Bourbon – Straight

Release 19 Blind Barrels: The Good, The Bad, and The Surprise

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After last quarter’s box left Wayne questioning everything, Blind Barrels is back for Release XIX (19)—marking nearly five years of blind craft whiskey curation! This quarterly release, titled the “Eyes Wide Shut” box, was compiled entirely from member recommendations showcasing the best hidden gems across American craft distilling.

Join Wayne and Rebecca as they taste through four mystery pours completely blind—guessing the style, age, and proof before revealing the bottles, sharing tasting notes, and deciding whether each pour earns a permanent spot on their home bar. From a sweet vermouth cask finish that converts a non-rye drinker to a rare Civil War heirloom corn bourbon, a pioneer craft wheater, and a French-oak-finished Kentucky powerhouse, Release 19 delivers some massive surprises!

Which bottles earned an instant “BUY,” which was a low maybe, and which pour took the crown as the overall flight favorite? Pour yourself a dram and taste along with us!

If you enjoy authentic whiskey tastings, honest reviews, and craft distillery discoveries, make sure to like, comment with your thoughts, and subscribe to the channel for more whiskey adventures every week!

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Featured Blind Barrels XIX Sample Details

Sample A: Dad’s Hat Pennsylvania Straight Rye Whiskey Finished in Sweet Vermouth Casks

  • Distillery: Mountain Laurel Spirits (Bristol, PA)
  • Proof: 94 Proof (47% ABV)
  • Age: 1 Year (Blend of ~8-month rye aged in charred oak quarter casks and 4-year-old rye; finished 3 months in sweet vermouth casks)
  • Mash Bill: 80% Rye, 15% Malted Two-Row Barley, 5% Malted Rye
  • Pricing: $39.99 Member Price ($54.99 Regular)
  • Fun Fact: One of the only vermouth-finished whiskeys in North America, crafted

Sample B: Ironclad The Old Colonel Straight Bourbon Whiskey

  • Distillery: Ironclad Distillery (Newport News, VA)
  • Proof: 100 Proof (50% ABV)
  • Age: 6.5 Years
  • Mash Bill: 78% Pungo Creek Heirloom Indian Corn, 12% Rye, 10% Malted Barley (100% Virginia-grown grains)
  • Pricing: $49.99 Member Price ($74.99 Regular)

Sample C: McKenzie Bottled-in-Bond Wheated Bourbon

  • Distillery: Finger Lakes Distilling (Burdett, NY)
  • Proof: 100 Proof (50% ABV)
  • Age: 7 Years (Bottled-in-Bond)
  • Mash Bill: 70% Corn, 20% Red Winter Wheat, 10% Malted Barley
  • Pricing: $49.99 Member Price

Sample D: Lucky Seven “The Frenchman” Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

  • Distillery: Lucky Seven Spirits (Shelbyville, KY)
  • Proof: 113 Proof (56.5% ABV)
  • Age: 6 Years
  • Finish: Finished in new French oak barrels (blend of Kentucky straight rye-bourbon mash bills)
  • Pricing: $54.99 Member Price ($75.00 Regular)

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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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Nashtucky Honey vs Louisville Rickhouse Double Oak Review

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Welcome back to Your Bourbon Journey! Today, Wayne and Rebecca are diving into two standout bottles picked straight from a recent Bourbon Trail day trip through NuLu in Louisville, Kentucky.

After stopping by The Vault (WhistlePig) and The Last Refuge (Heaven’s Door), we finished our tour at Louisville Rickhouse (part of the Nashville Barrel Company family). We did a single barrel flight and each got to pick a bottle to bring home. Wayne went sweet and balanced with a single barrel honey finish, while Rebecca went heavy and robust with an ultra-limited experimental double oak!

Join us as we crack both open, break down the tasting notes, discuss whether they drink their proof, and decide if they’re worth a spot on your bar.

Have you visited Louisville Rickhouse or tried anything from Nashville Barrel Company / Nashtucky? Let us know your favorites down in the comments!

If you enjoyed the tasting, please give this video a thumbs up, leave a comment, and hit Subscribe to join us on our bourbon journey. Always remember to drink responsibly! Cheers!

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Nashtucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Honey Cask (Single Barrel, Barrel No 5162)

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Honey Cask
  • Company: Connected Spirits / Nashtucky Whiskey Co.
  • Distillery: Undisclosed Kentucky Distillery (Distilled in Kentucky, aged in Tennessee; bottled by Nashtucky Whiskey Co., Nashville, TN, DSP-TN-21095)
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed
  • Age: 6 Years
  • Proof: 106.54 Proof (53.27% ABV)
  • Released: 2026
  • Other: Barrel 5162; Cask Strength; Non-Chill Filtered; Hand Bottled; 750 mL
  • SRP: $79.99
  • Purchased: 08/14/2026 for $79.99 at Louisville Rickhouse

Louisville Rickhouse Experimental Series Double Oak’d Kentucky Bourbon (Barrel Strength, Barrel No 8919)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Louisville Rickhouse Whiskey Co.
  • Distillery: Undisclosed Kentucky Distillery (Distilled in Kentucky; bottled by Louisville Rickhouse, Louisville, KY, DSP-KY-20181)
  • Mash Bill: 78% Corn / 10% Rye / 12% Malted Barley
  • Age: 9 Years (initial aging + 2 years double oaked)
  • Proof: 124.28 Proof (62.14% ABV)
  • Released: 2026
  • Other: Barrel 8919; Re-barreled into New Char 4 Kelvin Barrels for 2 years; Non-Chill Filtered; Barrel Strength; Total Bottle Count: 80 bottles; 750 mL
  • SRP: $129.99
  • Purchased: 08/14/2026 for $129.99 at Louisville Rickhouse

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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 Won the Starlight Lottery! 10 YR Mizunara Reserve Review 

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Winner, winner, chicken dinner! In this episode of Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca crack open one of the rarest, most anticipated craft bourbon releases of 2026: the ultra-limited Starlight Mizunara Reserve 10-Year Bourbon (Batch 1).

With only 250 bottles produced by Starlight Distillery in Borden, Indiana, this bottle was released via an exclusive lottery in September 2026 for $250. Coming off double-gold acclaim at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for their 8-year Mizunara finish, Starlight dialed it up by finishing their flagship 10-year sweet mash bourbon in rare Japanese Mizunara oak casks.

Bottled at 110 proof from a mash bill of 60% corn, 20% rye, and 20% malted barley, does this rare craft pour earn a spot on our Allocated Whiskey of the Year shortlist alongside Pappy and Peerless? Join us as we explore the legs, crackling crème brûlée nose, creamy mouthfeel, exotic sandalwood, and lingering toasted barrel notes.

Shoutout to Ted, Christian, and Blake at Starlight Distillery for crafting incredible spirits—and cheers to drinking local!

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Starlight Mizunara Reserve 2026, Batch 1

  • Classification: Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Japanese Mizunara Barrels
  • Company: Huber’s Orchard, Winery & Vineyards (Starlight Distillery)
  • Distillery: Starlight Distillery (Borden, IN)
  • Mash Bill: 60% Corn, 20% Rye, 20% Malted Barley
  • Age: 10 Years
  • Proof: 110
  • Released: September 2026
  • Other: Limited to 250 Bottles
  • Purchased: 09/12/26 for $250 at Starlight Lottery & Direct Shipped

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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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Ranking Four 2026 Penelope Bottle: Which One Is The Flop? 

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Happy Hump Day! We are diving into a massive, four-bottle 2026 Penelope flight picked up straight from Lux Row Distillers during Kentucky Bourbon Festival week. From unique wine finishes and high-rye single barrels to ultra-aged vintage bourbon and a 139-proof monster, we don’t buy bottles just to collect them—we open them and taste them!

In this review, we line up four standout 2026 releases from Penelope Bourbon / Ross & Squibb Distillery. Join Wayne and Rebecca as we break down the specs, nose, palate, finish, and overall value of each bottle. Which one took our top pour of the day, and which bottle missed the mark? Watch to see our full ranked breakdown!

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Penelope Riviera (Cooper Series)

  • Classification: Blended American Whiskey Finished in Rosé Wine Casks
  • Company: MGP Ingredients / Luxco (Penelope Bourbon)
  • Distillery: Ross & Squibb Distillery, Lawrenceburg, IN
  • Mash Bill: 74% Corn, 16% Wheat, 7% Rye, 3% Malted Barley (blend of 8-Year American Light Whiskey & Straight Bourbon)
  • Age: 8 Years
  • Proof: 94 Proof (47% ABV)
  • SRP: $90
  • Released: Spring/Summer 2026
  • Other: Part of Penelope’s Cooper Series highlighting specialty cask finishes; finished in Spanish rosé wine casks; non-chill filtered.
  • Purchased: 09.11.26 for $110 at Lux Row Distillery

Penelope Estate Collection Single Barrel

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Single Barrel)
  • Company: MGP Ingredients / Luxco (Penelope Bourbon)
  • Distillery: Ross & Squibb Distillery, Lawrenceburg, IN
  • Mash Bill: 60% Corn, 36% Rye, 4% Malted Barley
  • Age: 10 Years
  • Proof: 107
  • SRP: $90
  • Released: Fall 2026 (Estate Collection allocation)
  • Other: Rickhouse location: Warehouse N, Floor B, Barrel PEN26-109; non-chill filtered.
  • Purchased: 09.11.26 for $90 at Lux Row Distillery

Penelope Estate Collection Founders Reserve (2026 Release)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Cask Strength)
  • Company: MGP Ingredients / Luxco (Penelope Bourbon)
  • Mash Bill: 78% Corn, 10% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
  • Age: 13 Years
  • Proof: 101.4
  • SRP: $200
  • Released: September 2026 (Distillery & select national allocation)
  • Other: Packaged in the signature deep green Estate Collection collector’s box; non-chill filtered; matured in #3 char barrels.
  • Purchased: 09.11.26 for $200 at Lux Row Distillery

Penelope 18 Year American Light Whiskey

  • Classification: American Light Whiskey
  • Company: MGP Ingredients / Luxco (Penelope Bourbon)
  • Distillery: Ross & Squibb Distillery, Lawrenceburg, IN
  • Mash Bill: 99% Corn, 1% Malted Barley
  • Age: 18 Years
  • Proof: 139
  • SRP: $110
  • Released: Spring 2026
  • Other: Distilled at >160 proof and matured in used oak barrels; Penelope’s oldest Light Whiskey release to date; non-chill filtered.
  • Purchased: 09.11.26 for $1110 at Lux Row 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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Remus Repeal Reserve Series X vs Ezra Brooks 12-Year: Which Bourbon Reigns Supreme?

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Welcome back to Your Bourbon Journey! It’s “Two for Tuesday,” and we are cracking into two heavy-hitting, highly anticipated bottles fresh from our trip to Bardstown, Kentucky: the ultra-exclusive Ezra Brooks 12-Year Single Barrel (Lux Row Hand-Bottled Program) and the milestone 10th Anniversary Remus Repeal Reserve Series X!

We picked both of these bottles up at Lux Row Distillers during an incredible event with master distillers John Rempe, Stephen Beam, and Ian Stirsman. But at very different price points, which bottle truly earns its place on your home bar shelf?

Let us know in the comments: Have you picked up Remus Repeal Reserve Series X yet? Would you pay $200 for a 12-year hand-bottled single barrel from Lux Row? 

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1️⃣ Ezra Brooks 12-Year Single Barrel Bourbon (Lux Row Hand-Bottled)

• Mash Bill: 78% Corn, 10% Rye, 12% Malted Barley

• Age: 12 Years | Proof: 99 (49.5% ABV)

• Barrel No.: 6155211 | SRP / Paid: $199.99

• Notes: Hand-filled, wax-dipped distillery exclusive, charcoal filtered prior to aging in deep char American oak. 

2️⃣ Remus Repeal Reserve Series X (10th Anniversary Edition)

• Mash Bill: Medley of 5 vintages (2008–2017) spanning 3 high-rye mash bills:

   – 35% 2016 Bourbon (60/36/4 LBSV)

   – 19% 2014 Bourbon (60/36/4 LBSV)

   – 17% 2017 Bourbon (51/49 LISV – Historic debut in Repeal Reserve!)

   – 15% 2016 Bourbon (75/21/4 LESV)

   – 14% 2008 Bourbon (75/21/4 LESV)

• Age: Blend of 9- to 18-year-old bourbons | Proof: 107

• SRP: $79.99 | Paid: $89.99

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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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Is MGP’s First Official Bottle Worth the Hype? | Chapter One Review

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MGP has finally stepped out from behind the curtain! For decades, MGP Ingredients in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, distilled and aged award-winning whiskey for countless non-distiller producers (NDPs) across the industry. Now, for the first time in company history, they have released a brand bearing the MGP name prominently on the label: MGP Chapter One: Out of the Shadows.

In this episode of Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca review this historic 10-year-old straight bourbon whiskey. Blended by Master Distiller Ian Stirsman from 10+ year barrels aged in Lawrenceburg’s historic 1936 Rickhouse G, this pour features MGP’s signature LBSV high-rye mash bill (60% Corn, 36% Rye, 4% Malted Barley) bottled at 111 proof. 

We were fortunate to preview this release with Ian Stirsman earlier this year at Lux Row Distillers and picked up our bottles during Kentucky Bourbon Festival week before the nationwide rollout. From its unique bottle profile to a layered, effervescent “cherry cola extravaganza” and sassafras finish on the palate, find out why this bottle is already an early contender for our Whiskey of the Month!

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MGP Chapter One: Out of the Shadows

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: MGP Ingredients, Inc.
  • Distillery: MGP Distillery (Lawrenceburg, Indiana)
  • Mash Bill: 60% Corn, 36% Rye, 4% Malted Barley (MGP’s signature high-rye bourbon mash bill, coded internally as LBSV)
  • Age: 10 Years Old
  • Proof: 111 Proof (55.5% ABV)
  • SRP: $69.99 (750 ml)
  • Purchased: 09.10.26 for $79.99 at Lux Row distillers
  • Released: September 2026 (Fall 2026 national rollout)
  • Historic Milestone: This is the first-ever brand and bottle released bearing the MGP name prominently on the label, marking their shift from working purely behind the scenes for third-party NDPs to standing directly in front of consumers.
  • Rickhouse Origin: Selected and blended by Master Distiller Ian Stirsman from 10+ year barrels aged in Rickhouse G (built in 1936 during the Seagrams era; unique 6-story reinforced concrete frame construction with 8-inch brick walls and individual floors creating distinct microclimates).

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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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Don’t Buy A Cigar Whiskey Until You Watch This

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Heading into the weekend with four heavyweight cigar blend whiskeys on the table! On this episode of Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca dive into an incredible lineup inspired by our recent Whiskey University cigar pairing masterclass. We’re putting four distinct, cask-finished expressions to the test to see how their layered wood finishes stack up, which bottles truly need a cigar in hand, and which are rich enough to sip neat.

From our first official Cigar Malt Scotch to the holy grail blend from Nancy Fraley, a 5-cask traveler from Old Elk, and a thieved single-barrel powerhouse from Cox’s Creek Distilling, we break down tasting notes, mash bills, finishing casks, and recommended cigar pairings for each.

Which pour takes the crown and earns a spot in our September Whiskey of the Month competition? Drop your favorite cigar-pairing whiskeys in the comments below!

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The Dalmore Cigar Malt Reserve

  • Classification: Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
  • Company: Whyte & Mackay
  • Distillery: The Dalmore Distillery (Alness, Highlands, Scotland)
  • Mash Bill: 100% Malted Barley
  • Age: NAS (Components aged roughly 10–15 years)
  • Proof: 88 Proof (44% ABV)
  • SRP: ~$179.99–$199.99
  • Released: Ongoing core expression (re-introduced 2012)
  • Other: Matured in American white oak ex-bourbon casks, 30-year-old Matusalem Oloroso sherry butts, and premier cru Cabernet Sauvignon wine barriques
  • Purchased: 08/11/26 for $134.94 at Hi Proof (online)
  • Recommended Cigar: Davidoff Winston Churchill The Late Hour

Joseph Magnus Cigar Blend Bourbon (Batch 507, Bottle 49)

  • Classification: Blended Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Sherry, Cognac, and Armagnac Casks
  • Company: Jos. A. Magnus & Co.
  • Distillery: Distilled in Indiana (MGP); blended and finished by Jos. A. Magnus & Co.
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed MGP high-rye & low-rye bourbon blend
  • Age: Blend of straight bourbons aged 9 to 20 years
  • Proof: 111.7 Proof (55.85% ABV)
  • SRP: ~$199.99–$219.99
  • Released: Periodic small-batch releases (Batch 507)
  • Other: Nancy Fraley’s signature “coupage” process; finished in vintage Armagnac, Cognac, and Sherry casks
  • Purchased: 08/11/26 for $169.99 at Hi Proof (online)
  • Recommended Cigar: My Father The Judge 

Old Elk Cigar Cut “Island Blend” Straight Whiskies

  • Classification: Blend of Straight Whiskies Finished in Port, Rum, Sherry, and Sauternes Casks
  • Company: Old Elk Distilleries (Fort Collins, CO)
  • Distillery: Distilled in Indiana (MGP); blended and bottled by Old Elk
  • Mash Bill: Blend of Old Elk High-Malt Bourbon (51% Corn, 34% Malted Barley, 15% Rye), 95/5 Rye, and Wheated Bourbon (51% Corn, 45% Wheat, 4% Malt)
  • Age: 6 Years base whiskies (finished an additional 6 months to 2 years across casks)
  • Proof: 114.6 Proof (57.3% ABV)
  • SRP: ~$129.99
  • Released: Late 2023 / 2024 (Second national Cigar Cut release)
  • Other: Secondary aging breakdown: 2 years in Sherry, 6–10 months in Port, 8 months in Rum, 6 months in Sauternes
  • Purchased: 08/11/26 for $99.99 at Hi Proof (online)
  • Recommended Cigar: Padrón 1926 Serie Natural

Good Times Cigar Batch “Mexican Vanilla” (Barrel #709)

  • Classification: Single Barrel Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Mexican Vanilla, Oloroso Sherry, Cognac, and Armagnac Casks
  • Company: Good Times Bourbon
  • Distillery: Distilled in Indiana (MGP); secondary finished and bottled by Good Times Bourbon
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed MGP Bourbon (typically 75/21/4 or 60/36/4)
  • Age: NAS (typically 4–6 years base)
  • Proof: 116 Proof (58% ABV)
  • SRP: ~$149.99–$169.99
  • Released: 2025/2026 Limited Rare Release
  • Other: Barrel Strength, Non-Chill Filtered; finished using charred Mexican vanilla wood staves alongside classic cigar blend fortified casks
  • Purchased: 09/04/26 for $149.99 at Coxs Creek Distilling
  • Recommended Cigar: Liga Privada No. 9 (or Arturo Fuente Hemingway).

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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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Oatmeal Cookie in a Glass? We Tried the New B.O.B. Bourbon

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Is oat bourbon the next big trend in craft whiskey? In this episode of Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca crack open B.O.B. (Best Oat Bourbon) from Glenns Creek Distilling in Frankfort, Kentucky!

Picked up on the 4th of July during Dave’s 250th American celebration extravaganza, this unique single barrel pour features steel-cut oats as the secondary grain in a 76% yellow corn, 19% steel-cut oats, and 5% malted barley mash bill. Clocking in at 106.8 proof and aged at least 32 months, this pot-distilled craft bourbon serves up sweet layers of burnt butterscotch, cinnamon, brown sugar, and notes reminiscent of an iced oatmeal cream pie.

Find out why this experimental bottle might just be in our next Whiskey of the Month competition and why craft distilleries like Glenns Creek continue to push the boundaries of flavor!

Have you tried whiskeys distilled with oats? Drop your thoughts in the comments below! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your favorite craft bourbon pours with us. Drink responsibly!

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B.O.B. (Best Oat Bourbon)

  • Classification: Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Glenns Creek Distilling (Frankfort, KY)
  • Mash Bill: 76% Yellow Corn, 19% Oats, 5% Malted Barley
  • Age: At least 32 months
  • Proof: 106.8 (53.4% ABV)
  • SRP: $70.75
  • Released: July 2026
  • Other: Barrel No. 1, Bottle No. 12; single barrel release featuring steel cut oats as the secondary grain, pot-distilled and bottled on-site.
  • Purchased: 07/04/26 for $70.75 at Glenns Creek Distilling (Frankfort, 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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Candy Bar in a Bottle?! Milam & Greene Unabridged V3 Tasting 

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Join Wayne & Rebecca on Your Bourbon Journey as we crack open the highly anticipated Milam & Greene Unabridged Volume 3!

Crafted by Master Blender Heather Greene and Master Distiller Marlene Holmes, this limited-edition release is a cask-strength, 49-cask blend combining straight bourbons from Texas, Tennessee, and Kentucky across five distinct age profiles (3.5 to 10 years old). Bottled non-chill filtered at a bold 118 Proof (59% ABV), this pour surprised us with an incredibly creamy mouthfeel, rich brown sugar, dark chocolate nougat candy bar notes, and a lingering cinnamon finish.

Is this $95 multi-state blend a sweet trick or the ultimate treat? Watch our full review, nose, palate, and finish breakdown to find out!

If you enjoyed this review, please hit the LIKE button, drop a comment with your favorite Milam & Greene bottle, and SUBSCRIBE for more honest whiskey reviews and bourbon tastings every week!

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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❌

Milam & Greene Unabridged (Volume 3)

  • Classification: Blend of Straight Bourbon Whiskies (Cask Strength)
  • Company: Milam & Greene Whiskey (Provision Spirits)
  • Distillery: Distilled in Texas, Tennessee, and Kentucky; Aged, Batched & Bottled by Milam & Greene in Blanco, Texas
  • Mash Bill: Multi-mashbill blend (includes traditional bourbon recipes alongside Texas and Kentucky malted rye bourbon mashbills)
  • Age: 3½ Years (blend of 3.5, 4, 6, 9, and 10-year-old bourbons)
  • Proof: 118 Proof (59.0% ABV)
  • SRP: $89.99 – $94.99 (varies slightly by market)
  • Other: Limited edition 49-cask blend crafted by Master Blender Heather Greene and Master Distiller Marlene Holmes; non-chill filtered
  • Purchased: July 24, 2026 for $91.99 at The Party Source in Newport, KY

🚨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.

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Is This the Best Bourbon Starlight Has Ever Bottled? 

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Join us for an exclusive, high-end Starlight Distillery tasting featuring rare Japanese wood finishes and an ultra-rare 10-year release! In this episode, we break down two exotic cask-finished whiskeys alongside the hyper-allocated Starlight 25th Anniversary Bourbon (limited to only 100 bottles worldwide).

  • Starlight Sakura Reserve Bourbon (Batch 0001): 8-year sweet mash blend, 118 proof, finished in rare Japanese Sakura (cherry blossom) wood.
  • Starlight Mizunara Reserve Bourbon (Batch 0002): 8-year sweet mash blend, 112 proof, finished in Japanese Mizunara oak.
  • Starlight 25th Anniversary 10-Year Bourbon: 120.4 proof, low entry proof, unfinished cask strength, bottle #73 of 100.

From fresh cherry floral notes and sandalwood incense to decadent dark fudge and rich oak, we dive into full tasting notes, comparisons, and our final verdicts.

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❌

Starlight Distillery Sakura Reserve Bourbon Whiskey (Batch No. 0001)

  • Classification: Indiana Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Japanese Sakura Barrels
  • Distillery: Starlight Distillery (Borden, IN)
  • Mash Bill: Starlight Sweet Mash Blend (3-Grain: 60% Corn, 20% Rye, 20% Malted Barley / 4-Grain: 51% Corn, 20% Rye, 20% Malted Barley, 9% Wheat)
  • Age: 8 Years
  • Proof: 118 Proof (59% ABV)
  • Released: August 1, 2026
  • Other: Cask strength; finished in rare Japanese Sakura (Cherry Blossom) wood barrels; estate-grown non-GMO grains; double pot distilled.
  • Purchased: 08/01/26 for $149.99 at Starlight Distillery

Starlight Distillery Mizunara Reserve Bourbon Whiskey (Batch No. 0002)

  • Classification: Indiana Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Japanese Mizunara Oak Barrels
  • Distillery: Starlight Distillery (Borden, IN)
  • Mash Bill: Starlight Sweet Mash Blend (3-Grain: 60% Corn, 20% Rye, 20% Malted Barley / 4-Grain: 51% Corn, 20% Rye, 20% Malted Barley, 9% Wheat)
  • Age: 8 Years
  • Proof: 112 Proof (56% ABV)
  • Released: December 2025
  • Other: Cask strength; finished in rare Japanese Mizunara oak barrels; estate-grown non-GMO grains; double pot distilled.
  • Purchased: 12/4/25 for $149.99 at Starlight Distillery

Starlight Distillery 25th Anniversary Bourbon Whiskey

  • Classification: Indiana Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Starlight Distillery (Borden, IN)
  • Mash Bill: 3-Grain Sweet Mash (60% Corn, 20% Rye, 20% Malted Barley; estate-grown non-GMO grains)
  • Age: 10 Years
  • Proof: 120.4 Proof (60.2% ABV)
  • Released: August 1, 2026
  • Other: Ultra-limited 100-bottle release celebrating 25 years of distilling (Bottle No. 73 of 100); bottled July 2026; un-finished cask strength; low entry proof (110); Canton cooperage (char #3–4, 2-year air-dried staves, charred heads); aged in Warehouse 2 (southeast side); includes presentation box, custom Anniversary Glencairns, metal lapel pin, and signed Certificate of Authenticity.
  • Purchased: 08/01/26 for $300 at Starlight Distillery

🚨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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