Picks and Critiques
“The light music of whiskey falling into a glass—an agreeable interlude.” — James Joyce
We enjoy different whiskeys, with barrel picks and critiques to our favorites.
From recommendations to experimental, our society enjoys the barrel pick experience with each distillery.
What's hot and what's not? Every whiskey you enjoy has a specific taste profile. It may be from the same distillery or even the same rick house! However, the resulting nose, palate, and finish can vastly differ, and the Lexington Bourbon Society loves to share tasting notes, especially on our most recent barrel picks.
Recent Critique
Dueling Grounds Linkumpinch Bourbon
Wine + Market/LBS | December 2023 | 117.1 proof
Tasty pick to enjoy neat or in your favorite Christmas cocktail: Clover, floral, and walnut with a creamy mouthfeel and medium finish!
Showing 22 results
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 7-Year Bourbon (x2)
Happy Hour Liquor/LBS
February 2023
121.2 + 122.8 proof
Double the excitement: Caramel, honey, cinnamon, light spearmint, with pecan and sweet, salty chocolate on the first. Green apple, red hots, vanilla, crème brûlée, and dark fruit on the second pick.
RD1 Private Select
LBS
January 2023
119 proof
Kentucky board & raised: Nose of orange spice with a palate of sweet smoky notes, a hint of clove, and a finish of rye spice and toasted pecans. Pairs well with caramel.
Wilderness Trail Rye Cask Strength
LBS
November 2022
104.5 proof
Aromatic butterscotch with marshmallow, walnut, black pepper, and graham cracker forming a light spice and slight fruit notes. This cornucopia of flavors leaves any sipper thankful to enjoy this season.
Maker's Mark Private Selection
KY Bourbon Societies
February 2022
110.7 proof
Photo Finish – All the senses packed into one, this collaboration starts with a whiff of hazelnut and chocolate, followed by its minty & floral taste explosion. The white pepper finish lingers making a picture perfect pour enjoyed across-the-board.
Castle & Key Restoration Rye
Wine + Market/LBS
January 2022
118.3 proof
Rye Me To The Moon – Soft and sweet citrus peel, the front is light and the back is bright. Deceptively smooth for a rye and easily a daily pour.
Ezra Brooks Cask Strength Single Barrel Bourbon
Happy Hour Liquor/LBS
August 2021
120 proof
Raisin and spice on the nose dive into a taste of sweet candy corn and honey. The milk chocolate provides an after delight complimenting the rich flavor.
Rebel Cask Strength Single Barrel Bourbon
Happy Hour Liquor/LBS
August 2021
120 proof
Mystical dark cherry forces dance with white pepper and simply kick us with what we need in our pours.
Yellowstone Single Barrel
Wine + Market/Base 249/LBS
June 2021
115 proof
A nose full of fruit and dark flowers, the heat is initially very present but blows off quickly. Apple pie with a heavy dose of cinnamon, but an ice cube or splash of water will open it up to more subtle baking spices.
Knob Creek Single Barrel
TBS/LBS
February 2021
120 proof
LBS-TBS: PRESIDENTS PICK 2020 – An amazing depth of rich plum and blackberry flavor, you could easily compare it with their Cask Strength 12 Year.
Elijah Craig Single Barrel Bourbon
LBS
January 2021
94 proof
September 11, 2020 “Liberated” – Nuttier on the nose, maybe some peach. On the palate, more honey, baked goods, developing into cinnamon rolls: This barrel leads to a more balanced spice throughout.
Bulleit Single Barrel Bourbon
Happy Hour Liquor/LBS
November 2020
104 proof
Fruity, creamy, and yummy with a hint of tobacco: The dried fruit and citrus on the nose morphs into brown sugar and watermelon on the palate with a nice viscosity and lingering hug.
New Riff Single Barrel Bourbon
Wine + Market/LBS
October 2020
106 proof
More honey and caramel than expected, we open to light cinnamon and other drying baking spices with light nutmeg before unleashing the wild oak and forest frenzy onto my taste buds.
Knob Creek Single Barrel
LBS
June 2020
120 proof
Friday 13th + Final Onsite Pick = Love – Honey and citrus wake up the senses and open to a refreshing orange peel kick. This is followed by a pleasant oak finish with a slight hint of mint.
Town Branch 10-year Single Barrel
Wine + Market/LBS
August 2019
111.28 proof
Taste the pleasant barley and dark notes of oak, chocolate, and coffee. A brown sugar chocolate finish that leaves you with a smile.
Knob Creek Rye Single Barrel
Wine + Market/LBS
April 2019
115 proof
Apricot spice enriched with oakey pecan. This rye hits you right up front but lingers nicely with each subsequent sip.
Russell's Reserve Single Barrel
Whiskey Bear/LBS
April 2019
110 proof
Oak, baking spice, and dried fruit on the nose. A rush of toasted orange peel followed by a nice sweet tea with a lingering finish.
Wilderness Trail Single Barrel
Wine + Market/LBS
April 2019
116 proof
Brown sugar and cinnamon Teddy Grahams compliment the caramel and baking spice notes. The finish is medium with the spice up front, but a light sweetness that lasts.
New Riff Single Barrel Bourbon
Wine + Market/LBS
March 2019
110.2 proof
Chocolate covered coffee beans with a peppermint note on the end. The finish is shorter than expected, making you want more.
Knob Creek Single Barrel
Big Daddy/Coliseum Liquors
January 2019
120 proof
A complex pour with dark fruit, vanilla taffy, oatmeal raisin, and a hint of tobacco. The finish is medium and very smooth – a true surprise for this 14-year beauty.
Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel
Hops2go/LBS
October 2018
110 proof
“D”elicious – Caramel and spice on the nose. A hint of orange, vanilla, and nutmeg lasting through this holiday season.
Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel
Coliseum Liquors
March 2018
110 proof
March Madness 2018 “Final Pour” – A creamy bourbon filled with honeysuckle, dark chocolate, and slight tannins with a wonderfully long finish.
Woodford Double Oaked Single Barrel
Hops2go/LBS
January 2018
90.4 proof
Smooth, dark, and mysterious: Hints of coffee, chocolate, crème brûlée, and salted caramel. The right amount of nutty and sweet mingling just in time for Derby.
Have a pick or favorite bourbon you would like for us to critique?
Reach out to the Lexington Bourbon Society to share your favorite sips and critiques today.