Good Times Toasted Honey
Overall Score: 6.75/10
Overall Value: 2/5
Distillery: Sourced (MGP)
Classification: Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Toasted Oak and Bourbon Honey Barrels
Company: Cox’s Creek Distilling Company
Release Date: 2025
Proof: 120
Age: NAS
Mashbill: Undisclosed
Color: Maple Syrup
MSRP: $90 (2026)
The Barrel Bros’ Review
The nose on this Good Times Toasted Honey is a confusing smell that demands a few revisits to fully unpack. It opens with rich scents of Fig Newtons, chocolate Klondike bars, and Tootsie Rolls. Digging deeper reveals notes of caramel, nougat, and a spread of Nutella. There is also an unusual, sharp edge of charred gunpowder that sits beneath the sweeter layers, making for a scent profile that is unusual and interesting.
The mouthfeel on the palate is noticeably rich and silky, though it leans toward a heavy, syrupy texture. The flavors are a constant tug-of-war: on one side, you have indulgent notes of French silk cake, chocolate, and hints of espresso; on the other, a bitter, roasted edge. While some will appreciate the coffee-like complexity and subtle notes of pipe tobacco, others may find that bitter, char-heavy profile clashes with the sweetness, making the experience feel a bit disjointed.
The finish starts with a lingering sweetness before the bitter char returns to take the lead. You’ll find the darker, tobacco-heavy notes hanging around, but the drying sensation from the char can be a hurdle for those who prefer a smoother exit.
Good Times Toasted Honey is a total wild card. Whether this ends up being a favorite or a drain pour depends entirely on your tolerance for heavy, coffee-forward, and char-heavy profiles. While the brand has proven they can nail private selections, this specific release will miss the mark for many.
At its current MSRP, it is a significant investment for a bottle that will split opinions so sharply; you are unlikely to find it on sale, so be sure to try a pour before committing to a full bottle.
If you’re looking for specific notes from our Barrel Bros, read their individual reviews below!
Individual Reviews
The Rye Guy Says
Score: 7.5/10
Value: 3/5
THE NOSE:
It took me a couple revisits before I could pick up a specific note of fig newton and a chocolate Klondike ice cream bar.
Plain tootsie roll as well.
THE TASTE:
The mouthfeel is rich and silky. The flavor matched and reminded me of chocolate, specifically french silk cake.
Almost a hint of espresso and tootsie roll at times as well. I think there is a pipe tobacco profile here as well.
THE FINISH:
The finish remains sweet and doesn’t dry the mouth.
It brings more of the pipe tobacco notes, but remains fruity and dark.
BUY OR PASS?
I really loved this pour, but the flavor profile is certainly weird for bourbon. Providing mostly a chocolate and coffee profile with a bit of pipe tobacco.
Based on the different experience between me and my co-reviewer I think this is either going to be a huge hit or a huge flop for bourbon enthusiasts.
The Hunter Says
Score: 6/10
Value: 1/5
THE NOSE:
I get light caramel, dark chocolate, and nougat. It honestly reminds me of Nutella at first.
There’s also a strong char note that makes me think of a firework—almost like gunpowder. Weird, I know.
If I really search for it, I can find a little honey, but it’s not something I would have picked out on my own.
THE TASTE:
The palate is where things really fall apart for me. It feels very sweet and syrupy, almost heavy. Right up front there’s a bitter twang that I really don’t like.
I struggle to describe it. The Rye Guy says it’s coffee, which makes sense—but I don’t enjoy that note at all. It just doesn’t work for me.
THE FINISH:
The finish hangs onto some general sweetness at first, but then that bitter char comes back and takes over.
This just isn’t my palate.
BUY OR PASS?
Overall, this bottle is a big disappointment. I’ve had some fantastic Good Times single barrel picks from private groups, so I know they can do great things. But this state pick misses the mark completely.
At $90 or more, this kind of release can really hurt a brand. This one is an easy pass for me.
