Craft Spirits Review

The Library Meditation: A Savory Amaro-Forward Cocktail

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The Library Meditation: Exploring “The Spice Trader’s Bitter” | Episode 65

Forget “refreshing”—tonight we are seeking sophisticated complexity. In Episode 65 of Thirsty Thursday Cocktails, Rebecca retreats into the library for a deep dive into ancient trade routes and bold botanicals. We’re crafting The Spice Trader’s Bitter, a savory, herbal, and deeply aromatic cocktail designed for true meditation.

The star of the show is the La Boîte Amaro from Cardinal Spirits, bringing unique notes of Szechuan peppercorn and star anise. We pair this with the “heirloom” personality of New Riff Balboa Rye, creating a pumpernickel and lemon-pepper foundation that stands up to the intense warmth of St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram. If you love amaro-forward drinks that lean into dry, peppery, and bitter-herb profiles, this is the build for you.

In this video, we discuss:

  • The unique “spice trade” profile of the La Boîte Amaro.
  • Why New Riff Balboa Rye is the perfect “bready” base for bold modifiers.
  • The “high note” impact of Cardamom bitters on dark, earthy flavors.
  • A full breakdown of the nose, palate, and long savory finish.

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The Build:

  • 2 oz New Riff Balboa Bottled-in-Bond Rye
  • .75 oz La Boîte Amaro
  • .25 oz St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram
  • 2 dashes Cardamom Bitters
  • Garnish: Expressed Orange Peel

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

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Hard Truth Farmer’s Reserve: Better Than a Cigar Blend?

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Is This the Ultimate Cigar Whiskey? 🥃 Hard Truth Farmer’s Reserve Review

Can a whiskey taste like a churro? Today, Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey are cracking open a special find from High Spirits Liquor: the Hard Truth Farmer’s Reserve Sweet Mash Whiskey.

This isn’t just any bottle—it’s a limited-edition collaboration between Hard Truth Distilling Co. and the Mellencamp Whiskey Company. This “Release #2” in their collector’s series brings together two of Hard Truth’s most unique spirits and finishes them on exotic toasted Amburana wood.

The result? A high-viscosity, 106-proof pour that is absolutely “sweet-forward” and packed with notes of cinnamon, mocha, and dark chocolate.

In This Video, We Discuss:

  • The Blend: A marriage of Hard Truth’s Chocolate Malt Rye and their flagship Sweet Mash Bourbon.
  • The Amburana Effect: Does the “Brazilian Oak” take over, or does it play well with the chocolate malt?
  • The Perfect Pairing: Why Wayne thinks this bottle belongs in every cigar lover’s cabinet.
  • Value Proof: Is it worth the $70 MSRP (and the $76 we paid on Black Friday)?

Whether you are a die-hard rye fan or someone who usually finds whiskey too “spicy,” this Sweet Mash blend might be your new favorite entry point.

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✴️ Hard Truth Farmer’s Reserve Sweet Mash Whiskey

  • Classification: A Blend of Straight Whiskeys
  • Company: Hard Truth Distilling Co. (in collaboration with Mellencamp Whiskey Company)
  • Distillery: Hard Truth Distilling
  • Blend of two whiskeys: 
    • Hard Truth’s Chocolate Malt Rye Whiskey (51% Rye, 38% Corn, 11% Chocolate Malted Barley)
    • Hard Truth’s Sweet Mash Bourbon Whiskey (73% Corn, 19% Rye, 8% Malted Barley)
  • Age: NAS – at least 4 Years
  • Finished: Rested on toasted Amburana wood
  • Proof: 106
  • MSRP: $70
  • Released: 2024
  • Other: Limited-Edition Collector’s Series
  • Purchased: 11/28/25 for $76.49 at High Spirits Liquor Store, Evansville IN

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

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NOTE: The spirit in this review was purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.

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