Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Four Roses Single Barrel 2026: OESQ vs OESF vs OBSK Review 

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Are you curious about the Four Roses 2026 Single Barrel Collection releases? In this episode, Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey dive into three distinct 100-proof red label recipes from Four Roses Distillery: OESQ, OESF, and OBSK! 

We breakdown the yeast strain variations, mash bill differences (E vs. B), tasting notes, retail price, and recommend the ultimate tasting flight order—moving from delicate floral aromas to rich baking spices. 

Plus, we share our recent experience at the Four Roses gift shop in Lawrenceburg, KY, hint at upcoming new distillery recipes, and discuss why these annual releases are a must-try for any bourbon enthusiast.

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Four Roses Single Barrel Collection — OESQ (2026 Release)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Four Roses Distillery (Lawrenceburg, KY)
  • Mash Bill: E — 75% Corn, 20% Rye, 5% Malted Barley
  • Age: 7 – 9 Years
  • Proof: 100 Proof (50% ABV)
  • SRP: $49.99
  • Released: May 2026
  • Other: Recipe 9. Features Yeast Strain Q (Floral Essence).
  • Purchased: 07/26/26 for $51.99 at The Party Source (Newport, KY)

Four Roses Single Barrel Collection — OESF (2026 Release)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Four Roses Distillery (Lawrenceburg, KY)
  • Mash Bill: E — 75% Corn, 20% Rye, 5% Malted Barley
  • Age: 7 – 9 Years
  • Proof: 100 Proof (50% ABV)
  • SRP: $49.99
  • Released: May 2026
  • Other: Recipe 10. Features Yeast Strain F (Herbal Note).
  • Purchased: 07/26/26 for $51.99 at The Party Source (Newport, KY)

Four Roses Single Barrel Collection — OBSK (2026 Release)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Four Roses Distillery (Lawrenceburg, KY)
  • Mash Bill: B — 60% Corn, 35% Rye, 5% Malted Barley
  • Age: 7 – 9 Years
  • Proof: 100 Proof (50% ABV)
  • SRP: $49.99
  • Released: May 2026
  • Other: Recipe 2. Features Yeast Strain K (Slight Spice).
  • Purchased: 05/01/26 for $51.99 at The Party Source (Newport, KY)

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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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Tasting Old Steelhouse: Wheated vs Rye Bourbon

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Join Wayne and Rebecca on Your Bourbon Journey as we explore four releases from Old Steelhouse Distillery, purchased directly from their downtown tasting room in Bardstown, Kentucky.

The historic Old Steelhouse property in Deatsville dates back to 1844 as the legendary T.W. Samuels Distillery site. While the historic campus undergoes renovations, we sat down for an epic 4-bottle tasting grid comparing Wheated Bourbon against High-Rye Bourbon across both Small Batch and Single Barrel expressions.

Shout-out to Adam Inman and the team at the Bardstown tasting room for an unforgettable experience! Have you tried Old Steelhouse yet? Let us know your favorite pour in the comments!

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Small Batch & Single Barrel Wheated Mashbills

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Old Steelhouse Distillery
  • Distillery: Distilled in Kentucky; Bottled by Old Steelhouse Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 64% Corn, 24% Wheat, 2% Malted Barley
  • Purchased: 05/30/26 at their Bardstown Tasting Room

Old Steelhouse Batch 002

  • Age 5 Years; Proof 105; $70.00

Old Steelhouse Single Barrel 001

  • Age 5.5 Years; Proof 113.8; $95.00

Small Batch & Single Barrel Ryed Mashbills

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Old Steelhouse Distillery
  • Distilled in Indiana & Kentucky; Bottled by Old Steelhouse Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 75% Corn, 21% Rye, 4% Malted Barley
  • Purchased: 05/30/26 at their Bardstown Tasting Room

Old Steelhouse Blueprint 001

  • Age 6 Years; Proof 100; $70.00

Old Steelhouse Single Barrel (Barrel 007)

  • Age 8 Years; Proof 111.9; Hungarian Oak Cask Finish; $125.00

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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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Blade & Bow Vertical Review: Standard, 12-Year & $1,000 22-Year!

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Join Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey as we travel to the historic Stitzel-Weller Distilling Co. in Louisville, Kentucky, for an incredible Blade & Bow vertical tasting!

From their ongoing core release to a brand-new release and a hyper-aged $1,000 unicorn bottle, we dive deep into the unique Solera aging systems, the story behind the famous 5 Keys, and how these expressions hold up on the palate.

🥃 What We’re Tasting & Reviewing:

  • Blade & Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (91 Proof): The core 5-tier Solera release ($55). Plus, a special pairing with custom Art Eatables Blade & Bow Bourbon Truffles!
  • Blade & Bow 12-Year-Old Solera Reserve (104 Proof): The brand-new annual expression ($70) developed under Nicole Austin, finished in multi-vat Solera casks influenced by Cognac, Bordeaux, Moscatel, and Port.
  • Blade & Bow 22-Year-Old Limited Release (92 Proof): The hyper-aged allocated release ($1,000) containing historic stocks left behind at Stitzel-Weller.

Is the new 12-Year Solera Reserve a contender for Whiskey of the Month? Was the $1,000 22-Year-Old worth the emotional splurge? Watch as we break down the nose, palate, finish, and historical connection of each pour!

🔔 Subscribe to Your Bourbon Journey for more honest whiskey reviews, distillery visits, and tasting flights! Remember to always drink responsibly. Cheers! 🥂

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Blade & Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Diageo
  • Distillery: Stitzel-Weller Distilling Co. (Louisville, KY) (Sourced / Fractional Solera Blended)
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed (Corn, Rye, Malted Barley)
  • Age: NAS (Non-Age Stated; utilizes a 5-tier Solera system incorporating fractional blends of older stocks)
  • Proof: 91 Proof (45.5% ABV)
  • Released: Ongoing Core Release (First launched May 2015)
  • Other: Named after the two parts of a skeleton key (the blade and the bow), honoring the five keys that historically hung on the doors of Stitzel-Weller. Employs a modified Solera aging system where older bourbon stocks (including small amounts from historic Stitzel-Weller production) remain in the final barrels.
  • Purchased: 9/4/22 for $55 at Stitzel-Weller during our first visit.

Blade & Bow 12-Year-Old Solera Reserve

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Multi-vat Solera Finished)
  • Company: Diageo
  • Distillery: Stitzel-Weller Distilling Co. (Louisville, KY)
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed (Corn, Rye, Malted Barley)
  • Age: 12 Years
  • Proof: 104 Proof (52% ABV)
  • Released: July 2026 (Limited Annual Expression / Permanent Stitzel-Weller Anchor)
  • Other: Developed under Nicole Austin (Director of American Whiskey Liquid Development and Capabilities at Diageo). Begins with 12-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon, continuously married through a multi-vat Solera system influenced by vintage Cognac, Bordeaux, Moscatel, and Port casks.
  • Purchased: 7/17/26 for $70 at Stitzel-Weller 

Blade & Bow 22-Year-Old Limited Release

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Diageo
  • Distillery: Distilled at historic Kentucky distilleries; aged & matured at Stitzel-Weller Distilling Co. (Louisville, KY)
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed (Corn, Rye, Malted Barley)
  • Age: 22 Years
  • Proof: 92 Proof (46% ABV)
  • Released: Annual Limited Allocation (First introduced in 2015)
  • Purchased: 7/17/26 for $1000 at Stitzel-Weller

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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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Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Proof vs 10 Year Private Barrel Review

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Welcome back to Your Bourbon Journey! Join Wayne and Rebecca as we dive into two fascinating, high-proof releases from Heaven Hill’s legendary Elijah Craig lineup!

With Heaven Hill seemingly shifting strategy away from their traditional batch releases (A1, B5, C9), private store picks and special single barrel selections are stepping up to fill the void. Today, we’re tasting two completely different, heavy-hitting Elijah Craig Private Barrel Proof selections to see if they deliver that classic, full-throttle flavor profile we know and love.

Which expression takes top honors—the deep, campfire-charred marshmallow notes of the Toasted Barrel Proof, or the massive Cherries Jubilee power of the 10-year Sam’s Club pick? Watch as we break down the nosing techniques, taste profiles, and value for each bottle!

👇 Join the Conversation: What is your favorite nosing technique when tasting high-proof bourbons? Have you spotted Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Proof or local single-barrel picks in your area? Let us know in the comments below!

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Elijah Craig Private Barrel Bourbon (Toasted Barrel Finish)

  • Selection Name: “Kentucky On Premise” (Barrel #7294339)
  • Details: Straight Bourbon finished in a custom toasted second cask, non-chill filtered & bottled at Cask Strength.
  • Age / Proof: 8 Years | 125 Proof (62.5% ABV)
  • Price: $100.00 (Purchased at Revival Vintage Spirits)
  • Tasting Notes: Burnt marshmallow, rich toasted oak, cinnamon spice, and warm brown sugar.

Elijah Craig Private Barrel Bourbon (America’s 250th Birthday)

  • Selection Name: “America’s 250th Birthday Indiana Barrel 2026” (Barrel #7312805)
  • Details: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (2026 Special Commemorative Allocation).
  • Age / Proof: 10 Years | 132.9 Proof (66.45% ABV)
  • Price: $57.62 (An incredible Sam’s Club volume deal in Evansville, IN!)
  • Tasting Notes: Decadent cherries jubilee, rich brown sugar, vanilla, and bold barrel heat.

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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 Buy A Cigar Blend Bourbon Until You Watch This! 

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Are you looking for the ultimate cigar-pairing bourbon? Today, we are smoking in the bourbon room and diving deep into three highly sought-after Cigar Batch Bourbons! From naturally savory pot-still creations to dense multi-cask finishes, we are breaking down the flavor profiles, production secrets, and the exact cigar wrappers (from Habanos to Maduros) you need to pair with each bottle.

Whether you want a daily sipper, a pour that pairs perfectly with a backyard barbecue, or a rich, cognac-forward masterpiece, we’ve got you covered. Two of these bottles battle it out with complex wine and oak finishes, while one wild card throws out the rulebook completely with a shocking natural profile. Which one takes the crown as our top pick? Pour a glass, light up a premium stick, and let’s find out!

Don’t forget to LIKE this video, drop a comment with your favorite cigar pour, and hit that SUBSCRIBE button to join our whiskey community! Drink responsibly. Cheers! 🥃✨

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

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Glenns Creek Distillery OCD #5 “Cigar Batch”

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Glenns Creek Distilling, LLC
  • Distillery: Glenns Creek Distillery (Frankfort, KY — located on the historic former Old Crow property)
  • Mash Bill: 87% Corn, 8% Rye, 5% Barley
  • Age: NAS (No Age Statement)
  • Proof: 101.4 Proof (50.7% ABV) — Note: Exact metrics from Barrel 196, Bottle 49
  • SRP: $75.00
  • Released: Late 2025

Barrell Bourbon Cigar Blend

  • Classification: Blended Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Madeira, Armagnac, Rum, and Hungarian Oak Casks
  • Company: Barrell Craft Spirits
  • Distillery: Distilled in KY, IN & TN; Blended and Bottled by Barrell Craft Spirits in Louisville, KY
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed
  • Age: A blend of straight bourbon whiskeys aged 7.5 to 18 years
  • Proof: 111.2 Proof (55.6% ABV)
  • SRP: $84.99
  • Released: March 2026

Seelbach’s Private Reserve “Humidor Blend” Cigar Batch (Batch 001)

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Spanish Oak, Cognac, and Amburana Casks
  • Company: Seelbach’s
  • Distillery: Distilled in Indiana; Bottled by Manifest Distilling in Jacksonville, FL
  • Mash Bill: Blended Mash Bill: 85% Corn, 11% Wheat, 4% Malted Barley
  • Age: A blend of 10-Year 3-Months, 7-Year 8-Months, and 5-Year 3-Months whiskeys
  • Proof: 118.6 Proof (59.3% ABV)
  • SRP: $99.99
  • Released: October 2025

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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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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🚨

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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

The Ultimate Honey Finished Bourbon Blind Taste Test!

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The honey-finished bourbon trend is taking over the whiskey world, but which bottles actually deliver on their sweet promises? In this episode of Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca crack open four highly anticipated, freshly unsealed honey cask finished bourbons for a completely blind taste test. We evaluate each pour on a five-point scale, diving into their rich viscosity, complex tasting notes, and overall finish to see which barrel treatment stands out.

From estate-harvested honey hives and historical pot stills to deep-aged sourced blends and wheated bourbon bases, these craft distilleries are pushing the boundaries of secondary aging. We break down the unique mash bills, regional profiles, and surprising palates—ranging from rich confectionary sugar and creamy vanilla custard to hot-stinging white pepper and toasted wood notes.

Are these bottles all buzz, or do they showcase the ultimate harmony between traditional straight bourbon and honey barrel finishing? Grab a glass, hit that subscribe button, and join us on this ultimate blind lineup!

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Casey Jones Barrel Finished Series: Honey Bourbon (“Brown Beauty”)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in a Honey Barrel
  • Company & Distillery: Casey Jones Distillery (Hopkinsville, KY)
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed 
  • Age: Undisclosed
  • Proof: 102.7 Proof (51.35% ABV)
  • Released: Spring 2026 (Featuring the commemorative “250 Years Strong / United We Stand” neck wrap.
  • Purchased: May 9, 2026 for $89.99 at BBQ & Barrels in Owensboro, KY

Dark Arts “A Long Strange Drip” Honey Cask Finish (Batch 2)

  • Classification: A Blend of Sweet & Sour Mash® Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in a Honey Cask
  • Company: Dark Arts Whiskey House
  • Distillery: Sourced from undisclosed distilleries
  • Mash Bill: A blend of two distinct mash bills: (1) Kentucky Sweet Mash: 64% Corn, 24% Rye, 12% Malted Barley; (2) Indiana Sour Mash: 75% Corn, 21% Rye, 4% Malted Barley
  • Age: A blend of 5+ Year Old (Kentucky) and 8+ Year Old (Indiana) bourbons.
  • Proof: 110.3 Proof (55.15% ABV)
  • Released: Early 2026
  • Purchased: May 30, 2026 for $79.99 at Cox’s Evergreen (Bardstown, KY)

Starlight Distillery Honey Reserve Bourbon (Batch 1)

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Honey Barrels
  • Company: Huber’s Starlight Distillery
  • Distillery: Starlight Distillery (Borden, IN)
  • Mash Bill: Blend of two estate-distilled sweet mash bills: a 3-grain (60% Corn, 20% Rye, 20% Malted Barley) and a 4-grain (51% Corn, 20% Rye, 20% Malted Barley, 9% Wheat)
  • Age: 5 Years (Minimum age before finishing)
  • Proof: 106 Proof (53% ABV)
  • Released: Early 2026
  • Purchased: April 11, 2026 for $69.99 at Starlight Distillery

Wenzel Honey Cask Finished Bourbon (Batch 1)

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Honey Casks
  • Company: Wenzel Whiskey LLC
  • Distillery: Sourced 
  • Mash Bill: Wheated Bourbon 
  • Age: 7 Years
  • Proof: 104.1 Proof
  • Released: May 2026
  • Purchased: May 1, 2026 for $109 at Wenzel Distillery

🚨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.

#Bourbon #Whiskey #BlindTasting #HoneyFinishedBourbon #BourbonReview #CaseyJonesDistillery #Dark ArtsWhiskey #StarlightDistillery #WenzelWhiskey #CraftBourbon #KentuckyBourbon #WhiskeyTasting #BourbonHunting #HoneyCask #YourBourbonJourney

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!

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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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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

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❓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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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.

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This Is NOT Your Average Flavored Whiskey! Green River Honey

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Is this the new ultimate summer sipper, or just another overly sweet flavored whiskey? Today, we are diving into a brand new media bottle release from the 10th oldest registered distillery in Kentucky: Green River Honey Finished Bourbon Whiskey!

Unlike heavily sweetened liqueur blends or brands that rely on artificial flavorings, Green River Honey takes a fundamentally different, completely honest approach. Master Blender Dan Callaway and the team take genuine four-year-old Green River Kentucky Straight Bourbon and pour 100% real, raw, unfiltered local honey directly into the barrel. They let time and natural barrel interaction do all the work—no shortcuts, no artificial coloring, and no post-production blending additives.

The proprietary honey blend is procured in partnership with Above the Dirt Garden and Honey Shop, a Kentucky Proud™, beekeeper-owned business working with family apiaries across the Midwest and South.

At an incredibly approachable MSRP of just $24.99 and a perfect cocktail-ready 92 proof, this expression stands out in a category often defined by low-proof shortcuts. We break down the incredible legs and mouthfeel, the unexpected spice on the finish, and discuss whether a future single barrel or full proof expression could be on the horizon!

Have you spotted Green River Honey on the shelves yet? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

If you love what we do, don’t forget to hit that Subscribe button, turn on notifications, and share this video with a fellow bourbon lover. 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

🍹 Signature Cocktail Recipe: Green River Honey Gold Rush

Bring the cocktail lounge experience home with this versatile, balanced foundation:

  • 2 oz Green River Honey Finished Bourbon
  • 3/4 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 1/2 oz Simple Syrup (1:1 ratio)
  • Instructions: Shake vigorously with ice. Strain over a single large ice cube into a rocks glass. Garnish with a fancy lemon wheel if you want to dress it up!

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

Green River Honey Finished Bourbon Whiskey

  • Classification:  Straight Bourbon Whiskey with Natural Flavors 
  • Company: Lofted Spirits
  • Distillery: Green River Distilling Co. (DSP-KY-10) — Owensboro, Kentucky
  • Mash Bill: 70% Corn, 21% Rye, 9% Malted Barley
  • Age: 4 Years
  • Proof: 92 Proof (46% ABV)
  • MSRP: $24.99 (750mL)
  • Released: May 15, 2026

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

NOTE: Thank you to Lofted Spirits and Green River Distilling 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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