🎉Check out these awesome milestones we’ve hit: 🤩 377 amazing subscribers! 🎬 131 informative and fun videos! 👀 29,944 views! ⏱️ A whopping 2023 hours watched!
I’m seriously proud of what we’ve built together in such a short time. 🥰 While we might not be the biggest channel out there, our focus has ALWAYS been on bringing you top-notch content that dives deep into the world of bourbon 🌎 – from the incredible distilleries and the passionate people behind them to how we can all show our support! 🙌
We’re dropping FIVE fresh videos every single week:
🗓️ Monday: 🚀 New bourbon releases that could be the next Whiskey of the Month!
🥃 Tuesday: 🚶♀️🚶♂️ Bourbon Trail Tails & Tastes – come explore the distilleries with us, one delicious stop at a time!
🔓 Wednesday: 👀 Uncorking a gem from our personal bourbon library that’s been waiting for the perfect moment!
🍹 Thursday: 🍸 It’s Thirsty Thursday! Get ready for some mouthwatering bourbon cocktails!
🎁 Friday: 🤔 You never know what Friday will bring! It could be a Blind Tasting challenge, a sip of a Vintage Pour, or the reveal of the Whiskey of the Month!
And that’s not all! We’re also crafting a special Bourbon Trail Guide Series to help you plan your ultimate bourbon adventure!
The ULTIMATE Guide for the Kentucky Bourbon Trail (BARDSTOWN) 🏰
The ULTIMATE Guide for the Kentucky Bourbon Trail (LOUISVILLE) 🏙️
📍 COMING SOON – The ULTIMATE Guide for the Kentucky Bourbon Trail (NORTHERN KY) 🌉
Is there a particular day of the week that catches your eye? 👀 We’d love for you to join us on this exciting ride! 🙏 Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all your incredible support! Cheers! 🥂
Bourbon & Whiskey Industry Highlights from March 2025>> 33 Stories!
In March 2025, the bourbon and whiskey industry saw significant developments, including expected market growth to $12.8 billion by 2031, new partnerships, and multiple distillery news stories. The month featured notable bottle releases, awards announcements, and highlights on women impacting the industry, alongside updates on festivals and distillation workshops.
Industry Market News & Related Announcements>> 3 Stories
Bourbon & Whiskey Industry Highlights from February 2025>> 49 Stories!
In February 2025, the bourbon and whiskey industry faced challenges, including potential trade wars affecting sales. Noteworthy developments included India reducing tariffs and significant growth for various distilleries. The Kentucky Bourbon Trail expanded, and new bottle releases were highlighted, showcasing the industry’s resilience and innovation amidst an evolving market landscape.
Industry Market News & Related Announcements>> 5 Stories
Bourbon & Whiskey Industry Highlights from January 2025>> 41 Stories!
In January 2025, Kentucky’s whiskey industry experienced significant developments, including Brown-Forman layoffs, a focus on regenerative farming, and new distillery expansions. Noteworthy bottle releases included Old Forester’s 1924 bourbon and Buffalo Trace’s 2025 Prohibition Collection. Despite market corrections, industry leaders emphasized Kentucky’s bourbon sector remains robust.
Industry Market News & Related Announcements>> 10 Stories
Bourbon & Whiskey News Highlights from December 2024>> 29 Stories!
In December 2024, the bourbon and whiskey industry saw significant developments, including Ken Lewis becoming the new chair of the Kentucky Distiller’s Association and the establishment of American Single Malt as an official whiskey category. Other highlights include record auction prices, industry growth concerns, and various new product releases.
Industry Market News & Related Announcements>> 10 Stories
Bourbon & Whiskey News Highlights from November 2024>> 25 Stories!
In November 2024, the bourbon and whiskey industry saw significant highlights, including record-breaking sales, new distillery developments, and market forecasts. Key stories featured Maker’s Mark’s new master distiller, multi-million dollar investments, and notable bottle releases, while Kentucky bourbon continued to thrive, attracting increased whiskey tourism.
Industry Market News & Related Announcements>> 8 Stories
Wayne and I selected this Evan Williams Single Barrel for a formal bourbon tasting because we realized that we have tasted it several times when out and about but our bottles at home were unopened. We picked up one bottle at a terrific dinner hosted by Evan Williams (great event!), and another at the 2024 Kentucky Bourbon Festival.
Tasting Notes:Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Please be sure to read our approach to Tasting Whiskey if you haven’t already.
Aroma – Honey is very dominant and then there are notes of cinnamon. As it opens up, the light and pleasant nose includes vanilla and graham crackers.
Tasted Neat – Like the nose, the honey it right up front on the palate with notes of vanilla and cinnamon. It is reminiscent of a vanilla wafer, or vanilla yogurt with drizzled honey, as well as a honey and cinnamon graham cracker.
Finish – While not a strong finish, it does linger with cinnamon and oak.
Tasted with dried cranberry – This pairing is very light, bright, and with orange zest. It is also incredibly sweet, with hints of confectionary sugar, but the honey is gone. The finish is medium.
Tasted with a pecan – Notes of chocolate, caramel, and nutmeg really come forward with this pairing. The finish is long and lingering with some sweet barrel notes.
Tasted with dark chocolate – Interestingly, this pairing returned the honey and graham cracker. It tastes similar to a honey graham dipped in chocolate. Unfortunately, the finish is almost non-existent.
Final Notes and Video
The Evan Williams Single Barrel boasts a rich golden honey color. The aroma is dominated by honey, perfectly complemented by enticing notes of cinnamon. As it opens up, the light and inviting nose reveals layers of vanilla and graham crackers. Tasting it neat elevates the honey flavor, which takes center stage on the palate, harmonizing beautifully with vanilla and cinnamon. The experience is akin to indulging in a vanilla wafer or vanilla yogurt drizzled with honey, alongside the delightful combination of honey and cinnamon graham crackers. While the finish may not intense, it lingers with satisfying notes of cinnamon and oak.
While exploring the various pairings, we discovered that none were bad, indicating that the Evan Williams Single Barrel has versatility and could be easily paired with a variety of menu items. Wayne found the dried cranberry most interesting while I leaned toward what the pecan brought forward.
Its 7-8 year age helps bring character to this low-proof bourbon. While we believe this could be improved as a 100 proof offering, it might be a solid selection for someone who prefers a lower proof bourbon as it does have an interesting flavor profile. However, with other major distilleries starting to offer this age statement in the $25-30 range, its price point of $50 might deter some possible fans.
Embracing the Craft, Rebecca & Wayne
Photos and video by Rebecca Herman McBrayer
NOTE: The bourbon 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.
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
KentuckyStraight Bourbon Whiskey: Such whiskeys have all the requirements of bourbon: Made in the U.S, distilled at <= 160 proof, barreled at <= 125 proof, aged in new, charred oak containers, bottled at >= 80 proof. Straight bourbon means it is aged at least 2 years (and must have an age statement if less than 4). In addition, to be Kentucky Straight Bourbon, it has the additional requirement that it must be produced and aged at least 1 year in the state of Kentucky. For additional information on bourbon requirements, please read this post – Bourbon Whiskey.
In this article, Wayne and I taste the Linkumpinch Kentucky Bourbon Festival Distillers’ Row Series 2024. It is a 5-Year-Old, Cask Strength Single Barrel Bourbon, offered at 117.5 Proof.
During the 2024 Kentucky Bourbon Festival, we acquired several exceptional bottles from the KBF Distillers’ Row Series. Among these, one bottle came from Dueling Grounds Distillery. Having visited them in Franklin, KY, we can unequivocally say that their regular offerings of the 4-Year-Old Linkumpinch Bourbon, whether in a cask strength single barrel version or a small batch of Bottle-in-Bond, are nothing short of outstanding.
Thus, when we learned that they would be showcasing their Special Reserve at this year’s KBF, we eagerly visited them on the very first evening at Bourbon in the Air. Engaging in a great conversation with Marc Dottore, the owner, while tasting their remarkable 5-Year-Old Special Reserve was a delight. He generously signed our bottle as well! We might have waited two months to open it, but let me tell you—good things truly come to those who wait!
Tasting Notes:Linkumpinch Kentucky Bourbon Festival Distillers’ Row Series 2024
Please be sure to read our approach to Tasting Whiskey if you haven’t already.
Mashbill – 66% corn, 22% Red Winter Wheat, 12% Malted Barley Age – 5 Years Other – Cask Strength Single Barrel Proof – 117.5 Price Paid – $77.50 (plus tax)
Color – Medium to dark mahogany
Aroma – There is a nice nuttiness to the aroma as well as a soft sweetness of dark honey and ripe apples. Toasted wheat bread along with hints of oak and tobacco.
Tasted Neat – Again, the nuttiness is right there on the palate along with warm buttered honey wheat toast. There is a cinnamon spice and oak as well. Overall, it has a very creamy mouthfeel.
Finish – Black pepper is dominant but the finish is long, comfortable, and welcoming. There are some nice sweet notes as well as oak and pipe tobacco.
Tasted with dried cranberry – This brought the cinnamon to the forefront and it is nearly a spice bomb. There is a brightness of orange zest but with Mexican spices sprinkled over it.
Tasted with a pecan – The pecan brought out a lot of tannins and cinnamon. Interesting, the nuttiness returned and the sweet notes are more like caramel now.
Tasted with dark chocolate – The chocolate dominates and makes it even more creamy. It is quite a spicy cinnamon but with a hint of brown sugar.
Final Notes and Video
With its bold medium to dark mahogany hue, this drink clearly promises an explosion of flavor. The nose reveals enticing aromas of rich nuttiness paired with the luscious sweetness of dark honey and ripe apples. Notes of toasted wheat bread, complemented by subtle hints of oak and tobacco, stand out prominently. Sipping it neat, the nuttiness greets the palate alongside the inviting taste of warm buttered honey wheat toast. A delightful cinnamon spice and oak also present themselves with assurance. The overall experience boasts a luscious, creamy mouthfeel. On the finish, black pepper takes center stage, yet the conclusion is long, comforting, and welcoming, further enhanced by pleasant sweet notes, oak, and pipe tobacco.
This was certainly worth the wait. The only problem is that we are now wishing we had a second bottle. That said, we do have several bottles of their 4-Year-Old cask strength and they are excellent as well. If you are interested in purchasing one of their regular offerings, Seelbach’s is their official partner. We highly recommend them for bourbon and a visit to learn more about Dueling Grounds!
Embracing the Craft, Rebecca & Wayne
Photos and video by Rebecca Herman McBrayer
NOTE: The bourbon 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.
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
KentuckyStraight Bourbon Whiskey: Such whiskeys have all the requirements of bourbon: Made in the U.S, distilled at <= 160 proof, barreled at <= 125 proof, aged in new, charred oak containers, bottled at >= 80 proof. Straight bourbon means it is aged at least 2 years (and must have an age statement if less than 4). In addition, to be Kentucky Straight Bourbon, it has the additional requirement that it must be produced and aged at least 1 year in the state of Kentucky. For additional information on bourbon requirements, please read this post – Bourbon Whiskey.
Last summer we purchased a bottle of Middle West Spirits Dark Pumpernickel Rye because Wayne is a huge fan of pumpernickel! Unfortunately, we had perhaps some unrealistic expectations of what that rye would taste like and we were somewhat disappointed. Not that is was bad, just that it didn’t align with expectations. Here is a LINK to that original tasting story.
We had several whiskey-loving friends who excitedly encouraged us to give Middle West Spirits another try. They specifically recommended exploring one of their double casks or a cask strength, which sounded thrilling! While attending Bourbon on the Banks in October, we eagerly sampled a few of their delightful offerings. That’s when we discovered and decided to purchase the amazing Double Cask Collection Ported Pumpernickel Rye Whiskey. This past weekend, we joyfully opened this bottle, excited to see what it had in store for us. We’re so glad we did!
Please be sure to read our approach to Tasting Whiskey if you haven’t already.
Mashbill – Dark Pumpernickel Rye, Non GMO, Open Pollinated Yellow Corn, 1-row Barley, Ohio Soft Red Winter Wheat (no percentages available) Age – 5 years Casks – Aged in Toasted and Charred American White Oak; finished in Tawny Port Casks Proof – 99.5 Price Paid – $49.99 (plus tax)
Color – Dark amber. Nice legs.
Aroma – Port wine is the first aroma on the nose then followed closely by rye spices, vanilla, nutmeg, and brown sugar.
Tasted Neat – The Pumpernickel rye is evident as is the port wine. Flavors of vanilla, nutmeg, and stone fruit – date or fig – are also delightful.
Finish – There is a hint of chocolate and the nutmeg lingers, but there is much less port wine. Overall it has a medium to long finish.
Tasted with dried cranberry – More spice notes are prominent and the cranberry truly enhanced the flavors of port wine, overall, making it a bit brighter. Unfortunately, the finish is very limited. That said, a red wine drinker would likely love this pairing.
Tasted with a pecan – Barrel notes are on the first taste. Nutmeg and now cinnamon as well is quite present. The pecan muted the port wine, vanilla, and stone fruit notes. Overall, finish is very limited.
Tasted with dark chocolate – The flavors of Port wine returned and with a very creamy mouth feel. There are notes of chocolate and a lot of cinnamon; however, no stone fruit. The finish with the pecan is short to medium.
Final Notes and Video
We really enjoyed this rye for its overall flavor and complexity. The color of this rye whiskey boasts a bold dark amber, showcasing its impressive viscosity. On the nose, the first aroma is port wine, seamlessly followed by intriguing rye spices, rich vanilla, nutmeg, and a touch of brown sugar. Tasting it neat, the distinct Pumpernickel rye takes center stage, harmonizing beautifully with the port wine. The delightful flavors of vanilla, nutmeg, and stone fruit—be it date or fig—are a true highlight. As for the finish, it offers a subtle hint of chocolate, with nutmeg lingering gracefully, while the port wine recedes, presenting an overall medium to long finish that truly impresses.
This tasting illustrates why we never judge a spirit based on a single taste, nor do we form opinions about a distillery from just one bottle. We are thrilled to have acquired this exceptional bottle and revisit Middle West Spirits. The Tawny Port wine cask adds a remarkable complementary finish to this pumpernickel rye, and this bottle is bursting with complexity. While it may not suit every rye whiskey enthusiast because of the Tawny Port wine finish, it was an undeniable favorite for us!
Embracing the Craft, Rebecca & Wayne
Photos and video by Rebecca Herman McBrayer
NOTE: The whiskey 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.
StraightRye Whiskey
Rye Whiskey Basic Requirements – Rye whiskey must be made from at least 51% rye. It must be distilled at 160 proof or less. It then must be placed into a new, charred oak container at a proof of 125 or below. Straight rye whiskey is a subcategory of rye whiskey that has been aged for at least two years in new, charred oak barrels and doesn’t contain any additives. If aged less than four years, the label must include an age statement. For additional information on bourbon requirements, please read this post – Rye Whiskey.
Wayne and I were excited to try a bottle that I discovered at our local Costco. I had heard nothing about the Lost Recipe Series by Maker’s Mark, but once I read the label, I was captivated by its unique stave combination, particularly the inclusion of the archived Roasted French Mocha stave. The impressive 111.9 proof and the reasonable price of $51.99 sealed the deal for me, prompting an immediate purchase.
Lost Recipe Series Edition #01 uses: 1 Baked American Pure 2 stave, 3 Seared French Cuvée staves, and 6 Roasted French Mocha staves.
Tasting Notes:Maker’s Mark Lost Recipe Series 2024, Ed 01, Mocha
Please be sure to read our approach to Tasting Whiskey if you haven’t already.
Mashbill – 70% Corn, 16% Wheat, 14% Malted Barley Age – NAS, as least 4 years by rule. Release – Lost Recipe Series 2024, Ed 01 Proof – 111.9 Price Paid – $51.99 (plus tax)
Color – Medium mahogany.
Aroma – Mocha, coffee, deep chocolate, nutmeg, and a hint of cherry.
Tasted Neat – Coffee, mocha, cherry, and a hint of cinnamon.
Finish – Lingers in a very pleasant way. Toasted barrel flavors, toasted mocha, some nutmeg.
Tasted with dried cranberry – Brightened it with citrus notes but muted the mocha flavors and minimized the finish.
Tasted with a pecan – Intensified the chocolate and coffee notes, pecan is present, the finish is medium and cinnamon forward.
Tasted with dark chocolate – Barrel notes came forward, overall it is very creamy and reminds us of a very frothy chocolate mocha with heavy whipped cream on top that is sprinkled with cinnamon and nutmeg.
Final Notes and Video
While not an identical flavor profile as the Maker’s Mark Heart Release over the summer – which featured caramel and chocolate – this could be a nice substitute for anyone who was unable to locate that bottle due to its more limited release.
The tasting experience for this release is outstanding. Its color exudes a rich medium mahogany. The aromas confidently showcase an inviting nose featuring mocha, coffee, deep chocolate, nutmeg, and a subtle hint of cherry. Upon the first sip, the mocha coffee takes center stage, complemented by hints of cherry and cinnamon. The finish is impressively prolonged, leaving a satisfying impression of toasted barrel, toasted mocha, and nutmeg.
This mocha flavor profile by Maker’s Mark at 111.9 proof is excellent. Being in the $50-range, it makes sense to add this to your bourbon collection as it is something that your guests might enjoy as well as you. We have already acquired a backup bottle as we plan to enjoy this frequently this winter.
Embracing the Craft, Rebecca & Wayne
Photos and video by Rebecca Herman McBrayer
NOTE: The bourbon 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.
KentuckyStraight Bourbon Whiskey
KentuckyStraight Bourbon Whiskey: Such whiskeys have all the requirements of bourbon: Made in the U.S, distilled at <= 160 proof, barreled at <= 125 proof, aged in new, charred oak containers, bottled at >= 80 proof. Straight bourbon means it is aged at least 2 years (and must have an age statement if less than 4). In addition, to be Kentucky Straight Bourbon, it has the additional requirement that it must be produced and aged at least 1 year in the state of Kentucky. For additional information on bourbon requirements, please read this post – Bourbon Whiskey.
Your Bourbon Journey 