Bourbon tasting

Ultimate Booker’s 2025 Guide: Every Batch Ranked & Scored 

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The Ultimate Booker’s Bourbon Showdown: 2025 Full Batch Blind Tasting! 🥃

Is there a better way to kick off the weekend than a blind flight of Booker’s Bourbon? Today, Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey are diving deep into the 2025 Booker’s lineup to settle the debate: Which batch truly reigns supreme?

From the cherry-forward notes of Jerry’s Batch to the “stubborn genius” behind Phantom Pipes, we’re ranking all four releases based on Nose, Palate, and Finish. These are all Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskeys coming in at that powerhouse proof we love, but the profiles this year might surprise you!

In this video, we cover: 

✅ Full breakdown of 2025-01 through 2025-04. 

✅ Blind tasting notes: Identifying the peanuts, cherry, and “convection sugar” sweetness. 

✅ Our personal scoring (Spoilers: We found a 95-point winner!). 

✅ The stories behind the batches: Honoring Barry Berish, Jerry Dalton, and the Noe family legacy.

The 2025 Lineup:

Which 2025 Booker’s was your favorite? Did you prefer the traditional peanut funk or the unique fruit-forward profile of Jerry’s Batch? Let us know in the comments below! 👇

Batch 2025-01 “Barry’s Batch”: 7yr, 2mo, 4d | 125.7 Proof – Original Review:

Batch 2025-02 “By the Pond”: 7yr, 1mo, 20d | 126.5 Proof – Original Review:

Batch 2025-03 “Jerry’s Batch”: 7yr, 4mo, 21d | 124.7 Proof – Original Review:

Batch 2025-04 “Phantom Pipes”: 7yr, 6mo, 15d | 126.4 Proof – Original Review:

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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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Exploring a Real Prohibition Speakeasy! | Pensive Distilling 

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Kentucky’s Hidden Speakeasy: Pensive Distilling Co. Tour & Review

Welcome back to Your Bourbon Journey! For Episode 52, we’re heading to Newport, Kentucky, to visit our 54th distillery: Pensive Distilling Co. Located in a historic building with deep ties to Newport’s “Sin City” past, this spot is a masterclass in blending horse racing tradition with gritty mob history.

In this episode, we explore their incredible distillery tour—led by the fantastic Jeff Cole—which takes you inside a genuine Prohibition-era speakeasy still featuring bullet holes in the walls! We also dive into their horse-racing roots (named after the 1944 Kentucky Derby winner) and discuss their award-winning food, from pimento cheese to their famous burgers.

Stick around for the tasting as we crack open a “forgotten bottle” of Pensive Single Barrel Bourbon (Batch 10). This 100-proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon surprised us with its unique flavor profile of nutty almond, bright orange citrus, and a popping rye spice.

📍 Visit Highlights

  • The Speakeasy: A historic room where the Mob used to run the show. Look out for the bullet holes and the lookout windows used to spot the police!
  • The Food: We’ve been back just for the kitchen. Don’t miss the horse-themed menu items like the “American Pharoah” burger or the “Strike the Gold.”
  • The Vibe: Horse racing memorabilia meets industrial distilling. A must-stop on the Northern Kentucky B-Line.

Did you know? Pensive Distilling is named after the Calumet Farm horse that won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes in 1944.

Support the Journey: If you enjoyed this tour of Newport’s bourbon scene, hit that SUBSCRIBE button and ring the bell for weekly distillery tours and honest whiskey reviews!

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🥃 Bottle Specs: Pensive Single Barrel Bourbon

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Undisclosed (Sourced & Bottled by Pensive Distilling Co.)
  • Mash Bill: 70% Corn, 21% Rye, 9% Malted Barley
  • Age: NAS (Minimum 4 years)
  • Proof: 100 Proof
  • Batch/Bottle: Batch 10, Bottle 4
  • MSRP: $69 (Purchased at the distillery 11/18/23)

❌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.

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Heaven Hill Showdown: Larceny C925 vs Bernheim C925

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In this high-proof showdown, Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey dive into two heavy hitters from Heaven Hill: the Larceny Barrel Proof C925 and the Bernheim Barrel Proof C925.

One is the final wheated bourbon release of 2025, and the other is a “happy little mistake” with a collector’s twist. Is the rare labeling error on the Bernheim worth the hunt, or does the Larceny take the crown with its classic “Kentucky Hug”? We break down the mash bills, the “accidental” batch history, and provide full tasting notes for both.

📝 Tasting Highlights

  • Larceny C925: Rebecca picks up a surprisingly sweet nose with hints of pastry and bread. On the palate, Wing finds deep coffee and chocolate notes with a long, warm, peppery finish.
  • Bernheim C925: Despite some ethanol on the nose, the palate shines with “Raisinet” vibes—think chocolate, dark raisins, and a nutty wheat finish.

Which batch are you hunting? Let us know in the comments if you’ve found the “error” Bernheim bottle!

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✴️ Larceny Barrel Proof C925

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Heaven Hill
  • Distillery: Bernheim Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 68% Corn, 20% Wheat, 12% Malted Barley
  • Age: NAS (noted to be 6-8 Years)
  • Proof: 119.6
  • MSRP: $64.99
  • Released: 09/2025
  • Other: Third and Final and Release 2025
  • Purchased: 12/31/25 for $69.99 at Varsity Liquors in Evansville IN

✴️ Bernheim Barrel Proof C925

  • Classification: Straight Wheat Whiskey
  • Company: Heaven Hill
  • Distillery: Bernheim Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 51% Wheat, 37% Corn, 12% Malted Barley
  • Age: NAS (noted to be 7-9 Years)
  • Proof: 118.4
  • MSRP: $66.99
  • Released: 10/2025
  • Other: Final release (2nd) of 2025 (normally labeled B925)
  • * Batch B925 turned out so well, we got ahead of ourselves and accidentally labeled it Batch C925. Consider this a happy little mistake – it makes your bottle one of a kind.
  • Purchased: 11/25/25 for $88.19 at High Spirits in Evansville, IN

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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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Your Bourbon Journey Crowns Patriotic Meri-COB from Glenns Creek Distilling as 2025 Whiskey of the Year

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FOR IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE

Newburgh, IN – January 10, 2026 – Following a rigorous year-long evaluation of over 100 whiskeys, Your Bourbon Journey, the digital spirits platform hosted by Wayne and Rebecca McBrayer, is proud to announce Patriotic Meri-COB from Glenns Creek Distilling as the winner of its inaugural 2025 Whiskey of the Year award.

The selection process was governed by a strict, multi-stage blind tournament designed to eliminate brand bias and focus solely on spirit quality. The field of 16 contenders – comprised of 12 “Whiskey of the Month” winners and four high-scoring “Wildcard” entries – competed in a bracket-style playoff.

“Our goal was to find the best whiskey on the shelf, regardless of price point or prestige,” said Rebecca, co-founder of Your Bourbon Journey. “By the time we reached the Final Four, we were tasting the elite of the elite. To see a #2 seed like Patriotic Meri-COB run the gauntlet against three #1 seeds was the ultimate proof of our blind process at work.”

The Road to the Championship

The tournament followed a “Sweet Sixteen” format, where bottles were seeded based on their performance in quarterly qualifying rounds. Patriotic Meri-COB’s path to the title was a true “Giant Slayer” narrative, requiring head-to-head victories over Neeley Bottled in Bond Four Grain, Wild Turkey 101 8-Year, Old Louisville Cognac Finish, and ultimately, Bardstown Discovery Series 13.

“The consistency was what ultimately set the winner apart,” noted Wayne. “In four separate rounds of blind tasting, the Patriotic Meri-COB never dipped below a 94-point score. It was a model of excellence from the first pour to the final championship glass.”

Award Presentation

In recognition of this achievement, Your Bourbon Journey will travel to the historic Glenns Creek Distilling in February 2026 to officially present the 2025 Whiskey of the Year Championship Trophy to the distilling team.

About Your Bourbon Journey

Your Bourbon Journey is a whiskey-focused digital platform dedicated to honest, tasting reviews, distillery tour highlights, home cocktail creation, and consumer education. Through their “Whiskey of the Year” program, Wayne and Rebecca aim to highlight exceptional craftsmanship in the spirits industry.

Media Contact

Dr. Rebecca Herman, Your Bourbon Journey, YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com, www.YourBourbonJourney.com

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How To Make The Revolver: The Best Winter Bourbon Cocktail 

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Episode 52: The “Single Distillery” Revolver | Cask Strength Bourbon & Coffee Cocktail

Welcome back to Your Bourbon Journey for Episode 52 of Thirsty Thursday Cocktails! Tonight, we are heating up a cold January night with a bold, caffeinated modern classic: The Revolver.

While traditionally made with a high-rye bourbon, we are leveling up this recipe with a “Single Distillery” approach using the incredible spirits from Town Branch Distillery. We’re pairing the massive Town Branch True Cask Bourbon (Batch #005 at 108.6 proof) with the rich, bourbon-infused Bluegrass Sundown Coffee Liqueur.

The result? A velvety, high-proof riff on a Manhattan that features a “Trinity of Bitters” and a flamed orange peel showstopper. If you love Espresso Martinis or Manhattans, this is the winter cocktail you’ve been waiting for.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • Why High-Malt Bourbon creates a chocolatey, bready profile that loves coffee.
  • How to balance a 100+ proof cocktail with proper dilution.
  • The “Trinity of Bitters” (Mole, Orange, and Cherry) to bridge complex flavors.
  • The secret to the Flamed Orange Peel for a smoky, caramelized citrus aroma.

Recipe Ingredients:

  • 2 oz Town Branch True Cask Bourbon (108.6 Proof)
  • 0.5 oz Bluegrass Sundown Bourbon Coffee Liqueur
  • 1 Dash Mole Bitters (The Earthy Anchor)
  • 1 Dash Orange Bitters (The Brightener)
  • 1 Dash Cherry Bitters (The Fruit Pop)
  • Garnish: Torched Orange Peel

🛒 Featured Cocktail Ingredients & Tools

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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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Better Than a Manhattan? The Seelbach Sparkling Bourbon Special 

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The Seelbach Cocktail: A Sparkling Bourbon Classic for the New Year! (Ep. 51)

Happy New Year and welcome to 2026! We are kicking off the year with Episode 51 of Thirsty Thursday Cocktails. If you have leftover Champagne or sparkling wine from your New Year’s Eve celebrations, this is the ultimate way to use it.

Today we are diving into the history and the “lore” of the Seelbach Cocktail, a legendary drink from Louisville’s historic Seelbach Hotel. It’s the perfect bridge for whiskey lovers—it has the celebratory sparkle of Champagne but hits with the complexity of a Manhattan.

The Star of the Show: To stand up to the “heavy hand” of bitters in this recipe, I’m using a powerhouse: Old Forester Single Barrel Bourbon. At a whopping 129 proof, this bourbon brings the “pop” and spice needed to shine through the bubbles.

The Secret Sauce: Traditional Seelbachs can be sharp, but we are perfecting the balance today by adding 0.5 oz of Demerara syrup. This rounds out the 14 dashes of bitters and integrates perfectly with the dark brown sugar notes of the Old Forester.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • Why high-proof bourbon is essential for sparkling cocktails.
  • How to achieve the perfect “bitters bloom” in a coupe glass.
  • My pro-tip for using Demerara syrup to balance heavy aromatics.

The Recipe:

  • 1.5 oz Old Forester Single Barrel Bourbon (129 Proof)
  • 0.5 oz Cointreau
  • 0.5 oz Demerara Syrup
  • 7 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters
  • 7 dashes Aromatic (Angostura) Bitters
  • 5 oz Chilled Brut Champagne
  • Garnish: Expressed Long Orange Twist

Join the Journey: If you enjoyed this New Year’s Day special, please LIKE this video and SUBSCRIBE to Your Bourbon Journey!

Coming Up Next: Stay tuned as we kick off our January Winter Series next week! We’ll be focusing on “Warm & Weathered” pours to get you through the bitter cold of winter.

Drink Responsibly & Happy New Year!

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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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The Road to the 2025 Whiskey of the Year: The Blind Bracket Revealed!

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January 1, 2026

Happy New Year, Bourbon Family!

At Your Bourbon Journey, we spent all of 2025 searching for the absolute best pours on the market. We tasted over 100 expressions, from heritage Kentucky legends to innovative craft distillers. But now, the “fun” part of the year is over, and the evaluation begins.

Starting tomorrow, January 2nd, we launch our 2025 Whiskey of the Year Sweet Sixteen Playoff.

The Integrity of the Process

We believe the label on the bottle shouldn’t dictate the score. To find our winner, we use a 100% Blind Bracket System.

  1. Selection: We took our 12 Monthly Winners and our 4 highest-scoring runners-up (Wildcards).
  2. Seeding: Bottles were seeded based on their performance in our “Whiskey of the Quarter” battles.

The Playoff: A head-to-head, single-elimination tournament where we have no idea what is in the glass until the Championship trophy is awarded.

The Class of 2025: The Contenders

To make it into the Sweet Sixteen, these bottles had to be the best of their respective months. Here is the field of 16 that earned a spot in the starting bracket: (with links to the original tasting videos)

The #1 Seeds (Quarterly Winners)

The #2 Seeds (Quarterly Runners-Up)

The #3 Seeds (Quarterly 3rd Place)

The #4 Seeds (The Wildcards)

How to Follow the Tournament

We will be releasing the results in stages. Every bottle you see on the table will be masked. We won’t know the winners of the early rounds until the very end, ensuring that our palates stay objective through the Grand Finale.

  • Jan 2–5: The Sweet Sixteen (4 Videos)
  • Jan 6–7: The Elite Eight (2 Videos)
  • Jan 8: The Final Four
  • Jan 9: The Grand Finale & 2025 Champion Reveal

Who is your pick for the title? Will a #1 Seed hold the line, or are we looking at a “Cinderella Story” from the Wildcard ranks?

Subscribe to our Your Bourbon Journey YouTube channel to see every battle as it happens.

Cheers to the journey! — Wayne & Rebecca

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NOTE: All spirits in this tournament were purchased by us for the purpose of evaluation. We were not compensated by any producer for reviews or inclusion in this series. These rankings are based solely on our blind tasting scores and the performance of the liquid in the glass throughout the 2025 season.


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The BEST Whiskey of Q4 2025? Full Blind Tasting & Scores!

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Getting ready for the ultimate bourbon showdown? This Whiskey of the Quarter (WOTQ) Final features three heavyweight contenders battling for the top seed in the Sweet 16 bracket. From heirloom grains to complex secondary finishes, these are the best of the best from 2025.

In this blind tasting, Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey put the highly anticipated Bardstown Discovery #13, the unique Fountain Run Bottled in Bond, and the heritage-rich Patriotic Meri-COB to the test. Which bottle delivers the perfect “fastball,” and which one is the “changeup” that steals the show?

🥃 Featured Whiskeys:

  • Bardstown Discovery Series #13: A masterclass in blending, featuring an 8-year-old base finished in a mix of New American White Oak and Hungarian Oak. Released in August 2025, it’s being hailed as one of the best “Discos” yet.
  • Fountain Run Bottled In Bond: A rare release from Kentucky Artisan Distillery using a complex mash bill of Hickory Cane White Corn and Chocolate Malt. This fruit-forward “flower in a bottle” is a one-time run you don’t want to miss.
  • Patriotic Meri-COB (Glenns Creek Distilling): A 100% heirloom corn bourbon (Bloody Butcher, Hickory King, and Hoppi Blue) crafted with the expertise of heirloom grain specialist Tom Jones. It’s a vintage-style “dusty funk” powerhouse.

Who takes the #1 seed for the Whiskey of the Year tournament? Watch to find out!

Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the notification bell to follow our journey to the 2025 Whiskey of the Year!

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

✴️ Bardstown Discovery #13

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Bardstown Bourbon Company
  • Mash Bill: Blend
  • Age: youngest is 8 years
  • Secondary Finish: (4 months) 61 percent of final blend finished in new American White Oak; 39 percent of final blend finished in Hungarian Oak
  • Proof: 110.8
  • Released: August 2025

Original YouTube Review:

✴️ Fountain Run Bottled In Bond

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Kentucky Artisan Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 65% Hickory Cane White Corn, 20% Rye, 12% Distiller’s Malt, 3% Chocolate Malt
  • Age: 7 Years 4 Months
  • Proof: 100

Original YouTube Review:   

✴️ Patriotic Meri-COB

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Glenns Creek Distilling
  • Mash Bill: 100% Corn:  Bloody Butcher Red, Hickory King White, Hoppi Blue
  • Age: At least 36 months
  • Proof: 105
  • Released: July 2025

Original Video:  

❌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.

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Hard Truth Farmer’s Reserve: Better Than a Cigar Blend?

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Is This the Ultimate Cigar Whiskey? 🥃 Hard Truth Farmer’s Reserve Review

Can a whiskey taste like a churro? Today, Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey are cracking open a special find from High Spirits Liquor: the Hard Truth Farmer’s Reserve Sweet Mash Whiskey.

This isn’t just any bottle—it’s a limited-edition collaboration between Hard Truth Distilling Co. and the Mellencamp Whiskey Company. This “Release #2” in their collector’s series brings together two of Hard Truth’s most unique spirits and finishes them on exotic toasted Amburana wood.

The result? A high-viscosity, 106-proof pour that is absolutely “sweet-forward” and packed with notes of cinnamon, mocha, and dark chocolate.

In This Video, We Discuss:

  • The Blend: A marriage of Hard Truth’s Chocolate Malt Rye and their flagship Sweet Mash Bourbon.
  • The Amburana Effect: Does the “Brazilian Oak” take over, or does it play well with the chocolate malt?
  • The Perfect Pairing: Why Wayne thinks this bottle belongs in every cigar lover’s cabinet.
  • Value Proof: Is it worth the $70 MSRP (and the $76 we paid on Black Friday)?

Whether you are a die-hard rye fan or someone who usually finds whiskey too “spicy,” this Sweet Mash blend might be your new favorite entry point.

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✴️ Hard Truth Farmer’s Reserve Sweet Mash Whiskey

  • Classification: A Blend of Straight Whiskeys
  • Company: Hard Truth Distilling Co. (in collaboration with Mellencamp Whiskey Company)
  • Distillery: Hard Truth Distilling
  • Blend of two whiskeys: 
    • Hard Truth’s Chocolate Malt Rye Whiskey (51% Rye, 38% Corn, 11% Chocolate Malted Barley)
    • Hard Truth’s Sweet Mash Bourbon Whiskey (73% Corn, 19% Rye, 8% Malted Barley)
  • Age: NAS – at least 4 Years
  • Finished: Rested on toasted Amburana wood
  • Proof: 106
  • MSRP: $70
  • Released: 2024
  • Other: Limited-Edition Collector’s Series
  • Purchased: 11/28/25 for $76.49 at High Spirits Liquor Store, Evansville IN

❌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.

#HardTruthDistilling #MellencampWhiskey #BourbonReview #WhiskeyTasting #Amburana #SweetMash #ChocolateMaltRye #YourBourbonJourney #WhiskeyGram #IndianaWhiskey #CigarPairing #LimitedEditionWhiskey #BourbonLife #WhiskeyCollector #HardTruthFarmersReserve

Blind Whiskey Battle: December 2025 Champion Revealed! 

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Bourbon Battle: Whiskey of the Month (December 2025) 🥃

Happy Friday, Bourbon lovers! In this special holiday edition of Whiskey of the Month, Wayne and Rebecca sit down in the bourbon room to crown the December champion. This month’s lineup is one of the most competitive yet, featuring heavy hitters from Jim Beam, New Riff, Wenzel, and Glenns Creek Distilling.

From the oldest expression in Knob Creek history to a uniquely crafted 100% corn bourbon, this blind tasting was full of surprises. Watch as we break down the nose, palate, and finish of these four incredible whiskeys to see which bottle earns a spot in our Whiskey of the Year competition!

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

  • Knob Creek 21 Year Old
  • Patriotic Meri-COB
  • Silver Grove Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (2025)
  • Wenzel Toasted Barrel Proof Batch #01

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! 🍀

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

✴️ Knob Creek 21 Year Old

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: James B. Beam Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
  • Age: 21 Years > The oldest expression in distillery history
  • Proof: 100
  • Released: Oct 2025

Original Video:

✴️ Patriotic Meri-COB

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Glenns Creek Distilling
  • Mash Bill: 100% Corn:  Bloody Butcher Red, Hickory King White, Hoppi Blue
  • Age: At least 36 months
  • Proof: 105
  • Released: July 2025

Original Video:

✴️ Silver Grove Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (2025)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: New Riff Distilling
  • Mash Bill: 65% Corn, 30% Rye, 5% Malted Barley
  • Age: 4 Years
  • Proof: 110.3
  • Released: October 2025

Original Video:

✴️ Wenzel Toasted Barrel Proof Batch #01

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Wenzel LLC
  • Distillery: Sourced & Undisclosed Mashbill
  • Age: NAS (at least 4 years)
  • Proof: 111.8
  • Released: Sep 2025

Original Video:

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

NOTE:  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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