Penelope Estate 2025 Releases: Founders Reserve 13YR & Private Select 10YR!

October 13, 2025October 11, 2025 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

🚨 PENELOPE BOURBON ALERT! 🚨

We’ve got our hands on two of the most anticipated releases from the 2025 Penelope Estate Collection! This is a must-watch bourbon review as we put the new Penelope Founders Reserve 13 Year side-by-side with the Penelope Private Select 10 Year.

Which one is the ultimate Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey? The high-proof, limited edition collector’s bottle or the award-winning, everyday sipper? Find out in our in-depth whiskey tasting!

Click play ▶️ now to join the tasting!

PENELOPE PRIVATE SELECT 10 YEAR: The highly-anticipated 2025 Private Select is here, and it’s aged a full 10 years! This blended bourbon is a masterful blend of hand-selected stocks, bottled at a robust 106.8 proof (53.4% ABV). Tasting Notes: Rich caramel, cinnamon, red fruits, brown sugar, cherry, baking spice, vanilla honey bun, oak spice, light smoke.

PENELOPE FOUNDERS RESERVE 13 YEAR: This single lot of Founders Reserve 13 Year is a testament to time and patience! Bottled at a powerful cask strength of 121.4 proof (60.7% ABV), this is a truly special bourbon for the collector. Tasting Notes: Rich caramel, vanilla, faint tobacco, candied fruit, toasted nuts, graham cracker, sweet oak, butterscotch, dark fruit, lingering spice, black pepper.

👇 What’s your favorite Penelope release Let us know in the comments below! 👇

Are you a true bourbon fanatic, always on the hunt for the next exceptional pour? Then smash that like button 👍 to show your appreciation for fine whiskey! Hit subscribe 🔔 so you never miss our reviews of rare and remarkable spirits, and share this video ➡️ with your fellow whiskey lovers. Let’s build a community of enthusiasts who appreciate the art of exceptional bourbon!

#PenelopeBourbon #PenelopeFoundersReserve #PenelopePrivateSelect #CaskStrengthBourbon #KentuckyBourbon #WhiskeyCollector #BourbonReview #WhiskeyTasting

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✴️ Penelope Private Select 2025

Classification: Blend of Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Company: Luxco
Distillery: Undisclosed
Mash Bill: 74% Corn, 20% Rye, 1% Wheat, 5% Malted Barley
Age: 10 Years
Proof: 106.8
Released: 09/05/2025
Purchased: 09/05/2025 for $99.99 at Lux Row Distillery in Bardstown, KY

✴️ Penelope Founders Reserve 2025

Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Company: Luxco
Distillery: Undisclosed
Mash Bill: 78% Corn, 10% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
Age: 13 Years
Proof: 121.4
Released: 09/05/2025
Other: Char 3, Heavy Toast
Purchased: 09/05/2025 for $89.99 at Lux Row Distillery in Bardstown, 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.

Lux Row Distillery: A Must-See on the Trail

August 19, 2025August 19, 2025 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes Episode 33 – Lux Row Distillery

Are you ready to discover the secrets of one of Bardstown, Kentucky’s most impressive distilleries? Join us as we explore Lux Row Distillery, the home of some incredible bourbons. This is more than a tour; it’s a full Kentucky Bourbon Trail adventure!

In this episode, we take you inside the distillery to see the magic firsthand. But the real excitement begins when we sit down to review a rare and sought-after bottle: Lux Row 12 Year Double Barrel Cask Strength Bourbon. We’ll unlock every hidden note and unique flavor, from start to finish. Is it worth the hype? Find out in our in-depth tasting!

Click play ▶️ now to join the adventure and find out if this 12-year bourbon is your next favorite pour.

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💬 Comment below with your favorite Lux Row whiskey!

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In this series, Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes, we navigate the rich tapestry of our memorable experiences on the Bourbon Trail, a journey that has undeniably enriched our appreciation for this iconic American spirit. We tackle intriguing questions such as: What stands out as the most profound memory of that bourbon trail experience, one that has etched itself firmly in our minds? What exceptional and bourbon or whiskey did we discover during this journey, perhaps one that surprised us with its intricate and delightful flavor profiles? What lasting impressions do we have of that bourbon or whiskey today, as we reflect on its complexities and how they resonate with our evolving palates and preferences? Through this exploration, we passionately recount our adventures and celebrate the stories and connections we’ve forged along the way, highlighting the essence of the Bourbon Trail.

#bourbonreview #KentuckyBourbonTrail #LuxRow

Learn more about Lux Row: https://luxrowdistillers.com/

Check out our KBT Bardstown KY Guide:

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

ABOUT THE BOTTLE REVIEWED

✴️ Lux Row 12 Year Double Barrell Cask Strength

Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Company: Lux Row Distillers
Distillery: Undisclosed/Sourced
Mash Bill: Undisclosed (likely 78% Corn, 10% Rye, 12% Malted Barley)
Barrels: No. 5058636 (07/11/06) and No. 5121011 (01/29/07)
Age: 12 years
Proof: 118.4 (a nod to the distillery’s opening April 2018)
MSRP: $189.99
Other: Lux Row 12 Year Double Barrel is a limited release and is generally considered to be a distillery-only exclusive
Purchased: 03/25/23 for $189.99 at Lux Row 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.

May 2025 Whiskey of the Month: Blind Reveal!

May 30, 2025May 27, 2025 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

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

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

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

✴️ Bernheim Single Barrel (A225)
✴️ Blood Oath Pact 11
✴️ Wild Turkey 101 8-Year

🚫 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 3rd 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! 🍀

#WhiskeyOfTheMonth #BlindWhiskeyTasting #bourbonreview

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

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

✴️ Bernheim Barrel Proof A225

Classification: Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey
Distillery: Bernheim Distillery (Heaven Hill)
Mash Bill: 51% Wheat, 37% Corn, 12% Malted Barley
Age: 7-9 Years
Proof: 125.4
Released: March 2025
Original YouTube Review: https://youtu.be/reEe3BgOa40

✴️ Blood Oath Pact 11

Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Distillery: Lux Row Distillery
Mash Bill: Undisclosed/Blended
Age/Blend Notes: Blend of (a) 14-year ryed bourbon, (b) 10-year wheated bourbon, (c) 7-year ryed bourbon that was finished in Añejo Tequila Barrels
Age: 7 years
Proof: 98.6 (always!)
Released: April 26, 2025
Original YouTube Review: https://youtu.be/jg0dprXwIRk

✴️ Wild Turkey 101 8-Year

Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Distillery: Wild Turkey Distillery
Mash Bill: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
Age: 8 Year minimum
Proof: 101
Released: April 2025
Original YouTube Review: https://youtu.be/8n0PZlDL2Qo

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

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Is Blood Oath Pact 11 Worth the Hype?

May 12, 2025May 9, 2025 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

The bourbon world holds its breath… The 2025 Blood Oath Pact 11 has descended! Witness our first encounter with this year’s highly anticipated release from Lux Row Distillery – a daring Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey that has journeyed through the rich embrace of Añejo Tequila barrels.

Master Distiller John Rempe returns, forging his eleventh annual pact with a clandestine blend of exceptional bourbons. Uncover the mystery of a venerable 14-year ryed, a velvety 10-year wheated, and a captivating 7-year ryed elevated by its Añejo tequila barrel finish. At 98.6 proof, this is a pact demanding your attention.

Embark on a sensory expedition with us as we unravel the visual allure, inhale the captivating bouquet, navigate the complex taste profile, and contemplate the final whispers of Blood Oath Pact 11.

The moment of truth arrives: Will the 2025 Blood Oath Pact 11 finished in Añejo Tequila Barrels earn a coveted spot in your collection (“Buy”), a respectful nod (“Pass”), or an urgent acquisition (“Back up!”)? Our unvarnished opinion awaits!

Don’t let future liquid treasures slip through your fingers! Subscribe and become part of our passionate community dedicated to the pursuit of extraordinary spirits. Raise a glass to Pact 11!

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✴️ Blood Oath Pact 11 (2025)

Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Company: Luxco
Distillery: Lux Row Distillery
Mash Bill: Undisclosed/Blended
Age/Blend Notes: Blend of (a) 14-year ryed bourbon, (b) 10-year wheated bourbon, (c) 7-year ryed bourbon that was finished in Añejo Tequila Barrels
Age: 7 years
Proof: 98.6 (always!)
MSRP: $129.99
Released: April 26, 2025
Purchased: 05/01/25 for $159.99 at Lux Row in Bardstown, KY

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

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Derby Week Bourbon Magic + 3 Distillery Stops!

May 9, 2025May 9, 2025 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

Experience the Ultimate Bourbon & Culinary Symphony! …and a Whirlwind Bourbon Adventure! 🥃🍽️➡️🥃🥃🥃 Join us for a taste of pure Kentucky magic as we dive into the prestigious 5th Annual Kentucky Bourbon Festival Distiller Dinner! Held at the stunning Savor at River House on April 30th, 2025, this celebrated Derby week tradition delivered an unforgettable evening of exceptional bourbon, mind-blowing cuisine, and the kind of vibrant energy you can only find during the Kentucky Derby Festival.

Picture this: the iconic steamboat race blazing along the picturesque Ohio River as Master Distiller Owen Martin himself guides us through the exquisite world of Angel’s Envy! We savored a curated flight featuring the coveted Angel’s Envy Triple Oak, the exclusive KBF Sherry Single Barrel Pick, the rich Angel’s Envy 2024 Bourbon Cask, and a tantalizing Mystery Pour that kept us on the edge of our seats!

The night kicked off with a delightful welcome cocktail showcasing the official 2025 Kentucky Bourbon Festival recipe and concluded with a decadent dessert cocktail, perfectly harmonizing with the four neat bourbon pours. But the experience didn’t stop there! We also enjoyed catching up with friends and soaking in the lovely evening, which culminated in some mighty fine cigars and conversation down by the river.

But wait, there’s more! The next morning, our bourbon adventure continued as we journeyed to the heart of Kentucky’s bourbon country: Bardstown! Get ready to explore three iconic distilleries: the legendary Maker’s Mark Distillery, the impressive Lux Row Distillery, and the immersive Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience.

All this magic packed into an amazing 25.5 hours! 😉 Watch now and discover why YOU absolutely must add this incredible bourbon and Kentucky experience to your “must do” list for 2026!

WELCOME COCKTAIL AND PASSED APPETIZERS

Angel’s Envy Glazed Grilled Gulf Shrimp atop a tostone with peach and serrano chow chow

Crispy quail legs with preserved lemon

Beet Chip topped with balsamic fig jam and a toasted salted cashew crumble

SALAD

Local purple mustard greens with pumpkin seed and oat granola, dried apricots, Kenny’s aged brie, and an Angel’s Envy apricot mostarda vinaigrette

DINNER

Bone-in Short Rib over grand Padano and herb Weisenberger grits, with pickled fennel and eggplant, finished with a port wine and bone marrow reduction, fennel oil, and gremolata

DESSERT

Kern’s Derby Pie Blondie Bar

ABOUT THE VENUE

Louisville’s newest and most scenic private event venue created by award-winning Chef John Varanese, one of Louisville’s most celebrated restauranteurs, Savor at River House combines a spectacular view of the river with the same delicious cuisine and outstanding service that is the signature of all Chef Varanese’s restaurants (Varanese, River House, & Levee Bourbon Lounge).

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

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❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

NOTE: The events and 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.