August 2024 Bourbon Women’s Collector’s Trinity Tasting

August 31, 2024 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

August 31, 2024
By Rebecca Herman McBrayer

It is hard to believe that two weeks have passed since Wayne and I were attending the Bourbon Women SIPosium in Louisville. One of the events of the weekend was an ongoing auction. Thrilled that we won four auctions. This tasting wraps up the final auction of bottles that was won. This set has a connection to Missouri.

For the other auction item tastings:
Aug 2024 Leiper’s Fork & High n’ Wicked Tasting
Aug 2024 J.T.Meleck Rice Whiskey Tasting

For more about the conference:
2024 Bourbon Women SIPosium Day 1
2024 Bourbon Women SIPosium Day 2
2024 Bourbon Women SIPosium Day 3

Selected for this Tasting

The Collector’s Trinity: Exclusive Whiskey Experience Description: A trio of exceptional whiskeys that epitomize craftsmanship and rarity. Each bottle in this curated collection is a testament to the art of distillation, featuring unique finishes and signatures from the masterminds behind these spirits.

Planters Whiskey Single Barrel Reserve: (By Nobletons Distilling House) This single barrel reserve is personally signed by the head distiller, Demetrius Cain, and engraved with #BWSIP24. It’s a bold and robust whiskey, perfect for those who appreciate high-proof spirits with depth and character. (Union, Missouri)

Investment KY Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Madeira Casks: This cask strength single barrel bourbon is finished in Madeira casks, adding a layer of sweet, fortified wine complexity to the robust bourbon base. Signed by founder Michael Steinkamp, this bottle offers a unique tasting experience that is both rare and exquisite. (St. Louis, Missouri)

Barrel King Knighted Straight Bourbon Whiskey: Finished in rare ex-bourbon barrels, this straight bourbon whiskey embodies richness and complexity. The unique finishing process imparts nuanced flavors that elevate the traditional bourbon profile, making it a regal addition to any collection. (Bourbon, Missouri)

Please be sure to read our approach to Tasting Whiskey if you haven’t already.

Planters Whiskey Single Barrel Reserve

Mashbill – 51% malted corn, 22% malted wheat, 22% Canadian rye, 5% malted barley
Age – 6+ years
Proof – 115.56
Other – Batch: Last Watch; Bottle: 095
Price Paid – $67 (average of total auction price of $200; MSRP $69.99)

Color – Honey

Aroma – Honey, caramel, a light spice baking spice, tea, perhaps a berry note.

Tasted Neat – Cinnamon, orange, honey, and there is chili spice.

Finish – It is fairly long with cinnamon, orange zest, a hint of barrel char, and a dryness from the wood tannins.

Tasted with dried cranberry – This brought forward the spice as well as the orange as well.

Tasted with a pecan – The woodiness comes forward, with cinnamon, a dark chocolate note, and oranges – reminiscent of those chocolate covered orange slices.

Tasted with dark chocolate – An earthiness with wood and a muted finish. It is creamy with a nuttiness.

General Thoughts – It drinks pretty hot. There is an interesting combination of sweetness and spice. The orange component adds a fascinating twist. Also, the spice is different, such as a chili pepper or perhaps red pepper. Not a daily drinker but very different with notes that do not appear often.

Investment KY Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Madeira Casks

Mashbill – Unknown four-grain.
Age – 5 years before the finishing.
Proof – 109.4
Other – Sweet mash, pot-stilled bourbon made with a four-grain mash and aged for five years in a traditional barrel rickhouse in Kentucky, before being moved to a madeira wine barrel, where it was aged for an additional 16 weeks.
Price Paid – $67 (average of total auction price of $200; MSRP $99.95)

Color – A beautiful mahogany.

Aroma – Oh my! This smells so good! There is a spiced pear note with brown sugar and baking spices. The madeira wine is also present.

Tasted Neat – It is a party on your tongue! Dark wine, brown sugar, baking spices, pears, and apples … like a spiced apple and pear pie with a buttery crust. It is a great taste profile for us.

Finish – The finish is medium but what it has is very pleasant. The madeira wine remains present and there is a peppery spice that lingers.

Tasted with dried cranberry – This pushed the fruitiness to the back but also made it sweeter on the front of the palate … such as confectionary sugar, cotton candy, or bubblegum. The finish was diminished and was less spicy.

Tasted with a pecan – The pecan brought the spicy notes to the front. Interestingly, the fruit became a dark, spicy cherry surrounded by wood notes.

Tasted with dark chocolate – Very creamy and smooth with cinnamon. While the finish was muted, it remains a really good sip.

General Thoughts – This is an outstanding finished bourbon. It is a perfect marriage of wine and bourbon. The artist behind this did a spectacular job by bringing a fantastic balance – we could smell this glass all evening long and not tire of it.

Barrel King Knighted Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Mashbill – Unknown (MGP often uses 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley)
Finished – Straight Bourbon Finished in EC18
Age – 6-year-old MGP bourbon
Proof – 114
Other – Batch: WBSI; Bottle: 175
Price Paid – $67 (average of total auction price of $200; MSRP Membership-driven, $100 a month for locals)

Color – Light Copper

Aroma – Sweet with caramel and brown sugar. There are orange notes and baking spices.

Tasted Neat – There is a spiciness on the front as well as sweetness like powdered sugar. There are other notes such as orange, vanilla, and honey. There are baking spices, especially cinnamon and nutmeg.

Finish – The finish is very dry dry and woody with an earthiness that leads to leather. However, there is a nice sweetness of cherry that lingers with cinnamon and it is a nice medium to long finish.

Tasted with dried cranberry – This made it really tart and dry at the same time. It also took the finish away.

Tasted with a pecan – Very little sweetness and mostly cinnamon with not much of a finish.

Tasted with dark chocolate – Similar to the pecan except that it has a creamy mouthfeel with mostly a cinnamon taste and sensation. It is better than with the pecan, not bad, but not great either.

General Thoughts – This was a very interesting pour. We might have been spoiled by the second taste with the madeira finish. Any other day, this one would likely be much more appreciated as it is solid and has a nice level of complexity with a flavor profile that we enjoy.

Discussion and Final Notes

On the Nose: Planters had the light honey, caramel, tea, a hint of berry, and baking spices. Investment blew us away with its spiced pear, brown sugar, baking spices, and madeira wine. Meanwhile, Barrel King was somewhat classic with the sweetness of caramel and brown sugar as well as orange and baking spices. On any given day, any of these would have a winning nose. However, in this lineup, the Investment Madeira Finish stole the show!

Taste and Finish: There were no “losers” or “bad pours” in this grouping. Planters was fascinating with the cinnamon, orange, honey, and there is chili spice and it had a fairly long finish. Like the nose, the Investment just blue us away. Dark wine, brown sugar, baking spices, pears, and apples … like a spiced apple and pear pie with a buttery crust and with a lingering peppery finish. Again, Barrel King was terrific with a spiciness on the front as well as sweetness like powdered sugar as well as notes such as orange, vanilla, and honey, plus cinnamon and nutmeg. Again, with a nice medium to long finish. Once again, if we could only select one, it would have to be the Investment Madeira Finish.

After researching, we learned the Investment was distilled, finished, and bottled by Neeley Family Distillery. We are glad we did not know before tasting as it may have influenced us since we love what Royce Neeley does! That said, we were not surprised and, in our discussion, we noted that it reminded us of their Jett Brothers Madeira Finish!

This was a fantastic tasting experience and we are happy to have won this auction so we could taste and enjoy each special bottle. We look forward to enjoying them again!

Cheers,
Rebecca & Wayne

_{Photos by Rebecca Herman McBrayer}

Straight Bourbon Whiskey Requirements

Straight Bourbon Whiskey Such whiskeys have all the requirements of bourbon: Made in the U.S, distilled at <= 160 proof, barreled at <= 125 proof, aged in new, charred oak containers, bottled at >= 80 proof. Straight bourbon means it is aged at least 2 years (and must have an age statement if less than 4). For additional information on bourbon requirements, please read this post – Bourbon Whiskey.

NOTE: The whiskeys in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producers for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.

August 2024 Blind Match Up Tasting

August 30, 2024 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

August 30, 2024
By Wayne McBrayer

Rebecca and I have been doing tasting over the last year and it’s always fun. Today, I decided to spring on her a mystery tasting that I called “Match Up.” I placed stickers with the number 1 and 2 on the bottom of our Glencairn glasses. Rebecca was instructed to enter the bourbon room, mix them up a bit (so I won’t know either), and bring the glasses out for the tasting. For the notes, we will go with each person’s A (left) & B (right). I looked forward to having a fun and different tasting with my wife.

This will be fun since we don’t even know if we have the same pour in the A or B glass!

Wayne Blind A	Wayne Blind B	Rebecca Blind A	Rebecca Blind B
Aroma: It’s a lot of sweet. I get cherry and cotton candy, maybe a little vanilla – that’s three things I’m getting.	Aroma: Baking spices, there’s a stone fruit, and cinnamon. The nose might be cherry.	Aroma: Caramel cinnamon, maybe a hint of red apple.	Aroma: There are some darker tones in this one. Caramel – almost to a toffee, some wood notes coming through as well as some baking spices such as nutmeg.
Tasted Neat: I get a nuttiness, almost peanut, wood, and not very sweet.	Tasted Neat: I’m getting cinnamon, white pepper, light, brown sugar.	Tasted Neat: Vanilla, not very sweet, cinnamon on the back.	Tasted Neat: There’s a lot of spice on the palate. It does give way to some notes of vanilla & caramel. Very woody and very light on the spice – more like nutmeg and white pepper.
Finish: Finish is a little cinnamon and a little white pepper; short.	Finish: The finish is short.	Finish: The finish is somewhat woody, cinnamon, hints of white pepper, and medium too long.	Finish: Medium in length, oak comes through on the finish as well as white pepper.
General Thoughts: I’m guessing the age is pretty young. I don’t think it’s older than four years. The proof is probably in the 90s. Short finish. Honestly, just OK.	General Thoughts: This is not bad and I get a little bit more on the taste and in the nose than I did the first one. Overall, it’s OK.	General Thoughts: The proof on this one is probably low-mid 90s, maybe 4 years old. I think it’s OK. It’s not overly dynamic. It’s got good flavors, just not a lot of them. It is a decent poor.	General Thoughts: The nose matches the pallet pretty well. Sweet and with little spice. Proof is likely under 100. Young but maybe a bit older than the first one.
	This was Wayne’s winner.		This was Rebecca’s winner.
Wayne’s Blind A = Our Bourbon Journey 2023	Wayne’s Blind B = Rebecca & Wayne 2022	Rebecca’s Blind A = Our Bourbon Journey 2023	Rebecca’s Blind B = Rebecca & Wayne 2022

Ironically, we were tasting the same thing and selected the same winner!!

The Match Up Reveal

The bottles I selected were from Barrels & Billets. It’s located next door to the Louisville Slugger Museum and it’s a place we recommend. It’s fun experience where you can create your own bourbon based on a series of questions regarding your preferences. Our winner was our Rebecca & Wayne 2022 bottle, which has no age statement and is 90 proof.

As I was putting this tasting together, I honestly thought we would end up selecting the Our Bourbon Journey 2023 bottle, which also has no age statement and is 90 proof. I was confident that I had selected the 2023 and was surprised I had selected the 2022. Rebecca was equally as surprised that she selected the 2022 as well. The 2022 represented a sweeter profile while the 2023 was a little more savory and smoky.

It appears on this day, we went back to the future with our pick.

Cheers,
Wayne & Rebecca

Photo by Wayne McBrayer

Bourbon Whiskey Requirements

Bourbon Whiskey: Such whiskeys have all the requirements of bourbon: Made in the U.S, distilled at <= 160 proof, barreled at <= 125 proof, aged in new, charred oak containers, bottled at >= 80 proof. For additional information on bourbon requirements, please read this post – Bourbon Whiskey.

NOTE: The bourbon in this review was purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producers for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.

August 2024 Old Forester 1924 & Single Barrel Tasting

August 28, 2024 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

August 28, 2024
By Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Wayne found a store pick of Old Forester Single Barrel at Beverage Barn in Henderson on Friday. He wanted to crack it open and I realized that we hadn’t done a formal tasting of Old Forester 1924. Thus, they seemed like a great pair to taste together!

Selected for today’s tasting – each by Old Forester: Old Forester 1924 10-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Old Forester Single Barrel, Barrel Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey selected by Beverage Barn.

Please be sure to read our approach to Tasting Whiskey if you haven’t already.

Old Forester 1924 10-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Mashbill – 79% Corn, 11% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
Age – 10 Years
Proof – 100
Price Paid – $149.99 (plus tax)

Appearance – Medium amber.

Aroma – Brown sugar and banana – reminiscent of banana’s foster – with cinnamon and nutmeg. Oak and leather are also noted.

Tasted Neat – There is immediately a creamy mouthfeel. Similar to the nose, brown sugar and bananas greet you and have you thinking about ordering a banana’s foster at the first opportunity. There is also caramel, vanilla, maple, light leather and oak.

Finish – The sweet and banana notes fade while cinnamon mixes with smoky notes from the wood and it is very earthy and savory with notes of allspice and white pepper. It provides a very nice finish.

Tasted with dried cranberry – The original flavors are gone but there is a vanilla cream sweetness. Overall, the cranberry muted a lot of the goodness of the original pour.

Tasted with a pecan – This was interesting as it brought caramel and oak forward as well as dark chocolate – much like a chocolate covered banana offered at the fair grounds. Nutmeg takes over as the dominant spice component. Overall, the pecan brought out some nice flavors.

Tasted with dark chocolate – This was not pleasant. It seemed to flatten it out and remove any distinct flavors.

Old Forester Single Barrel, Barrel Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey selected by Beverage Barn

Mashbill – 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley
Age – at least 4 years
Other – Warehouse I; Floor 2
Proof – 131.1
Price Paid – $99.95 (plus tax)

Appearance – Medium Amber

Aroma – It somewhat dances with your nose. There are notes of vanilla, cotton candy, dark fruit, chocolate, cherries, oak, and nutmeg.

Tasted Neat – There are many flavors coming forward including wood, toffee, dark cherry, dark brown sugar, dark chocolate, leather, and various spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove.

Finish – Medium to long finish with black pepper, cinnamon, and cherries. It continues with seasoned oak and burnt caramel then ends ending with cocoa and leather notes.

Tasted with dried cranberry – This eliminated the sweet notes and created zesty notes in its place. The finish is minimal. Not a good combination for this pour.

Tasted with a pecan – Very wood forward, pecan, leather, cinnamon, dark chocolate covered cherries, and plum. The pecan played well with this single barrel.

Tasted with dark chocolate – Creamy mouthfeel with vanilla cream and cinnamon. Minimal finish. Nothing bad but nothing great either.

Discussion and Final Notes

Old Forester 1924 10-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey: This mashbill sets itself apart from the standard Old Forester. The 10-year aging contributes to a remarkable maturity, adding complexity from the barrel that we appreciate. What we enjoyed is how the nose aligns with the palate, and the delightful hint of Banana’s Foster, which, surprisingly, doesn’t overwhelm with sweetness, thanks to the underlying barrel and smokiness. When considering the price point, there are other options in this range that we enjoy, but this one stands out. We would recommend trying it first to see if it matches your taste profile. If you are a fan of bananas or Banana’s Foster, then this is a bottle worth acquiring.

Old Forester Single Barrel, Barrel Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey selected by Beverage Barn: The single barrel drinks much differently than a traditional Old Forrester. We are wondering if the higher proof and barrel strength allows additional flavors to remain present in a very positive way. Even with the higher proof, it drinks very smoothly and feels more like a 115-120 proof range. For just under $100 and with the flavor profile and high proof, this bottle is a good value and one that we recommend. Scanning the web, there seem to be quite a few store picks for the Old Forester Single Barrel so it is very possible it is available in your area. Check with your favorite liquor store.

This was a fun and interesting taste comparison. Glad we decided to pair them together as they generated a lot of conversation and we realized that these are definitely our two favorite Old Forester expressions.

Cheers,
Rebecca & Wayne

Photos by Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Spirit Requirements

Bourbon Whiskey: Made in the U.S, distilled at <= 160 proof, barreled at <= 125 proof, aged in new, charred oak containers, bottled at >= 80 proof. Straight bourbon means it is aged at least 2 years (and must have an age statement if less than 4). In addition, to be Kentucky Straight Bourbon, it has the additional requirement that it must be produced and aged at least 1 year in the state of Kentucky. For additional information on bourbon requirements, please read this post – Bourbon Whiskey.

NOTE: The bourbons in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producers for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.

August 2024 J.T. Meleck Rice Whiskey Tasting

August 25, 2024 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

August 25, 2024
By Rebecca Herman McBrayer

It is hard to believe that last week at this time Wayne and I were attending the Bourbon Women SIPosium in Louisville. One of the events of the weekend was an ongoing auction. Thrilled that, together, we won four auctions. This tasting is from one of those winning auctions.

For more about the conference:
2024 Bourbon Women SIPosium Day 1
2024 Bourbon Women SIPosium Day 2
2024 Bourbon Women SIPosium Day 3

Selected for this Tasting

This tasting from a three-bottle set of J.T. Meleck. We will be tasting the two rice whiskeys but not the rice vodka.

From the J.T. Meleck Distillers Website: One family, one farm, one great idea… It begins in 1896, when John Meleck had the crazy idea to grow his 1st rice on 20 acres of marshland in s. Louisiana. Against the odds, the name J.T. Meleck became synonymous with Louisiana rice, but to us he is great, great uncle John. Five generations later we still grow rice – and now crawfish – on the same 20 acres as our Uncle John. We’ve grown since then but we are still as connected to the dirt as J.T. Meleck. I began thinking, what if we could make a great spirit from our rice? It would make our Uncle John proud. The result is something truly special. It’s American Rice, born right here on our farm, just off hwy 35 in Branch, LA. We´re proud to take our rice from grain to bottle. We work the dirt and grow the seed, just like Uncle John did. That’s why we’ve named it J.T. Meleck. Because our crazy idea has managed to create a whole new Louisiana classic. One that goes straight from our farm to your front porch.

J.T. Meleck American Rice Whiskey: Released in 2022, this is J.T. Meleck’s staple and long talked about American Rice Whiskey. Aged in new American oak barrels for almost 5 years their whiskey is amber in color and deep in intensity.

J.T. Meleck Single Barrel Cask Strength American Rice Whiskey: This single barrel pick is 120.4 Proof/ 60.25% alcohol, and aged for 4+ years. J.T. Meleck’s Single Barrel Program was launched in October of 2022. They decided to launch this program after discovering that some barrels were not like the others. They were meant to be enjoyed separately. Whether it be the nose, flavor or finish, they knew these barrels were special and needed to be shared with their fans.

Please be sure to read our approach to Tasting Whiskey if you haven’t already.

J.T. Meleck American Rice Whiskey Small Batch

Mashbill – 100% Rice
Age – at least 4 years
Proof – 96
Specifics – Small Batch #323
Price Paid – $31.67 (average of total auction price for all three at $95; MSRP $44.99)

Color – Medium Honey

Aroma – A light sweetness such as caramel or vanilla pudding, baking spices – mostly cinnamon, and a light berry note – perhaps raspberry.

Tasted Neat – Sweet and savory at the same time. The sweetness is confectionery and leans toward cotton candy. The savory note includes a light taste of black pepper.

Finish – There are nice notes of wood, tobacco, and medium spice flavors. It finishes very nicely with savory feel.

Tasted with dried cranberry – This created an immediate taste of orange zest on the palate. The sweetness and pepper have vanished to give way to a light and refreshing orange sherbet experience.

Tasted with a pecan – Spice and wood is definitely prominent. Not much else with the pecan.

J.T. Meleck Single Barrel Cask Strength American Rice Whiskey

Mashbill – 100% Rice
Age – at least 4 years
Proof – 120.4
Other – Barrel 194, Bottle 122
Price Paid – $31.67 (average of total auction price for all three at $95; MSRP $59.99)

Color – Medium to Dark Amber; nice legs/viscosity.

Aroma – Maple syrup, vanilla, nutmeg, dark cherry, and warm butter.

Tasted Neat – Caramel, molasses, vanilla cream, dark cherry, nutmeg, white pepper, and oak.

Finish – A lovely finish with notes of sweetness from the cherry, warm nutmeg and a hint of cinnamon, oak with leather and tobacco. It really takes a flavor and sensation journey and lingers in a most pleasant manner.

Tasted with dried cranberry – This brought wood and lemon zest to the forefront. There is also a sour candy note and a shorter finish that is warm but not distinct in any way.

Tasted with a pecan – Spices, oak, leather, and pecan. No sweetness. Limited finish.

Discussion and Final Notes

Small Batch – The contrasting sweet and savory was a journey on the palate. It drinks very smoothly and enjoyably. It would likely pair well with some light fruits and berries or a lovely sorbet.

Single Barrel – This is a great single barrel. It had some memorable notes to it. It starts out with an amazing nose that leads to an almost bourbon-like palate and then finishes very well. It would be challenging to say this was a rice whiskey in a blind tasting as most people would assume it is a bourbon. The complexity of this might pair well with a charcuterie board of meats and hard cheeses.

The small batch is very light and summery with the taste of raspberries; whereas, the single barrel, with its dark cherry notes, comes through more like we’re ready for fall. Happy to have won this auction so we could taste and enjoy the uniqueness of these Louisiana American Rice Whiskeys.

Cheers,
Rebecca & Wayne

_{Photos by Rebecca Herman McBrayer}

Whiskey Requirements

Whiskey (generic) must be made from cereal grains, distilled below 190 proof, placed into an oak container, and bottled at a minimum of 80 proof.

There doesn’t seem to be an official category for American Rice Whiskey at this time. However, I will keep an eye out for developments in this category.

August 2024 Leiper’s Fork & High N’ Wicked Tasting

August 23, 2024August 24, 2024 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

August 23, 2024
By Rebecca Herman McBrayer

It is hard to believe that last week at this time Wayne and I were attending the Bourbon Women SIPosium in Louisville. One of the events of the weekend was an ongoing auction. Thrilled that, together, we won four auctions. This tasting from a basket that was won.

For more about the conference:
2024 Bourbon Women SIPosium Day 1
2024 Bourbon Women SIPosium Day 2
2024 Bourbon Women SIPosium Day 3

Selected for this Tasting

Peacock Leiper’s Fork Distillery Single Barrel Cask Strength Bourbon Whiskey: 100% Local: Mashed, Fermented, Distilled, Aged and Bottled by Leiper’s Fork Distillery. It is made with local non-GMO Grains (Corn Grown on their Chief Distiller’s Farm), with the use of Toasted Barley Malt for Deeper Complexity. Also, it is Non-Chill Filtered for a Robust Profile and Mouthfeel, Pot Distilled for a Pre-Prohibition Style that is Full Bodied, has a Low Distillation Proof of 137* for Depth of Flavor, Low Barrel Entry Proof at 110* for a rounded Palette and is a Limited Release.

Single Barrel High N’ Wicked Rye Whiskey Women Peacock Preferred Pick: This 4-year-old rye is 114.4 proof and has a mash bill of 95% rye and 5% malted rye. 5 Year Aged Sour Mash Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, Distilled by New Riff Distilling. All Aging in seasoned medium toast new #4 char American white oak barrels. Non Chill Filtered. No additives.

Please be sure to read our approach to Tasting Whiskey if you haven’t already.

Peacock Leiper’s Fork Distillery Single Barrel Cask Strength Bourbon Whiskey

Mashbill – 70% Corn, 15% Wheat & 15% Toasted Barley Malt
Age – 5 years
Proof – 109.6 (cask strength)
Other – Non-Chill Filtered for a Robust Profile and Mouthfeel, Pot Distilled for a Pre-Prohibition Style that is Full Bodied, has a Low Distillation Proof of 137* for Depth of Flavor, Low Barrel Entry Proof at 110* for a rounded Palette and is a Limited Release.
Specifics – Barrel 452; Bottle 149 of 201

Price Paid – $105 (average of total auction price of $210; MSRP $85)

Color – Medium Amber

Aroma – Very inviting with caramel, vanilla, toffee, a light butterscotch with a hint of smokiness and cherry.

Tasted Neat – Similar to the nose with note of butterscotch, caramel, baking spices, cinnamon, and a hint of dark cherry.

Finish – Pleasant and lasting with baking spices, cinnamon, and notes of wood that linger in a great way.

Tasted with dried cranberry – This muted most of the great flavors and eliminated the sweetness. The baking spices remained and there is an addition of black pepper on the finish.

Tasted with a pecan – Very nice as the butterscotch returned with the addition of a very nice dark chocolate. The finish has more wood and oak flavor that previously.

Tasted with dark chocolate – The chocolate really increased the spice notes but not in a bad way. It also added a creaminess that was pleasant.

High N’ Wicked Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey Single Barrel

Mashbill – 95% Rye, 5% Malted Rye
Age – 4 years
Proof – 114.4
Other – Bourbon Women Peacock Preferred Pick
Price Paid – $105 (average of total auction price of $210; MSRP $80)

Color – Amber hue

Aroma – Rye grass, brown sugar, pears, and mint tea.

Tasted Neat – Rye grass spices and cinnamon greet you with the first sip. Great mouth feel and there is a sweetness of pears and then a hint of oak and a slight smokiness.

Finish – The finish is very similar in that it begins spicy then leads into the pear and a bit of caramel and finally with a slight coolness of mint coupled by a sweet but smoky oakiness. Great finish.

Tasted with dried cranberry – Surprising as it created a rather sour note and the spices and rye grass way back. Not unpleasant but not great either.

Tasted with a pecan – As sometimes happens, the pecan amplified the spices and brought a lot of black pepper forward. The finish was very short as well.

Tasted with dark chocolate – Not very flavorful with the dark chocolate. It was creamy and with black pepper on the finish.

Discussion and Final Notes

Leiper’s Fork is undeniably exceptional. The outstanding taste and aroma make it a bottle worth savoring. The enticing nose draws you in, making you want to savor every drop. It’s truly a remarkable single barrel and its fantastic qualities leave a lasting impression. Once again, Leiper’s Fork has left us thoroughly impressed.

We were not familiar with High n’ Wicked at first, but after trying it, we were impressed by its quality. This rye whiskey truly stands out for its solid and enjoyable character. In fact, its high rye mashbill adds a unique touch and flavor profile. With its rich and diverse flavors, it offers an elegant and enjoyable rye experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who appreciates a fine whiskey.

Happy to have won this auction so we could taste and enjoy each special bottle.

Cheers,
Rebecca & Wayne

_{Photos by Rebecca Herman McBrayer}

Straight Bourbon & Rye Whiskey Requirements

Rye Whiskey Basic Requirements – Rye whiskey must be made from at least 51% rye. It must be distilled at 160 proof or less. It then must be placed into a new, charred oak container at a proof of 125 or below. Straight rye whiskey is a subcategory of rye whiskey that has been aged for at least two years in new, charred oak barrels and doesn’t contain any additives. If aged less than four years, the label must include an age statement. For additional information on bourbon requirements, please read this post – Rye Whiskey.

2024 Bourbon Women SIPosium Day 3

August 18, 2024August 23, 2024 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

Recap and Highlights from Saturday, August 17, 2024
By Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Hard to believe that we are already on Day 3!

Lean Back on the Bourbon Breakfast 8:00am – 9:00am

Breakfast was sponsored by J. Mattingly 1845 – nice sample pours of their rye and bourbon; and Michter’s – gifted their Glencarin glass. The buffet for breakfast was once again very good. We had a great group of people at our table to chat with. Excellent way to kick off the morning!

Immediately after concluding breakfast, we enjoyed a keynote by Nancy “the Nose” Fraley of Nosing Services. She won the WOW Award last evening for Master Blender of the Year. She shared her life journey of many twists and turns that led her to whiskey.

Through Nancy’s keynote as well as her bio, we learned that she is a Freelance Master Blender based in Berkeley, CA, and is recognized for her exceptional blending services and sensory analysis provided to distilleries across the globe. Renowned for her creation of the pioneering American Craft Whiskey Aroma Wheel and her expertise in blending theory and sensory analysis, Nancy’s journey as a master blender commenced with a profound experience tasting her first Bourbon at her father’s wedding. Prior to dedicating herself to this craft, she pursued studies in Tibetan Buddhism, earning a Master’s Degree from Harvard Divinity School, and a Juris Doctor Degree from the University of San Francisco School of Law. Following her departure from her role as a law librarian, she embarked on a transformative journey through Morocco, Spain, and Mexico before joining the esteemed brandy house Germain-Robin. Nancy’s significant contributions to the craft spirits Bourbon and whiskey industry include the introduction of ancient French Cognac and Armagnac “élevage” techniques, which have since been embraced by numerous craft spirit distilleries. Moreover, her creation of the world’s first “Cigar Blend” Bourbon in 2016 stands as a tribute to her French blending mentors and the enduring tradition of Cigar Blend Cognacs.

For more about Nancy: https://americanwhiskeymag.com/articles/nancy-fraley/ and https://www.stillaustin.com/nancy-fraley

Saturday Morning Workshops 9:45am – 10:45am EDT

Selected Session: The Proof is in the Barrel: How Barrel-Entry Proof Affects Flavor with Michter’s Andrea Wilson and Katherine O’Nan

This was a fascinating session where we had the opportunity to enjoy the experience of tasting through various proof whiskeys to learn the influences proof can make. Michter’s enters all its whiskeys into the barrel at 103 proof to create a rich smooth and easy to drink profile. We did two blind tastings to compare the same aged whiskey entered into wood at 103 proof versus 125 proof at bottling strength and barrel strength.

Outstanding session! Thank you, Andrea and Katherine!

Whiskey in the Jar Lunch 12:45pm – 1:45pm EDT

We enjoyed a much appreciated light lunch and great conversation. There were cocktails and SIPs provided by Hotel Tango Distillery but I decided to focus on iced tea.

The remainder of the day would be diverse as some were going on outside excursions and others were partaking in onsite workshops.

Wayne and I went exploring a bit in Louisville.

Bar-a-Rama – Saturday Afternoon Tasting and Lounges 6:00pm – 8:00pm EDT

While we weren’t sure if we would drink more, we wanted to visit the Bar-a-Rama to mingle and see some of the distillers that we have gotten to know.

Lounges sponsored by Southern Distilling Company and Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey

Tables sponsored by Catoctin Creek Distilling Company, LLC, Coors Spirits Co., FILMLAND SPIRITS, Fortune’s Fool, Heaven’s Door Whiskey, Holladay Distillery, J.P. Wiser’s and Lot No. 40, Keeper’s Heart, Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co., Lythgoe Bourbon, Milam & Greene Whiskey, Moet Hennessy, New Riff Distilling, Old Dominick, Old Louisville Whiskey Co. LLC

We got pictures with Amine & Beth – Old Louisville Whiskey Co, Alex Castle – Master Distiller Augusta, Marlene Holmes – Master Distiller Milam and Greene, Erin – Stuff & Whiskey.

It was a really fun mix & mingle event and we had the opportunity to try some whiskeys for the first time. We were also present for the end of the Silent Auction and (together) we won FOUR! It was a great night!

That’s a Wrap for Day 3!

We already have the car loaded and will conclude Sunday morning following a breakfast gathering in just a few minutes. It was a great event where many great memories and friends were made!

For more about the conference:
2024 Bourbon Women SIPosium Day 1
2024 Bourbon Women SIPosium Day 2

2024 Bourbon Women SIPosium Day 2

August 17, 2024August 23, 2024 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

Recap and Highlights from Friday, August 16, 2024
By Rebecca Herman McBrayer

This first “full” day was definitely the epitome of packed full of goodness!

Bourbon Beginnings Breakfast (Sagamore Rye) 8:00am – 9:00am EDT Sponsored by Sagamore Rye! AND SIP & Survey Round 1 with 15 Stars

The buffet was outstanding as the food was really cooked to perfection. We made several new friends at our table and shared many bourbon stories. During the breakfast hour we had an opportunity to SIP & Survey 15 Stars. The Private Stock was very good. That said, the Three Kings offered a very different sip as it is a blend of bourbon, rye, and wheat whiskeys.

We spent the remainder of the hour assisting our friends from Green River with the set up for their session. It was great to help and learn what all goes into making a fantastic session. I’m not sure that everyone appreciates all of the behind-the-scenes activity that is needed. While we didn’t attend that session, we know it was well-received.

Welcome and Keynote with Jane Bowie of Potter Jane Distilling 10:00am – 10:45am EDT

It was very inspiring to listen to Jane as she shared her journey in the industry. Jane, a 16-year veteran of the spirits industry, embarked on her remarkable journey at Maker’s Mark Distillery, where she quickly ascended the ranks with unwavering passion and dedication. Her influential role as Global Brand Ambassador saw her spearheading the launch of groundbreaking products such as the first cask strength Maker’s Mark bourbon, and pioneering the innovative Private Select Barrel Program. Jane’s visionary creations have been celebrated with prestigious accolades at global whiskey competitions. Following her departure from Maker’s, she and her business partner are fervently working on the establishment of a new distillery in Kentucky, set to come to life by January 2025.

Friday Morning Workshops 11:00am – 12:00pm EDT

Rebecca attended: The Role of the Rickhouse: A Blind Exploration Kyle Merklein and Jordan Germano of Holladay Distillery.

Holladay Distillery’s Master Distiller, Kyle Merklein, delved deep into the enchanting world of the rickhouse and aging process, illuminating the intricate details that culminate in the perfect taste profile. A special focus was placed on the fascinating journey of aging, a process influenced by a myriad of factors including the barrel, storage structure, region, climate, square footage, and, of course, time.

It was incredibly fun to engage in a blind one barrel selection where everyone was afforded the opportunity to complete a confidential vote for the one to be barreled. We also had the opportunity to savor bourbon from barrels aged in different locations within one of the Holladay rickhouses. It was truly captivating to uncover the profound impact of barrel placement and position in the rickhouse on the amazing development of flavors within the bourbon. This was a great workshop that I highly recommend.

Wayne attended: The Pot Calling the Column Black: A Tale of Column and Pot Still Distillation with Christian Huber and Blake Huber of Starlight Distillery

Christian and Blake Huber of Starlight Distillery thoroughly examined the differences between column distillation and pot distillation, emphasizing the substantial impact that choice has on aroma, flavor, and finish. They delved into the technical and flavorful distinctions between pot and column stills, demonstrating how each method distinctly influences the taste, texture, and overall profile of whiskey. The audience engaged in an interactive tasting, gaining first-hand experience of the unique characteristics imparted by each distillation type. Their insightful presentation delivered a compelling exploration of whiskey distillation, and I found their expertise and delivery to be truly engaging.

Whiskey Bent and Bourbon Bound Lunch 12:15pm – 1:15pm EDT

We enjoyed another terrific meal and great company at our table. So fun to sit, relax, and visit while replenishing for the afternoon ahead.

Lunch was sponsored by the Tennessee Whiskey Trail and there were pours available but we opted for iced tea.

Friday Afternoon Excursions 1:40 p.m. – 4:15 p.m: Green River on the River – a river cruise with Green River

This was a truly unforgettable adventure on the river with Green River Distilling! Founded in 1885, this historic gem in Owensboro, KY, has been crafting exceptional bourbon for over a century. It was a great day to board The Mary Miller Riverboat and enjoy a fantastic 2-hour cruise along the Ohio River.

During the cruise, there was an opportunity to experience a presentation by the one and only National Brand Ambassador – Caryn Wells! She provided a captivating journey through Green River’s long and storied bourbon history. We also enjoyed a tasting of their full line up: Green River Wheated Bourbon, Green River Bourbon, Green River Rye, and Green River Full Proof. Each pour included food pairing to highlight the spirit’s profile. There was also an added surprise. We were able to sample from two barrels and select which we enjoyed the most. We then learned that it will be bottled exclusively for the attendees at this event and Bourbon Women SIP 24 will be on the label!

After our tasting session, we enjoyed the river views and then went to the first floor for some live Bluegrass music. There was also a feast of classic Kentucky BBQ available but we were still full from that awesome lunch. Thank you for an amazing time on the river!

WOW (Women of Whiskey) Awards 6:15pm – 10:30pm EDT Kentucky Center for the Arts

It was time to celebrate the women blazing trails in the whiskey world at the WOW Awards at the Kentucky Center for the Arts supported by the Bourbon Women Foundation. It began with a cocktail reception, red carpet, Meet and Greet that included heavy hors d’oeuvres, and sips.

Then we moved into the Bomhard theater for the awards presentation. Peggy Noe Stevens and Susan Reigler served as the masters of ceremony. It was very inspiring to hear so many amazing stories of the nominees.

We were excited that our friend, Maggie Kimberl won Spirits Writer of the Year!

The event was great but we were tired and several of us decided to forego the desserts and after party!

2024 Bourbon Women SIPosium Day 1

August 16, 2024August 23, 2024 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

Recap and Highlights from Thursday, August 15, 2024
By Rebecca Herman McBrayer

As a bourbon-loving woman, I have been looking forward to this event for several months. The notion of over 400 women coming together in Louisville, KY from August 15-18, 2024 to celebrate the only consumer-based, female-focused whiskey conference in the US is something to get excited about.!

SIPosium is often described as more than just an industry conference – it’s a gathering of kindred spirits, a time for connections, and a celebration of sisterhood. The magic of 400+ bourbon-loving women in one room is an experience like no other. It’s a weekend that promises to be the ultimate dream for any bourbon or whiskey-loving woman.

Check in at the Hyatt was a breeze. Once settled into our room, we headed to the Bourbon Women SIPosium check in. This was very organized and terrific swag bags were received.

Before we knew it, we needed to locate and board the bus. Our bus as “first time attendee” had Peggy Noe Stevens as our hostess. She gave us a warm welcome, shared a bit about the organization, of which she founded, and hints and tips for having a fabulous weekend.

It was a brief drive to Angel’s Envy and you could feel the excitement on the bus.

Mix & Mingle at Angel’s Envy

As the bus arrived, you could feel everyone getting ready to start the party. This opening event was a Mix & Mingle at Angel’s Envy. This was certainly not our first visit to Angel’s Envy but I can certainly attest that I have never seen it so a-buzz!

We were immediately greeted with a cocktail and invited to enjoy the appetizers toward the back of retail center. It was a very nice spread with something for everyone. The catering team kept everything replenished and attendees were enjoying the atmosphere. We met a very nice woman, Yolanda, from Chicago. This is also her first time attending and I learned that she is also a huge cigar fan.

Probably my favorite table of the evening! Featuring sample pours of Angel’s Envy Rye with an array of amazing chocolates by Art Eatables!

I tried the white chocolate angel’s wings as a pairing and it was very luscious and complimentary.

Next I sampled the dark chocolate with nutmeg. Oh my, that combination offered an amazing taste sensation as the nutmeg highlighted some of the rye spices.

We decided to head to the second floor as we knew that more activities awaited us there. Wow – there were MANY more people there! Two bar areas were open and making cocktails. We opted to try the “Swanky Style” – Angel’s Envy Port Finished Bourbon, Angel’s Envy Rum Finished Rye, Sweet Vermouth, and Fernet Branca.

There was a ring toss game where you could try to win a bottle of Angel’s Envy. In addition, people were enjoying a photo booth. We sat at a table and met many very nice people. One person asked if we had been to Dueling Grounds and we gave that a resounding yes! As it turns out, she was Anne Dottore! She and Marc own Dueling Grounds and I asked if she would be interested in interviewing with us at a later date. We will get that on the schedule for this Fall!

We were fortunate to acquire some of their cask strength bottled-in-bond in June and really enjoy it. A special room opened where we could enjoy samples. We also were able to meet Master Distiller, Owen Martin. It was a terrific conversation regarding the spirits, his journey, and life in general. We look forward to talking with him in the future and hopefully in an interview as we start up our YouTube channel.

That’s a Wrap for Day 1!

Wow! So much fun in just a few hours! Truly looking forward to what the first full day has to offer. The schedule looks terrific!

Until tomorrow –
Rebecca!

For more about the conference:
2024 Bourbon Women SIPosium Day 2
2024 Bourbon Women SIPosium Day 3

August 2024 Shenk’s & Bomberger’s Tasting

August 11, 2024 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

August 11, 2024
By Rebecca Herman McBrayer

It is hard to believe that this time last week Wayne and I had just returned from our amazing Louisville, Chocolate, and Bourbon – Oh My! weekend. Our typical trips to Louisville are event-driven. It might be a dinner, a specific distillery experience, or even a bottle release. Last weekend was different. The trip was focused on seeing a long-time friend who would be there for the weekend. It was about friendship, sharing our passion for bourbon, exploring new things, and reconnecting with great friends from afar as well as in the local area. While not on a “bottle hunt” we are always open when a situation presents itself.

The Michter’s Shenk’s and Bomberger’s are typically very challenging to acquire as so few are made each year. While in Louisville, we wanted to share The Bar at Michter’s with our friends. We walked into Michter’s at 4:30 PM on Friday afternoon and I noticed the combination package sitting on the counter. I inquired if they were for sale and the person said, yes, and they are the last ones we have today. Well, there you go. You just never know and it certainly doesn’t hurt to ask!

Shenk’s Homestead Sour Mash Whiskey is a limited edition release celebrating Kentucky’s whiskey-making heritage and part of Michter’s Legacy Series. Founded by John Shenk in 1753, the distillery became known as Michter’s in the 20th Century. This small-batch, full-bodied whiskey is made using traditional sour mash methods in Kentucky, with a significant amount of rye and aged in toasted French oak barrels from the Vosges region, imparting a unique finish and rich mouthfeel.

Bomberger’s Declaration Distillery Bourbon pays tribute to the former Bomberger’s distillery from the 1800s and later as Michter’s in the 20th Century. This 2023 release is a small batch 108 proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, continuing the tradition of offering a bold and beautiful 108 proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon. It features a rich and complex flavor due to aging a portion of the bourbon in Chinquapin oak. The oak was seasoned for three years, toasted, and charred to exact specifications. Malted rye was also used in the production of this bourbon.

Wayne and I were excited to taste these side-by-side. Please be sure to read our approach to Tasting Whiskey if you haven’t already.

Shenk’s Homestead Kentucky Sour Mash Whiskey by Michter’s

Mashbill – Undisclosed but with “significant” rye.
Age – NAS (at least 4 years)
Other – 2023 Release; Batch 23D1490; Bottle 911 of 2836
Proof – 91.2
Price Paid – $119 (plus tax)

Appearance – Dark amber.

Aroma – Toffee, vanilla, light butterscotch, spices, a hint of smoke.

Tasted Neat – Very smooth and creamy and different from what was experienced on the nose as it is less sweet and more savory. There is a coffee note with dark chocolate and burnt caramel. The wood from the barrel is present as is a smooth spiciness and a hint of honey.

Finish – Like the palate, the finish is smooth and savory with black pepper and baking chocolate.

Tasted with dried cranberry – The cranberry brightened the otherwise deep, dark notes of Shenk’s. There is additional spice and some zesty notes that were very refreshing, although a completely different experience.

Tasted with a pecan – As often happens, the pecan brought forward even more wood and dark notes. The chocolate is dark and inviting with a nice white pepper and oak finish.

Tasted with dark chocolate – This option brought the coffee forward with chocolate, caramel, and black pepper. It is incredibly creamy and with a nice finish as well.

Bomberger’s Declaration Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey by Michter’s

Mashbill – Undisclosed but some malted rye was used
Age – NAS (at least 4 years)
Other – 2023 Release; Batch #23E1948; Bottle 427 of 2386
Proof – 108
Price Paid – $129 (plus tax)

Appearance – Rich mahogany

Aroma – A lot of wood influence with vanilla cream, burnt caramel, honeysuckle, stewed cherries, baking spices, and a hint of nuttiness.

Tasted Neat – First, there is a terrific mouthfeel that is creamy and truly coats the palate. Sweet notes of butterscotch, toffee, molasses, and cherries greet the palate. Cardamon, dark chocolate, graham crackers, and a hint of mint are welcoming mid-palate. As it reaches the back of the palate, the cinnamon, nutmeg, black pepper, and tobacco join the journey.

Finish – Medium to long finish with warm backing spices, coffee, oak, mint, and barrel char.

Tasted with dried cranberry – The cranberry really changed it to a tartness of lemon zest with a finish of white pepper.

Tasted with a pecan – Again, the pecan brought the wood forward and a strong cinnamon finish.

Tasted with dark chocolate – This was tasty and very creamy with coffee and chocolate followed by cinnamon and white pepper on the finish.

Discussion and Final Notes

This is somewhat difficult to select which we enjoyed the most as each has something special to offer.

The Shenk’s Homestead 2023 Release boasts a dark amber color and offers a delightful tasting experience. Aromas of toffee, vanilla, light butterscotch, and a hint of smoke lead to a smooth and creamy texture with rich notes of coffee, dark chocolate, burnt caramel, and a velvety spiciness. The finish is smooth and savory, with hints of black pepper and baking chocolate.

The Bomberger’s Declaration 2023 Release has a mahogany color and offers a rich tasting experience with aromas of wood, vanilla cream, burnt caramel, honeysuckle, cherries, baking spices, and a subtle nuttiness. The palate is coated with creamy sweetness and welcomes notes of butterscotch, toffee, molasses, and cherries, as well as hints of cardamom, dark chocolate, graham crackers, and mint. The finish is marked by warm baking spices, coffee, oak, mint, and barrel char.

As always, it all comes down to your personal taste preferences and what resonates with you on any given day. When it comes to Shenk’s and Bomberger’s, the experience is truly remarkable. However, the depth and consistency of Bomberger’s simply resonates with us on a whole other level. From the captivating nose to the lingering finish, every sip is a journey. Being bourbon enthusiasts, Bomberger’s exquisitely crafted flavors nudge it ahead in our book. That being said, we wholeheartedly recommend trying both, and eagerly anticipate the opportunity to savor future releases.

Cheers,
Rebecca & Wayne

Photos by Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Spirit Requirements

Sour mash is a process in distillation that involves using material from an older batch to start fermenting a new batch of mash. It is very similar to the process of making sourdough bread with a starter. Using sour mash has the benefit of consistency between batches. It also reduces the possibility of unwanted bacterial growth. For additional information on bourbon requirements, please read this post – Four Stages of Making Spirits.

August 2024 Louisville, Chocolate, and Bourbon – Oh My!

August 7, 2024 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

August 7, 2024
By Rebecca Herman McBrayer

With Louisville, KY being only a 90 minute drive for us, Wayne and I are fortunate to enjoy what the city has to offer on a pretty regular basis. Since completing the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, most of our more recent trips to Louisville have been related to a bourbon-related event. We then surround the event schedule with places that we really enjoy in Louisville.

This past weekend’s trip had a different driving force. A long-time friend from San Diego would be in Louisville for the Court Reporter’s Conference. We learned she had Friday late afternoon and evening free and that set the wheels into motion to plan something fun. The conference was held at the Galt House and that provided us with an incentive to stay there for the first time as well.

One plan led to another and it turned into a most enjoyable weekend of exploring all things Louisville – especially since it was bourbon-related!

The Galt House Hotel was originally opened in 1835 and is Louisville’s only water-facing hotel. We enjoyed our stay there and found the hotel to be extremely central and in walking distance to many things we wished to do.

FRIDAY – AUGUST 2ND

Whiskey Row Bourbon and Chocolate Walking Tour

Prior to the trip, we learned that our friend Heidi and her colleague Bridget had never had bourbon. They had mostly enjoyed wine and lighter spirits. We knew that we needed to provide a proper introduction to our native spirt and Louisville has many options. After some research, we were thrilled that the Whiskey Row Walking Tour – Bourbon and Chocolate Tour – was available late afternoon on Friday. This seemed to be the perfect way to introduce our friends to bourbon … with a bit of history and a dose of amazing chocolate!

Meet up at the Frazier History Museum with our awesome guide, Drew!

Drew, our Whiskey Row tour guide, was amazing and he was able to share so many stories about Louisville that we had previously not hear. Drew is a native and lifelong Louisvillian. For 15 years, he has happily guided tourists, travelers, and native Louisvillians to famous Bourbon distilleries, Thoroughbred horse farms, and historic city sites. As a Professional Tour Guide, he takes pride in offering tours that are not only fun and entertaining, but also informative and historically accurate. Prior to becoming a guide, Drew dedicated 22 years to the City of Louisville’s Economic Development Department, playing a direct role in impactful development projects that significantly contributed to the growth and transformation of Louisville.

First stop – Art Eatables!

At Art Eatables®, the founders chose to create something new… the Small-batch Bourbon Truffle™, showcasing a unique approach to combining confection and bourbon. The founder, Kelly Ramsey, is the world’s first bourbon-certified chocolatier, and the company’s focus on accentuating the character of each bourbon through carefully selected chocolates sets their truffles apart. Even non-bourbon enthusiasts have found enjoyment in these truffles, as they provide a delightful blend of rich Belgian-style chocolates and the elegant flavors of Kentucky’s beloved bourbons.

Tasting flight of bourbon truffles and bourbons.

Our flight included Maker’s Mark, Angel’s Envy, and Michter’s Bourbon. Each piece of chocolate heaven was truly had the essence of each bourbon melded in the most amazing way within the fine truffle. It was mind-blowing, intriguing, and fabulously delicious all at the same time.

Second Stop – Buzzard’s Roost

Our second stop was at Buzzard’s Roost Distillery. Opened in April 2023, it is a fantastic addition to the bourbon distillery scene on Whiskey Row and we have enjoyed it on numerous occasions. We were fortunate to have Jeff Holmes lead us on this part of the experience in their very new Speak Easy room.
We had the opportunity to savor two exquisite whiskey tastings, expertly paired with two of their exclusive chocolates crafted by Art Eatables using the same whiskey as the tasting. Among the selection are the remarkable Double Gold winning Char #1 Rye Whiskey and the exceptional Platinum winning Char #1 Bourbon, both victors at the 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Third & Final Stop – Bristol Bar & Grille

The last stop on the tour was a local Louisville gem with a fascinating history, the Bristol Bar and Grille. Affectionately known as “The Bristol” by locals, it was established in 1977 and continues to be owned by its founder, Doug Gossmann. Gathered around a table, we all had the opportunity to engage in lively conversation and share what we loved about the tour. The highlight was the delightful pairing of Old Forester Bourbon with the iconic Kentucky Derby-Pie®. We also delved into the captivating history behind the bourbon and pie, discovering why both have become integral to the tradition of the Kentucky Derby®.

The Whiskey Row Bourbon and Chocolate Walking Tour completely surpassed our expectations! The pairings and hospitality at Art Eatables, Buzzard’s Roost, and Bristol Bar and Grille were absolutely exceptional. At every turn, Drew embodied the perfect guide, sharing his extensive knowledge and passion for Louisville with us. We cannot recommend this tour highly enough! Just a heads up: it’s currently seasonal and available from March through October.

Time to Explore

Just because the tour ended didn’t mean we had concluded our Louisville adventure. We still had a couple more places that we wanted to share with friends.

The Bar at Fort Nelson

Located on the second floor of Michter’s Fort Nelson Distillery, The Bar at Fort Nelson boasts classic cocktails carefully curated by cocktail historian and author David Wondrich, along with innovative creations by the talented bar team. Our frequent visits to this bar in Louisville are always a delight, as the atmosphere, service, and cocktails never fail to impress. On this particular visit, I was excited to recommend the Falls of the Ohio Fizz cocktail, which comes with an unexpected and delightful twist – laser printing on the top! The drink itself features Michter’s US*1 Kentucky Straight Rye, Orange Curacao, Lemon, Sugar, Egg White, and Soda. I had a good feeling that the flavor profile would be just right for Bridget and Heidi, and the “surprise” element would be a hit. Needless to say, they absolutely loved it!

*Bridget and Heidi enjoying their cocktails*

As a bonus, Andrea Wilson, Michter’s Master of Maturation as well as its Chief Operating Officer, was there and I was able to have a brief conversation with her. I look forward to seeing her at SIPosium in a couple of weeks. PLUS, from the second floor bar, you can see down into the distillation room. Heidi and Bridget were able to see the fermentation tanks and pot stills, which they found fascinating. It was a great stop for our day!

Bardstown Bourbon Co. Louisville Tasting Room

We always stop in this location because we love their spirits and they often have “distillery only” options to purchase. You can also taste a flight of their bourbon or have an amazing cocktail. Wayne and I decided on neat pours and I recommended cocktails to our friends based on their flavor profiles. Everyone was pleased with their selections and it was another opportunity to visit and enjoy one another’s company.

**Heidi’s – What’s Up Doc?** (Yes, that is on FIRE!)

After so many fantastic bourbon stops, it was definitely time for dinner! We headed back to the Bristol Bar & Grille for great food, more conversation, and a lot of laughs. We shared stories of our adventures and savored every moment of togetherness. After our satisfying meal, we strolled back to our hotel. As we bid each other goodnight, the day’s memories filled in our minds, fueled by the joy of cherished friendships, delectable chocolates, exquisite bourbon, and the delights of a remarkable culinary journey.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 3RD

We had a leisurely morning and then decided to walk to a nearby restaurant that we have often noticed but never stopped in to check it out. Bluegrass Brewing Company located at 3rd & Main. Wayne decided to have an Extra Spicy Bloody Mary and I enjoyed a pour of Bourbon Barrel Stout. We opted to share the Bluegrass Burger – an Angus Burger with Pimento Cheese Ranch, Haystack Onions, Fried Green Tomato and Cheddar Cheese. It was served with house-made chips. It was terrific and we recommend it as a great choice.

We headed back to our hotel room to relax until it was time to drive to Michael Veach’s home for “drinks on the porch” at 1PM. This would be our second opportunity to taste with them and we were quite excited. If you aren’t familiar with Michael Veach, we encourage you to get to know him at the YouTube channel and website – bourbonveachdotcom. He is a bourbon enthusiast, writer, and historian who was inducted into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame in 2006.

Tasting with Mike & Matt – Porch Session #1

When we arrived, Mike already had the porch and the tasting set up and ready to go. However, much to our surprise, we learned that it would be recorded for an episode of “Mike & Matt Taste” for their YouTube Channel – BourbonVeach. It would be the start of what they will call, The Porch Sessions. Wow – what an honor!

Before we got down to the business of tasting, we had the opportunity to meet Matt’s girlfriend, Rebecca, who is the one behind the camera and video editing. In addition, Mike’s fiancé, Rosemary, was home for a short while prior to the start of the filming. It was wonderful to get to know Rebecca and catch up with Rosemary.

We weren’t exactly sure how the quality of the recording would turn out as there was car detailing at a neighbors and an occasional helicopter flying over. We just learned to roll with it and embrace it as the real outdoors that we were experiencing. As you can see in the photo above, we were very excited to taste a dusty bottle – 1974 Old Crow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey! Please view the video below for the tasting notes as well as fun porch conversation!

We were both surprised and honored to be a part of the “Mike & Matt Taste” for our Porch Session visit.

At the conclusion of the tastings (we also tasted a bottle that we brought to share – Starlight Distillery‘s Bourbon Finished in Peach Brandy Barrel – we wrapped up the video as Matt and Rebecca needed to depart. However, we stayed to chat and smoke a couple cigars with Mike. We inquired about their favorite restaurants in the area. Mike highly recommended Volare Italian Ristorante and Bourbons Bistro. Both sounded amazing and we quickly checked Open Table and were able to get a 6PM reservation at Bourbons Bistro. We hated to depart but know we will visit again. The experience was a great gift and as a momento, we were also invited to take the unfinished Old Crow home with us. Thank you, Mike, for an amazing afternoon of great pours, conversation, and friendship.

Dinner at Bourbons Bistro

It was terrific that Bourbons Bistro was about a mile away as we were ready for dinner. I didn’t take any location photos as I didn’t want to disturb other diners. However, this page on their website has a fantastic set of photos.

We each decided to enjoy a neat pour of Buzzard’s Roost Char #1 Bourbon while sharing Mike’s recommended appetizer: Garlic and Goat Cheese Spread – roasted garlic, bleu cheese, goat cheese, cream cheese, sweet red and green peppers, baby spinach, French bread. Each were devine! For our dinner choices, Wayne started with the Wedge Salad and we each ordered the Bourbons Chop – 12 oz. Frenched bone-in pork chop wrapped in proscuitto topped with Asadero cheese and a bourbon veal demi glace, Yukon mashed potatoes, garlic haricot verts. Every bite was amazing and the staff was attentive and very helpful – we were so happy to enjoy this restaurant.

Background on Bourbons Bistro and its Owner: Jason Brauner is the owner of Bourbons Bistro in Louisville, Kentucky, which he opened in 2005 with the intention of creating a place that celebrated the state and people of Kentucky through its focus on bourbon. Over the years, Jason not only educated himself about bourbon but also innovated within the industry, introducing concepts such as bourbon flights, barrel picks, and bourbon experiences. Since opening Bourbon’s Bistro in 2005, Jason has established an active single barrel program, working closely with Kentucky’s master distillers to gain knowledge and respect. In 2019, Judy Hollis Jones and Jason Brauner met during a barrel pick and decided to create Buzzard’s Roost Sipping Whiskey, aiming for exceptional and unique quality. Jason oversees production to ensure each batch exceeds the expectations of discerning whiskey drinkers.

We look forward to meeting Jason at the Owensboro Bourbon Society‘s August meeting!

SUNDAY, AUGUST 4TH

Before departing for home, we wanted to make one final stop at our favorite breakfast place in downtown Louisville – Doc Crow’s on Main Street. Over time, we have tried many of their breakfast options but have each settled on our favorites. For me, it is the Spinach & Feta Omelette while Wayne loves a combo of Buttermilk Biscuits N’ Gravy and a Build Your Own Omelette. As always, the food and service were top notch. We highly recommend Doc Crow’s when in Louisville!

That’s a Wrap!

It’s impossible to identify just one “favorite” moment from our weekend in Louisville as each was absolutely unforgettable. Our time was jam-packed with all things bourbon, from a fascinating walking tour that introduced our friends into the world of bourbon through exquisite pairings of chocolate and bourbon, to exploring tasting rooms at different distilleries. The weekend also featured an exclusive bourbon tasting porch session with bourbon expert Michael Veach, dining at exceptional restaurants, and a visit to our go-to breakfast spot before heading home. This truly added an extraordinary chapter to Our Bourbon Journey, and we hope it inspires some noteworthy stops on Your Bourbon Journey as well!

Cheers until next time!
Rebecca & Wayne

Your Bourbon Journey

Embracing the Craft

Month: August 2024

August 2024 Bourbon Women’s Collector’s Trinity Tasting

August 2024 Blind Match Up Tasting

August 2024 Old Forester 1924 & Single Barrel Tasting

August 2024 J.T. Meleck Rice Whiskey Tasting

August 2024 Leiper’s Fork & High N’ Wicked Tasting

2024 Bourbon Women SIPosium Day 3

2024 Bourbon Women SIPosium Day 2

2024 Bourbon Women SIPosium Day 1

August 2024 Shenk’s & Bomberger’s Tasting

August 2024 Louisville, Chocolate, and Bourbon – Oh My!