bourbon trail

Bourbon & Whiskey News: January 2026

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02/02/26
Curated by Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Bourbon & Whiskey Industry Highlights from January 2026 >> 48 Stories!

In January 2026, the bourbon and whiskey industry experienced notable developments, including the announcement of a new Leadership Academy by the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, significant investments in Kentucky tourism, ongoing distillery closures, and a rising global bourbon market. Additionally, various distilleries celebrated awards and new product releases.

Industry Market News & Related Announcements >> 9 Stories

01/06: Kentucky Distillers’ Association announces 2026 Leadership Academy Class

01/08: US spirits bankruptcies pile pressure on bar menus

0/17: Kentucky’s Tourism Industry Surpasses Fourteen Billion USD with Record Growth in 2024-2026, Highlighting Bourbon, Arts, and Outdoor Recreation

01/18: Kentucky Tourism Transformation: One Hundred Eighteen Million USD in Investments to Revitalize Lexington, Louisville, and Beyond—Big Projects Begin in 2026!

01/20: More Bourbon Distilleries Are Closing. So What Happens to the Whiskey?

01/21: Kentucky Distillers’ Association Names New 2026 Board

01/21: Major Spirits Brands Are Sitting on a Massive $22 Billion Glut of Unsold Inventory: Report

01/22: Global Bourbon Whiskey Market Set to Reach $13.81 Billion by 2032 with a 7.4% CAGR

01/22: Best Online Bourbon Price Comparison Website

Distillery News >> 17 Stories

01/06: Jackson Purchase Distillery Wins Sustainability Award

01/07: Ownership transition at Iron Fish Distillery aims for continued success

01/08: Uncle Nearest Founders Accuse Former CFO of Fraud in New Lawsuit

01/08: Group interested in acquiring Uncle Nearest assets

01/09: Kentucky distillery boosting local economy in face of tariffs on bourbon

01/13: Casey Jones Distillery to enter new ownership, local brand to be preserved

01/13: B3 Beverage Adds Casey Jones Distillery to Their Family

01/16: Bankrupt Luca Mariano Distillery seeks buyer

01/16: Acclaimed Distillery Kentucky Owl Faces an Uncertain Future

01/19: Tennessee’s Company Distilling names CEO

01/19: Sustainability, creativity, drinkability: Inside Stillwagon Distillery

01/19: Buzzard’s Roost targets double-digit growth in 2026

01/19: Parent company of Kentucky Owl bourbon files for bankruptcy, moves to liquidate operations

01/20: ABD to acquire distillery in $7.7m deal

01/23: Top 10 distillery openings of 2025

01/24: Craft Whiskey Makers Are Turning to Heirloom Grains — Here Are 7 Bottles to Try

01/27: Lofted Spirits unveils fresh Bardstown Bourbon Co packaging

Distillery Trail >> 5 Stories

01/06: 6 Distillers Turning Virginia Into A Must-Visit Bourbon Destination

01/22: A First-Timer’s Guide to Soaking Up Louisville’s Bourbon Scene

01/22: Former home of bourbon great E.H. Taylor turned into boutique Ky. hotel

01/23: 7 Things You Should Know About Castle & Key, the Kentucky Distillery Housed in a Stunning Castle

01/29: Kentucky Bourbon Trail Adds 10 New Destinations

Awards Announced >> 3 Stories

01/10: 9 Standout Bourbons Crowned at the New Orleans Spirits Competition

01/21: Windsor-made whisky named Canadian Whisky of the Year

01/29: The World’s Best Whiskies of 2026: World Whiskies Awards Winners

Bourbon Festival News, Updates, & Planning >> 6

Feb 2026: Bourbon Classic, Louisville KY

Mar 2026: New Orleans Bourbon Festival

May 2026: BBQ & Barrels, Owensboro KY

Sep 2026: Kentucky Bourbon Festival, Bardstown KY

Sep 2026: Bourbon & Beyond, Louisville KY

Jan 2027: BourbonCon, Lexington KY

Bottle Releases >> 8 Stories

01/08: New Riff announces Single Malted Rye

01/08: Wyoming Whiskey Releases Highly Limited Barrel Strength #6429

01/12: Woodford Reserve and Compartés Return With Limited-Edition S’mores Chocolate Bar

01/13: Rebel Bourbon brings back Rebel Root Beer

01/16: One of Old Forester’s Most Popular Limited-Edition Bourbons Is Back

01/22: Maker’s Mark Cask Strength Bourbon Now Comes With An Age Statement

01/26: The Founders of Green Brier Distillery Just Relaunched Their Premium Bourbon Brand

01/27: Garrison Brothers to Release its First-Ever Bottled in Bond

Book Releases >> 0 Titles

Why You MUST Visit Glenns Creek Distilling in Frankfort, KY

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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

Café Olé Bourbon

  • Classification: Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Glenns Creek Distilling
  • Distillery: Glenns Creek Distilling
  • Mash Bill: 87% Corn, 8% Rye, 5% Chocolate Malted Barley
  • Yeast: Old Crow Yeast Fermenter #5
  • Age: 56 months
  • Proof: 105.8
  • MSRP: $64.15
  • Released: 2024
  • Other: Barrel 26, Bottle 200
  • Purchased: 02/23/24 for $64.15 at Glenns Creek Distilling

❌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.

#Bourbon #KentuckyBourbon #Glenns CreekDistilling #WhiskeyTasting #BourbonTrail #OldCrowDistillery #FrankfortKY #CraftDistillery #OCD5 #CafeOle #WhiskeyReview #BourbonJourney #KentuckyWhiskey #SingleBarrel #MasterDistiller

Bourbon Trail Stop in Lawrenceburg: Larrikin Review!

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Lawrenceburg Bourbon Company (Larrikin) Tasting & Review! 🥃

Welcome back to Bourbon Trail Tales and Tastes! In Episode 53, we are taking you back to February 2024 for a visit to our 56th unique distillery stop: Lawrenceburg Bourbon Company (now rebranded as Larrikin).

Located just a stone’s throw from the legendary Wild Turkey, we first met this team at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival and knew we had to pull in when we saw the “Open” sign. While they weren’t running full distillery tours during our visit, the tasting room experience led by Emily was top-notch!

In this video, we finally crack open a bottle we’ve been hunting for in our “closet bourbon” collection: the Lawrenceburg One Cask Series (Barrel A2). This 116-proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon is a sourced gem (likely from the Bardstown/Green River family) that packs a surprising punch of citrus and silk.

In This Episode, We Cover:

  • The Distillery Visit: Our experience at Lawrenceburg Bourbon Co. and why we’re excited to go back for their new cigar lounge and tours.
  • The Bottle Breakdown: Mash bill, age, proof, and MSRP details for the One Cask Series.
  • Tasting Notes: * Nose: Honeysuckle, florals, and a sweet “pancake syrup” aroma.
    • Palette: Silky viscosity, orange peel, and a mid-palate pop of ginger.
    • Finish: A long, peppery, and smooth lingering finish.
  • The Value Verdict: Is a 4-year-old sourced bourbon worth the $90 price tag? We discuss why supporting craft distilleries matters.

Are you a fan of sourced Kentucky bourbon? Let us know in the comments if you’ve tried Lawrenceburg or Larrikin yet!

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❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🥃 Bottle Details: Lawrenceburg One Cask Series

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Mash Bill: 70% Corn / 21% Rye / 9% Malted Barley
  • Age: 4 Years
  • Proof: 116 (Cask Strength)
  • Distillery: Sourced (BBC/Green River)
  • Price: $90 (Purchased 02/23/24)

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

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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 #KentuckyBourbon #WhiskeyTasting #LawrenceburgBourbonCo #Larrikin #BourbonTrail #SingleBarrel #CaskStrength #BourbonReview #WhiskeyLife #KentuckyStraightBourbon #BourbonJourney #DistilleryVisit #DrinkResponsibly #BourbonCommunity

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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❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🥃 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❌

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓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.

#BourbonJourney #PensiveDistilling #KentuckyBourbon #WhiskeyReview #NewportKY #BourbonTrail #SingleBarrel #Speakeasy #BourbonTasting #CraftDistillery #KYBourbon #WhiskeyLover #DrinkLocal #BLine #KentuckyHistory

Bourbon & Whiskey News: December 2025

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01/01/26
Curated by Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Bourbon & Whiskey Industry Highlights from December 2025 >> 50 Stories!

In December 2025, the bourbon and whiskey industry faced diverse developments, including American whiskey’s production decline, strategic partnerships, and bankruptcy filings. Notable awards highlighted the year’s best spirits. Upcoming festivals and new bottle releases signaled ongoing market engagement, while global trends indicated growing barrel demand for 2026.

Industry Market News & Related Announcements >> 12 Stories

12/01: Meet the Next Generation of Japanese Whisky Producers

12/03: Tariffs, Surpluses And Soft Demand—What’s Going On With American Whiskey?

12/04: Whiskey maker Brown-Forman tops Q2 sales estimates, sticks to annual targets

12/05: DUNAMIS PREMIUM SPIRITS AWAKENS SLEEPING GIANTS

12/09: How U.S. Distillers Are Weathering the Tariff Turmoil

12/09: Misunderstood Brands Announces Strategic Partnership with Lofted Spirits

12/10: World Spirits Report 2025: Scotch whisky

12/11: Brewery and distillery search engine launches

12/11: World Spirits Report 2025: American whiskey

12/11: American Whiskey Production Has Plummeted to a New Low

12/29: The Whiskey Trends That Defined 2025, From Ultra-Aged Bourbon to Smaller Formats

12/30: Global Demand Surge: The Growing Market for Used Whiskey, Wine & Rum Barrels in 2026

Distillery News >> 9 Stories

12/01: Luca Mariano Distillery files for bankruptcy

12/01: Building on tradition: How Holladay Distillery continues its legacy in Kansas City and beyond

12/10: Brother’s Bond Bourbon Wraps 2025 With Strong Global Growth and Market Momentum

12/11: KDA Announces Benson Valley Bourbon as Newest Member

12/11: Maker’s Mark nets first sports league sponsorship with Unrivaled

12/20: Why Is Jack Daniel’s So Cheap? The Mystery Behind America’s Best-Selling Whiskey

12/22: Jim Beam to pause production at its main distillery on Jan. 1

12/29: What Does ‘MGP’ Mean in American Whiskey?

12/30: Bardstown Bourbon Again Winds ENERGY STAR Certification

Distillery Trail >> 2 Stories

12/03: The Ingram Distillery Opening for Tours in 2026, Including The Chartered Experience

12/08: WhistlePig ‘crashes’ Louisville’s Bourbon district

Awards Announced >> 10 Stories

12/02: The World’s Best Scotch Whisky from the Top Shelf Awards Gala 2025

12/02: Best Value Whiskies From The Top Shelf Awards Gala 2025

12/05: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Rye Named Whisky Advocate’s 2025 “Whisky of the Year”

12/08: Award-Winning Whisky Design: Meet the 4 ‘Master’ Bottles of 2025

12/08: Starlight Distillery wins top honors at San Francisco World Spirits Competition

12/09: We Awarded Over 100 Bottles for the 2026 Men’s Journal Whiskey Awards. Here Are the Pours That Raise the Bar

12/10: The World’s Best American Single Malt Whiskey, According To BevTest

12/10: Distillery in Colorado wins “America’s Greatest Whiskey” award at International Spirits Competition

12/18: 2025’s Best World Whiskey, According To The Council Of Whiskey Masters

12/31: The 100 Best Whiskeys of 2025, Ranked

Bourbon Festival News & Updates >> 6 Upcoming

Jan: BourbonCon, Lexington KY

Feb: Bourbon Classic, Louisville KY

Mar: New Orleans Bourbon Festival

May: BBQ & Barrels, Owensboro KY

Sep: Kentucky Bourbon Festival, Bardstown KY

Sep: Bourbon & Beyond, Louisville KY

Bottle Releases >> 11 Stories

12/02: Wilderness Trail Distillery Debuts 6-Year-Old Private Barrel Offering

12/03: Ole Smoky® Distillery Announces Launch of New Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey

12/03: WhistlePig’s 30-Year-Old BigShəBäng Rewrites North American Malt Whiskey History

12/05: Old Forester Honors its Prohibition Legacy with New 117 Series Release

12/09: Liberty Pole to Release Double Oaked Wheated Bourbon

12/09: A Dozen Tennessee Distilleries Have Blended Their Whiskeys Together for This Excellent New Expression

12/10: Chattanooga Whiskey Opens Up Their Experimental Vault For Three New Releases

12/10: Garrison Brothers Releases 2025 Cowboy Bourbon

12/11: Midleton rounds off 200th anniversary with 28YO whiskey

12/15: Heaven Hill Distillery Announces Fall 2025 Edition of the Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Decanter Series

12/19: One of the Top American Craft Distilleries Just Brought Back One of Its Best Whiskeys

Book Releases >> 0 Titles

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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❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🔥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❌

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

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.

#BlindTasting #WhiskeyOfTheQuarter #BardstownBourbonCo #Discovery13 #GlennsCreekDistilling #FountainRun #BlindTasting #BourbonJourney #KentuckyBourbon #WhiskeyOfTheYear #BourbonHunting #HeirloomGrains #BottledInBond #BourbonLovers #WOTQ

Hidden Gem Alert: Our 55th Distillery! 🥃

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A Hidden Gem on the Bourbon Trail: Augusta Distillery & Buckner’s 10 Year Review

Is the Northern Kentucky bourbon scene the best-kept secret on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail? In today’s episode, we’re taking you to the charming river town of Augusta, Kentucky, to visit our 55th stop: Augusta Distillery.

From walking through funky tunnels and exploring historic blueprints to a private tour with the amazing Tracy, we’re sharing the full experience of this underrated distillery. We even got a rare chance to taste the mash straight from the line (Wayne’s favorite breakfast!).

We’re also cracking open a heavy hitter: Buckner’s 10 Year Single Barrel Bourbon. This 125-proof beast is widely believed to be sourced from Barton 1792, and the flavors do not disappoint. We’re talking massive cherry, honey-roasted peanuts, and a finish that lasts for days.

📍 Visit Augusta Distillery

If you are visiting Northern Kentucky or the Covington/Newport area, do not skip the drive to Augusta! Located just 25 minutes away, it’s a beautiful riverside destination near other greats like Old Pogue and the new Baker-Bird Distillery. With legendary Master Distiller Alex Castle now at the helm, Augusta Distillery is building a powerhouse future.

If you enjoyed this journey, hit that SUBSCRIBE button and join us as we travel the Bourbon Trail!

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❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

✴️ Buckner’s 10 Year Single Barrel

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Distilled and aged in Kentucky (closely linked to Barton 1792)
  • Bottled by Augusta Distillery
  • Mash Bill: (thought to be) 78% Corn, 13% Rye, 9% Malted Barley
  • Age: 10 Years
  • Proof: 125
  • MSRP: $149.99
  • Released: 2024
  • Other: Barrel 47, Bottle 129,
  • Purchased: 01/24/24 for $149.99 at the Augusta Distillery

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓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.

#Bourbon #Whiskey #AugustaDistillery #KentuckyBourbonTrail #BucknersBourbon #BourbonReview #SingleBarrel #WhiskeyTasting #Barton1792 #AlexCastle #KentuckyBourbon #BourbonJourney #DrinkCurious #BourbonTrail #WhiskeyGram

Nearest Green Distillery Tour: MUST SEE in Tennessee

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🎉 BTTT E48: Uncle Nearest Single Barrel (123.3 Proof) Review & World’s Longest Bar! 🥃

Join Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey for Episode 48 of Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes as they kick off their Tennessee Whiskey series with a visit to the historic and beautiful Uncle Nearest Distillery in Shelbyville, TN! Experience a virtual tour of the stunning, 400+ acre former Tennessee Walking Horse Farm (Distillery #51 for them!) and get the inside scoop on their multi-dimensional tour, speakeasy, and impressive rick house.

But the real showstopper? The world-record-holding Humble Baron Bar! Find out how this incredible 518-foot bar earned its place in the Guinness World Records.

Whiskey Review Spotlight: Uncle Nearest Single Barrel 070

After an extensive tasting at the distillery, they review their special purchase: Uncle Nearest Single Barrel 070.

  • Classification: Tennessee Whiskey (Lincoln County Process)
  • Proof: 123.3 (Cask Strength!)
  • Tasting Notes: Discover why Wayne (getting black pepper and cinnamon warmth) and Rebecca (finding toffee, dark chocolate, and brown sugar notes) have a savory vs. sweet experience! This high-proof, aged expression is a far cry from the baseline and is a must-try for any true whiskey enthusiast.

If you weren’t a fan of the standard Uncle Nearest, this Single Barrel review will challenge your impression!

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❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

✴️ Uncle Nearest Single Barrel 070

  • Classification: Tennessee Whiskey
  • Distillery: Sourced/Tennessee (Possibly Dickel)
  • Mash Bill: Unknown
  • Age: NAS (estimated to be 8-11 years)
  • Proof: 123.3
  • MSRP: $79.99
  • Purchased: 08/19/23 for $79.99 at Uncle Nearest Distillery

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓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.

#UncleNearest #TennesseeWhiskey #SingleBarrel #HumbleBaron #WorldsLongestBar #WhiskeyReview #CaskStrength #NearestGreen #whiskeytasting #ShelbyvilleTN #DistilleryTour #BourbonTrailTalesAndTastes #BlackOwned #HighProof #LincolnCountyProcess 

Bourbon & Whiskey News: November 2025

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12/01/25
Curated by Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Bourbon & Whiskey Industry Highlights from November 2025 >> 52 Stories!

In November 2025, the bourbon and whiskey industry saw notable developments, including declining sales for a large distillery, opportunities for American blended whiskey, and significant growth in craft spirits. Key events included distillery construction, award recognitions, and numerous new bottle releases, reflecting a dynamic market landscape.

Industry Market News & Related Announcements >> 12 Stories

11/03: One of the Largest Whiskey Distilleries in the U.S. Just Saw Its Sales Plummet Again

11/05: Why American Blended Whiskey’s Time Has Finally Come

11/05: Is American whiskey in trouble?

11/05: DISCUS Hosted Successful Trade Mission of U.S. Distilleries to Europe

11/06: ‘Painful Evaporation of Opportunities’: Government Shutdown Takes a Toll on Craft Distillers

11/09: India to emerge as largest scotch market, exploring partnership with Indian malt makers: Scotch Whisky Association

11/11: Buffalo Trace unveils most remote tasting room in US

11/14: Malt Whiskey Market May Set New Growth Story

11/19: Bourbon Whiskey Market Growth Outlook Strengthened by Strategic Collaborations and R&D Investments Through 2033

11/24: Big Things Are Happening in the Small World of Wheat Whiskey

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11/29: Distillery Ups and Downs of 2025: Craft Spirits Industry Is Shifting, but Not Shaken

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11/10: Copper & Kings Launches New Core Portfolio, Ushering in a Bold New Era for American Brandy

11/10: Tennessee Distilling in talks to acquire Waterford Whisky for €6m

11/13: A Well-Known Kentucky Distillery Files Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

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11/28: Catoctin Creek seeks investors

Distillery Trail >> 2 Stories

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11/05: Every Award-Winning Whisky From The New York World Spirits Competition 2025

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11/18: The Best World Whiskies From The 2025 New York World Spirits Competition

11/27: World’s Best Whiskies From The Top Shelf Awards 2025

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Jan: BourbonCon, Lexington KY

Feb: Bourbon Classic, Louisville KY

Mar: New Orleans Bourbon Festival

Bottle Releases >> 19 Stories

11/03: Knob Creek Just Released Its Oldest Bourbon Ever

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11/06: Michter’s To Release Its 20 Year Bourbon

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11/13: Blade and Bow Unveils Its Oldest Whiskey Ever, a Rare 30-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon

11/18: Bardstown Bourbon Releases French Brandy Barrel Finish

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11/20: Milam & Greene Whiskey Releases Very Limited Quantity of Unabridged Volume 4

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Book Releases >> 3 Titles

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Updated 12/2025 (Amazon): American Whiskey Master Class: The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Bourbon, Rye, and Other American Whiskeys

Pre-Order: Experiencing American Whiskey!

Pre-Order for 12/09 (Amazon): Savour: A guide to tasting and exploring whiskies of the world

Mint Julep VIP Tour: Log Still ’23 Bardstown Collection Review 

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🍒🔥 Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes Episode 47: Log Still Bardstown Collection 2023 Review (Toasted Cherry S’mores?!)

Join Wayne and Rebecca on Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes Episode 47 as they finally crack open a very special, two-and-a-half-year-old bottle: the Log Still Distillery Bardstown Collection 2023 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey!

This unique and highly-coveted limited edition bourbon was secured during the exclusive Mint Julep VIP Bardstown Bourbon Collection Tour. Wayne and Rebecca share all the details of their special two-day experience, including a scenic train ride, an exquisite lunch, meeting founders Wally, Lynne, and Charles Dant, and a memorable first tour of the beautiful Log Still Distillery campus in New Haven, KY.

Is this bottle worth the hype (and the $199.99 price tag)? Find out if this toasted oak finished bourbon is a must-have for your collection!

🥃 The Whiskey: Log Still Bardstown Collection 2023

This 8-year-old, 117.7 proof high-rye bourbon is a truly distinctive pour. Sourced from the renowned Barton 1792 Distillery‘s high-rye mash bill, Log Still added an innovative final touch: a finishing period in highly-toasted oak barrels.

Tasting Notes (Their Journey): Get ready for a fascinating flavor profile! Wayne and Rebecca dive deep into the nose and palate, discovering:

  • Nose: Distinct cherry notes (classic Barton profile) with a beautiful toasty character.
  • Palate: An explosion of Luxardo cherry upfront, quickly followed by a savory, delicious toasted oak and char goodness. Rebecca even finds surprising notes of dark cocoa, leading to the fun description of a “chocolate cherry s’more” vibe!
  • Finish: Long, warm, and effervescent, carrying the barrel notes and a unique combination of toasted cherry and black pepper.

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❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

✴️ Log Still’s Bardstown Collection 2023

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Sourced – Barton 1792 Distillery
  • Mash Bill: High-Rye Bourbon Mash Bill
  • Age: 8 Years
  • Finishing: Highly-toasted oak barrels
  • Proof: 117.7
  • Other: 2023 with the Bardstown Collection
  • Purchased: 06/30/23 for $199.99 at Log Still Distillery

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓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.

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