For the last few years, my brother has given me whiskey-related gifts for my birthday. I’ve enjoyed all of them, but this year, Matt put a lot of effort and thought into my present. He curated a custom bourbon Advent calendar from his personal collection.
Matt packaged 25 sample bottles in a handsome box. It’s a mix of familiar bourbons, favorites, and new discoveries for me, so I thought I’d share them with you. Over the next five Wednesdays, I’ll share the bourbons from the calendar. Let’s start with the first five.
December 1: Willett Pot Still Reserve
94 proof, mash bill: 65% corn, 20% wheat, and 15% malted barley
Retails ~$50-$60
I had to take the first two days’ pours with me on vacation, so I got to drink this one at Walt Disney World. If that wasn’t special enough, I got to kick off the month with a bourbon I’d never tried before.
I didn’t know what to expect from a pot still bourbon — not that they’re that much different — so trying something totally new felt like an adventure. When I tried it neat, I noticed a nice heat and a definite caramel sweetness. I’d almost call it a “sweet heat” bourbon.
On the rocks, Willett Pot Still was subtle, sweet, and (dare I say it) gentle. It’s an easy-to-drink, simple, enjoyable pour that I’ll be sure to check out again soon.
Rating: 9.5/10
December 2: Four Roses Small Batch
90 proof, mash bill: 75% corn, 20% rye, 5% malted barley
Retails ~$30-$40
I’ve had other Four Roses products before and enjoyed them, but this was my first rodeo with the small batch. Drinking it neat, I had initial impressions that it was sweet, bready, fruity, and spicy. It’s not terribly complex, but the notes I tasted were distinct and enjoyable.
I experienced the same flavor notes when I drank it on the rocks, but I also got a richness that made those tastes come alive. This was a nice bourbon that I’ll come back to again.
Rating: 9/10
Related: Whiskey Wednesday: Penelope Bourbon — Sweet, Smooth, and Almost Worth the Hype
December 3: Woodford Reserve
90.4 proof, mash bill: 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley
Retails ~$40
Woodford is my go-to, my bourbon soulmate. My brother knew what he was doing when he slipped it into the Advent lineup: giving me something trustworthy and classic, a reminder of where the journey started.
One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received is not to let familiarity with something rob you of its joy — whether that’s scripture, music, or bourbon. So I tried my hardest to approach my bourbon first love with fresh eyes.
When I sipped it neat, I caught the overarching caramel and vanilla notes, along with a touch of orange zest. The heat is minty and refreshing. It’s quintessentially Southern, conjuring up thoughts of Old Fashioneds and mint juleps.
Over ice, it turns even more silky and smooth. The chill doesn’t tame the heat — it frames it. The flavors open up, clean and confident, every note shining through.
Every flavor comes through, and it shines. This experience was like rediscovering an old friend. Woodford Reserve is familiar — but never boring. I will forever and always love it.
Rating: 10/10
December 4: Buffalo Trace
90 proof, mash bill: 89.5% corn, 7% wheat, and 3.5% malted barley
Retails ~$30
I should be more familiar with Buffalo Trace than I am. I don’t know why I don’t reach for it more often in the store, but for some reason, I don’t choose it often. After today, I plan to keep it in my regular rotation.
Tasting it neat, I get strong toffee notes, along with notes of brown sugar and sweet corn. There’s a spicy heat that’s appealing and not overwhelming.
On the rocks, Buffalo Trace is silkier and smoother. There’s an oaky dryness that balances out the sweetness, and more of a vanilla note comes forward.
It’s the “good jeans and boots” bourbon that fits just about anywhere. Tasting it in this context makes me want to ensure that I have it around more often.
Rating: 10/10
December 5: Maker’s Mark
90 proof, mash bill: 70% corn, 16% wheat, and 14% malted barley
Retails ~$30
Maker’s Mark is another bourbon that I had to set aside my familiarity with to taste for a review. Somehow, I was able to recapture first impressions without assumptions; it might have helped that I hadn’t had Maker’s Mark in several months.
When I drank it neat, that apple sweetness felt fresh and different. Maker’s Mark is distinct thanks to its use of red winter wheat, so that sweetness combines with a gentle heat that feels welcoming.
Tasting it on the rocks amps up the silkiness. It’s smooth, almost like a dessert, yet the heat is still there, just enough to remind you that you’re drinking bourbon.
Rating: 9.5/10
Stay tuned for the next installment next Wednesday!
