bourbon trail

Boundary Oak Distillery: A Radcliff, KY Hidden Gem

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Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes Episode 31 – Boundary Oak Distillery

We’re revisiting our very first visit to Boundary Oak Distillery in Radcliff, Kentucky! 🥃 Join us as we reminisce about our guided tasting from March 24, 2023, and crack open a bottle we purchased that day.

In this episode, we’re opening and tasting the Lady Victory Straight Bourbon Whiskey. This special release, created in collaboration with the Society of the First Infantry Division, is a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey aged for 2-4 years. We’ll be giving our honest review of this 100-proof spirit, which we purchased during our first visit.

We also talk about the seven spirits we brought home that day, including the unique St. Luke Lavender Whiskey. Be sure to check out the link below to see how we used it in a cocktail!

Distillery No 35 on our journey, and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Stamp No 27 – Boundary Oak holds a special place in our hearts. Pour yourself a glass and join the conversation!

Click play ▶️ now to join the adventure and discover the secrets of Boundary Oak Distillery with us!

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

👍 Like this video if you’re excited for the Kentucky Bourbon Trail! 

💬 Comment your thoughts on Boundary Oak Distillery or this tasting! 

➡️ Share with fellow whiskey lovers! 

🔔 Subscribe to Your Bourbon Journey and hit the bell 🔔 for weekly bourbon adventures you won’t want to miss!

********

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 #BoundaryOakDistillery   

Check out our St. Luke Lavender Whiskey Cocktail video here:

Learn more about Boundary Oak on their website: https://www.boundaryoak.co/

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

ABOUT THE BOTTLE REVIEWED

✴️ Lady Victory Straight Bourbon Whiskey

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Boundary Oak Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 
  • Age: 2-4 Years
  • Proof: 100
  • MSRP: $109
  • Other: Society of the First Infantry Division
  • Purchased: 03/24/23 for $109 at Boundary Oak Distillery

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

✅ Please SUBSCRIBE and hit the LIKE button!

❓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.

Jim Beam Lineage Batch #2: The Ultimate Bourbon Review

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Welcome to our 200th Video!! 🎉

Step into the legacy! 🥃 Our latest whiskey review dives deep into the highly anticipated Jim Beam Lineage Batch #2, a truly special release from the iconic Kentucky distillery. This limited-edition, 15-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is more than just a drink; it’s a piece of history crafted by seventh and eighth-generation Master Distillers, Fred and Freddie Noe.

Join us as we explore this exclusive father-son collaboration and a milestone for the Jim Beam brand. We’ll taste the rich flavors of this hand-selected bourbon, aged in charred white oak barrels and bottled at a robust 111 proof. What does 15 years of aging do for that signature Jim Beam mouthfeel? We’re about to find out!

Lineage Batch #2 is a collector’s dream, a rare bourbon that marks Freddie Noe’s coming-of-age in the whiskey world with his name on the label for the first time. Available only at The James B. Beam Distilling Co. campus, this is a rare opportunity for bourbon enthusiasts to own a piece of the Beam family legacy.

Don’t miss our full tasting notes, our final rating, and our thoughts on whether this “merging of heritage and innovation” is worth the journey to Clermont, Kentucky.

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

👇 What’s your favorite release by Jim Beam 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 #JimBeam #lineagebourbon 

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

✴️  Jim Beam Lineage Batch 2

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Suntory Global Spirits
  • Distillery: Booker Noe Plant
  • Mash Bill: 77% corn, 13% rye, and 10% malted barley
  • Age: 15-year-old (blend of 15 and 20-year-old bourbons)
  • Proof: 111
  • MSRP: $250 (700 ml)
  • Released: 07/18/25
  • Other: Crafted in collaboration by Fred & Freddie Noe
  • Purchased: 07/18/25 for $250 at the Jim Beam 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.

Bourbon & Whiskey News: July 2025

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08/01/25
Curated by Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Bourbon & Whiskey Industry Highlights from July 2025 >> 36 Stories!

In July 2025, the bourbon and whiskey industry experienced notable growth, driven by rising global demand. Key highlights included Heritage Distilling’s 34% surge, new facility announcements, and various distillery news. Innovations included whiskey releases and accolades, underscoring the sector’s vitality and ongoing expansion.

Industry Market News & Related Announcements >> 5 Stories

07/03: Rising Alcoholic Beverage Consumption Fuels Expansion Of The Whiskey Warehousing Market: Core Growth Enabler in the Whiskey Warehousing Market, 2025

07/03: Whiskey Market to Reach $123 Billion by 2034 Amid Rising Global Demand for Premium Spirits

07/11: Heritage Distilling Soars 34%—What’s Fueling the Whiskey Surge?

07/14: Kentucky biotech firm to build $40M facility in Franklin County to repurpose bourbon byproduct

07/17: Flavored Whiskey Market Outlook 2025–2035 | Growth & Trends

Distillery News >> 8 Stories

07/01: Cincinnati distillery listed for sale

07/01: J. Mattingly 1845 to Purchase Founder’s Ownership Equity

07/02: Three Chord Bourbon Appoints Michael Nanula as Chief Executive Officer

07/02: The Woman Behind the Whiskey: Meet Jefferson’s Bourbon’s Master Blender Ale Ochoa

07/18: Newly built Kentucky craft distillery files for bankruptcy protection

07/19: MGP Ingredients: Navigating A Sharp Whiskey Production Slump

07/29: KDA advances Jackson Purchase Distillery to Heritage Member Status

07/30: Wenzel Whiskey opens Covington distillery, breathing new life into historic building

Distillery Trail >> 2 Stories

07/:18: 9 Picture-Perfect Main Streets In Kentucky

07/21: Need an excuse for a trip to Maker’s Mark? Chihuly exhibit is back and bolder

Awards Announced >> 2 Stories

07/27: The Best American Single Malts According to the IWC 2025

07/30: This Kentucky brand was named Distillery of the Year at New Orleans Spirits Competition

Bourbon Festival News & Updates >> 2 Stories

04/23: Kentucky Bourbon Festival Sold Out – Waitlist Option

07/31: American Whiskey Festival Set to Return Aug. 16

Bottle Releases >> 17 Stories

07/01: KENTUCKY OWL Releases Batch #13 Bourbon

07/02: One of Texas’s Best Distilleries Is Dropping a Cask-Strength Version of Its Port-Finished Bourbon

07/06: Michter’s releases two legacy whiskeys packed with flavor and heritage

07/08: Uncle Nearest Drops 2025 Master Blend Edition – Crowned World’s Best Bourbon

07/08: Bardstown Bourbon’s Distillery Reserve returns with Hokkaido Mizunara Oak

07/08: Three Chord Bourbon Unleashes Vol 2, A New Look That Underscores Its Roots in Music

07/08: Booker’s Bourbon Launches A New Batch Inspired By Sunny Kentucky Days By The Pond

07/09: BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY REVIVES AN ORIGINAL 19TH-CENTURY RECIPE WITH THE RELEASE OF COLONEL E.H. TAYLOR’S DISTILLER’S COUNCIL

07/10: Starlight Distillery Releases First 10-Year Bourbon

07/10: Rebel bourbon announces annual release of 10-year single barrel

07/10: WHEEL HORSE WHISKEY LAUNCHES BARREL MASTER SELECT SERIES WITH 5-YEAR BARREL PROOF BOURBON

07/14: Frey Ranch Releases Five Grain Single Barrel Bourbon

07/15: Old Grand-Dad unveils 7YO bonded Bourbon

07/16: A fan favorite returns: Old Forester 1910 Extra Extra Old

07/17: Jim Beam Lineage Batch #2 Launches as Distillery Exclusive

07/25: Buffalo Trace Reveals Weller 18, Weller Millennium

07/31: Jim Beam Releases New Sunshine Blend

Book Releases >> 1 Preview

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

Touring Evan Williams & A Surprise 12-Year Bourbon! 

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Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes Episode 30 – Evan Williams Bourbon Experience

Prepare to be transported back to the heart of Bourbon Country! In this thrilling video, we’re uncorking a tale that’s as rich and complex as the bourbon we love. Join us as we journey to the legendary Evan Williams Bourbon Experience in Louisville, Kentucky!

While it kicked off our unofficial bourbon journey, it later became the 12th coveted stamp in our KBT passport – a testament to its undeniable allure! Seriously, if we’re in Louisville, you can bet we’re making a pilgrimage to Whiskey Row and Evan Williams.

But the excitement doesn’t stop there! After reliving those cherished memories, we’re diving deep into an exclusive tasting you won’t want to miss. Get ready to explore the tantalizing notes of a truly special bottle we acquired: the Evan Williams Red Label (Japan). What extraordinary flavors lie within this unique pour? Will it be a sweet symphony or a spicy surprise?

Click play ▶️ now to join the adventure and discover the secrets of Evan Williams with us!

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

👍 Like this video if you’re excited for the Kentucky Bourbon Trail! 

💬 Comment your thoughts on Evan Williams Bourbon Experience or this tasting! 

➡️ Share with fellow whiskey lovers! 

🔔 Subscribe to Your Bourbon Journey and hit the bell 🔔 for weekly bourbon adventures you won’t want to miss!

********

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 #evanwilliams

Evan Williams

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

ABOUT THE BOTTLE REVIEWED

✴️ Evan Williams Red Label (Japan)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Old Evan Williams Distillery (Heaven Hill)
  • Distillery: Heaven Hill
  • Mash Bill: 78% Corn, 12% Malted Barley, 10% Rye
  • Age: 12 Years
  • Proof: 101
  • MSRP: $149.99
  • Other: Made for the Japanese market; distillery exclusive in Louisville.
  • Purchased: date for $149.99 at Evan Williams Bourbon Experience in Louisville, KY

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

✅ Please SUBSCRIBE and hit the LIKE button!

❓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.

Epic Bourbon: Neeley’s Four Grain BIB + Bonus

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Get ready for a bourbon adventure! 🥃 We’re cracking open two exceptional bottles from our recent trip to Neeley’s Family Distillery in Sparta, Kentucky.

Join us as we dive deep into the highly anticipated Neeley Bottled in Bond Four Grain. We trekked all the way to the distillery just for this, and trust us, it was worth it!

But that’s not all! As a special bonus, we’re also doing a detailed tasting of the Neeley Single Barrel Wheated Bourbon, a private barrel selection by ABV Barrel Shop. You won’t want to miss our thoughts on this unique pour.

We sampled a ton of amazing spirits at Neeley’s, including Old Jett finished in Port Wine and Hidden Barn Organic Single Barrel, and we’ll share a bit about those too.

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

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 #NeeleyFamilyDistillery #bottledinbond 

Neeley Family Distillery

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

✴️ Neeley Bottled in Bond Four Grain

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Neeley Family Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 63% corn, 17% Oats, 8% Wheat and 12% Malt
  • Notes: Jug Yeast A-1, Sweet Mash, Copper Pot Still, Non-Chill Filtered, Limestone Well Water, Cypress Fermented, Barrel Char 2, Batch Size 7
  • Age: 4 Years
  • Proof: 100
  • MSRP: $79.99
  • Released: Spring 2025
  • Made with no enzymes, blended by Rebekah Neeley
  • Purchased: 07/11/25 for $79.99 at Neely Family Distillery in Sparta, KY

✴️ Neeley Single Barrel Wheated Bourbon: Private Barrel Selected by ABV Barrel Shop

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Neeley Family Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 66% corn, 25% Wheat and 9% Malt
  • Notes: Jug Yeast A-1, Sweet Mash, Copper Pot Still, Non-Chill Filtered, Limestone Well Water, Cypress Fermented, Barrel Char 2, Barrel No 126
  • Age: 6 Years
  • Proof: 105.1
  • MSRP: $79.99
  • Released: Spring 2025
  • Purchased: 07/11/25 for $79.99 at Neely Family Distillery in Sparta, KY

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

✅ Please SUBSCRIBE and hit the LIKE button!

❓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.

Whiskey Thief Distillery Tour & Taste

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Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes Episode Episode 29 – Whiskey Thief Distilling

Get ready for an adventure down the Kentucky Bourbon Trail as we revisit a fun stop! In this episode, we’re taking you back to our first visit to Whiskey Thief Distilling in Frankfort, Kentucky. This wasn’t just another distillery; it was our 34th distillery exploration and snagged us our 26th stamp in our Kentucky Bourbon Trail Book!

Join us as we relive every unforgettable moment from our initial five-barrel thieving experience, to bottling two bourbons and a rye whiskey, and a tour of their distillery. But the fun doesn’t stop there! We’ll then uncork one of the bottles that we thieved ourselves that day and provide an in-depth tasting. What hidden notes and unique flavors await us in this one-of-a-kind pour? You’ll have to watch to find out!

Click play ▶️ now to join the adventure and discover the adventure of Whiskey Thief Distilling !

Ready to dive deeper into the world of whiskey with us? Become part of the YBJ family!

  • 👍 Like this video if you’re as passionate about the Kentucky Bourbon Trail as we are!
  • 💬 Comment below with your thoughts on the Whiskey Thief Distilling experience or their whiskey that you have tried!
  • ➡️ Share this video with every whiskey enthusiast you know!
  • 🔔 Subscribe to Your Bourbon Journey and hit that notification bell 🔔 so you never miss our weekly bourbon adventures!

********

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 #WhiskeyThief 

Whiskey Thief Distilling: https://www.whiskeythief.com/

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

ABOUT THE BOTTLE REVIEWED

✴️ Three Boys Farm Distillery Single Barrel Bourbon

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Whiskey Thief Distilling Co
  • Mash Bill: 65% Corn, 17% Rye, 18% Barley
  • Age: 6 years
  • Proof: 118
  • Other: We filled the bottle!
  • Purchased: 02/24/23 for $149 at Whiskey Thief Distilling

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

✅ Please SUBSCRIBE and hit the LIKE button!

❓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.

2XO Vinyl Blend Review: A Bourbon Masterpiece? 

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Ready to drop the needle on an incredible bourbon experience? 🥃 Dive into our latest review of 2XO Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey’s “The Vinyl Blend”! This isn’t just whiskey; it’s a symphony for your senses, the sixth limited-time small batch blend in 2XO’s coveted Icon Series.

Crafted by renowned American whiskey blender Dixon Dedman, “The Vinyl Blend” is a soulful homage to classic vinyl. As Dixon himself says, “Classic vinyl was how we listened to music growing up… the simple ritual of enjoying an album with a neat pour of whiskey is now one of my favorite ways to relax.” We couldn’t agree more!

In this video, we uncork this one-of-a-kind bourbon, exploring its unique flavor profile, exquisite aroma, and smooth finish. Is it the perfect companion for your next record-spinning session? We’ll find out!

Join us as we taste, analyze, and celebrate “The Vinyl Blend” – a bourbon that promises to be a hit with 2XO fans and collectors alike.

👉 Watch now to discover if this small batch bourbon deserves a spot in your collection! 

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 #2XOWhiskey #TheVinylBlend 

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

✴️ 2XO The Vinyl Blend

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Prestige Beverage Group
  • Distillery: Undisclosed
  • Mash Bill: 
    • The Vinyl Blend consists of two proprietary mash bills—a high-rye (35%) bourbon mash bill and a moderate-rye (18%) bourbon mash bill.
    • Dixon double barrels the high-rye (35%) bourbon mash bill into new #4 charred oak barrels for 9-12 months.
    • The double barreled char #4 high-rye mash bill comprises 40% of The Vinyl Blend, with the remaining 60% split evenly between the original high-rye and moderate-rye bourbon mash bill. 
  • Age: NAS
  • Proof: 104
  • MSRP: $99.99
  • Released: April 2025
  • Purchased: 06/07/25 for $101.99 at Varsity Liquors in Evansville IN

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

✅ Please SUBSCRIBE and hit the LIKE button!

❓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.

Best Whiskeys of 2025 (So Far!): Our Top Picks!

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Wow, 2025 has been an absolute blockbuster year for whiskey, bringing some truly unforgettable bottles to our glasses! In this can’t-miss video, we’re uncorking our BEST WHISKEYS of 2025 so far and trust us, you’re in for some surprises!

Join us as we take a thrilling journey through each month, revisiting our highly anticipated Whiskey of the Month winners and their fierce contenders. But that’s just the warm-up! We’re also thrilled to reveal the very first two Whiskey of the Quarter champions and give you an exclusive peek at the current Whiskey of the Year seeding results. The competition is heating up, and you’ll want to see who’s leading the pack!

And here’s a twist: We’re also sharing an absolutely mind-blowing release that, for special reasons, we decided to exclude from this intense competition. You won’t believe what it is and why it didn’t make the cut for our official rankings!

Ready to discover the must-have whiskeys of 2025? Click that play button now and find out if your favorites made our prestigious list!

What are your favorite whiskeys of 2025 so far? Did your top picks make our list, or do you have a dark horse contender we need to know about? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Passionate about bourbon and exceptional whiskey? Don’t miss out on another drop! Hit that LIKE 👍 button and SUBSCRIBE 🔔 to our channel so you never miss our deep dives into the most exciting new releases and hidden gems. Share this video with your bourbon buddies and let’s celebrate the art of fine spirits together! Cheers to rare finds and unforgettable pours! 🥂

#WhiskeyOfTheMonth  #WhiskeyOfTheQuarter #WhiskeyOfTheYear 

1st Quarter WOTQ Video

2nd Quarter WOTQ Video

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

✅ Please SUBSCRIBE and hit the LIKE button!

❓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.

Our First Tour: The Bard Distillery Experience!

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Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes Episode E28 – The Bard Distillery

Get ready for an adventure down the Kentucky Bourbon Trail as we revisit a truly special stop! In this thrilling episode, we’re taking you back to our very first visit to The Bard Distillery in Graham, Kentucky. This wasn’t just another distillery; it was our 33rd distillery exploration and snagged us our 25th coveted stamp in our Kentucky Bourbon Trail Book – a massive milestone on our bourbon journey!

Join us as we relive every unforgettable moment from our initial tour of The Bard Distillery. But the excitement doesn’t stop there! We’ll then uncork a bottle of their exclusive Cinder & Smoke Founder’s Select for an in-depth tasting. What hidden notes and unique flavors await us in this one-of-a-kind pour? You’ll have to watch to find out!

Click play ▶️ now to join the adventure and discover the magic of The Bard Distillery!

Ready to dive deeper into the world of whiskey with us? Become part of the YBJ family!

  • 👍 Like this video if you’re as passionate about the Kentucky Bourbon Trail as we are!
  • 💬 Comment below with your thoughts on The Bard Distillery or what flavors you’d expect from the Cinder & Smoke Founder’s Select!
  • ➡️ Share this video with every whiskey enthusiast you know!
  • 🔔 Subscribe to Your Bourbon Journey and hit that notification bell 🔔 so you never miss our weekly bourbon adventures!

Historical Roots and Family Legacy

The Bard Distillery is deeply rooted in history, both locally and within Kentucky’s bourbon heritage. Housed in a beautifully renovated 1920s-era school building in Graham, the distillery occupies a site where co-founder Tom Bard and three generations of his family attended school. This transformation of a nearly century-old community centerpiece into a modern craft distillery breathes new life into local history.

Further connecting the distillery to the heart of Kentucky’s bourbon industry, Tom Bard is the 4th great-grandson of William Bard, co-founder of Bardstown, the “Bourbon Capital of the World®.” The Bard family has continuously resided on their Muhlenberg County land for nearly 200 years, establishing a direct lineage to the state’s renowned distilling origins.

Beyond the distillery, the family’s diverse talents extend to the racing world, with Kim Bard, a former NASCAR driver, who now races monster trucks in Australia as the “Monster Truck Driver of MisMayhem.”

About this Series

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 #TheBard 

The Bard Distillery

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

ABOUT THE BOTTLE REVIEWED

✴️ Cinder & Smoke Founder’s Select

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Undisclosed
  • Blended & Bottled: The Bard Distillery
  • Mash Bill: Corn, Rye, Malted Barley (undisclosed percentages)
  • Age: NAS, at least 4 years
  • Proof: 100
  • MSRP: $100
  • Batch: IV 013/018; each batch is only 3 barrels
  • Purchased: 02/18/23 for $100 at The Bard Distillery

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

✅ Please SUBSCRIBE and hit the LIKE button!

❓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.

Judge Bourbon is BACK! Tasting & Where to Buy!

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Prepare yourselves, bourbon enthusiasts! 🤯 After what has felt like an eternity, the legend returns to render its verdict: W.H. McBrayer “The Judge” is BACK! This isn’t just another bourbon; it’s a meticulously crafted masterpiece, a testament to time and unparalleled dedication.

We’re talking about a symphony of flavor, meticulously blended from 15 hand-selected barrels. Eight of these precious barrels have been patiently aged for a rich 6.5 years, developing deep, complex notes. Complementing them are seven vibrant barrels, matured for a lively 5.5 years, adding a bright, intricate layer to the profile.

This isn’t some watered-down spirit; it’s proudly non-chill filtered and bottled at a captivating 108.6 proof, ensuring every drop delivers an unadulterated, robust experience. Get ready for a sensory journey as we guide you through each and every tasting note, from the initial aromatic embrace to the lingering, satisfying finish.

In this video, we’ll dive deep into 

  • Our unfiltered tasting notes: Discover the notes that make “The Judge” truly exceptional.
  • Our expert recommendation: Is this the must-have bourbon of the year? We’ll tell you if it’s worth the hype and for whom!
  • How to get your hands on a bottle: Snag one before they sell out!

Don’t just hear about it, experience it! Click play ▶️ now for all the details and to witness our first impressions of this highly anticipated release.

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! Join us and raise a glass to “The Judge”! 🥂🥃

#bourbon #McBrayerLegacySpirits #TheJudge

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

✴️ W.H. McBrayer “The Judge” Batch 5

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: McBrayer Legacy Spirits
  • Distillery: Undisclosed
  • Historic Mash Bill: 88.4% Bloody Butcher Corn, 5.8% Heirloom Rye, 5.8% Malted Barley
  • Age: NAS; blend of 15 barrels – 8 are 6.5 years old and 7 are 5.5 years old
  • Other: Small Batch, Non-Chill Filtered
  • Proof: 108.6
  • MSRP: $100
  • Check out McBrayer Legacy Spirits
    • Shipping to all but 9 states
    • Or – Pick up at Revival Vintage Bottle Shop in Covington, KY

Note: Wayne McBrayer is not affiliated with McBrayer Legacy Spirits. They are cousins, friends, and great people. We support their bourbon journey and respect what they are doing to resurrect a 175-year-old brand that is part of their family lineage.

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

Read our detailed tasting notes and comparisons of W.H. McBrayer Batches 1-4 here: 

June 2024 W.H. McBrayer Batch 4 Tasting

Watch our May 2025 PREVIEW Video here:  

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

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❓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.