Vintage Whiskey Tastings

Sipping on History: Old Forester 1955 Bottled in Bond

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Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime vintage bourbon tasting experience! We’ve managed to get our hands on a truly rare piece of whiskey history: a bottle of Old Forester 1955 Bottled in Bond. 🥃 

This isn’t just a bourbon; it’s a time capsule. We’ll be uncorking this vintage whiskey to explore its unique tasting notes, from the aroma to the long, lingering finish. What secrets does this mid-century rare bourbon hold? 🤫

But the journey doesn’t end there! To truly understand the evolution of Old Forester, we’ll be doing a bourbon comparison of the vintage 1955 with the brand’s current release, the Old Forester 1897 Bottled in Bond. This side-by-side tasting reveals the past and present of one of America’s most beloved bourbons.

Don’t miss this historic pour – hit play now! ▶️

Subscribe to our channel and never miss an episode of our “Sipping on History” series! 🔔

Brad Bonds opening the bottle at Revival Vintage Spirits

Revival Vintage Spirits

#bourbon #vintagebourbon #oldforester 

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

Uncorking 41 Years: J.W. Dant Bourbon Tasting!

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A 41-Year-Old Bourbon: Tasting a 1984 J.W. Dant Time Capsule!

Get ready for an unforgettable journey into whiskey history! We’re not just opening a bottle; we’re cracking open a time capsule: a 41-year-old J.W. Dant bourbon from 1984! Have you ever wondered what four decades do to a whiskey? We definitely did, and now you can find out with us!

We got our hands on this incredible vintage gem from the amazing Revival Vintage Spirits in Covington, KY. We’ve been counting down the days to share this special tasting experience with you, and trust us, it’s worth the wait!

In this video, you’ll witness history unfold as we:

  • Uncover the fascinating story behind J.W. Dant.
  • Explore every detail – from its mesmerizing appearance to its captivating aromas.
  • Take that long-awaited, first sip and share our raw, honest reactions!

Join us as we explore how this unique, vintage whiskey holds up after all these years. This is your chance to experience a genuine taste of whiskey history with us. Don’t miss out – hit play now!

#bourbon, #vintagebourbon, #JWDant

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✴️ 1984 JW Dant Special Reserve

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: The Dant Distillery Company
  • Distillery: Schenley Distillery Louisville
  • Mash Bill: A common estimate for Bernheim’s Schenley-era mash bill was around 73-75% corn, 15-20% rye, and 8-12% malted barley.
  • Age: 4 Years
  • Proof: 90
  • Purchased: 01/31/25 at 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.

Bourbon Battle: 90s Maker’s Mark vs. Today!

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⏳ **Whiskey Time Warp: 1990s Maker’s Mark vs. Today’s Bottle – Will Decades Change the Magic?**

Ever stop to wonder if time truly *transforms* a whiskey? We did too! Join us on a fascinating expedition into the past as we unearth a **rare gem**: a vintage Maker’s Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, distilled all the way back in the **golden age of the 1990s**. 

But the journey doesn’t end there. We’re putting this liquid time capsule head-to-head against a bottle of the modern-day icon. Could decades of aging in the bottle have woven a spell of unique flavors? Or will the consistent craftsmanship of today’s Maker’s Mark shine through? 

Prepare your senses as we meticulously dissect each pour: the subtle shifts in **appearance**, the ghosts of aromas past in the **nose**, the evolution of **taste** across time, and the lingering secrets in the **finish**. Will our palates be captivated by the vintage allure, or will the present prevail? 🔥 

**Tune in for a bourbon battle unlike any other!** We’re not just tasting whiskey; we’re tasting history. Will we uncover a lost profile? Will the oak have whispered secrets over the years? Join us to find out which era of Maker’s Mark truly reigns supreme! 

👉 **Hit play now and embark on this unique whiskey time travel adventure!** Don’t forget to leave a comment with your predictions!

#bourbon, #vintagebourbon, #MakersMark 

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✴️ Maker’s Mark 1990s Pint

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Seagram
  • Distillery: Maker’s Mark Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 70% Corn, 16% Wheat, 14% Malted Barley
  • Age: NAS
  • Proof: 90
  • Purchased: 03/14/2025 at Revival Vintage Spirits, Covington, KY https://revivalky.com/ 

✴️ Maker’s Mark 2025

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Suntory Global Spirits
  • Distillery: Maker’s Mark Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 70% Corn, 16% Wheat, 14% Malted Barley
  • Age: NAS (typically around 6 years old)
  • Proof: 90
  • Purchased: 03/01/25 for $32.99 at High Spirits Liquor Store in Evansville, IN

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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.

Bourbon Time Warp! Tasting a 51-Year-Old Jim Beam Derby Edition 

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Imagine tasting liquid history… 🥃 To celebrate the 151st Kentucky Derby, we’re tasting a time capsule: the ultra-rare Jim Beam 100th Kentucky Derby Anniversary Decanter, filled with bourbon distilled in 1974! Ever dream of experiencing an 8-year-old Jim Beam from nearly half a century ago? 🤔

Join us for an EXCLUSIVE TASTING as we journey back in time with this incredible vintage whiskey. We’ll be meticulously exploring its:

  • Fascinating backstory and the legacy of this commemorative decanter
  • Visual allure: the color and appearance after all these years
  • Aromatic whispers from the past
  • Palate-awakening flavors and the evolution of its taste
  • Lingering finish – how does history fade?

But that’s not all! We’ll also put this legendary bourbon head-to-head against a modern masterpiece: Old Grand-Dad 16 Year Old. How does a taste of 1974 compare to today’s craftsmanship? 🤔

Prepare for a deep dive into whiskey history you won’t find anywhere else. Click play to uncork the past with us! ▶️ Cheers to history in a glass! 🥂

Note: From “A Guide To Jim Beam Bottles” by Cembura & Avery: The 100th anniversary of the famed Kentucky Derby Classic is honored with a bottle bearing cameos of the first winner Aristides in 1875 and Cannonade in 1974. Red roses fill the numerals. The back list the names and dates of previous winners. Height 7.5 inches.

#bourbon #vintagebourbon #JimBeam 

Originally Opened & Reviewed 05/05/24: https://yourbourbonjourney.com/2024/05/05/may-2024-kentucky-derby-tasting/

Be sure to visit Revival Vintage Spirits, Covington, KY https://revivalky.com/ 

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✴️ 1974 James B. Beam 100th Kentucky Derby Decanter

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: James B. Beam
  • Mash Bill: 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malt (estimated based on today’s Jim Beam white label)
  • Age: 100 months (8.33 years) when bottled in 1974
  • Proof: 86
  • Price Paid – Gifted from Family Collection

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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.

Tasting a 48-Year-Old Time Capsule: 1977 Crow Light Whiskey! 🕰️🥃

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🤯 Prepare your taste buds for a journey through time! 🕰️ We’re cracking open a RARE 48-year-old bourbon! 🥃 Ever wondered what a 1977 Crow Light Whiskey tastes like?! 🤔 We did too!

Join us for this SPECIAL TASTING as we dive into a time capsule of whiskey history! 🤩 We snagged this incredible vintage bottle from the amazing Revival Vintage Spirits in Covington, KY! 🙌 We’ve been counting down the days to open this beauty and share our honest thoughts with you! 🎉

In this video, we’ll:

  • Uncover the fascinating history behind Crow Light Whiskey 📜
  • Take a look back at the groovy 70s advertising for Light Whiskey 📺
  • Show off some seriously cool vintage Old Crow collectibles! 😎
  • FINALLY! Explore the appearance 👀, savor the incredible aromas👃, and take that long-awaited FIRST SIP! 🤤
  • We’ll be sharing every single detail and our thoughts on how this unique whiskey holds up today. 🤔

💡 Did you know? Back in the 1970s, everyone was going crazy for lighter spirits like vodka! 🍸 So, the bourbon industry decided to shake things up and create “light whiskey”! Crow Light hit the scene in December 1972 with the catchy slogan “The whiskey that whispers,” trying to capture that lighter vibe. Light whiskey was distilled to super high proofs (think 160-190 proof!) to mellow out the flavor and then aged briefly in used bourbon barrels for just a hint of color and taste. That “whisper” was all about that subtle, easy-drinking profile! 😉

✨ Don’t miss this chance to experience a genuine taste of whiskey history with us! Hit play now! ▶️ Cheers! 🥂

#bourbon, #vintagebourbon, #oldcrow 

✴️ Crow Light Whiskey

  • Classification: Whiskey Blended
  • Company: Old Crow Distillery Co., Louisville, KY
  • Age: 4 years
  • Proof: 80
  • Bottled: 1977
  • Purchased at Revival Vintage Spirits, Covington 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.

Rare 1960 Barclay’s Bourbon: A Deep Dive into Hiram Walker’s Legacy

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🤩 Ever wondered what a 61-year-old bourbon tastes like? In this special tasting, we’re exploring a time capsule of whiskey history: a vintage Barclay’s Bourbon Straight Whiskey, distilled by Hiram Walker & Sons in 1960.  🌟 We’ll take you on a journey through the fascinating story of Hiram Walker, a distillery that shaped the bourbon landscape. 🌟 Expect detailed tasting notes, historical insights, and an appreciation for the craftsmanship that went into this incredible bottle. 🌟 Join us as we experience a true taste of the past!

✴️ Barclay’s Bourbon

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Barclay’s Bourbon
  • Distillery: Hiram Walker & Sons Distillery, Peoria Illinois 
  • Mash Bill: Unknown
  • Age: 4
  • Proof: 86
  • Released: 1964
  • Other: It was exported to the French markets.
  • Key Figures: C.S. Buroff was identified as the Master Blender at Hiram Walker from the post-Prohibition era into the 1960s.
  • Purchased: 03/14/2025 at Revival Vintage Spirits, Covington, KY 

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🚗 Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes Series

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

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

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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.

✅ REFERENCE LIST FOR FURTHER EXPLORATION

Extra: Peoria’s Hiram Walker was once the largest distillery in the world: https://www.pjstar.com/story/news/2015/08/28/extra-peoria-s-hiram-walker/33618842007/

Goodbye ADM, hello BioUrja: After almost 40 years, Peoria ethanol plant to change hands: https://www.pjstar.com/story/business/2021/10/22/biourja-to-take-over-adm-ethanol-plant-peoria-illinois/6134147001/ 

Images Of The Past – Hiram Walker Distillery In Peoria Illinois: https://bourbonveach.com/2022/02/11/images-of-the-past-hiram-walker-distillery-in-peoria-illinois/

MEANWHILE, BACK IN PEORIA’S PAST – THIS WEEK: HIRAM WALKER DISTILLERY: http://meanwhilebackinpeoria.com/?offset=1717344310963

Presentation Photo Album Showing the Facilities of Hiram Walker & Sons Whisky Distillery in Peoria, Illinois: https://www.walkaboutbooks.net/pages/books/21448/presentation-photo-album-showing-the-facilities-of-hiram-walker-sons-whisky-distillery-in-peoria 

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/

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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.

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.