Welcome to the last column in this Whiskey Wednesday series that explores the bourbon Advent calendar my brother curated for my birthday from his collection. I can't believe we're at the end of this adventure — that's actually what I was thinking when we got to the end of the calendar, too.
Let's get to it, shall we?
December 21: Bluegrass Distillers Toasted Oak Bourbon
100 proof, mash bill: 75% yellow corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley
Retails $65 at the distillery and $57.99 via Bourbon Outfitters
This was my very first Whiskey Wednesday review. It might be cheating, but I’m going to repost it here:
Drinking it neat, I realized that it’s more viscous than I’ve ever noticed when I drink it on the rocks.
There’s an obvious oakiness to this bourbon, and the first thing I notice neat is a strong flavor of baking spices and a hint of caramel. There’s also a subtle touch of a mild apple flavor, and the rye bite is there, although not enough to overwhelm you.
Drinking it on the rocks softens the bite of the rye, which I like because I’m not super crazy about heavy rye flavor. On the rocks, this bourbon takes on more smoothness, and the caramel flavor comes through more noticeably. All I can really say is that it tastes better cold; then again, that’s what I would say about most whiskeys.
Rating: 9.5/10
Related: Whiskey Wednesday: My Bourbon Advent Calendar, Part 1
December 22: W. L. Weller 12 Year
90 proof, mash bill undisclosed
Retails ~$70-$80 (but you sometimes find it online for much higher because of demand)
Here’s another bourbon that I haven’t tried yet, so this one’s exciting. An older bourbon has character, and this one didn’t disappoint.
When I tasted it neat, I could easily tell that it was a wheated bourbon. A smooth, buttercreamy sweetness with a hint of cinnamon and baking spice greeted me. The heat is gentle, and it lingers nicely.
Ice doesn’t change it much. It’s so consistent that it’s the same experience at a different temperature. After all, it’s had a dozen years to lock in that flavor profile, and it wears that patience well.
All in all, this one carries a certain dessert-bourbon vibe. As I’m drinking it, I think, “I could drink this every night,” but the price point says, “No, you can’t.” Still, I’ll enjoy this sample as a gift.
Rating: 10/10
Related: Whiskey Wednesday: My Bourbon Advent Calendar, Part 2
December 23: Bluegrass Distillers Blue Corn 7 Year
100 proof, mash bill: 75% blue corn, 21% wheat, and 4% malted barley
Retails $80 at the distillery and $79.99 — when you can find it.
Bluegrass Distillers, one of my favorite craft distilleries, releases an extremely limited edition blue corn bourbon. I’ve tried it before, but it was fun to revisit it in the Advent calendar.
Drinking it neat reveals a velvety mouthfeel with a vanilla and brown sugar flavor profile with that patented 100-proof heat. It’s exactly like I remembered it tasting before.
The last sample I had was so small that I didn’t get to try it on the rocks, so I did this go round. Cooling down the temperature makes it more decadent. Next year, I’m going to try to get a bottle before they run out and have it as a special occasion pour.
Rating: 10/10
Related: Whiskey Wednesday: My Bourbon Advent Calendar, Part 3
December 24: Blanton’s Single Barrel
93 proof, mash bill: “rumored to contain 87.5% corn, 9% rye, and 3.5% malted barley,” according to Taste Select Repeat
Retails ~$110-$120
It was another treat to get to try this legendary bourbon on Christmas Eve, a night that already carries a little extra weight and warmth. This single-barrel bourbon really is as special as its reputation suggests—refined, confident, and quietly impressive without trying too hard.
Neat, I get strong notes of fresh apple right up front, followed by a rich caramel-vanilla sweetness that feels classic and comforting. The heat is there, but it’s well-mannered—warm and steady rather than sharp or aggressive.
Adding a bit of ice softens the edges and lets the flavors settle into something rounder and more relaxed, without stripping away their character. And maybe it’s my festive mood, but it tastes like Christmas to me.
Rating: 9.5/10
Related: Whiskey Wednesday: My Bourbon Advent Calendar, Part 4
December 25: Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve 15 Year
107 proof, mash bill undisclosed
Retails ~$200
Picture it: It’s Christmas night. It’s been a sweet, special day with family, and now it’s time for the last bottle of the Advent calendar. I open the slip of paper that identifies the night’s pour, and I can’t believe my eyes.
I knew Matt had a bottle of Pappy that he got for an incredible deal, but I never expected him to share any of it with me. Trying it neat reveals a dark caramel flavor with strong vanilla notes and an unmistakable oakiness. I enjoy it in small sips because I know I have to cherish this experience.
I’m reluctant to add ice because it’s such a luxurious pour neat, but I know that I have a review protocol that I can’t deviate from. This is such a rich, velvety bourbon that adding ice doesn’t change anything but the temperature. There’s an undeniable consistency to the flavor that stands head and shoulders above anything else I’ve tasted.
I’m drinking Pappy, and it’s a Christmas miracle.
Rating: 100/10
