Neeley Family 10-Year Papaw’s Legacy Reserve Bourbon Review 

Join Wayne and Rebecca on Your Bourbon Journey for an exclusive pre-release tasting and review of two milestone whiskeys from Neeley Family Distillery (Sparta, KY) ahead of the 2026 Kentucky Bourbon Festival! A massive thank you to Royce and Rebekah Neeley for sending these advance media samples to our table.

The Banana Batch Four Grain Bourbon (112.4 Proof Barrel Strength) Blended by Rebekah Neeley, this is her second Four Grain Small Batch creation featuring Neeley’s signature mashbill with oatmeal. Originally destined to be Bottled in Bond, Rebekah tasted the blend at cask strength and decided it was simply too exceptional to proof down! Sitting at a potent 112.4 proof, it delivers unmistakable notes of Banana Runts, vanilla, and warm, fresh-baked banana bread with an ultra-creamy mouthfeel. Wayne famously dislikes banana notes in whiskey—so does Rebekah’s barrel-strength blend finally crack the code?

PaPaw’s Legacy Reserve: 10-Year Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon Whiskey (110 Proof) An emotional and historic release, this marks Neeley Family Distillery’s first-ever 10-year age statement. Distilled by Royce and his beloved late Papaw, Royce hand-selected 10 of their oldest, finest barrels and blended them together. Designed to never run out, this perpetual Solera-style blend will have a portion bottled annually and replenished with exceptional barrels so Papaw’s whiskey lives on decades into the future. Bottled at 110 proof barrel strength, only 750 bottles comprise this inaugural run, packaged in a custom presentation box. Expect profound notes of dark caramel, confectionary sugar, rich cocoa, and roast coffee.

Official Release Details:

  • The Banana Batch: Available now at the Neeley Family Distillery gift shop and pouring at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival!
  • PaPaw’s Legacy Reserve: Releases Friday, September 11 at 11:00 AM EDT at both the distillery in Sparta, KY, and at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival in Bardstown, KY (Strictly limited to 750 bottles).

Heading to Bardstown? Make sure to visit the Neeley Family Distillery tent, taste these incredible pours, and tell Rebekah whether she made the right call keeping the Banana Batch uncut!

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Banana Batch Bourbon

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Neeley Family Distillery (Sparta, KY)
  • Mash Bill: Four Grain (Typically 63% Corn, 17% Oats, 8% Wheat, 12% Malted Barley)
  • Age: 5 Years
  • Proof: 112 Proof (56% ABV) – Barrel Strength
  • Released: Kentucky Bourbon Festival (September 2026)
  • Other: Annual single-batch release; kept uncut at barrel strength; pot-distilled; media sample taken 8/20/26

Papaws Legacy Reserve 10 Year

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Neeley Family Distillery (Sparta, KY)
  • Mash Bill: Wheated Bourbon (Typically 64% Corn, 28% Wheat, 8% Malted Barley or 68% Corn, 19% Wheat, 13% Malted Barley)
  • Age: 10 Years
  • Proof: 110 Proof (55% ABV)
  • SRP: TBD (Pre-release)
  • Released: Kentucky Bourbon Festival & Distillery Release (September 2026)
  • Other: Ultra-limited release of only 750 bottles; packaged in a custom presentation box; pot-distilled; media sample taken 8/20/26

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NOTE: The spirits featured in this review were provided to us as a media sample by the producer for review purposes. We were not compensated for this video, and our opinions remain entirely our own. Please drink responsibly.

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Is This the Best Bourbon Starlight Has Ever Bottled? 

Join us for an exclusive, high-end Starlight Distillery tasting featuring rare Japanese wood finishes and an ultra-rare 10-year release! In this episode, we break down two exotic cask-finished whiskeys alongside the hyper-allocated Starlight 25th Anniversary Bourbon (limited to only 100 bottles worldwide).

  • Starlight Sakura Reserve Bourbon (Batch 0001): 8-year sweet mash blend, 118 proof, finished in rare Japanese Sakura (cherry blossom) wood.
  • Starlight Mizunara Reserve Bourbon (Batch 0002): 8-year sweet mash blend, 112 proof, finished in Japanese Mizunara oak.
  • Starlight 25th Anniversary 10-Year Bourbon: 120.4 proof, low entry proof, unfinished cask strength, bottle #73 of 100.

From fresh cherry floral notes and sandalwood incense to decadent dark fudge and rich oak, we dive into full tasting notes, comparisons, and our final verdicts.

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Starlight Distillery Sakura Reserve Bourbon Whiskey (Batch No. 0001)

  • Classification: Indiana Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Japanese Sakura Barrels
  • Distillery: Starlight Distillery (Borden, IN)
  • Mash Bill: Starlight Sweet Mash Blend (3-Grain: 60% Corn, 20% Rye, 20% Malted Barley / 4-Grain: 51% Corn, 20% Rye, 20% Malted Barley, 9% Wheat)
  • Age: 8 Years
  • Proof: 118 Proof (59% ABV)
  • Released: August 1, 2026
  • Other: Cask strength; finished in rare Japanese Sakura (Cherry Blossom) wood barrels; estate-grown non-GMO grains; double pot distilled.
  • Purchased: 08/01/26 for $149.99 at Starlight Distillery

Starlight Distillery Mizunara Reserve Bourbon Whiskey (Batch No. 0002)

  • Classification: Indiana Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Japanese Mizunara Oak Barrels
  • Distillery: Starlight Distillery (Borden, IN)
  • Mash Bill: Starlight Sweet Mash Blend (3-Grain: 60% Corn, 20% Rye, 20% Malted Barley / 4-Grain: 51% Corn, 20% Rye, 20% Malted Barley, 9% Wheat)
  • Age: 8 Years
  • Proof: 112 Proof (56% ABV)
  • Released: December 2025
  • Other: Cask strength; finished in rare Japanese Mizunara oak barrels; estate-grown non-GMO grains; double pot distilled.
  • Purchased: 12/4/25 for $149.99 at Starlight Distillery

Starlight Distillery 25th Anniversary Bourbon Whiskey

  • Classification: Indiana Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Starlight Distillery (Borden, IN)
  • Mash Bill: 3-Grain Sweet Mash (60% Corn, 20% Rye, 20% Malted Barley; estate-grown non-GMO grains)
  • Age: 10 Years
  • Proof: 120.4 Proof (60.2% ABV)
  • Released: August 1, 2026
  • Other: Ultra-limited 100-bottle release celebrating 25 years of distilling (Bottle No. 73 of 100); bottled July 2026; un-finished cask strength; low entry proof (110); Canton cooperage (char #3–4, 2-year air-dried staves, charred heads); aged in Warehouse 2 (southeast side); includes presentation box, custom Anniversary Glencairns, metal lapel pin, and signed Certificate of Authenticity.
  • Purchased: 08/01/26 for $300 at Starlight Distillery

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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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Liar Liar Pants on Fire! Potter Jane Spirits Review

Heading into the weekend with a little “Liar Liar Pants on Fire!” On this episode of Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca review Big Vat Liar Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey from Potter Jane Spirits.

Crafted by industry icons Denny Potter and Jane Bowie, this sourced and vatted whiskey blends Kentucky straight bourbons aged at least 6 years, finished with a combination of hybrid, French, and American oak. Bottled at a robust 109.6 proof, we picked up our bottle at Justin’s House of Bourbon in Lexington, KY.

Join us as we break down the controversy, the story behind the release, and dive into an honest nose, palate, and finish. Is this French oak-finished release really the ultimate vanilla wafer and creamy vanilla pudding bomb? Tune in to find out if it deserves a spot on your whiskey shelf!

If you enjoy honest whiskey reviews and bourbon tasting notes, make sure to like this video, drop a comment with your thoughts on sourced releases, and Subscribe to Your Bourbon Journey!

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Big Vat Liar

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Vatted / Finished)
  • Company: Potter Jane Spirits
  • Distillery: Undisclosed (Sourced from multiple distilleries)
  • Mash Bill: 70% corn, 21% rye, and 9% malted barley
  • Other: Blend/vatting process using a combination of hybrid, French, and American oak; crafted by industry veterans Denny Potter and Jane Bowie.
  • Age: 6 years (bottled 05/26/26)
  • Proof: 109.6
  • SRP: $59.99
  • Released: 2026
  • Purchased: 07/04/26 for $59.99 at Justin’s House of Bourbon in Lexington, KY

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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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3 Epic Blue Corn Bourbons Put to the Ultimate Test! 

Is blue corn the ultimate secret weapon in craft bourbon? In today’s episode of Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca dive deep into an epic, high-proof lineup featuring three stunning heirloom blue corn bourbons: Jeptha Creed Bruce’s Blue, Bluegrass Distillers KSBW Single Barrel (#9044), and Smokeye Hill Barrel Proof Straight Bourbon!

From farm-to-glass 100-proof expressions to 130+ proof hazmat-level flavor bombs, heirloom blue corn brings a unique, rich profile—delivering deep notes of dark caramel, leather, tobacco, creamy vanilla pudding, maple, and brown sugar without the harsh “craft funk.”

Join us as we explore the history of these unique mash bills, share stories from our recent visits to Jeptha Creed and Bluegrass Distillers, discuss their cigar-pairing potential, and select one bottle to advance to our official Whiskey of the Month competition!

If you’ve ever been curious about heirloom corn or single barrel craft offerings, hit that LIKE and SUBSCRIBE button to follow along on our whiskey tasting journey! 🥃✨

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JEPTHA CREED BRUCE’S BLUE

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (KSBW)
  • Distillery: Jeptha Creed Distillery (Shelbyville, KY)
  • Mash Bill: 75% Bruce’s Blue Heirloom Corn, 20% Malted Rye, 5% Malted Barley
  • Age: NAS (Typically 4+ years for their straight expressions)
  • Proof: 100 Proof
  • SRP: $64.99
  • Released: Recurring Limited Release
  • Purchased: 7/3/26 for $64.99 at Jeptha Creed Distillery

BLUEGRASS DISTILLERS KSBW (BARREL #9044)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (KSBW)
  • Distillery: Bluegrass Distillers (Midway, KY)
  • Mash Bill: 70% Blue Corn, 21% Rye, 9% Malted Barley (High-Rye Blue Corn Mash)
  • Age: 7 Years
  • Proof: 130 Proof
  • SRP: $70.00 – $75.00
  • Released: July 2026 Single Barrel Pick
  • Purchased: 7/4/26 for $75.00 at Bluegrass Distillers

SMOKEYE HILL BARREL PROOF

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Smokeye Hill Spirits
  • Distillery: Distilled for Smokeye Hill in Lawrenceburg, IN (MGP/Ross & Squibb); Barreled, aged, and bottled in Colorado Springs, CO
  • Mash Bill: Proprietary 4-Grain Heirloom Blue Corn Mash Bill (Blue corn, yellow corn, rye, malted barley)
  • Age: 5 Years
  • Proof: 132 Proof
  • SRP: $84.99 – $89.99
  • Released: Small Batch / Ongoing
  • Purchased: 6/14/26 for $89.99 at Seelbach’s
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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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The Ultimate Honey Finished Bourbon Blind Taste Test!

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!

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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

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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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Fred Minnick “Vision Quest” Blind Tasting Challenge! Blind Barrels Release XVII

Can you handle the truth in a blind tasting? Today on Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca are diving into the highly anticipated Blind Barrels Release XVII, a special collaboration with whiskey expert Fred Minnick titled “Vision Quest.”

This release features a curated selection of unique expressions that push the boundaries of craft distilling. From the first authentic Tennessee whiskey ever included in a Blind Barrels kit to an incredible rebirth of old-school Pennsylvania rye, this flight is designed to challenge your palate and your preconceptions.

Featured in this flight:

  • A 115-proof custom blend from some blending masters.
  • A bold 100-proof pour using the Lincoln County process with sugar maple charcoal.
  • A high-rye Monongahela throwback at 121.6 proof.
  • A 120.2 proof “mahogany” sweet mash beauty.

Watch as we break down the nose, palate, and finish of each sample blindly before the big reveal! Which one took the top spot, and which one surprised us the most?

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NOTE: We were not compensated by the spirit producers or Blind Barrels for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.

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Bourbon Trail Stop in Lawrenceburg: Larrikin Review!

Lawrenceburg Bourbon Company (Larrikin) Tasting & Review! 🥃

Welcome back to Bourbon Trail Tales and Tastes! In Episode 53, we are taking you back to February 2024 for a visit to our 56th unique distillery stop: Lawrenceburg Bourbon Company (now rebranded as Larrikin).

Located just a stone’s throw from the legendary Wild Turkey, we first met this team at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival and knew we had to pull in when we saw the “Open” sign. While they weren’t running full distillery tours during our visit, the tasting room experience led by Emily was top-notch!

In this video, we finally crack open a bottle we’ve been hunting for in our “closet bourbon” collection: the Lawrenceburg One Cask Series (Barrel A2). This 116-proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon is a sourced gem (likely from the Bardstown/Green River family) that packs a surprising punch of citrus and silk.

In This Episode, We Cover:

  • The Distillery Visit: Our experience at Lawrenceburg Bourbon Co. and why we’re excited to go back for their new cigar lounge and tours.
  • The Bottle Breakdown: Mash bill, age, proof, and MSRP details for the One Cask Series.
  • Tasting Notes: * Nose: Honeysuckle, florals, and a sweet “pancake syrup” aroma.
    • Palette: Silky viscosity, orange peel, and a mid-palate pop of ginger.
    • Finish: A long, peppery, and smooth lingering finish.
  • The Value Verdict: Is a 4-year-old sourced bourbon worth the $90 price tag? We discuss why supporting craft distilleries matters.

Are you a fan of sourced Kentucky bourbon? Let us know in the comments if you’ve tried Lawrenceburg or Larrikin yet!

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🥃 Bottle Details: Lawrenceburg One Cask Series

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Mash Bill: 70% Corn / 21% Rye / 9% Malted Barley
  • Age: 4 Years
  • Proof: 116 (Cask Strength)
  • Distillery: Sourced (BBC/Green River)
  • Price: $90 (Purchased 02/23/24)

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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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