Must Try

Booker’s 2026-02 “Milkshake Batch”

/ / Bourbon, Review / ,

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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Wolfe & Wilson Straight Rye Whiskey

/ / Review, Rye Whiskey /

Wolfe & Wilson Straight Rye Whiskey

50% ABV
$100
Website
Wolfe & Wilson Straight Rye Whiskey
We would like to thank Stoll & Wolfe Distillery and The Whiskey Bard for sending us a sample to review.

What the Distillery Says

PRESS RELEASE
New Wolfe & Wilson Straight Rye Is A True 250th Anniversary Representation of American Whiskey History
Drawn directly from a colonial-era booklet, this unique expression by two craft distillers with a love for the past showcases a genuine attempt to recreate early American distilling practices using documented historical recipes, heritage grains, and period-appropriate techniques. It is a true representation of a 250th anniversary whiskey.

LITITZ, Pa. – June 1, 2026 – Stoll & Wolfe, a storied craft distillery at the forefront of high-quality Pennsylvania rye whiskeys, is proud to announce Wolfe & Wilson Straight Rye Whiskey, a unique collaboration between two masters of the distilling arts, Stoll & Wolfe head distiller Erik Wolfe and southern Indiana farmer distiller Alan Bishop (formerly of Spirits of French Lick). This whiskey is based upon an old colonial-era recipe and serves as a true testament to the journey of this noble spirit through America’s 250 years.
Wolfe & Wilson Straight Rye Whiskey draws its inspiration from a pamphlet written by Frederick Heinrich Gelwicks, an important piece of early American distilling lore from the late 1700s to early 1800s, documenting actual working recipes used by Pennsylvania distillers during that era. A recipe from that publication resulted in a whiskey with a unique grain combination of rye malt, wheat, rye, and oats, fermented with wild yeast and cheese culture, and aged in new American oak barrels at 105 proof.
“Collaborating on translating a nearly 300 century old recipe is a unique opportunity to explore the roots of our local distilling traditions by bringing this whiskey to life and allowing modern consumers to experience a spirit nearly lost to history,” said Erik Wolfe.
Wolfe and Bishop, sharing a fundamental distilling philosophy and ethos that values flavor over efficiency and also honors traditional production methods balanced against modern concerns, began collaboration on this whiskey back in 2023. The challenge for them was how to adapt for today’s distilling world a recipe of 1 bushel rye malt, 1 bushel wheat, 1 bushel rye, and 3 pecks of oats.
Sourcing heritage grains from Pennsylvania family farms, including the Kline farm that’s tied to Stoll & Wolfe, the two set out on an epic undertaking to recreate something few in the modern era would even consider. A testament to their combined creativity and fine attention to historical details, the expression is designed to give today’s whiskey drinker a glance at what was being enjoyed at the birth of a nation.
“Bringing the knowledge brought to Indiana by early PA Germans back East to PA is one of the highlights of my career,” said Alan Bishop. “That we stuck to the ideals of the colonial distillers while implementing modern technological advantages speaks to just how well versed in the art of distillation our forefathers were. To do such great work alongside Erik and Aviana is a rare opportunity!”
Besides these nods to the past, other elements of historical consideration were factored in as well, such as the addition of dried fruits during the distillation process and aging in a colonial-era tobacco farm. The Wolfe & Wilson straight rye, given all of this, presents itself as an authentic representation of a bygone era with legitimate colonial ties, explicitly differentiating it from more generic 250th anniversary products.
Wolfe & Wilson Straight Rye Whiskey, Batch 1, was aged a minimum of two years in new charred American oak before being bottled at 100 proof. The product name Wolfe & Wilson carries layered personal and historical significance, as “Wolfe” represents Erik’s surname (Wolfe), while “Wilson” is Alan’s mother’s maiden name.
Available at a price point of $80, only 1000 750 ml bottles of Batch 1 will be available starting July 4th through Stoll & Wolfe’s tasting room in Lititz, Pennsylvania, and online in the contiguous United States.

What Gary Says

Nose: Rye malt funk with a touch of oak, cinnamon, dried herbs like fennel and thyme with a hint of bay leaves.
Palate: Creamy mouthfeel, malted rye spice with herbal/savory spice notes, honey, orange zest, anise with pepper spice that crackles before fading.
Finish: Moderate in length with pepper spice giving way to honey, rye spice and Earl Grey tea.
Comments: First a word about a word: funk. That may sound odd or unflattering but it isn’t meant that way. Heck – ask someone what Laphroaig taste like, and wet band-aids are an apt description . . . from someone who loves Laphroaig  (note – this is NOTHING like Laphroaig). The Whiskey Bard asked me if I’d ever had the chance to try colonial-era whiskey, and I’m thankful to say that I have (you can read my review of George Washington Rye here). This does remind me a bit of that; very unique! Now I’m not sure about the new oak aging (George Washington didn’t do that, but no one knows for sure where that started), but I’m focused more on what’s in the glass – and if you have not had a chance to try colonial-era whiskey, I would highly recommend it!

Rating: Must Try

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Penelope Straight Rye Whiskey

/ / Review, Rye Whiskey / ,

Penelope Straight Rye Whiskey

46% ABV
$35
Website
Penelope Straight Rye Whiskey
We would like to thank Luxco and The Brand Guild for sending us samples to review.

What the Blender Says

Our Straight Rye Whiskey is crafted for a balanced, approachable profile, showcasing its spice and depth without overpowering the palate. Smooth, layered, and complex, it reflects our continued focus on quality and innovation, bringing another fresh perspective to American whiskey.

Tasting Notes
AROMA: Bright spearmint citrus zest, layered with baking spice and light toasted oak.
BODY NOTES: Rye spice, cracked pepper, caramelized sugar, cool herbal mint and subtle citrus.
FINISH: Lingering spice, almond, polished oak and mint-caramel fade.

Mashbill
93% Rye
7% Barley Malt

St. Louis, MO — (June 9, 2026) — Penelope Bourbon announces the launch of its Classic Series and its new expressions: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Straight Rye Whiskey, two foundational whiskeys designed for everyday drinking occasions.

Over the past eight years, Penelope has built its reputation through experimentation, blending, and innovation, all with the goal of creating exceptional whiskey experiences that continually bring consumers something new to explore and enjoy. The Classic Series continues that journey, reflecting Penelope’s belief that there is always more to discover in the world of bourbon and whiskey.

“Since the beginning, our mission has always been to deliver the best possible whiskey to the consumer with every product we release,” said Michael Paladini, Founder and Vice President of Strategy at Penelope Bourbon. “We didn’t always follow the traditional playbook, but we always prioritized quality above all else. We’ve been talking about and working toward introducing Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Straight Rye Whiskey for a long time, but we wanted to make sure they were perfect before releasing them.”

Penelope Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is carefully crafted with a mashbill of 78% corn, 10% rye, and 12% barley malt to deliver a versatile profile that is both approachable for everyday enjoyment and refined enough for whiskey aficionados. On the nose, it opens with aromatics of butterscotch, vanilla bean, candied orange, and toasted sugar. The palate is smooth and layered with notes of brown sugar, honeyed corn, cinnamon, and creamy mint, and finishes with warm and lingering sweetness of caramel and dark chocolate with warm spice. Notably, this release also marks a meaningful milestone for the brand, representing the first time Penelope has worked at scale with distillate from Kentucky.

Complementing the bourbon, Penelope Straight Rye features a refined, approachable spice profile with layered complexity. Distilled in Indiana with a mashbill of 93% rye and 7% malted barley, it opens with bright aromatics of spearmint and citrus zest, a body of rye spice and caramelized sugar, and a lingering, balanced finish, delivering character without overpowering the palate.

“These expressions have been in development for a while,” said Danny Polise, Founder and Master Blender of Penelope Bourbon. “Using Kentucky distillate for the bourbon, like we’ve done in past blends, felt like a natural step as we worked to create something we genuinely liked. We kept dialing in the blends until they felt right, especially with the Straight Rye release.”

Both expressions are bottled at 92 proof and crafted to appeal to a wide spectrum of drinkers, reflecting Penelope’s commitment to quality, innovation, and modern craftsmanship. By leveraging its innovation-first approach, Penelope is demonstrating a new kind of credibility: one rooted in hands-on expertise, curiosity, and a willingness to push boundaries before refining tradition.

What Gary Says

Nose: Bright with mint, tangerine zest, vanilla and a touch of oak.
Palate: Creamy mouthfeel with caramel, lemon-lime, orange, mint, hint of cinnamon and pepper..
Finish: Moderate in length, drying with honey, caramel, mint and pepper spice.
Comments: That’s what I’m talking about – none of this ‘barely legal’ rye stuff here. Just bright rye spice throughout, and bringing that classic rye character without it being too sharp (not that I mind that in a rye whiskey, but appreciate when it comes full of spice and well balanced). While I enjoyed both of these Classic Series offerings, if I had to pick one to go with it’d be the rye for sure. Also appreciate some level of transparency by the folks at Penelope with including the mashbills, and acknowledging Indiana as the source of the rye (where in my humble opinion, there are folks who have really dialed in the craft).

Rating: Stands Out/Must Try

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Remus Lou Gehrig Reserve Bourbon

/ / Bourbon, Review / ,

Remus Lou Gehrig Reserve
Straight Bourbon Whiskey

54.5% ABV
$130
Website
Remus Lou Gehrig Reserve Bourbon
We would like to thank Luxco and The Brand Guild for sending us samples to review.

What the Producer Says

Lawrenceburg, IN (May 19, 2026) – Today, Remus Bourbon, the award-winning whiskey produced by MGP’s Ross & Squibb Distillery, announced the launch of Remus Lou Gehrig Reserve Bourbon. Following the success of the brand’s Remus Babe Ruth Reserve Bourbon in 2024 and 2025, this year’s release honors Lou Gehrig, the iconic New York Yankees first baseman known as the “Iron Horse” for his extraordinary durability, humility, and enduring impact on the game.

The limited-edition release is rich with symbolic details inspired by Gehrig’s legendary career and legacy. Crafted by Master Distiller Ian Stirsman, Remus Lou Gehrig Reserve incorporates four distinct mash bills in tribute to Gehrig’s legendary No. 4 jersey, while the bourbon’s 109 proof pays homage to the 100th anniversary of his 109 RBI season in 1926, the first of his remarkable 13 consecutive seasons with 100 or more RBIs. Only 9,665 bottles of Remus Lou Gehrig Reserve will be released nationwide, commemorating each of Gehrig’s career plate appearances. To take the experience and collectability a step further, a QR code on the back label allows consumers to scan and find out what Gehrig did in the game of their bottle’s plate appearance.

“In the 1920s, only one man was worthy of following Babe Ruth in the lineup, and that was the great Lou Gehrig. In 2026, the same holds true,” said Ian Stirsman. “Every detail was thoughtfully created to celebrate his legacy in a meaningful way, while maintaining the craftsmanship of Remus Bourbon that drinkers love and expect from our distillery.”

Remus Lou Gehrig Reserve features 14% 2016 bourbon with a 44% rye mash bill, 70% 2017 bourbon with a 49% rye mash bill, 8% 2019 bourbon with a 99% corn mash bill, and 8% 2019 bourbon with a 36% rye mash bill. It opens with warm cinnamon and nutmeg on the nose, layered with hints of leather and clove. The palate delivers notes of brown sugar, plum and marshmallow before finishing with baking spice, toasted cedar, and lingering cinnamon. The bottle is adorned with an embossed baseball diamond-shape label and a baseball bat knob closure.

Accompanying the launch, Remus Bourbon will donate $9,665, one dollar for each of Gehrig’s career plate appearances, to the Live Like Lou Foundation, an organization dedicated to funding research and supporting families affected by ALS. The brand will also extend the initiative to consumers through a social media campaign, donating an additional dollar for every like and comment on Remus Lou Gehrig Reserve launch content shared via Instagram (@remusbourbon), up to $2,130 in honor of Gehrig’s iconic consecutive games played streak.

“Support like this is powerful because it turns awareness into action for the ALS community,” said Wendy Faust, Executive Director of the Live Like Lou Foundation. “At Live Like Lou, we are committed to supporting families facing ALS today while investing in research to change the future of this disease. Remus Lou Gehrig Reserve honors Lou’s legacy in a meaningful way, bringing people together to raise critical funds, expand awareness, and help us continue our important work.”

What Gary Says

Nose: Salted caramel, fall leaves, cinnamon, baked apples, leather, hint of cloves and nutmeg.
Palate: Creamy mouthfeel with caramel, cocoa, nutmeg, clove, cinnamon with a hint of brown sugar, black cherries and oak.
Finish: Moderate in length with oak spices, vanilla and a kiss of butterscotch.
Comments: I appreciate the higher ABV here. It gives this classic bourbon profile a little more backbone without getting in the way. Lots of caramel, baking spice, oak, and darker fruit, with a creamy mouthfeel that keeps it from feeling too sharp. Water does it a favor, pulling out citrus on the nose and more chocolate on the palate. Not reinventing bourbon, but it’s well-built, familiar, and very easy to enjoy.
Like the Remus Babe Ruth Reserve (which I covered previously), the Remus Lou Gehrig Reserve leans heavily into presentation, using the same thoughtfully designed bottle with its baseball bat-inspired cork and diamond-themed accents. It’s a substantial, display-worthy package that feels intentionally collectible—something you could easily repurpose as a decanter once the bourbon is gone. The inclusion of the QR code-driven experience adds an extra layer of engagement, tying each bottle to a specific moment in Gehrig’s career and reinforcing the storytelling aspect behind the release.
While the liquid itself is solid and satisfying—especially at this proof point—the overall package clearly positions this as more than just another bourbon. Between the elevated presentation, interactive elements, and historical tie-in, it’s likely to resonate most with baseball fans, collectors, or those who appreciated the Babe Ruth edition and want a complementary piece in the lineup.

Rating: Stands Out/Must Try

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Old Grand-Dad 114 Single Barrel 7-Year

/ / Bourbon, Review /

Old Grand-Dad 114 Single Barrel 7-Year
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

57% ABV
$50
Website
Old Grand-Dad 114 Single Barrel 7-Year
We would like to thank Beam Suntory and SAVONA COMMUNICATIONS for sending us a sample to review.

What the Distillery Says

James B. Beam Distilling Co. proudly introduces Old Grand-Dad® 114 Single Barrel 7 Year. Crafted for those who value the cult following and unapologetic authenticity of OGD 114. Hand-selected from individual high-rye barrels, each expression is bottled at 114 proof to deliver the bold, signature character fans expect.

Patiently aged for seven years, this single barrel release builds on the classic OGD high-rye recipe with added depth, complexity, and individuality. The result is a robust bourbon with layered intensity, nuanced flavors unique to each barrel, and a warm, lasting finish. Whether enjoyed neat or used to elevate your favorite bourbon cocktails, Old Grand-Dad® 114 Single Barrel 7 Year offers a distinctive, full-flavored experience true to its legacy.

Tasting Notes
Color: Rich, dark amber
Aroma: Notes of dried fruit, caramel, and seasoned oak
Taste: Sweet vanilla and brown sugar, with subtle fruit
Finish: Seasoned oak and caramel, with subtle baking spice

How to serve: Best served neat or over ice to discern the individual nuances found within each single barrel release. OGD 114 Single Barrel 7 Year can also be used in any number of classic cocktails calling for a fuller and higher proof spirit

What Gary Says

Nose: Freshly baked turtle brownies with caramel drizzle, cocoa, vanilla, oak, nutty with peanuts and walnuts.
Palate: Caramel, chocolate, bits of toffee, pepper, nutmeg, hint of cloves with peanut brittle and toasted orange zest.
Finish: Medium in length with caramel and oak spices.
Comments: This is right in my wheelhouse. Big, chewy bourbon with that dark, nutty Old Grand-Dad profile turned up just enough without getting reckless (although let’s not kid ourselves – I’d love to see some ‘barrel proof Old Grand-Dad’). The chocolate, caramel, peanut brittle, and oak spice all lean into that burnt brownie corner thing I love — sweet, a little bitter, a little crunchy around the edges. Water does it favors, thickening the mouthfeel and pulling more caramel and honey into the mix. OGD 114 and I go way back – this has been a label that I’ve been a fan of for years. In fact, nearly 10 years ago there were rumors that Beam might kill it (to move the stock into other better selling products) because demand kept outstripping supply. Not sure how true those rumors were, but I created a petition to try to convince them NOT to kill it. Granted, I didn’t get enough signers to field a baseball team (which was disappointing), but the brand is now thriving so . . . you’re welcome. Now continue to support it as I have and go get a bottle!

Rating: Must Try

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