Tag Archives: Barton

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. 15: When $30 Beats $70 — A Blind Surprise at 120 Proof

Posted on November 13, 2025 by Douglas Blaine

When you can find barrel-proof bourbon under $40, it’s hard not to get curious. So I blinded Wolcott Rickhouse Reserve (a 120-proof Total Wine “Spirits Direct” bottle) against three bourbons I already enjoy and that fall within a tight proof … Continue reading →

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