Gentlemen Ranters

Recent Rantings

Whiskey Rebellion

The Whiskey Rebellion

What Was the Whiskey Rebellion? In the 18th century, a new nation was recovering from its War of Independence. The economy was in shambles. And,

Sour mash | Sour mash whiskey

Sour Mash Whiskey

Sour mash whiskey. If you’re a whiskey fan, you’ve likely seen this term on a bottle of American whiskey — rye, bourbon or Tennessee. But

what is Whiskey

What is Whiskey?

Let’s go back to the basics. The very basics. What is whiskey? Is it whiskey or whisky? And is it liquor or spirits? Don’t worry,

What is Bourbon?

What is Bourbon?

Consider this your Bourbon 101 course for the semester… Newcomers to the bourbon category can be intimidated by the terminology. And there is tons of

Wheated Bourbon

Wheated Bourbon Guide

You might have trouble finding the term ‘wheated bourbon’ or ‘wheated whiskey’ on the label of a bottle in your local liquor store. But it’s

Distilling Alcohol in Alembic copper still

Alcohol Distillation 101

When you see all of the various product categories for distilled alcohol at the liquor store, it can be overwhelming. Brandy, cognac, tequila, whiskey ⁠—

What is Cask Strength Whiskey

Cask Strength Whiskey

What is Cask Strength Whiskey? With its consistent rise in popularity on the American whiskey market over the last decade, cask strength whiskey is no

What is Bottled in bond

What is Bottled in bond

Whether you are a seasoned barfly or a casual drinker, you may have noticed that there are new fads in liquor and spirits almost every

Why is Alcohol Called Spirits

Why is Alcohol Called Spirits

With growing uncertainty and societal issues, many people take a break from it all and grab a drink to relax. Frequently, those drinks contain what

Bottles

What is a Well Drink

When talking about mixed drinks or mixology in general, well drinks are often relatively overlooked. However, these unassuming cocktails are actually the backbone of any

Drinking etiquette

Drinking Etiquette

Across the globe, one of the best places to mix it up and socialize is the local watering hole. A pub or a bar is

Recent Comparisons

Oban 14 vs Macallan 12

Oban 14 vs Macallan 12

Welcome to the big leagues. Today, we look at two of the most delicious and well-regarded single malt scotch whiskies on the market — Oban

Glenmorangie vs Glenlivet

Glenmorangie vs Glenlivet

Whisky lovers worldwide have a strong affinity for the two brands we’re looking at today — Glenmorangie and the Glenlivet. In this post, we’ll look

Crown Royal XR Red vs Blue

Crown Royal XR Red vs Blue

For those looking for a refined and sophisticated blend of Canadian whisky — one with an elevated retail price — Crown Royal XR is an

Lagavulin vs Laphroaig

Lagavulin vs Laphroaig

Today, we pit two peated whiskies that represent the smoky flavor and phenolic character for which the Isle of Islay is renowned. Whisky drinkers are

Paddy vs Jameson

Paddy vs Jameson

Welcome to our Irish whiskey introduction to two powerhouse brands: Jameson and Paddy Irish whiskeys.  Today, we’ll explore what to look for when comparing these

Macallan vs Glenlivet

Macallan vs Glenlivet

Two legendary Speyside whiskies face each other in this head-to-head matchup. But before we get any further, we should address the elephant in the room:

Bushmills vs Jameson

Bushmills vs Jameson

Not a single apostrophe anywhere to be seen. Okay, that’s a bit of an exaggeration. But it’s a bit of a novelty to find two

Ardbeg vs Laphroaig

Ardbeg vs Laphroaig

This battle of Islay is for all the peat heads out there. This matchup between two of the most well-known peated scotches is one that

Green Spot vs Yellow Spot

Green Spot vs Yellow Spot

It was a favorite of Irish writer James Joyce — among other famous Irish bards — and continues to be a favorite of whiskey enthusiasts

Johnnie Walker Platinum vs Blue

Johnnie Walker Platinum vs Blue

The Johnnie Walker portfolio includes a color-coded range that is widely available and globally distributed. These products include (from low to high-cost): Johnnie Walker Red

Speyside vs Islay

Speyside vs Islay

You’ve got questions about whiskies from Speyside and Islay. And we’ve got answers. But first, how do you feel about drastic oversimplifications? Perhaps you’ve read

Wild Turkey 81 vs 101

Wild Turkey 81 vs 101

Do you see those two bottles of Wild Turkey on the shelf? Want to know what makes them different so you know whether the increase

Glenlivet vs Glenfiddich

Glenlivet vs Glenfiddich

Battle of the glens. This matchup is between two of the most recognizable names in single malt whisky. Any whiskey lover who admits to never

Johnnie Walker Red vs Black

Johnnie Walker Red vs Black

Johnnie Walker is the best-selling whisky brand in the world. So for the drinker new to the scotch category, it’s the perfect place to start.

Crown Royal vs Jameson

Crown Royal vs Jameson

These blended brands are two of the top-selling whiskeys in the world. In the U.S. market, Crown Royal is the No. 2 selling whiskey brand

Canadian Club vs Crown Royal

Canadian Club vs Crown Royal

Grab some popcorn boys, these two Canadian whisky juggernauts are about to drop the gloves! Crown Royal and Canadian Club are two of the top-selling

Canadian Mist vs Crown Royal

Canadian Mist vs Crown Royal

Crown Royal is the No. 1 brand of Canadian whisky in global sales, while Canadian Mist is No. 3. And at home, Crown Royal is

Tullamore DEW vs Jameson

Tullamore DEW vs Jameson

Today, we look at two of the biggest names in Blended Irish Whiskey: Jameson and Tullamore DEW. These two brands are the leaders when it

Bourbon vs Whiskey

Bourbon vs Whiskey

When you’re new to the distilled spirits category, it’s easy to be thrown off by the casual conversation of whiskey nerds and bourbon aficionados, where

Scotch vs Whiskey

Scotch vs Whiskey

Is whisky scotch? Or, is scotch whisky? Well, both. Kinda. Let’s explore the nuanced usage of these terms. Consider this post your scotch whisky 101

Wild Turkey vs Jack Daniels

Wild Turkey vs Jack Daniel’s

Wild Turkey and Jack Daniel’s are two distinctly American brands familiar with newcomers to the American whiskey category and ardent whiskey drinkers alike. While both

Jack Daniels vs Johnnie Walker

Jack Daniel’s vs Johnnie Walker

The fight for global supremacy in the world of whiskey comes down to these two brands — which represent the whiskey-making traditions of two continents.

Wild Turkey 101 vs Maker's Mark

Wild Turkey 101 vs Maker’s Mark

We stand on the backs of giants. This matchup pits a protector of the pre-prohibition, high rye, bonded whiskey-making style against a pioneer in the

Irish whiskey vs Scotch

Irish Whiskey vs Scotch

Irish and Scottish whiskies have intertwined histories that date back nearly a millennium. But for the modern whiskey fan, knowing the nuanced differences between these

Bourbon vs Cognac vs Whiskey

Bourbon vs Cognac vs Whiskey

So, you’re eying up that bottle of Hennessy, Rémy Martin or Courvoisier at your local liquor store or favorite bar. You might find yourself asking,

Crown Royal vs Jack Daniel's

Crown Royal vs Jack Daniel’s

Tonight, we’ve got the North American heavyweight whiskey title on the line. Jack Daniel’s and Crown Royal. These are the two top-selling whiskey brands in

Eagle Rare vs Blanton's

Eagle Rare vs Blanton’s

Today, we look at two elusive bottles of bourbon that are much sought after by those in the know. The well-versed bourbon enthusiast is on

Bourbon vs Rum vs Whiskey

Bourbon vs Rum vs Whiskey

Think of this as continued education in your matured spirits track. So far, you’ve been learning more about distilled spirits, falling further and further down

Brandy vs Bourbon

Brandy vs Bourbon

Brandy vs Bourbon If you’re relatively new to the world of distilled spirits, you may find yourself torn between the bourbon and brandy aisles. Looking

Buffalo Trace Bourbon vs Maker's Mark Bourbon

Buffalo Trace vs Maker’s Mark

Buffalo Trace and Maker’s Mark are two of the most easily recognized and well-respected names in the world of Kentucky Bourbon. But name recognition alone

Irish whiskey vs Bourbon

Irish Whiskey vs Bourbon

We can all agree on the spelling. While American and Irish whiskeys have many things in common, both agree that whiskey should be spelled with

Eagle Rare vs Buffalo Trace

Eagle Rare vs Buffalo Trace

This matchup pits two products produced by the same company against each other. Both Eagle Rare and Buffalo Trace offer high-quality liquid for the suggested

Knob Creek vs Jim Beam

Knob Creek vs Jim Beam

What if we told you that Knob Creek was Jim Beam? And that Jim Beam was Knob Creek? Clearly, any bourbon fan who has tried

Maker's Mark vs Jim Beam

Maker’s Mark vs Jim Beam

This might be considered fratricide… Today’s matchup is between two brands of whiskey that fall under the same family tree. One an iconic bourbon, top-selling

Woodford Reserve vs Maker's Mark

Woodford Reserve vs Maker’s Mark

In this American whiskey showdown, we’ll take a look at two prominent Bourbon whiskey brands that are premium-category fan favorites of bourbon aficionados everywhere. While

George Dickel vs Jack Daniel's

George Dickel vs Jack Daniel’s

We’ve got a Tennessee showdown on our hands. Jack Daniel’s and George Dickel represent the No. 1 and No. 2-selling brands of Tennessee whiskey in

Jim Beam White vs Black

Jim Beam White vs Black

Aged a little older. A little higher proof. Jim Beam Black Label Bourbon is a premium brand extension of the popular Jim Beam offering referred

Crown Royal vs Maker's Mark

Crown Royal vs Maker’s Mark

If you are a well-seasoned bourbon or Canadian whisky aficionado, you may be wondering, ‘Why does this post exist?’   These two brands might have more

Knob Creek vs Woodford Reserve

Knob Creek vs Woodford Reserve

We’ve got ourselves a very fine matchup, indeed. Most bourbon drinkers are familiar with the names Knob Creek and Woodford Reserve. But a closer look

Buffalo Trace vs Knob Creek

Buffalo Trace vs Knob Creek

In the showdown between Knob Creek and Buffalo Trace, the real winner is anyone calling themselves a bourbon fan! Each is an excellent bourbon. You

Woodford Reserve vs Bulleit Bourbon

Woodford Reserve vs Bulleit

To the bourbon aficionado crowd, Bulleit Bourbon and Woodford Reserve are two well-known and well-respected brands in the premium segment of the bourbon category. But

Knob Creek vs Bulleit

Knob Creek vs Bulleit

Big. Bourbon. Flavor. Bulleit and Knob Creek bourbons are excellent representations of the American whiskey style — big, bold bourbons with considerable rye content and

Bourbon vs Scotch

Bourbon vs Scotch

Old school, meet new school. Bourbon and scotch are two of the most popular sub-categories of distilled spirits. The first thing we should point out

Evan Williams Black Label vs Green Label

Evan Williams Black vs Green

There are a few reasons you may have entered ‘Evan Williams Black Label vs Green Label’ into a search engine. Maybe you’re a customer at

Bourbon vs Rye

Bourbon vs Rye Whiskey

‘Bourbon’ and ‘Rye’ describe two of the most prominent American whiskey styles. They both grew from similar origins. Their histories are so intertwined that the

Jim Beam vs Jack Daniel's

Jim Beam vs Jack Daniel’s

Grab your popcorn and a comfy seat and get ready for the battle of a lifetime — one that has been centuries in the making.

Bulleit vs Maker's Mark

Bulleit vs Maker’s Mark

Maker’s Mark and Bulleit. These two iconic bourbon brands were instrumental in the whiskey renaissance that began in the 2000s. And they both continue to

Jim Beam vs Evan Williams

Jim Beam vs Evan Williams

Set your DVR. In many ways, Jim Beam vs Evan Williams is the ultimate bourbon heavyweight matchup. In terms of volume, these are the two

Ezra Brooks vs Evan Williams

Ezra Brooks vs Evan Williams

If you are looking for a bottle of reasonably-priced bourbon, you’re likely to come across two bottles that have a lot in common: Ezra Brooks

Buffalo Trace vs Bulleit

Buffalo Trace vs Bulleit

Buffalo Trace and Bulleit Bourbon are two of the most well-known American whiskeys on today’s marketplace. Whiskey lovers, bourbon enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike have

Jack Daniels vs Evan Williams

Jack Daniel’s vs Evan Williams

If you come across bottles of Jack Daniel’s and Evan Williams at your local whiskey shop, a number of things become apparent immediately. In addition

Larceny Bourbon vs Maker's Mark Bourbon

Larceny Bourbon vs Maker’s Mark

Well, if you’re in the mood for a well-matured, smooth, mellow bourbon, then you could do worse than to choose between Maker’s Mark and Larceny.

Larceny Bourbon vs Buffalo Trace

Larceny Bourbon vs Buffalo Trace

Whiskey aficionados are deeply familiar with two of the most recognizable names in bourbon: Buffalo Trace and Larceny bourbon. But how do these two match

Vodka vs Whiskey

Vodka vs Whiskey

Vodka and whiskey are two types of alcoholic spirits, enjoyed in cocktails or “on the rocks” for sipping. These two alcohols are among the most

Gentlemen Libations

The Burning Chair bourbon bottle

Burning Chair Bourbon

Although it’s a relatively low-volume brand compared to the big-name brands from Kentucky and Tennessee, Burning Chair Bourbon launched to positive reviews and nearly instantaneous

Eagle Rare 10 Year Single Barrel bottle

Eagle Rare 10 Year Bourbon

If you’ve spent time perusing the many bourbon-focused websites, blogs, social media groups and messaging boards sprinkled across the internet, you’ve seen the hype that

Old Grand-Dad 114

Old Grand-Dad 114

Old Grand-Dad 114 is an underappreciated piece of bourbon history. Since we’ve already reviewed Old Grand-Dad and Old Grand-Dad Bonded, today it’s only fair to

Old Grand Dad Bonded Bourbon bottle e1623706795722

Old Grand-Dad Bonded

Every bottle of Old Grand-Dad Bonded is a trip into the past. In this post, we hope to paint a picture of why this beloved

Old Grand-Dad Bourbon 80 Bottle

Old Grand-Dad Bourbon

This ‘bottom-shelf bourbon’ got it going on. Bourbon lovers of all stripes — from the ultra-premium high-roller to the value-loving loyalist — have a great

Old Overholt Rye bottle

Old Overholt Rye

Old Overholt Straight Rye Whiskey holds historical significance as the nation’s oldest continuously distributed American rye whiskey product on the market. But for way too

Old Crow Bourbon whiskey

Old Crow Bourbon

Bourbon drinkers understandably have some questions about this bargain bin bourbon brand with the intriguing historical backstory. Owned by parent company Beam Suntory, it’s true

George Dickel Classic No. 8 Recipe Tennessee Whisky

George Dickel No. 8

Today, we look at the ‘other’ Tennessee whiskey. George Dickel No. 8 Recipe is a sour mash Tennessee whiskey that is matched up against Jack

George Dickel No. 12 bottle

George Dickel No. 12

Today, we’ll take a look at a whiskey that may fly under the radar in some American whiskey circles — George Dickel Tennessee Whisky No.

Jim Beam Black Label Bourbon bottle

Jim Beam Black Label

Jim Beam Black is a premium product that elevates the brand’s standard-expression white label offering. Those accustomed to the flavor of Jim Beam white label

Crown Royal Blended Canadian Whiskybottle

Crown Royal Canadian Whisky

Crown Royal Blended Canadian Whisky is one of the top-selling brands in the world in terms of volume. Surprised? You shouldn’t be. When it comes

Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon Review

Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon

Wild Turkey 101 might be one of the most underappreciated bourbon brands on the market. Yeah, that’s a loaded statement. But hear me out. First,

Widow Jane 10 Year Bourbon bottle

Widow Jane 10 Year Bourbon

In this whiskey review, we’ll take a look at a bourbon that has generated a lot of buzz in the nine years or so since

Rowan's Creek Bourbon bottle

Rowan’s Creek Bourbon

With its wine bottle design and the childlike ‘handwritten’ font face look on the label, Rowan’s Creek Bourbon stands out on a liquor shelf. It

Evan Williams Green Label bottle

Evan Williams Green Label

Recently, I was asked to review Evan Williams Green Label – a brand extension of the more familiar Black Label product. The only problem: I’ve

Ezra Brooks Bourbon bottle

Ezra Brooks Bourbon

For many whiskey drinkers — present company included — Ezra Brooks holds a special place in their distilled spirits journey. If Jack’s name-recognition serves as

Jim Beam White Label bottle

Jim Beam White Label

Today, we’re going to take a look at Jim Beam Bourbon — the No. 1 selling bourbon, both domestically and internationally. The brand’s most widely

Evan Williams Black Label bottle

Evan Williams Black Label

Evan Williams Black Label Bourbon is the No. 2 selling Bourbon whiskey in the United States. Its price point — on the upper edge of

Jack Daniel's Old No 7, Tennessee whiskey Bottle

Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7

If you haven’t tried Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, you are either a newcomer to the American whiskey category — or actively avoiding it. Jack Daniel’s

Gentleman Jack Whiskey bottle

Gentleman Jack Whiskey

Some brands simply need no introduction. For whiskey, that brand is Jack Daniel’s. We’ve all heard someone next to us at the bar order a

Makers Mark Bourbon bottle

Maker’s Mark Bourbon

Maker’s Mark is a true pioneer — a brand that has truly played an important role in the history of Bourbon Whiskey and its trajectory

Bottle of Legent Kentucky Straight Bourbon whiskey

Legent Bourbon

Legent Bourbon is one of those modern-day bourbons that doesn’t quite easily fit into one of the established and traditional categories that make up the

Booker's Bourbon bottle

Booker’s Bourbon

Officially introduced to the public in 1992, Booker’s Bourbon hit the whiskey market right away with great fanfare. Having been the first “small batch” bourbon

Woodford Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey bottle

Woodford Reserve Bourbon

Woodford Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a highly respected bourbon with a reputation for being one of the best premium small batch Kentucky straight bourbon

Knob Creek Small Batch Bourbon bottle

Knob Creek Small Batch Bourbon

Knob Creek is one of America’s most famous Bourbon whiskey brands. The brand has been a popular bourbon for many years now, and it has

Michter's Small Batch Bourbon

Michter’s Small Batch Bourbon

A classic American whiskey with its roots in the Bourbon whiskey market dating back to 1753, Michter’s Small Batch Bourbon US*1 is essentially an institution

Blanton's Single Barrel Bourbon bottle

Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon

Odds are, if you know anything about the world of bourbon whiskey, then you’ve most likely heard about Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon whiskey. Introduced in

Evan Williams Honey Bourbon bottle

Evan Williams Honey Bourbon

Evan Williams Honey Bourbon is a wonderful choice for anyone desiring a mild, light, and well-crafted bourbon. The bourbon is flavored with real honey, and

1792 Bourbon Full Proof Bottle

1792 Bourbon Full Proof

1792 Bourbon Review Originally known as Ridgewood Reserve 1792 and later, 1792 Ridgemont Reserve, today’s iteration of the brand is known simply as “1792 Bourbon”.

Merica Small Batch Bourbon bottle

Merica Small Batch Bourbon

The story of Merica Bourbon is one that any true American patriot can get behind. Originally founded by Derek Sisson, the brand is American veteran-owned

Wild Turkey Rare Breed Bourbon bottle

Wild Turkey Rare Breed Bourbon

Wild Turkey Rare Breed Bourbon is a popular mid-range bourbon that has been around for decades. The brand has become a consistent and reliable choice

Angels Envy Bourbon bottle

Angel’s Envy Bourbon

Angel’s Envy is an excellent option when considering your next bourbon to explore. The famed brand of bourbon is owned and made by the well-known

Four Roses Bourbon bottle

Four Roses Bourbon

Since 1888, Four Roses Bourbon is a proven and high-quality bourbon line with a loyal consumer base. The Four Roses brand is highly respected for

Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream bottle

Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream

If you are in the market for a rich, delicious, and delightful alternative to your usual whiskey bourbon choice, we think that Buffalo Trace Bourbon

Buffalo Trace Bourbon bottle

Buffalo Trace Bourbon

Hailing from one of America’s oldest working distilleries, Buffalo Trace Bourbon is the quintessential traditional American single barrel Kentucky bourbon. Having been released to the

Blood Oath Pact No 6 Bourbon

Blood Oath Pact No 6 Bourbon

Blood Oath Bourbon, specifically Pact No. 6, is an exquisitely blended bourbon that is highly esteemed in the bourbon world and well known for its

Bulleit Bourbon bottle

Bulleit Bourbon Whiskey

Bulleit Bourbon is a tremendously popular straight bourbon choice among many whiskey loyalists who value quality craftsmanship and attention to detail. The spirit is loved

Basil Hayden's Bourbon bottle

Basil Hayden’s Bourbon

Odds are, when asked to name a bourbon, the first brand to come to most Americans’ minds will be Jim Beam, and for good reason.

Larceny Bourbon bottle

Larceny Bourbon

John E. Fitzgerald. The man. The myth. The legend. When it comes to the stories behind bourbon brands, some are grounded in fact, while others

Rebel Yell Bourbon Whiskey

Rebel Yell Bourbon

Don’t sleep on this wheated bourbon with Stitzel-Weller lineage. Rebel Yell Bourbon is often left out of the wheated discussion. It is a borderline value

Redemption Bourbon

Redemption Bourbon

As many whiskey aficionados are all too familiar with, American whiskey has a storied history with a tremendously high bar for quality already having been