New Whisky Ratings: McCarthy's Oloroso Cask, Old Forester, Hardin's Creek, and More

This latest crop of new scores and reviews features the most recent sherry finish from McCarthy’s, as well as Old Forester 117 Bottled in Bond, Beam's new release from the Hardin's Creek Kentucky Series, and two new whiskeys from Lost Lantern’s Summer of Bourbon series. We review the second edition in the James B. Beam Distilling Co. Hardin’s Creek line: Frankfort. These reviews represent just some of our reviews and ratings. There are plenty more to come, all of which will be featured in our Fall issue.

95 McCarthy's Oregon Single Malt Oloroso Cask Finished 6 year old Limited Release 2023, 56%, $120

The renowned McCarthy’s single malt from Hood River Distillers in Oregon traditionally was a 3 year old expression, but lately it's been making a bigger commitment to aged whiskies. Last year came the release of a 6 year old, followed by a 6 year old finished in PX sherry casks, and now this year’s 6 year old Oloroso finished release. Each one seems to be better than the next. Tasting notes: Smoky, smoked meat and barbecue on the nose, sooty with charcoal notes reminiscent of a Laphroaig, fruit notes of cherry and apple, spice, bitter chocolate, and campfire embers.

94 Old Forester 117 Series Bottled in Bond Bourbon, 50%, $60

The latest release in Old Forester’s 117 Series, a limited expression series introduced in 2021 commemorates different aspects of Old Forester’s history and whiskey making. Previous releases have included Whiskey Row Fire, Warehouse H, High Angel’s Share, 1910 Extra Old, Extra Extra Old, and Bottled in Bond. They’re usually quite good—this one does not disappoint, and at $60 a bottle, it’s quite a bargain. Tasting Notes: Herbal and aromatic, appealingly bold and assertive. Brown sugar, cola, chocolate, and fresh peanuts meld with cherry, dried raspberries, and chocolate. The finish is full, nutty, chocolaty, and spicy.

93 Lost Lantern Single Cask Series Frey Ranch Nevada Straight Bourbon, 68.6%, $110

From Vermont-based independent bottler Lost Lantern—part of its Summer of Bourbon series, which comprises 8 separate bourbon releases from craft distillers around the United States. This one from Nevada estate distiller is aged 5 years, and has a mashbill of 67% corn, 12% malted barley, 11% rye, and 10% wheat, all grown at Frey Ranch. Just 217 bottles were released. Tasting notes: Cooked raspberries, strawberry tart, light hint of tobacco and creamed coffee, warm dark chocolate, balanced oak dryness, and spice. Creamy palate and mouthfeel, but it’s a strong one that needs water.

92 Lost Lantern Soaring Spice Frey Ranch Distillery Nevada Straight Bourbon, 63.8%, $100

Also from the Lost Lantern Summer of Bourbon collection. Some 900 bottles of this 4 year old, four-grain bourbon were produced. Tasting notes: Orange peel, fresh grain, dried herbs and spices, fiery spice on the nose, and more light fruit notes emerge with water. Very spiced on the palate, with notes including clove, nutmeg, and ginger, plus more dried orange, raspberry, and cherry. Candied sweetness and vanilla meld with spice on the finish.

91 Hardin’s Creek Kentucky Series Frankfort Bourbon, 55%, $170

The second release in the Hardin’s Creek Kentucky Series from James B. Beam Distilling Co., a trilogy of identical whiskies aged at three different Beam-owned warehouse sites—Clermont, Frankfort, and Boston. (The Boston release is due out in September.) It’s a look at the effects of warehouse provenance, or terroir, on a whiskey’s profile. Tasting notes: Jammy raspberry, burnt sugar, aromatic notes of cherry pie raspberry tart, confectionary powder. Soft viscosity but with a spicy bite, of pepper, bitter espresso, and licorice. The sweetness of toasted marshmallow and chocolate cream pie arises, cloaked in cigar ash and baked fruit.