Notes

Here you can view all the lovely things people had to say about the featured whiskeys and also view pictures that they have submitted.

Kalil Merhib

Kalil

Pepper and spice

John McDowell

Worm

Sweeter and more baking spices than I remember, which leads to a muddied finish, but still delicious

Colby Westbrook

Colbz

Yeah if you could just make this one all 24 days next year I’d be just fine

Chad Wiley

There’s something off putting on the nose that wasn’t there last year. Yes, I washed my glass…

McKenna Beddingfield

McK

This bourbon is so good just straight out of the bottle. It's a fantastic, deliciously butterscotch hinting amazing drink. I'm so glad Mystic is in Durham, NC.

Drew Beard

Drinkhacker Drew

Smells like I stuck my face in a can of Hershey's cocoa powder. Craft-y, expressive, and heavy on the oak but no lumberyard. The palate is impressively round and oily but a little monotone and a bit light on the fadeout with that chocolate-heavy candy bar quality dominating.

Dan Flecker

Dan “Alex’s Friend” Flecker

Mystic Broken Oak By far one of my favorites of the year! Initial smell was rough. The taste was much sweeter but definitely not initially a favorite. After a few minutes the nose became much sweeter. Strong maple smell now. Vanilla. Pipe tobacco. Bitey taste. Each taste feels more familiar. Enjoyable to drink, couldn’t tell you if this is super good or not, but I’m going to rate towards the middle of the pack as a standard. If I can change that later I probably will. I have very little frame of reference. Putting a small piece of ice is definitely what I like. I just don't love warm alcohol. I prefer cold liquid or even just poured over chipped ice. I’d definitely put this in my coffee… or Dr. Pepper. So that’s good, right?

Bryce Freeman

Bryafree

Absolutely fantastic. Loved this one, definitely tasted the sweetness.

Zach Bennett

Been waiting all year to have this one again. One of the most unique and delicious bourbons I’ve ever had. Cheers to another great advent!

Jackie Connor

JC

I feel like these pants deserve a comment. Love it. 🤣

Christopher Reeves

BAND-AID

Nothing gets me in that holiday spirit more than knowing i have 1 dram to nail and 23 drams to wildly guess! Love it. Also Indian? little honey, lil molasses. pretty smooth! lil nuttiness on the end there. Oh man that smells amazing. high proof. Cydne "would actually sip on that". Made me sneeze thrice. Deeply candied. Adding water brings out maple syrup, oak.

Wil Saleeby

How did this win last year??? Not THAT good.

Wil Saleeby

Ah, local favorite!

Sam Kube

Scooby

Well here it is again, that time of year That ole JK brings us so much cheer I sniffed this whiskey in my chair, so sweet with cinnamon in the air The first sip came with vanilla light, a gentle taste, soft, warm, and bright. Honestly I cannot say why But I liked it far more than last year's try. Would I drink this in a sleigh Riding through snowy winds on Christmas day? Yes I would says Sam-I-Am A positive start to advent with this little dram

Keith Bryson

Keefus

Love it!

Scott Maclean

Nutty, earthy, ultimately tasty. I can see why this won last year. Very nice start to this year’s calendar.

James Hatfield

Hanky

This is my recommendation. Of course it rocks.

Sam Knoll

Chef Sam

Absolutely wonderful. Great color and aromas!!

Mark Soticheck

None

Great kick off! Admittedly I am entirely new, but this is solid. Like it neat before adding ice. Aftertaste of vanilla and maple syrup, or maybe I am jonesing for pancakes.

David Pearson

daveyd

The most challenging yet.

Scott Duda

Duda

Definitely would have gotten the type correct. Maybe been close on the proof. Caramel start. Not a fan of this one.

Tyler Sain

TSain

Jim Engelman

None

Very smooth

James Hopkins

Tubs

Mouth Magic. I enjoyed this yesterday during the tour and while I'm not a bourbon guy, I'd sip on this next to the only 2 other bourbon's I'd actually buy: Michter's Sour Mash & Mystic Bottle in Bond--Allan's 2023 submission. Am I becoming a Bourbon Guy Again?