bourbon trail

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!

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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.

#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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✴️ 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❌

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

#Bourbon #Whiskey #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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✴️ 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❌

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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.

#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

11/24: The US states selling the most Tequila and American whiskey

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

Distillery News >> 7 Stories

11/01: Construction Begins on Large, New Spirits Distillery

11/03: B.R. Distilling Company Selects Ben E. Keith Beveragesto Grow Blue Note Straight Bourbon Whiskey Footprint in Texas

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

11/26: Uncle Nearest Distillery Makes New Move in Fight Against Receivership

11/28: Catoctin Creek seeks investors

Distillery Trail >> 2 Stories

11/11: I Biked 175 Miles Through the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

11/12: This Kentucky Distillery Was Just Named The Best Bourbon Tour In The Country

Awards Announced >> 6 Stories

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

11/06: Wood Hat Spirits Recognized As National Winner In Whiskey Competition

11/11: Covington distillery wins top honor at world’s most prestigious spirits competition

11/12: Sazerac wins IWSC 2025 Bourbon Whiskey Producer Trophy

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

Bourbon Festival News & Updates >> 3 Upcoming

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

11/04: Heaven Hill Distillery Celebrates 90 Years of Independent Family Ownership with Limited 9-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Release

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

11/06: Willett Releases Family Estate Small Batch

11/07: Castle & Key Releases Two Cask Strength Expressions

11/07: WhistlePig’s Golden Pig-Shaped Bottle of Rye Whiskey Is Back Just in Time for the Holidays

11/07: Jim Beam Just Dropped a New Edition of Its Stellar Experimental Whiskey

11/07: World Whiskey Society Releases Doc Holliday 16 Year Cigar Blend

11/08: Cedar Ridge Distillery drops its highly anticipated double barrel whiskeys

11/10: Old Forester to Honor Allen with Single Barrel Release

11/10: Barrell Craft Spirits® Releases Barrell Bourbon New Year 2026

11/13: Buffalo Trace Launches Sazerac Rye Full Proof

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

11/18: World Whiskey Society Unveils 12-Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Finished in Pear Brandy Casks

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

11/20: Wyoming Whiskey Releases Fifth National Parks Expression

11/21: New Riff Brings Back Winter Whiskey, Sherry Rye for Holidays

11/24: Buffalo Trace brings 2025 Antique Collection to UK

Book Releases >> 3 Titles

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 

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.

Don’t forget to hit the like button, subscribe for more whiskey adventures, and share your thoughts in the comments!

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✴️ 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🚨

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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.

#LogStillDistillery #BardstownCollection #bourbonreview #KentuckyStraightBourbon #ToastedOakFinish #WhiskeyReview #LimitedEditionBourbon #HighRyeBourbon #bourbontrail #Barton1792 #LogStill #whiskeytasting #BourbonVlog #NewHavenKY #WhiskeyCollector 

The Bourbon Trail’s Grand Finale: Woodford Reserve 

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🥃 FINAL STAMP! Woodford Reserve Wheat Review & Kentucky Bourbon Trail DOUBLE Complete! | Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes E46

Join Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey for the emotional final stop on their incredible quest to complete the entire Kentucky Bourbon Trail (both the main and craft trails)! In Episode 46 of Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes, they take you back to May 21, 2023, at the stunning Woodford Reserve Distillery in Versailles, KY.

This visit was momentous — the 50th distillery and the 42nd and final stamp on the trail, achieved after 13 months and 394 days! Hear all about the beautiful limestone campus, the breathtaking cathedral-like still house featuring six massive Scottish copper pot stills, and the memorable bottle etching ceremony that book-ended their journey (starting with a Knob Creek bottle and ending with a commemorative Woodford Reserve).

Plus, they finally unveil their grand prize for completing the double trail (the Heritage and Craft trails): a commemorative bourbon barrel stave!

🥃 Woodford Reserve Wheat Whiskey Review

Wayne and Rebecca taste the Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey (90.4 Proof, 52% Wheat mash bill) that they picked up on a later trip.

The Woodford Reserve Wheat Whiskey features a unique mash bill of 52% Wheat, 20% Corn, 20% Malted Barley, and 8% Rye. Typically, wheat whiskeys are known for their sweet, bread, and confectionary notes. Did this one live up to the standard set by favorites like Bernheim or Maker’s Mark Star Hill Farms?

Watch the episode to see if this pour gets a recommendation and hear why, even if the Wheat Whiskey wasn’t their favorite, the Woodford Reserve Distillery tour is a must-see destination!

Tasting Notes (Spoiler Alert!):

  • Nose: Surprisingly off-putting, with notes of “industrial,” “turpentine,” and unexpected ethanol for a 90.4 proof pour.
  • Palate: Described as bitter and not featuring the expected sweet wheat notes. An unusual profile for this grain type.

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✴️ Woodford Reserve Wheat Whiskey

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey
  • Company: Brown-Forman
  • Distillery: Woodford Reserve
  • Mash Bill: 52% Wheat, 20% Corn, 20% Malted Barley, 8% Rye
  • Age: NAS (at least 4 years)
  • Proof: 90.4
  • Purchased: 05/21/23 for $39.99 at Woodford Reserve Distillery

❌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.

#WoodfordReserve

#KentuckyBourbonTrail

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#WoodfordReserveWheat

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125 Proof Woodford Rye! Fresh Crack & Tasting Notes

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🥃 Woodford Reserve Barrel Strength Rye Review | First EVER High Proof Rye from Woodford! (Distiller’s Select)

Join Wayne and Rebecca on Your Bourbon Journey as they do a fresh crack and whiskey tasting of the Woodford Reserve Barrel Strength Rye! This limited edition Distiller’s Select release is a game-changer for Woodford Reserve—it’s their first-ever high-proof rye whiskey, bottled at a powerful 125.1 proof!

Are these high-proof whiskey lovers (who usually skip the 90.4 proof standard Woodford) impressed by this Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey? Find out as they dive into the complex flavor profile, nose, and finish of this new, hard-to-find bottle.

From the intriguing 53% rye mash bill and beautiful color to unexpected notes of orange zest and clove, tune in to see if this barrel strength rye is a must-buy and if it makes the cut for their Whiskey of the Month selection!

Key Takeaways from this Whiskey Review:

  • Proof Point: A robust 125.1—a massive step up from Woodford’s standard.
    Tasting Notes: Discover the surprising orange marmalade and clove notes, along with classic rye spice and black pepper.
  • Value: Is this $129.99 MSRP limited edition rye worth the hype and the price?
  • Mash Bill: Learn how the 53% Rye, 33% Corn, 14% Malted Barley blend impacts the taste.

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📝 Woodford Reserve Barrel Strength Rye Details

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
  • Company: Brown-Forman
  • Distillery: Woodford Reserve
  • Mash Bill: 53% Rye, 33% Corn, 14% Malted Barley
  • Age: NAS (likely 4-6 years)
  • Proof: 125.1 (Barrel Strength)
  • MSRP: $129.99 (700ml)
  • Released: 10/2/2025
  • Other: Limited Edition, Distiller’s Select, first high-proof rye
  • Purchased: 10/29/25 for $120 at Archie & Clyde’s in Newburgh, IN

❌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.

#woodfordreserve #BarrelStrengthRye #WhiskeyReview #RyeWhiskey #HighProofWhiskey #bourbonjourney #DistillersSelect #whiskeytasting #KentuckyRye #NewWhiskey #LimitedEdition #WhiskeyLife #bourbon #BrownForman #FreshCrack 

Four Roses OESV 126 Proof: Bourbon Trail Tale & Review 

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🔥 Four Roses!  Distillery Stop 41 of 42 on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail PLUS an OESV Private Selection Review!

Join Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey as they recount their momentous 49th new distillery visit to the beautiful Four Roses Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky! This stop was a critical step on their journey, leading them right up to the final stamp on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail (KBT Stamp 41!).

Wayne and Rebecca also share their insider experience from the gorgeous Four Roses campus, their memorable tour with guide Gracie, and the fascinating history of the adjacent Rick houses now owned by Wild Turkey. Plus, they share a fun bit of Kentucky bourbon trivia by hunting down the McBrayer, Kentucky sign—a nod to the family’s deep roots in the area’s distilling history!

The episode features a detailed tasting and review of a sought-after Four Roses Private Selection Single Barrel bottle—hand-selected by Master Distiller Brent Elliott himself! They dive deep into the tasting notes of this particular OESV mash bill expression (75% Corn, 20% Rye, 5% Malted Barley) that clocks in at a robust 126 Proof.

Tasting Highlights:

  • Nose: The “lower rye” mash bill combines with the ‘V’ delicate fruit yeast to present notes of springtime freshness, cinnamon, and confectionary sugar.
  • Palate: The experience shifts to a darker, more savory profile with welcome spicy notes, caramel, black pepper, and a surprising rye component.

This is a must-watch for fans of Four Roses, single barrel bourbons, and anyone following the Kentucky Bourbon Trail journey! Don’t miss their discussion on the 10 Four Roses Recipes and the unique flavor profiles of each!

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❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

✴️ Four Roses Private Selection Single Barrel OESV

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Four Roses
  • Mash Bill: (OESV) 75% Corn, 20% Rye, 5% Malted Barley
  • Age: 10 Years, 1 Month
  • Proof: 126
  • Purchased: 05/21/23 for $99 at Four Roses Distillery in Lawrenceburg, KY

❌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.

#FourRosesBourbon #PrivateSelection #KentuckyBourbonTrail #bourbonreview #OESV #BarrelStrength #BrentElliott #KentuckyWhiskey #bourbontasting #DistilleryVisit #WhiskeyLife #bourbonjourney #KBT #SingleBarrel 

SWEETEST ECBP? Elijah Craig C925 129 Proof Bourbon! 

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🥳 Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C925: First Single-Digit Age Statement! | Sweet & Bright Bourbon Review 🥃

Welcome to Your Bourbon Journey! In this exciting whiskey review, Wayne and Rebecca finally crack open the highly anticipated Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Batch C925—the final release of 2025!

This batch is already making waves in the bourbon community because it’s the first-ever ECBP release since 2013 to carry a “single-digit” age statement: 9 Years, 1 Month! Does a slightly younger age compromise the classic profile, or does it bring a new, sweeter dimension?

We’ll take a deep dive into the specs, the nose, the palate, and the finish of this 129 Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey from Heaven Hill.

✨ Why This Batch is Unique

This C925 stands out not just for its age but for its tasting experience. As long-time ECBP fans, we compare it to the B525 and other past batches, finding it a uniquely sweeter pour that might be perfect for those who typically find Elijah Craig Barrel Proof too heavy on the oak. Could this be the batch to convert a wheated bourbon fan?

🔍 Elijah Craig Tasting Notes

Flavor Profile: The younger age seems to shift the profile, bringing forward notes of confectionary sugar and cherry sweetness, making it lighter, brighter, and an interesting outlier that leans toward a “wheater-like” experience despite its traditional mash bill. It’s a surprisingly smooth and calm sipper for the high proof, with heat developing mid-palate before fading slowly.

🎯 Blind Tasting Challenge!

Stay tuned! We’re planning a blind tasting showdown in December with all three 2025 Elijah Craig Barrel Proof releases (A125, B525, and C925) to see which batch truly reigns supreme this year!

Did you find a bottle of C925? Let us know what you think in the comments!

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❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

✴️ Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Batch C925

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Heaven Hill Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 78% Corn, 12% Malted Barley, 10% Rye
  • Age: 9 Years, 1 Month
  • Proof: 129
  • MSRP: $75
  • Released: September 2025; Final Batch of 2025
  • Other: This is the first time since the ECBP series began in 2013 that a batch has carried an age statement under 10 years (a “single digit” age statement).
  • Purchased: 10/29/25 for $65 at Archie & Clyde’s in Newburgh, IN

❌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.


#ElijahCraig #ECBP #ElijahCraigBarrelProof #ECBPC925 #HeavenHill #BourbonReview #WhiskeyReview #BarrelProof #KentuckyBourbon #CaskStrength #BourbonTasting #NewBourbon #WhiskeyTube #BourbonLife #WhiskeyLover