Bourbon Trail Stop in Lawrenceburg: Larrikin Review!

Lawrenceburg Bourbon Company (Larrikin) Tasting & Review! 🥃

Welcome back to Bourbon Trail Tales and Tastes! In Episode 53, we are taking you back to February 2024 for a visit to our 56th unique distillery stop: Lawrenceburg Bourbon Company (now rebranded as Larrikin).

Located just a stone’s throw from the legendary Wild Turkey, we first met this team at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival and knew we had to pull in when we saw the “Open” sign. While they weren’t running full distillery tours during our visit, the tasting room experience led by Emily was top-notch!

In this video, we finally crack open a bottle we’ve been hunting for in our “closet bourbon” collection: the Lawrenceburg One Cask Series (Barrel A2). This 116-proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon is a sourced gem (likely from the Bardstown/Green River family) that packs a surprising punch of citrus and silk.

In This Episode, We Cover:

  • The Distillery Visit: Our experience at Lawrenceburg Bourbon Co. and why we’re excited to go back for their new cigar lounge and tours.
  • The Bottle Breakdown: Mash bill, age, proof, and MSRP details for the One Cask Series.
  • Tasting Notes: * Nose: Honeysuckle, florals, and a sweet “pancake syrup” aroma.
    • Palette: Silky viscosity, orange peel, and a mid-palate pop of ginger.
    • Finish: A long, peppery, and smooth lingering finish.
  • The Value Verdict: Is a 4-year-old sourced bourbon worth the $90 price tag? We discuss why supporting craft distilleries matters.

Are you a fan of sourced Kentucky bourbon? Let us know in the comments if you’ve tried Lawrenceburg or Larrikin yet!

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🥃 Bottle Details: Lawrenceburg One Cask Series

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Mash Bill: 70% Corn / 21% Rye / 9% Malted Barley
  • Age: 4 Years
  • Proof: 116 (Cask Strength)
  • Distillery: Sourced (BBC/Green River)
  • Price: $90 (Purchased 02/23/24)

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NOTE: The spirit in this review was purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.

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Is Single Malt the Future? Stranahan’s & Westward Review

In this episode of Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca explore the booming world of American Single Malt Whiskey. While we usually stick to bourbon, today we’re diving into two radical examples of how unique cask finishes—Sherry and Stout—can elevate 100% malted barley to a whole new level.

Whether you’re a scotch fan looking for American innovation or a bourbon lover curious about the “up and comer” of the industry, this tasting has something for you.

🥃 Featured Whiskies

Stranahan’s Sherry Cask (7-Year Age Statement)

A standout from Denver, Colorado, this expression takes Stranahan’s signature Rocky Mountain single malt and finishes it in 40-year-old Oloroso Sherry casks.

  • The Vibe: A “beautiful marriage” of barley and wine.
  • Awards: Bronze Medal at the 2025 World Whiskies Awards.
  • Tasting Notes: Invigorating nose of raisins and honey. The palate hits with a “kiss” of sherry that elevates the barley without overtaking it. Medium-to-long finish with buttery caramel and a hint of smoked cayenne.

Westward Stout Cask American Single Malt

Hailing from Portland, Oregon, Westward uses a brewer’s mindset, double-distilling a wash made from local barley and finishing it in Stout beer casks from Pacific Northwest craft breweries.

  • The Vibe: Like a “stout beer bathed in single malt.”
  • Tasting Notes: Luscious, roasted nose of cocoa and hazelnut. The palate is creamy and uniquely effervescent—Wayne describes it as “beer carbonation” meeting rich malt.
  • Pro Tip: This was a standout from our Flaviar Advent Calendar!

What is your favorite American Single Malt? Let us know in the comments!

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✴️ Stranahan’s Sherry Cask

  • Classification: American Single Malt
  • Company: Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey
  • Distillery: Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey (Denver)
  • Mash Bill: 100% Malted Barley
  • Age: 7 Years
  • Other: Finished in 40-year-old Sherry casks
  • Proof: 90
  • MSRP: $74.99
  • Purchased: 12/31/25 for $86.29 at High Spirits in Evansville IN

✴️ Westward Stout Cask American Single Malt

  • Classification: American Single Malt
  • Company: Westward Whiskey
  • Distillery: Westward Distillery (Portland, OR)
  • Mash Bill: 100% Malted Barley
  • Age: Typically, 5 + 1
  • Proof: 92
  • MSRP: $89.95
  • Purchased: 12/12/25 for $66.30 at Flaviar Online

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As of January 19, 2026, the American Single Malt (ASM) category has officially completed its first full year as a federally recognized standard of identity.

While distillers have been making single malt in the U.S. for decades, the one-year anniversary of the TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau) ruling marks a pivotal shift from a “grassroots movement” to a legally protected class of spirit, similar to Bourbon or Scotch.

The Milestone: One Year of Official Status

The final rule was published in late 2024 and became effective on January 19, 2025. This past year has focused on three major transitions:

  • Label Integrity: Distillers have begun transitioning their COLA (Certificate of Label Approval) filings to the new “American Single Malt Whisky” type, ensuring that the liquid in the bottle meets the strict 100% malted barley and “single distillery” requirements.
  • Global Competition: For the first year, U.S. producers have been able to export their spirits under a formal, government-backed definition, which is crucial for trade agreements and competing with Scotch and Irish whiskeys in international markets.
  • Retail Clarity: Over the last 12 months, major liquor retailers and bars have increasingly updated their menus and shelving to include dedicated “American Single Malt” sections, moving them away from the generic “American Whiskey” or “Other” categories.

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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.

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Ultimate Booker’s 2025 Guide: Every Batch Ranked & Scored 

The Ultimate Booker’s Bourbon Showdown: 2025 Full Batch Blind Tasting! 🥃

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

From the cherry-forward notes of Jerry’s Batch to the “stubborn genius” behind Phantom Pipes, we’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: 

✅ Full breakdown of 2025-01 through 2025-04. 

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

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

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

The 2025 Lineup:

Which 2025 Booker’s was your favorite? Did you prefer the traditional peanut funk or the unique fruit-forward profile of Jerry’s Batch? Let us know in the comments below! 👇

Batch 2025-01 “Barry’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 “Jerry’s Batch”: 7yr, 4mo, 21d | 124.7 Proof – Original Review:

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

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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.

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Why You Need Bénédictine & Rye This Winter | Monte Carlo 

Warm Up Your Winter with the Monte Carlo Cocktail | Thirsty Thursday E53

Looking for the ultimate “winter-coat” cocktail? Welcome back to Thirsty Thursday Episode 53! As we continue our January series on warming spirits, Rebecca takes you on a deep dive into The Monte Carlo—a sophisticated, herbal twist on the classic Old Fashioned that swaps sugar for the complex, honeyed notes of Bénédictine.

In this episode, we’re using the Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series Rye, finished with toasted cherry wood, to create a drink that feels like a walk through a pine forest. From its mysterious 19th-century history to the “Alpine” dryness of the finish, this is the perfect pour for a cold January night.

🕰️ A Sip of History: What is Bénédictine?

The Monte Carlo is a “ghost” of cocktail history, first appearing in David Embury’s 1948 classic, The Fine Art of Mixing Drinks. It is often considered an “Improved Manhattan,” swapping vermouth for the legendary Bénédictine D.O.M.

Did you know?

  • The Myth: While the bottle says “1510,” the liqueur was actually “rediscovered” in 1863 by Alexandre Le Grand.
  • D.O.M.: This stands for Deo Optimo Maximo (“To God, most good, most great”).
  • The Flavor: It contains 27 herbs and spices, including saffron, hyssop, and fir cones—which is why it pairs so perfectly with our cardamom bitters to create that winter forest profile!

📜 The Monte Carlo Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz Bardstown Straight Rye Whiskey (Origin Series)
  • 0.5 oz Bénédictine D.O.M.
  • 1 dash Angostura Aromatic Bitters
  • 1 dash Cardamom Bitters (The secret to that winter vibe!)
  • Garnish: Thick lemon twist

Method:

  1. Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice.
  2. Stir for approximately 20 seconds until chilled and diluted.
  3. Strain into a rocks glass over one large clear ice cube.
  4. Express lemon oils over the top and garnish.

🥃 Tasting Notes: The “Alpine” Experience

  • The Nose: Bright lemon oils followed by a “baking spice” cloud of cardamom and cinnamon.
  • The Attack: A rich, silky entry featuring toasted oak and a hint of cherry wood.
  • The Mid-Palate: Weighted notes of clove, honey, and herbal tea.
  • The Finish: A cooling, forest-like dryness with pine needles, black pepper, and mint.

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NOTE: The spirits and items in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the producers for this review. Please drink responsibly.

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Exploring a Real Prohibition Speakeasy! | Pensive Distilling 

Kentucky’s Hidden Speakeasy: Pensive Distilling Co. Tour & Review

Welcome back to Your Bourbon Journey! For Episode 52, we’re heading to Newport, Kentucky, to visit our 54th distillery: Pensive Distilling Co. Located in a historic building with deep ties to Newport’s “Sin City” past, this spot is a masterclass in blending horse racing tradition with gritty mob history.

In this episode, we explore their incredible distillery tour—led by the fantastic Jeff Cole—which takes you inside a genuine Prohibition-era speakeasy still featuring bullet holes in the walls! We also dive into their horse-racing roots (named after the 1944 Kentucky Derby winner) and discuss their award-winning food, from pimento cheese to their famous burgers.

Stick around for the tasting as we crack open a “forgotten bottle” of Pensive Single Barrel Bourbon (Batch 10). This 100-proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon surprised us with its unique flavor profile of nutty almond, bright orange citrus, and a popping rye spice.

📍 Visit Highlights

  • The Speakeasy: A historic room where the Mob used to run the show. Look out for the bullet holes and the lookout windows used to spot the police!
  • The Food: We’ve been back just for the kitchen. Don’t miss the horse-themed menu items like the “American Pharoah” burger or the “Strike the Gold.”
  • The Vibe: Horse racing memorabilia meets industrial distilling. A must-stop on the Northern Kentucky B-Line.

Did you know? Pensive Distilling is named after the Calumet Farm horse that won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes in 1944.

Support the Journey: If you enjoyed this tour of Newport’s bourbon scene, hit that SUBSCRIBE button and ring the bell for weekly distillery tours and honest whiskey reviews!

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🥃 Bottle Specs: Pensive Single Barrel Bourbon

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Undisclosed (Sourced & Bottled by Pensive Distilling Co.)
  • Mash Bill: 70% Corn, 21% Rye, 9% Malted Barley
  • Age: NAS (Minimum 4 years)
  • Proof: 100 Proof
  • Batch/Bottle: Batch 10, Bottle 4
  • MSRP: $69 (Purchased at the distillery 11/18/23)

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NOTE: The spirit in this review was purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.

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Heaven Hill Showdown: Larceny C925 vs Bernheim C925

In this high-proof showdown, Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey dive into two heavy hitters from Heaven Hill: the Larceny Barrel Proof C925 and the Bernheim Barrel Proof C925.

One is the final wheated bourbon release of 2025, and the other is a “happy little mistake” with a collector’s twist. Is the rare labeling error on the Bernheim worth the hunt, or does the Larceny take the crown with its classic “Kentucky Hug”? We break down the mash bills, the “accidental” batch history, and provide full tasting notes for both.

📝 Tasting Highlights

  • Larceny C925: Rebecca picks up a surprisingly sweet nose with hints of pastry and bread. On the palate, Wing finds deep coffee and chocolate notes with a long, warm, peppery finish.
  • Bernheim C925: Despite some ethanol on the nose, the palate shines with “Raisinet” vibes—think chocolate, dark raisins, and a nutty wheat finish.

Which batch are you hunting? Let us know in the comments if you’ve found the “error” Bernheim bottle!

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✴️ Larceny Barrel Proof C925

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Heaven Hill
  • Distillery: Bernheim Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 68% Corn, 20% Wheat, 12% Malted Barley
  • Age: NAS (noted to be 6-8 Years)
  • Proof: 119.6
  • MSRP: $64.99
  • Released: 09/2025
  • Other: Third and Final and Release 2025
  • Purchased: 12/31/25 for $69.99 at Varsity Liquors in Evansville IN

✴️ Bernheim Barrel Proof C925

  • Classification: Straight Wheat Whiskey
  • Company: Heaven Hill
  • Distillery: Bernheim Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 51% Wheat, 37% Corn, 12% Malted Barley
  • Age: NAS (noted to be 7-9 Years)
  • Proof: 118.4
  • MSRP: $66.99
  • Released: 10/2025
  • Other: Final release (2nd) of 2025 (normally labeled B925)
  • Batch B925 turned out so well, we got ahead of ourselves and accidentally labeled it Batch C925. Consider this a happy little mistake – it makes your bottle one of a kind.
  • Purchased: 11/25/25 for $88.19 at High Spirits in Evansville, IN

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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.

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Best Bourbon of 2025? The Championship Reveal!

🥃 The 2025 Blind Whiskey of the Year: THE FINALS! 🏆

This is it—the pinnacle of a 12-month journey! After starting with 16 elite contenders and narrowing them down through a grueling double-blind bracket, we have reached the Championship Round. In this final battle, two heavyweight whiskeys face off for the ultimate title: 2025 Whiskey of the Year.

Will the “quintessential bourbon” profile take the crown, or will a “special and unique” underdog pull off the upset?

📊 The Final Matchup:

  • Candidate FA: Patriotic Meri-COB (Glenns Creek Distillery)
  • Candidate FC: Bardstown Bourbon Co. Discovery Series #13

Join Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey as they break down the nose, palate, and finish of these two incredible pours. This episode features the full reveal of the Final Four ranking, including Old Louisville Cognac Finish and WH McBrayer Batch 5.

💬 We want to hear from you!

Did your favorite bottle make the Final Four? Were you shocked by the winner? Who was your underdog of the year? Let us know in the comments below!

Don’t forget to:SUBSCRIBE for our 2026 Whiskey of the Month reviews! ✅ LIKE this video if you love blind tastings. ✅ DRINK RESPONSIBLY.

🏆 WOTY TOURNAMENT HUB: View the live bracket, match results, and winner scores.16 Bottles. One Champion. No Labels. HERE: https://yourbourbonjourney.com/2026/01/03/%f0%9f%8f%86-the-definitive-2025-whiskey-of-the-year-bracket/ 

🥃 THE ROAD TO 2025 WOTY: We spent 12 months hunting for the best juice—see our complete selection process and the 100% blind bracket logic on our website: https://yourbourbonjourney.com/2026/01/01/the-road-to-the-2025-whiskey-of-the-year-the-blind-bracket-revealed/

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NOTE: All spirits in this tournament were purchased by us for the purpose of evaluation. We were not compensated by any producer for reviews or inclusion in this series. These rankings are based solely on our blind tasting scores and the performance of the liquid in the glass throughout the 2025 season.

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How To Make The Revolver: The Best Winter Bourbon Cocktail 

Episode 52: The “Single Distillery” Revolver | Cask Strength Bourbon & Coffee Cocktail

Welcome back to Your Bourbon Journey for Episode 52 of Thirsty Thursday Cocktails! Tonight, we are heating up a cold January night with a bold, caffeinated modern classic: The Revolver.

While traditionally made with a high-rye bourbon, we are leveling up this recipe with a “Single Distillery” approach using the incredible spirits from Town Branch Distillery. We’re pairing the massive Town Branch True Cask Bourbon (Batch #005 at 108.6 proof) with the rich, bourbon-infused Bluegrass Sundown Coffee Liqueur.

The result? A velvety, high-proof riff on a Manhattan that features a “Trinity of Bitters” and a flamed orange peel showstopper. If you love Espresso Martinis or Manhattans, this is the winter cocktail you’ve been waiting for.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • Why High-Malt Bourbon creates a chocolatey, bready profile that loves coffee.
  • How to balance a 100+ proof cocktail with proper dilution.
  • The “Trinity of Bitters” (Mole, Orange, and Cherry) to bridge complex flavors.
  • The secret to the Flamed Orange Peel for a smoky, caramelized citrus aroma.

Recipe Ingredients:

  • 2 oz Town Branch True Cask Bourbon (108.6 Proof)
  • 0.5 oz Bluegrass Sundown Bourbon Coffee Liqueur
  • 1 Dash Mole Bitters (The Earthy Anchor)
  • 1 Dash Orange Bitters (The Brightener)
  • 1 Dash Cherry Bitters (The Fruit Pop)
  • Garnish: Torched Orange Peel

🛒 Featured Cocktail Ingredients & Tools

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Better Than a Manhattan? The Seelbach Sparkling Bourbon Special 

The Seelbach Cocktail: A Sparkling Bourbon Classic for the New Year! (Ep. 51)

Happy New Year and welcome to 2026! We are kicking off the year with Episode 51 of Thirsty Thursday Cocktails. If you have leftover Champagne or sparkling wine from your New Year’s Eve celebrations, this is the ultimate way to use it.

Today we are diving into the history and the “lore” of the Seelbach Cocktail, a legendary drink from Louisville’s historic Seelbach Hotel. It’s the perfect bridge for whiskey lovers—it has the celebratory sparkle of Champagne but hits with the complexity of a Manhattan.

The Star of the Show: To stand up to the “heavy hand” of bitters in this recipe, I’m using a powerhouse: Old Forester Single Barrel Bourbon. At a whopping 129 proof, this bourbon brings the “pop” and spice needed to shine through the bubbles.

The Secret Sauce: Traditional Seelbachs can be sharp, but we are perfecting the balance today by adding 0.5 oz of Demerara syrup. This rounds out the 14 dashes of bitters and integrates perfectly with the dark brown sugar notes of the Old Forester.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • Why high-proof bourbon is essential for sparkling cocktails.
  • How to achieve the perfect “bitters bloom” in a coupe glass.
  • My pro-tip for using Demerara syrup to balance heavy aromatics.

The Recipe:

  • 1.5 oz Old Forester Single Barrel Bourbon (129 Proof)
  • 0.5 oz Cointreau
  • 0.5 oz Demerara Syrup
  • 7 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters
  • 7 dashes Aromatic (Angostura) Bitters
  • 5 oz Chilled Brut Champagne
  • Garnish: Expressed Long Orange Twist

Join the Journey: If you enjoyed this New Year’s Day special, please LIKE this video and SUBSCRIBE to Your Bourbon Journey!

Coming Up Next: Stay tuned as we kick off our January Winter Series next week! We’ll be focusing on “Warm & Weathered” pours to get you through the bitter cold of winter.

Drink Responsibly & Happy New Year!

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NOTE: The spirits and items in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the producers for this review. Please drink responsibly.

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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?

🥃 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, it’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. It’s a vintage-style “dusty funk” powerhouse.

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

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

✴️ 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: August 2025

Original YouTube Review:

✴️ Fountain Run Bottled In Bond

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

Original YouTube Review:   

✴️ 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:  

YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL

🚨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.

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