Bottle Reviews

Tasting notes and reviews from the West Coast Whiskey Club community.

Michter's Kentucky Straight Bourbon – 20 Year Special Release

114.2 Proof

Reviewed by Jay Stevens · March 1, 2025

Nose

Rich molasses and vanilla form the foundation, layered with cherry cola and gentle baking spice. The aroma is mature and expressive without drifting into excessive oak.

Palate

Cherry cola and plum open the palate before giving way to a complex wave of charred tobacco, leather, allspice, cinnamon, black pepper, dark chocolate, and orange rind. The aged oak presence is assertive yet well-integrated, providing structure without overwhelming the sweeter notes.

Finish

A creamy, velvety texture carries into a long, evolving finish. Charred oak and pepper linger gracefully, leaving a mouthwatering warmth that persists without any harsh heat.

Overall

An outstanding example of ultra-aged Kentucky bourbon. The 20 years in oak deliver depth and sophistication while the 114.2 proof maintains vibrancy and balance. A contemplative pour that rewards patience and pairs naturally with a fine cigar.

William Larue Weller — Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (2024 Release)

125.8 Proof

Reviewed by Jay Stevens · February 8, 2025

Nose

Deep butterscotch and brown sugar lead the way, followed by rich toffee, dark cherry, apricot, and plum. A gentle layer of baking spice rounds out the aroma, giving it warmth without overpowering the sweetness.

Palate

The flavor profile mirrors the nose with pronounced dark cherry and stone fruit sweetness up front, complemented by notes of dark chocolate. The spice profile then builds, bringing leather, tobacco, aged charred oak, and baking spices into balance with the sweetness.

Finish

A thick, viscous mouthfeel coats the entire palate. The finish delivers a classic Kentucky hug without harsh heat. Lingering pepper slowly transitions into dark chocolate that remains present right up until the next sip.

Overall

A bold yet balanced pour that showcases depth, sweetness, and oak-driven complexity in harmony. This is the kind of bottle you open when the moment calls for something truly special.

George T. Stagg — Kentucky Straight Bourbon (2025 Release)

142.8 Proof

Reviewed by Jay Stevens · January 31, 2025

Nose

Explosive yet refined aromatics open with honeysuckle and vanilla bean, followed by classic Stagg richness—root beer, deep caramel, and layered baking spice. There's a sweetness up front, but it's balanced by oak and spice that signal serious age.

Palate

Bold and complex. Tart cherry and spiced apple lead, quickly joined by cinnamon, root beer, and charred molasses. Dark chocolate adds depth, while white pepper provides lift and structure. The flavors arrive in waves, never feeling rushed or unbalanced.

Finish

Thick, viscous, and coating from mid-palate to the back of the tongue, with a long, slow fade. For a hazmat-level bourbon, the heat is remarkably controlled—delivering a comfortable warmth rather than a burn. Lingering rye spice and cinnamon carry through, alongside well-integrated char and age. Powerful but not overly oaked.

Overall

A high-proof heavyweight that drinks with surprising composure. You can taste the age, the barrel char, and the intensity, but everything is dialed in. A classic George T. Stagg profile with polish and restraint—proof that power and balance can coexist.