Get ready for an epic bourbon adventure! Join us on a week-long journey through the heart of Kentucky, including a can’t-miss trip to the Kentucky Bourbon Festival. We’re not just tasting bourbon—we’re on a mission to hunt down some of the most sought-after bottles in the state.
In this video, we’re detailing our 32-bottle bourbon haul, breaking down everything we found both inside and outside the festival grounds. We hit up legendary spots like Heaven Hill, Preservation, and Lux Row, and even managed to snag a coveted Booker’s Reserve 2025. But the biggest highlight? Finally scoring a bottle of the elusive Jim Beam Bowling Pin after striking out multiple times.
Whether you’re a seasoned bourbon connoisseur or just starting your collection, you’ll love the detailed breakdown of each bottle we acquired, from the unique OCD Premium Hazmat to the intriguing Blind Pig Santa Claus Lawn Gnome Decanter. We’ll cover every bottle, share our honest recommendations, and give you a glimpse into what it’s really like to spend seven days immersed in Kentucky’s bourbon culture.
Don’t miss out on the full bottle list and our final recommendations. This is one bourbon hunt you won’t want to skip!
Did you attend the 2025Kentucky Bourbon Festival? Let us know in the comments below!
So grab your favorite glass, settle in, and let’s share this hunt together! Click play ▶️ NOW!
What’s the most exciting bottle you’ve ever hunted down? Let us know in the comments below!👇
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Glenns Creek Distilling 10th Anniversary: A Flood Survivor Story & Exclusive Review! 🥃
We just got back from a trip to Frankfort, Kentucky, where we celebrated a truly special milestone: the 10th Anniversary of Glenns Creek Distilling! This wasn’t just any party; it was a testament to resilience and the incredible spirit of a community rallying around distiller David Meier and his team.
Just imagine: after suffering devastating losses from the horrific Frankfort floods, Glenns Creek Distilling worked tirelessly to make sure this event happened. The result? A fabulous day of camaraderie, shared passion, and some truly extraordinary whiskey.
In addition to meeting some amazing people, the silent auction was definitely a highlight for us. Fans traveled far and wide to bid on highly sought-after bottles, including flood survivors, crowd favorites, and even some from David Meier’s private collection. We were absolutely thrilled to win one of the most coveted bottles: the Millville Malt – a Kentucky Malt Whiskey. David himself told us he only ever made three barrels of this rare gem, and he hated to see it go!
As soon as we got home, we knew we had to open it and give it a full, honest review in honor of David and everyone at Glenns Creek Distilling.
What makes this expression so special? Click play ▶️ now to join us for our unfiltered tasting notes and discover if this rare “Millville Malt” truly lives up to its legendary status!
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Let’s raise a glass to resilience, rare finds, exceptional spirits, and unforgettable moments. Cheers! 🥂
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.
A Bourbon Family Needs Your Help! 💔 Glenns Creek Distilling Devastated by Kentucky Floods 🌊
Imagine the heart and soul poured into crafting fine bourbon 🥃, now submerged under floodwaters. 😥 That’s the reality facing Glenns Creek Distilling in Frankfort, Kentucky. 📍 The unprecedented flooding of the Kentucky River in early April 2025, reaching levels not seen in decades, has brought immense challenges to this cherished distillery and its historic 1835 Old Crow buildings. 🏛️
Join us as we explore the unique character of Glenns Creek Distilling through a tasting of four of their exceptional bourbons. 🌟 But this video is more than just a review – it’s a plea for help 🙏. We want to share their story and the urgent need for support as they navigate the long and difficult road to recovery. 🚧
You have the power to make a real difference in the lives of the Glenns Creek Distilling family. 💪 Please consider contributing to their flood relief efforts through one of the following ways:
Help us amplify their voice! 📣 Please SHARE this video with your friends, family, and fellow bourbon enthusiasts. 🤝 Let’s show the strength of the bourbon community in times of need. ❤️
Share your act of kindness in the comments below! 👇 We are committed to matching donations up to at least $250 to further support Glenns Creek Distilling. Your compassion means the world. 🙏 Thank you for watching and for standing with Glenns Creek Distilling.
🚨YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL🚨
🔥GLENNS CREEK DISTILLING SELLS SPIRITS TO BE HELD IN THEIR VAULT FOR PICK UP🔥
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.
🔥 Don’t Miss This! 🔥Get ready to dive into the mystery of Orphan Barrel’s latest release: Fanged Pursuit! Inspired by the elusive bobcat prowling Kentucky’s Bourbon Heartland, this 17-year-old straight bourbon is a true unicorn. After 17 patient years in charred oak, this single-release whiskey has emerged, never to be made again. Join us as we delve into this extraordinary pour, dissecting its intricate aroma profile, the layers of flavor on the palate, and the unforgettable goodbye. And because we can’t resist a good bourbon mystery, we’ll be playing detective and trying to guess its distillery roots! We will also give you our honest recommendation on whether it’s worth the hunt!
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.
As I reflected on the incredible week Wayne and I had at the distilleries and the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, I couldn’t help but acknowledge that Your Bourbon Journey began a year ago on 09/16/24 with our very first post – Kentucky Bourbon Festival 2023 – Day 1. Surprisingly, despite my initial nerves, the post was read by 34 people. While it may not have reached thousands of readers, it served as the catalyst for sharing about the rest of the festival through 4 additional posts and accumulating a total of 100 more views.
I took the time to carefully consider what Your Bourbon Journey could become, and after some thoughtful planning, I established a consistent schedule for research, writing, and publishing. Wayne has been incredibly supportive throughout, and I truly believe he enjoys sharing our journey just as much as I do. Whenever I may not feel inspired to write, Wayne always encourages us to conduct a tasting that we can then explore and share with everyone. There is nothing quite like having someone to share your passion with who is also as supportive and loving as my husband, Wayne.
Over this first year, 98 posts have been written and shared. It is humbling to know that 1895 different people have visited Your Bourbon Journey and viewed 3282 published items. To think that this was accomplished by word-of-mouth and no advertising or promotion dollars is a bit mind-boggling. It is also stunning that these posts have had views from 19 countries outside of the United States.
The largest category published is tastings. Wayne and I have completed and shared tasting notes 43 times for a total of 95 spirits. Distillery visits are next on the list at 17; however, there is still so much to write for that category. Wayne and I have visited 61 different distilleries and have enjoyed 147 bourbon experiences since I began tracking 12/27/2020. The first “stamp” in our Kentucky Bourbon Trail book was received at Jim Beam on 04/22/2022. We received our 42nd stamp to complete the trail on 05/21/2023 (394 days after the first stamp) at Woodford Reserve. We accomplished this by driving 4,697 miles over 14 separate weekend trips to 25 different cities. Yes – there is still much to write!
So what is in store for year number two? Of course, there will be more distilleries, tastings, and experiences to explore. Also, before the end of 2024 we will launch our YouTube Channel. If you have ideas and suggestions for content that you would like to see written about or talked about on our channel, please reach out because we would love to hear from you.
As Wayne and I firmly believe, it’s not just the bourbon or the location that makes this journey truly extraordinary… it’s the remarkable people we encounter along the way that fuel our desire to do even more. Bourbon is America’s Native Spirit, with deep historical ties to our society that can be difficult to fully grasp, especially when savoring a dram with friends. Yet it’s precisely this rich history, the vibrant culture, and the exceptional individuals involved that render bourbon truly unparalleled and incredibly cherished. With only 13 days remaining in Bourbon Heritage Month, there is still so much to celebrate and savor. Cheers to one and all!
Recap and Highlights from Saturday, August 17, 2024 By Rebecca Herman McBrayer
Hard to believe that we are already on Day 3!
Lean Back on the Bourbon Breakfast 8:00am – 9:00am
Breakfast was sponsored by J. Mattingly 1845 – nice sample pours of their rye and bourbon; and Michter’s – gifted their Glencarin glass. The buffet for breakfast was once again very good. We had a great group of people at our table to chat with. Excellent way to kick off the morning!
Immediately after concluding breakfast, we enjoyed a keynote by Nancy “the Nose” Fraley of Nosing Services. She won the WOW Award last evening for Master Blender of the Year. She shared her life journey of many twists and turns that led her to whiskey.
Through Nancy’s keynote as well as her bio, we learned that she is a Freelance Master Blender based in Berkeley, CA, and is recognized for her exceptional blending services and sensory analysis provided to distilleries across the globe. Renowned for her creation of the pioneering American Craft Whiskey Aroma Wheel and her expertise in blending theory and sensory analysis, Nancy’s journey as a master blender commenced with a profound experience tasting her first Bourbon at her father’s wedding. Prior to dedicating herself to this craft, she pursued studies in Tibetan Buddhism, earning a Master’s Degree from Harvard Divinity School, and a Juris Doctor Degree from the University of San Francisco School of Law. Following her departure from her role as a law librarian, she embarked on a transformative journey through Morocco, Spain, and Mexico before joining the esteemed brandy house Germain-Robin. Nancy’s significant contributions to the craft spirits Bourbon and whiskey industry include the introduction of ancient French Cognac and Armagnac “élevage” techniques, which have since been embraced by numerous craft spirit distilleries. Moreover, her creation of the world’s first “Cigar Blend” Bourbon in 2016 stands as a tribute to her French blending mentors and the enduring tradition of Cigar Blend Cognacs.
Selected Session: The Proof is in the Barrel: How Barrel-Entry Proof Affects Flavor with Michter’s Andrea Wilson and Katherine O’Nan
This was a fascinating session where we had the opportunity to enjoy the experience of tasting through various proof whiskeys to learn the influences proof can make. Michter’s enters all its whiskeys into the barrel at 103 proof to create a rich smooth and easy to drink profile. We did two blind tastings to compare the same aged whiskey entered into wood at 103 proof versus 125 proof at bottling strength and barrel strength.
Outstanding session! Thank you, Andrea and Katherine!
Whiskey in the Jar Lunch 12:45pm – 1:45pm EDT
We enjoyed a much appreciated light lunch and great conversation. There were cocktails and SIPs provided by Hotel Tango Distillery but I decided to focus on iced tea.
The remainder of the day would be diverse as some were going on outside excursions and others were partaking in onsite workshops.
While we weren’t sure if we would drink more, we wanted to visit the Bar-a-Rama to mingle and see some of the distillers that we have gotten to know.
Lounges sponsored by Southern Distilling Company and Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey
Tables sponsored by Catoctin Creek Distilling Company, LLC, Coors Spirits Co., FILMLAND SPIRITS, Fortune’s Fool, Heaven’s Door Whiskey, Holladay Distillery, J.P. Wiser’s and Lot No. 40, Keeper’s Heart, Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co., Lythgoe Bourbon, Milam & Greene Whiskey, Moet Hennessy, New Riff Distilling, Old Dominick, Old Louisville Whiskey Co. LLC
We got pictures with Amine & Beth – Old Louisville Whiskey Co, Alex Castle – Master Distiller Augusta, Marlene Holmes – Master Distiller Milam and Greene, Erin – Stuff & Whiskey.
It was a really fun mix & mingle event and we had the opportunity to try some whiskeys for the first time. We were also present for the end of the Silent Auction and (together) we won FOUR! It was a great night!
That’s a Wrap for Day 3!
We already have the car loaded and will conclude Sunday morning following a breakfast gathering in just a few minutes. It was a great event where many great memories and friends were made!
Recap and Highlights from Friday, August 16, 2024 By Rebecca Herman McBrayer
This first “full” day was definitely the epitome of packed full of goodness!
Bourbon Beginnings Breakfast (Sagamore Rye) 8:00am – 9:00am EDTSponsored by Sagamore Rye! ANDSIP & Survey Round 1 with 15 Stars
The buffet was outstanding as the food was really cooked to perfection. We made several new friends at our table and shared many bourbon stories. During the breakfast hour we had an opportunity to SIP & Survey 15 Stars. The Private Stock was very good. That said, the Three Kings offered a very different sip as it is a blend of bourbon, rye, and wheat whiskeys.
We spent the remainder of the hour assisting our friends from Green River with the set up for their session. It was great to help and learn what all goes into making a fantastic session. I’m not sure that everyone appreciates all of the behind-the-scenes activity that is needed. While we didn’t attend that session, we know it was well-received.
Welcome and Keynote with Jane Bowie of Potter Jane Distilling 10:00am – 10:45am EDT
It was very inspiring to listen to Jane as she shared her journey in the industry. Jane, a 16-year veteran of the spirits industry, embarked on her remarkable journey at Maker’s Mark Distillery, where she quickly ascended the ranks with unwavering passion and dedication. Her influential role as Global Brand Ambassador saw her spearheading the launch of groundbreaking products such as the first cask strength Maker’s Mark bourbon, and pioneering the innovative Private Select Barrel Program. Jane’s visionary creations have been celebrated with prestigious accolades at global whiskey competitions. Following her departure from Maker’s, she and her business partner are fervently working on the establishment of a new distillery in Kentucky, set to come to life by January 2025.
Friday Morning Workshops 11:00am – 12:00pm EDT
Rebecca attended: The Role of the Rickhouse: A Blind Exploration Kyle Merklein and Jordan Germano of Holladay Distillery.
Holladay Distillery’s Master Distiller, Kyle Merklein, delved deep into the enchanting world of the rickhouse and aging process, illuminating the intricate details that culminate in the perfect taste profile. A special focus was placed on the fascinating journey of aging, a process influenced by a myriad of factors including the barrel, storage structure, region, climate, square footage, and, of course, time.
It was incredibly fun to engage in a blind one barrel selection where everyone was afforded the opportunity to complete a confidential vote for the one to be barreled. We also had the opportunity to savor bourbon from barrels aged in different locations within one of the Holladay rickhouses. It was truly captivating to uncover the profound impact of barrel placement and position in the rickhouse on the amazing development of flavors within the bourbon. This was a great workshop that I highly recommend.
Wayne attended: The Pot Calling the Column Black: A Tale of Column and Pot Still Distillation with Christian Huber and Blake Huber of Starlight Distillery
Christian and Blake Huber of Starlight Distillery thoroughly examined the differences between column distillation and pot distillation, emphasizing the substantial impact that choice has on aroma, flavor, and finish. They delved into the technical and flavorful distinctions between pot and column stills, demonstrating how each method distinctly influences the taste, texture, and overall profile of whiskey. The audience engaged in an interactive tasting, gaining first-hand experience of the unique characteristics imparted by each distillation type. Their insightful presentation delivered a compelling exploration of whiskey distillation, and I found their expertise and delivery to be truly engaging.
Whiskey Bent and Bourbon Bound Lunch 12:15pm – 1:15pm EDT
We enjoyed another terrific meal and great company at our table. So fun to sit, relax, and visit while replenishing for the afternoon ahead.
Lunch was sponsored by the Tennessee Whiskey Trail and there were pours available but we opted for iced tea.
Friday Afternoon Excursions 1:40 p.m. – 4:15 p.m: Green River on the River – a river cruise with Green River
This was a truly unforgettable adventure on the river with Green River Distilling! Founded in 1885, this historic gem in Owensboro, KY, has been crafting exceptional bourbon for over a century. It was a great day to board The Mary Miller Riverboat and enjoy a fantastic 2-hour cruise along the Ohio River.
During the cruise, there was an opportunity to experience a presentation by the one and only National Brand Ambassador – Caryn Wells! She provided a captivating journey through Green River’s long and storied bourbon history. We also enjoyed a tasting of their full line up: Green River Wheated Bourbon, Green River Bourbon, Green River Rye, and Green River Full Proof. Each pour included food pairing to highlight the spirit’s profile. There was also an added surprise. We were able to sample from two barrels and select which we enjoyed the most. We then learned that it will be bottled exclusively for the attendees at this event and Bourbon Women SIP 24 will be on the label!
After our tasting session, we enjoyed the river views and then went to the first floor for some live Bluegrass music. There was also a feast of classic Kentucky BBQ available but we were still full from that awesome lunch. Thank you for an amazing time on the river!
WOW (Women of Whiskey) Awards 6:15pm – 10:30pm EDT Kentucky Center for the Arts
It was time to celebrate the women blazing trails in the whiskey world at the WOW Awards at the Kentucky Center for the Arts supported by the Bourbon Women Foundation. It began with a cocktail reception, red carpet, Meet and Greet that included heavy hors d’oeuvres, and sips.
Then we moved into the Bomhard theater for the awards presentation. Peggy Noe Stevens and Susan Reigler served as the masters of ceremony. It was very inspiring to hear so many amazing stories of the nominees.
We were excited that our friend, Maggie Kimberl won Spirits Writer of the Year!
The event was great but we were tired and several of us decided to forego the desserts and after party!
WOW! What an amazing day! We capped it off with friends …. enjoying a bite to eat, a nightcap, and terrific conversation. Hats off to everyone who made this day so special and here’s to Saturday!!
Recap and Highlights from Thursday, August 15, 2024 By Rebecca Herman McBrayer
As a bourbon-loving woman, I have been looking forward to this event for several months. The notion of over 400 women coming together in Louisville, KY from August 15-18, 2024 to celebrate the only consumer-based, female-focused whiskey conference in the US is something to get excited about.!
SIPosium is often described as more than just an industry conference – it’s a gathering of kindred spirits, a time for connections, and a celebration of sisterhood. The magic of 400+ bourbon-loving women in one room is an experience like no other. It’s a weekend that promises to be the ultimate dream for any bourbon or whiskey-loving woman.
Check in at the Hyatt was a breeze. Once settled into our room, we headed to the Bourbon Women SIPosium check in. This was very organized and terrific swag bags were received.
Peggy Noe Stevens
Before we knew it, we needed to locate and board the bus. Our bus as “first time attendee” had Peggy Noe Stevens as our hostess. She gave us a warm welcome, shared a bit about the organization, of which she founded, and hints and tips for having a fabulous weekend.
It was a brief drive to Angel’s Envy and you could feel the excitement on the bus.
Mix & Mingle at Angel’s Envy
As the bus arrived, you could feel everyone getting ready to start the party. This opening event was a Mix & Mingle at Angel’s Envy. This was certainly not our first visit to Angel’s Envy but I can certainly attest that I have never seen it so a-buzz!
We were immediately greeted with a cocktail and invited to enjoy the appetizers toward the back of retail center. It was a very nice spread with something for everyone. The catering team kept everything replenished and attendees were enjoying the atmosphere. We met a very nice woman, Yolanda, from Chicago. This is also her first time attending and I learned that she is also a huge cigar fan.
Probably my favorite table of the evening! Featuring sample pours of Angel’s Envy Rye with an array of amazing chocolates by Art Eatables!
I tried the white chocolate angel’s wings as a pairing and it was very luscious and complimentary.
Next I sampled the dark chocolate with nutmeg. Oh my, that combination offered an amazing taste sensation as the nutmeg highlighted some of the rye spices.
We decided to head to the second floor as we knew that more activities awaited us there. Wow – there were MANY more people there! Two bar areas were open and making cocktails. We opted to try the “Swanky Style” – Angel’s Envy Port Finished Bourbon, Angel’s Envy Rum Finished Rye, Sweet Vermouth, and Fernet Branca.
There was a ring toss game where you could try to win a bottle of Angel’s Envy. In addition, people were enjoying a photo booth. We sat at a table and met many very nice people. One person asked if we had been to Dueling Grounds and we gave that a resounding yes! As it turns out, she was Anne Dottore! She and Marc own Dueling Grounds and I asked if she would be interested in interviewing with us at a later date. We will get that on the schedule for this Fall!
We were fortunate to acquire some of their cask strength bottled-in-bond in June and really enjoy it. A special room opened where we could enjoy samples. We also were able to meet Master Distiller, Owen Martin. It was a terrific conversation regarding the spirits, his journey, and life in general. We look forward to talking with him in the future and hopefully in an interview as we start up our YouTube channel.
Rebecca, Owen, and Wayne
That’s a Wrap for Day 1!
Wow! So much fun in just a few hours! Truly looking forward to what the first full day has to offer. The schedule looks terrific!
To wrap up National Bourbon Week, Wayne and I enjoyed a quick trip to Louisville, KY. We had two planned activities for the weekend: a dinner at Evan Williams on Friday and a tour at Starlight Distillery on Saturday. Beyond that, we decided to go with flow and enjoy whatever caught our eyes. If you haven’t been to Louisville and explored Whiskey Row, you should likely place that on your travel calendar!
Angel’s Envy Cask Strength Bottled-Bond Release
When we arrived in Louisville, we drove directly to Angel’s Envy. They were releasing their Cask Strength Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon, their first non-finished offering. We were excited to stop in and acquire a bottle. We learned that they were 375ml bottles and got two as well as a distillery only single barrel. This is an historic moment for Angel’s Envy and we were thrilled to stop in for their celebration!
We have been huge fans of Bardstown Bourbon Company since our first weekend on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and love that they now have a tasting room in Louisville. Thus, that was our next stop.
A busy day in Louisville!View from the bar.
We had hoped that we would be able to acquire a bottle of their Amrut Collaboration and were thrilled that it was available. When planning our tasting flights, we also wanted to try the two distillery only offerings. The first was a Small Batch Stave Finish and the other was a Single Barrel Four Grain. When we saw that their Bardstown Collection for 2024 was available, that was an easy choice!
As we sat down for our tasting, I was more than surprised to see my friend and AOII sorority sister, Cindy Visot, who I have not seen in 9 years! She and her husband were in town for a wedding and just happened to stop in to sample some bourbon. What a fun coincidence!
Flight: Small Batch Stave Finish, Single Barrel Four Grain, Bardstown Collection 2024, Amrut CollaborationFinding a friend you haven’t seen in 9+ years!
We bought all that we sampled as each expression was amazing. To say we were surprised and THRILLED to have the opportunity to purchase the 2024 Bardstown Collection is an understatement!
Buzzard’s Roost Whiskey Row Experience
We then walked a couple blocks to the Buzzard’s Roost Whiskey Row Experience. We really enjoy their products and made a point to stop in as we knew they are having a special event to celebrate the grand opening of their hidden speakeasy. The event included a sample spirit upon arrival, light bites, and a special cocktail menu at their cash bar.
Buzzard’s Roost on Main St in LouisvilleWe got a peek at their still!
Everyone was dressed in Roaring 20’s attire and the place was buzzing! The small bites were welcomed as we had been quite busy already. We were happy to get a seat at the bar and order from the special menu for the event. We each enjoyed our drink selections … Manhattan for me and a Paper Plane for Wayne!
Special Cocktail MenuA Manhattan for Rebecca & a Paper Plane for Wayne
Evan Williams – A Toast to Bourbon Dinner
Following our visit at Buzzard’s Roost, it was time to head to Evan Williams for our “A Toast to Bourbon Dinner” that was scheduled to begin at 7PM. Please read all about that event HERE.
Breakfast at Doc Crow’s
We were up early on Saturday morning and looked forward to breakfast at one of our favorite places – Doc Crow’s! The location and atmosphere is fantastic. We always have amazing service and the food is outstanding.
Wayne enjoyed the “build your own” omelet with hashbrowns, a side of biscuit & gravy and a spicy Bloody Mary made with bourbon. I loved the spinach and feta omelet with hashbrowns … and we shared a side of cheddar grits!
Whiskey Row Car Show
As we walked to Doc Crow’s, we noticed that cars were filing in for a show. By the time we finished breakfast, we were able to stroll along Whiskey Row and enjoy some amazing cars! You just never know what you will find in downtown Louisville.
Michter’s Fort Nelson Distillery
After checking out of our hotel, we decided to see what Michter’s was offering for the day. We arrived just as the doors were opening and learned that they had a Barrel Strength Rye (109.6 proof) available. It came as a set with their Straight Rye Whiskey. There was also an opportunity to bottle-your-own Barrel Strength Bourbon but the next available time was later than we desired to stay.
James B. Beam Distilling Co.
After leaving Michter’s, we decided to head to Jim Beam, which is less than a 30-minute drive from Louisville. We always love being on their campus and we were hopeful that they would have some bottles on the shelf that we wanted to buy.
We were in luck as they had exactly what we were hoping for: Booker’s 2024-02, “The Beam House Batch” and Little Book Chapter 8, “Path not Taken.” Of course, it would have been incredible to acquire a bottle of their 2024 Bardstown Collection; alas, there were none available. But that is ok, we got what we thought we would have an opportuity to buy!
It was a great, albeit quick, trip to Louisville. We always look forward to visiting!
Farewell Louisville – time to head to Borden, IN and Starlight Distillery!
Saturday, April 6, 2024 we decided to enjoy the beautiful day and revisit some awesome stops on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour Western area. Besides loving these distilleries, there were some events and special Total Eclipse bottle releases happening as well that we didn’t want to miss.
MB Roland Distillery in Pembroke, KY
MB Roland Distillery is located on a lovely farm just south of Hopkinsville, which also means that they are just north of the Tennessee state line. Via their Facebook postings, we knew that they were releasing the MB Roland Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon and “Smallest Small Batch” hand selected and blended by Jackie Zykan. Bonus, she was to be there for bottle signings 11-3. In addition, we wanted to acquire a bottle of their total eclipse commemorative Black Sun Bourbon etched bottle.
Jackie Zykan signing bottlesWayne, Rebecca, and Jackie
We were fortunate to arrive early and have an opportunity to talk with Jackie. She is not only incredibly knowledgeable and possesses an amazing palate, but she is super nice as well.
After our chat, we decided to do a small tasting to help us determine what other bottles we wanted to take home with us. They have endless options and you are sure to find one or two that hits the mark for your taste. In addition to the ones that Jackie signed and the Black Sun Bourbon, we also got one finished in brandy and a single barrel named “Butter and Biscuits” as it was very clear how it got its name!
Casey JonesDistillery in Hopkinsville, KY
From MB Roland, it is a mere 22 mile drive north to the Casey Jones Distillery. We had a mission to collect as many eclipse specialty bottles as reasonable and we knew that Casey’s had a few options. We were able to sample several items and that helped us confirm that we would acquire the three eclipse options as well as an amazing single barrel four-grain.
Rebecca, AJ, and Wayne
We had the opportunity to meet with their Master Distiller, AJ, and get a picture with him. He was thrilled that we loved their spirits and encouraged us to stop in their bar for a specialty cocktail before leaving. That was certainly on our agenda just as soon as we grabbed some of the BBQ that we had been smelling on the smoker! Smokin O’s BBQ had burgoo, BBQ nachos, pulled pork, chicken, brisket, and ribs – amazing! We enjoyed our food selections with a cocktail (Bloody Mary for Wayne and the Total Black Out for Rebecca).
Casey Jones Single Barrel Eclipse Cask: Originally barreled for the 2017 Eclipse, it was now bottled for the 2024 Eclipse. The mashbill is 50% corn and 50% cane recipe. It was aged just shy of 7 years in a Kelvin Cooperage #4 char, medium toast cask, offered uncut at cask strength.
Total Eclipse Bourbon: This is a 4 grain mashbill with 75% corn, 10% wheat, 10% rye, and 5% malted barley.
Total Eclipse Moonshine: Distilled from a century-old family recipe of 50% corn and 50% cane sugar, this particular moonshine was first created during the 2017 eclipse.
The Bard Distillery in Graham, KY
It was somewhat a “given” that we would stop by The Bard Distillery as we would literally drive by the exit on our way home. From Casey’s, it is less than 40 miles to the north – and again – on our way home to Southern Indiana. We had our fingers crossed that we might catch a lull on a Saturday so we could chat for a bit. That’s exactly what happened – we arrived just after two large groups had departed!
We always enjoy visiting with the team, seeing what might be new in the gift shop, and getting a bottle or two to replenish our shelves. We were in need of their Cinder & Smoke Straight Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey finished in Spanish Oloroso casks. Apparently, we weren’t the only ones with that great idea as they were temporarily sold out. Just another reason to make a visit in the near future!
That said, we were able to catch up with Kim Carter Bard and Amy Bryant while enjoying that day’s specialty cocktails. In addition, we were blessed to receive a special behind-the-scene’s peek at things to come for the distillery. All I will share is that you will want to see it unfold! Just brilliant. We are very excited for Kim, Tom, and the entire team!
Kim invited us to follow her to Greenville, KY to check out a great spot there. And we were off to do just that!
Sip&Spin Coffee & Records in Greenville, KY
Greenville, KY is a picturesque town in Muhlenberg County with a traditional town feel and many historic buildings. The Sip & Spin Coffee & Records is no different. Located in the historic Roark building, the location has served several purposes including an undertaking business, antiques, and the printer for a local paper, “The Record.” Many historical items are on display today and it is fascinating to walk through. If that isn’t enough, they have fabulous coffee and live music on Friday and Saturday evenings.
We truly enjoyed relaxing there and chatting with Kim as well as Ben Duvall, the owner of the establishment. We look forward to returning on a Saturday in the near future to enjoy the music and people of Greenville.
The Bourbon Trail is so much more than collecting stamps and bottles of spirits. Whether you are just starting the Trail or are well into it, always remember to savor each moment and take it all in. It is a culture. It is making new friends. It is supporting up and coming businesses. It is a way of life and we love it!
Pro Tip: Add Old Glory Distilling Co in Clarksville, TN. That plus MB Roland and Casey Jones will complete the Stateline Whiskey Tour. You will receive a souvenir shot glass at each stop and a finisher’s stave at the last one.
Your Bourbon Journey 