Bourbon of the Year

Blind Tasting Reveals: Who Will Be August’s Whiskey of the Month?

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Welcome back to Your Bourbon Journey! It’s time for our August Whiskey of the Month blind tasting showdown, and this lineup is an absolute powerhouse! 🥃🔥

This month, we brought together six standout contenders—featuring unique secondary barrel finishes, historic solera aging, craft blending innovation, and rich malt profiles. With an average age of 7.25 years, an average proof of 109.37, and an average retail cost of $103.33, every single bottle on the table brought serious competition. 

With our rolling “Road to the Sweet Sixteen” cutoff sitting high at 93.5+ points and a top-10 average over 96.5, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Between jaw-dropping dark horse performances, stunning upsets from fan favorites, and a down-to-the-wire tiebreaker for the crown, this blind tasting delivered one of our closest scoreboards all year!

Which bottle conquered the palate to take the August Whiskey of the Month title and punch its ticket toward our Whiskey of the Year tournament? Watch along, track your own guesses, and see how the blind ranking unfolds!

Let us know in the comments: What has been your favorite pour this month? Don’t forget to Like, Subscribe, and hit the bell so you never miss a review, blind flight, or cocktail guide!

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Featured Contenders & Original Tasting Videos:

🥃 Bardstown Bourbon Company – 2026 Discovery Garryana Oak Finish (112.8 Proof)

🥃 Lost Lantern Whiskey – United States of Bourbon Edition No. 1 (123.0 Proof / Cask Strength)

🥃 Neeley Family Distillery – Old Jett Brothers Amarone Red Wine Cask Finish (106.4 Proof)

🥃 Starlight Distillery – Sakura Reserve Bourbon Batch 0001 (118.0 Proof / Cask Strength)

🥃 Stitzel-Weller Distilling Co. – Blade & Bow 12-Year Solera Reserve (104.0 Proof)

🥃 Virginia Distillery Co. – VHW Scholar’s Craft Coffee Cask American Single Malt (92.0 Proof)

🥃 OUR SCORING PROCESS: We’ve revamped our scoring to be more transparent than ever. No more “Redundancy”—just pure, data-driven blind competitions. Read the full breakdown of our new rubric and the “Sweet Sixteen” bracket process on our website: 👉 https://yourbourbonjourney.com/2026/02/27/decoding-the-pour-the-new-your-bourbon-journey-scoring-woty-process/ 

📊 SEE THE LIVE LEADERBOARD: Want to see where this bottle ranks against the rest of the field? Check out our real-time leaderboard here: 👉 https://yourbourbonjourney.com/2026/02/27/the-live-leaderboard-road-to-the-sweet-sixteen/

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NOTE: Most spirits in this review were purchased by us; 2026 Discovery was provided by Lofted Spirits. 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 #WhiskeyOfTheMonth #BourbonReview #CraftWhiskey #BardstownBourbon #StarlightDistillery #LostLantern #BladeAndBow #NeeleyFamilyDistillery #VirginiaDistilleryCo #AmericanSingleMalt #WhiskeyTasting #YourBourbonJourney

Best Bourbon of 2025? The Championship Reveal!

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🥃 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.

#WhiskeyOfTheYear #BourbonReview #BlindTasting #BourbonJourney #GlennsCreek #BardstownBourbonCo #WOTY2025 #BourbonBracket #PatrioticMeriCOB #Discovery13

The Most Intense Blind Battle Yet! Final Four Reveal 

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Final Four Showdown! 🥃 Blind Whiskey of the Year: Battles 13 & 14

The search for the 2025 Whiskey of the Year has reached the ultimate pressure cooker! We started with 16 incredible contenders, and now only four powerhouse bottles remain. In today’s video, we head into the Final Four with two high-stakes blind battles to determine which two whiskeys will punch their ticket to the Championship Round.

It’s the #1 seeds vs. a powerhouse #2 seed that fought its way into the inner circle. Seeding is officially out the window—these pours have proven they belong.

🥃 Today’s Blind Matchups:

  • Battle 13 (FA vs FB): One glass brings a “candy store” nose filled with butterscotch and caramel, while the challenger offers a delicate, soft, and sophisticated profile.
  • Battle 14 (FC vs FD): A classic “Bourbon lover’s Bourbon” featuring nutmeg and barrel notes goes head-to-head against a complex pour with hints of leather, tobacco, and a “spicy shebang.”

As always, we are 100% blind. We know these are the final four bottles, but we have no idea which is which until the scores are tallied. This episode features some of our most intense debating yet, including a result decided by a razor-thin 0.5-point margin.

✨ Video Highlights:

  • The “Confectionary” Nose: Does a sweet, brown sugar profile beat out a delicate, pleasant sipper?
  • The Proof Factor: We discuss why proof (ranging from 105 to 110) is becoming a major player in the evaluation.
  • A House Divided: Watch Wayne and Rebecca disagree on the flavor vs. finish in a battle that nearly required a tiebreaker.
  • The Road to the Finals: Which two bottles are headed back to the shelf, and which two will fight for the crown tomorrow?

📢 Join the Conversation

Looking at the remaining lineup—WH McBrayer Batch 5, Patriotic Meri-COB, Old Louisville Cognac Finish, and Bardstown Discovery 13—who is your money on? Did your favorite make the cut, or was there a major upset?

Don’t miss the Grand Finale tomorrow! We will crown the 2025 winner in our final blind “drink-off.”

🏆 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.

#whiskeyoftheyear #bourbon #blindtasting #whiskeytournament #bourbonreview #yourbourbonjourney #bestwhiskey2025 #finalfour #whiskeybracket #kentuckybourbon

Elite Eight Blind Battle: Who Made the Final Four? 

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🥃 Blind Whiskey of the Year: The Elite Eight Final Showdown!

The road to the Final Four ends here! In today’s high-stakes episode, we conclude the Elite Eight with Battles 11 and 12. It’s a classic showdown of 1-seeds vs. 2-seeds, where the scores are razor-thin and the pressure is at an all-time high.

Wayne and Rebecca dive deep into a blind sensory evaluation to see which bottles have the complexity, the “legs,” and the finish to survive the cut. One of these battles resulted in a dead tie—stay tuned to see how we broke the tie and which powerhouse whiskies officially punched their ticket to the semifinals!

🕒 In This Episode:

  • Battle 11 (U vs. V): A clash of opposites. One brings sweet confectionary notes and power, while the other offers deep, dark “winter bourbon” vibes.
  • Battle 12 (W vs. X): The battle of the titans. We’re talking barrel-heavy cocoa notes versus traditional caramel and baking spice perfection.
  • The Big Reveal: We unmask the winners and losers! See how Craft Distilleries are holding their own against the “Big Boys.”
  • Final Four Announcement: The bracket is set! Find out which four bottles are moving on to compete for Whiskey of the Year.

📢 JOIN THE JOURNEY

If you love deep-dive whiskey reviews, blind tastings, and bourbon hunting, hit that SUBSCRIBE button! We release new tournament battles daily as we head toward crowning the undisputed Champion.

🏆 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/

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

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❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

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❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

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.

#whiskeyoftheyear #bourbon #blindtasting #whiskeytournament #bourbonreview #yourbourbonjourney #bestwhiskey2025 #sweet16 #whiskeybracket #kentuckybourbon

Elite Eight: 1 Seeds vs 2 Seeds | 2025 Blind Whiskey Tournament

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🥃 Clash of the Titans! Elite Eight Battles 9 & 10 | Blind Whiskey of the Year 2025

The field has been cut in half, and the intensity is peaking! Welcome to the Elite Eight of the 2025 Blind Whiskey of the Year tournament. Today, Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey dive into Battles 9 and 10, where only the “best of the best” remain.

This isn’t just any tasting—it’s a clash of 1 seeds vs. 2 seeds. These are the quarterly champions and runners-up, featuring top-tier straight bourbons, a wheat whiskey, and a finished standout. Everything is 100% blind, re-shuffled to ensure total objectivity.

Battle 9: Candidate Q vs. Candidate R

  • Candidate Q: A dessert lover’s dream on the nose with brown sugar, caramel, and cinnamon, leading into a spicy palette with intriguing notes of coffee and chocolate.
  • Candidate R: A “classic bourbon” powerhouse. Savory, complex, and layered with emerging notes of tobacco and leather on the back end.
  • The Verdict: Does the sweetness of Q win out, or does the savory complexity of R take the slot in the Final Four?

Battle 10: Candidate S vs. Candidate T

  • Candidate S: A “light and bright” profile featuring a unique “sweet and sour” yin-yang of lemon zest and brown sugar.
  • Candidate T: A confectionery shop in a glass! Huge notes of rich butterscotch and silky dark caramel with a thick, oily mouthfeel.
  • The Verdict: It’s a battle of contrast—bright citrus vs. deep butterscotch. See which one secured a 94-point score!

Which of these profiles sounds like your winner? Are you Team Butterscotch (T) or Team Tobacco & Leather (R)? Let us know in the comments!

🏆 WOTY TOURNAMENT HUB: View the live bracket, match results, and winner scores.16 Bottles. One Champion. No Labels. HERE

📈 THE ELITE EIGHT IS SET: The opening round saw a massive 93.5 average winner score. Even the bottles that were eliminated averaged a 92.1! See the full breakdown of the scores and which “Giant Slayers” pulled off the upset HERE

🥃 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: HERE

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

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❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

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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.

#whiskeyoftheyear #bourbon #blindtasting #whiskeytournament #bourbonreview #yourbourbonjourney #bestwhiskey2025 #sweet16 #whiskeybracket #kentuckybourbon

The Road to WOTY: Who Made the Elite Eight?

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🏆 WHISKEY OF THE YEAR: The Sweet Sixteen Finale! (Battles 7 & 8)

The opening round of the 2025 Whiskey of the Year Tournament concludes today! After 12 months of evaluations, it all comes down to the final two spots in the Elite Eight.

In this episode, we face our final #1 seed taking on a high-scoring Wildcard, followed by a clash between our final #2 and #3 seeds. Will the heavy hitters hold the line, or are we about to witness the ultimate “Giant Slayer” upset right before the quarterfinals?

🥃 In This Episode:

We wrap up the Sweet Sixteen with two massive matchups that pushed our palates to the limit.

  • Battle 7: A high-proof showdown where one bottle “sings” with complexity while the other brings a “bag of peanuts” to the face.
  • Battle 8: A battle of the “beast mode” noses. One bottle smells like a Crème Brûlée dessert, while the other offers an intriguing ginger-spice balance.

Watch as we break down the nose, palate, and finish—completely blind—to see which two bottles survive the gauntlet to join the Elite Eight.

📉 The Sweet Sixteen Scorecard

The competition in this opening round was incredibly tight. To give you an idea of the caliber of these whiskeys, here is how the scoring broke down across all 16 contenders:

  • Average Winner Score: 93.5 (Elite Eight Bound)
  • Average Eliminated Score: 92.1 It is rare to see a tournament where the “losers” are still scoring in the 90s! This proves that every bottle in this bracket truly earned its spot among the best of 2025.

🏆 The Elite Eight Reveal

Stick around for the end of the video where we finally pull the tape! For the first time, we reveal the 8 Bottles moving on to the Quarterfinals.

The Elite Eight Field includes: 

✅ Our final #1 seeds that held the line. 

✅ The “Giant Slayers” that pulled off the upset. 

✅ A mix of Heritage Kentucky brands and Craft powerhouses.

📢 Join the Journey!

Who are you rooting for in the Elite Eight? Did your favorite bottle get eliminated too early? Let us know in the comments!

Subscribe to follow the rest of the bracket as we head toward the Grand Finale!

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

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❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

🥃 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/

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.

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

#whiskeyoftheyear #bourbon #blindtasting #whiskeytournament #bourbonreview #yourbourbonjourney #bestwhiskey2025 #sweet16 #whiskeybracket #kentuckybourbon

The Ultimate Sweet 16: Whiskey of the Year Battles 5 & 6

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🥃 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/

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.

🥃 Sweet Sixteen Battles 5 & 6: The Road to Whiskey of the Year!

The hunt for the 2025 Whiskey of the Year continues! We are officially in the thick of the Sweet 16, where the competition is tighter than ever. Today, we’re breaking down Battles 5 and 6 in a 100% blind tasting to see which bottles have the “legs” to survive and which ones are shuffling off to Buffalo.

In this episode, we witness a massive #1 seed take on a hungry wildcard, followed by a neck-and-neck battle between a #2 and a #3 seed. From unexpected “sweet and sour” lemon zest notes to traditional “bourbon drinker’s bourbon” profiles rich with cherry and oak, the scores were razor-thin.

🏆 Inside Today’s Blind Bracket:

  • Battle 5 (The 1 Seed vs. 4 Seed): Candidate I vs. Candidate J. Can a wildcard pull off the ultimate upset? One bottle delivers heavy barrel and cinnamon, while the other surprises the palate with a unique confectionery sugar and citrus zest profile.
  • Battle 6 (The 2 Seed vs. 3 Seed): Candidate K vs. Candidate L. It’s a battle of styles! We compare a dark, rich, baking-spice powerhouse against a bright, floral, and fruity pour featuring pear and apple notes.

Which bottles advanced to the Elite Eight? Watch to see the scores and the struggle!

💬 Join the Conversation: Which profile do you prefer—the dark, oaky “cherry bombs” or the light, floral, and fruity pours? Drop a comment below and let us know if you’ve guessed any of the bottles in this year’s bracket!

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

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❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

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#whiskeyoftheyear #bourbon #blindtasting #whiskeytournament #bourbonreview #yourbourbonjourney #bestwhiskey2025 #sweet16 #whiskeybracket #kentuckybourbon

Total Blind Chaos! Sweet 16 Whiskey Battles 3 & 4

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🥃 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/

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.

Can a Wild Card pull off an upset? 🥃

We’re back for the 2025 Whiskey of the Year Sweet Sixteen Battles 3 & 4! Today, a #1 seed defends its title and a neck-and-neck #2 vs #3 battle takes center stage. Who moves on in the ultimate blind bourbon tasting?

In this episode of Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca continue the road to the 2025 Whiskey of the Year. We are tasting completely blind—no labels, no bias, just the liquid in the glass.

In Battle 3, we compare two distinct profiles: one “quintessential bourbon” filled with butterscotch and brown sugar, up against a sweet, nutty contender that reminds us of confectionary sugar. Then, in Battle 4, we dive into a mystery floral profile that has us questioning if we’ve found a finished whiskey or a rare wheat whiskey in the bracket.

What’s inside this video:

  • Battle 3: A quintessential #1 seed vs. a sweet & nutty Wild Card.
  • Battle 4: The “Group of Death” – A #2 vs. #3 seed matchup that was too close to call.
  • Blind Scoring: See our real-time reactions and final point totals.

Which of these bottles belongs on your shelf? Let us know your predictions in the comments!

📅 Don’t miss out: We’re dropping Battles 5 & 6 tomorrow! Hit that Subscribe button and ring the bell so you don’t miss a single sip of the tournament.

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

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

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❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

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#whiskeyoftheyear #bourbon #blindtasting #whiskeytournament #bourbonreview #yourbourbonjourney #bestwhiskey2025 #sweet16 #whiskeybracket #KentuckyBourbon #BestBourbon2025 #SweetSixteen  

Which Whiskey Wins? Sweet 16 Showdown Starts Now

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🥃 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/

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.

The Road to Whiskey of the Year: Sweet Sixteen Battles 1 & 2! 🥃🏆

Welcome to the Sweet Sixteen! We are kicking off the ultimate tournament to crown our Whiskey of the Year. We’ve taken the winners from our Whiskey of the Month and Whiskey of the Quarter competitions, added four high-scoring wildcards, and now it’s time for the ultimate blind taste test.

In this episode, we tackle Battle 1 (1-seed vs. 4-seed) and Battle 2 (2-seed vs. 3-seed). We’re tasting these completely blind—no labels, no proofs, no prices—just pure flavor profiles. Through the magic of editing, you’ll see the winners revealed while we remain in the dark until the very end of the round!

What’s on the Menu Today?

  • Battle 1: A clash of classics. One glass is packed with rich vanilla, brown sugar, and cinnamon, while the other brings a lighter, butterscotch-forward pop with surprising proof.
  • Battle 2: This one gets wild. We’re talking “grilled cherries” and deep barrel notes versus a bright, citrusy, and drier bourbon profile.

Will the top seeds hold their ground, or are we heading for an early-round upset? Grab a pour, hit play, and follow along with Wayne and Rebecca on Your Bourbon Journey.

Inside the Tasting Room:

  • The Process: 16 whiskeys, blind pairings, and a scoring system based on Nose, Taste, and Finish.
  • The Stakes: Only the winners move on to the Elite Eight.
  • The Reveal: We won’t know the identities until all eight battles are done, but you get to see the winners as they advance!

Which bottle are you rooting for? Are you Team Cherry & Barrel or Team Vanilla & Spice? Let us know your predictions in the comments!

📅 Don’t miss out: We’re dropping Battles 3 & 4 tomorrow! Hit that Subscribe button and ring the bell so you don’t miss a single sip of the tournament.

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

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🥃 Become a Patron & Get Exclusive Content

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❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

#whiskeyoftheyear #bourbon #blindtasting #whiskeytournament #bourbonreview #yourbourbonjourney #bestwhiskey2025 #sweet16 #whiskeybracket #kentuckybourbon

The Road to the 2025 Whiskey of the Year: The Blind Bracket Revealed!

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January 1, 2026

Happy New Year, Bourbon Family!

At Your Bourbon Journey, we spent all of 2025 searching for the absolute best pours on the market. We tasted over 100 expressions, from heritage Kentucky legends to innovative craft distillers. But now, the “fun” part of the year is over, and the evaluation begins.

Starting tomorrow, January 2nd, we launch our 2025 Whiskey of the Year Sweet Sixteen Playoff.

The Integrity of the Process

We believe the label on the bottle shouldn’t dictate the score. To find our winner, we use a 100% Blind Bracket System.

  1. Selection: We took our 12 Monthly Winners and our 4 highest-scoring runners-up (Wildcards).
  2. Seeding: Bottles were seeded based on their performance in our “Whiskey of the Quarter” battles.

The Playoff: A head-to-head, single-elimination tournament where we have no idea what is in the glass until the Championship trophy is awarded.

The Class of 2025: The Contenders

To make it into the Sweet Sixteen, these bottles had to be the best of their respective months. Here is the field of 16 that earned a spot in the starting bracket: (with links to the original tasting videos)

The #1 Seeds (Quarterly Winners)

The #2 Seeds (Quarterly Runners-Up)

The #3 Seeds (Quarterly 3rd Place)

The #4 Seeds (The Wildcards)

How to Follow the Tournament

We will be releasing the results in stages. Every bottle you see on the table will be masked. We won’t know the winners of the early rounds until the very end, ensuring that our palates stay objective through the Grand Finale.

  • Jan 2–5: The Sweet Sixteen (4 Videos)
  • Jan 6–7: The Elite Eight (2 Videos)
  • Jan 8: The Final Four
  • Jan 9: The Grand Finale & 2025 Champion Reveal

Who is your pick for the title? Will a #1 Seed hold the line, or are we looking at a “Cinderella Story” from the Wildcard ranks?

Subscribe to our Your Bourbon Journey YouTube channel to see every battle as it happens.

Cheers to the journey! — Wayne & Rebecca

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

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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