So how do you review bourbon like a boss? Alright, like I have mentioned before, by no means am I an expert when it comes to tasting or reviewing bourbon, but let’s see how bad, or maybe good, I can do. It is pretty simple, when reviewing bourbon like a boss, just remember to “KISS” your bourbon; Keep It Simple Stupid. So here is how I will be rating my bourbon adventures:

• Save It (5): This is the highest rating I might give while tasting an excellent bourbon. Now I am not a believer in putting bourbon on the shelf and never drinking it; bourbon is made to be enjoyed, so drink it! But what I do believe in, is saving a bottle to share with friends and family. If a bourbon is this excellent, save the bottle for a special occasion and find another bottle as a weekly sipper.
• Drink It (4): This rating is just as it states, drink it! This bourbon is great and should be enjoyed as a daily or weekly sipper as it almost checks all the boxes as pleasant on the nose and delicious on the palate.
• Mix It (3): This bourbon is good, but it is what I like to call a young teenager that has yet to mature and find his or her way in life. It might open up a mature a bit as it sits on the shelf or it might not, but this bourbon still makes a great mixed drink.
• Donate It (2): So you opened that bottle back up that was shelved a month ago, and this bourbon is still so bad you will never drink it again. Simply donate it to a friend or family member that will appreciate it even if you do not; we all have them.
• Pour It (1): If it’s just too horrible to donate it, there is always the 6th category of “Pour it” which is painful to even mention, but we have all had that one bottle that was poured down the drain as an offering to the Bourbon Gods.
• Shelve It: This is a unique rating saved for the bottles that we all have bought before. We watched or read a review by someone else or we are super excited that we just found this year’s special limited release and when we go to taste it… well shit, that’s disappointing. Do not give up yet, shelve this bourbon for a while and come back to taste it after it opens up, even add some ice or water, as you never know what that second tasting experience might bring.

Remember, drinking bourbon is a personal adventure, so do not be afraid to drink it neat, with ice, or add some water. I always recommend trying a new bottle neat first to experience its true flavors and then, you do you. It’s your bourbon, you bought it, and you should enjoy it how you want to enjoy it. Now, let’s get our taste on!

Cheers! Prost! Sláinte!

Bourbon Bossman®