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.

Evan Williams is America's second largest selling Kentucky Straight Bourbon whiskey. This whiskey has grown up well. The body is medium to light, and the palate bears some leather, cedar, vanilla and hints of caramel. The finish is medium to long, and oh, so warm and soothing. Overall here's an around the house bottling that's a lot more sophisticated than expected. Drink it on ice, with a splash of water or club soda, or make above-average cocktails and mixed drinks with this bourbon. - Gary & Mardee Haidin Regan Co-authors, The Book of Bourbon.

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.

To preserve the subtle sophistication that makes it so sharable, Basil Hayden's Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 750mL is aged to the perfect expression of its novel, spicy-sweet flavor profile. On the nose is spice, tea, hint of peppermint. The taste is spicy, light-bodied, and gentle bite, with a dry, clean, and brief finish. Late in the 18th century, Master Distiller Basil Hayden Sr. left his Maryland home for the greener pastures of Kentucky, bringing his family and reputation with him. Not yet privy to the old guard’s ‘rules’ of bourbon, legend has it that Basil set out to make a batch simply using the ingredients he had on hand, unaware of what the traditionalists might think of his mash. What resulted was a bourbon with a uniquely high-rye mashbill, combining the sweetness of corn with the spicy undertones of rye. The purists may have been displeased, but not the neighbors who tried it. Over 200 years later, the Noe family pays tribute to Basil’s masterful discovery with a high-rye, small batch bourbon that embodies the spirit of that very first recipe.

Late in the 18th century, Master Distiller Basil Hayden Sr. left his Maryland home for the greener pastures of Kentucky, bringing his family and reputation with him. Not yet privy to the old guard’s ‘rules’ of bourbon, legend has it that Basil set out to make a batch simply using the ingredients he had on hand, unaware of what the traditionalists might think of his mash. What resulted was a bourbon with a uniquely high-rye mashbill, combining the sweetness of corn with the spicy undertones of rye. The purists may have been displeased, but not the neighbours who tried it. Over 200 years later, the Noe family pays tribute to Basil’s masterful discovery with a high-rye, small batch bourbon that embodies the spirit of that very first recipe. Basil Hayden's Kentucky Red Wine Finish Bourbon is an ultra-premium special release from. A blend of the classic Basil Hayden high-rye mash bill and bourbon partially aged in Californian red wine casks, this special release is ripe with cherries & dried fruit, while also delivering characteristic bourbon flavours of vanilla and charred oak. Perfectly balanced, Basil Hayden Red Wine Cask Finish is layered & complex, yet approachable & inviting. A vibrant toasted brown with amber hues, on the nose aromas of dried fruit notes with cherry, vanilla and a hint of toasted oak. On the palate flavours of sweet cherries with complex levels of charred vanilla oak and a warm finish with a crisp, delicate mouthfeel. This whiskey shines when sipped neat or over ice.

Elijah Craig are another of Heaven Hill's successful brands. When a surge in popularity for the 12 year led to an inability to meet demand, it was removed from US shelves in 2016 (no surprise, age statements are now sought after). The core whiskey has since been re-labelled “Small Batch". Typically made from a mash bill of 75% corn, 13% rye and 12% malted barley, rumour has it this contains a fair proportion of whiskeys in the 8-12 year old range.

The esteemed Old Rip Van Winkle Bourbons are once again available in tiny quantities. This 107 proof (53.5%) 10 year old bottling replaced the previous 90 proof (45%) release. Back in 2009 we had an opportunity to taste a small sample from Batch #BU512. A robust sipping Bourbon with powerful, prickly, vanilla-heavy aromatics accompanied by marzipan and a touch of candied orange, it is equally concentrated and mouth-filling; Yet, for a high-strength offering, the approachability and balance at this proof were notable. 53.5% Alc./Vol.

It’s made with the good stuff – real Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey aged for two years in American oak barrels toasted with an aggressive #4 alligator char. It is then blended with natural banana flavour for a smooth, kick of bananarama goodness. At a full 80 proof, one taste and you will know they aren’t monkeying around.Tasting Notes: The nose offers layers of cream and vanilla over slivers of sweet banana and wood. On the palate are bites of caramel, banana candy, and baked spice.

A little extra maturity goes a long way with the Wild Turkey 81. This bourbon, created by master distiller Jimmy Russell's son Eddie Russell, features a smooth blend of 6-8 year-old whiskies, matured in heavily charred casks.

A new Woodford that’s set to be part of the core range. This is finished in heavily toasted, lightly charred barrels.