Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Orphan Barrel Fanged Pursuit Review: 17 Year Old “Unicorn” Bourbon!

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🔥 Don’t Miss This! 🔥Get ready to dive into the mystery of Orphan Barrel’s latest release: Fanged Pursuit! Inspired by the elusive bobcat prowling Kentucky’s Bourbon Heartland, this 17-year-old straight bourbon is a true unicorn. After 17 patient years in charred oak, this single-release whiskey has emerged, never to be made again. Join us as we delve into this extraordinary pour, dissecting its intricate aroma profile, the layers of flavor on the palate, and the unforgettable goodbye. And because we can’t resist a good bourbon mystery, we’ll be playing detective and trying to guess its distillery roots! We will also give you our honest recommendation on whether it’s worth the hunt!

#OrphanBarrel #FangedPursuit #bourbonreview 

Archie & Clyde’s in Newburgh Indiana

ABOUT THIS BOTTLE

✴️ Fanged Pursuit

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Diageo
  • Distillery: Sourced from an undisclosed Kentucky
  • Mash Bill: 68-74% Corn, 18-22% Rye, 8-10% Malted Barley
  • Age: 17 Years
  • Proof: 92
  • MSRP: $200
  • Released: February 2025
  • Purchased: 03/13/25 for $200.00 at Archie & Clyde’s Restaurant Newburgh Indiana

✅ RECOMMENDED FOR YOU

➡️ Bourbon Tastings & Reviews

🥃 Bourbon Cocktails

🚗 Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes Series

🚘 The ULTIMATE Guide for the Kentucky Bourbon Train (BARDSTOWN)

🚘 The ULTIMATE Guide for the Kentucky Bourbon Train (LOUISVILLE)

🛍️ AMAZON AFFILIATE LINKS (commissions earned):

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

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❓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.

Rabbit Hole Dareinger & Rabelo Review: Limited Edition Bourbon Tasting

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❇️ In this bourbon review episode, we revisit our visit to Rabbit Hole Distillery, where we acquired the Dareinger Founders Collection 2023 and the Rabelo Cask Strength Distillery Series. We dive deep into the tasting of these two exceptional, Limited Edition, offerings from Rabbit Hole Distillery, thoroughly exploring and comparing their unique aromas, tastes, and finishes. With each sip, we uncover the intricate layers of flavor that define these spirits, taking note of the subtle nuances that distinguish one from the other. Every element tells a story of craftsmanship and dedication. Ultimately, this tasting journey not only heightens our senses but also deepens our understanding of the distillery’s commitment to quality and innovation. Without a doubt, we highly recommend adding Rabbit Hole Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky, to your bourbon journey-book a tour, take a step down the rabbit hole, and savor some outstanding bourbon!

ABOUT THESE BOTTLES

✴️ Rabelo Cask Strength Distillery Series 375mil

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Rabbit Hole Distillery
  • Distillery: 
  • Mash Bill: 65% Corn, 25% Wheat, 10% Malted Barley
  • Age: 3+ Years; Aged in #3, wood-fired, toasted & charred new American Oak barrels
  • Finish: 4 Months in Ruby Port Cask
  • Proof: 100.8
  • Released: 2023
  • Purchased: 12/15/23 for $49.99 at Rabbit Hole, Louisville KY

✴️ Dareinger Founders Collection 2023

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Rabbit Hole Distillery
  • Distillery: Undisclosed
  • Mash Bill: 65% Corn, 25% Wheat, 10% Malted Barley
  • Age: 3 years initially
  • Then Finished:
    • Aged in Alligator-char oak barrels for five years
    • Finished and aged in Pedro Ximenez sherry casks for two years 
    • Aged in 60-year-old American white oak barrels for an additional month 
  • Proof: 102.1
  • Purchased: 12/15/23 for $295.00 at Rabbit Hole, Louisville KY

🛍️ AMAZON AFFILIATE LINKS (commissions earned):

Recommended for You!

➡️ Bourbon Tastings & Reviews

🥃 Bourbon Cocktails

🚗 Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes Series

🚘 The ULTIMATE Guide for the Kentucky Bourbon Train (BARDSTOWN)

🚘 The ULTIMATE Guide for the Kentucky Bourbon Train (LOUISVILLE)

**REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY**

✅ Please SUBSCRIBE and hit the LIKE button!

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.

We Visited Kentucky Peerless Distilling And Found AMAZING Bourbon

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In Episode 11 of Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes, we recount our first three visits to Kentucky Peerless Distilling in Louisville, Kentucky. Join us as we remember that first day, December 28, 2020, the second time September 3, 2022, which marked our 11th Stamp on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, and even our third visit, October 29, 2022 where we were able to take their production tour. We share our insights into the experiences available at Kentucky Peerless Distilling, including a production tour, formal guided tastings, and the option of a non-appointment express tasting. To fully immerse ourselves in those cherished memories, we taste from two bottles purchased on our first visits, Rye Cherry Cola Single Barrel Distillery Selection and Spiced Orange Soda Single Barrel Bourbon Distillery Selection, enabling us to relive the original experiences and further enriching our journey with yet another highlight in Our Bourbon Journey.

In this series, Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes, we navigate the rich tapestry of our memorable experiences on the Bourbon Trail, a journey that has undeniably enriched our appreciation for this iconic American spirit. We tackle intriguing questions such as: What stands out as the most profound memory of that bourbon trail experience, one that has etched itself firmly in our minds? What exceptional and bourbon or whiskey did we discover during this journey, perhaps one that surprised us with its intricate and delightful flavor profiles? What lasting impressions do we have of that bourbon or whiskey today, as we reflect on its complexities and how they resonate with our evolving palates and preferences? Through this exploration, we passionately recount our adventures and celebrate the stories and connections we’ve forged along the way, highlighting the essence of the Bourbon Trail.

ABOUT THESE BOTTLES: 

Rye Cherry Cola Single Barrel Distillery Selection

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
  • Company: Kentucky Peerless Distilling Company
  • Distillery: Kentucky Peerless Distilling Company
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed
  • Other: Sweet Mash, Non-Chill Filtered, No Water Added
  • Age: NAS (at least 4 years)
  • Proof: 110.4
  • Released: 2020
  • Purchased: 12/28/20 for no record at KY Peerless, Louisville KY

Spiced Orange Soda Single Barrel Bourbon Distillery Selection

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Kentucky Peerless Distilling Company
  • Distillery: Kentucky Peerless Distilling Company
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed
  • Other: Sweet Mash, Non-Chill Filtered, No Water Added
  • Age: NAS (at least 4 years)
  • Proof: 107.4
  • Released: 2022
  • Purchased: 09/03/22 for $129.99 at KY Peerless, Louisville KY

This bottle contains Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Such whiskeys have all the requirements of bourbon: Made in the U.S, distilled at <= 160 proof, barreled at <= 125 proof, aged in new, charred oak containers, bottled at >= 80 proof. Straight bourbon means it is aged at least 2 years (and must have an age statement if less than 4). In addition, to be Kentucky Straight Bourbon, it has the additional requirement that it must be produced and aged at least 1 year in the state of Kentucky.

Bourbon 51 Engraving on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bourbon51.engraving/ 

Peerless Gingerbread House Review: https://youtu.be/U4cGE9WGAsE 

**REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY**

Please SUBSCRIBE and hit the LIKE button!

Visit: https://www.youtube.com/@YourBourbonJourney/featured for additional videos to enhance Your Bourbon Journey!

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.

What Makes the Old Fitzgerald 1976 Decanter So SPECIAL?

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Join us for an unforgettable tasting event, where we will explore a captivating chapter of whiskey history! Today’s exceptional selection is a Vintage Bourbon – an Old Fitzgerald Decanter, bottled in 1976 and likely distilled around 1970. We originally opened this American Sons of St. Patrick Decanter a year ago, eagerly anticipating another tasting. It is remarkable to immerse ourselves in a vintage Old Fitzgerald Wheated Bourbon that is at least 50 years old, potentially distilled at Stizel-Weller under the esteemed Van Winkle family’s guidance. This vintage bourbon invites you to savor its unique taste profile, evoking powerful memories and emotions that embody the spirit of bourbon. Together, let’s celebrate this extraordinary bottle while Sipping on History! 🥃

ABOUT THIS VINTAGE DECANTER

  • Old Fitzgerald American Sons of St. Patrick Decanter
  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Stitzel-Weller
  • Mash Bill: The researched mashbill for Old Fitzgerald Prime in the early 1970s was 70% Corn, 20% Wheat, and 10% Malted Barley.
  • Age: According to bourbon historian, Michael Veach, Old Fitzgerald Prime was typically a blend of 4–8-year-old-whiskey with mostly 6-year-old.
  • Proof: 86
  • Other: If this whiskey was bottled around 1976, and the dominate age was 6 years, it was likely distilled and barreled around 1970. The Master Distiller at that time was Roy Hawes (early 50s to 1971).
  • Note: In 1972, the company and all its brands were sold to Norton-Simon Inc. as part of Somerset Imports, as part of a forced sale by stockholders. The distillery name was changed to Old Fitzgerald Distillery. After this point there were no longer any Van Winkles at the helm of the company, making pre-1972 bottles somewhat more sought after. (per Whiskey ID, https://whiskeyid.com/stitzel-weller-timeline/)
  • Purchased: January 2024 at Revival Vintage Spirits, Covington, KY https://revivalky.com/ 

Original Opening & Written Story: https://yourbourbonjourney.com/2024/03/17/march-2024-old-fitzgerald-1976-decanter/

AMAZON AFFILIATE LINKS (commissions earned):

**REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY**

Please SUBSCRIBE and hit the LIKE button!

Visit: https://www.youtube.com/@YourBourbonJourney/featured for additional videos to enhance Your Bourbon Journey!

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.

This bottle contains Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Such whiskeys have all the requirements of bourbon: Made in the U.S, distilled at <= 160 proof, barreled at <= 125 proof, aged in new, charred oak containers, bottled at >= 80 proof. Straight bourbon means it is aged at least 2 years (and must have an age statement if less than 4). In addition, to be Kentucky Straight Bourbon, it has the additional requirement that it must be produced and aged at least 1 year in the state of Kentucky. 

The First Visit to Old Forester – A Bourbon Adventure

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Join us in CELEBRATION of our 100th VIDEO!

 In Episode 10 of Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes, we recount our first visit to Old Forester Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky. Join us as we remember that day, Saturday, September 3, 2022, which marked our 14th distillery on Our Bourbon Journey and our 10th Stamp on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. We share our insights into the experience available at Old Forester Distillery, how complete and detailed the tour is – truly soup to nuts, and why we often select it as a first distillery visit for our friends who are visiting. To fully immerse ourselves in those cherished memories, we taste from a bottle purchased on that very first visit, Old Forester Statesman, enabling us to relive the original experience and further enriching our journey with yet another highlight in Our Bourbon Journey.

In this series, Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes, we navigate the rich tapestry of our memorable experiences on the Bourbon Trail, a journey that has undeniably enriched our appreciation for this iconic American spirit. We tackle intriguing questions such as: What stands out as the most profound memory of that bourbon trail experience, one that has etched itself firmly in our minds? What exceptional and bourbon or whiskey did we discover during this journey, perhaps one that surprised us with its intricate and delightful flavor profiles? What lasting impressions do we have of that bourbon or whiskey today, as we reflect on its complexities and how they resonate with our evolving palates and preferences? Through this exploration, we passionately recount our adventures and celebrate the stories and connections we’ve forged along the way, highlighting the essence of the Bourbon Trail.

ABOUT THE BOTTLE: Old Forester Statesman

  • The Statesman
  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Brown-Forman
  • Distillery: Old Forester Distilling Company
  • Mash Bill: 72% Corn, 18% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
  • Age: NAS (at least 4 years)
  • Proof: 95
  • MSRP: $55
  • Purchased: 09/03/22 for $56.99 at Old Forester, Louisville KY

**REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY**

Please SUBSCRIBE and hit the LIKE button!

Visit: https://www.youtube.com/@YourBourbonJourney/featured for additional videos to enhance Your Bourbon Journey!

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.

Exploring The History and Flavors of Oxmoor Bourbon

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In this bourbon review episode, we recount our recent visit to the Oxmoor Farm and Bourbon Company in Louisville, Kentucky. We highlight its historical significance, rooted in the 1700s, and the Bullitt family’s remarkable legacy of legal scholars who played a pivotal role in shaping many of the bourbon and whiskey laws we cherish today. Although bourbon was never produced on-site, Oxmoor served as a private stock brand designed for sharing.

We then delve into the tasting of two exceptional offerings from Oxmoor Bourbon – a Small Batch and a Single Barrel. Each is crafted by an undisclosed distillery in Kentucky; however, we know that one is bottled at Kentucky Artisan Distillery and the other at Neeley Family Distillery. We thoroughly enjoy and compare the unique aromas, tastes, and finishes of each offering.

Ultimately, we strongly recommend that you add Oxmoor Farm and Bourbon to your bourbon journey – book a tour, take a step back in time, and savor some outstanding bourbon!

ABOUT THESE BOTTLES

Oxmoor Small Batch Barrel Strength

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Oxmoor Bourbon Company
  • Bottled: Kentucky Artisan Distillery, Crestwood KY
  • Mash Bill: Blend of Traditional & Wheated mash bills
  • Age: NAS (at least 4 years)
  • Proof: 119
  • MSRP: $65.00
  • Other: Vol. 3, First Edition, MMXXIV
  • Purchased: 02/21/25 for $65.00 at Oxmoor Farm, Louisville KY 

Oxmoor Single Barrel

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Oxmoor Bourbon Company
  • Bottled: Neeley Family Distillery, Sparta KY
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed
  • Age: 8 years
  • Proof: 116.6
  • MSRP: $80.00
  • Released: 
  • Other: Vol. 4, MMXXIV
  • Purchased: 02/21/25 for $80.00 at Oxmoor Farm, Louisville KY

Oxmoor Bourbon Company: https://oxmoorbourbon.com/ 

AMAZON AFFILIATE LINKS (commissions earned):

**REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY**

Please SUBSCRIBE and hit the LIKE button!

Visit: https://www.youtube.com/@YourBourbonJourney/featured  for additional videos to enhance Your Bourbon Journey!

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.

Exploring Flavor Profiles: The Wheated Bourbon Showdown

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In this fun blind challenge, we take you on a captivating journey as we blind taste FOUR Wheated Bourbons.  They are each 100-107 proof and no single barrels were included; however, their mashbills and percentage of wheat do vary. Join us as we meticulously evaluate and rank each expression, diving deep into the distinctive flavor profiles and aromas that set them apart from one another. Ultimately, we will unveil our personal rankings of the wheated bourbon that reign supreme in our tasting, highlighting the elements that captured our palates the most. Of course, there’s a good chance that we won’t always agree on our favorites, leading to some lively debate and fun banter! Don’t miss this engaging and informative deep dive into the world of Wheated Bourbon, where flavor reigns and every sip tells a story.

AMAZON AFFILIATE LINKS (commissions earned):

ABOUT THESE WHEATED BOURBONS (in alphabetical order)

Bardstown Bourbon Co Origin Series High Wheat Bourbon

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Bardstown Bourbon Company
  • Distillery: Bardstown Bourbon Company
  • Mash Bill: Corn 53% / Wheat 39% / Malted Barley 8%
  • Age: 6
  • Proof: 106
  • MSRP: $49.99
  • Released: August 2024
  • Purchased: 12/07/24 for $49.99 at Bardstown Tasting Room in Louisville, KY
  • YouTube 12/26/24: https://youtu.be/0W7j-28qnGQ

Cedar Brook Wheated Bourbon

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Bottled: W.H. McBrayer
  • Distillery: 
  • Mash Bill: 70% corn, 21% wheat and 9% barley
  • Age: NAS
  • Proof: 100
  • MSRP: $65
  • Released: September 2024
  • Purchased: 09/14/24 for $65.00 via McBrayer Legacy Spirits online.
  • Not Previously Reviewed

Holladay Soft Red Wheat Bottled-in-Bond

  • Classification: Missouri Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: McCormick Distilling Company
  • Distillery:  Holladay Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 73% Corn, 15% Wheat, 12% Malted Barley
  • Age: 6
  • Proof: 100
  • MSRP: $60
  • Released: 2024
  • Other: Bottled in Bond
    Purchased: 03/06/24 for $64.99 at High Spirits in Evansville, IN
  • Story 03/24/24: https://yourbourbonjourney.com/2024/03/26/march-2024-holladay-distillery-tasting/

Weller Antique 107

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Sazerac Company, Inc.
  • Distillery: Buffalo Trace
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed Buffalo Trace “Wheated Mash Bill”
  • Age: NAS (talk of typically 6-8 years)
  • Proof: 107
  • MSRP: $52.99
  • Released: Ongoing
  • Purchased: 05/06/23 for $139.99 at Revival Vintage Spirits in Covington, KY
  • Not Previously Reviewed

**REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY**

Please SUBSCRIBE and hit the LIKE button!

Visit: https://www.youtube.com/@YourBourbonJourney/featured for additional videos to enhance Your Bourbon Journey!

Questions? YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

NOTE: 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.

Michter’s 10 Year Bourbon: A Deep Dive

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In this bourbon review episode, we share insights from our recent tour of Michter’s Fort Nelson Distillery in downtown Louisville, Kentucky, which granted us the opportunity to acquire the Michter’s 10 Year Old Bourbon. We enthusiastically dive into an exploration of this exceptional release, savoring its rich aromas, complex palate, and memorable finish. Furthermore, we delve into the Michter’s Process, illustrating how their meticulous approach achieves the outstanding results that the Michter’s leadership team aspires to deliver.

ABOUT THIS BOTTLE

  • Michter’s 10 Year Bourbon (2024)
  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Whiskey is contract distilled per Michter’s mash bill and instructions
  • Bottled by: Michter’s Distillery LLC, Louisville, Kentucky
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed
  • Age: 10 years
  • Proof: 94.4
  • MSRP: $185
  • Purchased: 02/22/25 for $195 at Michter’s Fort Nelson in Louisville, KY

AMAZON AFFILIATE LINKS (commissions earned):

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Is The BEST SURPRISE In Whiskey

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In this bourbon review episode, we’re diving into the highly anticipated first release of 2025 – the ECBP A125 from Elijah Craig Barrel Proof. As passionate ECBP enthusiasts, it’s remarkable to note that this is our first time grabbing the earliest release of the year! We’ll conduct a comprehensive analysis of this expression, from its captivating nose to the remarkable palate and finish. Join us for our expert insights on this inaugural release of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof for 2025, which boasts a lower age statement and proof than we initially expected.

ABOUT THIS BOTTLE
Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Distillery: Heaven Hill
Mash Bill: 78% Corn, 12% Malted Barley, 10% Rye
Age: 10 years, 7 months
Proof: 118.2
MSRP: $74.99
Released: January 2025
Purchased: 02/27/25 for $99.99 at High Spirits in Evansville, IN

AMAZON AFFILIATE LINKS (commissions earned):

GLENCAIRN Whiskey Glass, Gift Set of 4: https://amzn.to/4ak8DOR 

CairnCaps Bamboo Whiskey Glass Lids – Set of 6: https://amzn.to/4hgIJh0  

CairnCradle Whiskey Glass Rack: https://amzn.to/4amLZ8k 

Clove, Gum Vintage Tin, 10 Count: https://amzn.to/3QDA3pT 

Discover the Surprising Stagg 24D Barrel Proof Bourbon! 

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In this bourbon review episode, we showcase a remarkable find that took us by surprise – Stagg 24D, an unanticipated fourth release. Historically, Stagg has delighted enthusiasts with three annual releases (A, B, C), making this unexpected addition a thrilling revelation. While we haven’t actively pursued Stagg in the past, discovering this unique bottle during a recent trip to Louisville was exhilarating. We will thoroughly analyze every aspect, from its captivating nose to its impressive palate and finish. Join us as we share our in-depth insights on this exceptional surprise release of Stagg.

ABOUT THIS BOTTLE
Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Company: Sazerac Company
Distillery: Buffalo Trace Distillery
Mash Bill Percentages: Undisclosed
Age: NAS (at least 4 years; rumored to be around 7-9 years old)
Proof: 127.4
MSRP: $70
Released: Bottled in December 2024 but released in January 2025
Other: Barrel Proof, Unfiltered
Purchased: 02/21/25 for $99.99 at Neat Bar & Bottle Shop in Louisville KY

AMAZON AFFILIATE LINKS (commissions earned):

GLENCAIRN Whiskey Glass, Gift Set of 4: https://amzn.to/4ak8DOR

CairnCaps Bamboo Whiskey Glass Lids – Set of 6: https://amzn.to/4hgIJh0&nbsp;

CairnCradle Whiskey Glass Rack: https://amzn.to/4amLZ8k&nbsp;