bourbon review

Top Secret Whiskeys: A Blind Barrels Exclusive!

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Blind Barrels XV “Inception”

Get ready for a thrilling taste adventure 🚀 into the shadowy world of Blind Barrels! 🕵️‍♂️ In this episode, we’re plunging headfirst into the unknown, blind tasting 👀 and dissecting FOUR ENIGMATIC MYSTERY WHISKEYS! 🥃🥃🥃🥃 Can our palates decipher their secrets? 🤔

Join us as we become whiskey detectives 🔎, meticulously sniffing👃, swirling 🔄, and savoring 😋 each anonymous dram. We’ll delve deep into their intriguing flavor profiles and captivating aromas ✨, piecing together the clues 🧩 to uncover what makes each one truly unique.

The anticipation is building! ⏳ Will we correctly identify their origins? 🌍 Which hidden gem 💎 will steal our hearts (and our taste buds 👅)? And ultimately… which mysterious whiskey will rise above the rest and claim the coveted top spot 🏆 in our ranking?

Prepare for unexpected twists 😲, surprising revelations 🎉, and maybe even a few gasps of delight! 😮 You might just discover your next favorite pour lurking within these blind barrels. Hit play ▶️ now and join the mystery! 😉

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To learn more about a Subscription to Blind Barrels, this is our Affiliate Link (commissions can be earned): Blind Barrels Subscription

#blindtasting  #bourbontasting  #whiskeytasting 

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NOTE: We were not compensated by the spirit producers or Blind Barrels for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.

This Black Walnut Manhattan Is The Ultimate Upgrade

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🥃 Black Walnut Roost: The Ultimate Chicken Cock Bourbon Manhattan

In Thirsty Thursday Cocktails – Episode 39: The Black Walnut Roost Cocktail, you will learn to elevate your cocktail game with The Black Walnut Roost, a sophisticated and robust Manhattan specifically crafted to showcase the exceptional character of Chicken Cock Private Cask Single Barrel #10. 

This isn’t your average cocktail—it’s a celebration of bold proof, rich cherry, warm vanilla, and that signature unique nuttiness found in this outstanding bourbon.

If you love classic cocktails and are looking for a new twist, this recipe is a must-try. The addition of Black Walnut Bitters perfectly complements the whiskey’s profile, adding layers of complexity that make this drink truly special. It’s the perfect bourbon cocktail for sipping slowly.

📝 Recipe: Black Walnut Roost

  • 2 oz Chicken Cock Private Cask Single Barrel Bourbon
  • 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
  • 3 dashes Black Walnut Bitters
  • Garnish: Luxardo Cherry

Ready to mix up this cocktail masterpiece? ➡️ Watch now to see exactly how to make the Black Walnut Roost and impress your friends with your home bartending skills!

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Cheers to better drinks! 🥂

#BlackWalnutRoost #ChickenCockBourbon #ManhattanCocktail #BourbonCocktails #SingleBarrelWhiskey #CocktailRecipe #BlackWalnutBitters #ClassicCocktails #HomeBartender #WhiskeyLover

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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.

The ULTIMATE Barrel Proof! Chicken Cock Private Cask Review

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Get Ready for a 🚀High-Proof 🐓Rooster Ride! 🥃 In this epic whiskey review, we’re diving deep into a truly special bottle: the Chicken Cock Private Cask Single Barrel #10 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey!

Join us as we uncork, nose, taste, and break down every aspect of this incredible barrel-proof bourbon. This isn’t just any Chicken Cock; it’s Barrel #10, barreled in March 2020 and bottled in July 2025, clocking in at a mighty 5 Years, 4 Months of age and a scorching 125.28 Proof! 🐔🔥

What makes this bottle so unique? 

This particular single barrel is a prime example of the “first distillate” crafted for Chicken Cock by Master Distiller Gregg Snyder through their collaboration with Bardstown Bourbon Company (BBCo). Stored in Rickhouse F, this barrel strength bourbon showcases the iconic 70% Corn, 21% Rye, 9% Malted Barley mash bill at its purest, most undiluted form.

If you’re a fan of barrel proof whiskey, craft bourbon, or hunting for those rare private selection bourbons, this review is a must-watch! We’ll explore the rich history of Chicken Cock Whiskey and the exciting future of its Bardstown, KY distillery operations.

So grab your favorite glass, settle in, and let’s explore this bourbon together! Click play ▶️ NOW!

👇 What’s your favorite release of Chicken Cock Whiskey? Let us know in the comments below! 👇

Are you a true bourbon fanatic, always on the hunt for the next exceptional pour? Then smash that like button 👍 to show your appreciation for fine whiskey! Hit subscribe 🔔 so you never miss our reviews of rare and remarkable spirits, and share this video ➡️ with your fellow whiskey lovers. Let’s build a community of enthusiasts who appreciate the art of exceptional bourbon! 

#ChickenCockWhiskey #PrivateCask #SingleBarrelBourbon #BarrelProof #KentuckyBourbon #WhiskeyReview #BourbonReview #HighProofWhiskey #CraftSpirits #BardstownBourbonCompany #BBCo #RareBourbon #WhiskeyTube #SpiritsReview #BourbonHunter #WhiskeyLife #RickhouseF #GreggSnyder #AmericanWhiskey #WhiskeyTasting

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

✴️ Chicken Cock Private Cask Single Barrel

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Grain & Barrel Spirits
  • Distillery: For Chicken Cock via Bardstown Bourbon Company’s collaborative distillation program.
  • Master Distiller: Gregg Snyder
  • Mash Bill: 70% Corn, 21% Rye, 9% Malted Barley
  • Age: 5 Years, 4 Months
  • Proof: 125.28
  • MSRP: $90
  • Released: Bottled 07/2025 – Distillery Exclusive
  • Other: Barrel No. 10, Barreled 03/2020; Rickhouse F
  • Provided to us: 09/02/25 at the Chicken Cock Tasting Room, Bardstown KY

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

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NOTE: The spirit in this review was provided to us. However, 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.

Kentucky’s Craft Western Trail: Dueling Grounds Stop

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Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes Episode 40 – Dueling Grounds Distillery

Get ready for an adventure down the Kentucky Bourbon Trail as we revisit a nice stop in Franklin, Kentucky in April 2023.  In this episode, we’re taking you back to our first visit to Dueling Grounds Distillery which was our 45th distillery and our 37th stamp in our Kentucky Bourbon Trail Book! Plus – we finished the Craft Western Trail.

Join us as we relive every moment from our initial tour of the Dueling Grounds Distillery. But the excitement doesn’t stop there! We’ll then uncork a bottle of their Linkumpinch Single Barrel Cask Strength for an in-depth tasting. What hidden notes and unique flavors await us in this one-of-a-kind pour? 

Click play ▶️ now to join the adventure!

Join the YBJ Family! 

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💬 Comment below with your favorite Dueling Grounds Distillery whiskey! 

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********

What’s a bourbon trail journey without a good story? 🥃 Welcome to Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes, where we dive into the unforgettable moments and hidden gems we discovered while exploring Kentucky’s iconic trail. Join us as we uncork the profound memories that have stayed with us long after the last pour. We’ll revisit the unexpected finds and the bottles that truly surprised us with their exceptional, intricate flavors. So, what stood out as the most memorable sip, and how have those experiences shaped our palates today? Get ready for a passionate retelling of the adventures, the connections, and the spirits that make the Bourbon Trail so much more than just a destination.

#KentuckyBourbonTrail #DuelingGrounds #LinkumpinchBourbon 

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

ABOUT THE BOTTLE REVIEWED

✴️ Linkumpinch Single Barrel Cask Strength

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Dueling Grounds Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 66% Yellow Dent Corn, 22% Red Winter Wheat, 12% Malted 2-row Barley
  • Age: 4 Years
  • Proof: 120.5
  • Other: Barrel 87
  • Purchased: 04/22/23 for $72.50 at Dueling Grounds in Franklin, KY

❌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.

Bardstown Triple Threat: NEW Bourbons REVIEWED!

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🥃 BARDSTOWN BOURBON COMPANY TRIPLE THREAT TASTING! 🥃

We’re diving deep into the latest and most innovative releases from Bardstown Bourbon Company in one epic review! From double-barreled bourbon to cognac-finished rye and a Japanese Mizunara oak masterpiece, which bottle takes the crown?

Featured Whiskeys:

1️⃣  Maison Ferrand Collaboration (2025): French Elegance Meets Kentucky Spice

The highly anticipated second collaboration with France’s Maison Ferrand! This limited-edition blend of Kentucky Bourbon and RYE is finished for 15 months in premium Ferrand Cognac Casks. The rye adds a new layer of spice and structure to the award-winning (Double Gold at SF World Spirits Competition!) profile. Is this the best finished whiskey of the year?

2️⃣ Hokkaido Mizunara Oak Barrel Finish: The Rare Japanese Masterpiece

An extraordinary journey from Kentucky to the remote forests of Japan! This Distillery Reserve small-batch blend of 9- to 18-year-old aged whiskeys spent an incredible 28 months finishing in rare Japanese Mizunara Oak barrels. Expect a bold, exotic, and spicy profile unlike any other.

3️⃣ Discovery #13: The Double-Barreled Legend

The first-ever double-barreled expression in the acclaimed Discovery Series! This Kentucky Straight Bourbon is aged 8 to 15 years and split for a complex secondary finish in both new American White Oak (for classic vanilla) and rare Hungarian Oak (for baking spice, coffee, and mocha). Master Blender Dan Callaway calls it a showcase of “innovation and tradition.” 

What did we think? Watch the video to get our full review, final score, and see how these three incredible, finished whiskeys stack up!

So grab your favorite glass, settle in, and let’s explore this bourbon together! Click play ▶️ NOW!

👇 What’s your favorite Bardstown release Let us know in the comments below! 👇

Are you a true bourbon fanatic, always on the hunt for the next exceptional pour? Then smash that like button 👍 to show your appreciation for fine whiskey! Hit subscribe 🔔 so you never miss our reviews of rare and remarkable spirits, and share this video ➡️ with your fellow whiskey lovers. Let’s build a community of enthusiasts who appreciate the art of exceptional bourbon! 

#BardstownBourbon #Discovery13 #FerrandCollaboraation #BourbonReview #LimitedRelease #DiscoverySeries #MaisonFerrand #CognacFinish #MizunaraOak  #KentuckyBourbon #FinishedWhiskey #WhiskeyTube #NewRelease #BardstownBourbonCompany #BBCo

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✴️ Discovery #13

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Bardstown Bourbon Company
  • Mash Bill: See above
  • Age: youngest is 8 years
  • Proof: 110.8
  • Released: 08/29/25
  • Secondary Finish: (4 months) 61 percent of final blend finished in new American White Oak; 39 percent of final blend finished in Hungarian Oak
  • Purchased: 08/31/25 for $139.99 at Bardstown Bourbon Company, Bardstown KY

✴️ Ferrand Cognac Finish

  • Classification: Blended Straight Whiskey
  • Distillery: Bardstown Bourbon Company
  • Mash Bill: See above
  • Age: youngest is 6 years
  • Proof: 107
  • Released: 08/29/25
  • Secondary Finish: (15 months) Maison Ferrand Cognac casks
  • Purchased: 08/31/25 for $139.99 at Bardstown Bourbon Company, Bardstown KY

✴️ Hokkaido Mizunara Oak Barrel Finish

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Bardstown Bourbon Company
  • Mash Bill: 
  • Age: 
  • Proof: 109.3
  • Released: July 11, 2025
  • Other: 375 ml bottle
  • Purchased: 09/03/25 for $99.99 at Bardstown Bourbon Company, Bardstown KY

❌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.

Rethink Rye: The Smoked “Cherry Hearth” Cocktail

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Thirsty Thursday Cocktails – Episode 38: The “Cherry Hearth” Cocktail

Unleash a new level of whiskey enjoyment with The “Cherry Hearth” Cocktail! 🥃✨

In this exclusive video, we craft a truly unforgettable drink featuring the highly sought-after Castle & Key Restoration Rye 2022 Single Barrel. Known for its nuanced character, this Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey is the perfect foundation for our innovative cherry wood smoked cocktail.

The “Cherry Hearth” marries the robust spirit of the rye with the sweet, deep notes of premium cherry liqueur, a touch of honey for balance, and lovely Cherry bitters. But the real magic happens with a kiss of cherry wood smoke, infusing every sip with an alluring, earthy sweetness that perfectly complements the whiskey’s profile.

Whether you’re a seasoned whiskey enthusiast or looking to elevate your home bar game, this smoked cocktail recipe is a must-try. We’ll guide you through each step, from stirring the perfect blend to achieving that captivating cherry smoke infusion with your cocktail smoker.

The “Cherry Hearth” Cocktail Ingredients:

  • Castle & Key Restoration Rye 2022 Single Barrel
  • High-Quality Cherry Liqueur (Luxardo Maraschino)
  • Honey Simple Syrup
  • Cherry Bitters
  • Cherry Wood Chips for your smoker

Why you’ll love it:

  • Showcases the incredible Castle & Key Restoration Rye
  • Unique and sophisticated smoked whiskey cocktail
  • Perfect balance of rye, sweet cherry, and aromatic smoke
  • An impressive drink for any occasion or a relaxing evening

Don’t miss out on this incredible recipe! Click Play Now ➡️

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Cheers to better drinks! 🥂

#SmokedCocktail #CastleAndKey #RestorationRye #WhiskeyCocktail #CraftCocktails #HomeBar #Mixology #CocktailRecipe #CherrySmoke #WhiskeyLover #Drinkstagram #CocktailSmoker #BourbonAlternative #KentuckyRye #SingleBarrel #Luxardo #HoneyCocktail #RyeWhiskey #CherryBitters 

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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.

Touring Castle & Key: Bourbon History Reborn at Old Taylor

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Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes Episode 39 – Castle & Key Distillery

Get ready for an adventure down the Kentucky Bourbon Trail as we revisit a nice stop in Frankfort, Kentucky in April 2023.  In this episode, we’re taking you back to our very first visit to Castle & Key Distillery which was our 43rd distillery and our 35th stamp in our Kentucky Bourbon Trail Book! Plus – we finished the Craft Bluegrass Trail.

Join us as we relive every moment from our initial tour of the Castle & Key Distillery . But the excitement doesn’t stop there! We’ll then uncork a bottle of their Restoration Rye 2022 Single Barrel for an in-depth tasting. What hidden notes and unique flavors await us in this one-of-a-kind pour? 

Click play ▶️ now to join the adventure!

Join the YBJ Family! 

👍 Like this video if you’re a bourbon lover! 

💬 Comment below with your favorite Castle & Key Distillery whiskey! 

➡️ Share this video with a fellow whiskey fan! 

🔔 Subscribe to Your Bourbon Journey for weekly whiskey adventures you won’t want to miss!

What’s a bourbon trail journey without a good story? 🥃 Welcome to Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes, where we dive into the unforgettable moments and hidden gems we discovered while exploring Kentucky’s iconic trail. Join us as we uncork the profound memories that have stayed with us long after the last pour. We’ll revisit the unexpected finds and the bottles that truly surprised us with their exceptional, intricate flavors. So, what stood out as the most memorable sip, and how have those experiences shaped our palates today? Get ready for a passionate retelling of the adventures, the connections, and the spirits that make the Bourbon Trail so much more than just a destination.

#KentuckyBourbonTrail #CastleAndKey #RestorationRye #bourbontrail #RyeWhiskey #SingleBarrel #WhiskeyReview #KentuckyWhiskey #CastleAndKeyDistillery #FrankfortKY #DistilleryTour #whiskeytasting 

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

ABOUT THE BOTTLE REVIEWED

✴️ Restoration Rye 2022 Single Barrel

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
  • Distillery: Castle & Key Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 63% Rye, 20% Malted Barley, 17% Yellow Corn
  • Age: 3
  • Proof: 115.8
  • Released: 2022
  • Other: Barrel 3027; Bottle 218
  • Purchased: 04/16/23 for $70 at Castle & Key Distillery

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

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❓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.

Booker’s Tequila vs. Hardin’s Creek Warehouse R

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🤯 Tequila vs. Terroir! Jim Beam Double Review! Booker’s Reserve 2025 (Tequila Finish) & Hardin’s Creek Warehouse R (Mushroom)

Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey are diving into a Jim Beam double whiskey review that pits a high-proof, experimental finish against a unique exploration of aging terroir! 🥃 We snagged both the Hardin’s Creek Warehouse R (The Mushroom) and the Booker’s Reserve 2025 Tequila Finish at the exclusive Kentucky Bourbon Festival’s Bourbon in the Air event!

Hardin’s Creek Warehouse R (The Mushroom): Jim Beam’s Warehouse Series is a fascinating study in whiskey terroir, with three 11-year-old bourbons aged on different warehouse floors (Floor 1, 5, 9). We picked up Warehouse R (Floor 1), known as “The Mushroom” for its cool, damp aging environment and supposedly earthy profile. Did the 110-proof ‘Mushroom’ deliver? Spoiler: One of us got straight-up “dirt” notes! 🍄 Find out our honest review and why we think Jim Beam missed an opportunity with their marketing and transparency for this $150 bottle.

Jim Beam Booker’s Reserve 2025 (Tequila Finish): Is a tequila-finished bourbon any good? We were nervous! This 123.3-proof special release (Batch 2025) was finished in barrels that previously held a limited-edition tequila. Is it a bold experiment or a masterful blend? Join us as we explore the agave, caramel, creamy mouthfeel, and classic Booker’s peanut notes! If you love high-proof bourbon and are curious about barrel finishes, this is a must-watch. We’ll tell you why we bought two! 👀

So grab your favorite glass, settle in, and let’s explore this bourbon together! Click play ▶️ NOW!

👇 What’s your favorite Jim Beam releases? Let us know in the comments below! 👇

Are you a true bourbon fanatic, always on the hunt for the next exceptional pour? Then smash that like button 👍 to show your appreciation for fine whiskey! Hit subscribe 🔔 so you never miss our reviews of rare and remarkable spirits, and share this video ➡️ with your fellow whiskey lovers. Let’s build a community of enthusiasts who appreciate the art of exceptional bourbon! 

#bourbonreview #BookersBourbon #HardinsCreek #JimBeam #TequilaFinish #KentuckyBourbon #WhiskeyReview #LimitedEdition  #Terroir #bourbon #Whiskey #yourbourbonjourney 

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

✴️ Booker’s The Reserves (2025 Release)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Suntory Global
  • Distillery: James B Beam
  • Mash Bill: 77% Corn, 13% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
  • Age: 8 Years, 10 months, 11 days
  • Proof: 123.3
  • Released: September 2025
  • Other: Finished in 85th Anniversary El Tesoro Tequila Barrels
  • Purchased: 09/04/25 for $135 at Jim Beam via KBF

✴️ Hardin’s Creek 2025 Warehouse R, Floor 1

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Suntory Global
  • Distillery: James B Beam
  • Mash Bill: 77% Corn, 13% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
  • Age: 11 years
  • Proof: 110
  • Released: September 2025
  • Other: Warehouse R, First Floor
  • Purchased: 09/04/25 for $150 at Jim Beam via KBF

❌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.

Which Bourbon Wins? Blind Tasting & Ultimate Ranking

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🔥🥃 Blind Bourbon BATTLE ROYALE! Who Will Be Our September 2025 CHAMPION?! 🏆

Alright, buckle up, whiskey fanatics! 🚀 Get ready for a showdown of EPIC proportions! 🥃 In this thrilling blind tasting adventure, we’re putting FOUR incredible contenders head-to-head to crown the UNDISPUTED champion of our September 2025 whiskey lineup! 👑

Prepare your senses for an immersive journey into the captivating aromas and tantalizing flavors of these contenders (alphabetical order):

✴️ Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B525

✴️ Larceny Barrel Proof Batch B525

✴️ Rivertown Single Barrel

✴️ Starlight 2025 10-Year Cask Strength  

🚫 No labels, no biases – just pure, unadulterated whiskey appreciation! 👀 Join us as we meticulously nose 👃, sip 😋, and savor each dram, dissecting the intricate notes on the nose, the delightful dance on the palate 👅, the satisfying lingering finish ✨, and that crucial je ne sais quoi that makes a whiskey truly special. 🤔

Will the barrel-proof powerhouse 💪 dominate the competition? Will the elegantly aged spirit ⏳ steal the show? Or will a unique finish 🍇 or a captivating single barrel charm ✨ take home the ultimate crown? We’re ranking them from 4th place to the coveted 1st place spot🥇, and the suspense is building with every sip! 🤯

Smash that play button ▶️ and join the ultimate tasting party!

🎉 Grab your own glass 🥂 (of whatever you’re sipping on!), settle in for some serious whiskey talk 🗣️, and experience the thrill of the grand reveal with us! Get ready for potential surprises 🎁 and definitely a fantastic time! Cheers to an unforgettable evening of delicious discovery! 🥳 Sláinte! 🍀

#WhiskeyOfTheMonth #BlindWhiskeyTasting #bourbonreview 

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

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

✴️ Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B525

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Heaven Hill
  • Distillery: Elijah Craig Distillery Co.
  • Mash Bill: 78% Corn, 12% Malted Barley, 10% Rye
  • Age: 11 Years, 6 Months
  • Proof: 126.2
  • MSRP: $75
  • Released: May 2025
  • Purchased: 09/02/25 for $79.99 at Heaven Hill, Bardstown KY

✴️ Larceny Barrel Proof Batch B525

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Heaven Hill
  • Distillery: Heaven Hill
  • Mash Bill: 68% Corn, 20% Wheat, 12% Malted Barley
  • Age: 6-8 years
  • Proof: 117.4
  • MSRP: $65
  • Released: May 2025
  • Purchased: 08/06/25 for $55.99 at Costco in Evansville IN

✴️ Rivertown Single Barrel

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Henderson Distilling Co
  • Distillery: Sourced/Undisclosed/Kentucky
  • Bottled: The Bard Distillery, Graham, KY
  • Mash Bill: 78% Corn, 13% Rye, 9% Malted Barley
  • Age: 8 Years
  • Proof: 124.6
  • MSRP: $74.99
  • Released: 08/14/25
  • Other: Bottle 76 of 185
  • Purchased: 08/14/25 for $74.99 at Beverage Barn in Henderson, KY

✴️ Starlight 2025 10-Year Cask Strength

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Starlight Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 60% Corn, 20% Rye, 20% Malted Barley
  • Other: Grain-to-glass; sweet mash; double pot distilled; barrel entry proof 112-116
  • Age: 10 Years
  • Proof: 120.3
  • MSRP: $250
  • Released: July 2025
  • Aging: Sequin Moreau Icone barrels.
  • Purchased: 08/14/25 for $250 at Starlight Distillery

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

✅ Please SUBSCRIBE and hit the LIKE button!

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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.

The Barrel & Bonfire: A Unique ECBP Cocktail

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Thirsty Thursday Cocktails – Episode 37: The “Barrel & Bonfire”

Ready to experience your rare Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B525 in a whole new dimension? We’ve crafted the “Barrel & Bonfire” cocktail, a unique and robust drink designed to complement the deep, complex notes of this exceptional 11-year, 6-month aged Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey!

This isn’t just any bourbon cocktail. We’re leaning into the rich barrel influence and the B525’s subtle cherry notes with:

  • Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B525: The powerful, oak-driven backbone of this luxurious libation.
  • Bourbon Barrel-Aged Maple Syrup: Doubling down on those rich, sweet, and woody barrel notes for an unparalleled depth of flavor.
  • Cinzano Sweet Vermouth: Adding a smooth, sweet complexity that harmonizes with the high-proof bourbon.
  • Bonfire Bitters: Introducing a bold, smoky, and aromatic layer that perfectly contrasts and elevates the bourbon’s character.
  • Brandied Cherry & Fresh Lemon Twist: A touch of fruit and bright citrus aroma to round out this sophisticated sipper.

Watch as we mix up this incredible creation, detailing each step to help you craft your own “Barrel & Bonfire” at home. If you love barrel proof bourbon, smoky flavors, and unique cocktail experiences, this is a must-try!

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Cheers to better drinks! 🥂

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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.