Exploring Flavor Profiles: The Wheated Bourbon Showdown

March 7, 2025 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

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):

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

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

March 6, 2025March 4, 2025 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

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):

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

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Is The BEST SURPRISE In Whiskey

March 5, 2025March 4, 2025 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

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!

March 1, 2025February 26, 2025 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

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 

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

Unveiling February 2025’s TOP Whiskey!

February 28, 2025February 28, 2025 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

Join us for a blind tasting as we embark on a journey to determine which whiskey truly reigns supreme! Throughout this experience, you will observe as we rank and compare a selection of four whiskeys that were selected from our February 2025 tastings.

OUR FOUR FINALISTS (in alphabetical order):
*PENELOPE HAVANA COOPER SERIES
*SILK VELVET WHISKEY, SINGLE BARREL 7
*STAGG 24D
*WOODFORD RESERVE DOUBLE DOUBLE OAKED

Through a blind process, we evaluate each spirit for nose, taste, finish, and overall appeal. We rank them from 4th place to 1st place and then reveal each one. So grab your glasses and let’s raise a toast to an unforgettable evening brimming with celebration. Cheers!

DETAILS REGARDING OUR FOUR FINALISTS (in alphabetical order):

PENELOPE HAVANA COOPER SERIES
Classification: Four Grain Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Distilled By: MGP – Ross & Squibb
Brand: Penelope
Mashbill: 74% Corn, 16% Wheat, 7% Rye, 3% Malted Barley
Age: 4 years on the Four Grain Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Age: 12 months in Caribbean rum casks
Age: 1 month in maple syrup barrels
Proof: 93
Purchased: 02/15/25 for $149.99 at High Spirits, Evansville, IN
Original YouTube Review:

SILK VELVET WHISKEY, SINGLE BARREL 7
Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Company: Hargis Spirits, LLC – Henderson, KY
Distiller: Jacob Call
Distilled: In Kentucky
Process: Sour Mash
Bottled By: Western Kentucky Distilling Co.
Mashbill: 75% Corn, 21% Rye, 4% Malted Barley
Barrels: New White Oak Barrels with a #4 Char Level
Age: 6 Years
Proof: 107
Released: December 9, 2024 (Currently only in Kentucky)
MSRP: $79.99
Purchased: 01/23/25 for $82.79 at Beverage Barn, Henderson, KY
Original YouTube Review:

STAGG 24D
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 Bottle Shop in Louisville KY
Original YouTube Review:

WOODFORD RESERVE DOUBLE DOUBLE OAKED
Type: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Distilled By: Woodford Reserve
Mashbill: 72% Corn, 18% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
Aged: 5-7 Years then up to 2 Years in a second barrel
Proof: 90.4
MSRP: $199.99 (700 ml bottle)
Released: January 2025
Purchased 02/01/25 for $299.99 at High Spirits, Evansville, IN
Original YouTube Review:

**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 producers for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.

What Makes Little Book the Infinite Edition 1 SO SPECIAL?

February 25, 2025 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

In this bourbon review episode, we are excited to unveil and indulge in the 2024 Little Book the Infinite Edition 1. This highly sought-after release, which launched in September 2024, is set to become a staple in the world of limited edition releases. We will dissect every aspect, from its captivating nose to its complex palate and gratifying finish. Join us as we share our insights on why this exceptional bottle, crafted by three generations of master distillers, Booker Noe, Fred Noe, and Freddie Noe, is undeniably a worthy investment.

ABOUT THIS BOTTLE
Classification: Straight Bourbon
Company: Beam Suntory
Distillery: Jim Beam
Mashbill: Undisclosed Blend of four bourbons:
-Booker Noe’s Component: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Aged 20 years
‍-Fred Noe’s Component: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Aged 14 years
-Freddie Noe’s Component: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Aged 7 years
-Shared Family Component: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Aged 8 Years
Age: Blend of bourbons aged 7-20 years
Proof: 119.3
Release Date: August 2024
Price Paid: $200.00

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 

Tasting Notes for Evan Williams Single Barrel

November 27, 2024 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

November 27, 2024
By Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Wayne and I selected this Evan Williams Single Barrel for a formal bourbon tasting because we realized that we have tasted it several times when out and about but our bottles at home were unopened. We picked up one bottle at a terrific dinner hosted by Evan Williams (great event!), and another at the 2024 Kentucky Bourbon Festival.

Tasting Notes: Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Please be sure to read our approach to Tasting Whiskey if you haven’t already.

Mashbill – 78% corn, 12% malted barley, 10% Rye
Age – 7-8 Years
Proof – 86.6
Price Paid – $49.99 (plus tax)

Color – Golden honey.

Aroma – Honey is very dominant and then there are notes of cinnamon. As it opens up, the light and pleasant nose includes vanilla and graham crackers.

Tasted Neat – Like the nose, the honey it right up front on the palate with notes of vanilla and cinnamon. It is reminiscent of a vanilla wafer, or vanilla yogurt with drizzled honey, as well as a honey and cinnamon graham cracker.

Finish – While not a strong finish, it does linger with cinnamon and oak.

Tasted with dried cranberry – This pairing is very light, bright, and with orange zest. It is also incredibly sweet, with hints of confectionary sugar, but the honey is gone. The finish is medium.

Tasted with a pecan – Notes of chocolate, caramel, and nutmeg really come forward with this pairing. The finish is long and lingering with some sweet barrel notes.

Tasted with dark chocolate – Interestingly, this pairing returned the honey and graham cracker. It tastes similar to a honey graham dipped in chocolate. Unfortunately, the finish is almost non-existent.

Final Notes and Video

The Evan Williams Single Barrel boasts a rich golden honey color. The aroma is dominated by honey, perfectly complemented by enticing notes of cinnamon. As it opens up, the light and inviting nose reveals layers of vanilla and graham crackers. Tasting it neat elevates the honey flavor, which takes center stage on the palate, harmonizing beautifully with vanilla and cinnamon. The experience is akin to indulging in a vanilla wafer or vanilla yogurt drizzled with honey, alongside the delightful combination of honey and cinnamon graham crackers. While the finish may not intense, it lingers with satisfying notes of cinnamon and oak.

While exploring the various pairings, we discovered that none were bad, indicating that the Evan Williams Single Barrel has versatility and could be easily paired with a variety of menu items. Wayne found the dried cranberry most interesting while I leaned toward what the pecan brought forward.

Its 7-8 year age helps bring character to this low-proof bourbon. While we believe this could be improved as a 100 proof offering, it might be a solid selection for someone who prefers a lower proof bourbon as it does have an interesting flavor profile. However, with other major distilleries starting to offer this age statement in the $25-30 range, its price point of $50 might deter some possible fans.

Embracing the Craft,
Rebecca & Wayne

Photos and video by Rebecca Herman McBrayer

NOTE: The bourbon 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.

Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

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. For additional information on bourbon requirements, please read this post – Bourbon Whiskey.

Exploring the 2024 Linkumpinch Cask Strength Special Reserve

November 23, 2024 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

November 23, 2024
By Rebecca Herman McBrayer

In this article, Wayne and I taste the Linkumpinch Kentucky Bourbon Festival Distillers’ Row Series 2024. It is a 5-Year-Old, Cask Strength Single Barrel Bourbon, offered at 117.5 Proof.

During the 2024 Kentucky Bourbon Festival, we acquired several exceptional bottles from the KBF Distillers’ Row Series. Among these, one bottle came from Dueling Grounds Distillery. Having visited them in Franklin, KY, we can unequivocally say that their regular offerings of the 4-Year-Old Linkumpinch Bourbon, whether in a cask strength single barrel version or a small batch of Bottle-in-Bond, are nothing short of outstanding.

Thus, when we learned that they would be showcasing their Special Reserve at this year’s KBF, we eagerly visited them on the very first evening at Bourbon in the Air. Engaging in a great conversation with Marc Dottore, the owner, while tasting their remarkable 5-Year-Old Special Reserve was a delight. He generously signed our bottle as well! We might have waited two months to open it, but let me tell you—good things truly come to those who wait!

Tasting Notes: Linkumpinch Kentucky Bourbon Festival Distillers’ Row Series 2024

Please be sure to read our approach to Tasting Whiskey if you haven’t already.

Mashbill – 66% corn, 22% Red Winter Wheat, 12% Malted Barley
Age – 5 Years
Other – Cask Strength Single Barrel
Proof – 117.5
Price Paid – $77.50 (plus tax)

Color – Medium to dark mahogany

Aroma – There is a nice nuttiness to the aroma as well as a soft sweetness of dark honey and ripe apples. Toasted wheat bread along with hints of oak and tobacco.

Tasted Neat – Again, the nuttiness is right there on the palate along with warm buttered honey wheat toast. There is a cinnamon spice and oak as well. Overall, it has a very creamy mouthfeel.

Finish – Black pepper is dominant but the finish is long, comfortable, and welcoming. There are some nice sweet notes as well as oak and pipe tobacco.

Tasted with dried cranberry – This brought the cinnamon to the forefront and it is nearly a spice bomb. There is a brightness of orange zest but with Mexican spices sprinkled over it.

Tasted with a pecan – The pecan brought out a lot of tannins and cinnamon. Interesting, the nuttiness returned and the sweet notes are more like caramel now.

Tasted with dark chocolate – The chocolate dominates and makes it even more creamy. It is quite a spicy cinnamon but with a hint of brown sugar.

Final Notes and Video

With its bold medium to dark mahogany hue, this drink clearly promises an explosion of flavor. The nose reveals enticing aromas of rich nuttiness paired with the luscious sweetness of dark honey and ripe apples. Notes of toasted wheat bread, complemented by subtle hints of oak and tobacco, stand out prominently. Sipping it neat, the nuttiness greets the palate alongside the inviting taste of warm buttered honey wheat toast. A delightful cinnamon spice and oak also present themselves with assurance. The overall experience boasts a luscious, creamy mouthfeel. On the finish, black pepper takes center stage, yet the conclusion is long, comforting, and welcoming, further enhanced by pleasant sweet notes, oak, and pipe tobacco.

This was certainly worth the wait. The only problem is that we are now wishing we had a second bottle. That said, we do have several bottles of their 4-Year-Old cask strength and they are excellent as well. If you are interested in purchasing one of their regular offerings, Seelbach’s is their official partner. We highly recommend them for bourbon and a visit to learn more about Dueling Grounds!

Embracing the Craft,
Rebecca & Wayne

Photos and video by Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Exploring Maker’s Mark Lost Recipe Series: Mocha Edition Review

November 17, 2024 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

November 17, 2024
By Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Wayne and I were excited to try a bottle that I discovered at our local Costco. I had heard nothing about the Lost Recipe Series by Maker’s Mark, but once I read the label, I was captivated by its unique stave combination, particularly the inclusion of the archived Roasted French Mocha stave. The impressive 111.9 proof and the reasonable price of $51.99 sealed the deal for me, prompting an immediate purchase.

Lost Recipe Series Edition #01 uses:
1 Baked American Pure 2 stave,
3 Seared French Cuvée staves, and
6 Roasted French Mocha staves.

Tasting Notes: Maker’s Mark Lost Recipe Series 2024, Ed 01, Mocha

Please be sure to read our approach to Tasting Whiskey if you haven’t already.

Mashbill – 70% Corn, 16% Wheat, 14% Malted Barley
Age – NAS, as least 4 years by rule.
Release – Lost Recipe Series 2024, Ed 01
Proof – 111.9
Price Paid – $51.99 (plus tax)

Color – Medium mahogany.

Aroma – Mocha, coffee, deep chocolate, nutmeg, and a hint of cherry.

Tasted Neat – Coffee, mocha, cherry, and a hint of cinnamon.

Finish – Lingers in a very pleasant way. Toasted barrel flavors, toasted mocha, some nutmeg.

Tasted with dried cranberry – Brightened it with citrus notes but muted the mocha flavors and minimized the finish.

Tasted with a pecan – Intensified the chocolate and coffee notes, pecan is present, the finish is medium and cinnamon forward.

Tasted with dark chocolate – Barrel notes came forward, overall it is very creamy and reminds us of a very frothy chocolate mocha with heavy whipped cream on top that is sprinkled with cinnamon and nutmeg.

Final Notes and Video

While not an identical flavor profile as the Maker’s Mark Heart Release over the summer – which featured caramel and chocolate – this could be a nice substitute for anyone who was unable to locate that bottle due to its more limited release.

The tasting experience for this release is outstanding. Its color exudes a rich medium mahogany. The aromas confidently showcase an inviting nose featuring mocha, coffee, deep chocolate, nutmeg, and a subtle hint of cherry. Upon the first sip, the mocha coffee takes center stage, complemented by hints of cherry and cinnamon. The finish is impressively prolonged, leaving a satisfying impression of toasted barrel, toasted mocha, and nutmeg.

This mocha flavor profile by Maker’s Mark at 111.9 proof is excellent. Being in the $50-range, it makes sense to add this to your bourbon collection as it is something that your guests might enjoy as well as you. We have already acquired a backup bottle as we plan to enjoy this frequently this winter.

Embracing the Craft,
Rebecca & Wayne

Photos and video by Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Why Jim Beam Winter Reserve Is a Must-Try Bourbon

November 13, 2024 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

November 13, 2024
By Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Wayne and I were thrilled to discover a bottle of the limited-edition Jim Beam Winter Reserve. This bottle is not only eye-catching but perfectly captures the essence of Fall and the holiday season. Even the store employee was convinced it was a flavored whiskey — let me be clear, this is a true Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey! There are absolutely no additives. Instead, they meticulously selected barrels that are at least 6 years old to achieve the desired flavor profile for this release — rich notes of vanilla and warming cinnamon. The extended finishing in new white oak toasted barrels further enhances the flavor, creating a remarkable tasting experience for an 86 Proof spirit.

Tasting Notes: Jim Beam Winter Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Please be sure to read our approach to Tasting Whiskey if you haven’t already.

Mashbill – 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
Age – 6 years
Release – Limited-edition
Proof – 86
SRP – $24.99
Price Paid – $26.99 (plus tax)

Color – Medium amber.

Aroma – Vanilla, cinnamon, baking spice, toasted barrel notes, inviting overall.

Tasted Neat – Toasted barrel, cinnamon, vanilla – vanilla cream or perhaps vanilla pudding. A flavorful surprise.

Finish – Medium to light finish of light cinnamon and notes of marshmallow.

Tasted with dried cranberry – Removed the vanilla and toasted notes, changed to the flavor of a cough drop. Not a good pairing.

Tasted with a pecan – Brought forward the toasted notes and nutty flavors but with a limited finish. Still, nice overall profile with this pairing.

Tasted with dark chocolate – Heavy cinnamon – much like a Red Hot candy. All other notes seem to be gone. Very odd and not a great pairing.

Final Notes and Video

Possible cocktail pairing notes:
The dried cranberry indicated that this might not do well in a fruity-sweet cocktail. The pecan brought the toasted notes forward and might be fun to try in a toasted marshmallow old fashioned. The chocolate really changed the flavor profile and might not be a good combination in a cocktail. Overall, look for complimentary flavors that really accent the lovely vanilla and cinnamon notes of the Jim Beam Winter Reserve.

Why we find this a great value:
The medium amber color strongly evokes the warmth of an evening spent by a crackling fire. The aromas of vanilla, cinnamon, and baking spices, combined with the rich scent of toasted barrel notes, transport you into a cozy home filled with the promise of freshly baked treats. Its flavor profile has a somewhat unexpected richness with flavors of oak, velvety vanilla pudding, and playful hints of marshmallow, harmonized by clove and a medley of baking spices. The finish is light to medium, leaving a lasting impression of cinnamon and marshmallow.

With the great price point and its inviting nose and taste profile, we believe this limited-edition of Jim Beam Winter Reserve is worth your consideration.

Embracing the Craft,
Rebecca & Wayne

Photos and video by Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Jim Beam Press Release:

Jim Beam, the world’s #1 bourbon, announces the official release of its limited-edition Jim Beam® Winter Reserve. Crafted with the brand’s iconic attention to detail, the new liquid offers a rich, seasonal flavor profile that captures the essence of the season, making it a standout addition to the brand’s portfolio.

Aged for six years and finished in toasted barrels for enhanced richness, Jim Beam Winter Reserve presents a smooth and elevated bourbon with subtle notes of vanilla, cinnamon spice, and a hint of clove, delivering a warm finish that captures the essence of the season. Whether shared with friends and family, given as a thoughtful gift, or used to add a twist to classic cocktails, this winter-inspired bourbon is the ideal companion for creating memorable holiday moments.

“At Jim Beam, we’re always looking for ways to innovate while staying true to our deeply rooted heritage,” said Fred Noe, Jim Beam’s seventh generation Master Distiller. “With Winter Reserve, we wanted to create a special bourbon that embodies the warmth of the holidays and the bold flavors that pair well with cold weather. We are excited to share it with our community and hope its holiday-inspired flavors bring people together to celebrate the joy of the season.”Aged for six years and finished in toasted barrels for enhanced richness, Jim Beam Winter Reserve presents a smooth and elevated bourbon with subtle notes of vanilla, cinnamon spice, and a hint of clove, delivering a warm finish that captures the essence of the season. Whether shared with friends and family, given as a thoughtful gift, or used to add a twist to classic cocktails, this winter-inspired bourbon is the ideal companion for creating memorable holiday moments.

“At Jim Beam, we’re always looking for ways to innovate while staying true to our deeply rooted heritage,” said Fred Noe, Jim Beam’s seventh generation Master Distiller. “With Winter Reserve, we wanted to create a special bourbon that embodies the warmth of the holidays and the bold flavors that pair well with cold weather. We are excited to share it with our community and hope its holiday-inspired flavors bring people together to celebrate the joy of the season.”