Wayne McBrayer

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.

#Antigua #AcademyOfRum #CaribbeanRumTrail #RumTasting #BourbonLovers #CruiseExcursion #GalleonBeach #RumBlending #SpicedRum #TravelVlog #DistilleryTour #MasterOfRum #CaribbeanTravel #SpiritsTasting #YourBourbonJourney

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/

❌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 #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

❌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.

#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

❌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.

#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❌

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

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NOTE: The spirit in this review was purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.

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

Decoding the Pour: The New “Your Bourbon Journey” Scoring & WOTY Process

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At Your Bourbon Journey, our mission has always been to embrace the craft and find the absolute best whiskey sitting on the shelf. As our library has grown, so has our need for a more rigorous, transparent, and “science-backed” way to evaluate what makes a bottle truly elite.

To kick off our next chapter, we are introducing a refined scoring system and a streamlined path to the Whiskey of the Year (WOTY). Here is how we are finding the “Sweet Sixteen” and beyond.

The Road to the Sweet Sixteen

We’ve listened to your feedback and looked at our own data. To ensure only the “best of the best” make it to the winner’s circle, we’ve made a few key changes to our annual competition:

  • Monthly Blind Competitions: Our core remains the same. We will continue to name a Whiskey of the Month (WOTM) through rigorous blind tastings.
  • Farewell to the “Quarterly”: We have eliminated the “Whiskey of the Quarter” format. We found it was a bit redundant and didn’t always provide the most accurate seeding for the year-end finals.
  • The Power of the Rubric: Every bottle we review now faces our new 100-Point Rubric. This ensures consistency whether we are tasting a budget-friendly rye or a limited-edition bourbon.
  • Data-Driven Seeding: Your favorites don’t just move on because they won a single month; their numerical scores determine their rank and seeding for the WOTY blind.
  • The Play-In: In the event of a tie for those final spots in the Sweet Sixteen, we will conduct a Blind Play-In to settle the score on the palate.

The Live Leaderboard

Transparency is key. You can now visit our Live Leaderboard page right here on the website to see how current contenders are stacking up in real-time.

Look for Video Updates: Keep an eye out for dedicated leaderboard deep-dives at the 4-month and 8-month marks to see which bottles are currently pacing to make the finals!

Inside the Rubric: How We Score

We start with a baseline of 80 points for any whiskey that is “eligible” for our journey. The final 20 points—the difference between “good” and “legendary”—are determined by four critical categories:

I. The Nose (5 Points)

Focus on aromatic complexity and ethanol integration.

  • Good (1–2 pts): Pleasant and clear (vanilla, oak) but simple.
  • Great (3–4 pts): Multi-layered with hidden ethanol and distinct secondary notes like fruit or spice.
  • Outstanding (5 pts): A “room-filler.” Exceptional complexity that evolves in the glass.

II. The Taste (10 Points)

The engine of the score. Focus on mouthfeel, transition, and flavor density.

  • Good (1–4 pts): Thin to medium mouthfeel; consistent but predictable.
  • Great (5–8 pts): Oily/creamy texture with a “story” on the palate (sweet start, spicy mid).
  • Outstanding (9–10 pts): Explosive and viscous. Challenging depth with zero “dead spots.”

III. The Finish (3 Points)

Focus on duration and the “exit.”

  • Good (1 pt): Short to medium; clean and simple.
  • Great (2 pt): Long and warming; brings back a specific note like cocoa or leather.
  • Outstanding (3 pts): “The Hug.” Lasts for minutes and evolves without harsh bitterness.

IV. The Wild Card (2 Points)

The “X-Factor” or subjective “wow” moment.

  • Good (0 pts): A solid pour, but not uniquely memorable.
  • Great (1 pt): A “best-in-class” representation of its specific style or mashbill.
  • Outstanding (2 pts): A “unicorn” experience; the kind of bottle you immediately buy a backup of.

Are you ready to see who takes the crown this year? Check the leaderboard often, and we’ll see you in the comments of the next blind!

#YourBourbonJourney #RoadToTheSweetSixteen #YBJWhiskeyOfTheYear #CaskStrengthLeadership #BourbonReview #WhiskeyTasting #BlindTasting #BourbonCommunity #WhiskeyGram #BourbonBracket #TheSweetSixteen #WhiskeyEducation #BourbonScoring #SpiritReview #CraftSpirits #ThePerfectPour

The Live Leaderboard: Road to the Sweet Sixteen

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This is the heartbeat of the Your Bourbon Journey season. As we move through our monthly blind competitions, every bottle’s performance is recorded here. The Top 16 highest-scoring whiskeys at the end of the season will advance to the Whiskey of the Year (WOTY) Blind Bracket.

Current Standings

Updated: 05/03/26

Video Leaderboard Updates

Catch the deep dives where we discuss the movement on the board and which bottles are “on the bubble.”

  • Q1 Update (4 Months): [Link to Video/May]
  • Q2 Update (8 Months): [Link to Video/September]
  • Selection Saturday: [Final Seeding Reveal Video/December]

The WOTY Bracket Structure

Once the leaderboard is finalized, the Sweet Sixteen are seeded #1 through #16 based strictly on their rubric scores. From there, it is a single-elimination march to the finish. Every single round is conducted completely blind to ensure the liquid in the glass does the talking.

  • The Sweet Sixteen: Our top 16 seeded whiskeys face off in head-to-head (or group) blind flights.
  • The Elite Eight: The winners advance to a high-stakes blind showdown to determine the best of each region/bracket.
  • The Final Four: The four remaining heavyweights meet in a penultimate blind tasting.
  • The Championship: The final two bottles go nose-to-nose. Only one will be crowned the Your Bourbon Journey Whiskey of the Year.

Tie-Breakers & Seeding

Because we rely on a 100-point scale, ties are possible.

  • Seeding Ties: If two whiskeys have the same score, their seed is determined by their Taste score. If still tied, we look to the Nose.
  • The Play-In: If there is a tie for the #16 spot, we will conduct a Live Blind Play-In to see who earns the final seat at the table.

How the Scoring Works

Each bottle starts with a base of 80 points. We then apply our 20-point Rubric (Nose, Taste, Finish, and Wild Card) to reach the final score.

[Click here to read the full breakdown of our Scoring Rubric]

#YBJLeaderboard #RoadToTheSweetSixteen #WOTY2026 #WhiskeyRankings #OnTheBubble #BourbonBracket #WhiskeyOfTheYear

Don’t Skip This! Trackside High Proof Bourbon Tasting

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Is this the next big winner in Kentucky Bourbon? 🥃

Join Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey as we dive into a truly unique find from BourbonCon 2026: the Trackside Bourbon Founder’s Release High Proof. With only 900 bottles produced, this limited-edition gem is making waves with its rare four-grain mash bill featuring Chocolate Malted Barley.

Sourced and blended from the renowned Kentucky Artisan Distillery (the hands behind Jefferson’s Ocean), this 107-proof expression is the passion project of industry veterans Jade Peterson and Jeremy Deaver. Inspired by Kentucky’s rich racing culture, it’s crafted from Jade’s personal “honey hole” collection amassed over the last decade.

In this tasting, we explore the deep confectionery sugar notes, the surprising hints of pear skin, and that signature dark chocolate finish that only a high-quality chocolate malt can provide. Is it our next Whiskey of the Month? 

Watch to find out why we’re regretting not buying a second bottle!

In this video:

  • The backstory of Trackside Distilling & Kentucky Artisan Distillery.
  • Deep dive into the 107-proof Founder’s Release profile.
  • Why Chocolate Malted Barley is a game-changer for bourbon lovers.
  • Final verdict: Is it worth the $72.99 MSRP?

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Trackside Bourbon (Founder Release High Proof)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Trackside Distilling Company (Co-Founders Jade Peterson and Jeremy Dever)
  • Distillery: Sourced and blended barrels from Kentucky Artisan Distillery (Crestwood, KY)
  • Mash Bill: A unique four-grain mash bill: Yellow Corn, Rye, Distiller’s Malt, and Chocolate Malted Barley.
  • Age: 5
  • Proof: 107
  • MSRP: $72.99
  • Other: This is a limited “Founder Release”—only about 900 bottles of this High Proof version were produced. The brand is inspired by the racing culture of Kentucky, and the barrels used are part of Jade’s personal collection amassed over the last decade.

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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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