Tag Archives: aroma

The Bourbon Cheapskate, Vol. 18: Walmart vs. Weller (and Friends)

Posted on December 4, 2025 by Douglas Blaine

Walmart has a new $19 bourbon on the shelf, so I threw it into a blind taste test with three other 90-proof bottles from the Buffalo Trace universe: Weller Special Reserve, Benchmark Small Batch, and Members Mark. Only one came out “good,” but all four proved something important about budget bourbon. Here’s how they ranked—and why the results weren’t surprising. Continue reading →

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The Bourbon Cheapskate, Vol. 17: Thanksgiving Surprises on the Shelf

Posted on November 27, 2025 by Douglas Blaine

I walked into BJ’s looking for a turkey. I walked out with two bourbons I didn’t know I needed. Thanksgiving miracles come in all forms—and sometimes they’re 116 proof. Continue reading →

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The Bourbon Cheapskate, Vol. 7: Barmen 1873—Coors Steps Into Bourbon, and It’s a Winner

Posted on September 18, 2025 by Douglas Blaine

On the way home from North Carolina, I made a stop at Sandy Cross Liquor and Tobacco in Royston, Georgia. The manager took some time to walk me through a few bargains, and one of the bottles that caught my … Continue reading →

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