Uncork the Legend! 🥃 Dive deep with us into the Jack Daniel’s 12 Year Old Tennessee Whiskey 2025 Limited Release! From the first sip to the lingering finish, we’ll analyze every aspect. Is it worth the hunt? We’ll dissect the finish, evaluate the price, and give you our honest recommendation on whether this Jack Daniel’s 12 Year earns a spot on your shelf. Don’t miss this in-depth review!
ABOUT THIS BOTTLE
✴️ Jack Daniels 12 Year (Batch 3)
Classification: Tennessee Whiskey
Company: Brown-Forman
Distillery: Jack Daniels Distillery
Mash Bill: 80% Corn, 12% Malted Barley, 8% Rye
Age: 12 Years
Proof: 107
MSRP: $95.00
Released: February 2025
Other: 700 ml bottle
Purchased: 03/22/25 for $199.99 at High Spirits in Evansville Indiana
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.
🤩 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.
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.
In episode 10 of Thirsty Thursday Bourbon Cocktails, we present the Maple Habanero Sour cocktail recipe. This spicy cocktail is a complex and exciting sensory experience. This easy Maple Habanero Sour Recipe is made with Russells Reserve 10, bourbon barrel aged maple syrup, fresh lemon juice, habanero bitters, and black walnut bitters.
🍁 SWEETNESS: The first sensation is often the rich, warm sweetness of maple syrup. This sweetness coats the palate, providing an inviting first impression.
🍋 CITRUS ZEST: Quickly following the maple, the tartness of the lemon juice cuts through the sweetness. This provides a refreshing, zesty counterpoint. The habanero’s heat emerges gradually. It’s not always an immediate, overwhelming burn, but rather a slow, warming sensation that builds.
🌶️ SUBTLE HEAT: Habanero peppers have a distinct fruity quality, so the heat is often accompanied by subtle floral or tropical notes.
🎆 FLAVOR FUSION: The interplay between the sweet, sour, and spicy elements creates a layered flavor profile. The maple syrup and citrus work to balance the habanero’s heat, while the habanero adds depth and complexity to the sweet-and-sour base.
🥰 FINISH: The finish can linger, with the warmth of the habanero remaining on the tongue. The sweetness of the maple may also persist, leaving a pleasant aftertaste.
🎉 The overall experience is a delightful dance of contrasting flavors. It’s a cocktail that stimulates multiple taste receptors, offering a balance of sweet, sour, and spicy that can be both refreshing and invigorating.
RECIPE
Maple🍁Habanero🌶️Sour🍋
2 oz of bourbon
.5 oz of barrel aged maple syrup
.5 oz of lemon juice (freshly squeezed, if possible)
3 dashes of habanero bitters (for the heat)
3 dashes black walnut bitters (added depth)
5 dashes of Fee Foam (or one egg white)
Dry shake 15-20 seconds
Add ice and shake 15-20 seconds
Pour into cocktail glass with an ice ball/block
Garnish with 1 dash of black pepper & 1 dried lemon slice
❇️ In this bourbon review episode, we revisit our visit to Rabbit Hole Distillery, where we acquired the Dareinger Founders Collection 2023 and the Rabelo Cask Strength Distillery Series. We dive deep into the tasting of these two exceptional, Limited Edition, offerings from Rabbit Hole Distillery, thoroughly exploring and comparing their unique aromas, tastes, and finishes. With each sip, we uncover the intricate layers of flavor that define these spirits, taking note of the subtle nuances that distinguish one from the other. Every element tells a story of craftsmanship and dedication. Ultimately, this tasting journey not only heightens our senses but also deepens our understanding of the distillery’s commitment to quality and innovation. Without a doubt, we highly recommend adding Rabbit Hole Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky, to your bourbon journey-book a tour, take a step down the rabbit hole, and savor some outstanding bourbon!
ABOUT THESE BOTTLES
✴️ Rabelo Cask Strength Distillery Series 375mil
Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Company: Rabbit Hole Distillery
Distillery:
Mash Bill: 65% Corn, 25% Wheat, 10% Malted Barley
Age: 3+ Years; Aged in #3, wood-fired, toasted & charred new American Oak barrels
Finish: 4 Months in Ruby Port Cask
Proof: 100.8
Released: 2023
Purchased: 12/15/23 for $49.99 at Rabbit Hole, Louisville KY
✴️ Dareinger Founders Collection 2023
Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Company: Rabbit Hole Distillery
Distillery: Undisclosed
Mash Bill: 65% Corn, 25% Wheat, 10% Malted Barley
Age: 3 years initially
Then Finished:
Aged in Alligator-char oak barrels for five years
Finished and aged in Pedro Ximenez sherry casks for two years
Aged in 60-year-old American white oak barrels for an additional month
Proof: 102.1
Purchased: 12/15/23 for $295.00 at Rabbit Hole, Louisville KY
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.
In Episode 11 of Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes, we recount our first three visits to Kentucky Peerless Distilling in Louisville, Kentucky. Join us as we remember that first day, December 28, 2020, the second time September 3, 2022, which marked our 11th Stamp on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, and even our third visit, October 29, 2022 where we were able to take their production tour. We share our insights into the experiences available at Kentucky Peerless Distilling, including a production tour, formal guided tastings, and the option of a non-appointment express tasting. To fully immerse ourselves in those cherished memories, we taste from two bottles purchased on our first visits, Rye Cherry Cola Single Barrel Distillery Selection and Spiced Orange Soda Single Barrel Bourbon Distillery Selection, enabling us to relive the original experiences and further enriching our journey with yet another highlight in Our Bourbon 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.
ABOUT THESE BOTTLES:
Rye Cherry Cola Single Barrel Distillery Selection
Classification: Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
Company: Kentucky Peerless Distilling Company
Distillery: Kentucky Peerless Distilling Company
Mash Bill: Undisclosed
Other: Sweet Mash, Non-Chill Filtered, No Water Added
Age: NAS (at least 4 years)
Proof: 110.4
Released: 2020
Purchased: 12/28/20 for no record at KY Peerless, Louisville KY
Spiced Orange Soda Single Barrel Bourbon Distillery Selection
Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Company: Kentucky Peerless Distilling Company
Distillery: Kentucky Peerless Distilling Company
Mash Bill: Undisclosed
Other: Sweet Mash, Non-Chill Filtered, No Water Added
Age: NAS (at least 4 years)
Proof: 107.4
Released: 2022
Purchased: 09/03/22 for $129.99 at KY Peerless, Louisville KY
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.
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.
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 FitzgeraldAmerican 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/
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.
In episode 8 of Thirsty Thursday Bourbon Cocktails, we’re crafting the ultimate bourbon cocktail set to become your new favorite: the Kentucky Tobacco Sour! My inspiration struck at a bourbon pairing dinner where a chef used Turkish Tobacco Bitters in the appetizer, leaving me completely captivated by the rich aromas and earthy flavors.
The very next day, I seized a bottle of Fee Brothers Turkish Tobacco Bitters, eager to explore its potential. However, I couldn’t find a bourbon-based cocktail that matched my flavor aspirations. So, I put my spin on the classic Whiskey Sour—using Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and a splash of Fee Brothers Turkish Tobacco Bitters.
The result is a delightful fragrance that evokes tobacco leaves—warm, complex, earthy, subtly sweet, and intriguingly floral. The bitters’ notes of nutmeg and clove create a robust cocktail experience. After testing several versions, Wayne and I are confident you’ll love this Kentucky Tobacco Sour as much as we do!
In this video, we will guide you through the cocktail-making process with clear, step-by-step instructions so you can confidently create this exquisite drink—perfect for sharing with friends or savoring solo.
RECIPE:
2 oz. of bourbon
1 oz. of Sweet & Sour Mix (or equal parts lemon juice & simple syrup)
3 Dashes of Turkish Tobacco Bitters
6 Dashes of Fee Brothers Fee Foam (or one egg white)
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.
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.
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
In Episode 9 of Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes, we recount our memorable first visit to Second Sight Distillery in Ludlow, Kentucky. Join us as we vividly remember that day, Sunday, July 31, 2022, which marked our 13th distillery on Our Bourbon Journey and our 9th Stamp on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. We share our insights into the experience available at Second Sight Distillery, our respect for its co-founders – Carus Waggoner and Rick Couch, and how it has become a must-stop whenever in Northern Kentucky. To fully immerse ourselves in those cherished memories, we taste from a bottle purchased on that very first visit, Oak Eye Bourbon, enabling us to relive the original experience and further enriching our journey with yet another highlight in Our Bourbon 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.
Your Bourbon Journey 