Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Four Bourbon Contenders: The Road to the Sweet 16 Continues! 

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Can a $54 Craft Bourbon Take Down a $200 Kentucky Legend? 🥃 Blind Bourbon Tasting

We are back with another high-stakes Blind Whiskey of the Month tasting! This month, we’re putting four incredible contenders to the ultimate test using our brand-new, data-driven scoring rubric. From a New York-distilled “transplant” bottled at Glenn’s Creek to the highly anticipated 2026 Woodford Reserve Double Double Oaked, this lineup is absolutely stacked.

In this episode, Wayne and Rebecca dive deep into the nose, palate, and finish of four mysterious samples. You won’t believe the scores—we actually witnessed a “Mr. Perfect” moment with one of the highest ratings we’ve ever handed out! Does the $200 price tag of the Woodford Double Double Oaked guarantee a win, or will a craft underdog like 5094 Transplant, General Thomas, or Robert’s Reserve pull off the upset?

THE CONTENDERS:

  • 5094 Transplant Bourbon (5094 Distilling/Glenns Creek) – 94.8 Proof
  • General Thomas Bourbon Single Barrel (General Thomas Spirits) – 110 Proof
  • Robert’s Reserve Bourbon (Pauley Hollow Distillery) – 92 Proof
  • Woodford Reserve Double Double Oaked (2026) – 90.4 Proof

Stay tuned until the end for the Big Reveal! We break down the math, discuss the “Sweet Sixteen” leaderboard implications, and find out which of these bottles are destined for our Whiskey of the Year tournament.

🥃 OUR NEW SCORING PROCESS: We’ve revamped our scoring to be more transparent than ever. Read the full breakdown of our new rubric and the “Sweet Sixteen” bracket process on our website: 👉 https://yourbourbonjourney.com/2026/02/27/decoding-the-pour-the-new-your-bourbon-journey-scoring-woty-process/

📊 SEE THE LIVE LEADERBOARD: Want to see where these bottles rank against the rest of the field? Check out our real-time leaderboard here: 👉 https://yourbourbonjourney.com/2026/02/27/the-live-leaderboard-road-to-the-sweet-sixteen/

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5094 Transplant Bourbon

  • Classification: Bourbon Whiskey
  • By: 5094 Distilling
  • Distilled in New York
  • Bottled by Glenns Creek Distilling
  • Mash Bill: Four Grain
  • Age: 4 Years (then 3 years in a toasted barrel)
  • Proof: 94.8
  • MSRP: $54

Original Review:

General Thomas Bourbon Single Barrel

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • By: General Thomas Spirits LLC
  • Sourced from a Northern Kentucky distillery
  • Bottled in Newport, KY
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed
  • Age: 5 Years
  • Proof: 110
  • MSRP: $70

Original Review:

Robert’s Reserve Bourbon

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Pauley Hollow Distillery
  • Mash Bill: Four-grain (Corn, Rye, Wheat, and Malted Barley)
  • Barreling: Uses a combination of 10-gallon and 30-gallon barrels with a #3 char.
  • Age: 4 Years
  • Proof: 92
  • MSRP: $50

Original Review:

Woodford Reserve Double Double Oaked Bourbon

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Brown-Forman
  • Distillery: Woodford Reserve Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 72% Corn, 18% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
  • Age: NAS: 5-7 Years in first barrel, then up to 2 years in second barrel
  • Proof: 90.4
  • MSRP: $199.99 (700 ml)

Original Review:

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

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A Real Disruptor? General Thomas Bourbon Single Barrel 

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The “Rock of Chickamauga” in a Bottle! | General Thomas Bourbon Review

Can a “disruptor” bourbon live up to the hype? Today on Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca are tasting a bottle that caught our eye (and ears!) at BourbonCon 2026 in Lexington: General Thomas Bourbon Single Barrel (Barrel 3).

Named after the Civil War hero General George Henry Thomas, this brand was launched by Fort Thomas native Dan Gorman to tell the story of a local legend. But is it just a “gimmick” with a cool AI QR code, or is the liquid inside actually battle-ready?

With a high-rye mash bill and a sturdy 110 proof, this 5-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon surprised us with an “effervescent” spice and a unique finish that reminds us of a morning espresso. From the brown sugar nose to the lingering leather and coffee notes, this is a “morning bourbon” that will definitely wake up your palate!

In this video, we discuss:

  • The “disruptor” vision behind sourcing 20 premium surplus barrels.
  • A full nose, palate, and finish breakdown (spoiler: it’s a spice bomb!).
  • The incredible personalized AI message from the General himself.

Stick around until the end to hear a direct order from General Thomas!

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General Thomas Bourbon Single Barrel

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: General Thomas Spirits LLC
  • Distillery: Sourced from a Northern Kentucky distillery (Bottled in Newport, KY)
  • Mash Bill: High-Rye (Known for bold spice and a smooth finish)
  • Age: 5 Years
  • Proof: 110
  • MSRP: $70
  • Other: Barrel 3
  • Purchased: 01/16/26 for $73 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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Is Sam’s Club Private Label Whiskey Worth the Buy?

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Is Sam’s Club Whiskey Actually Good? | Member’s Mark Bourbon, Scotch & Canadian Review

Can you really find top-shelf quality on a big-box budget? Today on Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca are diving into the world of Member’s Mark spirits from Sam’s Club. We’re putting three “M” bottles to the test: a 10-Year Highland Scotch, a 15-Year Canadian Whisky, and a 110-proof Single Barrel Bourbon distilled at the legendary Barton 1792.

At prices ranging from $19 to $30, these bottles sound like an absolute steal—but do they hold up in the glass? We break down the mash bills, the “hidden” distillery rumors (Clynelish? Sazerac?), and give you our honest tasting notes on the nose, palate, and finish. Whether you’re looking for a low-cost daily sipper or a high-proof mixer for your next cocktail, you won’t want to miss this budget-friendly breakdown.

Whiskeys Tasted Today:

  • Member’s Mark Bourbon Single Barrel ($18.97)
    • Distillery: Barton 1792 | Proof: 110 | Notes: A budget “Full Proof” with heavy cherry and brown sugar.
  • Member’s Mark Canadian Whisky (15 Year) ($29.86)
    • Source: Likely Sazerac’s Old Montreal Distillery | Proof: 80 | Notes: A mature, blended sipper for fans of smooth Canadian profiles.
  • Member’s Mark Highland Scotch Whisky (10 Year) ($29.98)
    • Source: Alexander Murray & Co. | Proof: 80 | Notes: Light, citrusy, and crisp with a touch of nutty peat.

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✴️ Member’s Mark Bourbon Single Barrel

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Barton 1792 Distillery
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed but widely recognized as Barton’s high-rye recipe: 74% Corn, 18% Rye, 8% Malted Barley.
  • Age: NAS (No Age Statement), though industry consensus puts it at roughly 4–6 years.
  • Proof: 110
  • Note: Budget-friendly version of 1792 Full Proof
  • Purchased: 01/30/26 for $18.97 at Sam’s Club in Evansville IN

✴️ Member’s Mark Canadian Whisky (15 Year)

  • Classification: Blended Canadian Whisky
  • Bottled by: IWA Distilling Co., Louisville, KY (This is a Sazerac-owned bottling facility, which strongly suggests the juice is sourced from Sazerac’s Canadian assets, likely the Old Montreal Distillery).
  • Mash Bill: Predominantly Corn with some Rye and Malted Barley (Typical for premium aged Canadian blends)
  • Age: 15 years
  • Proof: 80
  • Purchased: 01/30/26 for $29.86 at Sam’s Club in Evansville IN

✴️ Member’s Mark Highland Scotch Whisky

  • Classification: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
  • Source: While the distillery is undisclosed, this is sourced through Alexander Murray & Co., the famous independent bottler that handles private labels for Costco and Sam’s Club.
  • Distillery Rumors: Given the profile (Highland, 10 years, light peat/citrus), many enthusiasts speculate the source is Clynelish or Dalmore, though Highland Park (technically an Island but often labeled Highland) is also a frequent source for Murray’s 10-year blends.
  • Mash Bill: 
  • Age: 10 years
  • Proof: 80
  • Purchased: 01/30/26 for $29.98 at Sam’s Club in Evansville IN

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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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Woodford Double Double Oaked 2026: Way Darker Than 2025!

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Woodford Reserve Double Double Oaked (2026) | The Ultimate Dark & Decadent Bourbon?

Is the 2026 Woodford Reserve Double Double Oaked worth the $200 price tag? 🥃 In today’s New Whiskey Monday on Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca dive into one of the most coveted annual releases in the whiskey world.

After hunting this bottle down at MSRP, we’re breaking down how this year’s expression compares to the legendary 2025 release. Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall promised a “deeper and darker” profile this year—and she delivered. From the heavy toasted second barrel to the complex notes of burnt butterscotch, dark baking cocoa, and espresso, this 90.4 proof powerhouse is an absolute flavor journey.

We explore why the “double-double” process (finishing for two additional years in a second heavily toasted barrel) creates a spicier, more jammy profile than the standard Double Oaked. Does it live up to the hype? Watch to find out!

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✴️ Woodford Reserve Double Double Oaked Bourbon

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Brown-Forman
  • Distillery: Woodford Reserve Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 72% Corn, 18% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
  • Age: NAS
  • Press Release stated: 5-7 Years in first barrel, then up to 2 years in second barrel
  • Proof: 90.4
  • MSRP: $199.99 (700 ml)
  • Released: January 2026
  • Purchased: 02/11/26 for $199.99 at High Spirits in Evansville, IN

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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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Bourbon from the Hatfield-McCoy Well? Robert’s Reserve Review

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A Pike County Reunion in a Glass: Robert’s Reserve Bourbon Review

What happens when you mix the legendary water of the Hatfield-McCoy feud with one of the most prestigious names in bourbon history? You get Robert’s Reserve from Pauley Hollow Distillery.

In today’s episode, we’re tasting a bottle that is deeply personal. Pauley Hollow, the first legal distillery in Pike County, Kentucky, uses water drawn from the original Randall McCoy family well. But there’s a twist—Wayne’s ancestors, the McBrayers, lived on this same soil and were titans of the 19th-century whiskey world.

This is more than just a bourbon review; it’s a journey back to Wayne’s roots in Eastern Kentucky. We dive into the unique 4-grain mash bill, the use of rare Cypress wood fermenters, and how small-barrel aging (10 and 30-gallon) creates a “Sith Lord” level of dark, rich complexity in a 4-year-old spirit.

Does the 92-proof Robert’s Reserve live up to the McBrayer legacy? Let’s find out.

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✴️ Robert’s Reserve

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Pauley Hollow Distillery (Forest Hills, KY)
  • Distillation: They utilize 300-gallon cypress wood fermenters and a 150-gallon cypress pot still with a stainless/copper hybrid column.
  • Mash Bill: Four-grain (Corn, Rye, Wheat, and Malted Barley)
  • Barreling: Uses a combination of 10-gallon and 30-gallon barrels with a #3 char. Smaller barrels are often used by craft distilleries to accelerate the interaction between the wood and the spirit.
  • Age: 4 Years
  • Proof: 92
  • MSRP: $50

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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 Skip This! Trackside High Proof Bourbon Tasting

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Is this the next big winner in Kentucky Bourbon? 🥃

Join Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey as we dive into a truly unique find from BourbonCon 2026: the Trackside Bourbon Founder’s Release High Proof. With only 900 bottles produced, this limited-edition gem is making waves with its rare four-grain mash bill featuring Chocolate Malted Barley.

Sourced and blended from the renowned Kentucky Artisan Distillery (the hands behind Jefferson’s Ocean), this 107-proof expression is the passion project of industry veterans Jade Peterson and Jeremy Deaver. Inspired by Kentucky’s rich racing culture, it’s crafted from Jade’s personal “honey hole” collection amassed over the last decade.

In this tasting, we explore the deep confectionery sugar notes, the surprising hints of pear skin, and that signature dark chocolate finish that only a high-quality chocolate malt can provide. Is it our next Whiskey of the Month? 

Watch to find out why we’re regretting not buying a second bottle!

In this video:

  • The backstory of Trackside Distilling & Kentucky Artisan Distillery.
  • Deep dive into the 107-proof Founder’s Release profile.
  • Why Chocolate Malted Barley is a game-changer for bourbon lovers.
  • Final verdict: Is it worth the $72.99 MSRP?

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Trackside Bourbon (Founder Release High Proof)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Trackside Distilling Company (Co-Founders Jade Peterson and Jeremy Dever)
  • Distillery: Sourced and blended barrels from Kentucky Artisan Distillery (Crestwood, KY)
  • Mash Bill: A unique four-grain mash bill: Yellow Corn, Rye, Distiller’s Malt, and Chocolate Malted Barley.
  • Age: 5
  • Proof: 107
  • MSRP: $72.99
  • Other: This is a limited “Founder Release”—only about 900 bottles of this High Proof version were produced. The brand is inspired by the racing culture of Kentucky, and the barrels used are part of Jade’s personal collection amassed over the last decade.

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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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Craig Beam’s New Bourbon: Jackson Purchase Full Proof Review

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Meet the “Dream Team” Behind Jackson Purchase: Craig Beam & Terry Ballard

Is this the best 4-year-old bourbon on the market? Join us as we dive into Jackson Purchase Batch No. 1 Full Proof, the historic first house-release from a distillery that is rapidly becoming the talk of Western Kentucky.

We recently attended BourbonCon in Lexington, KY, where we had the honor of meeting the legendary Craig Beam (7th generation distiller, formerly of Heaven Hill) and Terry Ballard (formerly of Willett). This “Dream Team” has revitalized a dormant facility in Hickman, KY, bringing a 100% copper “Ghost Still” back to life to create something truly special.

In this tasting, we explore how the unique, humid microclimate of the Mississippi River Valley makes this 4-year bourbon drink like it’s 8 years old. From the deep brown sugar and floral notes on the nose to the surprising “pop” of rye spice on the finish, this 117.8 proof pour is a game-changer.

In this video:

  • The history of the “Ghost Still” and Jackson Purchase Distillery.
  • Meeting Craig Beam and the story behind Batch No. 1.
  • Deep-dive tasting notes: Brown sugar, caramel, black pepper, and floral rye.
  • Why this $59 MSRP bottle is a “Buy and Back it Up” recommendation.

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✴️ Jackson Purchase Batch No. 1 Full Proof

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Jackson Purchase Distillery
  • Distillery: Jackson Purchase Distillery (Hickman, KY)
  • Mash Bill: 70% Corn, 20% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
  • Age: 4
  • Proof: 117.8
  • MSRP: $59
  • Released: 
  • Other:
  • Purchased: 01/16/26 for $62 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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We Found a Winner! Burnt Tavern Whiskey Tasting

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Reviewing Burnt Tavern: A Toasty Surprise from BourbonCon!

Welcome back to Your Bourbon Journey! In today’s episode, Rebecca Herman and Wayne McBrayer dive into one of their most exciting finds from BourbonCon 2026 in Lexington, KY: Burnt Tavern Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

Distilled in Kentucky and finished under the expert eye of legendary master distiller Chip Tate, this 7-year-old bourbon packs a punch at 105 proof. What makes it truly stand out is the double-barreling process, finished in slow-toasted American oak, which delivers a complex, layered experience that surprised us both!

In this video, we explore:

  • The Story: Our first impressions meeting the team at BourbonCon and the history behind the William Berkele Distillery.
  • The Nose: Dive into notes of dark caramel, brown sugar, and a sweet, toasted oak smokiness.
  • The Palette: Experience the “yin and yang” of confectionary sugar sweetness versus deep leather, tobacco, and nutty “caramel-coated” flavors.
  • The Finish: Why this 105-proof pour hits fast but smooths out into a luscious, lingering finish.

Is Burnt Tavern worth the $69.99 MSRP? We discuss why we think this bottle actually drinks like a much more expensive pour and why it’s a “must-buy” if you find it on the shelf.


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✴️ Burnt Tavern

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: William Berkele Distillery (Lead Founder: Royce Blevins)
  • Distilled By: Undisclosed Kentucky Distillery (Sourced)
  • Bottled By: William Berkele Distillery (Bardstown, KY)
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed (thought to be high-rye style)
  • Age: 7 Years
  • Proof: 105
  • MSRP: $69.99
  • Other: Double-barreled and finished in slow-toasted American oak.
  • Chip Tate (of Balcones and Tate & Co. fame), acted as the master distiller and finishing expert for this project.
  • Purchased: 01/16/26 for $70 at BourbonCon in Lexington, KY

Learn more at: www.BurntTavernBourbon.com  

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

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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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Neeley Family Distillery Old Jett Flight: Full Review

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Neely Family Distillery’s Old Jet Bourbon Flight: 5 Unique Barrel Finishes! 🥃

Happy Monday, Bourbon Family! Today Your Bourbon Journey is taking a deep dive into the Old Jet line from Neeley Family Distillery. We’re spending January opening up the “2025 Vault”—bottles we picked up late last year but haven’t had the chance to share with you until now.

Named in honor of the 19th-century Jett Brothers Distilling Company, these “Old Jet” expressions by Royce Neeley bridge the gap between Kentucky history and modern finishing techniques. From a bright Sake barrel finish to a powerhouse 41-month Toasted French Oak, this flight is full of surprises!

🥃 The “Old Jet” Flight Lineup:

  • Sake Barrel Finish
    • Time: 8 Months | Proof: 101 | Mash Bill: High Rye
    • Notes: Light, bright, and fruity—the perfect “spring” bourbon.
  • Amarone & New Toasted French Oak
    • Time: 7 Months | Proof: 100 | Mash Bill: High Rye
    • Notes: A beautiful marriage of red wine grape notes and sweet vanilla.
  • Red Port Wine Barrel Finish
    • Time: 22 Months | Proof: 106.7 | Mash Bill: Wheated
    • Notes: Dark, deep, and jammy—like a fine Tawny port.
  • Maple Syrup Barrel Finish
    • Time: 7 Months | Proof: 107 | Mash Bill: Wheated
    • Notes: Rich and viscous without being overly sweet; the ultimate breakfast bourbon.
  • New Toasted French Oak
    • Time: 41 Months | Proof: 127.24 | Mash Bill: High Rye
    • Notes: A powerhouse bottle with creamy French vanilla custard and bold wood notes.

📍 Visit Neeley Family Distillery:

If you’re traveling between Cincinnati and Louisville on I-71, make sure to stop by Sparta, KY (near the Kentucky Speedway). Royce and Rebekah are doing incredible things with pot-distilled, uncut, and unfiltered spirits. Tell ’em Wayne and Rebekah from Your Bourbon Journey sent you!

Shop Online: Neeley Family Distillery Website

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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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Bourbon Trail Stop in Lawrenceburg: Larrikin Review!

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Lawrenceburg Bourbon Company (Larrikin) Tasting & Review! 🥃

Welcome back to Bourbon Trail Tales and Tastes! In Episode 53, we are taking you back to February 2024 for a visit to our 56th unique distillery stop: Lawrenceburg Bourbon Company (now rebranded as Larrikin).

Located just a stone’s throw from the legendary Wild Turkey, we first met this team at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival and knew we had to pull in when we saw the “Open” sign. While they weren’t running full distillery tours during our visit, the tasting room experience led by Emily was top-notch!

In this video, we finally crack open a bottle we’ve been hunting for in our “closet bourbon” collection: the Lawrenceburg One Cask Series (Barrel A2). This 116-proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon is a sourced gem (likely from the Bardstown/Green River family) that packs a surprising punch of citrus and silk.

In This Episode, We Cover:

  • The Distillery Visit: Our experience at Lawrenceburg Bourbon Co. and why we’re excited to go back for their new cigar lounge and tours.
  • The Bottle Breakdown: Mash bill, age, proof, and MSRP details for the One Cask Series.
  • Tasting Notes: * Nose: Honeysuckle, florals, and a sweet “pancake syrup” aroma.
    • Palette: Silky viscosity, orange peel, and a mid-palate pop of ginger.
    • Finish: A long, peppery, and smooth lingering finish.
  • The Value Verdict: Is a 4-year-old sourced bourbon worth the $90 price tag? We discuss why supporting craft distilleries matters.

Are you a fan of sourced Kentucky bourbon? Let us know in the comments if you’ve tried Lawrenceburg or Larrikin yet!

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🥃 Bottle Details: Lawrenceburg One Cask Series

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Mash Bill: 70% Corn / 21% Rye / 9% Malted Barley
  • Age: 4 Years
  • Proof: 116 (Cask Strength)
  • Distillery: Sourced (BBC/Green River)
  • Price: $90 (Purchased 02/23/24)

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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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