High Proof Whiskey

Virginia Distillery Co. Showdown: Cider vs. Coffee vs. Cigar!

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Explore the fascinating world of American Single Malt Whiskey with Your Bourbon Journey! Fresh off our American Single Malt Academy certification (which we highly recommend you check out!), Wayne and Rebekah dive into three fascinating expressions from Virginia Distillery Co. in Lovingston, Virginia.

Join us for a definitive tasting “showdown” as we compare three completely distinct barrel finishes. We’ll see how wood management can totally transform a 100% malted barley mash bill.

We are tasting:

  • Cider Cask: A light, orchard-fresh core release finished in French Calvados, Virginia Cider, and Laird’s Apple Brandy barrels. Perfect for summer!
  • Courage Club Coffee Cask: A potent, 112-proof Courage & Conviction club exclusive, 5 years old and finished in coffee casks. Think chicory and espresso!
  • Cigar Blend “First Cut”: A 7-year-old masterpiece and the distillery’s first cigar blend. It’s a complex “cask cocktail” featuring Spanish Oak, Sherry, Port, STR, Cabernet, Armagnac, Cognac, and Fino casks, with a whisper of Islay smoke.

From entry-level value to rare club exclusives, this video is your guide to Virginia Distillery Co.’s impressive lineup. Check out their website for more details on these bottles and their amazing club perks!

Distillery & Links:

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American Single Malt Cider Cask

  • Classification:  American Single Malt Whiskey
  • Company: Virginia Distillery Co.
  • Distillery: Virginia Distillery Co. (Lovingston, VA)
  • Mash Bill: 100% Malted Barley
  • Age: NAS (No Age Statement); matured for multiple years (typically 4+ years) in ex-bourbon barrels before the finish.
  • Finished: French Calvados, Virginia Cider, & Laird’s Apple Brandy Barrels
  • Proof: 93
  • MSRP: $44.99 (700 ml)
  • Released: Core Release (ongoing)
  • Purchased: 04/03/26 for $44.99 at Virginia Distillery Online

American Single Malt Coffee Cask

  • Classification:  American Single Malt Whiskey
  • Company: Virginia Distillery Co.
  • Distillery: Virginia Distillery Co. (Lovingston, VA)
  • Mash Bill: 100% Malted Barley
  • Age: 5 Years
  • Primary Maturation Cask: Ex-Bourbon
  • Finishing Cask: Coffee
  • Proof: 112
  • MSRP: $99.99 (750 ml)
  • Released: Courage Club Exclusive, Bottle 289
  • Purchased: 03/22/26 for $99.99 at Virginia Distillery Online

American Single Malt Cigar Blend “First Cut”

  • Classification:  American Single Malt Whiskey
  • Company: Virginia Distillery Co.
  • Distillery: Virginia Distillery Co. (Lovingston, VA)
  • Mash Bill: 100% Malted Barley
  • Age: 7 Years
  • Finished: A complex “cask cocktail” including Spanish Oak, Sherry, Port, STR (Shaved, Toasted, Re-charred), Château Palmer Cabernet, Armagnac, Cognac, and Fino casks. Note: Contains a “whisper” of smoke from rare Islay casks.
  • Proof: 108
  • MSRP: $59.99 (700 ml)
  • Released: February/March 2026
  • Purchased: 04/03/26 for $59.99 at Virginia Distillery Online

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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 Paradox of Light Whiskey: 15 vs 18 Year Penelope Review

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140.2 PROOF?! Penelope 18yr Hazmat vs. 15yr Founders Reserve | American Light Whiskey Battle

Is older and higher proof always better? Today on Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca dive into a massive “Paradox of Light Whiskey” vertical tasting! We are cracking open two heavy-hitters from Penelope Bourbon: the 15 Year Founders Reserve and the brand new 18 Year Limited Release (clocking in at a massive 140.2 proof!).

Many people are confused by the “Light Whiskey” name—thinking it means low calorie or low alcohol. It’s actually the opposite! We explain the science behind why these MGP-distilled corn whiskeys reach such high proofs while maintaining a “dessert-forward” profile of butterscotch, vanilla, and crème brûlée.

We compare these modern giants to vintage pours like Old Crow Light Whiskey and explore why these high-proof expressions are surprisingly delicate and creamy. Stick around to find out which bottle wins on the nose and which takes the crown on the palate!

In this video, we cover:

  • The technical definition of American Light Whiskey (ALW).
  • Why used-oak aging creates such high proof.
  • Tasting notes for Penelope 15yr vs. 18yr.
  • The “Hazmat” status of the 2026 18-year release.

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Penelope 15 Year Founders Reserve

  • Classification:  American Light Whiskey
  • Company: Penelope Bourbon (A subsidiary of MGP/Luxco)
  • Distillery: MGP (Lawrenceburg, IN)
  • Mash Bill: 99% Corn, 1% Malted Barley
  • Age: 15 Years
  • Proof: 128.4
  • MSRP: $90-100
  • Released: 2023
  • Other: Part of the “Founders Reserve” series; aged in used Cooperage (charred oak barrels).
  • Purchased: 12/21/23 for $109.99 at High Spirits Liqueur in Evansville, IN

Penelope 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
  • MSRP: $109.99
  • Released: 2026
  • Other: Achieved “Hazmat” status (over 140 proof); limited batch release following the 17-year 2025 drop.
  • Purchased: 03/28/26 for $109.99 at Lux Row 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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Don’t Skip This! Trackside High Proof Bourbon Tasting

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Is this the next big winner in Kentucky Bourbon? 🥃

Join Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey as we dive into a truly unique find from BourbonCon 2026: the Trackside Bourbon Founder’s Release High Proof. With only 900 bottles produced, this limited-edition gem is making waves with its rare four-grain mash bill featuring Chocolate Malted Barley.

Sourced and blended from the renowned Kentucky Artisan Distillery (the hands behind Jefferson’s Ocean), this 107-proof expression is the passion project of industry veterans Jade Peterson and Jeremy Deaver. Inspired by Kentucky’s rich racing culture, it’s crafted from Jade’s personal “honey hole” collection amassed over the last decade.

In this tasting, we explore the deep confectionery sugar notes, the surprising hints of pear skin, and that signature dark chocolate finish that only a high-quality chocolate malt can provide. Is it our next Whiskey of the Month? 

Watch to find out why we’re regretting not buying a second bottle!

In this video:

  • The backstory of Trackside Distilling & Kentucky Artisan Distillery.
  • Deep dive into the 107-proof Founder’s Release profile.
  • Why Chocolate Malted Barley is a game-changer for bourbon lovers.
  • Final verdict: Is it worth the $72.99 MSRP?

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Trackside Bourbon (Founder Release High Proof)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Trackside Distilling Company (Co-Founders Jade Peterson and Jeremy Dever)
  • Distillery: Sourced and blended barrels from Kentucky Artisan Distillery (Crestwood, KY)
  • Mash Bill: A unique four-grain mash bill: Yellow Corn, Rye, Distiller’s Malt, and Chocolate Malted Barley.
  • Age: 5
  • Proof: 107
  • MSRP: $72.99
  • Other: This is a limited “Founder Release”—only about 900 bottles of this High Proof version were produced. The brand is inspired by the racing culture of Kentucky, and the barrels used are part of Jade’s personal collection amassed over the last decade.

❌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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Nearest Green Distillery Tour: MUST SEE in Tennessee

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🎉 BTTT E48: Uncle Nearest Single Barrel (123.3 Proof) Review & World’s Longest Bar! 🥃

Join Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey for Episode 48 of Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes as they kick off their Tennessee Whiskey series with a visit to the historic and beautiful Uncle Nearest Distillery in Shelbyville, TN! Experience a virtual tour of the stunning, 400+ acre former Tennessee Walking Horse Farm (Distillery #51 for them!) and get the inside scoop on their multi-dimensional tour, speakeasy, and impressive rick house.

But the real showstopper? The world-record-holding Humble Baron Bar! Find out how this incredible 518-foot bar earned its place in the Guinness World Records.

Whiskey Review Spotlight: Uncle Nearest Single Barrel 070

After an extensive tasting at the distillery, they review their special purchase: Uncle Nearest Single Barrel 070.

  • Classification: Tennessee Whiskey (Lincoln County Process)
  • Proof: 123.3 (Cask Strength!)
  • Tasting Notes: Discover why Wayne (getting black pepper and cinnamon warmth) and Rebecca (finding toffee, dark chocolate, and brown sugar notes) have a savory vs. sweet experience! This high-proof, aged expression is a far cry from the baseline and is a must-try for any true whiskey enthusiast.

If you weren’t a fan of the standard Uncle Nearest, this Single Barrel review will challenge your impression!

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✴️ Uncle Nearest Single Barrel 070

  • Classification: Tennessee Whiskey
  • Distillery: Sourced/Tennessee (Possibly Dickel)
  • Mash Bill: Unknown
  • Age: NAS (estimated to be 8-11 years)
  • Proof: 123.3
  • MSRP: $79.99
  • Purchased: 08/19/23 for $79.99 at Uncle Nearest Distillery

❌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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