Month: March 2025

Unleash the Flavor: Old Louisville’s Cognac Finished Whiskey! 

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In this bourbon review episode, we highlight our recent visit to Old Louisville Whiskey Co, where we enjoyed an incredible barrel thieving experience with owner, Amine Kar. We delve into our exciting purchase from that visit – the 9 Year Old Cognac Finished Straight Whiskey. Join us as we explore this exceptional release, relishing its rich aromas, complex palate, and unforgettable finish. We wholeheartedly recommend adding Old Louisville Whiskey Co to your bourbon journey; make sure to book a tour the next time you’re headed to the Louisville, Kentucky area.

ABOUT THIS BOTTLE

  • Old Louisville Straight Whiskey Cognac Cask Finish
  • Classification: Straight Whiskey
  • Distilled:  Indiana
  • Bottled: Old Louisville Whiskey Co, Louisville KY
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed
  • Age: 9 years
  • Proof: 106.6
  • Released: 2025
  • Other: Uncut, Non-Chill Filtered, Cognac Cask Finished
  • Purchased: 02/21/25 for $149.99 at Old Louisville Whiskey Co, Louisville KY

Old Louisville Whiskey Co.: https://oldlouisvillewhiskey.com/ 

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Visit: https://yourbourbonjourney.com  for additional stories to enhance Your Bourbon Journey!

Questions? YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

NOTE: The spirit 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.

What Makes the Old Fitzgerald 1976 Decanter So SPECIAL?

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Join us for an unforgettable tasting event, where we will explore a captivating chapter of whiskey history! Today’s exceptional selection is a Vintage Bourbon – an Old Fitzgerald Decanter, bottled in 1976 and likely distilled around 1970. We originally opened this American Sons of St. Patrick Decanter a year ago, eagerly anticipating another tasting. It is remarkable to immerse ourselves in a vintage Old Fitzgerald Wheated Bourbon that is at least 50 years old, potentially distilled at Stizel-Weller under the esteemed Van Winkle family’s guidance. This vintage bourbon invites you to savor its unique taste profile, evoking powerful memories and emotions that embody the spirit of bourbon. Together, let’s celebrate this extraordinary bottle while Sipping on History! 🥃

ABOUT THIS VINTAGE DECANTER

  • Old Fitzgerald American Sons of St. Patrick Decanter
  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Stitzel-Weller
  • Mash Bill: The researched mashbill for Old Fitzgerald Prime in the early 1970s was 70% Corn, 20% Wheat, and 10% Malted Barley.
  • Age: According to bourbon historian, Michael Veach, Old Fitzgerald Prime was typically a blend of 4–8-year-old-whiskey with mostly 6-year-old.
  • Proof: 86
  • Other: If this whiskey was bottled around 1976, and the dominate age was 6 years, it was likely distilled and barreled around 1970. The Master Distiller at that time was Roy Hawes (early 50s to 1971).
  • Note: In 1972, the company and all its brands were sold to Norton-Simon Inc. as part of Somerset Imports, as part of a forced sale by stockholders. The distillery name was changed to Old Fitzgerald Distillery. After this point there were no longer any Van Winkles at the helm of the company, making pre-1972 bottles somewhat more sought after. (per Whiskey ID, https://whiskeyid.com/stitzel-weller-timeline/)
  • Purchased: January 2024 at Revival Vintage Spirits, Covington, KY https://revivalky.com/ 

Original Opening & Written Story: https://yourbourbonjourney.com/2024/03/17/march-2024-old-fitzgerald-1976-decanter/

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Questions? YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

NOTE: The spirit 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.

This bottle contains 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. 

The Kentucky Coffee: A Recipe for Bourbon Lovers

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In episode 9 of Thirsty Thursday Bourbon Cocktails, we present an exciting twist on the classic Irish Coffee that is destined to be your go-to coffee specialty – the Kentucky Coffee Cocktail! You’ll discover that the Kentucky Coffee boasts a vibrant aroma and delivers a smooth, flavorful experience, where the bold bitterness of black coffee is perfectly balanced by the sweet notes of vanilla and caramel from the Kentucky Bourbon. With a strong, freshly brewed coffee as its foundation, this cocktail packs a punch. The Kentucky Bourbon infuses a smooth, slightly spicy warmth that complements the coffee’s boldness brilliantly. Adding Tobacco Bitters enhances the earthy characteristics of the Bourbon, while a touch of caramel and Bourbon Cream introduces the ideal sweetness, perfectly balancing the coffee’s assertiveness with the bourbon’s warmth. Finally, a velvety layer of whipped cream crowns this drink, adding a delightful creamy texture. In this video, we will expertly guide you through the cocktail-making process with clear, step-by-step instructions, empowering you to craft this delightful coffee—ideal for sharing with friends or indulging solo.

RECIPE: 

  • Caramel to drizzle into the coffee cup
  • 1.5 oz. of Kentucky Bourbon
  • 1 oz of bourbon cream
  • 3-4 Dashes of Turkish Tobacco Bitters
  • 4 oz of fresh brewed coffee
  • Garnish with whipped cream and freshly grated nutmeg

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Visit:  https://www.youtube.com/@YourBourbonJourney/featured for additional videos to enhance Your Bourbon Journey!

Questions? YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

NOTE: The spirits and items in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the producers for this review. Please drink responsibly.

Three Unique Irish Whiskeys for St. Patrick’s Day

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In this edition of tastings from our whiskey library, we proudly showcase three Irish Whiskeys to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and our Five Year Wedding Anniversary. This tasting features two Irish Whiskeys we’ve enjoyed before – Ha’Penny and Red Breast 12 – along with a new addition that we’ve recently acquired – Red Breast 12 Cask Strength. We will kick things off with the Ha’Penny by Pearse Lyons Distillery. Next up are the outstanding Red Breast 12 Year offerings: one is the classic 80 proof, while the other boasts a robust cask strength at 114.4 proof-our first experience with this remarkable cask strength version. For each whiskey, we will meticulously examine the appearance, revel in the aromas, savor the taste profile, and comment on the finish. We’ve even discovered one that we’re affectionately dubbing a “Bourbon Drinker’s Irish Whiskey.” So, pour yourself a glass of Irish Whiskey, get comfortable, and sip along with us. Cheers!

ABOUT THESE BOTTLES

Ha’Penny Irish Whiskey

  • Classification: Irish Whiskey
  • Company: Lexington Brewing and Distilling Company
  • Distillery: Pearse Lyons Distillery in Dublin, Ireland
  • Mash Bill: 62% Grain (A blend of Sherry Butt Grain and Double Charred Barrel Grain), 38% Malt (A blend of Port Pipe finished Malt and First fill Bourbon Barrel Malt).
  • Age: Non-age statement (NAS) blend of 4–10-year-old whiskies from four types of barrels… Bourbon, Port, Sherry and Double Charred.
  • Proof: 86
  • Purchased: 04/14/23 for $34.99 at Town Branch Distillery

Red Brest 12 Year Irish Whiskey

  • Classification: Irish Whiskey
  • Type: Pot Still Irish Whiskey; Denotes it was made from malted and un-malted barley and distilled only in a pot still.
  • Distillation: Triple Distilled
  • Company: Pernod Ricard
  • Distillery: Midleton Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 100% Malted and Unmalted Barley
  • Age: 12 Years
  • Proof: 80
  • Purchased: 03/11/23 for $73.99 at Beverage Barn, Henderson KY

Red Brest 12 Year Cask Strength Irish Whiskey

  • Classification: Irish Whiskey
  • Type: Pot Still Irish Whiskey; Denotes it was made from malted and un-malted barley and distilled only in a pot still.
  • Distillation: Triple Distilled
  • Company: Pernod Ricard
  • Distillery: Midleton Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 100% Malted and Unmalted Barley
  • Cask: Mixture of ex-bourbon barrels and ex-Oloroso Sherry Casks
  • Age: 12 Years
  • Proof: 114.4
  • Purchased: 03/08/25 for $$199.99 at High Spirits, Evansville IN

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ABOUT IRISH WHISKEY

Irish whiskey is made from a high grain mash of barley, wheat, and corn. The exact quantities of each grain depend on the type of whiskey. The most common primary grain is barley.  The barley and be malted, un-malted, or a combination of each. The Irish Whiskey Act of 1980 defines the basic requirements for Irish whiskey. The act protects Irish whiskey by statute law and provides regulations and labeling for the spirit. The requirements include: produced and aged in Ireland; made from cereal grains that are fermented with yeast; distilled no higher than 94.8% ABV (proof of 189.6); aged in wooden casks for a minimum of three years; free of added substances with the exception of water and caramel coloring; bottled at a minimum ABV of 40% (proof of 80). For more information, please read Irish Whiskey.

**REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY**

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Visit: https://www.youtube.com/@YourBourbonJourney/featured for additional videos to enhance Your Bourbon Journey!

Questions? YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

NOTE: The spirits in this review were 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.

The First Visit to Old Forester – A Bourbon Adventure

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Join us in CELEBRATION of our 100th VIDEO!

 In Episode 10 of Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes, we recount our first visit to Old Forester Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky. Join us as we remember that day, Saturday, September 3, 2022, which marked our 14th distillery on Our Bourbon Journey and our 10th Stamp on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. We share our insights into the experience available at Old Forester Distillery, how complete and detailed the tour is – truly soup to nuts, and why we often select it as a first distillery visit for our friends who are visiting. To fully immerse ourselves in those cherished memories, we taste from a bottle purchased on that very first visit, Old Forester Statesman, enabling us to relive the original experience and further enriching our journey with yet another highlight in Our Bourbon Journey.

In this series, Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes, we navigate the rich tapestry of our memorable experiences on the Bourbon Trail, a journey that has undeniably enriched our appreciation for this iconic American spirit. We tackle intriguing questions such as: What stands out as the most profound memory of that bourbon trail experience, one that has etched itself firmly in our minds? What exceptional and bourbon or whiskey did we discover during this journey, perhaps one that surprised us with its intricate and delightful flavor profiles? What lasting impressions do we have of that bourbon or whiskey today, as we reflect on its complexities and how they resonate with our evolving palates and preferences? Through this exploration, we passionately recount our adventures and celebrate the stories and connections we’ve forged along the way, highlighting the essence of the Bourbon Trail.

ABOUT THE BOTTLE: Old Forester Statesman

  • The Statesman
  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Brown-Forman
  • Distillery: Old Forester Distilling Company
  • Mash Bill: 72% Corn, 18% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
  • Age: NAS (at least 4 years)
  • Proof: 95
  • MSRP: $55
  • Purchased: 09/03/22 for $56.99 at Old Forester, Louisville KY

**REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY**

Please SUBSCRIBE and hit the LIKE button!

Visit: https://www.youtube.com/@YourBourbonJourney/featured for additional videos to enhance Your Bourbon Journey!

Questions? YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

NOTE: The spirits in this review were 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.

Exploring The History and Flavors of Oxmoor Bourbon

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In this bourbon review episode, we recount our recent visit to the Oxmoor Farm and Bourbon Company in Louisville, Kentucky. We highlight its historical significance, rooted in the 1700s, and the Bullitt family’s remarkable legacy of legal scholars who played a pivotal role in shaping many of the bourbon and whiskey laws we cherish today. Although bourbon was never produced on-site, Oxmoor served as a private stock brand designed for sharing.

We then delve into the tasting of two exceptional offerings from Oxmoor Bourbon – a Small Batch and a Single Barrel. Each is crafted by an undisclosed distillery in Kentucky; however, we know that one is bottled at Kentucky Artisan Distillery and the other at Neeley Family Distillery. We thoroughly enjoy and compare the unique aromas, tastes, and finishes of each offering.

Ultimately, we strongly recommend that you add Oxmoor Farm and Bourbon to your bourbon journey – book a tour, take a step back in time, and savor some outstanding bourbon!

ABOUT THESE BOTTLES

Oxmoor Small Batch Barrel Strength

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Oxmoor Bourbon Company
  • Bottled: Kentucky Artisan Distillery, Crestwood KY
  • Mash Bill: Blend of Traditional & Wheated mash bills
  • Age: NAS (at least 4 years)
  • Proof: 119
  • MSRP: $65.00
  • Other: Vol. 3, First Edition, MMXXIV
  • Purchased: 02/21/25 for $65.00 at Oxmoor Farm, Louisville KY 

Oxmoor Single Barrel

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Oxmoor Bourbon Company
  • Bottled: Neeley Family Distillery, Sparta KY
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed
  • Age: 8 years
  • Proof: 116.6
  • MSRP: $80.00
  • Released: 
  • Other: Vol. 4, MMXXIV
  • Purchased: 02/21/25 for $80.00 at Oxmoor Farm, Louisville KY

Oxmoor Bourbon Company: https://oxmoorbourbon.com/ 

AMAZON AFFILIATE LINKS (commissions earned):

**REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY**

Please SUBSCRIBE and hit the LIKE button!

Visit: https://www.youtube.com/@YourBourbonJourney/featured  for additional videos to enhance Your Bourbon Journey!

Questions? YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

NOTE: The spirits in this review were 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 Tobacco Sour: A Unique Spin on the Classic Whiskey Sour

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In episode 8 of Thirsty Thursday Bourbon Cocktails, we’re crafting the ultimate bourbon cocktail set to become your new favorite: the Kentucky Tobacco Sour! My inspiration struck at a bourbon pairing dinner where a chef used Turkish Tobacco Bitters in the appetizer, leaving me completely captivated by the rich aromas and earthy flavors.

The very next day, I seized a bottle of Fee Brothers Turkish Tobacco Bitters, eager to explore its potential. However, I couldn’t find a bourbon-based cocktail that matched my flavor aspirations. So, I put my spin on the classic Whiskey Sour—using Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and a splash of Fee Brothers Turkish Tobacco Bitters.

The result is a delightful fragrance that evokes tobacco leaves—warm, complex, earthy, subtly sweet, and intriguingly floral. The bitters’ notes of nutmeg and clove create a robust cocktail experience. After testing several versions, Wayne and I are confident you’ll love this Kentucky Tobacco Sour as much as we do!

In this video, we will guide you through the cocktail-making process with clear, step-by-step instructions so you can confidently create this exquisite drink—perfect for sharing with friends or savoring solo.

RECIPE: 

  • 2 oz. of bourbon
  • 1 oz. of Sweet & Sour Mix (or equal parts lemon juice & simple syrup)
  • 3 Dashes of Turkish Tobacco Bitters
  • 6 Dashes of Fee Brothers Fee Foam (or one egg white)
  • Garnish with 3 Dashes of Turkish Tobacco Bitters

DIRECTIONS:

  • Add 2 oz. bourbon
  • Add 1 oz. of Sweet & Sour Mix
  • Add 3 Dashes of Turkish Tobacco Bitters
  • Stir in mixing glass until chilled
  • Pour into shaker dry (with no ice)
  • Add 6 Dashes of Fee Brothers Fee Foam
  • Shake for up to 1 minute
  • Pour into Coupe Glass
  • Garnish with 3 Dashes of Turkish Tobacco Bitters

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Thank you – Please Drink Responsibly

Exploring Flavor Profiles: The Wheated Bourbon Showdown

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In this fun blind challenge, we take you on a captivating journey as we blind taste FOUR Wheated Bourbons.  They are each 100-107 proof and no single barrels were included; however, their mashbills and percentage of wheat do vary. Join us as we meticulously evaluate and rank each expression, diving deep into the distinctive flavor profiles and aromas that set them apart from one another. Ultimately, we will unveil our personal rankings of the wheated bourbon that reign supreme in our tasting, highlighting the elements that captured our palates the most. Of course, there’s a good chance that we won’t always agree on our favorites, leading to some lively debate and fun banter! Don’t miss this engaging and informative deep dive into the world of Wheated Bourbon, where flavor reigns and every sip tells a story.

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ABOUT THESE WHEATED BOURBONS (in alphabetical order)

Bardstown Bourbon Co Origin Series High Wheat Bourbon

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Bardstown Bourbon Company
  • Distillery: Bardstown Bourbon Company
  • Mash Bill: Corn 53% / Wheat 39% / Malted Barley 8%
  • Age: 6
  • Proof: 106
  • MSRP: $49.99
  • Released: August 2024
  • Purchased: 12/07/24 for $49.99 at Bardstown Tasting Room in Louisville, KY
  • YouTube 12/26/24: https://youtu.be/0W7j-28qnGQ

Cedar Brook Wheated Bourbon

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Bottled: W.H. McBrayer
  • Distillery: 
  • Mash Bill: 70% corn, 21% wheat and 9% barley
  • Age: NAS
  • Proof: 100
  • MSRP: $65
  • Released: September 2024
  • Purchased: 09/14/24 for $65.00 via McBrayer Legacy Spirits online.
  • Not Previously Reviewed

Holladay Soft Red Wheat Bottled-in-Bond

  • Classification: Missouri Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: McCormick Distilling Company
  • Distillery:  Holladay Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 73% Corn, 15% Wheat, 12% Malted Barley
  • Age: 6
  • Proof: 100
  • MSRP: $60
  • Released: 2024
  • Other: Bottled in Bond
    Purchased: 03/06/24 for $64.99 at High Spirits in Evansville, IN
  • Story 03/24/24: https://yourbourbonjourney.com/2024/03/26/march-2024-holladay-distillery-tasting/

Weller Antique 107

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Sazerac Company, Inc.
  • Distillery: Buffalo Trace
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed Buffalo Trace “Wheated Mash Bill”
  • Age: NAS (talk of typically 6-8 years)
  • Proof: 107
  • MSRP: $52.99
  • Released: Ongoing
  • Purchased: 05/06/23 for $139.99 at Revival Vintage Spirits in Covington, KY
  • Not Previously Reviewed

**REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY**

Please SUBSCRIBE and hit the LIKE button!

Visit: https://www.youtube.com/@YourBourbonJourney/featured for additional videos to enhance Your Bourbon Journey!

Questions? YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

NOTE: 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.

Michter’s 10 Year Bourbon: A Deep Dive

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In this bourbon review episode, we share insights from our recent tour of Michter’s Fort Nelson Distillery in downtown Louisville, Kentucky, which granted us the opportunity to acquire the Michter’s 10 Year Old Bourbon. We enthusiastically dive into an exploration of this exceptional release, savoring its rich aromas, complex palate, and memorable finish. Furthermore, we delve into the Michter’s Process, illustrating how their meticulous approach achieves the outstanding results that the Michter’s leadership team aspires to deliver.

ABOUT THIS BOTTLE

  • Michter’s 10 Year Bourbon (2024)
  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Whiskey is contract distilled per Michter’s mash bill and instructions
  • Bottled by: Michter’s Distillery LLC, Louisville, Kentucky
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed
  • Age: 10 years
  • Proof: 94.4
  • MSRP: $185
  • Purchased: 02/22/25 for $195 at Michter’s Fort Nelson in Louisville, KY

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Why You Must Visit Second Sight Distillery on the Bourbon Trail 

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In Episode 9 of Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes, we recount our memorable first visit to Second Sight Distillery in Ludlow, Kentucky. Join us as we vividly remember that day, Sunday, July 31, 2022, which marked our 13th distillery on Our Bourbon Journey and our 9th Stamp on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. We share our insights into the experience available at Second Sight Distillery, our respect for its co-founders – Carus Waggoner and Rick Couch, and how it has become a must-stop whenever in Northern Kentucky. To fully immerse ourselves in those cherished memories, we taste from a bottle purchased on that very first visit, Oak Eye Bourbon, enabling us to relive the original experience and further enriching our journey with yet another highlight in Our Bourbon Journey.

In this series, Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes, we navigate the rich tapestry of our memorable experiences on the Bourbon Trail, a journey that has undeniably enriched our appreciation for this iconic American spirit. We tackle intriguing questions such as: What stands out as the most profound memory of that bourbon trail experience, one that has etched itself firmly in our minds? What exceptional and bourbon or whiskey did we discover during this journey, perhaps one that surprised us with its intricate and delightful flavor profiles? What lasting impressions do we have of that bourbon or whiskey today, as we reflect on its complexities and how they resonate with our evolving palates and preferences? Through this exploration, we passionately recount our adventures and celebrate the stories and connections we’ve forged along the way, highlighting the essence of the Bourbon Trail.

ABOUT THE BOTTLE: Oak Eye Bourbon

  • Classification: Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Second Sight Spirits
  • Distillery: Second Sight Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 72% Corn, 16% Wheat, 7% Malted Barley, 5% Rye
  • Barrel: No. 75, 15 Gallon, Level 3 Char, Entry Proof 115
  • Age: 1 year, 8 months
  • Proof: 92.1
  • Other: Ultra Small Batch, Bottled July 2022.
  • Purchased: 07/31/22 for $49 at Second Sight in Ludlow, KY