✈️ Global Whiskey Flight Review! Flaviar Advent Calendar 2025 Days 4, 5, & 6 | Chicken Cock, Oaklore, Kujira Kyojin
Welcome back, Travelers, for Episode Two of our Flaviar Whiskey Advent Calendar 2025 journey! We’re strapping in for an exciting “two-continental tasting flight,” comparing America’s bourbon heritage with an exotic leap across the globe.
In this episode, we unlock Days 4, 5, and 6 of the calendar, tasting three wildly different spirits:
Day 4: Chicken Cock Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (100 Proof) – A Prohibition legacy spirit from Bardstown, KY, with notes of cinnamon red hot, caramel, and nuttiness. Is the “pre-prohibition style” a hit?
Day 5: OaklLore Four Grain Bourbon Whiskey (92 Proof) – A groundbreaking blend of four grains (corn, rye, wheat, barley) aged in the ideal climate of North Carolina’s Piedmont region. Find out why this balanced bourbon is described as a “floral bakery.”
Day 6: Kujira Kyojin Okinawa Whisky (80 Proof) – A truly unique rice-based Japanese whisky from Okinawa, Japan, aged in American white oak. We discover fascinating tropical, sweet & sour, and floral/roselike notes thanks to its special Indica Rice and black Koji berries fermentation.
Join Wayne and Rebecca on Your Bourbon Journey for an in-depth, country-to-country tasting review!
Which whiskey will be the best international pour? Buckle up and Cheers! 🥃
Did you grab a calendar? Let us know your favorite of the first three days in the comments below!
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.
🥃 Which 2025 Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Is King? Blind Tasting A125 vs B525 vs C925!
Do Proof and Age REALLY Matter? In this highly-anticipated bourbon review, Wayne and Rebecca from [Your Channel Name] put all three 2025 Elijah Craig Barrel Proof batches (A125, B525, and C925) head-to-head in a true blind tasting!
Heaven Hill released some real curveballs this year, with the lineup featuring the lowest-proof batch ever, the oldest release since 2023, and the youngest release in series history!
We’re diving deep into the profiles of these coveted, uncut, and non-chill filtered Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskeys to determine our favorite pour of the year.
🍒 Tasting Notes & Surprises
We break down the classic Elijah Craig notes of cherry, caramel, and cinnamon and find some major profile differences this year. The blind tasting results surprised us, with the lowest-proof, A125, taking the crown for its incredible cherry-forward sweetness and perfect balance, despite the judges typically being “proofy people.” The oldest, B525, and the highest-proof, C925, didn’t quite live up to the winner in the final sip-off!
If you love high-proof bourbon, Heaven Hill, or collecting the annual ECBP releases, you don’t want to miss our honest review and ranking.
🚨 SPOILER ALERT! See which batch finished last (and why its high alcohol-forward nose and flavor pushed it back).
💬 What do YOU think?
Have you tried all three 2025 Elijah Craig Barrel Proof releases? Which one is your personal “banger” of the year? Let us know your favorite batch and why in the comments below!
Cheers to the great work by Heaven Hill’s Master Distiller, Conor O’Driscoll!
Purchased: 02/27/25 for $99.99 at High Spirits in Evansville, IN
✴️ ECBP B525
Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Company: Heaven Hill
Distillery: Elijah Craig Distillery Co.
Mash Bill: 78% Corn, 12% Malted Barley, 10% Rye
Age: 11 Years, 6 Months
Proof: 126.2
MSRP: $75
Released: May 2025
Purchased: 09/02/25 for $79.99 at Heaven Hill, Bardstown KY
✴️ ECBP C925
Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Distillery: Heaven Hill Distillery
Mash Bill: 78% Corn, 12% Malted Barley, 10% Rye
Age: 9 Years, 1 Month
Proof: 129
MSRP: $75
Released: September 2025; Final Batch of 2025
Other: This is the first time since the ECBP series began in 2013 that a batch has carried an age statement under 10 years (a “single digit” age statement).
Purchased: 10/29/25 for $65 at Archie & Clyde’s in Newburgh, IN
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.
🥃 The Turkish Tobacco Manhattan (Rye Twist) | December Cocktail Series Part 1/5 | Thirsty Thursday E47
Welcome to Episode 47 of Thirsty Thursday Cocktails and the exciting start of our five-part December Cocktail Series!
Tonight, we’re kicking off the holidays with a sophisticated, deep, and woodsy cocktail: The Turkish Tobacco Manhattan. This is more than just a twist on a classic; it’s a slow-sipper built for contemplation and chilly nights.
We anchor this drink with 2 oz of Sagamore Spirit Small Batch Rye Whiskey for a fantastic backbone of spice and pepper. We maintain the classic 2:1 ratio using Valdespino Sweet Vermouth, which adds a rich, almost savory depth.
The magic is in the bitters blend! We use 3 dashes of Turkish Tobacco Bitters for that deep, smoky, earthy base note (it’s all about the aroma of the cured leaf!) and 2 dashes of Cherry Bitters to provide a crucial, bright ‘lift.’
For the final touch of luxury and aroma, we smoke the coupe glass with Cherry Wood before straining. This creates a woodsy, “fireplace” aroma that ties the whole concept together.
This is a complex, flavorful, and perfect welcome to your holiday entertaining!
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Get the exact ingredients and tools Rebecca uses to make this amazing Turkish Tobacco Manhattan:
Join Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey for Episode 48 of Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes as they kick off their Tennessee Whiskey series with a visit to the historic and beautiful Uncle Nearest Distillery in Shelbyville, TN! Experience a virtual tour of the stunning, 400+ acre former Tennessee Walking Horse Farm (Distillery #51 for them!) and get the inside scoop on their multi-dimensional tour, speakeasy, and impressive rick house.
But the real showstopper? The world-record-holding Humble Baron Bar! Find out how this incredible 518-foot bar earned its place in the Guinness World Records.
Whiskey Review Spotlight: Uncle Nearest Single Barrel 070
After an extensive tasting at the distillery, they review their special purchase: Uncle Nearest Single Barrel 070.
Classification: Tennessee Whiskey (Lincoln County Process)
Proof: 123.3 (Cask Strength!)
Tasting Notes: Discover why Wayne (getting black pepper and cinnamon warmth) and Rebecca (finding toffee, dark chocolate, and brown sugar notes) have a savory vs. sweet experience! This high-proof, aged expression is a far cry from the baseline and is a must-try for any true whiskey enthusiast.
If you weren’t a fan of the standard Uncle Nearest, this Single Barrel review will challenge your impression!
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.
🥃 Starlight Whiskey Triple-Threat Review! Light Whiskey vs. 7-Year vs. 10-Year American Single Malt
Join Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey for an in-depth tasting of three exceptional and very different whiskeys from Starlight Distillery (Huber’s) in Indiana! We’re putting Starlight’s innovation to the test with a Light Whiskey and two distinct American Single Malts — a 7-year-old and the highly-anticipated 10-year-old Small Batch #1.
The Huber family are true pioneers, growing their own grains and crafting spirits with a unique farm-to-bottle, sweet mash, and double pot distilled approach. You won’t want to miss our thoughts on these complex, flavorful, and age-stated releases!
We discuss why Starlight’s owner, Ted Huber, and his son, Blake Huber (signed our bottle!), exemplify a class act and how their incredible Repeal Dinner is a must-attend event in the whiskey calendar.
Starlight Distillery VIP Repeal Day Preview Dinner Info
Other: Grains grown on property; sweet mash; double pot distilled.
Barrels: Aged in oak casks from around the world; finished 6 months in a Cognac barrel
Age: 8.5 Years; Proof: 129.7
Purchased: 06/26/25 for $99.98 at Seelbach’s Online
✴️ Starlight Single Malt Whiskey Small Batch B2305
Classification: American Single Malt Whiskey
Company: Huber’s; Distillery: Starlight
Mash Bill: 100% Malted Barley
Other: Sweet mash; double pot distilled.
Age: 7 Years; Proof: 94
Purchased: 07/18/25 for $64.74 at Starlight Distillery
✴️ Starlight Single Malt Whiskey Small Batch 1
Classification: American Single Malt Whiskey
Company: Huber’s; Distillery: Starlight
Mash Bill: 100% Malted Barley
Other: Sweet mash; double pot distilled.
Age: 10 Years
Barrels used for this 10-year release included: 25% PX Sherry Casks 25% Used Bourbon Casks 20% Vino De Naranja Casks 20% Peated Scotch Casks 10% Rum Cask
Proof: 98
Purchased: 07/18/25 for $83.24 at Starlight Distillery
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 ULTIMATE Blind Bourbon Battle! | November Whiskey of the Month (WOTM) Selection!
We are back for our November Whiskey of the Month (WOTM) blind tasting! Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey face off against four incredible bourbon contenders, ranging from high-proof stalwarts to unique double-oaked blends and limited-edition releases.
Can a Bottled-in-Bond bourbon with the lowest proof on the table take down two of the biggest names in barrel-proof whiskey? You won’t believe the results in this exciting blind battle!
Prepare your senses for an immersive journey into the captivating aromas and tantalizing flavors of these contenders (alphabetical order):
✴️ Booker’s 2025-03 “Jerry’s Batch”
✴️ Buzzard’s Roost Double Oak Cigar Blend
✴️ Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Batch C925
✴️ Fountain Run Bottled In Bond
🚫 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! 🍀
🔥DETAILS REGARDING OUR FOUR FINALISTS🔥 (in alphabetical order):
✴️ Booker’s 2025-03 “Jerry’s Batch”
Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Distillery: James B Beam
Mash Bill: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
Age: 7 Years, 4 Months, and 21 Days
Proof: 124.7
Other: Jerry’s Batch comprises nine different barrels from 9 warehouses: 3, 1, X, Z, K, L, O, 4, and G
Released: September 2025
MSRP: $99.99
Purchased: 10/17/25 for $100 at Archie & Clyde’s in Newburgh, IN
✴️ Buzzard’s Roost Double Oak Cigar Blend
Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Company: Buzzard’s Roost Spirits, LLC
Distillery: Undisclosed/Indiana (Likely MGP)
Mash Bill: 60% Corn, 36% Rye, 4% Malted Barley
Age: NAS on bottle but PR has 6 years
Proof: 105
Released: September 2025 for KBF
Other: Came with a branded cigar cutter
Purchased: 09/04/25 for $85 at Buzzard’s Roost via the KBF
✴️ Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Batch C925
Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Distillery: Heaven Hill Distillery
Mash Bill: 78% Corn, 12% Malted Barley, 10% Rye
Age: 9 Years, 1 Month
Proof: 129
MSRP: $75
Released: September 2025; Final Batch of 2025
Other: This is the first time since the ECBP series began in 2013 that a batch has carried an age statement under 10 years (a “single digit” age statement).
Purchased: 10/29/25 for $65 at Archie & Clyde’s in Newburgh, IN
NOTE: We were not compensated by the spirit producers for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.
🍁 The Mole Harvest Old Fashioned Riff | Thanksgiving Cocktail Finale | Thirsty Thursday Cocktails E46
Welcome to the Thanksgiving Finale of our Fall Cocktail Series! In Episode 46 of Thirsty Thursday Cocktails, Rebecca crafts the Mole Harvest Cocktail, a complex, spirit-forward Old Fashioned riff that perfectly captures the warming, savory, and sweet flavors of the holiday season.
This cocktail is a deep dive into mole bitters, featuring a high-proof Knob Creek Single Barrel bourbon backbone balanced by rich demerara syrup and a trio of aromatic bitters. The 3-2-1 bitters ratio (Mole, Aztec Chocolate, and Orange) creates a profile reminiscent of a deep, dark, spiced chocolate pie—it’s the ultimate Thanksgiving cocktail for bourbon lovers!
Whether you’re looking for an impressive holiday cocktail recipe, a unique bourbon drink, or the best Old Fashioned variation for fall, the Mole Harvest is your answer.
If you enjoyed this ultimate Thanksgiving Finale cocktail, please LIKE this video and SUBSCRIBE for more weekly Thirsty Thursday Cocktails! Let me know in the comments: What is your favorite holiday bourbon drink?
Always drink responsibly. Cheers!
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Get the exact ingredients and tools Rebecca uses to make this amazing Mole Harvest Cocktail:
🥃 Buzzard’s Roost Double Oak Cigar Blend Bourbon Review | The Ultimate Cigar Pairing Whiskey?
Welcome to Your Bourbon Journey! Wayne and Rebecca are diving into one of the most exciting, limited-edition releases of 2025: the Buzzard’s Roost Double Oak Cigar Blend Straight Bourbon Whiskey!
Released for the Kentucky Bourbon Festival (KBF), this 6-year, 105-proof high-rye bourbon (60% Corn, 36% Rye) uses Buzzard’s Roost’s proprietary double oak process—a secondary maturation in their custom, lightly-charred, heavily-toasted barrels. This technique is designed specifically to enhance the pairing experience with a fine cigar.
On the Nose & Palate: We found intense notes of confectionary sweetness, oak, and a beautiful, non-overpowering campfire smokiness. The finish delivers lovely coffee notes that make this a fantastic pour on its own, but we discuss why this profile is perfectly engineered for a premium cigar pairing!
The company’s co-founder and master blender, Jason Brauner (also of The Bourbon Bistro), definitely nailed it with this limited-time offer. Did this bottle live up to the hype? Watch our full review to see why we’re fans of Buzzard’s Roost and why this might be their best release yet!
What cigar would YOU pair with this Double Oak Bourbon? Let us know in the comments!
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.
Join Wayne and Rebecca on Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes Episode 47 as they finally crack open a very special, two-and-a-half-year-old bottle: the Log Still Distillery Bardstown Collection 2023 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey!
This unique and highly-coveted limited edition bourbon was secured during the exclusive Mint Julep VIP Bardstown Bourbon Collection Tour. Wayne and Rebecca share all the details of their special two-day experience, including a scenic train ride, an exquisite lunch, meeting founders Wally, Lynne, and Charles Dant, and a memorable first tour of the beautiful Log Still Distillery campus in New Haven, KY.
Is this bottle worth the hype (and the $199.99 price tag)? Find out if this toasted oak finished bourbon is a must-have for your collection!
🥃 The Whiskey: Log Still Bardstown Collection 2023
This 8-year-old, 117.7 proof high-rye bourbon is a truly distinctive pour. Sourced from the renowned Barton 1792 Distillery‘s high-rye mash bill, Log Still added an innovative final touch: a finishing period in highly-toasted oak barrels.
Tasting Notes (Their Journey): Get ready for a fascinating flavor profile! Wayne and Rebecca dive deep into the nose and palate, discovering:
Nose: Distinct cherry notes (classic Barton profile) with a beautiful toasty character.
Palate: An explosion of Luxardo cherry upfront, quickly followed by a savory, delicious toasted oak and char goodness. Rebecca even finds surprising notes of dark cocoa, leading to the fun description of a “chocolate cherry s’more” vibe!
Finish: Long, warm, and effervescent, carrying the barrel notes and a unique combination of toasted cherry and black pepper.
Don’t forget to hit the like button, subscribe for more whiskey adventures, and share your thoughts in the comments!
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.
🥃 15 STARS First West Series Review! Trio Tasting: Small Batch, Toasted Oak, & Extra Aged 🇺🇸
Join Wayne and Rebecca from YourBourbon Journey as they dive into the highly anticipated, and more affordably priced, 15 STARS First West Series of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskeys! This father-son company (Rick & Ricky Johnson) with roots in gourmet popcorn, and a commitment to heirloom corn, is making waves with their expert blending and “Flavor Proofing” technique.
🤔 Are these new, more accessible bourbons from 15 STARS worth the price point? Watch to find out which bottle offers the best “bang for your buck” and which one they would skip!
In this in-depth tasting, they sample all three unique expressions, bottled in gorgeous, historic blue glass:
The Flight:
First West Small Batch (Blue Label): (5, 6, & 7 Year Blend | 102 Proof | $59.99)
The Difference: Includes the brand’s own distillate made from proprietary red, white, and blue heirloom corn for a unique profile.
Tasting Notes: Rich caramel, baking spices, vanilla, and a distinct nuttiness reminiscent of roasted nuts or a classic bourbon profile.
Verdict:A winner! Wayne and Rebecca agree this is the best value and their favorite, showcasing a unique and distinct flavor profile that sets the brand apart.
First West Toasted Oak (Red Label): (5, 6, & 7 Year Blend | 98 Proof | $69.99)
The Difference: Finished in a blend of two different toasted oak barrels for 5 weeks. Tasting Notes: Intense sweetness like confectionary sugar and marshmallow, roasted nuts, and a warming cinnamon heat on the back.
Verdict: An excellent toasted pour, but the hosts prefer the complexity and uniqueness of the Small Batch for the price.
First West Extra Aged (White Label): (8 & 9 Year Blend | 100 Proof | $79.99)
The Difference:Extra-aged and 100% sourced from an undisclosed Kentucky distillery (no 15 STARS distillate).
Classification: Blend of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskeys
Company: 15 Stars
Mash Bill: Includes a portion of 15 STARS’ own distillate made from proprietary red, white, and blue heirloom corn—a first for the brand’s blends.
Age: Blend of 5, 6, & 7 Year
Proof: 102 (“flavor proofed”)
MSRP: $59.99
Released: July 2025
Other: Bottled in a unique, historic blue glass bottle inspired by the earliest whiskey bottles crafted in Kentucky.
Purchased: 10/16/25 for $59.99 at High Spirits Liquor in Evansville, IN
✴️First West Toasted Oak
Classification: Blend of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Company: 15 Stars
Mash Bill: Includes bourbon distilled by 15 STARS (at Bardstown Bourbon Company) from proprietary red, white, and blue heritage corns (first use in a 15 STARS blend); the other component bourbon(s) are not disclosed
Barrels: Blend of two different toast profiles
Age: Blend of 5, 6, & 7 Year
Proof: 98
MSRP: $69.99
Released: July 2025
Other: Bottled in a unique, historic blue glass bottle inspired by the earliest whiskey bottles crafted in Kentucky.
Purchased: 10/16/25 for $69.99 at High Spirits Liquor in Evansville, IN
✴️First West Extra Aged
Classification: Blend of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskeys
Company: 15 Stars
Mash Bill:
Age: Blends of 8 & 9 Years
Proof: 100 “flavor proofed”
MSRP: $79.99
Released: July 2025
Other: Bottled in a unique, historic blue glass bottle inspired by the earliest whiskey bottles crafted in Kentucky.
Purchased: 10/16/25 for $79.99 at High Spirits Liquor in Evansville, IN
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.
Your Bourbon Journey 