Why Hidden Barn French Oak Bourbon is a Must-Try

October 31, 2024November 7, 2024 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

October 31, 2024
By Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Wayne and I were able to purchase this particular bottle of Hidden Barn during the 2024 Kentucky Bourbon Festival. For those who are not familiar with the Hidden Barn brand, the press release (below) for this bottle provides some background.

“The brand has been acquired by Royce Neeley from the Neeley Family Distillery, and continues to be created in partnership with Master Blender Jackie Zykan. This acquisition elevates the brand from its inception as an NDP (non-distiller producer) into having a brick-and-mortar home. The first release for Hidden Barn under the Neeley family of brands is a seven-year-old expression, aged five years in 24-month open-air seasoned barrels, and then barreled in new charred French oak barrels for an additional two years.”

Tasting Notes: Hidden Barn Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Double Barreled in New Charred French Oak

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

Mashbill – 70% Corn, 20% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
Age – 7 years (last two years in new charred French oak barrels)
Other – 5 Barrel Small Batch
Proof – 109.4
Price Paid – $100 (plus tax)

Color – Mahogany.

Aroma – Great aromas right away. Sweetness, spice, and oak come together very nicely. Possibly caramel or vanilla with fruit notes of cherry or maybe berries and then baking spices. Brings to mind a fresh baked pie.

Tasted Neat – It has a lot going on and it is all good. The vanilla is custard-like, such as a decadent crème brûlée, with hints of butterscotch, and fruit notes that seem to be more of a berry – leaning toward a blackberry. Cinnamon is present as is a slight chocolate note with.

Finish – A long and comforting finish with very dark caramel notes, toasted French oak, leather, dark chocolate, cinnamon, black pepper.

Tasted with dried cranberry – It really made it brighter, apple, orange zest, and the finish is pops of pepper.

Tasted with a pecan – Baking chocolate and a luscious oakiness. The fruit notes are gone but replaced with hints of cinnamon and black pepper. It is very good.

Tasted with dark chocolate – Wow – this is wonderful! It is spicy, more cinnamon notes, sweet oak, dark chocolate, cherry, with a warm finish. Together, it is reminiscent of drinking a fabulous Mexican hot chocolate! Deep, dark chocolate with bits of chili pepper.

Final Notes and Video

First, this is an outstanding bottle of bourbon. Second, we love Hidden Barn and Neeley Family Distillery. If you are not acquainted with them, we hope this introduction has encouraged you to change that!

Mahogany in color, this bourbon boasts enticing aromas from the very start. The harmony of sweetness, spice, and oak comes together beautifully, with rich hints of caramel or vanilla and luscious fruit notes of cherry or berries, evoking the essence of a freshly baked pie. Tasting it neat reveals a complex profile that delights the senses. The vanilla is decadently custard-like, reminiscent of a luxurious crème brûlée, complemented by butterscotch and vibrant berry notes, leaning toward blackberry. Cinnamon adds depth, along with a subtle touch of chocolate. This bourbon finishes long and comfortably, leaving behind dark caramel notes, toasted French oak, leather, dark chocolate, cinnamon, and a hint of black pepper. This is a superior pour from nose to finish!

Wayne and I highly recommend this bottle – find it – acquire it – enjoy it!

Embracing the Craft,
Rebecca & Wayne

Photos and video by Rebecca Herman McBrayer

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

Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Kentucky 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). 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.

Limestone Branch 2024 Bardstown Collection Review

October 28, 2024November 7, 2024 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

October 28, 2024
By Rebecca Herman McBrayer

This year Wayne and I ventured to Bardstown, KY several days in advance of the 2024 Kentucky Bourbon Festival. One day we revisited Maker’s Mark and another day we did a terrific tour at Wild Turkey. Between those days, we participated in the Scotchy Bourbon Boys 4th Annual Bus Tour. It was on that tour that one of our stops provided an opportunity to revisit Limestone Branch Distillery and enjoyed an amazing experience led by the one and only Stephen Fante, National Brand Ambassador.

At the conclusion of our tour and tasting, we did what we usually do — visit the gift shop and determine which bottles we would be bringing home! One of those bottles was the Limestone Branch 2024 Bardstown Collection. This was their first year to participate in the collection and we were excited to taste what Stephen Beam had created.

Tasting Notes: Limestone Branch 2024 Bardstown Collection

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

Mashbill – Historic recipe of 60% White Corn, 28% Red Winter Wheat, and 12% Malted Barley
Age – 6 years
Proof – 100
Price Paid – $259.95 (plus tax)

Color – Dark copper.

Aroma – The red winter wheat is immediately noticeable on the nose and is almost bread-like. In addition, there is brown sugar, baking spices, and a fruit note of either apple or cherry.

Tasted Neat – Wheat toast and a rich creamed corn is present in a rather savory profile. The nose of baking spices has shifted clearly to cinnamon notes. There are also notes of tobacco, perhaps a sweet pipe tobacco, and a hint of cherry is also present.

Finish – This has a nice finish. It starts rather slowly but continues to evolve. It starts with sweet oak and cinnamon and then transitions to pops of black pepper. At the very end, notes of leather start to come forward.

Tasted with dried cranberry – This made it quite spicy with cinnamon. The finish is now a bit effervescent as it “pops” with spicy bursts of black pepper.

Tasted with a pecan – The pecan has brought the oak notes forward. It has become deep, dark, and luscious and has notes of very dark chocolate and a slight hint of cherry. The finish is similar to when we tried it neat as the leather is present again.

Tasted with dark chocolate – It has a creamy texture and pleasant mouthfeel. The spice is leaning more toward a ginger note. There is also a subtle chocolate that is warm, somewhat like a Mexican hot chocolate vibe.

Final Notes and Video

Overall, we find this to be a fantastic bottle. Wayne especially enjoyed its “vintage bottle” feel with the historic recipe using white corn and red winter wheat notes. Rebecca loved it from nose to finish.

In summary, the red winter wheat makes an immediate and bold statement on the nose, reminiscent of freshly baked bread. Accompanying this are enticing notes of brown sugar, baking spices, and a vibrant fruit character, hinting at either apple or cherry. On the palate, wheat toast stands out, complemented by a rich, savory presence of creamed corn. The baking spices have firmly evolved into pronounced cinnamon notes. Additionally, there are distinct hints of tobacco, suggesting a sweet pipe variety, and a flicker of cherry that adds depth. The finish is satisfying and dynamic; it begins with a gradual unfolding of sweet oak and cinnamon, then transitions into lively bursts of black pepper, culminating in an intriguing emergence of leather at the very end.

Wayne and I highly recommend this bottle for your collection and if you are at the Limestone Branch Distillery, inquire if they have any bottles remaining.

Embracing the Craft,
Rebecca & Wayne

Note: We were only able to acquire two of the 2024 Bardstown Collection, this one from Limestone Branch and the offering from Bardstown Bourbon Company.

Photos and video by Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Tasting Notes for Buzzard’s Roost 11-Year Old Double-Oaked Bourbon

October 24, 2024November 7, 2024 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

October 24, 2024
By Rebecca Herman McBrayer

*Rebecca Herman, Jason Brauner, Wayne McBrayer*

Wayne and I have enjoyed Buzzard’s Roost Whiskey for a few years and have visited their Whiskey Row location in Louisville on several occasions. August 14th, Jason Brauner, co-founder of Buzzard’s Roost, was the guest speaker for the Owensboro Bourbon Society’s monthly meeting. During his talk he shared that they were about to celebrate their 5th anniversary and would be releasing a 7-Year Old and 11-Year Old Double-Oaked Bourbons on August 17th at Whiskey Row. See official press release at the end.

That date was outstanding for us as we would be in Louisville for the Bourbon Women’s SIP Conference during the release. We had free time in the afternoon and ensured that we notched out some time to visit Buzzard’s Roost. As always, we enjoyed time in their lovely bar, had a neat pour of each new release, and decided on the spot that each would be coming home with us!

Tasting Notes: Buzzard’s Roost 11-Year Old Double-Oaked Bourbon

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

Mashbill – 75% corn, 21% rye and 4% malted barley.
Age – 11 Years
Proof – 113.8
Price Paid – $150 (plus tax)

Color – Rich mahogany.

Aroma – Cherry, toffee, brown sugar, caramel, vanilla, and a hint of smokiness.

Tasted Neat – Brown sugar and cinnamon toast, toffee, sweet oak, dried cherries, dark chocolate, and more cinnamon.

Finish – A terrific medium to long finish with white pepper, sweet oak, a hint of very dark chocolate, and then black pepper.

Tasted with dried cranberry – Many of the delightful flavors became muted and replace with orange zest and a strong spiciness.

Tasted with a pecan – Dark chocolate, deep caramel, and oak. It is very nice and reminiscent of a dark chocolate covered caramel with a hint of spice.

Tasted with dark chocolate – Like the cranberry, this muted many of the terrific flavors. There is a forward spiciness and strong notes of orange zest with cinnamon on the finish. Somewhat better than with the cranberry.

Final Notes and Video

We truly enjoy this offering by Buzzard’s Roost. The 11-year-old, double-oaked bourbon is almost decadent. The rich mahogany color is striking, complemented by impressive legs. The aroma confidently boasts notes of cherry, toffee, brown sugar, caramel, vanilla, and a subtle hint of smokiness. On the palate, it delivers an indulgent mix of brown sugar and cinnamon toast, toffee, sweet oak, dried cherries, dark chocolate, and an assertive touch of cinnamon. Its finish is a bold medium to long experience, featuring white pepper, sweet oak, a whisper of very dark chocolate, and a punch of black pepper. Overall, this is a deep, dark, and complex spirit that compels you to reach for another sip.

Wayne and I highly recommend this bottle for your collection.

Embracing the Craft,
Rebecca & Wayne

Photos and video by Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Straight Bourbon Whiskey

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.

Buzzard’s Roost Press Release: 7-Year Old and 11-Year Old Double-Oaked Bourbons

Buzzard’s Roost Releases Two Double-Oaked Single Barrel Bourbons to Mark 5th Anniversary
7-Year Old and 11-Year Old Double-Oaked Bourbons Will Be Released Aug. 17 at Whiskey Row

Aug. 13, 2024 – Louisville, Kentucky – In Summer 2019, when Buzzard’s Roost began with three barrels of rye, Cofounders Judy Hollis Jones and Jason Brauner already had long-range vision (like buzzards do!), leading them to purchase several barrels of aged bourbon to put down for a special day. That day is now here!

Buzzard’s Roost will release Founders Seven-Year-Old Straight Bourbon ($125) and 11-Year Old Straight Bourbon ($150) at its Whiskey Row Experience at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 17. A limited number of bottles will be available as pre-sale online.

Both bourbons are double-oaked, undergoing secondary maturation in Buzzard’s Roost’s signature, new Char #1 oak barrels that were precision-toasted to coax out very specific flavors from the wood. From Day One, Buzzard’s Roost’s point of difference has been its proprietary secondary maturation – or double-barreling – process that leads to rare flavor profiles not found in any other whiskeys.

“These are some of the most exciting bourbons we’ve produced,” says Buzzard’s Roost Master Blender Jason Brauner. “We bought barrels of aged bourbon and then spent considerable time determining the exact toast profile for the second barrels, to result in the best flavors. They started as excellent bourbons, and both aged beautifully, evolving into even better bourbons.”

As for the long-range vision, CEO Judy Hollis Jones notes that the brand is now in 23 markets (including Canada) and has earned the respect of the most discerning palates. Wine Enthusiast gave Buzzard’s Roost’s new Bottled in Bond Bourbon 95 points, while Toasted French Oak Bourbon received 94 points. Buzzard’s Roost Char #1 Rye was named Best American Rye in the International Whisky Competition, while Toasted American Oak Bourbon was named Best Bourbon in the 2024 Barleycorn Awards.

“The accolades mean a lot to a young craft brand like Buzzard’s Roost,” says Hollis Jones. “But what means the most is sharing these whiskeys with friends and customers and watching our brand grow, reaching new whiskey lovers who keep the momentum going.”

Both Bourbons share the same mash bill: 75% corn, 21% rye and 4% malted barley. The 7 Year Old Bourbon is 109.2 proof, and the 11 Year Old Bourbon is 113.8 proof. Guests can try before they buy at the Buzzard’s Roost Whiskey Row Experience, with pours available for purchase at the bar, and both will be included in tasting flights while supplies last.

About Buzzard’s Roost: Buzzard’s Roost Sipping Whiskey is an independent blender, bottler and distiller of exceptional whiskeys crafted using pioneering techniques. Buzzard’s Roost whiskeys are created using a combination of break-through techniques for secondary maturation including 18-month-seasoned oak barrels for intensified flavors and exclusive use of Char #1 over very specific toast levels to coax complex flavors from each barrel, leading to rye whiskeys and bourbons with flavors unlike any other.

Buzzard’s Roost Whiskeys are distributed in 23 markets including Alberta, Canada and select products are available online and at the Buzzard’s Roost Whiskey Row Experience at 624 W. Main Street in downtown Louisville. All Buzzard’s Roost whiskeys are second-barrel aged and bottled at Bardstown Bourbon Company. Buzzard’s Roost is proud to be a woman-led company. Follow @buzzardsroostwhiskey on Instagram and Facebook.

Introducing Our YouTube Channel: Your Bourbon Journey

October 22, 2024 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

October 22, 2024

Wayne and I are excited to announce that we have launched our YouTube Channel!

Consistent with this website, we will be discussing all things bourbon including bourbon tastings, distillery visits, bourbon festivals, bourbon dinners, and other special events.

We will start out slowly to ensure great content. In December, we look forward to sharing our Whiskey Advent Calendar with blind tastings – that should be a lot of fun! By January, our goal includes adding bourbon cocktails, bourbon recipes, and other fun content that we hope you will enjoy. You can watch our introduction video below.

Thank you for your continued support!

Embracing the Craft!
Rebecca & Wayne

YouTube: Your Bourbon Journey

Secrets of Bourbon Food Pairing Explained by Experts

October 21, 2024 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

Date & Time: Friday, October 4th, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Location: The Kentucky History Center, 100 West Broadway St., Frankfort, KY 40601

By Rebecca Herman McBrayer

As part of our Frankfort, KY Bourbon on the Banks weekend, we attended the Secrets to Bourbon Food Pairing with Peggy Noe Stevens & John Medley. We had a big morning of travel from Indiana with our friends, Hap & Judy Aziz, as well as an insightful grounds walk tour at Glenn’s Creek Distilling – home of the historic Old Crow Distillery. We made it to the event just in time and friends had saved us seats right up front – Thank you Lisa & Phil!

Event Description: The Secrets to Bourbon Food Pairing – Bourbon Hall of Fame and Master Taster, Peggy Noe Stevens and John Medley, the Research and Development Director at Buffalo Trace Distillery take you on a sensory journey with food pairings from Limewater Bistro and our favorite expressions from Buffalo Trace Distillery.
-History and Tasting of three premium Bourbons
– Bourbon Benchmarking: Understanding three Different Styles
– Food and Bourbon pairing and palate training

What We Learned About Pairings

Peggy shared her approach and teaching tool for bourbon pairings called The Flavor Trio. She referred to this technique a balance, counterbalance, and explosion.

Balance: When the flavors of a bourbon MATCH the flavor of a food.
Counterbalance: When a completely OPPOSITE food flavor highlights certain bourbon flavor profiles.
Explosion: When a predominant bourbon flavor is matched with a predominant flavor in a food – this causes a flavor explosion.

With this in mind, you should select your bourbon first and get to know its flavor profile. Next, you would select foods to balance, counterbalance, and explode those flavors. This (and much more) is detailed in the book: “WHICH FORK DO I USED WITH MY BOURBON? Setting the Table for Tastings, Food Pairings, Dinners, and Cocktail Parties.” Peggy Noe Stevens & Susan Reigler. Available on Amazon.

Pairing 1: Buffalo Trace

Buffalo Trace: Caramel, brown sugar, vanilla, and honey with notes of summer fruits and hints of leather and oak.

Balance: Paired with Peach Salad with Molasses Vinaigrette, Fresh Tarragon, and Honey Brown Bread Crouton.

The molasses vinaigrette balanced with the brown sugar; the notes of honey were present in the honey brown bread crouton; and the peach highlighted the bourbon flavors of summer fruits. This combination was truly delightful!

Pairing 2: Weller 12-Year-Old

Weller 12: Vanilla, orange peel, creamed corn, honeysuckle, and baking spices.

Counterbalance: Paired with Slow-Cooked Brisket with Crispy Gouda Grit Cake, Spicy BBQ, and Green Onion.

While the grit cake complimented the creamed corn from the Weller, the spicy BBQ sauce was the perfect counterbalance to the overall sweetness profile of the bourbon.

Pairing 3: Stagg Jr.

Stagg Jr.: Pipe tobacco, caramel, vanilla, baking spices, dates, with hints of clove and cocoa.

Explosion: Paired with Date and Chocolate Cake with Fresh Blackberry.

Wow! Explosion is a great description for how this tastes together. Amazing!

About our Hosts

Peggy Noe Stevens: As the world’s first female master bourbon taster and founder of the Bourbon Women Association, Peggy is uniquely qualified to educate the audience about Kentucky’s native spirit. Whether you are new to bourbon, or a seasoned enthusiast, she will present an entertaining overview of Bourbon’s flavor influencers during the production process and how to taste like a pro. A customized food and Bourbon pairing will delight your senses and teach you why the many different “styles” of our amber elixir make Bourbon a signature industry for Kentucky.

*Rebecca Herman, Judy Aziz, Hap Aziz, Wayne McBrayer, and Peggy Noe Stevens*

John Medley: As the Research & Development Director at Buffalo Trace Distillery, John Medley is responsible for providing technical leadership for Sazerac products and implementing improvements in manufacturing processes. Under John’s helm, the new product development team creates successful brands enjoyed by fans all over the world.

*Wayne McBrayer, Rebecca Herman, and John Medley*

The perfectly prepared food pairings were created by Limewater Bistro.

The pairings were both delightful and educational. This was a fantastic experience. If you have an opportunity to attend a similar event, we highly recommend it. If you are unable to do so, Peggy & Susan’s book is fantastic!

Embracing the Craft!
Rebecca & Wayne

Top Bourbon & Whiskey News from September 2024

October 1, 2024 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

10/01/24
Curated by Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Bourbon & Whiskey News Highlights from September 2024 >> 30 Stories!

In September 2024, the bourbon and whiskey industry showcased significant developments including market reports, distillery news, and new bottle releases. Highlights featured long-standing icons like Jimmy Russell’s 70th Anniversary, new distilleries breaking ground, and the reveal of five inductees into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame, reflecting ongoing growth and innovation.

Industry Market News & Related Announcements >> 3 Stories

Bourbon Spirits Market Report 2024: Industry Growth, Size, Share, Trends, Analysis, Forecast to 2033

Bourbon Spirits Market Segments, Drivers, Restraints, And Trends For 2024-2033

Bourbon Whiskey Market Insights: Navigating Opportunities for Growth

Distillery News >> 5 Stories

An Angel’s Envy Founder Reveals Plans for Ambitious New Distillery

Kentucky bourbon icon Jimmy Russell celebrates his 70th anniversary at Wild Turkey

Kentucky Distillers’ Association Welcomes Chicken Cock Whiskey as newest member

More than 230 years of history bottled at James B. Beam Distilling Company

Gov. Beshear joins Henderson Distilling Co. to break ground on $5M startup distillery

Distillery Trail >> 3 Stories

Casey Jones Distillery kicks off Mash Maker’s Experience

Tennessee Whiskey Trail Adds Two New Members