The People's Bourbon Review

The Whiskey Taster’s Flavor Guide

This Stuff is Good! Belle Meade Sherry Cask Finish

A review of Belle Meade Bourbon Sherry Cask Finish written by Mark Pringle
This stuff is good! When I first nosed Belle Meade Bourbon Sherry Cask Finish, I expected something different from what I got. Initially, it was oak with molasses hiding underneath the oak; golden rai...

Old Forester Bourbon 86 Proof Review

A review of Old Forester 86 Kentucky Straight Bourbon written by Mark Pringle
Old Forester Kentucky Kentucky Street Bourbon 86 Proof opens up with a very light caramel aroma. After the caramel aroma comes another mild note, oak. You can also sense a little bit of ethanol, ...

Hemingway Rye Signature Edition Review

A review of Hemingway Rye Signature Edition written by Mark Pringle
I am digging finished ryes lately, and the release of Hemingway Rye Signature Edition (Not to be confused with Hemingway Rye 1st Edition) is another excellent non-distiller producer tasting experience...

Old Forester Statesman Quick Review

A review of Old Forester Statesman written by Mark Pringle
Old Forester Statesman starts with a nose that is a little buttery with mild traditional bourbon notes. It has almost a sweet fruitiness layered on top of the other notes, although I can’t disti...

How to Host a Bourbon Tasting Event for Friends

Written by Mark Pringle
Bourbon is to be enjoyed with friends. When you combine friendship with a bourbon tasting, you create a memorable experience. However, what is the best way to host a bourbon-tasting event? What does a

Maker's Mark FAE-02 Review and FAE-01 Comparison

A review of Maker's Mark FAE-02 2021 Limited Release written by Mark Pringle
Oh boy, I have been waiting for Maker’s Mark FAE-02 because of my extraordinary experience with the previous release. Finally, it is here! This neck pour of FAE-02 is good but not as good...

Stellum Lyra Single Barrel Bourbon Review

A review of Stellum Single Barrel Bourbon Lyra written by Mark Pringle
I have loved everything from Stellum to date, and my first pour of Stellum Single Barrel Bourbon Lyra lived up to my expectation. This is a spicy, creamy, wonderfully hot MGP 75% corn, 21% rye, a...

Seven Things that Can Negatively Impact the Taste of Bourbon or Other Whiskeys

Written by Mark Pringle
Bourbon enthusiasts and those new to the bourbon-tasting experience want to enjoy their whiskeys to the fullest. With that in mind, it is essential to understand what things can adversely influence bo

Does Whiskey Oxidize? How Long is Bourbon Good Once Opened?

Written by Mark Pringle
One of the most popular questions new bourbon enthusiasts ask is, "How fast will my bourbon oxidize once I open the bottle?" They are really asking, "How long is bourbon good for once o

What is Blended Whiskey (Bourbon)? A Quick Reference Guide

Written by Mark Pringle
A blended whiskey or bourbon is an artfully crafted result of mixing different types of whiskeys. Often, crafters experienced in the art of blending will mix different aged and/or different quality wh

Bespoken Spirits Straight Bourbon Whiskey Review

A review of Bespoken Spirits Straight Bourbon Whiskey written by Mark Pringle
Bespoken Spirits Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a complex and unique tasting experience. There are many layers and notes on both the nose and palate of this bourbon. But in the end, does it tas...

Battle of the Oak-Centric Bourbons: Barrel Vantage vs. 2XO The Phoenix Blend

Written by Mark Pringle
In the months prior to this writing, I was exposed to two very good oak-dominant bourbons: Barrell Vantage and 2XO - The Phoenix Blend. After letting the most recent purchase of 2XO open up a bit, I