🥃 The Grand Finale! Flaviar 2025 Whiskey Advent Calendar Reveal (Days 22-24)
The flight has reached its final destination! Join Wayne and Rebecca for the Grand Finale of the 2025 FlaviAIR journey. In this episode, we’re landing in Dublin, Louisville, and a surprise stop in France to wrap up the ultimate whiskey countdown.
From a “toad-ally” unique Irish whiskey to Bob Dylan’s artistic bourbon blend, and a stunning Cognac “curveball,” we’re finishing this 24-day voyage with a triumphant pour. Stick around for our final thoughts on the entire Flaviar experience!
In this video, we review:
🍀 Day 22: Natterjack Irish Whiskey – A triple-distilled blend aged in ex-bourbon and Virgin American Oak. Does the 80% corn mash bill make it taste more like a bourbon than an Irish?
🎸 Day 23: Heaven’s Door Revelation Double Barrel – Bob Dylan’s co-created masterpiece. We break down the 100-proof complexity of this double-barreled blend of bourbons and rye.
🇫🇷 Day 24: Martingale Rare Reserve Cognac – The Christmas Eve surprise! A “grape-to-glass” Cognac from the Fin Bois region that even non-Cognac drinkers will love.
Which of these final three was the “banger”? Watch to find out!
Enjoyed the flight? Hit that SUBSCRIBE button and join Wayne and Rebecca for more spirits reviews and tasting adventures!
Disclaimer: We are not sponsored by Flaviar for this review. We purchased the calendar ourselves and offer our honest opinion. Please drink responsibly.
🥃 Transatlantic Whiskey Flight: Flaviar Advent Calendar Days 19-21 Reveal!
Buckle up, whiskey lovers! ✈️ We are boarding Flaviar Airlines for Episode 7 of our 2025 Whiskey Advent Calendar journey. Today, we’re taking a high-stakes transatlantic flight to taste three distinct spirits from Dublin, Los Angeles, and Seattle.
In this episode, Wayne and Rebecca dive into a “Triple Threat” lineup, pitting traditional Irish smoothness against bold West Coast innovation. Will the mythical Finvara cast a spell on us? Can the newcomer Lodestar balance high-rye bourbon with single malt? And does Woodinville’s Port Finish live up to the hype?
We’re breaking down the nose, the palate, and the finish for each dram to let you know which ones are “must-buys” and which ones might be a “skip.”
Featured Whiskeys Today:
Finvara The King’s Gambit (Day 19) – A triple-distilled Irish classic aged in Bourbon and Sherry casks.
Lodestar American Whiskey (Day 20) – A 2024 newcomer from LA blending High-Rye Bourbon and American Single Malt.
Woodinville Straight Bourbon Port Finish (Day 21) – A Washington powerhouse finished in Portuguese Ruby Port pipes.
Subscribe for the Final Leg! Don’t miss the conclusion of our 24-day flight.
Enjoyed the flight? Drop a comment below: Which of these three would you reach for first—the Irish, the LA Blend, or the Port Finish? 🥃👇
Disclaimer: We are not sponsored by Flaviar for this review. We purchased the calendar ourselves and offer our honest opinion. Please drink responsibly.
Welcome back, Travelers! Join Wayne and Rebecca, Your Bourbon Journey, as we open Days 7, 8, and 9 of the exclusive Flaviar Whiskey Advent Calendar 2025! This episode is a deep dive into American innovation, featuring three must-try whiskeys from Kentucky and Nevada. We uncover a high-rye bourbon finished in tequila barrels, a 100% farm-to-glass rye, and a unique small-batch bourbon using heirloom corn.
Don’t miss our full tasting review, breakdown of the unique stories behind each brand, and final thoughts on this incredible flight of American whiskey.
Day 7: 15 STARS First West Small Batch Bourbon We revisit this exceptional Kentucky Bourbon, which features a blend of 5, 6, and 7-year-old bourbons, including a proprietary mash bill with rare red, white, black, and blue heritage corns! Get our tasting notes on the vanilla, brown sugar, butterscotch, and nuttiness this small-batch whiskey delivers.
Day 8: Frey Ranch Bottled-in-Bond Straight Rye Whiskey We land in Reno, Nevada, for the Frey Ranch Bottled-in-Bond Rye! Made from 100% sustainably grown winter rye using a true Farm-to-Glass approach. This 100 proof rye surprises us with floral notes, a soft start, and a beautiful lingering pepperiness.
Day 9: Mary Dowling Tequila Barrel Finished Bourbon Honoring the “Mother of Bourbon,” Mary Dowling, this exciting high-rye bourbon is finished in authentic Reposado Tequila barrels—a nod to her distilling history in Mexico during Prohibition! We explore the nose of sweet agave and rye spice, and the surprising palate of chocolate, agave, and a long, clean finish. Tequila finish bourbon is the hottest trend of 2025, and this one is a must-try!
Did you snag the Flaviar Advent Calendar 2025? Let us know your favorite pour in the comments!
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.
🥃 BARDSTOWN BOURBON COMPANY TRIPLE THREAT TASTING! 🥃
We’re diving deep into the latest and most innovative releases from Bardstown Bourbon Company in one epic review! From double-barreled bourbon to cognac-finished rye and a Japanese Mizunara oak masterpiece, which bottle takes the crown?
Featured Whiskeys:
1️⃣ Maison Ferrand Collaboration (2025): French Elegance Meets Kentucky Spice
The highly anticipated second collaboration with France’s Maison Ferrand! This limited-edition blend of Kentucky Bourbon and RYE is finished for 15 months in premium Ferrand Cognac Casks. The rye adds a new layer of spice and structure to the award-winning (Double Gold at SF World Spirits Competition!) profile. Is this the best finished whiskey of the year?
2️⃣ Hokkaido Mizunara Oak Barrel Finish: The Rare Japanese Masterpiece
An extraordinary journey from Kentucky to the remote forests of Japan! This Distillery Reserve small-batch blend of 9- to 18-year-old aged whiskeys spent an incredible 28 months finishing in rare Japanese Mizunara Oak barrels. Expect a bold, exotic, and spicy profile unlike any other.
3️⃣ Discovery #13: The Double-Barreled Legend
The first-ever double-barreled expression in the acclaimed Discovery Series! This Kentucky Straight Bourbon is aged 8 to 15 years and split for a complex secondary finish in both new American White Oak (for classic vanilla) and rare Hungarian Oak (for baking spice, coffee, and mocha). Master Blender Dan Callaway calls it a showcase of “innovation and tradition.”
What did we think? Watch the video to get our full review, final score, and see how these three incredible, finished whiskeys stack up!
So grab your favorite glass, settle in, and let’s explore this bourbon together! Click play ▶️ NOW!
👇 What’s your favorite Bardstown release Let us know in the comments below! 👇
Are you a true bourbon fanatic, always on the hunt for the next exceptional pour? Then smash that like button 👍 to show your appreciation for fine whiskey! Hit subscribe 🔔 so you never miss our reviews of rare and remarkable spirits, and share this video ➡️ with your fellow whiskey lovers. Let’s build a community of enthusiasts who appreciate the art of exceptional bourbon!
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.
🤯 Tequila vs. Terroir! Jim Beam Double Review! Booker’s Reserve 2025 (Tequila Finish) & Hardin’s Creek Warehouse R (Mushroom)
Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey are diving into a Jim Beam double whiskey review that pits a high-proof, experimental finish against a unique exploration of aging terroir! 🥃 We snagged both the Hardin’s Creek Warehouse R (The Mushroom) and the Booker’s Reserve 2025 Tequila Finish at the exclusive Kentucky Bourbon Festival’s Bourbon in the Air event!
Hardin’s Creek Warehouse R (The Mushroom): Jim Beam’s Warehouse Series is a fascinating study in whiskey terroir, with three 11-year-old bourbons aged on different warehouse floors (Floor 1, 5, 9). We picked up Warehouse R (Floor 1), known as “The Mushroom” for its cool, damp aging environment and supposedly earthy profile. Did the 110-proof ‘Mushroom’ deliver? Spoiler: One of us got straight-up “dirt” notes! 🍄 Find out our honest review and why we think Jim Beam missed an opportunity with their marketing and transparency for this $150 bottle.
Jim Beam Booker’s Reserve 2025 (Tequila Finish): Is a tequila-finished bourbon any good? We were nervous! This 123.3-proof special release (Batch 2025) was finished in barrels that previously held a limited-edition tequila. Is it a bold experiment or a masterful blend? Join us as we explore the agave, caramel, creamy mouthfeel, and classic Booker’s peanut notes! If you love high-proof bourbon and are curious about barrel finishes, this is a must-watch. We’ll tell you why we bought two! 👀
So grab your favorite glass, settle in, and let’s explore this bourbon together! Click play ▶️ NOW!
👇 What’s your favorite Jim Beam releases? Let us know in the comments below! 👇
Are you a true bourbon fanatic, always on the hunt for the next exceptional pour? Then smash that like button 👍 to show your appreciation for fine whiskey! Hit subscribe 🔔 so you never miss our reviews of rare and remarkable spirits, and share this video ➡️ with your fellow whiskey lovers. Let’s build a community of enthusiasts who appreciate the art of exceptional bourbon!
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.
Welcome to the grand finale of our Kansas City Whiskey series! In this final installment, we’re taking a deep dive into the spirited and rebellious history of Tom’s Town Distilling Co.
Uncovering Kansas City’s Prohibition-Era Past Named after the infamous political boss Tom Pendergast, this distillery is a tribute to the “Paris of the Plains” and the city’s defiant history. We’ll explore how Tom’s Town, founded in 2015 by David Epstein and Steve Revare, has revitalized the Crossroads Arts District by embracing the complex and compelling story of “Boss Tom.”
Tasting Flight: A Tom’s Town Whiskey Review Get ready for an in-depth tasting and review of four incredible spirits from Tom’s Town Distilling:
🥃 Pendergast’s Royal Gold Whiskey: This is not your average bourbon! Finished in 14-year-old ruby port casks, this 90-proof bourbon delivers rich aromas of caramelized sugar, oak, and stone fruits. We’ll taste if it lives up to the legend of the original “Royal Gold” brand that Pendergast himself sold to a thirsty public.
🥃 Limited Release Finished Bourbon: A true gem! This 5-year-old, 94-proof Straight Bourbon Whiskey is finished in Pinot Noir casks from Ayres, promising a unique and delicious flavor profile.
🥃 Tom’s Town Straight Rye Whiskey: Distilled in Kansas City from locally sourced grains and aged for at least 4 years, this Straight Rye is Bottled in Bond at 100 proof. With a robust and earthy profile, notes of caramel, toasted bread, spice, and dark chocolate, this is a must-try for any rye whiskey fan.
🥃 The Machine Series Half Baked: Prepare for the unexpected! Distilled from Lagunitas Lagunator beer and aged in white oak barrels, this is a truly daring and unique whiskey. We’ll explore its notes of bright grapefruit, saltwater taffy, and baking spices, and see if this adventurous spirit lives up to the hype.
Click play ▶️ NOW!
Join the Conversation! Have you tried any of these Tom’s Town whiskeys? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below! 👇
Join the YBJ Family!
👍 Like this video if you’re a bourbon lover!
💬 Comment below with your favorite Kansas City whiskey!
➡️ Share this video with a fellow whiskey fan!
🔔 Subscribe to Your Bourbon Journey for weekly whiskey adventures you won’t want to miss!
Let’s build a community of enthusiasts who appreciate the art of exceptional bourbon!
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.
🔥🥃 Blind Whiskey BATTLE ROYALE! Who Will Be Our June 2025 CHAMPION?! 🏆
Alright, buckle up, whiskey fanatics! 🚀 Get ready for a showdown of EPIC proportions! 🥃 In this thrilling blind tasting adventure, we’re putting FOUR incredible contenders head-to-head to crown the UNDISPUTED champion of our June 2025 whiskey lineup! 👑
Prepare your senses for an immersive journey into the captivating aromas and tantalizing flavors of these contenders (alphabetical order):
✴️ Dark Arts Finished in Red Port and White Port Wine Casks
✴️ Little Book Chapter 9 – None for Granted
✴️ RD1 Sister Cities 2025 Limited Release
✴️ Star Hill Farm Whisky 2025
🚫 No labels, no biases – just pure, unadulterated whiskey appreciation! 👀 Join us as we meticulously nose 👃, sip 😋, and savor each dram, dissecting the intricate notes on the nose, the delightful dance on the palate 👅, the satisfying lingering finish ✨, and that crucial je ne sais quoi that makes a whiskey truly special. 🤔
Will the barrel-proof powerhouse 💪 dominate the competition? Will the elegantly aged spirit ⏳ steal the show? Or will a unique finish 🍇 or a captivating single barrel charm ✨ take home the ultimate crown? We’re ranking them from 4th place to the coveted 1st place spot🥇, and the suspense is building with every sip! 🤯
Smash that play button ▶️ and join the ultimate tasting party! 🎉 Grab your own glass 🥂 (of whatever you’re sipping on!), settle in for some serious whiskey talk 🗣️, and experience the thrill of the grand reveal with us! Get ready for potential surprises 🎁 and definitely a fantastic time! Cheers to an unforgettable evening of delicious discovery! 🥳 Sláinte! 🍀
Mash Bill: This chapter is a blend of one 8-year-old Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey and four different Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskeys aged 7, 7, 8, and 11 years.
Age: youngest is 7 years old
Proof: 121.8 (highest since Ch 4)
MSRP: $159.99
Released: 05/15/25
Other: Previewed at dinner 05/14/25
Purchased: 05/16/25 for $160.00 at Jim Beam American Outpost
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.
Get ready for a thrilling taste adventure 🚀 into the shadowy world of Blind Barrels! 🕵️♂️ In this episode, we’re plunging headfirst into the unknown, blind tasting 👀 and dissecting FOUR ENIGMATIC MYSTERY WHISKEYS! 🥃🥃🥃🥃 Can our palates decipher their secrets? 🤔
Join us as we become whiskey detectives 🔎, meticulously sniffing👃, swirling 🔄, and savoring 😋 each anonymous dram. We’ll delve deep into their intriguing flavor profiles and captivating aromas ✨, piecing together the clues 🧩 to uncover what makes each one truly unique.
The anticipation is building! ⏳ Will we correctly identify their origins? 🌍 Which hidden gem 💎 will steal our hearts (and our taste buds 👅)? And ultimately… which mysterious whiskey will rise above the rest and claim the coveted top spot 🏆 in our ranking?
Prepare for unexpected twists 😲, surprising revelations 🎉, and maybe even a few gasps of delight! 😮 You might just discover your next favorite pour lurking within these blind barrels. Hit play ▶️ now and join the mystery! 😉
Are you as passionate about whiskey as we are? Show us some love by giving this video a thumbs up 👍, hitting that subscribe button 🔔 so you’re always first to know about the most exciting whiskey releases, and sharing this with your fellow enthusiasts and tasting buddies! ➡️
To learn more about a Subscription to Blind Barrels, this is our Affiliate Link (commissions can be earned) ➡️ Click Here
NOTE: We were not compensated by the spirit producers or Blind Barrels for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.
Our recent trip to Lexington, Kentucky couldn’t have been better timed! We stumbled upon the “soft opening” of the highly anticipated Dark Arts Whiskey House, and trust us, you’re going to want to hear about this.
Join us as we dive into an exclusive first look at their not-quite-open facility, which is already boasting an incredible vibe that’s sure to be a game-changer for Lexington’s nightlife. But the real magic happened during our tasting!
We sampled eight incredible offerings and, after much deliberation (and a few “oohs” and “aahs”), we narrowed it down to two showstoppers to bring home and review for you:
Dark Arts Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished with Toasted Jupilles Fleur French Oak Staves
Dark Arts Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Red Port and White Port Wine Casks
Are these the next big thing in bourbon? Click play ▶️ now for our completely unfiltered tasting notes and find out if these unique expressions live up to the buzz!
Don’t let these amazing bourbons pass you by!
If you’re as passionate about whiskey as we are, show us some love! Give this video a thumbs up 👍, hit that subscribe button 🔔 so you never miss out on the most exciting bourbon releases, and share this with your fellow enthusiasts and tasting buddies! ➡️
Let’s raise a glass to rare finds, exceptional spirits, and unforgettable moments. Cheers! 🥂
#bourbon #darkarts #finishedbourbon
❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌
✴️ Dark Arts Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished with Toasted Jupilles Fluer French Oak Staves
Distilled in Indiana; Bottled in Sparta, KY
Mash Bill: 60% Corn, 36% Rye, 4% Malted Barley
Age: 7 Years
Proof: 108
Released: 2025
Other: Three-barrel blend, Bottle 989, Batch 21
Purchased: 05/16/25 for $89.99 at their Lexington Soft Opening
✴️ Dark Arts Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Red Port and White Port Wine Casks
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.
🔥🥃 Blind Whiskey BATTLE ROYALE! Who Will Be Our May 2025 CHAMPION?! 🏆
Alright, buckle up, whiskey fanatics! 🚀 Get ready for a showdown of EPIC proportions! 🥃 In this thrilling blind tasting adventure, we’re putting THREE incredible contenders head-to-head to crown the UNDISPUTED champion of our May 2025 whiskey lineup! 👑
Prepare your senses for an immersive journey into the captivating aromas and tantalizing flavors of these contenders:
✴️ Bernheim Single Barrel (A225)
✴️ Blood Oath Pact 11
✴️ Wild Turkey 101 8-Year
🚫 No labels, no biases – just pure, unadulterated whiskey appreciation! 👀 Join us as we meticulously nose 👃, sip 😋, and savor each dram, dissecting the intricate notes on the nose, the delightful dance on the palate 👅, the satisfying lingering finish ✨, and that crucial je ne sais quoi that makes a whiskey truly special. 🤔
Will the barrel-proof powerhouse 💪 dominate the competition? Will the elegantly aged spirit ⏳ steal the show? Or will a unique finish 🍇 or a captivating single barrel charm ✨ take home the ultimate crown? We’re ranking them from 3rd place to the coveted 1st place spot🥇, and the suspense is building with every sip! 🤯
Smash that play button ▶️ and join the ultimate tasting party! 🎉 Grab your own glass 🥂 (of whatever you’re sipping on!), settle in for some serious whiskey talk 🗣️, and experience the thrill of the grand reveal with us! Get ready for potential surprises 🎁 and definitely a fantastic time! Cheers to an unforgettable evening of delicious discovery! 🥳 Sláinte! 🍀
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.
Your Bourbon Journey 