Larceny Barrel Proof C924: A Bourbon Tasting Experience

November 5, 2024November 7, 2024 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

November 5, 2024
By Rebecca Herman McBrayer

This tasting is the Larceny Barrel Proof’s recent release, C924. This is our first bottle of a Larceny Barrel Proof and Wayne and I are excited to dive into a detailed tasting of it.

Tasting Notes: Larceny Barrel Proof, C924

Please be sure to read our approach to Tasting Whiskey if you haven’t already.

Mashbill – 68% Corn, 20% Wheat, 12% Malted Barley
Age – 6-8 years
Release – C924
Proof – 125.1
Price Paid – $89.99 (plus tax)

Color – Light mahogany.

Aroma – A lot of sweet notes come forward, almost like a confectionary sugar. There is cherry, honey, dark chocolate, a light smokiness, a bit of leather, nutmeg or clove.

Tasted Neat – Great profile. Very dark chocolate, coffee bean, cherry, cinnamon, an oakiness, clove, red hot candies, it is rich and dark. Reminiscent of a deep dark chocolate mocha cup of coffee with whipped cream.

Finish – Very long and lingering, with cinnamon, leather, dark chocolate, nutmeg, coffee bean, and pepper. Similar to a luscious Mexican Hot Chocolate.

Tasted with dried cranberry – Made it spicier and brighter with fruit notes. Tangerine, almost summer-like. Limited finish.

Tasted with a pecan – Rich, dark chocolate, oak notes of spice and leather. Almost a Bloody Mary type of spiciness. Nice finish.

Tasted with dark chocolate – Very creamy, smoky, deeper and darker Mexican Hot Chocolate with chili pepper pops. Long and lingering finish.

Final Notes and Video

While we each preferred it neat, Wayne really enjoyed the cranberry pairing and I found the dark chocolate to be very nice. This can truly be a versatile bourbon to have. It seems to pair well with a variety of flavors and textures and that could make it ideal for a gathering that includes food items, such as a charcuterie board.

The aroma bursts with sweet notes reminiscent of confectionary sugar, showcasing a captivating blend of cherry, honey, dark chocolate, a subtle smokiness, hints of leather, and the warmth of nutmeg or clove. Tasting it neat reveals an impressive profile filled with rich dark chocolate, coffee beans, cherry, cinnamon, and a bold oakiness, complemented by the spice of clove and the kick of Red Hot candies. The experience is undeniably luxurious and indulgent, evoking the feeling of savoring a deep, dark chocolate mocha topped with whipped cream. The finish is remarkably long and lingering, enriched with cinnamon, leather, dark chocolate, nutmeg, coffee bean, and pepper, evoking the essence of a luscious Mexican Hot Chocolate.

Larceny Barrel Proof C924 is an outstanding bourbon that we highly recommend.

Embracing the Craft,
Rebecca & Wayne

Photos and video by Rebecca Herman McBrayer

NOTE: The bourbon 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.

Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey: Such whiskeys have all the requirements of bourbon: Made in the U.S, distilled at <= 160 proof, barreled at <= 125 proof, aged in new, charred oak containers, bottled at >= 80 proof. Straight bourbon means it is aged at least 2 years (and must have an age statement if less than 4). In addition, to be Kentucky Straight Bourbon, it has the additional requirement that it must be produced and aged at least 1 year in the state of Kentucky. For additional information on bourbon requirements, please read this post – Bourbon Whiskey.

Discover Affordable 100 Proof Bourbons for Mixing

November 3, 2024 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

November 3, 2024
By Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Wayne and I decided to do a “bargain” tasting based on a request by a friend. We love having friends over to try new bourbons and they tend to really enjoy doing that. But one brought to our attention that they wanted to find decent bourbons to have on their shelf at home or that they might request as a mixed drink in a bar.

This blind sample includes five bourbons, all are 100 proof, at least four years old, and under $30.

This table documents our blind nosing and tasting experience.

	Sample A	Sample B	Sample C	Sample D	Sample E
Appearance	Light in color, golden honey	Light in color, golden honey	Light in color, golden honey	Light in color, golden honey	Light in color, golden honey
Nose	Wayne: Plum Rebecca: Caramel, apple	Wayne: not as hot Rebecca: light, very little coming forward	Wayne: slight vanilla Rebecca: light, bright, berries, toffee	Wayne: very light Rebecca: light, butter	Wayne: limited Rebecca: creamy vanilla pudding
Tasted Neat	Wayne: bitter, spicy Rebecca: a bit hot, caramel, red hots	Wayne: zest, cinnamon Rebecca: orange zest	Wayne: oak, cinnamon Rebecca: oak, toffee	Wayne: chili powder Rebecca: nutty, peanut butter, chili	Wayne: rye grass Rebecca: rye spice, darker tasting
Finish	Wayne: black pepper Rebecca: fairly long, black pepper	Wayne: black pepper Rebecca: long, black pepper	Wayne: black pepper Rebecca: medium, pepper	Wayne: chili pepper Rebecca: long, oak, nutty, pops of chili	Wayne: NA Rebecca: medium, black pepper
First Impression	Wayne: so-so Rebecca: OK	Wayne: OK Rebecca: OK	Wayne: OK Rebecca: OK	Wayne: Nice Rebecca: Good	Wayne: No Rebecca: so-so
Top Nose		Wayne #1	Rebecca #2	Rebecca #1	Wayne #2
Top Taste		Wayne #1	Rebecca #1 Wayne #2	Rebecca #2
Top Overall		Wayne #1	Rebecca #1 Wayne #2	Rebecca #2

Please watch this video for more information on the entire blind tasting process and experience.

The table below shows the details and results of each bottle.

Name	Age	Price	Mashbill	Revealed Sample Letter	Results	With Diet Coke
Bench-mark Bonded 100 proof	Bottled-in-Bond; At least 4 yrs by rule	$17.99	Un-disclosed	C	Rebecca #1 taste & overall, #2 nose Wayne #2 taste & overall	Rebecca & Wayne = No!
Evan Williams Bonded 100 proof	Bottled-in-Bond; At least 4 yrs by rule	$23.99	78/C, 10/R, 12/MB	D	Rebecca #1 nose; #2 taste & overall	Rebecca & Wayne = Very Good!
Old Forester 100 proof	KSBW; at least 4 yrs by rule with NAS	$29.99	72/C, 18/R, 10/MB	B	Wayne #1 Nose, Taste, & Overall	Rebecca = Very Good; Wayne = No
Old Grand Dad Bonded 100 proof	Bottled-in-Bond; At least 4 yrs by rule	$25.99	63/C, 27/R, 10/MB	E	Wayne #2 Nose	Rebecca & Wayne = No!
Very Old Barton 100 proof	KSBW; at least 4 yrs by rule with NAS	$16.99	75/C, 15/R, 10/MB	A	N/A	Rebecca & Wayne = OK

Discussion and Final Notes

This blind tasting was very enlightening. When you remove your background knowledge, experience, and expectations from the equation, it really helps your mind, nose, and palate be open to new senses. For us, it is unlikely that we will drink these neat; however, we have a much better understanding of which ones taste better with a Diet Coke (our mixer of choice) and this will be beneficial for selecting a bargain pour in various establishments.

If you have an idea for another blind tasting match-up, please let us know. We are always looking for new challenges!

Embracing the Craft!
Wayne & Rebecca

Photos & video by Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Spirit Requirements: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey & Bottled-in-Bond

Bottled-in-Bond: must be produced in a single distillation season by a single distillery; must mature in a U.S. bonded warehouse for a minimum of four years; and the aged spirit must be bottled at 50% ABV (100 proof). For additional information on Bottled-in-Bond requirements, please read this post – Bottled in Bond.

NOTE: The bourbons in this review were purchased by us. 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.

Why Hidden Barn French Oak Bourbon is a Must-Try

October 31, 2024November 7, 2024 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

October 31, 2024
By Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Wayne and I were able to purchase this particular bottle of Hidden Barn during the 2024 Kentucky Bourbon Festival. For those who are not familiar with the Hidden Barn brand, the press release (below) for this bottle provides some background.

“The brand has been acquired by Royce Neeley from the Neeley Family Distillery, and continues to be created in partnership with Master Blender Jackie Zykan. This acquisition elevates the brand from its inception as an NDP (non-distiller producer) into having a brick-and-mortar home. The first release for Hidden Barn under the Neeley family of brands is a seven-year-old expression, aged five years in 24-month open-air seasoned barrels, and then barreled in new charred French oak barrels for an additional two years.”

Tasting Notes: Hidden Barn Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Double Barreled in New Charred French Oak

Please be sure to read our approach to Tasting Whiskey if you haven’t already.

Mashbill – 70% Corn, 20% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
Age – 7 years (last two years in new charred French oak barrels)
Other – 5 Barrel Small Batch
Proof – 109.4
Price Paid – $100 (plus tax)

Color – Mahogany.

Aroma – Great aromas right away. Sweetness, spice, and oak come together very nicely. Possibly caramel or vanilla with fruit notes of cherry or maybe berries and then baking spices. Brings to mind a fresh baked pie.

Tasted Neat – It has a lot going on and it is all good. The vanilla is custard-like, such as a decadent crème brûlée, with hints of butterscotch, and fruit notes that seem to be more of a berry – leaning toward a blackberry. Cinnamon is present as is a slight chocolate note with.

Finish – A long and comforting finish with very dark caramel notes, toasted French oak, leather, dark chocolate, cinnamon, black pepper.

Tasted with dried cranberry – It really made it brighter, apple, orange zest, and the finish is pops of pepper.

Tasted with a pecan – Baking chocolate and a luscious oakiness. The fruit notes are gone but replaced with hints of cinnamon and black pepper. It is very good.

Tasted with dark chocolate – Wow – this is wonderful! It is spicy, more cinnamon notes, sweet oak, dark chocolate, cherry, with a warm finish. Together, it is reminiscent of drinking a fabulous Mexican hot chocolate! Deep, dark chocolate with bits of chili pepper.

Final Notes and Video

First, this is an outstanding bottle of bourbon. Second, we love Hidden Barn and Neeley Family Distillery. If you are not acquainted with them, we hope this introduction has encouraged you to change that!

Mahogany in color, this bourbon boasts enticing aromas from the very start. The harmony of sweetness, spice, and oak comes together beautifully, with rich hints of caramel or vanilla and luscious fruit notes of cherry or berries, evoking the essence of a freshly baked pie. Tasting it neat reveals a complex profile that delights the senses. The vanilla is decadently custard-like, reminiscent of a luxurious crème brûlée, complemented by butterscotch and vibrant berry notes, leaning toward blackberry. Cinnamon adds depth, along with a subtle touch of chocolate. This bourbon finishes long and comfortably, leaving behind dark caramel notes, toasted French oak, leather, dark chocolate, cinnamon, and a hint of black pepper. This is a superior pour from nose to finish!

Wayne and I highly recommend this bottle – find it – acquire it – enjoy it!

Embracing the Craft,
Rebecca & Wayne

Photos and video by Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Limestone Branch 2024 Bardstown Collection Review

October 28, 2024November 7, 2024 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

October 28, 2024
By Rebecca Herman McBrayer

This year Wayne and I ventured to Bardstown, KY several days in advance of the 2024 Kentucky Bourbon Festival. One day we revisited Maker’s Mark and another day we did a terrific tour at Wild Turkey. Between those days, we participated in the Scotchy Bourbon Boys 4th Annual Bus Tour. It was on that tour that one of our stops provided an opportunity to revisit Limestone Branch Distillery and enjoyed an amazing experience led by the one and only Stephen Fante, National Brand Ambassador.

At the conclusion of our tour and tasting, we did what we usually do — visit the gift shop and determine which bottles we would be bringing home! One of those bottles was the Limestone Branch 2024 Bardstown Collection. This was their first year to participate in the collection and we were excited to taste what Stephen Beam had created.

Tasting Notes: Limestone Branch 2024 Bardstown Collection

Please be sure to read our approach to Tasting Whiskey if you haven’t already.

Mashbill – Historic recipe of 60% White Corn, 28% Red Winter Wheat, and 12% Malted Barley
Age – 6 years
Proof – 100
Price Paid – $259.95 (plus tax)

Color – Dark copper.

Aroma – The red winter wheat is immediately noticeable on the nose and is almost bread-like. In addition, there is brown sugar, baking spices, and a fruit note of either apple or cherry.

Tasted Neat – Wheat toast and a rich creamed corn is present in a rather savory profile. The nose of baking spices has shifted clearly to cinnamon notes. There are also notes of tobacco, perhaps a sweet pipe tobacco, and a hint of cherry is also present.

Finish – This has a nice finish. It starts rather slowly but continues to evolve. It starts with sweet oak and cinnamon and then transitions to pops of black pepper. At the very end, notes of leather start to come forward.

Tasted with dried cranberry – This made it quite spicy with cinnamon. The finish is now a bit effervescent as it “pops” with spicy bursts of black pepper.

Tasted with a pecan – The pecan has brought the oak notes forward. It has become deep, dark, and luscious and has notes of very dark chocolate and a slight hint of cherry. The finish is similar to when we tried it neat as the leather is present again.

Tasted with dark chocolate – It has a creamy texture and pleasant mouthfeel. The spice is leaning more toward a ginger note. There is also a subtle chocolate that is warm, somewhat like a Mexican hot chocolate vibe.

Final Notes and Video

Overall, we find this to be a fantastic bottle. Wayne especially enjoyed its “vintage bottle” feel with the historic recipe using white corn and red winter wheat notes. Rebecca loved it from nose to finish.

In summary, the red winter wheat makes an immediate and bold statement on the nose, reminiscent of freshly baked bread. Accompanying this are enticing notes of brown sugar, baking spices, and a vibrant fruit character, hinting at either apple or cherry. On the palate, wheat toast stands out, complemented by a rich, savory presence of creamed corn. The baking spices have firmly evolved into pronounced cinnamon notes. Additionally, there are distinct hints of tobacco, suggesting a sweet pipe variety, and a flicker of cherry that adds depth. The finish is satisfying and dynamic; it begins with a gradual unfolding of sweet oak and cinnamon, then transitions into lively bursts of black pepper, culminating in an intriguing emergence of leather at the very end.

Wayne and I highly recommend this bottle for your collection and if you are at the Limestone Branch Distillery, inquire if they have any bottles remaining.

Embracing the Craft,
Rebecca & Wayne

Note: We were only able to acquire two of the 2024 Bardstown Collection, this one from Limestone Branch and the offering from Bardstown Bourbon Company.

Photos and video by Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Tasting Notes for Buzzard’s Roost 11-Year Old Double-Oaked Bourbon

October 24, 2024November 7, 2024 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

October 24, 2024
By Rebecca Herman McBrayer

*Rebecca Herman, Jason Brauner, Wayne McBrayer*

Wayne and I have enjoyed Buzzard’s Roost Whiskey for a few years and have visited their Whiskey Row location in Louisville on several occasions. August 14th, Jason Brauner, co-founder of Buzzard’s Roost, was the guest speaker for the Owensboro Bourbon Society’s monthly meeting. During his talk he shared that they were about to celebrate their 5th anniversary and would be releasing a 7-Year Old and 11-Year Old Double-Oaked Bourbons on August 17th at Whiskey Row. See official press release at the end.

That date was outstanding for us as we would be in Louisville for the Bourbon Women’s SIP Conference during the release. We had free time in the afternoon and ensured that we notched out some time to visit Buzzard’s Roost. As always, we enjoyed time in their lovely bar, had a neat pour of each new release, and decided on the spot that each would be coming home with us!

Tasting Notes: Buzzard’s Roost 11-Year Old Double-Oaked Bourbon

Please be sure to read our approach to Tasting Whiskey if you haven’t already.

Mashbill – 75% corn, 21% rye and 4% malted barley.
Age – 11 Years
Proof – 113.8
Price Paid – $150 (plus tax)

Color – Rich mahogany.

Aroma – Cherry, toffee, brown sugar, caramel, vanilla, and a hint of smokiness.

Tasted Neat – Brown sugar and cinnamon toast, toffee, sweet oak, dried cherries, dark chocolate, and more cinnamon.

Finish – A terrific medium to long finish with white pepper, sweet oak, a hint of very dark chocolate, and then black pepper.

Tasted with dried cranberry – Many of the delightful flavors became muted and replace with orange zest and a strong spiciness.

Tasted with a pecan – Dark chocolate, deep caramel, and oak. It is very nice and reminiscent of a dark chocolate covered caramel with a hint of spice.

Tasted with dark chocolate – Like the cranberry, this muted many of the terrific flavors. There is a forward spiciness and strong notes of orange zest with cinnamon on the finish. Somewhat better than with the cranberry.

Final Notes and Video

We truly enjoy this offering by Buzzard’s Roost. The 11-year-old, double-oaked bourbon is almost decadent. The rich mahogany color is striking, complemented by impressive legs. The aroma confidently boasts notes of cherry, toffee, brown sugar, caramel, vanilla, and a subtle hint of smokiness. On the palate, it delivers an indulgent mix of brown sugar and cinnamon toast, toffee, sweet oak, dried cherries, dark chocolate, and an assertive touch of cinnamon. Its finish is a bold medium to long experience, featuring white pepper, sweet oak, a whisper of very dark chocolate, and a punch of black pepper. Overall, this is a deep, dark, and complex spirit that compels you to reach for another sip.

Wayne and I highly recommend this bottle for your collection.

Embracing the Craft,
Rebecca & Wayne

Photos and video by Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Straight Bourbon Whiskey: Such whiskeys have all the requirements of bourbon: Made in the U.S, distilled at <= 160 proof, barreled at <= 125 proof, aged in new, charred oak containers, bottled at >= 80 proof. Straight bourbon means it is aged at least 2 years (and must have an age statement if less than 4). For additional information on bourbon requirements, please read this post – Bourbon Whiskey.

Buzzard’s Roost Press Release: 7-Year Old and 11-Year Old Double-Oaked Bourbons

Buzzard’s Roost Releases Two Double-Oaked Single Barrel Bourbons to Mark 5th Anniversary
7-Year Old and 11-Year Old Double-Oaked Bourbons Will Be Released Aug. 17 at Whiskey Row

Aug. 13, 2024 – Louisville, Kentucky – In Summer 2019, when Buzzard’s Roost began with three barrels of rye, Cofounders Judy Hollis Jones and Jason Brauner already had long-range vision (like buzzards do!), leading them to purchase several barrels of aged bourbon to put down for a special day. That day is now here!

Buzzard’s Roost will release Founders Seven-Year-Old Straight Bourbon ($125) and 11-Year Old Straight Bourbon ($150) at its Whiskey Row Experience at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 17. A limited number of bottles will be available as pre-sale online.

Both bourbons are double-oaked, undergoing secondary maturation in Buzzard’s Roost’s signature, new Char #1 oak barrels that were precision-toasted to coax out very specific flavors from the wood. From Day One, Buzzard’s Roost’s point of difference has been its proprietary secondary maturation – or double-barreling – process that leads to rare flavor profiles not found in any other whiskeys.

“These are some of the most exciting bourbons we’ve produced,” says Buzzard’s Roost Master Blender Jason Brauner. “We bought barrels of aged bourbon and then spent considerable time determining the exact toast profile for the second barrels, to result in the best flavors. They started as excellent bourbons, and both aged beautifully, evolving into even better bourbons.”

As for the long-range vision, CEO Judy Hollis Jones notes that the brand is now in 23 markets (including Canada) and has earned the respect of the most discerning palates. Wine Enthusiast gave Buzzard’s Roost’s new Bottled in Bond Bourbon 95 points, while Toasted French Oak Bourbon received 94 points. Buzzard’s Roost Char #1 Rye was named Best American Rye in the International Whisky Competition, while Toasted American Oak Bourbon was named Best Bourbon in the 2024 Barleycorn Awards.

“The accolades mean a lot to a young craft brand like Buzzard’s Roost,” says Hollis Jones. “But what means the most is sharing these whiskeys with friends and customers and watching our brand grow, reaching new whiskey lovers who keep the momentum going.”

Both Bourbons share the same mash bill: 75% corn, 21% rye and 4% malted barley. The 7 Year Old Bourbon is 109.2 proof, and the 11 Year Old Bourbon is 113.8 proof. Guests can try before they buy at the Buzzard’s Roost Whiskey Row Experience, with pours available for purchase at the bar, and both will be included in tasting flights while supplies last.

About Buzzard’s Roost: Buzzard’s Roost Sipping Whiskey is an independent blender, bottler and distiller of exceptional whiskeys crafted using pioneering techniques. Buzzard’s Roost whiskeys are created using a combination of break-through techniques for secondary maturation including 18-month-seasoned oak barrels for intensified flavors and exclusive use of Char #1 over very specific toast levels to coax complex flavors from each barrel, leading to rye whiskeys and bourbons with flavors unlike any other.

Buzzard’s Roost Whiskeys are distributed in 23 markets including Alberta, Canada and select products are available online and at the Buzzard’s Roost Whiskey Row Experience at 624 W. Main Street in downtown Louisville. All Buzzard’s Roost whiskeys are second-barrel aged and bottled at Bardstown Bourbon Company. Buzzard’s Roost is proud to be a woman-led company. Follow @buzzardsroostwhiskey on Instagram and Facebook.

Secrets of Bourbon Food Pairing Explained by Experts

October 21, 2024 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

Date & Time: Friday, October 4th, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Location: The Kentucky History Center, 100 West Broadway St., Frankfort, KY 40601

By Rebecca Herman McBrayer

As part of our Frankfort, KY Bourbon on the Banks weekend, we attended the Secrets to Bourbon Food Pairing with Peggy Noe Stevens & John Medley. We had a big morning of travel from Indiana with our friends, Hap & Judy Aziz, as well as an insightful grounds walk tour at Glenn’s Creek Distilling – home of the historic Old Crow Distillery. We made it to the event just in time and friends had saved us seats right up front – Thank you Lisa & Phil!

Event Description: The Secrets to Bourbon Food Pairing – Bourbon Hall of Fame and Master Taster, Peggy Noe Stevens and John Medley, the Research and Development Director at Buffalo Trace Distillery take you on a sensory journey with food pairings from Limewater Bistro and our favorite expressions from Buffalo Trace Distillery.
-History and Tasting of three premium Bourbons
– Bourbon Benchmarking: Understanding three Different Styles
– Food and Bourbon pairing and palate training

What We Learned About Pairings

Peggy shared her approach and teaching tool for bourbon pairings called The Flavor Trio. She referred to this technique a balance, counterbalance, and explosion.

Balance: When the flavors of a bourbon MATCH the flavor of a food.
Counterbalance: When a completely OPPOSITE food flavor highlights certain bourbon flavor profiles.
Explosion: When a predominant bourbon flavor is matched with a predominant flavor in a food – this causes a flavor explosion.

With this in mind, you should select your bourbon first and get to know its flavor profile. Next, you would select foods to balance, counterbalance, and explode those flavors. This (and much more) is detailed in the book: “WHICH FORK DO I USED WITH MY BOURBON? Setting the Table for Tastings, Food Pairings, Dinners, and Cocktail Parties.” Peggy Noe Stevens & Susan Reigler. Available on Amazon.

Pairing 1: Buffalo Trace

Buffalo Trace: Caramel, brown sugar, vanilla, and honey with notes of summer fruits and hints of leather and oak.

Balance: Paired with Peach Salad with Molasses Vinaigrette, Fresh Tarragon, and Honey Brown Bread Crouton.

The molasses vinaigrette balanced with the brown sugar; the notes of honey were present in the honey brown bread crouton; and the peach highlighted the bourbon flavors of summer fruits. This combination was truly delightful!

Pairing 2: Weller 12-Year-Old

Weller 12: Vanilla, orange peel, creamed corn, honeysuckle, and baking spices.

Counterbalance: Paired with Slow-Cooked Brisket with Crispy Gouda Grit Cake, Spicy BBQ, and Green Onion.

While the grit cake complimented the creamed corn from the Weller, the spicy BBQ sauce was the perfect counterbalance to the overall sweetness profile of the bourbon.

Pairing 3: Stagg Jr.

Stagg Jr.: Pipe tobacco, caramel, vanilla, baking spices, dates, with hints of clove and cocoa.

Explosion: Paired with Date and Chocolate Cake with Fresh Blackberry.

Wow! Explosion is a great description for how this tastes together. Amazing!

About our Hosts

Peggy Noe Stevens: As the world’s first female master bourbon taster and founder of the Bourbon Women Association, Peggy is uniquely qualified to educate the audience about Kentucky’s native spirit. Whether you are new to bourbon, or a seasoned enthusiast, she will present an entertaining overview of Bourbon’s flavor influencers during the production process and how to taste like a pro. A customized food and Bourbon pairing will delight your senses and teach you why the many different “styles” of our amber elixir make Bourbon a signature industry for Kentucky.

*Rebecca Herman, Judy Aziz, Hap Aziz, Wayne McBrayer, and Peggy Noe Stevens*

John Medley: As the Research & Development Director at Buffalo Trace Distillery, John Medley is responsible for providing technical leadership for Sazerac products and implementing improvements in manufacturing processes. Under John’s helm, the new product development team creates successful brands enjoyed by fans all over the world.

*Wayne McBrayer, Rebecca Herman, and John Medley*

The perfectly prepared food pairings were created by Limewater Bistro.

The pairings were both delightful and educational. This was a fantastic experience. If you have an opportunity to attend a similar event, we highly recommend it. If you are unable to do so, Peggy & Susan’s book is fantastic!

Embracing the Craft!
Rebecca & Wayne

Old Fitzgerald 25th Anniversary Edition: A Tasting Review

September 24, 2024November 7, 2024 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

09/24/24
By Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Wayne and I have always been intrigued by Old Fitzgerald and its stunning decanter. It has felt a bit like a quest to acquire a bottle, but last year, Wayne surprised me with a beautiful 1976 dusty decanter for our anniversary, which we have enjoyed immensely. You can read all about that special bottle HERE.

Recently, we attended the 2024 Kentucky Bourbon Festival. While we usually prefer to embrace the festival experience without long waits in bottle lines, on the final day, we decided to stand in line for an hour and twenty minutes to snag the 2024 Old Fitzgerald 13 Year Old VVS (very very special). We knew it wouldn’t be long until we decided to open it up to complete a formal tasting!

Heaven Hill Press Release: Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 25th Anniversary Edition

BARDSTOWN, Ky. (April 2, 2024) – Today Heaven Hill announced the release of the Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 25th Anniversary Edition commemorating the anniversary of Heaven Hill acquiring the historic Bernheim Distillery (DSP-KY-1) in Louisville, Ky and along with it the Old Fitzgerald brand. Comprised of 13-year-old barrels, this edition ushers in the latest release to the decanter series and adds to Heaven Hill Distillery’s bottled-in-bond legacy.

After the catastrophic fire at the Old Heaven Hill Springs Distillery in November 1996, Heaven Hill acquired the Bernheim Distillery in Louisville in April 1999. The barrels used for this release were produced in September 1999, emptied in March 2013 and bottled in February 2024. When these barrels were tested in 2013, it was decided that the taste profile at 13 years old was exceptional and the profile would be reserved for a special occasion, such as this 25th Anniversary Edition. Thirteen is also a lucky number for Heaven Hill, as the company filled its first barrel ever on December 13, 1935.

“The Bernheim Distillery became the lifeblood of Heaven Hill after the setback from the fire and has been ever since,” said Executive Chairman Max Shapira. “We are honored to have been able to continue the Old Fitzgerald legacy since that time and look forward to many more years of exceptional releases from Bernheim Distillery and from the Heaven Hill Springs Distillery set to open early next year.”

The Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Decanter Series is comprised of three types of releases: Spring, Fall and VVS. This special edition is denoted by a maroon label. Since 2018, there have only ever been two other VVS releases, including VVS 2018 14-year-old and VVS 2020 16-year-old. The 2024 edition will be available in the 750ml size on an allocated basis as an exclusive Kentucky release to select retailers and the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience in Bardstown, Ky. It meets the strict requirements of a bottled-in-bond: the product of a single distillery from a single distilling season, aged a minimum of four years, and bottled at 100 proof or 50% alcohol by volume. This edition is available at the suggested retail price of $229.99.

Tasting Notes: Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 25th Anniversary Edition

Please be sure to read our approach to Tasting Whiskey if you haven’t already.

Mashbill – 68% Corn, 20% Wheat and 12% Malted Barley
Age – 13 years old
Proof – 100 (Bottled-in-Bond)
Price Paid – $229.99 (plus tax)

Color – Bright burnished copper.

Aroma – Sweet cinnamon toast, hints of a dark sweet fruit, nutmeg, and nice oak notes. Later, it included a smokiness and a hint of pipe tobacco.

Tasted Neat – Very rich notes of honey and french vanilla that is reminiscent of a luscious confectionary dessert. There is a rich, dark fruitiness, almost jam-like. The flavors are like dark cherries or a very ripe red apple. The cinnamon persists and there is also nutmeg.

Finish – Long, pleasant, and lingering. The cinnamon is front and center but the dark fruit remains present to add sweetness. The cinnamon transitions to more of a white pepper with a nice hint of oak. Terrific.

Tasted with dried cranberry – The cranberry didn’t change it per se; however, it muted the flavor profile and finish. Still good but it lost its greatness.

Tasted with a pecan – The pecan enhanced and even darkened the flavor profile by bringing out the oak flavors and a very dark chocolate cocoa. The finish is nice and it highlights the cinnamon notes.

Tasted with dark chocolate – The truly sweetened the flavor profile. The darker fruit and vanilla have become the classic holiday candy of dark chocolate covered cherry cordials. Even the finish is sweeter with sweet oak, cinnamon toast, and hints of sweet cherries.

Discussion and Final Notes

After enjoying this tasting, we are excited to plan a taste comparison with the 1976 Old Fitzgerald. We believe this could be an intriguing pairing!

Its taste profile and overall pour are simply fantastic from start to finish. Considering its age, we were pleasantly surprised by its wonderfully sweet profile. The oak presence harmoniously balances the other sweet aspects of the bourbon. It’s clear that this was aged exquisitely, as there are no harsh tannic notes from the oak to detract from its amazing taste profile.

We were happy to discover that tasting with dried cranberry, pecan, and dark chocolate didn’t dramatically alter its flavor. The dried cranberry added a subtle touch, lightly muting the notes and shortening the finish, yet they still shone through. The pecan enriched the profile, bringing forth delightful cocoa flavors, while the dark chocolate enhanced the confections aspect of this pour. It beautifully showcases the bourbon’s strong identity along with its versatility in ways to enjoy it.

This Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 25th Anniversary Edition is highly sought after and available only through Kentucky retailers or at the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience. If you find one, we wholeheartedly recommend snapping it up!

Embracing the Craft,
Rebecca & Wayne

Photos by Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Bottled-in-Bond Spirit Requirements

Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey: Such whiskeys have all the requirements of bourbon: Made in the U.S, distilled at <= 160 proof, barreled at <= 125 proof, aged in new, charred oak containers, bottled at >= 80 proof. Straight bourbon means it is aged at least 2 years (and must have an age statement if less than 4). In addition, to be Kentucky Straight Bourbon, it has the additional requirement that it must be produced and aged at least 1 year in the state of Kentucky. For additional information on bourbon requirements, please read this post – Bourbon Whiskey.

Bottled-in-Bond: must be produced in a single distillation season by a single distillery; must mature in a U.S. bonded warehouse for a minimum of four years; and the aged spirit must be bottled at 50% ABV (100 proof). For additional information on Bottled-in-Bond requirements, please read this post – Bottled in Bond.

An Evening with Bourbon Icons: A Culinary Journey

September 19, 2024 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

Event Date: Saturday, September 14, 2024 6:00 – 10:00 PM
By Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Wayne and I were absolutely thrilled for this event! Over the past two years, we have passionately enjoyed bourbon dinners that have left an indelible impression, and attending the Supper Club events at James B. Beam Distillery has been nothing short of a culinary adventure. Each occasion brought us exquisite food meticulously prepared and captivating stories that enveloped us in the rich heritage of bourbon.

Event Description: A special evening with 7th & 8th generation master distiller’s Fred & Freddie Noe at Fred’s home in Bardstown, KY with some of their renowned friends. Dinner will be provided by the Kitchen Table restaurant with an opportunity to enjoy pours and cocktails from each participating distillery. You will be delighted with stories during an exclusive round table tasting featuring a product from each brand, and the opportunity to interact with top professionals in the bourbon industry.

The speakers for the evening included: Brent Elliott – Four Roses, Royce Neeley – Neeley Family Distillery, Steve Nally – Bardstown Bourbon Company, Rob Samuels & Bill Samuels Jr – Maker’s Mark, and Fred & Freddie Noe – James B. Beam. Baker Beam was also at the dinner but did not speak on the panel.

The Noe’s Home in Bardstown – A Spectacular Setting

As instructed, we parked at a nearby church and walked to the driveway entrance where we were checked in and joined others in anticipation for it to be 6PM. Although it was an incredibly hot day, we were joyful for no rain and excited that the sun would be setting beautifully as the night unfolded. We met some fantastic people in line and enjoyed a delightful dinner with them – Michael & Dawn Mitchell of Chasing Neat.

Freddie Noe welcomed us, provided a brief overview of the evening, and invited us to enjoy our cocktails.

Neeley Family Distillery Cocktail and Appetizers

As described by Chef Landry – the cocktail was a New Orleans classic Sazerac made with Absinthe from the Neeley Family Distillery. Chef sought to match the absinthe flavors with the herbs in the oysters and the fennel in the spinach tart.

They started passing the appetizers early on and they were terrific! The Hidden Barn Cherry Picker Sazerac was outstanding!

Distiller Icon’s Panel Discussion and Tasting

This experience was nothing short of extraordinary! Having the chance to listen to each of these icons delve into their histories, share their passions, and express their spirits was truly awe-inspiring. The atmosphere was wonderfully relaxed and engaging. We were incredibly lucky to have Andy Treinen, the President of the Frazier History Museum, as our moderator, guiding us through this excellent discussion. There were moments of delightful banter among the speakers and some truly entertaining stories shared that added to the magic of the evening!

Each icon had an opportunity to speak and then introduce their pour.
**Brent Elliott – Four Roses 2024 Limited Edition Small Batch.
**Royce Neeley – Neeley Family Distillery, Hidden Barn.
**Steve Nally – Bardstown Bourbon Company, Discovery Series #12.
**Rob Samuels & Bill Samuels Jr – Maker’s Mark 2024 Cellar Aged.
**Fred & Freddie Noe – James B. Beam, Booker’s ‘The Reserves’ 2024.

At the conclusion of the talks, Chef Brian Landry introduced the menu. He has been working with Fred and Freddie for the last three years and they have done many collaborative dinners. He strives to align well with them and the liquids they place in the barrels. Chef reminded us the the Beam’s saying, “Drink it any damn way you please!” However, he noted that tonight we would be drinking as the distillers’ pleased because they selected the cocktails and then Chef Landry reverse-engineered the menu.

Four Roses Bourbon Cocktail and First Course

Chef Landry – Four Roses Single Barrel Vieux Carre another New Orleans cocktail has a little bit of Benedictine in it, a lot of herbal notes, and it’s finished with some bitters that are heavy on star anise. The pork belly was marinated with soy sauce and then finished with the caramel sauce that has a bit of fish sauce in it. This was served with corn pudding.

The pork belly was cooked to perfection! Plus, the creaminess of the corn pudding was amazing. Fantastic course.

Bardstown Bourbon Company Cocktail and Second Course

Chef Landry – Anytime we come here we have to do Fried Chicken, so we’re going to do a fried chicken thigh with truffle honey, truffle grits, and a wild mushroom au jus that will go with the High Wheat Side Car from Bardstown. The Side Car has a lemon juice and Orange Curacao that will help cut through the richness of the fried chicken.

I’m personally a push-over for fried chicken and love grits – this combo did not disappoint! Wow – the chicken was very flavorful and crispy and the grits were delightfully creamy.

James B. Beam Cocktail and Third Course

Chef Landry – For the final savory course, Fred is the master of the grill, so we are doing a 14 oz veal chop. It is an Italian style dish, a Veal Saltimbocca. It is cooked on the grill with garlicky breadcrumbs, sage, and country ham chips from Freddie’s country ham.

This veal chop was indescribably good. Cooked to perfection and seasoned amazingly. Unfortunately, we were so full by the time it arrived that we could only enjoy part of it. To-go bags would have made for a terrific midnight snack!

Maker’s Mark Cocktail and Dessert

Chef Landry – The final course is sweet. The cocktail is a Maker’s Mark 46 Apple Butter Old Fashioned. Then, the burnt cinnamon pot due crème was made with burnt cinnamon sticks that we steeped in cream and then added a bit of orange zest and vanilla. It is finished off with cane syrup granola, salted caramel, and green apples.

As mentioned previously, we were full by the veal chop. Even so, we had to at least taste the cocktail and this scrumptious dessert. There might have been more than one bite involved!

Freddie Demonstrating the Kentucky Whiskey Ham Luge

Freddie is well-known for his cured hams and for hollowing out a portion to pour bourbon over it. This night probably would not have been complete if Chef Landry hadn’t put the challenge out to do this, which Freddie did with ease. But turnabout’s fair play – Freddie then challenged Chef and he accepted with great skill as well! Fun times!

A Great Night to Connect with Awesome People

In addition to Fred Noe signing a bottle of Booker’s ‘The Reserves’ 2024 for us, he and Baker Beam also signed our 1990s mini set of Booker’s, Baker’s, Basil Hayden’s, and Knob Creek.

We also had an opportunity to chat with and get pictures with Royce & Rebekah Neeley, Steve Nally, and Lisa Wicker!

It was a night that we will always cherish! Thank you, one and all, for spending the evening with us!

Embracing the Craft,
Rebecca & Wayne

Sept 2024 – Barrel House Rock Castle Bourbon Review: A Versatile Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

September 9, 2024September 9, 2024 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

09/09/24
By Rebecca Herman McBrayer

As part of Bourbon Heritage Month (BHM), Wayne and I have been selecting a different bourbon each day to drink. We have a huge heart for the smaller distilleries who are trying to make it in this very competitive environment; therefore, many of our pours have been with the purpose of featuring such distilleries.

We were watching SLB Drinks on YouTube over the weekend and they were doing a blind tasting of various Buffalo Trace spirits plus one thrown in to perhaps perplex them. It was Rock Castle. That flooded my memory with our visit to Barrel House Distillery April 2023 as part of our visit to Lexington, Kentucky. We kept seeing photos and awards regarding their Rock Castle bourbon. However, they said they only released it once a year and we were a few weeks too early. Dang it!

Fast forward one month and we were at the BBQ & Barrels event in Owensboro, Kentucky. Low and behold, I walked up to the Barrel House table and they had Rock Castle on the tasting menu AND for sale. After having a small taste, I was very happy for the opportunity to buy a bottle. But somehow, we got it home and it sat, unopened, on the shelf!

When it was time to select our pour for Day 8 of BHM, it was an easy choice – it was time to open the bottle of Rock Castle bourbon!

Barrel House Rock Castle Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Mashbill – 60% Corn, 30% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
Age – NAS (at least 4 years)
Other – Small Batch, Barrel Proof
Proof – 113.5
Price Paid – $107 (plus tax)

Color – Medium amber and with nice legs on the glass.

Aroma – Butterscotch, dark fruit, light spice. Pleasant and inviting.

Tasted Neat – Toffee, butterscotch, vanilla, plums or perhaps figs, baking spices, and some very nice barrel notes.

Finish – The finish earthy with charred wood, cinnamon, and black pepper. It lingers fairly long and is very nice.

Tasted with dried cranberry – Sweet and bright! Almost cotton candy with lemon zest and other bright fruit notes. The finish isn’t as long but it is fine.

Tasted with a pecan – Wow, it is totally different again. Now the tastes are more along the lines of a chocolate covered cherry with nuts and a great woodiness. The finish is rather short but the taste makes up for that.

Tasted with dark chocolate – This brought out some very spicy notes and it mimics the effects of a jalapeño. With the chocolate note and spiciness it reminded us of Mexican hot chocolate. Fascinating. There remains a nice woodiness and the finish is medium in length. We enjoyed this as well.

Discussion and Final Notes

It was a very enjoyable tasting! The nose set the stage for a fantastic experience. Tasting it neat revealed flavors that closely matched the nose, and each subsequent sip brought out unexpected nuances. This drink is versatile and can be enjoyed in various settings. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying an appetizer, indulging in a dinner course, or savoring dessert, it’s a perfect fit. Furthermore, it would likely pair beautifully with a cigar, as its diverse flavor profiles complement the various tobacco notes.

We are very pleased that we were reminded of this bottle and decided to open it as part of Bourbon Heritage Month. If you get the opportunity to taste this, please let us know what you think.

Cheers,
Rebecca & Wayne

Photos by Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Spirit Requirements

Sept 2024 Bardstown Bourbon Co 2023 KBF SB Tasting

September 6, 2024 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

09/06/24
By Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Last night Wayne and I decided to explore the bourbon room to see what we might have unopened that was just begging to be tasted. We were surprised to find a signed Bardstown Bourbon Co Single Barrel on the shelf that was untouched. Upon further inspection, we realized it was part of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival 2023 Flask Force VIP Package; thus, we have a back up bottle in the closet. Our decision was made! With the 2024 Kentucky Bourbon Festival just a week away, it was high time to open this little treasure from last year. Please be sure to read our approach to Tasting Whiskey if you haven’t already.

Bardstown Bourbon Company: Kentucky Bourbon Festival Distillers’ Row Series 2023 Single Barrel

Mashbill – 60% Corn, 36% Rye, 4% Malted Barley
Age – 6 years old
Other – Rickhouse B, Floor 6
Proof – 129.6
Price Paid – $200 (as part of Flask Force VIP Ticket)

Color – A beautiful medium copper with terrific legs on the glass.

Aroma – Great nose! There is caramel, creamy french vanilla, butterscotch, oak, and a hint of sweet smokiness such as with a roasted marshmallow.

Tasted Neat – Wow – there is a major cherry taste happening. It is a luscious dark cherry that has been soaked in brandy. There is also a light cinnamon and brown sugar that compliments the cherry.

Finish – The finish lingers in a delightful way. The cherry notes are still present and surrounded by cinnamon, brown sugar, and oak.

Tasted with dried cranberry – This turned the dark cherry into a sour cherry with orange zest. The other flavors are muted and the finish is incredibly short.

Tasted with a pecan – This brought forward a lot of baking spices with brown sugar. The cherry isn’t as pronounced as when drinking this neat and it now is more along the lines of a chocolate covered cherry. The finish is spicier than before and it lingers with a hint of leather.

Tasted with dark chocolate – Creamy chocolate with lemon zest and spicy caramel. The finish is medium not nothing interesting. This isn’t bad but it doesn’t enhance the flavor profile in any manner.

Discussion and Final Notes

This pour is absolutely remarkable, and our only regret is not savoring it sooner! The single barrel showcases incredible notes on the nose, palate, and finish. Despite its nearly 130 proof, it goes down amazingly smoothly. Full disclosure, we are huge fans of Bardstown Bourbon Co, and we have purchased MANY of their bottles. This might just be one of our favorites. Reflecting on its release date and age, it could very well be the initial original spirit from their distillery. It wasn’t until 2024 that they unveiled their Origin Series. Steve Nally, you are extraordinary, and we deeply admire your work! Every sip of this will be a true pleasure!

Cheers,
Rebecca & Wayne

Photos by Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Spirit Requirements

Your Bourbon Journey

Embracing the Craft

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Old Fitzgerald 25th Anniversary Edition: A Tasting Review

An Evening with Bourbon Icons: A Culinary Journey

The Noe’s Home in Bardstown – A Spectacular Setting

Neeley Family Distillery Cocktail and Appetizers

Distiller Icon’s Panel Discussion and Tasting

Four Roses Bourbon Cocktail and First Course

Bardstown Bourbon Company Cocktail and Second Course

James B. Beam Cocktail and Third Course

Maker’s Mark Cocktail and Dessert

Freddie Demonstrating the Kentucky Whiskey Ham Luge

A Great Night to Connect with Awesome People

Sept 2024 – Barrel House Rock Castle Bourbon Review: A Versatile Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Sept 2024 Bardstown Bourbon Co 2023 KBF SB Tasting