Tag Archives: Whiskey Tasting

The Bourbon Cheapskate, Vol. 61: Barrel Key Bourbon — Unlocking a Mystery at a Bargain Price

Posted on November 5, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

Two unfamiliar bourbons, one Publix BOGO deal, and a mystery stretching from Indiana to Oklahoma to St. Louis. We investigate Barrel Key’s origins, reveal its mash bills, and find out whether the 6-year or 8-year deserves a spot on your shelf. Continue reading →

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The Bourbon Cheapskate, Vol. 59: Southern Comfort 100 Review—Too Sweet for Comfort?

Posted on October 22, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

After nearly 40 years, I’m giving Southern Comfort another chance. At 100 proof and just $18.99, has this sweet Southern staple finally grown up? Or are some things better left to memory? Continue reading →

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The Sunday Pour: When Good Bourbon Becomes Ordinary

Posted on October 18, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

As our bourbon collections grow and our palates become more sophisticated, do we risk losing our appreciation for everyday whiskey? This week, The Sunday Pour explores the difference between evaluating bourbon and enjoying it, the lessons of the Bourbon Cheapskate, and what the Apostle Paul teaches us about contentment. Continue reading →

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The Sunday Pour: The Bottle I Was Wrong About

Posted on October 11, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

Was I wrong about Benchmark bourbon? I revisited six bottles, from Full Proof to Top Floor, to see whether my opinions had changed. The scores improved, but the conclusions remained remarkably consistent. Along the way, I discovered a spiritual lesson about humility, honest self-examination and the willingness to admit when we’re wrong. And there’s an unexpected ending involving my stepson and six bottles of whiskey. Continue reading →

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Tasting Tuesday: Three Penelope Bourbons Go Head-to-Head

Posted on October 6, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

Three Penelope bourbons. One blind tasting. Bartender’s Reserve, Barrel Strength Four-Grain and Marshmallow Toast went head-to-head — and the bottle that sounded most like my palate didn’t win. Continue reading →

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Tasting Tuesday: Double-Oaked Challenge — Round of 16, Part Two

Posted on September 22, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

Eight more whiskeys enter the Sweet 16 blind. Four advance, one upset shakes the bracket, and the Elite Eight is set. Continue reading →

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The Bourbon Cheapskate, Vol. 54: Double-Oaked Challenge — Round of 16, Part One

Posted on September 17, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

The Double-Oaked Challenge reaches the Round of 16. Eight whiskeys go blind, four head-to-head matchups decide who survives, and one upset shakes the bracket. Continue reading →

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Tasting Tuesday: Double-Oaked Challenge Play-In Round

Posted on September 15, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

The Double-Oaked Challenge begins with eight bottles fighting for four spots in the Round of 16. Blind tasting, head-to-head matchups and four survivors. Continue reading →

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Tasting Tuesday: Booker’s 25-03 Beats Four Staggs in a Blind Tasting

Posted on September 1, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

Booker’s 25-03 stole the show in a blind tasting of eight high-proof bourbons, finishing ahead of four Staggs while Booker’s 25-04 landed in last place. Continue reading →

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The Bourbon Cheapskate, Vol. 49: The Best Wheated Bourbon in a 15-Bottle Blind (Plus a Cheapskate Champion)

Posted on August 13, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

Fifteen wheated bourbons entered the blind, but only six reached the championship. Old Elk took the title, Hard Truth finished second, and Maker’s Mark 46 proved to be the best value. Continue reading →

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