January 2026 Blind Handshake Challenge
Today's discussion centers on the Blind Handshake Challenge, a unique and engaging initiative within the whiskey community. Beyond my roles as a Bourbon Awareness Owner and GM and a Faculty Instructor at Whiskey University, I am deeply engaged with various social media platforms to gain enhanced insights into the whiskey industry and its clientele. Notably, the Bourbonado Community, hosted on Skool, stands out as an exemplary group within the digital whiskey sphere. It distinguishes itself through its informative, friendly, and supportive environment, where members actively foster positive interactions and goodwill. A testament to this community spirit was evident last fall, when I solicited support for SLB Cares to reach its donation target for Riley's Children's Hospital in Indiana, resulting in widespread member contributions. Such generosity epitomizes the essence of the Bourbonado Community and Bourbon Awareness, which emphasizes community benevolence.
The Blind Handshake Challenge entails receiving four blinded samples of Bourbon or Rye whiskey. Participants are tasked with evaluating and ranking each, followed by posting detailed reviews within The Bourbonado Community. Upon review publication, the identities of each sample are disclosed, allowing community members to appreciate the results.
My methodology in whiskey evaluation is rooted in positivity: I approach each sample with an open mind, allowing the spirit's inherent qualities to inform my assessment. The whiskey domain is expansive and multifaceted, characterized by complex flavor profiles that demand thorough and objective scrutiny. Individual tastes are inherently subjective; hence, all preferences are valuable without hierarchy. Despite my broad appreciation for whiskey varieties, I hold a particular affinity for Bourbon and Rye. My evaluations will deliver honest, expert insights, yet I celebrate and encourage diverse perspectives within the whiskey community.
In maintaining the strict standards of Bourbon Awareness, the whiskey samples were meticulously analyzed in a Glencairn glass, rested for a minimum of 10 minutes, and subjected to a detailed examination lasting 30 to 45 minutes to unlock their intricate flavors and subtleties. Limestone-mixing water was used to enhance the precision of the tasting analysis.
Let us now explore what these four sample bottles reveal. I extend my gratitude to @Mitchell Ybarra from Texas for providing these blind samples for our January 2026 Blind Handshake Review.
Bottle # 1
Appearance: Amber with medium-to-long legs.
Nose: The aroma envelops you in a symphony of caramel accents, subtle vanilla, vibrant orange, and cherry compote, alongside baked apple, all underlined by a whisper of luxurious toasted oak with a touch of char. Scents of cinnamon rolls, lively orange peel, caramel, and a hint of luscious cherry and honey intertwine, crafting a rich bouquet that also highlights distinguished toasted oak characteristics.
Palate: A sophisticated interplay of vanilla-caramel nuances is gracefully interlaced with accents of toasted oak and a subtle char. The liquid exhibits a light to medium syrupy consistency with a refined, viscous mouthfeel that envelops the palate. The spice elements transition effortlessly to the mid-palate, revealing layers of caramel, vanilla, black pepper, cinnamon, and orange peel, complemented by a subtle hint of cloves and recurrent notes of toasted oak. A delicate trace of cherry delicately integrates with the spice and toasted oak, providing a harmonious coating over the entire palate.
Finish: The finish reveals an exquisite oily sweetness from orange peel, with an underlying touch of cherry, seamlessly integrated with a subtle peppery essence and layers of baking spices, including cinnamon and a hint of cloves. The pronounced toasted oak contributes to a lingering complexity that enriches the experience. As the tasting draws to a close, the toasted oak evolves into a refined leather note, culminating in a sophisticated, medium-long finish.
Summary & Final Thoughts: This pour is very lovely; I love the balance of sweetness, spice, and toasted, charred oak.
Bottle # 2
Appearance: Medium Copper with medium legs.
Nose: The nose resonates with an array of caramel and vanilla, intertwined with baked apple and peach, complemented by honey. A touch of oak, subtly infused with black pepper, cinnamon, and cloves, adds depth.
Palate: Upon tasting, one is immediately greeted by refined notes of vanilla, caramel, cinnamon, and a hint of honey, subtly underscored by black pepper, creating a warm and sophisticated foundation. As the experience unfolds mid-palate with a complex interplay of spices such as black pepper, cinnamon, clove, and a touch of cardamom, it emerges seamlessly intertwined with nuances of toasted oak and a gentle oak char. This offering has a light to medium viscosity, ensuring a harmonious, comprehensive coating across the palate.
Finish: The finish is relatively short, marked by delicate notes of vanilla and honey peach, a mild peppery undertone, and intricate layers of baking spices, such as cinnamon with just a trace of cloves. The oak plays a crucial role in enhancing the experience's refined complexity. As the tasting wraps up, the toasted oak transitions smoothly into supple leather notes.
Summary & Final Thoughts: This pour is good; I like the balance of spice and oak, with a touch of sweetness from the honey and fruit.
Bottle # 3
Appearance: Medium amber, with medium-to-long legs, leaving a medium viscosity coating on the glass.
Nose: The nose reveals a complex bouquet of caramel, butterscotch accents, black pepper, cinnamon, honey, and toffee, alongside caramel apple, all underlined by a whisper of luxurious toasted and charred oak. The oak characteristics are pronounced yet elegantly integrated, bestowing significant depth to the Bourbon.
Palate: The initial tasting experience offers a sophisticated fusion of sweetness and spice, with a medium-creamy texture. This rich mouthfeel engenders a subtle warmth, seamlessly intertwined with refined notes of silky caramel, butterscotch, cinnamon, black pepper, and an exquisite honey syrup that gracefully coats the palate. As the tasting journey progresses into the mid-palate, the spice elements evolve, unveiling a dynamic burst of warmth, with layers of black pepper, cinnamon, and a nuanced touch of cloves, complemented by recurring oak notes. The ethanol blends seamlessly with the spices and charred oak, delivering a warm, pleasant sensation that envelops the palate.
Finish: The finish ranges from moderate to long, with a sustained presence of delicately charred oak, smooth caramel, clove, cinnamon, and black pepper, complemented by subtle tones of leather and tobacco leaf. The dynamic interaction among the warm spices, oak, and the flavors of honey, caramel, and butterscotch amplifies its overall character, transforming it into a pleasurable tasting experience.
Summary & Final Thoughts: This pour is very respectable, with a warmth that is sometimes needed on a cold New Jersey winter; I love the balance of spice, oak, and a touch of leather and tobacco leaf on the finish.
Bottle # 4
Appearance: Deep amber, forming medium droplets with few legs in the glass.
Nose: I found aromas of rye spice, dense caramel, cinnamon spice, a hint of clove, vanilla buttercream, dark honey, charred oak, licorice, and a sprig of mint accented by a hint of leather and tobacco.
Palate: The initial sip reveals a silky texture with a medium- to full-bodied profile, accentuated by a robust burst of rye spice, black pepper, and charred oak. Upon a second tasting, the experience evolves into a more sophisticated interplay of creamy vanilla, cinnamon, floral black pepper, cherry, dried orange peel, cocoa, and licorice, punctuated by a hint of mint and some charred oak. This pour embodies the quintessential elements of a classic high-rye palette, yet distinguishes itself with a heightened complexity and a nutty, spicy sweetness. A smooth, viscous mouthfeel complements the richness and depth of flavor. While there is noticeable heat characteristic of its proof, it remains well-balanced and approachable.
Finish: The finish presents a subtle warmth that is both harmonious and well-balanced. It is permeated with an array of flavors, including caramel, cinnamon, black pepper, oak, rye spice, leather, and hazelnuts. Additionally, trace notes of licorice and mint derived from the rye contribute to a remarkably prolonged and intricate finish.
Summary & Final Thoughts: This pour is robust in flavor; I love the full-bodied rye spice, with traces of licorice and mint, and charred oak.
So the big question is the ranking? 1st place is Bottle #4, 2nd place is Bottle #1, 3rd place is Bottle #3, and 4th place is Bottle #2.
Among the diverse selection of samples, bottle #4 stood out for its exceptional taste. This particular sample delivered a smooth, viscous texture that expertly enhanced its rich, intricate flavor profile. The notable warmth, due to its elevated proof, accentuated the rye and black pepper notes while maintaining a balanced, approachable nature. Accompanying these elements was a nutty undertone, reminiscent of either peanuts or hazelnuts, complemented by subtle nuances of licorice and mint, resulting in a refined and enduring finish. Compared with bottle #1, bottle #4 decisively outperformed it.
Subsequent analysis was required to evaluate the comparison between bottles #1 and #3. Both showcased matching proofs and commendable flavors. However, bottle #1 exhibited mature characteristics and richness, which ultimately gave it an advantage over bottle #3. Meanwhile, bottles #2 and #3 both presented a pleasant toasted quality, with similar proof levels evident. In bottle #3, a hint of ethanol harmoniously blends with spices and charred oak, delivering a warm and agreeable sensation that envelops the palate. Bottle #2, however, was characterized by a slightly thinner consistency and pronounced ethanol heat, placing it in the last position in this evaluation.
So, here is the reveal of the Blind Handshake Challenge.
1st Place: Bottle # 4 Booker's Bourbon Kentucky Tea Batch, 126.5 proof, MSRP $85.59
2nd Place: Bottle #1 Very Olde St.Nick Ancient Cask Immaculata Bourbon, 118.1 proof, MSRP $260.00
3rd Place: Bottle #3 Nulu Toasted Small Batch Bourbon, TX Exclusive, 117.2 proof, MSRP $69.99
4th Place: Bottle #2 Penelope Barrel Strength Bourbon, Toasted Series, TX Select, 115 proof, MSRP 69.99
At Bourbon Awareness, you can learn more about America's native spirit. Bourbon Awareness and Whiskey University's sole mission is to educate the public about the history and virtues of Bourbon, Tennessee Whiskey, and other various whiskeys.
See our website at bourbonaware.com and whiskeyuniv.com/nj-central-new-jersey-area. You can contact us at harrycasazza@bourbonaware.com