Augusta’s Historic Distillery: A Visit to Becker & Bird

Think you’ve seen everything on the Bourbon Trail? Think again. Join us for Bourbon Trail Tales and Taste, Episode 60, as we travel to Augusta, Kentucky, to visit the historic Becker & Bird Distillery.

This isn’t your average commercial distillery tour. Set on a property that’s on the National Register of Historic Places, Becker & Bird honors the legacy of Johannes Becker, a Revolutionary War veteran who began distilling on this land in 1798. You’ll learn the fascinating (and sometimes frustrating) story of why they had to shift their name from “Baker” to “Becker” to avoid a corporate legal battle, and why this site is a true bourbon time capsule.

The real showstopper? The cellar. We’re taking you inside one of the largest wine and spirit cellars in the U.S.—a hand-built stone masterpiece that survived the Battle of Augusta in 1862. Its consistent, cool, humid environment acts as a natural rickhouse, unlike anything you see in modern metal-clad warehouses.

In this episode: 

🥃 The Bourbon: We’re tasting the Historic Becker & Bird Straight Bourbon (100 proof, 2-year age statement, MGP-sourced). We break down the profile, the “grain-forward” notes, and why we think it’s important to support these up-and-coming craft distillers. 

🍷 The Winery: We discover their amazing bourbon-barrel-aged wine, a must-try if you visit the tasting room!

If you love exploring the history behind the bottle and want to support the preservation of our Kentucky spirits heritage, this is a stop you need to add to your list.

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✴️ Historic Becker & Bird Straight Bourbon

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Baker-Bird Winery & Distillery (Owned by Dinah Bird)
  • Distillery: MGP (Lawrenceburg, IN)
  • Mash Bill: Most likely MGP’s 75% Corn, 21% Rye, 4% Malted Barley
  • Age: 2 Years
  • Proof: 100
  • MSRP: $78.99 (Price may vary; some winery-direct bottles are priced at a premium due to the historic site maintenance)
  • Released: 2018 (Brand launch)
  • Purchased: $90 03/15/25 at Becker & Bird Distillery
  • Other: Bottled by Kentucky Artisan Distillery (Crestwood, KY). The label pays homage to Johannes Becker (John Baker), a Revolutionary War veteran who moved to Augusta in 1797.

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

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Respect The Grain: Tasting Spirits of French Lick

The Morning Glory & Smoked Apple Brandy! | Spirits of French Lick Review

Can a bourbon made with Kasha and Buckwheat actually taste good? Today on Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca are heading back to 2024 to relive their visit to Spirits of French Lick in West Baden, Indiana. They are diving into the wild history of The Morning Glory Bourbon and a high-proof surprise gifted by a friend: Palindrome Smoked Apple Brandy.

From the “Alchemist” himself, Alan Bishop, these spirits are anything but traditional. We break down the unique grain-forward profile of a bourbon inspired by a rough-and-tumble Civil War-era tavern and see if three drops of water can tame a 137.7 proof apple brandy finished in Islay scotch butts.

In this video, we discuss:

  • Our experience as the “first-ever” tour for a nervous but wonderful guide.
  • The “Respect the Grain” philosophy behind the mash bill of 16% Kasha and 2% Buckwheat.
  • A full tasting of The Morning Glory: Is it a “savory shredded wheat” or a “cinnamon-free churro”?
  • The Palindrome Brandy breakdown: Salted caramel, smoke, and the “Islay effect.”
  • The “Water Test”: How three drops completely shifted the profile from baked pie to fresh orchard.

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✴️ The Morning Glory

  • Classification: Indiana Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Spirits of French Lick
  • Mash Bill: 66% Corn, 12% Rye, 16% Kasha, 2% Buckwheat, 4% Malt
  • Age: at least 4 Years
  • Proof: 100
  • Purchased: 06/28/24 for $55.24 at Spirits of French Lick

✴️ Palindrome

  • Classification: Smoked Apple Brandy
  • Distillery: Spirits of French Lick
  • Mash Bill: Distilled from fermented apple cider
  • Aged in New American Oak
  • Finished in Islay peated Scotch butts
  • Proof: 137.7
  • Gifted to us by a friend

YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL

Original Story About Our Tour: https://yourbourbonjourney.com/2024/07/07/first-visit-to-spirits-of-french-lick-distillery/ 

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

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

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!

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✴️ 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Whiskeys Tasted in This Episode:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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We Tasted 14 Whiskeys! Wayne’s 58th Birthday Bourbon Tour

A Birthday Detour to Remember: Old Louisville Whiskey Co.

February of 2024 – What started as a trip home from Mattingly’s turned into one of our favorite Bourbon Trail memories! In this episode of Bourbon Trail Tales and Tastes, we celebrate Wayne’s 58th birthday with a visit to Distillery No. 59: Old Louisville Whiskey Company.

Join us as we recount our incredible experience with Amine, a master of blending and aging who went above and beyond for our first visit. From barrel thieving in the back of their industrial Louisville home to tasting 14+ incredible pours, this visit proved why Amine is one of the best in the business. 

We also dive into a tasting of two unique bottles we brought home that day: a 10-year old “barely legal” bourbon with a massive 49% barley mashbill and a 7-year-old mysterious, sweet 119-proof bourbon.

Whether you’re a fan of MGP sources, unique finishes like Hungarian or Colombian oak, or just love a great distillery story, you won’t want to miss this one.

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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.

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Hidden Gem in Frankfort? J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery

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.

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Why You MUST Visit Glenns Creek Distilling in Frankfort, KY

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.

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Bourbon Trail Stop in Lawrenceburg: Larrikin Review!

Lawrenceburg Bourbon Company (Larrikin) Tasting & Review! 🥃

Welcome back to Bourbon Trail Tales and Tastes! In Episode 53, we are taking you back to February 2024 for a visit to our 56th unique distillery stop: Lawrenceburg Bourbon Company (now rebranded as Larrikin).

Located just a stone’s throw from the legendary Wild Turkey, we first met this team at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival and knew we had to pull in when we saw the “Open” sign. While they weren’t running full distillery tours during our visit, the tasting room experience led by Emily was top-notch!

In this video, we finally crack open a bottle we’ve been hunting for in our “closet bourbon” collection: the Lawrenceburg One Cask Series (Barrel A2). This 116-proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon is a sourced gem (likely from the Bardstown/Green River family) that packs a surprising punch of citrus and silk.

In This Episode, We Cover:

  • The Distillery Visit: Our experience at Lawrenceburg Bourbon Co. and why we’re excited to go back for their new cigar lounge and tours.
  • The Bottle Breakdown: Mash bill, age, proof, and MSRP details for the One Cask Series.
  • Tasting Notes: * Nose: Honeysuckle, florals, and a sweet “pancake syrup” aroma.
    • Palette: Silky viscosity, orange peel, and a mid-palate pop of ginger.
    • Finish: A long, peppery, and smooth lingering finish.
  • The Value Verdict: Is a 4-year-old sourced bourbon worth the $90 price tag? We discuss why supporting craft distilleries matters.

Are you a fan of sourced Kentucky bourbon? Let us know in the comments if you’ve tried Lawrenceburg or Larrikin yet!

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🥃 Bottle Details: Lawrenceburg One Cask Series

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Mash Bill: 70% Corn / 21% Rye / 9% Malted Barley
  • Age: 4 Years
  • Proof: 116 (Cask Strength)
  • Distillery: Sourced (BBC/Green River)
  • Price: $90 (Purchased 02/23/24)

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.

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Exploring a Real Prohibition Speakeasy! | Pensive Distilling 

Kentucky’s Hidden Speakeasy: Pensive Distilling Co. Tour & Review

Welcome back to Your Bourbon Journey! For Episode 52, we’re heading to Newport, Kentucky, to visit our 54th distillery: Pensive Distilling Co. Located in a historic building with deep ties to Newport’s “Sin City” past, this spot is a masterclass in blending horse racing tradition with gritty mob history.

In this episode, we explore their incredible distillery tour—led by the fantastic Jeff Cole—which takes you inside a genuine Prohibition-era speakeasy still featuring bullet holes in the walls! We also dive into their horse-racing roots (named after the 1944 Kentucky Derby winner) and discuss their award-winning food, from pimento cheese to their famous burgers.

Stick around for the tasting as we crack open a “forgotten bottle” of Pensive Single Barrel Bourbon (Batch 10). This 100-proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon surprised us with its unique flavor profile of nutty almond, bright orange citrus, and a popping rye spice.

📍 Visit Highlights

  • The Speakeasy: A historic room where the Mob used to run the show. Look out for the bullet holes and the lookout windows used to spot the police!
  • The Food: We’ve been back just for the kitchen. Don’t miss the horse-themed menu items like the “American Pharoah” burger or the “Strike the Gold.”
  • The Vibe: Horse racing memorabilia meets industrial distilling. A must-stop on the Northern Kentucky B-Line.

Did you know? Pensive Distilling is named after the Calumet Farm horse that won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes in 1944.

Support the Journey: If you enjoyed this tour of Newport’s bourbon scene, hit that SUBSCRIBE button and ring the bell for weekly distillery tours and honest whiskey reviews!

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🥃 Bottle Specs: Pensive Single Barrel Bourbon

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Undisclosed (Sourced & Bottled by Pensive Distilling Co.)
  • Mash Bill: 70% Corn, 21% Rye, 9% Malted Barley
  • Age: NAS (Minimum 4 years)
  • Proof: 100 Proof
  • Batch/Bottle: Batch 10, Bottle 4
  • MSRP: $69 (Purchased at the distillery 11/18/23)

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.

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Hidden Gem Alert: Our 55th Distillery! 🥃

A Hidden Gem on the Bourbon Trail: Augusta Distillery & Buckner’s 10 Year Review

Is the Northern Kentucky bourbon scene the best-kept secret on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail? In today’s episode, we’re taking you to the charming river town of Augusta, Kentucky, to visit our 55th stop: Augusta Distillery.

From walking through funky tunnels and exploring historic blueprints to a private tour with the amazing Tracy, we’re sharing the full experience of this underrated distillery. We even got a rare chance to taste the mash straight from the line (Wayne’s favorite breakfast!).

We’re also cracking open a heavy hitter: Buckner’s 10 Year Single Barrel Bourbon. This 125-proof beast is widely believed to be sourced from Barton 1792, and the flavors do not disappoint. We’re talking massive cherry, honey-roasted peanuts, and a finish that lasts for days.

📍 Visit Augusta Distillery

If you are visiting Northern Kentucky or the Covington/Newport area, do not skip the drive to Augusta! Located just 25 minutes away, it’s a beautiful riverside destination near other greats like Old Pogue and the new Baker-Bird Distillery. With legendary Master Distiller Alex Castle now at the helm, Augusta Distillery is building a powerhouse future.

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YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL

✴️ Buckner’s 10 Year Single Barrel

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Distilled and aged in Kentucky (closely linked to Barton 1792)
  • Bottled by Augusta Distillery
  • Mash Bill: (thought to be) 78% Corn, 13% Rye, 9% Malted Barley
  • Age: 10 Years
  • Proof: 125
  • MSRP: $149.99
  • Released: 2024
  • Other: Barrel 47, Bottle 129,
  • Purchased: 01/24/24 for $149.99 at the Augusta Distillery

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.

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