Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

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

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

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.

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🥃 Become a Patron & Get Exclusive Content

🔔 YouTube

📸 Instagram 

👍 Facebook

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

✴️ 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

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

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

#Bourbon #WhiskeyReview #JacksonPurchase #CraigBeam #TerryBallard #KentuckyBourbon #FullProof #WhiskeyTasting #BourbonJourney #GhostStill #BourbonLover #CraftWhiskey #BourbonCon #WhiskeyGram #NewBourbon

We Found a Winner! Burnt Tavern Whiskey Tasting

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

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.


Don’t forget to Like and Subscribe to follow our mission as we review all 9 bottles from our BourbonCon haul!

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🥃 Become a Patron & Get Exclusive Content

🔔 YouTube

📸 Instagram 

👍 Facebook

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

✴️ 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❌

🚨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.

#BourbonJourney #YourBourbonJourney #RebeccaHerman #WayneMcBrayer #BurntTavern #BourbonReview #WhiskeyTasting #KentuckyBourbon #BourbonCon #ChipTate #ToastedOak #BourbonLife #WhiskeyTube #CraftBourbon #LexingtonKY

Neeley Family Distillery Old Jett Flight: Full Review

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

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

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🥃 Become a Patron & Get Exclusive Content

🔔 YouTube

📸 Instagram 

👍 Facebook

🚨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.

#Bourbon #WhiskeyTasting #OldJet #NeeleyFamilyDistillery #KentuckyBourbon #BourbonReview #WhiskeyTube #FinishedBourbon #CraftDistillery #BourbonJourney #MapleBourbon #WineFinishedWhiskey #SakeFinish #ToastedOak #BourbonLovers

Bourbon Trail Stop in Lawrenceburg: Larrikin Review!

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

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!

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🥃 Become a Patron & Get Exclusive Content

🔔 YouTube

📸 Instagram 

👍 Facebook

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🥃 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)

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

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

#Bourbon #KentuckyBourbon #WhiskeyTasting #LawrenceburgBourbonCo #Larrikin #BourbonTrail #SingleBarrel #CaskStrength #BourbonReview #WhiskeyLife #KentuckyStraightBourbon #BourbonJourney #DistilleryVisit #DrinkResponsibly #BourbonCommunity

Ultimate Booker’s 2025 Guide: Every Batch Ranked & Scored 

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

The Ultimate Booker’s Bourbon Showdown: 2025 Full Batch Blind Tasting! 🥃

Is there a better way to kick off the weekend than a blind flight of Booker’s Bourbon? Today, Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey are diving deep into the 2025 Booker’s lineup to settle the debate: Which batch truly reigns supreme?

From the cherry-forward notes of Jerry’s Batch to the “stubborn genius” behind Phantom Pipes, we’re ranking all four releases based on Nose, Palate, and Finish. These are all Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskeys coming in at that powerhouse proof we love, but the profiles this year might surprise you!

In this video, we cover: 

✅ Full breakdown of 2025-01 through 2025-04. 

✅ Blind tasting notes: Identifying the peanuts, cherry, and “convection sugar” sweetness. 

✅ Our personal scoring (Spoilers: We found a 95-point winner!). 

✅ The stories behind the batches: Honoring Barry Berish, Jerry Dalton, and the Noe family legacy.

The 2025 Lineup:

Which 2025 Booker’s was your favorite? Did you prefer the traditional peanut funk or the unique fruit-forward profile of Jerry’s Batch? Let us know in the comments below! 👇

Batch 2025-01 “Barry’s Batch”: 7yr, 2mo, 4d | 125.7 Proof – Original Review:

Batch 2025-02 “By the Pond”: 7yr, 1mo, 20d | 126.5 Proof – Original Review:

Batch 2025-03 “Jerry’s Batch”: 7yr, 4mo, 21d | 124.7 Proof – Original Review:

Batch 2025-04 “Phantom Pipes”: 7yr, 6mo, 15d | 126.4 Proof – Original Review:

✨ SUPPORT THE CHANNEL ✨ If you love deep dives into bourbon culture and blind tastings, hit that SUBSCRIBE button and join our journey! Remember: Always drink responsibly.

For WordPress

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🥃 Become a Patron & Get Exclusive Content

🔔 YouTube

📸 Instagram 

👍 Facebook

🚨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.

#BookersBourbon #bourbonreview #whiskeytasting #JimBeam #BourbonLife #blindtasting #KentuckyBourbon #WhiskeyGram #bourbonjourney #CaskStrength #SmallBatch #WhiskeyCollection #JerrysBatch #whiskeytube #Bookers2025 

Exploring a Real Prohibition Speakeasy! | Pensive Distilling 

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

Kentucky’s Hidden Speakeasy: Pensive Distilling Co. Tour & Review

Welcome back to Your Bourbon Journey! For Episode 52, we’re heading to Newport, Kentucky, to visit our 54th distillery: Pensive Distilling Co. Located in a historic building with deep ties to Newport’s “Sin City” past, this spot is a masterclass in blending horse racing tradition with gritty mob history.

In this episode, we explore their incredible distillery tour—led by the fantastic Jeff Cole—which takes you inside a genuine Prohibition-era speakeasy still featuring bullet holes in the walls! We also dive into their horse-racing roots (named after the 1944 Kentucky Derby winner) and discuss their award-winning food, from pimento cheese to their famous burgers.

Stick around for the tasting as we crack open a “forgotten bottle” of Pensive Single Barrel Bourbon (Batch 10). This 100-proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon surprised us with its unique flavor profile of nutty almond, bright orange citrus, and a popping rye spice.

📍 Visit Highlights

  • The Speakeasy: A historic room where the Mob used to run the show. Look out for the bullet holes and the lookout windows used to spot the police!
  • The Food: We’ve been back just for the kitchen. Don’t miss the horse-themed menu items like the “American Pharoah” burger or the “Strike the Gold.”
  • The Vibe: Horse racing memorabilia meets industrial distilling. A must-stop on the Northern Kentucky B-Line.

Did you know? Pensive Distilling is named after the Calumet Farm horse that won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes in 1944.

Support the Journey: If you enjoyed this tour of Newport’s bourbon scene, hit that SUBSCRIBE button and ring the bell for weekly distillery tours and honest whiskey reviews!

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🥃 Become a Patron & Get Exclusive Content

🔔 YouTube

📸 Instagram 

👍 Facebook

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🥃 Bottle Specs: Pensive Single Barrel Bourbon

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Undisclosed (Sourced & Bottled by Pensive Distilling Co.)
  • Mash Bill: 70% Corn, 21% Rye, 9% Malted Barley
  • Age: NAS (Minimum 4 years)
  • Proof: 100 Proof
  • Batch/Bottle: Batch 10, Bottle 4
  • MSRP: $69 (Purchased at the distillery 11/18/23)

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

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

#BourbonJourney #PensiveDistilling #KentuckyBourbon #WhiskeyReview #NewportKY #BourbonTrail #SingleBarrel #Speakeasy #BourbonTasting #CraftDistillery #KYBourbon #WhiskeyLover #DrinkLocal #BLine #KentuckyHistory

Glenns Creek Patriotic Meri-COB: Red, White & Blue Corn

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

In this episode of Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca head to the historic grounds of Glenns Creek Distilling to crack open a very special bottle: the Patriotic Meri-COB.

This isn’t just any bourbon; it’s the first new product release from the distillery since 2021! Distilled in the shadow of the former Old Crow ruins, this 100% Corn Bourbon is a masterclass in heirloom grains. We’re breaking down the “Red, White, and Blue” mash bill featuring Bloody Butcher Red, Hickory King White, and Hoppi Blue corn.

From its buttery “kettle corn” sweetness on the nose to a surprising savory, black pepper finish, this 105-proof powerhouse is a contender for our Whiskey of the Month. Is it the “Tail of Two Bourbons”? Watch to find out if this $80 bottle lives up to the hype!

⭐ Tasting Notes:

  • Nose: Incredibly sweet and complex. Heavy notes of butterscotch, vanilla, and sweet heirloom corn without the typical “dusty funk.”
  • Palate: Thick viscosity with a “buttery popcorn” or “kettle corn” mouthfeel. Initial caramel sweetness transitions into a deep, savory complexity.
  • Finish: Long and warming with a touch of black pepper and a lingering “sugary” kettle corn essence.

We were shocked by that buttery kettle corn note on the finish! Have you ever picked up a popcorn note in your bourbon before, or are we just crazy? Let us know in the comments! 👇

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🥃 Become a Patron & Get Exclusive Content

🔔 YouTube

📸 Instagram 

👍 Facebook

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

✴️ Patriotic Meri-COB

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Glenns Creek Distilling
  • Mash Bill: 100% Corn:  Bloody Butcher Red, Hickory King White, Hoppi Blue
  • Age: At least 36 months
  • Proof: 105
  • MSRP: $80
  • Other: This is the first new release of a product since 2021
  • Released: July 2025

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

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

#BourbonReview #GlennsCreekDistilling #PatrioticMeriCOB #KentuckyBourbon #WhiskeyTasting #HeirloomCorn #BourbonJourney #CraftDistillery #WhiskeyLover #BourbonLife #KentuckyStraightBourbon #BloodyButcherCorn #WhiskeyOfTheMonth #SmallBatchWhiskey #BourbonCommunity

Booker’s “Phantom Pipes Batch” Review (2025-04)

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

🥃 Booker’s 2025-04 “Phantom Pipes Batch” Bourbon Review & Tasting! | Is This the Best Batch of the Year?

In this video, Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey dive into the final and most mysterious release of the year: Booker’s 2025-04 “Phantom Pipes Batch”! We snagged this bottle right at the Jim Beam Distillery and are ready to share the uncut and unfiltered review of this Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

The Phantom Pipes Batch is named after a maze of pipes Master Distiller Booker Noe left behind at the Boston Distillery—a symbol of his “stubborn genius” and dedication to making bourbon the right way. At a bold 126.4 Proof and aged over 7.5 years, this is a quintessential, high-proof Booker’s experience.

What We Found:

  • The Nose: Strong brown sugar, cinnamon, and that signature high-proof Booker’s intensity.
  • The Palate: A punch of toasty roasted peanuts, combined with warm brown sugar and cinnamon—like a crunchy, charred cinnamon-sugar-peanut treat!
  • The Finish: Exceptionally long, warm, and consistent, carrying that delightful blend of brown sugar, cinnamon, and char goodness all the way through.

We’re big Booker’s fans—Wayne even credits an earlier batch as his first bourbon love! We discuss why Booker’s is the “stamp of bourbon” and whether its consistent, traditional flavor profile helps or hurts it in a bourbon blind tasting. Will this batch stand up to the rest of the 2025 releases? Stick around for our full review and find out!

Don’t forget to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE for more bourbon reviews! Let us know in the comments if you’ve tried the Phantom Pipes Batch and what you thought!

We will be doing a blind tasting of all four 2025 Booker’s releases in January—hit the bell so you don’t miss it!

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🥃 Become a Patron & Get Exclusive Content

🔔 YouTube

📸 Instagram 

👍 Facebook

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

✴️ Booker’s 2025-04 Phantom Pipes Batch

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Suntory Global Spirits
  • Distillery: James B. Beam Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 77% Corn, 13% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
  • Age: Youngest barrels – 7 years, 6 months, and 15 days
  • Proof: 126.4
  • MSRP: $110
  • Released: Nov 2025
  • Purchased: Dec 05, 2025 for $110 at Jim Beam Distilling

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

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

#BookersBourbon #PhantomPipesBatch #bourbonreview #whiskeytasting #KentuckyStraightBourbon #BarrelProof #Bookers2025 #JimBeam #Whiskey #bourbon #HighProofBourbon #UncutUnfiltered #BookerNoe #whiskeytube #NewReleaseBourbon 

Is Knob Creek 21 Year Worth $250 MSRP?

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

🎉 Knob Creek 21 Year Old Bourbon Review! 🎉 Is this the ultimate extra-aged whiskey?

Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey finally got their hands on the historic Knob Creek 21 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey—the oldest expression ever released by the James B. Beam Distilling Co.! Watch as they pour, nose, and taste this highly-anticipated, limited-edition small batch bourbon, bottled at a perfect 100 proof.

We were lucky enough to score this bottle at the Jim Beam Distillery for the MSRP of $249.99! Was the two-decade wait worth it? Does it live up to the hype established by the Knob Creek 9 and 12-Year expressions?

🥃 Knob Creek 21 Year Old Tasting Notes & Review Highlights

  • The Nose: Right out of the gate, the aromas are incredibly inviting! Get ready for notes of butterscotch, toffee, and a rich, cooked brown sugar. It smells like what a 21-year-old whiskey should smell like!
  • The Palate: This is a surprisingly barrel forward bourbon, but perfectly balanced! You’ll find deep tannins and robust char notes, but the 100 proof prevents it from being an “oak bomb.”
  • The Finish: Long, warm, and not drying! Enjoy lingering notes of cinnamon, dark cocoa (dark chocolate), and a nice pop of black pepper. It’s the perfect deep, dark, rich sipper for the winter.

Master Distiller Freddie Noe said they weren’t chasing an age statement, but focused on crafting a great bourbon—and they hit it out of the park! We discuss the value of a $250, 21-year-old bourbon and compare it to the popular Knob Creek 18-Year and 12-Year expressions.

❓ Have you tried the Knob Creek 21 Year Old? What did you think of the barrel notes? Let us know in the comments!

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🥃 Become a Patron & Get Exclusive Content

🔔 YouTube

📸 Instagram 

👍 Facebook

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

✴️ Knob Creek 21 Year Old

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Suntory Global Spirits
  • Distillery: James B. Beam Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
  • Barrel: Char #4, Barrel Entry 125 Proof
  • Age: 21 Years
  • Other: The oldest expression in distillery history
  • Proof: 100
  • MSRP: $249.99
  • Released: Oct 28, 2025
  • Purchased: Dec 5, 2025 for $250 at Jim Beam Distillery

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

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

#knobcreek21 #bourbon #Whiskey #knobcreek #bourbonreview #whiskeytasting #KentuckyBourbon #Aged21Years #JimBeam #LimitedEdition #SmallBatchBourbon #whiskeytube #BourbonLife #Toffee #ExtraAgedWhiskey 

Flaviar Advent 2025: Days 7, 8, 9 Surprise Whiskeys

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

🥃 Flaviar Advent Calendar 2025: Days 7, 8, & 9 Reveal & Review! Heirloom Corn Whiskey, Farm-to-Glass Rye & Tequila Finished Bourbon! 🇺🇸

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!

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🥃 Become a Patron & Get Exclusive Content

🔔 YouTube

📸 Instagram 

👍 Facebook

🚨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.

#FlaviarAdventCalendar #whiskeytasting #bourbon #FlaviarDays7-9 #TequilaFinishBourbon  #freyranch #15StarsBourbon #WhiskeyReview #AmericanWhiskey #FarmToGlass #TequilaFinish #Whiskey #KentuckyBourbon #WhiskeyLover