Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

Is Booker’s The Reserves 2026 Worth $135? First Pour Review!

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It’s Booker’s Rye Tuesday with a very special twist! In this episode of Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca uncork and review the brand-new Booker’s The Reserves 2026 Batch from James B. Beam Distilling Co.

Released in September 2026 at an uncut, unfiltered 125.1 proof (62.55% ABV), this limited release brings back the legendary Booker’s Rye mash bill with an unexpected creative spin. Master Distiller Freddie Noe drew inspiration from his grandfather Booker Noe’s holiday “A.B.C. Wassail” (Apples, Bourbon, Cinnamon) and transformed it into “A.R.C.” (Apples, Rye, Cinnamon). Aged for 6 years, 2 months, and 23 days, this Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey underwent secondary aging in French apple brandy casks and was steeped with real cinnamon sticks using a 24-hour large tea-bag infusion method.

We drove down to the Jim Beam Outpost in Clermont, Kentucky, to attend an exclusive blending innovation tasting with the James B. Beam team and snagged our bottles early—complete with Freddie Noe’s signature! Watch along as we break down the historic mash bill, discuss how the apple brandy cask finish and steeped cinnamon balance out the rye spice, and share our full nosing, palate, and finish impressions.

Will traditional rye whiskey purists appreciate this finished profile? How does it stack up against past editions of The Reserves? Grab a pour and join us on our journey!

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Booker’s “The Reserves” 2026 Batch

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey Finished in Apple Brandy Barrels and Infused with Cinnamon
  • Company: Suntory Global Spirits (James B. Beam Distilling Co.)
  • Distillery: James B. Beam Distilling Co. (Clermont, KY)
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed (matches the original Booker’s Rye mash bill)
  • Age: 6 Years, 2 Months, 23 Days
  • Proof: 125.1 Proof (62.55% ABV)
  • SRP: $129.99 – $135.00
  • Released: September 2026
  • Other: Uncut and unfiltered. Inspired by Booker Noe’s holiday “A.B.C. Wassail” (Apples, Bourbon barrels, and Cinnamon); Freddie Noe adapted the concept into “A.R.C.” (Apples, Rye whiskey, Cinnamon). Crafted using the Booker’s Rye mash bill, secondary aged in French apple brandy casks, and steeped with real cinnamon sticks in a large tea-bag method for 24 hours at roughly 1% of the final blend.
  • Purchased: 09/04/2026 for $135 at Jim Beam Outpost (Signed by Freddie Noe)

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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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3 Michter’s Ryes You NEED to Try: Tasting & Review 

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The Rye Trifecta: A Deep Dive into Michter’s Fort Nelson Experience! 🥃

Welcome back to another episode of Bourbon Trail Tales and Tastes! Today, we are heading to the heart of Louisville’s “Whiskey Row” to revisit a personal favorite: Michter’s Fort Nelson. As Distillery #15 and Stamp #13 on our Kentucky Bourbon Trail journey, this historic site is more than just a distillery—it’s a masterclass in whiskey maturation.

In this episode, Wayne and Rebecca are breaking down three incredible (and hard-to-find) Michter’s Ryes. From the raw power of the Barrel Strength to the “sugar rush” of the Toasted Barrel Finish, and finishing with the elegance of the 10 Year Rye, we’re exploring why Michter’s is a must-stop for any whiskey enthusiast.

We also share our tips for visiting the Fort Nelson bar, the “Bottle Your Own” experience (and why you need to get in line early!), and a shoutout to Master Distiller Dan McKee and Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson.

Whiskeys Tasted in This Episode:

  • Michter’s US*1 Barrel Strength Rye (2022): The bold, spicy baseline at 112.4 proof.
  • Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Rye (2023): Secondary maturation magic featuring campfire marshmallow and dark chocolate notes.
  • Michter’s 10 Year Kentucky Straight Rye (2024/2025): Sophisticated, herbal, and refined. Is it actually older than 10 years? 

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✴️Michter’s US*1 Barrel Strength Rye (2022)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
  • Distillery: Michter’s Distillery (Louisville, KY)
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed (Proprietary “Kentucky Style” rye; high corn and malted barley content)
  • Age: NAS (Non-Age Stated, but generally understood to be 5–7 years)
  • Proof: 112.4
  • Released: March 2022 
  • Other:  Low Entry Proof: Distillate enters the barrel at 103 proof, much lower than the industry standard (125 proof), which Michter’s claims results in a richer mouthfeel.
  • Purchased: 09/03/22 for $119 at Michter’s Fort Nelson

✴️Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Rye (2023)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
  • Distillery: Michter’s Distillery (Louisville, KY)
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed
  • Age: NAS (The base rye is typically 5–7 years old before the secondary finish)
  • Proof: 108.6
  • Released: September 2023
  • Other: Finishing Process: After aging in charred new American oak, the whiskey is moved to a second barrel made of 24-month air-dried wood that has been toasted but not charred. Entry Proof: Like the others, this began its life at a low 103 entry proof, which helps maintain that “creamy” mouthfeel even after the second barreling.
  • Purchased: 12/16/23 for $139.00

✴️Michter’s 10 Year Kentucky Straight Rye (2024/2025)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
  • Company: Michter’s Distillery
  • Distillery: Undisclosed (Contract distilled to Michter’s specifications in Kentucky)
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed (Known as a “Kentucky Style” Rye, heavy on corn and malted barley)
  • Age: 10 Years (Though widely rumored to be aged closer to 12–15 years)
  • Proof: 92.8
  • Released: Mid-2024 
  • Other: Barrel No. 24C1550: .
  • Single Barrel: Unlike the Small Batch US*1 line, this is pulled from a single, exceptional barrel chosen by Master Distiller Dan McKee and Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson.
  • Purchased: 02/22/25 for $210.00

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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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125 Proof Woodford Rye! Fresh Crack & Tasting Notes

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🥃 Woodford Reserve Barrel Strength Rye Review | First EVER High Proof Rye from Woodford! (Distiller’s Select)

Join Wayne and Rebecca on Your Bourbon Journey as they do a fresh crack and whiskey tasting of the Woodford Reserve Barrel Strength Rye! This limited edition Distiller’s Select release is a game-changer for Woodford Reserve—it’s their first-ever high-proof rye whiskey, bottled at a powerful 125.1 proof!

Are these high-proof whiskey lovers (who usually skip the 90.4 proof standard Woodford) impressed by this Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey? Find out as they dive into the complex flavor profile, nose, and finish of this new, hard-to-find bottle.

From the intriguing 53% rye mash bill and beautiful color to unexpected notes of orange zest and clove, tune in to see if this barrel strength rye is a must-buy and if it makes the cut for their Whiskey of the Month selection!

Key Takeaways from this Whiskey Review:

  • Proof Point: A robust 125.1—a massive step up from Woodford’s standard.
    Tasting Notes: Discover the surprising orange marmalade and clove notes, along with classic rye spice and black pepper.
  • Value: Is this $129.99 MSRP limited edition rye worth the hype and the price?
  • Mash Bill: Learn how the 53% Rye, 33% Corn, 14% Malted Barley blend impacts the taste.

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📝 Woodford Reserve Barrel Strength Rye Details

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
  • Company: Brown-Forman
  • Distillery: Woodford Reserve
  • Mash Bill: 53% Rye, 33% Corn, 14% Malted Barley
  • Age: NAS (likely 4-6 years)
  • Proof: 125.1 (Barrel Strength)
  • MSRP: $129.99 (700ml)
  • Released: 10/2/2025
  • Other: Limited Edition, Distiller’s Select, first high-proof rye
  • Purchased: 10/29/25 for $120 at Archie & Clyde’s in Newburgh, 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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