W. L. Weller 12 Year - * * *

Niiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiice! Slippery mouth feel, with a bite that seems higher than 90 proof. Complex flavors similar to the Weller 19 Year, but not as well-rounded, make this the slightly more chaotic & messy-haired little brother to that best-of-the-best bourbon. Priced less than $30 it is the best bang for the buck. 45% alc (90 proof).

Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year - * * *

This was my default bourbon for a few weeks, which surprised me because there wasn't anything that stood out about it. No dominant flavors. Not too smooth, not too sharp. It is one of the most neutral bourbons I've tasted. And yet there is something very nice about it. Still a mystery!

W. L. Weller Special Reserve - *

The Makers' Mark of Weller's line, and it is better than Maker's. This is a soft velvety bourbon. Not as much vanilla as Maker's, with more alcohol and wood character. 45% alc (90 proof) aged 7 years.

W. L. Weller Centennial - * * 1/2

Second best bourbon for the money (the Toyota Camry of bourbon?). Only $30 and kicks the ass of many up to $50. The lesser-expensive Weller 12 is the #1 value in my book. Both are perfect "go to" bourbons for after-work unwinding. At 50% alcohol (100 proof) this one's kind of a "Booker's light".

Black Maple Hill 11 Yr - * * 1/2

One or two primary flavors that are good, but not great. Main flavor is sweet & syrupy but also kind of "grassy" or "woody" which is not my preference (if yours, then you'd probably give this 4 stars). Very smooth, not much bite. This is a timid bourbon but very good. Bring it out in mixed company. 47.5 % alc (95 proof).

Eagle Rare single barrel 10 year - * *

This single-barrel is a perfect "template" for bourbon. With all the elements of the best bourbons, and no bad aftertastes, it is like the "type O blood" of bourbon. It will satisfy any bourbon drinker, but it isn't particularly strong in any one area. So in a sense it is kind of forgettable, but that's better than be remembered for a negative quality. Aged 10 years, 45% alc (90 proof).

Wild Turkey 101 - * * 1/2

Nothing wrong with this one. It just doesn't have that "BAM!" of my favorites. But it has some kick while still being smooth, and a very good primary flavor. Wood, charcoal, beef jerky. No complaints. 50.5% alc (101 proof). NOTE: I can't recommend the 80 proof version.

A.H. Hirsch Reserve 16 - * *

91.6 proof; the vodka of bourbons: closest thing to a straight alcohol flavor of any bourbon I've had; hot pepper on a silky smooth slip-n-slide; virtually no other flavor except pepper; no bad aftertaste, ony heat; very interesting story to this one.

Pappy Van Winkle's 20 Yr - * * * 1/2

This is the caramel candy-bar of the bunch. Like an agressive Makers Mark without the odd aftertastes. Medium-strong alcohol bite, and a few prominent flavors which disappear quickly, leaving a long lingering warmth. All good, nothing bad here. I prefer this one's younger brother, the 15 Yr, with its larger & more intense flavors. Read more here. 45.2% alc (90.4 proof).

Pappy Van Winkle's 15 Yr - * * * *

Wonderful. Similar to the Weller 19 but with its own slightly less intense (but enjoyable) flavors. I actually chuckled with joy as I was drinking it. No kidding. Read more here. 53.5% alc (107 proof).

Knobb Creek - *

A good bourbon for mixing. Strong, no bad notes, crisp with some interesting earthy darkness that blends amazingly well with sour mixers. Aged 9 years. 50% alc (100 proof).

Baker's - * * * 1/2

Wonderful spice flavors. At 107 proof, this is a slightly less intense and spicier version of Booker's. Really really yummy.

Booker's - * * * *

127 proof but without the stinging alcohol ZAP! you'd expect. Unfiltered, bottled at cask strength like my #1 rated William Larue Weller 19 year. This bourbon is near-perfect if yo like 'em strong and thick.

W. L. Weller 19 Year - * * * * 1/2

Oh... my... god. This is heaven on earth. This William Larue Weller is unfiltered, bottled at a barrel proof of 122, delivering just a sting of alcohol crispness, some sweet caramel and spice, and smokey goodness. Like a Snickers bar dipped in gasoline and set on fire. YUM!