The Liquor Store Podcast

Join Matt and Jill, two liquor store veterans with an insider's view of beer, wine, and spirits. Every week they discuss what's new, what's hot, and what tastes great!

Angel's Envy Triple Oak 03/11/2025

Angel's Envy Triple Oak Master Distiller Owen Martin's first big project at Angel's Envy combines three distinct barrels blended at 92 proof. Hungarian, Chinkapin, and French oak, each contributing a layer of flavor, but none overpowering the whiskey. Starts out with soft baking spice, then cinnamon and oak spice on the mid-palate then finish with dried fruits and toffee. Overall this is a rich dessert-like whiskey that performs best when sipped neat. Win the right to buy special bottles. Bottles rotate monthly. Visit a Bourbon World store for details: I hope you find this review helpful. If so, please like/follow/subscribe, cheers! /episode/index/show/theliquorstorepodcast/id/35632550

Jameson Triple Triple Irish Whiskey 02/12/2025

Jameson Triple Triple Irish Whiskey If you're looking for something different in the Irish whiskey category, make sure to check out Jameson Triple Triple. It's triple distilled like all Midleton whiskey, but then finished in three different casks, bourbon, sherry, and chestnut casks. The usual Jameson fruit, sweetness and drinkability takes on a mellow, nutty complexity with the addition of the chestnut casks, there's even a bit of toffee pudding, Chistmas cake spice on the finish that really adds to the depth. This would be an easy innovation or line extension to overlook or ignore because it's not at a luxury price point, but you shouldn't because it's really tasty. /episode/index/show/theliquorstorepodcast/id/35256475

Jefferson's Ocean Wheated Bourbon World Single Barrel 02/10/2025

Jefferson's Ocean Wheated Bourbon World Single Barrel I've never quite bought into the "ocean" aged concept that Jefferson's has touted for many years, mainly because I could never really tell the difference between ocean aged and regular, but I will say over time I have tasted a few gems, especially their single barrels. This is a wheated single barrel, ocean aged at 90 proof bottled for Bourbon World. The MGP wheated recipe has also been hit or miss over the years. I've tasted ones that I thought were maybe the best wheated bourbon I've ever had, including Weller, and I've tasted others that were lost, flabby, just so-so. Which brings us to this particular barrel. Over priced at the $90 SRP, so we've lowered it to $69.99, which I can say with a straight face is a HUGE DEAL! Pillow soft cinnamon spice with layers of caramel throughout. The fruit is subdued, the oak is subdued but the barrel sugars are amazing. Maybe you're like me and getting older and need a little something less than barrel strength sometimes. Don't sleep on 90 proof. Elmer T Lee, Eagle Rare, Weller Special Reserve, all 90 proof. Grab a bottle at any Bourbon World store. You won't regret it. /episode/index/show/theliquorstorepodcast/id/35225805

George T Stagg 2024 01/27/2025

George T Stagg 2024 Always a monster whiskey, this latest release features a 15yr and 2 month old vatting bottled at 136.1 proof. Baking spices, cola, and a touch of mint on the nose lead to intense warming spice, barrel notes, more cola, fig, maraschino cherries and caramel. The finish is lengthy with a flood of sweet spice. This is the stalwart, and it never seems to disappoint. /episode/index/show/theliquorstorepodcast/id/35032180

NEW Four Roses Single Barrel OBSF Red Label 01/23/2025

NEW Four Roses Single Barrel OBSF Red Label Minty/herbal yeast strain combined with the sweet and spicy high rye recipe bottled at 100 proof may be the most "old school" bourbon I've tasted in a long time. Lots of soft, chewy caramels combined with the "top notes" of mint and herbs. The spice is subdued in this recipe and the sweetness and balance of fruit really shine through. RUN to the store to get these red labels before they sell out. The 100 proof makes these a pure delight to drink straight. /episode/index/show/theliquorstorepodcast/id/34965560

Four Roses Single Barrel OESK 01/22/2025

Four Roses Single Barrel OESK Four Roses latest innovation is a welcome change. Instead of releasing finished product at twice the price, they are releasing 100 proof versions of their recipes at a LOWER price than their retailer selected single barrels. The new red label looks fantastic and the juice is great as usual. Today we're looking at the OESK recipe. This is the LOW rye mashbill with the spicy yeast. Always a favorite at our barrel picks, the spicy yeast pairs perfectly with the sweeter than industry standard Four Roses. Early Grey tea, sweet oak, cinnamon, and toffee are all at play. The 100 proof may just be the secret to Four Roses as well. Grab these before they're gone! /episode/index/show/theliquorstorepodcast/id/34958935

Sazerac Rye "Bourbon World" Single Barrel 11/19/2024

Sazerac Rye "Bourbon World" Single Barrel This is our FIRST EVER SINGLE BARREL of Sazerac Rye. While we normally LOVE this everyday rye for its versatility in cocktails or just sipping neat, what we found at Buffalo Trace has a rye that exceeded all of our expecations. Exceptionally sweet, with a sugar floss and tropical fruit entry which only gets lighter, more etherteal, and flavorful on the finish. Thank candied apple, but instead of an acidic bite to go with the caramelly goodness it's replaced with a deeply sweet spice note that just lingers. /episode/index/show/theliquorstorepodcast/id/33992402

Sazerac Rye "Bourbon World" Single Barrel 11/19/2024

Knob Creek Bourbon x Rye 11/15/2024

Knob Creek Bourbon x Rye Combining bourbon and rye isn't necessarily a new thing, as Wild Turkey's Unforgiven took marketing advantage of a blending "accident" years ago, but with Beam's release of Little Book Infinite, and now their Bourbon x Rye they've taken the concept to a new level. Who knew HOW GOOD Beam's rye recipe is, especially when salted with a little 9 year Knob Creek. Nose is spicy with tropical notes and sweet almonds. On the palate, the 113 proof blend exhibits sweet rye smoothness, combined with a backbone of spicy bourbon. Again, this might be an easy release to overlook, but you shouldn't. It's delicious and will be the sneaky hit in any bottle tasting. And don't even get me started on how good of an Old Fashioned this makes. It's legit! /episode/index/show/theliquorstorepodcast/id/33938592

Baker's 7yr Single Barrel High Rye 107 11/06/2024

Baker's 7yr Single Barrel High Rye 107 Beam checked every box with this new release! It's their high rye recipe (Old Grand Dad) released as a single barrel at 7 years old at 107 proof. I don't I think we could have scripted it any better. And the results are incredible. Best NOSE on a Beam item I've smelled in years, maybe ever! Lot's of candied almonds and tropical fruit, very fragrant. On the palate, tons of Beam yeast flavor with orange rind, caramel, and soft spices to finish. The price is high, but it's an innovative release that doesn't rely on finishing, gimmicks or anything, just darn good bourbon released at the right age and the right proof. Worthy of any drinker's Collection. /episode/index/show/theliquorstorepodcast/id/33820826

Baker's 7yr Single Barrel High Rye 107 11/06/2024

Big Game Canadian Whiskey 100 Proof 11/01/2024

Big Game Canadian Whiskey 100 Proof Big Game Canadian Whiskey 100 Proof This started out as an experiment. We were going to take 3 year old Canadian Whiskey and age it in Taxman Belgian Style Dubbel barrels for 6 months. Well, projects and schedules intervened and we never quite got around to bottling it. Fast Forward 3 YEARS, and what we have today might be the most perfectly engineered flavor-forward Canadian whiskey we've ever tasted. For starters it spent 3 years in Taxman freshly dumped Belgian Dubbel barrels. Secondly, we bottled it at 100 proof, not very common for a Canadian whiskey, and third, it's completely unfiltered, so what you're getting is a masterclass in Canadian and local craft beer barrel ageing. Bottom line, it's damn good with sweet caramels and vanilla dominating the nose, then exploding with juicy Canadian rye flavor complimented perfectly by the rich sweet maltiness from the dubbel casks. This stuff is LEGIT, and once it's gone, it's gone! /episode/index/show/theliquorstorepodcast/id/33738637

Wild Turkey Jimmy Russell 70th Anniversary 8yr 101 11/01/2024

Wild Turkey Jimmy Russell 70th Anniversary 8yr 101 Finally a straight forward release. It's basically just Wild Turkey 101 with an 8 year age statement to celebrate the longest serving Master Distiller in the bourbon industry. Sure, it's pretty high priced compared to regular Wild Turkey, but I think it's instructive in the sense that REGULAR Wild Turkey is such a great deal and punches WAY above its weight. Fruit, oak, and honey in perfect harmony on the nose. On the palate, woodsy and sweet with a spicy kick on the mid-palate and finish. It's straight forward, not finished, not overaged, perfect whiskey, just the way Jimmy likes it. /episode/index/show/theliquorstorepodcast/id/33738587

Old Grand Dad 16yr 10/23/2024

Old Grand Dad 16yr I think I've been begging for an age stated OGD for the better part of a decade which is why I was so pleased to see a 16yr old Old Grand Dad at 100 proof just drop! Beam's high rye mashbill is on full display in this allocated offering, serving up licorice, orange marmalade, oak spice, fine leather and an impeccably chewy finish. This is a big, spicy, yet elegant whiskey right at home on the TOP shelf in any collection. /episode/index/show/theliquorstorepodcast/id/33584257

Jack Daniel's Coy Hill 2024 10/16/2024

Jack Daniel's Coy Hill 2024 In case you didn't know, Coy Hill is the highest point on the Jack Daniel's property, atop which sits Warehouse 8, from which issues the eponymous release of this much loved single barrel series. Drawn from middle cut warehouse floors and bottled at cask strength, this particular batch weighs in at 127.2 proof and is everything you've come to expect for Jack's specialty releases in the last several years. It's beyond rich with caramel, nougat, almond, leather, orange, lime, chocolate, and oak. The palate is a complete masterclass in leather wrapped oak with spice, fruit, and rich butterscotch. Jack makes worldclass whiskey, period! And Coy Hill may be their best ever. /episode/index/show/theliquorstorepodcast/id/33477347

Parker's Heritage 18th Edition 2024 10/16/2024

Parker's Heritage 18th Edition 2024 The 18th edition of the Parker's Heritage Collection® consists of 14-year-old Malt Whiskey aged in the upper floors of Rickhouses O and Q. Then, barrels that previously held Cognac were reconstructed to include a handful of new heavy toast staves. The Malt Whiskey was then rebarreled in the reconstructed barrels and aged for almost four months. Bottled at 107 proof without chill filtration, the rebarreling transforms the Malt Whiskey's earthy, herbal characteristics into complex notes of molasses, dark chocolate, and dried summer fruit. /episode/index/show/theliquorstorepodcast/id/33477317

Booker's The Reserves 2024 10/09/2024

Booker's The Reserves 2024 If you ever wondered if Booker's was capable of releasing a "next level" bourbon, you can wonder no more...this is it. It's a blend of 8 different bourbons from 8 different warehouses ranging from 8yrs old to 14 years old, taken from the middle cut of the warehouse and bottled at cask strength, with no filtration. Brown sugar and dark cherry on the nose with the deepest, sweetest caramel and vanilla notes I've ever tasted in a Beam release...candy, candy, candy, with just a touch of spice on the finish. I thought the Birthday Bourbon and Russell's Reserve 15 couldn't be beat this year. I think this just beat it! /episode/index/show/theliquorstorepodcast/id/33370207

Maker's Mark Cellar Aged 10/08/2024

Maker's Mark Cellar Aged Some of the oldest Maker's Mark barrels EVER to be bottled including 85% 13yr old whisky, the 2024 Maker's Mark Cellar Aged pushes into the deepest darkest char notes I've ever tasted from this brand. These barrels have been sitting in a 47 degree cellar though since 2017, mitigating some of the effects of longer ageing on this relatively delicate and fruit forward distillate. The result is a flavor juggernaut with layers of nougat, brown sugar, and very intense oak leading into darker fruit territory throughout. /episode/index/show/theliquorstorepodcast/id/33370192

Angel's Envy Oloroso Sherry Single Barrel 10/01/2024

Angel's Envy Oloroso Sherry Single Barrel This single barrel of cask strength Angel's Envy finished in Oloroso sherry cask and bottled at 115.3 proof is a fruit and leather showstopper. Cinnamon candy on the nose with subtle red fruit and toffee. On the palate, traditional bourbon notes lead with leather, vanilla, apricot and chocolate, but from mod-palate on the sherry takes over imparting a very rich raspberry wine note that pairs PERFECTLY with the whiskey. Based on the retail of cask strength AE the last several years, this is a deal! /episode/index/show/theliquorstorepodcast/id/33274237

Wild Turkey Master's Keep Triumph 09/30/2024

Wild Turkey Master's Keep Triumph This year's Master's Keep is a 104 proof 10+ year old non-chill filtered rye whiskey that's not playing games. It's big, bold, spicy, sweet, with extra char but enough rye spice to lighten things up JUST enough to keep it from falling over from the oak. A touch of citrus throughout both the nose and palate along with a very complex fruit note akin to grilled peaches. This doesn't taste like ANYTHING else out that, and for once, that's a good thing! /episode/index/show/theliquorstorepodcast/id/33254952

Wild Turkey Master's Keep Triumph 09/30/2024

Birthday Bourbon 2024 09/23/2024

Birthday Bourbon 2024 This year's expression of Birthday Bourbon is a 12yr old 107 proof brown sugar bomb blended from 209 barrels which lived their life in Warehouse G and L just outside downtown Louisville. Warehouse G is NOT heat cycled and is known to produce fruit and sweet which is certainly prevalent in this year's release. Warehouse L tends to produce higher proof expressions, known to be spicier with more baking spice, as well as brown sugar, caramel and cherry. This year's Birthday is essentially a "greatest hits" record of Brown Forman flavors with brown sugar and spice in perfect harmony. Plus, you get the amazingly flavor forward but still drinkable 107 proof just like another whiskey we love. Win the right to buy special bottles. Bottles rotate monthly. Visit a Bourbon World store for details: I hope you find this review helpful. If so, please like/follow/subscribe, cheers! /episode/index/show/theliquorstorepodcast/id/33172627

Russell's Reserve 15yr 09/19/2024

Russell's Reserve 15yr Simply put, one of the best Wild Turkey releases in years, and that's saying a lot, because there have been some real hits. It's got big oak, akin to the older Pappy releases, but instead of softened wheat fruit and leather it exhibits intense sweetness along with baking spices. The nose alone is worth the price of admission, but the carmel topped apple crumble on the palate will make you melt. 117.2 proof and non-chill filtered. Them Russell boys know what they're doing! /episode/index/show/theliquorstorepodcast/id/33125537

Weller Antique 107 2024 Single Barrel 09/17/2024

Weller Antique 107 2024 Single Barrel This year's single barrel of Weller Antique 107 destined for Bourbon World is a distiller's pick from Sazerac. Quintessential 107 leather and fruit on the nose with caramel, toffee, and orchard fruit. On the palate, very fruit forward with the leather taking a back seat. I've always said Antique 107 was just about the perfect bourbon, and this particular single barrel falls right into line with that. It's got enough proof to carry the flavor, but not so much that the alcohol numbs and drowns out all the drinkability. /episode/index/show/theliquorstorepodcast/id/33075672

Cuervo Devil's Reserve 09/16/2024

Cuervo Devil's Reserve In the liquor business they call it the "shot occasion" i.e. taking a shot, and whether it's a good idea or not, its been around for thousands of years! Fast forward to today and you've got the category leaders like Fireball and Jagermesiter that sell of millions of liters per year for just such occasions. Enter Jose Cuervo's new "Devil's Reserve" It tastes like tequila with a big dose of tropical fruit and a little touch of heat. As far as shots go, I'd line this up head to head with Jager or Fireball in terms of drinkability, but where the Devil takes it even further is its mixabilty in cocktails. It makes a damn fine margarita or would even tastes great in a Paloma, so (pun intended) give it a shot! /episode/index/show/theliquorstorepodcast/id/33075382

Elijah Craig Toasted Rye 09/11/2024

Elijah Craig Toasted Rye New full time TOASTED rye from Elijah Craig! I've always loved the mellow middle-of-the-road style of regular EC rye. At 94 proof it's an easy drinker but adds the perfect amount of spice to a rye Old Fashioned. Add the toasted barrel finish to it and the wood and spice really do take on a new dimension. Rye inflected fruit and grain brushed over with sweet oak. On second thought, maybe a big rock and a cigar are in order for this spicy, mellow treat. /episode/index/show/theliquorstorepodcast/id/33007927

Teeling Irish Whiskey Notre Dame Edition 09/06/2024

Teeling Irish Whiskey Notre Dame Edition The Teeling family has produced some of the best Irish whiskey for decades, combining malt and grain in perfect proportions to compete with the likes of Jameson and Bushmills. Not long after selling their first run at the business to Beam, the Teelings started using their own name, building out an amazing facility in Dublin and continuing their leadership of the revival of this extremely quaffable whiskey category. With this Notre Dame sponsorship, the new owners, Bacardi, are wanting to reach an incremental American Football audience and expose more consumers their delicious, 92 proof, rum-finished flagship brand. Tropical fruit, with lemon and malt notes on the nose, Teeling's signature rum finishing imparts a mellow sweetness to the malt and grain that ties the whole blend together. Long, right finish, this isn't Irish whiskey for beginners, but makes a great beginning to any tailgate! /episode/index/show/theliquorstorepodcast/id/32899482

Bomberger's 108 proof 2024 09/05/2024

Bomberger's 108 proof 2024 If you aren't hip to the Michter's-made Bombergers 108 proof vintage release you need to get up to speed. It doesn't have the Michter's name, so I think it gets overlooked, but it's a true sleeper hit. They age the distillate in Chinquapin oak that has been air-dried for at least 3 years which means the whiskey takes on a very mellow flavor reminiscent of whiskey from the 50s and 60s. /episode/index/show/theliquorstorepodcast/id/32903707

1792 Sweet Wheat Bourbon 09/05/2024

1792 Sweet Wheat Bourbon For all the fanfare that Buffalo Trace's wheated recipes receive (Weller, Pappy) there isn't a lot of hype around the other major Sazerac distillery's 1792 Sweet Wheat, a recipe they've been releasing since 2015. But I think it's time people sit up and take notice. This whiskey is a knock out wheater with a healthy dose of herbs, oak, mint, and caramel on the nose. On the palate, it's sweet, but not as sweet as the name suggests with a balance of leather, caramel chew, and vanilla. If you like Maker's, Larceny, Weller, and Pappy, don't skip the 1792 Sweet Wheat! /episode/index/show/theliquorstorepodcast/id/32899452

The Liquor Store Podcast

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