Whiskey Reviews

Reviews that are Actually Helpful

New Reviews Every Week!

Welcome to the whiskey review section, your new headquarters for honest, no-nonsense advice. Let's be real: most whiskey reviews are intimidating and, frankly, not very helpful. You're hit with a "92-point" score and a list of tasting notes like "antique leather" or "stewed figs," and you're left wondering the only thing that matters: "Yeah, but is it good?" We're here to cut through that noise. We’re not here to be master sommeliers; we’re here to be your trusted friend who’s already spent their money and is ready to tell you if it was worth it.

Our entire review philosophy is built on a single, pragmatic question that matters more than any arbitrary number: "Would I spend my own hard-earned money on this bottle again?" That’s it. We believe this is the ultimate "proof" of a whiskey's quality and value. Forget the 100-point scale—what's the real difference between a 91 and a 92? The real test is whether a bottle delivers enough pure enjoyment to make you want to buy it a second time.

Every review you find here, from budget-friendly bourbon reviews to splurge-worthy bottles of Scotch or Rye, is rated on a simple 1-to-5 "Buy-Again" scale. A "1" is a hard pass (we bought it so you don't have to), and a "5" is an "absolutely-run-out-and-buy-it" recommendation. This is your practical, judgment-free guide to finding your next favorite bottle, one honest review at a time.

Whiskeys Under $25

View all
  • Jameson Irish Whiskey

    Jameson Irish Whiskey

    You can't talk about Irish whiskey without talking about Jameson. It’s not just a brand; it is the category for most of the world.

    Jameson Irish Whiskey

    You can't talk about Irish whiskey without talking about Jameson. It’s not just a brand; it is the category for most of the world.

  • George Dickel Classic No. 8 Tennessee Whisky

    George Dickel Classic No. 8 Tennessee Whisky

    Right away, you know this isn't just another bourbon. The nose is softer than many bourbons at this price. It's an easy-drinking, mellow whisky.

    George Dickel Classic No. 8 Tennessee Whisky

    Right away, you know this isn't just another bourbon. The nose is softer than many bourbons at this price. It's an easy-drinking, mellow whisky.

  • Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon

    Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon

    You know you're drinking Wild Turkey 101 from the first whiff. The nose is bold and spicy, thanks to that high rye content.

    Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon

    You know you're drinking Wild Turkey 101 from the first whiff. The nose is bold and spicy, thanks to that high rye content.

1 3
View all

Whiskeys $25-$50

  • Maker's Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon

    Maker's Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon

    You can't miss this bottle on the shelf. It’s the one with that distinct, drippy, hand-dipped red wax top—an iconic look that has screamed "premium bourbon" for decades.

    Maker's Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon

    You can't miss this bottle on the shelf. It’s the one with that distinct, drippy, hand-dipped red wax top—an iconic look that has screamed "premium bourbon" for decades.

  • Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon

    Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon

    The "Small Batch" expression isn't about using just a few barrels; it's about blending four specific recipes chosen from those ten. The finish is smooth, warm, and satisfyingly long.

    Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon

    The "Small Batch" expression isn't about using just a few barrels; it's about blending four specific recipes chosen from those ten. The finish is smooth, warm, and satisfyingly long.

  • Eagle Rare 10 Year Bourbon

    Eagle Rare 10 Year Bourbon

    Is Eagle Rare a genuinely great 10-year-old bourbon worth seeking out, or is it just another victim of its own hype, made "rare" by circumstance rather than inherent exceptionalism?

    Eagle Rare 10 Year Bourbon

    Is Eagle Rare a genuinely great 10-year-old bourbon worth seeking out, or is it just another victim of its own hype, made "rare" by circumstance rather than inherent exceptionalism?

1 3

Whiskeys Over $50

1 3

Whiskey Accessories Worth Buying

View all
  • A (Simple) Whiskey Decanter

    A (Simple) Whiskey Decanter

    No, it's not necessary, but a whiskey decanter is a pragmatic purchase that makes your home bar feel more like yours. Here's what to look for: 

    A (Simple) Whiskey Decanter

    No, it's not necessary, but a whiskey decanter is a pragmatic purchase that makes your home bar feel more like yours. Here's what to look for: 

  • A Boston Shaker

    A Boston Shaker

    Trying to use a "Cobbler" shaker (the all-in-one kind with the built-in strainer and little cap) is a recipe for frustration. The top gets frozen shut, the strainer is terrible,...

    A Boston Shaker

    Trying to use a "Cobbler" shaker (the all-in-one kind with the built-in strainer and little cap) is a recipe for frustration. The top gets frozen shut, the strainer is terrible,...

  • A Bar Spoon

    A Bar Spoon

    Cocktails like the Old Fashioned, Manhattan, and Martini are "stirred" cocktails. They need to be stirred, not shaken, to achieve the perfect chill, dilution, and silky texture. You need the...

    A Bar Spoon

    Cocktails like the Old Fashioned, Manhattan, and Martini are "stirred" cocktails. They need to be stirred, not shaken, to achieve the perfect chill, dilution, and silky texture. You need the...

1 3
View all