Bourbon Review 2026

Oatmeal Cookie in a Glass? We Tried the New B.O.B. Bourbon

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Is oat bourbon the next big trend in craft whiskey? In this episode of Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca crack open B.O.B. (Best Oat Bourbon) from Glenns Creek Distilling in Frankfort, Kentucky!

Picked up on the 4th of July during Dave’s 250th American celebration extravaganza, this unique single barrel pour features steel-cut oats as the secondary grain in a 76% yellow corn, 19% steel-cut oats, and 5% malted barley mash bill. Clocking in at 106.8 proof and aged at least 32 months, this pot-distilled craft bourbon serves up sweet layers of burnt butterscotch, cinnamon, brown sugar, and notes reminiscent of an iced oatmeal cream pie.

Find out why this experimental bottle might just be in our next Whiskey of the Month competition and why craft distilleries like Glenns Creek continue to push the boundaries of flavor!

Have you tried whiskeys distilled with oats? Drop your thoughts in the comments below! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your favorite craft bourbon pours with us. Drink responsibly!

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❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

B.O.B. (Best Oat Bourbon)

  • Classification: Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Glenns Creek Distilling (Frankfort, KY)
  • Mash Bill: 76% Yellow Corn, 19% Oats, 5% Malted Barley
  • Age: At least 32 months
  • Proof: 106.8 (53.4% ABV)
  • SRP: $70.75
  • Released: July 2026
  • Other: Barrel No. 1, Bottle No. 12; single barrel release featuring steel cut oats as the secondary grain, pot-distilled and bottled on-site.
  • Purchased: 07/04/26 for $70.75 at Glenns Creek Distilling (Frankfort, KY)

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

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

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Candy Bar in a Bottle?! Milam & Greene Unabridged V3 Tasting 

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Join Wayne & Rebecca on Your Bourbon Journey as we crack open the highly anticipated Milam & Greene Unabridged Volume 3!

Crafted by Master Blender Heather Greene and Master Distiller Marlene Holmes, this limited-edition release is a cask-strength, 49-cask blend combining straight bourbons from Texas, Tennessee, and Kentucky across five distinct age profiles (3.5 to 10 years old). Bottled non-chill filtered at a bold 118 Proof (59% ABV), this pour surprised us with an incredibly creamy mouthfeel, rich brown sugar, dark chocolate nougat candy bar notes, and a lingering cinnamon finish.

Is this $95 multi-state blend a sweet trick or the ultimate treat? Watch our full review, nose, palate, and finish breakdown to find out!

If you enjoyed this review, please hit the LIKE button, drop a comment with your favorite Milam & Greene bottle, and SUBSCRIBE for more honest whiskey reviews and bourbon tastings every week!

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Milam & Greene Unabridged (Volume 3)

  • Classification: Blend of Straight Bourbon Whiskies (Cask Strength)
  • Company: Milam & Greene Whiskey (Provision Spirits)
  • Distillery: Distilled in Texas, Tennessee, and Kentucky; Aged, Batched & Bottled by Milam & Greene in Blanco, Texas
  • Mash Bill: Multi-mashbill blend (includes traditional bourbon recipes alongside Texas and Kentucky malted rye bourbon mashbills)
  • Age: 3½ Years (blend of 3.5, 4, 6, 9, and 10-year-old bourbons)
  • Proof: 118 Proof (59.0% ABV)
  • SRP: $89.99 – $94.99 (varies slightly by market)
  • Other: Limited edition 49-cask blend crafted by Master Blender Heather Greene and Master Distiller Marlene Holmes; non-chill filtered
  • Purchased: July 24, 2026 for $91.99 at The Party Source in Newport, KY

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

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

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Is This the Best Bourbon Starlight Has Ever Bottled? 

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Join us for an exclusive, high-end Starlight Distillery tasting featuring rare Japanese wood finishes and an ultra-rare 10-year release! In this episode, we break down two exotic cask-finished whiskeys alongside the hyper-allocated Starlight 25th Anniversary Bourbon (limited to only 100 bottles worldwide).

  • Starlight Sakura Reserve Bourbon (Batch 0001): 8-year sweet mash blend, 118 proof, finished in rare Japanese Sakura (cherry blossom) wood.
  • Starlight Mizunara Reserve Bourbon (Batch 0002): 8-year sweet mash blend, 112 proof, finished in Japanese Mizunara oak.
  • Starlight 25th Anniversary 10-Year Bourbon: 120.4 proof, low entry proof, unfinished cask strength, bottle #73 of 100.

From fresh cherry floral notes and sandalwood incense to decadent dark fudge and rich oak, we dive into full tasting notes, comparisons, and our final verdicts.

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❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

Starlight Distillery Sakura Reserve Bourbon Whiskey (Batch No. 0001)

  • Classification: Indiana Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Japanese Sakura Barrels
  • Distillery: Starlight Distillery (Borden, IN)
  • Mash Bill: Starlight Sweet Mash Blend (3-Grain: 60% Corn, 20% Rye, 20% Malted Barley / 4-Grain: 51% Corn, 20% Rye, 20% Malted Barley, 9% Wheat)
  • Age: 8 Years
  • Proof: 118 Proof (59% ABV)
  • Released: August 1, 2026
  • Other: Cask strength; finished in rare Japanese Sakura (Cherry Blossom) wood barrels; estate-grown non-GMO grains; double pot distilled.
  • Purchased: 08/01/26 for $149.99 at Starlight Distillery

Starlight Distillery Mizunara Reserve Bourbon Whiskey (Batch No. 0002)

  • Classification: Indiana Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Japanese Mizunara Oak Barrels
  • Distillery: Starlight Distillery (Borden, IN)
  • Mash Bill: Starlight Sweet Mash Blend (3-Grain: 60% Corn, 20% Rye, 20% Malted Barley / 4-Grain: 51% Corn, 20% Rye, 20% Malted Barley, 9% Wheat)
  • Age: 8 Years
  • Proof: 112 Proof (56% ABV)
  • Released: December 2025
  • Other: Cask strength; finished in rare Japanese Mizunara oak barrels; estate-grown non-GMO grains; double pot distilled.
  • Purchased: 12/4/25 for $149.99 at Starlight Distillery

Starlight Distillery 25th Anniversary Bourbon Whiskey

  • Classification: Indiana Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Starlight Distillery (Borden, IN)
  • Mash Bill: 3-Grain Sweet Mash (60% Corn, 20% Rye, 20% Malted Barley; estate-grown non-GMO grains)
  • Age: 10 Years
  • Proof: 120.4 Proof (60.2% ABV)
  • Released: August 1, 2026
  • Other: Ultra-limited 100-bottle release celebrating 25 years of distilling (Bottle No. 73 of 100); bottled July 2026; un-finished cask strength; low entry proof (110); Canton cooperage (char #3–4, 2-year air-dried staves, charred heads); aged in Warehouse 2 (southeast side); includes presentation box, custom Anniversary Glencairns, metal lapel pin, and signed Certificate of Authenticity.
  • Purchased: 08/01/26 for $300 at Starlight Distillery

🚨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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Tasting Bardstown’s 99-Point Lochs of Jura & 2026 Discovery

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Today on Your Bourbon Journey, we have an exclusive first look and side-by-side tasting of the brand-new Fall 2026 releases from Bardstown Bourbon Company!

A huge thank you to Holly at Lofted Spirits and Bardstown Bourbon Company for providing these sneak peek bottles ahead of their official release on Friday, August 21, 2026.

In this tasting:

🥃 Lochs of Jura Barrel Finish (104 Proof | $139.99): A bespoke blend of 10–12 year Indiana rye and Kentucky/Indiana bourbons finished for 32 months in Isle of Jura ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks. Awarded 99 Points / Best American Whiskey (IWSC 2026).

🥃 2026 Discovery Garryana Oak Finish (112.8 Proof | $139.99): The debut of Bardstown’s new annual dated flagship format (dropping batch numbers). This blend of 7, 10, and 11-year straight bourbons spends 4 months in custom-toasted Oregon White Oak.

We break down the specs, unpack the major rebrand shift for the iconic Discovery Series, and give you our live, unvarnished tasting notes on both unique expressions.

Which one of these two fall pours are you hunting down first? Let us know in the comments below!

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Lochs of Jura Barrel Finish Whiskey

  • Classification: A Blend of Straight Bourbon and Rye Whiskies Finished in Single Malt Scotch Whisky Barrels (Finished Whiskey)
  • Company: Bardstown Bourbon Company
  • Distillery: Sourced / Blended by Bardstown Bourbon Company (components from Indiana and Kentucky aged in ex-bourbon & ex-sherry casks from Isle of Jura Distillery)
  • Mash Bill: Blend of 40% 11-yr IN bourbon [75/21/4], 30% 10-yr IN rye [95/5], and 21% 12-yr KY bourbon [75/13/12]
  • Age: NAS overall blend statement; finished for 32 months in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks from the Isle of Jura (Component ages: 10, 11, and 12 years)
  • Proof: 104 Proof (52% ABV)
  • SRP: $139.99 (750 mL)
  • Released: August 21, 2026

2026 Discovery (Garryana Oak Finish)

  • Classification: Blended Straight Bourbon Whiskies Finished in Garryana Oak Barrels
  • Company: Bardstown Bourbon Company
  • Mash Bill: Blend of 55% 10-yr IN bourbon [75/21/4], 25% 11-yr KY bourbon [74/18/8], and 20% 7-yr KY bourbon [74/16/10]
  • Age: Blend of 7, 10, and 11-year-old bourbons, finished for 4 months in custom Garryana oak barrels.
  • Proof: 112.8 Proof (56.4% ABV)
  • SRP: $139.99 (750 mL)
  • Released: August 21, 2026

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

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NOTE: Thank you to Bardstown Bourbon Company for providing these bottles for review. Your Bourbon Journey maintains strict editorial independence; samples are accepted for educational and review purposes only and are never a guarantee of a favorable review.

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Blade & Bow Vertical Review: Standard, 12-Year & $1,000 22-Year!

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Join Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey as we travel to the historic Stitzel-Weller Distilling Co. in Louisville, Kentucky, for an incredible Blade & Bow vertical tasting!

From their ongoing core release to a brand-new release and a hyper-aged $1,000 unicorn bottle, we dive deep into the unique Solera aging systems, the story behind the famous 5 Keys, and how these expressions hold up on the palate.

🥃 What We’re Tasting & Reviewing:

  • Blade & Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (91 Proof): The core 5-tier Solera release ($55). Plus, a special pairing with custom Art Eatables Blade & Bow Bourbon Truffles!
  • Blade & Bow 12-Year-Old Solera Reserve (104 Proof): The brand-new annual expression ($70) developed under Nicole Austin, finished in multi-vat Solera casks influenced by Cognac, Bordeaux, Moscatel, and Port.
  • Blade & Bow 22-Year-Old Limited Release (92 Proof): The hyper-aged allocated release ($1,000) containing historic stocks left behind at Stitzel-Weller.

Is the new 12-Year Solera Reserve a contender for Whiskey of the Month? Was the $1,000 22-Year-Old worth the emotional splurge? Watch as we break down the nose, palate, finish, and historical connection of each pour!

🔔 Subscribe to Your Bourbon Journey for more honest whiskey reviews, distillery visits, and tasting flights! Remember to always drink responsibly. Cheers! 🥂

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🎓 Want to earn a FREE Whiskey Certificate? Start your bourbon education journey with Whiskey University today! Take your first steps here: https://www.whiskeyuniv.com/first-steps

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

Blade & Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Diageo
  • Distillery: Stitzel-Weller Distilling Co. (Louisville, KY) (Sourced / Fractional Solera Blended)
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed (Corn, Rye, Malted Barley)
  • Age: NAS (Non-Age Stated; utilizes a 5-tier Solera system incorporating fractional blends of older stocks)
  • Proof: 91 Proof (45.5% ABV)
  • Released: Ongoing Core Release (First launched May 2015)
  • Other: Named after the two parts of a skeleton key (the blade and the bow), honoring the five keys that historically hung on the doors of Stitzel-Weller. Employs a modified Solera aging system where older bourbon stocks (including small amounts from historic Stitzel-Weller production) remain in the final barrels.
  • Purchased: 9/4/22 for $55 at Stitzel-Weller during our first visit.

Blade & Bow 12-Year-Old Solera Reserve

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Multi-vat Solera Finished)
  • Company: Diageo
  • Distillery: Stitzel-Weller Distilling Co. (Louisville, KY)
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed (Corn, Rye, Malted Barley)
  • Age: 12 Years
  • Proof: 104 Proof (52% ABV)
  • Released: July 2026 (Limited Annual Expression / Permanent Stitzel-Weller Anchor)
  • Other: Developed under Nicole Austin (Director of American Whiskey Liquid Development and Capabilities at Diageo). Begins with 12-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon, continuously married through a multi-vat Solera system influenced by vintage Cognac, Bordeaux, Moscatel, and Port casks.
  • Purchased: 7/17/26 for $70 at Stitzel-Weller 

Blade & Bow 22-Year-Old Limited Release

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Diageo
  • Distillery: Distilled at historic Kentucky distilleries; aged & matured at Stitzel-Weller Distilling Co. (Louisville, KY)
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed (Corn, Rye, Malted Barley)
  • Age: 22 Years
  • Proof: 92 Proof (46% ABV)
  • Released: Annual Limited Allocation (First introduced in 2015)
  • Purchased: 7/17/26 for $1000 at Stitzel-Weller

🚨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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Don’t Buy A Cigar Blend Bourbon Until You Watch This! 

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Are you looking for the ultimate cigar-pairing bourbon? Today, we are smoking in the bourbon room and diving deep into three highly sought-after Cigar Batch Bourbons! From naturally savory pot-still creations to dense multi-cask finishes, we are breaking down the flavor profiles, production secrets, and the exact cigar wrappers (from Habanos to Maduros) you need to pair with each bottle.

Whether you want a daily sipper, a pour that pairs perfectly with a backyard barbecue, or a rich, cognac-forward masterpiece, we’ve got you covered. Two of these bottles battle it out with complex wine and oak finishes, while one wild card throws out the rulebook completely with a shocking natural profile. Which one takes the crown as our top pick? Pour a glass, light up a premium stick, and let’s find out!

Don’t forget to LIKE this video, drop a comment with your favorite cigar pour, and hit that SUBSCRIBE button to join our whiskey community! Drink responsibly. Cheers! 🥃✨

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🎓 Want to earn a FREE Whiskey Certificate? Start your bourbon education journey with Whiskey University today! Take your first steps here: https://www.whiskeyuniv.com/first-steps

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Glenns Creek Distillery OCD #5 “Cigar Batch”

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Glenns Creek Distilling, LLC
  • Distillery: Glenns Creek Distillery (Frankfort, KY — located on the historic former Old Crow property)
  • Mash Bill: 87% Corn, 8% Rye, 5% Barley
  • Age: NAS (No Age Statement)
  • Proof: 101.4 Proof (50.7% ABV) — Note: Exact metrics from Barrel 196, Bottle 49
  • SRP: $75.00
  • Released: Late 2025

Barrell Bourbon Cigar Blend

  • Classification: Blended Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Madeira, Armagnac, Rum, and Hungarian Oak Casks
  • Company: Barrell Craft Spirits
  • Distillery: Distilled in KY, IN & TN; Blended and Bottled by Barrell Craft Spirits in Louisville, KY
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed
  • Age: A blend of straight bourbon whiskeys aged 7.5 to 18 years
  • Proof: 111.2 Proof (55.6% ABV)
  • SRP: $84.99
  • Released: March 2026

Seelbach’s Private Reserve “Humidor Blend” Cigar Batch (Batch 001)

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Spanish Oak, Cognac, and Amburana Casks
  • Company: Seelbach’s
  • Distillery: Distilled in Indiana; Bottled by Manifest Distilling in Jacksonville, FL
  • Mash Bill: Blended Mash Bill: 85% Corn, 11% Wheat, 4% Malted Barley
  • Age: A blend of 10-Year 3-Months, 7-Year 8-Months, and 5-Year 3-Months whiskeys
  • Proof: 118.6 Proof (59.3% ABV)
  • SRP: $99.99
  • Released: October 2025

🚨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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New Riff Silver Grove 2026 Review: The Best $60 Bourbon? 

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Looking for the ultimate $60 barrel proof bourbon value? Today, Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey are diving into a highly anticipated bottle: the New Riff Silver Grove Straight Bourbon Whiskey (2026 Edition)!

Purchased directly from the New Riff Distilling gift shop in Newport, KY during a birthday trip, this year’s release features a 2-year age jump—climbing to a robust 6 years old. Clocking in at an impressive 116.4 proof, this high-rye bourbon (65% Corn, 30% Rye, 5% Malted Barley) remains non-chill filtered to preserve every drop of its rich viscosity and essential barrel oils.

Named after the site of New Riff’s massive rickhouse expansion project down the river in Silver Grove, KY, this bottle does more than taste good—a portion of the proceeds from every purchase goes directly to the Silver Grove Community Foundation to fund local civic and park projects!

In this episode, we share the hilarious story of how Rebecca “hijacked” our VIP distillery tour, breaking down the rules of bourbon for a crowd traveling in for the Kentucky Derby weekend. Then, we break down the complex tasting notes, shifting from a citrus and hot nose into a palate popping with chocolate, caramel-coated orange zest, leather, and white pepper. Is this gift-shop exclusive still the biggest bargain on the Bourbon Trail? Watch to find out!

If you love whiskey reviews, distillery tour stories, and finding incredible bourbon values, hit that SUBSCRIBE button and join us on the journey!

📢 Drop a comment: Have you visited New Riff Distilling or tried their Silver Grove series? Let us know your thoughts!

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 


🎓 Want to earn a FREE Whiskey Certificate? Start your bourbon education journey with Whiskey University today! Take your first steps here: https://www.whiskeyuniv.com/first-steps

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

New Riff Silver Grove Straight Bourbon Whiskey (2026 Edition)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Barrel Proof, Non-Chill Filtered)
  • Company / Distillery: New Riff Distilling (Newport, KY)
  • Mash Bill: High-Rye: 65% Corn, 30% Rye, 5% Malted Barley
  • Age: 6 Years Old (A big 2-year jump from previous releases!)
  • Proof: 116.4 Proof (58.2% ABV)
  • MSRP: $59.99 (In-store gift shop exclusive)
  • Purchased: 05/01/26 at New Riff Distilling
  • Other: Named after the site of New Riff’s massive rickhouse expansion project down the river in Silver Grove, KY. Even better—a portion of the proceeds from every bottle goes directly to the Silver Grove Community Foundation to fund local civic and park projects.

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

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

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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!

Don’t forget to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE for more whiskey reviews, bourbon hunts, and distillery deep dives!

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

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

🚨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.


#HardTruthDistilling #Bourbon #Whiskey #IndianaBourbon #BourbonReview #WhiskeyTasting #CraftWhiskey #WheatedBourbon #RyeWhiskey #WhiskeyTube #BourbonHunting #WhiskeyCollector #HardTruth7Year #DistilleryTour #BourbonLife 

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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❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

✴️ 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

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

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

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

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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.

#Bourbon #WhiskeyReview #SpiritsOfFrenchLick #MorningGlory #AppleBrandy #IndianaBourbon #WhiskeyTasting #CraftDistillery #AlanBishop #BourbonJourney #SmokedBrandy #HighProof #SingleBarrel #BourbonCommunity #WestBaden

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. 

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

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

#Bourbon #WhiskeyReview #BardstownBourbonCo #GarryanaOak #YourBourbonJourney #Cascadia #KentuckyBourbon #WhiskeyTasting #ToastedBarrel #RareWhiskey #BourbonCommunity #CraftWhiskey #OregonOak #DistilleryReserve #BourbonHistory