McBrayer Legacy Spirits

Blind Tasting SHOWDOWN: Three Amazing Whiskeys, One Champion!

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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 Third Quarter 2025! 🎉

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

✴️ Neeley Bottled in Bond Four Grain

✴️ Starlight 2025 10-Year Cask Strength

✴️ W.H. McBrayer 2025 Release, Batch 5

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 mashbill or special aging ✨ 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! 🏆

Hit play ▶️ and join the tasting party! 🎉

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! 🥂

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

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

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

✴️ Neeley Bottled in Bond Four Grain

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Neeley Family Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 63% corn, 17% Oats, 8% Wheat and 12% Malt
  • Notes: Jug Yeast A-1, Sweet Mash, Copper Pot Still, Non-Chill Filtered, Limestone Well Water, Cypress Fermented, Barrel Char 2, Batch Size 7
  • Age: 4 Years
  • Proof: 100
  • MSRP: $79.99
  • Released: Spring 2025
  • Made with no enzymes, blended by Rebekah Neeley
  • Purchased: 07/11/25 for $79.99 at Neely Family Distillery in Sparta, KY

Original YouTube Review >

✴️ Starlight 2025 10-Year Cask Strength

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Starlight Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 60% Corn, 20% Rye, 20% Malted Barley
  • Other: Grain-to-glass; sweet mash; double pot distilled; barrel entry proof 112-116
  • Age: 10 Years
  • Proof: 120.3
  • MSRP: $250
  • Released: July 2025
  • Aging: Sequin Moreau Icone barrels.
  • Purchased: 08/14/25 for $250 at Starlight Distillery

Original YouTube Review >

✴️ W.H. McBrayer 2025 Release, Batch 5

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: McBrayer Legacy Spirits
  • Distillery: Undisclosed
  • Mash Bill: 88.4% Bloody Butcher Corn, 5.8% Heritage Rye, 5.8% Malted Barley
  • Age: NAS; blend of 15 barrels – 8 are 6.5 years old and 7 are 5.5 years old
  • Proof: 106.8
  • MSRP: $100
  • Other: Small Batch (15 hand-selected barrels), Non-Chill Filtered
  • Released: May 10, 2025
  • Purchased: 05/10/25 for $100 at McBrayer Legacy Spirits

Original YouTube Review >

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

✅ Please SUBSCRIBE and hit the LIKE button!

❓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.

#BlindTasting #WhiskeyOfTheQuarter #bourbonreview #NeeleyBottledInBond #StarlightWhiskey #WHMcBrayer #Whiskey #Bourbon #WhiskeyReview #BlindWhiskeyTasting #KentuckyBourbon #CaskStrength #BottledInBond #CraftBourbon #WhiskeyTube 

July’s Whiskey of the Month! 

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🔥🥃 Blind Whiskey BATTLE ROYALE! Who Will Be Our July 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 July 2025 whiskey lineup! 👑

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

  • ✴️ Booker’s 2025-02 “By the Pond” Batch
  • ✴️ Maker’s Mark Keepers Release
  • ✴️ Penelope: Cigar Sessions – Chapter 1
  • ✴️ W.H. McBrayer 2025 Release, Batch 5

🚫 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! 🍀

#WhiskeyOfTheMonth #BlindWhiskeyTasting #bourbonreview 

Half Way – 2025 Whiskey of the Year Preview:

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

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

✴️ Booker’s 2025-02 “By the Pond” 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, 1 month, and 20 days
  • Proof: 126.5
  • Blend: This particular batch is a complex blend of barrels from various locations within 8 different warehouses. The largest percentage (29%) came from the sixth floor of warehouse G at Waterfill, a seven-story warehouse.
  • MSRP: $100
  • Released: June 2025
  • Purchased: 07/03/25 for $110 at Archie & Clyde’s Restaurant in Newburgh IN
  • Original YouTube Review:

✴️ Maker’s Mark Keepers Release

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: 
  • Distillery: Maker’s Mark
  • Mash Bill: 70% Corn, 16% Wheat, 14% Malted Barley
  • Age: NAS (about 6 years)
  • Proof: 109.2
  • MSRP: $74.99
  • Released: March 2025
  • Purchased: 05/01/25 for $74.99 at Maker’s Mark Distillery
  • Original YouTube Review:  

✴️ Penelope: Cigar Sessions – Chapter 1

  • Classification: American Whiskey
  • Distillery: Ross & Squibb Distillery (MGP)
  • Blend: Straight Bourbon, American Single Malt, and American Light Whiskey
  • Bourbon: 72% Corn, 15% Rye, 13% Malted Barley; Non Chill-Filtered; Finished with French Oak Staves
  • Age: 6
  • Proof: 101
  • MSRP: 79.99
  • Released: June 2025
  • Other: Pair with medium-bodied cigars
  • Purchased: 06/13/25 for $192.27 at High Spirits Liquor Store, Evansville IN
  • Original YouTube Review:  

✴️ W.H. McBrayer 2025 Release, Batch 5

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: McBrayer Legacy Spirits
  • Distillery: Undisclosed
  • Mash Bill: 88.4% Bloody Butcher Corn, 5.8% Heritage Rye, 5.8% Malted Barley
  • Age: NAS; blend of 15 barrels – 8 are 6.5 years old and 7 are 5.5 years old
  • Proof: 106.8
  • MSRP: $100
  • Other: Small Batch (15 hand-selected barrels), Non-Chill Filtered
  • Released: May 10, 2025
  • Purchased: 05/10/25 for $100 at McBrayer Legacy Spirits
  • Original YouTube Review:  

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

✅ Please SUBSCRIBE and hit the LIKE button!

❓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.

Judge Bourbon is BACK! Tasting & Where to Buy!

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Prepare yourselves, bourbon enthusiasts! 🤯 After what has felt like an eternity, the legend returns to render its verdict: W.H. McBrayer “The Judge” is BACK! This isn’t just another bourbon; it’s a meticulously crafted masterpiece, a testament to time and unparalleled dedication.

We’re talking about a symphony of flavor, meticulously blended from 15 hand-selected barrels. Eight of these precious barrels have been patiently aged for a rich 6.5 years, developing deep, complex notes. Complementing them are seven vibrant barrels, matured for a lively 5.5 years, adding a bright, intricate layer to the profile.

This isn’t some watered-down spirit; it’s proudly non-chill filtered and bottled at a captivating 108.6 proof, ensuring every drop delivers an unadulterated, robust experience. Get ready for a sensory journey as we guide you through each and every tasting note, from the initial aromatic embrace to the lingering, satisfying finish.

In this video, we’ll dive deep into 

  • Our unfiltered tasting notes: Discover the notes that make “The Judge” truly exceptional.
  • Our expert recommendation: Is this the must-have bourbon of the year? We’ll tell you if it’s worth the hype and for whom!
  • How to get your hands on a bottle: Snag one before they sell out!

Don’t just hear about it, experience it! Click play ▶️ now for all the details and to witness our first impressions of this highly anticipated release.

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! Join us and raise a glass to “The Judge”! 🥂🥃

#bourbon #McBrayerLegacySpirits #TheJudge

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

✴️ W.H. McBrayer “The Judge” Batch 5

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: McBrayer Legacy Spirits
  • Distillery: Undisclosed
  • Historic Mash Bill: 88.4% Bloody Butcher Corn, 5.8% Heirloom Rye, 5.8% Malted Barley
  • Age: NAS; blend of 15 barrels – 8 are 6.5 years old and 7 are 5.5 years old
  • Other: Small Batch, Non-Chill Filtered
  • Proof: 108.6
  • MSRP: $100
  • Check out McBrayer Legacy Spirits
    • Shipping to all but 9 states
    • Or – Pick up at Revival Vintage Bottle Shop in Covington, KY

Note: Wayne McBrayer is not affiliated with McBrayer Legacy Spirits. They are cousins, friends, and great people. We support their bourbon journey and respect what they are doing to resurrect a 175-year-old brand that is part of their family lineage.

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

Read our detailed tasting notes and comparisons of W.H. McBrayer Batches 1-4 here: 

June 2024 W.H. McBrayer Batch 4 Tasting

Watch our May 2025 PREVIEW Video here:  

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

✅ Please SUBSCRIBE and hit the LIKE button!

❓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.

🥃 The Judge Batch 5 IS HERE! First Look & How to Buy! 

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🤯 A YEAR IN THE MAKING… THE JUDGE IS BACK! 🤯 After what feels like an eternity, the legendary W.H. McBrayer “The Judge” is about to deliver its verdict! 🤩 Get ready for the highly anticipated annual release from McBrayer Legacy Spirits, and trust us, Batch 5 is poised to BLOW. YOUR. MIND. 💥

We’re talking a meticulous blend of 15 hand-selected barrels – 8 aged for a rich 6.5 years and 7 with a vibrant 5.5-year maturity. Bottled at a captivating 108.6 proof and proudly non-chill filtered, this bourbon is the real deal.

Join us for an EXCLUSIVE FIRST LOOK as we dive deep into a preview bottle straight from the barrel dumping day in the heart of Kentucky bourbon country, Bardstown! Witness its stunning mahogany hue, unravel its complex aromas, savor the layers of flavor dancing on our palates, and experience a finish that simply. won’t. quit. 🔥

But that’s not all! We’re taking you behind the scenes to our First Barrel Dumping Experience at Bardstown Bourbon Company! Witness the magic as we tasted samples from all 15 barrels in the lab and saw the initial blending that created this masterpiece.

Want to be among the FIRST to secure a bottle of W.H. McBrayer Batch 5? This liquid gold drops exclusively for the McBrayer Legacy Spirits Legacy Club on May 5th, 2025! And the best part? Joining the club is ABSOLUTELY FREE! We’ll tell you how. 😉

Don’t let this opportunity slip through your fingers! Click play ▶️ now for our unfiltered tasting notes and all the details on how you can snag a bottle for yourself starting May 10th, 2025. 👇

Are you a bourbon fanatic like us? Smash that like button 👍, hit subscribe 🔔 so you never miss a rare pour, and share this with your fellow whiskey lovers! ➡️ Let’s raise a glass to exceptional bourbon! 🥂🥃

#bourbon #McBrayerLegacySpirits #TheJudge

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

✴️ W.H. McBrayer “The Judge” Batch 5

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: McBrayer Legacy Spirits
  • Distillery: Undisclosed
  • Historic Mash Bill: 88.4% Bloody Butcher Corn, 5.8% Heirloom Rye, 5.8% Malted Barley
  • Age: NAS; blend of 15 barrels – 8 are 6.5 years old and 7 are 5.5 years old
  • Other: Small Batch, Non-Chill Filtered
  • Proof: 108.6
  • MSRP: $100
  • To Be Released: May 10, 2025 Online 

It is FREE to join the Legacy Club!!!

  • Shipping to all but 9 states
  • Pick up at Revival Vintage Bottle Shop in Covington, KY
  • Dropping to the Legacy Club on May 10, 2025
  • McBrayer Legacy Spirts

Note: Wayne McBrayer is not affiliated with McBrayer Legacy Spirits. They are cousins, friends, and great people. We support their bourbon journey and respect what they are doing to resurrect a 175-year-old brand that is part of their family lineage.

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

Read our detailed tasting notes and comparisons of W.H. McBrayer Bathes 1-4 here: 

June 2024 W.H. McBrayer Batch 4 Tasting

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

✅ Please SUBSCRIBE and hit the LIKE button!

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

NOTE: The spirit in this review was gifted to 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.

Exploring Flavor Profiles: The Wheated Bourbon Showdown

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In this fun blind challenge, we take you on a captivating journey as we blind taste FOUR Wheated Bourbons.  They are each 100-107 proof and no single barrels were included; however, their mashbills and percentage of wheat do vary. Join us as we meticulously evaluate and rank each expression, diving deep into the distinctive flavor profiles and aromas that set them apart from one another. Ultimately, we will unveil our personal rankings of the wheated bourbon that reign supreme in our tasting, highlighting the elements that captured our palates the most. Of course, there’s a good chance that we won’t always agree on our favorites, leading to some lively debate and fun banter! Don’t miss this engaging and informative deep dive into the world of Wheated Bourbon, where flavor reigns and every sip tells a story.

AMAZON AFFILIATE LINKS (commissions earned):

ABOUT THESE WHEATED BOURBONS (in alphabetical order)

Bardstown Bourbon Co Origin Series High Wheat Bourbon

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Bardstown Bourbon Company
  • Distillery: Bardstown Bourbon Company
  • Mash Bill: Corn 53% / Wheat 39% / Malted Barley 8%
  • Age: 6
  • Proof: 106
  • MSRP: $49.99
  • Released: August 2024
  • Purchased: 12/07/24 for $49.99 at Bardstown Tasting Room in Louisville, KY
  • YouTube 12/26/24: https://youtu.be/0W7j-28qnGQ

Cedar Brook Wheated Bourbon

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Bottled: W.H. McBrayer
  • Distillery: 
  • Mash Bill: 70% corn, 21% wheat and 9% barley
  • Age: NAS
  • Proof: 100
  • MSRP: $65
  • Released: September 2024
  • Purchased: 09/14/24 for $65.00 via McBrayer Legacy Spirits online.
  • Not Previously Reviewed

Holladay Soft Red Wheat Bottled-in-Bond

  • Classification: Missouri Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: McCormick Distilling Company
  • Distillery:  Holladay Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 73% Corn, 15% Wheat, 12% Malted Barley
  • Age: 6
  • Proof: 100
  • MSRP: $60
  • Released: 2024
  • Other: Bottled in Bond
    Purchased: 03/06/24 for $64.99 at High Spirits in Evansville, IN
  • Story 03/24/24: https://yourbourbonjourney.com/2024/03/26/march-2024-holladay-distillery-tasting/

Weller Antique 107

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Sazerac Company, Inc.
  • Distillery: Buffalo Trace
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed Buffalo Trace “Wheated Mash Bill”
  • Age: NAS (talk of typically 6-8 years)
  • Proof: 107
  • MSRP: $52.99
  • Released: Ongoing
  • Purchased: 05/06/23 for $139.99 at Revival Vintage Spirits in Covington, KY
  • Not Previously Reviewed

**REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY**

Please SUBSCRIBE and hit the LIKE button!

Visit: https://www.youtube.com/@YourBourbonJourney/featured for additional videos to enhance Your Bourbon Journey!

Questions? YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

NOTE: 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.