American Single Malt

Flaviar Day 13-15: The Battle of the Grains! Who Reigns Supreme?

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🥃 Flaviar “FlaviAIR” Advent Calendar 2025 Reveal: Days 13, 14, & 15 – Single Grain Showdown!

Join Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey as we continue our 2025 Flaviar Whiskey Advent Calendar journey—dubbed “FlaviAIR”! This is Episode Five where we open doors 13, 14, and 15, taking an international flight to taste three uniquely different whiskies.

This flight is a true single grain showdown featuring a complex American Single Malt, a distinctive Bottled-in-Bond Wheat Whiskey, and a light, floral Japanese Blended Whisky. Get our honest, unscripted tasting notes and see which dram takes the gold!

Featured Whiskies & Tasting Notes:

  • ✈️ Day 13 (Virginia, USA):Courage & Conviction Double Cask Reserve American Single Malt from Virginia Distillery Company. Aged in bourbon and STR European Red Wine casks.
    • Our Notes: Definitive single malt nose with prominent barley, but an intriguing bitter red wine note on the palate that led to a short, peppery finish. A divisive pour!
  • ✈️ Day 14 (Oregon, USA):Oregon Spirit Distillers Bottled-in-Bond Wheat Whiskey. Crafted with winter wheat, rye, and malted barley, aged for five years.
    • Our Notes: Shockingly sweet, white wine-like nose followed by a palate with unexpected rye spice. A journey of confusion, but a fantastic nose!
  • ✈️ Day 15 (Osaka, Japan):Akashi Japanese Blended Whisky from White Oak Distillery. A blend of wheat, barley, and rye, aged in X-Bourbon, Shochu, and Sherry casks.
    • Our Notes: The best nose of the flight—light, fragrant, and floral. An easy sipper with dominant, pleasant barley notes and a lovely matching profile from nose to palate. The ultimate choice of the flight!

Did we find a new favorite from the Flaviar Calendar? Watch to find out our final rankings and if we’d buy a full bottle of any of these incredible international expressions!

Did you snag the Flaviar Advent Calendar 2025? Let us know your favorite pour in the comments! 

If not, save $20 with this referral link: http://rwrd.io/ref_J5DD0JR?c 

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Disclaimer: We are not sponsored by Flaviar for this review. We purchased the calendar ourselves and offer our honest opinion. Please drink responsibly.

#FlaviarAdventCalendar #WhiskeyAdventCalendar #FlaviAIR #WhiskeyReview #AmericanSingleMalt #japanesewhisky #wheatwhiskey #CourageAndConviction #AkashiWhisky #OregonSpiritDistillers #WhiskyTasting #yourbourbonjourney #WhiskeyTubes #Day131415 

BATTLE OF THE MALTS: Flaviar Calendar Days 10, 11, 12!

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✈️ Flaviar Whiskey Advent Calendar 2025: Global Malt Battle! (Days 10, 11, 12 Review) 🥃 

Welcome aboard for Episode 4 of our Flaviar Whiskey Advent Calendar 2025 journey! Wayne and Rebecca (Your Bourbon Journey) are diving into the ultimate “Battle of the Malts,” pitting global whiskey styles against each other with a three-day flight that takes us from Ireland to Scotland and finally back to the USA!

Which malt will win this high-stakes tasting? We crack open Days 10, 11, and 12 of the FlaviAIR Advent Calendar to find out!

The Global Malt Flight: Days 10, 11, & 12

  • Day 10 (Ireland): Two Stacks The First Cut – A complex Irish blend with a surprising peated note! We explore this daring revival of Irish whiskey tradition.
  • Day 11 (Scotland): Eden Mill The Guard Bridge Blended Malt Scotch Whisky – A refined, elegant fusion of Lowland and Highland malts. We discover its fruity, nutty, and delicate sherry notes.
  • Day 12 (USA): Westward Single Malt Stout Cask Finish – An American craft favorite from Portland, Oregon! Finished in local stout barrels, this whiskey delivers deep, rich notes of chocolate, coffee, and dark malt. (Spoiler: It’s a MUST BUY!)

Watch to see our full, honest tasting notes, who wins the flight, and which bottle we immediately add to our collection!

Did you snag the Flaviar Advent Calendar 2025? Let us know your favorite pour in the comments! 

If not, save $20 with this referral link: http://rwrd.io/ref_J5DD0JR?c 

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🥃 Become a Patron & Get Exclusive Content

🔔 YouTube

📸 Instagram 

👍 Facebook

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

Disclaimer: We are not sponsored by Flaviar for this review. We purchased the calendar ourselves and offer our honest opinion. Please drink responsibly.

#Flaviar #WhiskeyAdventCalendar #whiskeytasting #AmericanSingleMalt #irishwhiskey #ScotchWhisky #WestwardWhiskey #TwoStacksWhiskey #EdenMill #WhiskeyReview #CraftWhiskey #bourbonjourney #WhiskeyLovers #PeatedWhiskey #StoutCask 

This KC Distillery is Making Incredible Whiskey

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Get ready to explore the fascinating history and innovative whiskies of West Bottoms Whiskey Co.! In this video, we dive deep into the story of a Kansas City distillery rooted in pre-Prohibition heritage and taste four of their unique expressions: Kansas City Whiskey, Convergence Whiskey, American Blended Malt Whiskey, and Distiller’s Cut American Single Malt Whiskey.

West Bottoms Distillery was founded in 2016 by Alex Lindsey, aiming to revive the spirited history of the West Bottoms district – a bustling 19th and early 20th-century railroad and agricultural hub with a thriving saloon scene. We’ll uncover how this history inspires their brand and their whiskies, even featuring a “Murdock” mascot that embodies the industrial age’s hardworking spirit.

We’ll start with Kansas City Whiskey, a pre-Prohibition style blend of rye, bourbon, and a touch of dry Oloroso sherry. This unique “rectification” process gives it a warm, spicy start and a smooth, fruity finish.

Next, we have Convergence Whiskey, a fitting name for this blend of rye and single malt. Its signature Malbec wine cask finish merges old traditions with modern techniques for a uniquely flavorful spirit.

Prepare for a surprise with our American Blended Malt Whiskey, a special combination of our own peated Distiller’s Cut and a 4-year-old single malt. It’s the perfect introduction to smoky, complex whiskies!

Finally, we’ll savor Distiller’s Cut, our premium American Single Malt. This limited-run, hand-waxed bottle is Kansas City’s first peated whiskey, distilled and aged in-house on our copper pot still for a true taste of our craft.

Join us as we explore the unique flavors and story behind West Bottoms Whiskey Co. So grab your favorite glass, settle in, and let’s explore these incredible whiskeys together! Click play ▶️ NOW!

We highly recommend that you add West Bottoms Whiskey Co in Kansas City 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! 

This is Part 2 of 4 about Kansas City Distilleries! Don’t miss next week!

#bourbonreview #WestBottomsWhiskey #KansasCityWhiskey 

For more information on West Bottoms Whiskey Co: https://westbottomswhiskey.co/

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

✴️ Kansas City Whiskey

Kansas City Whiskey is a pre-prohibition style of blended American whiskey based on the process of rectification, the blending of up to 2.5% sherry into the whiskey. Our unique Kansas City Whiskey blends Rye and Bourbon whiskeys with a dry Oloroso sherry from Spain. The result is a beautiful sipping whiskey with a warm spicy front and a smooth, earthy, fruity finish. Retail $40

✴️ Convergence Whiskey

Convergence Whiskey embodies this rich history, combining rye and single malt whiskeys into a distinctive blend, which rests in a Malbec wine cask for its signature finish. This cask resting process allows time and tradition to merge into one uniquely blended whiskey that honors both classic and modern whiskey making techniques. Retail $50

✴️ American Blended Malt Whiskey

This truly unique blend is a very special combination of our peated Distiller’s Cut, and a 4-year-old selected single malt whiskey. This complex whiskey will continue to surprise as you sip. This blended malt whiskey is the perfect intro to those exploring scotches with light smoke and intricate flavors. Retail $60

✴️ Distiller’s Cut – American Single Malt Whiskey

Our premium offering. 100% distilled and aged by West Bottoms Whiskey Co. on our 211-gallon copper alembic pot still. The first peated whiskey in Kansas City. 50% malted barley/ 50% peated malt. Aged 1 year in 5-gallon barrels. Limited runs being released. and available in our Parlor. Each bottle has been hand wax dipped and crested with our seal. Retail $70 (375 ml)

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🚨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.

July’s Whiskey of the Month! 

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🔥🥃 Blind Whiskey BATTLE ROYALE! Who Will Be Our July 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 July 2025 whiskey lineup! 👑

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

  • ✴️ Booker’s 2025-02 “By the Pond” Batch
  • ✴️ Maker’s Mark Keepers Release
  • ✴️ Penelope: Cigar Sessions – Chapter 1
  • ✴️ W.H. McBrayer 2025 Release, Batch 5

🚫 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 

Half Way – 2025 Whiskey of the Year Preview:

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

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

✴️ Booker’s 2025-02 “By the Pond” Batch

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Beam Suntory
  • Distillery: Jim Beam Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 77% Corn, 13% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
  • Age: 7 years, 1 month, and 20 days
  • Proof: 126.5
  • Blend: This particular batch is a complex blend of barrels from various locations within 8 different warehouses. The largest percentage (29%) came from the sixth floor of warehouse G at Waterfill, a seven-story warehouse.
  • MSRP: $100
  • Released: June 2025
  • Purchased: 07/03/25 for $110 at Archie & Clyde’s Restaurant in Newburgh IN
  • Original YouTube Review:

✴️ Maker’s Mark Keepers Release

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: 
  • Distillery: Maker’s Mark
  • Mash Bill: 70% Corn, 16% Wheat, 14% Malted Barley
  • Age: NAS (about 6 years)
  • Proof: 109.2
  • MSRP: $74.99
  • Released: March 2025
  • Purchased: 05/01/25 for $74.99 at Maker’s Mark Distillery
  • Original YouTube Review:  

✴️ Penelope: Cigar Sessions – Chapter 1

  • Classification: American Whiskey
  • Distillery: Ross & Squibb Distillery (MGP)
  • Blend: Straight Bourbon, American Single Malt, and American Light Whiskey
  • Bourbon: 72% Corn, 15% Rye, 13% Malted Barley; Non Chill-Filtered; Finished with French Oak Staves
  • Age: 6
  • Proof: 101
  • MSRP: 79.99
  • Released: June 2025
  • Other: Pair with medium-bodied cigars
  • Purchased: 06/13/25 for $192.27 at High Spirits Liquor Store, Evansville IN
  • Original YouTube Review:  

✴️ W.H. McBrayer 2025 Release, Batch 5

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: McBrayer Legacy Spirits
  • Distillery: Undisclosed
  • Mash Bill: 88.4% Bloody Butcher Corn, 5.8% Heritage Rye, 5.8% Malted Barley
  • Age: NAS; blend of 15 barrels – 8 are 6.5 years old and 7 are 5.5 years old
  • Proof: 106.8
  • MSRP: $100
  • Other: Small Batch (15 hand-selected barrels), Non-Chill Filtered
  • Released: May 10, 2025
  • Purchased: 05/10/25 for $100 at McBrayer Legacy Spirits
  • Original YouTube Review:  

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🚨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.

Penelope Cigar Sessions: A Game Changer?

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Excited to dive into the Penelope Bourbon Cigar Sessions Chapter 1? 🥃💨 This isn’t just another whiskey; it’s a revolutionary cigar pairing bourbon designed to elevate your favorite medium-bodied cigars! In this whiskey review, we’re exploring Penelope’s innovative approach to blending, featuring Straight Bourbon, American Single Malt, and American Light Whiskey.

Join us as we uncork this limited release aged six years and bottled at a robust 101 proof (50.5% ABV). We’ll cover everything from its unique mash bill (72% corn, 15% rye, 13% malt) to its rich, balanced profile crafted specifically for whiskey and cigar lovers.

This video introduces Penelope Bourbon Cigar Sessions Chapter 1, a groundbreaking cigar pairing whiskey. We share how we acquired this sought-after bottle before diving deep into its unique characteristics, including its beautiful color and appearance and captivating aromas—truly a whiskey for cigar aficionados. Our review culminates with a first taste of this innovative whiskey, followed by a discussion of its finish and our honest thoughts on this exceptional Penelope Bourbon release.

Don’t miss out on this groundbreaking Penelope Bourbon Cigar Sessions Chapter 1 review! Click play ▶️ now for our completely unfiltered tasting notes.

Passionate about bourbon and exceptional whiskey? Hit that LIKE 👍 and SUBSCRIBE 🔔 so you never miss our deep dives into the most exciting new releases! Share this with your bourbon buddies and let’s celebrate the art of fine spirits together! Cheers to rare finds and unforgettable pours! 🥂

#bourbon #penelope #CigarSessions 

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

✴️ Penelope: Cigar Sessions – Chapter 1

  • Classification: American Whiskey
  • Distillery: Ross & Squibb Distillery (MGP)
  • Blend: Straight Bourbon, American Single Malt, and American Light Whiskey
  • Bourbon: 72% Corn, 15% Rye, 13% Malted Barley; Non Chill-Filtered; Finished with French Oak Staves
  • Age: 6
  • Proof: 101
  • MSRP: 79.99
  • Released: June 2025
  • Other: Pair with medium-bodied cigars
  • Purchased: 06/13/25 at High Spirits Liquor Store, Evansville IN

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

✅ 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.