bourbon review

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!

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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.

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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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Ultimate May Whiskey Battle: Road to the Sweet 16!

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Welcome back to Your Bourbon Journey! It’s that time of the month again, and Wayne and Rebecca are diving headfirst into an absolute powerhouse lineup for our May 2026 Whiskey of the Month blind tasting! As we continue our high-stakes Road to the Sweet Sixteen, the competition is tighter than ever. With our current leaderboard running a massive scoring range of 91 to 99.5 and a Top 10 average sitting at an elite 94.95, every single point counts. Will this month’s winner have what it takes to secure a permanent spot in the year-end playoffs?

In this episode, we shake things up with a rapid “express tasting” to see the gorgeous legs and color consistency before diving deep into our traditional scoring system. Every bottle starts at a baseline of 80 points, with up to 5 points for the nose, 10 for the taste, 3 for the finish, and up to 2 elusive wild card points reserved for something truly outstanding.

We also announce some massive channel updates coming this December—including our upcoming hard-to-get distillery exclusive playoff, vintage whiskey of the year, and cocktail of the year!

Our May 2026 Contenders (In Alphabetical Order):

🥃 Cigar Blend “First Cut” | American Single Malt Whiskey (Virginia Distillery Co.) 
🥃 Fresh Bourbon Single Barrel | Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Fresh Bourbon, LLC) 
🥃 Hard Truth 7-Year Wheated Bourbon | Indiana Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Hard Truth Distilling Co.) 
🥃 Jackson Purchase Full Proof (Special Festival Release) | Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Jackson Purchase Distillery) 
🥃 Left Bank Single Cask (Release 5) | Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Left Bank Distilled Spirits) 

From sweet honeysuckle aromas and rich butterscotch notes to deep barrel char and bold baking spices, this flight completely blindsided our palates. Watch until the very end to see the final score adjustments and find out which of these bottles completely stunned us, shook up the leaderboard, and forced the very first bottle elimination of the year!

Drop a comment below: Have you tried any of these expressions? Which bottle did you think would take the crown this month?

If you love authentic, transparent whiskey reviews, hit that SUBSCRIBE button and join us on the journey!

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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

📊 SEE THE LIVE LEADERBOARD: Want to see where these bottles rank 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/

🥃 OUR NEW SCORING PROCESS: We’ve revamped our scoring to be more transparent than ever. 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/

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Original Reviews for Today’s Bottles:

🥃 Cigar Blend:

🥃 Fresh Bourbon, Jackson Purchase, and Left Bank:

🥃 Hard Truth:

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

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This Is NOT Your Average Flavored Whiskey! Green River Honey

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Is this the new ultimate summer sipper, or just another overly sweet flavored whiskey? Today, we are diving into a brand new media bottle release from the 10th oldest registered distillery in Kentucky: Green River Honey Finished Bourbon Whiskey!

Unlike heavily sweetened liqueur blends or brands that rely on artificial flavorings, Green River Honey takes a fundamentally different, completely honest approach. Master Blender Dan Callaway and the team take genuine four-year-old Green River Kentucky Straight Bourbon and pour 100% real, raw, unfiltered local honey directly into the barrel. They let time and natural barrel interaction do all the work—no shortcuts, no artificial coloring, and no post-production blending additives.

The proprietary honey blend is procured in partnership with Above the Dirt Garden and Honey Shop, a Kentucky Proud™, beekeeper-owned business working with family apiaries across the Midwest and South.

At an incredibly approachable MSRP of just $24.99 and a perfect cocktail-ready 92 proof, this expression stands out in a category often defined by low-proof shortcuts. We break down the incredible legs and mouthfeel, the unexpected spice on the finish, and discuss whether a future single barrel or full proof expression could be on the horizon!

Have you spotted Green River Honey on the shelves yet? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

If you love what we do, don’t forget to hit that Subscribe button, turn on notifications, and share this video with a fellow bourbon lover. Always remember to 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

🍹 Signature Cocktail Recipe: Green River Honey Gold Rush

Bring the cocktail lounge experience home with this versatile, balanced foundation:

  • 2 oz Green River Honey Finished Bourbon
  • 3/4 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 1/2 oz Simple Syrup (1:1 ratio)
  • Instructions: Shake vigorously with ice. Strain over a single large ice cube into a rocks glass. Garnish with a fancy lemon wheel if you want to dress it up!

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Green River Honey Finished Bourbon Whiskey

  • Classification:  Straight Bourbon Whiskey with Natural Flavors 
  • Company: Lofted Spirits
  • Distillery: Green River Distilling Co. (DSP-KY-10) — Owensboro, Kentucky
  • Mash Bill: 70% Corn, 21% Rye, 9% Malted Barley
  • Age: 4 Years
  • Proof: 92 Proof (46% ABV)
  • MSRP: $24.99 (750mL)
  • Released: May 15, 2026

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

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NOTE: Thank you to Lofted Spirits and Green River Distilling for providing this bottle 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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Japan Meets Kentucky! Bardstown Mars Distillery Reserve Review

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What happens when Kentucky tradition meets Japanese innovation? 🥃✨ 

In this episode of Your Bourbon Journey, we are bringing you an exclusive, first-look whiskey review of a groundbreaking new bottle before its retail launch: the Bardstown Bourbon Company Distillery Reserve Mars Single Malt Japanese Blend!

Thanks to Lofted Spirits and Bardstown Bourbon Co. for sending us this early media review bottle! This isn’t your average finished whiskey. Instead, Bardstown Master Blender Dan Callaway pioneered a true “co-aging” process. They took 5-year-old Japanese single malt whisky from the Mars Komagatake and Tsunuki distilleries and filled the “angel’s share” space right into barrels of mature 10-year and 16-year Kentucky straight bourbon. The spirits spent a full 12 months integrating together in the Kentucky heat.

We crack this bottle fresh to give you our unfiltered first impressions on the complex mouthfeel, rich viscosity, and unique tasting notes—from caramelized plum and vanilla bean to the stunning, lingering finish of rare Sakura (cherry wood) and plum liqueur barrels.

Priced at $99.99 for a 375mL bottle and bottled at a bold 109.8 proof, this extremely limited distillery exclusive drops on Friday, May 29, 2026, only at the Bardstown gift shop and Louisville tasting room. Is it worth standing in line for? Watch to find out!

If you love innovative whiskey, make sure to hit that SUBSCRIBE button, drop a comment with your thoughts, and always drink responsibly!

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Mars Single Malt Japanese Whiskey Blend

  • Classification:  Blend of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Single Malt Japanese Whisky
  • Company: Lofted Spirits   
  • Distillery: Bardstown Bourbon Company (Kentucky) and Mars Distilleries (Komagatake & Tsunuki, Japan)
  • Mash Bill: Multi-Component Component Blend:
    • 69% Kentucky Bourbon: 74% Corn, 18% Rye, 8% Malted Barley
    • 8% Kentucky Bourbon: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
    • 20% Mars Komagatake: 100% Malted Barley
    • 3% Mars Tsunuki: 100% Malted Barley
  • Age: Multi-Component Blend (Aged 5 to 16 Years) with 12 Months of Co-Aging:
    • 10-Year-Old Kentucky Bourbon (69%)
    • 16-Year-Old Kentucky Bourbon (8%)
    • 5-Year-Old Komagatake Japanese Single Malt (20%)
    • 5-Year-Old Tsunuki Japanese Single Malt (3%)
  • Proof: 109.8 (54.9% ABV)
  • MSRP: $99.99 (375ml)
  • Release: May 29, 2026 (Distillery Exclusive)

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NOTE: Thank you to Lofted Spirits & Bardstown Bourbon Company for providing this bottle 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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A Historic 10-Year Milestone! Peerless Henry Kraver Bourbon

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Is this the 2026 Whiskey of the Year? Today, we are incredibly honored to review a genuinely historic bottle of whiskey: Kentucky Peerless Henry Kraver’s Old Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Batch 1).

Marking a monumental 10-year milestone since the distillery’s 2013 revival, this ultra-small batch blend consists of just 40 barrels (39 ten-year barrels and 1 eleven-year barrel). Crafted completely in-house from grain-to-bottle as a strictly sweet mash, barrel proof, and non-chill filtered bourbon, this 117.6-proof powerhouse is named in honor of founder Corky Taylor’s great-grandfather, Henry Kraver, who started Peerless back in 1889.

We dive deep into this dark, rich “adult bourbon,” pulling out luscious notes of toasty barrel, leather, brown sugar, caramel, baking spices, and an unexpected, complex finish of flavorful pipe tobacco and dark cocoa mocha. Is the hype real, or have other whiskey reviewers actually undersold this bottle? Find out if this rare Kentucky Peerless release belongs on your shelf (even at secondary market prices!).

If you love whiskey history, deep-dive bourbon reviews, and incredible community stories, make sure to smash that SUBSCRIBE button! Drop a comment below: Have you tried Kentucky Peerless sweet mash bourbon?

Always remember to drink responsibly. Cheers!

🎓 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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Peerless Henry Kraver’s Old Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Batch 1)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Strictly Sweet Mash, Barrel Proof, Non-Chill Filtered)
  • Company / Distillery: Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co. (Louisville, KY – DSP-KY-50)
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed (Honestly crafted completely in-house, grain-to-bottle)
  • Age: 10 Years Old (A historic milestone marking 10 years of distillation since their 2013 revival)
  • Proof: 117.6 Proof (58.8% ABV)
  • MSRP: $195 (Distillery exclusive, 1-bottle limit per person)
  • Purchased: Through the generosity of our patrons (Scott & Traci) at MSRP …. And signed by Corky Taylor
  • Other: Named in honor of Corky Taylor’s great-grandfather, Henry Kraver, who originally started Peerless back in 1889. This Batch 1 is a ultra-small blend of just 40 barrels (39 ten-year barrels and 1 eleven-year barrel).

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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 Bourbon Trials: Testing the Liquid Behind the Labels

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Happy Friday! Welcome back to Your Bourbon Journey with Wayne and Rebecca. Today, we are putting three politically themed, novelty whiskeys on trial to answer one ultimate question: Is it just a gimmick, or is the liquid behind the label actually high-quality?

We dive deep into a gifted bottle of Tears of the Left Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey ($99.99 MSRP), distilled and bottled in Bardstown, KY. We break down its premium dark display box packaging, continuous limited edition status, and give a completely honest tasting notes review of its 90.94 proof profile. Is the leather-bound “Book of Tears” cocktail recipe guide masking a subpar spirit, or does it hold its own neat?

Then, we transition to a special birthday gift set from an independent bottler: The Verdict “Not Guilty” and “Guilty” Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Marketed across conservative media networks like the Tatum Show, this sourced matching set acts as a fascinating control group. Both bottles sit at 90 proof and boast a solid 6-year age statement. We put them through a side-by-side comparison blind-style test to uncover a shocking “brown sugar bomb” flavor profile that left us craving pancakes.

Stick around until the final verdict to find out which novelty bourbon wins our stamp of approval and why you should always judge what’s inside the glass, not the presentation box!

If you love unfiltered whiskey reviews, don’t forget to hit that SUBSCRIBE button, drop a comment with your favorite pour, and share this video with a fellow enthusiast!

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Tears of the Left Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Tears of the Left (Novelty/Independent Bottler)
  • Distillery: Distilled and bottled in Bardstown, KY
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed
  • Age: NAS
  • Proof: 90.94 Proof (45.47% ABV)
  • MSRP: $99.99
  • Released: Late 2025 / Continuous Limited Editions
  • Other: Numbered Bottle (#031246). This brand leans heavily into presentation, featuring a premium dark display box, custom inserts (including themed chilling stones or card sets depending on the specific edition), and an accompanying “Book of Tears” cocktail recipe guide.

Verdict: Guilty and Verdict: Not Guilty

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Independent Bottler / Novelty Brand
  • Distillery: Sourced
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed
  • Age: 6 Years Old
  • Proof: 90 Proof (45% ABV)
  • MSRP: Often retails around $60 per bottle (frequently sold as a matching set)
  • Released: Recent thematic small-batch release
  • Other: Designed as a matching set representing the scales of justice.

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

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NOTE: The spirits in this review were gifts from family members. 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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We Found 3 Absolute BOURBON BANGERS at BBQ & Barrels!

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💥 Three MAJOR Bourbon Bangers From BBQ & Barrels 2026! 🥃

Did we strike gold or buy on impulse at BBQ & Barrels 2026? Today we are cracking open our first three bottle purchases from Owensboro, Kentucky! We managed to secure some incredible, hard-to-find expressions during VIP hour before they completely sold out. From custom oak-stave finishing to malt-heavy mash bills and legendary distiller pedigrees, these pours did not disappoint.

First up, we dive into Left Bank Single Cask (Release 5) at a roaring 118 proof. Sourced from Green River Distilling Co., this unique bourbon uses custom toasted oak staves to replicate a historic river barge journey down to New Orleans. Does it deliver on its promise of toasted marshmallow goodness?

Next, we taste Fresh Bourbon Single Barrel, a rare 110-proof craft selection out of Lexington. Sean and Tia Edwards utilize a fascinating, four-grain recipe dominated by honey malt, malted wheat, and malted rye. The viscosity and legs on this bottle are insane!

Finally, we uncork the highly anticipated Jackson Purchase Select Batch Full Proof (Batch 1). Clocking in at 117.8 proof, this Western Kentucky powerhouse was crafted by 7th-generation Master Distiller Craig Beam and Head Distiller Terry Ballard. We also share a wild story about meeting Craig and his wife Nicole in our hotel lobby at 11:30 PM, where they literally handed us a bottle out of a massive purse!

Are these bottles worth the price tag, and which one reigns supreme? Sit back, grab a pour, and find out!

If you love authentic bourbon reviews and whiskey hunting adventures, make sure to SUBSCRIBE to the channel and hit that notification bell! Always drink responsibly. Cheers! 🥃

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Left Bank Single Cask Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Finished with Oak Staves (Release 5)

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Finished with Oak Staves)
  • Company: Left Bank Distilled Spirits
  • Distillery: Sourced from Owensboro, KY (Green River Distilling Co.)
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed (Traditional Green River rye-bourbon mash bill)
  • Age: NAS (Legally at least 2 years old, plus stave finishing time)
  • Proof: 118 Proof (59% ABV)
  • Released: May 2026 (Release 5)
  • Other: Barrel No. 19. Left Bank focuses on recreating historical down-river maturation by taking Kentucky straight bourbon and finishing it with a custom blend of oak staves to mimic the heat, motion, and wood interaction of a historic river barge journey down to New Orleans.
  • Purchased: May 2026 at BBQ & Barrels for $62

Fresh Bourbon Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Fresh Bourbon, LLC (Lexington, KY)
  • Distillery: Distilled/Produced in Kentucky (Sean and Tia Edwards’ custom mash bill recipe)
  • Mash Bill: Unique Four-Grain Mash Bill: Corn, Honey Malt, Malted Wheat, and Malted Rye
  • Age: NAS (Nascent/No Age Statement, but profile indicates well-aged, mature small-batch stock)
  • Proof: 110 Proof (55% ABV)
  • Released: May 2026 (Special Single Barrel Barrel Select Release)
  • Other: Barrel No. 10.06. Fresh Bourbon uses an incredibly unique grain recipe focused heavily on malted grains (honey malt, malted wheat, malted rye), which yields a highly aromatic, sweet, and complex profile distinct from standard rye or wheated bourbons.
  • Purchased: May 2026 at BBQ & Barrels for $110

Jackson Purchase Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Select Batch Full Proof (Batch 1)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Jackson Purchase Distillery
  • Distillery: Jackson Purchase Distillery (Hickman, KY)
  • Mash Bill: 70% Corn, 20% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
  • Age: 4 Years Old (Note: Nichole mentioned it was at least 5 years old, but the standard Batch 1 release carries a 4-year statement. Craig Beam often notes that the intense Western Kentucky heat makes it drink like an 8-to-10-year-old!)
  • Proof: 117.8 Proof (58.9% ABV)
  • Released: May 2026 (Special festival preview / wider release rollout)
  • Other: Non-toasted, #4 heavy char barrels. Distilled by 7th-generation Master Distiller Craig Beam (son of Parker Beam) and Head Distiller Terry Ballard (formerly of Willett).
  • Purchased: May 2026 at BBQ & Barrels in Owensboro, KY

🚨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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Adult Root Beer Float? Rebel Root Beer Whiskey Review! 

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Rebel Root Beer Float? Lux Row Distillers Just Changed the Game! 🥃🍦

Is it a soda? Is it a bourbon? It’s both! Today on Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca are getting a little “rebellious” with two brand-new releases from Lux Row Distillers that are shaking up the flavored whiskey world.

We’re diving into the newly re-released Rebel Root Beer Whiskey (back and better than ever in 2026!) and the limited-edition Rebel Butter Pecan Cream Liqueur. Watch as we taste them individually and then perform a “distillery-authorized” science experiment by mixing them into the ultimate Adult Root Beer Float.

If you’re a fan of Barq’s, sarsaparilla, or just creamy wheated bourbon, you won’t want to miss this Fun Friday tasting. Is it too sweet, or is it the perfect dessert pour? Let’s find out!

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Rebel Root Beer Whiskey

  • Classification: Flavored Whiskey (specifically, a Bourbon-based liqueur)
  • Company: Luxco (parent company of Lux Row)
  • Distillery: Lux Row Distillers (Bardstown, KY)
  • Mash Bill: Wheat Bourbon mash bill (historically approximately 68% Corn, 20% Wheat, 12% Malted Barley)
  • Age: NAS (Non-Age Stated)
  • Proof: 70 (35% ABV)
  • MSRP: $24.99 – $27.99
  • Released: Originally debuted around 2016 (as Rebel Yell Root Beer); re-released/re-branded in late 2025/early 2026.
  • Purchased: 03/28/26 for $25.99 at Lux Row Distillery

Rebel Butter Pecan Cream Liqueur

  • Classification: Whiskey Cream Liqueur
  • Company: Luxco
  • Distillery: Lux Row Distillers (Bardstown, KY)
  • Mash Bill: N/A (Cream liqueurs do not have a traditional mash bill, though the spirit base is Rebel’s Wheated Bourbon).
  • Age: NAS (Non-Age Stated)
  • Proof: 30 (15% ABV)
  • MSRP: $24.99 – $26.99
  • Released: Early 2026 (Limited Release)
  • Other: Made with Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and fresh cream.
  • Purchased: 03/28/26 for $25.99 at Lux Row 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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The Stewards Release: Maker’s Mark Newest 2026 Whiskey Review

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Bourbon Review: Is the NEW Maker’s Mark “The Stewards” Release 

Happy day, everyone! Today on Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca are diving into the highly anticipated 2026 Maker’s Mark: The Stewards Release. This is the third of five entries in the second Wood Finishing Series, and we found a killer deal on it at Costco!

“The Stewards” honors the hardworking operations team at Star Hill Farm—the folks who manage everything from fermentation to bottling. But does this bottle live up to the legacy of the people it celebrates?

In this video, we break down the unique stave profile (10 virgin toasted American oak staves), the 109.8 proof point, and the complex flavor journey that goes from bright raw honey to dark chocolate and spicy black pepper. Whether you’re a die-hard Maker’s collector or just looking for a solid $60 bottle, you won’t want to miss our honest thoughts on this 2026 release.

In this video, we cover:

  • 🥃 Where we found it for $15 under MSRP.
  • 🥃 The technical specs: Mash bill, proof, and the “Steward” backstory.
  • 🥃 Nose, Palate, and Finish: From honey and vanilla to dark cocoa and barrel char.
  • 🥃 How it compares to previous Wood Finishing Series releases.

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2026 Maker’s Mark: The Stewards Release

  • Classification:  Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Suntory Global Spirits
  • Distillery: Maker’s Mark
  • Mash Bill: 70% Corn, 16% Wheat, 14% Malted Barley
  • Age: NAS (at least 4 years)
  • Proof: 109.8
  • MSRP: $74.99
  • Released: March 2026
  • Other: Wood finishing series
  • Purchased: 04/01/26 for $59.99 at Costco in Evansville, IN

🚨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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Virginia Distillery Co. Showdown: Cider vs. Coffee vs. Cigar!

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Explore the fascinating world of American Single Malt Whiskey with Your Bourbon Journey! Fresh off our American Single Malt Academy certification (which we highly recommend you check out!), Wayne and Rebekah dive into three fascinating expressions from Virginia Distillery Co. in Lovingston, Virginia.

Join us for a definitive tasting “showdown” as we compare three completely distinct barrel finishes. We’ll see how wood management can totally transform a 100% malted barley mash bill.

We are tasting:

  • Cider Cask: A light, orchard-fresh core release finished in French Calvados, Virginia Cider, and Laird’s Apple Brandy barrels. Perfect for summer!
  • Courage Club Coffee Cask: A potent, 112-proof Courage & Conviction club exclusive, 5 years old and finished in coffee casks. Think chicory and espresso!
  • Cigar Blend “First Cut”: A 7-year-old masterpiece and the distillery’s first cigar blend. It’s a complex “cask cocktail” featuring Spanish Oak, Sherry, Port, STR, Cabernet, Armagnac, Cognac, and Fino casks, with a whisper of Islay smoke.

From entry-level value to rare club exclusives, this video is your guide to Virginia Distillery Co.’s impressive lineup. Check out their website for more details on these bottles and their amazing club perks!

Distillery & Links:

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American Single Malt Cider Cask

  • Classification:  American Single Malt Whiskey
  • Company: Virginia Distillery Co.
  • Distillery: Virginia Distillery Co. (Lovingston, VA)
  • Mash Bill: 100% Malted Barley
  • Age: NAS (No Age Statement); matured for multiple years (typically 4+ years) in ex-bourbon barrels before the finish.
  • Finished: French Calvados, Virginia Cider, & Laird’s Apple Brandy Barrels
  • Proof: 93
  • MSRP: $44.99 (700 ml)
  • Released: Core Release (ongoing)
  • Purchased: 04/03/26 for $44.99 at Virginia Distillery Online

American Single Malt Coffee Cask

  • Classification:  American Single Malt Whiskey
  • Company: Virginia Distillery Co.
  • Distillery: Virginia Distillery Co. (Lovingston, VA)
  • Mash Bill: 100% Malted Barley
  • Age: 5 Years
  • Primary Maturation Cask: Ex-Bourbon
  • Finishing Cask: Coffee
  • Proof: 112
  • MSRP: $99.99 (750 ml)
  • Released: Courage Club Exclusive, Bottle 289
  • Purchased: 03/22/26 for $99.99 at Virginia Distillery Online

American Single Malt Cigar Blend “First Cut”

  • Classification:  American Single Malt Whiskey
  • Company: Virginia Distillery Co.
  • Distillery: Virginia Distillery Co. (Lovingston, VA)
  • Mash Bill: 100% Malted Barley
  • Age: 7 Years
  • Finished: A complex “cask cocktail” including Spanish Oak, Sherry, Port, STR (Shaved, Toasted, Re-charred), Château Palmer Cabernet, Armagnac, Cognac, and Fino casks. Note: Contains a “whisper” of smoke from rare Islay casks.
  • Proof: 108
  • MSRP: $59.99 (700 ml)
  • Released: February/March 2026
  • Purchased: 04/03/26 for $59.99 at Virginia Distillery Online

🚨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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