Whiskey Reviews
Independent tasting notes, context, and thoughtful pours — no hype, no gatekeeping.
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19th Hole Bourbon – Fore Grain Review
A detailed review of 19th Hole Fore Grain Bourbon — an approachable 6-year, 90-proof pour with surprising character, balanced spice, and golf-inspired presentation.
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Old Cypress — “Bayou Boogaloo” Single Barrel Bourbon Review
An 11-year MGP bourbon with bold red fruit and a standout finish. It struggles with tannic dryness and value at a $155 price point.
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Old Cypress — “Shoot Yer Rye Out” Single Barrel Rye Review
A 12-year MGP rye with caramel, cherry, and fig notes, offering a balanced but somewhat one-note profile at a price that feels fair, but not compelling.
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Old Cypress — “Cherry Christmas” Single Barrel Rye Review
A 12+ year MGP rye with bold cherry syrup and mulled spice notes, offering a unique profile but falling slightly short on depth for its age and price.
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Forward/Slash — Quintessium (Bourbon Batch 3) Review
Forward Slash Quintessium is a 100-proof, 6–8 year blend of high-rye and wheated craft bourbons that balances structure with layered sweetness, offering a spice-forward profile with sneaky complexity.
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Keeper’s Heart – American Pot Still Whiskey Review
An Irish-inspired single pot still approach, reworked through American craft instincts—lower distillation proof, virgin oak, and a result that drinks far bigger than 92 proof suggests.
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19th Hole Bourbon – Fore Grain Review
A detailed review of 19th Hole Fore Grain Bourbon — an approachable 6-year, 90-proof pour with surprising character, balanced spice, and golf-inspired presentation.
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Old Cypress — “Bayou Boogaloo” Single Barrel Bourbon Review
An 11-year MGP bourbon with bold red fruit and a standout finish. It struggles with tannic dryness and value at a $155 price point.
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Old Cypress — “Shoot Yer Rye Out” Single Barrel Rye Review
A 12-year MGP rye with caramel, cherry, and fig notes, offering a balanced but somewhat one-note profile at a price that feels fair, but not compelling.
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Old Cypress — “Cherry Christmas” Single Barrel Rye Review
A 12+ year MGP rye with bold cherry syrup and mulled spice notes, offering a unique profile but falling slightly short on depth for its age and price.
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Forward/Slash — Quintessium (Bourbon Batch 3) Review
Forward Slash Quintessium is a 100-proof, 6–8 year blend of high-rye and wheated craft bourbons that balances structure with layered sweetness, offering a spice-forward profile with sneaky complexity.
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 below. 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.
The 7 Categories
- Nose – First aromas and initial impressions
- Palate – Flavors, texture, and mouthfeel on the first sip
- Finish – Final flavors, overall impression, and lingering length
- Presentation – Bottle design, label clarity, and overall visual execution
- Distinctiveness – How memorable and unique the whiskey is within its category
- Transparency – Clarity around sourcing, mashbill, age, and finishing methods
- Value – How fairly the whiskey is priced when weighed against everything above
The 7 Point Scale
| Score | Descriptor | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 0–1 | Hell No | Drain pour. Seriously undrinkable. |
| 1.1–2 | Purgatory | Bad, but could be worse. Only in extreme cases. |
| 2.1–3 | Only Earthly | Just okay. Best used as a mixer. |
| 3.1–4 | Bliss | Passable sipper. Works well in cocktails. |
| 4.1–5 | Angelic | Good to great. High value for the price. |
| 5.1–6 | Divine | Top-shelf. Must-buy for fans of the style. |
| 6.1–7 | Holy Heaven | Out-of-this-world. A true unicorn. |
By Spirit Type
By Release Type
- Single Barrel
- Store Pick
- Club Pick
- Wide Release
- Limited Release
Every review is written independently. If a bottle was provided, it’s disclosed. Opinions are my own — always.