High West Cask Strength Whiskey ($80)

High West Cask Strength Whiskey ($80)

This is a blending of various straight whiskies bottled at cask strength produced from MGP and Heaven Hill and finished at High West. The nose is browned butter, butterscotch, vanilla and cinnamon. It’s clear from the get-go that this will need to be cut, and even the...
Larrikin Single Barrel High Wheat Rye ($100)

Larrikin Single Barrel High Wheat Rye ($100)

High wheat rye (here 65% rye and 35% wheat) is a bit of an oddity, but it may not be for much longer after this example finds wider recognition. It’s all about clean, light texture that carries deep flavor. The nose is wildly attractive, with zippy spice and...
Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey Single Barrel ($79)

Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey Single Barrel ($79)

This is a new barrel number from the last iteration that I tasted, but the quality level remains very high in this barrel, as you might expect. The approach here isn’t the “take your breath away” smack in the nose, but rather a rich caramel and apple pie aromatic that...
Larado Roper Reserve Rye ($100)

Larado Roper Reserve Rye ($100)

As a cask strength rye whiskey this is surprisingly smooth and mellow from the start. Warm and inviting notes of caramel, orange zest, browned butter, butterscotch along with spicy rye flavors, cracked black pepper, resin, light sandalwood and a hint of Five Spice are...
Uncle Nearest Single Barrel Whiskey ($79)

Uncle Nearest Single Barrel Whiskey ($79)

No need to approach carefully here – this is a dark side beast built to satisfy the public craving for high proof whiskeys that aren’t just about flamethrowing heat. Mellow and rich aromas of caramel, fall spice and a dash of orange zest attract, and the palate says...
Uncle Nearest Master Blend Edition ($149)

Uncle Nearest Master Blend Edition ($149)

This “Edition” – Blend No. 032 in the Master Blend line – is more spice focused than previous batches that I’ve tasted. That’s not good, bad or indifferent, it’s just different, and the blender here wisely decided that this had enough unique character to merit its own...