{"title":"Van Winkle x BTAC Allocations Mid-2026","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"old-rip-van-winkle-107-proof-10-year-old-kentucky-straight-bourbon-whiskey-750ml","title":"Old Rip Van Winkle 107 Proof 10 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 750mL","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis bourbon whiskey is bottled at nearly barrel proof. Just a splash of Kentucky limestone water is added after a decade of aging. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRich, yet smooth, this bourbon takes a back seat to none.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eA sweet vanilla nose with caramel, pecan and oak wood. Smooth, mellow flavor consisting of robust wheat, cherries and oak. Features a long, smoky wheat finish with hints of fruit, spice and oak tannins.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","brand":"Van Winkle","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45563612463319,"sku":"OLD-RIP-VAN-WINKLE-10YO","price":899.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0246\/9753\/6596\/files\/tds-old-rip-van-winkle-10yo.jpg?v=1724224225"},{"product_id":"van-winkle-12-year-old-special-reserve-lot-b-kentucky-straight-bourbon-whiskey-750ml","title":"Van Winkle 12 Year Old Special Reserve \"Lot B\" Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 750mL","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"A perfect combination of age and proof. The 12 years of aging and medium proof of 90.4 seem to be just right in creating a very pleasant drink of whiskey. This fine bourbon can compete with any excellent cognac as an after-dinner drink.\" - Paul Pacult\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHighlighted by light aromas of dried mango, cocoa, fruit and spiced peach. Flavors of honey, oak and tobacco dance on the pallet. The finish is balanced and dry, with a lingering tingle.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","brand":"Van Winkle","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45566532190423,"sku":"VAN-WINKLE-12YO-SR","price":999.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0246\/9753\/6596\/files\/tds-van-winkle-12yo-special-reserve.jpg?v=1724310222"},{"product_id":"van-winkle-13-year-old-family-reserve-rye-kentucky-straight-rye-whiskey-750ml","title":"Van Winkle 13 Year Old Family Reserve Rye Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey 750mL","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"This 13-year breaks the mold, as it is one of the oldest rye whiskeys available today. The maturity it has achieved while aging is quite obvious when you take the first sip. It’s a truly unique and rewarding rye whiskey experience.\" -Paul Pacult\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA soft nose of chestnuts, spice, vanilla and fruit. Features flavors of cocoa, vanilla, spice, and white pepper. A long, warm and complex finish with caramel and spice combined with dry oak.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","brand":"Van Winkle","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45566542053591,"sku":"VAN-WINKLE-13YO-RYE","price":1199.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0246\/9753\/6596\/files\/tds-van-winkle-13yo-family-reserve-rye.jpg?v=1724310644"},{"product_id":"pappy-van-winkle-20-year-old-family-reserve-kentucky-straight-bourbon-whiskey-750ml","title":"Pappy Van Winkle 20 Year Old Family Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 750mL","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe #1 rated Bourbon Whiskey in the world with a 99 out of 100 rating by the World Spirits Championship. This bourbon is aged 20 years and bottled at 90.4 proof for a wonderfully smooth and rich profile. Pappy Van Winkle was a true character and like its namesake, this bourbon whiskey is full of character – quite a remarkable whiskey.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIntense and tantalizing. Smooth with a citrus zest note. Some sherry notes, dried fruits and vanilla. The finish is long and elegant.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"An ancient bourbon, so should be a flavour powerhouse ...\"\u003c\/em\u003e - Jim Murray, Whisky Bible (95 Points)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"Sweet and spicy notes of cinnamon, raisins, brownies, vanilla, oak, and maple are found on the nose. Honey, vanilla toffee, nuts, dark fruits, and baked apple pie greet you on the palate. Finish is LONG with plenty of spice and more baked apple pie drizzled with vanilla-laced honey.\"\u003c\/em\u003e - Rob Morton, Distiller (92 Points)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","brand":"Van Winkle","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45566554996951,"sku":"PAPPY-VAN-WINKLE-20YO","price":2199.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0246\/9753\/6596\/files\/tds-pappy-van-winkle-20yo-family-reserve.jpg?v=1724311123"},{"product_id":"eagle-rare-17-year-old-2023-release-kentucky-straight-bourbon-whiskey-750ml","title":"Eagle Rare 17 Year Old 2023 Release Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 750mL","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis release is actually 19 years old.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThis rare bourbon ages in oak barrels for nearly two decades and is only available in small quantities once a year, every fall. Sip this polished, well-aged whiskey to appreciate why patience is such a virtue.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\" data-mce-style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fragrant aroma has almost a wine-like character with hints of almond, cigar boxes and cinnamon. The delicate and dry mid-palate tastes of leather, vanilla and tobacco. This bourbon lingers, finishing with hint of leather and toffee.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAge:\u003c\/strong\u003e 19 years 3 months old at bottling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProof:\u003c\/strong\u003e 101 proof (50.5% ABV)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\" data-mce-style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNose:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dark chocolate and cherry pie filling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePalate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Well-balanced flavour of caramel-drizzled chocolate sponge cake.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dry and spicy with an earthy, cigar box finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\" data-mce-style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBatch Specific Reviews:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe oldest Eagle Rare 17 Year ever, it’s the best 101 proof version yet and will be a memorable edition thanks to its prominent “dusty” funk note.\"\u003c\/em\u003e - Nick Beiter, Breaking Bourbon\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eHonestly, I can’t remember another Eagle Rare 17 release I’ve liked quite as much as this year’s. It’s atypically old, yes, but the bourbon does more than just lean on strong oak influence. Fruit and pepper accent each pour from the tip of the tongue to the finish, resulting in a bourbon that’s both rich and complex; there’s breadth AND depth of flavor aplenty.\"\u003c\/em\u003e - David Thomas Tao, VinePair (97 Points)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eThis is delicious stuff. I went in expecting excess oak, and this delivered well beyond that. It’s an easy pour to love, although it will be a hard one to find. Stalk this Eagle with confidence.\" \u003c\/em\u003e- Bottle Raiders (95 Points)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cem\u003eCrème brûlée on vanilla pudding lead off on the nose, along with brown sugar dusted over warm oatmeal, licorice, and rye spice. The palate offers tannic oak, leather, bitter baker's chocolate, tart berries, and cloves. The finish is warming and lengthy, with barrel char, wood shavings, salted caramel, and coffee grounds.\" \u003c\/em\u003e- Jake Emen, Distiller (93 Points)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Eagle Rare","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45586804048087,"sku":"EAGLE-RARE-17-2023","price":1399.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0246\/9753\/6596\/files\/tds-eagle-rare-17yo-2023.jpg?v=1724912541"},{"product_id":"w-l-weller-single-barrel-kentucky-straight-wheated-bourbon-whiskey-750ml","title":"W.L. Weller Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon Whiskey 750mL","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWilliam Larue Weller, born in 1825, spent most of his life educating the public on his first-of-its-kind bourbon recipe using wheat in the mash bill. Weller’s gentle, mild and smooth sipping experience changed whiskey as we know it. Handpicked and bottled one exceptional barrel at a time, this special release is bourbon to be savored. Delivering nuanced variations from the ageing process. For the refined bourbon palate, no two barrels are quite the same. Expect distinct, full-bodied flavor in the celebrated tradition of Weller’s wheated bourbon.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWeller Single Barrel has a nose of cherry and mint, fading to vanilla.  Caramel and baking spices with hints of cocoa explode on the palate, with a finish of cinnamon, coffee, and a hint of pepper.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\"\u003cspan\u003eWell balanced and with a wealth of different flavors, Weller Single Barrel Bourbon rewards those who are able to find a bottle.\" \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e- Jordon Moskal, Breaking Bourbon\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eWeller Single Barrel has all the hallmarks of other Weller bottlings; it’s easy to see why people love this stuff — it’s so soft, gentle, and creamy on the tongue, yet full of spice and life.\" \u003c\/em\u003e- Christopher Null, Drinkhacker (95 Points)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Weller","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45994948591831,"sku":"WELLER-SINGLE-BARREL","price":379.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0246\/9753\/6596\/files\/tds-weller-single-barrel-fix.jpg?v=1785311677"},{"product_id":"george-t-stagg-2018-release-barrel-proof-129-2-proof-64-6-kentucky-straight-bourbon-whiskey-750ml","title":"George T. Stagg 2018 Release Barrel Proof 124.9 Proof (62.45%) Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 750mL","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis extremely hearty whiskey ages in new charred oak barrels for no less than 15 years.  Straight out of the barrel, uncut and unfiltered, the taste is powerful, flavorful and intense. Open it up with a few drops of water, sit back and ponder the wonders of the universe.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLush toffee sweetness and dark chocolate with hints of vanilla, fudge, nougat and molasses. Underlying notes of dates, tobacco, dark berries, spearmint and a hint of coffee round out the palate.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAge:\u003c\/strong\u003e 15 years 4 months old at bottling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProof:\u003c\/strong\u003e 124.9 proof (62.45% ABV)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Comments:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eDark chocolate, espresso and tobacco.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"George T. Stagg","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47754977706199,"sku":"GEORGE-T-STAGG-2018","price":949.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0246\/9753\/6596\/files\/tds-george-t-stagg-2017_3e5b74a7-f695-4cd7-b15d-74f43562bf18.jpg?v=1761011688"},{"product_id":"thomas-h-handy-sazerac-2025-release-barrel-proof-124-9-proof-62-45-straight-rye-whiskey-750ml-copy","title":"Thomas H. Handy Sazerac 2025 Release Barrel Proof 129.8 Proof (64.9%) Straight Rye Whiskey 750mL","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNamed after the New Orleans bartender who first used rye whiskey in the Sazerac Cocktail, this uncut and unfiltered Straight Rye Whiskey is bottled directly from the barrel, just as it was over a century ago. Full of rich flavors, this authentic American rye whiskey is a symbol of the timeless history of New Orleans and the legacy of Thomas H. Handy.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePowerful, lush, and boldly spicy. Flavors of toffee, fig cake, and candied fruit, followed by mint, cinnamon and clove. The finish ultimately reveals subtle notes of allspice, coconut and nutmeg. Long and warm.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAge:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6 years 3 months old at bottling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProof:\u003c\/strong\u003e 129.8 proof (64.9% ABV)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNose:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eA lively mix of oak and spice opens the glass, lifted by bright fruit and a subtle apple note.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePalate:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eBold spice and oak balanced with subtle fruit tones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish: \u003c\/strong\u003eLingering oak and vanilla carry through with warming spice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBatch Specific Reviews:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"\u003cspan\u003eThe youngest whiskey in the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection and one of only two ryes, Thomas H. Handy is a straightforward pour that maintains a consistent level of quality year to year.\" \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e- Nick Beiter, Breaking Bourbon (Well Above Average)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"I was the most surprised by this offering and — though it was hard to pick a favorite — most impressed as well. It takes a lot to stand out among a line up of six fantastic whiskies, but the Handy succeeds in leaving its mark.\"\u003c\/em\u003e - Heather Clark, Tasting Table\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe nose and palate are like sipping from a fancy thermos of spiked cocoa. Intense flavors and aromas of milk chocolate powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and caraway seed are lifted with a note of cherry blossom. The finish has a spark of spicy heat with a hint of charred oak, but is mostly on the rich and chocolatey side.\"\u003c\/em\u003e - Amanda Schuster, Distiller (94 Points)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Thomas H. Handy","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48588100534487,"sku":"THOMAS-H-HANDY-RYE-2025","price":899.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0246\/9753\/6596\/files\/tds-thomas-h-handy-rye-2025.jpg?v=1778219233"},{"product_id":"william-larue-weller-2025-release-barrel-proof-129-proof-64-5-kentucky-straight-bourbon-whiskey-750ml","title":"William Larue Weller 2025 Release Barrel Proof 129 Proof (64.5%) Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 750mL","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUncut and unfiltered, this hand-bottled bourbon is barrel proof. Weller substitutes wheat for the traditional rye grain, a production method pioneered by W.L. Weller.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFragrant scents of caramel corn, new leather, plums, light toffee and pipe tobacco. The palate tastes of marshmallow, salted almonds, nougat, figs and dates. This whiskey finishes smooth, composed and flavorfully sweet.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAge:\u003c\/strong\u003e 12 years 7 months old at bottling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProof:\u003c\/strong\u003e 129 proof (64.5% ABV)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNose:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eLayers of vanilla and maple, enriched by the depth of worn leather and a subtle hint of tobacco.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePalate:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eA graceful balance of sweet vanilla and toasted oak.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Smooth and lingering, revealing a touch of ripe fruit alongside steady oak and vanilla.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBatch Specific Reviews:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe nose is full of aromas of baked wheat (like shredded wheat cereal) with dashes of baking spice and cherry compote. The palate is on the rich side, with sweet notes of cooked cereal grain, cocoa, and cherry preserves. Spicy notes of cinnamon and nutmeg carry into a finish that goes out with only a slight flash of heat breaking up the chocolate-cherry fullness.\"\u003c\/em\u003e - Amanda Schuster, Distiller (93 Points)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"Upon first sniff, the William L. Weller is giving off strong scents of caramel and molasses, with some of the charred oak barrels peeking through. The flavor is spiced, but not too spicy, with burnt caramel notes.\"\u003c\/em\u003e - Heather Clark, Tasting Table\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Weller","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48588130156759,"sku":"WILLIAM-LARUE-2025","price":1299.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0246\/9753\/6596\/files\/tds-william-laure-2023.jpg?v=1761019101"},{"product_id":"george-t-stagg-2025-release-barrel-proof-142-8-proof-71-4-kentucky-straight-bourbon-whiskey-750ml","title":"George T. Stagg 2025 Release Barrel Proof 142.8 Proof (71.4%) Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 750mL","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFred Minnick's #1 Bourbon 2025\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis extremely hearty whiskey ages in new charred oak barrels for no less than 15 years.  Straight out of the barrel, uncut and unfiltered, the taste is powerful, flavorful and intense. Open it up with a few drops of water, sit back and ponder the wonders of the universe.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLush toffee sweetness and dark chocolate with hints of vanilla, fudge, nougat and molasses. Underlying notes of dates, tobacco, dark berries, spearmint and a hint of coffee round out the palate.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAge:\u003c\/strong\u003e 15 years 4 months old at bottling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProof:\u003c\/strong\u003e 142.8 proof (71.4% ABV)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNose:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eCommanding aroma of deep oak rounded by a touch of vanilla.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePalate:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eBold, rich vanilla layered with dark tobacco and ripe cherry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eLong and earthy, lingers with tobacco, vanilla, and enduring oak.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBatch Specific Reviews:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"\u003cspan\u003eHigh aged, high proof, and full of flavor, this year’s George T. Stagg is downright incredibly delicious.\" \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e- Jordan Moskal, Breaking Bourbon (Exceptional)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAfter having a taste of this, my desire to hunt down a bottle was multiplied tenfold. I am grateful to have done so since then, and this enabled a deeper understanding of the inherent quality of this incredible bourbon. Comparing this pour to the 2024 George T. Stagg tells me everything I need to know. The 2025 release is better in every way, unless you are looking for a bit of that punchiness. If you like a whiskey that smacks you around a little bit, the 2024 is going to do that a bit better. As far as depth of flavor, evolution through complexity, and refined elegance, the 2025 bottling of George T. Stagg is a perfect whiskey in every way. This just might be the bourbon of the year.\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e - Nick Anderson, Amongst The Whiskey (5\/5)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHere are some of the notes Fred finds in the 2025 George T. Stagg: Dried apricot, brown sugar, molasses, peach, fried dough and powdered sugar, jalapeno and pepper spice. The finish is long, so he adds a drop of water. That brightens the sweeter notes, making the brown sugar more prominent on the nose.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cem\u003e\"The nose is like Dr. Pepper spilled on saddle leather near a pile of firewood. There is quite a bit of viscosity on the palate (read: it's a heavy one!), with flavors of dark cherry preserves, cocoa, clove, black pepper, cola spices, roasted walnut, and nutmeg. The spice is especially prevalent in the finish, with a heat that is certainly felt from the high proof, but not as much as expected — it's well tempered by the richness and balance of cocoa-caramel, spice, and fruit.\" \u003c\/em\u003e- Amanda Schuster, Distiller (91 Points)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eWarmth and intensity from the offset and then the alcohol hits you hard. Very dry and woody with the tobacco smoke coming through from the nose. We can't state enough what an intense and beautiful flavour this thing presents. The coffee from the nose makes another appearance and mingles with hints of dark chocolate. George T. Stagg is the complete American Whiskey experience and has achieved the highest score on our website and (spoiler alert) has also been awarded our first ever 10. If this bourbon could be purchased for its recommended retail price ($90), it would be the finest daily sipper known to mankind. Unfortunately, due to the insane resale prices, for most of us this is more likely to be a once-in-a-lifetime bottle.\"\u003c\/em\u003e - Bourbon Gents (10\/10)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cem\u003eGeorge T. Stagg is the pinnacle of American bourbon—a spirit that pushes every parameter to its limit while maintaining improbable harmony. The greatest recurring release in whiskey, period. Just please don't pay secondary prices.\"\u003c\/em\u003e - Boozemakers (97 Points)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"George T. Stagg","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48596779270359,"sku":"GEORGE-T-STAGG-2025","price":1199.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0246\/9753\/6596\/files\/tds-george-t-stagg-2023.jpg?v=1724910301"}],"url":"https:\/\/thedrinksociety.co.nz\/collections\/van-winkle-x-btac-allocations-mid-2026.oembed","provider":"The Drink Society","version":"1.0","type":"link"}