Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Is This Apple Pie Bourbon? WH McBrayer 250th Special Edition Review

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Happy Friday, bourbon lovers! With the 4th of July right around the corner, we are incredibly excited to taste and review a highly limited, deeply historic pour: the WH McBrayer 250th Special Edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey from McBrayer Legacy Spirits!

Commemorating America’s upcoming 250th anniversary, this special batch is a tribute to W.H. McBrayer (“The Judge”), one of Kentucky’s pioneering founding distillers. This unique expression features a historic mash bill of 88.4% Bloody Butcher Corn, 5.8% Heritage Rye, and 5.8% Malted Barley. Blended from just 11 barrels aged 5 to 7 years, it’s bottled at a perfect 105 proof with a low barrel entry proof and non-chill filtration.

Only 1,776 bottles were released! Does it live up to the legendary dark, leathery tobacco profile of “The Judge,” or does this special edition bring something completely different to the palate? We unpack the unexpected bakery notes, bright cinnamon, and long, delicate finish that has people comparing it to a quintessential American apple pie.

If you love whiskey history, rare mash bills, and honest reviews, hit that SUBSCRIBE button, drop a comment below, and always drink responsibly!

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👉 Grab Your Bottle Before They’re Gone: Secure yours directly from McBrayer Legacy Spirits: https://bourbonshop.mcbrayerspirits.com/products/w-h-mcbrayer-250th-special-edition Local Tip: If you are in the Cincinnati or Northern Kentucky area, you can also pick up a bottle from Brad Bonds at Revival Vintage Spirits!

🎓 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

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WH McBrayer 250th Special Edition

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: McBrayer Legacy Spirits
  • Distillery: Contract Distilled at Wilderness Trail
  • Mash Bill: 88.4% Bloody Butcher Corn, 5.8% Heritage Rye, 5.8% Malted Barley
  • Age: NAS (11 barrels that were 5-7 years old)
  • Proof: 105
  • SRP: $100
  • Released: June 5, 2026
  • Other: 1776 Bottles Released

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NOTE: Thank you to McBrayer Legacy Spirits for providing this bottle for review. Your Bourbon Journey maintains strict editorial independence; samples are accepted for educational and review purposes only and are never a guarantee of a favorable review.

Disclaimer: We  are not affiliated with McBrayer Legacy Spirits—we just love great whiskey and supporting the revival of an incredible bourbon legacy.

Don’t Pass on This! Green River Distillery Select Review

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Is this the best new toasted bourbon of the year? 🪵🔥 Today, Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey are diving into an exclusive, first-look review of a historic new release: Green River Distillery Select Toasted Double Oak Bourbon!

Awarded a massive 96 points and a Double Gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition before even hitting shelves, this highly anticipated bottle is making waves. As the oldest whiskey released by Green River to date, this 8-year-old Kentucky straight bourbon is aged in signature clay tile rickhouses (Warehouse B) and finished for an additional six months in new toasted American oak barrels from Independent Stave Company.

Clocking in at a bold 115.1 proof, it serves up an unbelievable flavor profile. Expect dominant notes of sweet, gooey toasted marshmallows, rich char, and a unique “freshly put-out campfire” smokiness that balances the sweet wood sugars perfectly.

Priced at $49.99 for a 375 mL bottle, this inaugural release from the Distillery Select series is an absolute must-have for bourbon geeks and historic DSP-KY-10 collectors alike.

📅 Release Details:

  • June 20, 2026: Distillery Release Celebration in Owensboro, KY (with special tours, food, and entertainment!)
  • June 26, 2026: Louisville Tasting Room Release

Don’t miss out on this amazing bottle! Hit that subscribe button for more authentic bourbon reviews, and always remember to drink responsibly. Cheers!

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Green River Distillery Select Toasted Double Oak Bourbon

  • Classification:  Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in New Toasted Oak Barrels
  • Company: Lofted Spirits
  • Distillery: Green River Distillery, (Owensboro, KY — DSP-KY-10)
  • Mash Bill: 70% Corn, 21% Rye, 9% Malted Barley
  • Age: 8 Years (Aged 8 years in clay tile rickhouses, then finished for an additional 6 months in toasted barrels)
  • Proof: 115.1
  • SRP: $49.99 for 375 mL
  • Release Dates: Distillery release: June 20, 2026 (Owensboro) & June 26, 2026 (Louisville Tasting Room)

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NOTE: Thank you to Lofted Spirits and Green River Distillery for providing this bottle for review. Your Bourbon Journey maintains strict editorial independence; samples are accepted for educational and review purposes only and are never a guarantee of a favorable review.

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Silk Velvet Whiskey Hazmat Review: 150 Proof vs 161 Proof

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Can a bourbon over 160 proof actually taste good—or will it just blow up your palate? 

n this episode of Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca tackle two insane, rare “Hazmat” bottles from Silk Velvet Whiskey that debuted at the 2026 BBQ & Barrels festival in Owensboro, KY.

We are tasting and comparing the Silk Velvet 150 Proof “Extreme Hazmat” (Barrel 43) alongside the ultra-rare 161 Proof “Ultra Hazmat” (Barrel 35). With only 10 bottles of the 161 proof ever released via a lucky raffle win, this is officially the highest-proof whiskey we have ever reviewed on the channel!

Distilled under legendary distiller Jacob Call for Hargis Spirits LLC and bottled by Western Kentucky Distilling Co., these 7-year-old high-proof heavyweights feature a 75% Corn, 21% Rye, and 4% Malted Barley mash bill aged in heavy Char #4 barrels.

We dive deep into a fresh-pour, true first impression of both bottles. We’ll breakdown the surprising confectionery sugar, dark brown sugar, and maple notes on the nose, look at the insanely heavy legs, and find out if these explosive expressions are actually “smooth as silk” or if they finish with pure black pepper and heavy barrel oak. Plus, we share the wild story of why the distillery had to give out extra corks just to keep these bottles from exploding!

If you love high-proof bourbon, rare whiskey hunting, and honest tasting reviews, don’t forget to hit that SUBSCRIBE button, drop a comment with your favorite hazmat whiskey, and always drink responsibly!

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Silk Velvet Whiskey Single Barrel (Hazmats)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Hargis Spirits LLC
  • Bottled By: Western Kentucky Distilling Co. (Distilled under Jacob Call)
  • Mash Bill: 75% Corn, 21% Rye, 4% Malted Barley
  • Age: 7 Years (Char #4)
  • Barrel & Proof: Barrel 43 = 150 (Extreme Hazmat); Barrel 35 = 161 (Ultra Hazmat)
  • Released: May 2026 (Debuted at BBQ & Barrels)
  • Purchased: May 9, 2026, at BBQ & Barrels in Owensboro, KY. 150 Proof ($99.99) & 161 Proof ($229)

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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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Touring the New $135M Heaven Hill Springs Distillery in Bardstown

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Is this the futuristic reality of bourbon making? Welcome back to Bourbon Trail Tales and Taste! In Episode 62, Wayne and Rebecca take you on a Traveling Tuesday adventure to Bardstown, Kentucky, to visit our 71st unique US distillery stop: the brand-new, state-of-the-art Heaven Hill Springs Distillery!

Opened to the public in late 2025, this highly anticipated, ultra-modern facility represents a massive milestone—marking the first time since the devastating 1996 fire that Heaven Hill has a working distillery operating in Bardstown. We share our honest, unfiltered review of this highly automated, “antiseptic” tour experience. From riding the private transit bus and eating raw barley straight from the quality lab, to witnessing a facility run by a whopping five-person staff, we break down why this is a marvel of modern distilling engineering (and why it shouldn’t be your very first bourbon tour).

After the tour, we unpack our premium crystal souvenir glasses to crack open and taste the standard Heaven Hill Bottled-In-Bond 7-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey! This specific bottle is the highly collectible Series 1 Limited Edition “Kentucky Collector’s Edition” Artist Series, featuring stunning watercolor labels by Louisville artist Bri Bowers.

Is this 100-proof, 78% corn pour still the “King of Bottled-in-Bond”? We deep dive into the creamy vanilla pudding nose, cinnamon palate, and unexpected black pepper finish. Drop a comment below: Have you visited the new Heaven Hill Springs facility yet? Don’t forget to hit that SUBSCRIBE button for more authentic distillery tours and whiskey reviews! Drink responsibly.

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Heaven Hill Bottled-IN-Bond

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Heaven Hill Brands
  • Distillery: Heaven Hill Distillery (Distilled at Bernheim in Louisville, KY – DSP-KY-1; Aged and Bottled in Bardstown, KY – DSP-KY-31)
  • Mash Bill: 78% Corn, 10% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
  • Age: 7 Years Old
  • Proof: 100 Proof (50% ABV)
  • MSRP: $49.99
  • Released: September 2025 (Series 1 Collection)
  • Other: Limited Edition “Kentucky Collector’s Edition” Artist Series Collection featuring five unique watercolor labels by Louisville artist Bri Bowers. This specific label features the newly opened Heaven Hill Springs Distillery in Bardstown.
  • Purchased: 03/28/26 for $64.99 at Heaven Hill Springs Distillery

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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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New Riff Silver Grove 2026 Review: The Best $60 Bourbon? 

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Looking for the ultimate $60 barrel proof bourbon value? Today, Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey are diving into a highly anticipated bottle: the New Riff Silver Grove Straight Bourbon Whiskey (2026 Edition)!

Purchased directly from the New Riff Distilling gift shop in Newport, KY during a birthday trip, this year’s release features a 2-year age jump—climbing to a robust 6 years old. Clocking in at an impressive 116.4 proof, this high-rye bourbon (65% Corn, 30% Rye, 5% Malted Barley) remains non-chill filtered to preserve every drop of its rich viscosity and essential barrel oils.

Named after the site of New Riff’s massive rickhouse expansion project down the river in Silver Grove, KY, this bottle does more than taste good—a portion of the proceeds from every purchase goes directly to the Silver Grove Community Foundation to fund local civic and park projects!

In this episode, we share the hilarious story of how Rebecca “hijacked” our VIP distillery tour, breaking down the rules of bourbon for a crowd traveling in for the Kentucky Derby weekend. Then, we break down the complex tasting notes, shifting from a citrus and hot nose into a palate popping with chocolate, caramel-coated orange zest, leather, and white pepper. Is this gift-shop exclusive still the biggest bargain on the Bourbon Trail? Watch to find out!

If you love whiskey reviews, distillery tour stories, and finding incredible bourbon values, hit that SUBSCRIBE button and join us on the journey!

📢 Drop a comment: Have you visited New Riff Distilling or tried their Silver Grove series? Let us know your thoughts!

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🎓 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

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New Riff Silver Grove Straight Bourbon Whiskey (2026 Edition)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Barrel Proof, Non-Chill Filtered)
  • Company / Distillery: New Riff Distilling (Newport, KY)
  • Mash Bill: High-Rye: 65% Corn, 30% Rye, 5% Malted Barley
  • Age: 6 Years Old (A big 2-year jump from previous releases!)
  • Proof: 116.4 Proof (58.2% ABV)
  • MSRP: $59.99 (In-store gift shop exclusive)
  • Purchased: 05/01/26 at New Riff Distilling
  • Other: Named after the site of New Riff’s massive rickhouse expansion project down the river in Silver Grove, KY. Even better—a portion of the proceeds from every bottle goes directly to the Silver Grove Community Foundation to fund local civic and park projects.

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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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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

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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).

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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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Adult Root Beer Float? Rebel Root Beer Whiskey Review! 

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Rebel Root Beer Float? Lux Row Distillers Just Changed the Game! 🥃🍦

Is it a soda? Is it a bourbon? It’s both! Today on Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca are getting a little “rebellious” with two brand-new releases from Lux Row Distillers that are shaking up the flavored whiskey world.

We’re diving into the newly re-released Rebel Root Beer Whiskey (back and better than ever in 2026!) and the limited-edition Rebel Butter Pecan Cream Liqueur. Watch as we taste them individually and then perform a “distillery-authorized” science experiment by mixing them into the ultimate Adult Root Beer Float.

If you’re a fan of Barq’s, sarsaparilla, or just creamy wheated bourbon, you won’t want to miss this Fun Friday tasting. Is it too sweet, or is it the perfect dessert pour? Let’s find out!

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Rebel Root Beer Whiskey

  • Classification: Flavored Whiskey (specifically, a Bourbon-based liqueur)
  • Company: Luxco (parent company of Lux Row)
  • Distillery: Lux Row Distillers (Bardstown, KY)
  • Mash Bill: Wheat Bourbon mash bill (historically approximately 68% Corn, 20% Wheat, 12% Malted Barley)
  • Age: NAS (Non-Age Stated)
  • Proof: 70 (35% ABV)
  • MSRP: $24.99 – $27.99
  • Released: Originally debuted around 2016 (as Rebel Yell Root Beer); re-released/re-branded in late 2025/early 2026.
  • Purchased: 03/28/26 for $25.99 at Lux Row Distillery

Rebel Butter Pecan Cream Liqueur

  • Classification: Whiskey Cream Liqueur
  • Company: Luxco
  • Distillery: Lux Row Distillers (Bardstown, KY)
  • Mash Bill: N/A (Cream liqueurs do not have a traditional mash bill, though the spirit base is Rebel’s Wheated Bourbon).
  • Age: NAS (Non-Age Stated)
  • Proof: 30 (15% ABV)
  • MSRP: $24.99 – $26.99
  • Released: Early 2026 (Limited Release)
  • Other: Made with Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and fresh cream.
  • Purchased: 03/28/26 for $25.99 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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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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Why This Wheated Bourbon is a Total “Change Up” 

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Unlock the Castle! 🏰 Castle & Key Cask Strength Wheated Bourbon Review

We’re heading back to Frankfort, Kentucky! After a visit to the historic Castle & Key Distillery during the Glen’s Creek Chili Fest, we finally got our hands on a bottle of their Cask Strength Wheated Bourbon (Batch 1).

Is this 7-year-old “sweet mash” wheater the bottle that changes everything for Castle & Key fans? In this episode, Wayne and Rebecca dive into the unique mash bill—featuring white corn and a surprisingly high 17% malted barley—to see if this Double Platinum ASCOT Award winner lives up to the hype.

From the “bakery-like” nose to a palate that Wayne describes as a “barley punch” and Rebecca finds “soft and luscious,” we break down the mouthfeel, the “squeaky teeth” finish, and why this craft distillery is finally hitting its stride.

Whether you’re a fan of wheated bourbons or have been waiting for Castle & Key’s own distillate to age, you won’t want to miss this Tuesday tasting!

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Castle & Key Cask Strength Wheated, Batch 1

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Castle & Key (Frankfort, KY)
  • Mash Bill: 73% White Corn, 10% White Winter Wheat, 17% Malted Barley
  • Age: 7 Years
  • Proof: 108.2
  • MSRP: $60-65
  • Released: Blended in 2025
  • Other: Non-chill filtered; earned Double Platinum at the 2025 ASCOT Awards. It uses a “Sweet Mash” process and a notably high percentage of malted barley for a wheated bourbon.
  • Purchased: 02/28/2026 for $70 at Castle & Key Distillery

❌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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We Drank 1957 Sunny Brook! (Vintage Bourbon Tasting)

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Experience a Liquid Time Capsule: 1957 Sunny Brook Bourbon Tasting! 🥃✨

Step back into the “Golden Age” of National Distillers with us as we crack open a rare 1/10 pint of Sunny Brook Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey from 1957!. Purchased at  Revival Vintage Spirits in Covington, KY, this “dusty” miniature is a piece of bourbon history that predates the major industry shifts of the 1980s.

In this episode, Wayne and Rebecca dive into the fascinating history of National Distillers, the corporation that once ruled the whiskey world before its spirits division was acquired by Jim Beam in 1987. We’ll show you how to date a vintage bottle using glass codes and tax strips, discuss the mysterious “sticky” residue known as Angels’ Share leakage, and find out if this 80-proof classic still holds its flavor after 65+ years.

Will we find the legendary National Distillers “butterscotch” funk? Or has time taken its toll?

What You’ll Learn in This Video:

  • The story of “The Inspector” mascot and National Distillers’ standards.
  • How to safely open a vintage screw cap that’s been sealed shut by 60 years of sugar.
  • A deep dive into the 1957 mash bill: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, and 12% Malted Barley.
  • Tasting notes: Does 80-proof bourbon from the 50s beat modern bottom-shelf bottles?

Visit our friends at Revival: If you’re in Covington, stop by and see Brad Bonds and the team to sip on some living history yourself!.

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✴️ Sunny Brook 1/10 Pint

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: National Distillers Products Corp.
  • Distillery: Old Sunny Brook Distillery (RD #5), Louisville, KY
  • Mash Bill: Approximately 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley (Standard National Distillers Bourbon mash bill of that era)
  • Age: 4 Years Old
  • Proof: 80
  • MSRP: Approximately $0.45 – $0.60 (Estimated retail for a 1/10 pint in 1957)
  • Released: 1957 (Confirmed by the “57” glass code on the bottom and Series 111 tax strip)
  • Other: “The Inspector” on the label—a post-war marketing icon used to represent National Distillers’ “purity and quality” standards.
  • Purchased: 11/22/25 for $35 at Revival Vintage Spirits in Covington KY https://revivalky.com/ 

🚨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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