1 | Spirits | Kentucky, $10 to $20, 750 ml

"The nosing passes find distant scents of honey, baked bread, and corn meal. The palate entry is pleasingly balanced and not the least cloying; at midpalate the flavor profile features integrated tastes of honey, spice and lemon zest. Finishes clean, balanced and very enjoyable. The citrus element nicely counters the honey and the bourbon." 85-89 pts.

"A lovely, sophisticated bourbon bouquet comprising fruity, cornmeal aromas which are followed by a red fruit scent, all underpinned by an oaky vanilla quality. Entry is reserved, gently sweet and toffee-like; the midpalate features succulent tastes of light caramel, honeywheat bread, caramel corn and toasted almond. Concludes fruity and corny. The best value American whiskey in the marketplace." Best Buy. 85-89 pts.

"The first sniffings detect notes of black pepper and oak resin; aeration adds stone-dry scents of minerals, slate, and sage. The palate entry is lean, semisweet, intensely grainy, and satisfying; at midpalate the whiskey lies well on the tongue, sweet, grainy, medium plump, and spicy. Finishes spicy. A very solid rye whiskey that deserves a larger audience." 85-89 pts.

"Pale amber color. Honeyed grain and praline aromas. A brisk, supple entry leads to a a dryish medium body of sweet honeyed nuts, dusty spices, and wet grain. Finishes with a honeyed nut toast and delicate vanilla fade. A pleasant straight forward bourbon."