Author: bourbonjourney

The Spirits are Coming! Dark Arts Cask Strength Bourbon

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The Spirits Have Arrived! | Dark Arts Armagnac Finish Bourbon Review

Was a $221 “splurge” at BourbonCon 2026 actually worth the price tag? Today on Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca dive into the mysterious world of Dark Arts Whiskey House. This isn’t just whiskey; it’s alchemy.

We’re tasting the Dark Arts Cask Strength Bourbon (Armagnac Finish)—a 10-year-old MGP-sourced powerhouse bottled at a stout 113 proof. From the striking purple bottle to the “jammy” fruit notes provided by the Armagnac casks, this bottle promised a “massive explosion of complexity.”

In this video, we discuss:

  • Our experience with brand “Spirit Guide” Sarah at BourbonCon.
  • The “Alchemy” philosophy: How Dark Arts transforms spirits through finishing.
  • A deep dive into the 60/36/4 high-rye mash bill.
  • Tasting Notes: Is that “all-spice” and “dried plum” or just high-proof heat?
  • Why Dark Arts chose to be a Non-Distilling Producer (NDP) and why it’s a brilliant business move.

Does the “Purple Bottle” live up to the hype, or did the aesthetics cloud our judgment? Grab a glass and join us for the breakdown!

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Dark Arts Cask Strength Bourbon (Armagnac Finish)

  • Classification:  Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Dark Arts Whiskey House
  • Distilled: Sourced from MGP in Indiana  
  • Produced by: Dark Arts Whiskey House LLC
  • Bottled by: Divine Spirits LLC
  • Mash Bill: 60% Corn, 36% Rye, 4% Malted Barley
  • Age: 10 Years
  • Proof: 113 (Cask Strength)
  • Released: Early 2026
  • Other: Finished in Armagnac Cask; Batch AT2; Bottle 132
  • Purchased: 01/17/26 for $221 from Dark Arts at BourbonCon in Lexington 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.

#BourbonReview #DarkArtsWhiskey #ArmagnacFinish #WhiskeyTasting #BourbonCon2026 #MGPBourbon #CaskStrength #YourBourbonJourney #KentuckyBourbon #WhiskeyTube #BourbonCommunity #HighRye #SpiritGuide #Alchemy #BakingSpices

We Drank 1957 Sunny Brook! (Vintage Bourbon Tasting)

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Experience a Liquid Time Capsule: 1957 Sunny Brook Bourbon Tasting! 🥃✨

Step back into the “Golden Age” of National Distillers with us as we crack open a rare 1/10 pint of Sunny Brook Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey from 1957!. Purchased at  Revival Vintage Spirits in Covington, KY, this “dusty” miniature is a piece of bourbon history that predates the major industry shifts of the 1980s.

In this episode, Wayne and Rebecca dive into the fascinating history of National Distillers, the corporation that once ruled the whiskey world before its spirits division was acquired by Jim Beam in 1987. We’ll show you how to date a vintage bottle using glass codes and tax strips, discuss the mysterious “sticky” residue known as Angels’ Share leakage, and find out if this 80-proof classic still holds its flavor after 65+ years.

Will we find the legendary National Distillers “butterscotch” funk? Or has time taken its toll?

What You’ll Learn in This Video:

  • The story of “The Inspector” mascot and National Distillers’ standards.
  • How to safely open a vintage screw cap that’s been sealed shut by 60 years of sugar.
  • A deep dive into the 1957 mash bill: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, and 12% Malted Barley.
  • Tasting notes: Does 80-proof bourbon from the 50s beat modern bottom-shelf bottles?

Visit our friends at Revival: If you’re in Covington, stop by and see Brad Bonds and the team to sip on some living history yourself!.

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✴️ Sunny Brook 1/10 Pint

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: National Distillers Products Corp.
  • Distillery: Old Sunny Brook Distillery (RD #5), Louisville, KY
  • Mash Bill: Approximately 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley (Standard National Distillers Bourbon mash bill of that era)
  • Age: 4 Years Old
  • Proof: 80
  • MSRP: Approximately $0.45 – $0.60 (Estimated retail for a 1/10 pint in 1957)
  • Released: 1957 (Confirmed by the “57” glass code on the bottom and Series 111 tax strip)
  • Other: “The Inspector” on the label—a post-war marketing icon used to represent National Distillers’ “purity and quality” standards.
  • Purchased: 11/22/25 for $35 at Revival Vintage Spirits in Covington KY https://revivalky.com/ 

🚨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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Making The Desert Bloom: A Prickly Pear Bourbon Refreshment

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Episode 64: The Desert Bloom | Neon Pink Highball!

The garden has finally woken up! 🌸 Today on Your Bourbon Journey, Rebecca kicks off our April “Vibrant Spring” series with a cocktail that looks like a neon dream but hits like a heavyweight. Meet The Desert Bloom.

We’re trading forest floor flavors for high-desert botanicals, using a stunning Prickly Pear Syrup to create a “Neon Heart” in the glass. But don’t let the pink hue fool you—this isn’t a “sugar bomb.” By using Old Grand-Dad 114, we provide a spicy, high-proof anchor that stands up to the citrus and sweetness.

The real magic trick? Celery Bitters. This savory “garden snap” cuts through the candy notes, grounding the drink in a sophisticated, botanical reality. If you’re looking for a refreshing yet bold highball to celebrate the return of spring, this is your new go-to.

In this video, Rebecca breaks down:

  • The “Neon Heart”: Working with Prickly Pear Syrup.
  • Why OGD 114 is the perfect high-rye foundation for tall drinks.
  • The “Secret Weapon”: How celery bitters transform a fruit-forward cocktail.
  • The “Mineral Effervescence” of club soda as a flavor conductor.

Recipe: The Desert Bloom

  • 2 oz Old Grand-Dad 114 Bourbon
  • .75 oz Prickly Pear Syrup
  • .50 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 1 bar spoon Demerara Syrup
  • 2 dashes Fee Brothers Celery Bitters
  • 2 oz Club Soda
  • Garnish: Fresh Mint Sprig (Don’t forget to slap it!)

🛒 Featured Cocktail Ingredients & Tools

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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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The Proof Report: March 2026

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March 2026: A Monthly Audit of the Whiskey Industry

By Rebecca Herman, PhD Managing Member, Proof & Purpose Group

The whiskey industry in March 2026 was defined by a shift toward “Blue Chip” stability amidst a broader cooling of the spirits market. As total volumes dip, the industry’s giants are pivoting toward massive consolidation and ultra-aged heritage stocks to retain premium consumers. This month’s report explores the strategic “purpose” behind these corporate maneuvers and the literal “proof” landing on shelves, from ancient grain experiments to the oldest bourbon in Heaven Hill’s storied history.

Part I: The Purpose

Insights into the strategy, markets, and movements defining the industry.

Industry Market News & Global Maneuvers

  • The “Merger of Equals” Confirmed: In late March, Brown-Forman and Pernod Ricard officially confirmed high-level merger discussions. This potential tie-up would combine the world’s largest American whiskey producer with a global distribution powerhouse, aiming for an estimated $450 million in annual cost savings.
  • Home Distilling Legal Battle: On March 6, a landmark case reached the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals challenging the federal ban on home distilling. A ruling in favor of proponents could fundamentally shift the “pre-craft” landscape and talent pipeline.
  • Performance “Whiskey Drag”: While Brown-Forman topped quarterly estimates, broader control state data shows a 2% volume dip in domestic spirits. The market is increasingly bifurcating: standard labels are cooling, while “Blue Chip” bourbon and cognac are forecasted for a premium boom.

Distillery Operations & Leadership

  • Ingram Distillery Expansion: Announced the April opening of the nation’s only floating barrelhouses on the Mississippi River—a unique nod to historic transport aging.
  • Master Distiller of the Year: Chris Fletcher (Jack Daniel’s) was honored for his successful execution of the brand’s pivot back to high-age-stated releases (10, 12, and 14-year batches).
  • Operational Risk: A Kentucky judge ordered the foreclosure sale of LF Heritage Distilling Co. in Scott County, signaling the financial pressures facing some mid-tier craft producers.
  • Leadership Shift: Green River Distilling Co. In a surprising move reported on March 31, the Owensboro-based distillery confirmed it has laid off its Head Distiller. This follows a period of rapid expansion and highlights the ongoing structural changes within the industry as brands transition from “growth at all costs” to “operational efficiency” under larger corporate umbrellas.

Awards, Festivals & Literature

  • World Whiskies Awards (WWA): New Riff Bottled In Bond took home “World’s Best Bourbon,” while Heaven Hill was named “Distiller of the Year.”
  • Planning Ahead: Tickets for the Kentucky Bourbon Festival (Sept 10-13) go on sale April 14. Secure your lodging now.
  • Required Reading: The 2026 Bourbon Blue Book® (March update) is out now, providing critical valuation data for the shifting secondary market.

Part II: The Proof

The liquid results. A narrative guide to the month’s most significant bottle releases.

The “Ultra-Aged” Heavy Hitters

  • Heaven Hill Heritage Collection (2026): The crown jewel of the month. This 22-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon is the oldest release in the series to date. Pulled from the 5th and 6th floors of Rickhouse Y, it’s bottled at a stout 115 proof.
    • Release Date: March 3, 2026 | MSRP: $319.99
  • Jack Daniel’s “Age Series” (Batch 2): JD continues its premium pivot with new batches of the 10, 12, and 14-year Tennessee Whiskies. These are becoming the new “must-haves” for those who previously overlooked the brand’s standard profile.
    • Release Date: March 24, 2026 | MSRP: $75 (10yr) / $90 (12yr) / $125 (14yr)
  • Knob Creek: “Blender’s Edition”: Beam Suntory has unveiled a new limited-series sub-brand for Knob Creek. The inaugural release is a 12-year-old blend curated by seventh and eighth-generation Master Distillers Fred and Freddie Noe, designed to showcase the nuance of large-scale batch blending over single-barrel consistency.
    • Release: March 31 | MSRP: $129.99

The Experimental & Grain-Forward

  • Buffalo Trace: Daniel Weller “Spelt Wheat”: The second release in this experimental line swaps traditional wheat for Spelt, an ancient grain. Aged nearly 10 years and bottled at 94 proof, it offers a nuttier, more “biscuit-like” profile than the standard Weller line.
    • Release Date: March 24, 2026 | MSRP: $549.99
  • Old Forester 117 Series: “High Angels’ Share” Rye: A concentrated rye expression focusing on barrels with extreme evaporation loss. It’s bold, spice-heavy, and specifically designed for the enthusiast who likes a “wood-forward” pour.
    • Release Date: March 20, 2026 | MSRP: $65.00 (375ml)
  • Michter’s Legacy Series (2026): Both Shenk’s Homestead and Bomberger’s Declaration returned this month. Notably, the 2026 Bomberger’s introduced Hungarian Oak into the maturation process, adding a distinct chocolate decadence to the finish.
    • Release Date: March 24, 2026 | MSRP: $110 (Shenk’s) / $120 (Bomberger’s)

Finishes & Unique Blends

  • Blood Oath Pact 12: Lux Row continues the wine-finish trend, this time blending 7 and 12-year bourbons finished in Italian Montepulciano and Sangiovese casks.
    • Release Date: March 15, 2026 | MSRP: $129.99
  • Maker’s Mark: “The Stewards” Release: Part of the Wood Finishing Series, this 110.1 proof expression was crafted specifically to honor the brand’s heritage and uses a proprietary stave profile for a creamy, toasted-oak mouthfeel.
    • Release Date: March 10, 2026 | MSRP: $74.99
  • Angel’s Envy: 2026 Cask Strength Dual Release: For the first time, Angel’s Envy is debuting a “dual-release” format. Alongside their annual Cask Strength Bourbon finished in Port Barrels, they are introducing their first-ever Age-Stated Cask Strength Rye (finished in Sauternes and toasted oak barrels).
    • Release: March 31 (Announced) | MSRP: $229.99 (Bourbon) / $269.99 (Rye)

Seasonal & Commemorative

  • Evan Williams “Bourbon Nation” (March Madness): For the basketball fans, these single barrels feature wax-dipped tops in collegiate colors.
    • Release Date: March 30, 2026 | MSRP: $34.99
  • Brush Creek “Purdue For Life”: A notable 7-year, four-grain straight bourbon released in partnership with the Purdue For Life Foundation. A great “story” bottle for your collection given your ties to the university.
    • Release Date: March 1, 2026 | MSRP: $96.00

Looking for the full data set behind these insights? For a comprehensive, chronological archive of the article, press release, and announcement from this month, view my full March 2026 Industry News List

Bourbon & Whiskey News: March 2026

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04/01/26
Curated by Rebecca Herman

Bourbon & Whiskey Industry Highlights from Marh 2026 >> 72 Stories!

In March 2026, the bourbon and whiskey industry saw significant developments, including Brown-Forman exceeding quarterly estimates, discussions of legalizing home distilling, and notable distillery updates. Key events included ongoing mergers, new product releases, and various festivals planned for the upcoming months, highlighting an active market landscape.

For those who need the ‘Executive Summary’ before diving into the details, I’ve launched a new curated series: The Proof Report. It distills this month’s massive news cycle into two clear categories: the industry’s strategic Purpose and the monthly liquid Proof. Read The Proof Report for March 2026.

Industry Market News & Related Announcements >> 8 Stories

03/04: Whiskey maker Brown-Forman tops quarterly estimates on steady demand

03/06: Federal case could legalize home distilling, reshape congressional power

03/09: Whisky drags control state spirits sales down in January

03/23: Bourbon and Cognac Market Is Going to Boom | Brown-Forman • Diageo • Pernod Ricard

03/24: Casks and Consequences: The Debate Over Buying Whiskey Barrels

03/26: Is Jack parent company Brown-Forman for sale?

03/26: Kentucky whiskey company Brown-Forman confirms it’s talked merger with Pernod Ricard

03/27: 5 Expert-Recommended Craft Whiskey Producers To Watch In 2026

Distillery News >> 13 Stories

03/02: Woodinville Whiskey unveils new packaging

03/02: MGP Ingredients hit by American whiskey glut, squeeze on cheaper brands in 2025 – results

03/04: Kentucky Distillers’ Association Adds Prova Spirits as Newest Member

03/09: Sazerac Co takes control of shuttered Kentucky whiskey distillery

03/10: Uncle Nearest allegedly hid $20m loan provided by Jay-Z

03/12: Brown-Forman CEO wagers on Woodford

03/16: Ex-Diageo VP joins Redwood Empire Whiskey

03/18: 159-year-old whiskey brand files disputed Chapter 11 bankruptcy

03/19: Kings County celebrates one-millionth bottle sale

03/19: MGP Is Now Letting You Pick Barrels of Whiskey From Its Master Distiller’s Private Collection

03/23: Highly acclaimed Remus Bourbon introduces the Remus Bottle Club

03/27: Holland America Line and Jefferson’s Bourbon Make History with the First Bourbon Aged on Cruise Ships

03/30: Kentucky Distillery Green River Lays Off Its Head Distiller as American Whiskey Woes Continue

Distillery Trail >> 2 Stories

03/26: The Tennessee Whiskey Trail Launches A New Food-Focused Experience With 40+ Restaurants

03/30: A New Era at Jeptha Creed: Expanded Distillery Experiences Arrive In 2026

Awards Announced >> 6 Stories

03/04: 2026 Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Challenge Announces Winners

03/06: DISCUS 2026 Awards Honors Industry Leaders

03/19: KDA Honors Sen. Julie Raque Adams with 100 Proof Award

03/20: KDA Honors Rep. Derek Lewis with 100 Proof Award

03/23: KDA Honors Rep. Stephen West with 100 Proof Award

03/29: This $90 Atlanta Bourbon Won Best Whiskey at the 2026 WSWA Wine & Spirits Tasting Competition

Bourbon Festival News,Updates, & Planning >> This Month’s Updates > 3

May 2026: BBQ & Barrels, Owensboro KY

June 2026: National Bourbon Week Set to Return June 14-21

Aug 2027: Missouri Bourbon Festival, Hermann MO

Sep 2026: Kentucky Bourbon Festival, Bardstown KY

Sep 2026: Bourbon & Beyond, Louisville KY

Oct 2026: Bourbon on the Banks, Frankfort KY

Jan 2027: BourbonCon, Lexington KY

Feb 2027: Bourbon Classic, Louisville KY

Mar 2026: New Orleans Bourbon Festival

Bottle Releases >> xx Stories

03/01: Michter’s Bet Early on an Annual 10-Year Bourbon — and the 2026 Release Shows Why That Call Endured

03/02: Chicken Cock Whiskey Introduces Its First-Ever Wheated Bourbon, Marking a Bold New Era for the Historic Brand

03/02: Pursuit Spirits Captures the Emergence of Spring with Sakura Bloom Bourbon

03/03: Heaven Hill Distillery Announces 2026 Heaven Hill Heritage Collection Release

03/03: Hard Truth Launches Three New Whiskey Expressions

03/04: Woodford Reserve Releases 2026 Kentucky Derby Bottle

03/06: Augusta Distillery Launches Small Batch & Wheated Bourbons

03/06: New Riff Announces 6-Year-Old Silver Grove Bourbon & Rye

03/09: Midleton Releases Last of its Silent Distillery Collection

03/09: Maker’s Mark Unveils 2026 Wood Finishing Series: The Stewards Release

03/09: Milam & Greene Launches Bluebonnet Bourbon, a Texas-Aged Release Honoring Lady Bird Johnson’s Legacy

03/10: Rock Town Distillery Announces Inaugural Winners Circle 2026 Bourbon Release

03/10: Remus Bourbon Introduces Master Distiller Experimental Series No. 2, Its First-Ever Wheat Whiskey

03/10: Raising a Glass to 250 Years: Peg Leg Porker Launches “Spirit of America™” Limited Edition Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon

03/10: Heaven Hill’s New Bourbon Comes From the Final Barrels Aged in One of Its Historic Warehouses

03/11: Barrell Craft Spirits® Introduces its First Cigar Blend Bourbon

03/11: Kentucky Senator Releases Jim Bunning Edition

03/11: Lux Row Distillers introduces Lux Row Estate Bourbon

03/11: Frey Ranch Distillery Adds To Its Core Line Up With The Launch Of Frey Ranch Farm Strength Uncut Rye

03/11: Lost Lantern Releases High-Low Collection

03/12: Evan Williams® Expands Award-Winning Flavors Lineup with New Evan Williams Blackberry

03/12: Garrison Brothers Announces Launch of 2026 Lady Bird Bourbon

03/16: B.R. Distilling Company Announces its Third Annual Limited-Release of Blue Note Special Reserve

03/17: Bardstown Bourbon Distillery Reserve Returns with Unique Barrel Finish

03/17: Jim Beam Just Dropped Its First Booker’s Bourbon Batch of the Year—and It’s a Good One

03/18: Elijah Craig Introduces 15-Year-Old Bourbon, a New Addition to Its Renowned Single Barrel Lineup

03/18: Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co. Releases 10-Year-Old Bourbon

03/19: Buffalo Trace Traveller Whiskey Full Proof

03/20: Announcing Shortbarrel Afterswarm Meadowfoam

03/20: Old Forester Unveils Newest Expansion in The 117 Series: High Angels’ Share Rye Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

03/24: Lux Row Distillers announces the arrival of Blood Oath Pact 12 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

03/24: Michter’s Distillery to Release 2026 Edition of Two Legacy Series Whiskeys: Shenk’s Homestead & Bomberger’s Declaration

03/24: Buffalo Trace Releases Daniel Weller Spelt Wheat

03/24: Jack Daniel’s Introduces New Batches of Award-Winning Aged Series Tennessee Whiskeys

03/25: Horse Soldier Bourbon Unveils Liberty Edition

03/27: Larrikin Bourbon Releases 3rd Annual ‘Pour for the Roses’ For Kentucky Derby

03/31: Angel’s Envy Debuts 2026 Cask Strength Dual Release Featuring Annual Bourbon and First-Ever Age-Stated Rye

03/31: Knob creek® debuts blender’s edition, a limited series celebrating the art of blending

Book Releases >> 2 Titles


“Bottom Shelf” by Fred Minnick

Malt Whisky Yearbook 2026

Four Branches Bourbon: 4 Veterans, 4 Grains, One Incredible Pour

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🥃 Four Branches Bourbon: A Salute to Service in Every Sip! 🇺🇸

In this episode of Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca dive into a bottle with a powerful story: Four Branches Bourbon Founders Blend. Founded by four veterans representing the Army, Navy, Marines, and Air Force, this whiskey is built on the motto: “Serve Honorably. Drink Honorably.”

We picked this bottle up at BourbonCon 2026 in Lexington, KY, after being blown away by the founders’ passion. This unique four-grain bourbon (Corn, Rye, Wheat, and Malted Barley) was crafted with the help of legendary Master Distiller Steve Nally at Bardstown Bourbon Company.

Is it as “spicy” as a Marine or as “smooth” as the Air Force? We break down the creamy mouthfeel, the surprising citrus notes, and that signature “Kentucky Kiss” on the finish.

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Four Branches Bourbon, Founders Blend

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Four Branches Spirits
  • Mash Bill: It is a unique four-grain blend (65% Corn, 15% Rye, 10% Malted Barley, and 10% Wheat). 
  • Age: 4-7 Years
  • Proof: 96
  • Batch: 013
  • Purchased: 01/17/26 for $75 at BourbonCon in Lexington KY

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓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.

#FourBranchesBourbon #BourbonReview #VeteranOwned #WhiskeyTasting #BourbonJourney #KentuckyBourbon #FourGrainBourbon #SteveNally #BardstownBourbon #BourbonCon #MilitaryVeterans #WhiskeyLover #DrinkHonorably #BourbonLife #SmallBatchBourbon

Do “Cigar Batch” Whiskeys Actually Work?

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The Ultimate Whiskey & Cigar Pairing Guide | On Location at Rango’s Cigar Lounge!

Welcome back to Your Bourbon Journey! Today, we’re taking the show on the road to Rango’s Cigar Lounge in Boonville, Indiana. We are joined by lounge owner Tony and local enthusiast Greg to put four incredible spirits to the test against a curated selection of premium cigars.

From the “chocolate malt” notes of New Riff American Single Malt to the dessert-like richness of Buzzard’s Roost Double Oaked Cigar Batch, we explore how proof, barrel finishes, and tobacco wrappers interact to create that “Nirvana state.”

Whether you are a whiskey novice or a seasoned cigar aficionado, join us as we discover why some pairings “shake hands” while others fight for the spotlight. We even test the theory: Do “Cigar Batches” actually pair better with cigars?

In this episode, we feature:

  • Buzzard’s Roost Double Oaked Cigar Batch (105 Proof) paired with The Crow
  • New Riff ASM (114.5 Proof) paired with Diesel Vintage Maduro
  • Stranahan’s Sherry Cask ASM (94 Proof) paired with Fermin Perez Bold
  • Penelope Cigar Sessions (No. 1) (101 Proof) paired with Blackbird Superb

Special Thanks to: Tony at Rango’s Cigar Lounge – If you’re near Boonville, IN, stop in for a pour and a smoke!

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🥃 The Spirits & Smokes: Official Specs

1. New Riff American Single Malt

  • Proof: 114.5 | Age: 7–8 Years
  • Mash Bill: 100% Barley (includes Chocolate Malted Barley)
  • Cigar Match: Diesel Vintage Maduro (San Andrés Wrapper)
  • Pairing Note: The “High Heat” (114.5 proof) cuts through the rich Maduro leaf.

2. Stranahan’s Sherry Cask

  • Proof: 94 | Age: 4+ Years
  • Finish: Oloroso & Pedro Ximénez Sherry Casks
  • Cigar Match: Fermin Perez Bold (San Andrés Wrapper)
  • Pairing Note: A “Palate Cleanser” that mirrors the dark fruit and cocoa of the tobacco.

3. Penelope Cigar Sessions (No. 1)

  • Proof: 101 | Age: 6 Years
  • Blend: Straight Bourbon, American Single Malt, & Light Whiskey
  • Cigar Match: Blackbird Superb (Ecuadorian Habano)
  • Pairing Note: Designed specifically for the spice and zest of a Habano wrapper.

4. Buzzard’s Roost Double Oaked (Cigar Batch)

  • Proof: 105 | Age: 4+ Years
  • Finish: Second maturation in proprietary toasted oak barrels
  • Cigar Match: Blackbird The Crow (San Andrés Maduro)
  • Pairing Note: “The Crow meets the Buzzard”—intense wood char meets cedar smoke.

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

NOTE: The spirits in this review was purchased by us. The cigars were provided by Rango’s Cigar Lounge. We were not compensated by the spirit or cigar producers for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink and smoke responsibly

#YourBourbonJourney #WhiskeyAndCigars #BourbonPairing #CigarLounge #NewRiff #Stranahans #PenelopeBourbon #BuzzardsRoost #CigarReview #WhiskeyTasting #BoonvilleIndiana #SingleMalt #CigarPairing #BourbonCommunity #RangosCigarLounge 

Four Bourbon Contenders: The Road to the Sweet 16 Continues! 

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Can a $54 Craft Bourbon Take Down a $200 Kentucky Legend? 🥃 Blind Bourbon Tasting

We are back with another high-stakes Blind Whiskey of the Month tasting! This month, we’re putting four incredible contenders to the ultimate test using our brand-new, data-driven scoring rubric. From a New York-distilled “transplant” bottled at Glenn’s Creek to the highly anticipated 2026 Woodford Reserve Double Double Oaked, this lineup is absolutely stacked.

In this episode, Wayne and Rebecca dive deep into the nose, palate, and finish of four mysterious samples. You won’t believe the scores—we actually witnessed a “Mr. Perfect” moment with one of the highest ratings we’ve ever handed out! Does the $200 price tag of the Woodford Double Double Oaked guarantee a win, or will a craft underdog like 5094 Transplant, General Thomas, or Robert’s Reserve pull off the upset?

THE CONTENDERS:

  • 5094 Transplant Bourbon (5094 Distilling/Glenns Creek) – 94.8 Proof
  • General Thomas Bourbon Single Barrel (General Thomas Spirits) – 110 Proof
  • Robert’s Reserve Bourbon (Pauley Hollow Distillery) – 92 Proof
  • Woodford Reserve Double Double Oaked (2026) – 90.4 Proof

Stay tuned until the end for the Big Reveal! We break down the math, discuss the “Sweet Sixteen” leaderboard implications, and find out which of these bottles are destined for our Whiskey of the Year tournament.

🥃 OUR NEW SCORING PROCESS: We’ve revamped our scoring to be more transparent than ever. Read the full breakdown of our new rubric and the “Sweet Sixteen” bracket process on our website: 👉 https://yourbourbonjourney.com/2026/02/27/decoding-the-pour-the-new-your-bourbon-journey-scoring-woty-process/

📊 SEE THE LIVE LEADERBOARD: Want to see where these bottles rank against the rest of the field? Check out our real-time leaderboard here: 👉 https://yourbourbonjourney.com/2026/02/27/the-live-leaderboard-road-to-the-sweet-sixteen/

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❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

5094 Transplant Bourbon

  • Classification: Bourbon Whiskey
  • By: 5094 Distilling
  • Distilled in New York
  • Bottled by Glenns Creek Distilling
  • Mash Bill: Four Grain
  • Age: 4 Years (then 3 years in a toasted barrel)
  • Proof: 94.8
  • MSRP: $54

Original Review:

General Thomas Bourbon Single Barrel

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • By: General Thomas Spirits LLC
  • Sourced from a Northern Kentucky distillery
  • Bottled in Newport, KY
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed
  • Age: 5 Years
  • Proof: 110
  • MSRP: $70

Original Review:

Robert’s Reserve Bourbon

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Pauley Hollow Distillery
  • Mash Bill: Four-grain (Corn, Rye, Wheat, and Malted Barley)
  • Barreling: Uses a combination of 10-gallon and 30-gallon barrels with a #3 char.
  • Age: 4 Years
  • Proof: 92
  • MSRP: $50

Original Review:

Woodford Reserve Double Double Oaked Bourbon

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Brown-Forman
  • Distillery: Woodford Reserve Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 72% Corn, 18% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
  • Age: NAS: 5-7 Years in first barrel, then up to 2 years in second barrel
  • Proof: 90.4
  • MSRP: $199.99 (700 ml)

Original Review:

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

NOTE: The spirits 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.

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Spring in a Glass: The Vernal Equinox Bourbon Sour

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Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring! 🌸 The Vernal Equinox Cocktail

Is your palate still wearing a heavy winter coat? It’s time to trade the leather jacket for something bright, crisp, and vibrant! In Episode 63 of Thirsty Thursday Cocktails, Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey introduces The Vernal Equinox—a sophisticated, spirit-forward riff on the classic whiskey sour that celebrates the return of the light.

This isn’t your average sugary fruit punch. By using Old Grand-Dad Bottled-in-Bond as a high-rye foundation and swapping traditional simple syrup for the jammy, sophisticated notes of Starlight Blackberry Whiskey, we create a “Dark Fruit Transition” that is perfectly balanced by fresh lemon and floral plum bitters. Plus, we’re achieving that luxurious, pillowy “cloud layer” using Fee Foam for a silky mouthfeel without the egg white.

In this video, you’ll learn:

  • How to balance tart citrus with craft fruit whiskeys.
  • The secret to a “Dry Shake” for perfect cocktail texture.
  • Why a high-rye, 100-proof bourbon is the best anchor for spring flavors.

Love this build? Hit that SUBSCRIBE button and ring the bell so you don’t miss next week’s Episode 64: The Desert Bloom, where we’ll be using unique desert fruit syrups to keep the springtime vibes rolling!

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📖 The Recipe: The Vernal Equinox

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 oz Old Grand-Dad Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon (or your favorite high-rye bourbon)
  • 0.5 oz Starlight Blackberry Whiskey (The “Modifier”)
  • 0.5 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 2 dashes Fee Brothers Plum Bitters
  • 3 dashes Fee Brothers Fee Foam (for that silky head)

Instructions:

  1. Combine: Add bourbon, blackberry whiskey, lemon juice, plum bitters, and Fee Foam into a shaker.
  2. Dry Shake: Shake without ice first to build that frothy, pillowy foam.
  3. Wet Shake: Add ice and shake vigorously to chill and dilute.
  4. Strain: Double-strain into a Double Old Fashioned glass over one large, clear ice rock.
  5. Garnish: Express a lemon peel over the glass and drop it in (or add a fresh blackberry) to keep it bright!

🛒 Featured Cocktail Ingredients & Tools

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🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

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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Caribbean Rum Trail Part 3: The Oldest Site in St. Kitts

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The Oldest Rum Site in the Caribbean? 🥃 St. Kitts Old Road Rum Distillery Tour

Celebrate a milestone 60th birthday with us on Part 3 of our Caribbean Rum Trail! Today, we’re stepping back in time at the Old Road Rum Company at Wingfield Estate, St. Kitts—the oldest surviving rum distillery site in the Caribbean, with records dating back to 1681.

From navigating the “awkward” taxi situation in St. Kitts to wandering through a lush rainforest filled with monkeys and 400-year-old trees, this was more than a tasting—it was an archeological adventure. We explore the ruins of the 17th-century distillery, uncover the surprising connection to Thomas Jefferson, and learn why 12 years of tropical aging makes this rum a dream for bourbon lovers.

Stick around for our full tasting of Old Road Rum Batch 019, where we break down why this “pure” rum (no sugar, no color, no additives) stands up to the best Kentucky Bourbons.

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🥃 About Old Road Rum

  • Founder: Jack Widdowson
  • Age: 12 Years (Tropical Aging)
  • Proof: 92
  • Process: No added sugar, no caramel color, no flavorings.
  • Casks: Aged in ex-bourbon barrels for a complex, viscous profile.

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓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.

#OldRoadRum #StKitts #CaribbeanRumTrail #RumTasting #DistilleryTour #BourbonJourney #WingfieldEstate #VintageRum #TravelStKitts #RumReview #HistoricDistillery #TropicalAging #BourbonLovers #RumCocktails #CaribbeanTravel