Wayne McBrayer

3 Rare Michter’s Bottles: Which One is the Best Pour? 

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We scored big at Michter’s Fort Nelson in downtown Louisville! After three years of trying, Rebecca finally landed a coveted spot for the exclusive “Bottle Your Own” (BYO) Barrel Strength Bourbon experience. But that wasn’t all—we also walked away with the brand-new Michter’s US★1 Barrel Strength Sour Mash (Batch 26D0898) and the highly anticipated 2026 Bomberger’s Declaration Bourbon finished in Chinquapin oak (Batch 26C0634)!

Join Wayne and Rebecca on Your Bourbon Journey as we pop the tops, break down the specs, and taste all three of these limited Michter’s releases side-by-side. Is the inaugural Barrel Strength Sour Mash worth the $120 retail price tag? Does the 2026 Chinquapin-finished Bomberger’s outshine the lineup? And how does the 116.4 proof Fort Nelson Reserve hand-fill hold up against the hype? 

Grab a pour and join us in the tasting room! Drop a comment below and let us know: Have you ever done the Bottle Your Own experience at Fort Nelson, and which 2026 Michter’s drop are you hunting this year?

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❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

Michter’s US★1 Barrel Strength Kentucky Sour Mash Whiskey

  • Classification: Kentucky Sour Mash Whiskey
  • Distillery: Michter’s Distillery (Louisville, KY)
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed (proprietary blend where no single grain reaches 51%, straddling bourbon and rye profiles)
  • Age: NAS
  • Proof: 111.2 (55.6% ABV)
  • SRP: $120
  • Released: May 2026 (Inaugural barrel-strength release of the US★1 Sour Mash)
  • Other: Batch No. 26D0898; limited small batch; 103-proof barrel entry; signature Michter’s filtration.
  • Purchased: 08/15/2026 for $119 at Michter’s Fort Nelson (Louisville, KY)

Bomberger’s Declaration Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (2026 Release)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Michter’s Distillery (Louisville, KY)
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed (high corn content balanced with a significant portion of malted rye)
  • Age: NAS
  • Proof: 108 (54.0% ABV)
  • SRP: $120
  • Released: June/July 2026 (Part of the annual Michter’s Legacy Series alongside Shenk’s Homestead)
  • Other: Bottle 826 of 2,503; Batch No. 26C0634; incorporates bourbon aged/finished in custom toasted and charred Chinquapin oak barrels air-dried and seasoned for three years.
  • Purchased: 08/15/2026 for $129 at Michter’s Fort Nelson (Louisville, KY) 

Michter’s Fort Nelson Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Barrel Strength – Bottle Your Own)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Michter’s Distillery (Louisville, KY)
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed (standard Michter’s bourbon mash bill)
  • Age: NAS (Non-Age Stated)
  • Proof: 116.4 (58.2% ABV)
  • SRP: $160 (Distillery Exclusive / BYO Experience)
  • Released: Bottled 08/15/2026
  • Other: Michter’s Fort Nelson “Bottle Your Own” hand-fill experience; Barrel No. FN26F2246; single barrel; barrel entry proof 103.
  • Purchased: 08/15/2026 for $160 at Michter’s Fort Nelson (Louisville, KY)

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

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

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Kentucky vs Ireland: Which Single Malt Wins? 

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Join Wayne and Rebecca on Your Bourbon Journey for a special transatlantic single malt tasting featuring two sister distilleries under the Alltech umbrella: Pearse Lyons Distillery in Dublin, Ireland, and Town Branch Distillery in Lexington, Kentucky!

Both whiskeys share a 100% malted barley mash bill and maturation in ex-bourbon barrels, but their aging environments and regional styles offer two completely distinct experiences across the Atlantic.

First, we pour the Pearse 12-Year-Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey (Founder’s Choice) at 86 proof ($69.99 SRP), matured in former Town Branch bourbon barrels. Expect vibrant green apple, bright orchard fruit, and classic Irish malt character.

Then, we crack open an ultra-rare unicorn: the Town Branch 16 Year Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Single Malt Whiskey (Archive Series, Volume 2) at 100 proof ($399.99 SRP). Distilled in 2009 and bottled in 2025, this single-barrel release (Bottle #38 of 57) currently stands as the oldest Bottled-in-Bond American Single Malt Whiskey released to date. It even comes with a minted collector’s coin granting lifetime tours and tastings at Town Branch!

How does Irish maritime aging compare to 16 hot Kentucky summers? Is the $400 archive release worth the hype? Pour yourself a dram and join us to find out!

👍 If you enjoyed this tasting, please Like, Comment, and Subscribe to follow along with our whiskey adventures. Always remember to drink responsibly!

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🎓 Want to earn a FREE Whiskey Certificate? Start your bourbon education journey with Whiskey University today! Take your first steps here: https://www.whiskeyuniv.com/first-steps

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

Pearse 12-Year-Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey – Founder’s Choice

  • Classification: Single Malt Irish Whiskey
  • Company: Alltech
  • Distillery: Pearse Lyons Distillery (Dublin 8, Ireland; early stock sourced from Bushmills)
  • Mash Bill: 100% Malted Barley
  • Age: 12 Years (in ex-bourbon barrels)
  • Proof: 86 Proof (43% ABV)
  • SRP: $69.99
  • Released: Core / Ongoing Small Batch (Batch 2019-B5750)
  • Other: Non-Chill Filtered, Natural Color; matured in former Town Branch Bourbon barrels.
  • Purchased: 07/04/2026 for $69.99 at Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co.

Town Branch 16 Year Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Single Malt Whiskey (Archive Series, Volume 2)

  • Classification: Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Single Malt Whiskey (American Single Malt)
  • Company: Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. (Alltech)
  • Distillery: Town Branch Distillery (Lexington, KY – DSP-KY-15004)
  • Mash Bill: 100% Malted Barley (Double Pot Distilled)
  • Age: 16 Years (Distilled/Filled: July 15, 2009 [Lot 09G15] | Bottled: October 27, 2025)
  • Proof: 100 Proof (50% ABV – Bottled-in-Bond)
  • SRP: $399.99
  • Released: October 2025 (Ultra-limited single barrel yield; Bottle No. 38 of 57 from Serial No. 223)
  • Other: Non-Chill Filtered; matured in ex-bourbon barrels; includes a minted Collector’s Coin granting the holder complimentary lifetime tours and tastings at Town Branch Distillery; stands as the oldest Bottled-in-Bond American Single Malt Whiskey released to date.
  • Purchased: 07/04/2026 for $399.99 at Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co.

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

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

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Don’t Buy A Cigar Whiskey Until You Watch This

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Heading into the weekend with four heavyweight cigar blend whiskeys on the table! On this episode of Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca dive into an incredible lineup inspired by our recent Whiskey University cigar pairing masterclass. We’re putting four distinct, cask-finished expressions to the test to see how their layered wood finishes stack up, which bottles truly need a cigar in hand, and which are rich enough to sip neat.

From our first official Cigar Malt Scotch to the holy grail blend from Nancy Fraley, a 5-cask traveler from Old Elk, and a thieved single-barrel powerhouse from Cox’s Creek Distilling, we break down tasting notes, mash bills, finishing casks, and recommended cigar pairings for each.

Which pour takes the crown and earns a spot in our September Whiskey of the Month competition? Drop your favorite cigar-pairing whiskeys in the comments below!

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❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

The Dalmore Cigar Malt Reserve

  • Classification: Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
  • Company: Whyte & Mackay
  • Distillery: The Dalmore Distillery (Alness, Highlands, Scotland)
  • Mash Bill: 100% Malted Barley
  • Age: NAS (Components aged roughly 10–15 years)
  • Proof: 88 Proof (44% ABV)
  • SRP: ~$179.99–$199.99
  • Released: Ongoing core expression (re-introduced 2012)
  • Other: Matured in American white oak ex-bourbon casks, 30-year-old Matusalem Oloroso sherry butts, and premier cru Cabernet Sauvignon wine barriques
  • Purchased: 08/11/26 for $134.94 at Hi Proof (online)
  • Recommended Cigar: Davidoff Winston Churchill The Late Hour

Joseph Magnus Cigar Blend Bourbon (Batch 507, Bottle 49)

  • Classification: Blended Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Sherry, Cognac, and Armagnac Casks
  • Company: Jos. A. Magnus & Co.
  • Distillery: Distilled in Indiana (MGP); blended and finished by Jos. A. Magnus & Co.
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed MGP high-rye & low-rye bourbon blend
  • Age: Blend of straight bourbons aged 9 to 20 years
  • Proof: 111.7 Proof (55.85% ABV)
  • SRP: ~$199.99–$219.99
  • Released: Periodic small-batch releases (Batch 507)
  • Other: Nancy Fraley’s signature “coupage” process; finished in vintage Armagnac, Cognac, and Sherry casks
  • Purchased: 08/11/26 for $169.99 at Hi Proof (online)
  • Recommended Cigar: My Father The Judge 

Old Elk Cigar Cut “Island Blend” Straight Whiskies

  • Classification: Blend of Straight Whiskies Finished in Port, Rum, Sherry, and Sauternes Casks
  • Company: Old Elk Distilleries (Fort Collins, CO)
  • Distillery: Distilled in Indiana (MGP); blended and bottled by Old Elk
  • Mash Bill: Blend of Old Elk High-Malt Bourbon (51% Corn, 34% Malted Barley, 15% Rye), 95/5 Rye, and Wheated Bourbon (51% Corn, 45% Wheat, 4% Malt)
  • Age: 6 Years base whiskies (finished an additional 6 months to 2 years across casks)
  • Proof: 114.6 Proof (57.3% ABV)
  • SRP: ~$129.99
  • Released: Late 2023 / 2024 (Second national Cigar Cut release)
  • Other: Secondary aging breakdown: 2 years in Sherry, 6–10 months in Port, 8 months in Rum, 6 months in Sauternes
  • Purchased: 08/11/26 for $99.99 at Hi Proof (online)
  • Recommended Cigar: Padrón 1926 Serie Natural

Good Times Cigar Batch “Mexican Vanilla” (Barrel #709)

  • Classification: Single Barrel Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Mexican Vanilla, Oloroso Sherry, Cognac, and Armagnac Casks
  • Company: Good Times Bourbon
  • Distillery: Distilled in Indiana (MGP); secondary finished and bottled by Good Times Bourbon
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed MGP Bourbon (typically 75/21/4 or 60/36/4)
  • Age: NAS (typically 4–6 years base)
  • Proof: 116 Proof (58% ABV)
  • SRP: ~$149.99–$169.99
  • Released: 2025/2026 Limited Rare Release
  • Other: Barrel Strength, Non-Chill Filtered; finished using charred Mexican vanilla wood staves alongside classic cigar blend fortified casks
  • Purchased: 09/04/26 for $149.99 at Coxs Creek Distilling
  • Recommended Cigar: Liga Privada No. 9 (or Arturo Fuente Hemingway).

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

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.

#Bourbon #Whiskey #CigarBlend #JosephMagnus #TheDalmore #OldElk #GoodTimesBourbon #CigarPairing #BourbonReview #WhiskeyTasting #SingleMalt #YourBourbonJourney #CaskFinishedBourbon #CraftSpirits #WhiskeyTube

New Riff’s Best Lineup Ever? 10-Year Bourbon vs Single Malt & DUET

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Today on Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca present “The Full Symphony” tasting flight featuring three incredible releases from New Riff Distilling in Newport, Kentucky! 

We recently picked up our New Riff Whiskey Club bottles and couldn’t wait to crack them open on the table. In this comprehensive review and side-by-side tasting flight, we break down mash bills, barrel maturations, tasting notes, and pick our top contender for Whiskey of the Month. 

Here is the flight lineup:

1️⃣ New Riff DUET American Whiskey (Rhinegeist Collaboration)
2️⃣ New Riff Sour Mash Single Malt Whiskey (Spring 2026 Vatting 26.06.12.05)
3️⃣ New Riff High Note 10-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Which of these three pours took the crown, and how does the Rhinegeist beer foeder influence compare to the peated Scottish barley or the 10-year cherry bomb bourbon? Watch to find out!

Drop a comment below: Have you tried any of New Riff’s specialty malt projects or the High Note series? What’s your favorite pour coming out of Newport right now?

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with fellow whiskey lovers. Cheers! 🥃

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❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

New Riff DUET American Whiskey (Rhinegeist Collaboration)

  • Classification: American Whiskey
  • Company: New Riff Distilling
  • Distillery: New Riff Distilling (Newport, KY)
  • Mash Bill: 57% Malted Barley, 37% Raw Barley, 6% Rye
  • Age: At least 6 Years
  • Proof: 111.2 Proof (55.6% ABV)
  • SRP: $79.99
  • Released: June 2026
  • Other: A cross-river collaboration with Cincinnati’s Rhinegeist Brewery. Aged in new charred oak alongside select Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks, married in a Rhinegeist oak beer FOODer, and finished in used American oak casks; non-chill filtered.
  • Purchased: June 4, 2026 for $79.99 at New Riff Distilling Online

New Riff Sour Mash Single Malt Whiskey

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Malt Whiskey / American Single Malt
  • Company: New Riff Distilling
  • Distillery: New Riff Distilling (Newport, KY)
  • Mash Bill: 100% Malted Barley (a blend of distinct malt mash bills including Maris Otter, Golden Promise, Chevallier Heirloom, Scottish Peated, Barleywine-style, and Belgian Quadrupel-style malts)
  • Age: At least 7 Years Old
  • Proof: 111.7 Proof (55.85% ABV)
  • SRP: $69.99
  • Released: Spring/Summer 2026 (Vatting 26.06.12.05)
  • Other: Distilled using traditional sour mash fermentation; matured across new charred oak, sherry, and wine casks before vatting; bottled at cask strength, non-chill filtered.
  • Purchased: July 24, 2026 for $69.99 at New Riff Distilling Gift Shop (Newport, KY) 

New Riff High Note 10-Year-Old

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: New Riff Distilling
  • Distillery: New Riff Distilling (Newport, KY)
  • Mash Bill: 65% Corn, 30% Rye, 5% Malted Barley
  • Age: 10 Years Old
  • Proof: 116.9 Proof (58.45% ABV)
  • SRP: $89.99
  • Released: June 2026
  • Other: High Note Series limited release; bottled at natural barrel proof without chill filtration.
  • Purchased: June 4, 2026 for $89.99 at New Riff Distilling Online

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

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.

#NewRiff #BourbonReview #WhiskeyTasting #BourbonJourney #NewRiffDistilling #AmericanSingleMalt #CraftSpirits #KentuckyBourbon #WhiskeyReview #HighProofBourbon #Rhinegeist #FoederAged #SingleMaltWhiskey #BarrelProof #BourbonHunting

Oatmeal Cookie in a Glass? We Tried the New B.O.B. Bourbon

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Is oat bourbon the next big trend in craft whiskey? In this episode of Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca crack open B.O.B. (Best Oat Bourbon) from Glenns Creek Distilling in Frankfort, Kentucky!

Picked up on the 4th of July during Dave’s 250th American celebration extravaganza, this unique single barrel pour features steel-cut oats as the secondary grain in a 76% yellow corn, 19% steel-cut oats, and 5% malted barley mash bill. Clocking in at 106.8 proof and aged at least 32 months, this pot-distilled craft bourbon serves up sweet layers of burnt butterscotch, cinnamon, brown sugar, and notes reminiscent of an iced oatmeal cream pie.

Find out why this experimental bottle might just be in our next Whiskey of the Month competition and why craft distilleries like Glenns Creek continue to push the boundaries of flavor!

Have you tried whiskeys distilled with oats? Drop your thoughts in the comments below! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your favorite craft bourbon pours with us. Drink responsibly!

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🎓 Want to earn a FREE Whiskey Certificate? Start your bourbon education journey with Whiskey University today! Take your first steps here: https://www.whiskeyuniv.com/first-steps

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

B.O.B. (Best Oat Bourbon)

  • Classification: Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Glenns Creek Distilling (Frankfort, KY)
  • Mash Bill: 76% Yellow Corn, 19% Oats, 5% Malted Barley
  • Age: At least 32 months
  • Proof: 106.8 (53.4% ABV)
  • SRP: $70.75
  • Released: July 2026
  • Other: Barrel No. 1, Bottle No. 12; single barrel release featuring steel cut oats as the secondary grain, pot-distilled and bottled on-site.
  • Purchased: 07/04/26 for $70.75 at Glenns Creek Distilling (Frankfort, KY)

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

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

#Bourbon #WhiskeyReview #BourbonTasting #GlennsCreekDistilling #OatBourbon #CraftBourbon #SingleBarrel #KentuckyBourbon #WhiskeyTube #BourbonReview #CraftDistillery #YourBourbonJourney #BOBBourbon #BestOatBourbon #WhiskeyLovers

We Found Rare Canadian Hazmats! Barrell Decade 2 vs Nashville Barrel 35 Year Review

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Heading into the weekend with some very old, ultra-high-proof Canadian whiskies on the tasting table! In this head-to-head review, we uncork two rare $200 bottles that break the 140+ proof barrier: Barrell Craft Spirits Decade 2 (141.3 proof) and a 35-Year Nashville Barrel Company Single Barrel (148.42 proof).

Can Canadian grain whisky handle extreme cask strength without drinking like fire? Does Barrell’s Spanish brandy and Hungarian oak finish outshine a pure 35-year single barrel from Louisville Rickhouse? We break down the nose, palate, finish, viscosity, and overall value to see which hazmat pour earned the top spot.

If you love exploring rare cask strength expressions, single barrels, and high-proof pours, hit the Subscribe button and join us on the journey! Always drink responsibly.

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

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❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

Barrell Craft Spirits Decade 2

  • Classification: Cask Strength Blended Canadian Whisky Finished in Spanish Brandy & Hungarian Oak Casks (Hazmat)
  • Company: Barrell Craft Spirits (Black Label Series)
  • Distillery: Undisclosed Canadian Distilleries (Crafted, finished, and bottled in Louisville, KY)
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed Canadian Blend (Distilled each year consecutively from 1995 to 2005)
  • Age: 20 Years (Age statement; blend components range from 20 to 30 years old)
  • Proof: 141.3 Proof (70.65% ABV)
  • SRP: $199.99
  • Released: July 2026
  • Other: Secondary maturation in Spanish brandy and Hungarian oak casks; Black Label Series Hazmat release; 750ml
  • Purchased: July 15, 2026, for $199.99 via Flaviar

Nashville Barrel Company 35-Year Single Barrel Canadian Whiskey (Barrel #297)

  • Classification: Single Barrel Cask Strength Canadian Whiskey (Hazmat)
  • Company: Nashville Barrel Company
  • Distillery: Undisclosed Canadian Distillery (Bottled by Louisville Rickhouse, DSP-KY-20181)
  • Mash Bill: 100% Corn (Aged Canadian Grain Whisky)
  • Age: 35 Years
  • Proof: 148.42 Proof (74.21% ABV)
  • SRP: $199.99
  • Released: 2026
  • Other: Single Barrel Private Selection, Barrel #297; 750ml
  • Purchased: August 14, 2026, for $199.99 at Louisville Rickhouse

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

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.

#HazmatWhiskey #BarrellCraftSpirits #NashvilleBarrelCompany #CanadianWhisky #CaskStrengthWhiskey #WhiskeyReview #BarrellDecade2 #HighProofWhiskey #SingleBarrelWhiskey #BourbonTasting #LouisvilleRickhouse #WhiskeyTasting #RareWhiskey #Flaviar #YourBourbonJourney

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🎓 Want to earn a FREE Whiskey Certificate? Start your bourbon education journey with Whiskey University today! Take your first steps here: https://www.whiskeyuniv.com/first-steps

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

Midway Series: Dudley & Gratz Finished Rye Whiskey

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

Elkwood Reserve Spanish Oaked Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

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

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

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

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

Shortbarrel Bourbon Sapsquatch Review: A True Maple Bomb?

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Join Wayne and Rebecca on Your Bourbon Journey as we track down a rare mythological creature in whiskey form: Shortbarrel Sapsquatch (Batch SB-2)!

Grabbed from the allocated shelves at The Party Source, this 6-year straight bourbon blend is finished for an extra 6 months in Kelvin Cooperage toasted barrels and authentic Vermont maple syrup barrels with sugar maple wood spirals. Coming in at 108.6 proof (54.3% ABV), does this $89.99 release turn into an overly sweet syrup bomb, or does the toasted oak keep it balanced, creamy, and complex?

Watch as we break down the nose, viscous mouthfeel, layered palate of toasted pancakes and cinnamon, and the finish to decide if this Shortbarrel release deserves a spot on your home bar. Scott, if you’re watching, crack your bottle open already!

Drop a comment below: Have you tried Shortbarrel Sapsquatch or other maple finished bourbons? What’s your favorite finished whiskey?

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Shortbarrel Sapsquatch (Batch SB-2)

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Maple Syrup Barrels and Toasted Barrels
  • Company: Shortbarrel Bourbon (Chamblee, GA)
  • Distillery: Undisclosed distilleries in Kentucky and Indiana (typically sourced from Barton, Beam, Bardstown Bourbon Co., Green River, and/or MGP)
  • Mash Bill: Blended (predominantly high-rye bourbon mashbills)
  • Age: 6+ Years
  • Proof: 108.6 Proof (54.3% ABV)
  • SRP: $89.99
  • Released: May / June 2026
  • Other: Small batch release; finished for 6+ months in Kelvin Cooperage toasted barrels and Vermont maple syrup barrels with sugar maple wood spirals
  • Purchased: July 24, 2026 for $89.99 at The Party Source

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❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

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

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Is Booker’s The Reserves 2026 Worth $135? First Pour Review!

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It’s Booker’s Rye Tuesday with a very special twist! In this episode of Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca uncork and review the brand-new Booker’s The Reserves 2026 Batch from James B. Beam Distilling Co.

Released in September 2026 at an uncut, unfiltered 125.1 proof (62.55% ABV), this limited release brings back the legendary Booker’s Rye mash bill with an unexpected creative spin. Master Distiller Freddie Noe drew inspiration from his grandfather Booker Noe’s holiday “A.B.C. Wassail” (Apples, Bourbon, Cinnamon) and transformed it into “A.R.C.” (Apples, Rye, Cinnamon). Aged for 6 years, 2 months, and 23 days, this Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey underwent secondary aging in French apple brandy casks and was steeped with real cinnamon sticks using a 24-hour large tea-bag infusion method.

We drove down to the Jim Beam Outpost in Clermont, Kentucky, to attend an exclusive blending innovation tasting with the James B. Beam team and snagged our bottles early—complete with Freddie Noe’s signature! Watch along as we break down the historic mash bill, discuss how the apple brandy cask finish and steeped cinnamon balance out the rye spice, and share our full nosing, palate, and finish impressions.

Will traditional rye whiskey purists appreciate this finished profile? How does it stack up against past editions of The Reserves? Grab a pour and join us on our journey!

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Booker’s “The Reserves” 2026 Batch

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey Finished in Apple Brandy Barrels and Infused with Cinnamon
  • Company: Suntory Global Spirits (James B. Beam Distilling Co.)
  • Distillery: James B. Beam Distilling Co. (Clermont, KY)
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed (matches the original Booker’s Rye mash bill)
  • Age: 6 Years, 2 Months, 23 Days
  • Proof: 125.1 Proof (62.55% ABV)
  • SRP: $129.99 – $135.00
  • Released: September 2026
  • Other: Uncut and unfiltered. Inspired by Booker Noe’s holiday “A.B.C. Wassail” (Apples, Bourbon barrels, and Cinnamon); Freddie Noe adapted the concept into “A.R.C.” (Apples, Rye whiskey, Cinnamon). Crafted using the Booker’s Rye mash bill, secondary aged in French apple brandy casks, and steeped with real cinnamon sticks in a large tea-bag method for 24 hours at roughly 1% of the final blend.
  • Purchased: 09/04/2026 for $135 at Jim Beam Outpost (Signed by Freddie Noe)

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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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Neeley Family 10-Year Papaw’s Legacy Reserve Bourbon Review 

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Join Wayne and Rebecca on Your Bourbon Journey for an exclusive pre-release tasting and review of two milestone whiskeys from Neeley Family Distillery (Sparta, KY) ahead of the 2026 Kentucky Bourbon Festival! A massive thank you to Royce and Rebekah Neeley for sending these advance media samples to our table.

The Banana Batch Four Grain Bourbon (112.4 Proof Barrel Strength) Blended by Rebekah Neeley, this is her second Four Grain Small Batch creation featuring Neeley’s signature mashbill with oatmeal. Originally destined to be Bottled in Bond, Rebekah tasted the blend at cask strength and decided it was simply too exceptional to proof down! Sitting at a potent 112.4 proof, it delivers unmistakable notes of Banana Runts, vanilla, and warm, fresh-baked banana bread with an ultra-creamy mouthfeel. Wayne famously dislikes banana notes in whiskey—so does Rebekah’s barrel-strength blend finally crack the code?

PaPaw’s Legacy Reserve: 10-Year Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon Whiskey (110 Proof) An emotional and historic release, this marks Neeley Family Distillery’s first-ever 10-year age statement. Distilled by Royce and his beloved late Papaw, Royce hand-selected 10 of their oldest, finest barrels and blended them together. Designed to never run out, this perpetual Solera-style blend will have a portion bottled annually and replenished with exceptional barrels so Papaw’s whiskey lives on decades into the future. Bottled at 110 proof barrel strength, only 750 bottles comprise this inaugural run, packaged in a custom presentation box. Expect profound notes of dark caramel, confectionary sugar, rich cocoa, and roast coffee.

Official Release Details:

  • The Banana Batch: Available now at the Neeley Family Distillery gift shop and pouring at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival!
  • PaPaw’s Legacy Reserve: Releases Friday, September 11 at 11:00 AM EDT at both the distillery in Sparta, KY, and at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival in Bardstown, KY (Strictly limited to 750 bottles).

Heading to Bardstown? Make sure to visit the Neeley Family Distillery tent, taste these incredible pours, and tell Rebekah whether she made the right call keeping the Banana Batch uncut!

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Banana Batch Bourbon

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Neeley Family Distillery (Sparta, KY)
  • Mash Bill: Four Grain (Typically 63% Corn, 17% Oats, 8% Wheat, 12% Malted Barley)
  • Age: 5 Years
  • Proof: 112 Proof (56% ABV) – Barrel Strength
  • Released: Kentucky Bourbon Festival (September 2026)
  • Other: Annual single-batch release; kept uncut at barrel strength; pot-distilled; media sample taken 8/20/26

Papaws Legacy Reserve 10 Year

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Neeley Family Distillery (Sparta, KY)
  • Mash Bill: Wheated Bourbon (Typically 64% Corn, 28% Wheat, 8% Malted Barley or 68% Corn, 19% Wheat, 13% Malted Barley)
  • Age: 10 Years
  • Proof: 110 Proof (55% ABV)
  • SRP: TBD (Pre-release)
  • Released: Kentucky Bourbon Festival & Distillery Release (September 2026)
  • Other: Ultra-limited release of only 750 bottles; packaged in a custom presentation box; pot-distilled; media sample taken 8/20/26

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

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NOTE: The spirits featured in this review were provided to us as a media sample by the producer for review purposes. We were not compensated for this video, and our opinions remain entirely our own. Please drink responsibly.

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