Blind Barrels XVI Best of the Best Blind Tasting Results

Is it a Buy? Blind Barrels Release XVI “Best of the Best” Tasting! ๐Ÿฅƒ

Happy Friday, whiskey lovers! Today, Wayne and Rebecca are diving into Blind Barrels Release XVI, aptly titled “The Best of the Best.” This curated box features standout picks from award-winning craft distilleries, and weโ€™re putting our palates to the test to see if we can identify these mystery pours.

From a rare bourbon finished on local wood to a high-proof whiskey ranked in the Top 20 of 2025 by Whiskey Advocate, this flight is full of surprises! Are these regional gems worth the hunt? Watch as we break down the nose, palate, and finish of each mystery pour to decide: Is it a BUY?

๐Ÿ•ต๏ธ The Mystery Lineup (Revealed in Video!):

  • Sample A: A unique bourbon from the “Cherry Capital of the World,” finished on toasted cherry wood staves for a bright, floral profile.
  • Sample B: An “out of this world” 100-proof, four-grain Kentucky Straight Bourbon released to celebrate a total solar eclipse.
  • Sample C: A 115-proof American Single Malt from the ADI “Distillery of the Year,” aged for 7 years and rarely seen outside its home state.
  • Sample D: A powerhouse 125-proof Wheat Whiskey from Ohio, recently honored as one of the most prestigious spirits in the world for 2025.

Enjoying the journey? If you like honest whiskey talk and real-world buying advice, hit SUBSCRIBE and the bell to join us for every pour!

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

๐Ÿฅƒ Become a Patron & Get Exclusive Content

๐Ÿ”” YouTube

๐Ÿ“ธ Instagram 

๐Ÿ‘ Facebook

๐ŸšจREMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY๐Ÿšจ

โœ… Please SUBSCRIBE and hit the LIKE button!

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

โ“Questionsโ“ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

NOTE: We were not compensated by the spirit producers or Blind Barrels for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.

#WhiskeyTasting #BourbonJourney #BlindBarrels #BourbonReview #WhiskeyLover #CraftDistillery #AmericanSingle Malt #CaskStrength #BourbonLife #CraftWhiskey #WhiskeyAdvocate #KentuckyBourbon #WhiskeyCommunity #WhiskeyCollector #Cheers

โŒYOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOLโŒ

โ€ผ๏ธ๐ŸšจSPOILER ALERT๐Ÿšจโ€ผ๏ธ

Casey Jones Total Eclipse Four Grain Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

  • Producer: Casey Jones Distillery – Hopkinsville, KY
  • Proof: 100 (50% ABV)
  • Age Statement: 4 years old
  • Mashbill: 75% Corn, 10% Wheat, 10% Rye, 5% Malted Barley (Mash Bill 4)
  • Size: 750ml

Mammoth Distilling Northern Bourbon – Straight Bourbon Whiskey finished on Toasted Cherry Wood Staves

  • Producer: Mammoth Distilling – Central Lake, MI
  • Proof: 95 (47.5% ABV)
  • Age Statement: 5 years old
  • Mashbill: 74.8% Wapsie Valley Corn, 21% Wheeler Rye, 4.2% Conlon Malted Barley
  • Size: 750ml

Middle West Spirits Cask Strength Straight Wheat Whiskey

  • Producer: Middle West Spirits – Columbus, OH
  • Proof: 125.2 (62.6% ABV)
  • Age Statement: 5 years old
  • Mashbill: 95% Ohio Soft Red Winter Wheat, 5% Two-Row Malted Barley
  • Size: 750ml

Southern Star American Single Malt Whiskey – Cask Strength (375ml)

  • Producer: Southern Distilling Company – Statesville, NC
  • Proof: 115.2 (57.6% ABV)
  • Age Statement: 7 years old
  • Mashbill: 100% Malted Barley
  • Size: 375ml

โŒYOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOLโŒ

Ultimate Bookerโ€™s 2025 Guide: Every Batch Ranked & Scoredย 

The Ultimate Bookerโ€™s Bourbon Showdown: 2025 Full Batch Blind Tasting! ๐Ÿฅƒ

Is there a better way to kick off the weekend than a blind flight of Bookerโ€™s Bourbon? Today, Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey are diving deep into the 2025 Bookerโ€™s lineup to settle the debate: Which batch truly reigns supreme?

From the cherry-forward notes of Jerryโ€™s Batch to the “stubborn genius” behind Phantom Pipes, weโ€™re ranking all four releases based on Nose, Palate, and Finish. These are all Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskeys coming in at that powerhouse proof we love, but the profiles this year might surprise you!

In this video, we cover: 

โœ… Full breakdown of 2025-01 through 2025-04. 

โœ… Blind tasting notes: Identifying the peanuts, cherry, and “convection sugar” sweetness. 

โœ… Our personal scoring (Spoilers: We found a 95-point winner!). 

โœ… The stories behind the batches: Honoring Barry Berish, Jerry Dalton, and the Noe family legacy.

The 2025 Lineup:

Which 2025 Bookerโ€™s was your favorite? Did you prefer the traditional peanut funk or the unique fruit-forward profile of Jerryโ€™s Batch? Let us know in the comments below! ๐Ÿ‘‡

Batch 2025-01 “Barryโ€™s Batch”: 7yr, 2mo, 4d | 125.7 Proof – Original Review:

Batch 2025-02 “By the Pond”: 7yr, 1mo, 20d | 126.5 Proof – Original Review:

Batch 2025-03 “Jerryโ€™s Batch”: 7yr, 4mo, 21d | 124.7 Proof – Original Review:

Batch 2025-04 “Phantom Pipes”: 7yr, 6mo, 15d | 126.4 Proof – Original Review:

โœจ SUPPORT THE CHANNEL โœจ If you love deep dives into bourbon culture and blind tastings, hit that SUBSCRIBE button and join our journey! Remember: Always drink responsibly.

For WordPress

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

๐Ÿฅƒ Become a Patron & Get Exclusive Content

๐Ÿ”” YouTube

๐Ÿ“ธ Instagram 

๐Ÿ‘ Facebook

๐ŸšจREMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY๐Ÿšจ

โ“Questionsโ“ 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.

#BookersBourbon #bourbonreview #whiskeytasting #JimBeam #BourbonLife #blindtasting #KentuckyBourbon #WhiskeyGram #bourbonjourney #CaskStrength #SmallBatch #WhiskeyCollection #JerrysBatch #whiskeytube #Bookers2025 

The BEST Whiskey of Q4 2025? Full Blind Tasting & Scores!

Getting ready for the ultimate bourbon showdown? This Whiskey of the Quarter (WOTQ) Final features three heavyweight contenders battling for the top seed in the Sweet 16 bracket. From heirloom grains to complex secondary finishes, these are the best of the best from 2025.

In this blind tasting, Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey put the highly anticipated Bardstown Discovery #13, the unique Fountain Run Bottled in Bond, and the heritage-rich Patriotic Meri-COB to the test. Which bottle delivers the perfect “fastball,” and which one is the “changeup” that steals the show?

๐Ÿฅƒ Featured Whiskeys:

  • Bardstown Discovery Series #13: A masterclass in blending, featuring an 8-year-old base finished in a mix of New American White Oak and Hungarian Oak. Released in August 2025, itโ€™s being hailed as one of the best “Discos” yet.
  • Fountain Run Bottled In Bond: A rare release from Kentucky Artisan Distillery using a complex mash bill of Hickory Cane White Corn and Chocolate Malt. This fruit-forward “flower in a bottle” is a one-time run you don’t want to miss.
  • Patriotic Meri-COB (Glenns Creek Distilling): A 100% heirloom corn bourbon (Bloody Butcher, Hickory King, and Hoppi Blue) crafted with the expertise of heirloom grain specialist Tom Jones. Itโ€™s a vintage-style “dusty funk” powerhouse.

Who takes the #1 seed for the Whiskey of the Year tournament? Watch to find out!

Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the notification bell to follow our journey to the 2025 Whiskey of the Year!

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

๐Ÿฅƒ Become a Patron & Get Exclusive Content

๐Ÿ”” YouTube

๐Ÿ“ธ Instagram 

๐Ÿ‘ Facebook

โŒYOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOLโŒ

๐Ÿ”ฅDETAILS REGARDING OUR THREE FINALISTS๐Ÿ”ฅ (in alphabetical order): 

โœด๏ธ Bardstown Discovery #13

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Bardstown Bourbon Company
  • Mash Bill: Blend
  • Age: youngest is 8 years
  • Secondary Finish: (4 months) 61 percent of final blend finished in new American White Oak; 39 percent of final blend finished in Hungarian Oak
  • Proof: 110.8
  • Released:ย August 2025

Original YouTube Review:

โœด๏ธ Fountain Run Bottled In Bond

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Kentucky Artisan Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 65% Hickory Cane White Corn, 20% Rye, 12% Distillerโ€™s Malt, 3% Chocolate Malt
  • Age: 7 Years 4 Months
  • Proof: 100

Original YouTube Review: ย ย 

โœด๏ธ Patriotic Meri-COB

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Glenns Creek Distilling
  • Mash Bill: 100% Corn:  Bloody Butcher Red, Hickory King White, Hoppi Blue
  • Age: At least 36 months
  • Proof: 105
  • Released: July 2025

Original Video: ย 

โŒYOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOLโŒ

๐ŸšจREMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY๐Ÿšจ

โ“Questionsโ“ 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.

#BlindTasting #WhiskeyOfTheQuarter #BardstownBourbonCo #Discovery13 #GlennsCreekDistilling #FountainRun #BlindTasting #BourbonJourney #KentuckyBourbon #WhiskeyOfTheYear #BourbonHunting #HeirloomGrains #BottledInBond #BourbonLovers #WOTQ

Blind Whiskey Battle: December 2025 Champion Revealed!ย 

Bourbon Battle: Whiskey of the Month (December 2025) ๐Ÿฅƒ

Happy Friday, Bourbon lovers! In this special holiday edition of Whiskey of the Month, Wayne and Rebecca sit down in the bourbon room to crown the December champion. This monthโ€™s lineup is one of the most competitive yet, featuring heavy hitters from Jim Beam, New Riff, Wenzel, and Glenns Creek Distilling.

From the oldest expression in Knob Creek history to a uniquely crafted 100% corn bourbon, this blind tasting was full of surprises. Watch as we break down the nose, palate, and finish of these four incredible whiskeys to see which bottle earns a spot in our Whiskey of the Year competition!

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

  • Knob Creek 21 Year Old
  • Patriotic Meri-COB
  • Silver Grove Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (2025)
  • Wenzel Toasted Barrel Proof Batch #01

Smash that play button โ–ถ๏ธ and join the ultimate tasting party! ๐ŸŽ‰ Grab your own glass ๐Ÿฅ‚ (of whatever you’re sipping on!), settle in for some serious whiskey talk ๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ, and experience the thrill of the grand reveal with us! Get ready for potential surprises ๐ŸŽ and definitely a fantastic time! Cheers to an unforgettable evening of delicious discovery! ๐Ÿฅณ Slรกinte! ๐Ÿ€

Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE!

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

๐Ÿฅƒ Become a Patron & Get Exclusive Content

๐Ÿ”” YouTube

๐Ÿ“ธ Instagram 

๐Ÿ‘ Facebook

โŒYOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOLโŒ

๐Ÿ”ฅDETAILS REGARDING OUR FOUR FINALISTS๐Ÿ”ฅ (in alphabetical order): 

โœด๏ธ Knob Creek 21 Year Old

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: James B. Beam Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
  • Age: 21 Years > The oldest expression in distillery history
  • Proof: 100
  • Released: Oct 2025

Original Video:

โœด๏ธ Patriotic Meri-COB

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Glenns Creek Distilling
  • Mash Bill: 100% Corn:  Bloody Butcher Red, Hickory King White, Hoppi Blue
  • Age: At least 36 months
  • Proof: 105
  • Released: July 2025

Original Video:

โœด๏ธ Silver Grove Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (2025)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: New Riff Distilling
  • Mash Bill: 65% Corn, 30% Rye, 5% Malted Barley
  • Age: 4 Years
  • Proof: 110.3
  • Released: October 2025

Original Video:

โœด๏ธ Wenzel Toasted Barrel Proof Batch #01

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Wenzel LLC
  • Distillery: Sourced & Undisclosed Mashbill
  • Age: NAS (at least 4 years)
  • Proof: 111.8
  • Released: Sep 2025

Original Video:

โŒYOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOLโŒ

๐ŸšจREMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY๐Ÿšจ

โ“Questionsโ“ 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.

#Bourbon #Whiskey #BlindTasting #KnobCreek #NewRiff #GlennsCreek #WhiskeyReview #BourbonLovers #KentuckyBourbon #WhiskeyOfTheMonth #BourbonJourney #CraftDistilling #BourbonHunting #WhiskeyTasting #DrinkResponsibly

ECBP A125 vs C925 vs B525: Blind Bourbon Battle!

๐Ÿฅƒ Which 2025 Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Is King? Blind Tasting A125 vs B525 vs C925!

Do Proof and Age REALLY Matter? In this highly-anticipated bourbon review, Wayne and Rebecca from [Your Channel Name] put all three 2025 Elijah Craig Barrel Proof batches (A125, B525, and C925) head-to-head in a true blind tasting!

Heaven Hill released some real curveballs this year, with the lineup featuring the lowest-proof batch ever, the oldest release since 2023, and the youngest release in series history!

We’re diving deep into the profiles of these coveted, uncut, and non-chill filtered Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskeys to determine our favorite pour of the year.

๐Ÿ’ Tasting Notes & Surprises

We break down the classic Elijah Craig notes of cherry, caramel, and cinnamon and find some major profile differences this year. The blind tasting results surprised us, with the lowest-proof, A125, taking the crown for its incredible cherry-forward sweetness and perfect balance, despite the judges typically being “proofy people.” The oldest, B525, and the highest-proof, C925, didn’t quite live up to the winner in the final sip-off!

If you love high-proof bourbon, Heaven Hill, or collecting the annual ECBP releases, you don’t want to miss our honest review and ranking.

๐Ÿšจ SPOILER ALERT! See which batch finished last (and why its high alcohol-forward nose and flavor pushed it back).

๐Ÿ’ฌ What do YOU think?

Have you tried all three 2025 Elijah Craig Barrel Proof releases? Which one is your personal “banger” of the year? Let us know your favorite batch and why in the comments below!

Cheers to the great work by Heaven Hill’s Master Distiller, Conor O’Driscoll!

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

๐Ÿฅƒ Become a Patron & Get Exclusive Content

๐Ÿ”” YouTube

๐Ÿ“ธ Instagram 

๐Ÿ‘ Facebook

โŒYOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOLโŒ

โœด๏ธ ECBP 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: $74.99
  • Released: January 2025
  • Purchased: 02/27/25 for $99.99 at High Spirits in Evansville, IN

โœด๏ธ ECBP B525

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Heaven Hill
  • Distillery: Elijah Craig Distillery Co.
  • Mash Bill: 78% Corn, 12% Malted Barley, 10% Rye
  • Age: 11 Years, 6 Months
  • Proof: 126.2
  • MSRP: $75
  • Released: May 2025
  • Purchased: 09/02/25 for $79.99 at Heaven Hill, Bardstown KY

โœด๏ธ ECBP C925

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Heaven Hill Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 78% Corn, 12% Malted Barley, 10% Rye
  • Age: 9 Years, 1 Month
  • Proof: 129
  • MSRP: $75
  • Released: September 2025; Final Batch of 2025
  • Other: This is the first time since the ECBP series began in 2013 that a batch has carried an age statement under 10 years (a “single digit” age statement).
  • Purchased: 10/29/25 for $65 at Archie & Clydeโ€™s in Newburgh, IN

โŒYOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOLโŒ

๐ŸšจREMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY๐Ÿšจ

โ“Questionsโ“ 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.

#ElijahCraigBarrelProof #ECBP #bourbonreview #blindtasting #WhiskeyReview #A125 #B525 #C925 #HeavenHill #KentuckyBourbon #BarrelProof #Whiskey #BourbonLife #bourbon #whiskeytasting 

Which Whiskey Wins? Blind Tasting & Ultimate Ranking

๐Ÿฅƒ The ULTIMATE Blind Bourbon Battle! | November Whiskey of the Month (WOTM) Selection!

We are back for our November Whiskey of the Month (WOTM) blind tasting! Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey face off against four incredible bourbon contenders, ranging from high-proof stalwarts to unique double-oaked blends and limited-edition releases.

Can a Bottled-in-Bond bourbon with the lowest proof on the table take down two of the biggest names in barrel-proof whiskey? You won’t believe the results in this exciting blind battle!

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

โœด๏ธ Bookerโ€™s 2025-03 โ€œJerryโ€™s Batchโ€

โœด๏ธ Buzzardโ€™s Roost Double Oak Cigar Blend

โœด๏ธ Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Batch C925

โœด๏ธ Fountain Run Bottled In Bond

๐Ÿšซ No labels, no biases โ€“ just pure, unadulterated whiskey appreciation! ๐Ÿ‘€ Join us as we meticulously nose ๐Ÿ‘ƒ, sip ๐Ÿ˜‹, and savor each dram, dissecting the intricate notes on the nose, the delightful dance on the palate ๐Ÿ‘…, the satisfying lingering finish โœจ, and that crucial je ne sais quoi that makes a whiskey truly special. ๐Ÿค”

Will the barrel-proof powerhouse ๐Ÿ’ช dominate the competition? Will the elegantly aged spirit โณ steal the show? Or will a unique finish ๐Ÿ‡ or a captivating single barrel charm โœจ take home the ultimate crown? We’re ranking them from 4th place to the coveted 1st place spot๐Ÿฅ‡, and the suspense is building with every sip! ๐Ÿคฏ

Smash that play button โ–ถ๏ธ and join the ultimate tasting party! ๐ŸŽ‰ Grab your own glass ๐Ÿฅ‚ (of whatever you’re sipping on!), settle in for some serious whiskey talk ๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ, and experience the thrill of the grand reveal with us! Get ready for potential surprises ๐ŸŽ and definitely a fantastic time! Cheers to an unforgettable evening of delicious discovery! ๐Ÿฅณ Slรกinte! ๐Ÿ€

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

๐Ÿฅƒ Become a Patron & Get Exclusive Content

๐Ÿ”” YouTube

๐Ÿ“ธ Instagram 

๐Ÿ‘ Facebook

โŒYOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOLโŒ

๐Ÿ”ฅDETAILS REGARDING OUR FOUR FINALISTS๐Ÿ”ฅ (in alphabetical order): 

โœด๏ธ Bookerโ€™s 2025-03 โ€œJerryโ€™s Batchโ€

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: James B Beam
  • Mash Bill: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
  • Age: 7 Years, 4 Months, and 21 Days
  • Proof: 124.7
  • Other: Jerryโ€™s Batch comprises nine different barrels from 9 warehouses: 3, 1, X, Z, K, L, O, 4, and G
  • Released: September 2025
  • MSRP: $99.99
  • Purchased: 10/17/25 for $100 at Archie & Clydeโ€™s in Newburgh, IN

โœด๏ธ Buzzardโ€™s Roost Double Oak Cigar Blend

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Buzzardโ€™s Roost Spirits, LLC
  • Distillery: Undisclosed/Indiana (Likely MGP)
  • Mash Bill: 60% Corn, 36% Rye, 4% Malted Barley
  • Age: NAS on bottle but PR has 6 years
  • Proof: 105
  • Released: September 2025 for KBF
  • Other: Came with a branded cigar cutter
  • Purchased: 09/04/25 for $85 at Buzzardโ€™s Roost via the KBF

โœด๏ธ Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Batch C925

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Heaven Hill Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 78% Corn, 12% Malted Barley, 10% Rye
  • Age: 9 Years, 1 Month
  • Proof: 129
  • MSRP: $75
  • Released: September 2025; Final Batch of 2025
  • Other: This is the first time since the ECBP series began in 2013 that a batch has carried an age statement under 10 years (a “single digit” age statement).
  • Purchased: 10/29/25 for $65 at Archie & Clydeโ€™s in Newburgh, IN

โœด๏ธ Fountain Run Bottled In Bond

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Kentucky Artisan Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 65% Hickory Cane White Corn, 20% Rye, 12% Distillerโ€™s Malt, 3% Chocolate Malt
  • Barrel: Entry proof of 103; Heavy Toast, Char No. 3
  • Age: 7 Years 4 Months (low in the rickhouse)
  • Proof: 100
  • MSRP: $100
  • Released: October 2025
  • Purchased: 10/30/25 for $99.99 at Seelbachโ€™s Online: https://seelbachs.com/products/fountain-run-kentucky-straight-bourbon-whiskey

โŒYOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOLโŒ

๐ŸšจREMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY๐Ÿšจ

โ“Questionsโ“ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

NOTE:ย  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.

#bourbon #blindtasting #WhiskeyOfTheMonth #fountainrun #ElijahCraigBarrelProof #ECBP #BookersBourbon #buzzardsroost #bourbonreview #WhiskeyReview #KentuckyBourbon #bottledinbond #BlindReview #NewReleaseBourbon #MichaelVeatch 

Best RYE Whiskey? Blind Taste Test 5 Bottles!

๐Ÿฅƒ Blind Rye Whiskey Battle: Which Bottle is the Champion?

Join Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey as they go WAY off the beaten path for an epic blind rye whiskey tasting! Can these bourbon lovers pick their favorite rye when they don’t know what’s in the glass? Five incredible bottles are in the running, each with a unique mash bill and proof point. The results are surprising, revealing a range of flavors from chocolate malt and coffee to floral notes and citrusy orange!

Watch as we blindly review and rank:

  • Bardstown Bourbon Co. Origin Series Rye (96 Proof): The double-barreled rye finished in Toasted Cherry Wood and Oak.ย 
  • Hard Truth Chocolate Malt Rye (109.6 Proof): A unique rye with a high percentage of Chocolate Malted Barley that tastes like an “after dinner coffee drink!”ย 
  • Neeley Family Distillery Sweet Thumped Rye (108.9 Proof): The only Single Barrel in the group, praised for its pure sweet mash profile.ย 
  • New Riff Balboa Rye Bottled in Bond (100 Proof): Featuring the heirloom Balboa Rye grain.ย 
  • Tom’s Town Straight Rye Bottled in Bond (100 Proof): A Bottled-in-Bond rye with distinct citrus notes, perfect for a cocktail!ย 

From high-rye Balboa to the unique chocolate malt, which bottle takes home the title of our personal favorite sipper? You won’t believe the final scores! Plus, we give a shoutout to the perfect bottle for making an amazing Manhattan!

Let us know in the comments: Have you tried any of these ryes? What are your favorite tasting notes in a rye whiskey?

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

๐Ÿฅƒ Become a Patron & Get Exclusive Content

๐Ÿ”” YouTube

๐Ÿ“ธ Instagram 

๐Ÿ‘ Facebook

๐ŸšจREMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY๐Ÿšจ

โ“Questionsโ“ 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.

#RyeWhiskey #blindtasting #whiskeytasting #WhiskeyReview #HardTruthDistilling BardstownBourbonCo #NewRiff #NeelyFamilyDistillery #TomsTown #RyeLife #BourbonVsRye #CraftWhiskey #bottledinbond #RyeCocktails #ChocolateMaltRyeย 

The Best Whiskey of October 2025? Blind Ranked!ย 

๐Ÿ”ฅ๐Ÿฅƒ Blind Bourbon BATTLE ROYALE! Who Will Be Our October 2025 CHAMPION?! ๐Ÿ†

Alright, buckle up, whiskey fanatics! ๐Ÿš€ Get ready for a showdown of EPIC proportions! ๐Ÿฅƒ 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! ๐Ÿ‘‘

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 Founderโ€™s Select 10 Year
  • Old Fitzgerald Bottled in Bond 7 Year

๐Ÿšซ No labels, no biases โ€“ just pure, unadulterated whiskey appreciation! ๐Ÿ‘€ Join us as we meticulously nose ๐Ÿ‘ƒ, sip ๐Ÿ˜‹, and savor each dram, dissecting the intricate notes on the nose, the delightful dance on the palate ๐Ÿ‘…, the satisfying lingering finish โœจ, and that crucial je ne sais quoi that makes a whiskey truly special. ๐Ÿค”

Will the barrel-proof powerhouse ๐Ÿ’ช dominate the competition? Will the elegantly aged spirit โณ steal the show? Or will a unique finish ๐Ÿ‡ or a captivating single barrel charm โœจ take home the ultimate crown? We’re ranking them from 4th place to the coveted 1st place spot๐Ÿฅ‡, and the suspense is building with every sip! ๐Ÿคฏ

Smash that play button โ–ถ๏ธ and join the ultimate tasting party!

๐ŸŽ‰ Grab your own glass ๐Ÿฅ‚ (of whatever you’re sipping on!), settle in for some serious whiskey talk ๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ, and experience the thrill of the grand reveal with us! Get ready for potential surprises ๐ŸŽ and definitely a fantastic time! Cheers to an unforgettable evening of delicious discovery! ๐Ÿฅณ Slรกinte! ๐Ÿ€

#WhiskeyOfTheMonth #BlindWhiskeyTasting #bourbonreview 

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

๐Ÿฅƒ Become a Patron & Get Exclusive Content

๐Ÿ”” YouTube

๐Ÿ“ธ Instagram 

๐Ÿ‘ Facebook

โŒYOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOLโŒ

๐Ÿ”ฅDETAILS REGARDING OUR FOUR FINALISTS๐Ÿ”ฅ (in alphabetical order): 

โœด๏ธ 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

โœด๏ธ Chicken Cock Private Cask Single Barrel

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Grain & Barrel Spirits
  • Distillery: For Chicken Cock via Bardstown Bourbon Companyโ€™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 โ€“ 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

โœด๏ธ Cinder & Smoke Founderโ€™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

โœด๏ธ 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

โŒYOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOLโŒ

๐ŸšจREMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY๐Ÿšจ

โ“Questionsโ“ 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.

Maker’s Mark Private Select BLIND TASTE TEST!

๐Ÿฅƒ Can We REALLY Taste the Stave Profiles?! | Maker’s Mark Private Select BLIND TASTING Challenge! ๐Ÿคฏ

Welcome back, Your Bourbon Journey fans! ๐Ÿ‘‹ We’re Wayne and Rebecca, and we’re finally putting our Maker’s Mark Private Selections to the ultimate test in a blind tasting! For years, we’ve bought these intriguing named single barrelsโ€”like Kettle Corn, Candied Apple, Box O’ Chocolates, Milk Chocolate Truffle, Chocolate Whoopie Pie, and Creme Bruleeโ€”based purely on the title and without ever tasting them!

Now, it’s time to see if the stave profile descriptions and evocative names actually translate to the glass. Do we really get chocolate from the Roasted French Mendiant staves? Can we find creamy notes from the Seared French Cuvee? Or will they all just taste like Maker’s Mark wheated bourbon?

Spoiler: This was much harder than we expected! ๐Ÿ˜ฑ

We dive deep into A through F without knowing which is which, sharing our real-time thoughts on the nose, palate, and finish. We’re ticking boxes for baking spices, caramel, vanilla, dried fruit, and those elusive chocolate notes to try and identify the dominant stave profiles.

Watch as we try to guess our favorites and reveal the shocking results! ๐Ÿ˜ฎ You’ll be laughing as we question everything we know about single barrel selection and tasting notes.

So grab your favorite glass, settle in, and let’s explore this bourbon together! Click play โ–ถ๏ธ NOW!

๐Ÿ‘ If you love blind tasting challenges, hit that like button! 

๐Ÿ’ฌ Let us know in the comments: Do you trust a single barrel title? What’s your favorite Makerโ€™s Mark release Let us know in the comments below! ๐Ÿ‘‡

Hit subscribe ๐Ÿ”” so you never miss our reviews of rare and remarkable spirits, and 

Share this video โžก๏ธ with your fellow whiskey lovers. 

PLUS join us in building a community of enthusiasts who appreciate the art of exceptional bourbon at patreon.com/YourBourbonJourney

โŒYOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOLโŒ

โœด๏ธ Kettle Corn, Candied Apple, Box O’ Chocolates, Milk Chocolate Truffle, Chocolate Whoopie Pie, and Creme Brulee

Note: This blind tasting video was filmed in just under 60 minutes but has been edited to about 30 minutes. 

๐ŸšจREMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY๐Ÿšจ

โœ… Please SUBSCRIBE and hit the LIKE button!

โ“Questionsโ“ 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.

#MakersMark #PrivateSelection #BourbonBlindTasting #SingleBarrel #WheatedBourbon #BourbonReview #WhiskeyTasting #StaveProfile #BlindChallenge #BourbonJourney #KettleCornBourbon #ChocolateWhoopiePieBourbon

Blind Tasting SHOWDOWN: Three Amazing Whiskeys, One Champion!

Alright, buckle up, whiskey lovers! ๐Ÿฅƒ Get ready for a showdown of EPIC proportions! ๐Ÿ”ฅ In this blind tasting adventure, we’re putting three incredible contenders to the ultimate test to crown the UNDISPUTED CHAMPION ๐Ÿ† of our Third Quarter 2025! ๐ŸŽ‰

Prepare your senses as we dive deep into the aromatic world ๐Ÿ‘ƒ and tantalizing flavors ๐Ÿ˜‹ of:

โœด๏ธ Neeley Bottled in Bond Four Grain

โœด๏ธ Starlight 2025 10-Year Cask Strength

โœด๏ธ W.H. McBrayer 2025 Release, Batch 5

No labels, no biases โ€“ just pure, unadulterated whiskey appreciation! ๐Ÿ‘€ Join us as we meticulously nose, sip, and savor each dram, dissecting the nose ๐Ÿ‘ƒ, the dance on the palate ๐Ÿ‘…, the lingering finish โœจ, and that all-important je ne sais quoi. ๐Ÿค”

Will the barrel proof powerhouse ๐Ÿ’ช dominate? Will the aged elegance ๐Ÿ‘‘ steal the show? Or will a unique mashbill or special aging โœจ take the crown? We’re ranking them from 3rd place๐Ÿฅ‰ to the coveted 1st place spot๐Ÿฅ‡, and the suspense is BUILDING! ๐Ÿคฉ The results will be used for seeding in our Whiskey of the Year competition! ๐Ÿ†

Hit play โ–ถ๏ธ and join the tasting party! ๐ŸŽ‰

Grab your own glass ๐Ÿฅƒ (of whatever you fancy! ๐Ÿ˜‰), settle in ๐Ÿ›‹๏ธ, and experience the thrill of the reveal with us. Get ready for some serious whiskey talk ๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ, maybe a few surprises ๐Ÿ˜ฎ, and definitely a good time! ๐Ÿ˜„ Cheers to an unforgettable evening of delicious discovery! ๐Ÿฅ‚

Don’t forget to subscribe! ๐Ÿ‘ and let us know in the comments below ๐Ÿ‘‡ which whiskey YOU thought would win! ๐Ÿค”๐Ÿ’ฌ

โŒYOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOLโŒ

๐Ÿ”ฅDETAILS REGARDING OUR THREE FINALISTS๐Ÿ”ฅ (in alphabetical order): 

โœด๏ธ 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

Original YouTube Review >

โœด๏ธ 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

Original YouTube Review >

โœด๏ธ 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 โ€“ 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 >

โŒYOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOLโŒ

๐ŸšจREMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY๐Ÿšจ

โœ… Please SUBSCRIBE and hit the LIKE button!

โ“Questionsโ“ 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.

#BlindTasting #WhiskeyOfTheQuarter #bourbonreview #NeeleyBottledInBond #StarlightWhiskey #WHMcBrayer #Whiskey #Bourbon #WhiskeyReview #BlindWhiskeyTasting #KentuckyBourbon #CaskStrength #BottledInBond #CraftBourbon #WhiskeyTube