Bardstown KY

Blood Oath Pact 12 Tasting: A Home Run Double Wine Finish! 

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

Today, Wayne and Rebecca are cracking open a highly anticipated bottle straight from Bardstown, Kentucky: the brand new Blood Oath Pact 12 Straight Bourbon Whiskey from Lux Row Distillers!

Released in April 2026, this year’s limited-edition blend by Master Distiller John Rempe features Blood Oath’s first-ever double Italian wine cask finish. We’re breaking down everything you need to know about this unique release—from its 98.6 standard “blood temperature” proof to how the 7-year ryed bourbon component reacts after resting in fruit-forward Montepulciano and savory Sangiovese casks.

Is this 2026 release a home run compared to last year’s tequila finish? Does the high-rye MGP mash bill bring the spice? And does it actually drink hotter than its 98.6 proof suggests? We dive into the incredible nose, the jammy mid-palate mouthfeel, and the lingering black pepper finish.

We picked our bottle up right at the distillery for $159.99—find out if you should make the trip to Bardstown to hunt down one of the 51,000 bottles available!

If you love whiskey reviews, flight breakdowns, and unboxing rare allocations, make sure to hit that SUBSCRIBE button and join us on the journey!

Always remember to drink responsibly. Today, drink your temperature: 98.6! Cheers! 🥃

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

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

Blood Oath Pact 12

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Luxco (MGP Ingredients)
  • Distillery: Lux Row Distillers (Bardstown, KY) — Blended and bottled by Master Distiller John Rempe using sourced, undisclosed bourbons.
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed (Ryed Bourbon mash bills)
  • Age: A blend of 9-year and 12-year ryed bourbons, combined with a 7-year ryed bourbon.
  • Proof: 98.6 Proof (49.3% ABV)
  • SRP: $129.99
  • Released: April 25, 2026 (Distillery release); June 2026 (National retail rollout)
  • Other: This edition features the brand’s first double Italian wine cask finish. The 7-year component was rested first in fruit-forward Montepulciano casks and then refined in savory Sangiovese casks. Total production was limited to 51,000 bottles, with 1,400 bottles held back for a future Trilogy release.
  • Purchased: 05/29/26 for $159.99 at LuxRow Distillery, Bardstown KY

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓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.

#BloodOathPact12 #BourbonReview #LuxRowDistillers #WhiskeyTasting #BloodOathBourbon #BourbonJourney #WineFinishedBourbon #LimitedEditionBourbon #AmericanWhiskey #BourbonHunting #BardstownKy #JohnRempe #MGPBourbon #WhiskeyReview #Cheers

Adult Root Beer Float? Rebel Root Beer Whiskey Review! 

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

Rebel Root Beer Float? Lux Row Distillers Just Changed the Game! 🥃🍦

Is it a soda? Is it a bourbon? It’s both! Today on Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca are getting a little “rebellious” with two brand-new releases from Lux Row Distillers that are shaking up the flavored whiskey world.

We’re diving into the newly re-released Rebel Root Beer Whiskey (back and better than ever in 2026!) and the limited-edition Rebel Butter Pecan Cream Liqueur. Watch as we taste them individually and then perform a “distillery-authorized” science experiment by mixing them into the ultimate Adult Root Beer Float.

If you’re a fan of Barq’s, sarsaparilla, or just creamy wheated bourbon, you won’t want to miss this Fun Friday tasting. Is it too sweet, or is it the perfect dessert pour? Let’s find out!

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

Rebel Root Beer Whiskey

  • Classification: Flavored Whiskey (specifically, a Bourbon-based liqueur)
  • Company: Luxco (parent company of Lux Row)
  • Distillery: Lux Row Distillers (Bardstown, KY)
  • Mash Bill: Wheat Bourbon mash bill (historically approximately 68% Corn, 20% Wheat, 12% Malted Barley)
  • Age: NAS (Non-Age Stated)
  • Proof: 70 (35% ABV)
  • MSRP: $24.99 – $27.99
  • Released: Originally debuted around 2016 (as Rebel Yell Root Beer); re-released/re-branded in late 2025/early 2026.
  • Purchased: 03/28/26 for $25.99 at Lux Row Distillery

Rebel Butter Pecan Cream Liqueur

  • Classification: Whiskey Cream Liqueur
  • Company: Luxco
  • Distillery: Lux Row Distillers (Bardstown, KY)
  • Mash Bill: N/A (Cream liqueurs do not have a traditional mash bill, though the spirit base is Rebel’s Wheated Bourbon).
  • Age: NAS (Non-Age Stated)
  • Proof: 30 (15% ABV)
  • MSRP: $24.99 – $26.99
  • Released: Early 2026 (Limited Release)
  • Other: Made with Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and fresh cream.
  • Purchased: 03/28/26 for $25.99 at Lux Row Distillery

🚨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.

#Bourbon #Whiskey #LuxRowDistillers #RebelBourbon #RootBeerWhiskey #WhiskeyReview #BourbonCream #FlavorWhiskey #Bardstown #BourbonJourney #AdultFloat #DrinkReview #ButterPecan #Luxco #WhiskeyTasting

Why This 3-Hour Toasted Barrel Changes Everything | Cascadia

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

We found the “Space Mountain” of Bourbon! | Bardstown Cascadia Review

Is a three-hour toast the secret to the perfect bourbon? Today on Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca head to the “Oregon Trail” (by way of Kentucky!) to taste the highly anticipated Bardstown Bourbon Company Distillery Reserve: Cascadia Garryana Oak Barrel Finish.

Released on March 20, 2026, this 107.5-proof gem is defined by the scarcity of its wood. Garryana Oak (Oregon White Oak) cannot be farmed—it must be harvested from fallen or sanctioned trees. Bardstown partnered with Oregon Barrel Works to create custom barrels that underwent a massive three-hour toast to pull out deep notes of clove, nutmeg, and baked cherry.

Is it worth the $99.99 price tag for a 375ml bottle? Wayne compares it to a wild ride on Space Mountain, while Rebecca explores the “French Oak” vibes and savory tannins.

In this video, we discuss:

  • How we managed to snag two bottles at the distillery (and the 60-day rule!).
  • The science behind the 3-hour toast vs. standard charring.
  • Full tasting notes: From “Clove Gum” on the nose to “Cherry Pie” on the palate.
  • Where to find it: Bardstown & Louisville tasting rooms.

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🥃 Become a Patron & Get Exclusive Content

🔔 YouTube

📸 Instagram 

👍 Facebook

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

Bardstown Bourbon Company’s Distillery Reserve: Cascadia Garryana Oak Barrel Finish

  • Classification:  Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Bardstown Bourbon Company
  • Mash Bill: Blend of three (9 & 10-year-old high-rye/low-rye bourbon mash bills)
  • Age: 9 years (plus 10-month finish)
  • Proof: 107.5
  • MSRP: $99.99 (375 ml)
  • Released: March 20, 2026
  • Purchased: 03/28/26 for $99.99 at Bardstown Bourbon Company
  • Other: This release is defined by the scarcity of its wood. Unlike standard American White Oak, Garryana (Oregon White Oak) cannot be farmed; it’s harvested only from fallen or sanctioned trees. Bardstown partnered with Oregon Barrel Works to create custom barrels that underwent a three-hour toast—a massive amount of time compared to standard barrel charring. 

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓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 #WhiskeyReview #BardstownBourbonCo #GarryanaOak #YourBourbonJourney #Cascadia #KentuckyBourbon #WhiskeyTasting #ToastedBarrel #RareWhiskey #BourbonCommunity #CraftWhiskey #OregonOak #DistilleryReserve #BourbonHistory

The Best Whiskey of October 2025? Blind Ranked! 

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

🔥🥃 Blind Bourbon BATTLE ROYALE! Who Will Be Our October 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 October 2025 whiskey lineup! 👑

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

  • Bardstown Discovery #13
  • Chicken Cock Private Cask Single Barrel
  • Cinder & Smoke Founder’s Select 10 Year
  • Old Fitzgerald Bottled in Bond 7 Year

🚫 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 

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🥃 Become a Patron & Get Exclusive Content

🔔 YouTube

📸 Instagram 

👍 Facebook

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

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

✴️ Bardstown Discovery #13

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Bardstown Bourbon Company
  • Mash Bill: See above
  • Age: youngest is 8 years
  • Proof: 110.8
  • Released: 08/29/25
  • Secondary Finish: (4 months) 61 percent of final blend finished in new American White Oak; 39 percent of final blend finished in Hungarian Oak
  • Purchased: 08/31/25 for $139.99 at Bardstown Bourbon Company, Bardstown KY

✴️ Chicken Cock Private Cask Single Barrel

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Grain & Barrel Spirits
  • Distillery: For Chicken Cock via Bardstown Bourbon Company’s collaborative distillation program.
  • Master Distiller: Gregg Snyder
  • Mash Bill: 70% Corn, 21% Rye, 9% Malted Barley
  • Age: 5 Years, 4 Months
  • Proof: 125.28
  • MSRP: $90
  • Released: Bottled 07/2025 – Distillery Exclusive
  • Other: Barrel No. 10, Barreled 03/2020; Rickhouse F
  • Provided to us: 09/02/25 at the Chicken Cock Tasting Room, Bardstown KY

✴️ 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

✴️ Old Fitzgerald Bottled in Bond 7 Year

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.
  • Distillery: Bernheim Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 68% Corn, 20% Wheat, 12% Malted Barley
  • Age: 7 Years
  • Proof: 100
  • MSRP: $59.99
  • Released: Summer 2025
  • Other: 700 ml bottle
  • Purchased: 09/02/2025 for $64.99 at Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience, Bardstown, KY

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

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.

The ULTIMATE Barrel Proof! Chicken Cock Private Cask Review

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

Get Ready for a 🚀High-Proof 🐓Rooster Ride! 🥃 In this epic whiskey review, we’re diving deep into a truly special bottle: the Chicken Cock Private Cask Single Barrel #10 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey!

Join us as we uncork, nose, taste, and break down every aspect of this incredible barrel-proof bourbon. This isn’t just any Chicken Cock; it’s Barrel #10, barreled in March 2020 and bottled in July 2025, clocking in at a mighty 5 Years, 4 Months of age and a scorching 125.28 Proof! 🐔🔥

What makes this bottle so unique? 

This particular single barrel is a prime example of the “first distillate” crafted for Chicken Cock by Master Distiller Gregg Snyder through their collaboration with Bardstown Bourbon Company (BBCo). Stored in Rickhouse F, this barrel strength bourbon showcases the iconic 70% Corn, 21% Rye, 9% Malted Barley mash bill at its purest, most undiluted form.

If you’re a fan of barrel proof whiskey, craft bourbon, or hunting for those rare private selection bourbons, this review is a must-watch! We’ll explore the rich history of Chicken Cock Whiskey and the exciting future of its Bardstown, KY distillery operations.

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

👇 What’s your favorite release of Chicken Cock Whiskey? 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! 

#ChickenCockWhiskey #PrivateCask #SingleBarrelBourbon #BarrelProof #KentuckyBourbon #WhiskeyReview #BourbonReview #HighProofWhiskey #CraftSpirits #BardstownBourbonCompany #BBCo #RareBourbon #WhiskeyTube #SpiritsReview #BourbonHunter #WhiskeyLife #RickhouseF #GreggSnyder #AmericanWhiskey #WhiskeyTasting

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

✴️ Chicken Cock Private Cask Single Barrel

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Grain & Barrel Spirits
  • Distillery: For Chicken Cock via Bardstown Bourbon Company’s collaborative distillation program.
  • Master Distiller: Gregg Snyder
  • Mash Bill: 70% Corn, 21% Rye, 9% Malted Barley
  • Age: 5 Years, 4 Months
  • Proof: 125.28
  • MSRP: $90
  • Released: Bottled 07/2025 – Distillery Exclusive
  • Other: Barrel No. 10, Barreled 03/2020; Rickhouse F
  • Provided to us: 09/02/25 at the Chicken Cock Tasting Room, Bardstown 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 spirit in this review was provided to us. However, 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.

Lux Row Distillery: A Must-See on the Trail

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes Episode 33 – Lux Row Distillery

Are you ready to discover the secrets of one of Bardstown, Kentucky’s most impressive distilleries? Join us as we explore Lux Row Distillery, the home of some incredible bourbons. This is more than a tour; it’s a full Kentucky Bourbon Trail adventure!

In this episode, we take you inside the distillery to see the magic firsthand. But the real excitement begins when we sit down to review a rare and sought-after bottle: Lux Row 12 Year Double Barrel Cask Strength Bourbon. We’ll unlock every hidden note and unique flavor, from start to finish. Is it worth the hype? Find out in our in-depth tasting!

Click play ▶️ now to join the adventure and find out if this 12-year bourbon is your next favorite pour.

Join the YBJ Family! 

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

💬 Comment below with your favorite Lux Row whiskey! 

➡️ Share this video with a fellow whiskey fan! 

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

********

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.

#bourbonreview  #KentuckyBourbonTrail #LuxRow

Learn more about Lux Row: https://luxrowdistillers.com/

Check out our KBT Bardstown KY Guide:

 ❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

ABOUT THE BOTTLE REVIEWED

✴️ Lux Row 12 Year Double Barrell Cask Strength

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Lux Row Distillers
  • Distillery: Undisclosed/Sourced
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed (likely 78% Corn, 10% Rye, 12% Malted Barley)
  • Barrels: No. 5058636 (07/11/06) and No. 5121011 (01/29/07)
  • Age: 12 years
  • Proof: 118.4 (a nod to the distillery’s opening April 2018)
  • MSRP: $189.99
  • Other: Lux Row 12 Year Double Barrel is a limited release and is generally considered to be a distillery-only exclusive
  • Purchased: 03/25/23 for $189.99 at Lux Row 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.

Exploring Willett Distillery & Tasting Noah’s Mill 

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes Episode Episode 32 – Willett Distillery

Get ready for an adventure down the Kentucky Bourbon Trail as we revisit a nice stop in Bardstown, KY in March 2023.  In this episode, we’re taking you back to our very first visit to Willett Distillery which was our 36th distillery and our 28th stamp in our Kentucky Bourbon Trail Book!

Join us as we relive every moment from our initial tour of the Willett Distillery. But the excitement doesn’t stop there! We’ll then uncork a bottle of their Noah’s Mill 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 and discover the secrets of Willett and Noah’s Mill Bourbon with us!

Ready to explore the world of whiskey with us? Join the YBJ family!

👍 Like this video if you’re excited for the Kentucky Bourbon Trail! 

💬 Comment your thoughts on Willett Distillery or this tasting! 

➡️ Share with fellow whiskey lovers! 

🔔 Subscribe to Your Bourbon Journey and hit the bell 🔔 for weekly bourbon adventures you won’t want to miss!

********

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.

#bourbonreview  #KentuckyBourbonTrail #Willett

Learn more about Willett Distillery

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

ABOUT THE BOTTLE REVIEWED

✴️ Noah’s Mill Bourbon

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Willett Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 72% Corn, 13% Rye, 15% Barley
  • Other: 125 Barrel Entry Proof
  • Age: NAS
  • Proof: 114.3
  • MSRP: $68
  • Purchased: 03/24/23 for $68 at Willett 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.

Derby Week Bourbon Magic + 3 Distillery Stops!

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

Experience the Ultimate Bourbon & Culinary Symphony! …and a Whirlwind Bourbon Adventure! 🥃🍽️➡️🥃🥃🥃 Join us for a taste of pure Kentucky magic as we dive into the prestigious 5th Annual Kentucky Bourbon Festival Distiller Dinner! Held at the stunning Savor at River House on April 30th, 2025, this celebrated Derby week tradition delivered an unforgettable evening of exceptional bourbon, mind-blowing cuisine, and the kind of vibrant energy you can only find during the Kentucky Derby Festival.

Picture this: the iconic steamboat race blazing along the picturesque Ohio River as Master Distiller Owen Martin himself guides us through the exquisite world of Angel’s Envy! We savored a curated flight featuring the coveted Angel’s Envy Triple Oak, the exclusive KBF Sherry Single Barrel Pick, the rich Angel’s Envy 2024 Bourbon Cask, and a tantalizing Mystery Pour that kept us on the edge of our seats!

The night kicked off with a delightful welcome cocktail showcasing the official 2025 Kentucky Bourbon Festival recipe and concluded with a decadent dessert cocktail, perfectly harmonizing with the four neat bourbon pours. But the experience didn’t stop there! We also enjoyed catching up with friends and soaking in the lovely evening, which culminated in some mighty fine cigars and conversation down by the river.

But wait, there’s more! The next morning, our bourbon adventure continued as we journeyed to the heart of Kentucky’s bourbon country: Bardstown! Get ready to explore three iconic distilleries: the legendary Maker’s Mark Distillery, the impressive Lux Row Distillery, and the immersive Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience.

All this magic packed into an amazing 25.5 hours! 😉 Watch now and discover why YOU absolutely must add this incredible bourbon and Kentucky experience to your “must do” list for 2026!

WELCOME COCKTAIL AND PASSED APPETIZERS

Angel’s Envy Glazed Grilled Gulf Shrimp atop a tostone with peach and serrano chow chow

Crispy quail legs with preserved lemon

Beet Chip topped with balsamic fig jam and a toasted salted cashew crumble

SALAD 

Local purple mustard greens with pumpkin seed and oat granola, dried apricots, Kenny’s aged brie, and an Angel’s Envy apricot mostarda vinaigrette

DINNER

Bone-in Short Rib over grand Padano and herb Weisenberger grits, with pickled fennel and eggplant, finished with a port wine and bone marrow reduction, fennel oil, and gremolata

DESSERT

Kern’s Derby Pie Blondie Bar

ABOUT THE VENUE

Louisville’s newest and most scenic private event venue created by award-winning Chef John Varanese, one of Louisville’s most celebrated restauranteurs, Savor at River House combines a spectacular view of the river with the same delicious cuisine and outstanding service that is the signature of all Chef Varanese’s restaurants (Varanese, River House, & Levee Bourbon Lounge).

❌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 events and 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.

Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes Episode 5 – Heaven Hill

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

Our Unforgettable First Trip to Heaven Hill Distillery

In Episode 5 of Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes, we proudly recount our unforgettable first visit to Heaven Hill Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky. Join us as we remember that beautiful day, April 24, 2022. This day marked our fifth stop on our inaugural weekend of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, where we collected our 5th stamp in our trail book. We share invaluable insights about the experiences available at Heaven Hill with a focus on “You Do Bourbon.” To enhance our memories, we open a bottle of Bernheim Wheat Whiskey that Rebecca bottled that day, allowing us to relive the original experience and explore all that it has to offer, adding yet another highlight to 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.

Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey

Company/Distillery: Heaven Hill

  • Like the original, Bernheim Barrel Proof is produced at the Bernheim Distillery and is the first wheat whiskey to use winter wheat as its primary grain, giving it a soft, sweet flavor that’s extra smooth.
  • Each offering is aged for seven to nine years in our open-air rickhouses.
  • This is a chance to experience our unique wheat mashbill in its pure form: non-chill filtered and bottled at barrel proof.

Classification: Straight Wheat Whiskey

  • By definition, wheat whiskey is similar to the definition of bourbon whiskey, except that it swaps bourbon’s minimum 51% corn requirement for a minimum 51% wheat requirement.
  • Wheat whiskey does not need to be a product of the United States.
  • To be labelled “straight” wheat whiskey must be aged in new charred oak containers for at least two years and the product of a single state.

Mashbill: 51% Wheat, 37% Corn, 12% Malted Barley

Barrel Proof: 110

Age: 7 Years

Release Date: Special: 04/24/22 (You Do Bourbon / Bottle Your Own)

Price Paid: $49.99

Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes Episode 4 – Maker’s Mark

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

Makers Mark DISTILLERY Secrets You Never Knew

In Episode 4 of Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes, we proudly recount our unforgettable first visit to Maker’s Mark Distillery in Loretto, Kentucky. Join us as we remember that warm and sunny day, April 23, 2022. This day marked our fourth stop on our inaugural weekend of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, where we collected our fourth stamp in our trail book. We share invaluable insights about the Maker’s Mark grounds, distillery, and overall experience. To enhance our memories, we open a bottle of Maker’s Mark, allowing us to relive the original experience and explore all that it has to offer, adding yet another highlight to 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.

Maker’s Mark Bourbon

Classification: Straight Bourbon
Company: Beam Suntory
Distillery: Maker’s Mark
Release Date: Ongoing
Proof: 90
Age: NAS (Aged 6-7 years according to the company)
Mashbill: 70% Corn, 16% Wheat, 14% Malted Barley
Color: Honey
MSRP: $30 / 750mL (2024)