by Don Williams | Mar 19, 2026 | American History, Bourbon basics, Bourbon history, Bourbon Information, Bourbon News, Whisky history
There was a time—not all that long ago—when bourbon could do no wrong. New distilleries were popping up faster than rickhouses at Buffalo Trace. Limited releases vanished in minutes. Prices climbed, and nobody blinked. If you had barrels, you had gold. If you had a...
by Don Williams | Feb 27, 2026 | American History, Bourbon history, Bourbon Tasting, History, Unique Bottles, Whiskey, Whisky history
This week, I was able to sample some very different whiskeys with one common trait: each was a Chicken Cock bottle. From Cotton Club Rye to their Wheated bourbon, each was very interesting. I especially enjoyed Miller’s Reserve Whiskey. So, here is a deeper look at...
by Don Williams | Dec 5, 2025 | American History, Bourbon history, Bourbon News
On January 22nd, I am honored to participate in a special fundraiser supporting the Michigan WAR DOG Memorial. If you have never visited this memorial cemetery dedicated to War and Service Dogs, it is a powerful and humbling experience—one that pays tribute to the...
by Don Williams | Nov 21, 2025 | American History, Bourbon history, Bourbon Personalities, Bourbon Trivia, History, Kentucky
The Oldest Names in Bourbon: Separating History From Myth Every bourbon drinker has heard the claims.“Est. 1780.”“Since 1810.”“America’s oldest continuously produced bourbon.” Walk down any Kentucky rickhouse and you’ll see age-old names proudly stamped on barrels,...
by Don Williams | Aug 29, 2025 | American History, Michigan Distilleries, Whiskey, Whisky history
Making moonshine may seem romantic, but the reality is a much harsher story, filled with crime and heartbreak. Detroit’s long love story with whiskey has both shaped and reflected the greater American relationship with whiskey. Detroit Vineyards? Before the...
by Don Williams | Apr 25, 2025 | American History, Bourbon history, Bourbon Personalities, History, Kentucky Bourbon Trail
The inaugural class for the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame was in 2001. This was many years before the bourbon boom, and the names elected in that first year were primarily iconic. Parker Beam, Lincoln Henderson, Elmer T. Lee, Booker Noe, Jimmy Russell, Jim Rutledge,...
