Bourbon & Whiskey News: August 2025

September 1, 2025August 31, 2025 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

09/01/25
Curated by Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Bourbon & Whiskey Industry Highlights from August 2025 >> 54 Stories!

In August 2025, the bourbon and whiskey industry faced significant challenges, particularly with Gen Z’s disinterest and bankruptcies among distilleries. Despite a turbulent market, experts suggested a potential long-term recovery. Numerous distillery developments and new bottle releases continued to unfold, highlighting resilience amidst adversity.

Industry Market News & Related Announcements >> 7 Stories

08/05: Kentucky’s $9B whiskey industry in crisis as Gen Z drinkers shun bourbon, tariffs take toll

08/05: Kentucky whiskey bankruptcies: Which distilleries are broke, and why

08/06: One of the World’s Biggest Spirits Companies Just Saw Its Profits Drop 28%

08/08: What Happens After a Whisky Cask Investment Company Goes Under?

08/19: InvestBev Calls Bourbon Market Adjustment a Healthy Reset — Long-Term Growth Story Remains Intact

08/22: KDA statement on return to zero tariffs on bourbon in Canada

08/26: InvestBev Founder, Brian Rosen, Asserts Trade Headwinds Cannot Derail America’s Native Spirit

Distillery News >> 13 Stories

08/01: One of America’s Biggest Whiskey Distilleries Has Seen Its Sales Plummet

08/04: Multimillion-dollar lawsuit filed against whiskey distiller Uncle Nearest

08/04: Uncle Nearest hit by $100m lawsuit

08/05: Fawn Weaver responds to lawsuit with ‘Operation Clear the Shelves’ campaign

08/05: Bourdon Spirits Company Acquires Copper & Kings from Constellation Brands

08/06: Multiple Kentucky Whiskey Distilleries File for Bankruptcy

08/12: Pursuit Spirits to Open Whiskey Row Location Aug. 14

08/12: Mixologist Molly Wellmann joins Kentucky distillery in new role

08/13: Buffalo Trace’s First-Ever Restaurant Will Serve Lunch, Cocktails, and Kentucky Charm

08/14: RD1 Spirits Ranks No. 1 in Kentucky, No. 280 Nationally on the Inc. 5000 List of America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies

08/15: Fawn Weaver loses control of Uncle Nearest

08/21: Middle West Spirits appoints former Old Elk lead as CCO

08/26: Ole Smoky Distillery Appoints Michael Novy Chief Executive Officer

Distillery Trail >> 2 Stories

08/12: Kentucky Bourbon Trail Experts Josh and Victoria Hoff of WhiskMe Transportation Share Trip Planning Advice in HelloNation

08/26: The Trail Hotel Joins Kentucky Bourbon Trail

Awards Announced >> 7 Stories

08/06: The American Whiskey Masters 2025 results

08/10: Top 5 Whiskies In The World From The International Whisky Competition 2025

08/16: The Best American Single Malt Whiskey, According To The Beverage Testing Institute

08/20: America’s Best Rye Whiskey, According To The Beverage Testing Institute

08/20: Indiana Distillery Earns Prestigious Honor During Heartland Whiskey Competition

08/26: In Era of Evolution, Michter’s Retains its Crown as World’s Most Admired Whiskey

08/26: AMERICAN DISTILLING INSTITUTE NAMES SOUTHERN DISTILLING COMPANY ‘2025 DISTILLERY OF THE YEAR’

Bourbon Festival News & Updates >> 1 Story

08/06: Cheers to 35 years: Kentucky Bourbon Festival announces 2026 dates

Bottle Releases >> 23 Stories

08/04: Heaven Hill Distillery Announces 2025 Parker’s Heritage Collection Limited Edition Bottling

08/04: Jack Daniel’s Announces Launch of Tennessee Blackberry

08/04: A. Smith Bowman Abraham Bowman Oak Series Hungarian Oak

08/05: Garrison Brothers Distillery Releases Rare 8-Year Whiskey

08/06: Cedar Ridge Releases Anniversary Edition Bourbon

08/08: New Riff Revives Award-Winning Red Turkey Wheat Bourbon

08/08: One of Heaven Hill’s Most Collectible Whiskeys, Old Fitzgerald VVS, Is Back—and We Got a First Taste

08/13: Rhythm River Distillery’s new bourbon hitting store shelves on Thursday

08/14: Woodford Reserve Releases New Distillery Series: Its First American Single Malt

08/17: Taste Test: This Indiana Craft Distillery’s New Bourbon Shows How Good Hoosier Whiskey Can Be

08/18: Remus Repeal Reserve Series IX launches in tribute to Prohibition’s end

08/18: Old Forester’s Beloved Birthday Bourbon 2025: 12 years old, 92 proof and sweet mash

08/19: Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged Returns in 2025 – A Masterful Blend of the Brand’s Oldest Bourbons

08/19: FOUR ROSES SET TO LAUNCH 2025 LIMITED EDITION SMALL BATCH ON SEPTEMBER 3

08/19: Michter’s Continues Its Toasted Barrel Finish Series With Launch of 2025 Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Sour Mash

08/19: Buzzard’s Roost Distillery Introduces New Cigar Blend Bourbon

08/19: Blue Run Spirits Unveils “Glimmer” — A Kentucky Straight Bourbon Finished in Gin Barrels

08/21: Penelope Bourbon introduces the 2025 Estate Collection

08/22: Baker’s Bourbon Releases Limited 13 Year Old Single Barrel

08/26: Bardstown Bourbon Reveals 2025 Annual Releases: Discovery #13 & Ferrand II

08/27: Pursuit Spirits Releases Highly Limited Old Anvil Bourbon

08/27: Union Horse Distilling Co. Announces Year-Round Release of Bottled-in-Bond Straight Bourbon Whiskey to Their Stable of Brands

08/28: Heaven Hill Distillery Debuts Artist Series Collection for Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond Featuring Kentucky Artist Bri Bowers

Book Releases >> 1 Preview

Expected 09/09: The Whiskey Bible: A Definitive Guide to the World’s Most Storied Spirit” by Noah Rothbaum

Is Town Branch Distillery Worth a Stop on the Bourbon Trail?

August 26, 2025August 25, 2025 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes Episode 34 – Town Branch Distillery

Get ready for an adventure down the Kentucky Bourbon Trail as we revisit a nice stop in Lexington, KY in April 2023. In this episode, we’re taking you back to our very first visit to Town Branch Distillery which was our 39th distillery and our 31st stamp in our Kentucky Bourbon Trail Book!

Join us as we relive every moment from our initial tour of the Town Branch Distillery. But the excitement doesn’t stop there! We’ll then uncork a bottle of their Town Branch True Cask for an in-depth tasting. What hidden notes and unique flavors await us in this one-of-a-kind pour?

Click play ▶️ now to join the adventure!

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What’s a bourbon trail journey without a good story? 🥃 Welcome to Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes, where we dive into the unforgettable moments and hidden gems we discovered while exploring Kentucky’s iconic trail. Join us as we uncork the profound memories that have stayed with us long after the last pour. We’ll revisit the unexpected finds and the bottles that truly surprised us with their exceptional, intricate flavors. So, what stood out as the most memorable sip, and how have those experiences shaped our palates today? Get ready for a passionate retelling of the adventures, the connections, and the spirits that make the Bourbon Trail so much more than just a destination.

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#bourbonreview #KentuckyBourbonTrail #TownBranch

Learn more about Town Branch: https://lexingtonbrewingco.com/

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ABOUT THE BOTTLE REVIEWED

✴️ Town Branch True Cask

Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Company: Lexington Distilling Co
Distillery: Town Branch Distillery
Mash Bill: Undisclosed – A blend of our two Kentucky mashbills
Age: NAS – at least 4 years
Proof: 108.6
Other: An uncut blend of our two Kentucky mashbills
Purchased: 04/14/23 for $65.99 at Town Branch Distillery

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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.

We Found Larceny B525 at Costco! (Review)

August 25, 2025August 22, 2025 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

Join Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey as they finally get their hands on one of the most sought-after releases of the year: Larceny Barrel Proof Batch B525!

After a long hunt since its official May 2025 release, they finally track down this Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey from Heaven Hill Distillery at an unexpected location—Costco in Indiana! The best part? They snagged it for well below the $65 MSRP, paying just $55.99.

This wheated bourbon is a blend of 6-8 year old barrels, featuring the classic Larceny mash bill of 68% Corn, 20% Wheat, and 12% Malted Barley. Bottled at a bold 117.4 proof, this batch promises a powerful yet balanced flavor profile.

Find out how this Barrel Proof release stacks up against its predecessor, the A125 batch. Wayne and Rebecca dive deep into the tasting notes, exploring a complex palate of dark chocolate, baked pastry, and nutmeg. They discuss the long, pleasant finish and whether this bottle lives up to the hype after a three-month-long wait.

Don’t miss their honest review and see if this Larceny B525 is a “must-buy” for your collection!

So grab your favorite glass, settle in, and let’s explore this bourbon together! Click play ▶️ NOW!

👇 What’s your favorite wheated bourbon bourbon? Let us know in the comments below! 👇

Are you a true bourbon fanatic, always on the hunt for the next exceptional pour? Then smash that like button 👍 to show your appreciation for fine whiskey! Hit subscribe 🔔 so you never miss our reviews of rare and remarkable spirits, and share this video ➡️ with your fellow whiskey lovers. Let’s build a community of enthusiasts who appreciate the art of exceptional bourbon!

#bourbonreview #WheatedBourbon #LarcenyB525

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✴️ Larceny Barrel Proof Batch B525

Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Company: Heaven Hill
Distillery: Heaven Hill
Mash Bill: 68% Corn, 20% Wheat, 12% Malted Barley
Age: 6-8 years
Proof: 117.4
MSRP: $65
Released: May 2025
Other:
Purchased: 08/06/25 for $55.99 at Costco in Evansville IN

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J. Rieger & Co.: From Prohibition to Modern Icon

August 20, 2025August 20, 2025 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

Step into the rich history and modern revival of Kansas City whiskey with us! In this video, we’re diving deep into J. Rieger & Co., a legendary distillery with a story that spans over a century. We’ll explore their stunning, historic facility and get to the heart of what makes their spirits so unique.

First, we’re tasting three incredible spirits:

✴️ J. Rieger & Co. Monogram Whiskey 2025 Edition: This exclusive Kansas City Whiskey Solera Reserve is a limited-edition blend with a complex mash bill of 56% corn, 30% rye, and 14% malted barley. Bottled at 100 proof, only 2,000 of these special releases were produced.

✴️ J. Rieger & Co. Private Stock Bourbon: We got to bottle our own! This straight bourbon whiskey has an age statement of 5 years and 8 months, with a mash bill of 56% corn, 30% rye, and 14% malted barley. It was bottled at a robust 127.9 proof.

✴️ J. Rieger & Co. Caffè Amaro: An innovative blend of coffee liqueur and amaro, this spirit is made with Sumatra coffee and clocks in at 62 proof.

But it’s not all about the whiskey! We’ll also be giving you a tour of the distillery’s stunning space, and you’ll get to see the famous distillery slide in action. You don’t want to miss our visit to this amazing Kansas City landmark!

Follow us on our Kansas City Whiskey tour! This is the third in a four-part series exploring the best of the Kansas City spirits scene. Click play ▶️ NOW!

What’s your favorite state for bourbon outside of Kentucky? Let us know in the comments below! 👇

Join the YBJ Family!

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💬 Comment below with your favorite Kansas City whiskey!
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Let’s build a community of enthusiasts who appreciate the art of exceptional bourbon!

#bourbonreview #KansasCityWhiskey #JRieger

J. Rieger & Co. Website: https://www.jriegerco.com/

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✴️ Monogram Whiskey 2025 Edition

Kansas City Whiskey Solera Reserve
Distillery: J. Rieger & Co.
Bourbon Mash Bill: 56 Corn, 30% Rye, 14% Malted Barley
Rye Mash Bill: 96% Rye, 4% Malted Barley
Proof: 100
Other: 2000 bottles produced
Purchased: 07/25/25 for $130 at J. Rieger & Co

Visit their site for details on the Oloroso sherry botas: https://www.jriegerco.com/our-spirits/monogram-whiskey

✴️ Private Stock Bourbon

Rieger Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Distillery: J. Rieger & Co.
Mash Bill: 56 Corn, 30% Rye, 14% Malted Barley
Sweet Mash Fermentation; pot still and column still
Age: 5 Years, 8 Months
Proof: 127.9
Other: Bottle-Your-Own Experience
Purchased: 07/25/25 for $85 at J. Rieger & Co

✴️ Caffè Amaro

Coffee Liqueur & Amaro
Distillery: J. Rieger & Co.
Coffee: Sumatra
Sweetener: Evaporated Cane Syrup
Proof: 62
Purchased: 07/25/25 for $32 at J. Rieger & Co

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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.

Lux Row Distillery: A Must-See on the Trail

August 19, 2025August 19, 2025 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes Episode 33 – Lux Row Distillery

Are you ready to discover the secrets of one of Bardstown, Kentucky’s most impressive distilleries? Join us as we explore Lux Row Distillery, the home of some incredible bourbons. This is more than a tour; it’s a full Kentucky Bourbon Trail adventure!

In this episode, we take you inside the distillery to see the magic firsthand. But the real excitement begins when we sit down to review a rare and sought-after bottle: Lux Row 12 Year Double Barrel Cask Strength Bourbon. We’ll unlock every hidden note and unique flavor, from start to finish. Is it worth the hype? Find out in our in-depth tasting!

Click play ▶️ now to join the adventure and find out if this 12-year bourbon is your next favorite pour.

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💬 Comment below with your favorite Lux Row whiskey!

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In this series, Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes, we navigate the rich tapestry of our memorable experiences on the Bourbon Trail, a journey that has undeniably enriched our appreciation for this iconic American spirit. We tackle intriguing questions such as: What stands out as the most profound memory of that bourbon trail experience, one that has etched itself firmly in our minds? What exceptional and bourbon or whiskey did we discover during this journey, perhaps one that surprised us with its intricate and delightful flavor profiles? What lasting impressions do we have of that bourbon or whiskey today, as we reflect on its complexities and how they resonate with our evolving palates and preferences? Through this exploration, we passionately recount our adventures and celebrate the stories and connections we’ve forged along the way, highlighting the essence of the Bourbon Trail.

#bourbonreview #KentuckyBourbonTrail #LuxRow

Learn more about Lux Row: https://luxrowdistillers.com/

Check out our KBT Bardstown KY Guide:

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

ABOUT THE BOTTLE REVIEWED

✴️ Lux Row 12 Year Double Barrell Cask Strength

Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Company: Lux Row Distillers
Distillery: Undisclosed/Sourced
Mash Bill: Undisclosed (likely 78% Corn, 10% Rye, 12% Malted Barley)
Barrels: No. 5058636 (07/11/06) and No. 5121011 (01/29/07)
Age: 12 years
Proof: 118.4 (a nod to the distillery’s opening April 2018)
MSRP: $189.99
Other: Lux Row 12 Year Double Barrel is a limited release and is generally considered to be a distillery-only exclusive
Purchased: 03/25/23 for $189.99 at Lux Row Distillery

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

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Must-Try Bourbon: Green River “Home Wheat Home” Single Barrel

August 18, 2025August 17, 2025 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

Get ready for an exclusive bourbon adventure! We’re taking you on a trip to the Green River Distilling Co. Tasting Room in Louisville, KY to acquire one of their most unique bottles: the “Home Wheat Home” Green River Wheated Bourbon Single Barrel!

In this video, we’re not just reviewing a bottle—we’re sharing the full experience. Join us as we explore the Louisville Tasting Room and get our hands on this special single barrel select. We’ll dive deep into our tasting notes, discussing everything from the aroma to the finish, and provide our honest bourbon recommendations.

This is a must-watch for any fan of Kentucky bourbon and especially for those who love wheated bourbon. If you’re looking for a new bottle to add to your collection or just curious about this new bourbon release, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll give you the full scoop on why this selection is so special and whether it deserves a spot on your shelf.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you don’t miss our next whiskey review! Let us know in the comments if you’ve tried any Green River Bourbon and what your favorite bottle is!

So grab your favorite glass, settle in, and let’s explore these incredible bourbons together! Click play ▶️ NOW!

👇 What’s your favorite wheated bourbon bourbon? Let us know in the comments below! 👇

#bourbonreview #GreenRiverDistilling #WheatedBourbon

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

Green River Wheated Bourbon Single Barrel

Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Company: Bardstown Bourbon Co.
Distillery: Green River Distilling Co.
Mash Bill: 70% Corn, 21% Wheat, 9% Malted Barley
Age: NAS (5 years per website)
Proof: 117.6
MSRP: $60
Other: “Home Wheat Home” Barrel Name
Purchased: 07/18/25 for $59.99 at Green River Tasting Room, Louisville KY

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✅ Visit: https://yourbourbonjourney.com for additional stories to enhance Your Bourbon Journey!

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This KC Distillery is Making Incredible Whiskey

August 13, 2025August 10, 2025 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

Get ready to explore the fascinating history and innovative whiskies of West Bottoms Whiskey Co.! In this video, we dive deep into the story of a Kansas City distillery rooted in pre-Prohibition heritage and taste four of their unique expressions: Kansas City Whiskey, Convergence Whiskey, American Blended Malt Whiskey, and Distiller’s Cut American Single Malt Whiskey.

West Bottoms Distillery was founded in 2016 by Alex Lindsey, aiming to revive the spirited history of the West Bottoms district – a bustling 19th and early 20th-century railroad and agricultural hub with a thriving saloon scene. We’ll uncover how this history inspires their brand and their whiskies, even featuring a “Murdock” mascot that embodies the industrial age’s hardworking spirit.

We’ll start with Kansas City Whiskey, a pre-Prohibition style blend of rye, bourbon, and a touch of dry Oloroso sherry. This unique “rectification” process gives it a warm, spicy start and a smooth, fruity finish.

Next, we have Convergence Whiskey, a fitting name for this blend of rye and single malt. Its signature Malbec wine cask finish merges old traditions with modern techniques for a uniquely flavorful spirit.

Prepare for a surprise with our American Blended Malt Whiskey, a special combination of our own peated Distiller’s Cut and a 4-year-old single malt. It’s the perfect introduction to smoky, complex whiskies!

Finally, we’ll savor Distiller’s Cut, our premium American Single Malt. This limited-run, hand-waxed bottle is Kansas City’s first peated whiskey, distilled and aged in-house on our copper pot still for a true taste of our craft.

Join us as we explore the unique flavors and story behind West Bottoms Whiskey Co. So grab your favorite glass, settle in, and let’s explore these incredible whiskeys together! Click play ▶️ NOW!

We highly recommend that you add West Bottoms Whiskey Co in Kansas City MO to Your Bourbon Journey!

What’s your favorite state for bourbon outside of Kentucky? Let us know in the comments below! 👇

This is Part 2 of 4 about Kansas City Distilleries! Don’t miss next week!

#bourbonreview #WestBottomsWhiskey #KansasCityWhiskey

For more information on West Bottoms Whiskey Co: https://westbottomswhiskey.co/

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✴️ Kansas City Whiskey

Kansas City Whiskey is a pre-prohibition style of blended American whiskey based on the process of rectification, the blending of up to 2.5% sherry into the whiskey. Our unique Kansas City Whiskey blends Rye and Bourbon whiskeys with a dry Oloroso sherry from Spain. The result is a beautiful sipping whiskey with a warm spicy front and a smooth, earthy, fruity finish. Retail $40

✴️ Convergence Whiskey

Convergence Whiskey embodies this rich history, combining rye and single malt whiskeys into a distinctive blend, which rests in a Malbec wine cask for its signature finish. This cask resting process allows time and tradition to merge into one uniquely blended whiskey that honors both classic and modern whiskey making techniques. Retail $50

✴️ American Blended Malt Whiskey

This truly unique blend is a very special combination of our peated Distiller’s Cut, and a 4-year-old selected single malt whiskey. This complex whiskey will continue to surprise as you sip. This blended malt whiskey is the perfect intro to those exploring scotches with light smoke and intricate flavors. Retail $60

✴️ Distiller’s Cut – American Single Malt Whiskey

Our premium offering. 100% distilled and aged by West Bottoms Whiskey Co. on our 211-gallon copper alembic pot still. The first peated whiskey in Kansas City. 50% malted barley/ 50% peated malt. Aged 1 year in 5-gallon barrels. Limited runs being released. and available in our Parlor. Each bottle has been hand wax dipped and crested with our seal. Retail $70 (375 ml)

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Exploring Willett Distillery & Tasting Noah’s Mill

August 12, 2025August 9, 2025 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes Episode Episode 32 – Willett Distillery

Get ready for an adventure down the Kentucky Bourbon Trail as we revisit a nice stop in Bardstown, KY in March 2023. In this episode, we’re taking you back to our very first visit to Willett Distillery which was our 36th distillery and our 28th stamp in our Kentucky Bourbon Trail Book!

Join us as we relive every moment from our initial tour of the Willett Distillery. But the excitement doesn’t stop there! We’ll then uncork a bottle of their Noah’s Mill Bourbon for an in-depth tasting. What hidden notes and unique flavors await us in this one-of-a-kind pour?

Click play ▶️ now to join the adventure and discover the secrets of Willett and Noah’s Mill Bourbon with us!

Ready to explore the world of whiskey with us? Join the YBJ family!

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#bourbonreview #KentuckyBourbonTrail #Willett

Learn more about Willett Distillery

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

ABOUT THE BOTTLE REVIEWED

✴️ Noah’s Mill Bourbon

Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Distillery: Willett Distillery
Mash Bill: 72% Corn, 13% Rye, 15% Barley
Other: 125 Barrel Entry Proof
Age: NAS
Proof: 114.3
MSRP: $68
Purchased: 03/24/23 for $68 at Willett Distillery

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

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Unboxing & Tasting: Michter’s 2025 Releases

August 11, 2025August 10, 2025 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

Get ready for an epic whiskey journey! In this video, we’re diving deep into the highly anticipated Michter’s 2025 Legacy Series, featuring a tasting review of both the Shenk’s Homestead 2025 and Bomberger’s Declaration 2025. This is more than just a tasting; it’s a look into the rich history of American whiskey.

The Michter’s Legacy Series pays homage to the brand’s incredible heritage, which traces back to 1753 and the Shenk’s distillery founded by John Shenk. This distillery later became Bomberger’s Distillery before finally becoming the iconic Michter’s Distillery we know and love today.

First up, we’re exploring the Shenk’s Homestead 2025, a bold whiskey that Michter’s Master Distiller Dan McKee describes as having “lingering baking spice notes.” We’ll talk about the unique finishing process in French oak barrels from the Vosges forest, and how this accentuates the character of the rye.

Then, we’ll uncork the Bomberger’s Declaration 2025, a truly multi-dimensional whiskey. Michter’s Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson shares how “Chinquapin barrels” and a unique “spectrum of different barrels” with varying natural seasoning periods—from 18 months to a staggering 5 years—contributed to its complex and delicious flavor.

We’ll be doing a side-by-side tasting review, giving you our honest thoughts on the 2025 Shenk’s Homestead and the 2025 Bomberger’s Declaration.

So grab your favorite glass, settle in, and let’s explore these incredible bourbons together! Click play ▶️ NOW!

👇 What’s your favorite Michter’s release? Let us know in the comments below! 👇

#bourbonreview #ShenksHomestead #BombergersDeclaration

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

✴️ Shenk’s Homestead 2025

Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Company: Michter’s Distillery
Distillery: Michter’s Fort Nelson
Mash Bill: Undisclosed but known for a rye-forward character
Age: NAS (at least 4 years)
Proof: 92.1
MSRP: $110
Released: July 2025
Specifics: Batch 25E1901, Bottle 1865 of 2305
Other: Finished in toasted French oak from the Vosges region
Purchased: 07/18/25 for $119 at Michter’s Fort Nelson

✴️ Bomberger’s Declaration 2025

Classification: Sour Mash Whiskey
Company: Michter’s Distillery
Distillery: Michter’s Fort Nelson
Mash Bill: Undisclosed but likely high corn plus rye and malted barley
Age: NAS (at least 4 years)
Proof: 108
MSRP: $120
Released: July 2025
Specifics: Batch 25F1978, Bottle 1436 of 2673
Other: Aged in Chinquapin Oak. This year’s release utilizes barrels seasoned for different periods (18 months, 3, 4, and 5 years) before toasting and charring.
Purchased: 07/18/25 for $129 at Michter’s Fort Nelson

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Holladay’s Ancient Cave: Unique Bourbon Review

August 6, 2025August 5, 2025 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

The Oldest Distillery West of the Mississippi?! | Holladay Distillery Ancient Cave Wave Stave 2025 Review

We’re taking you on a journey to the heart of American distilling history! Join us as we visit Holladay Distillery in Weston, Missouri—the oldest continuously operating distillery west of the Mississippi River. This landmark, founded in 1856 by the legendary “Stagecoach King” Ben Holladay, has a rich legacy of crafting Real Missouri Bourbon.

In this video, we’re unboxing a truly unique and hard-to-find bottle: the Holladay Ancient Cave Wave Stave 2025. This distillery-exclusive, 7-year-old bourbon is finished in a special “Wave Stave” barrel within the distillery’s historic “Ancient Cave.” Does this one-of-a-kind aging process create a whiskey worth the hype? Watch our full review to find out!

So grab your favorite glass, settle in, and let’s explore this incredible bourbon together! Click play ▶️ NOW!