Accidents can be costly, especially in the bourbon business. So when Wild Turkey realized they had mistakenly blended small batch bourbon with high proof whiskey, people were worried. But then the Associate Master Distiller tasted the accidental blend and declared it worthy of bottling, and a mishap turned into Wild Turkey Forgiven ($50). Forgiven clocks in at 91 proof and makes no apologies, accident or not. It has a spicy, bold taste that finishes unlike most drinks in its category. All is Forgiven, so track down a bottle because this one time foul up isn't likely to be duplicated.

Buy Now / $50

Vices

Beer

The Oracle Beer

If you crave hop intensity and prefer a trusted source, The Oracle ($20) from Bell's Brewery certainly fits the bill. This West Coast style double IPA is clean, resinous, and incredibly aromatic. You won't find much balance with this beer, but we aren't complaining, because it's all about the hops, and the 10% ABV packs a wallop as well. A drink that should be in every hopheads future.

Buy Now / $20

Vices

Whiskey

Johnnie Walker Platinum Scotch Whiskey

When it comes to Scotch whiskies, Johnnie Walker sits in the company of the most well known and best distributed in the world. To fit this description, they have a nice collection of options. Johnnie Walker Platinum ($110) falls in between Blue and Gold in their line, and is the latest release from the Scottish master blenders. Platinum was inspired by the Walker family's tradition of crafting private blends for company directors and special occasions. It was crafted from single malt and grain whiskies and is an incredibly smooth sipper with the subtle addition of the trademark Johnnie Walker smokiness. At 18 years old, it's a mature, exceptional blend worthy of your next significant event.

Buy Now / $110

Vices

Beer

Birra Fresca Cucumber Mint IPA Beer

Summer is winding down in many parts of the US, but that doesn't mean a crisp, refreshing beer isn't on our minds. Mint and cucumber are both regularly associated with refreshment, but rarely are they associated with beer. R & B Brewing Company out of Vancouver, Canada decided to take on this refreshment challenge, and have exceeded our expectations, and enlivened our palates as well. Birra Fresca Cucumber Mint IPA ($8) uses over 200 cucumbers that were sourced locally along with their mint. It's a fresh, clean, IPA to sip on in a comfortable chair as you wave farewell to summer.

Buy Now / $8

Featured Gear Question

Mack Weldon Smart Underwear

For the design team at Mack Weldon, "wearable technology" is much more than just the latest buzzword. It's the brand's DNA. These guys spent over 10,000 hours supercharging their collection of underwear, t-shirts and socks. To start, they engineered their own fabric: super-soft 18-hour jersey. Next came features like a no-roll waistband, mesh cool zones and stay-put legs. The result: underwear that, like you, never give up. And yes, shopping is easy at mackweldon.com. Simple selection, volume pricing and amazing service. Not satisfied? They'll cover your first pair. No buzzwords required.

Buy Now / $20+

Vices

Gin

FEW Barrel Gin

FEW Spirits in Chicago, Illinois make drinks that are an homage to the past. And one of their first specialty spirits is no exception. While it's quite common to put a spirit like tequila or rum into oak barrels, the practice was nearly extinct in the gin world. But Few Barrel Gin ($40) is now leading a pack of new barrel aged gins. It gives off the juniper aromas you are used to with a gin, but pours an amber color instead, thanks to the four months it spent in oak barrels. The result is a light smoky smoothness that is unlike any gin you've tasted. As the bottle states, "What once was clear is now complex."

Buy Now / $40

Vices

Coffee

Cold Bruer

Sipping on a cup of cold brewed coffee during the afternoon sure beats crushing a high fructose corn syrup soda, but it's usually a more expensive and more difficult process. The makers of Cold Bruer ($50) know that, and want to make it easier for you to brew at home. The system features a clean, sleek design which is highlighted during a visually appealing process. Kick the soda to the curb and save the cash from your coffee jar in favor of something that looks good and tastes better.

Buy Now / $50

Vices

Beer

Kentucky Ryed Chiquen Beer

When you travel the world, the thing most people associate with the great state of Kentucky is, you guessed it, fried chicken. Against The Grain Brewery is based in Louisville, so they know a thing or two about that reputation and have brewed a more than interesting tribute called Kentucky Ryed Chiquen ($12). This unique offering was brewed with rye malt and caramel rye from Germany, and was later placed in Redemption Rye barrels where it aged, soaking up just enough rye whiskey flavors. But don't worry, you won't taste chicken when you drink it, just a smooth barrel aged beer that even Colonel Sanders might have enjoyed, chicken feathers and all (which just happen to come stuck to every bottle).

Buy Now / $12

Vices

Rum

Zaya Gran Reserva Rum

Usually, when you think of rum you probably wonder what you should mix it with.
Well with Zaya Gran Reserva Rum ($30), you can wonder no more. Zaya is a product of Trinidad and Tobago, distilled from sugar cane juice, and aged a minimum of 12 years in small, oak barrels. By the time it fills your glass the vanilla aromas and the taste bring a remarkable balance of sweetness with a small spicy kick. We set aside our preconceived notions about rum and after tasting this, and are glad we did.

Buy Now / $30

Vices

Bourbon

Buffalo Trace Stagg Jr. Bourbon

When it comes to big, barrel-proof bourbons, there aren't many that are in the same class as George T. Stagg. After waiting for it to properly mature, Buffalo Trace is releasing a younger version of their award winning bourbon, named Stagg Jr. ($50). The son of Stagg is another beastly entry, clocking in at 134.4 proof, and also happens to be another incredibly inviting spirit. It's unrestrained and unapologetic, with strong oak, vanilla and even some smoky brown sugar flavors that should satisfy even the most hardcore bourbon fanatic. This young buck is poised to grab your attention, and might even challenge his old man for the spotlight.

Buy Now / $50

Vices

Beer

Prairie Bomb Beer

If you haven't heard of the upstart craft brewery based in Oklahoma called Prairie Artisan Ales, it's about time you became familiar. Prairie has some of the better Farmhouse / Saisons on the market already, and now they've dipped their toes into the Imperial Stout pool. Prairie Bomb! ($8) is a 14% Imperial Stout aged on coffee, cacao nibs, vanilla beans, and chili peppers. It's a rich, luscious experience with a faint chili pepper kick on the tail end. This one is as good as it sounds, so you might want to get out in front of stout season and pick up some Prairie Bomb! before it's gone.

Buy Now / $8

Vices

Bourbon

Elijah Craig 21 Year Old Bourbon

How much does the age statement on a bottle of bourbon mean? If you're like us, an older bourbon seems like it should be better, but doesn't always live up to the more mature billing, or price. One incredible exception however, is Elijah Craig 21-Year-Old Single Barrel Bourbon ($140). It's a remarkable bourbon that seems to be at an ideal age for sipping, with plenty of flavor, oak, and a subtle, easy burn. Where you might expect extra wood characteristics because of how long it spent in barrels you instead receive the welcome surprise of incredible balance. So have a pour and relax, and try to remember what you were doing when this stuff was put into barrels all the way back in 1990.

Buy Now / $140

Vices

Beer

Rockmill Dubbel Beer

Belgians are known around the world for their brewing expertise. One thing that sets the Abbeys and the Trappists apart is the water they use to make their fine brews. Well it just so happens that the water on a small farm in Ohio is nearly identical to that of Wallonia, Belgium, where Belgian Ale originated. Rockmill Brewing took advantage, setting up their brewery on a small farm plot nearby and are creating some fantastic Belgian beers. Included in the small collection is their take on the Belgian Dubbel ($14). A few sips of this sweet, malty gem will have you asking for more, and wondering if you aren't drinking something straight from Belgium.

Buy Now / $14

Vices

Bourbon

Four Roses 125th Anniversary Bourbon

There are certain things that signal the start of the fall season. Leaves change color, football season begins, and Four Roses releases a limited edition small batch bourbon. This year marks the 125th for the historic distillery, and while they are celebrating year round, the 125th Anniversary Limited Edition Small Batch ($85) might be cream of an already prestigious crop. It's an enticing blend of three of Four Roses unique bourbon recipes bottled at barrel strength that smells and tastes like a creamy vanilla, brown sugar dessert. Only 8,000 bottles will see retail store shelves, so don't miss out on this autumn masterpiece.

Buy Now / $85

Vices

Drinks

Poler x Stumptown Camp Coffee Kit

Miles away from home (whether in the wilderness, on the water, or on the road), there are plenty of luxuries you can do without, but a good cup of strong coffee in the morning isn't one of them. With the Poler x Stumptown Camp Coffee Kit ($125) you'll never have to. This kit includes an AeroPress coffee maker with filters, two enamel coffee mugs, a Porlex Burr coffee grinder, a 12-ounce bag of Holler Mountain coffee beans, and more — all packaged in a custom carrying case perfect for travel.

Buy Now / $125

Vices

Beer

Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA Beer

When it comes to well known craft breweries, there are few with a reputation and reach equal to Dogfish Head Brewery. The Delaware-based brewers are craft pioneers and have never been afraid to push the boundaries of beer styles. By now you've likely met their 60 Minute IPA or their 90 Minute IPA, but you may not have had an encounter with big brother 120 Minute IPA ($12) yet. Dogfish has been brewing this beast for over a decade, but the supply is always limited, and those with access aren't always up to the challenge. If you crack one open fresh, it's less of a hop bomb than you might expect initially, but the IBU intensity will sneak up and bash your palate at some point during a tasting. Grab a couple bottles if you can, share with a friend or set some aside to age like a fine wine.

Buy Now / $12

Vices

Whiskey

Brenne Whiskey

One word that we don't usually associate with whiskey is "sexy", but it certainly applies when it comes to Brenne Whiskey ($60). After all, a Single Malt Whiskey from France aged in Limousin Oak and finished in Cognac Casks sounds pretty damn sexy. And the taste lives up to that billing as well, with a fruit forward aroma and plenty of creamy goodness for your palate. Brenne isn't trying to be a bourbon or a scotch, but instead aims to embody a true French Whiskey. It's sophisticated, exclusive and most importantly, downright delicious.

Buy Now / $60

Vices

Beer

Rhinegeist Saber Tooth Tiger Beer

The brewing history in our hometown of Cincinnati goes way back. Combine that history with our current beer soaked culture and some special things can happen. Rhinegeist Brewing is one of the newest additions to a growing craft scene in Cincy, and their newest creation is called Saber Tooth Tiger ($15). The double IPA hits with a full bouquet of citrusy hop aroma after it pours an inviting amber colored nectar. It's a smooth criminal taste wise, with plenty of flavor and just enough Saber Tooth hop bite that finishes crisp and clean. But don't be fooled, at 95 IBU, this is a palate wrecker that will have your tongue tingling after a session. Hunt down a growler before it goes the way of the Saber Tooth Tiger.

Buy Now / $15

Vices

Bourbon

Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection Bourbon

Already one of the best distilleries on the Bourbon Trail, Buffalo Trace isn't one to rest on their laurels. The pioneering distillery is in the process of releasing the Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection ($46 each), the returns from testing recipes and barrel treatments that began two decades ago. For their most recent wheat entry, the same bourbon recipe was put into barrels at different proofs (from 125 to 90) and aged for 11 years and 7 months. All four were then bottled at 90 proof. There isn't a bad one in the bunch, so grab one for your collection or all four for a taste test experiment of your own.

Buy Now / $46