What Was the Whiskey Rebellion? In the 18th century, a new nation was recovering from its War of Independence. The economy was in shambles. And, subsequently, so were the drinking habits of citizens across the fledgling United States of America. During the colonial era, American whiskey was considered a low-brow
Sour mash whiskey. If you’re a whiskey fan, you’ve likely seen this term on a bottle of American whiskey — rye, bourbon or Tennessee. But what is sour mashing? And what does it have to do with the fermentation process? For a topic like sour mash, there are two distinct
Welcome to the big leagues. Today, we look at two of the most delicious and well-regarded single malt scotch whiskies on the market — Oban 14 Year Old and the Macallan 12 Years Old. If you’ve made it this far, chances are you’ve graduated from the standard introductory brands and
Whisky lovers worldwide have a strong affinity for the two brands we’re looking at today — Glenmorangie and the Glenlivet. In this post, we’ll look at their flavor profiles and everything that comes along with them — including history, fermentation, distillation, maturation, ownership and more. So take a seat, grab
For those looking for a refined and sophisticated blend of Canadian whisky — one with an elevated retail price — Crown Royal XR is an enticing dram to seek out. Subsequent releases included aged whiskies from the silent Waterloo and LaSalle distilleries, and this particular whiskey series differentiates the two
Today, we pit two peated whiskies that represent the smoky flavor and phenolic character for which the Isle of Islay is renowned. Whisky drinkers are often split when it comes to the traditional peated scotch whiskies, many of which hail from Islay. You either love them, or you hate them.
Welcome to our Irish whiskey introduction to two powerhouse brands: Jameson and Paddy Irish whiskeys. Today, we’ll explore what to look for when comparing these two historic brands. Whether you’re a professional beverage director or a budding enthusiast, our goal is to help you understand the science behind the label
Two legendary Speyside whiskies face each other in this head-to-head matchup. But before we get any further, we should address the elephant in the room: Is the Macallan a Speyside Whisky or a Highland Whisky? An astute whisky lover may wonder why we’ve gone on about these two Speyside brands
Not a single apostrophe anywhere to be seen. Okay, that’s a bit of an exaggeration. But it’s a bit of a novelty to find two brands — Bushmills and Jameson — that do not utilize the possessive. That’s not the only unique aspect of this matchup. Today, we pit two
This battle of Islay is for all the peat heads out there. This matchup between two of the most well-known peated scotches is one that any serious Islay fan should understand. Many whiskies may be described as ‘smoky.’ But if you hear someone describe a smoky scotch whisky with ‘medicinal’
It was a favorite of Irish writer James Joyce — among other famous Irish bards — and continues to be a favorite of whiskey enthusiasts across the globe. But the beloved brands Green Spot and Yellow Spot — along with the single pot still Irish whiskey sub-category they represent —
The Johnnie Walker portfolio includes a color-coded range that is widely available and globally distributed. These products include (from low to high-cost): Johnnie Walker Red Label, Black Label, Double Black, Green Label, Gold Label Reserve, Platinum Label 18-Year-Old and Blue Label. We have already looked at Red and Black Label,
You’ve got questions about whiskies from Speyside and Islay. And we’ve got answers. But first, how do you feel about drastic oversimplifications? Perhaps you’ve read descriptions posted to your whisky group. Online, there is a lot of information about these two scotch whisky regions and the production techniques associated with
None more black… If you’ve graduated from Johnnie Walker Red Label and want to see what’s in store in the rest of the lineup, this post is the next step in your education. Read on to learn how Black and Double Black are related, how they’re different and why the
Do you see those two bottles of Wild Turkey on the shelf? Want to know what makes them different so you know whether the increase in the proof is relative to the increase in price? Look no further. We’ve got you covered. In this post, we’ll go down the rabbit
Battle of the glens. This matchup is between two of the most recognizable names in single malt whisky. Any whiskey lover who admits to never trying either of these scotch whiskies will have a hard time being taken seriously in a crowd of aficionados. If you’re looking for insight into
Johnnie Walker is the best-selling whisky brand in the world. So for the drinker new to the scotch category, it’s the perfect place to start. But you may have some questions — especially if you’re just jumping into the scotch product category for the first time. In this post, we’ll
These blended brands are two of the top-selling whiskeys in the world. In the U.S. market, Crown Royal is the No. 2 selling whiskey brand behind Jack Daniel’s, while Jameson is No. 5. And globally, Crown Royal is No. 3, while Jameson is No. 4. Each is the leader in
Grab some popcorn boys, these two Canadian whisky juggernauts are about to drop the gloves! Crown Royal and Canadian Club are two of the top-selling Canadian whisky brands in the U.S. and globally. Around the world, whisky fans are familiar with what’s inside each of the recognizable bottles. In this
Let’s go back to the basics. The very basics. What is whiskey? Is it whiskey or whisky? And is it liquor or spirits? Don’t worry, we’ll answer this and more. In the beginning, learning about distilled spirits can be like drinking from a fire hose. But in this post, we’ll
Crown Royal is the No. 1 brand of Canadian whisky in global sales, while Canadian Mist is No. 3. And at home, Crown Royal is America’s best-selling Canadian whisky, followed by Black Velvet, Canadian Club and Canadian Mist comes in at No. 4. It makes sense that those looking to
Today, we look at two of the biggest names in Blended Irish Whiskey: Jameson and Tullamore DEW. These two brands are the leaders when it comes to Irish whiskey sales. Jameson whiskey is the No. 1 selling brand in the United States, with Tullamore DEW following behind. In this post,
When you’re new to the distilled spirits category, it’s easy to be thrown off by the casual conversation of whiskey nerds and bourbon aficionados, where specialized terms describing all types of whiskey products are bandied about. For example: ‘Is bourbon whiskey the same as bourbon?’ Or ‘What is the difference
The flavored whiskey category is a large and growing sub-segment that sold 10.8 million cases in 2018. Over the past decade, brands have included more flavored whiskey options, which have helped introduce new customers to bourbon and bring energy into the overall whiskey category. From the very beginning of this
Consider this your Bourbon 101 course for the semester… Newcomers to the bourbon category can be intimidated by the terminology. And there is tons of misinformation and misconceptions perpetuated online for those looking to learn more about the distilled spirit we know as bourbon. You’ve got questions. We’ve got answers.
Is whisky scotch? Or, is scotch whisky? Well, both. Kinda. Let’s explore the nuanced usage of these terms. Consider this post your scotch whisky 101 course. We’ll take a deep dive into what scotch is and how it compares and contrasts with whiskies and other distilled spirits the world over.
Wild Turkey and Jack Daniel’s are two distinctly American brands familiar with newcomers to the American whiskey category and ardent whiskey drinkers alike. While both are popular choices at pubs and taverns across the United States, most seasoned bourbon drinkers have their favorite. In this point, we’ll help you understand
The fight for global supremacy in the world of whiskey comes down to these two brands — which represent the whiskey-making traditions of two continents. It’s a contentious story between two brands and their ownership entities that fight for the hearts, minds and palates of a global whiskey-drinking audience —
We stand on the backs of giants. This matchup pits a protector of the pre-prohibition, high rye, bonded whiskey-making style against a pioneer in the wheated premium bourbon segment. Each has been led by Bourbon Hall of Famers and has had decades of influence over what the bourbon community considers
Irish and Scottish whiskies have intertwined histories that date back nearly a millennium. But for the modern whiskey fan, knowing the nuanced differences between these two popular types of whiskey will open a whole new world of flavors for your taste buds. Unlike their Canadian and American whiskey cousins, the
So, you’re eying up that bottle of Hennessy, Rémy Martin or Courvoisier at your local liquor store or favorite bar. You might find yourself asking, ‘What’s inside that well-respected bottle — and how do I know whether the liquid inside is worth the price tag?’ On this site, we already
Tonight, we’ve got the North American heavyweight whiskey title on the line. Jack Daniel’s and Crown Royal. These are the two top-selling whiskey brands in North America. Each has its own unique look, and the liquid inside offers significant differences in distillation and barrel aging processes. The respective black and
Today, we look at two elusive bottles of bourbon that are much sought after by those in the know. The well-versed bourbon enthusiast is on the constant lookout, and finding either of these bottles at the suggested retail price on the shelf of your local liquor store is a righteous
You might have trouble finding the term ‘wheated bourbon’ or ‘wheated whiskey’ on the label of a bottle in your local liquor store. But it’s a loaded term that has the power to distinguish the bourbon connoisseur from the new initiate. And if you’re a bar manager, beverage director or
Think of this as continued education in your matured spirits track. So far, you’ve been learning more about distilled spirits, falling further and further down the rabbit hole. And you’re learning about mash bills and how other spirits like brandy are made. Now it’s time to take the next logical leap.
Brandy vs Bourbon If you’re relatively new to the world of distilled spirits, you may find yourself torn between the bourbon and brandy aisles. Looking at the bottle, you may notice they both contain brown liquids inside those bottles. But what are they, and how are they different? And —
Buffalo Trace and Maker’s Mark are two of the most easily recognized and well-respected names in the world of Kentucky Bourbon. But name recognition alone isn’t helpful if you’re trying to decide which one will taste best. Deciding between these two bourbons may be a tricky proposition for someone new
When you see all of the various product categories for distilled alcohol at the liquor store, it can be overwhelming. Brandy, cognac, tequila, whiskey — often the copy found on the label tells us very little about how alcohol is made. Today, we’ll study the art of the alcohol distillation
We can all agree on the spelling. While American and Irish whiskeys have many things in common, both agree that whiskey should be spelled with an ‘e.’ That puts these two styles of whiskey in the minority. Scotch, Japanese and Canadian whisky all spell the work sans ‘e,’ as do
This matchup pits two products produced by the same company against each other. Both Eagle Rare and Buffalo Trace offer high-quality liquid for the suggested retail prices — but finding them at those prices is a different matter. And both are well respected by seasoned drinkers throughout the American bourbon
If you’re relatively new in your distilled spirits journey, you may find yourself hearing a lot about mash bills. There is much debate in the world of whiskey about which type is the best, and it’s something the dedicated bourbon fan may feel strongly about. But what are they —
What if we told you that Knob Creek was Jim Beam? And that Jim Beam was Knob Creek? Clearly, any bourbon fan who has tried both bottles knows that’s not the case. And yet… Both brands are owned by the same company, produced at the same facilities, fermented with the
This might be considered fratricide… Today’s matchup is between two brands of whiskey that fall under the same family tree. One an iconic bourbon, top-selling Jim Beam — the most well-known name coming out of Kentucky. The other, a premium bourbon with the signature wax seal — a fan favorite among
In this American whiskey showdown, we’ll take a look at two prominent Bourbon whiskey brands that are premium-category fan favorites of bourbon aficionados everywhere. While each of these bottles offers a great representation of their price range, what might be most appealing is the opportunity to further your whiskey education
We’ve got a Tennessee showdown on our hands. Jack Daniel’s and George Dickel represent the No. 1 and No. 2-selling brands of Tennessee whiskey in the world. Lynchburg and Tullahoma, where the two brands are produced, are only about 10 miles apart as the crow flies. Between them, they boast
Aged a little older. A little higher proof. Jim Beam Black Label Bourbon is a premium brand extension of the popular Jim Beam offering referred to as White Label. Because Jim Beam Black also comes at a higher price point, you might be asking — ‘Is it worth all the
If you are a well-seasoned bourbon or Canadian whisky aficionado, you may be wondering, ‘Why does this post exist?’ These two brands might have more differences than they have similarities. But the one thing they have in common is the price point. So, if you’re just starting out your journey
We’ve got ourselves a very fine matchup, indeed. Most bourbon drinkers are familiar with the names Knob Creek and Woodford Reserve. But a closer look shows how a glass of bourbon can teach us about the process of making whiskey. In this matchup, we will examine not only these two
A wild turkey appears over the hill, while a herd of buffalo roam the valley beyond. In the background, a paddleboat steams down the Ohio River loaded — of course — with barrels of Bourbon whiskey making their way to the port of New Orleans. Perfect. Ain’t that the most
In the showdown between Knob Creek and Buffalo Trace, the real winner is anyone calling themselves a bourbon fan! Each is an excellent bourbon. You may already be acquainted with the flavor profiles of these two popular brands. But whether you consider yourself a bourbon geek, whiskey snob, or are
Woodford Reserve and Buffalo Trace might not be the first two brand names you think to put side-by-side in a matchup. They come from different price segments — Woodford Reserve is considered a premium brand, while Buffalo Trace’s price puts it squarely in the standard segment. But deciding between two
To the bourbon aficionado crowd, Bulleit Bourbon and Woodford Reserve are two well-known and well-respected brands in the premium segment of the bourbon category. But if you’re wondering why these brands are so well regarded among whiskey nerds, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we’ll peek behind
Big. Bourbon. Flavor. Bulleit and Knob Creek bourbons are excellent representations of the American whiskey style — big, bold bourbons with considerable rye content and tons of charred oak flavor. Bourbon aficionados appreciate these two brands for their complex flavor heavy with delicious barrel notes thanks to time patiently spent
Old school, meet new school. Bourbon and scotch are two of the most popular sub-categories of distilled spirits. The first thing we should point out — they’re both whiskeys… or whiskies… Is whisky a whiskey, with or without the ‘e?’ We’ll answer this and many other questions in this post.
There are a few reasons you may have entered ‘Evan Williams Black Label vs Green Label’ into a search engine. Maybe you’re a customer at the bar who just saw the barkeep pour a bottle with an unfamiliar green label into your cocktail. You could be a bartender or on-premise
‘Bourbon’ and ‘Rye’ describe two of the most prominent American whiskey styles. They both grew from similar origins. Their histories are so intertwined that the overlap from where one style started and the other began has had a constantly-shifting border centuries in the making. Today, the terms describe distinct whiskey
Grab your popcorn and a comfy seat and get ready for the battle of a lifetime — one that has been centuries in the making. Jim Beam vs. Jack Daniel’s: There are no bigger names when it comes to American whiskey. It is a showdown between the two bestselling American whiskeys
Maker’s Mark and Bulleit. These two iconic bourbon brands were instrumental in the whiskey renaissance that began in the 2000s. And they both continue to spur growth in the category to this day. Each brand has a distinct bottle and label, easily recognizable from across the room — even in
Set your DVR. In many ways, Jim Beam vs Evan Williams is the ultimate bourbon heavyweight matchup. In terms of volume, these are the two top-selling brands in the bourbon category. Both brands are well recognized throughout North America and continue to make inroads abroad in the top European and
If you are looking for a bottle of reasonably-priced bourbon, you’re likely to come across two bottles that have a lot in common: Ezra Brooks and Evan Williams. The similarities are unmistakable. Price Point. Boxy Bottles. Sour Mash. Charcoal Mellowed. Bottling Proof. Are these coincidences, or is there something else
Buffalo Trace and Bulleit Bourbon are two of the most well-known American whiskeys on today’s marketplace. Whiskey lovers, bourbon enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike have come across these two iconic brands at one time or another. But while each of these brands is known for containing delicious, rye-forward liquid in
If you come across bottles of Jack Daniel’s and Evan Williams at your local whiskey shop, a number of things become apparent immediately. In addition to these whiskeys most likely sharing the same shelf, both come in square 750mL bottles with white lettering on black labels. The words ‘Sour Mash’
Well, if you’re in the mood for a well-matured, smooth, mellow bourbon, then you could do worse than to choose between Maker’s Mark and Larceny. Each is a fantastic bourbon, both excellent whiskeys to try neat or on the rocks, whether at home or out at your favorite bar or
Whiskey aficionados are deeply familiar with two of the most recognizable names in bourbon: Buffalo Trace and Larceny bourbon. But how do these two match up when compared side-by-side? Bourbon geeks know both of these bourbons punch out of their weight class when it comes to the quality of the
Although it’s a relatively low-volume brand compared to the big-name brands from Kentucky and Tennessee, Burning Chair Bourbon launched to positive reviews and nearly instantaneous
If you’ve spent time perusing the many bourbon-focused websites, blogs, social media groups and messaging boards sprinkled across the internet, you’ve seen the hype that
Old Grand-Dad 114 is an underappreciated piece of bourbon history. Since we’ve already reviewed Old Grand-Dad and Old Grand-Dad Bonded, today it’s only fair to
Every bottle of Old Grand-Dad Bonded is a trip into the past. In this post, we hope to paint a picture of why this beloved
This ‘bottom-shelf bourbon’ got it going on. Bourbon lovers of all stripes — from the ultra-premium high-roller to the value-loving loyalist — have a great
Old Overholt Straight Rye Whiskey holds historical significance as the nation’s oldest continuously distributed American rye whiskey product on the market. But for way too
Bourbon drinkers understandably have some questions about this bargain bin bourbon brand with the intriguing historical backstory. Owned by parent company Beam Suntory, it’s true
Today, we look at the ‘other’ Tennessee whiskey. George Dickel No. 8 Recipe is a sour mash Tennessee whiskey that is matched up against Jack
Today, we’ll take a look at a whiskey that may fly under the radar in some American whiskey circles — George Dickel Tennessee Whisky No.
Jim Beam Black is a premium product that elevates the brand’s standard-expression white label offering. Those accustomed to the flavor of Jim Beam white label
Crown Royal Blended Canadian Whisky is one of the top-selling brands in the world in terms of volume. Surprised? You shouldn’t be. When it comes
Wild Turkey 101 might be one of the most underappreciated bourbon brands on the market. Yeah, that’s a loaded statement. But hear me out. First,
In this whiskey review, we’ll take a look at a bourbon that has generated a lot of buzz in the nine years or so since
With its wine bottle design and the childlike ‘handwritten’ font face look on the label, Rowan’s Creek Bourbon stands out on a liquor shelf. It
Recently, I was asked to review Evan Williams Green Label – a brand extension of the more familiar Black Label product. The only problem: I’ve
For many whiskey drinkers — present company included — Ezra Brooks holds a special place in their distilled spirits journey. If Jack’s name-recognition serves as
Today, we’re going to take a look at Jim Beam Bourbon — the No. 1 selling bourbon, both domestically and internationally. The brand’s most widely
Evan Williams Black Label Bourbon is the No. 2 selling Bourbon whiskey in the United States. Its price point — on the upper edge of
If you haven’t tried Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, you are either a newcomer to the American whiskey category — or actively avoiding it. Jack Daniel’s
Maker’s Mark is a true pioneer — a brand that has truly played an important role in the history of Bourbon Whiskey and its trajectory
John E. Fitzgerald. The man. The myth. The legend. When it comes to the stories behind bourbon brands, some are grounded in fact, while others
Don’t sleep on this wheated bourbon with Stitzel-Weller lineage. Rebel Yell Bourbon is often left out of the wheated discussion. It is a borderline value
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