Neeley Family Distillery

Best RYE Whiskey? Blind Taste Test 5 Bottles!

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🥃 Blind Rye Whiskey Battle: Which Bottle is the Champion?

Join Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey as they go WAY off the beaten path for an epic blind rye whiskey tasting! Can these bourbon lovers pick their favorite rye when they don’t know what’s in the glass? Five incredible bottles are in the running, each with a unique mash bill and proof point. The results are surprising, revealing a range of flavors from chocolate malt and coffee to floral notes and citrusy orange!

Watch as we blindly review and rank:

  • Bardstown Bourbon Co. Origin Series Rye (96 Proof): The double-barreled rye finished in Toasted Cherry Wood and Oak. 
  • Hard Truth Chocolate Malt Rye (109.6 Proof): A unique rye with a high percentage of Chocolate Malted Barley that tastes like an “after dinner coffee drink!” 
  • Neeley Family Distillery Sweet Thumped Rye (108.9 Proof): The only Single Barrel in the group, praised for its pure sweet mash profile. 
  • New Riff Balboa Rye Bottled in Bond (100 Proof): Featuring the heirloom Balboa Rye grain. 
  • Tom’s Town Straight Rye Bottled in Bond (100 Proof): A Bottled-in-Bond rye with distinct citrus notes, perfect for a cocktail! 

From high-rye Balboa to the unique chocolate malt, which bottle takes home the title of our personal favorite sipper? You won’t believe the final scores! Plus, we give a shoutout to the perfect bottle for making an amazing Manhattan!

Let us know in the comments: Have you tried any of these ryes? What are your favorite tasting notes in a rye whiskey?

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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.

#RyeWhiskey #blindtasting #whiskeytasting #WhiskeyReview #HardTruthDistilling BardstownBourbonCo #NewRiff #NeelyFamilyDistillery #TomsTown #RyeLife #BourbonVsRye #CraftWhiskey #bottledinbond #RyeCocktails #ChocolateMaltRye 

Bourbon Hunting for 7 Days in Kentucky (32 Bottles)

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Get ready for an epic bourbon adventure! Join us on a week-long journey through the heart of Kentucky, including a can’t-miss trip to the Kentucky Bourbon Festival. We’re not just tasting bourbon—we’re on a mission to hunt down some of the most sought-after bottles in the state.

In this video, we’re detailing our 32-bottle bourbon haul, breaking down everything we found both inside and outside the festival grounds. We hit up legendary spots like Heaven Hill, Preservation, and Lux Row, and even managed to snag a coveted Booker’s Reserve 2025. But the biggest highlight? Finally scoring a bottle of the elusive Jim Beam Bowling Pin after striking out multiple times.

Whether you’re a seasoned bourbon connoisseur or just starting your collection, you’ll love the detailed breakdown of each bottle we acquired, from the unique OCD Premium Hazmat to the intriguing Blind Pig Santa Claus Lawn Gnome Decanter. We’ll cover every bottle, share our honest recommendations, and give you a glimpse into what it’s really like to spend seven days immersed in Kentucky’s bourbon culture.

Don’t miss out on the full bottle list and our final recommendations. This is one bourbon hunt you won’t want to skip!

Did you attend the 2025 Kentucky Bourbon Festival? Let us know in the comments below!

So grab your favorite glass, settle in, and let’s share this hunt together! Click play ▶️ NOW!

What’s the most exciting bottle you’ve ever hunted down? 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! 

#bourbonhunting #BARDSTOWN #kentuckybourbonfestival 

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NOTE: The spirits in this episode were purchased by us and for us. Your Bourbon Journey does NOT sell alcohol.

Sip Like a Pro: Mastering the Sazerac with Our Easy Guide

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Alright, get ready to dive into a true classic! 🥃 

Welcome to Thirsty Thursday Cocktails, Episode 15! 🎉 This week, we’re tackling the legendary Sazerac, a New Orleans original renowned for its complex flavors and intriguing preparation.⚜️ Join us as we walk you through each step to craft this iconic rye whiskey and brandy cocktail.🍹 

We’ll start by gathering all the essentials, from the chilled Old-Fashioned glass 🧊 to the crucial ingredients: smooth rye whiskey, rich brandy, sweet demerara syrup, and the aromatic duo of Peychaud’s and Angostura bitters.🌿 

Then, it’s time to get mixing! 🔄 We’ll guide you through the traditional process, beginning with the essential absinthe rinse to coat your glass with its distinctive anise aroma.👃 Watch closely 👀 as we combine the rye, brandy, syrup, and bitters in a mixing glass, stirring with ice to achieve the perfect chill and dilution.🧊 

Finally, we’ll strain our masterpiece into the prepared glass and add the final flourish: a fragrant lemon peel twist.🍋 The moment you’ve been waiting for arrives as we take that first sip, exploring the layered notes of spice, sweetness, and herbal complexity that make the Sazerac a timeless favorite.😋 

Whether you’re a seasoned cocktail enthusiast or just starting your bourbon journey, this episode will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to create a truly exceptional Sazerac at home.🏠 Cheers to Thirsty Thursday!🥂

Background: The Sazerac evolved in New Orleans throughout the 19th century, likely originating with Antoine Peychaud’s cognac and bitters concoction, gaining prominence at the Sazerac Coffee House, and adapting with the substitution of rye for cognac and the addition of absinthe. It stands today as a testament to New Orleans’ rich cocktail history.

The Sazerac

  • Start with a chilled Old-Fashioned glass
  • Add a splash of Absinthe to rinse the glass
  • Add 2 oz Rye Whiskey 
  • Add 1/2 oz of Brandy
  • Add 1/4 oz of Demerara Syrup
  • Add 5 drops of Peychaud’s bitters
  • Add 2 drops of Angostura bitters
  • Stir ingredients with ice in a mixing glass
  • Strain into a chilled, absinthe rinsed old-fashioned glass
  • Garnish with a lemon peel 

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NOTE: The spirits and items in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the producers for this review. Please drink responsibly.

ULTIMATE Whiskey of the Month Blind Tasting & Ranking! March 2025!

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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 four contenders to the ultimate test to crown the undisputed champion of our March 2025 whiskey tastings.

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

  • Elijah Craig Barrel Proof (A125): The bold and the beautiful, ready to unleash its cask-strength magic.
  • Jack Daniels 12 Year (Batch 3): A sophisticated classic stepping into the ring. Can it surprise us?
  • Old Louisville Straight Whiskey Cognac Cask Finish: An intriguing fusion promising a unique and luxurious experience.
  • Oxmoor Single Barrel (Vol. 4, MMXXIV): The single barrel sensation, bursting with character and individuality.

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 4th place to the coveted 1st place spot, and the suspense is building!

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 which whiskey YOU thought would win! 👇

✅ RECOMMENDED FOR YOU

➡️ Bourbon Tastings & Reviews

🥃 Bourbon Cocktails

🚗 Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes Series

🚘 The ULTIMATE Guide for the Kentucky Bourbon Train (BARDSTOWN)

🚘 The ULTIMATE Guide for the Kentucky Bourbon Train (LOUISVILLE)

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🔥DETAILS REGARDING OUR FOUR FINALISTS🔥

(in alphabetical order)

✴️ Elijah Craig Barrel Proof (A125)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Heaven Hill
  • Mash Bill: 78% Corn, 12% Malted Barley, 10% Rye
  • Age: 10 years, 7 months
  • Proof: 118.2
  • MSRP: $75
  • Released: January 2025
  • Purchased: 02/27/25 for $99.99 at High Spirits in Evansville, IN
  • Original YouTube Review: https://youtu.be/Rg8WwsG8Ias?si=XXCCYEjJAlGkwX7X 

✴️ Jack Daniels 12 Year (Batch 3)

  • Classification: Tennessee Whiskey
  • Company: Brown-Forman
  • Distillery: Jack Daniels Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 80% Corn, 12% Malted Barley, 8% Rye
  • Age: 12 Years
  • Proof: 107
  • MSRP: $95.00
  • Released: February 2025
  • Other: 700 ml bottle
  • Purchased: 03/22/25 for $199.99 at High Spirits in Evansville Indiana
  • Original YouTube Review: https://youtu.be/bek-7rU9A-E?si=vnYaFcCXV53edAjv 

✴️ Old Louisville Straight Whiskey Cognac Cask Finish

  • Classification: Straight Whiskey
  • Distilled:  Indiana
  • Bottled: Old Louisville Whiskey Co, Louisville KY
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed
  • Age: 9 years
  • Proof: 106.6
  • Released: 2025
  • Other: Uncut, Non-Chill Filtered, Cognac Cask Finished
  • Purchased: 02/21/25 for $99.00 at Old Louisville Whiskey Co, Louisville KY
  • Original YouTube Review: https://youtu.be/H1GPKXkBNP0?si=hfgALrZ8U2D4vT4R 

✴️ Oxmoor Single Barrel (Vol. 4, MMXXIV)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Oxmoor Bourbon Company
  • Bottled: Neeley Family Distillery, Sparta KY
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed
  • Age: 8 years
  • Proof: 116.6
  • MSRP: $80.00
  • Released: 
  • Other: Vol. 4, MMXXIV
  • Purchased: 02/21/25 for $80.00 at Oxmoor Farm, Louisville KY
  • Original YouTube Review: https://youtu.be/exaZ7dFF7NU?si=Z-Op-VAyut1SACZD 

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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.

Exploring The History and Flavors of Oxmoor Bourbon

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In this bourbon review episode, we recount our recent visit to the Oxmoor Farm and Bourbon Company in Louisville, Kentucky. We highlight its historical significance, rooted in the 1700s, and the Bullitt family’s remarkable legacy of legal scholars who played a pivotal role in shaping many of the bourbon and whiskey laws we cherish today. Although bourbon was never produced on-site, Oxmoor served as a private stock brand designed for sharing.

We then delve into the tasting of two exceptional offerings from Oxmoor Bourbon – a Small Batch and a Single Barrel. Each is crafted by an undisclosed distillery in Kentucky; however, we know that one is bottled at Kentucky Artisan Distillery and the other at Neeley Family Distillery. We thoroughly enjoy and compare the unique aromas, tastes, and finishes of each offering.

Ultimately, we strongly recommend that you add Oxmoor Farm and Bourbon to your bourbon journey – book a tour, take a step back in time, and savor some outstanding bourbon!

ABOUT THESE BOTTLES

Oxmoor Small Batch Barrel Strength

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Oxmoor Bourbon Company
  • Bottled: Kentucky Artisan Distillery, Crestwood KY
  • Mash Bill: Blend of Traditional & Wheated mash bills
  • Age: NAS (at least 4 years)
  • Proof: 119
  • MSRP: $65.00
  • Other: Vol. 3, First Edition, MMXXIV
  • Purchased: 02/21/25 for $65.00 at Oxmoor Farm, Louisville KY 

Oxmoor Single Barrel

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Oxmoor Bourbon Company
  • Bottled: Neeley Family Distillery, Sparta KY
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed
  • Age: 8 years
  • Proof: 116.6
  • MSRP: $80.00
  • Released: 
  • Other: Vol. 4, MMXXIV
  • Purchased: 02/21/25 for $80.00 at Oxmoor Farm, Louisville KY

Oxmoor Bourbon Company: https://oxmoorbourbon.com/ 

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

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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.

Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes Episode 7 – Neeley Family Distillery

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Is Neely Family Distillery a Must-Visit?

In Episode 7 of Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes, we recount our amazing first visit to Neeley Family Distillery in Sparta, Kentucky. Join us as we vividly remember that awesome day, July 29, 2022, which marked our 6th stop (and stamp) on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. We enthusiastically share our insights into the experience available at Neeley Family Distillery and how they have come to be great friends. To fully immerse ourselves in those cherished memories, we finish the final sips from two bottles purchased on that very first visit, enabling us to relive the original experience and further enriching our journey with yet another highlight in Our Bourbon Journey.

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.

ABOUT BOTTLE 1: Breakfast in Kentucky
Type: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Distillery: Neeley Family Distillery
Mashbill: 76% Corn, 19% Wheat, 5% Malted Barley (Yeast A-1)
Process: Triple Pot Distilled, Sweet Mash, Non Chill Filtered
Barrel: #638, Char 2, 25 Gal
Age: 32 Months
Proof: 109.5
Price Paid: $39.99 375 ml

ABOUT BOTTLE 2: Rich Rye Bourbon (Wayne bottle-your-own)
Type: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Distillery: Neeley Family Distillery
Mashbill: 67% Corn, 25% Rye, 8% Malted Barley (Yeast A-1)
Process: Triple Pot Distilled, Sweet Mash, Non Chill Filtered
Barrel: #614, Char 2, 30 Gal
Age: 32 Months
Proof: 107.4
Price Paid: $39.99 375 ml