Bourbon – Finished

Tasting Old Steelhouse: Wheated vs Rye Bourbon

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Join Wayne and Rebecca on Your Bourbon Journey as we explore four releases from Old Steelhouse Distillery, purchased directly from their downtown tasting room in Bardstown, Kentucky.

The historic Old Steelhouse property in Deatsville dates back to 1844 as the legendary T.W. Samuels Distillery site. While the historic campus undergoes renovations, we sat down for an epic 4-bottle tasting grid comparing Wheated Bourbon against High-Rye Bourbon across both Small Batch and Single Barrel expressions.

Shout-out to Adam Inman and the team at the Bardstown tasting room for an unforgettable experience! Have you tried Old Steelhouse yet? Let us know your favorite pour in the comments!

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Small Batch & Single Barrel Wheated Mashbills

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Old Steelhouse Distillery
  • Distillery: Distilled in Kentucky; Bottled by Old Steelhouse Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 64% Corn, 24% Wheat, 2% Malted Barley
  • Purchased: 05/30/26 at their Bardstown Tasting Room

Old Steelhouse Batch 002

  • Age 5 Years; Proof 105; $70.00

Old Steelhouse Single Barrel 001

  • Age 5.5 Years; Proof 113.8; $95.00

Small Batch & Single Barrel Ryed Mashbills

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Old Steelhouse Distillery
  • Distilled in Indiana & Kentucky; Bottled by Old Steelhouse Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 75% Corn, 21% Rye, 4% Malted Barley
  • Purchased: 05/30/26 at their Bardstown Tasting Room

Old Steelhouse Blueprint 001

  • Age 6 Years; Proof 100; $70.00

Old Steelhouse Single Barrel (Barrel 007)

  • Age 8 Years; Proof 111.9; Hungarian Oak Cask Finish; $125.00

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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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Don’t Buy A Cigar Blend Bourbon Until You Watch This! 

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Are you looking for the ultimate cigar-pairing bourbon? Today, we are smoking in the bourbon room and diving deep into three highly sought-after Cigar Batch Bourbons! From naturally savory pot-still creations to dense multi-cask finishes, we are breaking down the flavor profiles, production secrets, and the exact cigar wrappers (from Habanos to Maduros) you need to pair with each bottle.

Whether you want a daily sipper, a pour that pairs perfectly with a backyard barbecue, or a rich, cognac-forward masterpiece, we’ve got you covered. Two of these bottles battle it out with complex wine and oak finishes, while one wild card throws out the rulebook completely with a shocking natural profile. Which one takes the crown as our top pick? Pour a glass, light up a premium stick, and let’s find out!

Don’t forget to LIKE this video, drop a comment with your favorite cigar pour, and hit that SUBSCRIBE button to join our whiskey community! Drink responsibly. Cheers! 🥃✨

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Glenns Creek Distillery OCD #5 “Cigar Batch”

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Glenns Creek Distilling, LLC
  • Distillery: Glenns Creek Distillery (Frankfort, KY — located on the historic former Old Crow property)
  • Mash Bill: 87% Corn, 8% Rye, 5% Barley
  • Age: NAS (No Age Statement)
  • Proof: 101.4 Proof (50.7% ABV) — Note: Exact metrics from Barrel 196, Bottle 49
  • SRP: $75.00
  • Released: Late 2025

Barrell Bourbon Cigar Blend

  • Classification: Blended Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Madeira, Armagnac, Rum, and Hungarian Oak Casks
  • Company: Barrell Craft Spirits
  • Distillery: Distilled in KY, IN & TN; Blended and Bottled by Barrell Craft Spirits in Louisville, KY
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed
  • Age: A blend of straight bourbon whiskeys aged 7.5 to 18 years
  • Proof: 111.2 Proof (55.6% ABV)
  • SRP: $84.99
  • Released: March 2026

Seelbach’s Private Reserve “Humidor Blend” Cigar Batch (Batch 001)

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Spanish Oak, Cognac, and Amburana Casks
  • Company: Seelbach’s
  • Distillery: Distilled in Indiana; Bottled by Manifest Distilling in Jacksonville, FL
  • Mash Bill: Blended Mash Bill: 85% Corn, 11% Wheat, 4% Malted Barley
  • Age: A blend of 10-Year 3-Months, 7-Year 8-Months, and 5-Year 3-Months whiskeys
  • Proof: 118.6 Proof (59.3% ABV)
  • SRP: $99.99
  • Released: October 2025

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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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Blood Oath Pact 12 Tasting: A Home Run Double Wine Finish! 

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Today, Wayne and Rebecca are cracking open a highly anticipated bottle straight from Bardstown, Kentucky: the brand new Blood Oath Pact 12 Straight Bourbon Whiskey from Lux Row Distillers!

Released in April 2026, this year’s limited-edition blend by Master Distiller John Rempe features Blood Oath’s first-ever double Italian wine cask finish. We’re breaking down everything you need to know about this unique release—from its 98.6 standard “blood temperature” proof to how the 7-year ryed bourbon component reacts after resting in fruit-forward Montepulciano and savory Sangiovese casks.

Is this 2026 release a home run compared to last year’s tequila finish? Does the high-rye MGP mash bill bring the spice? And does it actually drink hotter than its 98.6 proof suggests? We dive into the incredible nose, the jammy mid-palate mouthfeel, and the lingering black pepper finish.

We picked our bottle up right at the distillery for $159.99—find out if you should make the trip to Bardstown to hunt down one of the 51,000 bottles available!

If you love whiskey reviews, flight breakdowns, and unboxing rare allocations, make sure to hit that SUBSCRIBE button and join us on the journey!

Always remember to drink responsibly. Today, drink your temperature: 98.6! Cheers! 🥃

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Blood Oath Pact 12

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Luxco (MGP Ingredients)
  • Distillery: Lux Row Distillers (Bardstown, KY) — Blended and bottled by Master Distiller John Rempe using sourced, undisclosed bourbons.
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed (Ryed Bourbon mash bills)
  • Age: A blend of 9-year and 12-year ryed bourbons, combined with a 7-year ryed bourbon.
  • Proof: 98.6 Proof (49.3% ABV)
  • SRP: $129.99
  • Released: April 25, 2026 (Distillery release); June 2026 (National retail rollout)
  • Other: This edition features the brand’s first double Italian wine cask finish. The 7-year component was rested first in fruit-forward Montepulciano casks and then refined in savory Sangiovese casks. Total production was limited to 51,000 bottles, with 1,400 bottles held back for a future Trilogy release.
  • Purchased: 05/29/26 for $159.99 at LuxRow Distillery, Bardstown KY

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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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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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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 This 3-Hour Toasted Barrel Changes Everything | Cascadia

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We found the “Space Mountain” of Bourbon! | Bardstown Cascadia Review

Is a three-hour toast the secret to the perfect bourbon? Today on Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca head to the “Oregon Trail” (by way of Kentucky!) to taste the highly anticipated Bardstown Bourbon Company Distillery Reserve: Cascadia Garryana Oak Barrel Finish.

Released on March 20, 2026, this 107.5-proof gem is defined by the scarcity of its wood. Garryana Oak (Oregon White Oak) cannot be farmed—it must be harvested from fallen or sanctioned trees. Bardstown partnered with Oregon Barrel Works to create custom barrels that underwent a massive three-hour toast to pull out deep notes of clove, nutmeg, and baked cherry.

Is it worth the $99.99 price tag for a 375ml bottle? Wayne compares it to a wild ride on Space Mountain, while Rebecca explores the “French Oak” vibes and savory tannins.

In this video, we discuss:

  • How we managed to snag two bottles at the distillery (and the 60-day rule!).
  • The science behind the 3-hour toast vs. standard charring.
  • Full tasting notes: From “Clove Gum” on the nose to “Cherry Pie” on the palate.
  • Where to find it: Bardstown & Louisville tasting rooms.

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Bardstown Bourbon Company’s Distillery Reserve: Cascadia Garryana Oak Barrel Finish

  • Classification:  Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Bardstown Bourbon Company
  • Mash Bill: Blend of three (9 & 10-year-old high-rye/low-rye bourbon mash bills)
  • Age: 9 years (plus 10-month finish)
  • Proof: 107.5
  • MSRP: $99.99 (375 ml)
  • Released: March 20, 2026
  • Purchased: 03/28/26 for $99.99 at Bardstown Bourbon Company
  • Other: This release is defined by the scarcity of its wood. Unlike standard American White Oak, Garryana (Oregon White Oak) cannot be farmed; it’s harvested only from fallen or sanctioned trees. Bardstown partnered with Oregon Barrel Works to create custom barrels that underwent a three-hour toast—a massive amount of time compared to standard barrel charring. 

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

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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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The Spirits are Coming! Dark Arts Cask Strength Bourbon

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The Spirits Have Arrived! | Dark Arts Armagnac Finish Bourbon Review

Was a $221 “splurge” at BourbonCon 2026 actually worth the price tag? Today on Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca dive into the mysterious world of Dark Arts Whiskey House. This isn’t just whiskey; it’s alchemy.

We’re tasting the Dark Arts Cask Strength Bourbon (Armagnac Finish)—a 10-year-old MGP-sourced powerhouse bottled at a stout 113 proof. From the striking purple bottle to the “jammy” fruit notes provided by the Armagnac casks, this bottle promised a “massive explosion of complexity.”

In this video, we discuss:

  • Our experience with brand “Spirit Guide” Sarah at BourbonCon.
  • The “Alchemy” philosophy: How Dark Arts transforms spirits through finishing.
  • A deep dive into the 60/36/4 high-rye mash bill.
  • Tasting Notes: Is that “all-spice” and “dried plum” or just high-proof heat?
  • Why Dark Arts chose to be a Non-Distilling Producer (NDP) and why it’s a brilliant business move.

Does the “Purple Bottle” live up to the hype, or did the aesthetics cloud our judgment? Grab a glass and join us for the breakdown!

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Dark Arts Cask Strength Bourbon (Armagnac Finish)

  • Classification:  Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Dark Arts Whiskey House
  • Distilled: Sourced from MGP in Indiana  
  • Produced by: Dark Arts Whiskey House LLC
  • Bottled by: Divine Spirits LLC
  • Mash Bill: 60% Corn, 36% Rye, 4% Malted Barley
  • Age: 10 Years
  • Proof: 113 (Cask Strength)
  • Released: Early 2026
  • Other: Finished in Armagnac Cask; Batch AT2; Bottle 132
  • Purchased: 01/17/26 for $221 from Dark Arts at BourbonCon in Lexington KY

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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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Shortbarrel Cigar Batch vs. Single Barrel: Which is Better? 

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Whether you’re a seasoned cigar aficionado or a high-proof bourbon hunter, this week’s “Wednesday Small Pours” is one you can’t miss! 🥃

Join Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey as they dive into two powerhouse expressions from Shortbarrel Bourbon. First up is the complex Cigar Batch (Gauge 36), a masterfully blended bourbon finished in four distinct casks—Armagnac, Cognac, Rum, and Tawny Port. Is it the ultimate pairing for your favorite full-bodied cigar?

Then, things get intense with a Watch Hill Proper Single Barrel clocking in at a massive 134 proof. We’re breaking down the legs, the “pops of pepper,” and that surprising minty finish. Plus, find out which bottle we’d actually “pull the trigger on” for our own collection!

Special thanks to Michael and Dawn from Chasing Neat for the bottle exchange at Bourbon Con!

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✴️ Shortbarrel Cigar Batch (Guage 36)

  • Classification: Finished Blended Straight Bourbon Whiskeys
  • Company: Shortbarrel Bourbon
  • Distillery: Blend of MGP (Indiana) and Bardstown (Kentucky) sourced barrels
  • Mash Bill: Blend of 36% Rye (MGP) and a lower-rye Kentucky bourbon
  • Age: 8-Year-Old MGP blended with various KY barrels; finished for 1–3 years
  • Proof: 114
  • MSRP: approximately $90–$95
  • Other: Non-chill filtered; finished in four distinct casks: Armagnac, Cognac, Rum, and Tawny Port. Designed specifically to pair with full-bodied cigars.

✴️ Shortbarrel Single Barrel (Watch Hill Proper)

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Single Barrel)
  • Company: Shortbarrel Bourbon
  • Distillery: Sourced (Likely MGP/Indiana based on the 7.8-year age and proof)
  • Mash Bill: Likely 21% or 36% Rye (Shortbarrel frequently picks high-rye MGP barrels)
  • Age: 7.8
  • Proof: 134
  • MSRP: approximately $80–$100 (Single barrel pricing varies by retailer)

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NOTE: The spirits in this review were provided to us by friends.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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The Final Pour: Flaviar Whiskey Advent Calendar Day 24 Surprise

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🥃 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!

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Disclaimer: We are not sponsored by Flaviar for this review. We purchased the calendar ourselves and offer our honest opinion. Please drink responsibly.

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Tasting the 2025 Flaviar Advent: Days 19, 20, and 21 Ranked

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🥃 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:

  1. Finvara The King’s Gambit (Day 19) – A triple-distilled Irish classic aged in Bourbon and Sherry casks.
  2. Lodestar American Whiskey (Day 20) – A 2024 newcomer from LA blending High-Rye Bourbon and American Single Malt.
  3. 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? 🥃👇

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Disclaimer: We are not sponsored by Flaviar for this review. We purchased the calendar ourselves and offer our honest opinion. Please drink responsibly.

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