Author: bourbonjourney

Fred Minnick “Vision Quest” Blind Tasting Challenge! Blind Barrels Release XVII

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

Can you handle the truth in a blind tasting? Today on Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca are diving into the highly anticipated Blind Barrels Release XVII, a special collaboration with whiskey expert Fred Minnick titled “Vision Quest.”

This release features a curated selection of unique expressions that push the boundaries of craft distilling. From the first authentic Tennessee whiskey ever included in a Blind Barrels kit to an incredible rebirth of old-school Pennsylvania rye, this flight is designed to challenge your palate and your preconceptions.

Featured in this flight:

  • A 115-proof custom blend from some blending masters.
  • A bold 100-proof pour using the Lincoln County process with sugar maple charcoal.
  • A high-rye Monongahela throwback at 121.6 proof.
  • A 120.2 proof “mahogany” sweet mash beauty.

Watch as we break down the nose, palate, and finish of each sample blindly before the big reveal! Which one took the top spot, and which one surprised us the most?

To learn more about a Subscription to Blind Barrels, this is our Affiliate Link (commissions can be earned): 

https://blindbarrels.com/#subscription_plan?sca_ref=7200023.Ze2fVg6fhr

Enjoying the journey? If you like honest whiskey talk and real-world buying advice, hit SUBSCRIBE and the bell to join us for every pour!

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🥃 Become a Patron & Get Exclusive Content

🔔 YouTube

📸 Instagram 

👍 Facebook

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

✅ Please SUBSCRIBE and hit the LIKE button!

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

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

NOTE: We were not compensated by the spirit producers or Blind Barrels for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.

#Bourbon #WhiskeyReview #BlindTasting #FredMinnick #BlindBarrels #WhiskeyTasting #HardTruth #Pinhook #TennesseeWhiskey #RyeWhiskey #CraftWhiskey #YourBourbonJourney #WhiskeyCommunity #SpiritsReview #VisionQuest

The Library Meditation: A Savory Amaro-Forward Cocktail

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

The Library Meditation: Exploring “The Spice Trader’s Bitter” | Episode 65

Forget “refreshing”—tonight we are seeking sophisticated complexity. In Episode 65 of Thirsty Thursday Cocktails, Rebecca retreats into the library for a deep dive into ancient trade routes and bold botanicals. We’re crafting The Spice Trader’s Bitter, a savory, herbal, and deeply aromatic cocktail designed for true meditation.

The star of the show is the La Boîte Amaro from Cardinal Spirits, bringing unique notes of Szechuan peppercorn and star anise. We pair this with the “heirloom” personality of New Riff Balboa Rye, creating a pumpernickel and lemon-pepper foundation that stands up to the intense warmth of St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram. If you love amaro-forward drinks that lean into dry, peppery, and bitter-herb profiles, this is the build for you.

In this video, we discuss:

  • The unique “spice trade” profile of the La Boîte Amaro.
  • Why New Riff Balboa Rye is the perfect “bready” base for bold modifiers.
  • The “high note” impact of Cardamom bitters on dark, earthy flavors.
  • A full breakdown of the nose, palate, and long savory finish.

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🥃 Become a Patron & Get Exclusive Content

🔔 YouTube

📸 Instagram 

👍 Facebook

The Build:

  • 2 oz New Riff Balboa Bottled-in-Bond Rye
  • .75 oz La Boîte Amaro
  • .25 oz St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram
  • 2 dashes Cardamom Bitters
  • Garnish: Expressed Orange Peel

🛒 Featured Cocktail Ingredients & Tools

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Check out the links below!

🚨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.

#YourBourbonJourney #CocktailRecipe #NewRiff #Amaro #WhiskeyTasting #BourbonCommunity #Mixology #AllspiceDram #BalboaRye #CraftCocktails #HomeBartender #SpiceTradersBitter #WhiskeyReview #CardinalSpirits #BotanicalJourney

Is Starlight Distillery a Top 5 Midwest Destination? | BTTT E58

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

Is Starlight Distillery the “King of Indiana”? 🛡️🌾

In Episode 58 of Bourbon Trail Tales and Tastes, Wayne and Rebecca head back to Indiana to visit their 60th distillery: Huber’s Starlight Distillery in Borden. Though it took us a while to finally stop, one visit was all it took to hook us!

Starlight isn’t just a distillery; it’s a massive family destination on the historic Huber Farm featuring a winery, restaurant, produce market, and some of the most innovative bourbon finishes in the country. Today, we’re diving into three distinct expressions that showcase the incredible craft of distillers Ted, Christian, and Blake Huber.

What’s on the table today: 

🥂 Champagne Finished Bourbon (117.8 Proof): An “effervescent” spice bomb that tastes like springtime in a glass. 

🍯 Honey Finished Bourbon (115.7 Proof): A delicate “hive-to-glass” experience using estate-harvested honey. 

🌳 Hoosier Connect French Double Oak (114.5 Proof): A dark, luscious, and toasty “French Toast” pour.

From the “star” spirit safe to the Rickhouse tour with Rikki, we’re breaking down why this distillery is a “must-visit” for any bourbon lover.

In this video, we discuss:

  • Our first tour experience at Huber Farm and the “Midwest Knott’s Berry Farm” vibe.
  • The fascinating history of Indiana distilling laws.
  • Why Starlight’s wine finishes (Champagne and French Oak) stand out from the crowd.
  • Tasting notes for all three bottles—including the “Squeaky Teeth” mouthfeel!

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🥃 Become a Patron & Get Exclusive Content

🔔 YouTube

📸 Instagram 

👍 Facebook

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

✴️ Starlight Champagne Finished Bourbon

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Huber’s Starlight Distillery
  • Distillery: Starlight Distillery
  • Mash Bill: Blend of 3-Grain (60% Corn, 20% Rye, 20% Malted Barley) and 4-Grain (51% Corn, 20% Rye, 20% Malted Barley, 9% Wheat)
  • Age: 4 years
  • Proof: 117.8
  • Other: Sweet mash fermentation; distilled in copper pot stills; non-chill filtered
  • Purchased: 06/15/24 for $74.99 at Starlight Distillery

✴️ Starlight Honey Finished Bourbon

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Huber’s Starlight Distillery
  • Distillery: Starlight Distillery
  • Mash Bill: Blend of 3-Grain (60% Corn, 20% Rye, 20% Malted Barley) and 4-Grain (51% Corn, 20% Rye, 20% Malted Barley, 9% Wheat)
  • Age: 4.5 years
  • Proof: 115.7
  • Other: Finished in barrels that previously held estate-harvested honey from the Huber farm.
  • Purchased: 06/15/24 for $74.99 at Starlight Distillery

✴️ Starlight Hoosier Connect French Double Oak

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Huber’s Starlight Distillery
  • Distillery: Starlight Distillery
  • Mash Bill: Blend of 3-Grain (60% Corn, 20% Rye, 20% Malted Barley) and 4-Grain (51% Corn, 20% Rye, 20% Malted Barley, 9% Wheat)
  • Age: 5.5 Years
  • Proof: 114.5
  • Released: Limited Release (Hoosier Connect Collaboration)
  • Other: Secondary maturation in French Oak barrels; known for “bold oak” and spice profiles.
  • Purchased: 06/15/24 for $79.99 at Starlight Distillery

❌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.

#Bourbon #WhiskeyReview #StarlightDistillery #IndianaBourbon #YourBourbonJourney #HoneyBourbon #ChampagneFinish #HuberFarm #WhiskeyTasting #BourbonCommunity #DoubleOak #BordenIN #DrinkResponsibly

The Spirits are Coming! Dark Arts Cask Strength Bourbon

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

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!

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🥃 Become a Patron & Get Exclusive Content

🔔 YouTube

📸 Instagram 

👍 Facebook

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

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❌

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

We Drank 1957 Sunny Brook! (Vintage Bourbon Tasting)

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

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!.

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🥃 Become a Patron & Get Exclusive Content

🔔 YouTube

📸 Instagram 

👍 Facebook

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

✴️ 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🚨

❓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.

#Bourbon #Whiskey #VintageBourbon #SunnyBrook #NationalDistillers #BourbonHistory #WhiskeyTasting #DustyWhiskey #YourBourbonJourney #BourbonEducation #RevivalVintage #OldWhiskey #BourbonCommunity #WhiskeyTube #KentuckyBourbon

Making The Desert Bloom: A Prickly Pear Bourbon Refreshment

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

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

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Check out the links below!

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🥃 Become a Patron & Get Exclusive Content

🔔 YouTube

📸 Instagram 

👍 Facebook

🚨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.

#Bourbon #WhiskeyCocktail #YourBourbonJourney #OldGrandDad114 #Mixology #SpringCocktails #PricklyPear #ThirstyThursday #BourbonCommunity #HomeBartender #CocktailRecipe #DrinkResponsibly #BourbonLife #WhiskeyTasting #HighProof

The Proof Report: March 2026

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

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

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

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

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

🥃 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.

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🥃 Become a Patron & Get Exclusive Content

🔔 YouTube

📸 Instagram 

👍 Facebook

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

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?

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

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!

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🥃 Become a Patron & Get Exclusive Content

🔔 YouTube

📸 Instagram 

👍 Facebook

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🥃 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