Bourbon Journey

Hard Truth 7 Year Whiskeys | Full Lineup Tasting 

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Hard Truth’s 7-Year Indiana Whiskey: Bourbon, Wheated, and Rye!

The 7-year mark has officially arrived at Hard Truth Distilling Co., and we are breaking down the entire lineup! In this video, we deep dive into the brand new Hard Truth 7-Year Straight Bourbon, the 7-Year Wheated Bourbon, and the 7-Year Sweet Mash Rye.

Hard Truth has been making waves in Nashville, Indiana, but do these age-stated bottles live up to the premium MSRP? We explore the mash bills, the proof, and the flavor profiles of these highly anticipated February 2026 releases. Whether you are a fan of high-rye bourbons, soft wheated profiles, or punchy sweet mash ryes, we’re finding out exactly where these bottles sit in the current craft whiskey landscape.

In this tasting, we cover:

  • Hard Truth 7-Year Straight Bourbon (112.3 Proof): The core profile.
  • Hard Truth 7-Year Wheated Bourbon (116.1 Proof): The smooth operator.
  • Hard Truth 7-Year Sweet Mash Rye (107 Proof): The rye lover’s dream.

Let us know in the comments if you’ve managed to snag a bottle and what your tasting notes are!

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Hard Truth 7-Year Straight Bourbon

  • Classification: Indiana Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Hard Truth Distilling Co.
  • Distillery: Hard Truth Distilling Co. (Nashville, IN)
  • Mash Bill: 67% Corn, 21% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
  • Age: 7 Years
  • Proof: 112.3
  • MSRP: $89.99
  • Released: February 2026
  • Purchased: $74.99 04/03/26 at High Spirits in Evansville, IN

Hard Truth 7-Year Wheated Bourbon

  • Classification: Indiana Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Hard Truth Distilling Co.
  • Distillery: Hard Truth Distilling Co. (Nashville, IN)
  • Mash Bill: 69% Corn, 19% Wheat, 12% Malted Barley
  • Age: 7 Years
  • Proof: 116.1
  • MSRP: $89.99
  • Released: February 2026
  • Purchased: $74.99 04/03/26 at High Spirits in Evansville, IN

Hard Truth 7-Year Sweet Mash Rye

  • Classification: Indiana Straight Rye Whiskey
  • Company: Hard Truth Distilling Co.
  • Distillery: Hard Truth Distilling Co. (Nashville, IN)
  • Mash Bill: 94% Rye, 6% Malted Barley
  • Age: 7 Years
  • Proof: 107
  • MSRP: $89.99
  • Released: February 2026
  • Purchased: $74.99 04/03/26 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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Opulent Bourbon Cocktails: The Golden Jubilee Recipe

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Celebrate with me! 🥂 In honor of my birthday and Episode 68 of Thirsty Thursday, I’m dipping into the “Library” for a truly opulent pour. Meet The Golden Jubilee—a luxury Old Fashioned designed for milestones and high-proof treasures.

Tonight we are featuring the incredible Wenzel’s Packard Proof, a 16-year-old Kentucky single barrel (affectionately known as a “BuffTurkey” pour) sitting at a massive 126 proof. This bourbon is a total cherry bomb, and we’re elevating it with velvet textures and exotic spices to create a “Chewy” foundation that feels like a high-end dessert in a glass.

We’re swapping standard simple syrup for Gum Syrup to achieve that signature silky mouthfeel and adding Bluegrass 5-Spice Orange Bitters for a complex layer of star anise, clove, and cinnamon. To top it all off, we’re adding Edible Gold Glitter for a shimmering visual toast to the journey ahead!

In this video:

  • How to use Gum Syrup for a velvety cocktail texture.
  • Reviewing the 16-year Wenzel’s Packard Proof.
  • Tips for working with 5-spice bitters and edible luster dust.
  • A sneak peek at next week’s Mother’s Day cocktail: The Dandelion Crown!

📋 THE RECIPE: THE GOLDEN JUBILEE

Ingredients:

  • 2.5 oz Wenzel’s Packard Proof Bourbon (or your favorite 16yr+ Library Pour)
  • 0.25 oz Gum Syrup (for that velvety mouthfeel)
  • 1 Bar Spoon Demerara Syrup
  • 10 Drops Bluegrass 5-Spice Orange Bitters
  • 1 Pinch Edible Gold Glitter
  • Garnish: Gold-dusted Luxardo Cherry

Instructions:

  1. Add Gum Syrup, Demerara, and 5-spice bitters to a mixing glass.
  2. Pour in your luxury bourbon.
  3. Add a generous pinch of gold edible glitter.
  4. Fill with ice and stir thoroughly for about 25 seconds to chill and suspend the shimmer.
  5. Strain into a crystal rocks glass over a clear ice sphere.
  6. Garnish with a gold-luster Luxardo cherry and enjoy!

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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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Why This Wheated Bourbon is a Total “Change Up” 

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Unlock the Castle! 🏰 Castle & Key Cask Strength Wheated Bourbon Review

We’re heading back to Frankfort, Kentucky! After a visit to the historic Castle & Key Distillery during the Glen’s Creek Chili Fest, we finally got our hands on a bottle of their Cask Strength Wheated Bourbon (Batch 1).

Is this 7-year-old “sweet mash” wheater the bottle that changes everything for Castle & Key fans? In this episode, Wayne and Rebecca dive into the unique mash bill—featuring white corn and a surprisingly high 17% malted barley—to see if this Double Platinum ASCOT Award winner lives up to the hype.

From the “bakery-like” nose to a palate that Wayne describes as a “barley punch” and Rebecca finds “soft and luscious,” we break down the mouthfeel, the “squeaky teeth” finish, and why this craft distillery is finally hitting its stride.

Whether you’re a fan of wheated bourbons or have been waiting for Castle & Key’s own distillate to age, you won’t want to miss this Tuesday tasting!

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Castle & Key Cask Strength Wheated, Batch 1

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Castle & Key (Frankfort, KY)
  • Mash Bill: 73% White Corn, 10% White Winter Wheat, 17% Malted Barley
  • Age: 7 Years
  • Proof: 108.2
  • MSRP: $60-65
  • Released: Blended in 2025
  • Other: Non-chill filtered; earned Double Platinum at the 2025 ASCOT Awards. It uses a “Sweet Mash” process and a notably high percentage of malted barley for a wheated bourbon.
  • Purchased: 02/28/2026 for $70 at Castle & Key Distillery

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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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First Ever Remus Wheat Whiskey! Is It A Jam Session?

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George Remus is making history with his first-ever Wheat Whiskey! 🌾🥃

In this episode, we’re diving into the Remus Master Distiller Experimental Series No. 2, a groundbreaking 95% wheat whiskey release from Ross & Squibb Distillery. Distilled in 2017 and bottled at a robust 113 proof, this “Quatro” finish is a masterclass in secondary aging. Master Distiller Ian Stirsman has taken this rare LKSV mashbill and finished it in a unique combination of four different casks: Tawny Port, White Port, Oloroso Sherry, and Ruby Port.

Is it a “jam session” in a bottle? We’re breaking down the complex layers—from the bready, bakery-style wheat notes to the intense red fruit and unexpected black pepper finish. We’ll also share our experience picking this up at Lux Row Distillers in Bardstown and why we think this $69.99 bottle is a “must-buy” for any collector.

In this video:

  • The story behind Remus’s first wheat whiskey.
  • A deep dive into the 4-port finishing process.
  • Live tasting notes: Jamminess vs. Pepper.
  • Is it worth the drive to Bardstown?

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Remus Master Distiller Experimental Series 2

  • Classification: Straight Wheat Whiskey
  • Distillery: Ross & Squibb Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 95% Wheat, 5% Malted Barley (LKSV formula/rare)
  • Age: Distilled in 2017 – Approximately 9 years
  • Quattro-Finish: (separately) Tawny Port, White Port, Oloroso Sherry and Ruby Port Casks (then blended)
  • Proof: 113
  • MSRP: $69.99 700 ml bottle
  • Released:  March 2026
  • Purchased: 03/28/26 for $69.99 at Lux Row Distillery

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

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

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The Paradox of Light Whiskey: 15 vs 18 Year Penelope Review

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140.2 PROOF?! Penelope 18yr Hazmat vs. 15yr Founders Reserve | American Light Whiskey Battle

Is older and higher proof always better? Today on Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca dive into a massive “Paradox of Light Whiskey” vertical tasting! We are cracking open two heavy-hitters from Penelope Bourbon: the 15 Year Founders Reserve and the brand new 18 Year Limited Release (clocking in at a massive 140.2 proof!).

Many people are confused by the “Light Whiskey” name—thinking it means low calorie or low alcohol. It’s actually the opposite! We explain the science behind why these MGP-distilled corn whiskeys reach such high proofs while maintaining a “dessert-forward” profile of butterscotch, vanilla, and crème brûlée.

We compare these modern giants to vintage pours like Old Crow Light Whiskey and explore why these high-proof expressions are surprisingly delicate and creamy. Stick around to find out which bottle wins on the nose and which takes the crown on the palate!

In this video, we cover:

  • The technical definition of American Light Whiskey (ALW).
  • Why used-oak aging creates such high proof.
  • Tasting notes for Penelope 15yr vs. 18yr.
  • The “Hazmat” status of the 2026 18-year release.

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Penelope 15 Year Founders Reserve

  • Classification:  American Light Whiskey
  • Company: Penelope Bourbon (A subsidiary of MGP/Luxco)
  • Distillery: MGP (Lawrenceburg, IN)
  • Mash Bill: 99% Corn, 1% Malted Barley
  • Age: 15 Years
  • Proof: 128.4
  • MSRP: $90-100
  • Released: 2023
  • Other: Part of the “Founders Reserve” series; aged in used Cooperage (charred oak barrels).
  • Purchased: 12/21/23 for $109.99 at High Spirits Liqueur in Evansville, IN

Penelope 18 Year Limited Release

  • Classification:  American Light Whiskey
  • Company: Penelope Bourbon (A subsidiary of MGP/Luxco)
  • Distillery: MGP (Lawrenceburg, IN)
  • Mash Bill: 99% Corn, 1% Malted Barley
  • Age: 18 Years
  • Proof: 140.2
  • MSRP: $109.99
  • Released: 2026
  • Other: Achieved “Hazmat” status (over 140 proof); limited batch release following the 17-year 2025 drop.
  • Purchased: 03/28/26 for $109.99 at Lux Row Distillery

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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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Respect The Grain: Tasting Spirits of French Lick

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The Morning Glory & Smoked Apple Brandy! | Spirits of French Lick Review

Can a bourbon made with Kasha and Buckwheat actually taste good? Today on Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca are heading back to 2024 to relive their visit to Spirits of French Lick in West Baden, Indiana. They are diving into the wild history of The Morning Glory Bourbon and a high-proof surprise gifted by a friend: Palindrome Smoked Apple Brandy.

From the “Alchemist” himself, Alan Bishop, these spirits are anything but traditional. We break down the unique grain-forward profile of a bourbon inspired by a rough-and-tumble Civil War-era tavern and see if three drops of water can tame a 137.7 proof apple brandy finished in Islay scotch butts.

In this video, we discuss:

  • Our experience as the “first-ever” tour for a nervous but wonderful guide.
  • The “Respect the Grain” philosophy behind the mash bill of 16% Kasha and 2% Buckwheat.
  • A full tasting of The Morning Glory: Is it a “savory shredded wheat” or a “cinnamon-free churro”?
  • The Palindrome Brandy breakdown: Salted caramel, smoke, and the “Islay effect.”
  • The “Water Test”: How three drops completely shifted the profile from baked pie to fresh orchard.

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✴️ The Morning Glory

  • Classification: Indiana Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Spirits of French Lick
  • Mash Bill: 66% Corn, 12% Rye, 16% Kasha, 2% Buckwheat, 4% Malt
  • Age: at least 4 Years
  • Proof: 100
  • Purchased: 06/28/24 for $55.24 at Spirits of French Lick

✴️ Palindrome

  • Classification: Smoked Apple Brandy
  • Distillery: Spirits of French Lick
  • Mash Bill: Distilled from fermented apple cider
  • Aged in New American Oak
  • Finished in Islay peated Scotch butts
  • Proof: 137.7
  • Gifted to us by a friend

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Original Story About Our Tour: https://yourbourbonjourney.com/2024/07/07/first-visit-to-spirits-of-french-lick-distillery/ 

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NOTE: The spirits in this review were purchased by us or gifted to 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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4/20 Special: Tasting the Dark Arts Blunt Blend Batch

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It’s 4/20 and we are “weeding” out the latest release from Dark Arts Whiskey House! In this episode of Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca dive into the Blunt Blend Batch 3, affectionately known as “The Dank Arts.”

This isn’t your average rye. This is an 8-year-old Indiana Rye (likely MGP) that has undergone a sophisticated double-finish in both Madeira and Armagnac casks. Bottled at a stout 113.8 proof, this whiskey promises a complex journey from a fruit-forward nose to a surprising “chocolate” finish that left us questioning if we were actually eating a candy bar!

In this video, we explore:

  • The unique “Dank Arts” branding and 4/20 inspiration. 
  • The impact of the Madeira and Armagnac double-finish on a high-rye mash bill. 
  • Full tasting notes: Discover why Wayne calls this a “Top 5 Rye” of all time. 
  • A breakdown of the viscosity (those legs!) and the “chocolate pop” on the palate. 
  • Our experience ordering online from Dark Arts—is the shipping worth the cost?

Whether you’re a “rye guy” or usually stick to bourbon, this complex, viscous, and spicy “Blunt Blend” might just be your new favorite pour. Stick around for the end where we discuss upcoming cigar pairings and a “special” summer report!

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Dark Arts Blunt Blend (Batch 3) Dank Arts

  • Classification: Rye Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Dark Arts Whiskey House
  • Distillery: Distilled in Indiana; Blended/Bottled in Sparta, KY
  • Mash Bill: 95% Rye, 5% Malted Barley
  • Age: 8 Years
  • Finished: Madeira Cask and Armagnac Cask
  • Proof: 113.8
  • MSRP: $99.99
  • Released: Late March 2026
  • Other: Bottle 3370
  • Purchased: $122.18 with Shipping from Dark Arts Online

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

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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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GCD Experimental Series: Testing the “Mad Scientist’s” Newest Blends! 

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The “Mad Scientist” Does It Again! | GCD Experimental Series Review

Can Glenns Creek Distilling’s “Mad Scientist” (aka David Meier) push the boundaries of bourbon even further? Today on Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca are diving into three brand-new releases from the GCD Experimental Series (February 2026).

From a complex seven-grain mash bill to a mysterious Rich Mountain expression, these bottles are anything but traditional. We break down the nose, palate, and finish of each to see if these experiments were a success!

The Bottles on the Table:

  • .44 CAG: A 23-month, 112.4 proof powerhouse featuring Red, White, Blue, and Yellow corn.
  • Heirloom Blend: A 47-month, 108.8 proof “best of” blend of various GCD mash bills.
  • Rich Mountain: A 117.8 proof undisclosed mash bill aged for 47 months.

In this video, we discuss:

  • The uniqueness of Glenns Creek Distilling.
  • The complexity of a 7-grain bourbon.
  • Why the Heirloom Blend stands out in the 2026 lineup.
  • Our final verdict: Which bottle should you track down?

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GCD Experimental .44 CAG

  • Classification: Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Glenns Creek Distilling
  • Mash Bill: Seven Grain (Red, White, Blue and Yellow corn, rye, wheat, barley)
  • Age: 23 months
  • Proof: 112.4
  • Released: February 2026

Other: 375 ml, Barrel 1, Bottle 50

GCD Experimental Heirloom Blend

  • Classification: Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Glenns Creek Distilling
  • Mash Bill: A mix of the various mashbills
  • Age: 47 months
  • Proof: 108.8
  • Released: February 2026
  • Other: 375 ml, Barrel 1, Bottle 5

GCD Experimental Rich Mountain

  • Classification: Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Glenns Creek Distilling
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed
  • Age: 47 months
  • Proof: 117.8
  • Released: February 2026
  • Other: 375 ml, Barrel 1

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

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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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Is This the Best Apple Brandy Cocktail? Hoosier Meets Caribbean 

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Indiana Heritage Meets Caribbean Spice in “The Orchard’s Journey”

Welcome back to Your Bourbon Journey! In Episode 66 of our Thirsty Thursday series, we are bridging the gap between the refined rows of the Huber family orchard in Indiana and the aggressive, tropical “hogo” funk of Jamaica.

Tonight, I’m showing you how to craft The Orchard’s Journey, a sophisticated, spirit-forward cocktail that features two powerhouse pours from Starlight Distillery: their 112-proof Apple Brandy Cask Finished Bourbon and their incredible 12-Year Estate Apple Brandy.

We’re adding a deep, jammy anchor with Merlet Cassis and a savory, spicy kick with 30 drops of Bittercube Jamaican #1 Bitters. If you love complex, dry, and wood-influenced cocktails, this “Funky Apple Sipper” is for you!

Join me as we explore:

  • The unique cinnamon-apple bridge of Starlight’s finished bourbon.
  • The transformed, caramelized profile of a 12-year-old estate brandy.
  • How to balance intense Jamaican spices (ginger, black pepper, allspice) in a stirred drink.
  • A “not-tiki” tropical teaser for next week!

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The Recipe: The Orchard’s Journey

  • 2 oz Starlight Bourbon Finished in Apple Brandy (112 Proof)
  • 0.75 oz Starlight 12-Year Estate Apple Brandy
  • 0.75 oz Merlet Cassis Liqueur
  • 30 Drops (3 Dashes) Bittercube Jamaican #1 Bitters
  • Garnish: Expressed Lemon Twist

Instructions:

  1. Combine all ingredients into a mixing glass.
  2. Add ice and stir for approximately 30 seconds until well-chilled and properly diluted.
  3. Strain into a pre-chilled coupe glass.
  4. Express a fresh lemon twist over the top and drop it into the glass.
  5. Cheers to the journey!

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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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Why This 3-Hour Toasted Barrel Changes Everything | Cascadia

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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.

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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. 

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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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