The Last Call

Penelope Toasted 6 Year Rye Whiskey Review.      I received this spirit as a review sample from Penelope Bourbon. It is important to clarify this did not impact the ratings of this review.     Now I've really enjoyed what Penelope has been releasing for the past few years. While they only officially hit here in Indiana around mid 2023, by first experience with them was the Toasted Rye, and I was hooked. Now flash forward and Penelope has access to even more MGP stock since they are under the same roof. In 2023 I really loved the Toasted rye relasesed and that was using a 100% rye. Now here in 2024 they tweaked the mash bill just slightly, changed the char level, and gave it a solid age statement. For the full video review visit the link here!:  https://youtu.be/6EfAIWIARqM Age Statement:  6 Years. ABV:  50%. Mashbill:  95% Rye, 5% Malted Barley. Area of Distillation:  Lawrenceburg, Indiana. Finishing:  Char #2 Barrel....

Baker's 7 Year High Rye Bourbon Whiskey Review. Here in 2024 i've been giving a lot of props to Jim Beam. They have been releasing some amazing offerings. From the re-release of the Knob Creek rye giving it a 7 year age statement and the 10 year Knob Creek rye. Now I'll be the first of many to make mention of...does this expression need to exist? Now, standard Baker's is a solid pour overall, but never said, I wish there was a high rye version. I am all about seeing new expressions and seeing what new things a distillery can come up with either way. And being a "limited release" I am hoping you at home can make a decision if this is worth your dollar. For the full video review visit the link here!:  https://youtu.be/N8cdg5O4_9k Age Statement:  7 year 6 months. ABV:  53.5%. Mashbill:  Undisclosed, but labeled "High Rye." Area of Distillation:  Kentucky. Appearance:  Dark amber. On the nose: Lots of classic bourbon notes right out the gate. Vanilla, ca...

 Hayashi 18 Year Old 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 eighteen year offering being aged in white oak casks, which is quite the age statement for a rice whiskey. 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 r...

 Whiskey Acres Bottled in Bond Straight Rye Whiskey Review.      From the heart of Illinois comes Whiskey Acres, a true grain-to-glass operation that takes craftsmanship to the next level. Not only do they distill, age, and bottle their whiskey onsite, but they also grow the grains used in every drop. That level of control over the process is rare—and exciting. After falling in love with their Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon, I was eager to finally get my hands on their Straight Rye. Now that it’s made its way into Indiana, I couldn’t wait to see how this one stacks up.       This rye whiskey 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. 2024 has been my rye era and seeing how transparent a cra...

 Kujira Ryukyu Inari Single Grain 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.      We’re diving into Kuja Riaku Single Grain Whiskey. The name "Kuja" is the Japanese word for "whale," while "Riaku" refers to an island chain within the Okinawan region. The whiskey is distilled, aged, and bottled under the Masahiro Distillery, one of Okinawa's oldest. With traditions rooted in Japanese culture, the Masahiro team has committed to authenticity, from distillation to the final product, adding no artificial color and leaving it non-chill filtered. This whiskey is crafted using premium-grade Indica rice and black koji, which is typically reserved for high-grade sake, infusing a unique twist into the fermentation process. Now, when it comes  to rice whiskey we have to set our minds a bit differently, since we tend to think corn or other grains ...

 Hayashi 8 Year Old 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 eight year offering being aged in white oak casks. 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 single malt or grain whiskies made from barley, corn, or ...

Kunhai Whisky Sun 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 Sun release from Kunhai.  Which is one of three bottles.  So far I've  really enjoyed the Sky and I'm  a huge fan of Earth. Each of the namings has a tie to Taiwanese culture.  The Sun expression captures Taiwan’s colorful coexistence of light and dark, old and new, energy and ease. For the full video review visit the link here!:  https://youtu.be/ISK1rwy7dCE Age Statement: N/A. ABV:  40%. Mashbill:  N/A. Area of Distillation:...