Blind Tasting

Best RYE Whiskey? Blind Taste Test 5 Bottles!

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🥃 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. 
  • 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!” 
  • Neeley Family Distillery Sweet Thumped Rye (108.9 Proof): The only Single Barrel in the group, praised for its pure sweet mash profile. 
  • New Riff Balboa Rye Bottled in Bond (100 Proof): Featuring the heirloom Balboa Rye grain. 
  • Tom’s Town Straight Rye Bottled in Bond (100 Proof): A Bottled-in-Bond rye with distinct citrus notes, perfect for a cocktail! 

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?

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🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

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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.

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

The Best Whiskey of October 2025? Blind Ranked! 

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🔥🥃 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

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❌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🚨

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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!

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🥃 Can We REALLY Taste the Stave Profiles?! | Maker’s Mark Private Select BLIND TASTING Challenge! 🤯

Welcome back, Your Bourbon Journey fans! 👋 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 barrels—like Kettle Corn, Candied Apple, Box O’ Chocolates, Milk Chocolate Truffle, Chocolate Whoopie Pie, and Creme Brulee—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! 😱

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! 😮 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 ▶️ NOW!

👍 If you love blind tasting challenges, hit that like button! 

💬 Let us know in the comments: Do you trust a single barrel title? What’s your favorite Maker’s Mark release Let us know in the comments below! 👇

Hit subscribe 🔔 so you never miss our reviews of rare and remarkable spirits, and 

Share this video ➡️ with your fellow whiskey lovers. 

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❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

✴️ 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. 

🚨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.

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

Blind Tasting SHOWDOWN: Three Amazing Whiskeys, One Champion!

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Alright, buckle up, whiskey lovers! 🥃 Get ready for a showdown of EPIC proportions! 🔥 In this blind tasting adventure, we’re putting three incredible contenders to the ultimate test to crown the UNDISPUTED CHAMPION 🏆 of our Third Quarter 2025! 🎉

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

✴️ Neeley Bottled in Bond Four Grain

✴️ Starlight 2025 10-Year Cask Strength

✴️ 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 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 mashbill or special aging ✨ take the crown? We’re ranking them from 3rd place🥉 to the coveted 1st place spot🥇, and the suspense is BUILDING! 🤩 The results will be used for seeding in our Whiskey of the Year competition! 🏆

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 below 👇 which whiskey YOU thought would win! 🤔💬

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

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

✴️ 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 >

✴️ 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 >

✴️ 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.

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

Top Secret Whiskeys: A Blind Barrels Exclusive!

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Blind Barrels XV “Inception”

Get ready for a thrilling taste adventure 🚀 into the shadowy world of Blind Barrels! 🕵️‍♂️ In this episode, we’re plunging headfirst into the unknown, blind tasting 👀 and dissecting FOUR ENIGMATIC MYSTERY WHISKEYS! 🥃🥃🥃🥃 Can our palates decipher their secrets? 🤔

Join us as we become whiskey detectives 🔎, meticulously sniffing👃, swirling 🔄, and savoring 😋 each anonymous dram. We’ll delve deep into their intriguing flavor profiles and captivating aromas ✨, piecing together the clues 🧩 to uncover what makes each one truly unique.

The anticipation is building! ⏳ Will we correctly identify their origins? 🌍 Which hidden gem 💎 will steal our hearts (and our taste buds 👅)? And ultimately… which mysterious whiskey will rise above the rest and claim the coveted top spot 🏆 in our ranking?

Prepare for unexpected twists 😲, surprising revelations 🎉, and maybe even a few gasps of delight! 😮 You might just discover your next favorite pour lurking within these blind barrels. Hit play ▶️ now and join the mystery! 😉

Are you as passionate about whiskey as we are? Show us some love by giving this video a thumbs up 👍, hitting that subscribe button 🔔 so you’re always first to know about the most exciting whiskey releases, and sharing this with your fellow enthusiasts and tasting buddies! ➡️

To learn more about a Subscription to Blind Barrels, this is our Affiliate Link (commissions can be earned): Blind Barrels Subscription

#blindtasting  #bourbontasting  #whiskeytasting 

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

✅ Please SUBSCRIBE and hit the LIKE button!

❓Questions❓ 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.

Which Bourbon Wins? Blind Tasting & Ultimate Ranking

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

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

✴️ Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B525

✴️ Larceny Barrel Proof Batch B525

✴️ Rivertown Single Barrel

✴️ Starlight 2025 10-Year Cask Strength  

🚫 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 

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

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

✴️ Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 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

✴️ Larceny Barrel Proof Batch B525

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Heaven Hill
  • Distillery: Heaven Hill
  • Mash Bill: 68% Corn, 20% Wheat, 12% Malted Barley
  • Age: 6-8 years
  • Proof: 117.4
  • MSRP: $65
  • Released: May 2025
  • Purchased: 08/06/25 for $55.99 at Costco in Evansville IN

✴️ Rivertown Single Barrel

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Henderson Distilling Co
  • Distillery: Sourced/Undisclosed/Kentucky
  • Bottled: The Bard Distillery, Graham, KY
  • Mash Bill: 78% Corn, 13% Rye, 9% Malted Barley
  • Age: 8 Years
  • Proof: 124.6
  • MSRP: $74.99
  • Released: 08/14/25
  • Other: Bottle 76 of 185
  • Purchased: 08/14/25 for $74.99 at Beverage Barn in Henderson, KY

✴️ 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🚨

✅ Please SUBSCRIBE and hit the LIKE button!

❓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.

Blind Taste Test: August’s Whiskey of the Month!  

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

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

  • Bomberger’s Declaration 2025
  • Green River Wheated Bourbon Single Barrel
  • Lineage Batch 2
  • Neeley Bottled in Bond Four Grain

🚫 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 

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

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

✴️ Bomberger’s Declaration 2025

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Michter’s Distillery
  • Distillery: Michter’s Fort Nelson
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed but likely high corn plus rye and malted barley
  • Age: NAS (at least 4 years)
  • Proof: 108
  • MSRP: $120
  • Released: July 2025
  • Specifics: Batch 25F1978, Bottle 1436 of 2673
  • Other: Aged in Chinquapin Oak. This year’s release utilizes barrels seasoned for different periods (18 months, 3, 4, and 5 years) before toasting and charring.
  • Purchased: 07/18/25 for $129 at Michter’s Fort Nelson

✴️ Green River Wheated Bourbon Single Barrel

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Bardstown Bourbon Co.
  • Distillery: Green River Distilling Co.
  • Mash Bill: 70% Corn, 21% Wheat, 9% Malted Barley
  • Age: NAS (5 years per website)
  • Proof: 117.6
  • MSRP: $60
  • Other: “Home Wheat Home”
  • Purchased: 07/18/25 for $59.99 at Green River Tasting Room, Louisville KY

✴️ Lineage Batch 2

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Suntory Global Spirits
  • Distillery: Booker Noe Plant
  • Mash Bill: 77% corn, 13% rye, and 10% malted barley
  • Age: 15-year-old (blend of 15 and 20-year-old bourbons)
  • Proof: 111
  • MSRP: $250 (700 ml)
  • Released: 07/18/25
  • Other: Crafted in collaboration by Fred & Freddie Noe
  • Purchased: 07/18/25 for $250 at the Jim Beam Distillery 

✴️ 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

❌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 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🚨

✅ Please SUBSCRIBE and hit the LIKE button!

❓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.

Best Whiskeys of 2025 (So Far!): Our Top Picks!

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Wow, 2025 has been an absolute blockbuster year for whiskey, bringing some truly unforgettable bottles to our glasses! In this can’t-miss video, we’re uncorking our BEST WHISKEYS of 2025 so far and trust us, you’re in for some surprises!

Join us as we take a thrilling journey through each month, revisiting our highly anticipated Whiskey of the Month winners and their fierce contenders. But that’s just the warm-up! We’re also thrilled to reveal the very first two Whiskey of the Quarter champions and give you an exclusive peek at the current Whiskey of the Year seeding results. The competition is heating up, and you’ll want to see who’s leading the pack!

And here’s a twist: We’re also sharing an absolutely mind-blowing release that, for special reasons, we decided to exclude from this intense competition. You won’t believe what it is and why it didn’t make the cut for our official rankings!

Ready to discover the must-have whiskeys of 2025? Click that play button now and find out if your favorites made our prestigious list!

What are your favorite whiskeys of 2025 so far? Did your top picks make our list, or do you have a dark horse contender we need to know about? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Passionate about bourbon and exceptional whiskey? Don’t miss out on another drop! Hit that LIKE 👍 button and SUBSCRIBE 🔔 to our channel so you never miss our deep dives into the most exciting new releases and hidden gems. Share this video with your bourbon buddies and let’s celebrate the art of fine spirits together! Cheers to rare finds and unforgettable pours! 🥂

#WhiskeyOfTheMonth  #WhiskeyOfTheQuarter #WhiskeyOfTheYear 

1st Quarter WOTQ Video

2nd Quarter WOTQ Video

❌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 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.

Blind Tasting: Who Wins Whiskey of the Quarter!

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Alright, buckle up, whiskey lovers! 🥃 Get ready for a showdown of EPIC proportions! 🔥 In this blind tasting adventure, we’re putting three incredible contenders to the ultimate test to crown the UNDISPUTED CHAMPION 🏆 of our Second Quarter 2025! 🎉

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

🐅Orphan Barrel Fanged Pursuit Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 

🌟Star Hill Farm American Wheat Whisky

🦃Wild Turkey 101 8-Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

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 3rd place🥉 to the coveted 1st place spot🥇, and the suspense is BUILDING! 🤩 The results will be used for seeding in our Whiskey of the Year competition! 🏆

🎉 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!

Hit play ▶️ and join the tasting party!

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

#BlindWhiskeyTasting #bourbonreview #WhiskeyOfTheQuarter 

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

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

✴️ Orphan Barrel Fanged Pursuit

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Diageo
  • Distillery: Sourced from an undisclosed Kentucky
  • Mash Bill: 68-74% Corn, 18-22% Rye, 8-10% Malted Barley
  • Age: 17 Years
  • Proof: 92
  • MSRP: $200
  • Released: February 2025
  • Purchased: 03/13/25 for $200.00 at Archie & Clyde’s Restaurant Newburgh Indiana

Original YouTube Review: 

✴️ Star Hill Farm Whisky 2025

  • Classification: American Wheat Whisky
  • Company: Star Hill Farm
  • Distillery: Maker’s Mark Distillery
  • Mash Bill: Blend of two: 70% Soft Red Winter Wheat & 30% Malted Barley; and 100% Malted Soft Red Winter Wheat
  • Age: 7-8 Years
  • Proof: 114.7
  • MSRP: $100
  • Released: May 2025
  • Other: First new mashbill in 70 years
  • Purchased: 05/16/28 for $100 at Maker’s Mark Distillery

Original YouTube Review:

✴️ Wild Turkey 101 8 Year

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Campari Group
  • Distillery: Wild Turkey Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
  • Age: 8 Year minimum
  • Proof: 101
  • MSRP: $45
  • Released: April 2025
  • Purchased: 04/25/25 for $42.99 at Beverage Barn in Henderson, KY

Original YouTube Review:

❌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 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.