For over 200 years, Buffalo Trace Distillery has been defined by a dedication to one craft: making fine American whiskey. By honouring tradition and embracing change, it has earned its place of leadership among the legendary spirits producers of the world and is now recognised as the World’s Most Awarded Distillery. The venture produces a wide range of whiskeys using three different mash bills: one light rye, one heavy rye and a third flavoured with wheat. They've developed different products by aging those three mash bills to meet various grades and price points. At Buffalo Trace, that translates into at least fifteen labels: W. L. Weller, Eagle Rare, George T.Stagg and Old Rip Van Winkle (amongst others), and that's not counting many reserve and limited-release variants. While the mash bills contribute to the flavour, the more significant differentiation among brands takes place in century-old warehouses. Constructed of massive wood beams and covered by a brick shell, these structures allow the alternating cooling and warming of Kentucky's four distinct seasons to mature the bourbon by nature's timetable. Steam pumped throughout the warehouses during the extreme cold of winter compensates for the dramatic drops in temperature and gives the whiskey additional cycles in and out of the wood. This is said to make for a more balanced bourbon as the liquid is able to take additional advantage of the natural sugars occurring in the charred barrels. The distillery was the first to use this method of aging in 1859 and has been doing so ever since. The warehouses were built in the 1900s and represent diverse architectural styles. Consequently, their designs and location on the property contribute to the significant differences in the whiskey coming from each. Certain floors within a given warehouse produce better whiskey than others do. For example, the fourth and fifth floors of Warehouse C and the fourth through sixth floors of Warehouses I and K produce the company's best. It's these locations which have been reserved for the maturation of Buffalo Trace. The brand itself was born only relatively recently. In 1999, visitors to the newly named and renovated distillery asked, “Why isn’t there a bourbon called ‘Buffalo Trace?" In response, Elmer T. Lee ventured into the best floors in the best warehouses to find some of the finest barrels that really matched up with his views on what a full-bodied, robust Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey should taste like. The result was what consumers enjoy today , batched from no more than 40 barrels at a time. There are two ABV variants on offer - one at 45% and this lower proof 40% bottling. The flavour profiles are pretty much identical, but as you would expect, less alcohol means a little less concentration. That said, the difference isn't huge, and what you miss out on is made up for in dollar savings. The style moves away from macho Bourbon, aligning with the feminine elegance of whiskeys like Evan Williams Single Barrel. As an affordable, middle-tier offering, it's also deceptively complex. The rye is evident but balanced by softer, sweeter notes like vanilla wafers, toasted sponge cake, cherry chocolate and just plain old, high-quality American oak. This expression doesn't boast super length, but it is incredibly easy to drink. Our preference is uncut (too much water makes it a little 'peachy' and the more nuanced notes are lost). An ice cube and a comfortable chair by the barbeque is all you need to complete the picture.

The Four Roses distillery is located in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky on the banks of the Salt River in Anderson County. The distillery has a unique Spanish Mission-style architecture rarely seen in Kentucky and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The company attributes their products quality to several factors: A unique Limestone water source, the spring-fed Salt River; a high quality grain source (Four Roses are the only distillery using the same grain source for 45 years, paying a premium for quality); Two Mash Bills in daily production - one mash bill contains significantly more rye than any other Bourbon, resulting in a spicy, full-bodied taste; and five proprietary yeast strains, each producing uniquely different flavours. Tasting note: Polished brass gold. Aromas of lamington cake and cherry ripe interchange with peppermint and drying oak as damp cedar wood enters. Lots of American oak input in the mouth: anise infused honey, cocoa and cherry ripe. A splash of minty-rye to finish. Rounds off finely tannic/peppery with hints of Turkish Delight and caramel fudge in the aftertaste. Youthful, but surprises with its complexity. Solid value if you're looking for a rye-heavy Bourbon. 45% Alc./Vol.

A big value, one litre direct import of the Kentucky Bourbon standard. The Four Roses distillery is located in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky on the banks of the Salt River in Anderson County. The distillery has a unique Spanish Mission-style architecture rarely seen in Kentucky and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The company attributes their product's quality to several factors: A unique Limestone water source, the spring-fed Salt River; a high quality grain source (Four Roses are the only distillery using the same grain source for 45 years, paying a premium for quality); Two Mash Bills in daily production - one mash bill contains significantly more rye than any other Bourbon, resulting in a spicy, full-bodied taste; and five proprietary yeast strains, each producing uniquely different flavours.

Product Description: The 2024 Limited Edition release of Four Roses Small Batch Barrel Strength is a highly anticipated and exceptional expression, embodying the brand’s unwavering commitment to crafting bourbons that are as full of character as they are of heritage. This extraordinary edition is the result of a carefully curated blend of four distinct bourbon recipes, each chosen for its unique flavour profile and the maturity that comes with ageing. Ranging from 12 to 20 years old, this limited release delivers a remarkable, barrel-strength experience that balances boldness with finesse, showcasing a depth and complexity that only time can impart. At a robust 108.2 proof (54.1% ABV), the 2024 edition is uncut and unfiltered, allowing the full essence of the bourbon to come through in each sip. The result is an intense yet refined celebration of Four Roses’ legacy – a bourbon that reflects the craftsmanship of the Master Distiller and the artistry behind the blend. With each pour, expect a captivating burst of flavours that speak to the expertise and care that has gone into creating this remarkable release. This Limited Edition offering is a true testament to Four Roses’ commitment to quality and craftsmanship. With its exceptional age and carefully honed flavours, it is a must-have for connoisseurs seeking the finest bourbons. Whether enjoyed neat or savoured in a special cocktail, the Four Roses Small Batch Barrel Strength Limited Edition 2024 is the perfect addition to elevate any collection. Maker: Four Roses Bourbon is a true testament to the artistry of bourbon making, rooted in a legacy that dates back to 1888. It all began with a simple yet meaningful proposal, when Paul Jones Jr. proposed to his fiancée with four red roses, a gesture that would forever be tied to the brand’s identity. Since then, Four Roses has become a revered name in the world of bourbon. With a commitment to quality that has spanned generations, the brand continues to craft exceptional bourbons under the guidance of Master Distiller Brent Elliott. Known for their meticulous attention to detail, Four Roses creates ten distinct bourbon recipes by blending two unique mash bills with five proprietary yeast strains, resulting in a flavour profile that offers a depth and complexity unmatched in the industry. This dedication to innovation and quality, combined with traditional methods, ensures Four Roses continues to stand out as one of the world’s most beloved bourbon brands. Distillery: Nestled in the heart of Kentucky, Four Roses Distillery in Lawrenceburg is where the magic of bourbon begins. The distillery combines tradition with innovation, using limestone-rich water from the spring-fed Salt River and two distinct mash bills—one with 60% corn and the other with 75% corn—blended with five proprietary yeast strains. This results in ten unique recipes, each contributing its own signature flavour to the batch. The distillation process utilises both a column still and a doubler, ensuring a clean and pure distillate. Four Roses’ commitment to excellence extends to its warehousing, where they use single-story rack warehouses to provide a gentle, consistent maturing environment. This unique approach, combined with aging in charred, new American oak barrels, imparts rich, sweet vanilla and toffee notes to the final product. From the very first step of mashing and fermentation to the final bottling, Four Roses continues to craft bourbons that are both consistently exceptional and rich in flavour, honouring a legacy that began over a century ago. Tasting Notes: NOSE: Creamy & Sweet Enticing notes of creamy vanilla, rich honey, and brown sugar, drawing you in with their inviting warmth and sweetness. This aromatic blend sets the stage for the complexity to come. PALATE: Fruity & Lively Ripe berries, tangy citrus, and herbal nuances that dance on the tongue. Four Roses' signature mellow spice adds depth and balance, complementing the sweetness and providing a harmonious backdrop for this vibrant experience. FINISH: Balanced & Delicate The finish is delicately smooth, with the layers of flavour gracefully lingering, leaving behind a refined and satisfying aftertaste that invites you to take another sip.

Maker's Mark is a unique and full-flavoured, hand-made Bourbon Whiskey, made using the old-style sour-mash method and sealed with the iconic red wax.

In 1869, The Ripy family built the foundations of what is known today as the Wild Turkey Bourbon distillery. Wild Turkey Kentucky Straight Bourbon is still produced using the same traditional technique, handcrafted by Master Distiller Eddie Russell alongside his father Jimmy Russell. Combined, the pair have over 97 years of experience and are the only active father and son Master Distiller team in the world. Rare Breed is abarrel-proof bourbon meaning it is bottled directly from a variety of barrels at the proof it reaches in those barrels with no added water to lower the proof or dilute the flavour. This bourbon is a unique marriage of Wild Turkey 6 to and 12-year-olod stocks, which give the whiskey a rich exceptional flavour that is remarkably smooth considering its high alcohol content.

Barton 1792 Distillery was established in 1879 and continues today as the oldest fully-operating Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky. Situated in heart of bourbon country on 196 acres, the Distillery boasts 29 barrel aging warehouses, 22 other buildings including an impressive still house, and the legendary Tom Moore Spring. In order to create this unique bourbon, the finest barrels are selected and tasted from the best aging warehouses. Only those barrels deemed "exceptional" are then bottled individually, one by one. This preserves the distinct character of each barrel. This superior bourbon has flavors of rich butterscotch and caramel notes, delicately balanced with hints of fruit and toffee.

Yellowstone Select Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey has been hand-picked by Paul and Steve Beam, and is a marriage of two high-rye Kentucky straight bourbon whiskies, one aged four years and another aged seven years.Yellowstone Select bourbon has spicy aromas of rye toast and cinnamon spice, which lead to a palate filled with caramel, melted butter and leathered cherries. The finish is slightly tangy, with additional notes of burnt brown sugar and cloves

In the 1830s the Woodford County distillery was the setting for a series of discoveries and innovative practices that would define the bourbon industry for generations to come. Today that pioneering and innovative tradition is embodied in the Woodford Reserve Distillery's Master's Collection. A tradition beginning when Master Distiller James Crow joined distillery owner Oscar Pepper to create the first true Kentucky bourbon whiskies. This year’s expression marks the 15th release of the Master’s Collection, which was created to honour the many discoveries and innovations that occurred at the 1812 distillery site where Woodford Reserve is now located. Starting with the 2020 edition, all future master’s collections will focus on modern innovation by Morris and McCall. “The name Very Fine Rare Bourbon is a nod to the descriptors used by our ancestors to auction highly-aged Bourbon barrel lots,” Morris said. “While Woodford Reserve will always honor the past, this Master’s Collection is about the present and future.” The bourbon includes liquid from barrels that are 17 years old and date to 2003, the year Chris Morris was named Master Distiller. Morris and McCall have been holding back the barrels to batch with other barrels for a special release. This Very Fine Rare Bourbon Whiskey has a burnt Sienna colouring. Layers of rich oak sweet aromatic notes, caramel, brown sugar, chocolate, vanilla merge into a cured tobacco character brightened with apple fruit. Very old oak notes sweetened with honey balanced by a touch of citrus and apple peel and a touch of clove spice. A long finish of raisin fruit and malty sweetness finish.

Uniquely finished to deliver a more elevated experience, Maker’s 46 is aged longer with special seared French oak staves. With subtly layered bourbon notes and balanced complexity, 46 is the legacy of Bill Samuels, Jr., son of Maker’s Mark founders Bill and Margie. Released in 2010, Maker’s 46 was the first new major expression to be created at Star Hill Farm since classic Maker’s went into production in 1953. The first new bourbon since opening their doors had to make a statement. And Maker’s 46 did, as the first offering from the distilleries breakthrough wood-finishing series. Today, they continue to experiment with the effects of wood finishing to craft new expressions of Maker’s Mark, always remaining true to the original Maker’s – and the expertise, passion and persistence of Bill and Margie.