Reviews
Independent tasting notes, context, and thoughtful pours — no hype, no gatekeeping.
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Brixeur Spirits — Triple Red Wine Finished Bourbon: A Wine-Forward Bourbon That Barely Tastes Like MGP
A detailed review of Brixeur Spirits’ Quadruple Red Wine Finished Bourbon. Discover tasting notes, value, transparency, and whether this heavily Pinot Noir-finished MGP bourbon is worth its $65 price.
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Gambit No. 6 Bourbon: Chip Tate’s Six-Finish Masterclass
Can six different barrel finishes actually work? Gambit Bourbon, blended by Chip Tate, delivers one of the most complex low-proof finished bourbons I’ve tasted with remarkable balance, transparency, and value.
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Mugen — “Oni” Barrel Proof Small Batch: A Refined Take on the Yokai Formula
A full review of Mugen Oni Small Batch Bourbon, exploring tasting notes, value, transparency, and whether this Japanese folklore-inspired release is worth chasing.
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Shortbarrel – Four Grain Bourbon Review
Shortbarrel Four Grain Small Batch Bourbon combines Green River and Wilderness Trail distillate into a creamy, approachable four-grain bourbon with surprising depth, subtle spice, and excellent value at $44.99. Based on publicly available information, the blend combines 4-5 year old bourbon from both distilleries and is bottled at 92 proof.
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Dark Arts — “250 Years of Spirits” 5x Blend
A detailed review of Dark Arts 250th 11-year double oaked MGP blend—bold proof, layered dessert-driven notes, and masterful blending anchored by Macaulay’s precision.
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Copper & Cask — “Wave That Flag” Review
Copper & Cask’s Wave That Flag is a 9-year MGP bourbon finished in ZAK Cooperage Wave Stave barrels and bottled at 117 proof for just $74.99. With deep maple sweetness, chai spice, stunning collector presentation, and veteran support initiatives, it may be one of the best whiskey values of 2026.
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Brixeur Spirits — Triple Red Wine Finished Bourbon: A Wine-Forward Bourbon That Barely Tastes Like MGP
A detailed review of Brixeur Spirits’ Quadruple Red Wine Finished Bourbon. Discover tasting notes, value, transparency, and whether this heavily Pinot Noir-finished MGP bourbon is worth its $65 price.
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Gambit No. 6 Bourbon: Chip Tate’s Six-Finish Masterclass
Can six different barrel finishes actually work? Gambit Bourbon, blended by Chip Tate, delivers one of the most complex low-proof finished bourbons I’ve tasted with remarkable balance, transparency, and value.
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Mugen — “Oni” Barrel Proof Small Batch: A Refined Take on the Yokai Formula
A full review of Mugen Oni Small Batch Bourbon, exploring tasting notes, value, transparency, and whether this Japanese folklore-inspired release is worth chasing.
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Shortbarrel – Four Grain Bourbon Review
Shortbarrel Four Grain Small Batch Bourbon combines Green River and Wilderness Trail distillate into a creamy, approachable four-grain bourbon with surprising depth, subtle spice, and excellent value at $44.99. Based on publicly available information, the blend combines 4-5 year old bourbon from both distilleries and is bottled at 92 proof.
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Dark Arts — “250 Years of Spirits” 5x Blend
A detailed review of Dark Arts 250th 11-year double oaked MGP blend—bold proof, layered dessert-driven notes, and masterful blending anchored by Macaulay’s precision.
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.