Rye Whiskey Review

We Found a Hidden Gem in Midway: Bluegrass Distillers Tour & Tasting

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Welcome to Episode 65 of Bourbon Trail Tales and Tastes! We are back on the trail celebrating a major milestone—visiting our 75th US distillery! For this Fourth of July adventure, we joined our friends Scott and Liz in Midway, Kentucky, to experience the brand-new Bluegrass Distillers location at historic Elkwood Farm.

From the stunning 1835 estate grounds and modern production floor to meeting Tipsy the resident distillery cat, our Grain to Glass tour with guide Andrew was unforgettable. The experience featured pours along the entire tour path, a peek at their column still operations, and an incredible stop at their welcoming bar and tasting room.

Back in the studio, we dive into fresh-crack tastings and honest reviews of two standout bottles we picked up at the distillery shop:

  1. Midway Series: Dudley & Gratz Finished Rye Whiskey 
  2. Elkwood Reserve Spanish Oaked Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 

Can a sweet French dessert wine cask tame a 95% Indiana rye for non-rye drinkers? How does heavy Spanish oak influence a 127-proof Kentucky straight bourbon? Tune in to hear our side-by-side tasting notes, campfire flavor descriptors, and our debate over which bottle moves forward toward Whiskey of the Month consideration!

Have you visited Bluegrass Distillers at Elkwood Farm in Midway yet? Let us know your favorite pours in the comments below!

Please like, subscribe, share with a fellow whiskey lover, and always remember to drink responsibly. Cheers!

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Midway Series: Dudley & Gratz Finished Rye Whiskey

  • Classification: Rye Whiskey Finished in Sauternes Casks
  • Company: Midway Distilling Co.
  • Distillery: Distilled in Lawrenceburg, IN (MGP/Ross & Squibb); Bottled by Bluegrass Distillers (Lexington, KY)
  • Mash Bill: 95% Rye / 5% Malted Barley (traditional Lawrenceburg, IN mash bill)
  • Age: 8 Years
  • Proof: 115 Proof (57.5% ABV)
  • SRP: $70
  • Released: 2026
  • Other: Batch 06, Bottle 97; 750 mL; Woodford County, KY designation on label; named for the historic Midway Distilling Co. (operated 1916–1920 in Midway, KY, bottled medicinal spirits during Prohibition, destroyed by fire in 1924) located at the corner of Dudley & Gratz Streets; finished in French Sauternes dessert wine barrels.
  • Purchased: 07/04/26 for $70 at Bluegrass Distillers

Elkwood Reserve Spanish Oaked Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Finished in Spanish Oak)
  • Company: Midway Distilling Co.
  • Distillery: Bluegrass Distillers (Lexington / Midway, KY) (Sourced / Contract Distilled Kentucky Bourbon finished and bottled by Bluegrass Distillers at Elkwood Farm)
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed Kentucky Straight Bourbon mash bill
  • Age: 9 Years (Filled 10/24/2016, Bottled 06/02/2026)
  • Proof: 127 Proof (63.5% ABV)
  • SRP: $115
  • Released: June 2026
  • Other: Barrel 068; 750 mL; Elkwood Reserve series commemorating the new distillery at Elkwood Farm in Midway, KY (historic property built in 1835); finished in rare Spanish oak casks bringing rich oak influence, spice, caramelized sweetness, and dark fruit.
  • Purchased: 07/04/26 for $115 at Bluegrass Distillers

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

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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.

#BourbonTrail #BluegrassDistillers #BourbonReview #WhiskeyReview #KentuckyBourbon #RyeWhiskey #MidwayKY #ElkwoodFarm #BourbonTasting #SingleBarrel #CraftDistillery #SauternesCask #SpanishOak #YourBourbonJourney #DistilleryTour

Hard Truth 7 Year Whiskeys | Full Lineup Tasting 

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Hard Truth’s 7-Year Indiana Whiskey: Bourbon, Wheated, and Rye!

The 7-year mark has officially arrived at Hard Truth Distilling Co., and we are breaking down the entire lineup! In this video, we deep dive into the brand new Hard Truth 7-Year Straight Bourbon, the 7-Year Wheated Bourbon, and the 7-Year Sweet Mash Rye.

Hard Truth has been making waves in Nashville, Indiana, but do these age-stated bottles live up to the premium MSRP? We explore the mash bills, the proof, and the flavor profiles of these highly anticipated February 2026 releases. Whether you are a fan of high-rye bourbons, soft wheated profiles, or punchy sweet mash ryes, we’re finding out exactly where these bottles sit in the current craft whiskey landscape.

In this tasting, we cover:

  • Hard Truth 7-Year Straight Bourbon (112.3 Proof): The core profile.
  • Hard Truth 7-Year Wheated Bourbon (116.1 Proof): The smooth operator.
  • Hard Truth 7-Year Sweet Mash Rye (107 Proof): The rye lover’s dream.

Let us know in the comments if you’ve managed to snag a bottle and what your tasting notes are!

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Hard Truth 7-Year Straight Bourbon

  • Classification: Indiana Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Hard Truth Distilling Co.
  • Distillery: Hard Truth Distilling Co. (Nashville, IN)
  • Mash Bill: 67% Corn, 21% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
  • Age: 7 Years
  • Proof: 112.3
  • MSRP: $89.99
  • Released: February 2026
  • Purchased: $74.99 04/03/26 at High Spirits in Evansville, IN

Hard Truth 7-Year Wheated Bourbon

  • Classification: Indiana Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Hard Truth Distilling Co.
  • Distillery: Hard Truth Distilling Co. (Nashville, IN)
  • Mash Bill: 69% Corn, 19% Wheat, 12% Malted Barley
  • Age: 7 Years
  • Proof: 116.1
  • MSRP: $89.99
  • Released: February 2026
  • Purchased: $74.99 04/03/26 at High Spirits in Evansville, IN

Hard Truth 7-Year Sweet Mash Rye

  • Classification: Indiana Straight Rye Whiskey
  • Company: Hard Truth Distilling Co.
  • Distillery: Hard Truth Distilling Co. (Nashville, IN)
  • Mash Bill: 94% Rye, 6% Malted Barley
  • Age: 7 Years
  • Proof: 107
  • MSRP: $89.99
  • Released: February 2026
  • Purchased: $74.99 04/03/26 at High Spirits in Evansville, IN

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

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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.


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4/20 Special: Tasting the Dark Arts Blunt Blend Batch

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It’s 4/20 and we are “weeding” out the latest release from Dark Arts Whiskey House! In this episode of Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca dive into the Blunt Blend Batch 3, affectionately known as “The Dank Arts.”

This isn’t your average rye. This is an 8-year-old Indiana Rye (likely MGP) that has undergone a sophisticated double-finish in both Madeira and Armagnac casks. Bottled at a stout 113.8 proof, this whiskey promises a complex journey from a fruit-forward nose to a surprising “chocolate” finish that left us questioning if we were actually eating a candy bar!

In this video, we explore:

  • The unique “Dank Arts” branding and 4/20 inspiration. 
  • The impact of the Madeira and Armagnac double-finish on a high-rye mash bill. 
  • Full tasting notes: Discover why Wayne calls this a “Top 5 Rye” of all time. 
  • A breakdown of the viscosity (those legs!) and the “chocolate pop” on the palate. 
  • Our experience ordering online from Dark Arts—is the shipping worth the cost?

Whether you’re a “rye guy” or usually stick to bourbon, this complex, viscous, and spicy “Blunt Blend” might just be your new favorite pour. Stick around for the end where we discuss upcoming cigar pairings and a “special” summer report!

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Dark Arts Blunt Blend (Batch 3) Dank Arts

  • Classification: Rye Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Dark Arts Whiskey House
  • Distillery: Distilled in Indiana; Blended/Bottled in Sparta, KY
  • Mash Bill: 95% Rye, 5% Malted Barley
  • Age: 8 Years
  • Finished: Madeira Cask and Armagnac Cask
  • Proof: 113.8
  • MSRP: $99.99
  • Released: Late March 2026
  • Other: Bottle 3370
  • Purchased: $122.18 with Shipping from Dark Arts Online

❌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.

#DarkArtsWhiskey #BluntBlend #TheDankArts #BourbonJourney #RyeWhiskey #WhiskeyReview #420Whiskey #DoubleFinished #Armagnac #MadeiraCask #WhiskeyTasting #HighProof #KentuckyWhiskey #MGP #WhiskeyCommunity

Why You Need Bénédictine & Rye This Winter | Monte Carlo 

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Warm Up Your Winter with the Monte Carlo Cocktail | Thirsty Thursday E53

Looking for the ultimate “winter-coat” cocktail? Welcome back to Thirsty Thursday Episode 53! As we continue our January series on warming spirits, Rebecca takes you on a deep dive into The Monte Carlo—a sophisticated, herbal twist on the classic Old Fashioned that swaps sugar for the complex, honeyed notes of Bénédictine.

In this episode, we’re using the Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series Rye, finished with toasted cherry wood, to create a drink that feels like a walk through a pine forest. From its mysterious 19th-century history to the “Alpine” dryness of the finish, this is the perfect pour for a cold January night.

🕰️ A Sip of History: What is Bénédictine?

The Monte Carlo is a “ghost” of cocktail history, first appearing in David Embury’s 1948 classic, The Fine Art of Mixing Drinks. It is often considered an “Improved Manhattan,” swapping vermouth for the legendary Bénédictine D.O.M.

Did you know?

  • The Myth: While the bottle says “1510,” the liqueur was actually “rediscovered” in 1863 by Alexandre Le Grand.
  • D.O.M.: This stands for Deo Optimo Maximo (“To God, most good, most great”).
  • The Flavor: It contains 27 herbs and spices, including saffron, hyssop, and fir cones—which is why it pairs so perfectly with our cardamom bitters to create that winter forest profile!

📜 The Monte Carlo Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz Bardstown Straight Rye Whiskey (Origin Series)
  • 0.5 oz Bénédictine D.O.M.
  • 1 dash Angostura Aromatic Bitters
  • 1 dash Cardamom Bitters (The secret to that winter vibe!)
  • Garnish: Thick lemon twist

Method:

  1. Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice.
  2. Stir for approximately 20 seconds until chilled and diluted.
  3. Strain into a rocks glass over one large clear ice cube.
  4. Express lemon oils over the top and garnish.

🥃 Tasting Notes: The “Alpine” Experience

  • The Nose: Bright lemon oils followed by a “baking spice” cloud of cardamom and cinnamon.
  • The Attack: A rich, silky entry featuring toasted oak and a hint of cherry wood.
  • The Mid-Palate: Weighted notes of clove, honey, and herbal tea.
  • The Finish: A cooling, forest-like dryness with pine needles, black pepper, and mint.

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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.

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Touring Castle & Key: Bourbon History Reborn at Old Taylor

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Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes Episode 39 – Castle & Key Distillery

Get ready for an adventure down the Kentucky Bourbon Trail as we revisit a nice stop in Frankfort, Kentucky in April 2023.  In this episode, we’re taking you back to our very first visit to Castle & Key Distillery which was our 43rd distillery and our 35th stamp in our Kentucky Bourbon Trail Book! Plus – we finished the Craft Bluegrass Trail.

Join us as we relive every moment from our initial tour of the Castle & Key Distillery . But the excitement doesn’t stop there! We’ll then uncork a bottle of their Restoration Rye 2022 Single Barrel for an in-depth tasting. What hidden notes and unique flavors await us in this one-of-a-kind pour? 

Click play ▶️ now to join the adventure!

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What’s a bourbon trail journey without a good story? 🥃 Welcome to Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes, where we dive into the unforgettable moments and hidden gems we discovered while exploring Kentucky’s iconic trail. Join us as we uncork the profound memories that have stayed with us long after the last pour. We’ll revisit the unexpected finds and the bottles that truly surprised us with their exceptional, intricate flavors. So, what stood out as the most memorable sip, and how have those experiences shaped our palates today? Get ready for a passionate retelling of the adventures, the connections, and the spirits that make the Bourbon Trail so much more than just a destination.

#KentuckyBourbonTrail #CastleAndKey #RestorationRye #bourbontrail #RyeWhiskey #SingleBarrel #WhiskeyReview #KentuckyWhiskey #CastleAndKeyDistillery #FrankfortKY #DistilleryTour #whiskeytasting 

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ABOUT THE BOTTLE REVIEWED

✴️ Restoration Rye 2022 Single Barrel

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
  • Distillery: Castle & Key Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 63% Rye, 20% Malted Barley, 17% Yellow Corn
  • Age: 3
  • Proof: 115.8
  • Released: 2022
  • Other: Barrel 3027; Bottle 218
  • Purchased: 04/16/23 for $70 at Castle & Key Distillery

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

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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.

Old Forester’s FIRST Bonded Rye: Is it Worth It?

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Prepare to uncork a momentous occasion with us as we dive into the latest, highly anticipated release from the esteemed Old Forester 117 Series: the Bottled in Bond Rye Whiskey! This isn’t just another bottle; it’s a historic milestone, marking Old Forester’s very first foray into crafting a Bottled in Bond Rye.

Join us as we meticulously explore every captivating facet of this extraordinary expression. We’ll break down its unique mashbill – a bold 65% Rye, 20% Malted Barley, and 15% Corn – and uncover the secrets it holds. What complex aromas will tantalize our senses, foreshadowing the journey ahead? Will its taste live up to the legendary Old Forester name and truly “wow” our palates with its depth and character?

Most importantly, after our comprehensive review, we’ll answer the burning question you’re all waiting for: Is this Old Forester 117 Series Bottled in Bond Rye a definite BUY, a regrettable PASS, or an essential BACKUP for your collection?

Join us for completely unfiltered tasting notes as we dive deep into this limited release pour. Will it live up to the hype of its rarity? Click play ▶️ NOW to find out our honest thoughts!

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❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

✴️ Old Forester 117 Series: Bottled-in-Bond Rye

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
  • Company: Brown Forman
  • Distillery: Old Forester Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 65% Rye, 20% Malted Barley, 15% Corn
  • Distilled: Spring 2015
  • Age: 10 Years
  • Proof: 100
  • MSRP: $64.99
  • Released: March 2025
  • Other: Bottled in Bond, 375ml Bottle
  • Purchased: 06/27/25 for $74.99 at Beverage Barn in Henderson, KY

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

✅ Please SUBSCRIBE and hit the LIKE button!

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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.