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Our 1st Anniversary & a Pour of Russell’s Reserve 15! 

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🥳 One Year of the Journey! Russell’s Reserve 15 Tasting, Vintage Bourbons & Our BIG Announcement!

Wayne and Rebecca are celebrating their YouTube One-Year Anniversary with a very special, well-aged pour: Russell’s Reserve 15-Year-Old Bourbon! It’s been an incredible ride, and we’re raising a glass of “Whiskey of the Year” to you, our amazing Your Bourbon Journey community!

Thank you for watching 75,000+ views and 4,000+ hours of our videos—you’re the reason we’ve done 300 videos in 365 days!

So grab your favorite glass, settle in, and let’s explore this bourbon together! Click play ▶️ NOW!

🥃 Tasting Russell’s Reserve 15-Year-Old

Join us as we uncork this amazing, hard-to-find bottle—a true special occasion drinker—and savor its complex profile.

  • Wayne’s Notes: Rich wood tannin, classic Wild Turkey profile, with a back-end of pepperiness and a touch of dark coffee.
  • Rebecca’s Notes: Immediate notes of brown sugar and cinnamon, with a delightful hint of dark chocolate on the long finish.

🌟 Reflection, Gratitude, and Milestones

A year ago, we went from a simple bourbon blog to launching our whiskey YouTube channel! We’re reflecting on the journey:

  • 41 Cocktails: From bourbon purists to a surprising love for the craft!
  • Vintage Tastings / Sipping on History: Diving deep into vintage bourbon and whiskey history with our friend Brad Bonds at Revival Vintage Spirits. We’ve tasted and reviewed forgotten brands like Hill and Hill, Old Forester, and Old Yellowstone.
  • Building Community: Sharing a bourbon sip with like-minded people is what it’s all about! From fellow whiskey tubers like SLB and Bourbon Judge to our new friends at the Decatur Bourbon Society and our amazing friends, Michael & Dawn of Chasing Neat!
  • Supporting the Craft: Our hearts are with the craft distilleries like Glens Creek Distillery and The Bard Distillery. We’ll always cheer for the small-town folks who are making amazing juice and giving back to their communities.

🚀 Our BIG 2026 Announcement: Join the Community!

To move forward, grow our community, and continue to embrace the craft, we’re making a huge leap! Today, we are launching our Patreon Your Bourbon Journey page! Get more input, vote on our videos, and help us plan a barrel pick next year!

Join us in one of our three launch tiers:

  • Sweet Mash 
  • White Dog 
  • Barrel Fill 

Cheers to all of you for being a part of the Your Bourbon Journey community! We hope to see you there!

What was your favorite moment from our first year on the channel? Tell us in the comments!

Are you a true bourbon fanatic, always on the hunt for the next exceptional pour? 

Then smash that like button 👍 to show your appreciation for fine whiskey!  

Hit subscribe 🔔 so you never miss our reviews of rare and remarkable spirits, and 

Share this video ➡️ with your fellow whiskey lovers. 

Join our Patreon Community as we build a community of enthusiasts who appreciate the art of exceptional bourbon! 

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

✅ Please SUBSCRIBE and hit the LIKE button!

✅ Visit: https://yourbourbonjourney.com  for additional stories to enhance Your Bourbon Journey!

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.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.

#YourBourbonJourney #BourbonJourney #RussellsReserve15 #WildTurkey #BourbonReview #WhiskeyTube #BourbonTasting #PatreonLaunch #VintageBourbon #WhiskeyOfTheYear #CraftDistillery #GlensCreekDistillery #TheBardDistillery #Anniversary #BourbonCommunity #NewburghIndiana #DrinkResponsibly

Bourbon & Whiskey News: September 2025

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10/01/25
Curated by Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Bourbon & Whiskey Industry Highlights from September 2025 >> 43 Stories!

In September 2025, the bourbon and whiskey industry saw significant developments, including 43 stories on market news, distillery highlights, and bottle releases. Key events included new distillery openings, prestigious awards, and notable bottle launches, such as the 2025 Pappy Van Winkle collection and innovative releases from various distilleries across Kentucky.

Industry Market News & Related Announcements >> 2 Stories

09/11: Global Bourbon Market Size, Share, Forecasts 2023 – 2033

09/15: World whisky: from global gloom to local boom

Distillery News >> 9 Stories

09/03: Nashville Barrel Co plans Kentucky distillery

09/05: Heaven Hill Commemorates Opening of New Distillery

09/08: This 29-Acre Farm Distillery Is Embracing the Terroir of Montgomery County

09/11: Inside the new Heaven Hill Springs Distillery

09/15: Uncle Nearest Whiskey Under Federal Receivership

09/23: Kentucky distillery bounces back from massive flood that briefly halted bourbon production

09/25: Diageo pauses production at two US distilleries

09/25: Kentucky Distillers’ Association Welcomes Dark Arts Whiskey House As Newest Member

09/29: Buffalo Trace Distillery fills its 9 millionth barrel since Prohibition

Distillery Trail >> 3 Stories

09/03: KDA Adds Purple Toad Winery & Distillery as Craft Member

09/10: Von Payne Spirits to Transform Historic Louisville Bakery into Distillery and Tasting Destination

09/24: 7 Bourbon Trail Mistakes Almost Everyone Makes, According To A Bourbon Butler

Awards Announced >> 4 Stories

09/05: America’s Best Bourbon, According To The 2025 IWSC

09/05: Starlight Distillery wins award at Heartland Whiskey Competition

09/12: American Bourbon Back on Top: Four Bourbons Win Highest Gold at IWSC 2025

09/17: Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame Inducts 2025 Class

Bourbon Festival News & Updates >> 1 Story

09/25: Ohio Craft Whiskey Festival returns with record 23 distilleries

Bottle Releases >> 23 Stories

09/01: Log Still Distillery Launches Remington Reserve

09/02: Limestone Branch Distillery collaborates with Ross & Squibb Distillery on 2025 release of Yellowstone Limited Edition

09/02: Rabbit Hole Regallier Showcases French Oak Finish

09/02: Heaven Hill Returns To Bardstown With Master Distillers Unity Bourbon

09/03: Barrel Global Partners with Award-Winning Middle West Spirits To Offer Old Elk Wheated Bourbon New-Fill Single Barrels

09/03: Jackson Purchase Bourbon ‘Batch No. 1’ to Debut at KY Bourbon Festival

09/03: Milam & Greene Launches Provisions Bourbon

09/03: The Ingram Distillery Ventures into the Unknown with New Wheated Bourbon: Uncharted

09/05: Angel’s Envy Just Unveiled a Pair of Unusual Limited-Edition Whiskeys

09/09: Woodford Reserve 2025 Master’s Collection Revealed

09/09: 2XO Whiskey Launches White Oak Rye, Renowned Blender Dixon Dedman’s First Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey Release

09/09: Beam Releases Booker’s The Reserves 2025 Edition

09/11: Garrison Brothers to Releases Sonora Bourbon in October

09/11: Pappy Van Winkle 2025 Bourbon Collection Has Launched

09/11: 2XO Debuts White Oak Rye Whiskey With 95% Rye Mash

09/16: Elijah Craig Launches Its First Ever Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

09/17: This new Milam & Greene bourbon is a collector’s dream

09/17: Sagamore releases its oldest rye whiskey

09/17: Southern Distilling Releases its First Single Malt

09/18: 1792 Bourbon Welcomes Cognac Cask Finish To Its Portfolio

09/23: Wild Turkey Announces Master’s Keep Beacon, the Final Release in the Celebrated Series

09/24: Dierks Bentley Releases ROW 94 Full Proof Bourbon

09/24: Booker’s Bourbon Releases Jerry’s Batch to Honor Non-Family Master Distiller

Book Releases >> 1

09/09: The Whiskey Bible: A Definitive Guide to the World’s Most Storied Spirit” by Noah Rothbaum

Barrel House Distilling: Tour, Tasting & Honest Review

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Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes Episode 37 – Barrel House Distilling Co

Get ready for an adventure down the Kentucky Bourbon Trail as we revisit a nice stop in Lexington, Kentucky in April 2023.  In this episode, we’re taking you back to our very first visit to Barrel House Distilling Co which was our 42nd distillery and our 34th stamp in our Kentucky Bourbon Trail Book!

Join us as we relive every moment from our initial tour of the Barrel House Distilling Co  But the excitement doesn’t stop there! We’ll then uncork a bottle of their RockCastle Barrel Proof Bourbon for an in-depth tasting. What hidden notes and unique flavors await us in this one-of-a-kind pour? 

Click play ▶️ now to join the adventure!

Join the YBJ Family! 

👍 Like this video if you’re a bourbon lover! 

💬 Comment below with your favorite Barrel House whiskey! 

➡️ Share this video with a fellow whiskey fan! 

🔔 Subscribe to Your Bourbon Journey for weekly whiskey adventures you won’t want to miss!

********

What’s a bourbon trail journey without a good story? 🥃 Welcome to Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes, where we dive into the unforgettable moments and hidden gems we discovered while exploring Kentucky’s iconic trail. Join us as we uncork the profound memories that have stayed with us long after the last pour. We’ll revisit the unexpected finds and the bottles that truly surprised us with their exceptional, intricate flavors. So, what stood out as the most memorable sip, and how have those experiences shaped our palates today? Get ready for a passionate retelling of the adventures, the connections, and the spirits that make the Bourbon Trail so much more than just a destination.

#bourbonreview  #KentuckyBourbonTrail #BarrelHouse 

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

ABOUT THE BOTTLE REVIEWED

✴️ RockCastle Barrel Proof Bourbon

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Barrel House Distilling Company
  • Mash Bill: 60% Corn, 30% Wheat, 10% Malted Barley
  • Age: NAS – at least 4 years
  • Proof: 113.5
  • Other: Batch 15, Bottle 3
  • Purchased: 05/13/23 for $107 at BBQ & Barrels Event, Owensboro KY

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

✅ Please SUBSCRIBE and hit the LIKE button!

✅ Visit: https://yourbourbonjourney.com  for additional stories to enhance Your Bourbon Journey!

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.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.

The Ultimate Wild Turkey Cocktail Recipe

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Thirsty Thursday Cocktails – Episode 35: The “Wild Honey Old Fashioned”

Get ready to elevate your cocktail game with our latest creation: the Wild Honey Old Fashioned. This isn’t just any Old Fashioned recipe—it’s a rich, smooth, and unforgettable twist on a timeless classic. We’re showing you how to perfectly blend two iconic products from Wild Turkey: the bold, high-proof Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon and the sweet, velvety Wild Turkey American Honey Liqueur.

Say goodbye to boring simple syrup! The American Honey adds a delicious, natural sweetness and a complex honey flavor that perfectly complements the spicy oak and caramel notes of the 101 Bourbon. Whether you’re a seasoned bourbon aficionado or a curious beginner, this easy-to-make cocktail is sure to impress.

In this video, you’ll learn:

  • How to make a balanced and flavorful Old Fashioned.
  • The secret to using Wild Turkey American Honey for a unique sweetness.
  • Tips for the perfect garnish to complete your drink.
  • Why the Wild Turkey 101 is the ultimate choice for a high-proof bourbon cocktail.

Don’t miss out on this incredible recipe! Click Play Now ➡️

If you love whiskey, cocktails, and supporting local distilleries, you won’t want to miss this. 

👍 If you loved this recipe, give us a thumbs up! 

💬 Share your thoughts and favorite cocktail twists in the comments! 

➡️ Hit that SHARE button and spread the whiskey love! 

🔔 Make sure you SUBSCRIBE and click the bell for weekly cocktail inspiration you won’t want to miss!

Cheers to better drinks! 🥂

#OldFashioned #AmericanHoney #WildTurkey101

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

✅ Please SUBSCRIBE and hit the LIKE button!

NOTE: The spirits and items in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the producers for this review. Please drink responsibly.

Beyond the Tour: A Special James E. Pepper Bourbon

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Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes Episode 36 – James E Pepper

Join us on a historic journey to James E. Pepper Distillery, the iconic Kentucky Bourbon Trail stop that sparked a whole new era of distilling in Lexington!

In this episode, we’re sharing our full experience, from touring the restored historic distillery to the serendipitous discovery of a rare bottle we’ve been saving for over a year—the Finest Kentucky Oak Bourbon.

We’ll tell the incredible story of how we got our hands on this special, signed bottle and finally taste it on camera for the first time. We’ll dive into the tasting notes, talk about the unique mash bill, and discuss what makes this bottle so special. We’ll share our thoughts on the flavor profile, whether it’s worth the price, and how it compares to other bourbons we’ve tried. Will it live up to the hype? You’ll have to watch to find out!

Click play ▶️ now to join the adventure!

Join the YBJ Family! 

👍 Like this video if you’re a bourbon lover! 

💬 Comment below with your favorite James E Pepper whiskey! 

➡️ Share this video with a fellow whiskey fan! 

🔔 Subscribe to Your Bourbon Journey for weekly whiskey adventures you won’t want to miss!

********

What’s a bourbon trail journey without a good story? 🥃 Welcome to Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes, where we dive into the unforgettable moments and hidden gems we discovered while exploring Kentucky’s iconic trail. Join us as we uncork the profound memories that have stayed with us long after the last pour. We’ll revisit the unexpected finds and the bottles that truly surprised us with their exceptional, intricate flavors. So, what stood out as the most memorable sip, and how have those experiences shaped our palates today? Get ready for a passionate retelling of the adventures, the connections, and the spirits that make the Bourbon Trail so much more than just a destination.

#bourbonreview  #KentuckyBourbonTrail #JamesEPepper 

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

ABOUT THE BOTTLE REVIEWED

✴️ Finest Kentucky Oak (FKO) Bourbon

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: James E Pepper Distilling Co
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed but “oldest stocks & distinct mash bills,” which include corn, rye, malted barley, and malted rye”
  • Age: NAS (at least 4 years)
  • Proof: 104.2 (Barrel Proof)
  • Other: Secondary finish – heavily toasted barrels made from Kentucky oak that has been air-seasoned for at least 18-24 months.
  • Purchased: 04/15/23 for $160 at James E Pepper Distilling Co

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

✅ Please SUBSCRIBE and hit the LIKE button!

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.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.

Hartfield & Co Distillery: A Hidden Kentucky Gem

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Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes Episode 35 – Hartfield & Co Distillery

Get ready for an adventure down the Kentucky Bourbon Trail as we revisit a nice stop in Paris, KY in April 2023.  In this episode, we’re taking you back to our very first visit to Hartfield & Co Distillery which was our 40th distillery and our 32nd stamp in our Kentucky Bourbon Trail Book!

Join us as we relive every moment from our initial tour of the Hartfield & Co Distillery. But the excitement doesn’t stop there! We’ll then uncork a bottle of their Pre-Prohibition Style Bourbon Whiskey  for an in-depth tasting. What hidden notes and unique flavors await us in this one-of-a-kind pour? 

Click play ▶️ now to join the adventure!

Join the YBJ Family! 

👍 Like this video if you’re a bourbon lover! 

💬 Comment below with your favorite Hartfield & Co whiskey! 

➡️ Share this video with a fellow whiskey fan! 

🔔 Subscribe to Your Bourbon Journey for weekly whiskey adventures you won’t want to miss!

********

What’s a bourbon trail journey without a good story? 🥃 Welcome to Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes, where we dive into the unforgettable moments and hidden gems we discovered while exploring Kentucky’s iconic trail. Join us as we uncork the profound memories that have stayed with us long after the last pour. We’ll revisit the unexpected finds and the bottles that truly surprised us with their exceptional, intricate flavors. So, what stood out as the most memorable sip, and how have those experiences shaped our palates today? Get ready for a passionate retelling of the adventures, the connections, and the spirits that make the Bourbon Trail so much more than just a destination.

#bourbonreview  #KentuckyBourbonTrail #Hartfield 

Learn more about Hartfield & Co: https://www.hartfieldandcompany.com/home

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

ABOUT THE BOTTLE REVIEWED

✴️ Pre-Prohibition Style Bourbon Whiskey

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Hartfield & Co.
  • Mash Bill: 62% Corn, 19% Rye, 19% Malted Barley
  • Age: NAS – typically 1-2 years in 5- and 30-gallon barrels
  • Proof: 100
  • Other: 2-3 batches a year that are a blend of 30-40 barrels
  • Purchased: 04/15/23 for $50.00 at Hartfield & Co Distillery

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

✅ Please SUBSCRIBE and hit the LIKE button!

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.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.

Bourbon & Whiskey News: August 2025

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09/01/25
Curated by Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Bourbon & Whiskey Industry Highlights from August 2025 >> 54 Stories!

In August 2025, the bourbon and whiskey industry faced significant challenges, particularly with Gen Z’s disinterest and bankruptcies among distilleries. Despite a turbulent market, experts suggested a potential long-term recovery. Numerous distillery developments and new bottle releases continued to unfold, highlighting resilience amidst adversity.

Industry Market News & Related Announcements >> 7 Stories

08/05: Kentucky’s $9B whiskey industry in crisis as Gen Z drinkers shun bourbon, tariffs take toll

08/05: Kentucky whiskey bankruptcies: Which distilleries are broke, and why

08/06: One of the World’s Biggest Spirits Companies Just Saw Its Profits Drop 28%

08/08: What Happens After a Whisky Cask Investment Company Goes Under?

08/19: InvestBev Calls Bourbon Market Adjustment a Healthy Reset — Long-Term Growth Story Remains Intact

08/22: KDA statement on return to zero tariffs on bourbon in Canada

08/26: InvestBev Founder, Brian Rosen, Asserts Trade Headwinds Cannot Derail America’s Native Spirit

Distillery News >> 13 Stories

08/01: One of America’s Biggest Whiskey Distilleries Has Seen Its Sales Plummet

08/04: Multimillion-dollar lawsuit filed against whiskey distiller Uncle Nearest

08/04: Uncle Nearest hit by $100m lawsuit

08/05: Fawn Weaver responds to lawsuit with ‘Operation Clear the Shelves’ campaign

08/05: Bourdon Spirits Company Acquires Copper & Kings from Constellation Brands

08/06: Multiple Kentucky Whiskey Distilleries File for Bankruptcy

08/12: Pursuit Spirits to Open Whiskey Row Location Aug. 14

08/12: Mixologist Molly Wellmann joins Kentucky distillery in new role

08/13: Buffalo Trace’s First-Ever Restaurant Will Serve Lunch, Cocktails, and Kentucky Charm

08/14: RD1 Spirits Ranks No. 1 in Kentucky, No. 280 Nationally on the Inc. 5000 List of America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies

08/15: Fawn Weaver loses control of Uncle Nearest

08/21: Middle West Spirits appoints former Old Elk lead as CCO

08/26: Ole Smoky Distillery Appoints Michael Novy Chief Executive Officer

Distillery Trail >> 2 Stories

08/12: Kentucky Bourbon Trail Experts Josh and Victoria Hoff of WhiskMe Transportation Share Trip Planning Advice in HelloNation

08/26: The Trail Hotel Joins Kentucky Bourbon Trail

Awards Announced >> 7 Stories

08/06: The American Whiskey Masters 2025 results

08/10: Top 5 Whiskies In The World From The International Whisky Competition 2025

08/16: The Best American Single Malt Whiskey, According To The Beverage Testing Institute

08/20: America’s Best Rye Whiskey, According To The Beverage Testing Institute

08/20: Indiana Distillery Earns Prestigious Honor During Heartland Whiskey Competition

08/26: In Era of Evolution, Michter’s Retains its Crown as World’s Most Admired Whiskey

08/26: AMERICAN DISTILLING INSTITUTE NAMES SOUTHERN DISTILLING COMPANY ‘2025 DISTILLERY OF THE YEAR’

Bourbon Festival News & Updates >> 1 Story

08/06: Cheers to 35 years: Kentucky Bourbon Festival announces 2026 dates

Bottle Releases >> 23 Stories

08/04: Heaven Hill Distillery Announces 2025 Parker’s Heritage Collection Limited Edition Bottling

08/04: Jack Daniel’s Announces Launch of Tennessee Blackberry

08/04: A. Smith Bowman Abraham Bowman Oak Series Hungarian Oak

08/05: Garrison Brothers Distillery Releases Rare 8-Year Whiskey

08/06: Cedar Ridge Releases Anniversary Edition Bourbon

08/08: New Riff Revives Award-Winning Red Turkey Wheat Bourbon

08/08: One of Heaven Hill’s Most Collectible Whiskeys, Old Fitzgerald VVS, Is Back—and We Got a First Taste

08/13: Rhythm River Distillery’s new bourbon hitting store shelves on Thursday

08/14: Woodford Reserve Releases New Distillery Series: Its First American Single Malt

08/17: Taste Test: This Indiana Craft Distillery’s New Bourbon Shows How Good Hoosier Whiskey Can Be

08/18: Remus Repeal Reserve Series IX launches in tribute to Prohibition’s end

08/18: Old Forester’s Beloved Birthday Bourbon 2025: 12 years old, 92 proof and sweet mash

08/19: Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged Returns in 2025 – A Masterful Blend of the Brand’s Oldest Bourbons

08/19: FOUR ROSES SET TO LAUNCH 2025 LIMITED EDITION SMALL BATCH ON SEPTEMBER 3

08/19: Michter’s Continues Its Toasted Barrel Finish Series With Launch of 2025 Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Sour Mash

08/19: Buzzard’s Roost Distillery Introduces New Cigar Blend Bourbon

08/19: Blue Run Spirits Unveils “Glimmer” — A Kentucky Straight Bourbon Finished in Gin Barrels

08/21: Penelope Bourbon introduces the 2025 Estate Collection

08/22: Baker’s Bourbon Releases Limited 13 Year Old Single Barrel

08/26: Bardstown Bourbon Reveals 2025 Annual Releases: Discovery #13 & Ferrand II

08/27: Pursuit Spirits Releases Highly Limited Old Anvil Bourbon

08/27: Union Horse Distilling Co. Announces Year-Round Release of Bottled-in-Bond Straight Bourbon Whiskey to Their Stable of Brands

08/28: Heaven Hill Distillery Debuts Artist Series Collection for Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond Featuring Kentucky Artist Bri Bowers

Book Releases >> 1 Preview

Expected 09/09: The Whiskey Bible: A Definitive Guide to the World’s Most Storied Spirit” by Noah Rothbaum

Blind Taste Test: August’s Whiskey of the Month!  

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🔥🥃 Blind Whiskey BATTLE ROYALE! Who Will Be Our August 2025 CHAMPION?! 🏆

Alright, buckle up, whiskey fanatics! 🚀 Get ready for a showdown of EPIC proportions! 🥃 In this thrilling blind tasting adventure, we’re putting FOUR incredible contenders head-to-head to crown the UNDISPUTED champion of our August 2025 whiskey lineup! 👑

Prepare your senses for an immersive journey into the captivating aromas and tantalizing flavors of these contenders (alphabetical order):

  • Bomberger’s Declaration 2025
  • Green River Wheated Bourbon Single Barrel
  • Lineage Batch 2
  • Neeley Bottled in Bond Four Grain

🚫 No labels, no biases – just pure, unadulterated whiskey appreciation! 👀 Join us as we meticulously nose 👃, sip 😋, and savor each dram, dissecting the intricate notes on the nose, the delightful dance on the palate 👅, the satisfying lingering finish ✨, and that crucial je ne sais quoi that makes a whiskey truly special. 🤔

Will the barrel-proof powerhouse 💪 dominate the competition? Will the elegantly aged spirit ⏳ steal the show? Or will a unique finish 🍇 or a captivating single barrel charm ✨ take home the ultimate crown? We’re ranking them from 4th place to the coveted 1st place spot🥇, and the suspense is building with every sip! 🤯

Smash that play button ▶️ and join the ultimate tasting party!

🎉 Grab your own glass 🥂 (of whatever you’re sipping on!), settle in for some serious whiskey talk 🗣️, and experience the thrill of the grand reveal with us! Get ready for potential surprises 🎁 and definitely a fantastic time! Cheers to an unforgettable evening of delicious discovery! 🥳 Sláinte! 🍀

#WhiskeyOfTheMonth #BlindWhiskeyTasting #bourbonreview 

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🔥DETAILS REGARDING OUR FOUR FINALISTS🔥 (in alphabetical order): 

✴️ Bomberger’s Declaration 2025

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Michter’s Distillery
  • Distillery: Michter’s Fort Nelson
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed but likely high corn plus rye and malted barley
  • Age: NAS (at least 4 years)
  • Proof: 108
  • MSRP: $120
  • Released: July 2025
  • Specifics: Batch 25F1978, Bottle 1436 of 2673
  • Other: Aged in Chinquapin Oak. This year’s release utilizes barrels seasoned for different periods (18 months, 3, 4, and 5 years) before toasting and charring.
  • Purchased: 07/18/25 for $129 at Michter’s Fort Nelson

✴️ Green River Wheated Bourbon Single Barrel

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Bardstown Bourbon Co.
  • Distillery: Green River Distilling Co.
  • Mash Bill: 70% Corn, 21% Wheat, 9% Malted Barley
  • Age: NAS (5 years per website)
  • Proof: 117.6
  • MSRP: $60
  • Other: “Home Wheat Home”
  • Purchased: 07/18/25 for $59.99 at Green River Tasting Room, Louisville KY

✴️ Lineage Batch 2

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Suntory Global Spirits
  • Distillery: Booker Noe Plant
  • Mash Bill: 77% corn, 13% rye, and 10% malted barley
  • Age: 15-year-old (blend of 15 and 20-year-old bourbons)
  • Proof: 111
  • MSRP: $250 (700 ml)
  • Released: 07/18/25
  • Other: Crafted in collaboration by Fred & Freddie Noe
  • Purchased: 07/18/25 for $250 at the Jim Beam Distillery 

✴️ Neeley Bottled in Bond Four Grain

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Neeley Family Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 63% corn, 17% Oats, 8% Wheat and 12% Malt
  • Notes: Jug Yeast A-1, Sweet Mash, Copper Pot Still, Non-Chill Filtered, Limestone Well Water, Cypress Fermented, Barrel Char 2, Batch Size 7
  • Age: 4 Years
  • Proof: 100
  • MSRP: $79.99
  • Released: Spring 2025
  • Made with no enzymes, blended by Rebekah Neeley
  • Purchased: 07/11/25 for $79.99 at Neely Family Distillery in Sparta, KY

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

✅ Please SUBSCRIBE and hit the LIKE button!

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

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.

J. Rieger & Co.: From Prohibition to Modern Icon

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Step into the rich history and modern revival of Kansas City whiskey with us! In this video, we’re diving deep into J. Rieger & Co., a legendary distillery with a story that spans over a century. We’ll explore their stunning, historic facility and get to the heart of what makes their spirits so unique.

First, we’re tasting three incredible spirits:

✴️ J. Rieger & Co. Monogram Whiskey 2025 Edition: This exclusive Kansas City Whiskey Solera Reserve is a limited-edition blend with a complex mash bill of 56% corn, 30% rye, and 14% malted barley. Bottled at 100 proof, only 2,000 of these special releases were produced.

✴️ J. Rieger & Co. Private Stock Bourbon: We got to bottle our own! This straight bourbon whiskey has an age statement of 5 years and 8 months, with a mash bill of 56% corn, 30% rye, and 14% malted barley. It was bottled at a robust 127.9 proof.

✴️ J. Rieger & Co. Caffè Amaro: An innovative blend of coffee liqueur and amaro, this spirit is made with Sumatra coffee and clocks in at 62 proof.

But it’s not all about the whiskey! We’ll also be giving you a tour of the distillery’s stunning space, and you’ll get to see the famous distillery slide in action. You don’t want to miss our visit to this amazing Kansas City landmark!

Follow us on our Kansas City Whiskey tour! This is the third in a four-part series exploring the best of the Kansas City spirits scene. Click play ▶️ NOW!

What’s your favorite state for bourbon outside of Kentucky? Let us know in the comments below! 👇

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J. Rieger & Co. Website: https://www.jriegerco.com/

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

✴️ Monogram Whiskey 2025 Edition

  • Kansas City Whiskey Solera Reserve
  • Distillery: J. Rieger & Co.
  • Bourbon Mash Bill: 56 Corn, 30% Rye, 14% Malted Barley
  • Rye Mash Bill: 96% Rye, 4% Malted Barley
  • Proof: 100
  • Other: 2000 bottles produced
  • Purchased: 07/25/25 for $130 at J. Rieger & Co

 Visit their site for details on the Oloroso sherry botas: https://www.jriegerco.com/our-spirits/monogram-whiskey

✴️ Private Stock Bourbon

  • Rieger Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: J. Rieger & Co.
  • Mash Bill: 56 Corn, 30% Rye, 14% Malted Barley
  • Sweet Mash Fermentation; pot still and column still
  • Age: 5 Years, 8 Months
  • Proof: 127.9
  • Other: Bottle-Your-Own Experience
  • Purchased: 07/25/25 for $85 at J. Rieger & Co

✴️ Caffè Amaro

  • Coffee Liqueur & Amaro
  • Distillery: J. Rieger & Co.
  • Coffee: Sumatra
  • Sweetener: Evaporated Cane Syrup
  • Proof: 62
  • Purchased: 07/25/25 for $32 at J. Rieger & Co

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

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❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

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.

Holladay’s Ancient Cave: Unique Bourbon Review

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The Oldest Distillery West of the Mississippi?! | Holladay Distillery Ancient Cave Wave Stave 2025 Review

We’re taking you on a journey to the heart of American distilling history! Join us as we visit Holladay Distillery in Weston, Missouri—the oldest continuously operating distillery west of the Mississippi River. This landmark, founded in 1856 by the legendary “Stagecoach King” Ben Holladay, has a rich legacy of crafting Real Missouri Bourbon.

In this video, we’re unboxing a truly unique and hard-to-find bottle: the Holladay Ancient Cave Wave Stave 2025. This distillery-exclusive, 7-year-old bourbon is finished in a special “Wave Stave” barrel within the distillery’s historic “Ancient Cave.” Does this one-of-a-kind aging process create a whiskey worth the hype? Watch our full review to find out!

So grab your favorite glass, settle in, and let’s explore this incredible bourbon together! Click play ▶️ NOW!

We highly recommend that you add Holladay Distillery in Weston MO to Your Bourbon Journey!

What’s your favorite state for bourbon outside of Kentucky? Let us know in the comments below! 👇

Are you a true bourbon fanatic, always on the hunt for the next exceptional pour? Then smash that like button 👍 to show your appreciation for fine whiskey! Hit subscribe 🔔 so you never miss our reviews of rare and remarkable spirits, and share this video ➡️ with your fellow whiskey lovers. Let’s build a community of enthusiasts who appreciate the art of exceptional bourbon! 

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For more information on Holladay Distillery: https://holladaydistillery.com/

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

✴️ Ancient Cave Collection Wave Stave 2025

  • Classification:  Missouri Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Holladay Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 1856 Original – 73% Corn, 15% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
  • Age: 7 years, 5 months
  • Finishing: American Oak, Med+ Toast, Char 1, Wave Stave
  • Proof: 100
  • Other: 375 ml bottle
  • Purchased: 07/24/25 for $44.99 at Holladay Distillery

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

✅ Please SUBSCRIBE and hit the LIKE button!

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.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.