Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey

Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey

What if I told you that what people widely promoted as the most manly, ass-kicking kind of spirit was actually formulated to be rather sweet and gentle? You might think you're getting Motorhead, but you're actually getting REO Speedwagon.  Overall Rating: ★☆☆

Gordon's Gin

Gordon's Gin

The perennial white knight of the bottom shelf, Gordon's is a surprisingly fine answer when it comes to gin and tonics or classic martinis.  Overall Rating: ★★☆

Ardbeg Corryvreckan

Ardbeg Corryvreckan

Sometimes you find yourself in the mood for a quiet, comforting dram. Other times you want a monster to stomp all over you. This is not a quiet, comforting dram.  Overall Rating: ★★★

Bowmore 15 Darkest

Bowmore 15 Darkest

There's a lot about the Bowmore 15 "Darkest" that's fairly criticized for being inauthentic. However, I think it tastes great, so I'm conveniently looking the other way.  Overall Rating: ★★☆

New Amsterdam Gin

New Amsterdam Gin

If you're basing your understanding of "New American" gins based off of what's in the New Amsterdam bottle... uh, don't.  Overall Rating: 

Forty Creek Copper Pot Reserve

Forty Creek Copper Pot Reserve

Sweet needn't be a bad thing, but you've really got to buckle in for a shockwave of maple if you want to get your tentacles around this one.  Overall Rating: ★★☆

Bacardi Superior Rum

Bacardi Superior Rum

I'll be honest: if this stuff is superior rum, I'm having a really hard time trying to think of a single rum that it's actually superior to.  Overall Rating: 

Cutty Sark Prohibition Edition

Cutty Sark Prohibition Edition

Sometimes an upmarket version of a rack-grade blend comes correct. The Prohibition edition is far and away better than regular Cutty for not too much more money.  Overall Rating: ★★☆

Old Grand Dad Bonded

Old Grand Dad Bonded

Grand Dad wouldn't steer you wrong. Slap a twenty on the counter and run out of the store giggling when you think of what a gonzo value this is.  
Overall Rating: ★★★

Fortaleza Reposado

Fortaleza Reposado

Looking for a reposado that doesn't taste like an unappealing compromise? We've got the bottle for you in the Fortaleza.  Overall Rating: ★★★

Hornitos Reposado

Hornitos Reposado

The reposado from Hornitos isn't a bad product, per se, but it's an underwhelming mixer I think can be partially explained by its production process.  Overall Rating: ★☆☆

Glenmorangie Lasanta

Glenmorangie Lasanta

The Lasanta is the awkward middle child in the Glenmorangie cask-finished lineup: not pretty like the Nectar D'Or and not bold like the Quinta Ruban, it slumps into a distant third place.  Overall Rating: ★☆☆

Plantation "Stiggin's Fancy" Pineapple Rum

Plantation "Stiggin's Fancy" Pineapple Rum

Pineapple rum used to be a thing. Then it waned in popularity. Now it's back thanks to Plantation and author David Wondrich, who are doing the lord's work.  Overall Rating: ★★★

Cutty Sark Blended Scotch

Cutty Sark Blended Scotch

You've probably seen this bottle at your grandfather's house. Odd that you probably know more about whisky at this point than your grandfather does.  Overall Rating: ★☆☆

Larceny Bourbon

Larceny Bourbon

If you're looking for a "wheater" bourbon to see what the category is all about, I'd say there are better locks to shove your key into.  Overall Rating: ★☆☆

Bank Note Blended Scotch

Bank Note Blended Scotch

We're all about praising value here at Spirit Animal, so here's one of the most praiseworthy blended scotches extant. The price here is almost absurdly low for the quality of the bottle.  Overall Rating: ★★★

Aviation American Gin

Aviation American Gin

Aviation is something of a paradox: a "light" gin. It's the forefather of a New American gin style that's tasty, but certainly not for everyone or for all applications.  Overall Rating: ★★☆

Oban Distiller's Edition

Oban Distiller's Edition

Sometimes we buy an expensive bottle of scotch almost knowing that it can't live up to our expectations for the price point. But when it does, boy is it a treat.  Overall Rating: ★★☆

Appleton Estate White Rum

Appleton Estate White Rum

Well, it isn't bad, but it's certainly one of the most boring rums I've had. I'd call it vanilla, but that would give readers the false hope of it tasting like something.  Overall Rating: ★☆☆

E&J XO Brandy

E&J XO Brandy

Yes, it's a $14 brandy. By all accounts it should be terrible, but either I'm a broken person or there's a lot of value and comfort here. 
Overall Rating: ★★☆