The Bourbon Bishop

Independent whiskey reviews, distillery visits, and thoughtful pours – focused on craft, not hype.


Reviews

In-depth spirit reviews and ratings

Distillery Visits

Dive into an in-person visit to distilleries

Community Focused

People and story first content



How I Review Spirits

I review whiskey based on true flavor, balance, and quality, not proof, age, hype, or rarity. Every bottle is tasted thoughtfully and scored on my 7-point Bourbon Bishope scale, which evaluates seven categories: nose, palate, finish, presentation, distinctiveness, transparency, and value. My goal is to give readers an honest, detailed picture of what each whiskey actually tastes like and whether it’s worth your glass. Clear, straightforward, and consistent — that’s how I rate every sip.

ScoreDescriptorNotes
0–1Hell NoDrain pour. Seriously undrinkable.
1.1–2PurgatoryBad, but could be worse. Only in extreme cases.
2.1–3Only EarthlyJust okay. Best used as a mixer.
3.1–4BlissPassable sipper. Works well in cocktails.
4.1–5AngelicGood to great. High value for the price.
5.1–6DivineTop-shelf. Must-buy for fans of the style.
6.1–7Holy HeavenOut-of-this-world. A true unicorn.