Which Whiskey Wins? Blind Tasting & Ultimate Ranking

🥃 The ULTIMATE Blind Bourbon Battle! | November Whiskey of the Month (WOTM) Selection!

We are back for our November Whiskey of the Month (WOTM) blind tasting! Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey face off against four incredible bourbon contenders, ranging from high-proof stalwarts to unique double-oaked blends and limited-edition releases.

Can a Bottled-in-Bond bourbon with the lowest proof on the table take down two of the biggest names in barrel-proof whiskey? You won’t believe the results in this exciting blind battle!

Prepare your senses for an immersive journey into the captivating aromas and tantalizing flavors of these contenders (alphabetical order):

✴️ Booker’s 2025-03 “Jerry’s Batch”

✴️ Buzzard’s Roost Double Oak Cigar Blend

✴️ Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Batch C925

✴️ Fountain Run Bottled In Bond

🚫 No labels, no biases – just pure, unadulterated whiskey appreciation! 👀 Join us as we meticulously nose 👃, sip 😋, and savor each dram, dissecting the intricate notes on the nose, the delightful dance on the palate 👅, the satisfying lingering finish ✨, and that crucial je ne sais quoi that makes a whiskey truly special. 🤔

Will the barrel-proof powerhouse 💪 dominate the competition? Will the elegantly aged spirit ⏳ steal the show? Or will a unique finish 🍇 or a captivating single barrel charm ✨ take home the ultimate crown? We’re ranking them from 4th place to the coveted 1st place spot🥇, and the suspense is building with every sip! 🤯

Smash that play button ▶️ and join the ultimate tasting party! 🎉 Grab your own glass 🥂 (of whatever you’re sipping on!), settle in for some serious whiskey talk 🗣️, and experience the thrill of the grand reveal with us! Get ready for potential surprises 🎁 and definitely a fantastic time! Cheers to an unforgettable evening of delicious discovery! 🥳 Sláinte! 🍀

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🔥DETAILS REGARDING OUR FOUR FINALISTS🔥 (in alphabetical order): 

✴️ Booker’s 2025-03 “Jerry’s Batch”

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: James B Beam
  • Mash Bill: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
  • Age: 7 Years, 4 Months, and 21 Days
  • Proof: 124.7
  • Other: Jerry’s Batch comprises nine different barrels from 9 warehouses: 3, 1, X, Z, K, L, O, 4, and G
  • Released: September 2025
  • MSRP: $99.99
  • Purchased: 10/17/25 for $100 at Archie & Clyde’s in Newburgh, IN

✴️ Buzzard’s Roost Double Oak Cigar Blend

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Buzzard’s Roost Spirits, LLC
  • Distillery: Undisclosed/Indiana (Likely MGP)
  • Mash Bill: 60% Corn, 36% Rye, 4% Malted Barley
  • Age: NAS on bottle but PR has 6 years
  • Proof: 105
  • Released: September 2025 for KBF
  • Other: Came with a branded cigar cutter
  • Purchased: 09/04/25 for $85 at Buzzard’s Roost via the KBF

✴️ Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Batch C925

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Heaven Hill Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 78% Corn, 12% Malted Barley, 10% Rye
  • Age: 9 Years, 1 Month
  • Proof: 129
  • MSRP: $75
  • Released: September 2025; Final Batch of 2025
  • Other: This is the first time since the ECBP series began in 2013 that a batch has carried an age statement under 10 years (a “single digit” age statement).
  • Purchased: 10/29/25 for $65 at Archie & Clyde’s in Newburgh, IN

✴️ Fountain Run Bottled In Bond

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Kentucky Artisan Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 65% Hickory Cane White Corn, 20% Rye, 12% Distiller’s Malt, 3% Chocolate Malt
  • Barrel: Entry proof of 103; Heavy Toast, Char No. 3
  • Age: 7 Years 4 Months (low in the rickhouse)
  • Proof: 100
  • MSRP: $100
  • Released: October 2025
  • Purchased: 10/30/25 for $99.99 at Seelbach’s Online: https://seelbachs.com/products/fountain-run-kentucky-straight-bourbon-whiskey

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NOTE:  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.

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Thanksgiving Cocktail: Mole Bitters Bourbon Old Fashioned

🍁 The Mole Harvest Old Fashioned Riff | Thanksgiving Cocktail Finale | Thirsty Thursday Cocktails E46

Welcome to the Thanksgiving Finale of our Fall Cocktail Series! In Episode 46 of Thirsty Thursday Cocktails, Rebecca crafts the Mole Harvest Cocktail, a complex, spirit-forward Old Fashioned riff that perfectly captures the warming, savory, and sweet flavors of the holiday season.

This cocktail is a deep dive into mole bitters, featuring a high-proof Knob Creek Single Barrel bourbon backbone balanced by rich demerara syrup and a trio of aromatic bitters. The 3-2-1 bitters ratio (Mole, Aztec Chocolate, and Orange) creates a profile reminiscent of a deep, dark, spiced chocolate pie—it’s the ultimate Thanksgiving cocktail for bourbon lovers!

Whether you’re looking for an impressive holiday cocktail recipe, a unique bourbon drink, or the best Old Fashioned variation for fall, the Mole Harvest is your answer.

If you enjoyed this ultimate Thanksgiving Finale cocktail, please LIKE this video and SUBSCRIBE for more weekly Thirsty Thursday Cocktails! Let me know in the comments: What is your favorite holiday bourbon drink?

Always drink responsibly. Cheers!

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🥃 Mole Harvest Cocktail Recipe: Thanksgiving Old Fashioned Riff

This savory and spirit-forward cocktail is easy to make and guaranteed to impress your guests this holiday season.

  • 2 oz of high-proof bourbon (Knob Creek Single Barrel 120 proof used)
  • .25 oz of Demerara Syrup
  • 3 Dashes of Mole Bitters (the star flavor)
  • 2 Dashes of Aztec Chocolate Bitters (adds depth)
  • 1 Dash of Orange Bitters (bright lift)

Instructions:

  1. Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass.
  2. Add a small amount of ice and stir briefly to dissolve the syrup.
  3. Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir for 20-30 seconds to chill and dilute.
  4. Strain the mixture into an Old Fashioned glass over a large ice cube or sphere.
  5. No garnish needed—the aroma is perfection!

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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.

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Cigar Blend Bourbon: Is Buzzard’s Roost the BEST

🥃 Buzzard’s Roost Double Oak Cigar Blend Bourbon Review | The Ultimate Cigar Pairing Whiskey?

Welcome to Your Bourbon Journey! Wayne and Rebecca are diving into one of the most exciting, limited-edition releases of 2025: the Buzzard’s Roost Double Oak Cigar Blend Straight Bourbon Whiskey!

Released for the Kentucky Bourbon Festival (KBF), this 6-year, 105-proof high-rye bourbon (60% Corn, 36% Rye) uses Buzzard’s Roost’s proprietary double oak process—a secondary maturation in their custom, lightly-charred, heavily-toasted barrels. This technique is designed specifically to enhance the pairing experience with a fine cigar.

On the Nose & Palate: We found intense notes of confectionary sweetness, oak, and a beautiful, non-overpowering campfire smokiness. The finish delivers lovely coffee notes that make this a fantastic pour on its own, but we discuss why this profile is perfectly engineered for a premium cigar pairing!

The company’s co-founder and master blender, Jason Brauner (also of The Bourbon Bistro), definitely nailed it with this limited-time offer. Did this bottle live up to the hype? Watch our full review to see why we’re fans of Buzzard’s Roost and why this might be their best release yet!


What cigar would YOU pair with this Double Oak Bourbon? Let us know in the comments!

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✴️  Buzzard’s Roost Double Oak Cigar Blend

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Buzzard’s Roost Spirits, LLC
  • Distillery: Undisclosed/Indiana (Likely MGP)
  • Mash Bill: 60% Corn, 36% Rye, 4% Malted Barley
  • Age: NAS on bottle but PR has 6 years
  • Proof: 105
  • Released: September 2025 for KBF
  • Other: Came with a branded cigar cutter
  • Purchased: 09/04/25 for $85 at Buzzard’s Roost via the KBF

YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL

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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.

#bourbon #cigarblend #buzzardsroost #DoubleOak #bourbonreview #Whiskey #bourbontasting #KBF #kentuckybourbonfestival #WhiskeyReview #bourbonjourney #CigarPairing #ToastedBarrel #StraightBourbon #LimitedRelease 

Mint Julep VIP Tour: Log Still ’23 Bardstown Collection Review 

🍒🔥 Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes Episode 47: Log Still Bardstown Collection 2023 Review (Toasted Cherry S’mores?!)

Join Wayne and Rebecca on Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes Episode 47 as they finally crack open a very special, two-and-a-half-year-old bottle: the Log Still Distillery Bardstown Collection 2023 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey!

This unique and highly-coveted limited edition bourbon was secured during the exclusive Mint Julep VIP Bardstown Bourbon Collection Tour. Wayne and Rebecca share all the details of their special two-day experience, including a scenic train ride, an exquisite lunch, meeting founders Wally, Lynne, and Charles Dant, and a memorable first tour of the beautiful Log Still Distillery campus in New Haven, KY.

Is this bottle worth the hype (and the $199.99 price tag)? Find out if this toasted oak finished bourbon is a must-have for your collection!

🥃 The Whiskey: Log Still Bardstown Collection 2023

This 8-year-old, 117.7 proof high-rye bourbon is a truly distinctive pour. Sourced from the renowned Barton 1792 Distillery‘s high-rye mash bill, Log Still added an innovative final touch: a finishing period in highly-toasted oak barrels.

Tasting Notes (Their Journey): Get ready for a fascinating flavor profile! Wayne and Rebecca dive deep into the nose and palate, discovering:

  • Nose: Distinct cherry notes (classic Barton profile) with a beautiful toasty character.
  • Palate: An explosion of Luxardo cherry upfront, quickly followed by a savory, delicious toasted oak and char goodness. Rebecca even finds surprising notes of dark cocoa, leading to the fun description of a “chocolate cherry s’more” vibe!
  • Finish: Long, warm, and effervescent, carrying the barrel notes and a unique combination of toasted cherry and black pepper.

Don’t forget to hit the like button, subscribe for more whiskey adventures, and share your thoughts in the comments!

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✴️ Log Still’s Bardstown Collection 2023

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Sourced – Barton 1792 Distillery
  • Mash Bill: High-Rye Bourbon Mash Bill
  • Age: 8 Years
  • Finishing: Highly-toasted oak barrels
  • Proof: 117.7
  • Other: 2023 with the Bardstown Collection
  • Purchased: 06/30/23 for $199.99 at Log Still Distillery

YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL

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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.

#LogStillDistillery #BardstownCollection #bourbonreview #KentuckyStraightBourbon #ToastedOakFinish #WhiskeyReview #LimitedEditionBourbon #HighRyeBourbon #bourbontrail #Barton1792 #LogStill #whiskeytasting #BourbonVlog #NewHavenKY #WhiskeyCollector 

Affordable 15 STARS Bourbon! First West Series Review 

🥃 15 STARS First West Series Review! Trio Tasting: Small Batch, Toasted Oak, & Extra Aged 🇺🇸

Join Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey as they dive into the highly anticipated, and more affordably priced, 15 STARS First West Series of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskeys! This father-son company (Rick & Ricky Johnson) with roots in gourmet popcorn, and a commitment to heirloom corn, is making waves with their expert blending and “Flavor Proofing” technique.

🤔 Are these new, more accessible bourbons from 15 STARS worth the price point? Watch to find out which bottle offers the best “bang for your buck” and which one they would skip!

In this in-depth tasting, they sample all three unique expressions, bottled in gorgeous, historic blue glass:

The Flight:

  1. First West Small Batch (Blue Label): (5, 6, & 7 Year Blend | 102 Proof | $59.99)
    • The Difference: Includes the brand’s own distillate made from proprietary red, white, and blue heirloom corn for a unique profile.
    • Tasting Notes: Rich caramel, baking spices, vanilla, and a distinct nuttiness reminiscent of roasted nuts or a classic bourbon profile.
    • Verdict: A winner! Wayne and Rebecca agree this is the best value and their favorite, showcasing a unique and distinct flavor profile that sets the brand apart.
  2. First West Toasted Oak (Red Label): (5, 6, & 7 Year Blend | 98 Proof | $69.99)
    • The Difference: Finished in a blend of two different toasted oak barrels for 5 weeks.
      Tasting Notes: Intense sweetness like confectionary sugar and marshmallow, roasted nuts, and a warming cinnamon heat on the back.
    • Verdict: An excellent toasted pour, but the hosts prefer the complexity and uniqueness of the Small Batch for the price.
  3. First West Extra Aged (White Label): (8 & 9 Year Blend | 100 Proof | $79.99)
    • The Difference: Extra-aged and 100% sourced from an undisclosed Kentucky distillery (no 15 STARS distillate).
    • Tasting Notes: Sweet caramel, cardamom/nutmeg spice, and heavy, savory barrel notes.
    • Verdict: A good, older bourbon, but it feels disconnected from the other two and has a surprisingly short finish.

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✴️ First West Small Batch Bourbon

  • Classification:  Blend of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskeys
  • Company: 15 Stars
  • Mash Bill: Includes a portion of 15 STARS’ own distillate made from proprietary red, white, and blue heirloom corn—a first for the brand’s blends.
  • Age: Blend of 5, 6, & 7 Year
  • Proof: 102 (“flavor proofed”)
  • MSRP: $59.99
  • Released: July 2025
  • Other: Bottled in a unique, historic blue glass bottle inspired by the earliest whiskey bottles crafted in Kentucky.
  • Purchased: 10/16/25 for $59.99 at High Spirits Liquor in Evansville, IN

✴️First West Toasted Oak

  • Classification:  Blend of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: 15 Stars
  • Mash Bill: Includes bourbon distilled by 15 STARS (at Bardstown Bourbon Company) from proprietary red, white, and blue heritage corns (first use in a 15 STARS blend); the other component bourbon(s) are not disclosed
  • Barrels: Blend of two different toast profiles
  • Age: Blend of 5, 6, & 7 Year
  • Proof: 98
  • MSRP: $69.99
  • Released: July 2025
  • Other: Bottled in a unique, historic blue glass bottle inspired by the earliest whiskey bottles crafted in Kentucky.
  • Purchased: 10/16/25 for $69.99 at High Spirits Liquor in Evansville, IN

✴️First West Extra Aged

  • Classification:  Blend of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskeys
  • Company: 15 Stars
  • Mash Bill: 
  • Age: Blends of 8 & 9 Years
  • Proof: 100 “flavor proofed”
  • MSRP: $79.99
  • Released: July 2025
  • Other: Bottled in a unique, historic blue glass bottle inspired by the earliest whiskey bottles crafted in Kentucky.
  • Purchased: 10/16/25 for $79.99 at High Spirits Liquor in Evansville, IN

YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL

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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.

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Revival Vintage Spirits: Finding Rare Vintage Whiskey & Bourbon

🥃 Vintage Spirits Haul! Rare Whiskey & 70s Liqueurs at Revival Vintage Spirits! 🍒

Join Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey on a special trip to Revival Vintage Spirits in Covington, Kentucky! While known for vintage bourbon and whiskey, this time we’re diving deep into a treasure trove of vintage liqueurs and rare spirits perfect for classic cocktails!

🌟 What We Found in Our Vintage Spirits Haul!

🥃 Rebecca’s Rare Liqueur Finds:

We scored some incredible vintage bottles for Rebecca’s upcoming vintage cocktail series (check out her other cocktail videos!):

  • 1971 Cherry Heering: The legendary cherry liqueur—perfect for classic drinks! We’ll be comparing it to a modern sample.
  • 1970s Swiss Chocolate Cherry Liqueur: An absolute jewel in stunning opal glass! Swiss chocolate and cherry… what kind of decadent vintage drink will this make?
  • 1966 DuBouchett Crème de Menthe: A vintage bottle for an authentic Grasshopper cocktail! We got the idea after enjoying Revival’s delicious vintage cocktails made with 1970s Hiram Walker.
  • 1979 Kahlúa (Vintage Pour): We were blown away by the taste of this old-school, coffee-made Kahlúa—thick, rich, and amazing! We bought the last pour to make a special vintage Kahlúa cocktail.
  • 1970s Amaretto: Complete with an adorable box and original liqueur glasses! Get ready for a classic Amaretto Sour!

🥃 Wayne’s Rare Whiskey Finds:

Of course, Wayne couldn’t leave without a few vintage whiskey and spirit bottles of his own!

  • 1990s Four Roses (Japan Release): A highly sought-after vintage Four Roses—the closest we could get to the 1970s Yellow Label that blew us away on a previous visit! A future “official review” is coming!
  • 1970s Sunny Brook Mini Bottle: A National Distillers brand from way back! Vintage minis are a great, affordable way to “dip your toe into vintage pours.”
  • 1970s Italian Swiss Colony Port: A vintage California ruby port we snagged for a steal!
  • 1960s  Schenley Reserve Blended Whiskey! We couldn’t resist a spontaneous tasting of this 8-year blended whiskey (likely 60s/70s) found on an inventory tray. 

🥃 TASTING! Schenley Reserve Mini: The Shocking Lemon Whiskey!

We found a legendary piece of history! This mini-bottle of Schenley Reserve is a pristine example of 1960s/70s American blended whiskey. The label confirms its recipe: 8-years-old, composed of 35% straight whiskey (well above the legal minimum!) and 65% Neutral Grain Spirits.

The result is mind-blowing: incredible viscosity, rich creaminess, and an unexpected explosion of flavor that smells exactly like a lemon grove and delivers a bright, beautiful lemon-citrus palate. This tiny bottle is an absolute must-try! We’re already hunting for a bigger one!

Revival Vintage Spirits is an absolute must-visit in Covington, KY! They have so much more than whiskey—including vintage wine, port, tequila, gin, and current single barrels.

👉 Want to see more of our vintage finds or have a specific vintage spirit you want us to review? Let us know in the comments below!

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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.

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Must-Try Fall Cocktail: Toasted Almond Sazerac

🍂 Toasted Almond Sazerac: A Fall Twist on a New Orleans Classic | Thirsty Thursday Cocktails E45 🥃

Welcome to Episode 45 of Thirsty Thursday Cocktails! Join Rebecca for Part 3 of our Fall Series as we take a trip to New Orleans and elevate the classic Sazerac with a warm, nutty, and seasonally appropriate twist: the Toasted Almond Sazerac!

Instead of traditional rye, we’re using an American Single Malt Whiskey for a softer, nuttier base that perfectly complements the rich Demerara Syrup and aromatic Toasted Almond Bitters. This recipe captures the spirit of Fall with comforting, toasty, and complex flavors.

🌟 The Toasted Almond Sazerac Recipe

A unique stirred cocktail featuring an essential absinthe rinse for that iconic Sazerac profile.

  • Whiskey Base: 2 oz American Single Malt (Yellowstone used for its toasty, nutty, barley notes)
  • Sweetener: 1/4 oz Demerara Syrup (Adds dark sweetness and molasses notes)
  • Bitters:
    • 2 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters (Traditional spice & star anise signature)
    • 3 dashes Toasted Almond Bitters (For those roasty, nutty Fall flavors)
  • Rinse: Absinthe (Neely Family Distillery’s Platinum-winning “Fear and Loathing in Kentucky” used)
  • Garnish: Expressed oils of fresh lemon peel

🍹 Technique Highlights

  1. Combine whiskey, syrup, and bitters in a mixing glass.
  2. Lightly stir to incorporate.
  3. Add ice and stir for 20-30 seconds to chill and dilute.
  4. Perform an Absinthe Rinse ritual: swirl a small amount of absinthe in the serving glass, coating the inside. (Pro Tip: Save the excess!)
  5. Strain the chilled cocktail into the rinsed glass.
  6. Express the oils of a fresh lemon peel over the top and rub it around the rim to brighten the drink.

Next Week:

Don’t miss our Thanksgiving Finale for the Fall Series! We’re creating the Mole Harvest Cocktail—a savory twist on an Old Fashioned using Mole and Aztec Chocolate Bitters!

Remember to always drink responsibly and enjoy your amazing Thirsty Thursday! Cheers!

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Outlaw Kentucky Bourbon! 107 Proof Review (MUST TASTE!)

🥃 OUTLAW KENTUCKY BOURBON: Sundance Kid Review | Brown Sugar Bomb from Preservation Distillery?

Join Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey as they crack open a rare and highly-sought-after bottle: Outlaw Kentucky Bourbon – The Sundance Kid. Bottled by the mysterious Outlaw Distilling Company (wink, wink… same address as Preservation Distillery + Farm in Bardstown, KY!), this Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is part of a special series celebrating the Old West’s most notorious characters.

This 7-8 year old blend is bottled at a perfect 107.6 Proof (Barrel Strength / Cask Strength adjacent!) and delivers a profile Wayne and Rebecca describe as a “Brown Sugar Bomb!”

In this video, you’ll get:

  • Tasting Notes: Discover the dominant flavors of rich brown sugar, warm clove, a hint of vanilla on the nose, and a long finish that evolves into dark chocolate, cinnamon, and barrel char.
  • Deep Dive Info: Uncover the story of Harry Longabaugh, the real Sundance Kid, and his fictional connection to a payroll hijacking bound for Wattie Boone Distillery.
  • Bourbon Journey Verdict: Find out why this rare $159 bottle stood out among the high-dollar, limited-edition releases at Preservation Distillery’s gift shop during the Kentucky Bourbon Festival.
  • Smooth & Viscous Mouthfeel: Hear how the proof point is “just right” and why this whiskey has a delightful, lingering warmth.

Is this high-proof, sourced Kentucky Bourbon worthy of its outlaw name? Tune in to find out!

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✴️ Outlaw Kentucky Bourbon: Sundance Kid

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Undisclosed
  • Bottled: Under the name of Outlaw Distilling Company (same address as Preservation Distillery + Farm)
  • Mash Bill: unknown
  • Age: 7-8 years
  • Proof: 107.6
  • Other: Part of a Series
  • Purchased: 09/02/25 for $159 at Preservation Distillery in Bardstown, KY

YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL

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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.

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#PreservationDistillery

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The Bourbon Trail’s Grand Finale: Woodford Reserve 

🥃 FINAL STAMP! Woodford Reserve Wheat Review & Kentucky Bourbon Trail DOUBLE Complete! | Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes E46

Join Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey for the emotional final stop on their incredible quest to complete the entire Kentucky Bourbon Trail (both the main and craft trails)! In Episode 46 of Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes, they take you back to May 21, 2023, at the stunning Woodford Reserve Distillery in Versailles, KY.

This visit was momentous — the 50th distillery and the 42nd and final stamp on the trail, achieved after 13 months and 394 days! Hear all about the beautiful limestone campus, the breathtaking cathedral-like still house featuring six massive Scottish copper pot stills, and the memorable bottle etching ceremony that book-ended their journey (starting with a Knob Creek bottle and ending with a commemorative Woodford Reserve).

Plus, they finally unveil their grand prize for completing the double trail (the Heritage and Craft trails): a commemorative bourbon barrel stave!

🥃 Woodford Reserve Wheat Whiskey Review

Wayne and Rebecca taste the Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey (90.4 Proof, 52% Wheat mash bill) that they picked up on a later trip.

The Woodford Reserve Wheat Whiskey features a unique mash bill of 52% Wheat, 20% Corn, 20% Malted Barley, and 8% Rye. Typically, wheat whiskeys are known for their sweet, bread, and confectionary notes. Did this one live up to the standard set by favorites like Bernheim or Maker’s Mark Star Hill Farms?

Watch the episode to see if this pour gets a recommendation and hear why, even if the Wheat Whiskey wasn’t their favorite, the Woodford Reserve Distillery tour is a must-see destination!

Tasting Notes (Spoiler Alert!):

  • Nose: Surprisingly off-putting, with notes of “industrial,” “turpentine,” and unexpected ethanol for a 90.4 proof pour.
  • Palate: Described as bitter and not featuring the expected sweet wheat notes. An unusual profile for this grain type.

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✴️ Woodford Reserve Wheat Whiskey

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey
  • Company: Brown-Forman
  • Distillery: Woodford Reserve
  • Mash Bill: 52% Wheat, 20% Corn, 20% Malted Barley, 8% Rye
  • Age: NAS (at least 4 years)
  • Proof: 90.4
  • Purchased: 05/21/23 for $39.99 at Woodford Reserve Distillery

YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

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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.

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Michael Veach’s Dream Bourbon: Fountain Run BiB Review

🥃 Fountain Run Bourbon Review: Michael Veach’s Dream 7-Year Bottled-in-Bond! 🥃

Join Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey as they finally taste the culmination of “Bill and Mike’s Excellent Adventure:” Fountain Run Bottled In Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey! Bourbon Hall of Fame Historian Michael Veach (BourbonVeach) poured his heart and family history into this unique bottle, and the results are an absolute success.

Inspired by his grandfather’s Depression-era moonshine, this bourbon is crafted with a very special mash bill featuring Hickory Cane White Corn. After a seven-year, four-month journey, is this one-of-a-kind, fruit-forward, 19th-century-style bourbon the “hitters bourbon” they hoped for?

Watch to find out the unique tasting notes of green apple, pear, rye spice, and coffee/chocolate malt that make this a “tale of two halves” for the palate! Plus, hear about the unique bottling process and the potential for a future “baked apple pie” wheated version!

Tasting Notes & Specs

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Kentucky Artisan Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 65% Hickory Cane White Corn, 20% Rye, 12% Distiller’s Malt, 3% Chocolate Malt
  • Age: 7 Years 4 Months (Bottled In Bond)
  • Proof: 100 Proof (Drinks a little higher!)
  • Nose: Light, fruit-forward, sweet, like an orchard (green apple, pear).
  • Palate: Bright, fresh fruit (apple), followed by rye spice, with a chocolate/coffee hint on the back palate and finish.
  • Release Date: October 2025

Purchased: 10/30/25 for $99.99 at Seelbach’s Online Check Seelbach’s for availability: https://seelbachs.com/products/fountain-run-kentucky-straight-bourbon-whiskey

YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL

The Journey

This bourbon is the finale of Michael Veach and Bill Thomas’s multi-year project, affectionately called “Bill and Mike’s Excellent Adventure.” This limited release was produced at Kentucky Artisan Distillery with distiller Jade Peterson, using a traditional 19th-century approach, including a low 103 barrel entry proof, heavy toast, Char 3 barrel, a screw-top, and a period-correct tax seal—features beloved by Michael Veach.

Read all about the journey on Michael Veach’s blog (Bourbon Veach):

👍 If you enjoyed this review, please like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more bourbon reviews! 💬 Let us know in the comments if you were able to snag a bottle of Fountain Run!

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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.

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