What Happens When You Visit Jim Beam for the FIRST TIME?
In Episode 1 of Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes, we reflect on the moment we acquired our Kentucky Bourbon Trail stamp book, April 22, 2022, marking the beginning of our exciting journey with our very first stamp collected and the unforgettable experiences we had that day. This remarkable adventure unfolded at none other than the historic and iconic James B. Beam Distilling, where we recount our first visit, share our favorite memories, and delve into the delightful flavors we tasted for the very first time. To top it off, we explore a tasting of a bottle we purchased that day, Legent, showcasing the essence of our Bourbon Trail 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.
Legent
Jim Beam’s Master Distiller, Fred Noe, collaborated with Shinji Fukuyo of Suntory to create Legent Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.
Legent is a blend of 5 year old, unfinished bourbon from Jim Beam and bourbon that has been finished in ex-wine casks and ex-Sherry casks sourced from Spain. Sources indicate that the finished component is about 60% ex-wine and 40% ex-Sherry.
Bourbon & Whiskey Industry Highlights from January 2025>> 41 Stories!
In January 2025, Kentucky’s whiskey industry experienced significant developments, including Brown-Forman layoffs, a focus on regenerative farming, and new distillery expansions. Noteworthy bottle releases included Old Forester’s 1924 bourbon and Buffalo Trace’s 2025 Prohibition Collection. Despite market corrections, industry leaders emphasized Kentucky’s bourbon sector remains robust.
Industry Market News & Related Announcements>> 10 Stories
Bourbon & Whiskey News Highlights from December 2024>> 29 Stories!
In December 2024, the bourbon and whiskey industry saw significant developments, including Ken Lewis becoming the new chair of the Kentucky Distiller’s Association and the establishment of American Single Malt as an official whiskey category. Other highlights include record auction prices, industry growth concerns, and various new product releases.
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We invite you to experience, through our eyes, an exceptional VIP Repeal Day Dinner Event that took place at Starlight Distillery on Friday, Dec 6th. This elevated evening kicked off with engaging interactions among fellow bourbon enthusiasts and the esteemed Starlight Distillery Master Distillers and Bourbon Experts. We relished every moment of this celebration, showcasing the perfect marriage of food and spirits with a meticulously crafted multi-course tasting menu. Each chef-prepared course was expertly paired with a pour from one of the five Family Reserve releases, accompanied by insightful discussions led by the Starlight Distillery experts who hand-selected each bottle.
Following dinner, we had the opportunity to purchase each Family Reserve offering, in addition to special Repeal Day Releases.
To see the event unfold and hear from Ted, Black, and Christian Huber about each bottle, watch this video.
Bourbon & Whiskey News Highlights from November 2024>> 25 Stories!
In November 2024, the bourbon and whiskey industry saw significant highlights, including record-breaking sales, new distillery developments, and market forecasts. Key stories featured Maker’s Mark’s new master distiller, multi-million dollar investments, and notable bottle releases, while Kentucky bourbon continued to thrive, attracting increased whiskey tourism.
Industry Market News & Related Announcements>> 8 Stories
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.
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
KentuckyStraight 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.
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
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
KentuckyStraight 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.
Last summer we purchased a bottle of Middle West Spirits Dark Pumpernickel Rye because Wayne is a huge fan of pumpernickel! Unfortunately, we had perhaps some unrealistic expectations of what that rye would taste like and we were somewhat disappointed. Not that is was bad, just that it didn’t align with expectations. Here is a LINK to that original tasting story.
We had several whiskey-loving friends who excitedly encouraged us to give Middle West Spirits another try. They specifically recommended exploring one of their double casks or a cask strength, which sounded thrilling! While attending Bourbon on the Banks in October, we eagerly sampled a few of their delightful offerings. That’s when we discovered and decided to purchase the amazing Double Cask Collection Ported Pumpernickel Rye Whiskey. This past weekend, we joyfully opened this bottle, excited to see what it had in store for us. We’re so glad we did!
Please be sure to read our approach to Tasting Whiskey if you haven’t already.
Mashbill – Dark Pumpernickel Rye, Non GMO, Open Pollinated Yellow Corn, 1-row Barley, Ohio Soft Red Winter Wheat (no percentages available) Age – 5 years Casks – Aged in Toasted and Charred American White Oak; finished in Tawny Port Casks Proof – 99.5 Price Paid – $49.99 (plus tax)
Color – Dark amber. Nice legs.
Aroma – Port wine is the first aroma on the nose then followed closely by rye spices, vanilla, nutmeg, and brown sugar.
Tasted Neat – The Pumpernickel rye is evident as is the port wine. Flavors of vanilla, nutmeg, and stone fruit – date or fig – are also delightful.
Finish – There is a hint of chocolate and the nutmeg lingers, but there is much less port wine. Overall it has a medium to long finish.
Tasted with dried cranberry – More spice notes are prominent and the cranberry truly enhanced the flavors of port wine, overall, making it a bit brighter. Unfortunately, the finish is very limited. That said, a red wine drinker would likely love this pairing.
Tasted with a pecan – Barrel notes are on the first taste. Nutmeg and now cinnamon as well is quite present. The pecan muted the port wine, vanilla, and stone fruit notes. Overall, finish is very limited.
Tasted with dark chocolate – The flavors of Port wine returned and with a very creamy mouth feel. There are notes of chocolate and a lot of cinnamon; however, no stone fruit. The finish with the pecan is short to medium.
Final Notes and Video
We really enjoyed this rye for its overall flavor and complexity. The color of this rye whiskey boasts a bold dark amber, showcasing its impressive viscosity. On the nose, the first aroma is port wine, seamlessly followed by intriguing rye spices, rich vanilla, nutmeg, and a touch of brown sugar. Tasting it neat, the distinct Pumpernickel rye takes center stage, harmonizing beautifully with the port wine. The delightful flavors of vanilla, nutmeg, and stone fruit—be it date or fig—are a true highlight. As for the finish, it offers a subtle hint of chocolate, with nutmeg lingering gracefully, while the port wine recedes, presenting an overall medium to long finish that truly impresses.
This tasting illustrates why we never judge a spirit based on a single taste, nor do we form opinions about a distillery from just one bottle. We are thrilled to have acquired this exceptional bottle and revisit Middle West Spirits. The Tawny Port wine cask adds a remarkable complementary finish to this pumpernickel rye, and this bottle is bursting with complexity. While it may not suit every rye whiskey enthusiast because of the Tawny Port wine finish, it was an undeniable favorite for us!
Embracing the Craft, Rebecca & Wayne
Photos and video by Rebecca Herman McBrayer
NOTE: The whiskey 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.
StraightRye Whiskey
Rye Whiskey Basic Requirements – Rye whiskey must be made from at least 51% rye. It must be distilled at 160 proof or less. It then must be placed into a new, charred oak container at a proof of 125 or below. Straight rye whiskey is a subcategory of rye whiskey that has been aged for at least two years in new, charred oak barrels and doesn’t contain any additives. If aged less than four years, the label must include an age statement. For additional information on bourbon requirements, please read this post – Rye Whiskey.
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
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.
KentuckyStraight Bourbon Whiskey
KentuckyStraight 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.
While Wayne and I have been encouraged to explore Japanese Whisky, we have been hesitant only because we feel we still have so much to learn about bourbon. However, when I discovered this particular bottle at our local Costco, it piqued my interest and I decided to give it a try. Even so, we weren’t sure if it would be something to review or record a video about – until we tasted it. At that point, we quickly decided that we would take a slight detour from our bourbon journey and travel a small path to learn more about Japanese Whisky.
Background on the Coffey Stilland Nikka’s History
The Coffey still is the world’s first patented continuous still, invented by Aeneas Coffey in 1830. While in Scotland, Masataka Taketsuru learned to distill grain whisky in a Coffey still at James Calder in 1919. He valued this still type and installed two sets at Nikka Whisky, importing the first from Scotland in 1963 and the second in 1966. Although challenging and inefficient, traditional Coffey stills retain ingredient flavors and provide a creamy texture.
Masataka Takesuru, the founder of Nikko and father of Japanese whisky – Abbreviated Timeline
1894 Born into a sake brewing family in Hiroshima on June 20.
1916 Graduated from Osaka Technical (High School) where he majored in brewing. Entered Settsu Shuzo Company in Osaka.
1918 Arrived in Scotland and enrolled at the University of Glasgow in December.
1919 Apprenticed at Longmorn Distillery in Speyside to learn malt whisky production.
1919 Apprenticed at James Calder in Bo’ness to learn Coffey grain whisky.
1923 Entered Kotobukiya Limited (Suntory) with a 10-year contract.
1923 Directed to build Yamazaki Distillery, the first whisky distillery in Japan, and engaged in whisky production.
1934 Masataka Takesuru established Dai Nippon Kaju Co., Ltd. on July 2.
1936 Yoichi Distillery started distillation.
1940 The first whisky “NIKKA WHISKY” launched.
1952 The corporate name Dai Nippon Kaju Co., Ltd. was altered to The Nikka Whisky Distilling Co., Ltd.
Tasting Notes:Nikka Coffey Grain Japanese Whisky
Mashbill – 95% Corn, 5% Barley Age – NAS, at least 3 years by rule Proof – 90 Price Paid – $49.99 (plus tax)
Color – Golden honey.
Aroma – Light, sweet, caramel, candy-like, vanilla, a hint of cinnamon and roasted corn.
Tasted Neat – A lot of sweetness, creamed corn, cinnamon, light caramel, vanilla pudding, creamy – great mouth feel. It seems to evolve with each sip.
Finish – Mild but somewhat lingering finish. Much more savory than on the nose and palate. Some leather and tobacco notes came forward.
Final Notes and Video
This was our first experience with Japanese Whisky. I don’t believe we had any specific expectations or preconceived notions about it and simply explored it like we would any other spirit.
To summarize our tasting experience: The color is a lovely golden honey. The aroma is inviting, with light, sweet notes of caramel, candy, vanilla, and a hint of cinnamon along with roasted corn. Tasting it neat reveals an abundance of sweetness, conjuring thoughts of delicious creamed corn, warm cinnamon, and vanilla pudding. It boasts a wonderfully creamy and pleasant mouthfeel that evolves beautifully with each sip, so take your time to enjoy it. While the finish is gentle, it has a lovely lingering quality. In contrast to the sweet nose and palate, the finish introduces a savory layer with nice notes of leather and tobacco, creating a well-rounded experience.
Recommendation: Wayne and I are pleased that we decided to give this a try. While it likely will not become a “daily drinker,” it is very nice to have in our spirits collection. Our recommendation for those who have not tried Japanese Whisky is to give it a try when it is available to sample at a bar. That will help you decide if purchasing a bottle is right for you.
Embracing the Craft, Rebecca & Wayne
Photos and video by Rebecca Herman McBrayer
NOTE: The whisky 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.
Japanese Whisky
To be labeled Japanese Whisky, the following is required:
Ingredients – Raw ingredients must be limited to malted grains, other cereal grains, and water extracted in Japan. Malted grains must always be used.
Production – Saccharification, fermentation, and distillation must be carried out at a distillery in Japan. Alcohol content at the time of distillation must be less than 95%.
Aging – The distilled product must be poured into wooden casks not exceeding a capacity of 700 liters and matured in Japan for a period of at least 3 years thereafter.
Bottling – The distilled product must be poured into wooden casks not exceeding a capacity of 700 liters and matured in Japan for a period of at least 3 years thereafter.
Your Bourbon Journey 