About Bourbon Critics
Bourbon Critics was born from a simple observation: bourbon reviews are everywhere, but consistency is nowhere. Two reviewers can taste the same bottle and arrive at wildly different conclusions, influenced by mood, setting, what they had for lunch, or which distillery flew them out last month.
We wanted something different. Something consistent, transparent, and impossible to bribe with a barrel pick invitation.
Our Approach
Every bourbon we review goes through the same rigorous process. We taste blind when possible, evaluate methodically, and write honestly. Our reviews draw on deep knowledge of distilling processes, flavor chemistry, and years of experience with hundreds of bottles across every price range and style.
The result is bourbon criticism that's thorough, consistent, and free from the biases that plague traditional reviews. No sponsorships. No paid placements. No "this is great because I got it for free."
What We Evaluate
Each review covers three core dimensions:
The aromatics — what you smell before the first sip. We identify primary, secondary, and tertiary aromas, noting complexity and evolution over time.
The taste experience — body, flavor profile, mouthfeel, and how the bourbon develops from entry to mid-palate. We evaluate balance, complexity, and distinctiveness.
The farewell — length, character, and evolution of flavors after swallowing. A great finish is the difference between a good bourbon and an unforgettable one.
The Scoring Scale
Our scores use a 1–10 scale with decimal precision. Here's what each range means:
One Pour a Week
Every week, we publish one new bourbon review. We aim for variety — mixing allocated whales with everyday shelf bottles, barrel-proof bruisers with smooth sippers, established distilleries with upstart craft operations.
Our goal is to build the most comprehensive, consistent, and useful bourbon review database on the internet. One pour at a time.
Ad Disclosure
This site is supported by advertising. Ad revenue helps us keep reviews independent and free. Ads never influence our scores or editorial content. Our recommendations are based solely on our honest tasting notes and evaluation process. We believe transparency builds trust — and trust is everything in bourbon criticism.
"The water of life deserves honest criticism."