Spirit Tastings

The Ultimate Honey Finished Bourbon Blind Taste Test!

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The honey-finished bourbon trend is taking over the whiskey world, but which bottles actually deliver on their sweet promises? In this episode of Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca crack open four highly anticipated, freshly unsealed honey cask finished bourbons for a completely blind taste test. We evaluate each pour on a five-point scale, diving into their rich viscosity, complex tasting notes, and overall finish to see which barrel treatment stands out.

From estate-harvested honey hives and historical pot stills to deep-aged sourced blends and wheated bourbon bases, these craft distilleries are pushing the boundaries of secondary aging. We break down the unique mash bills, regional profiles, and surprising palates—ranging from rich confectionary sugar and creamy vanilla custard to hot-stinging white pepper and toasted wood notes.

Are these bottles all buzz, or do they showcase the ultimate harmony between traditional straight bourbon and honey barrel finishing? Grab a glass, hit that subscribe button, and join us on this ultimate blind lineup!

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🎓 Want to earn a FREE Whiskey Certificate? Start your bourbon education journey with Whiskey University today! Take your first steps here: https://www.whiskeyuniv.com/first-steps

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

Casey Jones Barrel Finished Series: Honey Bourbon (“Brown Beauty”)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in a Honey Barrel
  • Company & Distillery: Casey Jones Distillery (Hopkinsville, KY)
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed 
  • Age: Undisclosed
  • Proof: 102.7 Proof (51.35% ABV)
  • Released: Spring 2026 (Featuring the commemorative “250 Years Strong / United We Stand” neck wrap.
  • Purchased: May 9, 2026 for $89.99 at BBQ & Barrels in Owensboro, KY

Dark Arts “A Long Strange Drip” Honey Cask Finish (Batch 2)

  • Classification: A Blend of Sweet & Sour Mash® Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in a Honey Cask
  • Company: Dark Arts Whiskey House
  • Distillery: Sourced from undisclosed distilleries
  • Mash Bill: A blend of two distinct mash bills: (1) Kentucky Sweet Mash: 64% Corn, 24% Rye, 12% Malted Barley; (2) Indiana Sour Mash: 75% Corn, 21% Rye, 4% Malted Barley
  • Age: A blend of 5+ Year Old (Kentucky) and 8+ Year Old (Indiana) bourbons.
  • Proof: 110.3 Proof (55.15% ABV)
  • Released: Early 2026
  • Purchased: May 30, 2026 for $79.99 at Cox’s Evergreen (Bardstown, KY)

Starlight Distillery Honey Reserve Bourbon (Batch 1)

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Honey Barrels
  • Company: Huber’s Starlight Distillery
  • Distillery: Starlight Distillery (Borden, IN)
  • Mash Bill: Blend of two estate-distilled sweet mash bills: a 3-grain (60% Corn, 20% Rye, 20% Malted Barley) and a 4-grain (51% Corn, 20% Rye, 20% Malted Barley, 9% Wheat)
  • Age: 5 Years (Minimum age before finishing)
  • Proof: 106 Proof (53% ABV)
  • Released: Early 2026
  • Purchased: April 11, 2026 for $69.99 at Starlight Distillery

Wenzel Honey Cask Finished Bourbon (Batch 1)

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Honey Casks
  • Company: Wenzel Whiskey LLC
  • Distillery: Sourced 
  • Mash Bill: Wheated Bourbon 
  • Age: 7 Years
  • Proof: 104.1 Proof
  • Released: May 2026
  • Purchased: May 1, 2026 for $109 at Wenzel Distillery

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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 Bourbon Lovers Are Flocking to Old Louisville Whiskey Co

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Welcome back to Your Bourbon Journey! Today, Wayne and Rebecca are diving deep into a lineup from one of our absolute favorite stops on the trail: Old Louisville Whiskey Co. Founded by Amine Karaoud, this family-owned brand has become a go-to for incredible, well-aged MGP barrels, unique finishes, and the absolute best single barrel thieving experience in the business.

In this episode, we are cracking open three incredible expressions, including a highly anticipated private club exclusive bottle and two unique wood-finished single barrels. We’ll break down the nose, the palate, and the finishes—and compete in a classic “Your Bourbon Journey” taste-off to see which bottle wins the day!

Featured Bottles in This Tasting:

  • Old Louisville Single Barrel Bourbon (Columbian Oak Finish)
  • Old Louisville Wheated Bourbon (OL Club Batch 1)
  • Old Louisville Single Barrel Bourbon (Hungarian Oak Finish)

Have you visited Amine at the brand-new Old Louisville Whiskey Co. location yet? What is your favorite unique wood finish on a bourbon? Let us know in the comments below!

If you love honest bourbon reviews and whiskey tasting adventures, hit that SUBSCRIBE button, drop a like, and always remember to drink responsibly. Cheers!

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 


🎓 Want to earn a FREE Whiskey Certificate? Start your bourbon education journey with Whiskey University today! Take your first steps here: https://www.whiskeyuniv.com/first-steps

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

Old Louisville Whiskey Co. Single Barrel Bourbon (Columbian Oak)

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Columbian Oak Casks
  • Company: Old Louisville Whiskey Co.
  • Distillery: Distilled in Indiana (MGP), Bottled by Old Louisville Whiskey Co.
  • Mash Bill: 75% Corn, 21% Rye, 4% Malted Barley
  • Age: 10 Years
  • Proof: 101 Proof
  • Released: Limited Small-Batch / Single Barrel Release

Old Louisville Whiskey Co. Wheated Bourbon (OL Club Batch 1)

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Old Louisville Whiskey Co.
  • Distillery: Distilled in Indiana (MGP), Bottled by Old Louisville Whiskey Co.
  • Mash Bill: 51% Corn, 46% Wheat, 3% Malted Barley
  • Age: 10 Years
  • Proof: 107.4 Proof
  • Released: Private Club Exclusive / Limited Batch (Bottle 9/200)

Old Louisville Whiskey Co. Single Barrel Bourbon (Hungarian Oak)

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Hungarian Oak Casks
  • Company: Old Louisville Whiskey Co.
  • Distillery: Distilled in Indiana (MGP), Bottled by Old Louisville Whiskey Co.
  • Mash Bill: Unknown (Typically uses their signature high-rye or traditional bourbon base before finishing)
  • Age: 8 Years
  • Proof: 122.6 Proof
  • Released: Limited Single Barrel Selection

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NOTE: The spirits 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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We Tested 3 Exotic European Oaks! Starlight Terroir Bourbon

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Can the geographic origin of a tree completely transform the flavor of a craft bourbon? We went to the upstairs tasting room at Starlight Distillery to put their highly anticipated Terroir Collection to the ultimate comparative tasting test!

Welcome back to Your Bourbon Journey! Today, Wayne and Rebecca are diving deep into the ultimate whiskey geek show: wood terroir. Starlight Distillery took the exact same 4.5-year-old Indiana Straight Bourbon sweet mash distillate and finished it in six distinct international oak varieties. While the Scandinavian oak was completely sold out, we successfully tasted five and brought home three distinctly different bottles to map out the incredible structural effects of international oak.

We break down three unique barrels sitting at an identical proof range (114.3 to 114.6 Proof) to ensure the heat doesn’t skew the results—allowing the wood density, grain structures, and international soils to tell the story. From the tight-grained, caramel-forward Balkan Oak of Bulgaria to the porous, highly oxidative Iberian Oak of Spain, and the intensely resinous, baking spice bomb that is the Carpathian Oak of Romania, this lineup will completely change how you view finished whiskey. Stick around until the end to see the shocking twist where our initial distillery impressions get completely flipped upside down on our home palates!

Have you picked up any bottles from the Starlight Terroir Series yet? Let us know your favorite in the comments below!

Support the Channel: If you love exploring rare distillery exclusives, deep-dive whiskey comparisons, and honest reviews, make sure to hit that SUBSCRIBE button, drop a comment, and give this video a thumbs up! Always remember to drink responsibly.

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🎓 Want to earn a FREE Whiskey Certificate? Start your bourbon education journey with Whiskey University today! Take your first steps here: https://www.whiskeyuniv.com/first-steps

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Starlight Terroir Collection

  • Classification: Indiana Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Starlight Distillery
  • Mash Bill: Proprietary blend of 3-Grain 60% Corn, $20% Rye, 20% Malted Barley) and 4-Grain 51% Corn, 20% Rye, 20% Malted Barley, 9% Wheat) Sweet Mash
  • Age: 4.5 Years
  • SRP: $69.99
  • Purchased: 06/06/26 at Starlight Distillery, Borden Indiana 
  • Starlight Terroir Collection: Balkan Oak / Bulgaria; Proof: 114.6 
  • Starlight Terroir Collection: Iberian Oak / Spain; Proof: 114.3 Proof 
  • Starlight Terroir Collection: Carpathian Oak / Romania; Proof: 114.4 Proof 

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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.

#StarlightDistillery #TerroirCollection #YourBourbon Journey #BourbonReview #CraftWhiskey #ExoticOak #IndianaBourbon #BalkanOak #IberianOak #CarpathianOak #SweetMash #BourbonTasting #WhiskeyGeek #SingleBarrel #DrinkResponsibly

Virginia Distillery Co. Brewer’s Coalition Review! 

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Is this the ultimate lineup for stout lovers and whiskey enthusiasts alike? 🥃✨ 

Today on Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca are diving deep into the highly anticipated Brewer’s Coalition from Virginia Distillery Co.! We are breaking down and ranking three phenomenal American Single Malt Whiskies finished in cult-favorite craft beer barrels.

From an award-winning gingerbread finish to a legendary North Carolina chocolate stout, and a wild double milk stout blend featuring real Madagascar vanilla and raspberries—this tasting completely blew us away. Can these 100-proof single malts stand up to traditional bourbon? We taste them blindly, break down the complex notes of cocoa nibs, warming ginger, and strawberry ice cream, and reveal our ultimate winner!

BOTTLES FEATURED IN THIS VIDEO:

 🍪🍯🥃 Hardywood Gingerbread Stout Cask Finish 

🍫☕️💪 Foothills Brewing Sexual Chocolate Stout Cask Finish  

🍓🍦🍨 4 Hands Brewing Co. Madagascar Stout Cask Finish  

If you love unique whiskey finishes, craft beer stouts, or want to expand your single malt palate, this episode is a must-watch. Let us know in the comments: which of these brewery collaborations would you reach for first? Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and join us on the journey!

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🎓 Want to earn a FREE Whiskey Certificate? Start your bourbon education journey with Whiskey University today! Take your first steps here: https://www.whiskeyuniv.com/first-steps

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

📌 Looking to grab these bottles for your own collection? You can order them directly from Virginia Distillery Co.’s online shop right here: https://shop.vadistillery.com/ 

Brewer’s Coalition: Hardywood Gingerbread Stout Cask Finish

  • Classification: American Single Malt Whisky
  • Distillery: Virginia Distillery Co.
  • Mash Bill: 100% Malted Barley
  • Age: Aged over 5 years in ex-bourbon casks before secondary finishing
  • Proof: 100
  • SRP: $49.99 (700mL)
  • Released: Fall 2024 (Ranked #17 on Whisky Advocate’s Top 20 of 2024)
  • Other: Finished in casks that previously held Richmond-based Hardywood’s cult-favorite Imperial Stout brewed with local baby ginger and wildflower honey. 
  • Purchased: 04/03/26 for $49.99 at Virginia Distillery Co. Online

Brewer’s Coalition: Foothills Brewing Sexual Chocolate Stout Cask

  • Classification: American Single Malt Whisky
  • Distillery: Virginia Distillery Co.
  • Mash Bill: 100% Malted Barley
  • Age: Aged over 5 years in ex-bourbon casks before secondary finishing
  • Proof: 100
  • SRP: $54.99 (700mL)
  • Released: Late 2025
  • Other: Finished in barrels that once held Foothills Brewing’s (Winston-Salem, NC) famous cocoa-infused Imperial Stout. 
  • Purchased: 04/03/26 for $54.99 at Virginia Distillery Co. Online

Brewer’s Coalition: 4 Hands Brewing Co. Madagascar Stout Cask

  • Classification: American Single Malt Whisky
  • Distillery: Virginia Distillery Co.
  • Mash Bill: 100% Malted Barley
  • Age: ~5 years primary maturation in Heaven Hill ex-bourbon barrels, followed by a 10-month secondary finish in the stout casks.
  • Proof: 100
  • SRP: $54.99 (700mL)
  • Released: Early 2026
  • Other: A unique blend utilizing four 53-gallon casks from 4 Hands Brewing (St. Louis, MO): three that held Madagascar Raspberry Milk Stout and one that held Madagascar Vanilla Milk Stout. 
  • Purchased: 04/03/26 for $54.99 at Virginia Distillery Co. Online

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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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We Tasted the Brand New Wheat Whiskeys (And One Left Us SPLIT!) 

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We are breaking down two of the biggest, highly limited wheat whiskey releases of 2026: the Bernheim 20th Anniversary Edition (10 Year) from Heaven Hill and Star Hill Farm 2026 (2nd Edition) from Maker’s Mark! Fresh off our trip to Bardstown, Kentucky, we scored these rare bottles and did a fresh crack tasting to see how they stack up.

The Bernheim 20th Anniversary is a 115-proof, 10-year small-batch powerhouse with a stunning copper label that brings an unexpected “yin-and-yang” sweet and spicy punch. Meanwhile, the 116.4-proof Star Hill Farm 2026 was just crowned the “World’s Best Wheat Whisky” at the 2026 World Whiskies Awards—but its shift to hard red and hard white wheat grains delivers a completely unique, heavily malted, date-nut cookie profile that left us split!

Are these wheaters worth the hunt and the premium price tags? Watch to find out which bottle takes the crown!

If you love whiskey reviews, distillery hunts, and following along on our bourbon journey, make sure to hit that SUBSCRIBE button, drop a comment with your favorite wheater, and always drink responsibly!

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🎓 Want to earn a FREE Whiskey Certificate? Start your bourbon education journey with Whiskey University today! Take your first steps here: https://www.whiskeyuniv.com/first-steps

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Bernheim 20th Anniversary Edition

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey
  • Company: Heaven Hill; Distillery: Bernheim Distillery (Louisville, KY)
  • Mash Bill: 51% Wheat, 37% Corn, 12% Malted Barley
  • Age: 10 Years
  • Proof: 115
  • SRP: $85
  • Released: February 2026
  • Other: Features a unique copper label depicting an entire bushel of wheat instead of a single sheaf. Highly limited, small-batch release.
  • Purchased: 05/30/26 for $99.99 at Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience, Bardstown

Star Hill Farm 2026

  • Classification: American Wheat Whiskey
  • Company: Suntory Global Spirits; Distillery: Maker’s Mark
  • Mash Bill: 27% Wheat, 62% Malted Wheat, 11% Malted Barley
  • Age: 7-8 Year Blend
  • Proof: 116.4
  • SRP: $100
  • Released: April 2026 (Current 2nd Edition)
  • Other: Freshly crowned “World’s Best Wheat Whisky” at the 2026 World Whiskies Awards.
  • Purchased: 05/29/26 for $119.99 at Liquor World in Bardstown

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓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.

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Is This Apple Pie Bourbon? WH McBrayer 250th Special Edition Review

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Happy Friday, bourbon lovers! With the 4th of July right around the corner, we are incredibly excited to taste and review a highly limited, deeply historic pour: the WH McBrayer 250th Special Edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey from McBrayer Legacy Spirits!

Commemorating America’s upcoming 250th anniversary, this special batch is a tribute to W.H. McBrayer (“The Judge”), one of Kentucky’s pioneering founding distillers. This unique expression features a historic mash bill of 88.4% Bloody Butcher Corn, 5.8% Heritage Rye, and 5.8% Malted Barley. Blended from just 11 barrels aged 5 to 7 years, it’s bottled at a perfect 105 proof with a low barrel entry proof and non-chill filtration.

Only 1,776 bottles were released! Does it live up to the legendary dark, leathery tobacco profile of “The Judge,” or does this special edition bring something completely different to the palate? We unpack the unexpected bakery notes, bright cinnamon, and long, delicate finish that has people comparing it to a quintessential American apple pie.

If you love whiskey history, rare mash bills, and honest reviews, hit that SUBSCRIBE button, drop a comment below, and always drink responsibly!

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

👉 Grab Your Bottle Before They’re Gone: Secure yours directly from McBrayer Legacy Spirits: https://bourbonshop.mcbrayerspirits.com/products/w-h-mcbrayer-250th-special-edition Local Tip: If you are in the Cincinnati or Northern Kentucky area, you can also pick up a bottle from Brad Bonds at Revival Vintage Spirits!

🎓 Want to earn a FREE Whiskey Certificate? Start your bourbon education journey with Whiskey University today! Take your first steps here: https://www.whiskeyuniv.com/first-steps

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

WH McBrayer 250th Special Edition

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: McBrayer Legacy Spirits
  • Distillery: Contract Distilled at Wilderness Trail
  • Mash Bill: 88.4% Bloody Butcher Corn, 5.8% Heritage Rye, 5.8% Malted Barley
  • Age: NAS (11 barrels that were 5-7 years old)
  • Proof: 105
  • SRP: $100
  • Released: June 5, 2026
  • Other: 1776 Bottles Released

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

NOTE: Thank you to McBrayer Legacy Spirits for providing this bottle for review. Your Bourbon Journey maintains strict editorial independence; samples are accepted for educational and review purposes only and are never a guarantee of a favorable review.

Disclaimer: We  are not affiliated with McBrayer Legacy Spirits—we just love great whiskey and supporting the revival of an incredible bourbon legacy.

Don’t Pass on This! Green River Distillery Select Review

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Is this the best new toasted bourbon of the year? 🪵🔥 Today, Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey are diving into an exclusive, first-look review of a historic new release: Green River Distillery Select Toasted Double Oak Bourbon!

Awarded a massive 96 points and a Double Gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition before even hitting shelves, this highly anticipated bottle is making waves. As the oldest whiskey released by Green River to date, this 8-year-old Kentucky straight bourbon is aged in signature clay tile rickhouses (Warehouse B) and finished for an additional six months in new toasted American oak barrels from Independent Stave Company.

Clocking in at a bold 115.1 proof, it serves up an unbelievable flavor profile. Expect dominant notes of sweet, gooey toasted marshmallows, rich char, and a unique “freshly put-out campfire” smokiness that balances the sweet wood sugars perfectly.

Priced at $49.99 for a 375 mL bottle, this inaugural release from the Distillery Select series is an absolute must-have for bourbon geeks and historic DSP-KY-10 collectors alike.

📅 Release Details:

  • June 20, 2026: Distillery Release Celebration in Owensboro, KY (with special tours, food, and entertainment!)
  • June 26, 2026: Louisville Tasting Room Release

Don’t miss out on this amazing bottle! Hit that subscribe button for more authentic bourbon reviews, and always remember to drink responsibly. Cheers!

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🎓 Want to earn a FREE Whiskey Certificate? Start your bourbon education journey with Whiskey University today! Take your first steps here: https://www.whiskeyuniv.com/first-steps

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

Green River Distillery Select Toasted Double Oak Bourbon

  • Classification:  Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in New Toasted Oak Barrels
  • Company: Lofted Spirits
  • Distillery: Green River Distillery, (Owensboro, KY — DSP-KY-10)
  • Mash Bill: 70% Corn, 21% Rye, 9% Malted Barley
  • Age: 8 Years (Aged 8 years in clay tile rickhouses, then finished for an additional 6 months in toasted barrels)
  • Proof: 115.1
  • SRP: $49.99 for 375 mL
  • Release Dates: Distillery release: June 20, 2026 (Owensboro) & June 26, 2026 (Louisville Tasting Room)

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

NOTE: Thank you to Lofted Spirits and Green River Distillery for providing this bottle for review. Your Bourbon Journey maintains strict editorial independence; samples are accepted for educational and review purposes only and are never a guarantee of a favorable review.

#GreenRiverDistillery #ToastedBourbon #BourbonReview #DoubleOakBourbon #KentuckyBourbon #WhiskeyTasting #LoftedSpirits #NewBourbonRelease #GreenRiverToasted #BourbonGeek #DSPKY10 #DoubleGoldWhiskey #ToastedMarshmallow #WhiskeyReview #YourBourbonJourney

Unboxing Jim Beam’s NEW 2026 Releases: Little Book 10 & OGD 114

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We headed to Bardstown, Kentucky, and hit the Jim Beam American Outpost in Clermont to hunt down two of the most anticipated 2026 whiskey releases: the brand new Old Grand-Dad Single Barrel 114 and the 10th-anniversary milestone blend, Little Book Chapter 10: “All the Wiser.” Along the way, we also grabbed a bottle of A. Overholt Straight Rye to see if this historic, corn-free Monongahela-style mash bill lives up to the hype!

In this episode, we break down the incredible customer service at the Beam distillery that led us straight to our bottle of OGD Single Barrel at Liquor World. Then, we dive into the glasses for a full neat tasting. Does the massive jump to a 7-year age statement put the new Old Grand-Dad Single Barrel ahead of the classic 114? Is Freddie Noe’s crazy 10th-anniversary blend—featuring a mix of 14-Year Basil Hayden, Knob Creek, Booker’s, and a sherry-finished Jim Beam—worth the $160 price tag?

We uncover surprising dark fruit notes, rich roasted peanut viscosity, and an unexpected sherry lead that completely blindsided us. Whether you are looking for a new daily drinker or a special occasion pour, find out which of these bottles belongs on your shelf!

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🎓 Want to earn a FREE Whiskey Certificate? Start your bourbon education journey with Whiskey University today! Take your first steps here: https://www.whiskeyuniv.com/first-steps

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

A. Overhold Rye Whiskey

  • Classification:  Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
  • Company: Suntory Global
  • Distillery: Jim Beam, Clermont
  • Mash Bill: 80% Rye, 20% Soft Malted Barley (A historically accurate, corn-free Monongahela-style mash bill)
  • Age: 4 Years
  • Proof: 95
  • SRP: $39.99
  • Purchased: 05/29/26 for $40 at Beam American Outpost

Old Grand-Dad Single Barrel 7 Year

  • Classification:  Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Suntory Global; Distillery: Jim Beam, Clermont
  • Mash Bill: 63% Corn, 27% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
  • Age: 7 Years
  • Proof: 114
  • SRP: $49.99
  • Released: April 2026 (Brand new addition to the OGD line)
  • Other: Lot No. 001. Features a massive jump up to a 7-year age statement compared to the standard, non-age-stated OGD 114, introducing heavy notes of toasted peanut, baking spices, and deeper oak.
  • Purchased: 05/29/26 for $54.99 at Liquor World in Bardstown

Little Book Chapter 10: All the Wiser

  • Classification:  Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Sherry and Toasted Bourbon Casks
  • Company: Suntory Global; Distillery: Jim Beam
  • Mash Bill: Blend: Official neck tag component breakdown includes: 14-Year Basil Hayden, 11+Year Knob Creek, 10-Year Booker’s, 9-Year Knob Creek, 9-Year Baker’s, and 4-Year Jim Beam finished in sherry & toasted bourbon casks.
  • Age: 4 Year (youngest) but up to 14
  • Proof: 122.6
  • SRP: $160
  • Released: May 2026 (Marks the milestone 10th anniversary of the series)
  • Other: Named “All the Wiser” to honor Freddie Noe’s decade of learning, intuition, and experimentation leading the blending program.
  • Purchased: 05/29/26 for $160 at Beam American Outpost

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓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.

#YourBourbonJourney #JimBeam #OldGrandDad #LittleBookChapter10 #AllTheWiser #BourbonReview #WhiskeyTasting #SingleBarrelBourbon #RyeWhiskey #FreddieNoe #BookersBourbon #KnobCreek #BourbonHunting #Bardstown #KentuckyBourbon

Silk Velvet Whiskey Hazmat Review: 150 Proof vs 161 Proof

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Can a bourbon over 160 proof actually taste good—or will it just blow up your palate? 

n this episode of Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca tackle two insane, rare “Hazmat” bottles from Silk Velvet Whiskey that debuted at the 2026 BBQ & Barrels festival in Owensboro, KY.

We are tasting and comparing the Silk Velvet 150 Proof “Extreme Hazmat” (Barrel 43) alongside the ultra-rare 161 Proof “Ultra Hazmat” (Barrel 35). With only 10 bottles of the 161 proof ever released via a lucky raffle win, this is officially the highest-proof whiskey we have ever reviewed on the channel!

Distilled under legendary distiller Jacob Call for Hargis Spirits LLC and bottled by Western Kentucky Distilling Co., these 7-year-old high-proof heavyweights feature a 75% Corn, 21% Rye, and 4% Malted Barley mash bill aged in heavy Char #4 barrels.

We dive deep into a fresh-pour, true first impression of both bottles. We’ll breakdown the surprising confectionery sugar, dark brown sugar, and maple notes on the nose, look at the insanely heavy legs, and find out if these explosive expressions are actually “smooth as silk” or if they finish with pure black pepper and heavy barrel oak. Plus, we share the wild story of why the distillery had to give out extra corks just to keep these bottles from exploding!

If you love high-proof bourbon, rare whiskey hunting, and honest tasting reviews, don’t forget to hit that SUBSCRIBE button, drop a comment with your favorite hazmat whiskey, and always drink responsibly!

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🎓 Want to earn a FREE Whiskey Certificate? Start your bourbon education journey with Whiskey University today! Take your first steps here: https://www.whiskeyuniv.com/first-steps

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

Silk Velvet Whiskey Single Barrel (Hazmats)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Hargis Spirits LLC
  • Bottled By: Western Kentucky Distilling Co. (Distilled under Jacob Call)
  • Mash Bill: 75% Corn, 21% Rye, 4% Malted Barley
  • Age: 7 Years (Char #4)
  • Barrel & Proof: Barrel 43 = 150 (Extreme Hazmat); Barrel 35 = 161 (Ultra Hazmat)
  • Released: May 2026 (Debuted at BBQ & Barrels)
  • Purchased: May 9, 2026, at BBQ & Barrels in Owensboro, KY. 150 Proof ($99.99) & 161 Proof ($229)

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓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.

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Is American Blended Whiskey Actually Good? Vintage vs Modern Kessler

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Sipping on History! 🥃 Turn back time with us on this Friday as we dive into a fascinating bottle-to-bottle showdown: 1978 Vintage Kessler Blended Whiskey vs. Modern 2026 Kessler!

We scored an incredible piece of whiskey history from our friends at Revival Vintage Spirits in Covington, Kentucky—a pristine, full-sized 1978 bottle of Kessler complete with its original ATF federal tax stamp and gorgeous diamond-molded glass. Back in ’78, this American blended whiskey was produced by Seagram at the historic Lawrenceburg, Indiana plant (now MGP). Today, the brand belongs to Suntory Global Spirits and is distilled at the Jim Beam Distillery in Kentucky.

Astonishingly, both expressions maintain the exact same blend ratio: 27.5% straight whiskey and 72.5% grain neutral spirits. But do they taste the same?

We break down the nose, palate, and finish of both eras. From the old Indiana distillate’s wood-sugar concentration, butterscotch, and popping baking spices, to the modern Jim Beam low-rye mashbill’s sweet corn notes and effortless drinkability, this comparison completely blew us away. No ethanol burn, surprising legs, and a perfect candidate for a summer patio drink (Kessler and ginger ale, anyone?).

If you love exploring vintage dusties, American whiskey history, or just want to see how legendary brands hold up over the decades, hit that SUBSCRIBE button and join us on the journey!

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

👉 Visit Revival Vintage Spirits in Covington, KY for your own vintage catches! 

👉 Let us know in the comments: Have you ever tried vintage blended whiskey?

🎓 Want to earn a FREE Whiskey Certificate? Start your bourbon education journey with Whiskey University today! Take your first steps here: https://www.whiskeyuniv.com/first-steps

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

The Vintage “Then” Bottle (1978)

  • Classification: American Blended Whiskey
  • Company: Julius Kessler Company (A subsidiary of Seagram at the time)
  • Distillery: Julius Kessler Co. Plant, Lawrenceburg, IN (Now MGP), with blending/bottling line support out of Dundalk, MD and So. San Francisco, CA.
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed. (The straight whiskey portion used a traditional bourbon/corn-heavy recipe; the neutral spirits were distilled at or above 190 proof from corn and rye).
  • Blend: 27.5% Straight Whiskies, 72.5% Grain Neutral Spirits.
  • Age: NAS (Non-Age Stated). By law, the straight whiskey component had to be at least 2 years old.
  • Proof: 80 Proof
  • MSRP: Approx. $4.50-$5.50 in 1978 dollars.
  • Released: 1978 (Confirmed by the “78” glass mold stamp on the base).
  • Other: Features a paper federal tax strip issued by the Bureau of ATF (mandated post-1977). Bottled in a custom geometric diamond-molded glass bottle.

The Modern “Now” Bottle (2026)

  • Classification: American Blended Whiskey
  • Company: Suntory Global Spirits (formerly Beam Suntory)
  • Distillery: Jim Beam Distillery, Clermont / Frankfort, KY.
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed. (The straight whiskey component utilizes Beam’s standard low-rye bourbon mash bill; the grain neutral spirit base is derived from industrial corn mashes).
  • Blend: 27.5% Straight Whiskies, 72.5% Grain Neutral Spirits.
  • Age: NAS (Non-Age Stated). The back label explicitly verifies the straight whiskey portion is “2 years or more old.”
  • Proof: 80 Proof
  • MSRP: $5.99 for the 375 mL flask size.
  • Released: Modern Production (circa 2024–2026).
  • Other: Labeled with state deposit refunds (ME, VT, IA) and CA CRV. Features the modern “Lightweight Traveler” plastic bottle format and contains a standard federal health warning.

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

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

#VintageWhiskey #KesslerWhiskey #BourbonJourney #WhiskeyTasting #AmericanWhiskey #Seagrams #JimBeam Distillery #MGPDistillery #DustyBottles #WhiskeyReview #BlendedWhiskey #SippingHistory #VintageSpirits #WhiskeyComparison #BourbonEnthusiasts