Why This 3-Hour Toasted Barrel Changes Everything | Cascadia

April 14, 2026April 14, 2026 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

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!

April 13, 2026April 12, 2026 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

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

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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

March 23, 2026March 22, 2026 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

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

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#Bourbon #WhiskeyReview #GeneralThomas #BourbonJourney #SingleBarrel #KentuckyBourbon #BourbonCon #WhiskeyTasting #HighRye #BourbonCommunity #CaskStrength #NewportKY #BourbonHistory #WhiskeyGram #YourBourbonJourney

Heaven Hill Showdown: Larceny C925 vs Bernheim C925

January 12, 2026January 11, 2026 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

In this high-proof showdown, Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey dive into two heavy hitters from Heaven Hill: the Larceny Barrel Proof C925 and the Bernheim Barrel Proof C925.

One is the final wheated bourbon release of 2025, and the other is a “happy little mistake” with a collector’s twist. Is the rare labeling error on the Bernheim worth the hunt, or does the Larceny take the crown with its classic “Kentucky Hug”? We break down the mash bills, the “accidental” batch history, and provide full tasting notes for both.

📝 Tasting Highlights

Larceny C925: Rebecca picks up a surprisingly sweet nose with hints of pastry and bread. On the palate, Wing finds deep coffee and chocolate notes with a long, warm, peppery finish.
Bernheim C925: Despite some ethanol on the nose, the palate shines with “Raisinet” vibes—think chocolate, dark raisins, and a nutty wheat finish.

Which batch are you hunting? Let us know in the comments if you’ve found the “error” Bernheim bottle!

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✴️ Larceny Barrel Proof C925

Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Company: Heaven Hill
Distillery: Bernheim Distillery
Mash Bill: 68% Corn, 20% Wheat, 12% Malted Barley
Age: NAS (noted to be 6-8 Years)
Proof: 119.6
MSRP: $64.99
Released: 09/2025
Other: Third and Final and Release 2025
Purchased: 12/31/25 for $69.99 at Varsity Liquors in Evansville IN

✴️ Bernheim Barrel Proof C925

Classification: Straight Wheat Whiskey
Company: Heaven Hill
Distillery: Bernheim Distillery
Mash Bill: 51% Wheat, 37% Corn, 12% Malted Barley
Age: NAS (noted to be 7-9 Years)
Proof: 118.4
MSRP: $66.99
Released: 10/2025
Other: Final release (2nd) of 2025 (normally labeled B925)
* Batch B925 turned out so well, we got ahead of ourselves and accidentally labeled it Batch C925. Consider this a happy little mistake – it makes your bottle one of a kind.
Purchased: 11/25/25 for $88.19 at High Spirits in Evansville, IN

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Blind Tasting: Who Wins Whiskey of the Quarter!

July 11, 2025July 5, 2025 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

Alright, buckle up, whiskey lovers! 🥃 Get ready for a showdown of EPIC proportions! 🔥 In this blind tasting adventure, we’re putting three incredible contenders to the ultimate test to crown the UNDISPUTED CHAMPION 🏆 of our Second Quarter 2025! 🎉

Prepare your senses as we dive deep into the aromatic world 👃 and tantalizing flavors 😋 of:

🐅Orphan Barrel Fanged Pursuit Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

🌟Star Hill Farm American Wheat Whisky

🦃Wild Turkey 101 8-Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

No labels, no biases – just pure, unadulterated whiskey appreciation! 👀 Join us as we meticulously nose, sip, and savor each dram, dissecting the nose 👃, the dance on the palate 👅, the lingering finish ✨, and that all-important je ne sais quoi. 🤔

Will the barrel proof powerhouse 💪 dominate? Will the aged elegance 👑 steal the show? Or will a unique finish or single barrel charm ✨ take the crown? We’re ranking them from 3rd place🥉 to the coveted 1st place spot🥇, and the suspense is BUILDING! 🤩 The results will be used for seeding in our Whiskey of the Year competition! 🏆

🎉 Grab your own glass 🥃 (of whatever you fancy! 😉), settle in 🛋️, and experience the thrill of the reveal with us. Get ready for some serious whiskey talk 🗣️, maybe a few surprises 😮, and definitely a good time! 😄 Cheers to an unforgettable evening of delicious discovery!

Hit play ▶️ and join the tasting party!

Don’t forget to subscribe! 👍 and let us know in the comments below 👇 which whiskey YOU thought would win! 🤔💬

#BlindWhiskeyTasting #bourbonreview #WhiskeyOfTheQuarter

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🔥DETAILS REGARDING OUR THREE FINALISTS🔥 (in alphabetical order):

✴️ Orphan Barrel Fanged Pursuit

Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Company: Diageo
Distillery: Sourced from an undisclosed Kentucky
Mash Bill: 68-74% Corn, 18-22% Rye, 8-10% Malted Barley
Age: 17 Years
Proof: 92
MSRP: $200
Released: February 2025
Purchased: 03/13/25 for $200.00 at Archie & Clyde’s Restaurant Newburgh Indiana

Original YouTube Review:

✴️ Star Hill Farm Whisky 2025

Classification: American Wheat Whisky
Company: Star Hill Farm
Distillery: Maker’s Mark Distillery
Mash Bill: Blend of two: 70% Soft Red Winter Wheat & 30% Malted Barley; and 100% Malted Soft Red Winter Wheat
Age: 7-8 Years
Proof: 114.7
MSRP: $100
Released: May 2025
Other: First new mashbill in 70 years
Purchased: 05/16/28 for $100 at Maker’s Mark Distillery

Original YouTube Review:

✴️ Wild Turkey 101 8 Year

Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Company: Campari Group
Distillery: Wild Turkey Distillery
Mash Bill: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
Age: 8 Year minimum
Proof: 101
MSRP: $45
Released: April 2025
Purchased: 04/25/25 for $42.99 at Beverage Barn in Henderson, KY

Original YouTube Review:

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April 2025’s BEST Whiskeys? We Blind Taste Them ALL!

April 25, 2025April 25, 2025 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

🔥🥃 Blind Whiskey BATTLE ROYALE! Who Will Be Our April 2025 CHAMPION?! 🏆

Alright, buckle up, whiskey fanatics! 🚀 Get ready for a showdown of EPIC proportions! 🥃 In this thrilling blind tasting adventure, we’re putting FOUR incredible contenders head-to-head to crown the UNDISPUTED champion of our April 2025 whiskey lineup! 👑

Prepare your senses for an immersive journey into the captivating aromas and tantalizing flavors of these contenders:

✴️ Booker’s 2025-01 Barry’s Batch

✴️ Fanged Pursuit

✴️ Larceny Barrel Proof Bourbon (Batch A125)

✴️ Penelope Rio (Batch 4) (25-901)

🚫 No labels, no biases – just pure, unadulterated whiskey appreciation! 👀 Join us as we meticulously nose 👃, sip 😋, and savor each dram, dissecting the intricate notes on the nose, the delightful dance on the palate 👅, the satisfying lingering finish ✨, and that crucial je ne sais quoi that makes a whiskey truly special. 🤔

Will the barrel-proof powerhouse 💪 dominate the competition? Will the elegantly aged spirit ⏳ steal the show? Or will a unique finish 🍇 or a captivating single barrel charm ✨ take home the ultimate crown? We’re ranking them from 4th place to the coveted 1st place spot🥇, and the suspense is building with every sip! 🤯

Smash that play button ▶️ and join the ultimate tasting party! 🎉 Grab your own glass 🥂 (of whatever you’re sipping on!), settle in for some serious whiskey talk 🗣️, and experience the thrill of the grand reveal with us! Get ready for potential surprises 🎁 and definitely a fantastic time! Cheers to an unforgettable evening of delicious discovery! 🥳 Sláinte! 🍀

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🔥DETAILS REGARDING OUR FOUR FINALISTS🔥

✴️ Booker’s 2025-01 Barry’s Batch

Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Company: Beam Suntory
Distillery: Jim Beam Distillery
Mash Bill: 77% Corn, 13% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
Age: 7 years, 2 months, and 4 days
Proof: 125.7
Released: March 2025
Original YouTube Review: https://youtu.be/HalAofMXlRw

✴️ Fanged Pursuit

Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Company: Diageo
Distillery: Sourced from an undisclosed Kentucky
Mash Bill: 68-74% Corn, 18-22% Rye, 8-10% Malted Barley
Age: 17 Years
Proof: 92
Released: February 2025
Original YouTube Review: https://youtu.be/9MZXXSx3Sro

✴️ Larceny Barrel Proof Bourbon (Batch A125)

Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Company: Heaven Hill
Distillery: Heaven Hill
Mash Bill: 68% Corn, 20% Wheat, 12% Malted Barley
Age: 6-8 Years
Proof: 125
Released: January 2025
Original YouTube Review: https://youtu.be/YB3FKoXY8IA

✴️ Penelope Rio (Batch 4) (25-901)

Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Company: MGP
Distillery: Ross & Squibb Distillery (MGP)
Mash Bill: 74% Corn, 16% Wheat, 7% Rye, 3% Malted Barley
Age: NAS (Aged at least 4 years per TTB regulations. Additional finishing in honey barrels for 1-3 weeks, then second use Amburana barrels for 1 week)
Proof: 98
Released: March 2025
Other: Finished in Honey and Used Amburana Barrels
Original YouTube Review: https://youtu.be/Fg9A3kap3QU

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Orphan Barrel Fanged Pursuit Review: 17 Year Old “Unicorn” Bourbon!

March 31, 2025March 28, 2025 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

🔥 Don’t Miss This! 🔥Get ready to dive into the mystery of Orphan Barrel’s latest release: Fanged Pursuit! Inspired by the elusive bobcat prowling Kentucky’s Bourbon Heartland, this 17-year-old straight bourbon is a true unicorn. After 17 patient years in charred oak, this single-release whiskey has emerged, never to be made again. Join us as we delve into this extraordinary pour, dissecting its intricate aroma profile, the layers of flavor on the palate, and the unforgettable goodbye. And because we can’t resist a good bourbon mystery, we’ll be playing detective and trying to guess its distillery roots! We will also give you our honest recommendation on whether it’s worth the hunt!

#OrphanBarrel #FangedPursuit #bourbonreview