Bourbon Trail Tails & Tastes

The First Visit to Old Forester – A Bourbon Adventure

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Join us in CELEBRATION of our 100th VIDEO!

 In Episode 10 of Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes, we recount our first visit to Old Forester Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky. Join us as we remember that day, Saturday, September 3, 2022, which marked our 14th distillery on Our Bourbon Journey and our 10th Stamp on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. We share our insights into the experience available at Old Forester Distillery, how complete and detailed the tour is – truly soup to nuts, and why we often select it as a first distillery visit for our friends who are visiting. To fully immerse ourselves in those cherished memories, we taste from a bottle purchased on that very first visit, Old Forester Statesman, enabling us to relive the original experience and further enriching our journey with yet another highlight in Our Bourbon Journey.

In this series, Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes, we navigate the rich tapestry of our memorable experiences on the Bourbon Trail, a journey that has undeniably enriched our appreciation for this iconic American spirit. We tackle intriguing questions such as: What stands out as the most profound memory of that bourbon trail experience, one that has etched itself firmly in our minds? What exceptional and bourbon or whiskey did we discover during this journey, perhaps one that surprised us with its intricate and delightful flavor profiles? What lasting impressions do we have of that bourbon or whiskey today, as we reflect on its complexities and how they resonate with our evolving palates and preferences? Through this exploration, we passionately recount our adventures and celebrate the stories and connections we’ve forged along the way, highlighting the essence of the Bourbon Trail.

ABOUT THE BOTTLE: Old Forester Statesman

  • The Statesman
  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Brown-Forman
  • Distillery: Old Forester Distilling Company
  • Mash Bill: 72% Corn, 18% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
  • Age: NAS (at least 4 years)
  • Proof: 95
  • MSRP: $55
  • Purchased: 09/03/22 for $56.99 at Old Forester, Louisville KY

**REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY**

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Questions? YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

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

Why You Must Visit Second Sight Distillery on the Bourbon Trail 

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In Episode 9 of Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes, we recount our memorable first visit to Second Sight Distillery in Ludlow, Kentucky. Join us as we vividly remember that day, Sunday, July 31, 2022, which marked our 13th distillery on Our Bourbon Journey and our 9th Stamp on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. We share our insights into the experience available at Second Sight Distillery, our respect for its co-founders – Carus Waggoner and Rick Couch, and how it has become a must-stop whenever in Northern Kentucky. To fully immerse ourselves in those cherished memories, we taste from a bottle purchased on that very first visit, Oak Eye Bourbon, enabling us to relive the original experience and further enriching our journey with yet another highlight in Our Bourbon Journey.

In this series, Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes, we navigate the rich tapestry of our memorable experiences on the Bourbon Trail, a journey that has undeniably enriched our appreciation for this iconic American spirit. We tackle intriguing questions such as: What stands out as the most profound memory of that bourbon trail experience, one that has etched itself firmly in our minds? What exceptional and bourbon or whiskey did we discover during this journey, perhaps one that surprised us with its intricate and delightful flavor profiles? What lasting impressions do we have of that bourbon or whiskey today, as we reflect on its complexities and how they resonate with our evolving palates and preferences? Through this exploration, we passionately recount our adventures and celebrate the stories and connections we’ve forged along the way, highlighting the essence of the Bourbon Trail.

ABOUT THE BOTTLE: Oak Eye Bourbon

  • Classification: Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Second Sight Spirits
  • Distillery: Second Sight Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 72% Corn, 16% Wheat, 7% Malted Barley, 5% Rye
  • Barrel: No. 75, 15 Gallon, Level 3 Char, Entry Proof 115
  • Age: 1 year, 8 months
  • Proof: 92.1
  • Other: Ultra Small Batch, Bottled July 2022.
  • Purchased: 07/31/22 for $49 at Second Sight in Ludlow, KY

Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes Episode 8 – New Riff Distilling

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New Riff Distillery: A Memorable 8th Stop on Our Bourbon Journey

In Episode 8 of Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes, we recount our terrific first visit to New Riff Distillery in Newport, Kentucky. Join us as we vividly remember that day, Sunday, July 31, 2022, which marked our 8th stop on Our Bourbon Journey and our 7th Stamp on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. We share our insights into the experience available at New Riff Distillery and how they have become a must-stop whenever in Northern Kentucky. To fully immerse ourselves in those cherished memories, we  taste from a bottles purchased on that very first visit, Balboa Rye, enabling us to relive the original experience and further enriching our journey with yet another highlight in Our Bourbon Journey.

In this series, Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes, we navigate the rich tapestry of our memorable experiences on the Bourbon Trail, a journey that has undeniably enriched our appreciation for this iconic American spirit. We tackle intriguing questions such as: What stands out as the most profound memory of that bourbon trail experience, one that has etched itself firmly in our minds? What exceptional and bourbon or whiskey did we discover during this journey, perhaps one that surprised us with its intricate and delightful flavor profiles? What lasting impressions do we have of that bourbon or whiskey today, as we reflect on its complexities and how they resonate with our evolving palates and preferences? Through this exploration, we passionately recount our adventures and celebrate the stories and connections we’ve forged along the way, highlighting the essence of the Bourbon Trail.

ABOUT THE BOTTLE: Balboa Rye Whiskey
Type: Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
Distillery:New Distillery
Mashbill: 95% Balboa Rye, 5% Malted Barley 
Other: Bottled in Bond
Age: 4 Years
Proof: 100
Price Paid: $47.99

Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes Episode 7 – Neeley Family Distillery

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Is Neely Family Distillery a Must-Visit?

In Episode 7 of Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes, we recount our amazing first visit to Neeley Family Distillery in Sparta, Kentucky. Join us as we vividly remember that awesome day, July 29, 2022, which marked our 6th stop (and stamp) on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. We enthusiastically share our insights into the experience available at Neeley Family Distillery and how they have come to be great friends. To fully immerse ourselves in those cherished memories, we finish the final sips from two bottles purchased on that very first visit, enabling us to relive the original experience and further enriching our journey with yet another highlight in Our Bourbon Journey.

In this series, Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes, we navigate the rich tapestry of our memorable experiences on the Bourbon Trail, a journey that has undeniably enriched our appreciation for this iconic American spirit. We tackle intriguing questions such as: What stands out as the most profound memory of that bourbon trail experience, one that has etched itself firmly in our minds? What exceptional and bourbon or whiskey did we discover during this journey, perhaps one that surprised us with its intricate and delightful flavor profiles? What lasting impressions do we have of that bourbon or whiskey today, as we reflect on its complexities and how they resonate with our evolving palates and preferences? Through this exploration, we passionately recount our adventures and celebrate the stories and connections we’ve forged along the way, highlighting the essence of the Bourbon Trail.

ABOUT BOTTLE 1: Breakfast in Kentucky
Type: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Distillery: Neeley Family Distillery
Mashbill: 76% Corn, 19% Wheat, 5% Malted Barley (Yeast A-1)
Process: Triple Pot Distilled, Sweet Mash, Non Chill Filtered
Barrel: #638, Char 2, 25 Gal
Age: 32 Months
Proof: 109.5
Price Paid: $39.99 375 ml

ABOUT BOTTLE 2: Rich Rye Bourbon (Wayne bottle-your-own)
Type: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Distillery: Neeley Family Distillery
Mashbill: 67% Corn, 25% Rye, 8% Malted Barley (Yeast A-1)
Process: Triple Pot Distilled, Sweet Mash, Non Chill Filtered
Barrel: #614, Char 2, 30 Gal
Age: 32 Months
Proof: 107.4
Price Paid: $39.99 375 ml

Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes Episode 6 – Hard Truth Distilling

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Is Hard Truth Distillery The BEST Kept Secret on the Bourbon Trail?

In Episode 6 of Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes, we recount our amazing first visit to Hard Truth Distillery in Nashville, Indiana. Join us as we vividly remember that beautiful day, May 22, 2022, which marked our inaugural visit to an Indiana distillery. We enthusiastically share our insights into the experiences available at Hard Truth, showcasing everything their campus has to offer. To fully immerse ourselves in those cherished memories, we uncork a bottle of Sipes Smoked Rye Whiskey, purchased on that memorable visit, enabling us to relive the original experience and further enriching our journey with yet another highlight in Our Bourbon Journey.

In this series, Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes, we navigate the rich tapestry of our memorable experiences on the Bourbon Trail, a journey that has undeniably enriched our appreciation for this iconic American spirit. We tackle intriguing questions such as: What stands out as the most profound memory of that bourbon trail experience, one that has etched itself firmly in our minds? What exceptional and bourbon or whiskey did we discover during this journey, perhaps one that surprised us with its intricate and delightful flavor profiles? What lasting impressions do we have of that bourbon or whiskey today, as we reflect on its complexities and how they resonate with our evolving palates and preferences? Through this exploration, we passionately recount our adventures and celebrate the stories and connections we’ve forged along the way, highlighting the essence of the Bourbon Trail.

SIPES’ BARREL SMOKED STRAIGHT RYE WHISKEY

Sipes’ Rye Whiskey is a premium, four-year-old rye whiskey finished in custom hardwood-smoked barrels, blended, and bottled in the Hard Truth Distilling Co. rackhouse and distillery in Brown County, Indiana.

Age: 4 years

Finished: hardwood smoked barrels, blended, and bottled by Hard Truth Distilling Co.

Proof: 90

Paid: $57.99

First Tasted: 02/02/25

Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes Episode 5 – Heaven Hill

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Our Unforgettable First Trip to Heaven Hill Distillery

In Episode 5 of Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes, we proudly recount our unforgettable first visit to Heaven Hill Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky. Join us as we remember that beautiful day, April 24, 2022. This day marked our fifth stop on our inaugural weekend of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, where we collected our 5th stamp in our trail book. We share invaluable insights about the experiences available at Heaven Hill with a focus on “You Do Bourbon.” To enhance our memories, we open a bottle of Bernheim Wheat Whiskey that Rebecca bottled that day, allowing us to relive the original experience and explore all that it has to offer, adding yet another highlight to Our Bourbon Journey.

In this series, Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes, we navigate the rich tapestry of our memorable experiences on the Bourbon Trail, a journey that has undeniably enriched our appreciation for this iconic American spirit. We tackle intriguing questions such as: What stands out as the most profound memory of that bourbon trail experience, one that has etched itself firmly in our minds? What exceptional and bourbon or whiskey did we discover during this journey, perhaps one that surprised us with its intricate and delightful flavor profiles? What lasting impressions do we have of that bourbon or whiskey today, as we reflect on its complexities and how they resonate with our evolving palates and preferences? Through this exploration, we passionately recount our adventures and celebrate the stories and connections we’ve forged along the way, highlighting the essence of the Bourbon Trail.

Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey

Company/Distillery: Heaven Hill

  • Like the original, Bernheim Barrel Proof is produced at the Bernheim Distillery and is the first wheat whiskey to use winter wheat as its primary grain, giving it a soft, sweet flavor that’s extra smooth.
  • Each offering is aged for seven to nine years in our open-air rickhouses.
  • This is a chance to experience our unique wheat mashbill in its pure form: non-chill filtered and bottled at barrel proof.

Classification: Straight Wheat Whiskey

  • By definition, wheat whiskey is similar to the definition of bourbon whiskey, except that it swaps bourbon’s minimum 51% corn requirement for a minimum 51% wheat requirement.
  • Wheat whiskey does not need to be a product of the United States.
  • To be labelled “straight” wheat whiskey must be aged in new charred oak containers for at least two years and the product of a single state.

Mashbill: 51% Wheat, 37% Corn, 12% Malted Barley

Barrel Proof: 110

Age: 7 Years

Release Date: Special: 04/24/22 (You Do Bourbon / Bottle Your Own)

Price Paid: $49.99

Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes Episode 4 – Maker’s Mark

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Makers Mark DISTILLERY Secrets You Never Knew

In Episode 4 of Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes, we proudly recount our unforgettable first visit to Maker’s Mark Distillery in Loretto, Kentucky. Join us as we remember that warm and sunny day, April 23, 2022. This day marked our fourth stop on our inaugural weekend of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, where we collected our fourth stamp in our trail book. We share invaluable insights about the Maker’s Mark grounds, distillery, and overall experience. To enhance our memories, we open a bottle of Maker’s Mark, allowing us to relive the original experience and explore all that it has to offer, adding yet another highlight to Our Bourbon Journey.

In this series, Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes, we navigate the rich tapestry of our memorable experiences on the Bourbon Trail, a journey that has undeniably enriched our appreciation for this iconic American spirit. We tackle intriguing questions such as: What stands out as the most profound memory of that bourbon trail experience, one that has etched itself firmly in our minds? What exceptional and bourbon or whiskey did we discover during this journey, perhaps one that surprised us with its intricate and delightful flavor profiles? What lasting impressions do we have of that bourbon or whiskey today, as we reflect on its complexities and how they resonate with our evolving palates and preferences? Through this exploration, we passionately recount our adventures and celebrate the stories and connections we’ve forged along the way, highlighting the essence of the Bourbon Trail.

Maker’s Mark Bourbon

Classification: Straight Bourbon
Company: Beam Suntory
Distillery: Maker’s Mark
Release Date: Ongoing
Proof: 90
Age: NAS (Aged 6-7 years according to the company)
Mashbill: 70% Corn, 16% Wheat, 14% Malted Barley
Color: Honey
MSRP: $30 / 750mL (2024)

Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes – Episode 3 Preservation Distillery

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Is Preservation Distillery Worth the Trip to Kentucky?

In Episode 3 of Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes, we recount our visit to Preservation Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky. Join us as we vividly remember that warm and sunny day, April 23, 2022. It marked our third stop on our inaugural weekend of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, where we collected our third stamp in our trail book. We eagerly share insights gained about Preservation and the work they are doing, complemented by a guided tasting featuring three interesting selections. To elevate the experience, we delve into a tasting of a bottle we purchased that day, Very Olde St. Nick Estate Reserve Summery Rye Whiskey, highlight another facet of Our Bourbon Journey.

In this series, Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes, we navigate the rich tapestry of our memorable experiences on the Bourbon Trail, a journey that has undeniably enriched our appreciation for this iconic American spirit. We tackle intriguing questions such as: What stands out as the most profound memory of that bourbon trail experience, one that has etched itself firmly in our minds? What exceptional and bourbon or whiskey did we discover during this journey, perhaps one that surprised us with its intricate and delightful flavor profiles? What lasting impressions do we have of that bourbon or whiskey today, as we reflect on its complexities and how they resonate with our evolving palates and preferences? Through this exploration, we passionately recount our adventures and celebrate the stories and connections we’ve forged along the way, highlighting the essence of the Bourbon Trail.

Very Olde St. Nick

Estate Reserve
Summery Rye Whiskey
Produced and Bottled by Old St. Nick Distillery
Bardstown, KY
81 Proof
Typically, at least 5 years old
The Summer Rye is usually selected prior to the heat of the summer.
Paid: $169.00

Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes – Episode 2 Bardstown Bourbon Company

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The Hidden Secrets of Bardstown Bourbon Company Nobody Knows

In Episode 2 of Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes, we reflect what inspired us to start this journey, acquiring our second stamp, and the unforgettable first-time experiences we had that day, April 23, 2022. This remarkable adventure unfolded at Bardstown Bourbon Company, where we recount our first visit, share our favorite memories, and delve into the delightful flavors we tasted for the very first time. To top it off, we explore a tasting of a bottle we purchased that day, Bardstown Discovery #7, showcasing the essence of our Bourbon Trail journey.

In this series, Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes, we navigate the rich tapestry of our memorable experiences on the Bourbon Trail, a journey that has undeniably enriched our appreciation for this iconic American spirit. We tackle intriguing questions such as: What stands out as the most profound memory of that bourbon trail experience, one that has etched itself firmly in our minds? What exceptional and bourbon or whiskey did we discover during this journey, perhaps one that surprised us with its intricate and delightful flavor profiles? What lasting impressions do we have of that bourbon or whiskey today, as we reflect on its complexities and how they resonate with our evolving palates and preferences? Through this exploration, we passionately recount our adventures and celebrate the stories and connections we’ve forged along the way, highlighting the essence of the Bourbon Trail.

Discovery Series™ #7

Blended Whiskey

Description: The Discovery Series showcases the art of blending hand-selected, supremely aged bourbon. For each release, team members throughout the distillery taste, analyze, and vote on the best recipe. It is a celebration of our collaborative spirit, working together to create something unique and spectacular.

Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes – Episode 1 Jim Beam

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What Happens When You Visit Jim Beam for the FIRST TIME?

In Episode 1 of Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes, we reflect on the moment we acquired our Kentucky Bourbon Trail stamp book, April 22, 2022, marking the beginning of our exciting journey with our very first stamp collected and the unforgettable experiences we had that day. This remarkable adventure unfolded at none other than the historic and iconic James B. Beam Distilling, where we recount our first visit, share our favorite memories, and delve into the delightful flavors we tasted for the very first time. To top it off, we explore a tasting of a bottle we purchased that day, Legent, showcasing the essence of our Bourbon Trail journey.

In this series, Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes, we navigate the rich tapestry of our memorable experiences on the Bourbon Trail, a journey that has undeniably enriched our appreciation for this iconic American spirit. We tackle intriguing questions such as: What stands out as the most profound memory of that bourbon trail experience, one that has etched itself firmly in our minds? What exceptional and bourbon or whiskey did we discover during this journey, perhaps one that surprised us with its intricate and delightful flavor profiles? What lasting impressions do we have of that bourbon or whiskey today, as we reflect on its complexities and how they resonate with our evolving palates and preferences? Through this exploration, we passionately recount our adventures and celebrate the stories and connections we’ve forged along the way, highlighting the essence of the Bourbon Trail.

Legent

Jim Beam’s Master Distiller, Fred Noe, collaborated with Shinji Fukuyo of Suntory to create Legent Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

Legent is a blend of 5 year old, unfinished bourbon from Jim Beam and bourbon that has been finished in ex-wine casks and ex-Sherry casks sourced from Spain. Sources indicate that the finished component is about 60% ex-wine and 40% ex-Sherry. 

94 Proof

Price paid $49.99 (2022)