Bourbon tasting

Is Starlight Distillery a Top 5 Midwest Destination? | BTTT E58

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Is Starlight Distillery the “King of Indiana”? 🛡️🌾

In Episode 58 of Bourbon Trail Tales and Tastes, Wayne and Rebecca head back to Indiana to visit their 60th distillery: Huber’s Starlight Distillery in Borden. Though it took us a while to finally stop, one visit was all it took to hook us!

Starlight isn’t just a distillery; it’s a massive family destination on the historic Huber Farm featuring a winery, restaurant, produce market, and some of the most innovative bourbon finishes in the country. Today, we’re diving into three distinct expressions that showcase the incredible craft of distillers Ted, Christian, and Blake Huber.

What’s on the table today: 

🥂 Champagne Finished Bourbon (117.8 Proof): An “effervescent” spice bomb that tastes like springtime in a glass. 

🍯 Honey Finished Bourbon (115.7 Proof): A delicate “hive-to-glass” experience using estate-harvested honey. 

🌳 Hoosier Connect French Double Oak (114.5 Proof): A dark, luscious, and toasty “French Toast” pour.

From the “star” spirit safe to the Rickhouse tour with Rikki, we’re breaking down why this distillery is a “must-visit” for any bourbon lover.

In this video, we discuss:

  • Our first tour experience at Huber Farm and the “Midwest Knott’s Berry Farm” vibe.
  • The fascinating history of Indiana distilling laws.
  • Why Starlight’s wine finishes (Champagne and French Oak) stand out from the crowd.
  • Tasting notes for all three bottles—including the “Squeaky Teeth” mouthfeel!

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✴️ Starlight Champagne Finished Bourbon

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Huber’s Starlight Distillery
  • Distillery: Starlight Distillery
  • Mash Bill: Blend of 3-Grain (60% Corn, 20% Rye, 20% Malted Barley) and 4-Grain (51% Corn, 20% Rye, 20% Malted Barley, 9% Wheat)
  • Age: 4 years
  • Proof: 117.8
  • Other: Sweet mash fermentation; distilled in copper pot stills; non-chill filtered
  • Purchased: 06/15/24 for $74.99 at Starlight Distillery

✴️ Starlight Honey Finished Bourbon

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Huber’s Starlight Distillery
  • Distillery: Starlight Distillery
  • Mash Bill: Blend of 3-Grain (60% Corn, 20% Rye, 20% Malted Barley) and 4-Grain (51% Corn, 20% Rye, 20% Malted Barley, 9% Wheat)
  • Age: 4.5 years
  • Proof: 115.7
  • Other: Finished in barrels that previously held estate-harvested honey from the Huber farm.
  • Purchased: 06/15/24 for $74.99 at Starlight Distillery

✴️ Starlight Hoosier Connect French Double Oak

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Huber’s Starlight Distillery
  • Distillery: Starlight Distillery
  • Mash Bill: Blend of 3-Grain (60% Corn, 20% Rye, 20% Malted Barley) and 4-Grain (51% Corn, 20% Rye, 20% Malted Barley, 9% Wheat)
  • Age: 5.5 Years
  • Proof: 114.5
  • Released: Limited Release (Hoosier Connect Collaboration)
  • Other: Secondary maturation in French Oak barrels; known for “bold oak” and spice profiles.
  • Purchased: 06/15/24 for $79.99 at Starlight Distillery

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

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The Spirits are Coming! Dark Arts Cask Strength Bourbon

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The Spirits Have Arrived! | Dark Arts Armagnac Finish Bourbon Review

Was a $221 “splurge” at BourbonCon 2026 actually worth the price tag? Today on Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca dive into the mysterious world of Dark Arts Whiskey House. This isn’t just whiskey; it’s alchemy.

We’re tasting the Dark Arts Cask Strength Bourbon (Armagnac Finish)—a 10-year-old MGP-sourced powerhouse bottled at a stout 113 proof. From the striking purple bottle to the “jammy” fruit notes provided by the Armagnac casks, this bottle promised a “massive explosion of complexity.”

In this video, we discuss:

  • Our experience with brand “Spirit Guide” Sarah at BourbonCon.
  • The “Alchemy” philosophy: How Dark Arts transforms spirits through finishing.
  • A deep dive into the 60/36/4 high-rye mash bill.
  • Tasting Notes: Is that “all-spice” and “dried plum” or just high-proof heat?
  • Why Dark Arts chose to be a Non-Distilling Producer (NDP) and why it’s a brilliant business move.

Does the “Purple Bottle” live up to the hype, or did the aesthetics cloud our judgment? Grab a glass and join us for the breakdown!

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Dark Arts Cask Strength Bourbon (Armagnac Finish)

  • Classification:  Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Dark Arts Whiskey House
  • Distilled: Sourced from MGP in Indiana  
  • Produced by: Dark Arts Whiskey House LLC
  • Bottled by: Divine Spirits LLC
  • Mash Bill: 60% Corn, 36% Rye, 4% Malted Barley
  • Age: 10 Years
  • Proof: 113 (Cask Strength)
  • Released: Early 2026
  • Other: Finished in Armagnac Cask; Batch AT2; Bottle 132
  • Purchased: 01/17/26 for $221 from Dark Arts at BourbonCon in Lexington KY

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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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We Drank 1957 Sunny Brook! (Vintage Bourbon Tasting)

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Experience a Liquid Time Capsule: 1957 Sunny Brook Bourbon Tasting! 🥃✨

Step back into the “Golden Age” of National Distillers with us as we crack open a rare 1/10 pint of Sunny Brook Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey from 1957!. Purchased at  Revival Vintage Spirits in Covington, KY, this “dusty” miniature is a piece of bourbon history that predates the major industry shifts of the 1980s.

In this episode, Wayne and Rebecca dive into the fascinating history of National Distillers, the corporation that once ruled the whiskey world before its spirits division was acquired by Jim Beam in 1987. We’ll show you how to date a vintage bottle using glass codes and tax strips, discuss the mysterious “sticky” residue known as Angels’ Share leakage, and find out if this 80-proof classic still holds its flavor after 65+ years.

Will we find the legendary National Distillers “butterscotch” funk? Or has time taken its toll?

What You’ll Learn in This Video:

  • The story of “The Inspector” mascot and National Distillers’ standards.
  • How to safely open a vintage screw cap that’s been sealed shut by 60 years of sugar.
  • A deep dive into the 1957 mash bill: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, and 12% Malted Barley.
  • Tasting notes: Does 80-proof bourbon from the 50s beat modern bottom-shelf bottles?

Visit our friends at Revival: If you’re in Covington, stop by and see Brad Bonds and the team to sip on some living history yourself!.

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✴️ Sunny Brook 1/10 Pint

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: National Distillers Products Corp.
  • Distillery: Old Sunny Brook Distillery (RD #5), Louisville, KY
  • Mash Bill: Approximately 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley (Standard National Distillers Bourbon mash bill of that era)
  • Age: 4 Years Old
  • Proof: 80
  • MSRP: Approximately $0.45 – $0.60 (Estimated retail for a 1/10 pint in 1957)
  • Released: 1957 (Confirmed by the “57” glass code on the bottom and Series 111 tax strip)
  • Other: “The Inspector” on the label—a post-war marketing icon used to represent National Distillers’ “purity and quality” standards.
  • Purchased: 11/22/25 for $35 at Revival Vintage Spirits in Covington KY https://revivalky.com/ 

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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.

#Bourbon #Whiskey #VintageBourbon #SunnyBrook #NationalDistillers #BourbonHistory #WhiskeyTasting #DustyWhiskey #YourBourbonJourney #BourbonEducation #RevivalVintage #OldWhiskey #BourbonCommunity #WhiskeyTube #KentuckyBourbon

Four Branches Bourbon: 4 Veterans, 4 Grains, One Incredible Pour

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🥃 Four Branches Bourbon: A Salute to Service in Every Sip! 🇺🇸

In this episode of Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca dive into a bottle with a powerful story: Four Branches Bourbon Founders Blend. Founded by four veterans representing the Army, Navy, Marines, and Air Force, this whiskey is built on the motto: “Serve Honorably. Drink Honorably.”

We picked this bottle up at BourbonCon 2026 in Lexington, KY, after being blown away by the founders’ passion. This unique four-grain bourbon (Corn, Rye, Wheat, and Malted Barley) was crafted with the help of legendary Master Distiller Steve Nally at Bardstown Bourbon Company.

Is it as “spicy” as a Marine or as “smooth” as the Air Force? We break down the creamy mouthfeel, the surprising citrus notes, and that signature “Kentucky Kiss” on the finish.

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Four Branches Bourbon, Founders Blend

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Four Branches Spirits
  • Mash Bill: It is a unique four-grain blend (65% Corn, 15% Rye, 10% Malted Barley, and 10% Wheat). 
  • Age: 4-7 Years
  • Proof: 96
  • Batch: 013
  • Purchased: 01/17/26 for $75 at BourbonCon in Lexington KY

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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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A Real Disruptor? General Thomas Bourbon Single Barrel 

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The “Rock of Chickamauga” in a Bottle! | General Thomas Bourbon Review

Can a “disruptor” bourbon live up to the hype? Today on Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca are tasting a bottle that caught our eye (and ears!) at BourbonCon 2026 in Lexington: General Thomas Bourbon Single Barrel (Barrel 3).

Named after the Civil War hero General George Henry Thomas, this brand was launched by Fort Thomas native Dan Gorman to tell the story of a local legend. But is it just a “gimmick” with a cool AI QR code, or is the liquid inside actually battle-ready?

With a high-rye mash bill and a sturdy 110 proof, this 5-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon surprised us with an “effervescent” spice and a unique finish that reminds us of a morning espresso. From the brown sugar nose to the lingering leather and coffee notes, this is a “morning bourbon” that will definitely wake up your palate!

In this video, we discuss:

  • The “disruptor” vision behind sourcing 20 premium surplus barrels.
  • A full nose, palate, and finish breakdown (spoiler: it’s a spice bomb!).
  • The incredible personalized AI message from the General himself.

Stick around until the end to hear a direct order from General Thomas!

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General Thomas Bourbon Single Barrel

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: General Thomas Spirits LLC
  • Distillery: Sourced from a Northern Kentucky distillery (Bottled in Newport, KY)
  • Mash Bill: High-Rye (Known for bold spice and a smooth finish)
  • Age: 5 Years
  • Proof: 110
  • MSRP: $70
  • Other: Barrel 3
  • Purchased: 01/16/26 for $73 at BourbonCon in Lexington KY

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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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5094 Transplant Bourbon: The Better Double-Oaked? 

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Empire Meets Bluegrass: 5094 Transplant Bourbon Review 🥃

What happens when New York spirit meets Kentucky craftsmanship? You get the 5094 Transplant by 5094 Distilling, an incredible 4-year four-grain bourbon that made its debut at Glenns Creek Distilling. In today’s journey, we sit down with a bottle of the very first release (Barrel #1, Bottle #5!) to see if this “transplant” has found a perfect home in the Bluegrass state.

Distilled in New York and finished for three years in world-renowned Radoux Tonnellerie toasted French oak barrels, this 94.8 proof bourbon offers a sophisticated profile far beyond its $54 price point. We’re talking dark brown sugar, charred marshmallow, espresso, and cocoa notes that give even the most famous double-oaked bourbons a run for their money.

We also dive into the story of Tom Jones and his vision for 5094 Distilling at the historic, abandoned Old Lewis Hunter Distillery site. Is this a contender for Whiskey of the Month? Watch to find out!

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✴️ 5094 Transplant

  • Classification: Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: 5094 Distilling
  • Distillery: Distilled in New York
  • Bottled: Glenns Creek Distilling
  • Mash Bill: Four Grain
  • Age: 7 Years (4 years in new charred oak, followed by 3 years in a toasted barrel)
  • Proof: 94.8
  • MSRP: $54
  • Released: February 2026
  • Purchased: 02/28/26 for $54 at Glenns Creek Distilling in Frankfort KY

5094 Transplant Product Link: https://glennscreekdistillery.com/product/transplant-radoux-barrel-finished-bourbon-we-dont-ship-this-product-please-scroll-down/

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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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Hill & Hill 1983: Bourbon History in a 500ml Bottle

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A Time Capsule in a Bottle: Tasting 1983 Hill & Hill Blended Whiskey 🥃

Travel back to 1983 with us as we crack open a rare 500ml “time capsule” of Hill & Hill Blended Whiskey. This isn’t just a vintage find; it’s a window into the infamous “Bourbon Glut” era, when legendary Kentucky stocks were so plentiful they were blended into everyday value labels like this one.

In this episode, Wayne and Rebecca explore the fascinating history of National Distillers, the transition to metric bottle sizes, and the mystery of what’s actually inside this “bourbon-flavored vodka.” With 80% Grain Neutral Spirits (GNS) and 20% straight whiskey—likely sourced from Old Crow or Old Taylor—does that classic “butterscotch” National Distillers profile still shine through?

We’re putting this 80-proof relic to the test to see if it’s a “hill to die on” or just a ghost of whiskey past. Grab a glass and join us on Your Bourbon Journey!

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✴️ Hill & Hill Blended Whiskey (1983)

  • Classification: American Blended Whiskey
  • Company: National Distillers Products Corp.
  • Distillery: Hill & Hill Distillery Co., Cincinnati, OH (The Cincinnati location served as the primary blending and bottling hub for National Distillers’ value labels).
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed (Likely 20% high-rye bourbon mash bill from the Old Grand-Dad or Old Crow distilleries in Kentucky, blended with 80% Grain Neutral Spirits).
  • Age: NAS (No Age Statement), but the label confirms the straight whiskey components are 4 years or older.
  • Proof: 80 Proof (40% ABV)
  • MSRP: $3.74 (Based on the vintage label stamp).
  • Released: 1983 (Confirmed by the “83” glass code on the bottom of the bottle).
  • Other: This is a 500ml bottle, which was the standard replacement for the 16oz “pint” following the 1980 metric transition. Note the “National Distillers” butterscotch profile often found in their straight whiskies may still be present in that 20% component.
  • Purchased: 07/11/25 for $75 at Revival Vintage Spirits in Covington, KY

Revival Vintage Spirits https://revivalky.com/ 

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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.

#Whiskey #Bourbon #VintageWhiskey #NationalDistillers #HillAndHill #BourbonHistory #DustyHunting #WhiskeyReview #OldCrow #BourbonGlut #1983Vintage #YourBourbon Journey #AmericanWhiskey #WhiskeyTasting #CovingtonKY

Liquid Praline! Smoked Pecan & Larceny Bourbon Cocktail 

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Escape to the woods with The Pecan Grove, a sophisticated, spirit-forward cocktail designed for the deep, earthy vibes of late February. In Episode 58 of Thirsty Thursday, Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey breaks down a “liquid praline” in a glass—a masterclass in texture, smoke, and high-proof wheated bourbon.

The star of the show is the rare Rivulet Pecan Liqueur, which provides a buttery, velvet mouthfeel that perfectly rounds out the muscle of Larceny Barrel Proof B525. We’re elevating the “forest floor” profile with Black Walnut and Molasses bitters, a touch of honeyed medicinal spice from Dom Bénédictine, and a sweet, floral finish using Cherry Wood smoke.

Whether you’re a bourbon enthusiast or a home bartender looking to master the smoking kit, this “Pecan Pie meets Toasted Marshmallow” build is the ultimate winter warmer.

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📋 THE RECIPE: THE PECAN GROVE

Glass: Rocks Glass Ice: One Large Clear Cube 

Method: Stirred & Smoked

  • 2 oz Larceny Barrel Proof B525 (Wheated Bourbon)
  • 3/4 oz Rivulet Pecan Liqueur
  • 1/2 oz Dom Bénédictine
  • 2 Dashes Black Walnut Bitters
  • 1 Dash Molasses Bitters
  • Finish: Cold smoke with Cherry Wood
  • Garnish: Fresh Orange Twist (expressed)

Instructions:

  1. Combine all liquid ingredients in a mixing glass with plenty of ice.
  2. Stir for 25–30 seconds to achieve proper dilution and chill.
  3. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice block.
  4. Use your smoking kit to infuse the cocktail with Cherry Wood smoke for 15–20 seconds.
  5. Express the orange twist over the glass to release the oils, drop it in, and enjoy!

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NOTE: The spirits and items in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the producers for this review. Please drink responsibly.

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We Tasted 14 Whiskeys! Wayne’s 58th Birthday Bourbon Tour

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A Birthday Detour to Remember: Old Louisville Whiskey Co.

February of 2024 – What started as a trip home from Mattingly’s turned into one of our favorite Bourbon Trail memories! In this episode of Bourbon Trail Tales and Tastes, we celebrate Wayne’s 58th birthday with a visit to Distillery No. 59: Old Louisville Whiskey Company.

Join us as we recount our incredible experience with Amine, a master of blending and aging who went above and beyond for our first visit. From barrel thieving in the back of their industrial Louisville home to tasting 14+ incredible pours, this visit proved why Amine is one of the best in the business. 

We also dive into a tasting of two unique bottles we brought home that day: a 10-year old “barely legal” bourbon with a massive 49% barley mashbill and a 7-year-old mysterious, sweet 119-proof bourbon.

Whether you’re a fan of MGP sources, unique finishes like Hungarian or Colombian oak, or just love a great distillery story, you won’t want to miss this one.

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

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The Midnight Rose: Liquid Chocolate Truffle Cocktail 

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Indulge in the dark side of Valentine’s Day with The Midnight Rose. 🌹🍫

Welcome back to Your Bourbon Journey! In Episode 57 of our Thirsty Thursday Cocktail series, we are moving past the romance of last week’s “Velvet Letter” to the sophisticated, deep complexity of The Midnight Rose. If you’re tired of sugary-sweet holiday drinks, this is the “Bittersweet Ending” you’ve been waiting for.

By swapping traditional sweet vermouth for Averna Amaro and adding a touch of Fee Brothers Aztec Chocolate Bitters, we transform a classic profile into a liquid chocolate truffle. Featuring the 10-year aged oak and cinnamon backbone of Henry McKenna Single Barrel, this cocktail is velvety, herbal, and decadently bitter.

In this video, Rebecca shares:

  • How to balance the citrus snap of Campari with dark herbal notes.
  • Why Averna Amaro is the secret to a “Midnight” texture.
  • Professional stirring techniques for lower-proof spirits.

The Midnight Rose Recipe:

  • 1.5 oz Henry McKenna 10 Year Bottled in Bond
  • 0.75 oz Campari
  • 0.75 oz Averna Amaro
  • 2 Dashes Fee Brothers Aztec Chocolate Bitters
  • Garnish: Expressed Orange Peel

Love what you see? Subscribe for more whiskey reviews and cocktail builds! Next week, we’re firing up the smoking kit for a buttery, spirit-forward classic: The Pecan Grove.

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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.

#Bourbon #CocktailRecipes #YourBourbonJourney #HenryMcKenna #ValentinesDay2026 #AvernaAmaro #Campari #Mixology #ThirstyThursday #WhiskeyLover #HomeBartender #BourbonLife #ChocolateCocktail #LiquidDecadence #CocktailHour