High Proof Bourbon

3 Epic Blue Corn Bourbons Put to the Ultimate Test! 

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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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❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

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.

#Bourbon #BourbonReview #YourBourbonJourney #BlueCornBourbon #CraftWhiskey #JepthaCreed #BluegrassDistillers #SmokeyeHill #BarrelProof #BourbonTasting #HeirloomCorn #WhiskeyReview #KentuckyBourbon #WhiskeyOfTheMonth #SingleBarrel

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!

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❌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.

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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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🥃 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

Can We Survive A Hazmat PROOF Blind Tasting? 🔥

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Happy Friday, whiskey lovers! With America’s 250th Birthday right around the corner, we are celebrating a day early by bringing some serious fireworks into the studio. Welcome to our ultimate Hazmat Whiskey Blind Tasting Showdown! 🔥

Wayne has been wanting to tackle this ultra-high-proof flight for months, and we finally cleared the schedule to put our palates to the ultimate test. Today, we are blinding five monster bottles ranging from 141.7 proof all the way up to a blistering 151 proof. We aren’t trying to guess the exact proofs today—this is a pure survival and flavor mission scored on a simple 0-5 rating scale to find out which high-octane pour actually delivers the best drinking experience without burning our palates out.

Our heavy-hitting lineup features rare single barrels and historic festival releases, including a highly coveted 15-year “BuffTurkey” Augusta Buckner’s, a beautifully rested 9-year Copper & Kings Apple Brandy finished in ex-bourbon casks, and a 150-proof extreme Hazmat Silk Velvet from Master Distiller Jacob Call. Plus, we throw in a 17-year Old Louisville American Straight Whiskey alongside a truly legendary, unreleased, ringer bottle: a bottle of OCD #5 Premium from Glenns Creek Distillery.

Will the extreme age of the 15 and 17-year bottles dominate the flight, or will the younger, heat-packed expressions sing to our palates today? Watch to see if we end up completely split on the heat levels, which bottle threw us a massive cherry-flavored curveball, and which craft distillery absolutely climbed to the top of the ladder to be crowned the King of the Hazmats!

Drop a comment below with your favorite high-proof bottle, hit that subscribe button to join us on the journey, and remember to always drink responsibly! Happy 4th of July! 🦅✨

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❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

The Hazmat Lineup:

  • Augusta Buckner’s 15 Year | Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Sourced “BuffTurkey” Distillate) | 141.7 Proof 
  • Copper & Kings Apple Brandy | Finished in Ex-Bourbon Barrels (100% Copper Pot Distilled) | 145.4 Proof 
  • Silk Velvet Whiskey Single Barrel | Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Distilled by Jacob Call) | 150 Proof 
  • OCD#5 Premium (Glenns Creek) | Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Private Unreleased Hazmat Barrel) | 150.5 Proof 
  • Old Louisville Whiskey Co. | 17-Year American Straight Whiskey (Bottle 100 of 106) | 151 Proof 

🚨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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Massive Blind Whiskey Contest! June Whiskey of the Month

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Welcome back to Your Bourbon Journey! In this video, Wayne and Rebecca are diving into a powerhouse lineup for our June Whiskey of the Month blind tasting! As we continue our high-stakes Road to the Sweet Sixteen, the competition is tighter than ever.

This month features an incredibly diverse flight jumping across three distinct whiskey classifications (Bourbon, Wheat, and American Single Malt) with a heavy emphasis on unique finishing methods—ranging from a honey barrel and sweet stout casks to complex sherry and toasted wood elements. With our leaderboard shifting every month based on total points earned, every single point counts. Will this month’s winner secure a permanent spot in the year-end playoffs?

The June Contenders (In Alphabetical Order):

  • Bernheim 20th Anniversary Edition | Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey (Heaven Hill)
  • Casey Jones Barrel Finished Series: Honey Bourbon (“Brown Beauty”) | Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in a Honey Barrel (Casey Jones Distillery)
  • Little Book Chapter 10: All the Wiser | Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Sherry and Toasted Bourbon Casks (Jim Beam)
  • New Riff Silver Grove Straight Bourbon Whiskey 2026 | Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (New Riff Distilling)
  • VDC Brewer’s Coalition: 4 Hands Brewing Co. Madagascar Stout Cask | American Single Malt Whisky (Virginia Distillery Co.)

From sweet, confectionary aromas and rich dark caramel notes to toasted nuts, baking spices, and bold flavor explosions, this blind flight completely challenged our palates. Watch until the end to see our final score adjustments, the blind revelations, and how the leaderboard shuffles at the halfway point of the year!

Drop a comment below: Have you tried any of these expressions? What notes do you get from them?

If you love authentic, transparent whiskey reviews, hit that SUBSCRIBE button, drop a like, and always remember to 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

📊 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❌

Original Reviews for Today’s Bottles:

🥃 Bernheim 20th Anniversary Edition:

🥃 Casey Jones Barrel Finished Series: Honey Bourbon:

🥃 Little Book Chapter 10: All the Wiser:

🥃 New Riff Silver Grove Straight Bourbon Whiskey:  

🥃 VDC Brewer’s Coalition: 4 Hands Brewing Co. Madagascar Stout Cask:

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

#Bourbon #Whiskey #BlindTasting #YourBourbonJourney #WhiskeyOfTheMonth #BourbonReview #CraftDistillery #LittleBook #NewRiff #CaseyJonesDistillery #VirginiaDistilleryCo #BernheimWheatWhiskey #AmericanSingleMalt #SweetSixteen #WhiskeyTasting

Unboxing Jim Beam’s NEW 2026 Releases: Little Book 10 & OGD 114

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We headed to Bardstown, Kentucky, and hit the Jim Beam American Outpost in Clermont to hunt down two of the most anticipated 2026 whiskey releases: the brand new Old Grand-Dad Single Barrel 114 and the 10th-anniversary milestone blend, Little Book Chapter 10: “All the Wiser.” Along the way, we also grabbed a bottle of A. Overholt Straight Rye to see if this historic, corn-free Monongahela-style mash bill lives up to the hype!

In this episode, we break down the incredible customer service at the Beam distillery that led us straight to our bottle of OGD Single Barrel at Liquor World. Then, we dive into the glasses for a full neat tasting. Does the massive jump to a 7-year age statement put the new Old Grand-Dad Single Barrel ahead of the classic 114? Is Freddie Noe’s crazy 10th-anniversary blend—featuring a mix of 14-Year Basil Hayden, Knob Creek, Booker’s, and a sherry-finished Jim Beam—worth the $160 price tag?

We uncover surprising dark fruit notes, rich roasted peanut viscosity, and an unexpected sherry lead that completely blindsided us. Whether you are looking for a new daily drinker or a special occasion pour, find out which of these bottles belongs on your shelf!

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❌

A. Overhold Rye Whiskey

  • Classification:  Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
  • Company: Suntory Global
  • Distillery: Jim Beam, Clermont
  • Mash Bill: 80% Rye, 20% Soft Malted Barley (A historically accurate, corn-free Monongahela-style mash bill)
  • Age: 4 Years
  • Proof: 95
  • SRP: $39.99
  • Purchased: 05/29/26 for $40 at Beam American Outpost

Old Grand-Dad Single Barrel 7 Year

  • Classification:  Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Suntory Global; Distillery: Jim Beam, Clermont
  • Mash Bill: 63% Corn, 27% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
  • Age: 7 Years
  • Proof: 114
  • SRP: $49.99
  • Released: April 2026 (Brand new addition to the OGD line)
  • Other: Lot No. 001. Features a massive jump up to a 7-year age statement compared to the standard, non-age-stated OGD 114, introducing heavy notes of toasted peanut, baking spices, and deeper oak.
  • Purchased: 05/29/26 for $54.99 at Liquor World in Bardstown

Little Book Chapter 10: All the Wiser

  • Classification:  Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Sherry and Toasted Bourbon Casks
  • Company: Suntory Global; Distillery: Jim Beam
  • Mash Bill: Blend: Official neck tag component breakdown includes: 14-Year Basil Hayden, 11+Year Knob Creek, 10-Year Booker’s, 9-Year Knob Creek, 9-Year Baker’s, and 4-Year Jim Beam finished in sherry & toasted bourbon casks.
  • Age: 4 Year (youngest) but up to 14
  • Proof: 122.6
  • SRP: $160
  • Released: May 2026 (Marks the milestone 10th anniversary of the series)
  • Other: Named “All the Wiser” to honor Freddie Noe’s decade of learning, intuition, and experimentation leading the blending program.
  • Purchased: 05/29/26 for $160 at Beam American Outpost

🚨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.

#YourBourbonJourney #JimBeam #OldGrandDad #LittleBookChapter10 #AllTheWiser #BourbonReview #WhiskeyTasting #SingleBarrelBourbon #RyeWhiskey #FreddieNoe #BookersBourbon #KnobCreek #BourbonHunting #Bardstown #KentuckyBourbon

Ultimate May Whiskey Battle: Road to the Sweet 16!

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Welcome back to Your Bourbon Journey! It’s that time of the month again, and Wayne and Rebecca are diving headfirst into an absolute powerhouse lineup for our May 2026 Whiskey of the Month blind tasting! As we continue our high-stakes Road to the Sweet Sixteen, the competition is tighter than ever. With our current leaderboard running a massive scoring range of 91 to 99.5 and a Top 10 average sitting at an elite 94.95, every single point counts. Will this month’s winner have what it takes to secure a permanent spot in the year-end playoffs?

In this episode, we shake things up with a rapid “express tasting” to see the gorgeous legs and color consistency before diving deep into our traditional scoring system. Every bottle starts at a baseline of 80 points, with up to 5 points for the nose, 10 for the taste, 3 for the finish, and up to 2 elusive wild card points reserved for something truly outstanding.

We also announce some massive channel updates coming this December—including our upcoming hard-to-get distillery exclusive playoff, vintage whiskey of the year, and cocktail of the year!

Our May 2026 Contenders (In Alphabetical Order):

🥃 Cigar Blend “First Cut” | American Single Malt Whiskey (Virginia Distillery Co.) 
🥃 Fresh Bourbon Single Barrel | Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Fresh Bourbon, LLC) 
🥃 Hard Truth 7-Year Wheated Bourbon | Indiana Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Hard Truth Distilling Co.) 
🥃 Jackson Purchase Full Proof (Special Festival Release) | Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Jackson Purchase Distillery) 
🥃 Left Bank Single Cask (Release 5) | Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Left Bank Distilled Spirits) 

From sweet honeysuckle aromas and rich butterscotch notes to deep barrel char and bold baking spices, this flight completely blindsided our palates. Watch until the very end to see the final score adjustments and find out which of these bottles completely stunned us, shook up the leaderboard, and forced the very first bottle elimination of the year!

Drop a comment below: Have you tried any of these expressions? Which bottle did you think would take the crown this month?

If you love authentic, transparent whiskey reviews, hit that SUBSCRIBE button and join us on the journey!

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

📊 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❌

Original Reviews for Today’s Bottles:

🥃 Cigar Blend:

🥃 Fresh Bourbon, Jackson Purchase, and Left Bank:

🥃 Hard Truth:

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

#YourBourbonJourney #Bourbon #WhiskeyReview #BlindTasting #RoadToSweet16 #WhiskeyCollection #BourbonWhiskey #CraftWhiskey #WhiskeyTasting #HighProofBourbon #BourbonCommunity #SingleMaltWhiskey #WheatedBourbon #KentuckyBourbon #WhiskeyLife

A Historic 10-Year Milestone! Peerless Henry Kraver Bourbon

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Is this the 2026 Whiskey of the Year? Today, we are incredibly honored to review a genuinely historic bottle of whiskey: Kentucky Peerless Henry Kraver’s Old Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Batch 1).

Marking a monumental 10-year milestone since the distillery’s 2013 revival, this ultra-small batch blend consists of just 40 barrels (39 ten-year barrels and 1 eleven-year barrel). Crafted completely in-house from grain-to-bottle as a strictly sweet mash, barrel proof, and non-chill filtered bourbon, this 117.6-proof powerhouse is named in honor of founder Corky Taylor’s great-grandfather, Henry Kraver, who started Peerless back in 1889.

We dive deep into this dark, rich “adult bourbon,” pulling out luscious notes of toasty barrel, leather, brown sugar, caramel, baking spices, and an unexpected, complex finish of flavorful pipe tobacco and dark cocoa mocha. Is the hype real, or have other whiskey reviewers actually undersold this bottle? Find out if this rare Kentucky Peerless release belongs on your shelf (even at secondary market prices!).

If you love whiskey history, deep-dive bourbon reviews, and incredible community stories, make sure to smash that SUBSCRIBE button! Drop a comment below: Have you tried Kentucky Peerless sweet mash bourbon?

Always remember to drink responsibly. Cheers!

🎓 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

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

Peerless Henry Kraver’s Old Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Batch 1)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Strictly Sweet Mash, Barrel Proof, Non-Chill Filtered)
  • Company / Distillery: Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co. (Louisville, KY – DSP-KY-50)
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed (Honestly crafted completely in-house, grain-to-bottle)
  • Age: 10 Years Old (A historic milestone marking 10 years of distillation since their 2013 revival)
  • Proof: 117.6 Proof (58.8% ABV)
  • MSRP: $195 (Distillery exclusive, 1-bottle limit per person)
  • Purchased: Through the generosity of our patrons (Scott & Traci) at MSRP …. And signed by Corky Taylor
  • Other: Named in honor of Corky Taylor’s great-grandfather, Henry Kraver, who originally started Peerless back in 1889. This Batch 1 is a ultra-small blend of just 40 barrels (39 ten-year barrels and 1 eleven-year barrel).

🚨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 #WhiskeyReview #KentuckyPeerless #PeerlessBourbon #HenryKraversOldReserve #BourbonJourney #SweetMash #BarrelProof #RareBourbon #WhiskeyOfTheYear #BourbonTasting #KentuckyBourbon #WhiskeyTube #BourbonCommunity #ExclusiveWhiskey

We Found 3 Absolute BOURBON BANGERS at BBQ & Barrels!

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💥 Three MAJOR Bourbon Bangers From BBQ & Barrels 2026! 🥃

Did we strike gold or buy on impulse at BBQ & Barrels 2026? Today we are cracking open our first three bottle purchases from Owensboro, Kentucky! We managed to secure some incredible, hard-to-find expressions during VIP hour before they completely sold out. From custom oak-stave finishing to malt-heavy mash bills and legendary distiller pedigrees, these pours did not disappoint.

First up, we dive into Left Bank Single Cask (Release 5) at a roaring 118 proof. Sourced from Green River Distilling Co., this unique bourbon uses custom toasted oak staves to replicate a historic river barge journey down to New Orleans. Does it deliver on its promise of toasted marshmallow goodness?

Next, we taste Fresh Bourbon Single Barrel, a rare 110-proof craft selection out of Lexington. Sean and Tia Edwards utilize a fascinating, four-grain recipe dominated by honey malt, malted wheat, and malted rye. The viscosity and legs on this bottle are insane!

Finally, we uncork the highly anticipated Jackson Purchase Select Batch Full Proof (Batch 1). Clocking in at 117.8 proof, this Western Kentucky powerhouse was crafted by 7th-generation Master Distiller Craig Beam and Head Distiller Terry Ballard. We also share a wild story about meeting Craig and his wife Nicole in our hotel lobby at 11:30 PM, where they literally handed us a bottle out of a massive purse!

Are these bottles worth the price tag, and which one reigns supreme? Sit back, grab a pour, and find out!

If you love authentic bourbon reviews and whiskey hunting adventures, make sure to SUBSCRIBE to the channel and hit that notification bell! Always drink responsibly. Cheers! 🥃

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❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

Left Bank Single Cask Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Finished with Oak Staves (Release 5)

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Finished with Oak Staves)
  • Company: Left Bank Distilled Spirits
  • Distillery: Sourced from Owensboro, KY (Green River Distilling Co.)
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed (Traditional Green River rye-bourbon mash bill)
  • Age: NAS (Legally at least 2 years old, plus stave finishing time)
  • Proof: 118 Proof (59% ABV)
  • Released: May 2026 (Release 5)
  • Other: Barrel No. 19. Left Bank focuses on recreating historical down-river maturation by taking Kentucky straight bourbon and finishing it with a custom blend of oak staves to mimic the heat, motion, and wood interaction of a historic river barge journey down to New Orleans.
  • Purchased: May 2026 at BBQ & Barrels for $62

Fresh Bourbon Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Fresh Bourbon, LLC (Lexington, KY)
  • Distillery: Distilled/Produced in Kentucky (Sean and Tia Edwards’ custom mash bill recipe)
  • Mash Bill: Unique Four-Grain Mash Bill: Corn, Honey Malt, Malted Wheat, and Malted Rye
  • Age: NAS (Nascent/No Age Statement, but profile indicates well-aged, mature small-batch stock)
  • Proof: 110 Proof (55% ABV)
  • Released: May 2026 (Special Single Barrel Barrel Select Release)
  • Other: Barrel No. 10.06. Fresh Bourbon uses an incredibly unique grain recipe focused heavily on malted grains (honey malt, malted wheat, malted rye), which yields a highly aromatic, sweet, and complex profile distinct from standard rye or wheated bourbons.
  • Purchased: May 2026 at BBQ & Barrels for $110

Jackson Purchase Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Select Batch Full Proof (Batch 1)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Jackson Purchase Distillery
  • Distillery: Jackson Purchase Distillery (Hickman, KY)
  • Mash Bill: 70% Corn, 20% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
  • Age: 4 Years Old (Note: Nichole mentioned it was at least 5 years old, but the standard Batch 1 release carries a 4-year statement. Craig Beam often notes that the intense Western Kentucky heat makes it drink like an 8-to-10-year-old!)
  • Proof: 117.8 Proof (58.9% ABV)
  • Released: May 2026 (Special festival preview / wider release rollout)
  • Other: Non-toasted, #4 heavy char barrels. Distilled by 7th-generation Master Distiller Craig Beam (son of Parker Beam) and Head Distiller Terry Ballard (formerly of Willett).
  • Purchased: May 2026 at BBQ & Barrels in Owensboro, KY

🚨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 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?

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📊 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❌

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

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