Bourbon

Stillman’s Sonder Straight Bourbon Whiskey Aged 10 Years

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Stillman’s Sonder Straight Bourbon Whiskey Aged 10 Years

47% ABV
$70
Website
Stillmans Sonder Straight Bourbon Whiskey Aged 10 Years
We would like to thank Dancing Goat Distillery and Ro-Bro Marketing & PR for sending us a sample to review.

What the Producer Says:

The Dancing Goat team embarked on an eighteen-month journey—analysis, blending, reentry testing, gauging, finishing, re-blending, and regauging—to take the most choice barrels from their elusive aged stocks. Stillman’s Sonder is a whiskey that is polished and reimagined, crafted through generational knowledge and responsibility. From 2010 to 2016, distillation in Indiana included a series of large exploratory test runs and orphaned barrels. The Maas Family carefully collected these barrels in secret until their stocks grew and aged to a point where a 10+ year aged whiskey could be blended and produced with consistency and growth.

The 10-Year Straight Bourbon Whiskey utilizes both Andean and American oak aged barrels with texture and concentration pushed through several double oaked components. Spoon proofed in barrels at times with encouraged oxidation through short fills and vatting, this is a remarkably expressive bourbon crafted through extreme care and reflection.

TASTING NOTES
Aroma: Milk chocolate, ripe strawberry and chai tea with a curious hint of the outdoors like a forest stream in autumn.
Taste: Sweet cream and brown sugar touched with vanilla bean. Strawberry notes transform to a more structured sweet cardamom.
Finish: What starts as sweet meets a robust wall of oak and tannin. Chocolate and berry notes prevail with an inviting, long and pleasant finish.

What Gary Says

Nose: Rich chocolate malt, vanilla, caramel, oak and a hint of black cherry.
Palate: Creamy mouthfeel, dark chocolate, vanilla, peanut brittle, nutmeg, strawberry and a hint of tobacco.
Finish: Moderately long with chocolate covered strawberries and oak.
Comments: Wow! I’ve had plenty of MGP bourbon (which is where this was distilled, although the finishing, re-barreling and blending was all done in Wisconsin), but this is some of the best by far. Strawberry is a note I rarely get (in fact only once before have I gotten that from a bourbon, and less than a handful of times in Scotch). The thick, richness of the nose and palate are a treat – and definitely a unique pour. While I’d love to see this with a bit more proof on it – this is one of the best new bourbon’s I’ve had in a while.

Rating: Must Try/Must Buy

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Old Grand-Dad 7 Year Bottled-In-Bond

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Old Grand-Dad 7 Year Bottled-In-Bond
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

50% ABV
$40
Website
Old Grand-Dad 7 Year Bottled-In-Bond
We would like to thank James B. Beam Distilling Co. and SAVONA COMMUNICATIONS for sending us a sample to review.

What the Distillery Says:

Released in 2025, JBBDCo. has introduced an annual expression of Old Grand-Dad® 7 Year Bonded Bourbon. Each year’s release of our high-rye Kentucky Straight Bourbon whiskey will be produced from a single distillation season in accordance with the Bottled-In-Bond Act. This year’s 2026 release highlights its distillation and barreling in the Fall of 2018. Historically inspired by vintage releases, this fine bourbon is cut to 100 proof to reach its optimal and distinctively classic OGD flavor and body. Patiently aged to a minimum of 7yrs while converging the high rye recipe bourbon drinkers know and love.

TASTING NOTES
Color: Golden with deep copper tones
Aroma: Bold caramel, cinnamon, and vanilla
Taste: Full-bodied. Sweet velvety caramel flavors with notes of charred oak and vanilla
Finish: Long lingering peppery finish
How to serve: Best served in any number of classic cocktails calling for a full and layered bourbon.

What Gary Says

Nose: Peanut brittle, vanilla, toasted oak, hint of caramel and baking spices.
Palate: Caramel, orange zest, cinnamon, vanilla, oak and nutmeg.
Finish: Moderate in length, drying with brown sugar and baking spices.
Comments: A nice, solid, spicy bourbon. I’ve always been a fan of the Old Grand-Dad lineup, and this one sits comfortably in that wheelhouse. The extra age brings a little more oak and structure, but there’s still plenty of that familiar caramel, peanut and spice character underneath. It’s straightforward, flavorful bourbon—and sometimes that’s exactly what I’m looking for.

Rating: Stands Out

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Remus Repeal Reserve Series VIII Straight Bourbon Whiskey

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Remus Repeal Reserve Series VIII
Straight Bourbon Whiskey

50.5% ABV
$100
Website
Remus Repeal Reserve Series VIII Straight Bourbon Whiskey

What the Distillery Says

Remus Repeal Reserve Series VIII is the eighth annual limited-edition release in the Remus Repeal Reserve collection, created by Ross & Squibb Distillery to commemorate the repeal of Prohibition on December 5, 1933.

The 101-proof, non-chill-filtered bourbon is a blend of three high-rye bourbons aged between 10 and 17 years:
• 9% 17-year bourbon with a 21% rye mash bill
• 24% 10-year bourbon with a 21% rye mash bill
• 67% 10-year bourbon with a 36% rye mash bill

For Series VIII, Master Distiller Ian Stirsman and the blending team increased the proportion of the 36% rye recipe and selected 101 proof after evaluating the blend at several proofs.

Official tasting notes describe aromas of cherry, candied pecans and leather, followed by maple syrup, cherry and fig on the palate. The finish features vanilla, oak and lingering baking spice.

What Gary Says

Nose: Caramel, dark chocolate, vanilla, oak, leather, wood polish, cigar paper, black cherries and tobacco.
Palate: Creamy mouthfeel, cherry, figs, black walnut, caramel, chocolate, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, honey and vanilla.
Finish: Moderately long with tobacco, caramel and baking spices.
Comments: I bought this in 2026 at Lux Row distillery (on-sale even!) As I loved Remus Repeal Reserve Series VII and Remus Repeal Reserve Series IX even more, it was a no brainer to pick this up. I’m not sure why they still had it on the shelves in late April 2026, because this is just delightful! Right in-line with those, and even at full retail (I think I paid $90 at the distillery) this is a really well made bourbon and I’d have had no regrets. A bit of water brings out notes of cherry cola on the nose, and some orchard fruit notes (apple) on the palate.

Rating: Must Try/Must Buy

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Elijah Craig 2026 PGA Championship Edition Bourbon

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Elijah Craig 2026 PGA Championship Edition
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

54% ABV
$38
Website
Elijah Craig PGA 2026 Championship Bourbon

What the Distillery Says

Elijah Craig Launches 108-Proof 2026 PGA Championship Commemorative Edition Bourbon
SMALL BATCH CRAFTED AT HIGHER 108 PROOF NODS TO 108TH PLAYING OF THE PGA CHAMPIONSHIP

BARDSTOWN, Ky., April 16, 2026 – Elijah Craig, the Official Bourbon of the 2026 PGA Championship, today announced its next commemorative edition release, the 2026 PGA Championship Commemorative Edition Small Batch Bourbon, to toast the best of major championship golf. Bottled at a wholly appropriate 108 proof from a small batch of barrels pulled from Heaven Hill Distillery’s N and S rickhouses, the new release honors the championship’s 108th edition and return to the legendary Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, PA, from May 14 – 17.

The new expression delivers the signature warm spice and smooth character that fans of Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon know and love, with elevated intensity. It opens with inviting aromas of vanilla, clove, cinnamon and citrus, followed by layered notes of butterscotch, ripe berries and baking spices on the palate, culminating in a rich, warm finish marked by lingering sweetness and complex spice that’s right on par for the occasion.

“Elijah Craig’s strong partnership with PGA of America brings together the best in golf and the best in Bourbon, and reflects our shared spirit of craftsmanship and dedication”
— Max Stefka, AVP, Global Whiskey Brands at Heaven Hill

“We look forward to toasting a glass of this 108-proof Small Batch Bourbon to mark the 108th PGA Championship at Aronimink.”

The Elijah Craig Small Batch 2026 PGA Championship Commemorative Edition bottle features a distinctive design, highlighted by special labels that proudly showcase Elijah Craig’s “Official Bourbon” designation alongside the official 2026 PGA Championship logo, and finished with a signature gold coin cork bearing Aronimink Golf Club’s official logo.

“Elijah Craig plays an instrumental role in bringing the PGA Championship experience to life”
— Ernie Vilar, PGA of America Senior Director, Global Partnerships

“The PGA of America is proud to continue our partnership with this iconic brand, offering spectators both at-home and along the fairways the opportunity to toast this year’s historic return to Aronimink with Elijah Craig’s award-winning Bourbon.”

Elijah Craig continues to leave its mark on the golf world through its partnerships with PGA TOUR® professionals, including PGA Tour Pros Robert MacIntyre and J.T. Poston, who proudly represent Elijah Craig Bourbon. The brand is also recognized as the Official Bourbon of the PGA of America, the Ryder Cup, KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, and as an Official Partner of the PGA National Club Championship. Together, these relationships underscore the brand’s deep ties to the sport, rooted in the same attention to detail and commitment to quality that define both the game and every bottle of Elijah Craig Bourbon.

The 108-Proof 2026 PGA Championship Commemorative Edition Small Batch Bourbon is now shipping in limited quantities to retailers nationwide with a suggested retail price of $36.99.

What Gary Says

Nose: Caramel, vanilla, subtle oak spice, with toasted oak and a note of rickhouse mustiness.
Palate: Rich mouthfeel with caramel, cinnamon, pepper, coffee, chocolate and black cherries.
Finish: Moderate in length with chocolate, honey and pepper spice.
Comments: I bought this having not heard anything about it at the time (was in Bardstown this April and it was in the Heaven Hill Bourbon Heritage Center gift shop; thought higher proof Elijah Craig for under $40? Why not!) Honestly, when I first cracked, I was a bit disappointed – and now I’m not sure why. Initially it came across a tad hot, but not particularly special – and before sitting down to do a more studied tasting I used it in cocktails. Not that I regret that, but as I do a more focused approach I’ve found this is quite nice – if not mind-blowing (but hey – it was priced really reasonably). A bit of water brings out notes of citrus on the nose, and more honey on the palate (while tamping down some of the chocolate notes). I wouldn’t rush to go find one, but if I saw another on the shelf at retail – might pick it up to spend more quality time with it.

Rating: Stands Out

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Booker’s 2026-02 “Milkshake Batch”

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Booker’s “Milkshake Batch” 2026-02
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

7 Years, 6 Months, 12 Days
62.2% ABV
$100
Website
Bookers Milkshake Batch 2026-02
We would like to thank Beam Suntory and SAVONA COMMUNICATIONS for sending us a sample to review.

What the Distillery Says:

The second US release of Booker’s 2026 Collection is Booker’s Batch 2026-02 “Milkshake Batch”. Dad loved his dessert as much as he loved his bourbon. And being the inventor that he was, he found a way to bring the two together. His famous malted chocolate milkshake brought us all together, too. Every time we enjoy one today, it reminds us of good times with the Big Man.
When I was young, Dad and I spent many an afternoon out fishing at a nearby lake. We had plenty of fun out there, but the best part came later, on the way home. We’d pull up to an ice cream dip and order ourselves two chocolate malted milkshakes – a reward for our hard work.
One day, Dad tried out mixing some Jim Beam into his own shake, and a tradition was born. By the time Freddie came along, Dad figured out how to make them from scratch.
When we lived next door, Dad would have Freddie go over to his house whenever he got a craving for that chocolate malted milkshake. He’d whip some up for himself, Freddie and me – and today, whenever we get the same hankering, we use the family recipe that Booker invented for us all those years ago.
If you want to try it out for yourself, the recipe’s simple. All you need is chocolate malt, ice cream, and milk – and of course a good pour of Booker’s.
— FRED NOE, BEAM FAMILY 7TH GENERATION MASTER DISTILLER

MASTER DISTILLER’S NOTES
Booker’s “Milkshake Batch” is made up of four production dates that were stored in four different storage warehouses. The age will be 7 years, 6 months, 12 days old and the proof is 124.4. the breakdown is as follows:
• 26% came from the 5th floor of 7-story warehouse 3
• 23% came from the 3rd floor of 7-story warehouse L
• 19% came from the 3rd floor of 7-story warehouse M
• 32% came from the 5th floor of 7-story warehouse G at waterfall

The color of this batch is rich golden amber that came from the time spent in the barrel resting in the changing seasons of Kentucky. The color of aged bourbon always reminds me of the thoroughbreds that will be racing now that spring has finally sprung here in Kentucky. The aroma is rich and thick with vanilla and oak that is inviting you to take a taste. The taste of the blend is full of flavors that are a pleasure to assess and invite you to take another sip. I enjoyed the full, flavorful finish that lingers and makes you want another sip. I am going to make a milkshake tonight and add some of this batch of Booker’s. I know it will be great and bring back memories of my dad enjoying his favorite treats, a chocolate milkshake with some bourbon added to it.

TASTING NOTES
Taste: Aromas of vanilla, spices
Aroma: Big and bold, and unmistakably Booker’s® Bourbon
Finish: Long and delightful

What Gary Says

Nose: Thick, vanilla, oak, caramel, dark chocolate, turtle brownies, leather and roasted peanuts.
Palate: Chocolate, caramel, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, peanut brittle and pepper spice.
Finish: Moderately long, slightly drying with oak, cocoa, caramel and pepper spice.
Comments: Classic Booker’s. And like many higher proof drams, this one benefits from some time in the glass – helps to tamp down the heat a bit. Could be that it’s been a minute since having a Booker’s, but this is hitting all the right notes for me. Just thick, chewy, robust flavor all the way through. A bit of water doesn’t hurt this one bit, and brings out toasted orange zest on the nose, and chocolate orange on the palate (definitely a citrus bend).

Rating: Stands Out/Must Try

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