Bourbon

Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Proof vs 10 Year Private Barrel Review

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Welcome back to Your Bourbon Journey! Join Wayne and Rebecca as we dive into two fascinating, high-proof releases from Heaven Hill’s legendary Elijah Craig lineup!

With Heaven Hill seemingly shifting strategy away from their traditional batch releases (A1, B5, C9), private store picks and special single barrel selections are stepping up to fill the void. Today, we’re tasting two completely different, heavy-hitting Elijah Craig Private Barrel Proof selections to see if they deliver that classic, full-throttle flavor profile we know and love.

Which expression takes top honors—the deep, campfire-charred marshmallow notes of the Toasted Barrel Proof, or the massive Cherries Jubilee power of the 10-year Sam’s Club pick? Watch as we break down the nosing techniques, taste profiles, and value for each bottle!

👇 Join the Conversation: What is your favorite nosing technique when tasting high-proof bourbons? Have you spotted Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Proof or local single-barrel picks in your area? Let us know in the comments below!

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❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

Elijah Craig Private Barrel Bourbon (Toasted Barrel Finish)

  • Selection Name: “Kentucky On Premise” (Barrel #7294339)
  • Details: Straight Bourbon finished in a custom toasted second cask, non-chill filtered & bottled at Cask Strength.
  • Age / Proof: 8 Years | 125 Proof (62.5% ABV)
  • Price: $100.00 (Purchased at Revival Vintage Spirits)
  • Tasting Notes: Burnt marshmallow, rich toasted oak, cinnamon spice, and warm brown sugar.

Elijah Craig Private Barrel Bourbon (America’s 250th Birthday)

  • Selection Name: “America’s 250th Birthday Indiana Barrel 2026” (Barrel #7312805)
  • Details: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (2026 Special Commemorative Allocation).
  • Age / Proof: 10 Years | 132.9 Proof (66.45% ABV)
  • Price: $57.62 (An incredible Sam’s Club volume deal in Evansville, IN!)
  • Tasting Notes: Decadent cherries jubilee, rich brown sugar, vanilla, and bold barrel heat.

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

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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.

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Blind Barrels XVIII: Honest Blind Whiskey Tasting & Reveals!

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Welcome back to Your Bourbon Journey! Today we are diving into the Blind Barrels Release XVIII box (“Eastbound & Down… South”), featuring a curated selection of unique craft whiskeys from the Eastern Seaboard and the South. 

Join Wayne and Rebecca as we put our palates to the test! We try to guess the whiskey styles (Bourbon, Rye, Single Malt, or Wheat Whiskey), approximate the proof, guess the age, and decide if these bottles are worthy of a spot on our home bar shelf. 

From 114-proof Navy Strength American Single Malts to toasted cask-strength ryes and award-winning organic wheat whiskeys, this lineup sparked one of our most divided reviews yet!

What did you think of the Blind Barrels Release XVIII lineup? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! 

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❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

‼️🚨SPOILER ALERT🚨‼️

🥃 Overview of Whiskeys Revealed

Sample A: Old Line Navy Strength American Single Malt Whiskey

  • Distillery: Old Line Spirits (Baltimore, Maryland)
  • Age: 4 Years (Blend of 4–7 year stock)
  • Proof: 114 Proof (57% ABV)
  • Mash Bill: 100% Malted Barley (90% Premium 2-Row, 10% Deep Kiln Malt)
  • Member Price: $53.99 (Regular: $64.99)

Sample B: Epoch Reserve Maryland Straight Rye Whiskey

  • Distillery: Baltimore Spirits Company (Baltimore, Maryland)
  • Age: 5 Years
  • Proof: 100 Proof (50% ABV)
  • Mash Bill: 100% Rye (25% Malted Rye)
  • Member Price: $57.99 (Regular: $79.99)

Sample C: Fiddler Cask Strength Toasted Rye Whiskey

  • Distillery: ASW Distillery (Atlanta, Georgia)
  • Age: 7 Years
  • Proof: 121.8 Proof (60.9% ABV)
  • Mash Bill: Low Rye (51% Rye, 45% Corn, 4% Malted Barley)
  • Member Price: $64.99 (Regular: $69.99)

Sample D: Journeyman Corsets, Whips and Whiskey Organic Wheat Whiskey

  • Distillery: Journeyman Distillery (Three Oaks, Michigan)
  • Age: 6 Years
  • Proof: 121.6 Proof (60.8% ABV)
  • Mash Bill: 100% Organic Michigan-Grown Wheat
  • Member Price: $57.99 (Regular: $74.99)

🚨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.

#BlindBarrels #WhiskeyTasting #BourbonReview #CraftWhiskey #Whiskey #AmericanSingleMalt #RyeWhiskey #WheatWhiskey #YourBourbonJourney #WhiskeyUnboxing #ASWDistillery #JourneymanDistillery #OldLineSpirits #BaltimoreSpiritsCompany #Bourbon

Crafting the Ultimate Spicy Old Fashioned with Cherry Wood Smoke

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Welcome to Episode 80 of Thirsty Thursday Cocktails on Your Bourbon Journey! 

Tonight, Rebecca crafts the Chile & Spice Old Fashioned—a rich, savory, and slightly smoky cocktail built specifically for mid-summer evenings.

We are pairing high-proof, high-rye bourbon muscle with authentic earthy pepper heat, juicy stone fruit, and a fragrant cloud of cherry wood smoke.

Stir one up with us tonight, and let us know your thoughts in the comments! Please drink responsibly.

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📋 THE RECIPE & INSTRUCTIONS

Chile & Spice Old Fashioned

  • 2.0 oz Old Grand-Dad 114 7-Year Single Barrel Bourbon
  • 0.5 oz Chicago Dogma Amargo De Chile
  • 0.33 oz Demerara Syrup
  • 2 dashes Fee Brothers Plum Cocktail Bitters
  • Garnish: Expressed orange peel
  • Smoke: Cherry wood chips

Instructions:

  1. Combine all liquid ingredients into a mixing glass with ice.
  2. Stir for approximately 25 seconds until thoroughly chilled and diluted.
  3. Strain over a large clear ice cube into a rocks glass.
  4. Express fresh orange peel oils over the surface.
  5. Apply the cocktail smoking kit with cherry wood chips right before serving, trapping the smoke under a cloche for presentation.

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

NOTE: The spirits and items in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the producers for this review. 

#Bourbon #OldFashioned #SmokedCocktail #WhiskeyCocktails #OldGrandDad114 #CraftCocktails #CocktailRecipe #ThirstyThursday #BourbonJourney #Mixology #Amaro #AmargoDeChile #BourbonLovers #SmokedOldFashioned #Whiskey

Don’t Buy A Cigar Blend Bourbon Until You Watch This! 

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Are you looking for the ultimate cigar-pairing bourbon? Today, we are smoking in the bourbon room and diving deep into three highly sought-after Cigar Batch Bourbons! From naturally savory pot-still creations to dense multi-cask finishes, we are breaking down the flavor profiles, production secrets, and the exact cigar wrappers (from Habanos to Maduros) you need to pair with each bottle.

Whether you want a daily sipper, a pour that pairs perfectly with a backyard barbecue, or a rich, cognac-forward masterpiece, we’ve got you covered. Two of these bottles battle it out with complex wine and oak finishes, while one wild card throws out the rulebook completely with a shocking natural profile. Which one takes the crown as our top pick? Pour a glass, light up a premium stick, and let’s find out!

Don’t forget to LIKE this video, drop a comment with your favorite cigar pour, and hit that SUBSCRIBE button to join our whiskey community! 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❌

Glenns Creek Distillery OCD #5 “Cigar Batch”

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Glenns Creek Distilling, LLC
  • Distillery: Glenns Creek Distillery (Frankfort, KY — located on the historic former Old Crow property)
  • Mash Bill: 87% Corn, 8% Rye, 5% Barley
  • Age: NAS (No Age Statement)
  • Proof: 101.4 Proof (50.7% ABV) — Note: Exact metrics from Barrel 196, Bottle 49
  • SRP: $75.00
  • Released: Late 2025

Barrell Bourbon Cigar Blend

  • Classification: Blended Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Madeira, Armagnac, Rum, and Hungarian Oak Casks
  • Company: Barrell Craft Spirits
  • Distillery: Distilled in KY, IN & TN; Blended and Bottled by Barrell Craft Spirits in Louisville, KY
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed
  • Age: A blend of straight bourbon whiskeys aged 7.5 to 18 years
  • Proof: 111.2 Proof (55.6% ABV)
  • SRP: $84.99
  • Released: March 2026

Seelbach’s Private Reserve “Humidor Blend” Cigar Batch (Batch 001)

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Spanish Oak, Cognac, and Amburana Casks
  • Company: Seelbach’s
  • Distillery: Distilled in Indiana; Bottled by Manifest Distilling in Jacksonville, FL
  • Mash Bill: Blended Mash Bill: 85% Corn, 11% Wheat, 4% Malted Barley
  • Age: A blend of 10-Year 3-Months, 7-Year 8-Months, and 5-Year 3-Months whiskeys
  • Proof: 118.6 Proof (59.3% ABV)
  • SRP: $99.99
  • Released: October 2025

🚨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 #CigarBatch #WhiskeyReview #CigarPairing #BarrellCraftSpirits #Seelbachs #GlennsCreekDistillery #BourbonJourney #WhiskeyTasting #CigarLife #BourbonReview #StraightBourbon #PremiumWhiskey #KentuckyBourbon #CigarBlend

The Dill Weed Rye That Finally Lived Up to the Hype

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Is this the ultimate “Sith Lord” collaboration in the whiskey world? Today, we are in a New York state of mind right here in Frankfort, Kentucky! We are tasting the highly anticipated 5094 Transplant Empire Rye Whiskey, a special Tom Jones / Old Lewis Hunter Restoration Release. This incredible straight empire rye whiskey is a powerhouse collaboration between Glenns Creek Distilling and 5094 Distilling.

Mashed, fermented, distilled, and aged for over 4 years (54 months) in New York State, this bottle was acquired by Glenns Creek and 5094 in February 2026 and officially released in July 2026. Sitting at a robust 111.2 proof, this Single Barrel (Barrel 1, Bottle 59) features a heavy 94% rye and 6% malted barley mash bill. Best of all? It retails at an incredible SRP of just $51.89, and proceeds directly benefit Tom Jones’s passionate efforts to restore the historic Old Lewis Hunter Distillery!

In this episode, Wayne finally finds that elusive, bright “dill weed” note he’s been hunting for years in a rye whiskey—thanks to some expert guidance from our patron, Liz! We break down the exact, strict pre-Prohibition standards required by the Empire Rye Whiskey Association (including the 75% minimum New York grain rule and lower 115 barrel entry proof). We also dive into the tasting notes, tracking this pour from its fresh, grassy, outdoor nose of mint and dill to a surprisingly complex palate of almond, cocoa, coffee, and a light white pepper finish.

Is this a “buy, backup, and backup the backup” bottle? Find out if this unique Empire Rye completely changes how you look at craft whiskey!

If you love what we do, make sure to hit that SUBSCRIBE button, drop a comment with your favorite rye whiskey, and always remember to drink responsibly. Cheers!

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❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

5094 Transplant Empire Rye Whiskey

  • (Tom Jones / Old Lewis Hunter Restoration Release)
  • Classification: Straight Empire Rye Whiskey
  • Company: 5094 Distilling & Glenns Creek Distilling Collaboration
  • Distillery: Mashed, fermented, distilled, and aged for over 4 years in New York; Acquired by Glenns Creek/5094 in February 2026.
  • Mash Bill: 94% Rye, 6% Malted Barley
  • Age: 54 Months (4.5 years)
  • Proof: 111.2
  • SRP: $51.89
  • Released: July 2026
  • Other: Single Barrel (Barrel 1, Bottle 59). Features distinctive mint and dill notes. Proceeds directly benefit Tom Jones’s efforts to restore the historic Old Lewis Hunter Distillery.
  • Purchased: Bought in person for $51.89 on 7/4/26 at Glenns Creek Distillery in Frankfort, 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.

#RyeWhiskey #EmpireRye #GlennsCreekDistilling #5094Distilling #WhiskeyReview #YourBourbonJourney #SingleBarrel #CraftWhiskey #WhiskeyTasting #OldLewisHunter #BourbonCommunity #WhiskeyGram #NewYorkWhiskey #PreProhibition #DrinkResponsibly 

The Ultimate America 250 Bourbon Showdown! 🇺🇸

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Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with an epic, heavy-hitting whiskey face-off! In this episode, Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey line up six highly limited, patriotic commemorative bottles to find out who has the absolute best USA 250 whiskey expression on the market.

We are skipping the blind format today to break down these incredible bottles openly, rating them on a simple 0–5 scale based on their color, nose, palate, and long-lasting finish. From unique heirloom corn mash bills to robust double-oaked cask strength giants, this lineup represents the ultimate celebration of American distilling craftsmanship. Stick around until the end to see our unanimous, surprising final rankings!

Have you tried any of these America 250 commemorative releases? What is your favorite patriotic bottle on your shelf? Drop your thoughts, tasting notes, and own personal rankings in the comments below—we love the back-and-forth debate!

If you love whiskey reviews, cocktail tutorials, and celebrating American heritage, make sure to hit that SUBSCRIBE button, drop a like, and share this video with your fellow bourbon lovers. Always remember to drink responsibly, and always love America! Cheers! 🥃🇺🇸

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

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❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

Casey Jones Distillery Private Stock “Revere”

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Casey Jones Distillery (Hopkinsville, KY)
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed
  • Age: 5 Years Aged
  • Proof: 100 Proof

Glenns Creek “Patriotic ‘Meri-COB” (Heirloom Collection)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Glenns Creek Distillery (Frankfort, KY)
  • Mash Bill: Heirloom Triple-Corn Blend: Bloody Butcher Red, Hickory King White, and Hoppi Blue
  • Age: Aged at least 47 months
  • Proof: 106 Proof

W.H. McBrayer 250th Special Edition

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: McBrayer Legacy Spirits
  • Distillery: Contract Distilled
  • Mash Bill: 88.4% Bloody Butcher Corn, 5.8% Heritage Rye, 5.8% Malted Barley
  • Age: 5 Years Old (A blend of 5, 6, and 7-year-old barrels)
  • Proof: 105

Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage Bourbon (America 250 Commemorative Edition)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Heaven Hill Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 78% Corn, 10% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
  • Age: Vintage dated (Typically ~7 to 8 years old, barrel-dependent)
  • Proof: 117.76 Proof … intentional as a direct tribute to the year 1776.

High Bank Distillery “Whiskey War” Double Double (USA 250)

  • Classification: A Blend of Straight Whiskeys Finished in a Second & Third New Oak Barrel
  • Company: High Bank Distillery Co.
  • Distillery: High Bank Distillery Co. (Columbus, OH)
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed Rye-Heavy Blended Mash Bill
  • Age: NAS (Non-Age Stated, but heavily double-aged in new charred oak)
  • Proof: 116.84 Proof

Dark Arts Whiskey House “250 Years of Spirit” (5X Blend)

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey Double Oaked
  • Company: Dark Arts Whiskey House
  • Distillery: Ross & Squibb (MGP) – Lawrenceburg, Indiana (Bottled in Sparta, KY)
  • Mash Bill: 60% Corn, 36% Rye, 4% Malted Barley
  • Age: 11 Years Old
  • Proof: 128.28

🚨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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The Ultimate Manhattan Upgrade? Try The Gala Manhattan!

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Welcome to Your Bourbon Journey! In Episode 79 of Thirsty Thursday Cocktails, we are mixing up the Gala Manhattan—an exceptionally elegant, ultra-premium variation of the ultimate whiskey classic.

Most Manhattan recipes rely on standard orange modifiers, but tonight we are elevating the entire drink with Gran Gala Liqueur. Because Gran Gala features a rich, velvety brandy base instead of a neutral spirit, it introduces a weightier mouthfeel and a darker, more complex orange profile.

To ensure the whiskey remains the absolute star of the glass, we are anchoring this heavy-hitting build with Wild Turkey Rare Breed Bourbon. At 116.8 proof, this legendary barrel-proof powerhouse brings a robust high-rye muscle, deep charred oak, and bold baking spices that slice right through the rich modifiers to command the glass. Paired with historic Cocchi di Torino Sweet Vermouth and a sophisticated split-bitter format, it yields a dry, luxurious cocktail that tastes like a premium dark chocolate-dipped orange peel.

Stir one up with us tonight, and let us know your thoughts in the comments! Please drink responsibly.

🛒 Featured Cocktail Ingredients & Tools

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Check out the links below!

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 


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🍊 The Gala Manhattan

Ingredients:

  • 2.0 oz Wild Turkey Rare Breed Bourbon
  • 0.75 oz Cocchi di Torino Sweet Vermouth
  • 0.50 oz Gran Gala Liqueur
  • 2 dashes Angostura Aromatic Bitters
  • 2 dashes Aztec Chocolate Bitters
  • Garnish: Expressed orange peel

Instructions:

  1. Add the Wild Turkey Rare Breed, Cocchi di Torino, Gran Gala, and both styles of bitters into a mixing glass with plenty of ice.
  2. Stir deeply for 25 to 30 seconds to achieve maximum chill and proper dilution.
  3. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass.
  4. Express a fresh orange peel over the top to release the citrus oils, drop it into the glass, and enjoy!

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

NOTE: The spirits and items in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the producers for this review. 

#ManhattanCocktail #WildTurkeyRareBreed #GranGala #BourbonCocktails #ClassicCocktails #ThirstyThursday #HomeBartender #CraftCocktails #BourbonJourney #SweetVermouth #CocktailRecipe #WhiskeyGram #PremiumSpirits #Mixology #StirredNotShaken

Booker’s New Milkshake Batch: Too Sweet or Perfect?

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Is the new Booker’s 2026-02 Milkshake Batch the sweetest, most unique Booker’s release yet? 

In today’s episode of Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca crack open this highly anticipated Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey to see if it truly lives up to its nostalgic name! A huge thank you to our friend Scott for picking this up for us directly from the Jim Beam Outpost!

Named after a cherished family tradition, the story goes that when Fred Noe was young, he and his dad, Booker Noe, would go fishing and reward themselves with chocolate malted milkshakes from a local ice cream dip. One day, Booker decided to spike his milkshake with a generous pour of uncut, unfiltered bourbon—and a legendary family recipe was born.

Aged 7 years, 6 months, and 12 days, and coming in at a roaring 124.4 proof, this bottle packs the classic Jim Beam power but with a surprisingly sweet twist. We break down the beautiful legs, the deep caramel and brown sugar nose, and a palate that completely alignment for both of us—delivering an incredible maltiness, nostalgic hints of Ovaltine and Nesquik, and a warm finish of dark cocoa and light cinnamon.

Is this the best batch since Jerry’s Batch? Should you hunt down a second bottle at the distillery? Pull up a glass, join our bourbon community, and let’s dive into this boozy chocolate milkshake pour together!

🔔 Support the channel and our spirits education journey! Hit that SUBSCRIBE button, drop a comment with your favorite Booker’s batch, and don’t forget to share good bourbon with your friends!

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❌

Booker’s 2026-02 Milkshake Batch

  • The Story: Named after a cherished family tradition. When Fred Noe was young, he and Booker would go fishing and reward themselves with chocolate malted milkshakes from a local ice cream dip. One day, Booker decided to spike his milkshake with a generous pour of bourbon. Later, when Freddie was growing up, Booker perfected making these boozy chocolate malted milkshakes from scratch.
  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Suntory Global Spirits
  • Distillery: Jim Beam
  • Mash Bill: 77% Corn, 13% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
  • Age: 7 years, 6 months, 12 days
  • Proof: 124.4
  • SRP: $100
  • Released: June 11, 2026
  • Purchased: 07/03/26 for $100 at Jim Beam Outpost (via a friend)

🚨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 #BookersBourbon #WhiskeyReview #JimBeam #YourBourbon Journey #BookersMilkshake #BourbonReview #SingleBarrel #HighProof #UncutAndUnfiltered #WhiskeyTasting #KentuckyBourbon #BourbonCommunity #FineSpirits #Cheers

Upgrade Your Boulevardier Cocktail With This High-Proof Trick

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Welcome to Episode 78 of Thirsty Thursday Cocktails on Your Bourbon Journey! Tonight, we are crafting “The Darker Boulevardier,” a brooding, spirit-forward riff on the classic Boulevardier cocktail. If you love a classic Negroni or a traditional Boulevardier but want something with more depth, complexity, and a savory backbone, this recipe is for you.

Instead of the bright, sweet citrus snap of traditional Campari, this recipe features the high-proof intensity of Cynar 70. This amaro brings an assertive, velvety, and deeply savory artichoke-and-herbal bitterness to the glass. To stand up to that heavy modifier, we are anchoring the build with 2 full ounces of the Old Grand-Dad 114 Single Barrel 7-Year bourbon. With its famous high-rye mash bill, this 114-proof powerhouse brings a sharp punch of black pepper, cinnamon, baking spices, and a classic Jim Beam nuttiness that remains the absolute star of the glass.

We round out the sharp edges with the rich cocoa-and-berry sweetness of Cocchi di Torino Sweet Vermouth and bind the structure together with Orange Bitters. The result is a bold, viscous, and unapologetically complex aperitivo-style cocktail that opens up beautifully as the clear ice melts.

Are you a fan of using Cynar in whiskey cocktails? Let me know your thoughts on this spec in the comments below!

🛒 Featured Cocktail Ingredients & Tools

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Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

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🥃 THE RECIPE: THE DARKER BOULEVARDIER

  • 2.0 oz Old Grand-Dad 114 Single Barrel 7-Year Bourbon
  • 0.75 oz Cynar 70 Amaro
  • 0.75 oz Cocchi di Torino Sweet Vermouth
  • 2 dashes Orange Bitters
  • Garnish: Expressed Orange Peel

📖 INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice.
  2. Stir thoroughly for 30 to 45 seconds to achieve an ice-cold chill and proper dilution.
  3. Strain into a chilled rocks glass over a single large, clear ice cube.
  4. Express a fresh orange peel over the top to release the bright essential oils, and drop it in as the garnish.

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

NOTE: The spirits and items in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the producers for this review. 

#BourbonCocktails #Boulevardier #OldGrandDad114 #Cynar70 #CocktailRecipe #ThirstyThursday #YourBourbonJourney #WhiskeyCocktails #AmaroCocktails #NegroniRiff #HomeBartender #SweetVermouth #CraftCocktails #BourbonEnthusiast #ClassicCocktailRiff

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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❌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.

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