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.
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.
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?
Support the Journey: If you enjoy our deep dives into the world of whiskey, don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE and hit the bell icon! 🔔
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Four Roses Through the Ages: A Vintage vs. Modern Bourbon Journey 🌹
Join us at Your Bourbon Journey for a truly special tasting as we “Quantum Leap” through three distinct eras of Four Roses. We’re traveling from the mid-century “Lost Years” to the “Golden” Japanese export era of the 1990s, finally returning to the bold resurgence of today’s Small Batch Select.
In this episode, Wayne and Rebecca head to the tasting table with two rare finds from Revival Vintage Spirits and one modern powerhouse. We explore how a brand that was once diluted for the American market kept its soul alive in Japan before reclaiming its throne as a top-tier Kentucky producer. From surprising butterscotch notes in a 1950s blend to the elegant, crystal-like beauty of the 1997 Super Premium, this is a masterclass in the evolution of flavor, proof, and history.
What we’re tasting today:
The “Lost” Years (1945–1960): A blended whiskey featuring Series 111 tax seals and a surprising hit of honeysuckle.
The “Golden” Export (1997 Super Premium): A Japanese market exclusive designed to look like high-end crystal, showcasing the delicate V and K yeast strains.
The “Resurgence” (Small Batch Select): The modern-day 104-proof powerhouse that proves Four Roses is back and better than ever.
Whether you’re a fan of “dusty” hunting or you just love a solid pour of Four Roses Small Batch, there is something in this timeline for every whiskey enthusiast.
We highly recommend Revival Vintage Spirits for your vintage bottles: https://revivalky.com/
❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌
✴️ FOUR ROSES BLENDED WHISKEY (1945-1960)
Classification: Blended Whiskey
Distillery: Four Roses Lawrenceburg
35% straight whiskies. 65% grain neutral spirits. 25% straight whiskies 4 years old. 4% straight whiskies 6 years old.
Age: NAS (researched at 4–6-year blends)
Proof: 86
Tax Seal: Red, Series 111
FOUR ROSES SUPER PREMIUM VINTAGE 1997
Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Company: Kirin-Seagram Ltd.
Distillery: Four Roses Lawrenceburg
Bottled: Kirin-Seagram facility in Gotemba, Japan
Mash Bill – typically a blend of:
E: 75% Corn, 20% Rye, 5% Malted Barley
B: 60% Corn, 35% Rye, 5% Malted Barley
Yeast: Commonly the V (delicate fruit) and K (slight spice)
Age: Typically, at least 8 years old
Proof: 86
The Design: That clear bottle with the labeling printed directly on the glass was designed to look like high-end crystal for the Japanese “gift-giving” culture. It’s widely considered one of the most beautiful bottles Four Roses ever produced.
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.
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!
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.
Cheers to another Wednesday pour! 🥃 Today, Wayne and Rebecca are diving into two incredible bottles from Pursuit United, courtesy of our friends Dawn and Michael from Chasing Neat.
Pursuit United is known for their transparency and master-level blending, bringing together premium distillates from Bardstown Bourbon Co., Finger Lakes Distilling, and a secret Tennessee partner. In this episode, we put two distinct expressions to the test: the rich, dessert-forward Double Oaked Bourbon and the bold, high-octane Triple Mash Bourbon Barrel Proof.
From “maple bacon” and “chocolate-covered peanuts” on the Double Oaked to the “confectionary sugar” and massive legs on the Triple Mash, these bottles did not disappoint. One of these even earned the title of an “all day, twice on Sunday” must-buy!
Which one won the “eye candy” approval? Watch to find out!
📲 Connect With Us
If you enjoyed this review, hit that Subscribe button and join our whiskey journey!
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.
Is Glenns Creek the Most Authentic Stop on the Bourbon Trail?
In this episode of Bourbon Trail Tales and Tastes, we’re heading deep into the heart of Frankfort, Kentucky, to visit our 57th distillery: Glenns Creek Distilling. Located on the historic, rugged grounds of the abandoned Old Crow Distillery, this is anything but a corporate tour.
Join us as we sit down for an unforgettable 2.5-hour tasting with the legendary and “eccentric” owner and master distiller, David Meier. From sticking our fingers in the mash to hearing the wild stories of how David propagated yeast from the original Old Crow Fermenter #5, this visit was a birthday highlight we won’t soon forget!
🥃 Bottles on the Table
We’re tasting two unique expressions that prove “lazy” isn’t in the Glenns Creek vocabulary:
OCD #5 Bourbon: The flagship. Crafted with a high-corn mash bill and that historic Old Crow yeast, this 103.2 proof beauty is packed with notes of toffee, butterscotch, and deep barrel char.
Café Olé Bourbon: Imagine OCD #5 with a dark side. By adding chocolate malted barley, David has created a mocha-forward masterpiece. Think dark chocolate, espresso, and rich butterscotch.
Have you ever braved the backroads to find Glenns Creek? David Meier is a legend in the making—tell us your favorite “Cranky Dave” story or which of these bottles you’re hunting next in the comments below! 👇
❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌
🥃 Bottle Details:
OCD #5 Bourbon
Classification: Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey
Company: Glenns Creek Distilling
Distillery: Glenns Creek Distilling
Mash Bill: 87% Corn, 8% Rye, 5% Barley
Yeast: Old Crow Yeast Fermenter #5
Age: 44 months
Proof: 103.2
MSRP: $66.04
Released: 2024
Other: Barrel 123, Bottle 3
Purchased: 02/23/24 for $66.04 at Glenns Creek Distilling
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.
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.
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!
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.
Is it a Buy? Blind Barrels Release XVI “Best of the Best” Tasting! 🥃
Happy Friday, whiskey lovers! Today, Wayne and Rebecca are diving into Blind Barrels Release XVI, aptly titled “The Best of the Best.” This curated box features standout picks from award-winning craft distilleries, and we’re putting our palates to the test to see if we can identify these mystery pours.
From a rare bourbon finished on local wood to a high-proof whiskey ranked in the Top 20 of 2025 by Whiskey Advocate, this flight is full of surprises! Are these regional gems worth the hunt? Watch as we break down the nose, palate, and finish of each mystery pour to decide: Is it a BUY?
🕵️ The Mystery Lineup (Revealed in Video!):
Sample A: A unique bourbon from the “Cherry Capital of the World,” finished on toasted cherry wood staves for a bright, floral profile.
Sample B: An “out of this world” 100-proof, four-grain Kentucky Straight Bourbon released to celebrate a total solar eclipse.
Sample C: A 115-proof American Single Malt from the ADI “Distillery of the Year,” aged for 7 years and rarely seen outside its home state.
Sample D: A powerhouse 125-proof Wheat Whiskey from Ohio, recently honored as one of the most prestigious spirits in the world for 2025.
Enjoying the journey? If you like honest whiskey talk and real-world buying advice, hit SUBSCRIBE and the bell to join us for every pour!
NOTE: We were not compensated by the spirit producers or Blind Barrels for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.
Your Bourbon Journey 