Through four games, the NBA’s Christmas Day slate has given fans four absolutely fantastic games, which included a prime time showdown between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors. Thanks to a 31-point, 10-assist outing from LeBron James and a triple-double from Austin Reaves, the Lakers overcame a 38-point outing from Steph Curry in San Francisco en route to a 115-113 win.
This game came amid a weird day for the NBA, as the slate lost some of its luster over the course of the season and as the NFL scheduled a pair of high-profile games on Netflix. But with both of those football games being complete and total duds and the NBA putting on some fantastic hoops, the day ended up looking a bit different from how it was originally anticipated things were gonna go. And apparently, LeBron was feeling himself a bit, as he took a shot at the NFL after his game.
“I love the NFL, but Christmas is our day,” James said with a smile on his face and while staring directly into the camera.
Again, there has been a lot said — including by us! — about how the NFL is clearly coming for Christmas in an effort to make it a marquee day on its calendar. But on Wednesday, the NFL had a pretty bad day in terms of putting forth a compelling on-field product, while things couldn’t have gone much better for the NBA.
The Golden State Warriors played host to the Los Angeles Lakers in the primetime game on the NBA’s Christmas Day slate, as we got at least one more LeBron James vs. Stephen Curry showdown on the NBA’s biggest regular season stage.
The Lakers led for most of the game, with the Warriors making a few different runs to keep things interesting, but as has been the case for much of the last month, Golden State’s lack of firepower around Curry caused them problems in terms of sustaining offense — even with Anthony Davis getting hurt in the first half and not returning. That meant the Warriors needed to get creative to try and steal some possessions, which might as well have been a bat signal for Draymond Green to try some shenanigans.
In the early fourth quarter, Green tried to pick up a foul with the Warriors already at the free throw line, as he ran into the arms of Dalton Knecht and Rui Hachimura, hooked both players with his arms, and dragged them backwards to the floor while throwing his head back. Unfortunately for Green, Scott Foster saw what he was doing and called the foul on him instead.
The replay is genuinely one of the funniest clips from this NBA season, as Green yanks both Lakers down to the ground with him. Richard Jefferson was on the call and couldn’t help but laugh hysterically at Draymond trying to break out a WWE move — after going into it wondering if Green had a legitimate gripe after arguing with Foster.
The Golden State Warriors played host to the Los Angeles Lakers in the primetime game on the NBA’s Christmas Day slate, as we got at least one more LeBron James vs. Stephen Curry showdown on the NBA’s biggest regular season stage.
The Lakers led for most of the game, with the Warriors making a few different runs to keep things interesting, but as has been the case for much of the last month, Golden State’s lack of firepower around Curry caused them problems in terms of sustaining offense — even with Anthony Davis getting hurt in the first half and not returning. That meant the Warriors needed to get creative to try and steal some possessions, which might as well have been a bat signal for Draymond Green to try some shenanigans.
In the early fourth quarter, Green tried to pick up a foul with the Warriors already at the free throw line, as he ran into the arms of Dalton Knecht and Rui Hachimura, hooked both players with his arms, and dragged them backwards to the floor while throwing his head back. Unfortunately for Green, Scott Foster saw what he was doing and called the foul on him instead.
The replay is genuinely one of the funniest clips from this NBA season, as Green yanks both Lakers down to the ground with him. Richard Jefferson was on the call and couldn’t help but laugh hysterically at Draymond trying to break out a WWE move — after going into it wondering if Green had a legitimate gripe after arguing with Foster.
The Golden State Warriors played host to the Los Angeles Lakers in the primetime game on the NBA’s Christmas Day slate, as we got at least one more LeBron James vs. Stephen Curry showdown on the NBA’s biggest regular season stage.
The Lakers led for most of the game, with the Warriors making a few different runs to keep things interesting, but as has been the case for much of the last month, Golden State’s lack of firepower around Curry caused them problems in terms of sustaining offense — even with Anthony Davis getting hurt in the first half and not returning. That meant the Warriors needed to get creative to try and steal some possessions, which might as well have been a bat signal for Draymond Green to try some shenanigans.
In the early fourth quarter, Green tried to pick up a foul with the Warriors already at the free throw line, as he ran into the arms of Dalton Knecht and Rui Hachimura, hooked both players with his arms, and dragged them backwards to the floor while throwing his head back. Unfortunately for Green, Scott Foster saw what he was doing and called the foul on him instead.
The replay is genuinely one of the funniest clips from this NBA season, as Green yanks both Lakers down to the ground with him. Richard Jefferson was on the call and couldn’t help but laugh hysterically at Draymond trying to break out a WWE move — after going into it wondering if Green had a legitimate gripe after arguing with Foster.
Beyoncé’s halftime performance at Ravens vs. Texans didn’t disappoint. After a month worth of buildup, Beyoncé took the stage at center field in Netflix’s first-ever Christmas NFL broadast, enterting on a white horse to “16 Carriages,” strutting her way through the stadium with Brittney Spencer, Reyna Roberts, Tanner Adell, and Tiera Kennedy to sing “Blackbiird,” rocking the stage with “Ya Ya,” then taking the field with a marching band and Shaboozey for “Sweet / Honey / Buckin.”
She danced in front of a denim-clad pickup for “Leviis” joined by Post Malone (of course), then put on a full parade alongside the hometown team’s owner Cal McNair and his wife Hannah Hartland to sing a spirited rendition of “Jolene,” and finally played “Texas Hold ‘Em” for the first time — a fitting finale for the first NFL Christmas game in her hometown. Making the moment even more special was Beyoncé’s daughter Blue Ivy getting to join her on the field as a dancer.
When the NBA’s Christmas Day schedule came out prior to the season, one of the eyebrow-raising decisions from the league was to give Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs the Christmas spotlight with a game in Madison Square Garden against the Knicks, picking the second-year star over the likes of Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks or Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder. It was a big bet on the Spurs to be improved this year (which they are) and on Wembanyama to meet the moment in his Christmas debut.
Wembanyama unquestionably did just that, as he scored 42 points to go along with 18 rebounds and four blocks, making good on his promise that his Christmas debut would be “a movie.” It was a bit of a slow start for Wembanyama, who struggled to find the range from distance early on, but once he found it he rained in 6 threes (on 16 attempts) and pushed the Spurs to a 7-point halftime lead.
However, the Knicks got a performance to match Wemby from Mikal Bridges, who was lethal with his efficiency, scoring 41 points on 17-of-25 shooting, including six made threes of his own.
He and Karl-Anthony Towns led a New York charge to get back in front in the third quarter, with Towns adding 21 points on 9-of-16 shooting in just 30 minutes of action, as he struggled with foul trouble.
The two teams traded leads in the fourth quarter, but it was the Knicks that were able to come out on top thanks to some big buckets from Bridges and ratcheting up the defense on the Spurs, who couldn’t get enough shots to drop late. New York emerged with a 117-114 win as they were able to run out the clock on a 38-second final possession thanks to two huge offensive rebounds from Josh Hart that sealed the win.
It was an incredible start to the NBA’s Christmas slate, and if there were any doubts that Wembanyama would embrace the stage, he put those to rest with one of the all-time great Christmas debuts. His 42 points put him third behind Tracy McGrady (43) and Wilt Chamberlain (45) on the list of highest scoring Christmas Day debuts, and I’d venture a guess that it’ll be a long time before he’s not part of the NBA’s marquee day of games.
On the other side, the Knicks showed why they’re such a dominant offense, as even in a game where Jalen Brunson was off and Towns was on the bench with foul trouble for 18 minutes, they could lean on Mikal Bridges — who has shaken off those early-season questions about his jump shot and looks like the Bridges of old.
Jimmy Butler’s future with the Miami Heat has been up in the air for some time, as some comments from Pat Riley on the heels of last season sure made it seem like a breakup could be in the cards for the franchise and its former All-Star forward. Now, a new report by Shams Charania of ESPN indicates that he wants a change of scenery sometime in the next month and a half.
On Wednesday morning, Charania brought word that Butler prefers a move out of Miami ahead of the trade deadline this season, which takes place on Feb. 6. Butler, who turned 35 in September, has a player option for next year, but can decline that and become an unrestricted free agent, which Charania reports is the expectation.
Butler has a list of teams that he’d prefer if he gets moved, although there’s no mechanism in his contract that would let him force a trade to a specific team. All of this comes amid a bit of a unique season in Miami, as the Heat sit in sixth place in the Eastern Conference at 14-13 with Tyler Herro taking on the role of being the team’s top option on offense. Butler, meanwhile, has been good, albeit not quite as productive as he’s been in years past, as he’s averaging 18.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 1.3 steals in 31.4 minutes per game.
This news coming out on Christmas Day is not the first time that we’ve seen a big-name player’s future come into question on the bigget day on the NBA’s regular season calendar. Two years ago, a report came out that then-Sixers guard James Harden would seriously consider a return to the Houston Rockets if he hit the open market, which did not happen.
The regular season from hell is nearly over if you’ve followed this space. Candidly, I hope you’ve been fading instead of tailing. Week 16 was a prime example, when De’Von Achane took a 50-yard run to the end zone rather than falling down, costing us a win in the process. All of those breaks have gone the other way in 2024 in the worst year on record for this column dating back to 2017.
Alas, some might shut it down. We’ll continue with five picks for Week 17. But first, a look at the carnage.
Week 16: 0-4-1
2024 Season: 30-48-2
Come get these winners.
TEASER: Pittsburgh Steelers (+8.5) over Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Rams (-0.5) over Arizona Cardinals — Widely Available
We’ll start things off on Christmas Day with Mike Tomlin as a home underdog. It may not be the most fun sweat, but a Wong teaser leg fading the Chiefs on the road right now? With Mike Tomlin and a good defense? Yes, please. On the other side, I like the Rams with the potential chance to the clinch the NFC West this weekend. Count me as an Arizona skeptic.
Cincinnati Bengals (-3) over Denver Broncos — FanDuel, BetMGM, BetRivers
I’ve been on both sides of Cincinnati games this season, and it’s an adventure. With that said, I tend to enjoy backing Joe Burrow, who is playing out of his mind. Denver’s defense has also struggled pretty significantly in the last two weeks, and the Bengals have some life at home. Throw in a rookie quarterback outdoors on the road in December, and we’re playing the Bengals.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers OVER 48.5 points — ESPNBet
We’ve been riding NFC South Overs all season and, honestly, it’s one of the few things that has brought joy. The Bucs and Panthers have both been firm Over teams in recent weeks and, if you haven’t been tracking, Overs in divisional games have been nearly perfect.
Carolina Panthers (+8) over Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Widely Available
Part of why I like the Over in this game is that Tampa Bay’s defense… is not strong. On the other side, Carolina isn’t any great shakes, but Bryce Young has played legitimately well at times in the recent past, and the market hasn’t quite caught up on the Panthers.
Buffalo Bills (-9.5) over New York Jets — FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesars
We’re laying a big number? In this column? Well, nothing else has worked, so why not? More seriously, we’re getting a favorable number after Buffalo’s hiccup a week ago, and it’s one more chance to fade the Jets.
Michael Vick was officially introduced as the head football coach at Norfolk State University on Monday, as the Newport News native was returning to his home area to coach the Spartans in his first collegiate head coaching job.
On hand for his introductory press conference was a fellow 757 legend, as Hampton, VA native Allen Iverson dropped in to show his support for his friend being named head coach. It was very cool to see two of the greatest athletes to ever come from that area together in such a celebratory moment for Vick, as he gets set to embark on his coaching career.
Iverson spoke with the assembled media in Norfolk afterwards and spoke passionately about why he thinks Vick will succeed, noting his journey in life is something that everyone, not just the kids at Norfolk State, can learn from.
Vick starred at Virginia Tech and became the No. 1 overall pick of the Atlanta Falcons, where he became a Pro Bowler before his career was derailed after he pled guilty to playing a role in a dog-fighting ring in 2007. Vick served two years in prison and has worked with a number of organizations since his release to combat animal cruelty and abuse, rebuilding his life and career in the process, as he returned to football with the Eagles in 2009 and won the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year. As Iverson notes, Vick’s story is remarkable and he can provide unique insight to the kids he coaches on navigating life as an athlete and teach them important lessons off the field as well.
With bourbon being the hottest adult beverage in America, it makes perfect sense to flex your knowledge and break out some impressive bottles for family and friends, whether you’re hosting at home or simply showing up as a guest. That said, you can’t show up to the party without having the perfect bottle of bourbon to fit the occasion, and that’s where we’ve got you covered.
We selected ten bourbons at various price points (with varying availability, FYI) that will show your loved ones that you know ball and perfectly set the tone for any holiday event. Some of these are classic options that prove the old adage that if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, and others are brand-new or high-end offerings that will highlight how you’re ahead of the curve on current trends. Think of it this way: this isn’t about clout chasing; it’s about taste.
That said, these are ten of the best-tasting bourbons you should buy right now to impress your family and friends for the holidays.
Frey Ranch Distillery, tucked away in the mountains of Nevada, is a relative newcomer to the American whiskey world, but they’ve been farming since 1854. All of that agricultural know-how finds its way into the bottle as they utilize their own sustainably grown grains in each of their products, putting nearly 170 years of experience on full display in their farm-to-glass bourbon.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Leather and cinnamon bark come roaring out of the glass as the impressive proof in this whiskey makes itself known vis-a-vis its burly aromas. Buttery pastry notes and a sweetness reminiscent of port wine add refinement to the affair, with custard and torched blood orange elevating it as well.
Palate: The interplay of grain – with corn pudding playing the role here – with tropical fruit, tobacco leaf, black tea, and clove is mesmerizing in every sip. Be sure to suck your teeth as an invitation for toasted almonds and overripe dates to join the party.
Finish: The finish showcases a delicate balance – though this whiskey is anything but delicate – where leather, dates, and big black pepper vibes all claim equal ground and cling to the roof of your mouth for dear life.
Bottom Line:
Believe it or not, Frey Ranch Distillery has been around for nearly 20 years, having been founded in 2006. Time has wrought a level of expertise coupled with high-quality grains to produce a robust bourbon loaded with robust flavor notes and a silky mouthfeel. It’s not as well known as others on this list, but that’s all the more reason you’ll look like a discerning tastemaker by bringing it to the holiday party.
9. Ben Holladay Bottled In Bond Soft Red Wheat Bourbon
Holladay Distillery in Weston, MO, is a beautiful destination where a new generation of bourbon makers are casting the dye for an incredible future. With Master Distiller Kyle Merklein steering the ship, Holladay is putting out two excellent 6-year bourbons from a rye-based and a wheat-based mash bill.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Bright stone fruit, spiced pears, cinnamon bark, clove, and white pepper with a touch of celery root hit the nose at first with a waxy note rising in the background in addition to ginger and slight mint sprig.
Palate: The first sip is remarkably rich. It has honey, cream of wheat, pears, and apricots, but it doesn’t stop there. The flavors of clove and cinnamon also come through in spades. The mouthfeel is impressively creamy, substantially gripping the edges of your tongue.
Finish: That creamy texture aids the lengthy finish full of stone fruits, vanilla custard, black pepper, and dense oak.
Bottom Line:
Holladay Distillery made the bold (and costly) choice to hold all of its core products until they reached six years of age, with this Soft Red Wheat Bottled in Bond Bourbon being their inaugural expression. The results have been decidedly delicious, and as one of the more under-the-radar options on the shelf, this bottle will blow away whiskey newbies and savvy veterans alike.
Jos. A Magnus Cigar Blend is the heralded premium expression under industry icon Nancy Fraley’s purview. Eschewing the trend of releasing premium bourbon annually, Cigar Blend is released sporadically in limited batches. The one we have is Batch 208, nicknamed “Maduro,” which was released as part of a series of batches 207-212 earlier this year featuring a blend of 9-year-old MGP 36% and 21% rye-recipe bourbon, 16-year-old Barton rye-recipe bourbon, and 20-year-old MGP 36% rye bourbon.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The proof is evident on the nose with cherry cola, tobacco leaf, and rich oak tones bursting out of the glass. After a few waves, there are additional notes of organic honey and trail mix, with dried cranberries, mixed nuts, and dark chocolate chunks coming through.
Palate: Brown sugar greets the initial sip as slightly savory tones with nutmeg and barrel char, plus some mocha and dark chocolate. The whiskey has a well-rounded texture, but despite that, it’s worth noting that the proof is a tad distracting on the first pass. Subsequent sips see the alcohol burn dialed down, and once acclimated; those flavors really present themselves well on the palate.
Finish: The finish has a bright cherry, allspice, vanilla flavor that pairs well with a surprising pop of fernet. It lasts for a long time, and even though it’s a bit hot, it’s really quite a pleasant send-off.
Bottom Line:
Jos. A. Magnus Cigar Blend is one of the expressions that helped reinvigorate America’s interest in unique cask-finished whiskeys. It presents the alluring challenge of pairing this bourbon with a fine cigar like you would a well-aged brandy. Even if cigars aren’t your thing, however, the depth of flavor in this trailblazing bourbon will leave you (and your loved ones) in awe.
This 10-year wheated bourbon, the thirteenth national release of the Old Fitzgerald Bottled in Bond Decanter Series, was released early in the spring of 2024 to great fanfare. This expression marks the second time Heaven Hill has released a 10-year version of Old Fitzgerald Bottled in Bond.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Milk chocolate and caramel find the nose first, gently encouraging a deeper investigation. On the second pass, subtle hints of lavender candy, clove, and nougat slowly unfurl.
Palate: The supple texture of this whiskey makes the first impression as it gently caresses your palate before buttery pie crust, toasted almonds, and gooey caramel slowly seep in. The overall flavor profile is mellow but well-defined, as each note has space to make a distinct impression before clearing the way for the next.
Finish: The finish falls off a bit quickly, but here that’s a welcome discovery as Old Fitzgerald 10-Year comes across as almost refreshing, something akin to an amuse-bouche. The sweetness is held perfectly in check with a slight expression of orange rind and nutmeg before a sweet oak note strikes the final chord, allowing this whiskey to leave your palate.
Bottom Line:
This 10-year wheated bourbon delivers the mellow sipping experience one expects, with a considerable depth of flavor to boot. Plus, not only is it delicious, but the show-stopping bottle this whiskey is housed in is a conversation piece all by itself. This is how you win the holidays.
Michter’s 10-Year Single Barrel Bourbon is one of the more highly anticipated annual releases, and that’s because of its reliably high-quality flavor profile and alluring age statement. Sure, there are other 10-year single-barrel bourbons out there, but this one consistently takes the cake thanks, in part, to Michter’s proprietary filtration process and the fact that they regularly include much older bourbon in these blends.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Deep, delicious leather notes fuse with fresh black cherries on the nose of this rich bourbon on the nose. This is a classic, well-aged bourbon profile, and one that I could sit with and nose all night long. There’s also sage, vanilla extract, dried cranberries, and dark chocolate hiding underneath the surface.
Palate: On the palate, there’s a surprising pop of cedar and cinnamon at first before the black cherries and leather seize the reigns. From there, it transitions into dense oak and dark chocolate toward the midpalate, with vanilla ice cream fanning out from the center of the tongue and climbing the roof of the mouth. The mouthfeel here is medium-bodied, which is surprising given the proof but welcome considering the depth of the flavors here.
Finish: The finish has a medium length, with caramel, almonds, milk chocolate, and black cherries standing out most prominently.
Bottom Line:
With its low proof, Michter’s 10-Year Single Barrel Bourbon perfectly encapsulates the dog in the fight/fight in the dog paradox. This whiskey doesn’t need a heavy dose of ethanol to tightly layer a ton of flavor and stand toe-to-toe with the best bourbon on the planet. It’s not so rare that you can’t find a bottle of this stuff (with a little effort) but it’s special enough that your loved ones will appreciate seeing it appear at the festivities.
5. Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series High Wheat
Bardstown Bourbon Company’s Origin Series, founded in 2023, began with three initial entrants, but this new 6-year-old High Wheat Bourbon marks the lineup’s first official expansion. By combining a low barrel entry proof with a high percentage of wheat (39%) in the grain recipe, the brand sought to extract the maximum amount of wood sugars.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The aroma of this Origin Series High Wheat Bourbon begins with a ton of crème brûlée and strawberries before a touch of oak, wheat funk, and caramel comes through. There are also a few dashes of clove and lemon zest to round things out.
Palate: Once on the palate, the strawberries and custard notes play a major factor as the remarkably creamy texture of the liquid coats your palate and finds every corner of the mouth. Mellow oak tones, vanilla frosting, and flaky pastry flavors also enhance the bourbon.
Finish: The finish here is surprisingly lengthy, with the strawberry note going from ripe berries to the dried variety as a touch of nutmeg creeps in and the gentle oak vibes fuse with honey.
Bottom Line:
Bardstown Bourbon Company already has a wheated bourbon in their Origin Series, and it’s a rock-solid option that has its fair share of admirers among those who have tasted the well-received lineup. That said, this High Wheat Bourbon is absolutely stunning, and not only does it one-up its wheated bourbon predecessor, but it also blows the rest of the stellar Origin Series out of the water. Forget about flashier bourbons that people go crazy over; this stuff is so damn good it proves that quality beats hype every time.
Maker’s Mark’s sole age-stated product, Cellar Aged, is now in its second year of production. This year’s release features 15% 12-year-old bourbon and 85% 14-year-old bourbon, making it their oldest release to date. For the making of this product, Maker’s Mark takes their standard bourbon distillate, matures it for the typical eight years in their regular rickhouses, and then moves those barrels into their cellar where the temperature is a year-round constant cool of about 50 degrees, which decelerates the aging process.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Dark chocolate truffle dusting, orange blossom, and floral aromas kick off this aromatically impressive bourbon. Further notes of brown sugar, lavender honey, faint umami, wet soil, and coconut soon follow.
Palate: Citrus and red berries with vanilla and black pepper hit the palate at first, with heavy dark chocolate notes following thereafter. The texture is very creamy up front, with a tasty pop of cinnamon on the back end. Luscious caramel and toasted coconut notes develop at midpalate.
Finish: The finish is silky and lengthy, with dried strawberries, black pepper, gentle oak, and vanilla making the final impression.
Bottom Line:
The question you may have is whether or not this year’s Cellar Aged is better than 2023’s edition. The answer: it depends. While last year’s version is full of caramel tones that are very true to Maker’s Mark’s standard product, this year has much more chocolate and an atypical coconut note that will bring newcomers into the fold. Trust us, you want your loved ones to try the most unique Maker’s Mark bourbon ever.
Booker’s The Reserves is a new, annual limited-release series from Jim Beam by Freddie Noe to commemorate his grandfather and Beam’s 6th Generation Master Distiller, Booker Noe. This elevated take on classic Booker’s bourbon features a more limited blend of 8 to 14-year-old barrels drawn from the same center cut of the warehouse that Booker himself always favored, paying homage to the brand’s beginnings by foregoing the more recent black wax adorning the bottle’s neck for the original brown wax Booker used.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The nose on this whiskey really socks it to you at first with a surprising initial richness. It leaps out of the glass with enchanting floral notes, French vanilla, stewed plums, and ripe grapes. After a few waves of the hand, it turns a tad more savory with clove and dates.
Palate: Dense oak tones crash against the sumptuous flavors of dark chocolate, French vanilla, and dates when you first sip this bourbon. Some black cherries appear at midpalate, along with polished leather and a slightly dusty quality that adds depth. As for the mouthfeel, it’s full-bodied and anxiously coats your palate for the duration of each sip, remaining slow to recede through the finish.
Finish: The finish on this bourbon is medium to long, and that affords it plenty of runway space to allow the French vanilla and date flavors to stick around while a slight uptick in black pepper can be found before it fully dissipates.
Bottom Line:
Booker’s The Reserves is just one of a plethora of new releases from Jim Beam this year, and we’re confident that it’s the best of the bunch. With plenty of heat to please the proof hounds and a full-bodied mouthfeel to satiate those looking for the incredible depth of flavor cask strength bourbon is known for, this release checks all the boxes and succeeds in elevating standard Booker’s while remaining true to its creator’s vision.
Premier Drams is a new brand that was launched early this summer by the same man behind Washington D.C.’s legendary whiskey bar, Jack Rose, Bill Thomas. 8 years ago, Thomas began procuring contract-distilled whiskey from an elusive producer in Bardstown, Kentucky, and aging it at the site of the historic Old Taylor Distillery, which today is the home of Castle & Key. Due to Castle & Key’s uniquely cool maturation facilities, many of the barrels that went into these Premier Drams single barrels saw a significant drop in ABV, with the majority hovering right around the 100-proof mark at cask strength.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Strawberry saltwater taffy escapes the grasp of the glass to greet the nose at first before evolving into a cherry Luden’s note and partnering up with truffle honey, white pepper, and peanut brittle for a mellow and intriguing medley.
Palate: On the palate, it’s a delight to discover that the Luden’s cherry note has evolved into a full-blown Rainier cherry, carrying white pepper, allspice, nutmeg, and honey in tow. The flavors here are markedly rich, defying its moderate proof and delivering a depth and richness that will have you sucking your molars, frantically trying to prevent even a single drop from slipping through the cracks.
Finish: Vanilla pods, salted butter, fatty Brazil nuts, and white pepper prevail on the finish with a dollop of honey and Rainier cherries, adding a sweet closing kiss as it succinctly slides off your palate.
Bottom Line:
Premier Drams is quietly revolutionizing the modern bourbon landscape by delivering cask-strength bourbon at such a moderate proof point. In the fashion of any groundbreaking innovator, I’m not entirely sure the public is ready for it yet, but that’s what makes springing an ahead-of-trend bourbon like this on your loved ones so fun. They’ll appreciate the full flavor, the modest ABV, and the fact that you’re the curve.
Wild Turkey Rare Breed was initially introduced as Wild Turkey’s (really Jimmy Russell’s) response to the launch of Jim Beam’s Booker’s. Launched at a time when high-proof bourbon was less en vogue, it reflects Jimmy’s prescience in predicting the market’s future.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Honeysuckle, bright red cherries, and cinnamon rolls delight the senses once Rare Breed tumbles into your glass. Given some time to sit, you’ll find well-aged oak, clove, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and toasted almonds all elevate the aroma profile of this bourbon.
Palate: The flavors in this bourbon are rich and well-developed, with each of the nosing notes coming through on the palate. Those flavors are bolstered by a bit of cooked apple and pie shell for a robust yet clearly defined cavalcade of notes with a spry texture that deceptively coats your palate after several sips.
Finish: Lengthy and lingering, the finish on Rare Breed is balanced and delicious as it deftly combines sweetness and spice — leaving you wondering which one will last the longest. The answer is typically the spice.
Bottom Line:
Rare Breed is frequently cited as a limited edition whiskey hiding in plain sight, and that reputation is well earned. With a flavor profile that brings an abundance of red berries, vanilla, and baking spice, Wild Turkey Rare Breed has an enchanting combination of mature flavor, delicate balance, and stern force that makes it a world beater. If you’re able to introduce your loved ones to this easy-to-find, proofy pour, they won’t stop thanking you for it.
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