Author: bourbonjourney

Hidden Gem in Frankfort? J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery

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Master the Art of Bourbon Blending: Our J. Mattingly Experience 🥃

Welcome back to Your Bourbon Journey! In Episode 55 of Bourbon Trail Tales and Tastes, we’re taking you inside the cellar at J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, for a deep dive into their legendary Master Blending Experience.

Join Wayne and Rebecca as we relive our visit to Distillery No. 58 on our journey. We go behind the scenes with our guide, Dakota, to thieve whiskey directly from the barrels and craft our own custom blends. From navigating mash bills and proofs to finding that perfect 116-proof sweet spot, we share the exact “50/30/20” formulas we used to create our anniversary bottles: “St. Patrick’s Day 2024” and “Luck of the Irish.”

In this episode, you’ll discover:

✅The Blending Process: How to use a whiskey thief and mix components for the perfect mouthfeel and viscosity.

✅Tasting Notes: A side-by-side comparison of our two-year-old “married” blends—one leaning floral and nutty, the other rich with dark cocoa and cinnamon.

✅Pro Tip: Why J. Mattingly is the perfect “double” to pair with your Buffalo Trace visit (it’s right across the street!).

✅The Personal Touch: A heartwarming story about the incredible hospitality and the “hat pins” that made this visit unforgettable.

Whether you’re a Certified Bourbon Steward or just starting your own bourbon journey, this blending experience is a must-do in Kentucky.

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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.

#BourbonJourney #JMattingly1845 #WhiskeyBlending #KentuckyBourbonTrail #BourbonTasting #FrankfortKY #CraftWhiskey #BourbonReview #WhiskeyThief #StraightBourbon #BourbonLovers #MasterBlender #BourbonTrail #YourBourbonJourney #WhiskeyExperience

We Found a Winner! Burnt Tavern Whiskey Tasting

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Reviewing Burnt Tavern: A Toasty Surprise from BourbonCon!

Welcome back to Your Bourbon Journey! In today’s episode, Rebecca Herman and Wayne McBrayer dive into one of their most exciting finds from BourbonCon 2026 in Lexington, KY: Burnt Tavern Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

Distilled in Kentucky and finished under the expert eye of legendary master distiller Chip Tate, this 7-year-old bourbon packs a punch at 105 proof. What makes it truly stand out is the double-barreling process, finished in slow-toasted American oak, which delivers a complex, layered experience that surprised us both!

In this video, we explore:

  • The Story: Our first impressions meeting the team at BourbonCon and the history behind the William Berkele Distillery.
  • The Nose: Dive into notes of dark caramel, brown sugar, and a sweet, toasted oak smokiness.
  • The Palette: Experience the “yin and yang” of confectionary sugar sweetness versus deep leather, tobacco, and nutty “caramel-coated” flavors.
  • The Finish: Why this 105-proof pour hits fast but smooths out into a luscious, lingering finish.

Is Burnt Tavern worth the $69.99 MSRP? We discuss why we think this bottle actually drinks like a much more expensive pour and why it’s a “must-buy” if you find it on the shelf.


Don’t forget to Like and Subscribe to follow our mission as we review all 9 bottles from our BourbonCon haul!

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✴️ Burnt Tavern

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: William Berkele Distillery (Lead Founder: Royce Blevins)
  • Distilled By: Undisclosed Kentucky Distillery (Sourced)
  • Bottled By: William Berkele Distillery (Bardstown, KY)
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed (thought to be high-rye style)
  • Age: 7 Years
  • Proof: 105
  • MSRP: $69.99
  • Other: Double-barreled and finished in slow-toasted American oak.
  • Chip Tate (of Balcones and Tate & Co. fame), acted as the master distiller and finishing expert for this project.
  • Purchased: 01/16/26 for $70 at BourbonCon in Lexington, KY

Learn more at: www.BurntTavernBourbon.com  

❌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.

#BourbonJourney #YourBourbonJourney #RebeccaHerman #WayneMcBrayer #BurntTavern #BourbonReview #WhiskeyTasting #KentuckyBourbon #BourbonCon #ChipTate #ToastedOak #BourbonLife #WhiskeyTube #CraftBourbon #LexingtonKY

Bourbon & Whiskey News: January 2026

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02/02/26
Curated by Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Bourbon & Whiskey Industry Highlights from January 2026 >> 48 Stories!

In January 2026, the bourbon and whiskey industry experienced notable developments, including the announcement of a new Leadership Academy by the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, significant investments in Kentucky tourism, ongoing distillery closures, and a rising global bourbon market. Additionally, various distilleries celebrated awards and new product releases.

Industry Market News & Related Announcements >> 9 Stories

01/06: Kentucky Distillers’ Association announces 2026 Leadership Academy Class

01/08: US spirits bankruptcies pile pressure on bar menus

0/17: Kentucky’s Tourism Industry Surpasses Fourteen Billion USD with Record Growth in 2024-2026, Highlighting Bourbon, Arts, and Outdoor Recreation

01/18: Kentucky Tourism Transformation: One Hundred Eighteen Million USD in Investments to Revitalize Lexington, Louisville, and Beyond—Big Projects Begin in 2026!

01/20: More Bourbon Distilleries Are Closing. So What Happens to the Whiskey?

01/21: Kentucky Distillers’ Association Names New 2026 Board

01/21: Major Spirits Brands Are Sitting on a Massive $22 Billion Glut of Unsold Inventory: Report

01/22: Global Bourbon Whiskey Market Set to Reach $13.81 Billion by 2032 with a 7.4% CAGR

01/22: Best Online Bourbon Price Comparison Website

Distillery News >> 17 Stories

01/06: Jackson Purchase Distillery Wins Sustainability Award

01/07: Ownership transition at Iron Fish Distillery aims for continued success

01/08: Uncle Nearest Founders Accuse Former CFO of Fraud in New Lawsuit

01/08: Group interested in acquiring Uncle Nearest assets

01/09: Kentucky distillery boosting local economy in face of tariffs on bourbon

01/13: Casey Jones Distillery to enter new ownership, local brand to be preserved

01/13: B3 Beverage Adds Casey Jones Distillery to Their Family

01/16: Bankrupt Luca Mariano Distillery seeks buyer

01/16: Acclaimed Distillery Kentucky Owl Faces an Uncertain Future

01/19: Tennessee’s Company Distilling names CEO

01/19: Sustainability, creativity, drinkability: Inside Stillwagon Distillery

01/19: Buzzard’s Roost targets double-digit growth in 2026

01/19: Parent company of Kentucky Owl bourbon files for bankruptcy, moves to liquidate operations

01/20: ABD to acquire distillery in $7.7m deal

01/23: Top 10 distillery openings of 2025

01/24: Craft Whiskey Makers Are Turning to Heirloom Grains — Here Are 7 Bottles to Try

01/27: Lofted Spirits unveils fresh Bardstown Bourbon Co packaging

Distillery Trail >> 5 Stories

01/06: 6 Distillers Turning Virginia Into A Must-Visit Bourbon Destination

01/22: A First-Timer’s Guide to Soaking Up Louisville’s Bourbon Scene

01/22: Former home of bourbon great E.H. Taylor turned into boutique Ky. hotel

01/23: 7 Things You Should Know About Castle & Key, the Kentucky Distillery Housed in a Stunning Castle

01/29: Kentucky Bourbon Trail Adds 10 New Destinations

Awards Announced >> 3 Stories

01/10: 9 Standout Bourbons Crowned at the New Orleans Spirits Competition

01/21: Windsor-made whisky named Canadian Whisky of the Year

01/29: The World’s Best Whiskies of 2026: World Whiskies Awards Winners

Bourbon Festival News, Updates, & Planning >> 6

Feb 2026: Bourbon Classic, Louisville KY

Mar 2026: New Orleans Bourbon Festival

May 2026: BBQ & Barrels, Owensboro KY

Sep 2026: Kentucky Bourbon Festival, Bardstown KY

Sep 2026: Bourbon & Beyond, Louisville KY

Jan 2027: BourbonCon, Lexington KY

Bottle Releases >> 8 Stories

01/08: New Riff announces Single Malted Rye

01/08: Wyoming Whiskey Releases Highly Limited Barrel Strength #6429

01/12: Woodford Reserve and Compartés Return With Limited-Edition S’mores Chocolate Bar

01/13: Rebel Bourbon brings back Rebel Root Beer

01/16: One of Old Forester’s Most Popular Limited-Edition Bourbons Is Back

01/22: Maker’s Mark Cask Strength Bourbon Now Comes With An Age Statement

01/26: The Founders of Green Brier Distillery Just Relaunched Their Premium Bourbon Brand

01/27: Garrison Brothers to Release its First-Ever Bottled in Bond

Book Releases >> 0 Titles

We Spent a Weekend at BourbonCon 2026: Was It Worth It?

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BourbonCon 2026 Recap: Our Favorite Sips, Stories, and Hauls! 🥃

What a weekend in Lexington! We just returned from BourbonCon 2026 (Jan 16-17) at the Marriott Lexington Griffin Gate, and we have so much to share. From elite masterclasses to a table full of new bottles, this was an unforgettable experience for any whiskey lover.

In this video, we break down why the $999 Two-Day Platinum Package for TWO was a “heck of a deal.” It wasn’t just about the whiskey—it included our room, 5 meals (including those killer breakfast and lunch buffets), and exclusive access to the Griffin Vault and the hourly VIP Speakeasy for rare pours.

Inside the Glass:

  • The Masterclasses: Hearing stories from industry legends like Craig Beam (Jackson Purchase) and Owen Martin (Angel’s Envy).
  • The Education: Tasting “veiled” expressions with Sara Ahlgrim (Dark Arts) and learning the 4-grain story behind Four Branches with Rick Franco.
  • Pro Tips: Picked up home bartending tricks from mixologist Gabe Briseno.
  • The Haul: We review our 9 bottle purchases and unique finds like Sailor Smoke Rubs, Bluegrass Bitters, and Toasted Simple syrups.
  • Bonus Stop: A visit to our favorites at Glen’s Creek Distilling on the way home.

Whether you’re curious about Jackson Purchase Batch 1, the AI-integrated General Thomas bottle, or the Peter E Hart Smoked Rye, we’ve got you covered. Plus, see the Barrel House Cask Strength Kroger Pick that we almost missed out on!

Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or just starting your bourbon journey, BourbonCon is an event you need to put on your 2027 calendar! https://www.bourbonconlex.com/ 

Don’t forget to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE for our upcoming individual reviews of every bottle on this table! 🥂

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NOTE: The spirits and items in this overview were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the producers for this. This is simply our opinion.

#BourbonCon2026 #BourbonJourney #WhiskeyHaul #LexingtonKY #CraftBourbon #JacksonPurchase #AngelsEnvy #DarkArtsWhiskey #FourBranches #WhiskeyTasting #BourbonLifestyle #KentuckyBourbon #BourbonCon #DrinkResponsibly #ThirstyThursday

The Toronto Cocktail: The Old Fashioned’s Muscle Car 

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Upgrade Your Old Fashioned: The Toronto Cocktail 🏎️💨

If the Old Fashioned is your daily driver, consider The Toronto your high-performance muscle car. It’s got more torque, more grip, and a bold flavor profile that demands your attention!

In Episode 55 of Thirsty Thursday Cocktails, Rebecca breaks down this sophisticated “Bitter Old Fashioned.” Originally appearing in 1948, this classic cocktail swaps standard bitters and sugar for the powerhouse punch of Fernet-Branca and the rich, smoky depth of Bourbon Barrel Aged Maple Syrup.

We’re putting a unique twist on the original by using Old Grand-Dad 114. This high-rye bourbon (27% rye mashbill) brings the heat of a rye whiskey, while its signature “peanut and vanilla” sweetness acts as a silencer, perfectly taming the medicinal notes of the Fernet.

In this video, you’ll learn:

  • Why Fernet-Branca is the “seasoning” your home bar needs.
  • How to use maple syrup as a bridge between Kentucky bourbon and Canadian history.
  • The secret to balancing herbaceous “snap” with rich, coating sweetness.

Stay tuned until the end for the full tasting notes—from the bright orange oil nose to the dry, minty finish that will leave you wanting another sip.

🔔 Subscribe for more Thirsty Thursday cocktails! Next week, we’re kicking off our Valentine’s Day series with romantic sips you won’t want to miss.

🥃 The Recipe: The Toronto

  • 2 oz High-Rye Bourbon (Old Grand-Dad 114)
  • 1/4 oz Fernet-Branca
  • 1/4 oz Bourbon Barrel Aged Maple Syrup
  • 2 Dashes Angostura Bitters
  • Garnish: Large Orange Twist

Preparation: Combine ingredients in a mixing glass with plenty of ice. Stir for 20-30 seconds until well-chilled. Strain into a chilled coupe or a rocks glass over one large clear ice cube. Express the orange peel over the drink and drop it in.

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NOTE: The spirits and items in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the producers for this review. Please drink responsibly.

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Double Oaked vs Barrel Proof: Pursuit United Showdown

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Cheers to another Wednesday pour! 🥃 Today, Wayne and Rebecca are diving into two incredible bottles from Pursuit United, courtesy of our friends Dawn and Michael from Chasing Neat.

Pursuit United is known for their transparency and master-level blending, bringing together premium distillates from Bardstown Bourbon Co., Finger Lakes Distilling, and a secret Tennessee partner. In this episode, we put two distinct expressions to the test: the rich, dessert-forward Double Oaked Bourbon and the bold, high-octane Triple Mash Bourbon Barrel Proof.

From “maple bacon” and “chocolate-covered peanuts” on the Double Oaked to the “confectionary sugar” and massive legs on the Triple Mash, these bottles did not disappoint. One of these even earned the title of an “all day, twice on Sunday” must-buy!

Which one won the “eye candy” approval? Watch to find out!

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Special thanks to Chasing Neat—make sure to follow Dawn and Michael for more genuine bourbon content. https://www.youtube.com/@chasingneat 

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❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🥃 Featured Whiskeys

  • Pursuit United Double Oaked Bourbon
    • Classification: Blend of Straight Bourbons
    • Proof: 108 | MSRP: $69.99
    • Tasting Notes: Maple bacon, chocolate, roasted peanuts, and dark caramel.
    • Link: Pursuit Double Oaked
  • Pursuit United Triple Mash Bourbon (Barrel Proof)
    • Classification: Blend of Straight Bourbons
    • Proof: 119.8 | MSRP: $79.99
    • Tasting Notes: Brown sugar, ginger, confectionary sweetness, and heavy viscosity.
    • Link: Pursuit Triple Mash

📍 The Mashbill Breakdown

  • Bardstown Bourbon Co (KY): 78% Corn, 10% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
  • Tennessee Distilling Partner: 80% Corn, 10% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
  • Finger Lakes Distilling (NY): 70% Local Corn, 20% Red Winter Wheat, 10% Malted Barley

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

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NOTE: The spirits in this review were provided to us by friends. 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 #PursuitUnited #WhiskeyTasting #DoubleOaked #BarrelProof #BourbonPursuit #ChasingNeat #WhiskeyCommunity #BourbonHer #BourbonRealTalk #KentuckyBourbon #WhiskeyLife #BottleShare #BourbonLover #PursuitSpirits

Why You MUST Visit Glenns Creek Distilling in Frankfort, KY

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Is Glenns Creek the Most Authentic Stop on the Bourbon Trail?

In this episode of Bourbon Trail Tales and Tastes, we’re heading deep into the heart of Frankfort, Kentucky, to visit our 57th distillery: Glenns Creek Distilling. Located on the historic, rugged grounds of the abandoned Old Crow Distillery, this is anything but a corporate tour.

Join us as we sit down for an unforgettable 2.5-hour tasting with the legendary and “eccentric” owner and master distiller, David Meier. From sticking our fingers in the mash to hearing the wild stories of how David propagated yeast from the original Old Crow Fermenter #5, this visit was a birthday highlight we won’t soon forget!

🥃 Bottles on the Table

We’re tasting two unique expressions that prove “lazy” isn’t in the Glenns Creek vocabulary:

  • OCD #5 Bourbon: The flagship. Crafted with a high-corn mash bill and that historic Old Crow yeast, this 103.2 proof beauty is packed with notes of toffee, butterscotch, and deep barrel char.
  • Café Olé Bourbon: Imagine OCD #5 with a dark side. By adding chocolate malted barley, David has created a mocha-forward masterpiece. Think dark chocolate, espresso, and rich butterscotch.

Have you ever braved the backroads to find Glenns Creek? David Meier is a legend in the making—tell us your favorite “Cranky Dave” story or which of these bottles you’re hunting next in the comments below! 👇

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🥃 Bottle Details: 

OCD #5 Bourbon

  • Classification: Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Glenns Creek Distilling
  • Distillery: Glenns Creek Distilling
  • Mash Bill: 87% Corn, 8% Rye, 5% Barley
  • Yeast: Old Crow Yeast Fermenter #5
  • Age: 44 months
  • Proof: 103.2
  • MSRP: $66.04
  • Released: 2024
  • Other: Barrel 123, Bottle 3
  • Purchased: 02/23/24 for $66.04 at Glenns Creek Distilling

Café Olé Bourbon

  • Classification: Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Glenns Creek Distilling
  • Distillery: Glenns Creek Distilling
  • Mash Bill: 87% Corn, 8% Rye, 5% Chocolate Malted Barley
  • Yeast: Old Crow Yeast Fermenter #5
  • Age: 56 months
  • Proof: 105.8
  • MSRP: $64.15
  • Released: 2024
  • Other: Barrel 26, Bottle 200
  • Purchased: 02/23/24 for $64.15 at Glenns Creek Distilling

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

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NOTE: The spirit in this review was purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.

#Bourbon #KentuckyBourbon #Glenns CreekDistilling #WhiskeyTasting #BourbonTrail #OldCrowDistillery #FrankfortKY #CraftDistillery #OCD5 #CafeOle #WhiskeyReview #BourbonJourney #KentuckyWhiskey #SingleBarrel #MasterDistiller

Neeley Family Distillery Old Jett Flight: Full Review

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Neely Family Distillery’s Old Jet Bourbon Flight: 5 Unique Barrel Finishes! 🥃

Happy Monday, Bourbon Family! Today Your Bourbon Journey is taking a deep dive into the Old Jet line from Neeley Family Distillery. We’re spending January opening up the “2025 Vault”—bottles we picked up late last year but haven’t had the chance to share with you until now.

Named in honor of the 19th-century Jett Brothers Distilling Company, these “Old Jet” expressions by Royce Neeley bridge the gap between Kentucky history and modern finishing techniques. From a bright Sake barrel finish to a powerhouse 41-month Toasted French Oak, this flight is full of surprises!

🥃 The “Old Jet” Flight Lineup:

  • Sake Barrel Finish
    • Time: 8 Months | Proof: 101 | Mash Bill: High Rye
    • Notes: Light, bright, and fruity—the perfect “spring” bourbon.
  • Amarone & New Toasted French Oak
    • Time: 7 Months | Proof: 100 | Mash Bill: High Rye
    • Notes: A beautiful marriage of red wine grape notes and sweet vanilla.
  • Red Port Wine Barrel Finish
    • Time: 22 Months | Proof: 106.7 | Mash Bill: Wheated
    • Notes: Dark, deep, and jammy—like a fine Tawny port.
  • Maple Syrup Barrel Finish
    • Time: 7 Months | Proof: 107 | Mash Bill: Wheated
    • Notes: Rich and viscous without being overly sweet; the ultimate breakfast bourbon.
  • New Toasted French Oak
    • Time: 41 Months | Proof: 127.24 | Mash Bill: High Rye
    • Notes: A powerhouse bottle with creamy French vanilla custard and bold wood notes.

📍 Visit Neeley Family Distillery:

If you’re traveling between Cincinnati and Louisville on I-71, make sure to stop by Sparta, KY (near the Kentucky Speedway). Royce and Rebekah are doing incredible things with pot-distilled, uncut, and unfiltered spirits. Tell ’em Wayne and Rebekah from Your Bourbon Journey sent you!

Shop Online: Neeley Family Distillery Website

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NOTE: The spirit in this review was purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.

#Bourbon #WhiskeyTasting #OldJet #NeeleyFamilyDistillery #KentuckyBourbon #BourbonReview #WhiskeyTube #FinishedBourbon #CraftDistillery #BourbonJourney #MapleBourbon #WineFinishedWhiskey #SakeFinish #ToastedOak #BourbonLovers

Blind Barrels XVI Best of the Best Blind Tasting Results

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Is it a Buy? Blind Barrels Release XVI “Best of the Best” Tasting! 🥃

Happy Friday, whiskey lovers! Today, Wayne and Rebecca are diving into Blind Barrels Release XVI, aptly titled “The Best of the Best.” This curated box features standout picks from award-winning craft distilleries, and we’re putting our palates to the test to see if we can identify these mystery pours.

From a rare bourbon finished on local wood to a high-proof whiskey ranked in the Top 20 of 2025 by Whiskey Advocate, this flight is full of surprises! Are these regional gems worth the hunt? Watch as we break down the nose, palate, and finish of each mystery pour to decide: Is it a BUY?

🕵️ The Mystery Lineup (Revealed in Video!):

  • Sample A: A unique bourbon from the “Cherry Capital of the World,” finished on toasted cherry wood staves for a bright, floral profile.
  • Sample B: An “out of this world” 100-proof, four-grain Kentucky Straight Bourbon released to celebrate a total solar eclipse.
  • Sample C: A 115-proof American Single Malt from the ADI “Distillery of the Year,” aged for 7 years and rarely seen outside its home state.
  • Sample D: A powerhouse 125-proof Wheat Whiskey from Ohio, recently honored as one of the most prestigious spirits in the world for 2025.

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!

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

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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.

#WhiskeyTasting #BourbonJourney #BlindBarrels #BourbonReview #WhiskeyLover #CraftDistillery #AmericanSingle Malt #CaskStrength #BourbonLife #CraftWhiskey #WhiskeyAdvocate #KentuckyBourbon #WhiskeyCommunity #WhiskeyCollector #Cheers

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

‼️🚨SPOILER ALERT🚨‼️

Casey Jones Total Eclipse Four Grain Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

  • Producer: Casey Jones Distillery – Hopkinsville, KY
  • Proof: 100 (50% ABV)
  • Age Statement: 4 years old
  • Mashbill: 75% Corn, 10% Wheat, 10% Rye, 5% Malted Barley (Mash Bill 4)
  • Size: 750ml

Mammoth Distilling Northern Bourbon – Straight Bourbon Whiskey finished on Toasted Cherry Wood Staves

  • Producer: Mammoth Distilling – Central Lake, MI
  • Proof: 95 (47.5% ABV)
  • Age Statement: 5 years old
  • Mashbill: 74.8% Wapsie Valley Corn, 21% Wheeler Rye, 4.2% Conlon Malted Barley
  • Size: 750ml

Middle West Spirits Cask Strength Straight Wheat Whiskey

  • Producer: Middle West Spirits – Columbus, OH
  • Proof: 125.2 (62.6% ABV)
  • Age Statement: 5 years old
  • Mashbill: 95% Ohio Soft Red Winter Wheat, 5% Two-Row Malted Barley
  • Size: 750ml

Southern Star American Single Malt Whiskey – Cask Strength (375ml)

  • Producer: Southern Distilling Company – Statesville, NC
  • Proof: 115.2 (57.6% ABV)
  • Age Statement: 7 years old
  • Mashbill: 100% Malted Barley
  • Size: 375ml

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

The Velvet Hammer: Making the Perfect Vieux Carré

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The Ultimate Vieux Carré: A New Orleans Masterclass in a Glass

If the Sazerac is the soul of New Orleans, the Vieux Carré is its tuxedo. In Episode 54, we are diving deep into this “Big Easy” classic—a cocktail that is essentially what happens when a Manhattan and a Sazerac have a baby. Born in 1937 at the legendary Hotel Monteleone, the Vieux Carré (French for “Old Square”) is a high-proof, split-base masterpiece that every whiskey lover needs in their repertoire.

In this video, we’re putting a “Bourbon Channel” twist on the recipe. We’ve selected Wild Turkey 101 Rye for that signature spice and “Turkey funk” to bridge the gap for bourbon fans. We’re pairing it with the luxurious Remy Martin 1738 Cognac and the nutty, Sherry-based Valdespino Sweet Vermouth for a build that feels like a “Reserve” selection.

Whether you’re a fan of New Orleans cocktail history or just looking for the perfect boozy nightcap, this velvety “velvet hammer” is the one.

Ingredients:

  • 1 oz Rye Whiskey (Wild Turkey 101)
  • 1 oz Cognac (Remy Martin 1738)
  • 1 oz Sweet Vermouth (Valdespino)
  • 0.25 oz Bénédictine DOM
  • 2 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters
  • 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
  • Garnish: Cocktail cherry & Lemon peel

Method:

  1. Combine: Add all ingredients into a mixing glass with plenty of ice.
  2. Stir: Stir well (about 30-45 seconds) to properly chill and marry the Rye and Cognac.
  3. Strain: Strain into a chilled rocks glass (serve it neat or over a large clear ice rock).
  4. Garnish: Express the lemon peel over the top and drop in a premium cocktail cherry.

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NOTE: The spirits and items in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the producers for this review. Please drink responsibly.

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