Tag Archives: Barrel Proof Bourbon

The Bourbon Cheapskate, Vol. 38: The Patriot Takes the Field

Posted on May 21, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

In a blind single-barrel showdown against Pinhook, Old Forester, and Green River, Evan Williams America 250 Barrel 222 had every reason to be the underdog. Instead, it planted a flag. Continue reading →

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Tasting Tuesday: Two Staggs Walk Into a Glencairn

Posted on May 19, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

Scott gave me a bottle of Stagg 24C, and I treated it like a miser guarding a gemstone. Then he gave me a 25C, and it was finally time to let the two bottles lock antlers. Continue reading →

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The Bourbon Cheapskate, Vol. 37: Evan Williams America 250 (times three)

Posted on May 14, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

Three bottles. Three barrels. Same Evan Williams Single Barrel 250 release. Same 117.76 proof. Very different results. Barrel 222 proved why higher-proof single barrels can still deliver serious value at around $40. Continue reading →

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March Bourbon Madness: Best-of-the-Shelf Challenge—Elite 8

Posted on April 4, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

The Elite Eight delivered razor-thin margins and decisive finishes. Far Better edges Sweet Mash on texture, Nashtucky outlasts a barrel-proof favorite, Toasted Pecan flexes its banana-toffee edge, and Woodford Double Oaked leans fully into dessert mode. The Final Four is set—and every remaining pour is built on depth and finish. Continue reading →

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March Bourbon Madness: Best-of-the-Shelf Challenge—Very Sweet 16 Matchups 1-4

Posted on March 31, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

The Sweet 16 opens with four heavyweights advancing on depth, viscosity, and finish length. Far Better flexes, Sweet Mash survives a near coin-flip, a barrel-proof Jack storms through, and Nashtucky proves its layered complexity. Half the Elite Eight is set—the rest will be decided next. Continue reading →

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