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Whisky Review: BenRiach 10 Year "The Original Ten" Speyside Single Malt Scotch
When it comes to Speyside single malts, we usually expect delicate, fruity profiles that showcase the region's signature style. But as we found out last week with Benromach 10, some Speysides pack an unexpected smoky punch. This week, we turn our attention to BenRiach 10 Year "The Original Ten" , another Speyside whisky that promises its own unique twist. Clocking in at 43% ABV (86 proof) and aged for 10 years , this single malt positions itself as a classic Speyside with a hint of complexity. But does it hold its own against its regional peers? Let’s dive in and see how BenRiach 10 Year fares across our categories. This review is taken from our episode " Inside Out (2015) / BenRiach 10-Year ." Click the link to listen to this review in audio format. Nose Bob: Right off the bat, I’m getting a lot of fresh raisin on this—specifically the kind you get from white grapes. It’s really pleasant and stands out immediately. There’s also some lemon peel and a soft
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Whisky Review: Benromach 10 Year Speyside Single Malt Scotch
Introduction Today, we're reviewing the Benromach 10 Year Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky —a scotch that, despite its regional designation, surprised us with its unexpected flavor profile. Benromach is a lesser-known but respected name in the Speyside region, producing single malts with a traditional touch. This 10-year-old expression is bottled at 43% ABV (86 proof) and is aged in a mix of bourbon and sherry casks. Speyside whiskies are typically known for their delicate, fruity, and floral character, often serving as an easy entry point for scotch newcomers. However, this particular bottle deviates from the norm, offering more smoke and peat than we expected. This review is taken from our episode " Joker / Benromach 10 Year Single Malt Scotch ." Click the link to listen to this review in audio format. Nose Brad: Bob, I am going to give you one of the best nosing notes of all time. This reminds me of Honey Smacks. Bob: Oh wow. Those things were so good, but also made me
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Whiskey Review: Barrell New Year 2025 Bourbon
Introduction Today, we’re joined by our friend Lee Diaz from ReserveBar to dive into Barrell New Year 2025, the latest iteration of Barrell’s annual celebratory bourbon blend. If you’ve followed the podcast for a while, you know that Barrell has long been one of our favorite whiskey blenders, and their New Year releases always showcase their expert blending skills. This year’s batch clocks in at 112.1 proof and includes a mind-blowing 18 different whiskeys from eight states . The final mash bill lands at 75% corn, 20% rye, 4% malted barley, and 1% wheat , officially making this a four-grain bourbon . With so many components in play, the big question is: did Barrell create something cohesive, or does this one get lost in the blend? This review is taken from our episode " Everything Everywhere All At Once / Barrell New Year 2025 Bourbon ." Click the link to listen to this review in audio format. Nose Brad: This has just an incredible nose that leans into classic b
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Whiskey Review: Barrell Seagrass Toasted Rye
Introduction Today, we’re diving into a special whiskey: Barrell Seagrass Toasted. If you’re a longtime listener, you’ll remember that Brad’s favorite whiskey is the original Barrell Seagrass. A few weeks ago, during our conversation with the founders of Barrell Craft Spirits, they mentioned their limited-edition Barrell Seagrass Toasted and kindly sent us bottles to review. So, here we are, tasting this unique expression with its secondary maturation in toasted American oak. For those unfamiliar, Barrell Seagrass is a rye whiskey finished in Martinique Rum, Madeira, and Apricot Brandy barrels. The Toasted version adds another layer of complexity with toasted American oak, aiming to enhance the already rich flavor profile. Clocking in at 119.12 proof, it’s a high-proof rye whiskey with undisclosed mash bill and sourcing from Indiana and Canada. Priced at $200, this bottle firmly sits in the premium category. Let’s see how it holds up. This review is
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Whiskey Review: Jack Daniel's 12-Year Tennessee Whiskey
Introduction Today, we’re diving into Jack Daniel's 12-Year Batch 1. Last week, we tried Jack Daniel's 10-Year, but now we’re stepping up with this older, higher-proof offering. At 107 proof, it feels like a sweet spot for us—enough kick without being overwhelming. The mash bill is Jack’s standard 80% corn, 8% rye, and 12% malted barley, so the main difference here is the time spent in the barrel. This bottle carries an MSRP of $95, so we’re ready to see if the quality justifies the price. This review is taken from our episode " Past Lives / Jack Daniel's 12-Year Tennessee Whiskey ." Click the link to listen to this review in audio fromat. Nose Bob: Right away, even sitting six or eight inches away from the glass, I’m hit with banana pudding. Way more banana than I got on the 10-Year. Brad: Oh yeah, this banana is the most pleasant version of Jack Banana I’ve ever smelled. It’s oaky, with some caramel and brown sugar rounding it out. Ther
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Port Charlotte 10 Review
Today, we’re giving you a Port Charlotte 10 review. This is a heavily peated single malt Scotch whisky from the legendary Bruichladdich Distillery on Islay. This distillery has been crafting quality Scotch since the 1800s and has made a name for itself with three distinctive lines: Bruichladdich, Port Charlotte, and Octomore. Port Charlotte 10, specifically, is matured for ten years and bottled at 100 proof. Thanks to our Discord follower, Asian Elvis, for providing this bottle—you're the real MVP. Let's break it down, from nose to finish, and see how this Islay malt stacks up. This review is taken from our episode " Mary Poppins / Port Charlotte 10 Year " Click the link to listen to this review in audio format. The Nose Bob: Now, this is a heavily peated Scotch. Funny enough, it isn’t as in-your-face smoky as something like Laphroaig 10. It falls somewhere between the meatier, smokier side of the spectrum and the sweeter, butterscotchy notes. While it doesn’t l
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Whiskey Review: Jack Daniel's 10-Year Tennessee Whiskey
Introduction Today, we’re diving into Jack Daniel’s 10-Year Tennessee Whiskey, specifically Batch 3, released in February 2024. It’s a 97-proof whiskey, a bit below the typical barrel-proof offerings that dominate the market, and instead, Jack Daniel’s is banking on the maturity of its 10-year age statement to carry this one. At $85 a bottle, this is positioned as a premium offering within the Jack Daniel’s portfolio, and we were eager to see how it measures up. It’s been a while since we’ve had a Jack Daniel’s product on the show, but we feel like their products are so consistent—whether you love or hate the signature banana funk, you know what you’re getting. Without fail. we find that every Jack Daniel’s release has that telltale banana note. And depending on the batch, it can go into "overripe" territory, which, honestly, can be a little off-putting. But we're excited to see how this 10-year expression handles it. Le
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Whiskey Review: Bushmills The Rare Casks 29-Year Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish Irish Whiskey
Introduction Today, we're diving into something truly special: Bushmills “The Rare Casks” 29-Year-Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish Irish Whiskey. This bottle is part of Bushmills’ Rare Casks series, and this specific release represents their second offering in that line. Distilled on April 6, 1992, aged 12 years in ex-bourbon barrels, and then transferred to Pedro Ximénez casks for an additional 17 years, it’s bottled at 53% ABV (106 proof). With only 500 bottles available and an MSRP of $750, this is as rare as it gets. Brad and I are eager to break this one down. Last week, we reviewed the Bushmills 30-Year-Old, which set a high bar, but this whiskey has its own unique story to tell. Let’s see how it stacks up. This review is taken from our episode " Mad Max: Fury Road / Bushmills Rare Cask 29-Year Irish Whiskey ." Click the link to listen to this review in audio format. Nose Brad: The nose on this whiskey is incredible. There’s a heavy
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Whiskey Review: Tullamore DEW Irish Whiskey
Introduction Today, we’re revisiting one of the most iconic names in Irish whiskey: Tullamore D.E.W. Bob kicks things off by clearing up the pronunciation debate. “It’s labeled as Tullamore D-E-W, with little periods in between each letter, but I’ve checked, and it’s pronounced ‘Dew.’ So, Tullamore Dew it is.” This triple-distilled blend combines malt, grain, and pot still whiskey—the three major categories of Irish whiskey. It’s non-age-stated, so we know it’s at least three years old, and it’s proofed down to 80 proof. Brad reflects on his early encounters with Tullamore. “This was recommended to me way back before we started the podcast. I remember liking Jameson, and someone suggested I try Tullamore Dew. It was a couple bucks cheaper at the time, and I’ve been a fan since.” This bottle has always gone head-to-head with Jameson in both price and quality, and today we’ll see if it still h
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Whisky Review: Glenmorangie Nectar D'Or Single Malt Scotch
Introduction Today, we’re diving into Glenmorangie Nectar D’Or, a single malt Scotch whisky that has become a touchstone for us over the years. The Nectar D’Or has gone through a few transformations since we first tried it. Back then, it was a 12-year-old expression finished in Sauternes casks, part of a sampler pack that also included the Glenmorangie Original, Lasanta, and Quinta Ruban. When our hosts first tried the sampler pack , it was an incredible deal, offering four 100 ml bottles for $25. We remember liking the Quinta Ruban and Lasanta more than the Nectar D’Or, which felt overpriced compared to its siblings. Now, this 12-year-old version has been replaced by a 16-year-old expression finished in multiple casks. But today, we’re revisiting the original 12-year-old to see if our impressions hold up. Nose Brad: This is one of the best noses we’ve encountered in a while. I’m picking up toasted candied almonds, tons of honey—almost ho
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Whiskey Review: Noah's Mill Bourbon
Noah’s Mill is a bourbon produced by Kentucky Bourbon Distillers, Ltd. (KBD), better known as Willett Distilling Company or simply “Willett.” Established in 1935, Willett has a storied history that includes a shift to ethanol production in the 1970s and a complete halt in distilling by the 1980s. The company resumed distilling spirits in 2012, and since then, its own distillate has slowly replaced sourced whiskey in their various products. Noah’s Mill was first introduced in the mid-1990s with a 15-year age statement, later removed in the early 2000s. For much of its history, Noah’s Mill was a sourced product, with whiskey likely originating from a number of distilleries. However, as Willett’s distillate reached sufficient age, the company transitioned Noah’s Mill to include their own whiskey starting with batches from 2022–2023. The review you’re reading today was recorded in 2021 and features the older, sourced version of Noah&rsq
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Whiskey Review: Bushmills 30-Year Single Malt Irish Whiskey
Introduction Today, we’re diving into Bushmills 30-Year Single Malt Irish Whiskey. This rare expression from Bushmills is aged for 14 years in a mix of bourbon barrels and sherry butts, then finished for an additional 16 years in first-fill Pedro Ximénez (PX) sherry casks. It’s bottled at 46% ABV, and this is easily the darkest Irish whiskey we’ve ever seen. Let’s break it down. Nose A rich blend of almond, dried cherry, and syrupy sweetness, setting the stage for a luxurious whiskey. Brad: This is a beautiful nose, Bob. There’s a nice almond note that runs throughout, along with dried cherry, sweet grape from the PX casks, and even a touch of melon. It all sits on a foundation of barley. I think this is an incredible nose— 9/10 . Bob: I’m with you, Brad. This has a really deep, rich decadence that you don’t typically get with Irish whiskey. It reminded me of when we reviewed Amrut Fusion a few years ago—there’s a simil
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Whiskey Review: Penelope Valencia Bourbon
At Film & Whiskey , we’re diving into Penelope Valencia , the annual release from Penelope Bourbon. This four-grain straight bourbon whiskey, finished in Vino de Naranja casks from Seville, Spain, is bottled at 95 proof and offers a unique profile perfect for the winter season—or even a refreshing summer cocktail. With only 5,000 cases produced, this limited allocation whiskey has a lot to live up to. Let’s explore how it fares. This review is taken from our episode " Cruisemas, Vol. 3 - Mission: Impossible - Fallout / Penelope Valencia Bourbon ." Click the link to listen to this review in audio format. Nose Brad : The nose on this is an orange bomb. There’s orange peel, but I also picked up a really intense peaches-and-cream note that I loved. There’s a bit of rose petal and some cedar woodiness. It’s pleasant, though not quite everything I want it to be. 7.5/10 . Bob : I let this sit in my glass for a while, and it went through so many changes.
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Whiskey Review: Barrell Bourbon Cask Finish Series Ice Wine and Batch 036 Bourbon
At Film & Whiskey, we’ve always appreciated Barrell Craft Spirits for their innovative approach to blending and finishing. Today, we’re diving into two of their latest releases: Barrell Bourbon Cask Finish Series Ice Wine and Barrell Bourbon Batch #36 . Both bring something unique to the table, showcasing Barrell’s creativity and craftsmanship. Let’s get into it. Barrell Bourbon Cask Finish Series Ice Wine Introduction The Barrell Bourbon Cask Finish Series Ice Wine is a blend of straight bourbon whiskeys aged five years and finished in ice wine casks. Bottled at 106 proof, this is the first edition of their Ice Wine series. Ice wine, as defined by Breaking Bourbon, is a dessert wine made from grapes that are frozen while still on the vine. The result is a whiskey that promises sweetness with complexity. Nose Brad: "The nose is cherry, honeyed almonds, earthy, melon-forward—just a mix of really beautiful, light, fruity notes and this earthiness that I
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Movie Review: A Complete Unknown (2024)
A Complete Unknown chronicles Bob Dylan's journey from his arrival in Greenwich Village to his infamous electric set at the Newport Folk Festival in 1965. Directed by James Mangold and based on Jay Cocks’ screenplay adapted from Dylan Goes Electric, the film’s title suggests a focus on Dylan’s rise to relevance in the burgeoning folk scene, but the second half pivots to the drama surrounding his musical transformation and disastrous set at the 1965 Newport Music Festival. Unfortunately, it results in a movie frustratingly at odds with itself over which of two stories it wants to tell. Its rather inelegant solution is to tell both and hope for the best. The film divides itself neatly into two parts, with a fade-out marking a jump forward of about six months. In that time, Dylan transitions from relative obscurity to international superstardom. The first half is essentially a sweet coming-of-age tale, immersing the viewer in Dylan’s early days in Greenwich V
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McCarthy's Oregon Single Malt: Reviewing 2 Whiskeys from Clear Creek Distillers
When it comes to exploring American single malt whiskey, McCarthy's from Clear Creek Distillers in Hood River, Oregon, offers a truly unique perspective. Today, we’re diving into two standout offerings: the three-year-old McCarthy’s Pot Distilled Whiskey and the six-year-old McCarthy’s Single Malt. Both of these whiskies highlight the potential of American single malts to rival their Scotch counterparts. Let's break down our thoughts on these two exciting expressions. These reviews are taken from our episode " Whiskey Spotlight: Hood River Distillers ." Click the link to listen to the reviews in audio format. McCarthy’s Pot Distilled Whiskey (3-Year-Old) Introduction This three-year-old pot-distilled whiskey from McCarthy's is aged in Oregon oak barrels and comes in at 85 proof. Despite its young age, it manages to pack a surprising amount of complexity, challenging preconceived notions about what American single malts can achieve in such a short maturati
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Old Line Spirits: Review of Three American Single Malts
At Film & Whiskey, we’re always on the hunt for unique whiskey experiences, and Old Line Spirits has quickly become one of our favorite American single malt producers. Previously, we reviewed their Navy Strength American Single Malt and were blown away. Today, we’re diving into three more offerings from Old Line: their Bottled-in-Bond American Single Malt, Double-Oaked Port Finish, and Madeira Finish. Each comes in at 100 proof, showcasing their dedication to robust flavor. Let’s break them down whiskey by whiskey. These reviews are taken from our episode " Scoring Alfred Hitchcock / Old Line Spirits ." Click the link to listen to the reviews in audio format. Old Line Bottled-in-Bond American Single Malt Introduction We kicked things off with Old Line's Bottled-in-Bond American Single Malt. Bottled-in-bond means it’s at least four years old and distilled in one season, and it adheres to the strict guidelines for this classification. Old Line’s use of b
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Whiskey Review: Westland Solum American Single Malt
Introduction Today, we’re diving into something truly unique: Westland Solum, the first peated whiskey from Westland Distillery, part of their Outpost Range. Westland has been on our radar for a while, and their commitment to American single malt whiskey is unmatched. Solum is aged for at least 41 months in a mix of new American oak and ex-bourbon casks, and it clocks in at 100 proof (50% ABV). Peated whiskey is a bold move, especially for an American distiller, and this one made an immediate impression. Let’s explore what makes this whiskey special. Nose Bob: The nose on this whiskey is incredibly inviting. It’s bright, sweet, and unexpectedly fruity. I picked up a strong note of strawberry glaze, which is something I’ve never encountered in a peated whiskey before. The peat smoke really complements the berry notes here. Brad: I noted crisp apple, honey, citrus, and even some thyme. But what really stood out were the blueberry and raspberry notes. There’s
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American Single Malt Whiskey Is Official: Here Are 4 You Need to Try Now
In January 2025, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) formally recognized American Single Malt Whiskey (ASM) as its own category. This landmark decision gives the growing segment of American single malt producers a standardized identity, akin to the globally renowned Scotch Single Malt category. For a whiskey to qualify as an American Single Malt, it must be: Mashed, distilled, and aged entirely in the U.S. Made from 100% malted barley. Distilled at a single U.S. distillery to a proof of no more than 160. Stored in oak barrels (up to 700 liters) with no restriction on new or used barrels. Bottled at a minimum of 80 proof. These regulations ensure quality and transparency while fostering creativity. Now, let’s celebrate this milestone by highlighting some of our favorite American Single Malts, each showcasing the potential of this newly recognized category. Old Line Madeira Finish American Single Malt Rating: 45/50 Age & Proof: Aged 5 years, then finished for 1.5
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American Single Malt Whiskey Earns Official Recognition from TTB
In a landmark decision, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) has officially ratified the American Single Malt Whiskey (ASM) category. This announcement, effective January 19, 2025, follows years of advocacy by distillers, industry organizations, and the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission (ASMWC). For decades, American Single Malt Whiskey existed without formal recognition, unlike its globally recognized counterparts, such as Scotch Single Malt. Defining the Category Under the new regulations, American Single Malt Whiskey must adhere to the following standards of identity: Production : Mashing, distilling, and aging must occur entirely in the United States. Ingredients : It must be distilled from a fermented mash of 100% malted barley. Process : The whiskey must be distilled at a single U.S. distillery to a proof of no more than 160. Aging and Storage : It must be stored in oak barrels (new, used, charred, or uncharred) with a maximum capacity of 700 liters. Proof : T
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Whiskey Review: Stranahan's Snowflake
Introduction Today, we’re diving into one of the most sought-after and elusive American single malts out there: Stranahan’s Snowflake . Released once a year in December, this whiskey is named after one of Colorado’s 14,000-foot mountain peaks, with the 2023 edition called Pyramid’s Peak . What makes this release so special is its unique finishing process—every year features a blend of different casks, and for Pyramid’s Peak, the whiskey has been aged for 8 years and finished in a variety of barrels: Carcavelos, Sauternes, brandy, peated Scotch, rum, and applejack . This whiskey is a blend of bold experimentation and high-altitude craftsmanship. At $ 120 MSRP and with only 2,000 bottles released annually, Snowflake is a collector's dream. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s break it down whiskey by whiskey. This review is taken from our episode " The Holdovers / Stranahan's Snowflake ." Click the link to listen to this review in audio format.
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Whiskey Review: Wild Turkey Longbranch Bourbon
Here at Film & Whiskey , we’re diving into a whiskey that comes with a unique backstory—Wild Turkey Longbranch. This 86-proof Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey is refined with mesquite charcoal to bring a smoky Texas flair, reflecting its co-creator, Matthew McConaughey. Designed as a smooth, approachable whiskey, Longbranch promises a blend of traditional Wild Turkey craftsmanship with a touch of Hollywood panache. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s break it down. Here is our Wild Turkey Longbranch review. This review is taken from our episode " No Country for Old Men / Wild Turkey Longbranch ." Click the link to listen to this review in audio format. The Nose Brad : As I pick up the nose on this bad boy, I think that it's very bright. I wouldn't say it's florally, but it has some nice, sweet undertones to it that I almost feel like it's a smooth toffee with a little bit of nuttiness. Bob : I kind of get where you're coming from, Brad, but for me, this
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Whiskey Review: Eagle Rare Bourbon
Introduction Eagle Rare 10 Year holds a special place in the history of our whiskey journey. This bourbon, distilled by Buffalo Trace, carries a 90-proof rating and was once labeled as a single barrel. While the single-barrel designation has been removed from the bottle, it's said that the production method remains the same, leading to slight variations between bottles. For both of us, Eagle Rare marked one of the earliest moments when we started to appreciate bourbon’s depth. We even split the cost of a bottle back in the day while living in Kentucky. Revisiting it now feels like coming home. Let’s dive into our review of this whiskey and see how it measures up after years of whiskey exploration. This review is taken from our episode " Citizen Kane / Eagle Rare " Click the link to listen to this review in audio format. Nose Brad: “This is a subtle nose. It’s not super upfront and in your face, but it’s nice and sweet. It’s got a little bit of citrus
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Whisky Review: Laphroaig Lore Single Malt Scotch
Introduction Today, we’re diving into a Laphroaig Lore review, a premium expression from the renowned Islay distillery. For those who have been following along, back in Season 1, we explored Laphroaig 10 Year, our very first peated Scotch. At the time, Bob wasn’t the biggest fan of peat, though Brad had started warming up to it (or perhaps, drinking his way into appreciation). Since then, our palettes have evolved, and thanks to our friend Austin Dupree of Bourbon Earring, we now have the chance to try Laphroaig Lore. Laphroaig Lore was introduced in 2016 and is crafted from a blend of whiskies aged between 7 and 21 years in five different cask types, including sherry casks and smaller quarter casks. Clocking in at 96 proof (48% ABV), it’s a bold Scotch compared to the typical 80-90 proof range. Let’s dive into how it measures up! This review is taken from our episode " Braveheart / Laphroaig Lore " Click the link to listen to this review in audio format. Nose B