Axis of Whisky

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Axis of Whisky Reviews and musings on the booze we love, from California to Campbeltown: bourbon, rye, single malt scotch, Japanese & world whiskies, and more.

Most good things in life come from our friends. Like an appreciation for the finest spirits from California to Campbeltown. When we move apart, we draw our bonds across countries and continents, and share what we love with new friends. That’s the axis. Ours stretches from the shores of Lake Michigan (Thane McDram, Chicago) to the shores of the Pacific (Baldo Oakstave, LA). We launched Axis of Wh**ky to share musings and reviews on the booze we love. You’ll find write-ups on old classics, rarities, up-and-comers, and more. Wherever you are, we invite you to pour a glass, join us, and enjoy. Join us at axisofwh**ky.com, instagram.com/axisofwh**ky, and twitter.com/axisofwh**ky

Why I love Bruichladdich, in five words (more or less).1. Terroir. Their watchword from the beginning. Expressing what’s...
10/09/2026

Why I love Bruichladdich, in five words (more or less).

1. Terroir. Their watchword from the beginning. Expressing what’s unique about their land. Nobody does it more purely.

2. Experimentation. I’ve LOVED tasting my way through these experimental mini-releases over the years. Their newly released Islay Rye is another brilliant example.

3. PEAT BOMBS. I’ve always been a peat freak, and nobody gets peatier. Octomore is the GOAT peat bomb, and always one of my top pours.

4. Heritage. I couldn’t touch most of the old pre-closing Bruichladdichs that they released to raise funds for their reopening in 2001, but my man JTR has cracked a few for me, and man, they’re wild.

5. 1990 Black Art. This is a personal one. Over a decade ago, I got this unforgettable bottle as an anniversary gift from my wife while also celebrating Thane’s 40th in Italy. I’ll never forget it.

Why do you love Bruichladdich?

Slàinte! - BO

**ky **ky

10/02/2026

Nobody knows about yet…everybody will soon.

Absolute delight being one of the first in the US to try this creamy, malty, knockout Speyside with friends old and new, hosted by at and guided by .

Tiny production—just 75k liters a year—but I sense big things on the way. Available in LA from , in Chicago from , and direct order from the distillery. DM for details!

Sláinte!

- BO

**ky **ky

A bit late to the party on this, but Booker’s Rye is back…with cinnamon?Mixed feelings, gotta say, about the return of a...
10/01/2026

A bit late to the party on this, but Booker’s Rye is back…with cinnamon?

Mixed feelings, gotta say, about the return of a 2016 titan—which we LOVED (see below)—only this time it’s been apple brandy barrels and steeped with cinnamon sticks.

The original was 13 years old, cask strength of 68.1% ABV, and notable for being one of the last experiments that the legendary Booker Noe put in the barrel in 2003 before he passed on in 2004. It came at serious premium–$300 a bottle–but it was legitimately a piece of modern American wh***ey history.

And it was DELICIOUS. Dark chocolate, chocolate mint, pine sap, anise, maple…unforgettable.

I’m seeing, let’s say, mixed reviews about the new one. Who’s tried it?

– BO

***ey

Went to Japan a few weeks ago and came back crazy inspired…by the place, the people, the food, and of course, the wh**ky...
09/28/2026

Went to Japan a few weeks ago and came back crazy inspired…by the place, the people, the food, and of course, the wh**ky.

Lots new and surprising in the Japanese wh**ky world these days, but let’s start with the classics. Welcome to AoW Japanese Wh**ky Week!

Kanpai,
BO

**ky **ky **ky

Hands-down one of the craziest drams we’ve drunk. ‘Farclas 1974 Cask Strength, 57.4% ABV. Truly something special. It’s ...
09/25/2026

Hands-down one of the craziest drams we’ve drunk. ‘Farclas 1974 Cask Strength, 57.4% ABV.

Truly something special. It’s old, bold and one of JTR’s favorites. (Who else would have this waiting in his cabinet—and break it out as soon as you hit town?) 31 years old, released only in the US.

The nose is complex with deep layers of heavy sherry and dried fruits. This continues on the palate with notes of both raisins and figs first marinated in sherry and then pressed. Just the right amount of sweetness and fruitiness that beautifully complements the old oak, vanilla and spice notes present in the background. Long finish reminds you to go slow with this one and savor the unique experience as it unfolds with each sip.

What’s the craziest bottle you’ve ever gotten to crack?

- BO

**ky

Do you remember your first? This dram kicked it all off for me. And it’s still got that magic—especially on a surprise 9...
09/23/2026

Do you remember your first? This dram kicked it all off for me. And it’s still got that magic—especially on a surprise 90F day in LA. Goes great with sea spray.

What was the first wh**ky that blew your mind?

- BO

I’ll admit it. I play favorites. And  has always been my favorite. Here are 5 Ardbeg releases everybody needs to know, a...
09/22/2026

I’ll admit it. I play favorites. And has always been my favorite. Here are 5 Ardbeg releases everybody needs to know, and that are never far from my glass.

Send to a friend who should be sipping Ardbeg right now. What’s your favorite of this bunch?

Slàinte! - BO

**ky **ky

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Marina Del Rey, CA
90291–90292, 90295

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