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| Hi, this is one of our (almost) daily tastings. Santé! |
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November 11, 2025 |
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A small expedition in America on this Armistice Day
Here is the first of two consecutive American whiskey tasting sessions, held in commemoration of the role played by American troops in the liberation and the armistice signed on this 11th of November.
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Indeed, during World War I, American soldiers, played a crucial role in helping the Allies turn the tide of the war. The United States entered the conflict in 1917, and by 1918, over two million American troops were fighting in France. Their arrival brought fresh energy, manpower, and morale to the exhausted Allied forces. The Armistice was then signed on November 11, 1918, marking the end of the fighting. This day, known as Armistice Day, honours all soldiers who fought for peace and in France, it remains a solemn national holiday.
It was also around this time that the first American whiskies truly arrived in France, brought over by the US troops. |
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Jack Daniel’s ’Oloroso Sherry Cask’ (45%, OB, American single malt, +/-2024) 
A single malt from Jack Daniel’s, simply finished in sherry, probably ex-American oak. It’s very expensive (€125). I’ll take this opportunity to suggest that retail websites stop writing that it’s ‘matured’ in sherry when the label itself says in bold letters that it’s only ‘finished’. And while we’re at it, let’s also stop calling solera numbers age statements. Colour: deep gold. Nose: chocolate and still-warm wood shavings, plus a touch of coconut biscuit. That’s all, folks. Mouth: closer to a fairly spicy bourbon, plenty of pepper and yellow curry, but it’s really very rustic and those notes of corn syrup, orange syrup and monosodium glutamate that show up next aren’t doing it any favours. Finish: fairly long, quite oaky, bitter, and lacking complexity. Aftertaste very drying. Comments: in truth it’s not that bad, but we’re a long way off the quality of the smaller American distilleries.
SGP:561 - 78 points. |
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Indiana Bourbon 8 yo 2015/2024 (49.2%, Wu Dram Clan, The Liquid Crew, straight bourbon whiskey, barrel proof) 
There was also a very good rye from Indiana by WDC, a 2017/2024 (WF 87). Colour: deep gold. Nose: this is cheerful, fresh, a far cry from Jack, very much on vanilla sponge cake drenched in custard (indeed, that’s a lot of vanilla), with orange blossom and honeysuckle, as well as a touch of Williams pear. Flawless. Mouth: rather taut for a bourbon, with lovely spices, rye bread, notes of candied ginger coated in chocolate (absolutely smashing), followed by star anise. Would be spot-on alongside some Alsatian Christmas biscuits. Finish: medium in length, well balanced, with a touch of ginseng to put you back on your feet (after those Alsatian Christmas biscuits). Comments: really very pretty, not overly complicated, perfectly balanced.
SGP:451 - 86 points. |
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Rowan’s Creek ‘Small Batch’ (50.05%, OB, straight Kentucky bourbon, +/-2024) 
We last tasted Rowan’s Creek some 14 years ago, and rather liked it at the time (WF 85). This one appears to be mostly corn-based (72%). Colour: deep gold. Nose: even at 50% this is very light on the nose, quite floral too, with a wee touch of cane and coconut syrup, then a splash of triple sec. As gentle as a lamb, for now. With water: same story. Mouth (neat): almost sweet, then with a bit of lavender and pink pepper. It’s charming, though the Indiana still takes the lead. With water: it opens up a little, with Christmas spices—star anise, cinnamon, clove… Yet the base remains rather sugary. Finish: not very long, soft, easy-going. The MGP had far more personality. Comments:
SGP:631 - 83 points. |
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SirDavis (44%, OB, American rye, +/-2024)
We didn’t really expect to taste this rather lovely thing that does genuinely resemble an old White Horse decanter in terms of looks, but let’s not be picky. Yes, this is the whisky from Beyoncé and LVMH. According to the literature, this baby ‘draws inspiration from Japanese and Scottish styles, thereby redefining the traditional characteristics of American whisky’. Which is rather amusing, considering how marginal the importance of rye (still) is in both Scotland and Japan. That said, Beyoncé does seem to have been genuinely involved. So was Dr Bill, it seems. Colour: gold. Nose: not bad at all, with some fine shoe polish and, indeed, quite a bit of rye, and even a very faint maritime note, though I’ve no idea where that’s coming from. Refreshing and possibly to be had on oysters? Mouth: a touch of rye liqueur, lavender, violet and ginger, all nicely expressive. Honestly, I quite like it, it has a very high drinkability index. Finish: not very long, slightly honeyed, with lovely spices and floral notes. Aftertaste a tad sweet. Comments: I really do think this is rather good stuff, but of course, with Dr Lumsden at the helm, that’s hardly surprising.
SGP:631 - 83 points. |
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Tennessee Bourbon Whisky 21 yo 2003/2025 (41.5%, Cadenhead, Enigma, 822 bottles)
These secret Tennessee casks are generally George Dickel. We’ve already tasted some rather charming ones. Colour: deep gold. Nose: it’s gentle and above all immensely floral, somewhere between dandelions, buttercups, honeysuckle and even lily of the valley. No surprise, this moves on to white chocolate, honey, cornflakes and a few soft herbal infusions, ending on milk tea notes just as our friends in England (and Asterix) enjoy it. Golden Grahams. Mouth: very much in keeping with the nose, though less exuberant and with a touch more herbal tea, hence a bit more oak. The whole becomes ever so slightly drying over time, but still holds up nicely. Finish: perhaps its Achilles’ heel, the oak is present, but the honeys and a little nougat push back pleasantly. Comments: had the palate matched the nose, this would’ve been an absolute stunner, baby (innit).
SGP:651 - 86 points. |
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Tennessee Whiskey 21 yo 2003/2025 (48.3%, Wu Dram Clan, The Liquid Crew, barrel #19, 109 bottles) 
Sour mash from Dickel again. Colour: amber. Nose: seems we’re changing gear here—it’s packed with praline and fudge, and this isn’t millionaire’s shortbread anymore, it’s billionaire’s shortbread. Orange-almond marzipan-filled chocolates, Mozart kugeln, then white nougat with pistachio and… more orange. A real guilty pleasure, this nose. Mouth: possibly one of my favourite bourbons since… the last Very Old Fitzgerald I was lucky enough to taste in the States thanks to good friends. Beautiful structure, almost malty, rather oily, with splendid pepper, fresh sponge cakes, anise and cinnamon cookies, and an avalanche of other seasonal petits fours. Lovely bitter oranges too, and even a few drops of marc. Finish: lingers beautifully, dry, leaving the palate perfectly clean and ready for another glass (of the same whisky). Comments: it’s well known that Wu Dram Clan are fans of bourbon, and you can really feel it in this neat little selection.
SGP:551 - 90 points. |
Let's have some youngsters… |
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MGP Distillery 7 yo 2017/2025 (56.3%, Milroy’s Soho Selection, Indiana rye whiskey, American oak hogshead) 
The back label announces cherries, so we’re expecting that! Colour: gold. Nose: all the incandescent beauty of rye (what?) combined with cane honey and peony, though no cherry for now. With water: cologne and Hermès ‘Orange Verte’. I imagine you could put a few drops of this on your neck or behind your ears. Mouth (neat): absolutely excellent, with pear, blood orange, and rose liqueur, the latter being particularly prominent. This rose and pear combo is reminiscent of a ‘fine’ (not marc) de gewurztraminer. It’s very, very… decadent. With water: no significant change. Finish: fairly long, very fruity, floral and fresh, and if needed, we’ll happily mention a few cherries, or rather kirsch. But it’s the pear that’s in the driver’s seat… Do be warned, though, the rose liqueur makes a return in the aftertaste. Comments: what a distillate! I’m really enjoying the recent selections from Milroy’s, always very smart (if I may say so).
SGP:651 - 88 points. |
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FEW ‘Rye Bottled in Bond’ (50%, OB for Navigate World Whisky, Straight Rye Whiskey, 2023)
This is a Chicagoan mashbill of 70% rye, 20% corn, 10% malted barley, aged for 4 years. We love FEW and, naturally, Chicago. And South Africa. Colour: gold. Nose: much more restrained, almost austere, with hazelnuts and roasted nuts, speculoos and kirsch just out of the still. Water should bring it to life a bit more. With water: but where are these bursts of camphor and eucalyptus coming from? There’s even a faint ‘gentle Laphroaig’ note, if you will. Mouth (neat): really quite good, with a very slight touch of fresh parmesan and pepper, then a more classic development with chocolate and nuts of all kinds. With water: I promise, it’s the malted barley that now takes the lead. Orange zest, sourdough bread, caraway… Finish: spiced bread, lasting a good while, with some mint. Comments: excellent, despite its young age.
SGP:561 - 87 points. |
In another life, I’ll be more interested in American whisky. Alright, let’s continue... |
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Heaven’s Door ‘Double Barrel Whiskey’ (50%, OB, +/-2024)
A blend of two bourbons and one rye, still under the guidance of Bob Dylan. Or not? The packaging is really, how shall we say, emphatic? Let’s give this mix a try... Colour: gold. Nose: pleasant, but the fresh and charred wood is very prominent and doesn’t really allow much else to come through… Water might help with that… With water: not really, the wood still takes the lead a bit. Mouth (neat): smooth, with vanilla, coconut, and cornflakes, quite nice, just not complex. The wood/toasted notes are quite marked. With water: same, the wood still sets the pace. Finish: …/… coconut oil. Comments: nothing to complain about, it’s honest, straightforward, and merchantable. It’s just very woody, and this little one suffers quite a bit after the previous ones, which were in a whole different league.
SGP:451 - 78 points. |
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Westland 10 yo 2014/2024 (60%, Single Malt Dreams, 1st fill Tennessee whiskey barrel, cask 1115, 210 bottles)
We love Westland, just like Domaine des Hautes Glaces in France, both of which are owned by Rémy. I recently learned that Matt has left, but this 10-year-old must still carry his DNA. Enough chit-chat… Colour: gold. Nose: incredibly light for a Westland, it’s reminiscent of young Scottish grain whisky, like North British. This isn’t normal, water should solve this mystery… With water: watermelon sorbet, melon sorbet, fresh rye bread. Mouth (neat): ah yes, now it speaks right away, with melon seeds, rye bread, and especially an unbelievable combination of small citrus fruits and wild roots. Let’s dig into this subject, if you don’t mind… With water: this is wild, the water brings back the power, the tension, earthy spices, notes of… rutabaga? Jerusalem artichoke? Where are we? Finish: long, rooty, citrusy and precise. Quite beautiful, especially as the melon makes a return in the aftertaste. Lime. Comments: melon has always been a marker of Bruichladdich, which is also owned by Rémy. This is intriguing, don’t you think? There must be a conspiracy…
SGP:562 - 89 points. |
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Westland 8 yo 2015/2024 (60%, Single Malt Dreams, 1st fill Port barrel, 248 bottles)
Single Malt Dreams are friends in Norway, did you know? It seems this is very peated Westland, and according to my limited experience, Porto and peat are like Donald Trump reciting Allen Ginsberg from memory—highly improbable. Colour: reddish amber. Nose: I don’t know. Someone a bit mad might have macerated band-aids in a mix of grenadine syrup and crème de cassis. Water seems mandatory… With water: blackcurrants and cherries fallen on the ground, basalt, slag, and a pepper-and-mint blend conjured up by a mad mind. Mouth (neat): improbably good and downright improbable. Pepper, ash, and strawberry syrup. There you go. With water: the worst part is that it works when tobacco, leather, and bay leaf come in to restore order. Finish: pepper comes back, cooked red fruits too. A massive hit of salt as well. Comments: I must admit I’m a bit lost here. Let’s stay conservative… PS: in any case, this is strictly not ‘American’.
SGP:572 - 83 points. |
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Yellowstone ‘108 Proof’ (54%, OB, Single Malt, USA, +/-2025) 
We’ve tasted some pretty good Yellowstone whiskies in the past. Colour: gold. Nose: of course, this doesn’t have the depth of the previous ones, that’s the problem with random lineups, but there’s a lovely vanilla porridge with sour cream. With water: fresher, but also more reminiscent of new wood. Moss and ferns, pleasant. Mouth (neat): it’s good, close to grains, breads, and spices, with a honeyed touch. Very nice. With water: same, moving toward a Christmas fruitcake with plenty of spices. The timing’s not bad, right? Finish: good length, nice softness, great spices, hints of dried figs in the aftertaste. Comments: no soaring heights, but no flaws either. This little one does the job, we’ll say. And the label is nice.
SGP:551 - 80 points. |
Let's finish with this little baby... |
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Willett 10 yo 2013/2024 (67.7%, OB, Family Estate, LMDW Foundations, Single Barrel Bourbon, cask #6684, 84 bottles, 2024) 
We admit very humbly, we don’t fully understand Willett, but our spirit is strong, and our outlook is positive. Colour: deep gold. Nose: medicinal alcohol and coconut, nothing unusual at these almost lethal ABVs. With water: honey, coconut, and custard. It’s fairly simplistic, even a bit lacking. Mouth (neat): fresh, banana, lemon, pepper, and coconut, with an alcohol level that could fuel all the missiles of poor Vladimir, who’s starting to resemble a dying axolotl. You might say this is a far cry from the tardigrade in D.C.. With water: pleasant, but very simple in terms of profile, and light in texture. Finish: not very long, simple, oaky. Comments: it really tastes like a Scottish grain whisky. It’s quite surprising and, above all, a little ‘empty’. No comprendo mucho, but we'll havr some much, much 'better' Willetts right tomorrow.
SGP:441 - 75 points. |
It’s better to stop here, but we’ll continue tomorrow, with indeed some Willetts that I definitely, definitely prefer... |
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