Author: bourbonjourney

Woodford Double Double Oaked 2026: Way Darker Than 2025!

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Woodford Reserve Double Double Oaked (2026) | The Ultimate Dark & Decadent Bourbon?

Is the 2026 Woodford Reserve Double Double Oaked worth the $200 price tag? 🥃 In today’s New Whiskey Monday on Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca dive into one of the most coveted annual releases in the whiskey world.

After hunting this bottle down at MSRP, we’re breaking down how this year’s expression compares to the legendary 2025 release. Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall promised a “deeper and darker” profile this year—and she delivered. From the heavy toasted second barrel to the complex notes of burnt butterscotch, dark baking cocoa, and espresso, this 90.4 proof powerhouse is an absolute flavor journey.

We explore why the “double-double” process (finishing for two additional years in a second heavily toasted barrel) creates a spicier, more jammy profile than the standard Double Oaked. Does it live up to the hype? Watch to find out!

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✴️ 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
  • Press Release stated: 5-7 Years in first barrel, then up to 2 years in second barrel
  • Proof: 90.4
  • MSRP: $199.99 (700 ml)
  • Released: January 2026
  • Purchased: 02/11/26 for $199.99 at High Spirits in Evansville, IN

❌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.

#WoodfordReserve #DoubleDoubleOaked #BourbonReview #WhiskeyTasting #NewWhiskeyMonday #BourbonJourney #WoodfordDoubleDoubleOaked2026 #KentuckyBourbon #BrownForman #WhiskeyRelease #BourbonHunter #CraftWhiskey #DoubleBarreled #WhiskeyCollector #ElizabethMcCall

Hill & Hill 1983: Bourbon History in a 500ml Bottle

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A Time Capsule in a Bottle: Tasting 1983 Hill & Hill Blended Whiskey 🥃

Travel back to 1983 with us as we crack open a rare 500ml “time capsule” of Hill & Hill Blended Whiskey. This isn’t just a vintage find; it’s a window into the infamous “Bourbon Glut” era, when legendary Kentucky stocks were so plentiful they were blended into everyday value labels like this one.

In this episode, Wayne and Rebecca explore the fascinating history of National Distillers, the transition to metric bottle sizes, and the mystery of what’s actually inside this “bourbon-flavored vodka.” With 80% Grain Neutral Spirits (GNS) and 20% straight whiskey—likely sourced from Old Crow or Old Taylor—does that classic “butterscotch” National Distillers profile still shine through?

We’re putting this 80-proof relic to the test to see if it’s a “hill to die on” or just a ghost of whiskey past. Grab a glass and join us on Your Bourbon Journey!

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✴️ Hill & Hill Blended Whiskey (1983)

  • Classification: American Blended Whiskey
  • Company: National Distillers Products Corp.
  • Distillery: Hill & Hill Distillery Co., Cincinnati, OH (The Cincinnati location served as the primary blending and bottling hub for National Distillers’ value labels).
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed (Likely 20% high-rye bourbon mash bill from the Old Grand-Dad or Old Crow distilleries in Kentucky, blended with 80% Grain Neutral Spirits).
  • Age: NAS (No Age Statement), but the label confirms the straight whiskey components are 4 years or older.
  • Proof: 80 Proof (40% ABV)
  • MSRP: $3.74 (Based on the vintage label stamp).
  • Released: 1983 (Confirmed by the “83” glass code on the bottom of the bottle).
  • Other: This is a 500ml bottle, which was the standard replacement for the 16oz “pint” following the 1980 metric transition. Note the “National Distillers” butterscotch profile often found in their straight whiskies may still be present in that 20% component.
  • Purchased: 07/11/25 for $75 at Revival Vintage Spirits in Covington, KY

Revival Vintage Spirits https://revivalky.com/ 

🚨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.

#Whiskey #Bourbon #VintageWhiskey #NationalDistillers #HillAndHill #BourbonHistory #DustyHunting #WhiskeyReview #OldCrow #BourbonGlut #1983Vintage #YourBourbon Journey #AmericanWhiskey #WhiskeyTasting #CovingtonKY

The Darkest Irish Whiskey Cocktail You’ll Ever Taste

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The Ultimate Irish Twist: The Pot Still “Black” Manhattan 🥃

If a standard Manhattan is a sharp pinstriped suit, the Pot Still “Black” Manhattan is a heavy charcoal overcoat. In Episode 60 of Thirsty Thursday Cocktails, Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey explores a dark, viscous, and brooding twist on a classic.

By swapping traditional rye for the powerhouse Redbreast 12 Year Cask Strength and replacing sweet vermouth with the thick, Sicilian Averna Amaro, we’ve created a cocktail with a massive, oily “chew” and an earthy profile that commands the palate. Whether you are an Irish whiskey lover or a Manhattan purist, this velvety, buttery build is the perfect way to elevate your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

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📋 The Recipe: Pot Still “Black” Manhattan

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz Redbreast 12 Year Cask Strength Irish Whiskey
  • 1 oz Averna Amaro
  • 2 dashes Fee Brothers Black Walnut Bitters
  • Garnish: Luxardo Cherry

Instructions:

  1. Combine: In a mixing glass, add the Black Walnut bitters, Averna Amaro, and the Redbreast Cask Strength.
  2. Chill: Add plenty of ice and stir for 25–30 seconds until the glass is frosted and the cocktail is perfectly diluted.
  3. Prep Glass: Place one Luxardo cherry (and a touch of syrup!) into the bottom of a chilled coupe glass.
  4. Strain: Double strain the mixture into your coupe.
  5. Enjoy: Experience the aromas of dark chocolate and toasted oak before taking that first velvety sip.

🚨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.

#BlackManhattan #IrishWhiskey #Redbreast #CocktailRecipes #StPatricksDay #HomeBartender #WhiskeyLover #Averna #Mixology #ThirstyThursday #PotStill #CaskStrength #DrinkResponsibly #BourbonJourney #ClassicCocktails

3 Michter’s Ryes You NEED to Try: Tasting & Review 

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The Rye Trifecta: A Deep Dive into Michter’s Fort Nelson Experience! 🥃

Welcome back to another episode of Bourbon Trail Tales and Tastes! Today, we are heading to the heart of Louisville’s “Whiskey Row” to revisit a personal favorite: Michter’s Fort Nelson. As Distillery #15 and Stamp #13 on our Kentucky Bourbon Trail journey, this historic site is more than just a distillery—it’s a masterclass in whiskey maturation.

In this episode, Wayne and Rebecca are breaking down three incredible (and hard-to-find) Michter’s Ryes. From the raw power of the Barrel Strength to the “sugar rush” of the Toasted Barrel Finish, and finishing with the elegance of the 10 Year Rye, we’re exploring why Michter’s is a must-stop for any whiskey enthusiast.

We also share our tips for visiting the Fort Nelson bar, the “Bottle Your Own” experience (and why you need to get in line early!), and a shoutout to Master Distiller Dan McKee and Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson.

Whiskeys Tasted in This Episode:

  • Michter’s US*1 Barrel Strength Rye (2022): The bold, spicy baseline at 112.4 proof.
  • Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Rye (2023): Secondary maturation magic featuring campfire marshmallow and dark chocolate notes.
  • Michter’s 10 Year Kentucky Straight Rye (2024/2025): Sophisticated, herbal, and refined. Is it actually older than 10 years? 

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❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

✴️Michter’s US*1 Barrel Strength Rye (2022)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
  • Distillery: Michter’s Distillery (Louisville, KY)
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed (Proprietary “Kentucky Style” rye; high corn and malted barley content)
  • Age: NAS (Non-Age Stated, but generally understood to be 5–7 years)
  • Proof: 112.4
  • Released: March 2022 
  • Other:  Low Entry Proof: Distillate enters the barrel at 103 proof, much lower than the industry standard (125 proof), which Michter’s claims results in a richer mouthfeel.
  • Purchased: 09/03/22 for $119 at Michter’s Fort Nelson

✴️Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Rye (2023)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
  • Distillery: Michter’s Distillery (Louisville, KY)
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed
  • Age: NAS (The base rye is typically 5–7 years old before the secondary finish)
  • Proof: 108.6
  • Released: September 2023
  • Other: Finishing Process: After aging in charred new American oak, the whiskey is moved to a second barrel made of 24-month air-dried wood that has been toasted but not charred. Entry Proof: Like the others, this began its life at a low 103 entry proof, which helps maintain that “creamy” mouthfeel even after the second barreling.
  • Purchased: 12/16/23 for $139.00

✴️Michter’s 10 Year Kentucky Straight Rye (2024/2025)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
  • Company: Michter’s Distillery
  • Distillery: Undisclosed (Contract distilled to Michter’s specifications in Kentucky)
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed (Known as a “Kentucky Style” Rye, heavy on corn and malted barley)
  • Age: 10 Years (Though widely rumored to be aged closer to 12–15 years)
  • Proof: 92.8
  • Released: Mid-2024 
  • Other: Barrel No. 24C1550: .
  • Single Barrel: Unlike the Small Batch US*1 line, this is pulled from a single, exceptional barrel chosen by Master Distiller Dan McKee and Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson.
  • Purchased: 02/22/25 for $210.00

🚨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.

#Michters #BourbonTrail #WhiskeyTasting #KentuckyBourbon #RyeWhiskey #FortNelson #Louisville #WhiskeyRow #MichtersRye #ToastedBarrel #BarrelStrength #WhiskeyReview #BourbonJourney #DrinkResponsibly #DanMcKee

Bourbon from the Hatfield-McCoy Well? Robert’s Reserve Review

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A Pike County Reunion in a Glass: Robert’s Reserve Bourbon Review

What happens when you mix the legendary water of the Hatfield-McCoy feud with one of the most prestigious names in bourbon history? You get Robert’s Reserve from Pauley Hollow Distillery.

In today’s episode, we’re tasting a bottle that is deeply personal. Pauley Hollow, the first legal distillery in Pike County, Kentucky, uses water drawn from the original Randall McCoy family well. But there’s a twist—Wayne’s ancestors, the McBrayers, lived on this same soil and were titans of the 19th-century whiskey world.

This is more than just a bourbon review; it’s a journey back to Wayne’s roots in Eastern Kentucky. We dive into the unique 4-grain mash bill, the use of rare Cypress wood fermenters, and how small-barrel aging (10 and 30-gallon) creates a “Sith Lord” level of dark, rich complexity in a 4-year-old spirit.

Does the 92-proof Robert’s Reserve live up to the McBrayer legacy? Let’s find out.

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✴️ Robert’s Reserve

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Pauley Hollow Distillery (Forest Hills, KY)
  • Distillation: They utilize 300-gallon cypress wood fermenters and a 150-gallon cypress pot still with a stainless/copper hybrid column.
  • 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. Smaller barrels are often used by craft distilleries to accelerate the interaction between the wood and the spirit.
  • Age: 4 Years
  • Proof: 92
  • MSRP: $50

❌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.

#BourbonReview #PauleyHollow #PikeCounty #KentuckyBourbon #WhiskeyTasting #HatfieldAndMcCoy #RobertsReserve #CraftDistillery #BourbonJourney #KentuckyHistory #BourbonCon #WhiskeyHeritage #FourGrainBourbon #BourbonLover #KentuckyStraightBourbon

Bourbon & Whiskey News: February 2026

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03/02/26
Curated by Rebecca Herman

Bourbon & Whiskey Industry Highlights from February 2026 >> 56 Stories!

In February 2026, the bourbon and whiskey industry saw significant developments, including over 56 stories highlighting market trends, distillery news, and awards. Key topics included a surge in bourbon sales, new craft distillery memberships, major bottle releases, and festival updates, emphasizing the industry’s continuous growth and evolution.

Industry Market News & Related Announcements >> 7 Stories

02/02: Bourbon Secondary Market Trends: 42k+ Transactions Analyzed

02/03: Bourbon brings more than $10bn to Kentucky

02/03: Bourbon Women Set to Celebrate 15 Years

02/04: American Distilling Institute Launches New Membership Structure to Better Serve the Evolving Craft Spirits Industry

02/05: 2025 Craft Distilleries and Distilled Spirits in the U.S. State of the Industry Report

02/10: Distilled Spirits Council Report Shows Spirits Sales Down; RTDs Surge

02/16: Bourbon Spirits Market to Grow Strongly by 2030, Driven by Rising Alcoholic Beverage Consumption

Distillery News >> 10 Stories

02/02: How A Whiskey Market Reset Is Fueling Shortbarrel Bourbon’s Rise

02/02: Jeptha Creed Distillery Cites Growth Despite Industry Headwinds

02/02: US whiskey firm Barrell Craft Spirits sells facility

02/02: WhistlePig Whiskey parts ways with CEO

02/03: Weaver pushes back in message to investors

02/04: Beloved Whiskey Brand Is ‘Insolvent,’ Creditors Claim

02/06: Kirin to Sell Four Roses Distillery to E&J Gallo

02/12: Resurrecting the Three-Chamber Still—and the Flavor of Pre-Prohibition Whiskey

02/13: Whistleblower lawsuit filed against high-profile Kentucky distillery, CEO

02/25: This Exclusive Spirits Membership Will Get You Allocations of Rare Whiskeys From Lux Row Distillers

Distillery Trail >> 3 Stories

02/05: Dark Arts Whiskey House Joins Kentucky Bourbon Trail

02/25: KDA Annouces New ‘Build Your Own Bourbon Trail’ Feature

02/25: Buzzard’s Roost Whiskey Launches New Visitor Experiences at its Louisville Distillery and Tasting Room

Awards Announced >> 7 Stories

02/13: Local distillery wins one of whiskey industry’s highest honors

02/16: Heaven Hill Earns Top Honors at 2026 World Whiskies Awards America and Icons of Whisky

02/16: Onyx & Amber Takes Top Honor as World’s Best American Style Whiskey in Debut Year

02/19: The World’s Best Single Barrel Bourbon According to the World Whiskies Awards 2026

02/20: This $55 Whiskey Is America’s Best Rye, According to the 2026 World Whiskies Awards

02/21: This Kentucky Distillery Just Won Best Distiller Of The Year At The 2026 World Whiskies Awards

02/28: Chris Fletcher named Master Distiller of Year

Bourbon Festival News,Updates, & Planning >> 9

Mar 2026: New Orleans Bourbon Festival

May 2026: BBQ & Barrels, Owensboro KY

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

Bottle Releases >> 19 Stories

02/02: NFL Legend Terry Bradshaw Just Dropped a New Hazmat Bourbon—and It’s Actually Great

02/02: Introducing Shortbarrel Four Grain Bourbon: A Wheated Kentucky Whiskey By Way Of The Great State Of Georgia

02/03: Kentucky Artisan Distillery Releases Bottled-in-Bond Additions to Artisan Series

02/03: Buzzard’s Roost Distillery Introduces New Four Grain Double Oak Bourbon

02/05: Woodford Reserve Releases New Distillery Series: Cabernet Sauvignon Barrel Finish

02/09: King of Kentucky marks US semiquincentennial

02/09: Award-Winning Alberta Distillers Limited(R) Releases Two New Premium Expressions

02/09: Redbreast Expands Its Iberian Series With Its First-Ever Moscatel Cask Release

02/10: Green River Expands Award-Winning Lineup with Launch of Wheated Full Proof Bourbon

02/10: Michter’s To Release Celebration Sour Mash, The Rarest Whiskey in the Distiller’s Lineup

02/10: Yellowstone Bourbon Celebrates America’s 250th Anniversary with Hand Picked Single Barrel Program

02/12: Barrell Craft Spirits Just Dropped a Hazmat Whiskey Aged in Orange Liqueur Casks

02/17: Rebel Bourbon rolls out Rebel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Single Barrel 2026 Selected By Kyle Busch

02/18: Penelope Releases 7-Year Barrel Strength Bourbon

02/19: Southern Distilling Co. Finishes Bourbon in Zinfandel Wine Casks

02/25: Barrell Craft Spirits® Introduces a 12-year BourbonFinished in Toasted American Oak Casks

02/25: Heaven Hill Releases 20th Anniversary Bernheim Wheat Whiskey

02/26: Heaven Hill Distillery Honors a Storied Legacy with Heaven Hill Deatsville 13-Year-Old Bourbon Whiskey

02/27: Bulleit Debuts a Mesquite-Smoked Malt Bourbon With Zero Rye

Book Releases >> 1 Title


“Bottom Shelf” by Fred Minnick

The Best of February: Which Bottle Takes the Crown?

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The Hunt for the 2026 Whiskey of the Year Begins! 🥃

Welcome to the official February Whiskey of the Month blind tasting! This isn’t just a review; it’s the debut of our brand-new, standardized 100-point scoring rubric. Wayne and Rebecca are putting four heavy-hitters from BourbonCon to the ultimate test to see which bottles have the “viscosity, complexity, and soul” to land a spot on our live leaderboard.

In this episode, we tackle a diverse lineup featuring a double-barreled powerhouse, a full-proof Kentucky classic, a four-grain artisan blend, and—for the first time in YBJ history—a finished Kentucky Rye!

🥃OUR SCORING PROCESS:

We’ve revamped our scoring to be more transparent than ever. No more “Redundancy”—just pure, data-driven blind competitions. 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/ 

THE CONTENDERS:

  • Burnt Tavern: 7-Year, 105 Proof, Double-Barreled Bourbon.
  • Jackson Purchase Batch No. 1: 4-Year, 117.8 Proof, Full Proof Bourbon.
  • Peter E. Hart Rye: 100 Proof, Finished in Smoked Bourbon Barrels.
  • Trackside Bourbon: 5-Year, 107 Proof, Unique Four-Grain Mash Bill.

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❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

✴️ Burnt Tavern

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: William Berkele Distillery (Lead Founder: Royce Blevins)
  • Distilled By: Undisclosed Kentucky Distillery (Sourced)
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed (thought to be high-rye style)
  • Age: 7 Years
  • Proof: 105
  • Other: Double-barreled and finished in slow-toasted American oak.

Original Review:

✴️ Jackson Purchase Batch No. 1 Full Proof

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company & Distillery: Jackson Purchase Distillery (Hickman, KY)
  • Mash Bill: 70% Corn, 20% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
  • Age: 4
  • Proof: 117.8

Original Review:

✴️ Peter E Hart Rye Whiskey

  • Classification: Kentucky Rye Whiskey
  • Company: Peter E Hart
  • Distillery: Sourced from Wilderness Trail Distillery (Danville, KY)
  • Mash Bill: 56% Rye, 33% Corn, 11% Malted Barley
  • Age: 3 Years (ave blend is reported closer to 4.5 years)
  • Proof: 100
  • Other: Finished in Smoked Bourbon Barrels

Original Review:

✴️ Trackside Bourbon (Founder Release High Proof)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Trackside Distilling Company (Co-Founders Jade Peterson and Jeremy Dever)
  • Distillery: Sourced and blended barrels from Kentucky Artisan Distillery (Crestwood, KY)
  • Mash Bill: A unique four-grain mash bill: Yellow Corn, Rye, Distiller’s Malt, and Chocolate Malted Barley.
  • Age: 5
  • Proof: 107

Original Review:

📊SEE THE LIVE LEADERBOARD: Want to see where this bottle ranks 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/

🚨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.

#YourBourbonJourney #WhiskeyOfTheMonth #BlindTasting #BourbonReview #SweetSixteen #WhiskeyScoring #JacksonPurchase #BurntTavern #TracksideBourbon #PeterEHart #KentuckyBourbon #RyeWhiskey #BourbonCon #WhiskeyCommunity #WOTY2026

Decoding the Pour: The New “Your Bourbon Journey” Scoring & WOTY Process

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At Your Bourbon Journey, our mission has always been to embrace the craft and find the absolute best whiskey sitting on the shelf. As our library has grown, so has our need for a more rigorous, transparent, and “science-backed” way to evaluate what makes a bottle truly elite.

To kick off our next chapter, we are introducing a refined scoring system and a streamlined path to the Whiskey of the Year (WOTY). Here is how we are finding the “Sweet Sixteen” and beyond.

The Road to the Sweet Sixteen

We’ve listened to your feedback and looked at our own data. To ensure only the “best of the best” make it to the winner’s circle, we’ve made a few key changes to our annual competition:

  • Monthly Blind Competitions: Our core remains the same. We will continue to name a Whiskey of the Month (WOTM) through rigorous blind tastings.
  • Farewell to the “Quarterly”: We have eliminated the “Whiskey of the Quarter” format. We found it was a bit redundant and didn’t always provide the most accurate seeding for the year-end finals.
  • The Power of the Rubric: Every bottle we review now faces our new 100-Point Rubric. This ensures consistency whether we are tasting a budget-friendly rye or a limited-edition bourbon.
  • Data-Driven Seeding: Your favorites don’t just move on because they won a single month; their numerical scores determine their rank and seeding for the WOTY blind.
  • The Play-In: In the event of a tie for those final spots in the Sweet Sixteen, we will conduct a Blind Play-In to settle the score on the palate.

The Live Leaderboard

Transparency is key. You can now visit our Live Leaderboard page right here on the website to see how current contenders are stacking up in real-time.

Look for Video Updates: Keep an eye out for dedicated leaderboard deep-dives at the 4-month and 8-month marks to see which bottles are currently pacing to make the finals!

Inside the Rubric: How We Score

We start with a baseline of 80 points for any whiskey that is “eligible” for our journey. The final 20 points—the difference between “good” and “legendary”—are determined by four critical categories:

I. The Nose (5 Points)

Focus on aromatic complexity and ethanol integration.

  • Good (1–2 pts): Pleasant and clear (vanilla, oak) but simple.
  • Great (3–4 pts): Multi-layered with hidden ethanol and distinct secondary notes like fruit or spice.
  • Outstanding (5 pts): A “room-filler.” Exceptional complexity that evolves in the glass.

II. The Taste (10 Points)

The engine of the score. Focus on mouthfeel, transition, and flavor density.

  • Good (1–4 pts): Thin to medium mouthfeel; consistent but predictable.
  • Great (5–8 pts): Oily/creamy texture with a “story” on the palate (sweet start, spicy mid).
  • Outstanding (9–10 pts): Explosive and viscous. Challenging depth with zero “dead spots.”

III. The Finish (3 Points)

Focus on duration and the “exit.”

  • Good (1 pt): Short to medium; clean and simple.
  • Great (2 pt): Long and warming; brings back a specific note like cocoa or leather.
  • Outstanding (3 pts): “The Hug.” Lasts for minutes and evolves without harsh bitterness.

IV. The Wild Card (2 Points)

The “X-Factor” or subjective “wow” moment.

  • Good (0 pts): A solid pour, but not uniquely memorable.
  • Great (1 pt): A “best-in-class” representation of its specific style or mashbill.
  • Outstanding (2 pts): A “unicorn” experience; the kind of bottle you immediately buy a backup of.

Are you ready to see who takes the crown this year? Check the leaderboard often, and we’ll see you in the comments of the next blind!

#YourBourbonJourney #RoadToTheSweetSixteen #YBJWhiskeyOfTheYear #CaskStrengthLeadership #BourbonReview #WhiskeyTasting #BlindTasting #BourbonCommunity #WhiskeyGram #BourbonBracket #TheSweetSixteen #WhiskeyEducation #BourbonScoring #SpiritReview #CraftSpirits #ThePerfectPour

The Live Leaderboard: Road to the Sweet Sixteen

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This is the heartbeat of the Your Bourbon Journey season. As we move through our monthly blind competitions, every bottle’s performance is recorded here. The Top 16 highest-scoring whiskeys at the end of the season will advance to the Whiskey of the Year (WOTY) Blind Bracket.

Current Standings

Updated: 02/28/26

Video Leaderboard Updates

Catch the deep dives where we discuss the movement on the board and which bottles are “on the bubble.”

  • Q1 Update (4 Months): [Link to Video/May]
  • Q2 Update (8 Months): [Link to Video/September]
  • Selection Saturday: [Final Seeding Reveal Video/December]

The WOTY Bracket Structure

Once the leaderboard is finalized, the Sweet Sixteen are seeded #1 through #16 based strictly on their rubric scores. From there, it is a single-elimination march to the finish. Every single round is conducted completely blind to ensure the liquid in the glass does the talking.

  • The Sweet Sixteen: Our top 16 seeded whiskeys face off in head-to-head (or group) blind flights.
  • The Elite Eight: The winners advance to a high-stakes blind showdown to determine the best of each region/bracket.
  • The Final Four: The four remaining heavyweights meet in a penultimate blind tasting.
  • The Championship: The final two bottles go nose-to-nose. Only one will be crowned the Your Bourbon Journey Whiskey of the Year.

Tie-Breakers & Seeding

Because we rely on a 100-point scale, ties are possible.

  • Seeding Ties: If two whiskeys have the same score, their seed is determined by their Taste score. If still tied, we look to the Nose.
  • The Play-In: If there is a tie for the #16 spot, we will conduct a Live Blind Play-In to see who earns the final seat at the table.

How the Scoring Works

Each bottle starts with a base of 80 points. We then apply our 20-point Rubric (Nose, Taste, Finish, and Wild Card) to reach the final score.

[Click here to read the full breakdown of our Scoring Rubric]

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The Roman Holiday: A Dark & Herbaceous Rye Masterpiece

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A Midnight Stroll in Italy: The Roman Holiday Cocktail (Ep. 59)

Transport your palate to a midnight stroll through an Italian piazza with The Roman Holiday. In this episode of Thirsty Thursday Cocktails, we are closing out February with “The Sophisticated Finish”—a dark, roasted, and herbaceous masterpiece.

This complex build features the incredible Hard Truth Chocolate Malt Rye, a whiskey distilled from chocolate malted barley that delivers deep cocoa notes without the sweetness. We pair this with the “Spirit of Italy,” Amaro Montenegro, and the powerhouse J. Rieger Caffè Amaro for a botanical, espresso-forward backbone. Topped with exotic cardamom bitters and a bright lemon expression, this is the ultimate nightcap for any whiskey lover.

Whether you’re a fan of the Black Manhattan or looking for a new way to use your Amaro collection, this cocktail is a showstopper.

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The Recipe: The Roman Holiday

Glassware: Nick & Nora or Coupe 

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz Hard Truth Chocolate Malt Rye
  • 0.5 oz J. Rieger Caffè Amaro
  • 0.5 oz Amaro Montenegro
  • 2 dashes Cardamom Bitters
  • Garnish: Large lemon twist

Instructions:

  1. Stir: Combine the rye, both Amaros, and bitters in a mixing glass with plenty of ice.
  2. Chill: Stir for 25 seconds until very cold and properly diluted.
  3. Strain: Strain into a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass.
  4. Garnish: Express a wide lemon twist over the surface to brighten the coffee notes, then trim and drop in.

🚨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.

#TheRomanHoliday #HardTruthDistilling #AmaroMontenegro #CoffeeCocktail #WhiskeyCocktails #ThirstyThursday #YourBourbonJourney #HomeBartender #CraftCocktails #RyeWhiskey #Amaro #CocktailRecipe #BourbonLife #DrinkResponsibly #Mixology