Updated October 11, 2026

Our top whiskeys

Here are our rated whiskeys, starting with the bottles that earned double black or red. We’ve kept our individual ratings and the price context alongside each bottle, because we don’t always agree on flavor or value.

Double black bottles

Old Charter Oak “Finest Oak” (2026)

Tom: double black. Steve: double black. 95 proof. We paid $100 and split the bottle, finding the last one at a store near Myron at Bourbon Drop. There’s no age statement; Tom’s research suggests these releases are usually at least 10 years old, possibly up to 12.

Our verdict: “Buy it now. Buy a backup.” We’d hunt for this at the $100 mark.

Jack Daniel’s Toasted Heritage (2025)

Tom: double black. Steve: double black. 100 proof. We paid around $60 to $70. We inferred about 8 years from the barrel entry and bottling dates, rather than an age statement.

Our verdict: “Everything you want in a toasted whiskey,” very well balanced, and worth buying two.

Blue Bolt × Bourbon & Bikinis, barrel 218

Tom: double black. Steve: double black. 109.2 proof. We paid $90 including shipping, ordering straight from the website.

Our verdict: “Great pick” and “delicious.” We kind of wish we’d bought two.

Rare Character Maple Cask Finished Straight Rye

Tom: double black. Steve: double black. 115 proof, 7.2 years old. We paid around $120 and found it on the shelf at a store we called “Nix a Calbert.”

Our verdict: “If you see one, definitely this is a buy, buy all day long.”

Jack Daniel’s 10 Year, Batch 5 (2026)

Tom: double black. Steve: double black. 97 proof, 10 years old. We paid about $100 with no tax at Pax Naval Base in St. Mary’s County.

Our verdict: “This is the whole package. It’s got all the flavor.” We’d buy another at $100, or even $150.

Holladay Rickhouse Soft Red Wheat

Tom: double black. Steve: red. 119 proof, 6 years old, distilled fall 2017 and bottled April 2024. We paid about $60, slightly above MSRP; someone who takes care of us held a bottle back.

Our verdict: Tom called it “the best bourbon I’ve tasted this year” and wanted a backup; Steve called it a specialty Friday night pour.

Penelope Rio

Tom: double black. Steve: double black. 98 proof. We paid $115.

Our verdict: “Of all the Penelopes I’ve had, this is by far my favorite.”

Stagg 24C

Tom: double black. Steve: double black. 128.9 proof. We paid around $200 including tax at Weems Liquor in St. Leonard, Maryland.

Our verdict: “I think it’s worth the 200 bucks. I really do.”

Star Hill Farm

Tom: double black. Steve: double black. 114.8 proof. We paid about $130 per bottle including shipping, through a friend who bought a case in the UK and had it shipped through California to Maryland.

Our verdict: “Great nose, great mouth feel, great finish.” Highly recommended.

New Riff Winter Whiskey 2024

Tom: red. Steve: double black. 100 proof, at least 4 years old. We paid $55 at Nick’s near us, where a few bottles were available.

Our verdict: “This is definitely not an everyday sipper for me… this is a specialty sipper.”

Bardstown Distillery Reserve Mars Single Malt Japanese Blend

Tom: red. Steve: double black. 109.8 proof. The Japanese single malts are 5 years old; the Bardstown bourbons are 10 and 16 years old. We paid $99 for 375 ml, found through the Bardstown gift shop and tasting room, possibly also through its Whiskey Club.

Our verdict: “It is definitely worth the drive there.”

Elijah Craig 15 Year Single Barrel

Tom: red. Steve: double black. 108 proof, 15 years old. We paid $152 out the door, including tax, finding it sitting on the shelf at MSRP.

Our verdict: “It’s what I want out of a 15-year bourbon.” Steve’s take: “It’s amazing.”

Redwood Empire Pipe Dream Triple Toasted

Tom: high blue. Steve: solid double (double black). 92 proof. We paid $60 at Edgewater Liquors, just south of Annapolis; we also saw it at ABE and D Liquors in Prince George’s County.

Our verdict: “Still a great bottle,” though we wished it had a little more punch.

Red bottles

For more local shopping context, our Maryland bourbon hunting guide covers the places we’ve explored.

Sagamore Sour Cask Ale Finished Rye, batch 101

Tom: red. Steve: red, on the verge of double black. 93 proof, 7 years total: 5 years at Sagamore followed by 2 years in a sour ale cask. We paid $30 at Michigan Liquors in the D.C. area for this one-off release.

Our verdict: “It’s unique. Great price point.” We bought backups and another bottle as a gift.

Old Dominick Cask Strength Bourbon

Tom: red. Steve: red. 120 proof, 6 years old. We paid $49.99 in New York; it wasn’t available in Maryland.

Our verdict: Balanced, flavorful and “a well-made cask strength.” At $50, we wished we’d bought two.

Green River Honey Whiskey

Tom: red. Steve: red. 92 proof, made from 4-year-old Kentucky straight bourbon. It was $25 at a local store, where it had just arrived.

Our verdict: “Great neat, good in cocktails.” When this bottle is finished, another one is coming home.

Green River Single Barrel

Tom: red. Steve: red. 123.4 proof, about 5½ years old, barreled September 21, 2018. We paid about $70 and found it in Maryland after its spring release there.

Our verdict: “Much better than just the regular standard bourbon.” We’d buy it again for a Friday night special pour.

E.H. Taylor Small Batch

Tom: solid red. Steve: solid red. 100 proof. We paid $62 before tax, $67.50 total, at Roland’s grocery store in southern Maryland.

Our verdict: “I would hunt after this bottle again” at the right price.

Four Roses Single Barrel OESK

Tom: double blue. Steve: solid red. 100 proof. We paid $37 at Walgreens in Annapolis. There’s no age statement; it was reportedly 7 to 9 years old online.

Our verdict: “It’s definitely a great buy,” and a bottle that’s going to stay on the shelf as a staple.

Peerless Toasted Bourbon, batch 2

Tom: red. Steve: red. 109 proof. We paid $100 plus tax at Brandywine Liquors and also saw it for $90 at two places in Ellicott City.

Our verdict: A special Friday night pour with lingering toast and dark fruit; we regretted passing at $90 and would buy it in the $100 to $150 range.

Redwood Empire Screaming Titan, batch one

Tom: red. Steve: solid red. 96 proof. We paid about $79 at a local liquor store.

Our verdict: “Highly recommend it.” We’re willing to buy another bottle.

Penelope 18-Year American Light Whiskey

Tom: double blue. Steve: red on the first sip, potentially double black. 140.2 proof, 18 years old. We paid around $96, or $106 with tax; a store that posted it held one for us.

Our verdict: “This is a buy it now and a specialty pour. This is delicious.” We’d buy it all day long.

Blue Note Honey Bourbon

Tom: double blue. Steve: solid red. 113 proof, with a stated minimum 3 years in the honey cask. We paid $60 at S&W Liquors.

Our verdict: “Good mouth feel, good price point,” and a bottle worth searching for.

Barrel Bourbon Cigar Whiskey

Tom: double blue. Steve: red. 111.2 proof. One component is 18 years old; the others are reportedly 7.5 years or older. We paid about $75 on sale through Barrel, versus about $85 normally.

Our verdict: “Worthy of a chase” for finished-whiskey fans, though it’s not a daily drinker or a classic oak-heavy cigar pour.

Good Times Miami Vice Bourbon

Tom: solid double blue. Steve: red. 116 proof in our review, although the description says 114, and 9 years old. We paid $120 plus tax; it was listed online for $100.

Our verdict: Unique and special, with a pleasant surprise on flavor; the price brought Tom’s rating down, but he’d buy another.

Barrell Vantage

Tom: red. Steve: red. 114 proof. We paid about $45 to $50 for a sampler pack at Costco.

Our verdict: “I want this bottle on my shelf.” It deserves a spot, and we might buy a big bottle.

Old Commonwealth Red Top Rye

Tom: red. Steve: red. 105 proof, 7 years old. We paid about $70 at GMV Spirits.

Our verdict: “This is something that needs to be on your shelf.”

James E. Pepper Barrel Strength, Decanter Series, batch two

Tom: solid, high red, possibly black. Steve: double blue, on the verge of red. We believed it was 104 to 105 proof. We found the last bottle on the shelf while bourbon hunting and described the price point as affordable.

Our verdict: “If you see this, pick up a bottle.” Tom wanted a backup.

Elmer T. Lee

Our ratings: double blue and red, without a named split. 90 proof. Scott gave us the bottle at a friends-and-family bourbon, wine and cheese party.

Our verdict: “100% a celebration worthy” bourbon to share; we’d buy another under $200, with one of us setting a ceiling around $180.

Penelope Havana, batch one

Tom: double blue neat, red smoked with cherrywood. Steve: double blue neat, red smoked with cherrywood. 93 proof. Steve bought it at a local liquor store; we said we’d wait in line and pay $90.

Our verdict: “It elevates it 100%” when smoked, balancing the sweetness and bringing out the bourbon notes.

Wild Turkey 101 8 Year, Rare Breed and Jimmy Russell 70th Anniversary

Wild Turkey 101 8 Year: A red rating, without Tom/Steve attribution. 101 proof, 8 years old. We paid $45 in Washington, D.C. Verdict: “This is the smoothest out of them all.” We’d buy it again easily.
Jimmy Russell 70th Anniversary: A red rating, without Tom/Steve attribution. 101 proof; we estimated 8 to 9 years for this small batch. Verdict: “The 70th is the way to go.”
Wild Turkey Rare Breed: A red rating, without Tom/Steve attribution. 116 proof, described as a mix of 8- to 12-year whiskey. Verdict: “It puts everything to shame on the nose.”

Pursuit Double Oak Bourbon

Tom: red. Steve: red. 108 proof. We found it as a specialty bottle in Maryland; MSRP was about $78.

Our verdict: “Butterscotch bomb,” an everyday sipper and the most flavorful Double Oak we’d tried, even over Woodford Double Oaked.

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B524

Tom: red. Steve: red. 130 proof, 11 years and 2 months old. We found it at Virginia ABC.

Our verdict: “A solid bourbon,” a Friday night pour on the verge of double black, and a better value than A124.

Rare Character Fortuna Sour Mash Whiskey

Tom: red. Steve: red. 122 proof. We paid $75 at Esquire Liquors in Oxon Hill, Maryland, just south of D.C.

Our verdict: “Solid red, Friday night pour,” worth slowly sipping; we wouldn’t pay more than $80.

Ry3 Cigar Series

Tom: solid red. Steve: low red. Roughly 122 proof, “122 point something.” Tom thought he paid about $90, but wasn’t sure; we’d seen it at Angel Share and several other stores.

Our verdict: “Great whiskey by itself,” sweet and approachable, but not our choice with a cigar.

Peerless Double Oaked Rye, batch seven

Tom: red. Steve: red. 109 proof. We paid $125 through the website, where we estimated the price at $135.

Our verdict: “It stands up to the name,” with brown sugar, rye spice and a spearmint bite: delicious, smooth and not too spicy.

Sagamore Spirit 10 Year Rye

Tom: red. Steve: red. 110 proof, 10 years old. We paid $79.99 plus tax at Sagamore’s distillery, its only source at the time.

Our verdict: A special Friday night pour and one of Tom’s favorite ryes of the year, with flavor that earned Steve a solid red too.

Weller Antique 107 and Bardstown High Wheat

Weller Antique 107: Tom: red. Steve: red. 107 proof. About $120 was the cheapest price we’d seen in Maryland, where we found it. Verdict: “A solid red,” very well balanced, with a good range.
Bardstown High Wheat: Tom: red. Steve: double blue. 106 proof, 6 years old. The price was $57, also called $60. Verdict: “Good flavor, good proof point,” really delicious and worth sharing with friends.

1792 Sweet Wheat

Tom: double blue. Steve: red. 91.2 proof. We paid $40 and found it in Georgia.

Our verdict: “It’s sweet. It’s flavorful. It’s not going to scare anybody off,” and it lives up to the hype.

Penelope Barrel Strength “Fuck Cancer” bottle

Tom: double blue. Steve: red. 114 proof. We paid about $90 before any shipping. Scott picked it up through one of his channels, possibly Shared Pour. There’s no age statement; online we read it as a six-year minimum.

Our verdict: “If you see it on the shelf, pick it up definitely.”

Reveries seven-year single-barrel store pick

Tom: red. Steve: double blue. 121.4 proof, 7 years old. We paid around $70 to $75 at Esquire Liquors in Oxon Hill, for a pick made with Chris from Bourbon Retriever.

Our verdict: “Price point is there. Proof is there. Flavor is there.”

Bardstown Cascadia Garryana Oak Barrel Finish

Tom: solid red. Steve: solid red. 107.5 proof. The blend includes 12% 10-year Indiana whiskey and 8% 9-year Kentucky whiskey. Bardstown sent us the bottle; the distillery-exclusive price was $100 for 375 ml.

Our verdict: Delicious, but the price kept Tom from black; Steve said a full-size bottle at $150 would be “all day long.”

Evan Williams 250th Anniversary Single Barrel

Tom: red. Steve: double blue. 117.76 proof, roughly 7 years old. We paid $42 plus tax at Fishpaws in the Annapolis area.

Our verdict: “Grab it when you see it.” Delicious, and we loved it.

Penelope Architects of Golf Hole 3

Tom: red. Steve: red. 94 proof, 6 years old. We paid $50.

Our verdict: “This is a pretty good bourbon. It’s a solid red,” and a great bottle to buy.

Chattanooga Founders 12th Anniversary Founders Blend

Our ratings: solid double blue and solid red, without a named split. 100 proof. We paid about $70 plus tax, about $80 total, during a trip to the Smoky Mountains. This is a blend, not a bourbon.

Our verdict: “The blend hid that traditional MGP vibe.”

Barrell Bourbon Batch 36

Our ratings: red and double blue, without a named split. 114.44 proof. It contains Indiana bourbons aged 7, 8 and 10 years, and Tennessee whiskies aged 8 and 15 years. We paid $60 at SNW Liquors in Clinton.

Our verdict: “We still highly recommend it.” It’s a guest pour for sure.

Knob Creek Rye 10 Year

Our ratings: solid red and solid double blue, without a named split. 100 proof, 10 years old. We paid about $65 at Nix of Calvert.

Our verdict: “It’s a great choice,” enjoyable and worth checking out, though not a specialty pour for both of us.

Penelope Marshmallow Toasted and Cook’s Liquors straight-corn pick

Penelope Marshmallow Toasted: Tom: red. Steve: red. 110 proof, 4 years old. We paid $60 at Cook’s Liquors in West Haddon, New Jersey. Verdict: A specialty Friday night pour and “the standout,” with a flavor profile we hadn’t found in another whiskey.
Penelope Cook’s Liquors straight-corn store pick: Tom: double blue. Steve: red. 115 proof, 5 years old. It was a gift from Cook’s Liquors; our price guesses ranged from $60 to $100, later narrowing to $60 to $80. Verdict: “Great store pick,” with proof and spice we liked, though one of us wanted more flavor.

Michter’s 2025 Limited-Release Barrel Strength Rye

Our ratings: solid red and double blue, without a named split. 110.2 proof. The bottle cost $129 and belonged to Jeff.

Our verdict: “Great bottle to share with friends,” though one of us found it too minty and wanted more charred oak.

Silverthorn Reserve 13-Year Bourbon

Our ratings: double blue and red, without a named split. 107 proof, aged 13 years: 8 in Georgia, then 5 in Kentucky. The price was $140.

Our verdict: “That oak bomb is delicious,” but at $140 we had reservations.

Silverthorn Reserve

Our ratings: “double do” and red, without a named split. About 51.5% ABV. The youngest component is 10 years old, with bourbon components up to 13 years. Drew sent us samples; the bottle price was around $100.

Our verdict: “I think it’s great.” “I really like this.”

13th Colony Rye, finished with maple wood spirals

Tom: double red. Steve: solid red. 113 proof. We paid about $58 to $59 plus tax. There’s no age statement; we thought it was 5 to 6 years old.

Our verdict: “It’s worth chasing” around the $60 MSRP, not at $90 to $100. Definitely a Friday night special pour.

Double blue bottles

Knob Creek 12 Year

Tom: double blue. Steve: double blue. 100 proof, 12 years old. We paid $55 on sale at Esquire Liquor near us; usual Maryland prices were $60 to $70.

Our verdict: “At $55 you’d be a fool to pass it up.” A great neat sipper, and we bought another as the bottle ran low.

JT Meleck High Proof Rice Whiskey

Tom: double blue. Steve: double blue. 118 proof. The price was about $60 to $70; Tom found it in New Orleans after checking several stores.

Our verdict: “If I go back, another bottle of this is coming back with.” Both of us would buy again.

Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Barrel Proof

Tom: double blue. Steve: double blue. 131.0 proof. We paid $59, later describing it as about $57, at a local liquor store.

Our verdict: Good flavor and worth buying again, but it drinks like 130-proof whiskey.

Bulleit 12 Year Rye

Tom: double blue. Steve: double blue. 12 years old. We paid $60, also quoting $60 or $64, at a Virginia ABC store.

Our verdict: “If you see it, buy it,” and share it with friends.

Proof and Wood Tumblin Dice Double Oaked Rye Single Barrel

Our ratings: solid blue and double blue, without a named split. 105 proof, 8 years old. We paid about $60 at a store we called Nick’s.

Our verdict: Put it on the shelf and share it with friends; one of us would definitely buy it again.

Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Bourbon

Our ratings: double blue, nearly red, and blue, without a named split. 107 proof. We paid $114 at Total Wine in Laurel, versus suggested retail around $100.

Our verdict: Enjoy it with friends, but don’t pay secondary; one of us would buy it again at $114.

Chattanooga Whiskey 2024 Bottled in Bond

Tom: double blue. Steve: double blue. 100 proof, 4 years old. Chattanooga sent us the bottle; its price was $53.

Our verdict: “The bottle and bond would be another buy.” We’d buy the next version.

Widow Jane Lucky 13

Tom: double blue. Steve: double blue. 93 proof, a blend of straight bourbons aged at least 13 years. The bottle price and MSRP were $129, and we described it as readily available.

Our verdict: “The 13 is the clear and cut winner,” richer and more sophisticated than the 10 Year, and worth spending extra.

Widow Jane 10 Year, from the same tasting: double blue and solid blue, without a named split. 91 proof, 10 years old. Usually around $75 to $80, with a broader $70 to $90 range mentioned; we’d seen it for $70 at Total Wine Liquors.

Our verdict: Sweeter and more approachable, “a good 10 year,” but the finish falls off.

Redwood Empire Pipe Dream Cask Strength

Tom: solid double blue, verging on red. Steve: between double blue and red. 116.8 proof. We paid $70 at Angel’s Share Wine and Spirits in Gambrills, Maryland.

Our verdict: “This might be my specialty Friday night pour.” Tom would buy a backup at a reasonable price.

Widow Jane Baby Jane, batch 2 (2024)

Tom: blue. Steve: double blue. 91 proof, 5 years old. We paid $50 after finding it on shelves.

Our verdict: “This is a solid bottle for $50.” It goes into the rotation.

Tobacco Barn Distillery Straight Bourbon

Our ratings: double blue and solid blue, without a named split. 90 proof, aged 5 years, 4 months and 3 days. We found it on local Maryland shelves.

Our verdict: A good sipping bourbon that would also make a great daily-drinker Old Fashioned.

High West Cask Collection Barbados Rum Finish Bourbon

Tom: double blue. Steve: double blue. 100 proof. We paid $55 at Costco.

Our verdict: “A solid pour,” good at the end of the night and a perfect introduction for people who find bourbon too intense.

Isaac Bowman Port Finished Bourbon

Our ratings: double blue and low double blue, without a named split. 92 proof. We paid roughly $60 to $70; a brother-in-law picked it up.

Our verdict: “This is definitely a guest pour,” and an easy way to bring people into bourbon.

Old Pepper Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon

Our ratings: double blue and blue, without a named split. 100 proof, at least 4 years old. We paid $57, about $60 with tax, at Angel’s Share in Crofton.

Our verdict: Great juice and flavor, but nothing super special; we preferred the James E. Pepper Decanter Series.

Penelope Project X PX Sherry Cask

Tom: double blue. Steve: double blue. 112 proof. We thought we paid about $80, though we weren’t sure whether it was $70 or $80. We found it at Virginia ABC stores in Richmond over Memorial Day weekend.

Our verdict: “Solid double blue find,” worth $80, but not a long detour or a wait in line.

1792 Cognac Cask Finish (2025)

Tom: double blue. Steve: double blue. 95 proof. We paid $39.99; Jeff picked it up for us in Maryland.

Our verdict: “Definitely add this to your shelf.” You won’t be disappointed.

Green River Full Proof Wheated Bourbon

Tom: double blue. Steve: double blue. 109 proof, aged 5 to 7 years. Green River sent us a sample; the expected price was about $50, with availability expected in 25 markets.

Our verdict: A specialty pour to share with friends, accessible and repeatable, though the finish falls short.

Heaven Hill 90th Anniversary Bourbon

Tom: double blue. Steve: double blue. 107 proof, 9 years and 8 months old. We paid around $140 to $150, closer to $140; Jeff found it.

Our verdict: “$100 bottle, buy this all day long. At 150, I struggle with it.” We’d pick it up, but wouldn’t chase it.

Blue bottles

Our best bourbon under $50 page puts the budget-friendly options in one place.

Daviess County Straight Bourbon

Tom: solid blue. Steve: solid blue. 96 proof. We paid $10 at AD Liquors in southern Maryland; regular price was described as $35 or “$30ish.”

Our verdict: “It’s a good starter bottle.” At $10, we’d buy a backup, and one of us nearly wanted a case.

Bulleit ’87

Tom: solid blue. Steve: solid blue. 90 proof, aged at least 4 years. We paid $28 at Fred Liquors in St. Mary’s County.

Our verdict: “Great value, great pour, great balance, a shelf staple.”

Bulleit American Single Malt Frontier Whiskey

Tom: blue. Steve: blue. 90 proof, at least 2 years old. We paid $62 at a liquor store a little south of us.

Our verdict: Refreshing and easy to share; Tom wouldn’t buy again, but Steve wanted to hunt a bottle.

Royal Ranthambore Single Malt

Our ratings: green and solid blue, without a named split. 80 proof. We paid about $40 at Esquire Liquors in Oxon Hill, on our friend Akash’s recommendation.

Our verdict: “This is a great introduction to the Scotch world,” and one of us thought it could become a shelf staple.

First Call Cask Strength Bourbon

Tom: blue. Steve: blue. 113 proof. We paid $32 at Total Wine and Liquors in Myrtle Beach.

Our verdict: “It’s a great entry level cask strength,” and a daily drinker for Steve.

Early Times Bottled-in-Bond

Tom: solid blue. Steve: solid blue. 100 proof. Bottled-in-bond whiskey must be at least 4 years old. We paid about $25 during a road trip in South Carolina.

Our verdict: A daily drinker we’d share with friends, worth trying at least once.

Ancient Ancient Age 10 Star

Our ratings: blue and green, without a named split. 90 proof, with a label saying aged at least 36 months. We paid $20 for a plastic handle at a Virginia ABC store.

Our verdict: “Great beginner’s bourbon if you can find it,” though one of us wanted more flavor and would use it as a mixer.

FEW Smashing Pumpkins Straight Bourbon

Tom: blue. Steve: blue. 93 proof, blended with Madame ZuZu’s Midnight Rose tea. We paid about $45 at Nick’s locally.

Our verdict: A unique bottle to share at a dinner party or tasting for the surprise factor.

Knob Creek Blended Bourbon and Rye

Tom: blue. Steve: blue. 113 proof, blending 9-year bourbon and 7-year rye. We paid somewhere in the low $50s during a hunt in the Washington, D.C., area.

Our verdict: A good marriage of Knob Creek bourbon and rye, but “nothing special,” an average blue.

Virginia Distillery Company American Single Malt, Goose Island stout finish

Tom: solid blue. Steve: solid blue. 100 proof, with over 5 years in ex-bourbon and new-charred-oak barrels before the stout finish. We paid about $45; it was still on Maryland shelves.

Our verdict: A unique, niche pour for friends who like Scotch, but Steve wouldn’t buy a bottle.

White Marlin Bourbon, Bespoken Spirits

Tom: solid blue. Steve: solid blue. 94 proof. We paid $70 in Ocean City.

Our verdict: “Solid pour if you come across it,” worth one bottle while you’re there, but not a backup or a chase.

Green River U.S. Army 250th Anniversary Bourbon

Tom: lower-end blue. Steve: blue, on the verge of green. 111.1 proof. We paid $50.

Our verdict: “Overall, it’s a good pour.” Put it on the shelf at a decent price.

Chattanooga Tennessee High Malt Straight Bourbon

Tom: blue. Steve: blue. 91 proof, aged more than 2 years. Chattanooga sent us the bottle; the price was $35.

Our verdict: “This would be great for that new to bourbon person.”

Willett 4 Year Small Batch Bourbon

Tom: solid blue. Steve: blue. 127 proof, 4 years old. We paid about $60 to $65 at a Maryland liquor store.

Our verdict: A very good everyday or warm-up pour; Tom would buy it for a party, but we wouldn’t chase it or buy multiples.

Silverthorn Reserve 10-Year Port Finished Rye

Tom: blue. Steve: blue. 100 proof, 10 years old. The price was $100.

Our verdict: “If you want a rye that’s not a spice bomb, maybe this is it.”

Green bottles

Devils River Coffee Bourbon

Tom: green. Steve: green. 80 proof. We paid about $20 at a local liquor store.

Our verdict: “This is not a neat drink; this is definitely a cocktail pour.” Worth buying if you like coffee.

Jim Beam Sunshine Blend

Tom: solid green. Steve: solid green. 80 proof. We paid $30 at Total Wine in Maryland.

Our verdict: At $30, put it on the shelf for mixed drinks and cocktails.

FigZilla Bourbon Whiskey

Tom: green. Steve: green. 80 proof. Our bottle was free from a Dragon Distillery representative at a local liquor-store tasting; bottles were being offered for about $30.

Our verdict: We’d drink it again, but we’re not buying ourselves a bottle.

Old Grand-Dad 7-Year Bottled in Bond

Tom: green. Steve: green. 100 proof, 7 years old. We paid $35 at Specs in Texas.

Our verdict: “This is a drinker.” Make cranberry punch with it; we liked its extra flavor and oak over the regular Bottled in Bond.

Fire starter ratings

Paul John Classic Indian Single Malt, batch one

Tom: green. Steve: fire starter. 110 proof. The price discussed was about $70 to $80; we’d seen it for $80 to $90 and listed at $115 on Tawine.

Our verdict: Tom: “It’s not a great pour. It’s okay.” Steve: “I’d rather start a fire with it than drink it.”

Twin Valley Distillery Grand Thoroughbred Cask

Our rating: fire starter, without individual attribution. 90 proof, from Twin Valley Distillery in Rockville, Maryland.

Our verdict: “I do not recommend this bottle.”