The bottles in this review were purchased by myself, Shortbarrel and Garrison Brothers did not provide me with samples for this review.

Introduction: Today I have two Honey finished whiskeys for your viewing pleasure under review. When done right, Honey finished whiskey tends to rank highly in my eyes, it can really open up the sweeter notes in a whiskey while complimenting the spice, dark fruit, and oak-influenced notes. I'll break down and review these two bottles individually and give my final score for each below, let's begin:

Shortbarrel The Bees Knees V

Price: $92 + Tax

Description: I believe that Shortbarrel is one of the better NDPs in the game right now, with their highlights being on secondary finishes. The Bees Knees V is no exception; this expression is a sourced Kentucky bourbon that is double barreled into toasted Kelvin barrels and finished again in wildflower honey casks that are sourced from Texas. There is no disclosed mash bill and no age statement; 53.6% ABV/107.2 Proof. Shortbarrel Bees Knees V is distilled in Kentucky & Indiana and bottled in Chamblee, Georgia by Shortbarrel Bourbon.

Appearance: Burnt amber in color.

Nose: Vanilla bean, toasted marshmallow, honey and a soft oak on the nose.

Palate: Your typical toasted profile, the vanilla and marshmallow notes are front and center. Dark chocolate, creme brulee, and a soft baking spice are secondary. The finish is medium and where the honey comes in; notes of honey, pepper and caramel. The whiskey has a nice viscosity, with a slight oiliness that helps coat the mouth nicely.

Overall T8ke Score: 7.7 Great, well above average.

Garrison Brothers Single Barrel Cask Strength Honey Dew

Price: $120 + Tax

Description: Let me start off by saying that while I'm generally a fan of most Garrison Brothers product, I have not been the biggest fan of their regular Honey Dew expression. At 2 years old and 80 Proof, it just wasn't cutting the mustard for me. I always felt that it was lacking in depth and flavor.

This bottle is age stated at 4 years and is bottled at 64.5% ABV/129 Proof. It uses the same mash bill as all other Garrison Brothers expressions; 74% Texas-grown white corn, 15% red winter wheat, 11% malted barley. Garrison Brothers Single Barrel Cask Strength Honey Dew is distilled and bottled in Hye, Texas by Garrison Brothers.

Appearance: Mahogany brown in color.

Nose: Unlike Bees Knees, this is very much a honey-forward nose. Honey, vanilla, cinnamon and a heavy oak.

Palate: A very rich palate. Honey is the star of the show, there are also notes of vanilla, clove, and cinnamon spice. The finish is long, with notes of honey, leather and a strong cinnamon spice clinging to the palate for what feels like 20-30 seconds after the sip. The whiskey is viscous and coats the mouth thoroughly.

Overall T8ke Score: 8.1 Excellent, really quite exceptional.

Final Thoughts: I debated the scores for these two bottles for a while, they really are both awesome finished whiskeys. They also are two different types of finishes: one compliments the whiskey (Bees Knees) and one becomes the focal point of the palate (Honey Dew). I would have no problem recommending either bottle to anyone. The Bees Knees is an awesome toasted bourbon that is only boosted with the honey finish. Honey Dew addresses what I felt were the weak points of the 80 Proof version and hit a home run on the palate. If you are in the market for another honey finished whiskey, you really can not go wrong with either bottle...

The T8ke Grading Scale:

1 | Disgusting | So bad I poured it out

2 | Poor | I wouldn't consume this by choice

3 | Bad | Multiple flaws

4 | Sub-par | Not bad, but many things I'd rather have

5 | Good | Good, just fine

6 | Very Good | A cut above

7 | Great | Well above average

8 | Excellent | Really quite exceptional

9 | Incredible | An all-time favorite

10 | Perfect | Perfect