Whiskey Reviews
Independent tasting notes, context, and thoughtful pours — no hype, no gatekeeping.
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Pilot House — A-O Single Malt Review
Pilot House A-O Single Malt (2 Year, 80 proof) delivers chocolate malt, espresso, pepper, and light smoke with a grain-forward profile. Interesting character, but limited depth at $60.
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NoCo Distillery — “TOKILYA” Don Sebastian (Agave Spirit, Hazmat) Review
A high-proof agave spirit that hits quickly, sheds heat fast, and finishes with layered sweetness.
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NoCo Distillery — Port Barrel Finished Grape Brandy (Hazmat) Review
A hazmat-level grape brandy delivering dark fruit depth, challenging aromas, and an unforgettable finish.
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NoCo Distillery — Bourbon II “Sanguis Christi” (Ruby Port & PX Sherry Finished) Review
A rich, port- and sherry-finished bourbon offering sweetness, cohesion, and an effortlessly long finish.
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NoCo Distillery — Bourbon IV (4× Distilled) Review
A bold, four-times distilled bourbon driven by oak, tannin, and a surprisingly elegant marshmallow-and-chocolate core.
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Song Dog – Small Batch Bourbon Review
Song Dog Bourbon delivers candied cherry sweetness, maple-glazed bacon notes, and herbaceous rye spice in a surprisingly dense 4–5 year bourbon. A highly approachable pour with subtle Tennessee whiskey vibes.
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Pilot House — A-O Single Malt Review
Pilot House A-O Single Malt (2 Year, 80 proof) delivers chocolate malt, espresso, pepper, and light smoke with a grain-forward profile. Interesting character, but limited depth at $60.
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NoCo Distillery — “TOKILYA” Don Sebastian (Agave Spirit, Hazmat) Review
A high-proof agave spirit that hits quickly, sheds heat fast, and finishes with layered sweetness.
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NoCo Distillery — Port Barrel Finished Grape Brandy (Hazmat) Review
A hazmat-level grape brandy delivering dark fruit depth, challenging aromas, and an unforgettable finish.
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NoCo Distillery — Bourbon II “Sanguis Christi” (Ruby Port & PX Sherry Finished) Review
A rich, port- and sherry-finished bourbon offering sweetness, cohesion, and an effortlessly long finish.
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NoCo Distillery — Bourbon IV (4× Distilled) Review
A bold, four-times distilled bourbon driven by oak, tannin, and a surprisingly elegant marshmallow-and-chocolate core.
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
- Bourbon
- Wheated Bourbon
- High Rye Bourbon
- Rye
- American Single Malt
- American Light Whiskey
- Finished Whiskey
- Rice Whiskey
- Armagnac
- Brandy
- Agave
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.