Drew Beard

1 day ago | drinkhacker.com | Drew Beard

When I traveled to Islay last summer, I had two goals for my visit to the iconic Ardbeg Distillery. One was to see the brand new stillhouse, which had effectively doubled Ardbeg’s production capability, and the other was to meet the guy that ran the place, Colin Gordon. I knew he had bounced between Islay and mainland Scotland in a variety of whisky roles before landing at Ardbeg, and I was anxious to hear about his journey. Our conversation would have to wait, however.

2 days ago | bourbonbanter.com | Drew Beard

BOTTLE DETAILSDISTILLER: BHAKTA SpiritsMASH BILL:60% – 2018 Rye whiskey finished in virgin French Oak30% – XO Calvados10% – Blend of Armagnacs from 1928, 1941, 1962, 1973, 1996AGE: 15 years old (average)YEAR: 2023PROOF: 100MSRP: $69BUY ONLINE: Buy from BHAKTA SpiritsDREW'S NOTESSHARE WITH: The adventurous American whiskey lover looking for something a little bit different. If they are already a fan of exotic whiskey finishes, chances are good they will enjoy this one. WORTH THE PRICE: Yes.

3 days ago | bourbonbanter.com | Drew Beard

BOTTLE DETAILSDISTILLER: Old Elk DistilleryMASH BILL: Undisclosed blend of straight bourbons including Old Elk's flagship, high-malt recipe (51% corn | 34% malted barley | 15% rye)AGE: No age stated, the flagship component is reportedly 4-7 years oldYEAR: 2025PROOF: 88 proofMSRP: $40BUY ONLINE: Purchase at Old ElkDREW'S NOTESSHARE WITH: Old Elk bourbon lovers. Fans of smooth, easy drinking whiskeys. Hell, at this price, you can even waste it on your wine and vodka friends.

1 week ago | drinkhacker.com | Drew Beard

Raj Bhakta is one of the most colorful personalities in the spirits world. And I know this from personal experience. I hung out with him for a few days at his brand campus/booze camp in Vermont, Bhakta-Griswold. Part of my time spent there involved a deep dive on this newest offering, Hogsworth. As the founder of the successful WhistlePig brand, Raj clearly has an affinity for swine, but the name is meant to be more than just a play on his pig-inspired past.

1 week ago | drinkhacker.com | Drew Beard

If the recent release trends continue, this year’s Barrel Strength Rye will be the last until 2027 with a Toasted Rye expression on deck instead for 2026. So, stock up if what you read below sounds appealing (and it will). I know I should probably do myself, and you, a favor and stop theorizing about release calendars. Michter’s, like lots of other Kentucky distilleries, could be so awash in whiskey now that they deliver both limited edition, rye options in the coming year. Or not.