10 Year Bourbon

New Riff’s Best Lineup Ever? 10-Year Bourbon vs Single Malt & DUET

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Today on Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca present “The Full Symphony” tasting flight featuring three incredible releases from New Riff Distilling in Newport, Kentucky! 

We recently picked up our New Riff Whiskey Club bottles and couldn’t wait to crack them open on the table. In this comprehensive review and side-by-side tasting flight, we break down mash bills, barrel maturations, tasting notes, and pick our top contender for Whiskey of the Month. 

Here is the flight lineup:

1️⃣ New Riff DUET American Whiskey (Rhinegeist Collaboration)
2️⃣ New Riff Sour Mash Single Malt Whiskey (Spring 2026 Vatting 26.06.12.05)
3️⃣ New Riff High Note 10-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Which of these three pours took the crown, and how does the Rhinegeist beer foeder influence compare to the peated Scottish barley or the 10-year cherry bomb bourbon? Watch to find out!

Drop a comment below: Have you tried any of New Riff’s specialty malt projects or the High Note series? What’s your favorite pour coming out of Newport right now?

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with fellow whiskey lovers. Cheers! 🥃

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New Riff DUET American Whiskey (Rhinegeist Collaboration)

  • Classification: American Whiskey
  • Company: New Riff Distilling
  • Distillery: New Riff Distilling (Newport, KY)
  • Mash Bill: 57% Malted Barley, 37% Raw Barley, 6% Rye
  • Age: At least 6 Years
  • Proof: 111.2 Proof (55.6% ABV)
  • SRP: $79.99
  • Released: June 2026
  • Other: A cross-river collaboration with Cincinnati’s Rhinegeist Brewery. Aged in new charred oak alongside select Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks, married in a Rhinegeist oak beer FOODer, and finished in used American oak casks; non-chill filtered.
  • Purchased: June 4, 2026 for $79.99 at New Riff Distilling Online

New Riff Sour Mash Single Malt Whiskey

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Malt Whiskey / American Single Malt
  • Company: New Riff Distilling
  • Distillery: New Riff Distilling (Newport, KY)
  • Mash Bill: 100% Malted Barley (a blend of distinct malt mash bills including Maris Otter, Golden Promise, Chevallier Heirloom, Scottish Peated, Barleywine-style, and Belgian Quadrupel-style malts)
  • Age: At least 7 Years Old
  • Proof: 111.7 Proof (55.85% ABV)
  • SRP: $69.99
  • Released: Spring/Summer 2026 (Vatting 26.06.12.05)
  • Other: Distilled using traditional sour mash fermentation; matured across new charred oak, sherry, and wine casks before vatting; bottled at cask strength, non-chill filtered.
  • Purchased: July 24, 2026 for $69.99 at New Riff Distilling Gift Shop (Newport, KY) 

New Riff High Note 10-Year-Old

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: New Riff Distilling
  • Distillery: New Riff Distilling (Newport, KY)
  • Mash Bill: 65% Corn, 30% Rye, 5% Malted Barley
  • Age: 10 Years Old
  • Proof: 116.9 Proof (58.45% ABV)
  • SRP: $89.99
  • Released: June 2026
  • Other: High Note Series limited release; bottled at natural barrel proof without chill filtration.
  • Purchased: June 4, 2026 for $89.99 at New Riff Distilling Online

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

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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.

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Is This the Best Bourbon Starlight Has Ever Bottled? 

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Join us for an exclusive, high-end Starlight Distillery tasting featuring rare Japanese wood finishes and an ultra-rare 10-year release! In this episode, we break down two exotic cask-finished whiskeys alongside the hyper-allocated Starlight 25th Anniversary Bourbon (limited to only 100 bottles worldwide).

  • Starlight Sakura Reserve Bourbon (Batch 0001): 8-year sweet mash blend, 118 proof, finished in rare Japanese Sakura (cherry blossom) wood.
  • Starlight Mizunara Reserve Bourbon (Batch 0002): 8-year sweet mash blend, 112 proof, finished in Japanese Mizunara oak.
  • Starlight 25th Anniversary 10-Year Bourbon: 120.4 proof, low entry proof, unfinished cask strength, bottle #73 of 100.

From fresh cherry floral notes and sandalwood incense to decadent dark fudge and rich oak, we dive into full tasting notes, comparisons, and our final verdicts.

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🎓 Want to earn a FREE Whiskey Certificate? Start your bourbon education journey with Whiskey University today! Take your first steps here: https://www.whiskeyuniv.com/first-steps

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Starlight Distillery Sakura Reserve Bourbon Whiskey (Batch No. 0001)

  • Classification: Indiana Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Japanese Sakura Barrels
  • Distillery: Starlight Distillery (Borden, IN)
  • Mash Bill: Starlight Sweet Mash Blend (3-Grain: 60% Corn, 20% Rye, 20% Malted Barley / 4-Grain: 51% Corn, 20% Rye, 20% Malted Barley, 9% Wheat)
  • Age: 8 Years
  • Proof: 118 Proof (59% ABV)
  • Released: August 1, 2026
  • Other: Cask strength; finished in rare Japanese Sakura (Cherry Blossom) wood barrels; estate-grown non-GMO grains; double pot distilled.
  • Purchased: 08/01/26 for $149.99 at Starlight Distillery

Starlight Distillery Mizunara Reserve Bourbon Whiskey (Batch No. 0002)

  • Classification: Indiana Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Japanese Mizunara Oak Barrels
  • Distillery: Starlight Distillery (Borden, IN)
  • Mash Bill: Starlight Sweet Mash Blend (3-Grain: 60% Corn, 20% Rye, 20% Malted Barley / 4-Grain: 51% Corn, 20% Rye, 20% Malted Barley, 9% Wheat)
  • Age: 8 Years
  • Proof: 112 Proof (56% ABV)
  • Released: December 2025
  • Other: Cask strength; finished in rare Japanese Mizunara oak barrels; estate-grown non-GMO grains; double pot distilled.
  • Purchased: 12/4/25 for $149.99 at Starlight Distillery

Starlight Distillery 25th Anniversary Bourbon Whiskey

  • Classification: Indiana Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Starlight Distillery (Borden, IN)
  • Mash Bill: 3-Grain Sweet Mash (60% Corn, 20% Rye, 20% Malted Barley; estate-grown non-GMO grains)
  • Age: 10 Years
  • Proof: 120.4 Proof (60.2% ABV)
  • Released: August 1, 2026
  • Other: Ultra-limited 100-bottle release celebrating 25 years of distilling (Bottle No. 73 of 100); bottled July 2026; un-finished cask strength; low entry proof (110); Canton cooperage (char #3–4, 2-year air-dried staves, charred heads); aged in Warehouse 2 (southeast side); includes presentation box, custom Anniversary Glencairns, metal lapel pin, and signed Certificate of Authenticity.
  • Purchased: 08/01/26 for $300 at Starlight Distillery

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

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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.

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Knob Creek vs Booker’s: 2026 New Releases Tasted!

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The Big Easy Meets Master Blending! | Booker’s 2026-01 & Knob Creek Blender’s Edition Review

Today on Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca are heading to the heart of Clermont, KY, for a double-header from the James B. Beam Distilling Co.! We’re breaking down the first major releases of 2026: the powerhouse Booker’s Batch 2026-01 “The Big Easy” and the innovative Knob Creek Blender’s Edition 01.

One is a 129.1 proof tribute to Booker Noe’s love for New Orleans street food, and the other is a 10-year-old deep dive into the “sweeter side” of Knob Creek, curated by Freddie Noe and his blending team. From deep char and oak to confectionery vanilla bean, we’re covering the full spectrum of the Beam profile.

In this video, we discuss:

  • The legend of Booker Noe and the Lucky Dog street carts in the French Quarter.
  • A breakdown of the five warehouses that created “The Big Easy.”
  • How the Blender’s Edition deviates from the classic Knob Creek “spice bomb” profile.
  • Full tasting notes: Nose, Palate, and Finish for both expressions.

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Knob Creek Blender’s Edition 1

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Beam Suntory
  • Distillery: James B. Beam Distilling Co. (Clermont/Beam, KY)
  • Mash Bill: 77% Corn, 13% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
  • Age: 10 years
  • Proof: 106
  • MSRP: $44.99
  • Released: March 2026
  • Purchased: 03/28/26 for $44.99 at Jim Beam American Outpost

Booker’s 2026-01 The Big Easy

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Beam Suntory
  • Distillery: James B. Beam Distilling Co. (Clermont/Beam, KY)
  • Mash Bill: 77% Corn, 13% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
  • Age: 7 years, 2 months, 15 days
  • Proof: 129.1
  • MSRP: $99.99
  • Released: March 2026
  • Purchased: 03/28/26 for $99.99 at Jim Beam American Outpost

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓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.

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Limited Edition Bourbon from The Bard Distillery!

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We’re tasting three incredible bourbons from The Bard Distillery! Join us as we compare the exclusive Cinder & Smoke Founder’s Select 10 Year with both the 2022 and 2025 John Prine “You Got Gold” special editions. Get ready for a side-by-side Kentucky bourbon journey!

Hello bourbon friends! Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey are back with a super special tasting featuring our friends at The Bard Distillery in Graham, KY!

In this exciting side-by-side review, we dive deep into three distinct and acclaimed Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskeys:

🌟 Cinder & Smoke Founder’s Select 10 Year Review

We start with a very special bottle: the Cinder & Smoke Founder’s Select 10 Year (Batch X, Bottle 5 of 497). This ultra-small batch, 100 proof bourbon is the oldest and final three-barrel blend in this specific series.

  • Tasting Notes: Expect an incredible sweetness on the palate, rich caramel, cinnamon, and a very pleasant smokiness that reminds us of a smoked cocktail. At 10 years old, it boasts layers and body without being over-oaked or drying, finishing with tobacco and black pepper. This is a must-try for fans of aged bourbon!

🎶 John Prine “You Got Gold” Edition Comparison

Next, we taste and compare two special editions honoring the legendary singer-songwriter John Prine, with proceeds benefiting the Hello in There Foundation. The proof on both is set at 101.0 to honor Prine’s birthday (10/10).

  • 2022 Edition (Sold Out): A wheated bourbon (corn, wheat, malted barley) with a classic Muhlenberg bourbon profile. Notes of honey, honeysuckle, and sweet bread-like notes. We suggest checking out The Bard’s regular Muhlenberg as a highly available alternative!
  • 2025 Edition (New Release): A rye bourbon (corn, rye, malted barley), aged 5 years. This bourbon is completely different from the others, showcasing a beautiful profile of black tea on the front, caramel, brown sugar, and a vibrant, effervescent finish with cinnamon and pepper pops. This one is highly available online and at the distillery!

🗺️ Visit The Bard Distillery

We also share our love for The Bard’s commitment to community and their beautiful restoration of the historic Graham school building. Find out how you can visit the west end of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and grab a bottle before they’re gone!

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

👇 Have you tried spirits from The Bard Distillery? Let us know in the comments below! 👇

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Ordering Information – The Bard Distillery John Prine 2025 Edition: https://thebarddistillery.com/john-prine-2025-edition/ 

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ABOUT THE BOTTLES REVIEWED

✴️ Cinder & Smoke Founder’s Select 10 Year

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Blended & Bottled: The Bard Distillery
  • Mash Bill: Corn, Rye, Malted Barley
  • Age: 5 Years
  • Proof: 100
  • MSRP: $100
  • Released: September 2025
  • Other: Batch X – Bottle 5 of 497
  • Provided: 10/11/25 to us by The Bard Distillery at KBF

✴️ John Prine – You Got Gold (2022 Edition)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: The Bard Distillery
  • Mash Bill: Corn, Wheat, Malted Barley
  • Age: NAS
  • Proof: 101.0 (in honor of John Prine’s birthday, 10/10)
  • MSRP: $76
  • Released: October 2022, Limited to 6,000 Bottles
  • Other: 700 ml bottle
  • Purchased: 2022 for $76 at The Bard via online distribution

✴️ John Prine – You Got Gold (2025 Edition)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: The Bard Distillery
  • Mash Bill: Corn, Rye, Malted Barley
  • Age: 5 Years
  • Proof: 101.0 (in honor of John Prine’s birthday, 10/10)
  • MSRP: $79.99
  • Released: October 2025, Limited to 7,000 Bottles
  • Other: 700 ml bottle
  • Purchased: 10/11/25 for $79.99 at The Bard Distillery in Graham, KY

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

NOTE: Two spirits in this review were purchased by us and one was gifted. 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.

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