Kentucky Straight Bourbon

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

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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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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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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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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:

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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. 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! 🥂

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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

🍹 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!

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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🚨

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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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Japan Meets Kentucky! Bardstown Mars Distillery Reserve Review

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What happens when Kentucky tradition meets Japanese innovation? 🥃✨ 

In this episode of Your Bourbon Journey, we are bringing you an exclusive, first-look whiskey review of a groundbreaking new bottle before its retail launch: the Bardstown Bourbon Company Distillery Reserve Mars Single Malt Japanese Blend!

Thanks to Lofted Spirits and Bardstown Bourbon Co. for sending us this early media review bottle! This isn’t your average finished whiskey. Instead, Bardstown Master Blender Dan Callaway pioneered a true “co-aging” process. They took 5-year-old Japanese single malt whisky from the Mars Komagatake and Tsunuki distilleries and filled the “angel’s share” space right into barrels of mature 10-year and 16-year Kentucky straight bourbon. The spirits spent a full 12 months integrating together in the Kentucky heat.

We crack this bottle fresh to give you our unfiltered first impressions on the complex mouthfeel, rich viscosity, and unique tasting notes—from caramelized plum and vanilla bean to the stunning, lingering finish of rare Sakura (cherry wood) and plum liqueur barrels.

Priced at $99.99 for a 375mL bottle and bottled at a bold 109.8 proof, this extremely limited distillery exclusive drops on Friday, May 29, 2026, only at the Bardstown gift shop and Louisville tasting room. Is it worth standing in line for? Watch to find out!

If you love innovative whiskey, make sure to hit that SUBSCRIBE button, drop a comment with your thoughts, and always drink responsibly!

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Mars Single Malt Japanese Whiskey Blend

  • Classification:  Blend of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Single Malt Japanese Whisky
  • Company: Lofted Spirits   
  • Distillery: Bardstown Bourbon Company (Kentucky) and Mars Distilleries (Komagatake & Tsunuki, Japan)
  • Mash Bill: Multi-Component Component Blend:
    • 69% Kentucky Bourbon: 74% Corn, 18% Rye, 8% Malted Barley
    • 8% Kentucky Bourbon: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
    • 20% Mars Komagatake: 100% Malted Barley
    • 3% Mars Tsunuki: 100% Malted Barley
  • Age: Multi-Component Blend (Aged 5 to 16 Years) with 12 Months of Co-Aging:
    • 10-Year-Old Kentucky Bourbon (69%)
    • 16-Year-Old Kentucky Bourbon (8%)
    • 5-Year-Old Komagatake Japanese Single Malt (20%)
    • 5-Year-Old Tsunuki Japanese Single Malt (3%)
  • Proof: 109.8 (54.9% ABV)
  • MSRP: $99.99 (375ml)
  • Release: May 29, 2026 (Distillery Exclusive)

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NOTE: Thank you to Lofted Spirits & Bardstown Bourbon Company 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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The Bourbon Trials: Testing the Liquid Behind the Labels

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Happy Friday! Welcome back to Your Bourbon Journey with Wayne and Rebecca. Today, we are putting three politically themed, novelty whiskeys on trial to answer one ultimate question: Is it just a gimmick, or is the liquid behind the label actually high-quality?

We dive deep into a gifted bottle of Tears of the Left Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey ($99.99 MSRP), distilled and bottled in Bardstown, KY. We break down its premium dark display box packaging, continuous limited edition status, and give a completely honest tasting notes review of its 90.94 proof profile. Is the leather-bound “Book of Tears” cocktail recipe guide masking a subpar spirit, or does it hold its own neat?

Then, we transition to a special birthday gift set from an independent bottler: The Verdict “Not Guilty” and “Guilty” Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Marketed across conservative media networks like the Tatum Show, this sourced matching set acts as a fascinating control group. Both bottles sit at 90 proof and boast a solid 6-year age statement. We put them through a side-by-side comparison blind-style test to uncover a shocking “brown sugar bomb” flavor profile that left us craving pancakes.

Stick around until the final verdict to find out which novelty bourbon wins our stamp of approval and why you should always judge what’s inside the glass, not the presentation box!

If you love unfiltered whiskey reviews, don’t forget to hit that SUBSCRIBE button, drop a comment with your favorite pour, and share this video with a fellow enthusiast!

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Tears of the Left Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Tears of the Left (Novelty/Independent Bottler)
  • Distillery: Distilled and bottled in Bardstown, KY
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed
  • Age: NAS
  • Proof: 90.94 Proof (45.47% ABV)
  • MSRP: $99.99
  • Released: Late 2025 / Continuous Limited Editions
  • Other: Numbered Bottle (#031246). This brand leans heavily into presentation, featuring a premium dark display box, custom inserts (including themed chilling stones or card sets depending on the specific edition), and an accompanying “Book of Tears” cocktail recipe guide.

Verdict: Guilty and Verdict: Not Guilty

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Independent Bottler / Novelty Brand
  • Distillery: Sourced
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed
  • Age: 6 Years Old
  • Proof: 90 Proof (45% ABV)
  • MSRP: Often retails around $60 per bottle (frequently sold as a matching set)
  • Released: Recent thematic small-batch release
  • Other: Designed as a matching set representing the scales of justice.

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NOTE: The spirits in this review were gifts from family members. 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 Found 3 Absolute BOURBON BANGERS at BBQ & Barrels!

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💥 Three MAJOR Bourbon Bangers From BBQ & Barrels 2026! 🥃

Did we strike gold or buy on impulse at BBQ & Barrels 2026? Today we are cracking open our first three bottle purchases from Owensboro, Kentucky! We managed to secure some incredible, hard-to-find expressions during VIP hour before they completely sold out. From custom oak-stave finishing to malt-heavy mash bills and legendary distiller pedigrees, these pours did not disappoint.

First up, we dive into Left Bank Single Cask (Release 5) at a roaring 118 proof. Sourced from Green River Distilling Co., this unique bourbon uses custom toasted oak staves to replicate a historic river barge journey down to New Orleans. Does it deliver on its promise of toasted marshmallow goodness?

Next, we taste Fresh Bourbon Single Barrel, a rare 110-proof craft selection out of Lexington. Sean and Tia Edwards utilize a fascinating, four-grain recipe dominated by honey malt, malted wheat, and malted rye. The viscosity and legs on this bottle are insane!

Finally, we uncork the highly anticipated Jackson Purchase Select Batch Full Proof (Batch 1). Clocking in at 117.8 proof, this Western Kentucky powerhouse was crafted by 7th-generation Master Distiller Craig Beam and Head Distiller Terry Ballard. We also share a wild story about meeting Craig and his wife Nicole in our hotel lobby at 11:30 PM, where they literally handed us a bottle out of a massive purse!

Are these bottles worth the price tag, and which one reigns supreme? Sit back, grab a pour, and find out!

If you love authentic bourbon reviews and whiskey hunting adventures, make sure to SUBSCRIBE to the channel and hit that notification bell! Always drink responsibly. Cheers! 🥃

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Left Bank Single Cask Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Finished with Oak Staves (Release 5)

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Finished with Oak Staves)
  • Company: Left Bank Distilled Spirits
  • Distillery: Sourced from Owensboro, KY (Green River Distilling Co.)
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed (Traditional Green River rye-bourbon mash bill)
  • Age: NAS (Legally at least 2 years old, plus stave finishing time)
  • Proof: 118 Proof (59% ABV)
  • Released: May 2026 (Release 5)
  • Other: Barrel No. 19. Left Bank focuses on recreating historical down-river maturation by taking Kentucky straight bourbon and finishing it with a custom blend of oak staves to mimic the heat, motion, and wood interaction of a historic river barge journey down to New Orleans.
  • Purchased: May 2026 at BBQ & Barrels for $62

Fresh Bourbon Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Fresh Bourbon, LLC (Lexington, KY)
  • Distillery: Distilled/Produced in Kentucky (Sean and Tia Edwards’ custom mash bill recipe)
  • Mash Bill: Unique Four-Grain Mash Bill: Corn, Honey Malt, Malted Wheat, and Malted Rye
  • Age: NAS (Nascent/No Age Statement, but profile indicates well-aged, mature small-batch stock)
  • Proof: 110 Proof (55% ABV)
  • Released: May 2026 (Special Single Barrel Barrel Select Release)
  • Other: Barrel No. 10.06. Fresh Bourbon uses an incredibly unique grain recipe focused heavily on malted grains (honey malt, malted wheat, malted rye), which yields a highly aromatic, sweet, and complex profile distinct from standard rye or wheated bourbons.
  • Purchased: May 2026 at BBQ & Barrels for $110

Jackson Purchase Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Select Batch Full Proof (Batch 1)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Jackson Purchase Distillery
  • Distillery: Jackson Purchase Distillery (Hickman, KY)
  • Mash Bill: 70% Corn, 20% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
  • Age: 4 Years Old (Note: Nichole mentioned it was at least 5 years old, but the standard Batch 1 release carries a 4-year statement. Craig Beam often notes that the intense Western Kentucky heat makes it drink like an 8-to-10-year-old!)
  • Proof: 117.8 Proof (58.9% ABV)
  • Released: May 2026 (Special festival preview / wider release rollout)
  • Other: Non-toasted, #4 heavy char barrels. Distilled by 7th-generation Master Distiller Craig Beam (son of Parker Beam) and Head Distiller Terry Ballard (formerly of Willett).
  • Purchased: May 2026 at BBQ & Barrels in Owensboro, KY

🚨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.

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Why This 3-Hour Toasted Barrel Changes Everything | Cascadia

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We found the “Space Mountain” of Bourbon! | Bardstown Cascadia Review

Is a three-hour toast the secret to the perfect bourbon? Today on Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca head to the “Oregon Trail” (by way of Kentucky!) to taste the highly anticipated Bardstown Bourbon Company Distillery Reserve: Cascadia Garryana Oak Barrel Finish.

Released on March 20, 2026, this 107.5-proof gem is defined by the scarcity of its wood. Garryana Oak (Oregon White Oak) cannot be farmed—it must be harvested from fallen or sanctioned trees. Bardstown partnered with Oregon Barrel Works to create custom barrels that underwent a massive three-hour toast to pull out deep notes of clove, nutmeg, and baked cherry.

Is it worth the $99.99 price tag for a 375ml bottle? Wayne compares it to a wild ride on Space Mountain, while Rebecca explores the “French Oak” vibes and savory tannins.

In this video, we discuss:

  • How we managed to snag two bottles at the distillery (and the 60-day rule!).
  • The science behind the 3-hour toast vs. standard charring.
  • Full tasting notes: From “Clove Gum” on the nose to “Cherry Pie” on the palate.
  • Where to find it: Bardstown & Louisville tasting rooms.

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Bardstown Bourbon Company’s Distillery Reserve: Cascadia Garryana Oak Barrel Finish

  • Classification:  Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Bardstown Bourbon Company
  • Mash Bill: Blend of three (9 & 10-year-old high-rye/low-rye bourbon mash bills)
  • Age: 9 years (plus 10-month finish)
  • Proof: 107.5
  • MSRP: $99.99 (375 ml)
  • Released: March 20, 2026
  • Purchased: 03/28/26 for $99.99 at Bardstown Bourbon Company
  • Other: This release is defined by the scarcity of its wood. Unlike standard American White Oak, Garryana (Oregon White Oak) cannot be farmed; it’s harvested only from fallen or sanctioned trees. Bardstown partnered with Oregon Barrel Works to create custom barrels that underwent a three-hour toast—a massive amount of time compared to standard barrel charring. 

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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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Knob Creek vs Booker’s: 2026 New Releases Tasted!

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The Big Easy Meets Master Blending! | Booker’s 2026-01 & Knob Creek Blender’s Edition Review

Today on Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca are heading to the heart of Clermont, KY, for a double-header from the James B. Beam Distilling Co.! We’re breaking down the first major releases of 2026: the powerhouse Booker’s Batch 2026-01 “The Big Easy” and the innovative Knob Creek Blender’s Edition 01.

One is a 129.1 proof tribute to Booker Noe’s love for New Orleans street food, and the other is a 10-year-old deep dive into the “sweeter side” of Knob Creek, curated by Freddie Noe and his blending team. From deep char and oak to confectionery vanilla bean, we’re covering the full spectrum of the Beam profile.

In this video, we discuss:

  • The legend of Booker Noe and the Lucky Dog street carts in the French Quarter.
  • A breakdown of the five warehouses that created “The Big Easy.”
  • How the Blender’s Edition deviates from the classic Knob Creek “spice bomb” profile.
  • Full tasting notes: Nose, Palate, and Finish for both expressions.

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Knob Creek Blender’s Edition 1

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Beam Suntory
  • Distillery: James B. Beam Distilling Co. (Clermont/Beam, KY)
  • Mash Bill: 77% Corn, 13% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
  • Age: 10 years
  • Proof: 106
  • MSRP: $44.99
  • Released: March 2026
  • Purchased: 03/28/26 for $44.99 at Jim Beam American Outpost

Booker’s 2026-01 The Big Easy

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Beam Suntory
  • Distillery: James B. Beam Distilling Co. (Clermont/Beam, KY)
  • Mash Bill: 77% Corn, 13% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
  • Age: 7 years, 2 months, 15 days
  • Proof: 129.1
  • MSRP: $99.99
  • Released: March 2026
  • Purchased: 03/28/26 for $99.99 at Jim Beam American Outpost

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🚨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 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 Real Disruptor? General Thomas Bourbon Single Barrel 

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The “Rock of Chickamauga” in a Bottle! | General Thomas Bourbon Review

Can a “disruptor” bourbon live up to the hype? Today on Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca are tasting a bottle that caught our eye (and ears!) at BourbonCon 2026 in Lexington: General Thomas Bourbon Single Barrel (Barrel 3).

Named after the Civil War hero General George Henry Thomas, this brand was launched by Fort Thomas native Dan Gorman to tell the story of a local legend. But is it just a “gimmick” with a cool AI QR code, or is the liquid inside actually battle-ready?

With a high-rye mash bill and a sturdy 110 proof, this 5-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon surprised us with an “effervescent” spice and a unique finish that reminds us of a morning espresso. From the brown sugar nose to the lingering leather and coffee notes, this is a “morning bourbon” that will definitely wake up your palate!

In this video, we discuss:

  • The “disruptor” vision behind sourcing 20 premium surplus barrels.
  • A full nose, palate, and finish breakdown (spoiler: it’s a spice bomb!).
  • The incredible personalized AI message from the General himself.

Stick around until the end to hear a direct order from General Thomas!

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General Thomas Bourbon Single Barrel

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: General Thomas Spirits LLC
  • Distillery: Sourced from a Northern Kentucky distillery (Bottled in Newport, KY)
  • Mash Bill: High-Rye (Known for bold spice and a smooth finish)
  • Age: 5 Years
  • Proof: 110
  • MSRP: $70
  • Other: Barrel 3
  • Purchased: 01/16/26 for $73 at BourbonCon in Lexington KY

❌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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