Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

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❌

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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 

Is Knob Creek 21 Year Worth $250 MSRP?

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🎉 Knob Creek 21 Year Old Bourbon Review! 🎉 Is this the ultimate extra-aged whiskey?

Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey finally got their hands on the historic Knob Creek 21 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey—the oldest expression ever released by the James B. Beam Distilling Co.! Watch as they pour, nose, and taste this highly-anticipated, limited-edition small batch bourbon, bottled at a perfect 100 proof.

We were lucky enough to score this bottle at the Jim Beam Distillery for the MSRP of $249.99! Was the two-decade wait worth it? Does it live up to the hype established by the Knob Creek 9 and 12-Year expressions?

🥃 Knob Creek 21 Year Old Tasting Notes & Review Highlights

  • The Nose: Right out of the gate, the aromas are incredibly inviting! Get ready for notes of butterscotch, toffee, and a rich, cooked brown sugar. It smells like what a 21-year-old whiskey should smell like!
  • The Palate: This is a surprisingly barrel forward bourbon, but perfectly balanced! You’ll find deep tannins and robust char notes, but the 100 proof prevents it from being an “oak bomb.”
  • The Finish: Long, warm, and not drying! Enjoy lingering notes of cinnamon, dark cocoa (dark chocolate), and a nice pop of black pepper. It’s the perfect deep, dark, rich sipper for the winter.

Master Distiller Freddie Noe said they weren’t chasing an age statement, but focused on crafting a great bourbon—and they hit it out of the park! We discuss the value of a $250, 21-year-old bourbon and compare it to the popular Knob Creek 18-Year and 12-Year expressions.

❓ Have you tried the Knob Creek 21 Year Old? What did you think of the barrel notes? Let us know in the comments!

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✴️ Knob Creek 21 Year Old

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Suntory Global Spirits
  • Distillery: James B. Beam Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
  • Barrel: Char #4, Barrel Entry 125 Proof
  • Age: 21 Years
  • Other: The oldest expression in distillery history
  • Proof: 100
  • MSRP: $249.99
  • Released: Oct 28, 2025
  • Purchased: Dec 5, 2025 for $250 at Jim Beam 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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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❌

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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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Mint Julep VIP Tour: Log Still ’23 Bardstown Collection Review 

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🍒🔥 Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes Episode 47: Log Still Bardstown Collection 2023 Review (Toasted Cherry S’mores?!)

Join Wayne and Rebecca on Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes Episode 47 as they finally crack open a very special, two-and-a-half-year-old bottle: the Log Still Distillery Bardstown Collection 2023 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey!

This unique and highly-coveted limited edition bourbon was secured during the exclusive Mint Julep VIP Bardstown Bourbon Collection Tour. Wayne and Rebecca share all the details of their special two-day experience, including a scenic train ride, an exquisite lunch, meeting founders Wally, Lynne, and Charles Dant, and a memorable first tour of the beautiful Log Still Distillery campus in New Haven, KY.

Is this bottle worth the hype (and the $199.99 price tag)? Find out if this toasted oak finished bourbon is a must-have for your collection!

🥃 The Whiskey: Log Still Bardstown Collection 2023

This 8-year-old, 117.7 proof high-rye bourbon is a truly distinctive pour. Sourced from the renowned Barton 1792 Distillery‘s high-rye mash bill, Log Still added an innovative final touch: a finishing period in highly-toasted oak barrels.

Tasting Notes (Their Journey): Get ready for a fascinating flavor profile! Wayne and Rebecca dive deep into the nose and palate, discovering:

  • Nose: Distinct cherry notes (classic Barton profile) with a beautiful toasty character.
  • Palate: An explosion of Luxardo cherry upfront, quickly followed by a savory, delicious toasted oak and char goodness. Rebecca even finds surprising notes of dark cocoa, leading to the fun description of a “chocolate cherry s’more” vibe!
  • Finish: Long, warm, and effervescent, carrying the barrel notes and a unique combination of toasted cherry and black pepper.

Don’t forget to hit the like button, subscribe for more whiskey adventures, and share your thoughts in the comments!

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✴️ Log Still’s Bardstown Collection 2023

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Sourced – Barton 1792 Distillery
  • Mash Bill: High-Rye Bourbon Mash Bill
  • Age: 8 Years
  • Finishing: Highly-toasted oak barrels
  • Proof: 117.7
  • Other: 2023 with the Bardstown Collection
  • Purchased: 06/30/23 for $199.99 at Log Still 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.

#LogStillDistillery #BardstownCollection #bourbonreview #KentuckyStraightBourbon #ToastedOakFinish #WhiskeyReview #LimitedEditionBourbon #HighRyeBourbon #bourbontrail #Barton1792 #LogStill #whiskeytasting #BourbonVlog #NewHavenKY #WhiskeyCollector 

Affordable 15 STARS Bourbon! First West Series Review 

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🥃 15 STARS First West Series Review! Trio Tasting: Small Batch, Toasted Oak, & Extra Aged 🇺🇸

Join Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey as they dive into the highly anticipated, and more affordably priced, 15 STARS First West Series of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskeys! This father-son company (Rick & Ricky Johnson) with roots in gourmet popcorn, and a commitment to heirloom corn, is making waves with their expert blending and “Flavor Proofing” technique.

🤔 Are these new, more accessible bourbons from 15 STARS worth the price point? Watch to find out which bottle offers the best “bang for your buck” and which one they would skip!

In this in-depth tasting, they sample all three unique expressions, bottled in gorgeous, historic blue glass:

The Flight:

  1. First West Small Batch (Blue Label): (5, 6, & 7 Year Blend | 102 Proof | $59.99)
    • The Difference: Includes the brand’s own distillate made from proprietary red, white, and blue heirloom corn for a unique profile.
    • Tasting Notes: Rich caramel, baking spices, vanilla, and a distinct nuttiness reminiscent of roasted nuts or a classic bourbon profile.
    • Verdict: A winner! Wayne and Rebecca agree this is the best value and their favorite, showcasing a unique and distinct flavor profile that sets the brand apart.
  2. First West Toasted Oak (Red Label): (5, 6, & 7 Year Blend | 98 Proof | $69.99)
    • The Difference: Finished in a blend of two different toasted oak barrels for 5 weeks.
      Tasting Notes: Intense sweetness like confectionary sugar and marshmallow, roasted nuts, and a warming cinnamon heat on the back.
    • Verdict: An excellent toasted pour, but the hosts prefer the complexity and uniqueness of the Small Batch for the price.
  3. First West Extra Aged (White Label): (8 & 9 Year Blend | 100 Proof | $79.99)
    • The Difference: Extra-aged and 100% sourced from an undisclosed Kentucky distillery (no 15 STARS distillate).
    • Tasting Notes: Sweet caramel, cardamom/nutmeg spice, and heavy, savory barrel notes.
    • Verdict: A good, older bourbon, but it feels disconnected from the other two and has a surprisingly short finish.

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✴️ First West Small Batch Bourbon

  • Classification:  Blend of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskeys
  • Company: 15 Stars
  • Mash Bill: Includes a portion of 15 STARS’ own distillate made from proprietary red, white, and blue heirloom corn—a first for the brand’s blends.
  • Age: Blend of 5, 6, & 7 Year
  • Proof: 102 (“flavor proofed”)
  • MSRP: $59.99
  • Released: July 2025
  • Other: Bottled in a unique, historic blue glass bottle inspired by the earliest whiskey bottles crafted in Kentucky.
  • Purchased: 10/16/25 for $59.99 at High Spirits Liquor in Evansville, IN

✴️First West Toasted Oak

  • Classification:  Blend of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: 15 Stars
  • Mash Bill: Includes bourbon distilled by 15 STARS (at Bardstown Bourbon Company) from proprietary red, white, and blue heritage corns (first use in a 15 STARS blend); the other component bourbon(s) are not disclosed
  • Barrels: Blend of two different toast profiles
  • Age: Blend of 5, 6, & 7 Year
  • Proof: 98
  • MSRP: $69.99
  • Released: July 2025
  • Other: Bottled in a unique, historic blue glass bottle inspired by the earliest whiskey bottles crafted in Kentucky.
  • Purchased: 10/16/25 for $69.99 at High Spirits Liquor in Evansville, IN

✴️First West Extra Aged

  • Classification:  Blend of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskeys
  • Company: 15 Stars
  • Mash Bill: 
  • Age: Blends of 8 & 9 Years
  • Proof: 100 “flavor proofed”
  • MSRP: $79.99
  • Released: July 2025
  • Other: Bottled in a unique, historic blue glass bottle inspired by the earliest whiskey bottles crafted in Kentucky.
  • Purchased: 10/16/25 for $79.99 at High Spirits Liquor 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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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!

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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❌

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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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Michael Veach’s Dream Bourbon: Fountain Run BiB Review

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🥃 Fountain Run Bourbon Review: Michael Veach’s Dream 7-Year Bottled-in-Bond! 🥃

Join Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey as they finally taste the culmination of “Bill and Mike’s Excellent Adventure:” Fountain Run Bottled In Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey! Bourbon Hall of Fame Historian Michael Veach (BourbonVeach) poured his heart and family history into this unique bottle, and the results are an absolute success.

Inspired by his grandfather’s Depression-era moonshine, this bourbon is crafted with a very special mash bill featuring Hickory Cane White Corn. After a seven-year, four-month journey, is this one-of-a-kind, fruit-forward, 19th-century-style bourbon the “hitters bourbon” they hoped for?

Watch to find out the unique tasting notes of green apple, pear, rye spice, and coffee/chocolate malt that make this a “tale of two halves” for the palate! Plus, hear about the unique bottling process and the potential for a future “baked apple pie” wheated version!

Tasting Notes & Specs

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Kentucky Artisan Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 65% Hickory Cane White Corn, 20% Rye, 12% Distiller’s Malt, 3% Chocolate Malt
  • Age: 7 Years 4 Months (Bottled In Bond)
  • Proof: 100 Proof (Drinks a little higher!)
  • Nose: Light, fruit-forward, sweet, like an orchard (green apple, pear).
  • Palate: Bright, fresh fruit (apple), followed by rye spice, with a chocolate/coffee hint on the back palate and finish.
  • Release Date: October 2025

Purchased: 10/30/25 for $99.99 at Seelbach’s Online Check Seelbach’s for availability: https://seelbachs.com/products/fountain-run-kentucky-straight-bourbon-whiskey

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

The Journey

This bourbon is the finale of Michael Veach and Bill Thomas’s multi-year project, affectionately called “Bill and Mike’s Excellent Adventure.” This limited release was produced at Kentucky Artisan Distillery with distiller Jade Peterson, using a traditional 19th-century approach, including a low 103 barrel entry proof, heavy toast, Char 3 barrel, a screw-top, and a period-correct tax seal—features beloved by Michael Veach.

Read all about the journey on Michael Veach’s blog (Bourbon Veach):

👍 If you enjoyed this review, please like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more bourbon reviews! 💬 Let us know in the comments if you were able to snag a bottle of Fountain Run!

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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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SWEETEST ECBP? Elijah Craig C925 129 Proof Bourbon! 

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🥳 Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C925: First Single-Digit Age Statement! | Sweet & Bright Bourbon Review 🥃

Welcome to Your Bourbon Journey! In this exciting whiskey review, Wayne and Rebecca finally crack open the highly anticipated Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Batch C925—the final release of 2025!

This batch is already making waves in the bourbon community because it’s the first-ever ECBP release since 2013 to carry a “single-digit” age statement: 9 Years, 1 Month! Does a slightly younger age compromise the classic profile, or does it bring a new, sweeter dimension?

We’ll take a deep dive into the specs, the nose, the palate, and the finish of this 129 Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey from Heaven Hill.

✨ Why This Batch is Unique

This C925 stands out not just for its age but for its tasting experience. As long-time ECBP fans, we compare it to the B525 and other past batches, finding it a uniquely sweeter pour that might be perfect for those who typically find Elijah Craig Barrel Proof too heavy on the oak. Could this be the batch to convert a wheated bourbon fan?

🔍 Elijah Craig Tasting Notes

Flavor Profile: The younger age seems to shift the profile, bringing forward notes of confectionary sugar and cherry sweetness, making it lighter, brighter, and an interesting outlier that leans toward a “wheater-like” experience despite its traditional mash bill. It’s a surprisingly smooth and calm sipper for the high proof, with heat developing mid-palate before fading slowly.

🎯 Blind Tasting Challenge!

Stay tuned! We’re planning a blind tasting showdown in December with all three 2025 Elijah Craig Barrel Proof releases (A125, B525, and C925) to see which batch truly reigns supreme this year!

Did you find a bottle of C925? Let us know what you think in the comments!

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✴️ Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Batch 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❌

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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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Tasting 1976 Old Charter: Bourbon History in a Mini Bottle! 

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🥃 Sipping on History: 1976 Old Charter 7 Year – Vintage Bourbon Review (Schenley Era Dusty Bottle)

Join Wayne and Rebecca on “Sipping on History” as we unearth a true relic of American whiskey: a rare, vintage Old Charter 7 Year Old, 86 Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey bottled in the mid-1970s!

This isn’t your modern Buffalo Trace-produced Old Charter—this $1/4$ pint “dusty bottle” dates back to the Schenley Distillers era and was distilled no later than 1969 at the historic Bernheim Distillery in Louisville, KY. This bourbon is a tangible piece of the Bourbon Glut Era!

What We Taste & Discuss:

  • Tasting Notes: We explore the distinct flavor profile of 70s bourbon, including surprising viscosity, notes of butterscotch and pear, a complex savory palate, and a rye kick that hints at a classic high-rye mashbill (estimated 18-35% rye).
  • The History: Learn why the 1970s was a fascinating time for whiskey, the significance of the “For Sale in Indiana Only” label, and the journey of the Old Charter brand from Schenley to Sazerac/Buffalo Trace.
  • Proof vs. Flavor: Does 86 proof still pack a punch? We discuss why these vintage, long-aged bourbons often drink with more body and complexity than modern equivalents.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to taste a piece of distilling history! 

Bottle Details:

  • Brand: Old Charter Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Vintage/Bottled: Est. 1976 (Distilled no later than 1969)
  • Distiller (Era): Bernheim Distillery (for Schenley Distillers)
  • Age/Proof: 7 Years / 86 Proof
  • Rarity: $1/4$ Pint (4 oz) with “For sale in Indiana Only” label
  • Sourced From: Revival Vintage Spirits, Covington, KY (https://revivalky.com/)

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

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🚨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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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!

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🥃 Become a Patron & Get Exclusive Content

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❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

✴️ 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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