Wayne McBrayer

Caribbean Rum Trail Part 3: The Oldest Site in St. Kitts

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The Oldest Rum Site in the Caribbean? 🥃 St. Kitts Old Road Rum Distillery Tour

Celebrate a milestone 60th birthday with us on Part 3 of our Caribbean Rum Trail! Today, we’re stepping back in time at the Old Road Rum Company at Wingfield Estate, St. Kitts—the oldest surviving rum distillery site in the Caribbean, with records dating back to 1681.

From navigating the “awkward” taxi situation in St. Kitts to wandering through a lush rainforest filled with monkeys and 400-year-old trees, this was more than a tasting—it was an archeological adventure. We explore the ruins of the 17th-century distillery, uncover the surprising connection to Thomas Jefferson, and learn why 12 years of tropical aging makes this rum a dream for bourbon lovers.

Stick around for our full tasting of Old Road Rum Batch 019, where we break down why this “pure” rum (no sugar, no color, no additives) stands up to the best Kentucky Bourbons.

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🥃 About Old Road Rum

  • Founder: Jack Widdowson
  • Age: 12 Years (Tropical Aging)
  • Proof: 92
  • Process: No added sugar, no caramel color, no flavorings.
  • Casks: Aged in ex-bourbon barrels for a complex, viscous profile.

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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.

#OldRoadRum #StKitts #CaribbeanRumTrail #RumTasting #DistilleryTour #BourbonJourney #WingfieldEstate #VintageRum #TravelStKitts #RumReview #HistoricDistillery #TropicalAging #BourbonLovers #RumCocktails #CaribbeanTravel

A Real Disruptor? General Thomas Bourbon Single Barrel 

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The “Rock of Chickamauga” in a Bottle! | General Thomas Bourbon Review

Can a “disruptor” bourbon live up to the hype? Today on Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca are tasting a bottle that caught our eye (and ears!) at BourbonCon 2026 in Lexington: General Thomas Bourbon Single Barrel (Barrel 3).

Named after the Civil War hero General George Henry Thomas, this brand was launched by Fort Thomas native Dan Gorman to tell the story of a local legend. But is it just a “gimmick” with a cool AI QR code, or is the liquid inside actually battle-ready?

With a high-rye mash bill and a sturdy 110 proof, this 5-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon surprised us with an “effervescent” spice and a unique finish that reminds us of a morning espresso. From the brown sugar nose to the lingering leather and coffee notes, this is a “morning bourbon” that will definitely wake up your palate!

In this video, we discuss:

  • The “disruptor” vision behind sourcing 20 premium surplus barrels.
  • A full nose, palate, and finish breakdown (spoiler: it’s a spice bomb!).
  • The incredible personalized AI message from the General himself.

Stick around until the end to hear a direct order from General Thomas!

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General Thomas Bourbon Single Barrel

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: General Thomas Spirits LLC
  • Distillery: Sourced from a Northern Kentucky distillery (Bottled in Newport, KY)
  • Mash Bill: High-Rye (Known for bold spice and a smooth finish)
  • Age: 5 Years
  • Proof: 110
  • MSRP: $70
  • Other: Barrel 3
  • Purchased: 01/16/26 for $73 at BourbonCon in Lexington KY

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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.

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Johnnie Walker Black Ruby Review | A Bourbon Lover’s Bridge

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Can a Scotch whisky actually win over a die-hard Bourbon lover? Today, we’re tasting the Johnnie Walker Black Ruby, the groundbreaking new core-range release from Master Blender Dr. Emma Walker. Whether you’re a “recovering wine drinker” or a dedicated member of the Bourbon Journey, this expression promises a “jammy” bridge between worlds.

We first discovered this bottle during a tasting on the Enchanted Princess cruise, and it immediately stood out. With a backbone of Roseisle malt and a finish in First-fill Red Wine, PX, and Oloroso Sherry casks, Black Ruby trades medicinal peat for rich notes of raspberry jam, blackberry pie, and velvety honey.

Join Wayne and Rebecca as we break down the “Roseisle Factor,” the subtle Caol Ila smoke that acts like “salt in a cookie,” and why this 80-proof bottle is a must-buy for your home bar in 2026.

In this video:

  • The story behind the first female Master Blender’s “first baby.”
  • Why the 2026 U.S. rollout makes this the bottle to watch.
  • Deep dive into the tasting notes: From “Maraschino cherries” to “Dark Chocolate.”
  • Is it worth the $50 MSRP?

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Johnnie Walker Black Ruby

  • Classification: Blended Scotch Whisky
  • Company: Diegeo
  • Distillery: Roseisle (Backbone malt), with Clynelish, Glenkinchie, Cardhu, Cameronbridge, and Caol Ila (CUL-LELA)
  • Mash Bill: Blend of Single Malt and Single Grain whiskies
  • Age: NAS (Non-Age Statement)
  • Proof: 80 Proof (40% ABV)
  • MSRP: $50
  • Other: Finished in a combination of PX and Oloroso Sherry, First-fill Red Wine, and Ex-Bourbon casks
  • Purchased: 02/23 for $50 on Enchanted Princess Cruise

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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.

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Bourbon Lovers Try Caribbean Rum: The Ultimate Masterclass

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🍹 Become a Master of Rum: Our Private Blending Experience in Antigua! 🇦🇬

Can bourbon lovers find happiness in the Caribbean? We headed to the Academy of Rum at beautiful Galleon Beach, Antigua, to find out! In Part 2 of our Caribbean Rum Trail series, we’re stepping behind the still to transition from bourbon enthusiasts to “Masters of Rum.”

This wasn’t just a distillery tour; it was a full-on masterclass where we designed, flavored, proofed, and bottled our very own custom spirits. From the stress of the cross-island dash to the relief of that first 100-proof sip, we’re breaking down the entire blending process and conducting a live tasting of our unique creations.

🥃 The Blends:

  • Rebecca’s Creation: “Your Bourbon Journey Does Rum”
    • Profile: A “Spiced Ginger Snap” powerhouse.
    • The Mix: 50% Vanilla, 25% Cinnamon, 25% Ginger.
    • The Result: A creamy vanilla entry that finishes with a spicy, long-lasting ginger “red hot” bite.
  • Wayne’s Creation: “Wayne & Rebecca Do Rummy Stuff”
    • Profile: “Snickerdoodle & French Toast” vibes.
    • The Mix: Cinnamon, Spice, Vanilla, and Age (using charred oak components).
    • The Result: A soft, sophisticated, bourbon-drinker’s rum with notes of honey, floral vanilla, and a woody, aged finish.

Whether you’re planning a Caribbean cruise stop or you’re a spirits nerd looking for the ultimate DIY experience, the Academy of Rum is a must-visit. Just make sure you book your transportation through them so you don’t miss the ship!

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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.

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5094 Transplant Bourbon: The Better Double-Oaked? 

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Empire Meets Bluegrass: 5094 Transplant Bourbon Review 🥃

What happens when New York spirit meets Kentucky craftsmanship? You get the 5094 Transplant by 5094 Distilling, an incredible 4-year four-grain bourbon that made its debut at Glenns Creek Distilling. In today’s journey, we sit down with a bottle of the very first release (Barrel #1, Bottle #5!) to see if this “transplant” has found a perfect home in the Bluegrass state.

Distilled in New York and finished for three years in world-renowned Radoux Tonnellerie toasted French oak barrels, this 94.8 proof bourbon offers a sophisticated profile far beyond its $54 price point. We’re talking dark brown sugar, charred marshmallow, espresso, and cocoa notes that give even the most famous double-oaked bourbons a run for their money.

We also dive into the story of Tom Jones and his vision for 5094 Distilling at the historic, abandoned Old Lewis Hunter Distillery site. Is this a contender for Whiskey of the Month? Watch to find out!

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✴️ 5094 Transplant

  • Classification: Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: 5094 Distilling
  • Distillery: Distilled in New York
  • Bottled: Glenns Creek Distilling
  • Mash Bill: Four Grain
  • Age: 7 Years (4 years in new charred oak, followed by 3 years in a toasted barrel)
  • Proof: 94.8
  • MSRP: $54
  • Released: February 2026
  • Purchased: 02/28/26 for $54 at Glenns Creek Distilling in Frankfort KY

5094 Transplant Product Link: https://glennscreekdistillery.com/product/transplant-radoux-barrel-finished-bourbon-we-dont-ship-this-product-please-scroll-down/

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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.

#BourbonReview #5094Distilling #GlennsCreekDistilling #YourBourbonJourney #KentuckyBourbon #WhiskeyTasting #ToastedBarrel #CraftBourbon #BourbonCommunity #NewWhiskeyRelease #SingleBarrel #BourbonLife #DrinkResponsibly #WhiskeyJourney #TomJonesBourbon

Caribbean Rum for Bourbon Lovers: Topper’s Crazy Dave

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Tropical Vibes & High-Proof Finds: Topper’s Rhum Distillery Tour 🥃🌴

Caribbean Rum Trail – Part 1 of 3

Ever wondered what happens when Kentucky Bourbon obsession meets Caribbean Rum craftsmanship? We’re taking you inside the world-famous Topper’s Rhum Distillery in Cole Bay, St. Maarten, for an exclusive look at their “boutique” operation and a tasting of their most prestigious bottle: Crazy Dave.

In this episode, we share our incredible luck meeting co-owner Tony King, who is bridging the gap between rum and bourbon with his experimental use of new charred oak barrels and Buffalo Trace-inspired toast levels. From watching planes skim heads at Maho Beach to sampling over 40 different rums (including rum gelato!), this was the ultimate St. Maarten excursion.

🏴‍☠️ The Star of the Show: Crazy Dave Rhum

We’re cracking open the Distillery Exclusive “Crazy Dave” Rhum. At 95 Proof, this isn’t your average mixer. It’s a bold, complex sipping rhum created to honor Topper’s most iconic guide. We even took a bottle back to Kentucky to see if “Crazy Dave” could impress our friend “Old Cranky Dave” from Glenns Creek!

In this video:

📜 The History: From Meredith Pratt’s “kitchen table” flavors to a global award-winning brand. 

🧪 The “Nerd Talk”: How Tony King uses bourbon char charts and Kentucky science to age rum. 

🥃 Live Tasting: Cracking into the 95-proof Crazy Dave (spoiler: the legs on this glass are insane!). 

🍦 Pro-Tips: Why you absolutely have to try the rum-infused chicken and that legendary gelato.

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✴️ Topper’s Crazy Dave Rhum

  • Classification: Premium Blended Aged Rhum
  • Company: Topper’s Rhum
  • Distillery: Topper’s Rhum Distillery (Cole Bay, St. Maarten)
  • Mash Bill: 100% Raw Cane Sugar / Molasses (Sourced from across the Caribbean and distilled/blended in St. Maarten)
  • Age: NAS (Non-Age Statement), but it is a blend of aged rums selected by Dave himself.
  • Proof: 95 Proof
  • MSRP: $65 Distillery Exclusive
  • Released: Special Limited Batch
  • Other: This bottle was created to honor “Crazy Dave,” their most iconic tour guide known for his “corny but informative” tours and deep knowledge of the blending process.
  • Purchased: 02/19/26 for $65 at Topper’s Rhum in St. Maarten

Buy Rhum from Topper’s: https://phoenixinternationalwineandspirits.com/collections/spirits

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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.

#ToppersRhum #StMaarten #RumTasting #CaribbeanVacation #CrazyDave #DistilleryTour #SintMaarten #RumReview #BourbonLovers #TravelVlog #MahoBeach #BoutiqueDistillery #DrinkResponsibly #RumCollector #ToppersDistillery

Woodford Double Double Oaked 2026: Way Darker Than 2025!

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Woodford Reserve Double Double Oaked (2026) | The Ultimate Dark & Decadent Bourbon?

Is the 2026 Woodford Reserve Double Double Oaked worth the $200 price tag? 🥃 In today’s New Whiskey Monday on Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca dive into one of the most coveted annual releases in the whiskey world.

After hunting this bottle down at MSRP, we’re breaking down how this year’s expression compares to the legendary 2025 release. Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall promised a “deeper and darker” profile this year—and she delivered. From the heavy toasted second barrel to the complex notes of burnt butterscotch, dark baking cocoa, and espresso, this 90.4 proof powerhouse is an absolute flavor journey.

We explore why the “double-double” process (finishing for two additional years in a second heavily toasted barrel) creates a spicier, more jammy profile than the standard Double Oaked. Does it live up to the hype? Watch to find out!

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✴️ Woodford Reserve Double Double Oaked Bourbon

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Brown-Forman
  • Distillery: Woodford Reserve Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 72% Corn, 18% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
  • Age: NAS
  • Press Release stated: 5-7 Years in first barrel, then up to 2 years in second barrel
  • Proof: 90.4
  • MSRP: $199.99 (700 ml)
  • Released: January 2026
  • Purchased: 02/11/26 for $199.99 at High Spirits in Evansville, IN

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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.

#WoodfordReserve #DoubleDoubleOaked #BourbonReview #WhiskeyTasting #NewWhiskeyMonday #BourbonJourney #WoodfordDoubleDoubleOaked2026 #KentuckyBourbon #BrownForman #WhiskeyRelease #BourbonHunter #CraftWhiskey #DoubleBarreled #WhiskeyCollector #ElizabethMcCall

Hill & Hill 1983: Bourbon History in a 500ml Bottle

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A Time Capsule in a Bottle: Tasting 1983 Hill & Hill Blended Whiskey 🥃

Travel back to 1983 with us as we crack open a rare 500ml “time capsule” of Hill & Hill Blended Whiskey. This isn’t just a vintage find; it’s a window into the infamous “Bourbon Glut” era, when legendary Kentucky stocks were so plentiful they were blended into everyday value labels like this one.

In this episode, Wayne and Rebecca explore the fascinating history of National Distillers, the transition to metric bottle sizes, and the mystery of what’s actually inside this “bourbon-flavored vodka.” With 80% Grain Neutral Spirits (GNS) and 20% straight whiskey—likely sourced from Old Crow or Old Taylor—does that classic “butterscotch” National Distillers profile still shine through?

We’re putting this 80-proof relic to the test to see if it’s a “hill to die on” or just a ghost of whiskey past. Grab a glass and join us on Your Bourbon Journey!

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✴️ Hill & Hill Blended Whiskey (1983)

  • Classification: American Blended Whiskey
  • Company: National Distillers Products Corp.
  • Distillery: Hill & Hill Distillery Co., Cincinnati, OH (The Cincinnati location served as the primary blending and bottling hub for National Distillers’ value labels).
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed (Likely 20% high-rye bourbon mash bill from the Old Grand-Dad or Old Crow distilleries in Kentucky, blended with 80% Grain Neutral Spirits).
  • Age: NAS (No Age Statement), but the label confirms the straight whiskey components are 4 years or older.
  • Proof: 80 Proof (40% ABV)
  • MSRP: $3.74 (Based on the vintage label stamp).
  • Released: 1983 (Confirmed by the “83” glass code on the bottom of the bottle).
  • Other: This is a 500ml bottle, which was the standard replacement for the 16oz “pint” following the 1980 metric transition. Note the “National Distillers” butterscotch profile often found in their straight whiskies may still be present in that 20% component.
  • Purchased: 07/11/25 for $75 at Revival Vintage Spirits in Covington, KY

Revival Vintage Spirits https://revivalky.com/ 

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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.

#Whiskey #Bourbon #VintageWhiskey #NationalDistillers #HillAndHill #BourbonHistory #DustyHunting #WhiskeyReview #OldCrow #BourbonGlut #1983Vintage #YourBourbon Journey #AmericanWhiskey #WhiskeyTasting #CovingtonKY

3 Michter’s Ryes You NEED to Try: Tasting & Review 

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The Rye Trifecta: A Deep Dive into Michter’s Fort Nelson Experience! 🥃

Welcome back to another episode of Bourbon Trail Tales and Tastes! Today, we are heading to the heart of Louisville’s “Whiskey Row” to revisit a personal favorite: Michter’s Fort Nelson. As Distillery #15 and Stamp #13 on our Kentucky Bourbon Trail journey, this historic site is more than just a distillery—it’s a masterclass in whiskey maturation.

In this episode, Wayne and Rebecca are breaking down three incredible (and hard-to-find) Michter’s Ryes. From the raw power of the Barrel Strength to the “sugar rush” of the Toasted Barrel Finish, and finishing with the elegance of the 10 Year Rye, we’re exploring why Michter’s is a must-stop for any whiskey enthusiast.

We also share our tips for visiting the Fort Nelson bar, the “Bottle Your Own” experience (and why you need to get in line early!), and a shoutout to Master Distiller Dan McKee and Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson.

Whiskeys Tasted in This Episode:

  • Michter’s US*1 Barrel Strength Rye (2022): The bold, spicy baseline at 112.4 proof.
  • Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Rye (2023): Secondary maturation magic featuring campfire marshmallow and dark chocolate notes.
  • Michter’s 10 Year Kentucky Straight Rye (2024/2025): Sophisticated, herbal, and refined. Is it actually older than 10 years? 

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✴️Michter’s US*1 Barrel Strength Rye (2022)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
  • Distillery: Michter’s Distillery (Louisville, KY)
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed (Proprietary “Kentucky Style” rye; high corn and malted barley content)
  • Age: NAS (Non-Age Stated, but generally understood to be 5–7 years)
  • Proof: 112.4
  • Released: March 2022 
  • Other:  Low Entry Proof: Distillate enters the barrel at 103 proof, much lower than the industry standard (125 proof), which Michter’s claims results in a richer mouthfeel.
  • Purchased: 09/03/22 for $119 at Michter’s Fort Nelson

✴️Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Rye (2023)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
  • Distillery: Michter’s Distillery (Louisville, KY)
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed
  • Age: NAS (The base rye is typically 5–7 years old before the secondary finish)
  • Proof: 108.6
  • Released: September 2023
  • Other: Finishing Process: After aging in charred new American oak, the whiskey is moved to a second barrel made of 24-month air-dried wood that has been toasted but not charred. Entry Proof: Like the others, this began its life at a low 103 entry proof, which helps maintain that “creamy” mouthfeel even after the second barreling.
  • Purchased: 12/16/23 for $139.00

✴️Michter’s 10 Year Kentucky Straight Rye (2024/2025)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
  • Company: Michter’s Distillery
  • Distillery: Undisclosed (Contract distilled to Michter’s specifications in Kentucky)
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed (Known as a “Kentucky Style” Rye, heavy on corn and malted barley)
  • Age: 10 Years (Though widely rumored to be aged closer to 12–15 years)
  • Proof: 92.8
  • Released: Mid-2024 
  • Other: Barrel No. 24C1550: .
  • Single Barrel: Unlike the Small Batch US*1 line, this is pulled from a single, exceptional barrel chosen by Master Distiller Dan McKee and Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson.
  • Purchased: 02/22/25 for $210.00

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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.

#Michters #BourbonTrail #WhiskeyTasting #KentuckyBourbon #RyeWhiskey #FortNelson #Louisville #WhiskeyRow #MichtersRye #ToastedBarrel #BarrelStrength #WhiskeyReview #BourbonJourney #DrinkResponsibly #DanMcKee

Bourbon from the Hatfield-McCoy Well? Robert’s Reserve Review

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A Pike County Reunion in a Glass: Robert’s Reserve Bourbon Review

What happens when you mix the legendary water of the Hatfield-McCoy feud with one of the most prestigious names in bourbon history? You get Robert’s Reserve from Pauley Hollow Distillery.

In today’s episode, we’re tasting a bottle that is deeply personal. Pauley Hollow, the first legal distillery in Pike County, Kentucky, uses water drawn from the original Randall McCoy family well. But there’s a twist—Wayne’s ancestors, the McBrayers, lived on this same soil and were titans of the 19th-century whiskey world.

This is more than just a bourbon review; it’s a journey back to Wayne’s roots in Eastern Kentucky. We dive into the unique 4-grain mash bill, the use of rare Cypress wood fermenters, and how small-barrel aging (10 and 30-gallon) creates a “Sith Lord” level of dark, rich complexity in a 4-year-old spirit.

Does the 92-proof Robert’s Reserve live up to the McBrayer legacy? Let’s find out.

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✴️ Robert’s Reserve

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Pauley Hollow Distillery (Forest Hills, KY)
  • Distillation: They utilize 300-gallon cypress wood fermenters and a 150-gallon cypress pot still with a stainless/copper hybrid column.
  • Mash Bill: Four-grain (Corn, Rye, Wheat, and Malted Barley)
  • Barreling: Uses a combination of 10-gallon and 30-gallon barrels with a #3 char. Smaller barrels are often used by craft distilleries to accelerate the interaction between the wood and the spirit.
  • Age: 4 Years
  • Proof: 92
  • MSRP: $50

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

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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.

#BourbonReview #PauleyHollow #PikeCounty #KentuckyBourbon #WhiskeyTasting #HatfieldAndMcCoy #RobertsReserve #CraftDistillery #BourbonJourney #KentuckyHistory #BourbonCon #WhiskeyHeritage #FourGrainBourbon #BourbonLover #KentuckyStraightBourbon