Bourbon Women

The Craziest Bourbon Journey Ever: Doc Holliday Lost Barrels

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📦 Unboxing a SURPRISE HAZMAT BOURBON! Rebecca snuck this one past Wayne, and it might just be the best blind-buy of the year. Today we are cracking open the incredibly rare Doc Holliday 12 Year “The Last of the Lost Barrels” Straight Bourbon Whiskey. 

With a mind-blowing 140.2 proof, this Cask Strength monster is officially a “Hazmat” whiskey, but does it actually drink like fire? We dive into the unbelievable history of these forgotten barrels, talk about the 90% corn moonshine mash bill, and give you our completely honest tasting notes. 

🥃 THE WILD 12-YEAR JOURNEY OF THE LOST BARRELS:

Distilled in 2014 by legendary 5th-generation Georgia moonshiner Carlos Lovell at Ivy Mountain Distillery, these barrels were originally meant to age for just 6 months. After the distillery closed, the estate inventory sat completely forgotten in the Georgia woods for five years. A Texas investment group bought them and moved them to the brutal Texas heat for 4 years—causing the liquid to push deep into the wood and skyrocketing the proof to 140.2. Finally, the World Whiskey Society rescued them, bringing them back home to Georgia for a final stretch of aging and bottling. 

Only 102 bottles exist from Barrel No. 653, and we are pouring Bottle No. 36. Is this $300 ultra-rare release worth the hype? Find out now!

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🎓 Want to earn a FREE Whiskey Certificate? Start your bourbon education journey with Whiskey University today! Take your first steps here: https://www.whiskeyuniv.com/first-steps

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

Doc Holliday 12 Year “The Last of the Lost Barrels”

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: World Whiskey Society (WWS)
  • Distillery: Distilled at Ivy Mountain Distillery (Georgia); aged across Georgia and Texas; bottled by World Whiskey Society in Pendergrass, GA.
  • Mash Bill: 80% Corn, 10% Malted Corn, 5% Rye, 5% Malted Barley
  • Age: 12 Years
  • Proof: 140.2 proof (Cask Strength / Hazmat)
  • SRP: $300.00 (Standard non-member retail)
  • Released: June 2026
  • Other: Non-chill filtered. Barrel No. 653 yielded a tiny run of just 102 bottles (this is bottle No. 36).
  • Purchased: 06/16/26 via Blind Barrels 

🚨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.

#DocHollidayBourbon #HazmatWhiskey #BourbonReview #WorldWhiskeySociety #YourBourbonJourney #BlindBarrels #StraightBourbon #CaskStrength #RareBourbon #WhiskeyTasting #HighProofBourbon #CarlosLovell #IvyMountainDistillery #BourbonUnboxing #WhiskeyHistory

Parker’s Heritage 16th Edition Review: An Absolute Flavor Bomb!

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Happy Monday, bourbon family! Today, we are taking you back to the Caribbean for a special birthday trip story that ended in the ultimate unicorn bourbon find. While everyone else was hunting overpriced Buffalo Trace and Blanton’s “hand grenades,” we stumbled upon a massive bucket-list bottle hiding on a lower shelf in a St. Kitts liquor store: the Parker’s Heritage Collection 16th Edition (2022 Release) Double Barreled Blend.

In this video, we share the hilarious story of our strange birthday negotiation (featuring a surprise bottle of 2019 Baker’s 7!), unpack the incredible stats of this allocated masterpiece, and crack it open for an unfiltered, uncut first taste.

This 132.2 proof powerhouse is a meticulous blend of 13-year-old bourbon (double barreled in level 3 char American white oak for an extra 4 weeks) and 15-year-old bourbon using Heaven Hill’s traditional 78/10/12 mash bill. Even better, a portion of the proceeds from every single bottle helps support ALS research in honor of the legendary late Master Distiller Parker Beam.

We pour this deep, dark brown liquid into our official Heaven Hill lead crystal glasses to see if the palate lives up to the heavy, burnt-caramel nose. Does it drink like its secondary market value of $999, or did our $600 Caribbean gamble fall short? Grab a glass, hit that subscribe button, and join us on this library pour journey! 

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❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

Parker’s Heritage Collection 16th Edition (2022 Release) – Double Barreled Blend

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Heaven Hill Brands
  • Distillery: Heaven Hill Distillery (Bardstown, KY / distilled at Bernheim)
  • Mash Bill: Traditional Heaven Hill Bourbon Mash Bill: 78% Corn, 10% Rye, 12% Malted Barley Age: A blend of 13-year-old (67% of the expression) and 15-year-old (33% of the expression) bourbons
  • Proof: 132.2 proof
  • SRP: $174.99 (at original release) 
  • Released: December 2022
  • Other: Uncut and non-chill filtered.
  • The 13-year-old component was pulled from floors 5–7 of Rickhouse Q and re-barreled into new American white oak barrels with a level 3 char for an additional 4 weeks before being blended with the 15-year-old component (sourced from floors 2 and 5 of Rickhouse II).
  • A portion of the proceeds from every bottle sold is donated by Heaven Hill to support ALS research and patient care in honor of the late Master Distiller Parker Beam.
  • Purchased: 02/21/26 in the Caribbean (St. Kitts)

🚨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 #ParkersHeritage #HeavenHill #BourbonHunting #UnicornBourbon #WhiskeyTasting #BourbonReview #AllocatedBourbon #BarrelProof #ParkerBeam #YourBourbon Journey #StKittsScore #RareWhiskey #DrinkResponsibly

Can We Survive A Hazmat PROOF Blind Tasting? 🔥

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Happy Friday, whiskey lovers! With America’s 250th Birthday right around the corner, we are celebrating a day early by bringing some serious fireworks into the studio. Welcome to our ultimate Hazmat Whiskey Blind Tasting Showdown! 🔥

Wayne has been wanting to tackle this ultra-high-proof flight for months, and we finally cleared the schedule to put our palates to the ultimate test. Today, we are blinding five monster bottles ranging from 141.7 proof all the way up to a blistering 151 proof. We aren’t trying to guess the exact proofs today—this is a pure survival and flavor mission scored on a simple 0-5 rating scale to find out which high-octane pour actually delivers the best drinking experience without burning our palates out.

Our heavy-hitting lineup features rare single barrels and historic festival releases, including a highly coveted 15-year “BuffTurkey” Augusta Buckner’s, a beautifully rested 9-year Copper & Kings Apple Brandy finished in ex-bourbon casks, and a 150-proof extreme Hazmat Silk Velvet from Master Distiller Jacob Call. Plus, we throw in a 17-year Old Louisville American Straight Whiskey alongside a truly legendary, unreleased, ringer bottle: a bottle of OCD #5 Premium from Glenns Creek Distillery.

Will the extreme age of the 15 and 17-year bottles dominate the flight, or will the younger, heat-packed expressions sing to our palates today? Watch to see if we end up completely split on the heat levels, which bottle threw us a massive cherry-flavored curveball, and which craft distillery absolutely climbed to the top of the ladder to be crowned the King of the Hazmats!

Drop a comment below with your favorite high-proof bottle, hit that subscribe button to join us on the journey, and remember to always drink responsibly! Happy 4th of July! 🦅✨

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🎓 Want to earn a FREE Whiskey Certificate? Start your bourbon education journey with Whiskey University today! Take your first steps here: https://www.whiskeyuniv.com/first-steps

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

The Hazmat Lineup:

  • Augusta Buckner’s 15 Year | Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Sourced “BuffTurkey” Distillate) | 141.7 Proof 
  • Copper & Kings Apple Brandy | Finished in Ex-Bourbon Barrels (100% Copper Pot Distilled) | 145.4 Proof 
  • Silk Velvet Whiskey Single Barrel | Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Distilled by Jacob Call) | 150 Proof 
  • OCD#5 Premium (Glenns Creek) | Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Private Unreleased Hazmat Barrel) | 150.5 Proof 
  • Old Louisville Whiskey Co. | 17-Year American Straight Whiskey (Bottle 100 of 106) | 151 Proof 

🚨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.

#Whiskey #Bourbon #HazmatWhiskey #BlindTasting #YourBourbonJourney #GlennsCreekDistillery #OldLouisvilleWhiskeyCo #AugustaDistillery #SilkVelvetWhiskey #CopperAndKings #HighProofBourbon #BourbonReview #WhiskeyTasting #CraftDistillery #BourbonEnthusiast

Peerless Single Barrel Rye vs Bourbon Tasting

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Are these the ultimate fruit-forward single barrels from Kentucky Peerless? 🥃 Recently, Wayne and Rebecca, from Your Bourbon Journey, headed to Louisville, KY, for an exclusive express tasting at the historic Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co. (DSP-KY-50). They walked away with two incredible June 2026 distillery-exclusive single barrel selections, and we are breaking them down side-by-side in this ultimate pour showdown!

First up is the Kentucky Peerless Single Barrel Rye: “Maple Blueberry Crumble” (112.3 Proof). If you think you know rye whiskey, this one will completely shock you. With a rich, sweet mash profile and a low barrel entry proof of 107, this non-chill filtered pour delivers massive brown sugar, maple, and blueberry notes with zero traditional harsh rye burn. Is it a “fake rye” or just a masterpiece? 

Next, we dive into the highly anticipated Kentucky Peerless Single Barrel Bourbon: “Wild Berries & Cream” (114.5 Proof). This sweet mash powerhouse hits the palate with immediate vanilla cream and heavy raspberry custard notes, transitioning beautifully into complex layers of pipe tobacco, white pepper, and seasoned leather. 

Which exclusive bottle takes the crown? Watch to find out why these unique yeast strains and heavy wood sugar extractions make Peerless a must-visit spot on your next Louisville bourbon trip!

Don’t forget to hit that SUBSCRIBE button for more honest whiskey reviews, and drop a comment below: Have you tried a Peerless Single Barrel selection yet? 

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🎓 Want to earn a FREE Whiskey Certificate? Start your bourbon education journey with Whiskey University today! Take your first steps here: https://www.whiskeyuniv.com/first-steps

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

Kentucky Peerless Single Barrel Rye: “Maple Blueberry Crumble”

  • Classification: Straight Rye Whiskey
  • Distillery: Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co. (Louisville, KY) (DSP-KY-50)
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed (Recognized as a high-rye mash bill, using corn, rye, and malted barley)
  • Age: NAS (No Age Statement, but typically aged between 4 to 6 years)
  • Proof: 112.3 Proof
  • SRP: $129.99
  • Released: June 2026 (Exclusive Distillery Single Barrel Selection)
  • Purchased: 06/06/26 for $129.99 at Kentucky Peerless Distillery, Louisville KY

Kentucky Peerless Single Barrel Bourbon: “Wild Berries & Cream”

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co. (Louisville, KY) (DSP-KY-50)
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed (Corn, rye, and malted barley)
  • Age: NAS (No Age Statement, but typically aged between 4 to 6 years)
  • Proof: 114.5 Proof
  • SRP: $119.99
  • Released: June 2026 (Exclusive Distillery Single Barrel Selection)
  • Purchased: 06/06/26 for $119.99 at Kentucky Peerless Distillery, Louisville KY

🚨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.

#Bourbon #WhiskeyReview #KentuckyPeerless #SingleBarrelBourbon #RyeWhiskey #YourBourbonJourney #BourbonTasting #CraftWhiskey #SweetMash #LouisvilleBourbon #WhiskeyTube #BourbonHunting #SingleBarrelRye #PeerlessDistillery #BarrelProof

Blood Oath Pact 12 Tasting: A Home Run Double Wine Finish! 

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Today, Wayne and Rebecca are cracking open a highly anticipated bottle straight from Bardstown, Kentucky: the brand new Blood Oath Pact 12 Straight Bourbon Whiskey from Lux Row Distillers!

Released in April 2026, this year’s limited-edition blend by Master Distiller John Rempe features Blood Oath’s first-ever double Italian wine cask finish. We’re breaking down everything you need to know about this unique release—from its 98.6 standard “blood temperature” proof to how the 7-year ryed bourbon component reacts after resting in fruit-forward Montepulciano and savory Sangiovese casks.

Is this 2026 release a home run compared to last year’s tequila finish? Does the high-rye MGP mash bill bring the spice? And does it actually drink hotter than its 98.6 proof suggests? We dive into the incredible nose, the jammy mid-palate mouthfeel, and the lingering black pepper finish.

We picked our bottle up right at the distillery for $159.99—find out if you should make the trip to Bardstown to hunt down one of the 51,000 bottles available!

If you love whiskey reviews, flight breakdowns, and unboxing rare allocations, make sure to hit that SUBSCRIBE button and join us on the journey!

Always remember to drink responsibly. Today, drink your temperature: 98.6! Cheers! 🥃

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🎓 Want to earn a FREE Whiskey Certificate? Start your bourbon education journey with Whiskey University today! Take your first steps here: https://www.whiskeyuniv.com/first-steps

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

Blood Oath Pact 12

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Luxco (MGP Ingredients)
  • Distillery: Lux Row Distillers (Bardstown, KY) — Blended and bottled by Master Distiller John Rempe using sourced, undisclosed bourbons.
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed (Ryed Bourbon mash bills)
  • Age: A blend of 9-year and 12-year ryed bourbons, combined with a 7-year ryed bourbon.
  • Proof: 98.6 Proof (49.3% ABV)
  • SRP: $129.99
  • Released: April 25, 2026 (Distillery release); June 2026 (National retail rollout)
  • Other: This edition features the brand’s first double Italian wine cask finish. The 7-year component was rested first in fruit-forward Montepulciano casks and then refined in savory Sangiovese casks. Total production was limited to 51,000 bottles, with 1,400 bottles held back for a future Trilogy release.
  • Purchased: 05/29/26 for $159.99 at LuxRow Distillery, Bardstown KY

🚨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.

#BloodOathPact12 #BourbonReview #LuxRowDistillers #WhiskeyTasting #BloodOathBourbon #BourbonJourney #WineFinishedBourbon #LimitedEditionBourbon #AmericanWhiskey #BourbonHunting #BardstownKy #JohnRempe #MGPBourbon #WhiskeyReview #Cheers

The Ultimate Honey Finished Bourbon Blind Taste Test!

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The honey-finished bourbon trend is taking over the whiskey world, but which bottles actually deliver on their sweet promises? In this episode of Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca crack open four highly anticipated, freshly unsealed honey cask finished bourbons for a completely blind taste test. We evaluate each pour on a five-point scale, diving into their rich viscosity, complex tasting notes, and overall finish to see which barrel treatment stands out.

From estate-harvested honey hives and historical pot stills to deep-aged sourced blends and wheated bourbon bases, these craft distilleries are pushing the boundaries of secondary aging. We break down the unique mash bills, regional profiles, and surprising palates—ranging from rich confectionary sugar and creamy vanilla custard to hot-stinging white pepper and toasted wood notes.

Are these bottles all buzz, or do they showcase the ultimate harmony between traditional straight bourbon and honey barrel finishing? Grab a glass, hit that subscribe button, and join us on this ultimate blind lineup!

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🎓 Want to earn a FREE Whiskey Certificate? Start your bourbon education journey with Whiskey University today! Take your first steps here: https://www.whiskeyuniv.com/first-steps

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

Casey Jones Barrel Finished Series: Honey Bourbon (“Brown Beauty”)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in a Honey Barrel
  • Company & Distillery: Casey Jones Distillery (Hopkinsville, KY)
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed 
  • Age: Undisclosed
  • Proof: 102.7 Proof (51.35% ABV)
  • Released: Spring 2026 (Featuring the commemorative “250 Years Strong / United We Stand” neck wrap.
  • Purchased: May 9, 2026 for $89.99 at BBQ & Barrels in Owensboro, KY

Dark Arts “A Long Strange Drip” Honey Cask Finish (Batch 2)

  • Classification: A Blend of Sweet & Sour Mash® Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in a Honey Cask
  • Company: Dark Arts Whiskey House
  • Distillery: Sourced from undisclosed distilleries
  • Mash Bill: A blend of two distinct mash bills: (1) Kentucky Sweet Mash: 64% Corn, 24% Rye, 12% Malted Barley; (2) Indiana Sour Mash: 75% Corn, 21% Rye, 4% Malted Barley
  • Age: A blend of 5+ Year Old (Kentucky) and 8+ Year Old (Indiana) bourbons.
  • Proof: 110.3 Proof (55.15% ABV)
  • Released: Early 2026
  • Purchased: May 30, 2026 for $79.99 at Cox’s Evergreen (Bardstown, KY)

Starlight Distillery Honey Reserve Bourbon (Batch 1)

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Honey Barrels
  • Company: Huber’s Starlight Distillery
  • Distillery: Starlight Distillery (Borden, IN)
  • Mash Bill: Blend of two estate-distilled sweet mash bills: a 3-grain (60% Corn, 20% Rye, 20% Malted Barley) and a 4-grain (51% Corn, 20% Rye, 20% Malted Barley, 9% Wheat)
  • Age: 5 Years (Minimum age before finishing)
  • Proof: 106 Proof (53% ABV)
  • Released: Early 2026
  • Purchased: April 11, 2026 for $69.99 at Starlight Distillery

Wenzel Honey Cask Finished Bourbon (Batch 1)

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Honey Casks
  • Company: Wenzel Whiskey LLC
  • Distillery: Sourced 
  • Mash Bill: Wheated Bourbon 
  • Age: 7 Years
  • Proof: 104.1 Proof
  • Released: May 2026
  • Purchased: May 1, 2026 for $109 at Wenzel Distillery

🚨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.

#Bourbon #Whiskey #BlindTasting #HoneyFinishedBourbon #BourbonReview #CaseyJonesDistillery #Dark ArtsWhiskey #StarlightDistillery #WenzelWhiskey #CraftBourbon #KentuckyBourbon #WhiskeyTasting #BourbonHunting #HoneyCask #YourBourbonJourney

Why Bourbon Lovers Are Flocking to Old Louisville Whiskey Co

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Welcome back to Your Bourbon Journey! Today, Wayne and Rebecca are diving deep into a lineup from one of our absolute favorite stops on the trail: Old Louisville Whiskey Co. Founded by Amine Karaoud, this family-owned brand has become a go-to for incredible, well-aged MGP barrels, unique finishes, and the absolute best single barrel thieving experience in the business.

In this episode, we are cracking open three incredible expressions, including a highly anticipated private club exclusive bottle and two unique wood-finished single barrels. We’ll break down the nose, the palate, and the finishes—and compete in a classic “Your Bourbon Journey” taste-off to see which bottle wins the day!

Featured Bottles in This Tasting:

  • Old Louisville Single Barrel Bourbon (Columbian Oak Finish)
  • Old Louisville Wheated Bourbon (OL Club Batch 1)
  • Old Louisville Single Barrel Bourbon (Hungarian Oak Finish)

Have you visited Amine at the brand-new Old Louisville Whiskey Co. location yet? What is your favorite unique wood finish on a bourbon? Let us know in the comments below!

If you love honest bourbon reviews and whiskey tasting adventures, hit that SUBSCRIBE button, drop a like, and always remember to drink responsibly. Cheers!

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 


🎓 Want to earn a FREE Whiskey Certificate? Start your bourbon education journey with Whiskey University today! Take your first steps here: https://www.whiskeyuniv.com/first-steps

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

Old Louisville Whiskey Co. Single Barrel Bourbon (Columbian Oak)

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Columbian Oak Casks
  • Company: Old Louisville Whiskey Co.
  • Distillery: Distilled in Indiana (MGP), Bottled by Old Louisville Whiskey Co.
  • Mash Bill: 75% Corn, 21% Rye, 4% Malted Barley
  • Age: 10 Years
  • Proof: 101 Proof
  • Released: Limited Small-Batch / Single Barrel Release

Old Louisville Whiskey Co. Wheated Bourbon (OL Club Batch 1)

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Old Louisville Whiskey Co.
  • Distillery: Distilled in Indiana (MGP), Bottled by Old Louisville Whiskey Co.
  • Mash Bill: 51% Corn, 46% Wheat, 3% Malted Barley
  • Age: 10 Years
  • Proof: 107.4 Proof
  • Released: Private Club Exclusive / Limited Batch (Bottle 9/200)

Old Louisville Whiskey Co. Single Barrel Bourbon (Hungarian Oak)

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Hungarian Oak Casks
  • Company: Old Louisville Whiskey Co.
  • Distillery: Distilled in Indiana (MGP), Bottled by Old Louisville Whiskey Co.
  • Mash Bill: Unknown (Typically uses their signature high-rye or traditional bourbon base before finishing)
  • Age: 8 Years
  • Proof: 122.6 Proof
  • Released: Limited Single Barrel Selection

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

NOTE: The spirits 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.

#Bourbon #WhiskeyTasting #OldLouisvilleWhiskeyCo #BourbonReview #SingleBarrelBourbon #WheatedBourbon #MGPPour #CaskStrength #WhiskeyReview #YourBourbonJourney #KentuckyBourbon #BourbonClub #ColumbianOak #HungarianOak #BourbonHunting

Unboxing Rare Remus Reserve: Lux Row Distillery Event Haul 

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We are officially hooked! In this episode of Your Bourbon Journey, we dive deep into the highly coveted Remus Reserve Collection from Ross & Squibb Distillery. After an exclusive, intimate tasting event with Master Distiller Ian Stirsman at Lux Row Distillers, we walked away as full converts to the MGP / Luxco flavor profile. Today, we are cracking open three incredible bottles to see how they stack up side-by-side.

First up is the spectacular Remus Gatsby Reserve 2025, a massive 15-year-old straight bourbon whiskey bottled at a cask strength of 102.8 proof. Released as a centennial celebration of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic 1925 novel.

Next, we step up to the plate with the brand-new, limited-edition Remus Lou Gehrig Reserve (Released May 2026). Honoring the Iron Horse’s legendary 109 RBI season in 1926 at 109 proof, this bottle masterfully blends four distinct mash bills to match his iconic #4 jersey.

Finally, we round out the lineup with the heavy-hitting Remus Babe Ruth Reserve (2025 Edition). Clocking in at the highest proof on the table at 111, this medley of three high-rye mash bills commemorates the Bambino’s career professional at-bats.

Which of these ultra-premium Ross & Squibb MGP expressions takes home the crown? Watch to find out our definitive ranking! Have you been lucky enough to find any of these Remus Reserve bottles in the wild? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 


🎓 Want to earn a FREE Whiskey Certificate? Start your bourbon education journey with Whiskey University today! Take your first steps here: https://www.whiskeyuniv.com/first-steps

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

Remus Gatsby Reserve 2025

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Luxco / MGP
  • Distillery: Ross & Squibb Distillery (Lawrenceburg, IN)
  • Mash Bill: 75% Corn, 21% Rye, 4% Malted Barley
  • Age: 15 Years
  • Proof: 102.8 Proof (51.4% ABV)
  • SRP: $199.99
  • Released: October 2025
  • Other: Cask strength. Released as a centennial celebration of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic 1925 novel.
  • Purchased: 05/29/26 for $219.99 at Lux Row Distillers, Bardstown KY

Remus Lou Gehrig Reserve

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Luxco / MGP
  • Distillery: Ross & Squibb Distillery (Lawrenceburg, IN)
  • Mash Bill: Medley of 4 distinct mash bills (reflecting his #4 jersey):
    • 70% is 2017 distillation (49% Rye / 51% Corn / 10% Malted Rye)
    • 14% is 2016 distillation (44% Rye)
    • 8% is 2019 distillation (36% Rye)
    • 8% is 2019 distillation (99% Corn / 1% Malted Barley)
  • Age: NAS (Blend of 7 to 10-year-old bourbons)
  • Proof: 109 Proof (54.5% ABV) — Honors his 109 RBI season in 1926
  • SRP: $149.99
  • Released: May 2026
  • Other: Limited to exactly 9,665 numbered bottles, representing each of the Iron Horse’s career plate appearances.
  • Purchased: 05/29/26 for $155.99 at Lux Row Distillers, Bardstown KY

Remus Babe Ruth Reserve (2025 Edition)

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Luxco / MGP
  • Distillery: Ross & Squibb Distillery (Lawrenceburg, IN)
  • Mash Bill: Medley of 3 distinct mash bills (reflecting his #3 jersey):
    • 73% is 2017 distillation (51% Corn, 39% Unmalted Rye, 10% Malted Rye)
    • 15% is 2016 distillation (52% Corn, 44% Rye, 4% Malted Barley)
    • 12% is 2017 distillation (60% Corn, 36% Rye, 4% Malted Barley)
  • Age: NAS (Blend of 8 to 9-year-old bourbons)
  • Proof: 111 Proof (55.5% ABV)
  • SRP: $149.99
  • Released: June 2025
  • Other: Limited to 8,399 numbered bottles, marking his total career professional at-bats.
  • Purchased: 05/29/26 for $155.99 at Lux Row Distillers, Bardstown KY

🚨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.

#YourBourbonJourney #RemusReserveBattle #RemusGatsbyReserve #RemusBabeRuthReserve #RemusLouGehrigReserve #MGPBourbon #RossAndSquibb #LuxRowDistillers #BourbonReview #RareWhiskey #MGP #BourbonTasting #CaskStrength #BourbonGeeks #BaseballCommemorativeBourbon

We Tested 3 Exotic European Oaks! Starlight Terroir Bourbon

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Can the geographic origin of a tree completely transform the flavor of a craft bourbon? We went to the upstairs tasting room at Starlight Distillery to put their highly anticipated Terroir Collection to the ultimate comparative tasting test!

Welcome back to Your Bourbon Journey! Today, Wayne and Rebecca are diving deep into the ultimate whiskey geek show: wood terroir. Starlight Distillery took the exact same 4.5-year-old Indiana Straight Bourbon sweet mash distillate and finished it in six distinct international oak varieties. While the Scandinavian oak was completely sold out, we successfully tasted five and brought home three distinctly different bottles to map out the incredible structural effects of international oak.

We break down three unique barrels sitting at an identical proof range (114.3 to 114.6 Proof) to ensure the heat doesn’t skew the results—allowing the wood density, grain structures, and international soils to tell the story. From the tight-grained, caramel-forward Balkan Oak of Bulgaria to the porous, highly oxidative Iberian Oak of Spain, and the intensely resinous, baking spice bomb that is the Carpathian Oak of Romania, this lineup will completely change how you view finished whiskey. Stick around until the end to see the shocking twist where our initial distillery impressions get completely flipped upside down on our home palates!

Have you picked up any bottles from the Starlight Terroir Series yet? Let us know your favorite in the comments below!

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🎓 Want to earn a FREE Whiskey Certificate? Start your bourbon education journey with Whiskey University today! Take your first steps here: https://www.whiskeyuniv.com/first-steps

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

Starlight Terroir Collection

  • Classification: Indiana Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Starlight Distillery
  • Mash Bill: Proprietary blend of 3-Grain 60% Corn, $20% Rye, 20% Malted Barley) and 4-Grain 51% Corn, 20% Rye, 20% Malted Barley, 9% Wheat) Sweet Mash
  • Age: 4.5 Years
  • SRP: $69.99
  • Purchased: 06/06/26 at Starlight Distillery, Borden Indiana 
  • Starlight Terroir Collection: Balkan Oak / Bulgaria; Proof: 114.6 
  • Starlight Terroir Collection: Iberian Oak / Spain; Proof: 114.3 Proof 
  • Starlight Terroir Collection: Carpathian Oak / Romania; Proof: 114.4 Proof 

🚨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.

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Virginia Distillery Co. Brewer’s Coalition Review! 

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Is this the ultimate lineup for stout lovers and whiskey enthusiasts alike? 🥃✨ 

Today on Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca are diving deep into the highly anticipated Brewer’s Coalition from Virginia Distillery Co.! We are breaking down and ranking three phenomenal American Single Malt Whiskies finished in cult-favorite craft beer barrels.

From an award-winning gingerbread finish to a legendary North Carolina chocolate stout, and a wild double milk stout blend featuring real Madagascar vanilla and raspberries—this tasting completely blew us away. Can these 100-proof single malts stand up to traditional bourbon? We taste them blindly, break down the complex notes of cocoa nibs, warming ginger, and strawberry ice cream, and reveal our ultimate winner!

BOTTLES FEATURED IN THIS VIDEO:

 🍪🍯🥃 Hardywood Gingerbread Stout Cask Finish 

🍫☕️💪 Foothills Brewing Sexual Chocolate Stout Cask Finish  

🍓🍦🍨 4 Hands Brewing Co. Madagascar Stout Cask Finish  

If you love unique whiskey finishes, craft beer stouts, or want to expand your single malt palate, this episode is a must-watch. Let us know in the comments: which of these brewery collaborations would you reach for first? Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and join us on the journey!

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🎓 Want to earn a FREE Whiskey Certificate? Start your bourbon education journey with Whiskey University today! Take your first steps here: https://www.whiskeyuniv.com/first-steps

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

📌 Looking to grab these bottles for your own collection? You can order them directly from Virginia Distillery Co.’s online shop right here: https://shop.vadistillery.com/ 

Brewer’s Coalition: Hardywood Gingerbread Stout Cask Finish

  • Classification: American Single Malt Whisky
  • Distillery: Virginia Distillery Co.
  • Mash Bill: 100% Malted Barley
  • Age: Aged over 5 years in ex-bourbon casks before secondary finishing
  • Proof: 100
  • SRP: $49.99 (700mL)
  • Released: Fall 2024 (Ranked #17 on Whisky Advocate’s Top 20 of 2024)
  • Other: Finished in casks that previously held Richmond-based Hardywood’s cult-favorite Imperial Stout brewed with local baby ginger and wildflower honey. 
  • Purchased: 04/03/26 for $49.99 at Virginia Distillery Co. Online

Brewer’s Coalition: Foothills Brewing Sexual Chocolate Stout Cask

  • Classification: American Single Malt Whisky
  • Distillery: Virginia Distillery Co.
  • Mash Bill: 100% Malted Barley
  • Age: Aged over 5 years in ex-bourbon casks before secondary finishing
  • Proof: 100
  • SRP: $54.99 (700mL)
  • Released: Late 2025
  • Other: Finished in barrels that once held Foothills Brewing’s (Winston-Salem, NC) famous cocoa-infused Imperial Stout. 
  • Purchased: 04/03/26 for $54.99 at Virginia Distillery Co. Online

Brewer’s Coalition: 4 Hands Brewing Co. Madagascar Stout Cask

  • Classification: American Single Malt Whisky
  • Distillery: Virginia Distillery Co.
  • Mash Bill: 100% Malted Barley
  • Age: ~5 years primary maturation in Heaven Hill ex-bourbon barrels, followed by a 10-month secondary finish in the stout casks.
  • Proof: 100
  • SRP: $54.99 (700mL)
  • Released: Early 2026
  • Other: A unique blend utilizing four 53-gallon casks from 4 Hands Brewing (St. Louis, MO): three that held Madagascar Raspberry Milk Stout and one that held Madagascar Vanilla Milk Stout. 
  • Purchased: 04/03/26 for $54.99 at Virginia Distillery Co. Online

🚨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.

#WhiskeyReview #AmericanSingleMalt #VirginiaDistilleryCo #StoutCask #CraftBeerWhiskey #WhiskeyTasting #SingleMalt #SexualChocolateStout #Hardywood #FourHandsBrewing #YourBourbonJourney #WhiskeyGram #StoutLovers #UniqueWhiskey #WhiskeyRanking