Welcome to Brown Water Review

My mission is simple: explore the uncharted corners of the whiskey world. From hidden gems and underdog distilleries to the “is it really worth the hunt?” allocated bottles—we dive into it all. Each review is crafted to give you an honest, engaging, and sensory-driven experience that goes far beyond the familiar labels.

My hope? That after reading any post, you feel inspired to grab a glass, discover something new, and say, “I’ll drink to that.”

History: How It All Started

It all began with a single drink shared with my father-in-law—and like most great stories, it escalated quickly. What started as casual sips turned into a full-blown passion, especially during the years when even the most common bottles felt like impossible-to-find treasures. Anytime I got something new, I’d bring it straight to him to get his take.

In 2023, after a trip along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, I realized I wanted to do more than collect bottles—I wanted to share the experience. That’s when Brown Water Review was born. To keep my father-in-law connected to the journey, I added a “seal of approval (or disapproval)” to my reviews, a small nod to the conversations that started it all. Over time, that expanded to include thoughts from my mom, mother-in-law, and even a few Army buddies.

The phrase “I’ll drink to that” started as a fun way to engage distilleries with the blog. I’d give them an honest review, and they’d send back a sticker or patch. That tradition comes from my years in the U.S. Army, where we traded patches to build connections between units, or with kids who were excited to say hello or see our trucks up close. It carried naturally into the whiskey world: a simple, genuine exchange rooted in respect, curiosity, and good stories.

Thanks for being part of this growing community—from one pour, to one story, to one honest review at a time. Here’s to shared bottles, shared experiences, and all the good whiskey still ahead.

Thanks for being here.

I’ll drink to that.
—Shane