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 Here you will find a selection of our top general articles from Castle & Cairn by topic. If you're looking to get started, this list should keep you busy for a while! Sections are updated as we publish new posts. For more background on this blog and our purpose, visit the About Us page.

a classroom where distillers are learning about whiskey

Whiskey General Information

Whiskey is both a beverage and a hobby. Educating yourself regarding the history of whiskey is a great way to connect with people the world over. Long a go-to topic for hotel bars, talking about a favorite pour or cocktail is a fantastic way to break the ice with strangers. The growing list below has a summary of everything I have learned along my whiskey journey, roughly broken out by level of depth. Feel free to peruse in any order you like, the sections are merely to break things into more palatable chunks, some of the articles are quite long!

Intro to Whiskey

This section holds what could be considered "common" whiskey facts as well as guidance for those just starting to get into the whiskey hobby.

Intermediate Whiskey Knowledge

By now you feed good about drinking whiskey neat and enjoy it. This section is geared to aid those who have tried a number of whiskeys and wish to take the hobby to the next level. The focus here is on the palate, detailing tasting experiences and sharing them. 

Advanced Whiskey Concepts

The "Advanced" section holds what is largely minutiae and science. These articles cover chemistry, food science, and production methods in depth and are written with the "whiskey nerd" in mind. 
For a full list of our reviews, complete with bottle backgrounds and history, visit: Reviews. For a table with all spirits reviews and their ratings, please reference the frame below. Note that all reviewed bottles have been tasted multiple times, often with a blind tasting to solidify the rating. Ratings are adjusted over the life of the bottle with updates noted (some bottles will get better, some worse).

General Spirits

These articles  focus on spirits broadly and will also be home to rum, gin, vodka, and tequila themed items.

Beer

Beer is good and stuff, let's go drink some:
image of a game controller next to a bottle of whiskey at night in front of a tv

Drinking & Video Games

Here you will find a section of our custom drinking game rules. Always remember to use good judgement and consume in moderation!

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🍺🍷🥃 Beer, Wine, and Spirits Rebate Website Master List

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If there is anything I love more than a good drink, it's saving money buying that good drink! The rules for providing discounts on alcohol differ substantially between states with some allowing outright discounts or coupons and others entirely disallowing any sort of purchase incentive. Thankfully though, in my native Georgia as well as most states, a simple reimbursement approach is permissible.  Alcohol Rebate Site Master List The following sites are relatively stable for each manufacturer. New offers usually come out every few months. None of these are affiliate links and I provide no assurance as to the process. I have saved so much money using rebates and hope you have similar success. Best practices and general process advice will be presented at the bottom. New sites will be added as I uncover them. Beer Rebates Boston Beer Company Brands  - Angry Orchard, Dogfish head, Hard Mountain Dew, Samuel Adams, Sun Crusher, Truly, and Twisted Tea. Some brands may not have active...
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☕ All Java Monster Flavors Tasted & Ranked

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🥃Review #20 Elijah Craig Barrel Proof - Private Barrel Distiller's Selection

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🥃Review #64: E.H. Taylor Small Batch Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon - 2025

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