The Last Call

     I received this spirit as a review sample from Echo Spirits Distilling Company, linked here . It is important to clarify this did not impact the ratings of this review.      There is something refreshing about a distillery that treats blending like a craft instead of a marketing angle. Based in  Columbus, Ohio , Echo Spirits has built a reputation not just on distilling, but on thoughtful sourcing, finishing, and transparency. Their Engineer Series is essentially their workbench, a space to experiment and fine tune flavor profiles.      Batch 25A, nicknamed Trail Mix, immediately caught my attention because of how open they are about the blend. Percentages, mash bills, aging timelines, even the finishing details are laid out clearly. For a whiskey enthusiast, that kind of transparency is a big plus before the cork is even pulled.  For the full video review visit the link here:  https://youtu.be/E7vj07acxXk . Age Statement...

     I received this spirit as a review sample from Abduction Whiskey, linked here . It is important to clarify this did not impact the ratings of this review.      There is something refreshing about a brand-new whiskey company built on pure passion. Abduction Whiskey, based out of California, is only about six months old, and the story behind it feels familiar in the best way. A blue-collar chiller mechanic with a love for whiskey decided to take the leap and start his own company. That kind of leap is something many of us dream about, and it is hard not to root for someone who actually does it.     Abduction Whiskey 4 Grain Straight Bourbon comes in at 45% ABV and is aged between 3 to 4 years. The barrels are sourced from  MGP , a producer widely respected for quality bourbon and rye. Rather than simply bottling sourced whiskey, Abduction selects and blends the barrels to create their own expression.      As a four-grain bou...

     I received this spirit as a review sample from Dovetail Distillery, linked here . It is important to clarify this did not impact the ratings of this review.           Cutthroat Oat Whiskey immediately grabbed my attention, not just because of the name, but because it leans heavily into a grain you rarely see take center stage: oats. Based out of Nevada and proudly operating as one of the smallest craft distilleries in the state, Dovetail Distillery is the kind of producer that embodies what craft whiskey is all about. Experimentation, creativity, and a willingness to push beyond traditional mash bills.      The spirit is double distilled and then aged in 15-gallon barrels. Small barrels can be risky. The increased surface area means the whiskey can become over-oaked quickly, and youthful notes can be amplified if not carefully monitored. When done right, however, small barrel aging can accelerate integration and depth in a...

     Now, Bulleit is one of those iconic names in the spirits world. They been doing some solid sourcing over the years with their standard Bourbon and Rye and expanding their portfolio with their 10 year Bourbon, 10 year Rye, 12 year Rye, and are recently American Single  Malt. Now, Bulleit is ready to step into the distillation field with their first release containing 100% their own whiskey. Barreled in 2017, they decided to keep this release a Bottled in Bond, though having no official age statement outside of the 4 years that comes with Bottled in Bond.     I was a bit shocked to actually find this on the shelf so soon from release here in Indiana. We typically don't see new drops that quickly, but I can honestly say I am excited to jump on this one when I saw it on the shelves.  For the full video review visit the link here:  https://youtu.be/pMthA7PIuwo . Age Statement:  Minimum 4 years (Could be closer to 7 years due to distillation d...

     I received this spirit as a review sample from Lasso Motel, linked here . It is important to clarify this did not impact the ratings of this review.      Lasso Motel continues to carve out a name for itself with transparency and creative finishing, and this release might be one of their most compelling yet. One thing I consistently appreciate about Lasso Motel is their openness. They clearly state the distillation source and mash bill, which as a whiskey enthusiast is something I always want to see. There’s no mystery here. Just good bourbon and thoughtful finishing.      The base bourbon is distilled in Kentucky at Green River Distillery using a mash bill of 70% corn, 21% rye, and 9% malted barley. After maturation, it’s finished in Tokaji casks, which previously held the famous Hungarian sweet wine known for its rich fruit character and honeyed depth.      Tokaji finishes have been gaining traction lately, and when handl...

 Bhakta 1928 A Blend of Straight Rye, Calvados, & Armagnac Review.      I received this spirit as a review sample from Bhakta Spirits, linked here . It is important to clarify this did not impact the ratings of this review.     Now Bhakta Spirits is somewhat of a newer producer of spirits. Started in 2019 Bhakta was founded by  Raj Bhakta, who was the original founder of Whistlepig. Their 1928 release showcases creativity and skill, blending Rye whiskey with Calvados and Armagnac to create a one-of-a-kind spirit. Baku 1928 is a blend that combines traditions from different regions. It’s made up of 60% Rye whiskey from Indiana, 30% Calvados (an apple or pear brandy aged in Norway), and 10% Armagnac from France. The Armagnac includes vintages from as far back as 1928, with others from 1941, 1962, and 1973, giving the blend an average age of about 15 years.     So more than just "finishing" a spirit in  specific barrels of Calvados and/...

West Fork Whsky Co. High Corn Double Oak Bourbon Review.      West Fork continues to be one of those craft distilleries that quietly overdelivers. Based out of Westfield, Indiana, they distill, age, and bottle their own whiskey, and their double oaked releases in particular have consistently impressed me. This single barrel, bottled at a bold 60.05% ABV and aged at least three years, proves once again that age is only part of the equation.      Released in 2025 and finally opened back up in 2026, this bottle comes with impressive transparency: cask strength, non-chill filtered, and a clearly disclosing a mash bill. Even the back label is packed with information. This is a true grain-to-glass Indiana craft bourbon. After initial maturation, the whiskey undergoes a second barreling in a new charred oak barrel, the classic double oak treatment. This process amplifies wood sugars, deepens color, and layers in additional barrel char and tannin. At barrel proof a...