Spirit Tastings

Caribbean Rum for Bourbon Lovers: Topper’s Crazy Dave

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Tropical Vibes & High-Proof Finds: Topper’s Rhum Distillery Tour 🥃🌴

Caribbean Rum Trail – Part 1 of 3

Ever wondered what happens when Kentucky Bourbon obsession meets Caribbean Rum craftsmanship? We’re taking you inside the world-famous Topper’s Rhum Distillery in Cole Bay, St. Maarten, for an exclusive look at their “boutique” operation and a tasting of their most prestigious bottle: Crazy Dave.

In this episode, we share our incredible luck meeting co-owner Tony King, who is bridging the gap between rum and bourbon with his experimental use of new charred oak barrels and Buffalo Trace-inspired toast levels. From watching planes skim heads at Maho Beach to sampling over 40 different rums (including rum gelato!), this was the ultimate St. Maarten excursion.

🏴‍☠️ The Star of the Show: Crazy Dave Rhum

We’re cracking open the Distillery Exclusive “Crazy Dave” Rhum. At 95 Proof, this isn’t your average mixer. It’s a bold, complex sipping rhum created to honor Topper’s most iconic guide. We even took a bottle back to Kentucky to see if “Crazy Dave” could impress our friend “Old Cranky Dave” from Glenns Creek!

In this video:

📜 The History: From Meredith Pratt’s “kitchen table” flavors to a global award-winning brand. 

🧪 The “Nerd Talk”: How Tony King uses bourbon char charts and Kentucky science to age rum. 

🥃 Live Tasting: Cracking into the 95-proof Crazy Dave (spoiler: the legs on this glass are insane!). 

🍦 Pro-Tips: Why you absolutely have to try the rum-infused chicken and that legendary gelato.

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✴️ Topper’s Crazy Dave Rhum

  • Classification: Premium Blended Aged Rhum
  • Company: Topper’s Rhum
  • Distillery: Topper’s Rhum Distillery (Cole Bay, St. Maarten)
  • Mash Bill: 100% Raw Cane Sugar / Molasses (Sourced from across the Caribbean and distilled/blended in St. Maarten)
  • Age: NAS (Non-Age Statement), but it is a blend of aged rums selected by Dave himself.
  • Proof: 95 Proof
  • MSRP: $65 Distillery Exclusive
  • Released: Special Limited Batch
  • Other: This bottle was created to honor “Crazy Dave,” their most iconic tour guide known for his “corny but informative” tours and deep knowledge of the blending process.
  • Purchased: 02/19/26 for $65 at Topper’s Rhum in St. Maarten

Buy Rhum from Topper’s: https://phoenixinternationalwineandspirits.com/collections/spirits

❌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.

#ToppersRhum #StMaarten #RumTasting #CaribbeanVacation #CrazyDave #DistilleryTour #SintMaarten #RumReview #BourbonLovers #TravelVlog #MahoBeach #BoutiqueDistillery #DrinkResponsibly #RumCollector #ToppersDistillery

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

❌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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Hill & Hill 1983: Bourbon History in a 500ml Bottle

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A Time Capsule in a Bottle: Tasting 1983 Hill & Hill Blended Whiskey 🥃

Travel back to 1983 with us as we crack open a rare 500ml “time capsule” of Hill & Hill Blended Whiskey. This isn’t just a vintage find; it’s a window into the infamous “Bourbon Glut” era, when legendary Kentucky stocks were so plentiful they were blended into everyday value labels like this one.

In this episode, Wayne and Rebecca explore the fascinating history of National Distillers, the transition to metric bottle sizes, and the mystery of what’s actually inside this “bourbon-flavored vodka.” With 80% Grain Neutral Spirits (GNS) and 20% straight whiskey—likely sourced from Old Crow or Old Taylor—does that classic “butterscotch” National Distillers profile still shine through?

We’re putting this 80-proof relic to the test to see if it’s a “hill to die on” or just a ghost of whiskey past. Grab a glass and join us on Your Bourbon Journey!

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✴️ Hill & Hill Blended Whiskey (1983)

  • Classification: American Blended Whiskey
  • Company: National Distillers Products Corp.
  • Distillery: Hill & Hill Distillery Co., Cincinnati, OH (The Cincinnati location served as the primary blending and bottling hub for National Distillers’ value labels).
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed (Likely 20% high-rye bourbon mash bill from the Old Grand-Dad or Old Crow distilleries in Kentucky, blended with 80% Grain Neutral Spirits).
  • Age: NAS (No Age Statement), but the label confirms the straight whiskey components are 4 years or older.
  • Proof: 80 Proof (40% ABV)
  • MSRP: $3.74 (Based on the vintage label stamp).
  • Released: 1983 (Confirmed by the “83” glass code on the bottom of the bottle).
  • Other: This is a 500ml bottle, which was the standard replacement for the 16oz “pint” following the 1980 metric transition. Note the “National Distillers” butterscotch profile often found in their straight whiskies may still be present in that 20% component.
  • Purchased: 07/11/25 for $75 at Revival Vintage Spirits in Covington, KY

Revival Vintage Spirits https://revivalky.com/ 

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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.

#Whiskey #Bourbon #VintageWhiskey #NationalDistillers #HillAndHill #BourbonHistory #DustyHunting #WhiskeyReview #OldCrow #BourbonGlut #1983Vintage #YourBourbon Journey #AmericanWhiskey #WhiskeyTasting #CovingtonKY

3 Michter’s Ryes You NEED to Try: Tasting & Review 

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The Rye Trifecta: A Deep Dive into Michter’s Fort Nelson Experience! 🥃

Welcome back to another episode of Bourbon Trail Tales and Tastes! Today, we are heading to the heart of Louisville’s “Whiskey Row” to revisit a personal favorite: Michter’s Fort Nelson. As Distillery #15 and Stamp #13 on our Kentucky Bourbon Trail journey, this historic site is more than just a distillery—it’s a masterclass in whiskey maturation.

In this episode, Wayne and Rebecca are breaking down three incredible (and hard-to-find) Michter’s Ryes. From the raw power of the Barrel Strength to the “sugar rush” of the Toasted Barrel Finish, and finishing with the elegance of the 10 Year Rye, we’re exploring why Michter’s is a must-stop for any whiskey enthusiast.

We also share our tips for visiting the Fort Nelson bar, the “Bottle Your Own” experience (and why you need to get in line early!), and a shoutout to Master Distiller Dan McKee and Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson.

Whiskeys Tasted in This Episode:

  • Michter’s US*1 Barrel Strength Rye (2022): The bold, spicy baseline at 112.4 proof.
  • Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Rye (2023): Secondary maturation magic featuring campfire marshmallow and dark chocolate notes.
  • Michter’s 10 Year Kentucky Straight Rye (2024/2025): Sophisticated, herbal, and refined. Is it actually older than 10 years? 

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✴️Michter’s US*1 Barrel Strength Rye (2022)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
  • Distillery: Michter’s Distillery (Louisville, KY)
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed (Proprietary “Kentucky Style” rye; high corn and malted barley content)
  • Age: NAS (Non-Age Stated, but generally understood to be 5–7 years)
  • Proof: 112.4
  • Released: March 2022 
  • Other:  Low Entry Proof: Distillate enters the barrel at 103 proof, much lower than the industry standard (125 proof), which Michter’s claims results in a richer mouthfeel.
  • Purchased: 09/03/22 for $119 at Michter’s Fort Nelson

✴️Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Rye (2023)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
  • Distillery: Michter’s Distillery (Louisville, KY)
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed
  • Age: NAS (The base rye is typically 5–7 years old before the secondary finish)
  • Proof: 108.6
  • Released: September 2023
  • Other: Finishing Process: After aging in charred new American oak, the whiskey is moved to a second barrel made of 24-month air-dried wood that has been toasted but not charred. Entry Proof: Like the others, this began its life at a low 103 entry proof, which helps maintain that “creamy” mouthfeel even after the second barreling.
  • Purchased: 12/16/23 for $139.00

✴️Michter’s 10 Year Kentucky Straight Rye (2024/2025)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
  • Company: Michter’s Distillery
  • Distillery: Undisclosed (Contract distilled to Michter’s specifications in Kentucky)
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed (Known as a “Kentucky Style” Rye, heavy on corn and malted barley)
  • Age: 10 Years (Though widely rumored to be aged closer to 12–15 years)
  • Proof: 92.8
  • Released: Mid-2024 
  • Other: Barrel No. 24C1550: .
  • Single Barrel: Unlike the Small Batch US*1 line, this is pulled from a single, exceptional barrel chosen by Master Distiller Dan McKee and Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson.
  • Purchased: 02/22/25 for $210.00

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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

❌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.

#BourbonReview #PauleyHollow #PikeCounty #KentuckyBourbon #WhiskeyTasting #HatfieldAndMcCoy #RobertsReserve #CraftDistillery #BourbonJourney #KentuckyHistory #BourbonCon #WhiskeyHeritage #FourGrainBourbon #BourbonLover #KentuckyStraightBourbon

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.

#Bourbon #WhiskeyReview #TracksideBourbon #KentuckyBourbon #BourbonJourney #WhiskeyTasting #HighProof #LimitedRelease #CraftSpirits #BourbonCommunity #ChocolateMalt #KentuckyArtisanDistillery #WhiskeyLover #BourbonCon #RareBourbon

We Tasted 14 Whiskeys! Wayne’s 58th Birthday Bourbon Tour

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A Birthday Detour to Remember: Old Louisville Whiskey Co.

February of 2024 – What started as a trip home from Mattingly’s turned into one of our favorite Bourbon Trail memories! In this episode of Bourbon Trail Tales and Tastes, we celebrate Wayne’s 58th birthday with a visit to Distillery No. 59: Old Louisville Whiskey Company.

Join us as we recount our incredible experience with Amine, a master of blending and aging who went above and beyond for our first visit. From barrel thieving in the back of their industrial Louisville home to tasting 14+ incredible pours, this visit proved why Amine is one of the best in the business. 

We also dive into a tasting of two unique bottles we brought home that day: a 10-year old “barely legal” bourbon with a massive 49% barley mashbill and a 7-year-old mysterious, sweet 119-proof bourbon.

Whether you’re a fan of MGP sources, unique finishes like Hungarian or Colombian oak, or just love a great distillery story, you won’t want to miss this one.

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

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Peter E. Hart Kentucky Rye: Everything You Need to Know

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A Journey Through History: Peter E. Hart Smoked Barrel Rye Review 🥃

Join Wayne and Rebecca on Your Bourbon Journey as we dive into a truly unique find from BourbonCon 2026: the Peter E. Hart Rye Whiskey. Sourced from the prestigious Wilderness Trail Distillery, this isn’t your average spicy rye.

What happens when you take a high-quality Kentucky Rye and finish it in Smoked Bourbon Barrels? You get a “cinnamon champagne” effervescence, bright citrus notes, and a “bourbon-esque” caramel finish that might just turn non-rye drinkers into believers. Whether you’re a fan of historical whiskey roots or looking for a rye soft enough for a slow, after-work sipper, this bottle tells a story in every glass.

In this video, we cover:

  • The historical connection to Union Soldier Sergeant Peter E. Hart.
  • Why the smoked barrel finish reminds us of the “smokehouse” style.
  • Detailed tasting notes: Orange citrus, floral grass, and popping cinnamon.
  • Is it worth the $130 price point?

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✴️ PETER E HART RYE WHISKEY

  • Classification: Kentucky Rye Whiskey
  • Company: Peter E Hart
  • Distillery: Sourced from Wilderness Trail Distillery (Danville, KY)
  • Mash Bill: 56% Rye, 33% Corn, 11% Malted Barley
  • Age: 3 Years (ave blend is reported closer to 4.5 years)
  • Proof: 100
  • Other: Finished in Smoked Bourbon Barrels
  • Purchased: 01/17/26 for $130 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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Shortbarrel Cigar Batch vs. Single Barrel: Which is Better? 

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Whether you’re a seasoned cigar aficionado or a high-proof bourbon hunter, this week’s “Wednesday Small Pours” is one you can’t miss! 🥃

Join Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey as they dive into two powerhouse expressions from Shortbarrel Bourbon. First up is the complex Cigar Batch (Gauge 36), a masterfully blended bourbon finished in four distinct casks—Armagnac, Cognac, Rum, and Tawny Port. Is it the ultimate pairing for your favorite full-bodied cigar?

Then, things get intense with a Watch Hill Proper Single Barrel clocking in at a massive 134 proof. We’re breaking down the legs, the “pops of pepper,” and that surprising minty finish. Plus, find out which bottle we’d actually “pull the trigger on” for our own collection!

Special thanks to Michael and Dawn from Chasing Neat for the bottle exchange at Bourbon Con!

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✴️ Shortbarrel Cigar Batch (Guage 36)

  • Classification: Finished Blended Straight Bourbon Whiskeys
  • Company: Shortbarrel Bourbon
  • Distillery: Blend of MGP (Indiana) and Bardstown (Kentucky) sourced barrels
  • Mash Bill: Blend of 36% Rye (MGP) and a lower-rye Kentucky bourbon
  • Age: 8-Year-Old MGP blended with various KY barrels; finished for 1–3 years
  • Proof: 114
  • MSRP: approximately $90–$95
  • Other: Non-chill filtered; finished in four distinct casks: Armagnac, Cognac, Rum, and Tawny Port. Designed specifically to pair with full-bodied cigars.

✴️ Shortbarrel Single Barrel (Watch Hill Proper)

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Single Barrel)
  • Company: Shortbarrel Bourbon
  • Distillery: Sourced (Likely MGP/Indiana based on the 7.8-year age and proof)
  • Mash Bill: Likely 21% or 36% Rye (Shortbarrel frequently picks high-rye MGP barrels)
  • Age: 7.8
  • Proof: 134
  • MSRP: approximately $80–$100 (Single barrel pricing varies by retailer)

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NOTE: The spirits in this review were provided to us by friends.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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