Drink the Bottles

Bardstown Bourbon Company 2026 Limited Fall Releases

2026-08-18T07:00:00.000-04:00

Bardstown Bourbon Company Reveals 2026 Annual Releases:

2026 Discover & Lochs of Jura Barrel Finish

Bardstown, KY (August 18, 2026) - Bardstown Bourbon Company continues its pursuit of pushing the boundaries of bourbon with two limited fall releases that explore whiskey innovation in entirely different ways. Lochs of Jura Barrel Finish Whiskey demonstrates how extraordinary casks can shape whiskey in unexpected ways while 2026 Discovery showcases the art of blending through exceptional combination of mature Kentucky bourbons.

For the first time, Bardstown Bourbon Company's annual releases also feature original commissioned artwork inspired directly by the whiskey itself. Louisville artiest Margaret Archambault created each pieces after experiencing the liquid, translating aroma, flavor, and texture into visual art that now appears on the bottles and packaging. The new package design also marks an evolution for these two award-winning stories. The Finishing Series expands on the brand's sought-after limited-edition collaborations while Discovery moves from numbered to annual releases.

"These releases started from two different questions," said Dan Callaway, Master Blender, Lofted Spirits. "Discovery asked how far we could take an already exceptional blend. Lochs of Jura asked what unique character these remarkable casks could contribute over time. Both led us somewhere unexpected, and that's where the exciting whiskey discoveries happen."

Lochs of Jura Barrel Finish began with a bespoke blend of straight bourbon and rye before spending an additional 32 months in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks sourced from Scotland's remote Isle of Jura. Previously used to mature single malt Scotch whisky, the casks contribute layers of ripe fruit, soft malt, subtle smoke, and maritime character while preserving the whiskey's rich bourbon foundation.

"At Bardstown Bourbon, we are relentless in pursuit of flavor and no whiskey typifies this like the Isle of Jura," said Callaway. "With just 238 residents, Jura is not just remote - its location offers a unique fingerprint of flavor singular to these barrels."

For 32 months the team worked around the 59-gallon sherry casks, too large to be stored in the ricks and instead placed in aisles of the warehouse. The resulting fruit character was worthy of the minor inconvenience.

Recently awarded 99 points at the 2026 International Wine & Spirit Competition, the highest score given in this year's North American judging, Lochs of Jura Barrel Finish stands among the most acclaimed releases in Bardstown Bourbon Company's history. Presented at 104 proof, it offers a singular whiskey journey from a remote Scottish island to the Bourbon Capital of the World.

Inspired by the flavor profiles, aromas, and personalities of the two whiskeys, Archambault's original paintings offer a visual interpretation of each release, transforming the sensory experience of tasting into a new artistic medium.

Technical data:

Blend Origin Age Mashbill

49% IN 11 yr Corn 75%, Rye 21%, Wheat 0%, Malted Barley 4%

30% IN 10 yr Corn 0%, Rye 95%, Wheat 0%, Malted Barley 5%

21% KY 12 yr Corn 75%, Rye 13%, Wheat 0%, Malted Barley 12%

Bardstown Bourbon 2026 Discovery is the latest release from the company's acclaimed Discovery Series. It is an exceptional blend of 7, 10, and 11 year-old bourbons, showcasing the balance and complexity that have become hallmarks of the series. These high-floor barrels were selected for their balance of fruit and oak, making them perfect to take on the extra structure and sugar of double-barreling. A four month finishing period in custom-made Garryana oak barrels adds subtle layers of spice and structure, complementing rather than overshadowing the mature Kentucky whiskey at its core.

This year's Discovery is the second Bardstown Bourbon release to explore this prized oak following the highly limited Distillery Reserve Cascadia released earlier this year. Also knows as Oregon White Oak, Garryana is native to the Pacific Northwest and grows most comfortably in the lush Willamette Valley. Prized for its strength and scarcity, its dense grain slows oxidation and evaporation and lends flavors like clove and nutmeg.

Presented at 112.8 proof, 2026 Discovery opens with layers of toasted oak, burnt sugar, and baked apple cobbler. Dried cherry and cinnamon bark emerge across the palate, leading to a long, warming finish accented by the distinctive influence of Garryana oak.

Technical data:

Blend Origin Age Mashbill

55% IN 10 yr Corn 75%, Rye 21%, Wheat 0%, Malted Barley 4%

25% KY 11 yr Corn 74%, Rye 18%, Wheat 0%, Malted Barley 8%

20% KY 7 yr Corn 74%, Rye 16%, Wheat 0%, Malted Barley 10%

Both 2026 Discovery and Lochs of Jura Barrel Finish will be available nationwide in limited quantities beginning August 21, 2026, and offered at a suggested retail price of $139.99 for each 750mL bottle.

National Rum Day 2026: 7 Bottles Worth Exploring

2026-08-16T09:00:00.000-04:00

National Rum Day: A Journey Through the History, Styles & Flavors of Rum

August 16 is National Rum Day. And while we certainly don't need much of an excuse to pour a glass, rum might be one of the most interesting spirits to actually have an excuse for.

Rum can be light and crisp, dark and brooding, funky and earthy, sweet and spiced, grassy and vegetal, or rich and contemplative after years in a barrel. It can be the backbone of a Daiquiri, the soul of a Mai Tai, the tropical star of a Piña Colada, or something you pour into a Glencairn and contemplate for a while. It can even spend some time in a rum barrel and make a whiskey more interesting.

That's exactly what we found when we gathered a collection of bottles specifically for National Rum Day. Our tasting lineup included traditional rums, spiced rums, aged rums, a non-alcoholic rum alternative—and even a Kentucky rye whiskey that spent time in Caribbean rum barrels.

So before we get to the bottles, let's talk about rum.

A Little Rum History

The history of rum is inseparable from the history of sugar. Sugarcane originated in Southeast Asia and eventually traveled westward, but European colonization brought sugarcane cultivation to the Caribbean and other parts of the Americas beginning in the late 15th and early 16th centuries. By the 17th and 18th centuries, Caribbean sugar plantations had become enormous economic enterprises.

And sugar production created something else. Molasses. Rather than letting this thick, sweet byproduct go to waste, producers discovered that it could be fermented and distilled into a potent spirit. Rum was born.

The exact origin of the word "rum" remains debated, and the earliest forms of the spirit weren't necessarily anything like the polished bottles we enjoy today. Early rum had a rough reputation and was sometimes referred to by names such as "kill-devil." The spirit improved dramatically as producers learned more about fermentation, distillation, blending and aging.

Rum quickly became an important part of the economies of the Caribbean and colonial America. It was traded throughout the Atlantic world and became an important part of colonial life, including the infamous triangular trade. And that history deserves an honest acknowledgment.

The sugar and rum industries were built in large part through the forced labor of enslaved Africans. The enormous wealth generated by sugar plantations came at an enormous human cost. Rum's history is therefore both a story of craftsmanship and cultural exchange and a reminder of the brutal economic systems that shaped the early Atlantic world.

Rum also became deeply intertwined with American history. Molasses, sugar and rum were so economically important that British taxation of those products contributed to the growing tensions between the American colonies and Britain before the American Revolution.

So when we raise a glass of rum today, we're drinking something with a history that reaches much deeper than a tropical cocktail.

What Exactly Is Rum?

At its simplest, rum is a distilled spirit made from sugarcane-derived material. That can mean molasses, a byproduct of sugar production, or fresh sugarcane juice. But rum is anything but "simple". Unlike whiskey, where the term "bourbon" or "rye" can tell you quite a bit about what you're drinking, the word "rum" covers an enormous range of spirits.

The raw material, fermentation, still, aging, blending and finishing process can all dramatically change the final product. That's why two bottles labeled "rum" can taste nothing alike and we discovered that among the bottles we are featuring for National Rum Day.

White Rum

White rum, sometimes called light or silver rum, is generally the cleanest-looking member of the family. But don't mistake clear color for a lack of character. A good white rum can bring sugarcane, citrus, tropical fruit, floral notes and subtle spice to the glass.

White rum is also one of the great cocktail workhorses. Think Daiquiri. Mojito. Piña Colada. Rum Punch. When you want the other ingredients to shine while still bringing the personality of rum to the drink, white rum is often the answer.

Gold & Aged Rum

Spend time in a barrel and rum starts taking on another personality. Oak can bring vanilla, caramel, baking spices, dried fruit, toasted nuts and darker flavors into the spirit. The longer and more deliberately a rum is aged, the more opportunity there is for the spirit and the barrel to influence each other.

But color isn't always a reliable indication of age. Some rums receive color or other adjustments, while naturally aged rums develop their appearance through barrel maturation. That's why it's worth looking beyond the color in the bottle.

Dark Rum

Dark rum generally brings a fuller, richer profile. Depending on how it's produced, it can show molasses, caramel, dark fruit, oak, coffee, chocolate and spice. Dark rum is fantastic in cocktails where you want the spirit to make a statement, but a well-made dark or aged rum can also be an excellent sipping spirit.

Spiced Rum

Here's where things get fun. Spiced rum takes the underlying character of rum and builds another layer on top of it with spices, botanicals or other natural flavoring ingredients. Common flavors include cinnamon, vanilla, allspice, clove, nutmeg and citrus.

And good spiced rum shouldn't simply taste like someone dumped a bottle of cinnamon into a glass. The best examples use the spices to complement the rum underneath them.

Rhum Agricole

One of the most distinctive rum styles comes from the French Caribbean. Rather than using molasses, rhum agricole is made from freshly pressed sugarcane juice. That changes the character dramatically.

Instead of the heavier molasses-driven flavors we might associate with traditional rum, cane-juice rum can be bright, grassy, earthy, vegetal, citrusy and sometimes wonderfully funky. It's one of the best examples of how dramatically the raw material can shape a spirit.

Overproof & Navy Strength

And then there are the rums that aren't interested in being subtle. Overproof rum is bottled at significantly higher strength than standard rum, while navy-strength rum traditionally refers to spirits bottled at 50% ABV or higher. These are often used in cocktails where a little extra intensity is desirable.

In other words, rum can be delicate. Or it can hit you over the head. Sometimes both are appropriate. Now that we've covered a history lesson with Rum 101, we're jumping into some fascinating bottles that we had the opportunity to taste for National Rum Day. Here's what we found.

Seacrets Distilling Spiced Rum

Born in Ocean City, Maryland, Seacrets Spiced Rum is a great example of how a local destination can turn a signature flavor into a bottled spirit.

This is Seacrets' flagship spirit, built from spiced and barrel-aged rums and flavored with five all-natural spices: cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, clove and crystallized ginger. The finished rum is also blended with aged rum, blackstrap molasses and Madagascar vanilla. At 70 proof, it's designed to be approachable while still bringing plenty of flavor.

Burnished gold, chestnut and a clean copper rim in the glass. Rich vanilla arrives first, followed by cinnamon and familiar and expected baking spices. There's a subtle molasses sorghum underneath it all, with a little ginger providing lift.

The palate is pleasantly round and warming. Vanilla and brown sugar lead into cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice, while the ginger keeps the sweetness from becoming too heavy. The blackstrap molasses character shows up toward the middle and gives the rum a darker, more substantial side.

This is a fun, approachable spiced rum that doesn't require much work to enjoy. It's easy to picture this over ice, but it also has plenty of personality for a rum-forward cocktail. And there's something fitting about a rum born at one of Maryland's most recognizable beach destinations. This is vacation-in-a-glass territory.

ABV: 35.0% (70 proof)

Distillery: Seacrets Distilling Co.

Suggested retail price: $24.99

Drink The Bottles score: 88/100

Oxbow False River Spiced Rum

Moving from the Atlantic coast to Louisiana, Oxbow False River Spiced Rum brings another strong sense of place to the tasting. Oxbow makes its rum from sugarcane grown along the banks of False River in Pointe Coupée Parish. The 88-proof spiced rum is combined with a proprietary blend of natural botanicals, including hints of orange and vanilla.

A rich golden-amber color with a warm copper edge. Orange peel, vanilla and sweet cane are immediately noticeable, followed by soft baking spice and frankly, grandma's spice cabinet.

The first impression is warm and slightly sweet, with vanilla and orange zest leading into cinnamon-like spice and a touch of caramelized sugar. There's a pleasant underlying cane character that keeps the rum from tasting like nothing more than a flavored spirit.

We like the balance here. The orange adds brightness while the vanilla and spice give it enough weight to work beautifully in a cocktail. It's also an interesting reminder that "spiced rum" doesn't have to mean one universal flavor profile. The place where the sugarcane is grown can be part of the story too.

If you're looking for an adventurous cocktail that features this rum, look no further than the False River Canekiller! Full disclosure: We are terrible mixologists ourselves, but we are learning. We haven't tried this yet, but it's on our radar!

2 oz False River Spiced Rum
4 oz Pineapple Juice
1 oz Fresh Orange Juice
1 oz Cream of Coconut
Garnish: Orange Slice & Freshly Grated Nutmeg

Directions: Add pineapple juice, rum, orange juice, and cream of coconut to a shaker full of ice. Shake until cold, about 15 to 30 seconds. Pour into a glass filled with ice and grate nutmeg over the top. Garnish with orange slice.

ABV: 44.0% (88 proof)

Distillery: Oxbow Rum Distillery

Suggested retail price: $32.99

Drink The Bottles score: 90/100

Oxbow Small Batch White Rum

This might be the bottle that surprises people who think white rum is supposed to be neutral. Oxbow's Small Batch White Rum is made from 100% high-grade sugarcane molasses and is unaged, unfiltered and pot distilled in small batches. It's bottled at 90 proof.

It is crystal clear and bright. The fresh sugarcane comes through immediately, accompanied by light tropical fruit and a subtle earthy note. This is not a shy white rum and it really surprises those (like us) who tend to turn our noses up at white rum because we assume it is borning.

But there's a pleasant combination of cane sweetness, tropical fruit and a subtle smoky quality. The texture is fuller than we might expect from a clear spirit, with a little pepper and earthy character appearing toward the finish. This is the kind of white rum that makes us rethink the phrase "mixing rum."

Yes, it would be excellent in a Daiquiri or Mojito. But it has enough character to make sipping it neat an interesting experience too, if that's your jam. That's exactly what we want from a white rum: enough personality to be noticed without overpowering the cocktail.

The Oxbow Mule is a cocktail that anyone can make. Literally, anyone! Including us. And that's saying something!

2 oz Oxbow Estate Small Batch White Rum
1/2 oz Fresh Lime Juice
Ginger Beer
Garnish: Lime Wedge

Directions: Add all ingredients to a copper mule cup. Top with ginger beer and stir. Garnish with a lime wedge.

ABV: 45.0% (90 proof)

Distillery: Oxbow Rum Distillery

Suggested retail price: $34.99

Drink The Bottles score: 89/100

Oxbow Estate Barrel Aged Rum

If the White Rum shows us the cane and distillate, Oxbow's Barrel Aged Rum shows us what happens when the spirit spends time with oak. This rum is made from high-grade molasses and aged for more than two years in new American oak barrels. It is unfiltered and contains no artificial sweeteners or added color. It's a true expression of aged rum without any gimmicks.

Dark honeycomb color with a reddish-brown hue. Vanilla and toasted oak lead the way, followed by dark fruit and a hint of semi-sweet chocolate chips. The oak is immediately apparent, bringing vanilla, cocoa and caramelized sugar alongside darker fruit. There's a slight roasted quality that gives the rum a little more depth than its sweeter notes might suggest.

The texture is rich without becoming heavy. This is where rum starts entering whiskey territory. Not because it tastes like whiskey—it doesn't—but because the relationship between spirit and oak becomes much more obvious. We'd happily drink this neat or over a large cube (we tasted it neat), but it also has the structure to make a seriously interesting Rum Old Fashioned. This one is fantastic!

1.25 oz Oxbow Barrel Aged Straight Rum

1 oz Campari

1 oz Sweet Vermouth

Garnish: Orange twist

Fill shaker with ice. Add Oxbox Rum, Campari and Vermouth over ice. Mix well with a bar spoon. Pour mixutre into a well-chilled rocks glass. Express the oils of an orange twist over the glass and garnish the rim.

ABV: 47.5% (95 proof)

Distillery: Oxbow Rum Distillery

Suggested retail price: $49.99

Drink The Bottles score: 94/100

Ron del Barrilito Three Stars

Some bottles aren't simply spirits. They're history. Ron del Barrilito traces its roots to Hacienda Santa Ana in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, where Pedro Fernández established the formula that became Ron del Barrilito in 1880. The name itself comes from the little barrel—or "barrilito"—from which the rum was originally served. Ron del Barrilito is the oldest rum in Puerto Rico.

The Three Stars expression remains the brand's signature rum, using a blend of rums aged between 6 and 10 years in Oloroso sherry casks. A beautiful dark reddish amber, naturally developed through aging. We found layers of dried fruit, vanilla, toasted nuts and oak. There is also a subtle smoky character hiding underneath the sweeter aromas.

The palate is smooth and rounded, with dried fruit and caramelized sugar leading into vanilla, toasted almond and oak. The sweetness is balanced by a gentle woodiness, and the finish carries a soft smoky note that lingers nicely.

This is a sipping rum. While we could certainly imagine it in a cocktail, we think it deserves a few minutes in the glass first. It's a great example of how barrel aging can turn rum into something that deserves the same contemplative attention we often give bourbon, Scotch or aged brandy. And considering that the same basic production tradition has been carried forward since 1880, there's a lot of history in that glass.

ABV: 43.0% (86 proof)

Distillery: Ron del Barrilito

Suggested retail price: $43.99

Drink The Bottles score: 92/100

Fluère Spiced Cane

Not every National Rum Day celebration needs to include alcohol. Fluère Spiced Cane is a non-alcoholic rum alternative that approaches the category from a completely different direction. It's made around Dominican sugarcane and brings together chocolate and coffee aromas with earthy sweetness, tonka bean and warming spice.

Light golden-brown, honey-colored to the rim. Hot cocoa and coffee notes immediately set this apart from the alcoholic rums in our lineup, followed by vanilla and warm, lingering spices. Rich, sweet and earthy, with coffee and cocoa notes up front. The spice arrives gradually rather than overwhelming the palate, while the sugarcane character gives the drink a recognizable rum-like foundation.

This is less about trying to fool someone into thinking they're drinking a traditional rum and more about creating a rum-inspired drinking experience without the alcohol. And we appreciate that distinction. This would be especially interesting in cocktails where the complexity of the other ingredients can interact with the chocolate, spice and cane flavors.

For anyone looking for an alcohol-free option that doesn't feel like an afterthought, this is worth exploring. And, for a fantastic non-alcoholic cocktail, we suggest the Fluère Old Fashioned.

1 oz Fluere Spiced Cane
1 oz N/A Whiskey
1 Bar Spoon Simple Syrup
2 Dashes of Angostura Bitters
2 Dashes of Black Walnut Bitters
Garnish: Orange zest

Directions: Add Fluère Spiced Cane, whiskey, simple syrup, and bitters into a mixing glass with ice. Stir gently until well chilled. Strain into an old fashioned glass over a large ice cube. Express the orange zest over the drink and garnish with it.

ABV: 0.0% (0 proof)

Distillery: Lucas Bols Company

Suggested retail price: $29.99

Drink The Bottles score: 86/100

Chicken Cock Whiskey: Island Rooster

And now for the curveball. This isn't a rum at all; it's a whiskey. But it's here for National Rum Day for a very good reason. Chicken Cock Island Rooster is a Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey finished in Caribbean rum casks and boasts a mashbill of rye (95%) and malted barley (5%).

The project was inspired by a trip to the Caribbean, and Chicken Cock finished 25 barrels of its rye in rum barrels for six months. The result is a fascinating collision between spicy Kentucky rye and the sweeter, richer character left behind by Caribbean rum. And with a true "small batch" distinction, this bottle is VERY sought after with whiskey hounds and collectors alike. Tasted from sample.

Deep golden amber with antique rust and a aged brass in color. The rye comes through first: mild pepper, clove, allspice, nutmeg, ginger, island fruits and a touch of fresh grain. Then the rum barrel makes itself known with molasses, vanilla and a subtle tropical sweetness. It's not overly sweet, but the Caribbean influence is definitely noted. This is where things get interesting.

The rye provides the structure—pepper, spice, oak and a little heat—while the rum cask adds a softer layer of caramelized sweetness and molasses. We also picked up hints of vanilla and butterscotch that help round out the rye's sharper edges. Admittedly, we love when we pick up butterscotch notes in any whiskey. It's just "our thing".

This is our National Rum Day wildcard. We love the idea of using rum not as the star of the show, but as a finishing tool. The rum doesn't turn this into rum-flavored whiskey. Instead, it changes the whiskey. It enhances the spirit. And that's something we find particularly interesting about barrel finishing in general: sometimes the most compelling flavors come from what the spirit becomes after it leaves its original barrel. We'd also like to give a huge nod to the Chickcn Cock marketing team on both the label and packaging of this special bottle. It's really incredible!

ABV: 47.5% (95 proof)

Distillery: Chicken Cock Whiskey

Suggested retail price: $199.00

Drink The Bottles score: 94/100

What This Tasting Taught Us About Rum

If there's one thing we took away from this tasting, it's that rum is much bigger than the tropical cocktail category many people associate with it. Think about the bottles we had in front of us.

A Maryland spiced rum.
A Louisiana spiced rum made with locally grown sugarcane.
A Louisiana white rum.
A Louisiana barrel-aged rum.
A Puerto Rican rum with more than a century of history behind it.
A sophisticated non-alcoholic rum alternative.
And a Kentucky rye whiskey transformed by Caribbean rum barrels.

That's a pretty impressive range for one spirit category. And it illustrates why rum deserves more attention from serious spirits drinkers.

Rum Doesn't Have to Taste Like Rum

Sounds kind of weird, doesn't it? But honestly, it's probably our biggest takeaway from this tasting. There isn't one "rum flavor." The raw material matters. Molasses and fresh cane juice produce different starting points. Pot stills and column stills create different textures and concentrations of flavor.

Fermentation, barrel selection, climate, aging, blending and regional traditions all matter. A rum from Puerto Rico doesn't have to taste like a rum from Louisiana. A spiced rum doesn't have to taste like another spiced rum. And a whiskey finished in rum barrels can develop a completely different personality from the same whiskey without that finishing step. That's what makes exploring rum so much fun.

How Should You Celebrate National Rum Day?

There's no wrong answer. Make a Daiquiri. Pour a Piña Colada. Build a Mojito. Put an aged rum over one large cube. Try a spiced rum with ginger beer. Pour a white rum into a properly made cocktail.

Or, if you're feeling adventurous, grab a Glencairn and spend some time with an aged rum neat. And if you're taking a break from alcohol, there's absolutely no reason you can't join the celebration with something like Fluère Spiced Cane.

The point isn't necessarily what you drink. It's taking a moment to appreciate what is in the glass. Because rum has traveled a remarkable distance—from sugarcane fields and colonial-era distilleries to modern craft producers, Caribbean traditions, American distilleries and contemporary non-alcoholic spirits.

That's a lot of history for something that can disappear from a glass in about ten minutes. So today, on August 16th, we'll raise a glass to rum. Not just because it's National Rum Day, but because rum has earned it!

Maryland Rye: A Look at the Sagamore Whiskey Core Collection

2026-08-12T09:00:00.000-04:00

Three Ryes, One Maryland Story: Exploring Sagamore Whiskey

The history of Maryland rye, its remarkable comeback, and our tasting of Sagamore Whiskey’s Small Batch, Double Oak and Cask Strength expressions.

There are a lot of places in America that have become synonymous with whiskey. Kentucky has bourbon. Pennsylvania has its own long rye tradition. Tennessee has Tennessee whiskey.

And then there’s Maryland.

For much of American whiskey history, Maryland rye was a big deal. Long before craft distilling became fashionable, rye whiskey was being produced throughout the state, and Baltimore had developed a reputation for the style. Maryland rye was generally known for being a little softer and rounder than some of its northern counterparts, while still delivering the peppery spice that makes rye so distinctive.

Then Prohibition happened and Maryland rye essentially disappeared.

Today, there’s a concerted effort to bring it back—and few distilleries have put more energy behind that mission than Sagamore Whiskey.

We recently spent some time tasting three bottles from Sagamore Whiskey’s Core Collection: Small Batch Rye, Double Oak Rye and Cask Strength Rye. While all three share the same Maryland-style foundation, they demonstrate just how much personality can come from changing the aging, blending and proofing process. But before getting into the whiskey, it’s worth understanding why Maryland rye matters in the first place.

A Very Brief History of Maryland Rye

Rye has been part of Maryland agriculture and distilling for centuries. Maryland’s rye tradition can be traced back to the colonial era, and the state eventually became one of America’s important rye-producing regions. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Maryland rye was being sold far beyond the state, with Baltimore serving as an important center of the trade.

Maryland rye wasn't some modern invention created to give today's whiskey drinkers another category to explore. It was once a major part of American whiskey. Maryland’s approach also developed its own personality. Rye was well suited to the region’s agriculture, and Maryland distillers became known for producing whiskey that could deliver rye’s characteristic spice while maintaining a somewhat smoother, rounder character.

Then came Prohibition in 1920. The 18th Amendment and Volstead Act devastated the American whiskey industry, and Maryland’s rye producers were hit particularly hard. While a few companies managed to survive through exceptions such as medicinal whiskey, the state’s once-thriving rye industry never fully recovered.

For decades, Maryland rye was more history lesson than living whiskey tradition. That has changed.

In 2023, Maryland officially designated Maryland Rye Whiskey as the state’s State Spirit, giving a formal nod to the state’s historic relationship with rye. And that’s where Sagamore Whiskey comes into the story.

Enter Sagamore Whiskey

Sagamore Whiskey was founded in 2013 with a fairly ambitious idea: revive Maryland’s rye whiskey heritage and build a modern whiskey around it. The company initially worked with distillers outside Maryland while it developed its own operation. That early whiskey was aged before being brought to Maryland, where the Sagamore team blended, proofed and bottled it.

In 2017, Sagamore began distilling and aging its own proprietary rye whiskey at its waterfront distillery in Baltimore. That’s an important part of the Sagamore story because the company isn’t simply trying to reproduce an old Maryland rye. It’s trying to reinterpret it.

The foundation is a blend of two different rye mash bills: one higher in rye, which brings more spice and fruit, and another lower in rye with more corn and malted barley, which contributes sweetness and a rounder texture. The two are aged separately before being blended.

There’s another Maryland connection that we find particularly interesting. Sagamore uses limestone-filtered spring water from Sagamore Farm, from a spring house built in 1909. The water is transported to the Baltimore distillery and is used to proof the whiskey. That distinctive 1909 reference appears on the bottles as a nod to the spring. It’s a small detail, but it’s exactly the sort of thing we appreciate at Drink The Bottles: place matters.

Three Ryes. Three Very Different Experiences.

So, what happens when you take that Maryland-style foundation and approach it three different ways?That’s what makes these three bottles so interesting side-by-side.

Image courtesy of Coleangelo PR

Sagamore Small Batch Rye

The approachable one. The everyday rye. The bottle that makes a pretty compelling argument for keeping rye on the shelf. Sagamore Small Batch Rye is a blend of two straight rye whiskeys aged approximately 4–6 years in new American oak. The combination of the two different rye profiles gives the finished whiskey some interesting complexity, while Sagamore’s triple-distillation process contributes to its smooth character. Made from 20 barrel batches.

On the nose, we get fresh rye spice, vanilla, caramel and a little dried citrus fruit.

The palate is where it becomes particularly approachable. There’s plenty of classic rye character—pepper, baking spice and a touch of oak—but it’s balanced by brown sugar, honey and caramel. There’s enough sweetness to soften the edges without turning the whiskey into something that doesn’t taste like rye.

The finish brings back the spice mildly, with a little oak and lingering honey. This bottle is bright, balanced and remarkably easy to drink. This is probably the bottle we’d reach for when we want rye but don’t necessarily want to sit down and dissect it for 30 minutes.

It’s also the three bottles’ most natural candidate for cocktails. A Manhattan or Old Fashioned would have plenty to work with here without the whiskey getting lost behind the other ingredients.

ABV: 46.5% (93 proof)

Distillery: Sagamore Distillery

Suggested retail price: $39.00

Drink The Bottles score: 90/100

Sagamore Double Oak Rye

If Small Batch is about showing off the character of the rye itself, Double Oak is about what happens when you give that whiskey even more time with wood.

The process starts similarly. The rye spends approximately 4–5 years aging in new, high-char American oak barrels. Then things get interesting. Sagamore blends the whiskeys and finishes the whiskey in toasted wave-stave barrels for an additional 18 months. The increased surface area of the staves creates another opportunity for the whiskey to interact with the wood.

The nose moves toward toasted oak, vanilla, caramel and roasted nuts. On the palate, the rye spice is still there, but it has been joined by richer flavors of toffee, caramel, hazelnut, prailine and toasted coconut. There’s also a creamy sweetness that makes this feel noticeably richer than the Small Batch.

What we really like about Double Oak is that the additional oak doesn’t completely bury the rye. You still know you’re drinking rye. It’s just wearing a slightly more luxurious jacket.

Richer, deeper and more dessert-like without becoming overly sweet. If you’re someone who enjoys whiskey with noticeable oak influence—or you’re a bourbon drinker looking for a bridge into rye—this may be the bottle that gets your attention. It’s also a terrific after-dinner pour. This is a whiskey we could easily see becoming a favorite for someone who normally gravitates toward bourbon.

ABV: 48.3% (96.6 proof)

Distillery: Sagamore Distillery

Suggested retail price: $59.00

Drink The Bottles score: 91/100

Sagamore Cask Strength Rye

And then there’s the big one. Cask Strength Rye doesn’t exactly knock on the door. It walks through it and this one has a swagger. This whiskey brings together high-rye and low-rye straight whiskeys, including older whiskey that contributes significantly to the finished profile. The current expression includes whiskey aged up to seven years, with the older whiskey contributing deeper chocolate, hazelnut and molasses notes while other components bring citrus and spice.

At cask strength, there isn’t anywhere for the whiskey to hide. The nose immediately brings dark caramel, oak, rye spice and a hint of island fruits. Then the palate arrives and it brings dark chocolate, black pepper, brown sugar, molasses and toasted cashews.

There’s a lot happening, but that’s what makes this bottle so compelling. The intensity isn’t simply about alcohol. There’s actual depth underneath the proof. And while the whiskey is powerful, the sweetness and citrus notes keep it from becoming one-dimensional. Tasted neat. We're going to re-visit this with a couple of drops of water and see what other flavors talk to us. We know they're in there!

The finish hangs around with mouth-watering pepper, dark chocolate, oak and lingering baking spice. It is complex, powerful and probably the most rewarding of the three for a serious rye drinker. It’s also a great demonstration of why blending is such an important part of whiskey making.

Sagamore isn’t simply looking for the oldest barrel or the highest proof. It’s combining different ages and mash-bill profiles to create something more complete than any one component might provide on its own. You have to respect the process.

ABV: 61.5% (123 proof)

Distillery: Sagamore Distillery

Suggested retail price: $69.00

Drink The Bottles score: 94/100

Three Bottles, One Maryland Tradition

What we like most about tasting these three together is that they make the concept of Maryland-style rye easier to understand. It’s not simply a matter of saying, “This is rye from Maryland.” There’s a philosophy behind it.

The spice of the rye is important, but so is balance. Sagamore’s use of two different mash bills gives the distillers a way to build both intensity and softness into the whiskey. The Maryland climate, the barrels, the aging process and even the spring water all become pieces of the final product.

And then you have three very different interpretations:

Small Batch — the classic introduction.

Double Oak — richer, deeper and more oak-driven.

Cask Strength — bigger, darker and unapologetically intense.

Put them next to each other and you get a pretty good argument for why rye deserves more attention from American whiskey drinkers.

So, Which One Should You Buy?

That’s going to depend on what kind of whiskey drinker you are. If you’re new to rye, start with Small Batch. It’s approachable enough to enjoy neat, but versatile enough for cocktails. If you love oak, caramel and richer whiskey, then go with Double Oak. The additional maturation gives it a noticeably different personality. If you’re a rye enthusiast—or just like your whiskey with some muscle, we suggest you pick up Cask Strength. Take your time with it. A few drops of water can open it up if the proof is a little aggressive at first.

But honestly? The most interesting thing to do is taste all three. Because when you do, you’re not just tasting three Sagamore bottles. You’re tasting three interpretations of a whiskey style that once helped define Maryland, disappeared for much of the 20th century, and is now making a very legitimate comeback.

And that’s a pretty good reason to raise a glass.

Jack Daniel's Distillery Series #17 Tennessee Whiskey

2026-08-11T10:30:00.633-04:00

Distillery Series #17 - image from Jack Daniel Distillery

When the Angel’s Share Becomes Part of the Story

Jack Daniel’s Distillery Series Selection #17 is batch proof Tennessee Whiskey pulled from top floors of the distillery’s Coy Hill barrelhouses

There are plenty of ways a whiskey distillery can experiment. Change the grain bill. Try a different barrel. Finish the whiskey in something unexpected. Push the proof. Change the way the barrels are toasted or where they're stored. Or, in the case of Jack Daniel’s latest Distillery Series release, you can put the whiskey in an unusually hot place, leave it alone for years, and see what happens.

That is the story behind Jack Daniel’s Distillery Series Selection #17: High Angel’s Share Straight Tennessee Whiskey.

And it is a pretty fascinating story.

Jack Daniel’s began with traditional Tennessee Whiskey laid down in barrels in 2016. Those barrels were then placed on the top floor of Barrelhouse 1-13 on Coy Hill, where they spent nearly a decade aging in some of the distillery's more extreme conditions. The heat encouraged a greater-than-normal amount of evaporation—the phenomenon whiskey makers affectionately call the angel’s share.

What remained in the barrels was a more concentrated whiskey.

Jack Daniel’s has now bottled that whiskey at 138.4 proof, in a 375 mL bottle. So, is all that evaporation actually a good thing? That's what makes this release worth exploring.

What Is the Angel’s Share?

If you're new to whiskey, the term angel's share might sound a little mysterious. It really isn't. As whiskey ages in a barrel, some of the liquid slowly evaporates through the wood. The whiskey that disappears is the angel's share. The amount that evaporates can vary considerably depending on the environment in which the barrels are stored. Temperature, humidity, barrel location and other factors all play a role.

And this is where Coy Hill becomes important. The barrels selected for Distillery Series #17 spent their time on the top floor of Barrelhouse 1-13, where higher temperatures created conditions for increased evaporation. According to Jack Daniel's Master Distiller Chris Fletcher, the release is an example of what happens when the distillery allows nature to take the lead. Rather than trying to prevent the whiskey from changing, Jack Daniel's essentially allowed the environment to push the maturation process in a particular direction.

The result? Less whiskey in the barrel—but potentially more concentration in what remained.

Coy Hill: Location Matters

One of the things I find most interesting about whiskey is that aging isn't simply about putting a barrel away and waiting. Where that barrel spends those years matters - and sometimes in a BIG way.

Jack Daniel's Barrel House - image from Jack Daniel Distillery

Coy Hill has become particularly interesting to Jack Daniel's fans because of the way the environment can affect maturation. The upper levels of the barrelhouses can experience significant heat, and that heat can increase the interaction between the whiskey and the barrel while also increasing evaporation.

Jack Daniel's has experimented with this concept before. The distillery's 2018 Tennessee Tasters' Selection, for example, included a High Angel's Share Barrels release that featured whiskey with an unusually low yield and a concentrated flavor profile. And in 2021, Jack Daniel's released Coy Hill High Proof, another expression that explored what happens when whiskey matures in the extreme conditions found at the top of the Coy Hill barrelhouses.

So Distillery Series #17 isn't necessarily an entirely new idea for Jack Daniel's. But it is another opportunity to see just how much the environment can influence the whiskey inside a barrel.

Nearly a Decade in the Barrel

The whiskey used for Selection #17 was laid down in 2016. That's roughly ten years of maturation before the whiskey made its way into these bottles.

But here's something important to remember: Age doesn't tell the entire story of a whiskey. A ten-year-old whiskey matured in one part of a barrelhouse may taste very different from a ten-year-old whiskey matured somewhere else. That's part of what makes this release so intriguing.

The whiskey began as traditional Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey, but its environment changed the trajectory of its maturation. There was no need for a secondary barrel finish or an elaborate series of additional steps. The experiment was essentially: Put the whiskey in a particularly intense environment and let time do its thing.

Sometimes the simplest experiments are the most interesting.

And Then There's the Proof

Let's talk about 138.4 proof. This bottle is for the "proof chasers" and the whiskey afficianados alike.

For comparison, Jack Daniel's standard Tennessee Whiskey is bottled at 80 proof. This is a completely different animal. At nearly 70% ABV (referred to as "hazmat" in the whiskey world), Distillery Series #17 is not a whiskey I'd approach casually. This is a pour that deserves some time in the glass. And that's part of the fun.

High-proof whiskey can be incredibly expressive, but it can also overwhelm the palate if you aren't patient with it. Our plan with this bottle is to experience it several ways: First, neat in a Glencairn.

Then I'll give it some time to open up in the glass. And finally, I'll add a small amount of water to see what happens. That's one of the best parts of tasting a barrel-strength or batch-proof whiskey. A few drops of water can sometimes reveal aromas and flavors that were hiding behind the alcohol.

At 138.4 proof, we have a feeling this whiskey may have a few things to say.

The Bottle

There is another detail that immediately caught my attention: the bottle size. Distillery Series #17 comes in a 375 mL bottle, as do all of the releases in the Distillery Series. That's half the size of a traditional 750 mL whiskey bottle, but we actually think the smaller format makes sense here.

This isn't necessarily an everyday whiskey.

At nearly 70% ABV, a little goes a long way. A 375 mL bottle gives whiskey enthusiasts the opportunity to explore an unusual Jack Daniel's expression without having to commit to a full-size bottle. The suggested retail price is $44.75, which also makes this a relatively approachable way to experience one of Jack Daniel's more experimental releases.

For collectors, it is a very interesting addition to the Distillery Series. For whiskey drinkers, the real question is whether what is in the bottle justifies the price. And that's something the tasting will ultimately have to answer.

The Tasting Experience

Colors of rusted antique barn metal with streaks of gold. Super clear with appearances of rich book leather. On the nose initially were the famous and expected banana notes, joined with sorghum, maple candy and barn wood. The whiskey is immediatley mouth-coating and swirling produces some fine looking legs on the glass.

On the palate are deep, concentrated flavors of toasted nut, bananas foster, vanilla, homemade caramel chews and well-balanced spices. For such a high proof whiskey, you would generally expect a bigger burn. Don't get us wrong - the proof is making an appearance, but it isn't an "in your face" fire ball.

We then added two drops of water to the glass and that opened up more aromas and flavors. Dark red fruits, black cherry, grilling spices and the smallest hint of dark chocolate on the finish. The finish is lingering, satisfying and rewarding.

We have had the good fortune of tasting several expressions from the Distillery Series and to date, we feel this one is our favorite. We LOVE what the Jack Daniel Distillery and Master Distiller Chris Fletcher are doing. While we've been huge fans of Old Number 7 for decades, the releases that have hit the market in the past 4-5 years have been nothing short of amazing.

If Jack Daniel's isn't on your watch list, you're missing out.

Final Thoughts

Distillery Series #17 is exactly the kind of release we enjoy seeing from a major distillery.

Jack Daniel's has a long history and a very recognizable house style, but that doesn't mean there isn't room to experiment. In this case, the experiment is relatively simple: take traditional Tennessee Whiskey, put it in an extreme maturation environment, give it nearly a decade, and see what nature does. The result is a small-batch, high-proof whiskey that offers Jack Daniel's fans something well outside the ordinary.

And that's really what the Distillery Series is supposed to do. It gives us a chance to see a different side of a familiar whiskey.

For us, the most interesting part of Distillery Series #17 isn't necessarily the 138.4 proof or the fact that it is from the famous Coy Hill barrelhouses. It's everything that happened before the whiskey ever made it into the bottle. We have nearly a decade of time, extreme heat, evaporation and a bunch of whiskey going to the angels! Now it's our turn to see what they left behind.

ABV: 69.2% (138.4 proof)

Distillery: Jack Daniel Distillery

Suggested retail price: $44.75 (375mL bottle)

Drink The Bottles score: 95/100

Sweet Kitty Single Barrel Bourbon from Good Times Bourbon

2026-08-07T13:34:04.266-04:00

When Creativity Meets Craftmanship

There are bourbon producers that honor tradition, and then there are those willing to challenge it. Kentucky's Coxs Creek Distilling Company—the creative force behind the Good Times Bourbon brand—has quickly become known for pushing the boundaries of what finished bourbon can be.

Rather than relying solely on familiar port, sherry, or cognac finishes, Good Times has built a devoted following by experimenting with an impressive variety of secondary maturation techniques. Coconut rum, raspberry brandy, exotic woods, blueberry, mint, honey, banana, dessert-inspired barrels, and countless other finishing casks have become the company's signature, creating limited single barrel releases that are as intriguing as they are difficult to find. Their philosophy is simple: start with quality bourbon, then explore just how much complexity a thoughtfully selected finishing cask can add without losing the whiskey's identity.

One of their newer and most unique creations is Sweet Kitty, a 110-proof single barrel straight bourbon whiskey finished in coconut rum and raspberry brandy casks. The name is a playful nod to a certain famous tropical cocktail, (you can look up the name!) but the whiskey itself is anything but gimmicky.

The nose is immediately captivating. Ripe coconut rises from the glass alongside warm raspberry cobbler and rich, creamy caramel. It's an aroma that suggests an intensely sweet pour, yet the palate tells a different story.

Despite its decadent bouquet, Sweet Kitty remains remarkably balanced. The bourbon delivers a rich, mouth-coating texture without becoming sugary or overpowering. Layers of sweet red fruit, brown sugar, and baking spices develop across the palate before giving way to a warm, lingering finish that drinks incredibly smooth.

What impressed us most wasn't simply the unique finishing combination—it was the restraint. The coconut rum and raspberry brandy barrels complement the underlying bourbon rather than masking it, allowing both the whiskey and the finishing casks to contribute to the final profile. That's a difficult balance to achieve, and one that Good Times executes exceptionally well here.

Sweet Kitty won't appeal to every bourbon traditionalist, nor is it trying to. This is a bottle made for adventurous whiskey drinkers—those who enjoy discovering flavors that venture well beyond the conventional Kentucky profile while still respecting the spirit at the heart of the glass.

For anyone looking to experience what makes Good Times Bourbon one of today's most talked-about independent whiskey brands, Sweet Kitty is an outstanding place to start. It's bold, memorable, and unapologetically different—exactly the kind of whiskey that reminds us bourbon still has plenty of room for innovation.

ABV: 55.0% (110 proof)

Distillery: Coxs Creek Distilling Co.

Suggested retail price: $109.99

Drink The Bottles score: 95/100

Old Elk Distillery 10-Year-Old Collection

2026-08-05T09:00:00.000-04:00

In May of 2025, Middle West Spirits completed their acquisition of the Old Elk brand. For sometime prior to that, we were struggling to see much inventory on shelves locally, knowing that some BIG things were likely on the horizon. And, boy oh boy... we've got some really cool stuff to share! We tasted these from media samples (not pictured).

10-Year Old Wheated Bourbon

This straight wheated bourbon whiskey has a mash bill of corn (51%), wheat (46%) and barley (3%). Mouth-watering from the first aromas to the warm and satisfying finish. Vanilla bean, sugary caramel and toasty wheat fill the senses. The same carries over to the palate with the addition of barn wood, milk chocolate chips and hints of red fruits.

ABV: 52.5% (105 proof)

Suggested retail price: $69.99

Drink The Bottles score: 94/100

10-Year Old Straight Wheat Whiskey

This one a super fun to tasted because it is so different than much of what we have tasted recently. The mash bill is wheat (96%) and barley (4%) produces aromas and flavors that make this a perfect sipper for fall months. Stone fruits, ripe red apples, dried spices and caramelized sugar on the nose. Creamy, sweet custard dessert, peach cobbler, nutmeg and cinnamon dance on the tongue. The finish is sweet and remarkable. This is freaking lovely!

ABV: 51.5% (103 proof)

Suggested retail price: $69.99

Drink The Bottles score: 95/100

10-Year Old Straight Bourbon Whiskey

We've tasted several Old Elk expressions over the years, but the 10-year-old bourbon with the mash bill of corn (51%), barley (34%) and rye (15%) is unlike anything previously produced by the brand. The aromas is like opening the spice rack at a French bakery. Sweet, spicy, fruity, dark, bright - it's all there. Blood orange, persimmon, vanilla cake and sweet pipe tobacco on the palate. The finish provides a touch of peppery goodness while remaining loyal to the sweetness. It's really nice!

ABV: 52.5% (105 proof)

Suggested retail price: $69.99

Drink The Bottles score: 92/100

You're not going to go wrong with any of these bottles! In fact, for the price point, they 're not only delicious, but we would give them a "great value" rating. Look for more unique and age-stated releases from the Old Elk label now that Middle West Spirits has helped the brand find its new footing.

Celebrating National White Wine Day with Dry Creek Vineyard

2026-08-04T09:31:19.053-04:00

There are plenty of reasons to celebrate white wine. Dry Creek Vineyard gives us two particularly good ones.

There are days when a glass of white wine is exactly what the occasion calls for.

Maybe it's a warm afternoon on the patio. Maybe dinner is something fresh off the grill. Maybe you're putting together a cheese board and looking for something that won't overpower everything on it. Or maybe, as is the case today, it's simply National White Wine Day. Whatever the reason, we're happy to have an excuse to open a couple of bottles.

For this year's celebration, we turned to a California winery with more than five decades of experience making white wine: Dry Creek Vineyard. Founded in 1972 in Sonoma County's Dry Creek Valley, the family-owned winery has played an important role in the history of the region—and particularly in the story of Sauvignon Blanc.

We recently opened two of its 2025 releases: the 2025 Sauvignon Blanc, Dry Creek Valley, and the 2025 Dry Chenin Blanc, Clarksburg. They're both white. They're both dry. They're both California wines. And that's about where the similarities end.

A California Winery That Took a Chance on White Wine

The history of Dry Creek Vineyard is worth knowing before pouring either bottle.

When David S. Stare founded the winery in 1972, the Dry Creek Valley wine industry was a very different place. Prohibition had left the region with little of its previous winemaking infrastructure, and Stare's decision to establish a winery there was, by most accounts, something of a leap of faith.

After studying civil engineering at MIT and earning an MBA from Northwestern, Stare developed an interest in wine while living in Germany. A 1970 trip to France, particularly the Loire Valley and Bordeaux, had an especially profound influence on him. Soon afterward, he headed for California with his wife and children and began working toward his new career in wine.

The winery's first property was a rundown 55-acre prune orchard across from the Dry Creek General Store. And then Stare did something particularly interesting. He planted Sauvignon Blanc. At the time, agricultural advisers told him that the variety wasn't appropriate for Dry Creek Valley. Stare planted it anyway. That decision would ultimately become one of the defining chapters in the history of both the winery and the appellation.

Dry Creek Vineyard also became the first new winery built in the Dry Creek Valley following Prohibition. The winery helped establish the region's identity as a serious winegrowing area and was instrumental in the effort that eventually led to Dry Creek Valley receiving official AVA status in 1983. In other words, Dry Creek Vineyard wasn't simply along for the ride as Sonoma County's wine industry developed.

More Than 50 Years Later, It's Still a Family Affair

Today, Dry Creek Vineyard remains family owned. We absolutely love that!

David Stare's daughter, Kim Stare Wallace, grew up around the winery and eventually returned to the family business after initially pursuing a career outside the wine industry. She became the winery's Director of Marketing in 1987, while her husband, Don Wallace, joined the operation in 1990. The second generation eventually took over the winery's leadership, with a renewed emphasis on smaller production, estate vineyards, sustainability and wines that reflect their specific growing regions.

That philosophy is reflected in the numbers. Dry Creek Vineyard currently farms 185 acres of estate vineyards, and the winery and estate vineyards are 100% Certified Sustainable.

The winery describes its approach as a "No Compromises" philosophy, but what stands out to us is the decision to stay relatively focused rather than chase sheer production volume. That matters when you're talking about wine. The goal isn't simply to make another bottle of Sauvignon Blanc or Chenin Blanc. It's to make a wine that has a reason for being there.

2025 Dry Creek Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc

Let's start with the more familiar of the two. Sauvignon Blanc has been part of Dry Creek Vineyard's DNA from the very beginning. In fact, the winery says founder David Stare planted the first Sauvignon Blanc vines in Dry Creek Valley in 1972, despite being advised against doing so.

Today, Sauvignon Blanc is one of the varieties most closely associated with the Dry Creek Valley, and Dry Creek Vineyard has continued to make it a central part of its portfolio. The 2025 Sauvignon Blanc pours a pale, inviting straw color.

On the nose, there's an immediate sense of freshness. Citrus leads the way, followed by tropical fruit and the sort of subtle green character that makes Sauvignon Blanc so recognizable without becoming overly grassy. Fresh spring floral bouquets join in the layered aromas.

On the palate, we found it bright and energetic, with citrus and fresh fruit carrying the wine from the first sip through the finish. There's a lovely herbaceousness you don't find in many Sauvignon Blancs, along with a welcoming spring-rain and wet-stone minerality that keeps the wine from becoming overly acidic.

There's enough acidity to keep things lively, but this isn't a wine that feels aggressively sharp. There's a little more body and texture here than you might expect from a simple, everyday Sauvignon Blanc. The finish is very long. We tasted this slightly chilled at 65° F, which is warmer than most people like. We have always felt a "warmer" white wine brings out more flavor characters.

This is Sauvignon Blanc with enough personality to drink on its own, but enough restraint to make it extremely useful at the dinner table. There was a lot of conversation around this bottle and our panel also picked up flavors of lemon cream, island fruits and beefsteak tomato. There's a LOT going on here!

This is an easy wine to bring to the table.

Think:

Grilled shrimp
Fresh oysters
Lemon-herb chicken
Grilled vegetables
Sushi
Goat cheese
Summer salads
Fish tacos
A simple charcuterie board

And honestly, it doesn't need much food at all. A chilled glass on the patio would be enough.

Our take: If Sauvignon Blanc is already one of your go-to white wines, this is an easy recommendation. If you've found some Sauvignon Blancs to be overly grassy, excessively tart or one-dimensional, Dry Creek Vineyard's 2025 version is worth trying for a more rounded interpretation.

ABV: 13.5%

Winery: Dry Creek Vineyard

Dry Creek Valley AVA

Suggested retail price: $26.00

Drink The Bottles score: 92/100

2025 Dry Creek Vineyard Dry Chenin Blanc

Now we get to a whole different conversation. Because if Sauvignon Blanc is the variety most people expect to see on a California wine list, Chenin Blanc is the bottle that might make them stop and ask a question. And that's precisely why we like it.

Dry Creek Vineyard has been making Dry Chenin Blanc since its first vintage in 1972. The winery's love of the grape goes directly back to David Stare's affection for the Loire Valley, where Chenin Blanc has been an important variety for centuries. There's an impressive bit of history attached to this wine.

Dry Creek Vineyard produced its 50th consecutive vintage of Chenin Blanc in 2022, and the winery describes itself as the only American winery to have produced 50 consecutive vintages of Chenin Blanc. That's not a passing interest. That's definitely a huge commitment.

The 2025 bottling comes from Wilson Ranch in Clarksburg, a region south of Sacramento that has become increasingly associated with Chenin Blanc. Current winery materials identify it as a single-vineyard wine, and recent coverage notes that Dry Creek Vineyard has maintained a remarkably consistent dry, high-acid style with this wine.

This is where Chenin Blanc gets fun.

The wine has an appealing pale-gold appearance, and the nose moves in a different direction than the Sauvignon Blanc.

Instead of immediately shouting citrus and tropical fruit, there's a softer, more aromatic quality. Think orchard fruit, juicy melon, vibrant citrus fruits and floral notes. On the palate, however, the acidity comes alive without becoming aggressive. This is a dry Chenin Blanc—not sweet, not syrupy, and not a dessert wine masquerading as something else.

It's crisp and refreshing, but there's also a pleasing roundness to the fruit. It can be simultaneously bright and textured, fruity and dry, refreshing and surprisingly complex. The 2025 wine is also a particularly good example of why we think Chenin Blanc deserves more attention from American wine drinkers. It's not trying to be Sauvignon Blanc and it doesn't need to be.

Chenin Blanc has been experiencing something of a resurgence among American wine drinkers and sommeliers. The variety offers a remarkable range of styles, but its natural acidity makes dry versions especially versatile with food.

While everyone else is rediscovering Chenin Blanc, Dry Creek Vineyard can basically say: We've been here the whole time. And perhaps that's the best reason to try this bottle.

Try it with:

Grilled salmon
Roast chicken
Pork tenderloin
Thai food
Vietnamese dishes
Spicy Asian cuisine
Soft cheeses
Seafood
Salads with fruit
Charcuterie

It's also an excellent choice when you're serving several different dishes and don't want the wine fighting with the food. The acidity keeps it refreshing, while the fruit gives it enough personality to stand up to more flavorful dishes. We enjoyed this one also at about 65° F, slightly chilled.

ABV: 12.0%

Winery: Dry Creek Vineyard

Clarksburg AVA

Suggested retail price: $19.00

Drink The Bottles score: 91/100

The Dry Creek Vineyard Difference

What makes these two wines particularly interesting together isn't simply that they're both white wines. It's the history behind them.

David Stare took a chance on Sauvignon Blanc in 1972 when others told him not to plant it. He also brought his affection for Loire Valley wines to California and made Dry Chenin Blanc part of the winery's identity from its earliest days.

More than five decades later, both wines remain part of the portfolio. That's a pretty compelling testament to staying the course.

Dry Creek Vineyard has evolved, of course. The second generation has taken the reins, the vineyards are sustainably farmed, and the winery has refined its focus on appellation-driven wines. But the underlying philosophy hasn't changed much:

Make wines that reflect where they're grown, take care of the land, and don't chase trends simply because they're trends. That's something we can get behind.

Our Final Pour

National White Wine Day is a pretty good excuse to remind ourselves that white wine isn't one particular thing. It can be crisp and citrusy, tropical and aromatic, floral, textured and mineral-driven and anything in between.

And sometimes, the most interesting bottle isn't the one we've heard of a hundred times. It's the one that makes us stop and say, "Why haven't I been drinking more of this?"

For us, the 2025 Dry Creek Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc and 2025 Dry Chenin Blanc demonstrate exactly why exploring beyond the usual suspects can be worthwhile. One is a California classic that has been part of Dry Creek Vineyard's story since the beginning.

The other is a wonderfully persistent reminder that sometimes the best way to discover what's next is to look at what someone has been doing right all along.

Both of these bottles are worthy additions to the National White Wine Day table. And if you're only going to open one?

Well...

We'd suggest opening both.

After all, it's National White Wine Day. We think that's allowed. Cheers!

Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey: It's Not Just for Shots Anymore

2026-07-31T09:24:53.900-04:00

There are certain bottles that come with a reputation before you ever pour them. Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey is one of those bottles.

Mention Skrewball at a party and there's a pretty good chance someone will immediately think of a shot. The distinctive bottle has become almost synonymous with the sweet, nutty whiskey that helped make peanut butter whiskey a recognizable category. And there's absolutely nothing wrong with that.

But here's the thing: Skrewball is capable of doing considerably more than occupying a shot glass.

After spending some time looking at the whiskey from a cocktail perspective, we think it's time to reconsider what this unconventional spirit can bring to the bar. Because once you stop thinking of Skrewball as the peanut butter whiskey you take shots of and start thinking of it as a cocktail ingredient, things get considerably more interesting.

A Peanut Butter Whiskey That Started With a Cocktail

Skrewball's story is almost as unconventional as the whiskey itself.

The brand was founded in San Diego in 2018 by husband-and-wife team Steven and Brittany Yeng. But the idea for Skrewball didn't begin with a distillery or a boardroom. It began with a cocktail at the couple's restaurant in Ocean Beach, California.

The peanut butter whiskey cocktail became a hit, convincing the Yengs that the unusual combination of whiskey and creamy peanut butter had potential beyond their bar. Steven brought the flavor inspiration, while Brittany, who had a background as both a lawyer and chemist, worked alongside him to develop a standalone spirit that could deliver that distinctive flavor while also working in cocktails.

That became Skrewball. The brand partnered with Infinium Spirits as it began expanding beyond its San Diego roots, eventually reaching distribution across all 50 states. International expansion followed as the brand continued to grow.

The growth was substantial. By 2022, Skrewball had surpassed 500,000 nine-liter cases sold, and in 2023 Pernod Ricard announced an agreement to acquire a majority stake in the brand. Not bad for a spirit that started with the seemingly unlikely combination of whiskey and peanut butter.

So What Exactly Is Skrewball?

Let's clear up one thing right away. Skrewball isn't bourbon. It's whiskey with natural flavors, bottled at 35% ABV (70 proof). The result is a spirit built around a very specific flavor profile: whiskey combined with pronounced peanut butter character, along with sweet notes and hints of caramel and vanilla. And yes, the peanut butter is unmistakable.

On the Nose

There's really no mystery here. Open the bottle and the peanut butter arrives first. It's sweet, nutty and immediately recognizable. To some, including us, it is mouth-watering. There's also a softer sweetness underneath it that keeps the aroma from becoming one-dimensional.

On the Palate

Skrewball isn't trying to replicate a traditional bourbon or rye. Instead, it combines a whiskey base with a pronounced peanut butter flavor, accompanied by sweet notes and hints of caramel and vanilla.

It's approachable, sweet and deliberately unconventional. And that's important to remember. Skrewball isn't trying to be something it isn't. It was created to deliver a completely different whiskey experience.

The Shot Isn't the Problem. It's the Limitation.

This is where we think Skrewball gets interesting. The shot has become part of the brand's identity. And honestly, we understand why. Skrewball is fun, approachable and different.

But even though it works perfectly well in a shot glass, that's only one way to enjoy it. When you look at what peanut butter brings to a cocktail, the possibilities become much broader.

Peanut butter naturally works with:

Fruit
Chocolate
Banana
Coffee
Caramel
Cream
Ginger
Citrus

That gives Skrewball an unusually broad playground behind the bar. So rather than simply telling you that Skrewball can be used in cocktails, we decided to put that idea to the test.

Here are three very different ways to look at this whiskey.

Peanut Butter Transfusion

Let's start with something refreshing and what is quickly becoming the perfect golf cocktail!

The Peanut Butter Transfusion takes Skrewball in a direction you might not immediately expect: grape juice, fresh lime and ginger ale.

But think about the flavor combination for a second. Peanut butter and grape? That's basically the liquid version of a PB&J.

The lime adds some much-needed acidity while the ginger ale brings carbonation and a little bite.

Ingredients

1.5 oz. Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey
3 oz. grape juice
0.5 oz. fresh lime juice
Ginger ale

Directions

Fill a highball glass with ice. Add Skrewball, grape juice and fresh lime juice. Stir gently to combine. Top with ginger ale and give it a light stir. Garnish with a lime wheel or fresh grapes, if desired. It doesn't get much easier that that!

Our Take

This is perhaps the most approachable of the three cocktails. The grape juice plays directly into Skrewball's sweeter side, while the lime and ginger ale keep the drink from becoming heavy.

It's refreshing, fun and a pretty convincing argument that peanut butter whiskey doesn't automatically mean a dessert cocktail. Sometimes peanut butter just wants to hang out with grape juice!

The King

If there's one classic flavor combination that feels almost destined to meet Skrewball, it's peanut butter and banana. You know we're going with this, don't you? Shake your hips and curl up that top lip because here comes The King.

Skrewball joins banana liqueur and Irish cream in a rich, dessert-inspired cocktail that's built for sipping rather than shooting. And the name is certainly appropriate.

Ingredients

1.5 oz. Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey
0.5 oz. banana liqueur
0.25 oz. Irish cream

Directions

Build the ingredients in a mixing glass. Stir well. Pour over ice and garnish with dried banana chips.

Our Take

The King is where Skrewball's dessert potential really comes through. The banana liqueur reinforces the whiskey's sweet, nutty personality, while the Irish cream adds richness and texture.

This is the kind of cocktail that could easily find a place at the end of a dinner rather than the beginning of a party. It's indulgent without requiring a complicated ingredient list. And the dried banana garnish is a nice finishing touch. In our opinion, the colder the better on this one!

Strawberry Cold Foam PB&J Espresso Shooters

And then there's this. This one takes a little more of a skill set to accomplish, but the rewards are nothing short of delicious!

If the first cocktail shows Skrewball's refreshing side and The King takes it into dessert territory, the Strawberry Cold Foam PB&J Espresso Shooters take the concept somewhere entirely different.

We're talking Skrewball, Kahlúa, espresso and strawberry cold foam. In other words: peanut butter and jelly meets coffee. And as huge coffee buffs, this one (admittedly after about 3 tries) was the perfect late afternoon treat.

Ingredients

Cocktail

3 oz. Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey
3 oz. Kahlúa
3 oz. espresso

Strawberry Cold Foam

4 tbsp. heavy cream
½ tbsp. strawberry purée

Directions

Add Skrewball, Kahlúa and espresso to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously until chilled and well combined.

Strain evenly into shooter glasses.

In a separate bowl or frother, whisk together the heavy cream and strawberry purée until light and frothy. Top each shooter with the strawberry cold foam and serve immediately.

Our Take

This is probably the most playful of the three.

The coffee and peanut butter combination makes immediate sense, but the strawberry cold foam is what makes the drink really interesting. It brings the "jelly" component of the PB&J idea into the cocktail while adding a creamy, colorful finish.

And yes, these are "technically" shooters. But they're a far cry from simply throwing an ounce and a half of Skrewball into a shot glass and calling it a night. So we're going to call them classy shooters!

Three Cocktails. Three Very Different Sides of Skrewball.

That's what we found most interesting about these recipes. The Peanut Butter Transfusion demonstrates that Skrewball can be bright, fruity and refreshing. The King leans into the natural relationship between peanut butter, banana and cream. And the Strawberry Cold Foam PB&J Espresso Shooter takes the whiskey into coffee and dessert territory while having a little fun with the PB&J concept.

Three cocktails with three completely different personalities. And that's the point.

Skrewball Has Already Broken the Rules

There's something appropriate about the fact that Skrewball was created by people who weren't afraid to challenge conventional thinking about whiskey. Traditional whiskey has a fairly defined vocabulary: oak, caramel, vanilla, spice, fruit, smoke, grain.

Skrewball essentially looked at that vocabulary and said:

What if we added peanut butter?

It sounds ridiculous until you taste it. Then it starts to make sense.

The brand's rapid growth suggests consumers were more than ready for that kind of experimentation. Skrewball didn't simply create another flavored whiskey. It helped make peanut butter whiskey something consumers recognize as its own category.

And now the question isn't whether people will take a shot of it. We already know they will. The more interesting question is: What else can you do with it?

Final Pour

We're not here to tell you to abandon the shot glass. We love a shot of chilled Skrewball on card night! But we'd argue that stopping there sells the bottle short.

The whiskey's combination of sweetness, peanut butter, caramel and vanilla gives bartenders and home cocktail enthusiasts plenty to work with. And if these three cocktails demonstrate anything, it's that Skrewball can move comfortably from refreshing highballs to dessert-inspired drinks and coffee cocktails.

So the next time someone pulls a bottle of Skrewball out at a party, don't automatically reach for the shot glasses. Maybe mix something. Shake something. Pour it over ice. Experiment! Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey may have earned its reputation one shot at a time—but we think it's ready for something more.

Please enjoy responsibly.

Silverthorn Reserve 10 Year Bourbon Blend

2026-07-28T11:49:28.761-04:00

When the Blend Becomes Greater Than the Barrels

In today's bourbon landscape, it seems like every new brand is chasing the next limited release. Silverthorn Reserve has taken a different approach. Rather than focusing on volume or flashy marketing, the company has built its identity around something that often gets overlooked—the art of blending.

Founded by Drew Thorn after helping build Sagamore Spirit into a nationally recognized whiskey brand, Silverthorn Reserve is intentionally small. Every release is produced from just a handful of carefully selected barrels, allowing the team to prioritize flavor over scale. Transparency is equally important. Each bottle details exactly what went into the blend, from the originating states to the mash bills and blending percentages, giving whiskey enthusiasts a rare level of insight into what they're drinking.

The Silverthorn Reserve 10-Year Blender's Art Bourbon is an excellent example of that philosophy in action. Rather than relying on a single distillery or mash bill, this release combines eight barrels from three different whiskey-producing states into a remarkably cohesive pour.

While this isn't marketed as a "small batch" product, this releases is comprised of eight barrels sourced as below:

68%: Kentucky 10 year. Mashbill of corn (74%), rye (18%), malted barley (8%)
22%: Indiana 10 year. Mashbill of corn (51%), rye (15%), malted barley (34%)
10%: Georgia 14 year. Mashbill of corn (80%), rye (10%), wheat (5%), malted barley (5%)

Bottled at a very pleasant 115 proof and non-chill filtered, the whiskey delivers plenty of character while allowing each component to contribute something unique. (Side note: This proof point is right in our wheelhouse, so it is checking off a lot of boxes!)

The aroma immediately opens with rich, cooked caramel and vanilla layered over maple syrup, warm flapjacks and seasoned oak. Given the proof, we expected an aggressive nose, but it remains welcomely refined. As the whiskey sits in the glass, subtle baking spices begin to emerge, adding complexity without overpowering the sweeter notes. The aromas then carry us back to a sun-drenched, dusty window sill in the middle of a rickhouse. The transition is almost magical.

The first sip is rich and mouth-coating. Caramel and light brown sugar lead the charge before giving way to cinnamon, baking spices, toasted oak, antique barn wood and hints of roasted malt. The higher proof provides plenty of intensity, but the blend remains remarkably balanced. Instead of any one component dominating the experience, each whiskey seems to take its turn across the palate. The finish is long, warming, and satisfying, leaving just enough sweetness to encourage another sip.

Creating an exceptional bourbon isn't always about finding the perfect barrel. Sometimes it's about understanding how great barrels can complement one another. That's where Silverthorn Reserve shines.

The 10-Year Blender's Art Bourbon isn't simply a collection of mature whiskey. It's a carefully orchestrated blend where each component contributes something meaningful to the finished product. The result is a bourbon that offers depth, complexity, and excellent balance and it is extremely approachable

For whiskey enthusiasts who appreciate transparency, thoughtful blending, and mature age statements, this bottle deserves serious attention. It demonstrates that blending, when done with intention and restraint, can produce a whiskey that's every bit as compelling as a prized single barrel.

ABV: 57.5% (115 proof)

Distillery: Silverthorn Reserve

Suggested retail price: $100.00

Drink The Bottles score: 97/100

Nori's Story Umami Sauce

2026-07-27T10:50:04.994-04:00

Nori's Story Umami Sauce: The Condiment We Didn't Know We Needed

Every now and then we come across a product that completely changes the way we think about an everyday meal. Nori's Story Umami Sauce did exactly that.

If you've spent any time in the kitchen, you've probably heard the word umami tossed around. Often referred to as the "fifth taste," umami delivers that rich, savory flavor that makes foods more satisfying and memorable. While many ingredients naturally contain umami, finding a sauce that brings those flavors together in a balanced, versatile way isn't always easy.

That's where Nori's Story comes in.

A Sauce With a Story

Before we even opened the bottle, one detail immediately caught our attention.

Printed right on the label is a message from the company's founder:

"If you don't love this sauce, I'll send you a personal apology video."

That's not the kind of promise you see every day. It's bold, a little humorous, and it tells you something important before you ever take your first bite—the people behind this product genuinely believe in what they've created.

Naturally, we had to find out if it lived up to that confidence.

Keeping It Simple

Rather than creating an elaborate recipe, we decided to test the sauce on something we already love: a homemade breakfast quesadilla.

Flour tortilla. Scrambled eggs. Crumbled Bacon. Shredded cheese. A hot skillet. Nothing complicated.

Sometimes the simplest meals are the best way to judge whether a sauce truly enhances the food or simply overpowers it. As the quesadilla finished cooking, the anticipation grew. One healthy drizzle of Nori's Story Umami Sauce was all it took to realize this wasn't going to be an ordinary breakfast.

The Taste

The first thing we noticed was balance. The sauce brings a deep savory richness without becoming salty or overwhelming. It complements the eggs and cheese instead of masking them, adding layers of flavor that make every bite a little more interesting.

It's the kind of condiment that quietly elevates whatever you're eating. After a few bites, we found ourselves reaching for just a little more. And then a little more after that. And there's just the perfect amount of spicy on the finish. That's usually a pretty good sign.

More Than Breakfast

While our breakfast quesadilla was the perfect introduction, it's easy to imagine using this sauce in countless other ways. Think burgers, grilled chicken, steak, roasted vegetables, rice bowls, fried rice, ramen, stir fry, sandwiches, fries, or even as a dipping sauce for appetizers.

Once you start thinking about where a rich umami flavor belongs, the possibilities seem endless.

A Bonus We Appreciate

Another pleasant surprise is that Nori's Story Umami Sauce is both Gluten Free and Vegan, making it an easy addition to a wide variety of kitchens and dietary preferences without sacrificing flavor.

Final Thoughts

At Drink The Bottles, we're always looking for products that genuinely earn a place in our pantry rather than simply generating hype.

Nori's Story Umami Sauce impressed us because it did exactly what a great condiment should do—it made a familiar meal even better without demanding the spotlight. And after seeing the founder's confidence printed on the bottle, we have to admit...

We don't think he'll be recording many apology videos.

Watch It in Action

Want to see exactly how we used Nori's Story Umami Sauce on our breakfast quesadilla?

🎥 Check out our Instagram Reel below to watch the entire recipe come together, from the first tortilla to the final bite.

Bells Up Winery: A Conversation with Dave Specter

2026-07-27T09:00:00.000-04:00

An Evening with Dave Specter and the Story Behind One of Oregon's Most Personal Winery Experiences

One of the best parts of what we do at Drink The Bottles is connecting with the people behind the wines. While nothing quite replaces standing in a vineyard with a glass in hand, virtual tastings have become one of our favorite ways to discover exceptional wineries from across the country.

What began as a necessity during the COVID-19 pandemic has evolved into something much more. Today, virtual tastings allow wine lovers to connect directly with winery owners and winemakers from the comfort of their own homes, often creating conversations that are every bit as personal as an in-person visit. There is something special about gathering friends around the table, opening the same bottles, and sharing an evening with the person who crafted them.

That was exactly our experience during a recent one-hour virtual tasting with Bells Up Winery co-owner and winemaker Dave Specter.

By the time we poured our final glass, we had discovered far more than six outstanding wines. We had the opportunity to hear the remarkable story of how Dave and his wife, Sara, walked away from successful careers to build one of Oregon's most intimate and respected boutique wineries.

When Success Isn't Enough

Listening to Dave share his story, one thing became immediately clear: Bells Up Winery wasn't created because he wanted a career change. It was created because he wanted a different life.

For years, Dave enjoyed a successful career as a corporate tax attorney. From the outside, it looked like everything was going according to plan. Yet the demanding pace of the profession left little room for the creative outlet he had discovered through home winemaking. The hobby that began in the basement of their Cincinnati home slowly became something much bigger than either Dave or Sara ever imagined.

Around the same time, Sara experienced the heartbreaking loss of a close mentor to pancreatic cancer. Moments like that have a way of changing your perspective. Together, they began asking themselves a question that many people quietly wonder but few are willing to answer with action: What if we spent the rest of our lives doing something we truly love?

That question eventually led them nearly 2,500 miles west to Oregon's Willamette Valley.

The move wasn't based on blind optimism. Dave immersed himself in every aspect of winemaking, studying enology, working harvests, learning from experienced vintners, and refining his craft long before Bells Up Winery officially opened its doors. Their dream was built on years of preparation, countless hours of hard work, and a willingness to leave behind comfortable careers in pursuit of something more meaningful.

Today, it's hard to imagine Dave and Sara doing anything else.

The Meaning Behind Bells Up

One of our favorite moments of the evening came when Dave explained the story behind the winery's unique name. Long before wine became his profession, music was one of his passions. As an accomplished French horn player, Dave was familiar with the musical instruction "bells up," a cue directing horn players to lift the bell of their instrument upward during especially powerful passages to project their sound with greater intensity.

When Dave and Sara eventually purchased property on Bell Road, the phrase suddenly carried two meanings. It honored Dave's musical background while perfectly representing the bold leap they were taking into an entirely new chapter of their lives. The French horn has since become the centerpiece of the winery's logo, serving as a constant reminder that sometimes life's greatest moments begin by having the courage to raise your sights and take a chance.

Dave and Sara Are Bells Up Winery

Many wineries proudly describe themselves as family-owned. Bells Up Winery takes that concept to another level. Dave and Sara aren't simply the owners. They are the vineyard managers, winemakers, hosts, marketers, shipping department, and just about everything in between. That's an impressive feat in its own right. Then consider that they produce approximately 700 cases of wine each year. For a two-person operation, that's nothing short of remarkable.

They manage the vineyard, produce the wines, host tastings, bottle the finished product, package shipments, handle marketing, answer emails, and greet guests who visit the winery. Every bottle reflects their hands-on approach and personal commitment to quality.

Producing only a small number of cases each year allows them to focus on craftsmanship rather than volume. Instead of trying to become the biggest winery in Oregon, they've concentrated on becoming one of its most personal.

After spending an hour with Dave, it's easy to understand why so many visitors become loyal supporters.

Virtual Tastings - We love them!

A Winery Experience That's Becoming Increasingly Rare

As Oregon's wine industry has grown over the past several decades, many wineries have expanded into large hospitality operations with tasting rooms staffed by knowledgeable employees. There's absolutely nothing wrong with that.

But it also means opportunities to sit down with the actual owner, winemaker, and vintner have become increasingly uncommon. That's one of the things that makes Bells Up Winery so special.

Every tasting is private and by appointment, allowing guests to spend time with the very person who planted the vineyard, crafted the wines, and built the winery from the ground up. Questions become conversations. Stories replace rehearsed presentations. Instead of simply tasting wine, visitors gain an appreciation for the people and passion behind every bottle.

Our virtual tasting captured that same feeling. Even through a computer screen, Dave made everyone feel like they were sitting around the same table, sharing great wine with an old friend.

Every wine tasting deserves great food!

Wine Is More Than What's in the Glass

One of the things that stood out most during our conversation with Dave was his philosophy on wine. He isn't interested in impressing people with technical tasting terminology or rattling off a checklist of aromas, flavors, or tasting notes. He readily admits he'll leave that to the critics. Instead, Dave believes wine is about the experience it creates.

Throughout the evening, he spoke about wine as something that brings people together, sparks meaningful conversation, and creates lasting memories. Rather than telling us exactly what we should be smelling or tasting, he encouraged us to simply enjoy the journey each wine takes you on and pay attention to how it makes you feel.

That perspective was incredibly refreshing.

At Drink The Bottles, we certainly appreciate the craftsmanship behind every bottle and enjoy discussing tasting profiles. But Dave reminded us that the greatest wines aren't always remembered because someone identified notes of cherry, baking spice, or forest floor. They're remembered because they became part of a celebration, a conversation, or an unforgettable evening shared with family and friends.

After hearing Dave describe his philosophy, we found ourselves approaching each pour a little differently—not searching for the "right" tasting note, but simply enjoying where each wine took us.

The Official Unofficial Bells Up Winery Tasting Panel of Indiana

The Wines

Photo courtesy of Bells Up Winery

2024 Joy Estate Seyval Blanc Brut

There wasn't much debate among our panel after tasting Joy. Within moments, several people around the table made nearly the same comment:

"This may be one of the best sparkling wines I've ever had."

That's not something our group says very often. In fact, you don't hear that from most wine reviewers.

Sparkling wine can sometimes lean too heavily toward crisp acidity or become overly rich with extended aging. Joy managed to strike a beautiful balance between elegance, freshness, creaminess, and pure drinkability. Every sip invited another, making it incredibly easy to understand how this wine earned its name. This is 100% Seyval Blanc constructed from 9-year-old vines.

What made Joy especially memorable wasn't simply its quality—it was the way it changed the mood of the evening. We think that's exactly what Dave hopes people remember and what he intended. Conversations became a little more animated. Glasses emptied surprisingly quickly. Everyone smiled.

It's not whether the wine showed a particular citrus note or delicate brioche character, but how it brought everyone together around the table. Long after we finished the tasting, Joy remained one of the most talked-about wines of the night, and for several members of our panel, it now ranks among the finest sparkling wines they've ever experienced. You read that right - one of the best ever tasted!

ABV: 13.5%

Winery: Bells Up Winery

Chehalem Mountains AVA

37 cases produced

Suggested retail price: $48.00

Drink The Bottles score: 97/100

Photo courtesy of Bells Up Winery

2024 Rhapsody Estate Pinot Blanc

Fresh and expressive, Rhapsody showcased beautiful purity of fruit with lively acidity and wonderful balance. It demonstrated Dave's philosophy of allowing the vineyard to shine while maintaining elegance throughout the palate. Made from 4-year-old vines of Pinot Blanc. This wine proves there is more than Pinot Noir in Oregon!

ABV: 12.4%

Winery: Bells Up Winery

Chehalem Mountains AVA

87 cases produced

Suggested retail price: $38.00

Drink The Bottles score: 91/100

Photo courtesy of Bells Up Winery

2022 Titan Estate Pinot Noir

Titan offered excellent depth and concentration while remaining refined and approachable. Rich layers of savory red fruit, subtle earthiness, and polished tannins made this one of the evening's standout Pinot Noirs.

ABV: 12.9%

Winery: Bells Up Winery

Chehalem Mountains AVA

88 cases produced

Suggested retail price: $52.00

Drink The Bottles score: 93/100

Photo courtesy of Bells Up Winery

2022 Jupiter Estate Pinot Noir

Dave affectionately refers to Jupiter as a "chameleon," and after spending time with the wine, we couldn't agree more. It's adaptable and it changes greatly throughout the tasting experience.

With each swirl and every passing minute, new aromas and flavors continued to emerge. The wine seemed to evolve throughout the tasting, rewarding patience with additional complexity and making every return to the glass a new experience. Baking spices showed their hand against a lingering and slightly pepeery finish. Lovely!

ABV: 13.7%

Winery: Bells Up Winery

Chehalem Mountains AVA

158 cases produced

Suggested retail price: $52.00

Drink The Bottles score: 94/100

Photo courtesy of Bells Up Winery

2022 Candide Estate Reserve Pinot Noir

Candide combined finesse with remarkable balance. Elegant fruit, thoughtful structure, and a lingering finish made this another memorable wine from an already impressive lineup. Sweet spices, lightly tanned leather, ripe red raspberry and just a hint of floral bouquet on the palate. We mentioned to Dave that we noticed (and appreciated) his Pinot Noir expressions were not overly floral like so many tend to be. It was quite refreshing!

This bottle is available exclusively to Fanfare Club members.

ABV: 13.3%

Winery: Bells Up Winery

Chehalem Mountains AVA

72 cases produced

Suggested retail price: $58.00

Drink The Bottles score: 93/100

2022 Maestro Estate Reserve Pinot Noir

Maestro served as a fitting conclusion to the evening. Richly layered yet graceful, it reflected the precision, patience, and attention to detail that define every aspect of Bells Up Winery. It starts off very light on the palate like many Pinot Noir. Layers of flavors - blueberry, red raspberry, baking spices, hints of citrus and cedar slowly evolve like a John Williams masterpiece, resulting in a journey that truly moves you throughout the tasting experience. The finish lingers long and puts a satisfying smile on your face. Bravo!

ABV: 13.7%

Winery: Bells Up Winery

Chehalem Mountains AVA

97 cases produced

Suggested retail price: $58.00

Drink The Bottles score: 95/100

Final Thoughts

Some wineries impress you with beautiful facilities while others impress you with exceptional wines. Bells Up Winery manages to do both while offering something that has become increasingly difficult to find: authenticity.

Our evening with Dave Specter never felt like a sales presentation. It felt like sitting down with someone who genuinely loves sharing his craft, his story, and the wines that he and Sara have devoted their lives to creating. Perhaps that's the greatest takeaway from our virtual tasting.

The bottles were outstanding and the conversation was unforgettable.

If you ever find yourself planning a trip through Oregon's Willamette Valley, Bells Up Winery deserves a place on your itinerary. And if making the trip isn't possible, don't overlook one of their virtual tastings. As we were reminded during our hour with Dave, great wine has always brought people together—and thanks to technology, sometimes all it takes is opening a bottle and logging in from home.

The worst part of wine tasting? Cleaning the glasses!

Bottle information: Bottles were provided to Drink The Bottles for editorial review purposes. No compensation was received for this article, and all opinions, tasting notes, and recommendations are our own.

National Tequila Day 2026: The Ultimate Guide to Tequila, Mezcal & Bottles Worth Discovering

2026-07-24T06:00:00.000-04:00

From centuries-old traditions and handcrafted production methods to premium sipping tequilas and smoky mezcals, here's everything you need to know before raising a glass this National Tequila Day.

National Tequila Day: More Than Just Another Drink Holiday

Every year on July 24, tequila lovers across the United States celebrate National Tequila Day, an unofficial holiday dedicated to one of the world's most iconic spirits. Restaurants feature handcrafted margaritas, bars create tequila flights, and home enthusiasts finally have an excuse to uncork that special bottle they've been saving for the right occasion.

But National Tequila Day deserves to be more than discounted shots and frozen cocktails.

Over the past two decades, tequila has undergone a remarkable transformation. Once viewed primarily as the spirit behind late-night celebrations, it has evolved into one of the most respected categories in the premium spirits world. Distillers are emphasizing traditional production methods, consumers are exploring additive-free expressions, and collectors are seeking out exceptional bottles with the same enthusiasm once reserved for bourbon and single malt Scotch.

Today, tequila is appreciated for its craftsmanship, regional character, and extraordinary complexity. Like fine wine, its flavors are influenced by geography, climate, soil composition, and generations of family tradition. Like whiskey, careful barrel aging can create rich layers of vanilla, caramel, baking spice, and oak while still preserving the unmistakable character of the agave from which it was born.

Whether you're discovering tequila for the first time or have a growing collection on your home bar, National Tequila Day is the perfect opportunity to slow down, pour a proper tasting glass, and appreciate everything that goes into producing this remarkable spirit.

In this guide, we'll explore tequila's fascinating history, learn how it's made, explain what makes it different from mezcal, teach you how to read a tequila label like a seasoned enthusiast, and share our tasting notes on several outstanding bottles that deserve your attention.

Let's start where every great tequila begins—with the agave plant and a story that stretches back centuries.

A Spirit Rooted in History

Long before tequila became synonymous with celebrations around the world, agave played an essential role in the lives of the Indigenous peoples of central Mexico.

For thousands of years, agave was far more than a source of alcohol. Its strong fibers became rope, baskets, clothing, sandals, roofing materials, sewing thread, and even paper. The plant's leaves were used as tools, while its sweet sap provided nourishment in regions where food and water could be scarce.

One fermented beverage, known as pulque, became especially important. Produced from the sap of mature agave plants, pulque held ceremonial and religious significance among several Indigenous civilizations, including the Aztecs. Thick, slightly sour, and naturally fermented, it bears little resemblance to modern tequila, but it represents one of the earliest chapters in Mexico's long relationship with agave.

Everything changed during the early 1500s. When Spanish explorers arrived in Mexico, they introduced copper stills and European distillation techniques. As imported brandy supplies dwindled, settlers began experimenting with fermented agave, discovering that distillation created a far more refined spirit than pulque.

What emerged over the following centuries would eventually become tequila.

The Birthplace of Tequila

The town of Tequila, nestled within the state of Jalisco, became the heart of this growing industry. The region proved uniquely suited for cultivating Blue Weber Agave, thanks to its rich volcanic soil, warm days, cool evenings, and distinct rainy and dry seasons. These growing conditions allowed agave plants to develop concentrated natural sugars while maturing over many years.

As production expanded throughout the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, family-owned distilleries refined their techniques and established traditions that continue today. Many of the names now recognized around the world trace their roots back generations.

By the twentieth century, tequila had become one of Mexico's defining exports and a symbol of national pride.

Protected by Law

Not every agave spirit can be called tequila. Just as Champagne must come from France and Parmigiano Reggiano must come from specific regions of Italy, tequila is protected through a Denomination of Origin. To legally carry the name "Tequila," the spirit must satisfy strict production requirements established by the Mexican government.

Among them:

It must be produced primarily from Blue Weber Agave (Agave tequilana Weber var. azul).
It must be distilled in approved regions of Mexico.
Production must follow regulations monitored by the Consejo Regulador del Tequila (CRT), the organization responsible for protecting tequila's authenticity and quality.

Today, tequila may legally be produced in the entire state of Jalisco and designated municipalities within Guanajuato, Michoacán, Nayarit, and Tamaulipas. This protected designation helps preserve the identity of tequila while ensuring consumers know they're purchasing an authentic product.

The Remarkable Blue Weber Agave

One of the biggest misconceptions about tequila is that it's made from a cactus. It isn't. Blue Weber agave is actually a member of the Asparagaceae family, making it more closely related to asparagus than any cactus. Its dramatic, sword-shaped leaves can stretch more than six feet long, radiating from the massive heart of the plant known as the piña, named because it resembles an oversized pineapple once harvested.

Growing Blue Weber agave requires tremendous patience. Unlike grains used in whiskey or grapes harvested annually for wine, agave generally needs six to ten years before reaching maturity. During that time, each plant slowly converts sunlight into complex carbohydrates that eventually become the fermentable sugars responsible for tequila.

Harvesting is still performed almost entirely by hand. Expert farmers known as jimadores use a razor-sharp tool called a coa de jima to remove the towering leaves before carefully extracting the enormous piña, which can weigh anywhere from 50 to more than 150 pounds.

Watching an experienced jimador work is nothing short of remarkable. Their precision comes from years of practice, allowing them to remove the bitter leaves while preserving the sweet heart that will eventually become tequila.

It's physically demanding work that remains one of the most important traditions in tequila production.

From Field to Bottle: How Tequila Is Made

Every bottle of tequila follows the same basic journey, but small decisions at each stage dramatically influence the final flavor. Understanding that process not only deepens your appreciation for tequila—it also helps explain why one bottle tastes entirely different from another.

Step 1: Harvesting the Agave

Everything begins in the agave fields. Once the Blue Weber agave reaches maturity, skilled jimadores harvest the piñas by hand. Timing is critical. Harvest too early, and the plant hasn't developed enough sugar. Wait too long, and valuable sugars begin to decline.

Each harvest represents nearly a decade of careful cultivation. Again, patience is key!

Step 2: Cooking the Piñas

Fresh agave is extremely fibrous and naturally bitter. Cooking transforms those complex carbohydrates into fermentable sugars while softening the dense fibers.

Some producers use traditional brick ovens that slowly roast the agave over many hours, while others rely on large stainless-steel autoclaves to accelerate the process.

Many tequila enthusiasts believe slower cooking methods often preserve more natural agave character, although exceptional tequila can be produced using either approach when done carefully.

Step 3: Crushing the Agave

After cooking, the softened piñas are crushed to extract their sweet juice.

Historically, this was accomplished using a massive volcanic stone wheel called a tahona, often pulled by mules or oxen.

Today, many distilleries use modern roller mills for greater efficiency, while some premium producers continue incorporating tahona methods because they believe it creates additional texture and complexity. You'll occasionally see "Tahona Made" highlighted on premium bottle labels, reflecting this traditional production technique.

Step 4: Fermentation

The extracted agave juice is transferred into fermentation tanks where yeast begins converting sugars into alcohol. Depending on the producer, fermentation may rely on cultivated commercial yeast or naturally occurring wild yeast found in the surrounding environment.

This stage can last several days and contributes significantly to the finished spirit's aroma and flavor profile. Just as yeast selection influences beer and wine, it also shapes tequila and it's an integral part of the overall process.

Step 5: Distillation

The fermented liquid undergoes distillation—typically twice—in either copper pot stills or stainless-steel stills with copper components. The first distillation produces a rough spirit. The second refines it into tequila.

Some distilleries perform additional distillations to create an exceptionally clean profile, while others intentionally preserve more character by limiting the process. Every producer seeks a different balance, restulting in noticeable differences in the five main tequila categories.

Step 6: Aging

At this point, the tequila may be bottled immediately or aged in oak barrels. The choice of barrel, previous barrel contents, warehouse conditions, and aging time all influence the finished product.

Fresh tequila showcases bright agave, citrus, herbs, and pepper. Extended aging introduces notes of vanilla, caramel, baking spices, toasted oak, dried fruit, chocolate, and honey. Neither approach is inherently better. They're simply different expressions of the same remarkable spirit.

Step 7: Bottling

Before bottling, many producers reduce the tequila to its desired proof using purified water. This is commonly referred to as "proofing down" a spirit. The spirit is then filtered, bottled, labeled, and prepared for distribution around the world.

Although the journey from harvested agave to finished bottle may take only weeks for a blanco or several years for an añejo, every bottle represents nearly a decade of work that began long before the distillery ever started production. That perspective alone makes it difficult not to appreciate what's in your glass.

Now that we've explored tequila's origins and production, it's time to become a smarter buyer.

In this next section, we'll break down how to read a tequila label, explain what terms like NOM, CRT, 100% Blue Weber Agave, and Reposado actually mean, compare tequila and mezcal side by side, and share a few simple techniques that can completely change the way you taste tequila.

Becoming a Smarter Tequila Drinker

Now that we've explored tequila's remarkable history and how it's made, let's focus on something you'll encounter every time you pick up a bottle—the label.

At first glance, tequila labels can seem overwhelming. Terms like Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, NOM, and CRT often appear alongside Spanish phrases and production details that leave many consumers guessing.

The good news is that once you understand what you're looking at, a tequila label becomes much more than marketing. It becomes a roadmap that tells you where the tequila was made, how it was aged, and often provides clues about the style waiting inside the bottle.

Let's break it down.

How to Read a Tequila Label

"100% Blue Weber Agave"

This is arguably the most important phrase you'll find on any premium tequila. When a bottle says "100% Blue Weber Agave" (or 100% Agave), it means every drop of fermentable sugar used to produce the spirit came from Blue Weber agave. This distinction matters because not every tequila is made this way.

Some bottles are classified as Mixto Tequila, meaning only 51% of the fermentable sugars must come from agave. The remaining sugars may come from cane sugar or other approved sources before fermentation. While there are certainly drinkable mixtos on the market, most enthusiasts agree that 100% agave tequila delivers greater purity, more authentic agave character, and a smoother overall experience.

Our advice? Whenever possible, look for 100% Blue Weber Agave on the label. It's the easiest way to improve what's in your glass.

The NOM Number

Here's one of tequila's best-kept secrets.

Every legitimate tequila bottle includes a four-digit NOM number. NOM stands for Norma Oficial Mexicana, the regulatory system that certifies where a tequila was produced. Think of it as the distillery's fingerprint.

For example: NOM 1579 doesn't identify the brand. It identifies the distillery that produced it. This becomes fascinating because many different tequila brands may come from the exact same distillery while using different recipes, aging programs, or production techniques.

Some distilleries produce only their own brands. Others produce dozens. If you discover a tequila you absolutely love, checking its NOM number can lead you to other bottles produced by the same distillery. It's a fun rabbit hole—and one that many tequila enthusiasts enjoy exploring.

The CRT Seal

Another symbol worth noticing is certification from the Consejo Regulador del Tequila (CRT). The CRT oversees tequila production to ensure bottles meet Mexico's strict legal requirements. Their oversight helps protect authenticity, quality standards, geographic origin, and production practices. In short, it helps guarantee you're purchasing genuine tequila—not simply an agave spirit using the name.

The Aging Classification

One word on the front label often tells you almost everything you need to know about a tequila's personality.

Blanco

Usually bottled shortly after distillation.

Expect:

Bright agave
Citrus
Black pepper
Fresh herbs
Mineral notes

Perfect for cocktails—but don't overlook premium blancos as outstanding sipping spirits.

Reposado

Reposado means "rested." These tequilas spend two months to one year aging in oak barrels. The result is a wonderful balance between fresh agave and gentle barrel influence.

You'll often discover flavors like:

Vanilla
Honey
Cinnamon
Baking spices
Toasted oak

Reposados are among the most versatile tequilas available.

Añejo

Añejo translates to "aged." These expressions mature for one to three years in oak. Expect greater richness with notes of:

Caramel
Chocolate
Dried fruit
Tobacco
Baking spices
Oak

Many bourbon lovers naturally gravitate toward añejo because of its familiar barrel-driven character.

Extra Añejo

The luxury category. Aged for more than three years, these tequilas become exceptionally smooth while developing remarkable complexity. They're often enjoyed neat after dinner and compete with premium whiskey, Cognac, and aged rum for special occasions.

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

Most tequila is bottled at 40% ABV (80 Proof). However, you'll occasionally encounter higher-proof expressions bottled at their natural strength. These can showcase greater aroma intensity and concentrated flavor, though they may also deliver more noticeable alcohol warmth. Higher proof doesn't automatically mean better. It simply offers another style for enthusiasts to explore.

Additive-Free Tequila

One phrase you'll hear more frequently today is "additive-free." Some tequila producers use approved additives in very small amounts to adjust sweetness, mouthfeel, color, or aroma. Others choose to rely exclusively on traditional production methods without using those additions.

Many enthusiasts seek out additive-free expressions because they feel the tequila better reflects the natural flavors of agave and barrel aging. While both approaches are legal, understanding the distinction helps consumers make informed purchasing decisions.

Tequila vs. Mezcal

Perhaps no comparison creates more confusion than tequila versus mezcal. The easiest way to understand the relationship is this:

All tequila is an agave spirit, but not all agave spirits are tequila. It's kind of like all bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon. Hear us out...

Although they share common ancestry, their production methods and flavor profiles often differ dramatically.

Tequila	Mezcal
Made primarily from Blue Weber agave	Can be produced from dozens of agave varieties
Primarily produced in Jalisco and designated regions	Produced across several Mexican states, especially Oaxaca
Agave typically steamed or baked	Agave traditionally roasted underground
Bright, fresh agave character	Often smoky, earthy, and rustic
Citrus, herbs, pepper, vanilla	Smoke, herbs, minerals, tropical fruit, citrus

One important misconception deserves attention. Not all mezcal is intensely smoky. Smoke may be the first characteristic people notice, but quality mezcal often reveals incredible complexity beneath the surface. Depending on the agave species and production methods, you'll discover floral aromas, tropical fruit, citrus, herbs, minerality, pepper, chocolate, and earthy spice.

Our featured Gracias A Dios Espadín is a wonderful example. While it opens with inviting campfire smoke, bright citrus, lemon zest, and sweet melon quickly emerge, creating a beautifully balanced experience.

Rather than asking which spirit is better, we encourage exploring both. Each offers its own unique interpretation of Mexico's extraordinary agave heritage.

Understanding the Different Styles of Tequila

Choosing the right tequila often depends less on quality and more on what kind of experience you're looking for.

Blanco: Pure Agave Expression

If you want to taste the agave itself, begin here. Blancos showcase vibrant citrus, herbs, pepper, fresh vegetation, and mineral qualities without significant influence from oak barrels.

Ideal for:

Margaritas
Ranch Water
Palomas
Sipping well-chilled

Reposado: The Perfect Middle Ground

Reposados introduce subtle barrel influence while preserving the spirit's natural freshness. They're wonderfully versatile.

Excellent for:

Neat pours
Old Fashioned variations
Elevated margaritas
Food pairings

For many tequila enthusiasts, reposado becomes the everyday favorite.

Añejo: Slow Down and Sip

Añejo is made for quiet evenings. Longer aging develops flavors reminiscent of bourbon, Cognac, and aged rum while still allowing agave to remain part of the conversation. Our personal recommendation is to never create a margarita with Añejo tequila. That's more of a personal opinion than a steadfast rule.

Best enjoyed:

Neat
In a tasting glass
After dinner
Alongside a fine meal

Extra Añejo: A Special Occasion Spirit

Extra añejo isn't necessarily an everyday tequila. It's the bottle you open to celebrate a milestone, share with close friends, or enjoy during an unforgettable evening.

Treat it with the same respect you would a rare whiskey. Opening this bottle can actually become the special occasion!

How to Taste Tequila Like a Professional

You don't need years of experience to taste tequila thoughtfully. A few simple techniques can completely transform your appreciation.

Start with the Right Glass

While a rocks glass works perfectly well, a Glencairn, tequila flute, or small tulip-shaped tasting glass concentrates aromas and makes subtle flavors easier to identify.

Don't Serve It Ice Cold

Extremely cold temperatures mute aroma. We actually preach this with all spirits and wine, including white wines! Room temperature or slightly below allows tequila to express itself far more completely.

If you enjoy it chilled, avoid over-diluting it with excessive ice. Consider using whiskey stones as a great way to chill your tequila. You'll get the cooler temperature you're looking for without sacrificing any flavors.

Take Your Time

Resist the temptation to swirl aggressively.Instead, gently raise the glass and take several short, relaxed sniffs.

Your nose often detects dozens of aromas before your palate identifies them.

The First Sip Isn't the Whole Story

Your first sip introduces your palate to the alcohol.The second and third sips reveal far more flavor. Slow down. Let the tequila coat your tongue.

Notice how it changes from the front of your palate to the finish.

Pay Attention to the Finish

Great tequila doesn't disappear immediately after swallowing. Instead, it evolves. You may notice fresh pepper emerging after citrus fades. Vanilla may transition into cinnamon. Smoke may soften into herbs.

Often, the finish tells you more about a tequila than the first sip ever could.

Forget the Salt and Lime

There's certainly nothing wrong with enjoying tequila however you like. But premium tequila wasn't crafted to be hidden behind salt and lime. Try your first pour neat and try to experience the aromas.

Discover the agave and then decide how you'd like to enjoy the rest. You may find yourself reaching for the tasting glass more often than the shot glass.

A Final Thought Before We Taste

The best tequila isn't necessarily the oldest, the most expensive, or the hardest to find. It's the one that makes you slow down, appreciate the craftsmanship, and look forward to sharing another pour with good friends. With that in mind, let's move from the classroom to the tasting table as we explore seven bottles that impressed us for very different reasons.

Drink The Bottles Bottle Spotlight

Bribon Reposado

Style: Reposado Tequila
Best Enjoyed: Neat • On the Rocks • Premium Cocktails

First Impression

Bribon Reposado immediately creates a welcoming first impression. Its medium yellow color hints at the influence of time spent resting in oak barrels while still suggesting that the bright, vibrant character of agave remains at the forefront.

Before the first sip, the aromas invite you in with a combination that feels both familiar and unexpected—freshly caramelized sugar, tropical island fruits, and the crisp character of an apple orchard. It is the kind of tequila that feels approachable from the moment it enters the glass.

Drink The Bottles Tasting Notes

The beauty of Bribon Reposado is found in its balance.

Rather than allowing oak influence to dominate the experience, it creates a harmonious conversation between barrel aging and the natural sweetness of agave. The palate opens with a creamy texture that immediately gives the tequila a luxurious feel.

Rich flavors of homemade apple pie emerge, complete with the comforting reminder of a flaky, buttery crust. Tropical notes of passion fruit and pineapple brighten the experience, adding freshness and keeping the sweetness beautifully controlled.

The progression from the first sip to the finish is what makes this reposado memorable. It begins with warmth and sweetness, develops into layers of fruit and spice, and concludes with a satisfying finish that lingers just long enough to encourage another taste.

This is a tequila that doesn't demand attention—it earns it.

Perfect Pairings

Bribon Reposado would pair beautifully with:

Grilled pork tenderloin with fruit-based sauces
Smoked barbecue
Aged cheeses
Apple desserts
Cinnamon-forward desserts
Spiced nuts

The combination of fruit, caramel, and baking spice makes this an especially enjoyable companion for fall-inspired flavors.

Best For

Someone looking for a smooth, approachable reposado that bridges the gap between cocktail tequila and a true sipping experience.

Enjoy It

While Bribon Reposado would make an excellent premium cocktail ingredient, we believe it deserves to be enjoyed slowly. Pour it neat in a tasting glass or serve it over a large cube and allow the flavors to develop.

The Last Sip

Bribon Reposado captures what makes aged tequila so enjoyable. It delivers warmth without heaviness, sweetness without becoming overwhelming, and complexity without losing its inviting character.

It's a bottle that welcomes newcomers while still rewarding experienced tequila drinkers—and that's a difficult balance to achieve.

Suggested retail price: $26.99

Drink The Bottles score: 88/100

Drink The Bottles Bottle Spotlight

Tequila Partida Añejo

Style: Añejo Tequila
Best Enjoyed: Neat • After Dinner • Slow Sipping

First Impression

Tequila Partida Añejo announces itself as a more mature expression from the moment it is poured.

Its medium golden appearance reflects the time spent aging in oak, while the aromas immediately suggest richness and complexity. Seasonal fruit, cocoa, and freshly toasted bread create an inviting introduction that feels closer to a fine whiskey or aged spirit than the tequila many people remember from their first experiences.

Drink The Bottles Tasting Notes

Partida Añejo delivers a full-bodied experience with an impressive depth of flavor.

The first sip reveals a beautifully layered profile where ripe Anjou pear meets cocoa notes and the comforting warmth of baking spices. Cinnamon stick and seasonal fruit flavors create a balance between sweetness and spice, while the influence of oak adds richness without overpowering the character of the tequila.

The texture is one of the highlights. This is a mouth-coating tequila that stays with you, evolving as the flavors move across the palate.

As the finish develops, savory notes emerge alongside a gentle spice that arrives at exactly the right moment. It provides just enough warmth and complexity to remind you that this is a spirit meant for slow appreciation.

Partida Añejo is the kind of tequila that invites conversation.

Perfect Pairings

Consider enjoying Partida Añejo alongside:

Grilled steak
Dark chocolate
Roasted nuts
Rich desserts
Aged cheeses
Slow-braised meats

Its combination of fruit, spice, and oak makes it a natural companion for bold flavors.

Best For

Bourbon and whiskey drinkers looking to explore premium tequila.

Enjoy It

Neat.

This is a bottle that rewards patience. Allow the aromas to open in the glass before taking that first sip.

The Last Sip

Tequila Partida Añejo represents everything we love about aged tequila—the ability to preserve the soul of agave while adding layers of complexity through careful barrel aging.

With its combination of fruit, spice, cocoa, and a lingering savory finish, this is a tequila designed for memorable evenings.

Suggested retail price: $53.99

Drink The Bottles score: 91/100

Drink The Bottles Bottle Spotlight

Gracias A Dios Mezcal Espadín

Style: Espadín Mezcal
Best Enjoyed: Neat • Mezcal Cocktails • Slow Sipping

First Impression

Gracias A Dios Mezcal Espadín immediately reminds you that mezcal is a completely different experience from traditional tequila.

Visually, it appears crystal clear—almost like pure spring water. But the first aromas reveal an entirely different story.

Campfire smoke rises from the glass alongside dried herbs and grilling spices, creating an unmistakable introduction that transports you immediately to traditional mezcal production.

Drink The Bottles Tasting Notes

The beauty of Gracias A Dios Espadín is how quickly it evolves.

The initial impression is unmistakably smoky, but this mezcal refuses to be defined by smoke alone. As the flavors develop, bright citrus notes emerge, bringing balance and freshness to the experience. Lemon zest and sweet melon add unexpected brightness, creating a fascinating contrast between the earthy character of roasted agave and the vibrant flavors that follow.

The finish leans dry, but that only enhances the experience. Rather than feeling sharp or unfinished, the dryness creates a satisfying conclusion that encourages you to return for another sip.

This is a mezcal with personality.

Perfect Pairings

Gracias A Dios Espadín would pair wonderfully with:

Grilled seafood
Charred vegetables
Street tacos
Citrus-forward dishes
Dark chocolate
Smoky barbecue

Best For

Anyone curious about mezcal but hesitant because they associate it only with heavy smoke.

Enjoy It

Neat, at room temperature, in a proper tasting glass. It also provides an excellent foundation for elevated mezcal cocktails.

The Last Sip

Gracias A Dios Espadín proves that great mezcal is about much more than smoke.

Yes, the campfire character is present, but underneath is a beautifully layered spirit filled with citrus, herbs, sweetness, and earthiness.

For anyone looking to explore the world beyond tequila, this is an excellent place to begin.

Suggested retail price: $49.99

Drink The Bottles score: 90/100

Drink The Bottles Bottle Spotlight

Tequila Alderete Blanco

Style: Blanco Tequila
Best Enjoyed: Neat • Chilled • Premium Cocktails

First Impression

Tequila Alderete Blanco immediately stands apart with its crystal-clear appearance and refreshing aromatic profile.

Where some blancos lead with strong pepper or alcohol intensity, Alderete takes a more refined approach. Fresh floral notes, orange, lime, and herbs create an inviting introduction that feels bright, clean, and exceptionally fresh.

Drink The Bottles Tasting Notes

The best word to describe Tequila Alderete Blanco is simple: Clean.

Not simple in the sense of lacking complexity, but clean in the way a perfectly prepared dish allows quality ingredients to shine.

The palate reveals refreshing flavors of fresh ginger, cilantro, papaya, and subtle earthiness reminiscent of damp soil after a spring rain.

The combination is unexpected yet beautifully balanced. Bright citrus meets herbal freshness while the natural character of the agave remains clearly present. This is a tequila that rewards attention because every sip reveals another layer.

Perfect Pairings

Alderete Blanco would complement:

Fresh ceviche
Grilled seafood
Citrus salads
Spicy dishes
Fresh herbs
Light summer fare

Best For

The tequila drinker who appreciates freshness, purity, and vibrant agave character.

Enjoy It

Our recommendation? Chill it well and enjoy it neat. It also has the versatility needed for exceptional cocktails, especially those where the tequila itself remains the star.

The Last Sip

Tequila Alderete Blanco is proof that blanco tequila deserves a place in every serious spirits collection.

Refreshing, expressive, and remarkably clean, it captures the energy of fresh agave while delivering a drinking experience that feels effortless. It's a tequila that reminds us sometimes the most memorable flavors come from letting the ingredients speak for themselves.

Suggested retail price: $55.00

Drink The Bottles score: 91/100

Drink The Bottles Bottle Spotlight

Tequila Alderete Reposado

Style: Reposado Tequila
Best Enjoyed: Neat • On the Rocks • Relaxed Evening Sipping

First Impression

Tequila Alderete Reposado immediately presents itself as a welcoming, beautifully balanced spirit.

Its pale yellow appearance reflects the gentle influence of oak aging, while the first aromas suggest warmth and comfort. Brown sugar, vanilla bean, and subtle scorched earth create an inviting introduction that feels familiar while still showcasing the unique character of tequila.

This is a reposado that doesn't try to overpower the senses. Instead, it draws you closer.

Drink The Bottles Tasting Notes

The first sip reveals exactly why reposado tequila has become such a favorite among enthusiasts.

Tequila Alderete Reposado delivers a smooth and approachable experience where barrel influence enhances rather than masks the natural character of the agave. Warm baking spices immediately come forward, with nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger creating a beautifully layered palate.

What makes this expression especially enjoyable is the way sweetness develops throughout the tasting experience. Notes of fresh clover honey and warm toasted flatbread provide a comforting richness that balances the spice perfectly.

The finish is where this reposado truly shines. A delicious sweetness lingers on the palate, creating a satisfying conclusion that encourages you to return for another sip. It has enough complexity to keep experienced tequila drinkers interested while remaining approachable for those just beginning their journey into premium tequila.

Perfect Pairings

Tequila Alderete Reposado would pair beautifully with:

Grilled chicken with honey glaze
Pork tenderloin
Roasted vegetables
Soft cheeses
Cinnamon desserts
Toasted nuts

The combination of spice, sweetness, and subtle earthiness makes this an excellent companion for both savory and sweet dishes.

Best For

Anyone looking for a reposado that offers the perfect middle ground between bright blanco freshness and the richer character of an añejo.

Enjoy It

This is a tequila worth slowing down for. Enjoy it neat in a tasting glass or over a single large cube. Allow a few moments for the aromas to open before taking your first sip.

The Last Sip

Tequila Alderete Reposado is a reminder that great reposado tequila is about balance.

It doesn't rely solely on oak, sweetness, or spice. Instead, it combines all three into an experience that feels refined, comforting, and incredibly easy to enjoy.

This is the kind of bottle that quietly becomes a favorite—the one you reach for when you're relaxing at the end of a long day and want something that delivers every time.

Suggested retail price: $60.00

Drink The Bottles score: 92/100

Drink The Bottles Bottle Spotlight

Loca Loka Tequila Blanco

Style: Blanco Tequila
Best Enjoyed: Neat • Chilled • Summer Sipping

First Impression

Loca Loka Blanco takes a straightforward approach—and that's exactly what makes it enjoyable.

Rather than overwhelming the senses with unnecessary complexity, it immediately showcases the qualities tequila lovers appreciate most: cooked agave, fresh citrus, and unmistakable earthy character.

There is something refreshing about a tequila that understands what it wants to be.

Drink The Bottles Tasting Notes

The first impression is one of authenticity. Cooked agave leads the experience, followed by bright citrus notes and subtle earthy undertones. While the flavor profile may sound simple, the execution is what makes this blanco memorable.

Great spirits do not always need a long list of flavors to make an impression. Sometimes clarity is the greatest compliment.

Loca Loka Blanco delivers a clean, satisfying palate that allows the agave itself to remain the star. The finish introduces gentle pepper notes that provide just enough warmth and structure without overpowering the refreshing character of the tequila. The result is a spirit that feels natural, approachable, and versatile.

Perfect Pairings

Loca Loka Blanco would be a great match with:

Fresh ceviche
Guacamole and chips
Grilled shrimp
Fish tacos
Citrus salads
Spicy dishes

Its clean profile allows fresh ingredients to shine.

Best For

The tequila drinker who appreciates simplicity, freshness, and authentic agave character.

Enjoy It

While Loca Loka Blanco would make an excellent cocktail tequila, we believe it deserves to be experienced on its own. Serve it well chilled or pour it neat and appreciate the clean expression of the agave.

The Last Sip

Loca Loka Blanco proves that a tequila doesn't need to be complicated to be enjoyable. Its strength comes from restraint. It delivers cooked agave, citrus brightness, and a satisfying pepper finish in a package that feels honest and refreshing.

For warm evenings, relaxed gatherings, or anyone looking to rediscover the beauty of a well-made blanco, this bottle deserves attention.

Suggested retail price: $23.99

Drink The Bottles score: 91/100

Drink The Bottles Bottle Spotlight

Loca Loka Tequila Añejo

Style: Añejo Tequila
Best Enjoyed: Neat • Slow Sipping • After Dinner

First Impression

Loca Loka Añejo immediately challenges the idea that tequila and bourbon exist in separate worlds.

From the first aroma, the similarities are unmistakable. Toasted oak, vanilla, caramel, and cocoa powder create an introduction that will feel familiar to whiskey lovers while still maintaining the unmistakable identity of aged tequila. This is a bottle that invites you to sit down and take your time.

Drink The Bottles Tasting Notes

We consider Loca Loka Añejo to be a perfect introduction for bourbon lovers exploring tequila. The influence of oak aging is beautifully integrated, bringing forward rich notes of toasted wood, vanilla, caramel, and cocoa without allowing the barrel to overpower the spirit underneath.

As the tequila develops, a deeper layer of flavors emerges. Soft warming spices and dried fruits build complexity while creating a smooth, satisfying progression from the first sip to the finish.

What makes this añejo special is the balance. Some aged spirits become dominated by oak. Others lose their original character during maturation. Loca Loka Añejo finds the sweet spot—where the barrel enhances the tequila rather than replacing it.

The finish is long, warm, and memorable, leaving behind flavors that continue evolving well after the glass is empty.

Perfect Pairings

Loca Loka Añejo deserves rich, thoughtful pairings:

Prime rib
Dark chocolate
Smoked meats
Aged cheeses
Bourbon-style desserts
Roasted nuts

This is a tequila built for evenings centered around conversation and good company.

Best For

Bourbon enthusiasts, whiskey drinkers, and anyone who appreciates the complexity of aged spirits.

Enjoy It

Neat. This is not a tequila to rush. Pour it into a proper tasting glass, allow the aromas to develop, and enjoy the experience slowly. You will be rewarded by deliciousness!

The Last Sip

Loca Loka Añejo is exactly why the world of tequila continues to attract new enthusiasts. It bridges the familiar and the unexpected—offering the oak, vanilla, caramel, and spice characteristics whiskey lovers appreciate while preserving the agave foundation that makes tequila unique.

Calling this "the bourbon lover's tequila" feels completely appropriate. Excellent.

Suggested retail price: $69.99

Drink The Bottles score: 94/100

National Tequila Day Cocktails: Five Drinks Worth Celebrating With

While premium tequila deserves to be enjoyed neat, one of the reasons this spirit has become beloved around the world is its incredible versatility.

A great tequila can be the foundation for a refreshing summer cocktail, a cozy winter drink, or an elevated classic that highlights the character of the spirit itself.

The key is choosing the right tequila for the right drink.

A bright blanco can bring freshness and energy to citrus-forward cocktails. A reposado adds warmth and subtle spice. An añejo can create a richer experience that rivals many traditional aged spirits.

For National Tequila Day, we selected five cocktails that showcase the many personalities of tequila and mezcal—from timeless classics to creative recipes featuring bottles from our Bottle Spotlight collection.

Tequila Partida Heated Affair

Featured Bottle: Tequila Partida Añejo

Best Enjoyed: Cool evenings • After dinner • Holiday gatherings

There is something special about a warm cocktail, especially when it combines the richness of aged spirits with familiar seasonal flavors.

The Tequila Partida Heated Affair highlights everything we love about añejo tequila. The barrel-aged character of Partida Añejo naturally complements warm apple cider, creating a drink that feels closer to a sophisticated hot toddy than a traditional tequila cocktail.

The result is comforting, aromatic, and perfect for slowing down.

Ingredients

2 ounces Tequila Partida Añejo
6 ounces hot spiced apple cider
Heavy cream
Freshly grated nutmeg

Instructions

Warm a small glass or mug.
Add Tequila Partida Añejo.
Pour in hot spiced apple cider.
Gently float heavy cream on top.
Finish with freshly grated nutmeg.

Drink The Bottles Tip

The quality of the tequila matters here. An aged tequila like Partida Añejo brings vanilla, spice, and oak notes that blend naturally with the flavors of baked apples and seasonal spices.

This is proof that tequila doesn't belong only in warm-weather cocktails.

Gracias A Dios Mezcal Mule

Featured Bottle: Gracias A Dios Espadín Mezcal

Best Enjoyed: Summer evenings • Outdoor entertaining • Mezcal introduction

The Moscow Mule helped introduce generations of drinkers to vodka. The Mezcal Mule may do the same for agave spirits.

This variation replaces vodka with Gracias A Dios Espadín Mezcal, adding a layer of smoke, citrus, and earthiness that transforms the familiar cocktail into something completely new.

Ingredients

2 ounces Gracias A Dios Espadín Mezcal
1 ounce lemon juice
¾ ounce agave syrup
¾ ounce ginger juice
Ginger beer

Instructions

Stir mezcal, lemon juice, agave syrup, and ginger juice together.
Pour over ice.
Top with ginger beer.
Garnish if desired with a lemon wheel or fresh ginger.

Drink The Bottles Tip

The smoky character of mezcal works beautifully with ginger because both ingredients bring warmth and spice. The citrus and sweetness help balance the roasted agave notes. This is an excellent introduction for anyone who thinks they don't like mezcal.

The Classic Margarita

Featured Bottle: Tequila Alderete Blanco

Best Enjoyed: Summer gatherings • Poolside entertaining • Taco nights

The Margarita is arguably the most famous tequila cocktail in the world, but a great Margarita depends entirely on using quality ingredients.

A premium blanco tequila allows the cocktail to remain fresh and vibrant instead of being overwhelmed by sweetness.

Ingredients

2 ounces Tequila Alderete Blanco
1 ounce fresh lime juice
¾ ounce orange liqueur
½ ounce agave syrup (optional)
Ice
Salt for rim (optional)

Instructions

Add tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur, and agave syrup to a shaker with ice.
Shake vigorously.
Strain into a glass over fresh ice.
Garnish with a lime wheel.

Drink The Bottles Tip

Alderete Blanco's fresh citrus, herbs, and clean agave character make it an excellent choice when you want the tequila itself to remain noticeable in the cocktail.

A great Margarita should taste like tequila—not just lime and sugar.

The Paloma

Featured Bottle: Bribon Blanco or Loca Loka Blanco

Best Enjoyed: Warm afternoons • Backyard gatherings

The Paloma deserves more attention. In Mexico, this refreshing combination of tequila and grapefruit is every bit as iconic as the Margarita.

Bright citrus and gentle sweetness make it one of the easiest tequila cocktails to enjoy.

Ingredients

2 ounces tequila
½ ounce fresh lime juice
½ ounce agave syrup
Grapefruit soda
Ice

Instructions

Add tequila, lime juice, and agave syrup to a glass filled with ice.
Stir gently.
Top with grapefruit soda.
Garnish with grapefruit or lime.

Drink The Bottles Tip

A reposado like Bribon adds a little extra richness and warmth, while a clean blanco like Loca Loka keeps the cocktail crisp and refreshing.

Ranch Water

Featured Bottle: Loca Loka Blanco

Best Enjoyed: Hot summer days • Outdoor entertaining • Simple celebrations

Sometimes the best cocktails are the simplest.

Ranch Water originated in Texas and has become one of the fastest-growing tequila cocktails because it celebrates the spirit rather than hiding it.

Ingredients

2 ounces tequila
Fresh lime juice
Topo Chico or sparkling mineral water
Ice

Instructions

Fill a highball glass with ice.
Add tequila and fresh lime juice.
Top with sparkling mineral water.
Stir gently.

Drink The Bottles Tip

This cocktail is all about freshness. A clean blanco tequila allows the agave character to shine while the carbonation creates an incredibly refreshing finish.

Final Thoughts on Tequila Cocktails

The best tequila cocktails share one thing in common—they respect the spirit inside the glass.

Whether you're enjoying the warm richness of an añejo apple cider cocktail, discovering the smoky complexity of a mezcal mule, or enjoying a perfectly balanced Margarita, the tequila should always remain part of the conversation.

This National Tequila Day, experiment, explore, and most importantly—slow down and enjoy the experience.

Common Tequila Myths (and the Truth Behind Them)

Tequila has one of the most recognizable identities of any spirit in the world. Unfortunately, it also has more than its share of misconceptions.

For many people, tequila still brings to mind college parties, salt, lime wedges, and quickly consumed shots. While there is certainly nothing wrong with enjoying tequila however you like, the modern tequila category is far more diverse and complex than many people realize.

From how tequila is made to how it should be enjoyed, let's clear up some of the most common myths surrounding Mexico's most celebrated spirit.

Myth #1: "Good tequila is meant to be taken as a shot."

The Truth: Great tequila deserves to be experienced.

The image of tequila as a party shot has followed the spirit for generations. Salt, lime, and a quick finish became part of the ritual, and for inexpensive tequila, those traditions often helped mask harsh flavors.

But premium tequila is crafted with the same level of care and patience as fine whiskey, wine, and other respected spirits.

A well-made blanco can showcase fresh agave, citrus, herbs, and mineral notes.

A reposado can develop flavors of vanilla, honey, caramel, and baking spices.

An añejo can reveal layers of oak, dried fruit, chocolate, and warm spices.

These flavors aren't meant to disappear in a few seconds. They are meant to be enjoyed slowly. Try sipping a premium tequila neat before reaching for the salt shaker. You may discover an entirely different experience.

Myth #2: "All tequila tastes the same."

The Truth: Tequila has incredible diversity.

This may be one of the biggest misconceptions about tequila. The differences between bottles can be absolutely remarkable.

Factors that influence tequila's flavor include:

Where the agave was grown
Soil composition
Climate
Harvest timing
Cooking method
Fermentation process
Distillation techniques
Aging time
Barrel selection

A bright blanco like Tequila Alderete Blanco can showcase fresh citrus, herbs, and clean agave character. A barrel-aged añejo like Loca Loka Añejo can move into territory familiar to bourbon drinkers with notes of toasted oak, vanilla, caramel, and spice.

The category is far more complex than many people realize.

Myth #3: "Mezcal is just smoky tequila."

The Truth: Mezcal is its own unique spirit.

This is one of the most common misconceptions. While tequila and mezcal both come from agave, they are separate categories with different production methods and traditions.

Tequila is primarily made from Blue Weber agave. Mezcal can be produced from many different agave varieties, each bringing its own characteristics.

The smoky flavors often associated with mezcal come from traditional production methods where agave hearts are roasted in underground pits. But smoke is only one part of the story.

Great mezcal can reveal:

Citrus
Tropical fruit
Herbs
Earthiness
Minerals
Floral notes
Spice

Our experience with Gracias A Dios Espadín Mezcal demonstrates this perfectly. The initial campfire character is undeniable, but it quickly evolves into citrus, lemon zest, and sweet melon.

Mezcal is not simply smoky tequila. It is a completely different expression of Mexico's agave heritage.

Myth #4: "The more expensive the tequila, the better it is."

The Truth: Price doesn't always equal enjoyment.

Premium tequila can absolutely be worth the investment, but the most expensive bottle on the shelf is not automatically the best bottle for you.

A $200 añejo may be incredible—but if you prefer bright, refreshing blanco tequila, it may not become your favorite pour. The best tequila is the one that matches your personal preferences.

Some drinkers love the fresh energy of blanco while others prefer the warmth and complexity of aged expressions. Some enjoy smoky mezcal and some prefer smooth reposado. There's no wrong answer. It's a matter of personal preference.

The goal isn't to find the most expensive bottle. It's to find the bottle that makes you want another sip.

Myth #5: "Blanco tequila is only for cocktails."

The Truth: Great blanco tequila can be an exceptional sipping spirit.

Because blanco tequila is commonly used in Margaritas and other cocktails, many people assume it is somehow less sophisticated than aged expressions.

That couldn't be further from the truth.

A high-quality blanco provides the purest expression of the agave itself. Without oak aging influencing the flavor profile, you can experience:

Fresh agave sweetness
Citrus
Pepper
Herbs
Earthiness
Mineral notes

A bottle like Loca Loka Blanco demonstrates exactly why blanco deserves attention. Its cooked agave character, citrus notes, and clean finish make it enjoyable on its own—not just as a cocktail ingredient.

Myth #6: "A worm belongs in tequila." (Gross)

The Truth: The worm is associated with mezcal—not traditional tequila.

This is one of the most persistent misconceptions in the spirits world. The famous "worm" found in some bottles is not part of traditional tequila production.

It is associated with certain bottles of mezcal and was largely popularized as a marketing idea rather than an authentic representation of traditional production. Quality tequila and mezcal are judged by the spirit itself—not by anything added to the bottle.

A great bottle doesn't need a gimmick.

Myth #7: "Tequila should be stored in the freezer."

The Truth: Extreme cold can hide the flavors you're trying to enjoy.

While some people enjoy chilled tequila, storing premium tequila in the freezer isn't ideal if your goal is tasting the spirit. Very cold temperatures can reduce aromas and mute some of the subtle flavors that make tequila interesting. Please don't store your tequila in the freezer!

For sipping tequila, room temperature or slightly chilled is usually best. If you enjoy your tequila colder, consider chilling the glass instead or serving it over one large cube.

Myth #8: "Tequila is only for warm weather."

The Truth: Tequila is a year-round spirit.

This misconception probably comes from tequila's connection to summer cocktails. Yes, tequila is fantastic in a Margarita on a sunny afternoon.

But aged tequila can be just as enjoyable during cooler months. Añejo tequila can bring warmth and complexity similar to bourbon. Reposado tequila pairs beautifully with fall flavors like apple, cinnamon, and caramel.

A cocktail like the Tequila Partida Heated Affair proves that tequila belongs just as much beside a fireplace as it does beside a pool.

The Bottom Line

Tequila is one of the world's most misunderstood spirits. It can be casual or sophisticated. Refreshing or complex. Enjoyed in a cocktail or appreciated slowly in a tasting glass.

The next time you pour tequila, forget the assumptions. Forget the shot glass. In fact, forget everything you thought tequila had to be. Instead, take a moment to appreciate the craftsmanship, history, and tradition behind every bottle.

You may discover a spirit far more fascinating than you ever expected.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tequila

Tequila is one of the world's most recognizable spirits, yet many people still have questions about how it's made, how it should be enjoyed, and what separates one bottle from another.

Whether you're purchasing your first premium bottle or expanding an existing collection, these answers will help you better understand Mexico's most celebrated spirit.

Is older tequila always better?

Not necessarily. Age does not automatically determine quality. A great blanco can be every bit as impressive as an exceptional añejo—the experience is simply different.

Blanco highlights the natural character of the agave. Aged expressions showcase how oak can transform and complement that foundation.

The best tequila is the one that matches your personal taste.

Does tequila go bad?

A properly stored unopened bottle of tequila can last for many years. Once opened, tequila does not spoil like food, but exposure to oxygen can slowly change its character over time.

For the best experience:

Keep the bottle sealed tightly
Store it upright
Avoid extreme temperature changes
Keep it away from direct sunlight

Does tequila contain gluten?

Pure tequila made from Blue Weber Agave is naturally gluten-free because it is not produced from wheat, barley, or rye.

However, individuals with specific sensitivities should always check labels and consult manufacturers if they have concerns about additives or production practices.

Why does tequila taste different from bottle to bottle?

Tequila's flavor is influenced by many factors:

Agave growing region
Soil
Climate
Harvest timing
Cooking method
Fermentation
Distillation
Aging process
Barrel selection

This is why two bottles of tequila can taste dramatically different even though both are made from Blue Weber Agave.

Final Thoughts: Celebrate the Spirit Behind the Bottle

Tequila is much more than a drink. It is the result of patience, tradition, craftsmanship, and a deep connection to the land where the agave grows. Every bottle represents years of work—from the farmers who nurture each agave plant through maturity, to the jimadores who carefully harvest the piñas, to the distillers who transform those plants into the spirit we enjoy today.

National Tequila Day is the perfect opportunity to celebrate that story. Whether you prefer a bright and refreshing blanco, a balanced reposado, a complex añejo, or a smoky mezcal, there is an entire world of flavors waiting to be explored.

Throughout this guide, we discovered that tequila is not simply a spirit for shots and celebrations. It is a category filled with nuance, history, and remarkable diversity. The bottles we featured represent just a small glimpse of what's available, but each one tells its own story:

Bribon Reposado showed us the beauty of balance between fruit, warmth, and barrel influence.
Tequila Partida Añejo demonstrated the elegance and complexity of aged tequila.
Gracias A Dios Espadín reminded us that mezcal offers an entirely different expression of agave.
Tequila Alderete Blanco showcased the freshness and purity of well-crafted blanco tequila.
Tequila Alderete Reposado highlighted the welcoming character of a beautifully balanced reposado.
Loca Loka Blanco proved that simplicity and authenticity can create an exceptional experience.
Loca Loka Añejo demonstrated why aged tequila continues attracting bourbon and whiskey enthusiasts.

At Drink The Bottles, we believe the best bottles are not simply consumed—they are experienced. They are opened when friends gather. They are poured during conversations that last longer than expected and they become part of memories that extend far beyond what is inside the glass.

So this National Tequila Day, don't just raise a glass. Take a moment to appreciate the story behind it. Celebrate the people behind the labels.

Slow down. Sip thoughtfully. And enjoy the bottle.

Cheers!

Underground Cellar: Is the Mystery Wine Experience Worth It?

2026-07-23T10:58:12.481-04:00

Underground Cellar Delivered More Than We Expected: Our First Mystery Red Wine Purchase

One of the best parts of being a wine enthusiast is discovering bottles you may never have picked up on your own. Whether it's an unfamiliar producer, a hidden gem from a renowned region, or a wine that simply wasn't on your radar, there's something exciting about expanding your palate through new experiences.

That's one of the reasons Underground Cellar immediately caught our attention.

Before we begin, we'd like to be transparent with our readers. Underground Cellar recently partnered with Drink The Bottles and provided us with a promotional code that covered the cost of this order in exchange for editorial and social media coverage. Although we did not purchase this shipment out of pocket, the collection we selected retailed for $29 per bottle—a total of $174 for six bottles—and our experience reflects exactly what a customer would have received through the same promotion.

Rather than purchasing individual bottles, Underground Cellar offers a unique shopping experience built around discovery. Customers can choose from a variety of collections—including red wines, white wines, sparkling wines, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, luxury selections, and many more. Every order carries the excitement of not knowing exactly which bottles will arrive, and many collections include the opportunity to receive wines with retail values that exceed the purchase price.

We decided to experience it for ourselves.

Our Mystery Red Wine Collection

For this order, we selected one of Underground Cellar's Red Wine collections, which retailed for $29 per bottle. A six-bottle purchase totaled $174 and qualified for free shipping.

When placing an order like this, you naturally expect a nice assortment of wines that align with the price you paid. Instead, every single bottle we unpacked represented a significant upgrade.

Here's what arrived:

Wine	Suggested Retail Price

2018 Tenuta Vallocaia Bindella Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

$56

2021 Armida "Shorty's Block" Maple Vineyards Zinfandel (Dry Creek Valley)

$52

2021 Desert Wind Syrah

$45

2021 Muscardini Sangiacomo Vineyards Merlot

$85

2021 Muscardini Sangiacomo Vineyards Merlot

$85

2020 Chappellet Signature Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)

$95

Total Suggested Retail Value: $418

That's a super-mpressive return for a collection that was offered for only $174!

Even more noteworthy, purchasing each of these wines individually through traditional retail channels—and paying shipping where applicable—could easily push the total investment beyond $500.

Every Bottle Was an Upgrade

What impressed us most wasn't that one bottle carried the value of the shipment. It was that every bottle exceeded the collection's per-bottle purchase price.

The shipment included wines from respected producers in Napa Valley, Dry Creek Valley, Washington State, and Tuscany, including an acclaimed Chappellet Cabernet Sauvignon, a vineyard-designated Zinfandel from Dry Creek Valley, two premium Muscardini Merlots, and a beautifully crafted Vino Nobile di Montepulciano from Italy.

This wasn't simply a mystery box—it was a thoughtfully curated collection featuring wines we were genuinely excited to add to our cellar.

More Than Just Red Wines

One aspect we especially appreciate about Underground Cellar is the variety of collections available.

Depending on what's being offered at the time, shoppers can choose from red wines, white wines, sparkling wines, premium Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, luxury collections, and many other themed offerings. New promotions are introduced regularly, making each visit a little different from the last.

For consumers who enjoy trying new wines but also appreciate getting exceptional value for their money, it's an entertaining and refreshing approach to buying wine.

Our Take

This article isn't intended to review the wines themselves—that will come later as we spend time with each bottle. Instead, we wanted to share our first experience with Underground Cellar and the value we saw from this collection. Based solely on what arrived, we were very impressed and we think you will be as well.

A collection that retailed for $174 delivered wines carrying a combined suggested retail value of $418, and likely more than $500 when considering what it would cost to purchase each bottle individually and have them shipped separately.

Most importantly, the experience was fun! There's something genuinely exciting about opening a shipment without knowing exactly what's inside, especially when each bottle reveals another pleasant surprise.

We hope to unbox some more Underground Cellar collections in the future. If we do, you'll see them here and on our social media channels.

If you'd like to explore Underground Cellar for yourself, be sure to visit their website to browse their current collections and promotions. With new offerings appearing regularly, every order has the potential to introduce you to your next favorite bottle. Cheers!

Check out our YouTube unboxing video here:

Deep Eddy Vodka Introduces All-New Deep Eddy Espresso Vodka

2026-07-21T13:06:51.177-04:00

Deep Eddy Vodka Introduces All-New Deep Eddy Espresso Vodka Nationwide – Making One of the Most Popular Cocktails Easier Than Ever

Crafted with REAL espresso, the newest addition to the Deep Eddy family is the closest thing to an espresso martini in a bottle—just shake, pour and enjoy!

AUSTIN, Texas (July 21, 2026) — America's obsession with espresso martinis shows no signs of slowing down and now Austin’s own Deep Eddy Vodka is making the cocktail easier than ever. Following tremendous anticipation and an immediate sellout of the limited Austin-only launch in November, Deep Eddy Espresso is rolling out nationwide NOW, giving consumers coast-to-coast access to one of the easiest ways to enjoy today's most in-demand cocktail. Deep Eddy Espresso is a bold, smooth, and unmistakably rich addition to the brand’s award-winning portfolio and the first non-fruit innovation since Deep Eddy first introduced fans to its Sweet Tea flavor in 2010. Designed for today's cocktail lover, Deep Eddy Espresso brings bar-quality flavor and premium craftsmanship together in a ready-to-enjoy bottle that's perfect for any occasion: simply shake, pour and enjoy!

"Deep Eddy has always believed the best moments happen effortlessly—and great cocktails shouldn't be complicated," said Julie Cole, Brand Director. "With Deep Eddy Espresso, we created the perfect espresso martini in a bottle. It lets people enjoy one of today's most popular cocktails whenever the moment calls for it – day or night!"

Simply Shake, Pour and Enjoy!

Handcrafted in small batches with REAL espresso and Deep Eddy's signature 10-times distilled, 80-proof vodka, Deep Eddy Espresso delivers the premium flavor of an espresso martini with none of the hassle. Bold roasted espresso is balanced by hints of creamy vanilla and toasted caramel for a smooth, velvety finish that tastes just like your favorite espresso martini—without the complicated ingredients or lengthy prep. Naturally gluten free and lower in calories than many traditional coffee cocktails, Deep Eddy Espresso makes it easier than ever to shake, pour and enjoy a premium cocktail anytime the moment calls for it.

Shake Up Your Day Drink

Whether enjoyed in a classic Espresso Martini, chilled and served as a shot or incorporated into creative coffee-inspired cocktails, Deep Eddy Espresso offers a premium cocktail experience without the complexity.

ESPRESSO MARTINI

2.5 oz Deep Eddy Espresso Vodka

Shake, Serve & Enjoy!

ESPRESSO MARTINI SHOT

1.5 oz Deep Eddy Espresso Vodka

Instructions – Fill shot glass with chilled Deep Eddy Espresso– it’s that easy!

WHITE RUSSIAN

1.5 oz Deep Eddy Espresso Vodka

0.5 oz Vanilla Vodka

1 oz Half & Half

Combine rich Deep Eddy Espresso with Vanilla Vodka and Half & Half in a shaker with ice. Shake, strain and enjoy!

AUSTIN AFFOGATO (frozen)

2 oz. Deep Eddy Espresso Vodka

0.5 oz. Carolan’s Irish Cream

1 Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream

Add the Deep Eddy Espresso Vodka, Carolan’s Irish Cream, vanilla ice cream, and ice to a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. Pour into a chilled rocks glass or stemmed cocktail glass. Garnish with a light dusting of cocoa powder.

Available Nationwide

Find Deep Eddy Espresso Vodka wherever Deep Eddy is sold with an SRP of $16.99 for a 750ml bottle. A party in a bottle of any size, Deep Eddy Espresso is also available in 50ml, 100ml, 375ml, 1L, and 1.75L sizes.

As espresso martinis continue dominating cocktail menus, social feeds and at-home entertaining, Deep Eddy saw an opportunity to make the experience simpler without sacrificing quality. To learn more, dive into DeepEddyVodka.com or follow @DeepEddyVodka on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.

ABOUT DEEP EDDY VODKA: Deep Eddy Vodka is a high-quality vodka with an even higher purpose: to bring people together for good times. Created in Austin, Texas in 2010, it was named after a beloved city swimming hole, a place known locally for lively crowds and laid-back fun. The brand embodies everything essential to Austin— sunshine, stellar vibes, ample excuses to get together with friends — and bottles it up for the world to enjoy. The result is a refreshing family of real vodkas made with real ingredients for real fun. All meant to be enjoyed however, wherever and with whatever you like. The company’s line of products includes Deep Eddy Original Vodka, Deep Eddy Espresso Vodka, Deep Eddy Pineapple Vodka, Deep Eddy Sweet Tea Vodka, Deep Eddy Ruby Red Vodka, Deep Eddy Cranberry Vodka, Deep Eddy Lemon Vodka, Deep Eddy Peach Vodka, Deep Eddy Orange Vodka and Deep Eddy Lime Vodka. Most recently, Deep Eddy Pineapple was named World’s Best Flavored Vodka at the 2026 World Drinks Awards. An Established Growth Brand according to Beverage Information Group, Deep Eddy Vodka is recognized for its unique production process and incorporation of real, natural ingredients in its flavors.

Bardstown Bourbon Victoria Pineapple Barrel Finish Whiskey

2026-07-21T11:07:11.757-04:00

Bardstown Bourbon Company Pursues Tropical Character with Victoria Pineapple Barrel Finish Whiskey

The Kentucky-exclusive release was inspired by one of rum’s most distinctive maturation traditions

BARDSTOWN, Ky. (July 21, 2026) — Of the hundreds of flavor compounds found in American Whiskey, few are more elusive than genuine tropical fruit. Bardstown Bourbon Company set out to explore whether those flavors could be achieved through patience, process, and barrel influence rather than shortcuts in its new Victoria Pineapple Barrel Finish Whiskey.

Exclusive to Kentucky, Victoria Pineapple Barrel Finish is a marriage of mature bourbon and rye that pushes beyond traditional finishing techniques, creating a whiskey that is both delightfully unexpected and unmistakably authentic.

“The goal was never to make whiskey taste like pineapple,” said Dan Callaway, Master Blender, Lofted Spirits. “The goal was to understand what made these barrels so special in the first place. We followed that trail all the way back to the creation process and found our way to a whiskey with a bold, tropical fruit, surrounded by rye and allspice.”

The release takes its name from the prized Victoria Pineapple, a variety celebrated for its intense sweetness, fragrant aroma and historic connection to premium rum production in Barbados. Victoria Pineapple Barrel Finish begins with a custom blend of 10- and 11-year-old bourbons and 11-year-old rye married and matured in Caribbean-sourced pineapple rum casks.

The rum that previously occupied these casks has earned a devoted following among bartenders and spirits enthusiasts, due to its distinctive production process, in which prized Victoria pineapples are incorporated directly during maturation. Intrigued by the remarkable tropical character those casks produced, Bardstown Bourbon Company set out to honor the process, rather than simply use the barrels as finishing vessels.

Letting the custom whiskey blend mature for 27 months, fresh pineapple was added to the barrels, mirroring the process of the original rum’s creation to reveal the tropical notes already developing in the whiskey. The resulting spirit remains rooted in mature bourbon and rye while exploring flavors rarely found in American whiskey.

Bottled at 106 proof, Victoria Pineapple Barrel Finish Whiskey opens with bold tropical fruit, rye, spice and allspice. Pineapple, cherry and toasted oak create a rich, rounded palate that evolves into notes of vanilla crème and toffee. The experience is vibrant and layered while remaining firmly grounded in the structure and complexity of mature American whiskey.

“Finishing with staves gave us the balance that helped integrate the pineapple character without losing the depth and complexity of the whiskey itself,” added Callaway.

Continuing the brand’s commitment to creativity beyond the bottle, Victoria Pineapple Barrel Finished Whiskey is the first release from Bardstown Bourbon’s Finishing Series, the evolution of the brand’s sought-after limited-edition collaborations. Presented in new packaging that will feature new, custom art with each release, this year’s label artwork was created by Louisville artist Margaret Archambault, who translated the whiskey’s flavor profile into an original work of art. Margaret’s work will be revealed on this year’s national Discovery and Finishing releases later this summer.

Available in extremely limited quantities of fewer than 350 9L cases, Victoria Pineapple Barrel Finish Whiskey will be available exclusively in Kentucky – including the Bardstown Bourbon Co distillery and Louisville Tasting Room - beginning July 24, 2026 for a suggested retail price of $139.99.

ABOUT BARDSTOWN BOURBON COMPANY

Bardstown Bourbon Company is pushing the boundaries of innovation while honoring the traditional art of making great whiskey. With the most modern, technically advanced whiskey distillery, Bardstown Bourbon combines the highest quality distillation and spirited hospitality into a modern, authentic bourbon experience unlike any other on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail™. Bardstown Bourbon Company is working to push the entire industry in a direction that is more innovative, more transparent and more collaborative. Bardstown Bourbon was named Icons of Whisky Global Brand Innovator of the Year (2025), the highest-rated American Whiskey by Whisky Advocate (2024), and Worldwide Whisky Producer of the Year by IWSC (2023). For more information visit BardstownBourbon.com.

Ghost Block Estate Wines: The Napa Valley Legacy Behind Every Bottle

2026-07-16T12:49:18.465-04:00

Five generations. Historic vineyards. A family committed to preserving Napa Valley. And three wines that tell a remarkable story. But this story is not only about the wines.

Some wineries make exceptional wine. A select few become part of the history of the place they call home. Ghost Block Estate Wines belongs to that rare group.

When three bottles from Ghost Block arrived at Drink The Bottles—the 2019 BW9 Red Blend, the 2022 Ghost Block Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, and the 2024 Elizabeth Rose Pinot Noir—I knew I was receiving something special. But what I didn't expect was the story behind the labels.

Because before there was a bottle of wine, there was a family.

Before there was a vineyard, there was a commitment to the land. And before Napa Valley became one of the most celebrated wine regions in the world, families like the Pelissas were quietly planting roots, farming the soil, and helping shape the future of California wine. The wines are impressive. The story behind them is unforgettable.

A Family Rooted in Napa Valley

The history of Ghost Block Estate Wines begins with the Pelissa family, whose Napa Valley journey started more than a century ago. Like many immigrant families arriving in California in the early 1900s, the Pelissas came with a simple goal: build a better life through hard work, family, and the land.

They weren't chasing luxury. They weren't trying to create a famous wine brand. They were farmers.

And generation after generation, they continued doing what they knew best—cultivating the land and understanding the vineyards that surrounded them. That long-term perspective is one of the things that immediately separates Ghost Block from many modern luxury wineries. The Pelissa family didn't arrive in Napa after the region became famous. They were already there. They watched Napa Valley evolve from a primarily agricultural community into one of the world's most recognized wine destinations. Through it all, their focus remained the same: care for the vineyards, respect the land, and allow the quality of the fruit to speak for itself.

Today, five generations later, the family continues to farm their estate vineyards throughout Napa Valley. That kind of continuity is rare and difficult for many to comprehend. In an industry where vineyard ownership often changes hands, where investment groups and large corporations have become increasingly common, Ghost Block remains deeply connected to the people who actually work the land. And that connection matters. Because great wine is not created in the cellar.

It begins in the vineyard.

Preserving the Future of Napa Valley

One of the most fascinating parts of the Ghost Block story has little to do with wine. It has everything to do with protecting Napa Valley itself. During the rapid growth and development of California in the mid-20th century, Napa faced a challenge familiar to many agricultural regions: Should farmland give way to expansion, or should the valley protect its identity?

The Pelissa family believed Napa's agricultural heritage was worth preserving. Their commitment to maintaining vineyard land helped contribute to the movement that eventually established protections for Napa Valley's agricultural landscape. That decision shaped the Napa Valley we know today.

The rolling vineyards, scenic roads, and agricultural character that attract millions of visitors each year exist because generations of families believed the land was worth protecting. That philosophy remains part of Ghost Block's identity as we see it modern-day. The goal isn't simply producing wine. It's preserving a place.

The Ghost Block Name: A Vineyard With a Story

Few winery names are as intriguing as Ghost Block. The story begins with the family's historic vineyard in Yountville, located near the resting place of one of Napa Valley's early pioneers. According to local legend, the spirit of George C. Yount—the founder of Yountville—was said to wander among the vines surrounding the property. Whether you believe the legend or simply appreciate the romance of the story, the nickname stayed...Ghost Block.

Over time, that name became more than a reference to a location. It became a symbol of history, place, and connection. The Ghost Block Vineyard itself represents everything the winery stands for: exceptional land, careful farming, and respect for Napa Valley's past while continuing to build its future.

And from this vineyard comes one of the most impressive Cabernet Sauvignons I have tasted.

BW9: A Tribute to California Wine History

Before opening the 2019 BW9 Red Blend, I wanted to understand why this particular bottle carries such significance. The answer goes back to 1877. The historic winery associated with the Ghost Block property received Bonded Winery No. 9, making it one of California's earliest federally bonded wineries. It was previously called Oakville Winery and is now home to the Napa Wine Company.

Today, it holds the distinction of being the only remaining single-digit bonded winery still operating in California. That history is not simply printed on the label. It is the reason the label exists.

BW9 represents a connection between California's earliest winemaking traditions and the craftsmanship happening today. Only the finest estate fruit earns the designation, and production remains extremely limited. For the 2019 vintage, only 150 cases were produced.

That makes this less of an everyday bottle and more of a piece of Napa Valley history. Thankfully, history can be enjoyed one glass at a time...over and over and over.

2019 BW9 Red Blend

50% Cabernet Sauvignon | 30% Malbec | 20% Petit Verdot
Ghost Block Vineyard | Block House Vineyard | Mill Race Vineyard
Aged 24 months in 50% new French oak barrels

The first thing you notice about the BW9 is the color. A gorgeous, deep eggplant shade fills the glass—a visual preview of the concentration and elegance inside.

The aromas immediately tell you this is not an ordinary red blend. Black Splendor plum, ripe blackberry, oakmoss, and autumn earth create a bouquet that feels both luxurious and nostalgic. It smells like a walk through a Napa vineyard in late October.

The palate delivers exactly what the nose promises. Rich plum and fig jam lead the way, followed by blueberry compote, star anise, and beautifully integrated cedar notes. The wine continues to evolve as it opens, eventually revealing layers of wet stone and milk chocolate on the finish.

The remarkable thing about this wine is its balance. Despite its power and concentration, it never feels heavy. It feels refined, elegant, even "complete". This is definitely a wine worthy of its history.

ABV: 14.5%

Winery: Ghost Block Estate Wines

Napa Valley AVA

150 cases produced

Suggested retail price: $250

Drink The Bottles score: 95/100

2022 Ghost Block Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Ghost Block Vineyard – Yountville
Aged 24 months in 80% new French oak barrels

If you've followed Drink The Bottles for any length of time, you probably already know this: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is my weakness. It's also probably the only reason someone could reasonably call me a wine snob. I'm not, but I do have an affinity for this beautiful juice! And the 2022 Ghost Block Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon reminded me exactly why.

The color alone demands attention—a midnight hue with brilliant ruby highlights. Then comes the aroma. Perfectly ripened blackberries and blueberries combine with toasted oak, vanilla bean, and mature plum. It is the kind of aroma that makes you stop talking. It's the kind that makes you take another swirl before your first sip because you want to experience the anticipation just a little longer.

And then you taste it. Wow! It sounds so simple, but that is genuinely the first word that came to mind. The wine is exquisitely elegant. The flavors deliver everything promised by the nose, adding layers of baking spices, savory richness, and the comforting character of walking through fallen autumn leaves.

There is a beautiful jammy quality, but never at the expense of structure or refinement. This is a Cabernet that is magnificent today, but one that will reward patience. If you have the discipline to cellar this bottle for another decade, I envision this bottle blossoming into an absolute masterpiece.

Some wines impress you. Some wines stay with you. This one does both.

ABV: 14.5%

Winery: Ghost Block Estate Wines

Yountville AVA, Napa Valley

2400 six-bottle packs produced

Suggested retail price: $140

Drink The Bottles score: 97/100

2024 Elizabeth Rose Pinot Noir

100% Pinot Noir
Block House Vineyard – Yountville
Aged 9 months in 35% new French oak barrels

When many wine enthusiasts think about world-class Pinot Noir, Oregon is often the first place that comes to mind. California has historically built its reputation around powerful Cabernet Sauvignons and bold red blends. But California Pinot Noir has quietly earned its place over the past several decades. The Elizabeth Rose Pinot Noir is a wonderful example.

Bright scarlet red in the glass, this wine immediately offers the characteristics Pinot lovers search for. Fresh raspberry, red roses and that beautiful earthy quality that makes Pinot Noir so unique.

The palate introduces Bing cherry, berry pie, barn wood, and savory spices that carry through to a satisfying finish. The acidity is exactly where it should be, balancing the medium body and inviting another sip almost immediately.

And perhaps the biggest surprise? The value. It's worth every penny and then some. At $25, this wine delivers a level of refinement and estate character that makes it incredibly approachable. Not every great bottle needs to be saved for a special occasion. Sometimes a great Tuesday deserves great Pinot Noir.

ABV: 12.5%

Winery: Ghost Block Estate Wines

Yountville AVA, Napa Valley

3160 cases produced

Suggested retail price: $25

Drink The Bottles score: 92/100

Final Thoughts: More Than Wine

After tasting these three wines, the biggest takeaway wasn't simply that Ghost Block produces exceptional wine. Honestly, that was anticipated. The real discovery was understanding the generations of work behind every bottle - A family that arrived in Napa Valley more than a century ago with a commitment to preserving agricultural land and historic vineyards.

There's a responsibility to history by operating a winery designation dating back to the earliest days of California winemaking. And we learned about philosophy built around patience, respect, and stewardship.

The BW9 tells the story of Napa's past.

The Ghost Block Cabernet represents Napa's present.

The Elizabeth Rose Pinot Noir reminds us that excellence can still be accessible.

Together, they represent something much bigger than three bottles of wine. They represent a legacy. And that may be the greatest luxury of all.

Drink The Bottles Scores

Wine	Score	MSRP
Ghost Block Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2022	⭐ 98/100	$140
BW9 Red Blend 2019	⭐ 96/100	$250
Elizabeth Rose Pinot Noir 2024	⭐ 93/100	$25

Bottle Information: Bottles were provided to Drink The Bottles for editorial review purposes. No compensation was received for this article, and all opinions, tasting notes, and recommendations are our own.

2021 Dry Creek Vineyard Old Vine Zinfandel

2026-07-07T12:47:39.152-04:00

A Taste of Sonoma History in Every Glass

When many people hear the word Zinfandel, they immediately think of a sweeter, easy-drinking wine style that became popular decades ago. But true California Zinfandel has a much deeper story — one rooted in history, old vineyards, and winemakers who have worked for generations to preserve some of the country’s most treasured vines.

The 2021 Old Vine Zinfandel from Dry Creek Vineyard is a perfect example of why this grape deserves more attention. This is not simply a fruit-forward California red. It is a wine built around heritage, balance, and the character that can only come from vines that have stood the test of time.

Located in Sonoma County’s Dry Creek Valley, Dry Creek Vineyard has long been recognized for its commitment to Zinfandel and the preservation of old vine vineyards. In fact, the winery is credited with first coining the term “Old Vine Zinfandel” in 1987 when it wanted to highlight the unique character of its historic vineyards.

While there is no official legal definition for what qualifies as an “old vine,” Dry Creek Vineyard considers vineyards with vines averaging more than 50 years old to meet that distinction. For the 2021 Old Vine Zinfandel, the vines are significantly older, averaging more than 100 years in age, with some approaching 140 years old. These mature vines produce naturally lower yields, but what they may sacrifice in quantity they often make up for in concentration and complexity. Their deep root systems allow them to reach moisture and nutrients that younger vines cannot, helping create wines with remarkable depth and personality.

Example of 100-year-old Zinfandel vines, courtesy of Dry Creek Vineyard

The 2021 vintage was a challenging growing season throughout California due to drought conditions, but careful vineyard management resulted in a mostly exceptionally high-quality harvest. Dry Creek Vineyard described the season as moderate and consistent, with smaller yields but excellent overall quality.

The 2021 Dry Creek Vineyard Old Vine Zinfandel is a traditional California field blend that showcases the versatility of old vine vineyards. This is a combination of 77% Zinfandel, 20% Petite Sirah, and 3% Alicante Bouschet. The addition of Petite Sirah and Alicante Bouschet adds structure, color, and depth, helping create a wine that is more layered than many single-varietal Zinfandels.

Pouring the wine reveals an incredibly deep ruby color with impressive concentration in the glass. The first aromas immediately showcase the classic personality of old vine Zinfandel — rich dark fruit balanced with spice and earth. On the nose, we found inviting aromas of ripe blackberry, boysenberry, blueberry, and juicy black cherry, followed by layers of baking spice, peppercorn, and subtle oak. There is also a sweetness to the aromatics that reminds us of dark fruit preserves, but it never crosses into being overly jammy.

The palate is where this wine truly shines. The first sip brings forward flavors of blackberry, plum, and black cherry, followed by more complex notes of mocha, espresso, coriander, violet, and spices that warm the soul. The fruit is rich and expressive, but the wine maintains excellent balance with bright acidity and well-integrated tannins.

Many California Zinfandels can become heavy or overly ripe, but this one shows impressive restraint. The older vines seem to provide a level of elegance and structure that keeps the wine lively from start to finish. The finish is long and satisfying, leaving behind lingering notes of dark fruit, cocoa, spice, and a touch of toasted oak.

This is an excellent food wine and some pairing suggestions include barbecue, smoked meats, braised shortrib, burgers or hearty pastas. We should probably also mention that this label is a work of art!

ABV: 14.5%

Winery: Dry Creek Vineyard

Sonoma AVA

Suggested retail price: $100.00 (for a 1.5L bottle)

Drink The Bottles score: 93/100

Whiskey JYPSI Legacy Batch 003 “The Declaration”

2026-07-04T07:00:00.000-04:00

There is something fascinating happening in American whiskey right now. The category is no longer defined only by century-old distilleries and traditional production methods. Some of the most interesting bottles are coming from brands willing to challenge what whiskey should look like. So far, everything we have tasted from Whiskey JYPSI has been nothing short of fantastic.

Whiskey JYPSI’s Legacy Series has embraced that idea from the beginning — not simply blending whiskey together, but reconstructing flavor profiles by selecting mature spirits from different origins and bringing them together with a specific vision. Legacy Batch 003, appropriately named “The Declaration,” might be their boldest statement yet.

Bottled at 115.74 proof, this limited release is built around a reimagined Colonial-era Maryland-style rye profile. Instead of following a single distillery’s recipe, The Declaration combines aged whiskey components from three distinct whiskey traditions: Indiana rye, Canadian corn whiskey, and Virginia single malt, with a finishing influence from apple brandy barrels tied to George Washington’s historic Mount Vernon Distillery.

At its core, The Declaration is a rye-forward whiskey. The Indiana rye provides the backbone — bringing the spice, structure, and traditional American whiskey character many rye lovers expect. The addition of a well-aged Canadian corn whiskey adds depth and sweetness, while the Virginia single malt contributes a layer of malt complexity that pushes this blend outside the normal boundaries of American whiskey.

The result is a whiskey that feels intentionally layered rather than simply high proof.

The first impression is rich and inviting. Baking spices lead the way with cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg, followed by oak, brown sugar, and hints of orchard fruit. There is a noticeable sweetness underneath — think honey, caramel, and dried fruit — balanced by deeper notes of leather and tobacco.

The first sip brings the rye forward with a warm spice that quickly opens into sweeter flavors. Caramel, toasted grains, dark chocolate, and dried fruit create a surprisingly balanced experience for a whiskey bottled above 115 proof. The corn whiskey influence brings richness, while the malt component adds a soft biscuit-like depth. The finish is long and warming, with lingering oak, baking spice, dried cherry, cocoa, and a subtle sweetness from the brandy barrel influence. The proof is noticeable, but the whiskey carries it well — offering complexity rather than simply heat.

Whiskey JYPSI Legacy Batch 003 “The Declaration” is not a whiskey trying to imitate the past. Instead, it uses the history of American whiskey as inspiration while creating something distinctly modern.

This is unquestionably a premium bottle, but it is also aimed at the enthusiast who appreciates the craft behind the glass — the sourcing, the blending decisions, and the story. The most impressive part of The Declaration may be that every component seems to have a purpose. The rye brings the foundation. The corn whiskey adds maturity and sweetness. The malt adds character. The finishing barrels provide the final connection to history.

Whiskey JYPSI has created something that gives whiskey drinkers exactly what the best bottles should provide: something worth talking about.

ABV: 57.87% (115.74 proof)

Distillery: JYPSI Spirits, Inc.

Suggested retail price: $199.99

Drink The Bottles score: 94/100

Hot Crispy Oil: A New Lifestyle Partner in the Kitchen

2026-07-02T11:12:46.058-04:00

We’re always drawn to brands that show up in real life — not just on a label or shelf. Hot Crispy Oil is one of our newest lifestyle partners, and it’s already become one of those things we reach for without thinking. It doesn’t try to overcomplicate food. It just makes it better.

Some things don’t need reinvention — they just need heat.

Hot Crispy Oil is one of those rare pantry additions that doesn’t try to be complicated. It doesn’t ask for attention. It just quietly transforms whatever it touches.

It started, like most good things do, with curiosity. A drizzle over something simple. A bite that suddenly tasted like it had been waiting for that exact moment. And then it became a habit — the kind you don’t really think about, because it just works.

There’s a rhythm to it: the crackle when it hits warm food, the way the oil carries depth without overpowering, the subtle heat that builds instead of shouts. It’s not about making food “spicy.” It’s about making it complete.

We’ve been using it everywhere — eggs in the morning, roasted vegetables, grilled meats, even the unexpected places like avocado toast or a late-night slice of pizza. The rule is simple: if it feels like it’s missing something, it probably isn’t.

That’s the thing about Hot Crispy Oil. It doesn’t replace anything. It finishes it!

It's delicious on scrambled eggs!

A quiet moment in the kitchen — the kind where the bottle is already within reach before the food even hits the plate. There’s something almost ritualistic about it now. Heat. Food. Drizzle. Done.

Some of the best ideas in food aren’t inventions — they’re enhancements. Small decisions that change the entire direction of a bite. Hot Crispy Oil lives in that space.

Crispy Garlic, Savory Heat, Premium Oil, Crunchy Shallots

Watch this recipe come together:

There’s a reason you don’t overthink something like this. You just reach for it again and again.

Hot Crispy Oil isn’t the main event — it’s the part you remember after the last bite.

Jack Daniel’s and the USO Announce Historic “United We Toast” Partnership

2026-06-29T15:06:23.024-04:00

National Toast to the Troops July 4th encourages consumers to tune in live, raise a glass and send message of support to our service men and women

Lynchburg, Tenn. (June 29, 2026) – In honor of America’s landmark 250th anniversary, the Jack Daniel Distillery and the USO are proud to announce a new partnership dedicated to celebrating the legacy, service, and sacrifice of the United States Armed Forces. Through support as a leading partner of the USO’s “United We Toast” initiative, this collaboration brings together America’s oldest registered distillery and the nation’s leading military support organization to honor the country’s milestone Semiquincentennial.

This nationwide effort brings civilians and service members together through a shared moment of gratitude, a collective toast to our nation's heroes, and an ongoing digital campaign to support active-duty troops. By connecting the distillery's 160-year history with the USO’s historic mission, the campaign invites consumers to visit retail displays or the digital hub at www.jackdaniels.com/toast-250 to send a personalized message of support to active-duty troops via the USO’s “Campaign to Connect.” The initiative aims to deliver over two million handwritten and digital messages to strengthen spirits at USO locations worldwide.

“Jack Daniel’s story is an American story, rooted in our history and built on the values of grit, authenticity, and independence, shared by the brave men and women who protect our freedoms,” said Chris Fletcher, Master Distiller at the Jack Daniel Distillery. “It is our absolute honor to partner with the USO to raise a true 'Toast to the Troops’ and ensure our service members know they are never alone.”

“As America marks its 250th anniversary, the USO is proud to help create meaningful ways for Americans to recognize and honor those who serve,” said USO CEO Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Mike Linnington. “Through ‘United We Toast,’ we hope to inspire moments of appreciation, connection, and support for service members and their families while reinforcing the bond between our military and the nation they protect.”

The partnership will come to life across a series of major high-traffic cultural activations and military community events throughout 2026. The celebration kicks off at Nashville’s 4th of July “Let Freedom Sing!” Bash, featuring a momentous national toast to America live on primetime television from the Jack Daniel's Stage on Broadway. Following the Independence Day milestone, Jack Daniel's will head to the 86th Anniversary of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in August, where it aims to engage an estimated 575,000 attendees at the Jack Daniel's activation to unite independent spirits and drive personal messages of support directly to the troops. Beyond these public festivals, the initiative features ongoing integration into premier local USO partner events across the nation, including New Orleans Fleet Week, the USO Experience in Virginia Beach, the Salute the Troops Golf Outing, and a dedicated "Toast to the Troops" moment at the flagship USO Five-Star Gala in Seattle.

For more information on local event activations or to submit a digital message of gratitude to the troops, visit www.jackdaniels.com/toast-250.

Sagamore Whiskey High Rye Straight Bourbon

2026-06-29T10:36:38.967-04:00

Baltimore, June 29, 2026 - Sagamore Spirit, the leading and award-winning Maryland-style whiskey distillery, proudly announces that their High Rye Straight Bourbon Whiskey will be launched nationwide on July 1st, 2026. This release, a prestigious addition to the Sagamore Whiskey Reserve Series, represents the brand's vision to expand beyond rye while remaining rooted in its core values. This unique bourbon-style whiskey has been crafted to pay homage to Kentucky's bourbon heritage while celebrating and advancing Maryland-style whiskey traditions.

This Maryland-made high rye straight bourbon whiskey features a mash bill of 60% corn, 25% rye, and 15% malted rye, aged for 6 years in new charred American white oak barrels and bottled at 54% ABV. This exceptional whiskey presents a striking bright cinnamon hue that immediately signals its character. On the nose, it opens with inviting aromas of dark brown sugar and grilled peaches, rounded out by luscious mixed berries. The palate delivers a rich, layered experience of spiced vanilla and hazelnut toffee, complemented by dried fruits and a hint of orange peel. The finish is long and satisfying, leaving a lingering caramel sweetness with toasted nuts and warming spices.

Sagamore Whiskey, founded in 2013, is rooted in one of America's oldest rye whiskey traditions: Maryland-style. Before Kentucky became famous for bourbon, Maryland farmers turned to rye as it flourished in the region's fertile soil and changing coastal climate. This locally grown grain became celebrated for its smoothness and balance, while playing a defining role in the early rise of cocktail culture and American drinking history. Today, with a state-of-the-art waterfront distillery opened in 2017, Sagamore Whiskey honors this tradition through a signature double mash bill and expert blending, reintroducing Maryland rye to a new generation.

"This High Rye Straight Bourbon is something we've been eager to share nationwide — a whiskey crafted for those who enjoy both bourbon and rye flavors that makes for a memorable pour," Ryan Norwood, Master Distiller at Sagamore Whiskey. "We're thrilled to share this release with whiskey fans who appreciate something truly distinctive."

Last fall, the first limited batch of High Rye Straight Bourbon Whiskey was released locally in the Baltimore, Maryland area. Since the launch, it has received a notable 91 point score with Whisky Advocate.

The Sagamore Whiskey Reserve Series celebrates the legacy of Maryland distilling, with an unyielding focus on excellence from start to finish. Within this series, some whiskies undergo barrel finishing that impart unique flavor profiles, while others are distinguished by older age statements.

Sagamore Whiskey is driven to craft the world's best Maryland-style whiskey. The legacy of Maryland-style whiskey is a beacon of quality for Sagamore, but it's today's whiskey lovers across the globe who inspire the brand forward. Sagamore Whiskey believes it's time for a modern approach to American Whiskey: one that prioritizes an impactful grain to glass process utilizing Non-GMO grains, connecting with the local farming community, and a determination to create the greatest Maryland-style whiskey imaginable. The Spirit of Sagamore lives in the brand's award-winning whiskies and disciplined pursuit of excellence.

The Sagamore Whiskey High Rye Straight Bourbon is rolling out nationwide starting July 1st, 2026, at an SRP of $50 and can be purchased either at select premium retailers nationwide or at the Sagamore Whiskey distillery in Baltimore. Maryland. Additionally, the bourbon will be coming soon to Total Wine & More.

Penelope Bourbon Architects of Golf Hole 2

2026-06-22T09:00:00.000-04:00

Some whiskey releases are designed to tell a larger story.

Penelope's Limited Series, Architects of Golf, came together over a love and discussion about golf. It seems simple enough, but if you know anything about the spirits game, you know nothing happens overnight.

This is Penelope Architects of Golf Hole 2, a six-year-old straight bourbon whiskey with a mash bill consisting of corn (60%), rye (36%), and malted barley (4%). The elevated rye content promises a more assertive profile while the finishing introduces a layer of complexity that we appreciate.

While many limited releases arrive with a one-and-done approach, Architects of Golf appears to be building something much larger. With Holes 1, 2, and 3 already announced, the series invites an obvious question: How many holes are left to play?

While no official roadmap has been released, the golf-inspired theme naturally leads enthusiasts to wonder whether the collection could eventually stretch to nine releases—or perhaps even a full eighteen-hole journey. If that proves true, whiskey collectors and golf fans alike may be witnessing the early stages of a truly unique long-term bourbon project.

For now, our attention turns to Hole 2.

Non-chill filtered and finished with American oak staves, Hole 2 seeks to add depth without overwhelming the whiskey's foundation. At 94 proof, it lands in a sweet spot that allows the flavors to fully express themselves while remaining immdiately approachable and not too hot. While there's a segment of whiskey lovers that love a hazmat bomb, most would appreciate this mid-proof pleaser.

The whiskey settles into the glass with a rich caramelized sugar hue. It's an inviting color that hints at both sweetness and maturity before the first swirl. The nose opens with notes of vanilla extract and toasted marshmallow, creating an immediate sense of warmth and familiarity. As the whiskey breathes, deeper notes begin to emerge. Cedar adds a subtle layer of dry wood character that balances the sweeter elements beautifully. The overall presentation feels polished and mature without becoming overly oak-driven.

Hole 2 quickly reminds us why rye-forward bourbons continue to attract such a loyal following. The palate unfolds with an impressive collection of baking spices supported by savory grilling spice notes that create both depth and texture. Layers of dark cocoa and butterscotch pudding contribute richness and sweetness without becoming heavy or overly decadent. As the sip develops, tobacco notes emerge and intertwine with vanilla, creating a profile that feels remarkably complete from front to back.

This is not a bourbon that relies on a single dominant note. Instead, it continuously reveals new layers as it moves across the palate. If you have an opportunity to snag an Architect of Golf bottle, we would love to hear your thoughts.

ABV: 47.0% (94 Proof)

Distillery: Ross & Squibb Distillery

Suggested retail price: $59.99

Drink The Bottles score: 94/100

Fluère Spiced Cane Dark Roast: A Father's Day Pour for Every Dad

2026-06-21T09:00:00.000-04:00

Celebrating Dad Doesn't Have to Include Alcohol

Father's Day has long been associated with a familiar lineup of gifts: neckties, grilling tools, golf balls, and, increasingly, a bottle of whiskey or bourbon. And while many dads enjoy a well-made cocktail, not every father is looking for alcohol these days.

Some are focused on fitness goals. Others are training for races, watching their calorie intake, managing health concerns, serving as designated drivers, or simply choosing to drink less than they once did. Many have discovered that moderation doesn't mean sacrificing the rituals and experiences they've always enjoyed.

That's where brands like Fluère are changing the conversation. Rather than asking consumers to give something up, Fluère offers an alternative way to participate. The ritual remains. The cocktail remains. The social experience remains. The alcohol simply doesn't have to. For Father's Day, that makes Fluère Spiced Cane Dark Roast one of the more interesting bottles we've encountered this year.

Founded in the Netherlands, Fluère was created with a simple mission: develop premium non-alcoholic spirits that deliver the complexity and sophistication cocktail enthusiasts expect from traditional spirits. Unlike many alcohol-free products that rely heavily on sweetness, Fluère focuses on botanical distillation and layered flavor development.

The company's founders recognized a growing movement among consumers seeking balance rather than abstinence. People weren't necessarily looking to eliminate social drinking experiences—they simply wanted more options. That philosophy led to a lineup of distilled non-alcoholic alternatives inspired by popular spirit categories including gin, agave spirits, and rum.

Today, Fluère products are available internationally and have become increasingly popular among cocktail enthusiasts looking to create sophisticated alcohol-free drinks without sacrificing flavor or presentation. Of Fluère's growing portfolio, Spiced Cane Dark Roast may be the most intriguing.

Designed as an alternative to dark rum, the spirit combines flavors inspired by sugarcane, molasses, roasted coffee, cacao, and warming spices. The result isn't intended to be an exact copy of rum. Instead, it captures many of the characteristics that make dark rum cocktails appealing in the first place: richness, depth, warmth, and complexity. And unlike many alcohol-free products that can feel one-dimensional, Dark Roast offers enough layers to stand up in classic cocktail applications.

Pale golden in the glass with chewy caramel, molasses and espresso bean on the nose. Cacao bits, caramelized brown sugar, roasted coffee and vanilla on the palate. While tasty enough on its own, it is intended to be the star of your non-alcoholic drinks. We highly recommend you make the Fluère Dark Roast Daiquiri for dad on his special day.

2 ounces Fluère Spiced Cane Dark Roast
1 ounce fresh lime juice
3/4 ounce simple syrup (1:1 sugar/water)
Ice
Optional: 1/4 ounce demerara syrup
Garnish: dehydrated lime wheel

Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well for 15-20 seconds. Double strain into a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass. Garnish with a dehydrated lime wheel.

Penelope Cooper Series Riviera Whiskey

2026-06-20T09:00:00.000-04:00

One of the things we've always appreciated about Penelope is that they aren't afraid to experiment. In fact, some might argue that they paved the path for many other distilleries for blending and creating unique spirits. In an era where every new whiskey release seems to promise bigger proof, older age statements, or increasingly exotic finishes, Penelope has managed to find a balance between innovation and drinkability. That philosophy is on full display in the Cooper Series, a collection that allows the brand to explore unique finishing techniques while still keeping the whiskey approachable and enjoyable.

Enter Riviera. Part of Penelope's popular Cooper Series, Riviera takes a blend straight bourbon and 8-year American light whiskey and finishes it in rosé wine casks. On paper, it sounds like a whiskey designed for warmer weather and outdoor gatherings. In the glass, it turns out to be exactly that.

The Cooper Series has become one of the more interesting projects in modern American whiskey. Rather than simply releasing another bourbon with a different label, Penelope uses the series to showcase how various cask finishes can influence and transform a whiskey. The finishing barrels aren't meant to overpower the spirit. Instead, they add layers of character that create a completely different experience while still allowing the whiskey itself to shine through.

The mash bill is corn (74%), wheat (16%), rye (7%) and malted barle (3%). Riviera pours a beautiful medium brown with golden highlights throughout the glass. The color immediately hints at a whiskey that may be a little lighter and brighter than a traditional bourbon, which is expected from this blend.

The aroma is incredibly inviting. Fresh red fruit immediately lifts from the glass, accompanied by ripe stone fruits and floral notes that feel almost spring-like in character. Underneath those brighter aromas is a subtle note of baked goods that reminds me of a warm croissant fresh from the bakery.

The palate follows through beautifully on what the nose promises. Light, airy, and remarkably approachable, Riviera carries a gentle sweetness that never becomes overwhelming. The rosé cask influence is evident, but it never dominates the whiskey. Stone fruits become the centerpiece of the experience. The mouthfeel remains soft and refined while maintaining enough structure to keep the whiskey interesting from start to finish. The finish introduces a touch of spice that balances the sweeter fruit-forward profile.

The Penelope Cooper series has garnered well-deserved positive attention since the first release. We are absolutely loving the line up!

ABV: 47.0% (94 proof)

Distillery: Ross & Squibb Distillery

Suggested retail price: $79.99

Drink The Bottles score: 93/100

Woodinville Straight Bourbon Whiskey Aged 6 Years

2026-06-19T09:00:00.000-04:00

Woodinville Whiskey: From Washington Startup to American Whiskey Standout

Let's get one thing out of the way right from the start: Woodinville Whiskey isn't trying to be Kentucky bourbon. That's probably one of the biggest reasons it has become one of the most respected craft whiskey producers in America.

For decades, bourbon drinkers have been conditioned to believe that the best whiskey comes from Kentucky. While there's certainly plenty of truth behind that reputation, distilleries like Woodinville have shown that exceptional bourbon can come from places most enthusiasts never expected. In this case, the Pacific Northwest.

Founded in 2010 by longtime friends Brett Carlile and Orlin Sorensen, Woodinville Whiskey began with a simple but ambitious goal: create world-class whiskey using local ingredients and traditional methods without taking shortcuts. Rather than sourcing whiskey from elsewhere and putting their name on it, they committed themselves to building something authentic from the ground up.

That journey included working alongside legendary Master Distiller David Pickerell, whose influence helped shape the distillery's early vision. It also included a commitment to sourcing grain from Washington's Omlin Family Farm, a relationship that remains a cornerstone of the brand today. The result is a true grain-to-glass operation that has grown from a small craft startup into one of the most recognizable whiskey brands in the country.

One of the first things longtime fans will notice this year is that Woodinville looks a little different on the shelf. In 2026, the distillery introduced its first major bottle redesign in more than a decade. Thankfully, they didn't reinvent the wheel. Instead, they refined it.

The new bottle feels more premium without losing the identity that made Woodinville recognizable in the first place. The updated design highlights the whiskey's age statement more prominently and tells a visual story about the journey from grain to glass. It's clean, modern, and honestly one of the best redesigns we've seen in the whiskey space recently.

If you've never tried Woodinville before, the 6-Year Straight Bourbon is probably the best place to start. At 90 proof, it doesn't try to overwhelm you with barrel strength intensity or prove anything through sheer alcohol content. Instead, it focuses on balance, drinkability, and flavor.

Coloring of freshly brewed sun tea in the glass. Ginger ale, caramel, green tea and vanilla on the nose. The flavors are immediately satifsying and include Boston Cream Pie, rich & buttery caramel, leading to a soft but memorable finish of butterscotch and wet walnuts.

Final Thoughts on the Bourbon

We have tasted our share of craft bourbons over the years that felt like they were trying too hard to stand out. Woodinville isn't one of them. Instead of chasing trends, it simply focuses on making good whiskey. That's a surprisingly rare thing these days. The six-year age statement adds maturity, the grain quality shines through, and the overall experience feels polished from start to finish.

This is the kind of bottle that earns a permanent place on your shelf because it's easy to reach for whether you're sharing a pour with friends or simply winding down after a long day. It seems cliché to call a bottle a "daily sipper" because the phrase is an overused marketing buzzword. But, we're genuinely struggling to fine another way to describe this bottle, because it completely fits the bill!

ABV: 45.0% (90 proof)

Distillery: Woodinville Whiskey Co.

Suggested retail price: $39.99

Drink The Bottles score: 92/100

Buy the book online HERE

The Woodinville Book

As if launching a new bottle design wasn't enough, Woodinville also recently released a beautifully produced book that tells the story of the distillery and the people behind it. Written by Adam Erace, Woodinville is part company history, part whiskey journey, and part celebration of what can happen when passion and patience intersect.

What we are enjoying most about the book is that it isn't simply a marketing piece. It provides insight into the challenges of building a whiskey brand from scratch, the relationships that helped shape the distillery, and the philosophy that continues to guide Woodinville today.

For fans of the brand, it's an opportunity to better understand the people behind the whiskey. For whiskey enthusiasts in general, it's a fascinating look at how one of America's most successful craft distilleries found its footing in an industry dominated by legacy brands. It also serves as a reminder that every great bottle has a story behind it. Sometimes those stories are every bit as interesting as the whiskey itself. And kudos for the tasting notes section!

Final Thoughts

Woodinville Whiskey has spent the last fifteen years proving that great bourbon isn't limited by geography. Through a commitment to local ingredients, thoughtful production methods, and an unwavering focus on quality, Brett Carlile and Orlin Sorensen have built one of the most respected whiskey brands in the country.

The new bottle design signals an exciting new chapter for the distillery, while the six-year bourbon demonstrates exactly why Woodinville continues to earn loyal fans across the nation. Pair that with Adam Erace's new book, and there's never been a better time to explore everything this Washington whiskey producer has to offer.

If you've never ventured beyond Kentucky when it comes to bourbon, Woodinville may be the bottle that changes your mind.