High Proof Bourbon

The April Lineup: Which Whiskey Earned the Top Spot?

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Welcome back to Your Bourbon Journey! 🥃

It’s that time of the month again! With the “Road to the Sweet 16” in full swing, we have curated an absolute powerhouse lineup for our April Whiskey of the Month. This month, we went bold—tasting five unique expressions that span the entire spectrum of flavor and finish. From Finished Rye and Wheat whiskeys to high-proof American Light Whiskey and Kentucky Straight Bourbon, we are all over the map!

We put these contenders to the ultimate test in a blind tasting format to see which bottle has what it takes to advance toward our Whiskey of the Year title. The competition was fierce, the legs were luscious, and the results? Let’s just say we were genuinely stunned.

In this episode: We dive into five distinct expressions, evaluating them on the nose, palate, and finish. We break down the unique profiles, discuss the impact of finishing casks (Armagnac, Madeira, Port/Sherry), and score them live to see who reigns supreme this month.

Featured Candidates:

  • Dark Arts Cask Strength Bourbon (Armagnac Finish)
  • Dark Arts Blunt Blend (Batch 3)
  • Knob Creek Blender’s Edition 1
  • Penelope American Light Whiskey (18 Year)
  • Remus Master Distiller Experimental Series 2

Stay tuned until the end for the Big Reveal! We break down the math, discuss the “Sweet Sixteen” leaderboard implications, and find out which of these bottles are destined for our Whiskey of the Year tournament.

If you enjoy our blind tasting series, hit that SUBSCRIBE button and join us on our journey! 🔔 Don’t forget to like and comment: Which of these bottles would be your top pick? Are you a fan of the finishes in this lineup?

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 


📊 SEE THE LIVE LEADERBOARD: Want to see where these bottles rank against the rest of the field? Check out our real-time leaderboard here: 👉 https://yourbourbonjourney.com/2026/02/27/the-live-leaderboard-road-to-the-sweet-sixteen/

🥃 OUR NEW SCORING PROCESS: We’ve revamped our scoring to be more transparent than ever. Read the full breakdown of our new rubric and the “Sweet Sixteen” bracket process on our website: 👉 https://yourbourbonjourney.com/2026/02/27/decoding-the-pour-the-new-your-bourbon-journey-scoring-woty-process/

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

Dark Arts Cask Strength Bourbon (Armagnac Finish)

  • Classification:  Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distilled: Sourced from MGP in Indiana  
  • Produced by: Dark Arts Whiskey House LLC
  • Mash Bill: 60% Corn, 36% Rye, 4% Malted Barley
  • Age: 10 Years
  • Proof: 113 (Cask Strength)
  • Released: Early 2026
  • Other: Finished in Armagnac Cask; Batch AT2; Bottle 132
  • Original Review:

Dark Arts Blunt Blend (Batch 3) Dank Arts

  • Classification: Rye Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Dark Arts Whiskey House
  • Distillery: Distilled in Indiana; Blended/Bottled in Sparta, KY
  • Mash Bill: 95% Rye, 5% Malted Barley
  • Age: 8 Years
  • Finished: Madeira Cask and Armagnac Cask
  • Proof: 113.8
  • Released: Late March 2026
  • Other: Bottle 3370
  • Original Review:

Knob Creek Blender’s Edition 1

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Beam Suntory
  • Distillery: James B. Beam Distilling Co. (Clermont/Beam, KY)
  • Mash Bill: 77% Corn, 13% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
  • Age: 10 years
  • Proof: 106
  • MSRP: $44.99
  • Released: March 2026
  • Original Review:

Penelope American Light Whiskey 18 Year Limited Release

  • Classification:  American Light Whiskey
  • Company: Penelope Bourbon (A subsidiary of MGP/Luxco)
  • Distillery: MGP (Lawrenceburg, IN)
  • Mash Bill: 99% Corn, 1% Malted Barley
  • Age: 18 Years
  • Proof: 140.2
  • Released: 2026
  • Original Review:

Remus Master Distiller Experimental Series 2

  • Classification: Straight Wheat Whiskey
  • Distillery: Ross & Squibb Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 95% Wheat, 5% Malted Barley (LKSV formula/rare)
  • Age: Distilled in 2017 – Approximately 9 years
  • Quattro-Finish: (separately) Tawny Port, White Port, Oloroso Sherry and Ruby Port Casks (then blended)
  • Proof: 113
  • Released:  March 2026
  • Original Review:

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

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

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Opulent Bourbon Cocktails: The Golden Jubilee Recipe

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Celebrate with me! 🥂 In honor of my birthday and Episode 68 of Thirsty Thursday, I’m dipping into the “Library” for a truly opulent pour. Meet The Golden Jubilee—a luxury Old Fashioned designed for milestones and high-proof treasures.

Tonight we are featuring the incredible Wenzel’s Packard Proof, a 16-year-old Kentucky single barrel (affectionately known as a “BuffTurkey” pour) sitting at a massive 126 proof. This bourbon is a total cherry bomb, and we’re elevating it with velvet textures and exotic spices to create a “Chewy” foundation that feels like a high-end dessert in a glass.

We’re swapping standard simple syrup for Gum Syrup to achieve that signature silky mouthfeel and adding Bluegrass 5-Spice Orange Bitters for a complex layer of star anise, clove, and cinnamon. To top it all off, we’re adding Edible Gold Glitter for a shimmering visual toast to the journey ahead!

In this video:

  • How to use Gum Syrup for a velvety cocktail texture.
  • Reviewing the 16-year Wenzel’s Packard Proof.
  • Tips for working with 5-spice bitters and edible luster dust.
  • A sneak peek at next week’s Mother’s Day cocktail: The Dandelion Crown!

📋 THE RECIPE: THE GOLDEN JUBILEE

Ingredients:

  • 2.5 oz Wenzel’s Packard Proof Bourbon (or your favorite 16yr+ Library Pour)
  • 0.25 oz Gum Syrup (for that velvety mouthfeel)
  • 1 Bar Spoon Demerara Syrup
  • 10 Drops Bluegrass 5-Spice Orange Bitters
  • 1 Pinch Edible Gold Glitter
  • Garnish: Gold-dusted Luxardo Cherry

Instructions:

  1. Add Gum Syrup, Demerara, and 5-spice bitters to a mixing glass.
  2. Pour in your luxury bourbon.
  3. Add a generous pinch of gold edible glitter.
  4. Fill with ice and stir thoroughly for about 25 seconds to chill and suspend the shimmer.
  5. Strain into a crystal rocks glass over a clear ice sphere.
  6. Garnish with a gold-luster Luxardo cherry and enjoy!

🛒 Featured Cocktail Ingredients & Tools

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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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Tasting the Pineapple Express: High-Proof Bourbon Journey

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The “Not-Tiki” Tropical! | The Pineapple Express Bourbon Cocktail

Is it possible to have a tropical drink that still feels like a heavy-hitting bourbon classic? Today on Your Bourbon Journey, Rebecca is hopping on The Pineapple Express—a “Not-Tiki” cocktail that brings the heat in more ways than one!

She’s taking a bold Knob Creek Single Barrel (120 Proof) and pairing it with a Toasted Pineapple Jalapeno Syrup for a flavor profile that is sweet, smoky, and seriously spicy. With double-bitter action from Hella Ginger and Fee Brothers Habanero, this isn’t a beach drink—it’s a spirit-forward powerhouse.

In this episode, we explore:

  • The “Not-Tiki” concept: Keeping it tropical but bourbon-focused.
  • The 120-proof punch of Knob Creek Single Barrel.
  • How to balance intense habanero heat with toasted pineapple sweetness.
  • The slow-melting magic of large clear ice for high-proof builds.

🛒 Featured Cocktail Ingredients & Tools

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

Direct from the vendor: TOASTED PINEAPPLE JALAPENO SIMPLE SYRUP 375ML – SMALL BATCH: https://www.toastedsimple.com/product/toasted-pineapple-jalapeno-small-batch-simple-syrup-375ml/ 

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The Build:

  • 2 oz High-Proof Bourbon (Knob Creek Single Barrel, 120 Proof)
  • .75 oz Toasted Pineapple Jalapeno Syrup
  • 2 dashes Hella Ginger Bitters
  • 1 dash Fee Brothers Habanero Bitters (for extra “express” heat)

Method: Stirred in a mixing glass and served over a large clear ice cube to keep it spirit-forward and slow-melting.

Garnish: A skewered pineapple wedge and/or a fresh jalapeño slice.

🚨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. Please drink responsibly.

#Bourbon #WhiskeyReview #PineappleExpress #YourBourbonJourney #KnobCreek #SpicyCocktails #BourbonTasting #CraftCocktails #HighProof #BourbonCommunity #NotTiki #WhiskeyGram #HomeBartender #BourbonLife #TropicalBourbon

Four Bourbon Contenders: The Road to the Sweet 16 Continues! 

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Can a $54 Craft Bourbon Take Down a $200 Kentucky Legend? 🥃 Blind Bourbon Tasting

We are back with another high-stakes Blind Whiskey of the Month tasting! This month, we’re putting four incredible contenders to the ultimate test using our brand-new, data-driven scoring rubric. From a New York-distilled “transplant” bottled at Glenn’s Creek to the highly anticipated 2026 Woodford Reserve Double Double Oaked, this lineup is absolutely stacked.

In this episode, Wayne and Rebecca dive deep into the nose, palate, and finish of four mysterious samples. You won’t believe the scores—we actually witnessed a “Mr. Perfect” moment with one of the highest ratings we’ve ever handed out! Does the $200 price tag of the Woodford Double Double Oaked guarantee a win, or will a craft underdog like 5094 Transplant, General Thomas, or Robert’s Reserve pull off the upset?

THE CONTENDERS:

  • 5094 Transplant Bourbon (5094 Distilling/Glenns Creek) – 94.8 Proof
  • General Thomas Bourbon Single Barrel (General Thomas Spirits) – 110 Proof
  • Robert’s Reserve Bourbon (Pauley Hollow Distillery) – 92 Proof
  • Woodford Reserve Double Double Oaked (2026) – 90.4 Proof

Stay tuned until the end for the Big Reveal! We break down the math, discuss the “Sweet Sixteen” leaderboard implications, and find out which of these bottles are destined for our Whiskey of the Year tournament.

🥃 OUR NEW SCORING PROCESS: We’ve revamped our scoring to be more transparent than ever. Read the full breakdown of our new rubric and the “Sweet Sixteen” bracket process on our website: 👉 https://yourbourbonjourney.com/2026/02/27/decoding-the-pour-the-new-your-bourbon-journey-scoring-woty-process/

📊 SEE THE LIVE LEADERBOARD: Want to see where these bottles rank against the rest of the field? Check out our real-time leaderboard here: 👉 https://yourbourbonjourney.com/2026/02/27/the-live-leaderboard-road-to-the-sweet-sixteen/

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5094 Transplant Bourbon

  • Classification: Bourbon Whiskey
  • By: 5094 Distilling
  • Distilled in New York
  • Bottled by Glenns Creek Distilling
  • Mash Bill: Four Grain
  • Age: 4 Years (then 3 years in a toasted barrel)
  • Proof: 94.8
  • MSRP: $54

Original Review:

General Thomas Bourbon Single Barrel

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • By: General Thomas Spirits LLC
  • Sourced from a Northern Kentucky distillery
  • Bottled in Newport, KY
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed
  • Age: 5 Years
  • Proof: 110
  • MSRP: $70

Original Review:

Robert’s Reserve Bourbon

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Pauley Hollow Distillery
  • Mash Bill: Four-grain (Corn, Rye, Wheat, and Malted Barley)
  • Barreling: Uses a combination of 10-gallon and 30-gallon barrels with a #3 char.
  • Age: 4 Years
  • Proof: 92
  • MSRP: $50

Original Review:

Woodford Reserve Double Double Oaked Bourbon

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Brown-Forman
  • Distillery: Woodford Reserve Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 72% Corn, 18% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
  • Age: NAS: 5-7 Years in first barrel, then up to 2 years in second barrel
  • Proof: 90.4
  • MSRP: $199.99 (700 ml)

Original Review:

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🚨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 producers for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.

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Double Oaked vs Barrel Proof: Pursuit United Showdown

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Cheers to another Wednesday pour! 🥃 Today, Wayne and Rebecca are diving into two incredible bottles from Pursuit United, courtesy of our friends Dawn and Michael from Chasing Neat.

Pursuit United is known for their transparency and master-level blending, bringing together premium distillates from Bardstown Bourbon Co., Finger Lakes Distilling, and a secret Tennessee partner. In this episode, we put two distinct expressions to the test: the rich, dessert-forward Double Oaked Bourbon and the bold, high-octane Triple Mash Bourbon Barrel Proof.

From “maple bacon” and “chocolate-covered peanuts” on the Double Oaked to the “confectionary sugar” and massive legs on the Triple Mash, these bottles did not disappoint. One of these even earned the title of an “all day, twice on Sunday” must-buy!

Which one won the “eye candy” approval? Watch to find out!

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If you enjoyed this review, hit that Subscribe button and join our whiskey journey! 

Special thanks to Chasing Neat—make sure to follow Dawn and Michael for more genuine bourbon content. https://www.youtube.com/@chasingneat 

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❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🥃 Featured Whiskeys

  • Pursuit United Double Oaked Bourbon
    • Classification: Blend of Straight Bourbons
    • Proof: 108 | MSRP: $69.99
    • Tasting Notes: Maple bacon, chocolate, roasted peanuts, and dark caramel.
    • Link: Pursuit Double Oaked
  • Pursuit United Triple Mash Bourbon (Barrel Proof)
    • Classification: Blend of Straight Bourbons
    • Proof: 119.8 | MSRP: $79.99
    • Tasting Notes: Brown sugar, ginger, confectionary sweetness, and heavy viscosity.
    • Link: Pursuit Triple Mash

📍 The Mashbill Breakdown

  • Bardstown Bourbon Co (KY): 78% Corn, 10% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
  • Tennessee Distilling Partner: 80% Corn, 10% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
  • Finger Lakes Distilling (NY): 70% Local Corn, 20% Red Winter Wheat, 10% Malted Barley

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

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NOTE: The spirits in this review were provided to us by friends. 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.

#BourbonReview #PursuitUnited #WhiskeyTasting #DoubleOaked #BarrelProof #BourbonPursuit #ChasingNeat #WhiskeyCommunity #BourbonHer #BourbonRealTalk #KentuckyBourbon #WhiskeyLife #BottleShare #BourbonLover #PursuitSpirits

Booker’s “Phantom Pipes Batch” Review (2025-04)

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🥃 Booker’s 2025-04 “Phantom Pipes Batch” Bourbon Review & Tasting! | Is This the Best Batch of the Year?

In this video, Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey dive into the final and most mysterious release of the year: Booker’s 2025-04 “Phantom Pipes Batch”! We snagged this bottle right at the Jim Beam Distillery and are ready to share the uncut and unfiltered review of this Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

The Phantom Pipes Batch is named after a maze of pipes Master Distiller Booker Noe left behind at the Boston Distillery—a symbol of his “stubborn genius” and dedication to making bourbon the right way. At a bold 126.4 Proof and aged over 7.5 years, this is a quintessential, high-proof Booker’s experience.

What We Found:

  • The Nose: Strong brown sugar, cinnamon, and that signature high-proof Booker’s intensity.
  • The Palate: A punch of toasty roasted peanuts, combined with warm brown sugar and cinnamon—like a crunchy, charred cinnamon-sugar-peanut treat!
  • The Finish: Exceptionally long, warm, and consistent, carrying that delightful blend of brown sugar, cinnamon, and char goodness all the way through.

We’re big Booker’s fans—Wayne even credits an earlier batch as his first bourbon love! We discuss why Booker’s is the “stamp of bourbon” and whether its consistent, traditional flavor profile helps or hurts it in a bourbon blind tasting. Will this batch stand up to the rest of the 2025 releases? Stick around for our full review and find out!

Don’t forget to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE for more bourbon reviews! Let us know in the comments if you’ve tried the Phantom Pipes Batch and what you thought!

We will be doing a blind tasting of all four 2025 Booker’s releases in January—hit the bell so you don’t miss it!

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✴️ Booker’s 2025-04 Phantom Pipes Batch

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Suntory Global Spirits
  • Distillery: James B. Beam Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 77% Corn, 13% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
  • Age: Youngest barrels – 7 years, 6 months, and 15 days
  • Proof: 126.4
  • MSRP: $110
  • Released: Nov 2025
  • Purchased: Dec 05, 2025 for $110 at Jim Beam Distilling

❌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.

#BookersBourbon #PhantomPipesBatch #bourbonreview #whiskeytasting #KentuckyStraightBourbon #BarrelProof #Bookers2025 #JimBeam #Whiskey #bourbon #HighProofBourbon #UncutUnfiltered #BookerNoe #whiskeytube #NewReleaseBourbon 

ECBP A125 vs C925 vs B525: Blind Bourbon Battle!

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🥃 Which 2025 Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Is King? Blind Tasting A125 vs B525 vs C925!

Do Proof and Age REALLY Matter? In this highly-anticipated bourbon review, Wayne and Rebecca from [Your Channel Name] put all three 2025 Elijah Craig Barrel Proof batches (A125, B525, and C925) head-to-head in a true blind tasting!

Heaven Hill released some real curveballs this year, with the lineup featuring the lowest-proof batch ever, the oldest release since 2023, and the youngest release in series history!

We’re diving deep into the profiles of these coveted, uncut, and non-chill filtered Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskeys to determine our favorite pour of the year.

🍒 Tasting Notes & Surprises

We break down the classic Elijah Craig notes of cherry, caramel, and cinnamon and find some major profile differences this year. The blind tasting results surprised us, with the lowest-proof, A125, taking the crown for its incredible cherry-forward sweetness and perfect balance, despite the judges typically being “proofy people.” The oldest, B525, and the highest-proof, C925, didn’t quite live up to the winner in the final sip-off!

If you love high-proof bourbon, Heaven Hill, or collecting the annual ECBP releases, you don’t want to miss our honest review and ranking.

🚨 SPOILER ALERT! See which batch finished last (and why its high alcohol-forward nose and flavor pushed it back).

💬 What do YOU think?

Have you tried all three 2025 Elijah Craig Barrel Proof releases? Which one is your personal “banger” of the year? Let us know your favorite batch and why in the comments below!

Cheers to the great work by Heaven Hill’s Master Distiller, Conor O’Driscoll!

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✴️ ECBP A125

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Heaven Hill
  • Mash Bill: 78% Corn, 12% Malted Barley, 10% Rye
  • Age: 10 years, 7 months
  • Proof: 118.2
  • MSRP: $74.99
  • Released: January 2025
  • Purchased: 02/27/25 for $99.99 at High Spirits in Evansville, IN

✴️ ECBP B525

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Heaven Hill
  • Distillery: Elijah Craig Distillery Co.
  • Mash Bill: 78% Corn, 12% Malted Barley, 10% Rye
  • Age: 11 Years, 6 Months
  • Proof: 126.2
  • MSRP: $75
  • Released: May 2025
  • Purchased: 09/02/25 for $79.99 at Heaven Hill, Bardstown KY

✴️ ECBP C925

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Heaven Hill Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 78% Corn, 12% Malted Barley, 10% Rye
  • Age: 9 Years, 1 Month
  • Proof: 129
  • MSRP: $75
  • Released: September 2025; Final Batch of 2025
  • Other: This is the first time since the ECBP series began in 2013 that a batch has carried an age statement under 10 years (a “single digit” age statement).
  • Purchased: 10/29/25 for $65 at Archie & Clyde’s in Newburgh, IN

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🚨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.

#ElijahCraigBarrelProof #ECBP #bourbonreview #blindtasting #WhiskeyReview #A125 #B525 #C925 #HeavenHill #KentuckyBourbon #BarrelProof #Whiskey #BourbonLife #bourbon #whiskeytasting 

Outlaw Kentucky Bourbon! 107 Proof Review (MUST TASTE!)

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🥃 OUTLAW KENTUCKY BOURBON: Sundance Kid Review | Brown Sugar Bomb from Preservation Distillery?

Join Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey as they crack open a rare and highly-sought-after bottle: Outlaw Kentucky Bourbon – The Sundance Kid. Bottled by the mysterious Outlaw Distilling Company (wink, wink… same address as Preservation Distillery + Farm in Bardstown, KY!), this Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is part of a special series celebrating the Old West’s most notorious characters.

This 7-8 year old blend is bottled at a perfect 107.6 Proof (Barrel Strength / Cask Strength adjacent!) and delivers a profile Wayne and Rebecca describe as a “Brown Sugar Bomb!”

In this video, you’ll get:

  • Tasting Notes: Discover the dominant flavors of rich brown sugar, warm clove, a hint of vanilla on the nose, and a long finish that evolves into dark chocolate, cinnamon, and barrel char.
  • Deep Dive Info: Uncover the story of Harry Longabaugh, the real Sundance Kid, and his fictional connection to a payroll hijacking bound for Wattie Boone Distillery.
  • Bourbon Journey Verdict: Find out why this rare $159 bottle stood out among the high-dollar, limited-edition releases at Preservation Distillery’s gift shop during the Kentucky Bourbon Festival.
  • Smooth & Viscous Mouthfeel: Hear how the proof point is “just right” and why this whiskey has a delightful, lingering warmth.

Is this high-proof, sourced Kentucky Bourbon worthy of its outlaw name? Tune in to find out!

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more rare whiskey reviews and bourbon tasting adventures!

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✴️ Outlaw Kentucky Bourbon: Sundance Kid

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Undisclosed
  • Bottled: Under the name of Outlaw Distilling Company (same address as Preservation Distillery + Farm)
  • Mash Bill: unknown
  • Age: 7-8 years
  • Proof: 107.6
  • Other: Part of a Series
  • Purchased: 09/02/25 for $159 at Preservation Distillery in Bardstown, KY

❌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.

#OutlawBourbon

#PreservationDistillery

#KentuckyBourbon

#BourbonReview

#SundanceKid

#WhiskeyReview

#Bardstown

#CaskStrength

#BrownSugarBomb

#KentuckyStraightBourbon

#LimitedRelease

#WhiskeyTasting

#BourbonLife

#OldWestSeries

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The INFINITE BOURBON: Little Book 2025 Release Review

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🥃 Little Book “The Infinite” Edition 2 (2025) Review: A Generational Blend Evolves! | Bourbon Journey

Get ready to dive deep into one of the most exciting annual releases in American Whiskey! In this video, Wayne and Rebecca from Bourbon Journey pour, nose, and taste the highly-anticipated Little Book “The Infinite” Edition 2 (2025).

Crafted by 8th Generation Master Distiller Freddie Noe, this Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a true generational blend, marrying whiskeys distilled by his Grandaddy Booker Noe, his father Fred Noe, and himself. It’s an infinity barrel concept brought to the masses, with each annual release evolving and maturing as new liquids are carefully added.

🌟 Tasting & Analysis: Is Edition 2 the BEST Little Book?

Edition 2 builds on the foundation of the original blend, but Freddie has added new bourbons to accentuate specific notes:

  • Booker’s Bourbon brings pronounced Oak Char and Smoke.
  • Fred’s Bourbon adds rich Vanilla, Caramel, and Dark Stone Fruit.
  • Freddie’s Bourbon introduces a Brightness with notes of Fresh Apple and Pear.

At a robust 120.4 Proof (Uncut & Unfiltered), this high-proof bourbon delivers a memorable experience. We find it to be a barrel-forward, savory pour with a surprising depth and a long, lingering finish of cinnamon and black pepper. Is it better than the first edition? We think so! The new blend brings more complexity and a beautifully viscous mouthfeel.

This limited release is a must-try for any serious bourbon collector or fan of Jim Beam products like Booker’s and Knob Creek. We share our honest thoughts on the flavor profile, the evolution of the blend, and whether this $200 MSRP bottle is worth the splurge.

Have you tried any of the Little Book releases? Let us know in the comments if you prefer The Infinite Edition 2 or Edition 1!

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✴️ Little Book “The Infinite” Edition 2 (2025)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: James B. Beam
  • Likely blended from the two Beam bourbon mashbills:
  • Dominant: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley (used for Jim Beam White Label, Black, Booker’s, Knob Creek, Baker’s)
  • Secondary: 63% Corn, 27% Rye, 10% Malted Barley (used for Old Grand-Dad, Basil Hayden’s).
  • Age: NAS (Edition 1 was 7-20 years)
  • Proof: 120.4
  • MSRP: $200
  • Released: Fall 2025
  • Purchased: 10/24/25 for $249.99 at High Spirits Liquor in Evansville, IN

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🚨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.

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Booker’s “Jerry’s Batch” 2025-03: The BEST of the Year?

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🥃 Booker’s Bourbon “Jerry’s Batch” 2025-03 Review: A Fruity, Creamy, and Unique Barrel-Proof Pour! 🍒

Get ready to uncork a piece of Jim Beam history! In this exciting review, Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey dive into the highly anticipated third release of the year: Booker’s 2025-03 “Jerry’s Batch”. This unique, uncut, and unfiltered Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a special tribute to Jerry Dalton, the only non-Beam family Master Distiller at the distillery, and a close friend and mentor to Booker and Fred Noe.

We share the fascinating story behind the name—from Jerry’s days as a chemist living behind the Noe family to becoming a key figure who steered the ship between Booker’s retirement and Fred’s takeover. Plus, we celebrate Jerry’s overdue induction into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame!

This particular batch is a master blend of barrels from nine distinct warehouses (3, 1, X, Z, K, L, O, 4, G), creating a complex profile influenced by varied micro-climates. Aged for an impressive 7 Years, 4 Months, and 21 Days and bottled at a robust 124.7 Proof, this is a powerful yet surprisingly smooth sipper.

Watch the full review and tell us your thoughts! 👇

Tasting Notes Highlights:

  • Nose: Rich brown sugar, vanilla, and a hint of fruit/cherry.
  • Palate: Creamy, viscous mouthfeel, with more sweetness than typical Booker’s. Expect notes of vanilla, caramel, cinnamon, and a unique tart cherry and toffee profile—noticeably missing the classic “Beam funk” or nuttiness.
  • Finish: Long, warming, and delightful.

Is this different profile a deliberate nod to Jerry Dalton’s preferred taste? We discuss why this batch might be the best since the acclaimed Jimmy’s Batch (2024-04)! If you’re a devoted Booker’s fan, a collector, or just love high-proof bourbon with a great story, you NEED to hear our full thoughts on this exceptional pour.

Bourbon Specs:

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: James B Beam
  • Batch: 2025-03 “Jerry’s Batch”
  • Age: 7 Years, 4 Months, and 21 Days
  • Proof: 124.7 (Uncut and Unfiltered)
  • Mash Bill: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
  • Barrel Blend: 9 different barrels from 9 different warehouses
  • MSRP: $99.99
  • Where We Got It: Archie & Clyde’s in Newburgh, IN: https://www.archieandclydes.com/

👍 Did you enjoy this Booker’s review?

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Cheers and remember to always drink responsibly!


❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

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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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