Turkey’s 8 Year bourbon was a bottle you’d hear about but rarely see stateside, unless you were willing to hunt one down overseas or pay import fees. That changed in late 2024 when Wild Turkey released their 70th anniversary bottling, an 8-year bourbon, and hinted that a permanent version was coming. Sure enough, it’s finally here on U.S. shelves. Stock moves fast, but knowing this is a regular release should keep the panic buying in check. As a big fan of the standard 101, I was curious to see how a bit of extra age would shape the flavor.      This release keeps the classic Wild Turkey mash bill but the big change here is the 8-year age statement, which adds some maturity without altering the brand’s core character. It’s still non-chill filtered, still proudly Kentucky straight bourbon, but with a deeper oak influence. For the full video review visit the link here: ...