The Last Call

Backbone Bourbon Company Old Bones 20 Year Single Barrel Rye Review.      Every once in a while, a whiskey crosses your path that makes you stop mid-pour just to admire what’s in the glass. Backbone Bourbon Company has been on a roll with their big, unapologetically bold releases, and tonight’s pour, the Old Bones Rye Whiskey Single Barrel, is a true statement piece. Bottled at a jaw-dropping ABV and clocking in at 20 years old, this Indiana-sourced rye proves that Canadian whiskey can still pack a punch when given the right treatment.      This particular barrel was selected by Rich over at Holly’s Package Store in Greentown, Indiana. One of those passionate folks who just knows how to find liquid gold. Backbone’s transparency has always been one of their strong suits. This whiskey originates from a distillery outside Montreal, Canada, where they sourced a rye recipe that leans heavier on corn than the usual rye mash bill, resulting in a more buttery, roun...

Larado Whiskey Roper Reserve Single Barrel Cask Strength Rye Whiskey Review.       I received this spirit as a review sample from Larado Whiskey, linked here . It is important to clarify this did not impact the ratings of this review.      More recently I've had the pleasure of reviewing the other two release from Larado and so far, I've been very impressed. Larado is based out of Colorado where they are sourcing whiskey from Indiana and bringing it back to Colorado for aging along with keeping their releases single barrel. As always there is nothing wrong with sourcing specially when you are transparent in the process like Larado is doing.     When it came to their Rye whiskey, I was instantly impressed. I loved the profile it bought with the age. It was the pentacle sip I wanted when I hear "rye whiskey." When it comes to Roper Reserve they are keeping the same mash bill as the rye but keeping it cask strength along with single barrel. I ha...

Larado Whiskey Single Barrel 6 Year Wheat Whiskey Review.      I received this spirit as a review sample from Larado Whiskey, linked here . It is important to clarify this did not impact the ratings of this review. Now I am always keeping my eyes peeled for brands to checkout and the other day while on that hunt I ran across Larado Whiskey. Essentially Larado is based out of Colorado where they are sourcing a whiskey from Indiana and bringing it back to Colorado for aging. Personally, I think this is a great idea and I love seeing the transparency of Larado's process. For this release we do see something that is quite uncommon, a wheat whiskey.      You might be thinking this is a typical mash bill for such a release, but it is far from that. Not only are they choosing a mash bill using 95% wheat but also keeping a solid age statement on it. Typically we see wheat being used as an accent grain, which is does quite well.   I've had some experience ...

     Larado Whiskey 8 Year Single Barrel Rye Whiskey Review.      I received this spirit as a review sample from Larado Whiskey, linked here . It is important to clarify this did not impact the ratings of this review.      Larado’s Single Barrel Small Batch Rye arrives with a solid introduction out the gate. Based in Colorado, they are taking their whiskey from Indiana and aging it in Colorado. And honestly, the level of transparency Larado is bringing to their releases is a breath of fresh air. There is nothing wrong with sourcing whiskey as long as you keep transparent on that and Larado is. On top of that, not only letting it age in Colorado but keeping it single barrel is going to make the release more your own.     Now for me, bringing a rye at the higher age statement to the market is welcomed. Typically Indiana rye showcases itself in the six to eight year statements. Typically this brings the best balance of spice, sweet, fr...

3 Sisters Rum Co. Banana Vanilla Infused Rum Review.      I received this spirit as a review sample from 3 Sisters Rum,  linked here . It is important to clarify this did not impact the ratings of this review.       Three Sisters Rum, is an American craft distillery based in Pennsylvania. American rum often flies under the radar, and seeing a small distillery take on the challenge with such confidence is refreshing. Their process leans heavily into traditional Caribbean methods, utilizing a copper pot still to capture rich, flavorful profiles. For their Rum, they choose to use organic sugar cane to make their base. Personally, I love seeing transparency on the process, shows they are proud on the product. On top of that their Rums are gluten-free, vegan, and even kosher.      The great thing 3 Sisters Rum is doing a bit different is the fact they are adding the natural flavor during distillation NOT afterwards. This allows the infus...

     Dark Arts Blunt Blend Straight Rye Whiskey Batch 2 Review.      It’s not every day a whiskey catches both your curiosity and your caution, but Dark Arts Blunt Blend managed to do just that. Coming from the folks at Dark Arts Whiskey House, a brand that I've fallen in love with over the past year, this bottle represents a bold, unapologetically unique approach to finished rye. This release is quite the idea on paper, being deemed the "Blunt blend." Essentially this is taking an MGP Indiana rye and finishing it in both Madeira and Armagnac casks. The idea is playing off of the more recent "cigar batch" releases being something to pair well with a cigar. I'll let you figure out why this one is deemed a "blunt blend." Also to note, this is a yearly release on April 20th.      Now the biggest worry for me is the inclusion of Madeira casks gave me pause; I’ve rarely enjoyed what that particular finish brings. Out of the times I've had it ...

3 Sisters Rum Co. Strawberry Vanilla Infused Rum Review.      I received this spirit as a review sample from 3 Sisters Rum,  linked here . It is important to clarify this did not impact the ratings of this review.       Three Sisters Rum, is an American craft distillery based in Pennsylvania. American rum often flies under the radar, and seeing a small distillery take on the challenge with such confidence is refreshing. Their process leans heavily into traditional Caribbean methods, utilizing a copper pot still to capture rich, flavorful profiles. The "mash bill" features organic sugar cane with a touch of molasses. On top of that their Rums are gluten-free, vegan, and even kosher. Personally, I love seeing transparency and their authenticity stands out.      When Summertime starts to come up, I tend to like sweeter offerings. When done right, flavored spirits can be not only a great thing to enjoy but also work great in a cocktail....