Bourbon

I expected more from this Bourbon given the price point and the hype around the category. Served on the rocks as recommended. The complexity on the palate was underwhelming compared to bottles at half the price I've enjoyed. The premium end of this market has a lot of marketing attached to it that …

Over the past year I've tried 40 different expressions of Bourbon, ranging from entry-level to premium. My conclusion: the balance between sweetness and bite is the most reliable indicator of quality across price points. Served as a long drink with ice, the differences are pronounced and educational…

I came to Bourbon late — not until I was in my 3s. Had assumed it wasn't for me based on nothing in particular. A partner's recommendation changed that. Tried it in a proper glass at room temperature and the depth of flavour was immediately interesting rather than off-putting. Several years on and …

After 5 years of drinking Bourbon I'm still finding bottles that surprise me. The category has more depth than it's given credit for by people who haven't explored it properly. Served chilled at its best, the smooth aftertaste continues to evolve in interesting directions. My advice to anyone start…

Quality Bourbon sits at the premium end of my drinks budget and that's fine — it's an occasion drink for me. Served as a long drink with ice at the right moment it's hard to beat. The character on a well-chosen bottle is extraordinary. That said, the price variation in this category is wild. You ab…

After 20 years of drinking Bourbon I'm still finding bottles that surprise me. The category has more depth than it's given credit for by people who haven't explored it properly. Served with a splash of water at its best, the nose continues to evolve in interesting directions. My advice to anyone st…

Something I've noticed with Bourbon: the season changes the experience significantly. In summer chilled it's lighter and more refreshing, the complexity on the palate sitting differently in warm weather. In winter the same drink served the same way feels richer and more substantial. I now think abo…

Bourbon has a specific character that isn't universally appealing and I respect that. Some people find the character overwhelming. Served as a long drink with ice it's at its most polarising — full flavour, no hiding. For those it clicks with, the payoff is enormous. I'm firmly in that camp and hav…

Tried this Bourbon on recommendation and it's a solid choice without being exceptional. Served on the rocks as suggested. The finish is present but not as pronounced as in more premium examples. For regular drinking it's good value. For a special occasion I'd go a step up. It's the kind of Bourbon …

One of the things I love about Bourbon is the regional variation. The same category produced in different parts of the world tastes completely different. The finish shifts dramatically depending on origin, and served on the rocks those differences are most apparent. If you've only tried one style, …