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.
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.
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.
Whether you’re a seasoned cigar aficionado or a high-proof bourbon hunter, this week’s “Wednesday Small Pours” is one you can’t miss! 🥃
Join Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey as they dive into two powerhouse expressions from Shortbarrel Bourbon. First up is the complex Cigar Batch (Gauge 36), a masterfully blended bourbon finished in four distinct casks—Armagnac, Cognac, Rum, and Tawny Port. Is it the ultimate pairing for your favorite full-bodied cigar?
Then, things get intense with a Watch Hill Proper Single Barrel clocking in at a massive 134 proof. We’re breaking down the legs, the “pops of pepper,” and that surprising minty finish. Plus, find out which bottle we’d actually “pull the trigger on” for our own collection!
Special thanks to Michael and Dawn from Chasing Neat for the bottle exchange at Bourbon Con!
Distillery: Blend of MGP (Indiana) and Bardstown (Kentucky) sourced barrels
Mash Bill: Blend of 36% Rye (MGP) and a lower-rye Kentucky bourbon
Age: 8-Year-Old MGP blended with various KY barrels; finished for 1–3 years
Proof: 114
MSRP: approximately $90–$95
Other: Non-chill filtered; finished in four distinct casks: Armagnac, Cognac, Rum, and Tawny Port. Designed specifically to pair with full-bodied cigars.
NOTE: The spirits in this review were provided to us by friends.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.
Meet the “Dream Team” Behind Jackson Purchase: Craig Beam & Terry Ballard
Is this the best 4-year-old bourbon on the market? Join us as we dive into Jackson Purchase Batch No. 1 Full Proof, the historic first house-release from a distillery that is rapidly becoming the talk of Western Kentucky.
We recently attended BourbonCon in Lexington, KY, where we had the honor of meeting the legendary Craig Beam (7th generation distiller, formerly of Heaven Hill) and Terry Ballard (formerly of Willett). This “Dream Team” has revitalized a dormant facility in Hickman, KY, bringing a 100% copper “Ghost Still” back to life to create something truly special.
In this tasting, we explore how the unique, humid microclimate of the Mississippi River Valley makes this 4-year bourbon drink like it’s 8 years old. From the deep brown sugar and floral notes on the nose to the surprising “pop” of rye spice on the finish, this 117.8 proof pour is a game-changer.
In this video:
The history of the “Ghost Still” and Jackson Purchase Distillery.
Meeting Craig Beam and the story behind Batch No. 1.
Deep-dive tasting notes: Brown sugar, caramel, black pepper, and floral rye.
Why this $59 MSRP bottle is a “Buy and Back it Up” recommendation.
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.
Four Roses Through the Ages: A Vintage vs. Modern Bourbon Journey 🌹
Join us at Your Bourbon Journey for a truly special tasting as we “Quantum Leap” through three distinct eras of Four Roses. We’re traveling from the mid-century “Lost Years” to the “Golden” Japanese export era of the 1990s, finally returning to the bold resurgence of today’s Small Batch Select.
In this episode, Wayne and Rebecca head to the tasting table with two rare finds from Revival Vintage Spirits and one modern powerhouse. We explore how a brand that was once diluted for the American market kept its soul alive in Japan before reclaiming its throne as a top-tier Kentucky producer. From surprising butterscotch notes in a 1950s blend to the elegant, crystal-like beauty of the 1997 Super Premium, this is a masterclass in the evolution of flavor, proof, and history.
What we’re tasting today:
The “Lost” Years (1945–1960): A blended whiskey featuring Series 111 tax seals and a surprising hit of honeysuckle.
The “Golden” Export (1997 Super Premium): A Japanese market exclusive designed to look like high-end crystal, showcasing the delicate V and K yeast strains.
The “Resurgence” (Small Batch Select): The modern-day 104-proof powerhouse that proves Four Roses is back and better than ever.
Whether you’re a fan of “dusty” hunting or you just love a solid pour of Four Roses Small Batch, there is something in this timeline for every whiskey enthusiast.
We highly recommend Revival Vintage Spirits for your vintage bottles: https://revivalky.com/
❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌
✴️ FOUR ROSES BLENDED WHISKEY (1945-1960)
Classification: Blended Whiskey
Distillery: Four Roses Lawrenceburg
35% straight whiskies. 65% grain neutral spirits. 25% straight whiskies 4 years old. 4% straight whiskies 6 years old.
Age: NAS (researched at 4–6-year blends)
Proof: 86
Tax Seal: Red, Series 111
FOUR ROSES SUPER PREMIUM VINTAGE 1997
Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Company: Kirin-Seagram Ltd.
Distillery: Four Roses Lawrenceburg
Bottled: Kirin-Seagram facility in Gotemba, Japan
Mash Bill – typically a blend of:
E: 75% Corn, 20% Rye, 5% Malted Barley
B: 60% Corn, 35% Rye, 5% Malted Barley
Yeast: Commonly the V (delicate fruit) and K (slight spice)
Age: Typically, at least 8 years old
Proof: 86
The Design: That clear bottle with the labeling printed directly on the glass was designed to look like high-end crystal for the Japanese “gift-giving” culture. It’s widely considered one of the most beautiful bottles Four Roses ever produced.
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.
A Dark Romance in a Glass: The Velvet Letter Bourbon Cocktail 🥃💌
Welcome to Your Bourbon Journey! Tonight, we are kicking off our two-part Valentine’s series with a spirit-forward “Dark Romance” build that is as sophisticated as a hand-written love letter. If a Manhattan is a classic evening gown, The Velvet Letter is its mysterious, dark velvet cloak.
This cocktail is a modern riff on a Black Manhattan, designed for those who prefer complexity over chocolate clichés. We use the “ink” of Merlet Crème de Cassis for a deep, moody hue and the “perfume” of Strongwater Lavender Bitters to mimic the scented stationery of the Victorian era. At the heart of it all is a bold declaration: Old Grand-Dad 114 Bourbon. The high-rye spice and 114 proof ensure the whiskey stands tall against the herbal weight of Cinzano Sweet Vermouth.
📜 A Sip of History: The Story Behind the Ingredients
While The Velvet Letter is a modern creation, every ingredient carries a legacy of romance and tradition:
The “Ink” (Cassis): A French café staple since the mid-1800s, this blackcurrant liqueur acts as the “ink” of our letter. Historically used in aperitifs to sharpen the mind and appetite, it brings a deep, moody hue to the glass.
The “Bond” (Old Grand-Dad 114): A nod to the legendary Basil Hayden, this high-rye bourbon represents the “bold declaration” of our letter. Its spicy punch is a tribute to pre-Prohibition Manhattans, which were far more robust than today’s versions.
The “Perfume” (Lavender): In the Victorian era, lovers separated by distance would scent their stationery with lavender. Using lavender bitters isn’t just a flavor choice—it’s a historical homage to those fragrant, handwritten tokens of affection.
Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day or just love a silky, berry-forward bourbon drink, The Velvet Letter is a must-try.
🛒 Shop the Bar tools & Ingredients
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Upgrade Your Old Fashioned: The Toronto Cocktail 🏎️💨
If the Old Fashioned is your daily driver, consider The Toronto your high-performance muscle car. It’s got more torque, more grip, and a bold flavor profile that demands your attention!
In Episode 55 of Thirsty Thursday Cocktails, Rebecca breaks down this sophisticated “Bitter Old Fashioned.” Originally appearing in 1948, this classic cocktail swaps standard bitters and sugar for the powerhouse punch of Fernet-Branca and the rich, smoky depth of Bourbon Barrel Aged Maple Syrup.
We’re putting a unique twist on the original by using Old Grand-Dad 114. This high-rye bourbon (27% rye mashbill) brings the heat of a rye whiskey, while its signature “peanut and vanilla” sweetness acts as a silencer, perfectly taming the medicinal notes of the Fernet.
In this video, you’ll learn:
Why Fernet-Branca is the “seasoning” your home bar needs.
How to use maple syrup as a bridge between Kentucky bourbon and Canadian history.
The secret to balancing herbaceous “snap” with rich, coating sweetness.
Stay tuned until the end for the full tasting notes—from the bright orange oil nose to the dry, minty finish that will leave you wanting another sip.
🔔 Subscribe for more Thirsty Thursday cocktails! Next week, we’re kicking off our Valentine’s Day series with romantic sips you won’t want to miss.
🥃 The Recipe: The Toronto
2 oz High-Rye Bourbon (Old Grand-Dad 114)
1/4 oz Fernet-Branca
1/4 oz Bourbon Barrel Aged Maple Syrup
2 Dashes Angostura Bitters
Garnish: Large Orange Twist
Preparation: Combine ingredients in a mixing glass with plenty of ice. Stir for 20-30 seconds until well-chilled. Strain into a chilled coupe or a rocks glass over one large clear ice cube. Express the orange peel over the drink and drop it in.
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Cheers to another Wednesday pour! 🥃 Today, Wayne and Rebecca are diving into two incredible bottles from Pursuit United, courtesy of our friends Dawn and Michael from Chasing Neat.
Pursuit United is known for their transparency and master-level blending, bringing together premium distillates from Bardstown Bourbon Co., Finger Lakes Distilling, and a secret Tennessee partner. In this episode, we put two distinct expressions to the test: the rich, dessert-forward Double Oaked Bourbon and the bold, high-octane Triple Mash Bourbon Barrel Proof.
From “maple bacon” and “chocolate-covered peanuts” on the Double Oaked to the “confectionary sugar” and massive legs on the Triple Mash, these bottles did not disappoint. One of these even earned the title of an “all day, twice on Sunday” must-buy!
Which one won the “eye candy” approval? Watch to find out!
📲 Connect With Us
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NOTE: The spirits in this review were provided to us by friends. 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.
Is Glenns Creek the Most Authentic Stop on the Bourbon Trail?
In this episode of Bourbon Trail Tales and Tastes, we’re heading deep into the heart of Frankfort, Kentucky, to visit our 57th distillery: Glenns Creek Distilling. Located on the historic, rugged grounds of the abandoned Old Crow Distillery, this is anything but a corporate tour.
Join us as we sit down for an unforgettable 2.5-hour tasting with the legendary and “eccentric” owner and master distiller, David Meier. From sticking our fingers in the mash to hearing the wild stories of how David propagated yeast from the original Old Crow Fermenter #5, this visit was a birthday highlight we won’t soon forget!
🥃 Bottles on the Table
We’re tasting two unique expressions that prove “lazy” isn’t in the Glenns Creek vocabulary:
OCD #5 Bourbon: The flagship. Crafted with a high-corn mash bill and that historic Old Crow yeast, this 103.2 proof beauty is packed with notes of toffee, butterscotch, and deep barrel char.
Café Olé Bourbon: Imagine OCD #5 with a dark side. By adding chocolate malted barley, David has created a mocha-forward masterpiece. Think dark chocolate, espresso, and rich butterscotch.
Have you ever braved the backroads to find Glenns Creek? David Meier is a legend in the making—tell us your favorite “Cranky Dave” story or which of these bottles you’re hunting next in the comments below! 👇
❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌
🥃 Bottle Details:
OCD #5 Bourbon
Classification: Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey
Company: Glenns Creek Distilling
Distillery: Glenns Creek Distilling
Mash Bill: 87% Corn, 8% Rye, 5% Barley
Yeast: Old Crow Yeast Fermenter #5
Age: 44 months
Proof: 103.2
MSRP: $66.04
Released: 2024
Other: Barrel 123, Bottle 3
Purchased: 02/23/24 for $66.04 at Glenns Creek Distilling
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.
Neely Family Distillery’s Old Jet Bourbon Flight: 5 Unique Barrel Finishes! 🥃
Happy Monday, Bourbon Family! Today Your Bourbon Journey is taking a deep dive into the Old Jet line from Neeley Family Distillery. We’re spending January opening up the “2025 Vault”—bottles we picked up late last year but haven’t had the chance to share with you until now.
Named in honor of the 19th-century Jett Brothers Distilling Company, these “Old Jet” expressions by Royce Neeley bridge the gap between Kentucky history and modern finishing techniques. From a bright Sake barrel finish to a powerhouse 41-month Toasted French Oak, this flight is full of surprises!
🥃 The “Old Jet” Flight Lineup:
Sake Barrel Finish
Time: 8 Months | Proof: 101 | Mash Bill: High Rye
Notes: Light, bright, and fruity—the perfect “spring” bourbon.
Amarone & New Toasted French Oak
Time: 7 Months | Proof: 100 | Mash Bill: High Rye
Notes: A beautiful marriage of red wine grape notes and sweet vanilla.
Notes: A powerhouse bottle with creamy French vanilla custard and bold wood notes.
📍 Visit Neeley Family Distillery:
If you’re traveling between Cincinnati and Louisville on I-71, make sure to stop by Sparta, KY (near the Kentucky Speedway). Royce and Rebekah are doing incredible things with pot-distilled, uncut, and unfiltered spirits. Tell ’em Wayne and Rebekah from Your Bourbon Journey sent you!
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.
Your Bourbon Journey 