Author: bourbonjourney

Vintage Old Crow Bourbon Tasting: Are Older Bottles Actually Better?

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It’s the end of the week, and today is a very special “Sipping on History” edition of Your Bourbon Journey! We are cracking open and reviewing two incredibly rare vintage bottles of Old Crow Bourbon sourced from Unicorn Auctions. If you love dusty bourbon, rare whiskey history, and the legendary National Distillers profile, this vintage showdown is for you! 

First, we dive into a pristine 1995 Old Crow Japanese Export (80 Proof). This transitional time capsule features a unique “distilled vs. bottled” loophole—distilled by W.A. Gaines at the historic DSP-KY-25 plant in Frankfort right before it was shuttered, and later bottled by Jim Beam at Clermont (DSP-KY-14). Thanks to immaculate storage by the Mercian Corporation in Japan, this bottle boasts an unbelievable fill level and a shocking nutmeg and lemon zest flavor journey.

Next, we break the 50-year-old state tax stamps on the ultimate “tuckaway fifth”—the c. 1974-1975 Old Crow “The Traveler” (86 Proof). This flat, briefcase-friendly bottle is 100% pure, unfiltered National Distillers juice from the golden era of the Frankfort plant. This specific bottle has a mind-blowing history, literally circumnavigating the globe from Kentucky to Italy, over to a Japanese private collection, through Chicago, and finally into our glasses. Wait until you hear our tasting notes—we discovered complex milk chocolate, dark cocoa powder, and allspice flavors we have NEVER found in a modern bottle. 

We also share stories from our recent trip to the historic Glenns Creek Distilling property (the original home of Old Crow) for their 4th of July party with David Meier, and explain how a piece of vintage boiler coal ties this whole legendary history together! 

Have you ever tried a vintage dusty bourbon? Let us know in the comments below!

If you like what we do, hit that SUBSCRIBE button to join the journey! Always remember to drink responsibly, and when you get a chance, go visit Glenns Creek and see the history of Old Crow for yourself. Cheers!

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🎓 Want to earn a FREE Whiskey Certificate? Start your bourbon education journey with Whiskey University today! Take your first steps here: https://www.whiskeyuniv.com/first-steps

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

The Transitional Japanese Export: Old Crow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Japanese Export)

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Distilled at Old Crow Distillery (Frankfort, KY — DSP-KY-25); Bottled at Jim Beam Distillery (Clermont, KY — DSP-KY-14)
  • Mash Bill: Historic National Distillers Mash Bill (Estimated around 72% Corn, 13% Rye, 15% Malted Barley)
  • Age: NAS (Not Stated, but law requires a minimum of 4 years; vintage stocks indicate it likely carries significantly more age)
  • Proof: 80 Proof (40% ABV)
  • SRP: Original export pricing varied $30-45 historical estimate)
  • Released: 1995 (Based on the “95” glass manufacturer stamp on the base)
  • Other: Imported to Japan by Mercian Corporation; features dual English and Japanese rear labels.
  • Purchased: June 2026 for $228 (including fees and tax) at Unicorn Auctions

The Globetrotting Traveler: Old Crow “The Traveler” Fifth

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: National Distillers Products Co.
  • Distillery: Distilled and Bottled by The Old Crow Distillery Company (Frankfort, KY — DSP-KY-25)
  • Mash Bill: Historic National Distillers Mash Bill (Estimated around 72% Corn, 13% Rye, 15% Malted Barley)
  • Age: NAS (Typically aged 4 to 6 years during this golden era)
  • Proof: 86 Proof (43% ABV)
  • SRP: ~$5.00–$7.00 (Historical 1970s retail price)
  • Released: c. 1974–1975 (Dating verified by the transitional “4/5 Quart • 0.757 Litro” dual metric labeling)
  • Other: Double-export provenance markings; features original Italian import stamps (Ditta Sposetti-Darsena-Genova), a Japanese over-sticker, and a modern US private collection import strip.
  • Purchased: June 2026 for $475 (including fees and tax) at Unicorn Auctions

🚨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 producer for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.

#YourBourbonJourney #VintageBourbon #OldCrow #DustyBourbon #NationalDistillers #BourbonReview #UnicornAuctions #RareWhiskey #WhiskeyHistory #Glenns CreekDistilling #OldCrowTraveler #BourbonTasting #KentuckyBourbon #CollectibleWhiskey #SippingOnHistory

Upgrade Your Boulevardier Cocktail With This High-Proof Trick

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Welcome to Episode 78 of Thirsty Thursday Cocktails on Your Bourbon Journey! Tonight, we are crafting “The Darker Boulevardier,” a brooding, spirit-forward riff on the classic Boulevardier cocktail. If you love a classic Negroni or a traditional Boulevardier but want something with more depth, complexity, and a savory backbone, this recipe is for you.

Instead of the bright, sweet citrus snap of traditional Campari, this recipe features the high-proof intensity of Cynar 70. This amaro brings an assertive, velvety, and deeply savory artichoke-and-herbal bitterness to the glass. To stand up to that heavy modifier, we are anchoring the build with 2 full ounces of the Old Grand-Dad 114 Single Barrel 7-Year bourbon. With its famous high-rye mash bill, this 114-proof powerhouse brings a sharp punch of black pepper, cinnamon, baking spices, and a classic Jim Beam nuttiness that remains the absolute star of the glass.

We round out the sharp edges with the rich cocoa-and-berry sweetness of Cocchi di Torino Sweet Vermouth and bind the structure together with Orange Bitters. The result is a bold, viscous, and unapologetically complex aperitivo-style cocktail that opens up beautifully as the clear ice melts.

Are you a fan of using Cynar in whiskey cocktails? Let me know your thoughts on this spec in the comments below!

🛒 Featured Cocktail Ingredients & Tools

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🥃 THE RECIPE: THE DARKER BOULEVARDIER

  • 2.0 oz Old Grand-Dad 114 Single Barrel 7-Year Bourbon
  • 0.75 oz Cynar 70 Amaro
  • 0.75 oz Cocchi di Torino Sweet Vermouth
  • 2 dashes Orange Bitters
  • Garnish: Expressed Orange Peel

📖 INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice.
  2. Stir thoroughly for 30 to 45 seconds to achieve an ice-cold chill and proper dilution.
  3. Strain into a chilled rocks glass over a single large, clear ice cube.
  4. Express a fresh orange peel over the top to release the bright essential oils, and drop it in as the garnish.

🚨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. 

#BourbonCocktails #Boulevardier #OldGrandDad114 #Cynar70 #CocktailRecipe #ThirstyThursday #YourBourbonJourney #WhiskeyCocktails #AmaroCocktails #NegroniRiff #HomeBartender #SweetVermouth #CraftCocktails #BourbonEnthusiast #ClassicCocktailRiff

Bourbon & Whiskey News: June 2026

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07/08/26
Curated by Dr. Rebecca Herman

June 2026 Bourbon & Whiskey News: 70 Stories & Points of Interest to Ponder

Buckle up, because June absolutely exploded across every single corner of the whiskey world. From the high-stakes corporate chess matches and production shifts shaking up the market, to an unprecedented summer blitz of twenty-five blockbuster bottle drops, the industry is moving at a breakneck pace. Whether you are mapping out an epic summer road trip across the country’s most popular distillery trails, locking down elusive tickets for the next major festival on your radar, or hunting down the latest award-winning pours and essential summer reads, we have meticulously tracked it all.

Pour yourself something strong, clear your calendar, and dive into the absolute definitive breakdown of the sixty-nine major stories, releases, and updates that defined the month of June.

For those who would prefer the ‘Executive Summary’ before diving into the details, please see my 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 HERE.

Industry Market News & Related Announcements >> 5 Stories

The domestic whiskey market in June was defined by an intense tug-of-war between local triumphs and global economic friction. While regional tourism numbers surged to record-breaking heights, the broader industry continued to grapple with supply-chain overcorrections, financial restructuring, and changing investor dynamics. Here are the five macro-level stories that shaped the business of whiskey this month.

06/02: The great whiskey glut: bourbon’s oversupply crisis

06/09: Wes Henderson’s whiskey firm faces $1.5m in claims

06/10: Kentucky tourism sets record with $14.6 billion economic impact in 2025

06/16: Distilled Spirits Council Leads Successful U.S. Distillery Trade Mission to East Asia

06/29: CaskX: What Investors Should Know Before Buying a Whiskey Cask in 2026

Distillery News >> 5 Stories

From ground-up expansions and historic milestones to unexpected ownership changes and course-correcting staff reductions, June was a high-stakes month for producers. Here are the key brick-and-mortar headlines reshaping the distillery landscape right now.

06/01: Holladay Distillery Marks Historic Milestones Ahead of 170th Anniversary Year

06/04: Whiskey House of Kentucky cuts 30% of staff

06/08: Cave City Distilling Company To Celebrate Ribbon-Cutting And Grand Opening On July 3rd

06/22: Willett Distillery Barrels First Whiskey at New Kentucky Facility

06/26: Wyoming Whiskey Returns to Full Wyoming Ownership

06/29: Sazerac buys Garrard County Distilling for $20m

Awards Announced >> 4 Stories

June brought the conclusion of the industry’s most prestigious tasting competitions, with massive regional standouts taking home top honors. Here is your look at the standout craft names and classic heritage bottles that officially secured their bragging rights this month.

06/02: All Double Platinum-Winning Whiskies From The ASCOT Awards 2026

06/09: Wenzel earns five medals at 2026 San Francisco World Spirits Competition

06/10: Starlight Distillery Wins Big at San Francisco Spirits Competition

06/12: Every Award-Winning Bourbon & American Whiskey From The International Wine & Spirits Competition 2026

Popular Distillery Trails >> 8 Featured

With summer travel in full swing and distillery tourism hitting record numbers, you might be planning your next road trip. Here is your quick-access guide to the most popular established distillery trails across the country to help you map out your next adventure.

Kentucky Bourbon Trail

Tennessee Whiskey Trail

Texas Whiskey Trail

Whiskey Rebellion Trail

Colorado Spirits Trail

New York State Distillery Trails

Virginia Spirits Trail

Washington Distillery Trail

Bourbon Festival News,Updates, & Planning >> 8 Festivals >> This Month’s Updates > 1

When it comes to the biggest events on the whiskey calendar, waiting until the last minute is a guaranteed recipe for missing out. From high-demand ticket drops to fast-disappearing hotel blocks, navigating festival season requires a strategic roadmap. Here is your current rolling radar of the major festivals you should be planning for right now, anchored by a brand-new August event announcement that just dropped.

06/30: Watch Hill Proper Sets Annual Whiskey Festival for Aug. 15

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 2027: New Orleans Bourbon Festival

May 2027: BBQ & Barrels, Owensboro KY

Bottle Releases >> 25 Stories

If your wallet is sweating just looking at this list, you aren’t alone. June absolutely exploded with new bottle announcements, making it the biggest release month of the year so far. Distillers are leaning heavily into premium age statements, innovative finishes, and highly anticipated annual returns. Whether you are hunting for ultra-rare heritage decanters or looking for the newest craft experiment to hit the shelves, here is every major bottle drop you need to have on your radar from June.

06/01: Buffalo Trace Owner Sazerac Just Dropped Its First Tennessee Whiskey

06/02: Four Roses Just Unveiled Its Oldest Single-Barrel Bourbon to Date

06/03: Russell’s Reserve Honors Eddie Russell’s 45-Year Legacy With a Cinematic Tribute and the Spring 2026 Return of the 13 Year Old

06/03: Bardstown Bourbon Company Experimented With a New Bourbon-Japanese Whisky Blend—and It Paid Off

06/03: Woodford Reserve’s Latest Experimental Bourbon Is Made From Heirloom Red Corn

06/04: Hallowed Spirits Unveils Bourbon Honoring Secretariat

06/05: Milam & Greene Announces Live Oak Release

06/05: Kentucky distillers Potter Jane announce unusual bourbon release

06/08: Old Forester® Celebrates National Bourbon Day with Return of President’s Choice

06/09: Penelope Bourbon Launches Classic Series, Introducing Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Straight Rye

06/09: Elijah Craig Reintroduces 21-Year-Old Single Barrel

06/09: Hard Truth announces release of Double Oaked Sweet Mash Rye from its 2026 Barrel Finish Reserve

06/09: Booker’s Newest Bourbon Is Inspired by Boozy Milkshakes

06/11: Toasted Double Oak Debuts As Inaugural Distillery Select From Green River Distilling

06/12: Diageo’s Latest Orphan Barrel Release Is a 25-Year-Old Canadian Whisky

06/15: Lost Lantern Launches the United States of Bourbon, the First-Ever Blend of Straight Bourbon from All 50 States

06/16: Pursuit Spirits and Meat Church BBQ Fuse KY, TN, and TX in New Honey Hog Bourbon Release

06/18: Blade and Bow Unveils a New Limited Annual Expression, 12-Year-Old Solera Reserve

06/23: Woodford Reserve Partners with Kentucky Derby-Winning Trainer Cherie DeVaux on Limited-Edition Double Oaked Single Barrel Bourbon Benefiting Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance

06/23: Four Roses Distillery Enters a New Era of Bourbon Innovation with Launch of Experimental Series

06/23: Bulleit Is Releasing Its Oldest Rye Whiskey Ever: A 20-Year-Old Cask-Strength Bottling

06/24: Heaven Hill Distillery Announces Spring 2026 Edition of the Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Decanter Series

06/25: Buzzard’s Roost Releases New Red, White & Roost Double Oak

06/26: Redwood Empire Whiskey Releases California’s Own ‘Ode to Wheated Bourbon’

06/29: Sagamore Whiskey Announces National Release of High Rye Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Book Releases in 2026 >> 14

Whether you want to expand your cocktail repertoire, master the science of sensory tasting, or dive into the untamed history of America’s relationship with the bottle, 2026 has been an incredible year for spirits literature. Here are the must-read titles hitting the shelves, including three fantastic new additions that just dropped this month.

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Biograghy, History, & Lore Books:

Bottom Shelf: How a Forgotten Brand of Bourbon Saved One Man’s Life: A gripping, narrative-driven historical investigation that explores the dramatic rise, fall, and cultural legacy of a true American whiskey icon—Old Crow Bourbon. Part history and part reflection on resilience, it is the perfect pairing for a deep evening pour.

Cocked and Boozy: An Intoxicating History of the American Revolution: Historian Brooke Barbier delivers a fascinating, deeply researched look into the staggering amount of alcohol consumed by America’s founding generation and how it literally fueled the Revolution. Even better for your readers, every single chapter wraps up with an authentic 18th-century cocktail recipe adapted for modern palates.

Sensory & Education Books:

Your Tasting Brain: A Sensory Approach to Wine, Beer, and Other Pleasures: Legendary drinks writer Randy Mosher bridges the worlds of science and art to explore how our brains translate chemistry, smell, and mouthfeel into complex flavor profiles. It is a brilliant, highly accessible roadmap engineered to help serious enthusiasts refine their palates, build their tasting vocabulary, and better understand the sensory mechanics behind every sip.

Cocktail Books:

The Classic Cocktail Sessions: A Bartender’s New-Fashioned Approach to the World’s Most Beloved Recipes: Written by the James Beard Award-winning duo Toby Maloney and Emma Janzen, this masterclass dives deep into the precise mechanics of 61 iconic recipes. It cuts through the fluff to focus on how subtle shifts in temperature, texture, and balance elevate the staples, making it a perfect guide for anyone who values a dry, meticulously constructed pour.

Spirits of ’76: Celebrating 250 Years with Cocktails from Every State: Timed perfectly ahead of America’s major 250th anniversary celebrations, this gorgeous book features a dedicated cocktail recipe inspired by each of the 50 states. It seamlessly balances modern mixology with fascinating historical facts.

Cowgirl Cocktails: Over 100 Cocktails Inspired by Ranches, Rodeos, and Real Good Times: Saddle up with a vibrant collection of over 100 bold, easy-to-master drink recipes that bring rustic, western charm straight to your glass. It is heavily packed with robust whiskey and tequila serves perfect for summer trailriders and backyard barbecues.

Beach Cocktails: Pours, Drinks, Sips, and Bites: The quintessential summer entertaining guide, packed with bright, citrus-forward, and crisp, refreshing serves designed for warm-weather hosting, patio lounging, and coastal escapes.

Scottish Cocktails – Luxury & Deluxe Selection 2026: 20 Luxury Whisky & Gin Cocktail Recipes: A tightly curated, high-end collection tailored for the home mixologist who appreciates dry, complex, and spirit-forward profiles. It focuses exclusively on elevated serves using premium Scotch and botanically complex gins.

Bourbon Cookbooks:

The Bourbon Cookbook: 60 recipes for sweet, smoky sauces, glazes, comfort dishes, and homemade desserts: A mouthwatering guide to cooking with America’s native spirit. This collection teaches home chefs how to use bourbon’s natural oak, vanilla, and caramel notes to elevate everything from high-heat grilling marinades to rich, decadent comfort foods.

Guide Books & Tasting Journals:

The Bourbon Fluent Flight Planner: A Whiskey Tasting Notebook for Building Your Own Bourbon Flights: Created by whiskey educator and author Heather Wibbels, this guided tasting notebook flips the script on standard journals. Instead of just logging what you drank, it helps you compare pours side-by-side with purpose—tracking variables like proof, mashbills, and wood finishes using her signature “Four F’s” system (fragrance, flavor, feel, and finish). It’s an essential tool for any enthusiast looking to intentionally build their palate.

Pour Decisions: A Bourbon Tasting Journal – Track, Rate, and Remember Every Bourbon: A masterfully designed logbook built specifically for bourbon collectors. It features dedicated fields to track mash bills, barrel types, age statements, and custom flavor wheels to help keep your personal library organized.

Neat & Noted: A Whiskey Tasting Journal to Track, Rate & Remember Bourbon, Scotch & More: A versatile, all-in-one tasting companion engineered for the spirits polymath. Whether you are blinding a flight of high-proof rye, tasting a vintage Scotch, or evaluating an American single malt, this journal keeps your tasting notes airtight.

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail (Premium Edition): A sleek, comprehensive travel blueprint packed with insider routing tips, regional historical context, and expert strategies for building the ultimate luxury whiskey vacation itinerary.

Kentucky Bourbon Passport: A Guide to Kentucky’s Storied Distilleries: The ultimate pocket companion for anyone planning a trek down south. Designed specifically for whiskey tourists, this journal makes it easy to log your distillery stops, exclusive gift shop bottle grabs, and memorable tour notes.

The Proof Report: June 2026

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A Monthly Audit of the Whiskey Industry

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

Part I: The Purpose

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

Industry Market News & Global Friction

The Oversupply Crisis Realized: June opened under the shadow of the highly discussed “great whiskey glut,” marking a clear shift in market dynamics. As bulk whiskey pricing stabilizes and rickhouse expansion paces cool, the industry is entering a definitive cycle of inventory calibration after years of breakneck production.

Litigation and Liabilities: Corporate vulnerability came into focus on June 9th as headlines detailed $1.5 million in financial claims facing Wes Henderson’s whiskey firm. The legal friction underscores the razor-thin margins and heightened financial oversight governing newer venture-backed spirits brands in a tightening capital environment.

Cask Investment Caution: On June 29th, market analysts highlighted the shifting landscape of barrel investment programs, particularly surrounding firms like CaskX. As secondary market valuations shift, advisory updates are emphasizing rigid due diligence for private investors looking at whiskey as an alternative asset class in 2026.

Distillery Operations & Corrective Actions

Whiskey House of Kentucky Workforce Reduction: Providing immediate operational validation to the oversupply narrative, custom contract-distilling giant Whiskey House of Kentucky announced a 30% reduction in staff. Despite its cutting-edge infrastructure, operating at 60% capacity signals a broader corporate pullback from independent brands dialing down production orders.

Sazerac’s Direct Asset Acquisition: Sazerac executed a massive power play on June 29th by acquiring the newly built Garrard County Distilling Co. facility for $20 million. This acquisition safeguards high-capacity distilling infrastructure while demonstrating how global powerhouses can selectively absorb premium assets at corrected valuations.

Wyoming Whiskey Regains Independence: In a significant shift against the corporate tide, Wyoming Whiskey officially returned to full local ownership on June 26th. Global conglomerate Edrington completely exited its 80% stake, writing down the asset due to broader American category headwinds, which cleared the runway for legendary Master Blender Nancy Fraley to return to helm the independent liquid.

Awards, Festivals & Tourism Focus

Record-Breaking $14.6 Billion Economic Impact: Official tourism data released on June 10th revealed that Kentucky’s bourbon and hospitality engine generated a record $14.6 billion impact in 2025. This proves that while retail and distribution channels face structural bottlenecks, consumer passion for experiential distillery travel remains entirely bulletproof.

Elite Tasting Circuits: June brought the conclusion of the industry’s premier tasting competitions. Regional powerhouses Wenzel Lonestar Cuvee and Starlight Distillery dominated the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) and ASCOT Awards, proving that non-heritage craft producers continue to command critical bragging rights over historic legacy profiles.

Proactive Festival Planning: Ticket alerts for the Kentucky Bourbon Festival and the sudden June 30th announcement of Watch Hill Proper’s Annual Whiskey Festival for August 15th reinforce that consumer planning remains essential. High-tier VIP experiences continue to vanish instantly, requiring consumers to treat festival attendance like a strategic execution.

Part II: The Proof

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

The “Ultra-Aged” & Allocated Heavy Hitters

Four Roses “Anthology” (Chapter One): A historic milestone for the brand. This 21-year-old expression marks the oldest single-barrel bourbon legally dropped in Four Roses’ history. Coming in non-chill filtered at 108.4 proof utilizing the OBSF recipe, it represents the absolute pinnacle of their library aging.

Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond (Spring 2026): Heaven Hill extended its highly coveted decanter series with the latest spring edition. This release captures the quintessential, rich wheated profile that secondary market collectors hunt for, serving as an ongoing anchor for legacy age-stated excellence.

Bulleit 20-Year-Old Cask Strength Rye: Bulleit dropped its oldest rye whiskey expression to date. Bottled directly at cask strength, this ultra-matured rye delivers an intense, wood-forward concentration of spice and deep oak maturity designed strictly for the serious enthusiast.

The Experimental & Collaborative Blends

Lost Lantern “United States of Bourbon”: Independent bottler Lost Lantern grabbed national headlines with a boundary-shattering blend of straight bourbons sourced from all 50 states. Available in both 100-proof and robust Cask Strength formats, it serves as a stunning liquid snapshot of modern American distilling geography.

Pursuit Spirits x Meat Church “Honey Hog”: Bridging the worlds of whiskey and culinary subculture, Pursuit Spirits partnered with the barbecue icons at Meat Church to fuse straight whiskies from Kentucky, Tennessee, and Texas. The resulting profile leans hard into rich, savory-sweet complexity.

Bardstown Bourbon Co. Bourbon-Japanese Whisky Collaboration: BBCo continued its legacy of collaborative innovation by marrying matured Kentucky bourbon with premium imported Japanese whisky, executing a flawless cross-cultural study in blending texture and mouthfeel.

Innovative & Heritage Finishes

Blade and Bow 12-Year-Old Solera Reserve: Unveiling its latest limited annual expression, this fractional-aging release concentrates complex oak, orchard fruit, and traditional baking spices into a beautifully structured, premium portfolio addition.

Hard Truth Double Oaked Sweet Mash Rye (2026): Expanding its prestigious Barrel Finish Reserve, Indiana’s sweet-mash pioneer delivered a heavily unctuous, double-oaked rye that highlights how custom secondary maturation can intensify deep grain notes without introducing harsh bitterness.

Looking for the full stories behind these insights?

For a comprehensive, itemized archive of the articles, press releases, and announcements from this month, view my full June 2026 Bourbon & Whiskey News List Here.

The Craziest Bourbon Journey Ever: Doc Holliday Lost Barrels

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📦 Unboxing a SURPRISE HAZMAT BOURBON! Rebecca snuck this one past Wayne, and it might just be the best blind-buy of the year. Today we are cracking open the incredibly rare Doc Holliday 12 Year “The Last of the Lost Barrels” Straight Bourbon Whiskey. 

With a mind-blowing 140.2 proof, this Cask Strength monster is officially a “Hazmat” whiskey, but does it actually drink like fire? We dive into the unbelievable history of these forgotten barrels, talk about the 90% corn moonshine mash bill, and give you our completely honest tasting notes. 

🥃 THE WILD 12-YEAR JOURNEY OF THE LOST BARRELS:

Distilled in 2014 by legendary 5th-generation Georgia moonshiner Carlos Lovell at Ivy Mountain Distillery, these barrels were originally meant to age for just 6 months. After the distillery closed, the estate inventory sat completely forgotten in the Georgia woods for five years. A Texas investment group bought them and moved them to the brutal Texas heat for 4 years—causing the liquid to push deep into the wood and skyrocketing the proof to 140.2. Finally, the World Whiskey Society rescued them, bringing them back home to Georgia for a final stretch of aging and bottling. 

Only 102 bottles exist from Barrel No. 653, and we are pouring Bottle No. 36. Is this $300 ultra-rare release worth the hype? Find out now!

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🎓 Want to earn a FREE Whiskey Certificate? Start your bourbon education journey with Whiskey University today! Take your first steps here: https://www.whiskeyuniv.com/first-steps

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

Doc Holliday 12 Year “The Last of the Lost Barrels”

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: World Whiskey Society (WWS)
  • Distillery: Distilled at Ivy Mountain Distillery (Georgia); aged across Georgia and Texas; bottled by World Whiskey Society in Pendergrass, GA.
  • Mash Bill: 80% Corn, 10% Malted Corn, 5% Rye, 5% Malted Barley
  • Age: 12 Years
  • Proof: 140.2 proof (Cask Strength / Hazmat)
  • SRP: $300.00 (Standard non-member retail)
  • Released: June 2026
  • Other: Non-chill filtered. Barrel No. 653 yielded a tiny run of just 102 bottles (this is bottle No. 36).
  • Purchased: 06/16/26 via Blind Barrels 

🚨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.

#DocHollidayBourbon #HazmatWhiskey #BourbonReview #WorldWhiskeySociety #YourBourbonJourney #BlindBarrels #StraightBourbon #CaskStrength #RareBourbon #WhiskeyTasting #HighProofBourbon #CarlosLovell #IvyMountainDistillery #BourbonUnboxing #WhiskeyHistory

Parker’s Heritage 16th Edition Review: An Absolute Flavor Bomb!

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Happy Monday, bourbon family! Today, we are taking you back to the Caribbean for a special birthday trip story that ended in the ultimate unicorn bourbon find. While everyone else was hunting overpriced Buffalo Trace and Blanton’s “hand grenades,” we stumbled upon a massive bucket-list bottle hiding on a lower shelf in a St. Kitts liquor store: the Parker’s Heritage Collection 16th Edition (2022 Release) Double Barreled Blend.

In this video, we share the hilarious story of our strange birthday negotiation (featuring a surprise bottle of 2019 Baker’s 7!), unpack the incredible stats of this allocated masterpiece, and crack it open for an unfiltered, uncut first taste.

This 132.2 proof powerhouse is a meticulous blend of 13-year-old bourbon (double barreled in level 3 char American white oak for an extra 4 weeks) and 15-year-old bourbon using Heaven Hill’s traditional 78/10/12 mash bill. Even better, a portion of the proceeds from every single bottle helps support ALS research in honor of the legendary late Master Distiller Parker Beam.

We pour this deep, dark brown liquid into our official Heaven Hill lead crystal glasses to see if the palate lives up to the heavy, burnt-caramel nose. Does it drink like its secondary market value of $999, or did our $600 Caribbean gamble fall short? Grab a glass, hit that subscribe button, and join us on this library pour journey! 

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🎓 Want to earn a FREE Whiskey Certificate? Start your bourbon education journey with Whiskey University today! Take your first steps here: https://www.whiskeyuniv.com/first-steps

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

Parker’s Heritage Collection 16th Edition (2022 Release) – Double Barreled Blend

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Heaven Hill Brands
  • Distillery: Heaven Hill Distillery (Bardstown, KY / distilled at Bernheim)
  • Mash Bill: Traditional Heaven Hill Bourbon Mash Bill: 78% Corn, 10% Rye, 12% Malted Barley Age: A blend of 13-year-old (67% of the expression) and 15-year-old (33% of the expression) bourbons
  • Proof: 132.2 proof
  • SRP: $174.99 (at original release) 
  • Released: December 2022
  • Other: Uncut and non-chill filtered.
  • The 13-year-old component was pulled from floors 5–7 of Rickhouse Q and re-barreled into new American white oak barrels with a level 3 char for an additional 4 weeks before being blended with the 15-year-old component (sourced from floors 2 and 5 of Rickhouse II).
  • A portion of the proceeds from every bottle sold is donated by Heaven Hill to support ALS research and patient care in honor of the late Master Distiller Parker Beam.
  • Purchased: 02/21/26 in the Caribbean (St. Kitts)

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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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Can We Survive A Hazmat PROOF Blind Tasting? 🔥

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Happy Friday, whiskey lovers! With America’s 250th Birthday right around the corner, we are celebrating a day early by bringing some serious fireworks into the studio. Welcome to our ultimate Hazmat Whiskey Blind Tasting Showdown! 🔥

Wayne has been wanting to tackle this ultra-high-proof flight for months, and we finally cleared the schedule to put our palates to the ultimate test. Today, we are blinding five monster bottles ranging from 141.7 proof all the way up to a blistering 151 proof. We aren’t trying to guess the exact proofs today—this is a pure survival and flavor mission scored on a simple 0-5 rating scale to find out which high-octane pour actually delivers the best drinking experience without burning our palates out.

Our heavy-hitting lineup features rare single barrels and historic festival releases, including a highly coveted 15-year “BuffTurkey” Augusta Buckner’s, a beautifully rested 9-year Copper & Kings Apple Brandy finished in ex-bourbon casks, and a 150-proof extreme Hazmat Silk Velvet from Master Distiller Jacob Call. Plus, we throw in a 17-year Old Louisville American Straight Whiskey alongside a truly legendary, unreleased, ringer bottle: a bottle of OCD #5 Premium from Glenns Creek Distillery.

Will the extreme age of the 15 and 17-year bottles dominate the flight, or will the younger, heat-packed expressions sing to our palates today? Watch to see if we end up completely split on the heat levels, which bottle threw us a massive cherry-flavored curveball, and which craft distillery absolutely climbed to the top of the ladder to be crowned the King of the Hazmats!

Drop a comment below with your favorite high-proof bottle, hit that subscribe button to join us on the journey, and remember to always drink responsibly! Happy 4th of July! 🦅✨

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The Hazmat Lineup:

  • Augusta Buckner’s 15 Year | Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Sourced “BuffTurkey” Distillate) | 141.7 Proof 
  • Copper & Kings Apple Brandy | Finished in Ex-Bourbon Barrels (100% Copper Pot Distilled) | 145.4 Proof 
  • Silk Velvet Whiskey Single Barrel | Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Distilled by Jacob Call) | 150 Proof 
  • OCD#5 Premium (Glenns Creek) | Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Private Unreleased Hazmat Barrel) | 150.5 Proof 
  • Old Louisville Whiskey Co. | 17-Year American Straight Whiskey (Bottle 100 of 106) | 151 Proof 

🚨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 producer for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.

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Upgrade Your 4th of July Drinks: Shimmering Barrel Proof Sour 

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Welcome to Episode 77 of Thirsty Thursday Cocktails on Your Bourbon Journey! 

Today, Rebecca is celebrating America’s 250th birthday with a patriotic, layered visual showstopper crafted specifically for the Fourth of July weekend: The Star-Spangled Sour.

Forget sticky, sweet holiday drinks—this premium New York Sour twist is strictly spirit-forward, anchored by the bold, 110-proof baking spices of Rossville Union Barrel Proof Rye. Learn how to use blue luster dust to create a swirling, cosmic gold-and-blue nebula in your mixing glass, and master the art of density layering using PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur to sink a deep red foundation right to the bottom of your clear ice core. It’s the perfect balance of fresh citrus brightness, rich Demerara texture, and punchy MGP rye spice. 

Drink responsibly and have a safe, wonderful holiday weekend!

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📋 THE RECIPE & INSTRUCTIONS

Ingredients:

  • 2.0 oz Rossville Union Barrel Proof Rye Whiskey
  • 0.75 oz Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice
  • 0.75 oz Demerara Syrup
  • 0.50 oz PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur
  • A pinch of Blue Edible Luster Dust / Glitter
  • Garnish: Hand-cut Lemon Peel Star

Instructions:

  1. Drop a pinch of blue luster dust into the bottom of an empty shaking tin.
  2. Add the barrel-proof rye, fresh lemon juice, and Demerara syrup to the tin.
  3. Fill with ice and shake vigorously for 15 to 20 seconds to completely emulsify the citrus and suspend the shimmering cosmic dust.
  4. Strain into a clear double rocks glass over a single large, clear ice core.
  5. Slowly pour the PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur down the inside wall of the glass, allowing it to sink cleanly to the bottom to create the red layer.
  6. Garnish with a fresh lemon peel star perched neatly on the rim. Cheers!

🚨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. 

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Peerless Single Barrel Rye vs Bourbon Tasting

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Are these the ultimate fruit-forward single barrels from Kentucky Peerless? 🥃 Recently, Wayne and Rebecca, from Your Bourbon Journey, headed to Louisville, KY, for an exclusive express tasting at the historic Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co. (DSP-KY-50). They walked away with two incredible June 2026 distillery-exclusive single barrel selections, and we are breaking them down side-by-side in this ultimate pour showdown!

First up is the Kentucky Peerless Single Barrel Rye: “Maple Blueberry Crumble” (112.3 Proof). If you think you know rye whiskey, this one will completely shock you. With a rich, sweet mash profile and a low barrel entry proof of 107, this non-chill filtered pour delivers massive brown sugar, maple, and blueberry notes with zero traditional harsh rye burn. Is it a “fake rye” or just a masterpiece? 

Next, we dive into the highly anticipated Kentucky Peerless Single Barrel Bourbon: “Wild Berries & Cream” (114.5 Proof). This sweet mash powerhouse hits the palate with immediate vanilla cream and heavy raspberry custard notes, transitioning beautifully into complex layers of pipe tobacco, white pepper, and seasoned leather. 

Which exclusive bottle takes the crown? Watch to find out why these unique yeast strains and heavy wood sugar extractions make Peerless a must-visit spot on your next Louisville bourbon trip!

Don’t forget to hit that SUBSCRIBE button for more honest whiskey reviews, and drop a comment below: Have you tried a Peerless Single Barrel selection yet? 

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❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

Kentucky Peerless Single Barrel Rye: “Maple Blueberry Crumble”

  • Classification: Straight Rye Whiskey
  • Distillery: Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co. (Louisville, KY) (DSP-KY-50)
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed (Recognized as a high-rye mash bill, using corn, rye, and malted barley)
  • Age: NAS (No Age Statement, but typically aged between 4 to 6 years)
  • Proof: 112.3 Proof
  • SRP: $129.99
  • Released: June 2026 (Exclusive Distillery Single Barrel Selection)
  • Purchased: 06/06/26 for $129.99 at Kentucky Peerless Distillery, Louisville KY

Kentucky Peerless Single Barrel Bourbon: “Wild Berries & Cream”

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co. (Louisville, KY) (DSP-KY-50)
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed (Corn, rye, and malted barley)
  • Age: NAS (No Age Statement, but typically aged between 4 to 6 years)
  • Proof: 114.5 Proof
  • SRP: $119.99
  • Released: June 2026 (Exclusive Distillery Single Barrel Selection)
  • Purchased: 06/06/26 for $119.99 at Kentucky Peerless Distillery, Louisville KY

🚨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 producer for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.

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Blood Oath Pact 12 Tasting: A Home Run Double Wine Finish! 

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Today, Wayne and Rebecca are cracking open a highly anticipated bottle straight from Bardstown, Kentucky: the brand new Blood Oath Pact 12 Straight Bourbon Whiskey from Lux Row Distillers!

Released in April 2026, this year’s limited-edition blend by Master Distiller John Rempe features Blood Oath’s first-ever double Italian wine cask finish. We’re breaking down everything you need to know about this unique release—from its 98.6 standard “blood temperature” proof to how the 7-year ryed bourbon component reacts after resting in fruit-forward Montepulciano and savory Sangiovese casks.

Is this 2026 release a home run compared to last year’s tequila finish? Does the high-rye MGP mash bill bring the spice? And does it actually drink hotter than its 98.6 proof suggests? We dive into the incredible nose, the jammy mid-palate mouthfeel, and the lingering black pepper finish.

We picked our bottle up right at the distillery for $159.99—find out if you should make the trip to Bardstown to hunt down one of the 51,000 bottles available!

If you love whiskey reviews, flight breakdowns, and unboxing rare allocations, make sure to hit that SUBSCRIBE button and join us on the journey!

Always remember to drink responsibly. Today, drink your temperature: 98.6! Cheers! 🥃

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❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

Blood Oath Pact 12

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Luxco (MGP Ingredients)
  • Distillery: Lux Row Distillers (Bardstown, KY) — Blended and bottled by Master Distiller John Rempe using sourced, undisclosed bourbons.
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed (Ryed Bourbon mash bills)
  • Age: A blend of 9-year and 12-year ryed bourbons, combined with a 7-year ryed bourbon.
  • Proof: 98.6 Proof (49.3% ABV)
  • SRP: $129.99
  • Released: April 25, 2026 (Distillery release); June 2026 (National retail rollout)
  • Other: This edition features the brand’s first double Italian wine cask finish. The 7-year component was rested first in fruit-forward Montepulciano casks and then refined in savory Sangiovese casks. Total production was limited to 51,000 bottles, with 1,400 bottles held back for a future Trilogy release.
  • Purchased: 05/29/26 for $159.99 at LuxRow Distillery, Bardstown KY

🚨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.

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