Kentucky Bourbon

The Stewards Release: Maker’s Mark Newest 2026 Whiskey Review

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Bourbon Review: Is the NEW Maker’s Mark “The Stewards” Release 

Happy day, everyone! Today on Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca are diving into the highly anticipated 2026 Maker’s Mark: The Stewards Release. This is the third of five entries in the second Wood Finishing Series, and we found a killer deal on it at Costco!

“The Stewards” honors the hardworking operations team at Star Hill Farm—the folks who manage everything from fermentation to bottling. But does this bottle live up to the legacy of the people it celebrates?

In this video, we break down the unique stave profile (10 virgin toasted American oak staves), the 109.8 proof point, and the complex flavor journey that goes from bright raw honey to dark chocolate and spicy black pepper. Whether you’re a die-hard Maker’s collector or just looking for a solid $60 bottle, you won’t want to miss our honest thoughts on this 2026 release.

In this video, we cover:

  • 🥃 Where we found it for $15 under MSRP.
  • 🥃 The technical specs: Mash bill, proof, and the “Steward” backstory.
  • 🥃 Nose, Palate, and Finish: From honey and vanilla to dark cocoa and barrel char.
  • 🥃 How it compares to previous Wood Finishing Series releases.

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2026 Maker’s Mark: The Stewards Release

  • Classification:  Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Suntory Global Spirits
  • Distillery: Maker’s Mark
  • Mash Bill: 70% Corn, 16% Wheat, 14% Malted Barley
  • Age: NAS (at least 4 years)
  • Proof: 109.8
  • MSRP: $74.99
  • Released: March 2026
  • Other: Wood finishing series
  • Purchased: 04/01/26 for $59.99 at Costco in Evansville, IN

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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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Augusta’s Historic Distillery: A Visit to Becker & Bird

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Becker & Bird: The Historic Kentucky Bourbon Time Capsule

Think you’ve seen everything on the Bourbon Trail? Think again. Join us for Bourbon Trail Tales and Taste, Episode 60, as we travel to Augusta, Kentucky, to visit the historic Becker & Bird Distillery.

This isn’t your average commercial distillery tour. Set on a property that’s on the National Register of Historic Places, Becker & Bird honors the legacy of Johannes Becker, a Revolutionary War veteran who began distilling on this land in 1798. You’ll learn the fascinating (and sometimes frustrating) story of why they had to shift their name from “Baker” to “Becker” to avoid a corporate legal battle, and why this site is a true bourbon time capsule.

The real showstopper? The cellar. We’re taking you inside one of the largest wine and spirit cellars in the U.S.—a hand-built stone masterpiece that survived the Battle of Augusta in 1862. Its consistent, cool, humid environment acts as a natural rickhouse, unlike anything you see in modern metal-clad warehouses.

In this episode: 

🥃 The Bourbon: We’re tasting the Historic Becker & Bird Straight Bourbon (100 proof, 2-year age statement, MGP-sourced). We break down the profile, the “grain-forward” notes, and why we think it’s important to support these up-and-coming craft distillers. 

🍷 The Winery: We discover their amazing bourbon-barrel-aged wine, a must-try if you visit the tasting room!

If you love exploring the history behind the bottle and want to support the preservation of our Kentucky spirits heritage, this is a stop you need to add to your list.

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✴️ Historic Becker & Bird Straight Bourbon

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Baker-Bird Winery & Distillery (Owned by Dinah Bird)
  • Distillery: MGP (Lawrenceburg, IN)
  • Mash Bill: Most likely MGP’s 75% Corn, 21% Rye, 4% Malted Barley
  • Age: 2 Years
  • Proof: 100
  • MSRP: $78.99 (Price may vary; some winery-direct bottles are priced at a premium due to the historic site maintenance)
  • Released: 2018 (Brand launch)
  • Purchased: $90 03/15/25 at Becker & Bird Distillery
  • Other: Bottled by Kentucky Artisan Distillery (Crestwood, KY). The label pays homage to Johannes Becker (John Baker), a Revolutionary War veteran who moved to Augusta in 1797.

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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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GCD Experimental Series: Testing the “Mad Scientist’s” Newest Blends! 

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The “Mad Scientist” Does It Again! | GCD Experimental Series Review

Can Glenns Creek Distilling’s “Mad Scientist” (aka David Meier) push the boundaries of bourbon even further? Today on Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca are diving into three brand-new releases from the GCD Experimental Series (February 2026).

From a complex seven-grain mash bill to a mysterious Rich Mountain expression, these bottles are anything but traditional. We break down the nose, palate, and finish of each to see if these experiments were a success!

The Bottles on the Table:

  • .44 CAG: A 23-month, 112.4 proof powerhouse featuring Red, White, Blue, and Yellow corn.
  • Heirloom Blend: A 47-month, 108.8 proof “best of” blend of various GCD mash bills.
  • Rich Mountain: A 117.8 proof undisclosed mash bill aged for 47 months.

In this video, we discuss:

  • The uniqueness of Glenns Creek Distilling.
  • The complexity of a 7-grain bourbon.
  • Why the Heirloom Blend stands out in the 2026 lineup.
  • Our final verdict: Which bottle should you track down?

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GCD Experimental .44 CAG

  • Classification: Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Glenns Creek Distilling
  • Mash Bill: Seven Grain (Red, White, Blue and Yellow corn, rye, wheat, barley)
  • Age: 23 months
  • Proof: 112.4
  • Released: February 2026

Other: 375 ml, Barrel 1, Bottle 50

GCD Experimental Heirloom Blend

  • Classification: Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Glenns Creek Distilling
  • Mash Bill: A mix of the various mashbills
  • Age: 47 months
  • Proof: 108.8
  • Released: February 2026
  • Other: 375 ml, Barrel 1, Bottle 5

GCD Experimental Rich Mountain

  • Classification: Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Glenns Creek Distilling
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed
  • Age: 47 months
  • Proof: 117.8
  • Released: February 2026
  • Other: 375 ml, Barrel 1

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

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Is Vintage Bourbon Better? Four Roses Through the Eras

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Four Roses Through the Ages: A Vintage vs. Modern Bourbon Journey 🌹

Join us at Your Bourbon Journey for a truly special tasting as we “Quantum Leap” through three distinct eras of Four Roses. We’re traveling from the mid-century “Lost Years” to the “Golden” Japanese export era of the 1990s, finally returning to the bold resurgence of today’s Small Batch Select.

In this episode, Wayne and Rebecca head to the tasting table with two rare finds from Revival Vintage Spirits and one modern powerhouse. We explore how a brand that was once diluted for the American market kept its soul alive in Japan before reclaiming its throne as a top-tier Kentucky producer. From surprising butterscotch notes in a 1950s blend to the elegant, crystal-like beauty of the 1997 Super Premium, this is a masterclass in the evolution of flavor, proof, and history.

What we’re tasting today:

  • The “Lost” Years (1945–1960): A blended whiskey featuring Series 111 tax seals and a surprising hit of honeysuckle.
  • The “Golden” Export (1997 Super Premium): A Japanese market exclusive designed to look like high-end crystal, showcasing the delicate V and K yeast strains.
  • The “Resurgence” (Small Batch Select): The modern-day 104-proof powerhouse that proves Four Roses is back and better than ever.

Whether you’re a fan of “dusty” hunting or you just love a solid pour of Four Roses Small Batch, there is something in this timeline for every whiskey enthusiast.

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We highly recommend Revival Vintage Spirits for your vintage bottles: https://revivalky.com/ 

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✴️ FOUR ROSES BLENDED WHISKEY (1945-1960)

  • Classification: Blended Whiskey
  • Distillery: Four Roses Lawrenceburg
  • 35% straight whiskies. 65% grain neutral spirits. 25% straight whiskies 4 years old. 4% straight whiskies 6 years old.
  • Age: NAS (researched at 4–6-year blends)
  • Proof: 86
  • Tax Seal: Red, Series 111

FOUR ROSES SUPER PREMIUM VINTAGE 1997

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Kirin-Seagram Ltd.
  • Distillery: Four Roses Lawrenceburg
  • Bottled: Kirin-Seagram facility in Gotemba, Japan
  • Mash Bill – typically a blend of:
  • E: 75% Corn, 20% Rye, 5% Malted Barley
  • B: 60% Corn, 35% Rye, 5% Malted Barley
  • Yeast: Commonly the V (delicate fruit) and K (slight spice)
  • Age: Typically, at least 8 years old
  • Proof: 86
  • The Design: That clear bottle with the labeling printed directly on the glass was designed to look like high-end crystal for the Japanese “gift-giving” culture. It’s widely considered one of the most beautiful bottles Four Roses ever produced.

FOUR ROSES SMALL BATCH SELECT

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Four Roses Distilling LLC
  • Distillery: Four Roses Lawrenceburg
  • Mash Bill – typically a blend of:
  • B: 60% Corn, 35% Rye, 5% Malted Barley
  • E: 75% Corn, 20% Rye, 5% Malted Barley
  • Yeast: 6 recipes – OBSV, OBSK, OBSF, OESV, OESK, & OESF
  • Age: Typically, a blend of 6 and 7-year-old bourbons
  • Proof: 104

❌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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The Toronto Cocktail: The Old Fashioned’s Muscle Car 

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Upgrade Your Old Fashioned: The Toronto Cocktail 🏎️💨

If the Old Fashioned is your daily driver, consider The Toronto your high-performance muscle car. It’s got more torque, more grip, and a bold flavor profile that demands your attention!

In Episode 55 of Thirsty Thursday Cocktails, Rebecca breaks down this sophisticated “Bitter Old Fashioned.” Originally appearing in 1948, this classic cocktail swaps standard bitters and sugar for the powerhouse punch of Fernet-Branca and the rich, smoky depth of Bourbon Barrel Aged Maple Syrup.

We’re putting a unique twist on the original by using Old Grand-Dad 114. This high-rye bourbon (27% rye mashbill) brings the heat of a rye whiskey, while its signature “peanut and vanilla” sweetness acts as a silencer, perfectly taming the medicinal notes of the Fernet.

In this video, you’ll learn:

  • Why Fernet-Branca is the “seasoning” your home bar needs.
  • How to use maple syrup as a bridge between Kentucky bourbon and Canadian history.
  • The secret to balancing herbaceous “snap” with rich, coating sweetness.

Stay tuned until the end for the full tasting notes—from the bright orange oil nose to the dry, minty finish that will leave you wanting another sip.

🔔 Subscribe for more Thirsty Thursday cocktails! Next week, we’re kicking off our Valentine’s Day series with romantic sips you won’t want to miss.

🥃 The Recipe: The Toronto

  • 2 oz High-Rye Bourbon (Old Grand-Dad 114)
  • 1/4 oz Fernet-Branca
  • 1/4 oz Bourbon Barrel Aged Maple Syrup
  • 2 Dashes Angostura Bitters
  • Garnish: Large Orange Twist

Preparation: Combine ingredients in a mixing glass with plenty of ice. Stir for 20-30 seconds until well-chilled. Strain into a chilled coupe or a rocks glass over one large clear ice cube. Express the orange peel over the drink and drop it in.

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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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Your Bourbon Journey Crowns Patriotic Meri-COB from Glenns Creek Distilling as 2025 Whiskey of the Year

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FOR IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE

Newburgh, IN – January 10, 2026 – Following a rigorous year-long evaluation of over 100 whiskeys, Your Bourbon Journey, the digital spirits platform hosted by Wayne and Rebecca McBrayer, is proud to announce Patriotic Meri-COB from Glenns Creek Distilling as the winner of its inaugural 2025 Whiskey of the Year award.

The selection process was governed by a strict, multi-stage blind tournament designed to eliminate brand bias and focus solely on spirit quality. The field of 16 contenders – comprised of 12 “Whiskey of the Month” winners and four high-scoring “Wildcard” entries – competed in a bracket-style playoff.

“Our goal was to find the best whiskey on the shelf, regardless of price point or prestige,” said Rebecca, co-founder of Your Bourbon Journey. “By the time we reached the Final Four, we were tasting the elite of the elite. To see a #2 seed like Patriotic Meri-COB run the gauntlet against three #1 seeds was the ultimate proof of our blind process at work.”

The Road to the Championship

The tournament followed a “Sweet Sixteen” format, where bottles were seeded based on their performance in quarterly qualifying rounds. Patriotic Meri-COB’s path to the title was a true “Giant Slayer” narrative, requiring head-to-head victories over Neeley Bottled in Bond Four Grain, Wild Turkey 101 8-Year, Old Louisville Cognac Finish, and ultimately, Bardstown Discovery Series 13.

“The consistency was what ultimately set the winner apart,” noted Wayne. “In four separate rounds of blind tasting, the Patriotic Meri-COB never dipped below a 94-point score. It was a model of excellence from the first pour to the final championship glass.”

Award Presentation

In recognition of this achievement, Your Bourbon Journey will travel to the historic Glenns Creek Distilling in February 2026 to officially present the 2025 Whiskey of the Year Championship Trophy to the distilling team.

About Your Bourbon Journey

Your Bourbon Journey is a whiskey-focused digital platform dedicated to honest, tasting reviews, distillery tour highlights, home cocktail creation, and consumer education. Through their “Whiskey of the Year” program, Wayne and Rebecca aim to highlight exceptional craftsmanship in the spirits industry.

Media Contact

Dr. Rebecca Herman, Your Bourbon Journey, YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com, www.YourBourbonJourney.com

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Flaviar Advent 2025: US Bourbon vs. Japanese Whisky! 

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✈️ Global Whiskey Flight Review! Flaviar Advent Calendar 2025 Days 4, 5, & 6 | Chicken Cock, Oaklore, Kujira Kyojin 

Welcome back, Travelers, for Episode Two of our Flaviar Whiskey Advent Calendar 2025 journey! We’re strapping in for an exciting “two-continental tasting flight,” comparing America’s bourbon heritage with an exotic leap across the globe.

In this episode, we unlock Days 4, 5, and 6 of the calendar, tasting three wildly different spirits:

  1. Day 4: Chicken Cock Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (100 Proof) – A Prohibition legacy spirit from Bardstown, KY, with notes of cinnamon red hot, caramel, and nuttiness. Is the “pre-prohibition style” a hit?
  2. Day 5: OaklLore Four Grain Bourbon Whiskey (92 Proof) – A groundbreaking blend of four grains (corn, rye, wheat, barley) aged in the ideal climate of North Carolina’s Piedmont region. Find out why this balanced bourbon is described as a “floral bakery.”
  3. Day 6: Kujira Kyojin Okinawa Whisky (80 Proof) – A truly unique rice-based Japanese whisky from Okinawa, Japan, aged in American white oak. We discover fascinating tropical, sweet & sour, and floral/roselike notes thanks to its special Indica Rice and black Koji berries fermentation.

Join Wayne and Rebecca on Your Bourbon Journey for an in-depth, country-to-country tasting review! 

Which whiskey will be the best international pour? Buckle up and Cheers! 🥃

Did you grab a calendar? Let us know your favorite of the first three days in the comments below!

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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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