The Journal

Barrel Notes

Stories from behind the counter: the barrels we picked, how to taste them, and what is pouring this week. Written by the people who put their name on every bottle.

The Private Barrel wall at Maria's Market Place
Barrel Notes

How we pick a barrel

A day in Kentucky, a wall of samples, and the one pour that earns the Maria's Whiskey Club seal.

Jun 16, 20266 min read
Green River Wheated single barrel
This Week's Drop

A Father's Day wheater

The first Green River Wheated single barrel in the state, and why a wheated mash is the perfect gift pour.

Jun 13, 2026Drop
Rittenhouse Rye single barrel
How to Taste

Reading a proof: barrel strength, explained

What "cask strength" really means, and how a few drops of water can change everything.

Coming soonDraft
Jack Daniel's with the engraved MWC seal
The Club

Allocated raffles, explained

How a purchase earns you a shot at the bottles everyone is chasing, at state minimum.

Coming soonDraft
A Maria's Whiskey Club bottle outside the store
Club

Two years of Maria's Whiskey Club

From a single barrel to a wall. A look back at the picks, the people, and the points.

Coming soonDraft
Woodford Double Oaked engraved for Michigan
How to Taste

How to taste a whiskey neat

Nose, palate, finish. A simple way to get more out of every pour, in five minutes.

Coming soonDraft