Tag Archives: best of the shelf challenge

March Bourbon Madness: Best-of-the-Shelf Challenge—First Round Matchups 21-24

Posted on March 19, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

Round one keeps delivering heavy hitters. A toasted pecan surprise makes a statement, a 100-proof staple falls short, and two dessert-forward contenders flex serious muscle. Texture, balance, and finish are starting to separate true bracket threats from solid everyday pours. The Round of 32 is beginning to look dangerous. Continue reading →

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March Bourbon Madness: Best-of-the-Shelf Challenge—First Round Matchups 17-20

Posted on March 17, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

Round of 64, Part Five may have delivered the most explosive top seed performance yet. A dominant #2 reminded everyone why it earned its place, while two mid-seeds fought tooth and nail in tightly contested battles. At this stage, thin mouthfeel is a death sentence—and balance is beginning to separate contenders from pretenders. Continue reading →

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March Bourbon Madness: Best-of-the-Shelf Challenge—First Round Matchups 13-16

Posted on March 15, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

Round of 64, Part Four brought power, precision, and the tightest decision yet. One high seed flexed, one mid-seed edged forward on texture alone, and a razor-thin matchup came down to the final sip. Sixteen battles in, the bracket is beginning to separate depth from decency. Continue reading →

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March Bourbon Madness: Best-of-the-Shelf Challenge—First Round Matchups 9-12

Posted on March 14, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

Round of 64, Part Three delivered another mix of dominance and narrow escapes. One heavy hitter flexed hard, a couple mid-seeds quietly advanced, and texture once again proved to be a deciding factor. Twelve matchups in, the bracket is beginning to reveal who truly belongs. Continue reading →

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March Bourbon Madness: Best-of-the-Shelf Challenge—First Round Matchups 5-8

Posted on March 12, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

The second wave of the Round of 64 delivered proof-heavy bruisers, subtle upsets, and a few bottles that teased greatness but couldn’t quite carry it through. Eight more contenders went head-to-head in blind format, and four earned their place in the next round. The bracket is tightening—and texture is starting to matter. Continue reading →

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March Bourbon Madness: Best-of-the-Shelf Challenge—First Round Matchups 1-4

Posted on March 10, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

The Best-of-the-Shelf Challenge kicks off with four blind Round of 64 matchups, where high-proof heavyweights, savory classics, and a few surprises go head-to-head. With labels hidden and scores recorded blind, the opening round delivers decisive wins, tight finishes, and the first clear signs of which bottles are built for a deep bracket run. Continue reading →

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The Bourbon Cheapskate, Vol. 29: Wolcott Bonded: Worth the Gamble?

Posted on February 19, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

Spirits Direct makes me cautious. Barton has me skeptical. But at $35, Wolcott Bottled-in-Bond might be a Bourbon Cheapskate worth keeping on the shelf — especially when stacked against its 125-proof sibling. Continue reading →

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