The Whiskeys I'm Drinking Now - Summer 2026 Edition

As we approach the end of summer, It’s definitely time for the summer 2026 installment of my blog series, “The Whiskeys I’m Drinking Now”. All four of these whiskeys are a bit rare and difficult to find, but they are out there if you really want to get your hands on one or more of them! Let’s talk rye and bourbon!

Wattie Booke & Sons Small Batch Ancient Reserve Bourbon Whiskey 1776 ($90). I discovered this unique bottling at a local liquor store (Manhattan Liquors) that always has a nice selection of rare and hard to find whiskeys. This bourbon hails from Kentucky, and is aged in new char barrels and released at 101.8 proof. It’s a deep dark caramel color in the glass, with notes of toffee, coffee, and cola on the nose. The mouthfeel is rich and full, with oak, milk chocolate, and dark cherry flavors. The finish shows coffee and earthy notes, along with butterscotch and nice balanced heat. A very nice whiskey, especially if you are inclined to like coffee notes throughout. Rating: Very Good.

Whistlepig Roadstock Rye Whiskey ($80). This rye whiskey has one of the most interesting stories of any I have tasted so far. In what can only be described as a bit of a gimmick, this rye was finished on the road in all-American barrels with a route across the country from LA to Vermont. The barrels used were craft wine and beer barrels. It’s 100% rye, and 86 proof. This rye is light gold in color, and has an interesting and unique fruity nose, along with floral notes as well. In the mouth, this rye is soft and approachable, with strawberry cream, raspberry, cherry and vanilla notes. All that said, it’s a bit weak and somewhat odd tasting, and lacks cohesion. You can definitely taste the wine barrel influence. In the end, it’s a bit thin and uninteresting, and seems like ALOT of work for a somewhat underwhelming product. I would not recommend. Rating: Average/Below Average.

Willett Straight Rye Whiskey Rare Release ($70). I found this one at Michaels On East Cellar (but have since seen it at other local liquor stores as well – not as rare as I initially thought!). This rye whiskey hails from Kentucky and comes in at 107.8 proof. It’s a light gold in color in the glass, and has an intense nose with spice, honey, stone fruit, and pecan. On the palate, this rye shows grain notes, black pepper, and toffee with hints of earth as well. And while it shows significant heat, it still comes off as smooth and nicely balanced. The finish is long and lingering, with malt, rye, and nutty notes. It’s an entirely unique rye that is intense, but and bold but sophisticated and beautifully balanced. Rating: Excellent!

Yellowstone Select Bourbon 109 Proof Barrel Select ($69). I almost always find Yellowstone whiskeys to be well-crafted and interesting, and I particularly enjoy their special bottlings that they produce throughout the year. This higher-proof bourbon shows cinnamon and spice, as well as moderate heat on the nose. It’s a unique deep redish caramel color in the glass, with vanilla, spice, brown sugar, and toasty oak on the nose and in the mouth. There is nice heat on the finish, but it’s slightly rough instead of smooth and silky. For the price, I’d expect a bit more finese’ and style. Good, but not great. Rating: Good.

I’ll be back in the fall with more whiskey reviews! Until then, give one or two of these a try and let me know what you think!