Wayne McBrayer

Bourbon & Bubbles: The Perfect Mother’s Day Cocktail

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Thirsty Thursday Cocktails is BACK with Episode 17, and just in time for Mother’s Day, we’re crafting a delightful sip that’s guaranteed to bring a smile to Mom’s face: The Kentucky Kiss!

Forget the same old brunch routine – this weekend, treat the amazing mothers in your life (or yourself!) to a sophisticated and utterly delicious bourbon-based cocktail. We’ll guide you through each simple step to create this elegant concoction, ensuring your glass is filled with pure joy.

Get ready to master The Kentucky Kiss:

  • A generous 1.5 oz of your favorite Bourbon
  • A sweet and vibrant 0.5 oz of Cherry Liqueur
  • A zesty 0.5 oz of Fresh Lime Juice for that perfect tang
  • A few dashes (2-3) of Cherry Bitters to add complexity
  • The crucial chilling ritual: Stir for 20-30 seconds until perfectly frosty
  • A graceful strain into a Coupe Glass or Champagne Flute
  • The celebratory crown: Top it off with chilled Champagne!
  • The final flourish: Garnish with a luscious Luxardo Cherry

Whether you’re a bourbon aficionado seeking your next exquisite drink or a curious beginner ready to dive into the art of cocktail making, this episode is your essential guide to unlocking the secrets of The Kentucky Kiss. Let’s raise a glass to Mom!

#bourboncocktails #MakersMark #champagnecocktail 

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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.

🥃 The Judge Batch 5 IS HERE! First Look & How to Buy! 

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🤯 A YEAR IN THE MAKING… THE JUDGE IS BACK! 🤯 After what feels like an eternity, the legendary W.H. McBrayer “The Judge” is about to deliver its verdict! 🤩 Get ready for the highly anticipated annual release from McBrayer Legacy Spirits, and trust us, Batch 5 is poised to BLOW. YOUR. MIND. 💥

We’re talking a meticulous blend of 15 hand-selected barrels – 8 aged for a rich 6.5 years and 7 with a vibrant 5.5-year maturity. Bottled at a captivating 108.6 proof and proudly non-chill filtered, this bourbon is the real deal.

Join us for an EXCLUSIVE FIRST LOOK as we dive deep into a preview bottle straight from the barrel dumping day in the heart of Kentucky bourbon country, Bardstown! Witness its stunning mahogany hue, unravel its complex aromas, savor the layers of flavor dancing on our palates, and experience a finish that simply. won’t. quit. 🔥

But that’s not all! We’re taking you behind the scenes to our First Barrel Dumping Experience at Bardstown Bourbon Company! Witness the magic as we tasted samples from all 15 barrels in the lab and saw the initial blending that created this masterpiece.

Want to be among the FIRST to secure a bottle of W.H. McBrayer Batch 5? This liquid gold drops exclusively for the McBrayer Legacy Spirits Legacy Club on May 5th, 2025! And the best part? Joining the club is ABSOLUTELY FREE! We’ll tell you how. 😉

Don’t let this opportunity slip through your fingers! Click play ▶️ now for our unfiltered tasting notes and all the details on how you can snag a bottle for yourself starting May 10th, 2025. 👇

Are you a bourbon fanatic like us? Smash that like button 👍, hit subscribe 🔔 so you never miss a rare pour, and share this with your fellow whiskey lovers! ➡️ Let’s raise a glass to exceptional bourbon! 🥂🥃

#bourbon #McBrayerLegacySpirits #TheJudge

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

✴️ W.H. McBrayer “The Judge” Batch 5

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: McBrayer Legacy Spirits
  • Distillery: Undisclosed
  • Historic Mash Bill: 88.4% Bloody Butcher Corn, 5.8% Heirloom Rye, 5.8% Malted Barley
  • Age: NAS; blend of 15 barrels – 8 are 6.5 years old and 7 are 5.5 years old
  • Other: Small Batch, Non-Chill Filtered
  • Proof: 108.6
  • MSRP: $100
  • To Be Released: May 10, 2025 Online 

It is FREE to join the Legacy Club!!!

  • Shipping to all but 9 states
  • Pick up at Revival Vintage Bottle Shop in Covington, KY
  • Dropping to the Legacy Club on May 10, 2025
  • McBrayer Legacy Spirts

Note: Wayne McBrayer is not affiliated with McBrayer Legacy Spirits. They are cousins, friends, and great people. We support their bourbon journey and respect what they are doing to resurrect a 175-year-old brand that is part of their family lineage.

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

Read our detailed tasting notes and comparisons of W.H. McBrayer Bathes 1-4 here: 

June 2024 W.H. McBrayer Batch 4 Tasting

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NOTE: The spirit in this review was gifted to 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.

Jeptha Creed: Your Next Kentucky Bourbon Trail Stop!

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Get ready to discover a hidden gem on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail! In Episode 18, “Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes” ventures to Jeptha Creed Distillery in Shelbyville, KY! 🎉 This isn’t just another stop; it’s our 23rd distillery and the proud recipient of our 19th Kentucky Bourbon Trail stamp!

Jeptha Creed isn’t your average distillery. They’re serving up bourbon experiences you won’t find anywhere else: from exclusive Barrel Tastings to hands-on Mixology Classes and in-depth Distillery Tours. Oh, and did we mention the FREE Spirit Tasting? 🥃 Plus, their Creed Cafe boasts incredible small bites, salads, and pizzas – making it the perfect spot for lunch or dinner during your bourbon adventure!

But the excitement doesn’t stop there! We’re cracking open a bottle we snagged on our first visit: the powerful and complex Bloody Butcher’s Creed Single Barrel Cask Strength. Prepare for a deep dive into its alluring dark color, those mesmerizing “legs,” and a nose, palate, and finish that will blow you away. 🔥 And we’re spilling the beans on why Jeptha Creed’s Hot Peppered Vodka is a must-have on our bar shelf!

Planning your Kentucky Bourbon Trail adventure? 🤔 Jeptha Creed is a MUST! Located just a short drive from Louisville and Frankfort, it’s easy to pair with the Bulleit Visitor Experience for an epic bourbon-filled day!

Don’t miss out on a bourbon experience that will change the way you taste whiskey forever! Hit play and let the adventure begin! Cheers! 🥂

In this series, Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes, we navigate the rich tapestry of our memorable experiences on the Bourbon Trail, a journey that has undeniably enriched our appreciation for this iconic American spirit. We tackle intriguing questions such as: What stands out as the most profound memory of that bourbon trail experience, one that has etched itself firmly in our minds? What exceptional and bourbon or whiskey did we discover during this journey, perhaps one that surprised us with its intricate and delightful flavor profiles? What lasting impressions do we have of that bourbon or whiskey today, as we reflect on its complexities and how they resonate with our evolving palates and preferences? Through this exploration, we passionately recount our adventures and celebrate the stories and connections we’ve forged along the way, highlighting the essence of the Bourbon Trail.

#bourbontrail #bourbontasting #JepthaCreed 

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

ABOUT THE BOTTLE REVIEWED

✴️ Bloody Butcher’s Creed Single Barrel Cask Strength

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Jeptha Creed Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 4 Grain
  • Age: 4 Years, 3 Months
  • Proof: 120.2
  • MSRP: $100
  • Released: 2022
  • Other: Fill date 09/10/22; Barrel Number 18-682
  • Purchased: 10/30/22 for $100.00 at Jeptha Creed Distillery

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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.

Uncorking a Legend: Wild Turkey 101 8 Year First Look

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For years, it was a coveted gem whispered about in bourbon circles, a legend only found in select corners of the globe. Now, the wait is over! Join us on an exciting quest as we track down the newly returned Wild Turkey 101 8 Year Bourbon right here in the USA. We’ll share our experience of acquiring this highly anticipated bottle.

But the real adventure begins when we pop the cork! Get ready for a detailed sensory journey: we’ll pour a dram and meticulously explore its deep amber hue and captivating appearance in the glass. Then, prepare your nose as we delve into the rich tapestry of aromas this 8-year-old expression unveils. Finally, the moment we’ve all been waiting for – the first taste! We’ll break down the initial flavors, the development on the palate, and the signature boldness that Wild Turkey 101 is famous for.

The experience doesn’t end there. We’ll linger over the finish, discussing its length, complexity, and the lingering notes that define this special release. Ultimately, we’ll share our honest, unfiltered impressions and offer our recommendations on how best to enjoy this iconic bourbon. Whether you’re a die-hard Wild Turkey fan, a seasoned bourbon collector, or simply curious to taste a piece of bourbon history, grab a glass and join us as we celebrate the triumphant return of Wild Turkey 101 8 Year!

Don’t miss out on future explorations of rare and exceptional spirits – hit that subscribe button and become part of our growing community of flavor enthusiasts! Cheers!

Note: Wild Turkey Distilling Co. is permanently bringing its Wild Turkey 101 8-Year-Old Bourbon to the United States after it gained popularity as a best-selling favorite in select export markets. This age-stated bourbon, a nod to the original Wild Turkey 101, has long been a favorite of Master Distiller Jimmy Russell. Associate Master Blender Bruce Russell highlights its special place in the distillery’s history and notes the growing US demand for age-stated bourbons. This reintroduction follows a limited release last year celebrating Jimmy Russell’s 70th anniversary. Unlike the standard Wild Turkey 101 (a blend of 6- to 8-year-old bourbons), the 8-Year-Old is crafted from a smaller batch of hand-selected barrels, catering to those seeking an aged, bold-flavored expression.

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

✴️ Wild Turkey 101 8 Year Old

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Campari Group
  • Distillery: Wild Turkey Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
  • Age: 8 Year minimum
  • Proof: 101
  • MSRP: $45
  • Released: April 2025
  • Purchased: 04/25/25 for $42.99 at Beverage Barn in Henderson, 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.

Bourbon Time Warp! Tasting a 51-Year-Old Jim Beam Derby Edition 

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Imagine tasting liquid history… 🥃 To celebrate the 151st Kentucky Derby, we’re tasting a time capsule: the ultra-rare Jim Beam 100th Kentucky Derby Anniversary Decanter, filled with bourbon distilled in 1974! Ever dream of experiencing an 8-year-old Jim Beam from nearly half a century ago? 🤔

Join us for an EXCLUSIVE TASTING as we journey back in time with this incredible vintage whiskey. We’ll be meticulously exploring its:

  • Fascinating backstory and the legacy of this commemorative decanter
  • Visual allure: the color and appearance after all these years
  • Aromatic whispers from the past
  • Palate-awakening flavors and the evolution of its taste
  • Lingering finish – how does history fade?

But that’s not all! We’ll also put this legendary bourbon head-to-head against a modern masterpiece: Old Grand-Dad 16 Year Old. How does a taste of 1974 compare to today’s craftsmanship? 🤔

Prepare for a deep dive into whiskey history you won’t find anywhere else. Click play to uncork the past with us! ▶️ Cheers to history in a glass! 🥂

Note: From “A Guide To Jim Beam Bottles” by Cembura & Avery: The 100th anniversary of the famed Kentucky Derby Classic is honored with a bottle bearing cameos of the first winner Aristides in 1875 and Cannonade in 1974. Red roses fill the numerals. The back list the names and dates of previous winners. Height 7.5 inches.

#bourbon #vintagebourbon #JimBeam 

Originally Opened & Reviewed 05/05/24: https://yourbourbonjourney.com/2024/05/05/may-2024-kentucky-derby-tasting/

Be sure to visit Revival Vintage Spirits, Covington, KY https://revivalky.com/ 

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

✴️ 1974 James B. Beam 100th Kentucky Derby Decanter

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: James B. Beam
  • Mash Bill: 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malt (estimated based on today’s Jim Beam white label)
  • Age: 100 months (8.33 years) when bottled in 1974
  • Proof: 86
  • Price Paid – Gifted from Family Collection

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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.

Unlock the Secrets to a Perfect Mint Julep | Thirsty Thursday

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Get ready to saddle up for Thirsty Thursday Cocktails, Episode 16! 🐎💨 With the thunder of hooves echoing in the distance, we’re gearing up for the 151st Kentucky Derby this Saturday by diving headfirst into the legendary Mint Julep! 🎉

Forget those watered-down imitations! We’re unlocking the secrets to crafting a truly electrifying Mint Julep, the quintessential Derby Day sipper. We’ll round up the champions of flavor: vibrant, fragrant fresh mint leaves, the perfect touch of sweetness with sugar or silky simple syrup, a mountain of frosty crushed ice, and of course, the heart and soul – authentic Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey! 🥃

Then, prepare to witness the magic as we take these stellar ingredients and transform them into liquid gold! 🔄 We’ll guide you step-by-step through the time-honored techniques, ensuring your Mint Julep isn’t just a drink, but an experience.

Whether you’re a seasoned cocktail connoisseur with a taste for the finer things or a curious newcomer eager to explore the world of bourbon, this episode is your ticket to Mint Julep mastery. Get ready to impress your Derby Day crew or simply treat yourself to a taste of Southern tradition. Let’s stir up some excitement! ✨

Background of The Mint Julep: 

U.S. Senator Henry Clay of Kentucky is credited with introducing the bourbon-based mint julep to Washington, D.C., around 1850, popularizing it beyond the South. 

The mint julep’s association with horse racing, particularly in Kentucky, grew in the 19th century. By the 1820s, silver cups were awarded to winning jockeys, possibly contributing to the tradition of serving juleps in silver cups, which also frost nicely due to the crushed ice.

The Kentucky Derby, established in 1875, further solidified this connection. In 1938, the mint julep became the official drink of the Kentucky Derby. Churchill Downs began serving it in souvenir glasses in 1939, which became highly collectible. Today, around 120,000 mint juleps are estimated to be consumed during the Kentucky Derby weekend.

#bourboncocktails #MintJulep  #woodfordreserve 

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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.

Deep Dive: Tasting Every Note of Buckner’s 15 Year Bourbon

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🔥 The Wait is OVER! 🔥 We finally cracked open the highly sought-after Buckner’s 15 Year Bourbon, a special bottle we snagged during our unforgettable trip to Augusta Distillery back in March. This isn’t just any bourbon; it’s a taste of Kentucky craftsmanship we’ve been eagerly anticipating!

Join us for an immersive tasting experience as we dive deep into every nuance:

✨ Visual Delight: Witness the rich tapestry of color swirling in our glasses. What secrets does its appearance hold? 

👃 Nose Dive: Prepare your senses for an aromatic journey! Will it be a symphony of warm spice, decadent sweetness, or something entirely unexpected? Let’s unravel the layers. 

🥃 Palate Playground: Get ready for the main event – the taste! We’ll meticulously dissect every note that graces our tongues, from the initial sip to the lingering complexities. 

🔥 The Grand Finale: What kind of finish will this 15-year beauty leave us with? A gentle warmth? A spicy kick? We’ll share our final impressions.

Don’t miss a single drop of this exclusive review! Hit play ▶️ now for our honest tasting notes and whether this bourbon lives up to the hype. 👇

Love bourbon as much as we do? Give us a thumbs up 👍, subscribe 🔔 so you’re always in the know, and share this with your fellow whiskey enthusiasts! ➡️ Cheers to rare finds and exceptional spirits! 🥂🥃

#bourbon #augustadistillery #buckners

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

✴️ Buckner’s Single Barrel 15 Year

  • Classification:  Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Undisclosed (possibly Bardstown area)
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed
  • Age: 15 years
  • Proof: 112.5
  • Released: 2024
  • Other: Barrel 9, Bottle 92
  • Purchased: 03/15/25 for $299.99 at Augusta Distillery

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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.

Level Up Your Bourbon Game: The Bulleit Sensory Tasting Experience! 

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🤯 Lights, Scents, & Bourbon?! You HAVE to see the Bulleit Sensory Experience! 🥃✨ Ever tasted bourbon with your *nose* and *ears*? In Episode 17 of Bourbon Trail Tales and Tastes, we were BLOWN AWAY by the unbelievably unique sensory tasting at the Bulleit Visitor Experience in Shelbyville, KY! 🎉 This stop marked our **22nd distillery** and earned us our **18th coveted stamp on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail**! 

Join us as we dive deep into this immersive experience, where **lights danced, sounds resonated, and custom scents unlocked hidden notes** in Bulleit’s core bourbon lineup. Prepare for a bourbon journey unlike any other! 

We’re also cracking open a bottle of **Bulleit Single Barrel** we snagged on our travels. Get ready for a **no-holds-barred tasting** as we dissect every single aroma and flavor. Will this single barrel steal our hearts (and our wallets)? 🤔 You’ll get our **honest, unfiltered opinion**! 💸 

Thinking about conquering the legendary Kentucky Bourbon Trail? 🤔 Forget the ordinary! The **Bulleit Visitor Experience in Shelbyville is a MUST-DO**. Seriously. It’s also super convenient: * Just a hop, skip, and a jump (under 45 mins) east of Louisville 🚗 * A quick 30-minute cruise west of Frankfort 🥃 * Practically next door (15 mins!) to Jeptha Creed Distillery – **make it a power-bourbon day!** 🗓️ 

Ready for a bourbon experience that will redefine how you taste whiskey? Hit play now! Cheers! 🥂🔥 

In this series, Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes, we navigate the rich tapestry of our memorable experiences on the Bourbon Trail, a journey that has undeniably enriched our appreciation for this iconic American spirit. We tackle intriguing questions such as: What stands out as the most profound memory of that bourbon trail experience, one that has etched itself firmly in our minds? What exceptional and bourbon or whiskey did we discover during this journey, perhaps one that surprised us with its intricate and delightful flavor profiles? What lasting impressions do we have of that bourbon or whiskey today, as we reflect on its complexities and how they resonate with our evolving palates and preferences? Through this exploration, we passionately recount our adventures and celebrate the stories and connections we’ve forged along the way, highlighting the essence of the Bourbon Trail.

#BourbonTrail  #Bulleit 

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

✴️ Bulleit Bourbon Single Barrel

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Diageo
  • Distillery: Likely Four Roses for this timeline since this was likely distilled 2010-2014
  • Mash Bill: 68% Corn, 28% Rye, 4% Malted Barley
  • Age: NAS (at least 4 years, typically 8-12 years for single barrels)
  • Proof: 104
  • Purchased: 09/04/22 for $75 at Stitzel-Weller gift shop.
  • Note: Since 2017, Bulleit distills their own bourbon in Shelbyville, KY

❌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.

Bardstown Cathedral: An Exceptional Bourbon Tasting Experience

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Step into a world where the legacy of ancient French forests intertwines with the heart of Kentucky bourbon. In this video, we’re privileged to explore the Bardstown Bourbon Company’s Distillery Reserve Cathedral French Oak – a truly exceptional release with a story as captivating as its flavor profile.

This isn’t just a bourbon; it’s a story in a glass. We explore a meticulously crafted blend of Kentucky’s finest, aged 9 to 18 years, before its transformative 14-month finish in French Oak barrels with an extraordinary provenance. These barrels were crafted from 300-year-old trees of the famed Bercé Forest, the very same forest contributing to the restoration of the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.

Experience the vision behind this exceptional spirit through the words of Dan Callaway: ‘This exquisite whiskey is a most devout showcase of the cultural legacy of France married to the pioneering spirit of American Whiskey.’ We’ll guide you through every nuance of this remarkable union.

Join us for a detailed sensory journey. We’ll dissect the captivating oak-kissed nose, unravel the intricate layers of its deep palate, and savor its incredibly long and memorable finish. Get ready for an immersive tasting experience!

Is the Bardstown Bourbon Company Cathedral French Oak a coveted bottle you need to seek out? We share our honest recommendations and tasting insights. Have you had the pleasure of trying it? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Don’t forget to subscribe for more exclusive bourbon reviews. Cheers!

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

ABOUT THIS BOTTLE

✴️ Distillery Reserve Cathedral French Oak

  • Classification: Blend of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Bardstown Bourbon Company
  • Distillery: Sourced from an undisclosed distillery(ies) in Kentucky
  • Mashbill:Blend of 5 bourbons:
    • 45% | Kentucky | 14 Years | 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
    • 37.5% | Kentucky | 18 Years | 74% Corn, 18% Rye, 8% Malted Barley
    • 10% | Kentucky | 11 Years | 78% Corn, 13% Rye, 9% Malted Barley
    • 5% | Kentucky | 9 Years | 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
    • 2.5% | Kentucky | 17 Years | 78% Corn, 10% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
  • Age: 9 to 18 years
  • Other: Finished for 14 months in barrels made of 300-year-old French Oak from the legendary Bercé Forest in the Loire Valley.
  • Proof: 110.1
  • MSRP: $99.99 (375 ml)
  • Released: February 28, 2025
  • Purchased: 04/10/25 for $99.99 at BBC, Bardstown KY
  • Note: 1 bottle per person with a 30-day waiting period to buy again.

❌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.

April 2025’s BEST Whiskeys? We Blind Taste Them ALL!

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🔥🥃 Blind Whiskey BATTLE ROYALE! Who Will Be Our April 2025 CHAMPION?! 🏆

Alright, buckle up, whiskey fanatics! 🚀 Get ready for a showdown of EPIC proportions! 🥃 In this thrilling blind tasting adventure, we’re putting FOUR incredible contenders head-to-head to crown the UNDISPUTED champion of our April 2025 whiskey lineup! 👑

Prepare your senses for an immersive journey into the captivating aromas and tantalizing flavors of these contenders:

✴️ Booker’s 2025-01 Barry’s Batch 

✴️ Fanged Pursuit 

✴️ Larceny Barrel Proof Bourbon (Batch A125) 

✴️ Penelope Rio (Batch 4) (25-901)

🚫 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! 🍀

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🔥DETAILS REGARDING OUR FOUR FINALISTS🔥

✴️ Booker’s 2025-01 Barry’s Batch

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Beam Suntory
  • Distillery: Jim Beam Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 77% Corn, 13% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
  • Age: 7 years, 2 months, and 4 days
  • Proof: 125.7
  • Released: March 2025
  • Original YouTube Review:  https://youtu.be/HalAofMXlRw 

✴️ Fanged Pursuit

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Diageo
  • Distillery: Sourced from an undisclosed Kentucky
  • Mash Bill: 68-74% Corn, 18-22% Rye, 8-10% Malted Barley
  • Age: 17 Years
  • Proof: 92
  • Released: February 2025
  • Original YouTube Review:  https://youtu.be/9MZXXSx3Sro 

✴️ Larceny Barrel Proof Bourbon (Batch A125)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Heaven Hill
  • Distillery: Heaven Hill
  • Mash Bill: 68% Corn, 20% Wheat, 12% Malted Barley
  • Age: 6-8 Years
  • Proof: 125
  • Released: January 2025
  • Original YouTube Review:  https://youtu.be/YB3FKoXY8IA 

✴️ Penelope Rio (Batch 4) (25-901)

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: MGP
  • Distillery: Ross & Squibb Distillery (MGP)
  • Mash Bill: 74% Corn, 16% Wheat, 7% Rye, 3% Malted Barley
  • Age: NAS (Aged at least 4 years per TTB regulations. Additional finishing in honey barrels for 1-3 weeks, then second use Amburana barrels for 1 week)
  • Proof: 98
  • Released: March 2025
  • Other: Finished in Honey and Used Amburana Barrels
  • Original YouTube Review:  https://youtu.be/Fg9A3kap3QU 

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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.