Thirsty Thursday Cocktails – Episode 31: The West Bottoms Penicillin
Step into our home bar as we craft a truly exceptional American Single Malt cocktail: The West Bottoms Penicillin. This isn’t just a drink—it’s a tribute to Kansas City’s West Bottoms Whiskey, blending their smooth, malty whiskey with a smoky float of their peated Distiller’s Cut.
Watch along as we teach you how to make a Penicillin and explore the unique flavor of this smoky whiskey cocktail. We combine fresh lemon juice, our homemade honey-ginger syrup, and these two incredible whiskeys to create a balanced, complex, and unforgettable drink. The result is a modern classic cocktail with a local twist. This is the ultimate Penicillin cocktail recipe for any whiskey lover.
If you love whiskey, cocktails, and supporting local distilleries, you won’t want to miss this. Click Play Now ➡️
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Get ready to explore the fascinating history and innovative whiskies of West Bottoms Whiskey Co.! In this video, we dive deep into the story of a Kansas City distillery rooted in pre-Prohibition heritage and taste four of their unique expressions: Kansas City Whiskey, Convergence Whiskey, American Blended Malt Whiskey, and Distiller’s Cut American Single Malt Whiskey.
West Bottoms Distillery was founded in 2016 by Alex Lindsey, aiming to revive the spirited history of the West Bottoms district – a bustling 19th and early 20th-century railroad and agricultural hub with a thriving saloon scene. We’ll uncover how this history inspires their brand and their whiskies, even featuring a “Murdock” mascot that embodies the industrial age’s hardworking spirit.
We’ll start with Kansas City Whiskey, a pre-Prohibition style blend of rye, bourbon, and a touch of dry Oloroso sherry. This unique “rectification” process gives it a warm, spicy start and a smooth, fruity finish.
Next, we have Convergence Whiskey, a fitting name for this blend of rye and single malt. Its signature Malbec wine cask finish merges old traditions with modern techniques for a uniquely flavorful spirit.
Prepare for a surprise with our American Blended Malt Whiskey, a special combination of our own peated Distiller’s Cut and a 4-year-old single malt. It’s the perfect introduction to smoky, complex whiskies!
Finally, we’ll savor Distiller’s Cut, our premium American Single Malt. This limited-run, hand-waxed bottle is Kansas City’s first peated whiskey, distilled and aged in-house on our copper pot still for a true taste of our craft.
Join us as we explore the unique flavors and story behind West Bottoms Whiskey Co. So grab your favorite glass, settle in, and let’s explore these incredible whiskeys together! Click play ▶️ NOW!
We highly recommend that you add West Bottoms Whiskey Co in Kansas City MO to Your Bourbon Journey!
What’s your favorite state for bourbon outside of Kentucky? 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!
This is Part 2 of 4 about Kansas City Distilleries! Don’t miss next week!
Kansas City Whiskey is a pre-prohibition style of blended American whiskey based on the process of rectification, the blending of up to 2.5% sherry into the whiskey. Our unique Kansas City Whiskey blends Rye and Bourbon whiskeys with a dry Oloroso sherry from Spain. The result is a beautiful sipping whiskey with a warm spicy front and a smooth, earthy, fruity finish. Retail $40
✴️ Convergence Whiskey
Convergence Whiskey embodies this rich history, combining rye and single malt whiskeys into a distinctive blend, which rests in a Malbec wine cask for its signature finish. This cask resting process allows time and tradition to merge into one uniquely blended whiskey that honors both classic and modern whiskey making techniques. Retail $50
✴️ American Blended Malt Whiskey
This truly unique blend is a very special combination of our peated Distiller’s Cut, and a 4-year-old selected single malt whiskey. This complex whiskey will continue to surprise as you sip. This blended malt whiskey is the perfect intro to those exploring scotches with light smoke and intricate flavors. Retail $60
✴️ Distiller’s Cut – American Single Malt Whiskey
Our premium offering. 100% distilled and aged by West Bottoms Whiskey Co. on our 211-gallon copper alembic pot still. The first peated whiskey in Kansas City. 50% malted barley/ 50% peated malt. Aged 1 year in 5-gallon barrels. Limited runs being released. and available in our Parlor. Each bottle has been hand wax dipped and crested with our seal. Retail $70 (375 ml)
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.
Get ready for an adventure down the Kentucky Bourbon Trail as we revisit a nice stop in Bardstown, KY in March 2023. In this episode, we’re taking you back to our very first visit to Willett Distillery which was our 36th distillery and our 28th stamp in our Kentucky Bourbon Trail Book!
Join us as we relive every moment from our initial tour of the Willett Distillery. But the excitement doesn’t stop there! We’ll then uncork a bottle of their Noah’s Mill Bourbon 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 and discover the secrets of Willett and Noah’s Mill Bourbon with us!
Ready to explore the world of whiskey with us? Join the YBJ family!
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In this series, Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes, we navigate the rich tapestry of our memorable experiences on the Bourbon Trail, a journey that has undeniably enriched our appreciation for this iconic American spirit. We tackle intriguing questions such as: What stands out as the most profound memory of that bourbon trail experience, one that has etched itself firmly in our minds? What exceptional and bourbon or whiskey did we discover during this journey, perhaps one that surprised us with its intricate and delightful flavor profiles? What lasting impressions do we have of that bourbon or whiskey today, as we reflect on its complexities and how they resonate with our evolving palates and preferences? Through this exploration, we passionately recount our adventures and celebrate the stories and connections we’ve forged along the way, highlighting the essence of the Bourbon Trail.
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.
Get ready for an epic whiskey journey! In this video, we’re diving deep into the highly anticipated Michter’s 2025 Legacy Series, featuring a tasting review of both the Shenk’s Homestead 2025 and Bomberger’s Declaration 2025. This is more than just a tasting; it’s a look into the rich history of American whiskey.
The Michter’s Legacy Series pays homage to the brand’s incredible heritage, which traces back to 1753 and the Shenk’s distillery founded by John Shenk. This distillery later became Bomberger’s Distillery before finally becoming the iconic Michter’s Distillery we know and love today.
First up, we’re exploring the Shenk’s Homestead 2025, a bold whiskey that Michter’s Master Distiller Dan McKee describes as having “lingering baking spice notes.” We’ll talk about the unique finishing process in French oak barrels from the Vosges forest, and how this accentuates the character of the rye.
Then, we’ll uncork the Bomberger’s Declaration 2025, a truly multi-dimensional whiskey. Michter’s Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson shares how “Chinquapin barrels” and a unique “spectrum of different barrels” with varying natural seasoning periods—from 18 months to a staggering 5 years—contributed to its complex and delicious flavor.
We’ll be doing a side-by-side tasting review, giving you our honest thoughts on the 2025 Shenk’s Homestead and the 2025 Bomberger’s Declaration.
So grab your favorite glass, settle in, and let’s explore these incredible bourbons together! Click play ▶️ NOW!
👇 What’s your favorite Michter’s 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!
Mash Bill: Undisclosed but known for a rye-forward character
Age: NAS (at least 4 years)
Proof: 92.1
MSRP: $110
Released: July 2025
Specifics: Batch 25E1901, Bottle 1865 of 2305
Other: Finished in toasted French oak from the Vosges region
Purchased: 07/18/25 for $119 at Michter’s Fort Nelson
✴️ Bomberger’s Declaration 2025
Classification: Sour Mash Whiskey
Company: Michter’s Distillery
Distillery: Michter’s Fort Nelson
Mash Bill: Undisclosed but likely high corn plus rye and malted barley
Age: NAS (at least 4 years)
Proof: 108
MSRP: $120
Released: July 2025
Specifics: Batch 25F1978, Bottle 1436 of 2673
Other: Aged in Chinquapin Oak. This year’s release utilizes barrels seasoned for different periods (18 months, 3, 4, and 5 years) before toasting and charring.
Purchased: 07/18/25 for $129 at Michter’s Fort Nelson
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.
Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime vintage bourbon tasting experience! We’ve managed to get our hands on a truly rare piece of whiskey history: a bottle of Old Forester 1955 Bottled in Bond. 🥃
This isn’t just a bourbon; it’s a time capsule. We’ll be uncorking this vintage whiskey to explore its unique tasting notes, from the aroma to the long, lingering finish. What secrets does this mid-century rare bourbon hold? 🤫
But the journey doesn’t end there! To truly understand the evolution of Old Forester, we’ll be doing a bourbon comparison of the vintage 1955 with the brand’s current release, the Old Forester 1897 Bottled in Bond. This side-by-side tasting reveals the past and present of one of America’s most beloved bourbons.
Don’t miss this historic pour – hit play now! ▶️
Subscribe to our channel and never miss an episode of our “Sipping on History” series! 🔔
Brad Bonds opening the bottle at Revival Vintage Spirits
NOTE: The spirits in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producer or retailer for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.
Thirsty Thursday Cocktails – Episode 30: The Smoked BBQ Sour
Craving that authentic Kansas City BBQ experience, but in a glass? Look no further! 🥃 In this video, we’re shaking up the ultimate Smoked BBQ Sour – a unique bourbon cocktail that’s a direct nod to the smoky, savory, and sweet flavors of KC’s legendary pit-masters.
We’re using a cocktail smoker to infuse deep, woody notes, combining them with rich bourbon barrel-aged maple syrup and the intriguing warmth of Strongwater Bonfire Bitters. Plus, we’re getting that beautiful, velvety texture with Fee Foam for a truly unforgettable sip. This isn’t just a drink; it’s a journey to the heart of BBQ country!
Thirsty for the secret to this sensational sipper? ▶️ Click PLAY now to master The Smoked BBQ Sour! ▶️
Ingredients You’ll Need:
2 oz Bourbon – Holladay Rickhouse
1/2 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
1/8 oz (bar spoon) of Apple Cider vinegar
3/4 oz Bourbon Barrel-Aged Maple Syrup
5 Dashes of Strongwater Bonfire Bitters
5 Dashes of Fee Brothers Fee Foam
Pinch of Smoked Bacon Salt
Pinch of BBQ Rub
Optional: Brûléed Lemon Slice
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💬 Share your thoughts and favorite bourbon sling twists in the comments!
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The Oldest Distillery West of the Mississippi?! | Holladay Distillery Ancient Cave Wave Stave 2025 Review
We’re taking you on a journey to the heart of American distilling history! Join us as we visit Holladay Distillery in Weston, Missouri—the oldest continuously operating distillery west of the Mississippi River. This landmark, founded in 1856 by the legendary “Stagecoach King” Ben Holladay, has a rich legacy of crafting Real Missouri Bourbon.
In this video, we’re unboxing a truly unique and hard-to-find bottle: the Holladay Ancient Cave Wave Stave 2025. This distillery-exclusive, 7-year-old bourbon is finished in a special “Wave Stave” barrel within the distillery’s historic “Ancient Cave.” Does this one-of-a-kind aging process create a whiskey worth the hype? Watch our full review to find out!
So grab your favorite glass, settle in, and let’s explore this incredible bourbon together! Click play ▶️ NOW!
We highly recommend that you add Holladay Distillery in Weston MO to Your Bourbon Journey!
What’s your favorite state for bourbon outside of Kentucky? 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!
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.
We’re revisiting our very first visit to Boundary Oak Distillery in Radcliff, Kentucky! 🥃 Join us as we reminisce about our guided tasting from March 24, 2023, and crack open a bottle we purchased that day.
In this episode, we’re opening and tasting the Lady Victory Straight Bourbon Whiskey. This special release, created in collaboration with the Society of the First Infantry Division, is a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey aged for 2-4 years. We’ll be giving our honest review of this 100-proof spirit, which we purchased during our first visit.
We also talk about the seven spirits we brought home that day, including the unique St. Luke Lavender Whiskey. Be sure to check out the link below to see how we used it in a cocktail!
Distillery No 35 on our journey, and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Stamp No 27 – Boundary Oak holds a special place in our hearts. Pour yourself a glass and join the conversation!
Click play ▶️ now to join the adventure and discover the secrets of Boundary Oak Distillery with us!
Ready to explore the world of whiskey with us? Join the YBJ family!
👍 Like this video if you’re excited for the Kentucky Bourbon Trail!
💬 Comment your thoughts on Boundary Oak Distillery or this tasting!
➡️ Share with fellow whiskey lovers!
🔔 Subscribe to Your Bourbon Journey and hit the bell 🔔 for weekly bourbon adventures you won’t want to miss!
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In this series, Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes, we navigate the rich tapestry of our memorable experiences on the Bourbon Trail, a journey that has undeniably enriched our appreciation for this iconic American spirit. We tackle intriguing questions such as: What stands out as the most profound memory of that bourbon trail experience, one that has etched itself firmly in our minds? What exceptional and bourbon or whiskey did we discover during this journey, perhaps one that surprised us with its intricate and delightful flavor profiles? What lasting impressions do we have of that bourbon or whiskey today, as we reflect on its complexities and how they resonate with our evolving palates and preferences? Through this exploration, we passionately recount our adventures and celebrate the stories and connections we’ve forged along the way, highlighting the essence of the Bourbon Trail.
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.
Step into the legacy! 🥃 Our latest whiskey review dives deep into the highly anticipated Jim Beam Lineage Batch #2, a truly special release from the iconic Kentucky distillery. This limited-edition, 15-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is more than just a drink; it’s a piece of history crafted by seventh and eighth-generation Master Distillers, Fred and Freddie Noe.
Join us as we explore this exclusive father-son collaboration and a milestone for the Jim Beam brand. We’ll taste the rich flavors of this hand-selected bourbon, aged in charred white oak barrels and bottled at a robust 111 proof. What does 15 years of aging do for that signature Jim Beam mouthfeel? We’re about to find out!
Lineage Batch #2 is a collector’s dream, a rare bourbon that marks Freddie Noe’s coming-of-age in the whiskey world with his name on the label for the first time. Available only at The James B. Beam Distilling Co. campus, this is a rare opportunity for bourbon enthusiasts to own a piece of the Beam family legacy.
Don’t miss our full tasting notes, our final rating, and our thoughts on whether this “merging of heritage and innovation” is worth the journey to Clermont, Kentucky.
So grab your favorite glass, settle in, and let’s explore this incredible bourbon together! Click play ▶️ NOW!
👇 What’s your favorite release by Jim Beam bourbon? 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 #JimBeam #lineagebourbon
❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌
✴️ Jim Beam Lineage Batch 2
Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Company: Suntory Global Spirits
Distillery: Booker Noe Plant
Mash Bill: 77% corn, 13% rye, and 10% malted barley
Age: 15-year-old (blend of 15 and 20-year-old bourbons)
Proof: 111
MSRP: $250 (700 ml)
Released: 07/18/25
Other: Crafted in collaboration by Fred & Freddie Noe
Purchased: 07/18/25 for $250 at the Jim Beam Distillery
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.
🔥🥃 Blind Whiskey BATTLE ROYALE! Who Will Be Our July 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 July 2025 whiskey lineup! 👑
Prepare your senses for an immersive journey into the captivating aromas and tantalizing flavors of these contenders (alphabetical order):
✴️ Booker’s 2025-02 “By the Pond” Batch
✴️ Maker’s Mark Keepers Release
✴️ Penelope: Cigar Sessions – Chapter 1
✴️ W.H. McBrayer 2025 Release, Batch 5
🚫 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! 🍀
🔥DETAILS REGARDING OUR FOUR FINALISTS🔥 (in alphabetical order):
✴️ Booker’s 2025-02 “By the Pond” Batch
Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Company: Beam Suntory
Distillery: Jim Beam Distillery
Mash Bill: 77% Corn, 13% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
Age: 7 years, 1 month, and 20 days
Proof: 126.5
Blend: This particular batch is a complex blend of barrels from various locations within 8 different warehouses. The largest percentage (29%) came from the sixth floor of warehouse G at Waterfill, a seven-story warehouse.
MSRP: $100
Released: June 2025
Purchased: 07/03/25 for $110 at Archie & Clyde’s Restaurant in Newburgh IN
Original YouTube Review:
✴️ Maker’s Mark Keepers Release
Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Company:
Distillery: Maker’s Mark
Mash Bill: 70% Corn, 16% Wheat, 14% Malted Barley
Age: NAS (about 6 years)
Proof: 109.2
MSRP: $74.99
Released: March 2025
Purchased: 05/01/25 for $74.99 at Maker’s Mark Distillery
Original YouTube Review:
✴️ Penelope: Cigar Sessions – Chapter 1
Classification: American Whiskey
Distillery: Ross & Squibb Distillery (MGP)
Blend: Straight Bourbon, American Single Malt, and American Light Whiskey
Bourbon: 72% Corn, 15% Rye, 13% Malted Barley; Non Chill-Filtered; Finished with French Oak Staves
Age: 6
Proof: 101
MSRP: 79.99
Released: June 2025
Other: Pair with medium-bodied cigars
Purchased: 06/13/25 for $192.27 at High Spirits Liquor Store, Evansville IN
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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