Giddy up—Derby week called for a horse-centered model, so I put Blackwood Toasted Bourbon Small Batch Barrel Strength Batch 4 in the forecast. This one’s doing a whole lot: it goes through the “Blackwood toasting process,” meaning it’s finished in three different types of toasted barrels with varying levels of toast and char. It’s a Kentucky bourbon with a 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley mash bill (which makes me think Barton 1792), no age statement, but it is labeled straight bourbon—so it’s at least 4 years old. Batch 4 is bottled at 118 proof. The big hesitation? Price. MSRP is $159.99, and that’s steep for a toasted bourbon. On the nose, we’re off to a good start with creamy marshmallow vibes—think toasted marshmallows, toasted oak, creme brulee vanilla, plus hints of cherry, citrus, and nutmeg. The palate surprised me: darker and spicier than the nose, with sweetness up front, then earth spice, heat, younger seasoned oak, leather, burnt sugars, and a bunch of cinnamon red hot spice on the finish. When I add it all together, I land at a 6.8/10 on my Lightning Counter—toward the top of “Good.” Delicious enough, but at that price, it’s a tough sell. No matter where you are, it’s always Whiskey Weather.