Originally distilled in 1795, Jim Beam Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is an icon. Distilled using only the finest products, Jim Beam continues to be at the top of its class today.

Firm, powerful. A well-balanced attack gives equal footing to aromas of peat, smoke, spices, fresh fruit (melon, kiwi) and nuts (almond, walnut), which it delivers in spades. The mid-palate starts off with chocolate notes, but the peat soon takes the lead once again.The finish is long, silky. Extremely mature, it overflows with ripe fruit (pear, Mirabelle plum, apple). The peat starts taking on an herbaceous and malty character, while the salty flavours gives the finish plenty of depth and coastal freshness. The final nose offers menthol, spicy (coriander, dill) and earthy (leather, chestnuts) notes.

Rye is a whiskey perhaps best known as the backbone of cocktails like the Manhattan, Sazerac and Old-Fashioned, however the last few decades has seen it re-gain traditional ground over bourbon and Tennessee whiskey as a standalone spirit. Among the more fanatical of the recent protagonists are the team behind Whistle Pig. First released in the summer of 2010 to great critical acclaim, their rye received 96 points from Wine Enthusiast, the highest rating ever for a rye whiskey, as well as a “highest recommendation” from Spirits Journal, plus accolades from The Wall Street Journal, GQ, Forbes, Maxim, Imbibe Magazine, and many others. For Australian rye whiskey enthusiasts, it became one the most awaited releases of the year. The key figure behind production is David Pickerell. Fourteen years Master Distiller for Maker’s Mark in Loretto, Kentucky, a luminary of whiskey knowledge and one of the nation’s pre-eminent distillers, he arrived at Whistle Pig with a simple objective: To create the world's finest rye. "You cannot get more flavour in whiskey than you can with rye" , enthuses Pickerell. "The bad news? From a business standpoint, it takes longer to age rye whiskey. Rye is stubborn and robust. It has spicy character, and a dark, rich flavour. To attain its signature smoothness, rye must be aged (a minimum of 9 years is ideal). Rye isn’t sweet. In fact, it contains less sugar than any other grain. The challenges involved in producing rye whiskey are many. But when handled properly, there is no comparison." Pickerell illustrates the difference between rye and bourbon in food terms. "Think of the sweet flavour of a fluorescent yellow cornbread that you nosh with BBQ" , he explains. "Now imagine the earthy, spicy, powerfully brooding flavour of rye bread or pumpernickel used at a gourmet sandwich shop". These differences that express themselves in bread also come across through the distillation process. We tend to agree. Pure, aged rye tends to be more flavourful and complex than almost any corn-based whiskey. Rye is also conducive to sustainable agriculture. It grows densely enough to exclude weeds, keeping the need for herbicides to a minimum, and it's an excellent scavenger of soil-bound nitrogen, rendering heavy fertilisation unnecessary. Up until recently, Whistle Pig's rye was been distilled and matured in Western Canada (reputedly sourced from the Alberta Premium distillery), then bottled in Vermont, making them a ‘non-distiller producer’ or NDP like Willett, Jefferson's or Angel's Envy. In the summer of 2014, after a three year legal process, the company finally obtained a permit to construct a farm-style distillery, with all the rye grown on site. They continue to use new American Oak or early use bourbon barrels for all their maturation. Retasted September 2020... Opens with orange zest developing aromas of oily rye, cumin, peppermint and anise ending with grainstore, new leather, vanilla and chocolate box. A full and oily attack; muddled mint and herbal tones combine with chewy grains; white pepper builds through the finish. Leaves you with peaches and cream. Oily, delicious, vibrant and long. Delivers the mouthfeel of a single malt while maintaining the distinctive qualities of rye. 50% Alc./Vol. First tasted February 2015 [20ml sample] Bright gold. Somewhat muted with vanilla accents... more definitive aromas of rye bread and cigar box follow. Relatively sweet and sedate; juicy rye is beautifully harmonised with the oak. Love the texture. Fabulous balance. Cedar and cigar box, then hints of peppermint through the aftertaste. 93 points

Corowa Distilling Co. The Mad Dog Morgan 46% 500 mlDan Mad Dog Morgan was a ruthless renegade that long ago roamed the Corowa region. Mad Dog wasn't your typical bushranger and this isn't your typical whisky. On the nose; cinnamon, ginger honey, orange and floral notesOn the palate; oaky with spice, honey, orange, burnt caramel and raisinsFor the finish; long and sweet with a hint of vanilla.

Rich gold in colour, Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit displays rich aromas of fruit, smooth caramel and delectable hints of spice and pepper. Vanilla, toffee and oak swim on the palate with a dry, citrus finish. Best enjoyed neat or on the rocks.

Shinobu Lightly Peated Pure Malt WhiskyShinobu Lightly Peated Pure Malt whisky NAS and 10Y are the first peated whisky to be released by Shinobu distillery. Peated whisky was sourced from selected distilleries from mainly highland and speyside regions and carefully blended by the master blender Mr. Usami Ken and finished in Mizunara wood for more than 6 months. The Shinobu Distillery in collaboration with Niigata Beer Distillery is located in the Japanese seaside region of Niigata on the countrys western coast. The area is famous for its Three White Treasures: snow, rice and sake which have been cultivated there for centuries. Shinobu Pure Malt whiskies are crafted by master blender, Mr. Usami Ken who blends malts aged in sherry, bourbon and Hogshead casks before finishing them in Japans prized Mizunara Oak. Famous for imparting rich, honeyed flavors of apples, pears, cloves and nutmeg, Mizunara Oak has been used in Japan since the 1930s and is now sought-after by whisky makers around the world. All Shinobu whiskies are created without chill-filtration or added color to protect and enhance their deeply complex, robust flavor.Nose: Smells creamy and minty with some light peat and a touch of lemon. Hints of charcoal smoke and ashPalate: The peat tastes stronger on the palate, mingled with notes of charcoal smoke, ash, and dry grass and a hint of saltinessFinish: Lingering taste of roasted wood with lots of sweetness from roasted malt.700mL ABV 43%

Taken from the centre-cut or middle sections of the famous Warehouse H, Blanton's Original was once designated for ambassadors, dignitaries, and Colonel Blanton's family and friends. Today, everyone has access to the world's first single barrel bourbon. The taste profile is sweet with citrus and oak. A creamy vanilla nose features hints of nuts, caramel, orange and light chocolate. Blanton's Original set the standard for single barrel bourbons. Best served neat or on the rocks.

Blanton's trademark bottle shape and iconic horse and jockey are a symbol of years of exceptional quality. Their Gold Edition was created for the discerning connoisseur who appreciates exceptional smoothness and clean finish in their bourbon whiskey. The rich taste of dark chocolate fudge, citrus rind, oak and subtle cream notes are combined with the spiciness of pepper and rye leading to an incredibly long finish that challenges the worlds finest single malts and rarest cognacs in complexity and character. Best served neat or with a splash of water.

Jack Daniel's is one of the very few Tennessee Whiskies that is charcoal mellowed. Jack Daniel's has a smooth aroma and flavour of vanilla, toasted oak and caramel translates well to the palate. A true American icon that has not only become a favourite here in Australia because of their flavoursome whiskeys, but also with their involvement in V8 Supercar racing with the Jack Daniel's Racing Team. Available here in a convenient 1L bottle.