Augusta’s Historic Distillery: A Visit to Becker & Bird

May 5, 2026May 5, 2026 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

Becker & Bird: The Historic Kentucky Bourbon Time Capsule

Think you’ve seen everything on the Bourbon Trail? Think again. Join us for Bourbon Trail Tales and Taste, Episode 60, as we travel to Augusta, Kentucky, to visit the historic Becker & Bird Distillery.

This isn’t your average commercial distillery tour. Set on a property that’s on the National Register of Historic Places, Becker & Bird honors the legacy of Johannes Becker, a Revolutionary War veteran who began distilling on this land in 1798. You’ll learn the fascinating (and sometimes frustrating) story of why they had to shift their name from “Baker” to “Becker” to avoid a corporate legal battle, and why this site is a true bourbon time capsule.

The real showstopper? The cellar. We’re taking you inside one of the largest wine and spirit cellars in the U.S.—a hand-built stone masterpiece that survived the Battle of Augusta in 1862. Its consistent, cool, humid environment acts as a natural rickhouse, unlike anything you see in modern metal-clad warehouses.

In this episode:

🥃 The Bourbon: We’re tasting the Historic Becker & Bird Straight Bourbon (100 proof, 2-year age statement, MGP-sourced). We break down the profile, the “grain-forward” notes, and why we think it’s important to support these up-and-coming craft distillers.

🍷 The Winery: We discover their amazing bourbon-barrel-aged wine, a must-try if you visit the tasting room!

If you love exploring the history behind the bottle and want to support the preservation of our Kentucky spirits heritage, this is a stop you need to add to your list.

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✴️ Historic Becker & Bird Straight Bourbon

Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Company: Baker-Bird Winery & Distillery (Owned by Dinah Bird)
Distillery: MGP (Lawrenceburg, IN)
Mash Bill: Most likely MGP’s 75% Corn, 21% Rye, 4% Malted Barley
Age: 2 Years
Proof: 100
MSRP: $78.99 (Price may vary; some winery-direct bottles are priced at a premium due to the historic site maintenance)
Released: 2018 (Brand launch)
Purchased: $90 03/15/25 at Becker & Bird Distillery
Other: Bottled by Kentucky Artisan Distillery (Crestwood, KY). The label pays homage to Johannes Becker (John Baker), a Revolutionary War veteran who moved to Augusta in 1797.

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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.

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The April Lineup: Which Whiskey Earned the Top Spot?

May 1, 2026April 30, 2026 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

Welcome back to Your Bourbon Journey! 🥃

It’s that time of the month again! With the “Road to the Sweet 16” in full swing, we have curated an absolute powerhouse lineup for our April Whiskey of the Month. This month, we went bold—tasting five unique expressions that span the entire spectrum of flavor and finish. From Finished Rye and Wheat whiskeys to high-proof American Light Whiskey and Kentucky Straight Bourbon, we are all over the map!

We put these contenders to the ultimate test in a blind tasting format to see which bottle has what it takes to advance toward our Whiskey of the Year title. The competition was fierce, the legs were luscious, and the results? Let’s just say we were genuinely stunned.

In this episode: We dive into five distinct expressions, evaluating them on the nose, palate, and finish. We break down the unique profiles, discuss the impact of finishing casks (Armagnac, Madeira, Port/Sherry), and score them live to see who reigns supreme this month.

Featured Candidates:

Dark Arts Cask Strength Bourbon (Armagnac Finish)
Dark Arts Blunt Blend (Batch 3)
Knob Creek Blender’s Edition 1
Penelope American Light Whiskey (18 Year)
Remus Master Distiller Experimental Series 2

Stay tuned until the end for the Big Reveal! We break down the math, discuss the “Sweet Sixteen” leaderboard implications, and find out which of these bottles are destined for our Whiskey of the Year tournament.

If you enjoy our blind tasting series, hit that SUBSCRIBE button and join us on our journey! 🔔 Don’t forget to like and comment: Which of these bottles would be your top pick? Are you a fan of the finishes in this lineup?

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📊 SEE THE LIVE LEADERBOARD: Want to see where these bottles rank against the rest of the field? Check out our real-time leaderboard here: 👉 https://yourbourbonjourney.com/2026/02/27/the-live-leaderboard-road-to-the-sweet-sixteen/

🥃 OUR NEW SCORING PROCESS: We’ve revamped our scoring to be more transparent than ever. Read the full breakdown of our new rubric and the “Sweet Sixteen” bracket process on our website: 👉 https://yourbourbonjourney.com/2026/02/27/decoding-the-pour-the-new-your-bourbon-journey-scoring-woty-process/

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

Dark Arts Cask Strength Bourbon (Armagnac Finish)

Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Distilled: Sourced from MGP in Indiana
Produced by: Dark Arts Whiskey House LLC
Mash Bill: 60% Corn, 36% Rye, 4% Malted Barley
Age: 10 Years
Proof: 113 (Cask Strength)
Released: Early 2026
Other: Finished in Armagnac Cask; Batch AT2; Bottle 132
Original Review:

Dark Arts Blunt Blend (Batch 3) Dank Arts

Classification: Rye Bourbon Whiskey
Company: Dark Arts Whiskey House
Distillery: Distilled in Indiana; Blended/Bottled in Sparta, KY
Mash Bill: 95% Rye, 5% Malted Barley
Age: 8 Years
Finished: Madeira Cask and Armagnac Cask
Proof: 113.8
Released: Late March 2026
Other: Bottle 3370
Original Review:

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
Original Review:

Penelope American Light Whiskey 18 Year Limited Release

Classification: American Light Whiskey
Company: Penelope Bourbon (A subsidiary of MGP/Luxco)
Distillery: MGP (Lawrenceburg, IN)
Mash Bill: 99% Corn, 1% Malted Barley
Age: 18 Years
Proof: 140.2
Released: 2026
Original Review:

Remus Master Distiller Experimental Series 2

Classification: Straight Wheat Whiskey
Distillery: Ross & Squibb Distillery
Mash Bill: 95% Wheat, 5% Malted Barley (LKSV formula/rare)
Age: Distilled in 2017 – Approximately 9 years
Quattro-Finish: (separately) Tawny Port, White Port, Oloroso Sherry and Ruby Port Casks (then blended)
Proof: 113
Released: March 2026
Original 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 producers for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.

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Flaviar Advent 2025: Days 7, 8, 9 Surprise Whiskeys

December 10, 2025December 9, 2025 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

🥃 Flaviar Advent Calendar 2025: Days 7, 8, & 9 Reveal & Review! Heirloom Corn Whiskey, Farm-to-Glass Rye & Tequila Finished Bourbon! 🇺🇸

Welcome back, Travelers! Join Wayne and Rebecca, Your Bourbon Journey, as we open Days 7, 8, and 9 of the exclusive Flaviar Whiskey Advent Calendar 2025! This episode is a deep dive into American innovation, featuring three must-try whiskeys from Kentucky and Nevada. We uncover a high-rye bourbon finished in tequila barrels, a 100% farm-to-glass rye, and a unique small-batch bourbon using heirloom corn.

Don’t miss our full tasting review, breakdown of the unique stories behind each brand, and final thoughts on this incredible flight of American whiskey.

Day 7: 15 STARS First West Small Batch Bourbon We revisit this exceptional Kentucky Bourbon, which features a blend of 5, 6, and 7-year-old bourbons, including a proprietary mash bill with rare red, white, black, and blue heritage corns! Get our tasting notes on the vanilla, brown sugar, butterscotch, and nuttiness this small-batch whiskey delivers.

Day 8: Frey Ranch Bottled-in-Bond Straight Rye Whiskey We land in Reno, Nevada, for the Frey Ranch Bottled-in-Bond Rye! Made from 100% sustainably grown winter rye using a true Farm-to-Glass approach. This 100 proof rye surprises us with floral notes, a soft start, and a beautiful lingering pepperiness.

Day 9: Mary Dowling Tequila Barrel Finished Bourbon Honoring the “Mother of Bourbon,” Mary Dowling, this exciting high-rye bourbon is finished in authentic Reposado Tequila barrels—a nod to her distilling history in Mexico during Prohibition! We explore the nose of sweet agave and rye spice, and the surprising palate of chocolate, agave, and a long, clean finish. Tequila finish bourbon is the hottest trend of 2025, and this one is a must-try!

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

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The Starlight 10 Year Bourbon Is Finally Here!

September 8, 2025September 8, 2025 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

Starlight 10 Year Old Bourbon: The Oldest Release from Starlight Distillery!

Join Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey as they get their hands on a highly sought-after bottle—the Starlight 2025 10 Year Old Bourbon. This is the oldest release ever from Starlight Distillery in Borden, Indiana, and it’s a bottle they’ve been waiting for since they first tasted a sample at a Repeal Dinner almost a year ago!

In this review, Wayne and Rebecca discuss the unique aspects of this special release, including the specific three-grain mash bill (60% corn, 20% rye, 20% malted barley), its sweet mash process, and the incredibly rare Seguin Moreau Iconic Barrels it was aged in.

Poured at a bold 120.3 proof, they explore the rich, dark amber color and complex notes on the nose and palate. Can they find the pipe tobacco, dark chocolate, and caramel notes they’re looking for? And what does a 10-year-old bourbon with a low barrel entry proof taste like?

This isn’t just a review; it’s a celebration of a family-owned Indiana distillery that is making waves in the American whiskey world. If you love discovering craft distilleries and special, limited-release whiskey, this video is for you.

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

👇 What’s your favorite release from Starlight Distillery? 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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❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

✴️ Starlight 2025 10-Year Cask Strength

Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Distillery: Starlight Distillery
Mash Bill: 60% Corn, 20% Rye, 20% Malted Barley
Other: Grain-to-glass; sweet mash; double pot distilled; barrel entry proof 112-116
Age: 10 Years
Proof: 120.3
MSRP: $250
Released: July 2025
Aging: Sequin Moreau Icone barrels.
Purchased: 08/14/25 for $250 at Starlight Distillery

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

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ULTIMATE Whiskey of the Month Blind Tasting & Ranking! March 2025!

March 28, 2025March 26, 2025 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

Alright, buckle up, whiskey lovers! Get ready for a showdown of epic proportions! 🥃 In this blind tasting adventure, we’re putting four contenders to the ultimate test to crown the undisputed champion of our March 2025 whiskey tastings.

Prepare your senses as we dive deep into the aromatic world and tantalizing flavors of:

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof (A125): The bold and the beautiful, ready to unleash its cask-strength magic.
Jack Daniels 12 Year (Batch 3): A sophisticated classic stepping into the ring. Can it surprise us?
Old Louisville Straight Whiskey Cognac Cask Finish: An intriguing fusion promising a unique and luxurious experience.
Oxmoor Single Barrel (Vol. 4, MMXXIV): The single barrel sensation, bursting with character and individuality.

No labels, no biases – just pure, unadulterated whiskey appreciation! 👀 Join us as we meticulously nose, sip, and savor each dram, dissecting the nose, the dance on the palate, the lingering finish, and that all-important je ne sais quoi.

Will the barrel proof powerhouse dominate? Will the aged elegance steal the show? Or will a unique finish or single barrel charm take the crown? We’re ranking them from 4th place to the coveted 1st place spot, and the suspense is building!

Hit play and join the tasting party! 🎉 Grab your own glass (of whatever you fancy!), settle in, and experience the thrill of the reveal with us. Get ready for some serious whiskey talk, maybe a few surprises, and definitely a good time. Cheers to an unforgettable evening of delicious discovery! 🥂

Don’t forget to subscribe and let us know in the comments which whiskey YOU thought would win! 👇

✅ RECOMMENDED FOR YOU

➡️ Bourbon Tastings & Reviews

🥃 Bourbon Cocktails

🚗 Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes Series

🚘 The ULTIMATE Guide for the Kentucky Bourbon Train (BARDSTOWN)

🚘 The ULTIMATE Guide for the Kentucky Bourbon Train (LOUISVILLE)

🛍️ AMAZON AFFILIATE LINKS (commissions earned):

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🔥DETAILS REGARDING OUR FOUR FINALISTS🔥

(in alphabetical order)

✴️ Elijah Craig Barrel Proof (A125)

Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Distillery: Heaven Hill
Mash Bill: 78% Corn, 12% Malted Barley, 10% Rye
Age: 10 years, 7 months
Proof: 118.2
MSRP: $75
Released: January 2025
Purchased: 02/27/25 for $99.99 at High Spirits in Evansville, IN
Original YouTube Review: https://youtu.be/Rg8WwsG8Ias?si=XXCCYEjJAlGkwX7X

✴️ 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
Original YouTube Review: https://youtu.be/bek-7rU9A-E?si=vnYaFcCXV53edAjv

✴️ Old Louisville Straight Whiskey Cognac Cask Finish

Classification: Straight Whiskey
Distilled: Indiana
Bottled: Old Louisville Whiskey Co, Louisville KY
Mash Bill: Undisclosed
Age: 9 years
Proof: 106.6
Released: 2025
Other: Uncut, Non-Chill Filtered, Cognac Cask Finished
Purchased: 02/21/25 for $99.00 at Old Louisville Whiskey Co, Louisville KY
Original YouTube Review: https://youtu.be/H1GPKXkBNP0?si=hfgALrZ8U2D4vT4R

✴️ Oxmoor Single Barrel (Vol. 4, MMXXIV)

Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Company: Oxmoor Bourbon Company
Bottled: Neeley Family Distillery, Sparta KY
Mash Bill: Undisclosed
Age: 8 years
Proof: 116.6
MSRP: $80.00
Released:
Other: Vol. 4, MMXXIV
Purchased: 02/21/25 for $80.00 at Oxmoor Farm, Louisville KY
Original YouTube Review: https://youtu.be/exaZ7dFF7NU?si=Z-Op-VAyut1SACZD

🚨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.

Jack Daniel’s 12 Year 2025: Does It Live Up to the Hype?

March 24, 2025March 23, 2025 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

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!