The Bourbon and Rye Club

Northern rye (aka Canadian style) is one of the least celebrated Rye’s on the market. We all love that 95/5 Indiana don’t we? And we all love the variety of Kentucky, Empire, and Monongahela styles. I’m left scratching my head wondering why folks haven’t fully embraced this minty and delightful style? It’s the closest thing you’ll get to rye bread in liquid form. From Alberta, to Mammoth, to Barrell, and so many others… the price and availability make this an attractive bottle to enjoy. Yo, you got any Canadian? This aged blended and bottled by single is from clocks at 139 proof and is “only” 17 years and 9 months old.




Note- I bought this bottle with my own scratch from

I cannot say that I am a light whiskey fan. The missing rye hurts my soul. However, some lights are better than others especially when they’re 16 years old and 138.2 proof. Sunday I’ll be sharing this media sample with the boys. Monday I’ll be sharing it with the and let’s see what it’s all about.

Tonight I’m gonna literally pop this one open with . Batch 35 bourbon from
We can’t wait to try it and share our thoughts with you.

Tales is over, and three days out, I’m missing my friends old and new. I cannot wait until next year. If Bourbon Fest is my SuperBowl, Tales is my Stanley Cup finals. Damn Bryan, two years in the books, can’t wait for year 3.

No idea how we were still standing after six MAXIMUM days of but somehow and I did it again, together. Last two clowns standing, and here we are doing clown things on the way home.

It’s not everyday that you get to experience something you’ve not had in 20 years. I grew up on a lot of old Willett’s. Today those things command large trucks full of cash to purchase. Yesterday kicking off Tales of the Cocktail was a bottle share that was beyond insane. 8 different waxed Willett’s, a 13yr Pennsylvania made BIB Overholt, gold vein stitzel-weller Weller, some crazy four roses.. I could have tried them all, but chose to just bask in the glory of a couple, reminiscing about 20 something years of whiskey exploration, all while doing it with a good pal that understood the gravity of the situation and allowed the experience to unfold. I wish all my friends could’ve been there to see me almost cry with joy, and to have a glass of that spectacular 23 year old Willett rye single barrel. This is why we Tales. A special mention to for being such an amazing person that I admire so much.



Yes, I brought my own bourbon glass thanks for noticing.

Tales of the cocktail begins in ten days time. New Orleans is ready. I am ready. The bars and restaurants are ready. There is a huge list of free events going on during the week, as well as the ticketed convention itself. You’ve done whiskey festivals, Tales is an entirely different experience and worth the visit. If you’re not coming this year, follow along as we will do our best to entice you to come next year.

I’m obsessed. It’s been a few days since I tasted this and I cannot stop thinking about it, so now you have to keep seeing me thinking about it.

This recipe for a Manhattan is one of my all time favorites. So much so that I taped it to the corner of my door jam so I’ll never forget it. Willett used to put out a Manhattan kit with their 2 and 3 year old family estate rye. Not sure they do it anymore, but it ruined me. It’s decadent but the recipe can work without Willett, but why tho?

It’s been two days, and I cannot stop thinking about it. There are some ryes you have in your life that make such an impact on you that it’s digs deep into your mind and won’t let go. Owl 1, Overholt 11, BMH18, rittenhouse 23, and now this. I need another plz. This ten year old Willett made family estate single Barrel is something to behold.








Note- I bought a share of this bottle with my own scratch.

I don’t understand the divided schools of thought surrounding this release. Several glasses out of a shared bottle purchase over a good amount of time, and I find it to be a really enjoyable bottle of whiskey. Willett still brings me great joy and I’m grateful for that.






Note- I bought a portion of this bottle with my own scratch.
Photo credit - and a big thank you to for allowing me to drink his other Willett’s whenever I come over.

I was late to the game on this release of and it was shared liberally with and who all were delighted by the mix of 7year and 15yr bourbon. Has some nice notes of 7year HH (or dare I say mckenna) and the rich sweetness of barton. I’ll let the gang chime in with their take on this media sample bottle that is now somewhere north of New Orleans. It’s currently available in stores for roughly $120 here in NOLA. Has anyone had this or the rye yet? Let me know in the comments.

It’s always great to share media samples with friends. It’s one of the responsibility of sharing something that was sent to me to try for free. Bottles don’t come to my house to die. They come to my house, are tasted, and three are shared liberally with friends. Pictured here is my very first NOLA pal this is Josh from the and we are sharing the soon to be released, mind blowing, cigar blend.

There is just something beautiful about empties.





Note- I bought these bottles with my own scratch.

Jewel of the South gets a lot of accolades and let me just say, I believe the praise of this national treasure has been understated. Holy hand grenades this place can make cocktails that are sublime and exciting. Color me impressed. This place has won all the awards and is a nominee for the Naked City Kitty awards for best cocktail program. With tales of the cocktail coming in July, I recommend visiting before the crowds arrive.

A delightful surprise from Beam. New short story posted. Link in bio.

I can’t get enough of this. I just can’t. Some of the best bourbon on the market and for a good price.





Note- I bought this bottle with my own scratch.

So many great bands .las.vegas.vlv over the years. I prefer the ones that are super joyful and talented. is one of those joyful performers that keep me coming back year after year.

When you run off your first bottle in Las Vegas and you need a secondary to get you through, make the right choice for the moment. Roulette rye from gets it done just right and for not a lot of money.





Note- I bought this bottle with my own scratch.

Tales of the Cocktail is coming up, and I’m preparing by drinking new things that I normally wouldn’t. I ordered one of these last Sunday, and after one sip my girl couldn’t stop thinking about it, so we went back to last night for another round. This thing has rum, dragonfruit and some jalapeño thing in it to give it some fun spice. Brilliant cocktail and if you’re in Vegas, this is definitely worth a try, perhaps twice.

Sometimes you just have to go full tiki.

Seven year age stated K**b Creek Rye whiskey. This has been one hell of a year for beam already and they ain’t done!







Note- I bought this bottle with my own scratch.