Wayne McBrayer

Tasting 1976 Old Charter: Bourbon History in a Mini Bottle! 

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🥃 Sipping on History: 1976 Old Charter 7 Year – Vintage Bourbon Review (Schenley Era Dusty Bottle)

Join Wayne and Rebecca on “Sipping on History” as we unearth a true relic of American whiskey: a rare, vintage Old Charter 7 Year Old, 86 Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey bottled in the mid-1970s!

This isn’t your modern Buffalo Trace-produced Old Charter—this $1/4$ pint “dusty bottle” dates back to the Schenley Distillers era and was distilled no later than 1969 at the historic Bernheim Distillery in Louisville, KY. This bourbon is a tangible piece of the Bourbon Glut Era!

What We Taste & Discuss:

  • Tasting Notes: We explore the distinct flavor profile of 70s bourbon, including surprising viscosity, notes of butterscotch and pear, a complex savory palate, and a rye kick that hints at a classic high-rye mashbill (estimated 18-35% rye).
  • The History: Learn why the 1970s was a fascinating time for whiskey, the significance of the “For Sale in Indiana Only” label, and the journey of the Old Charter brand from Schenley to Sazerac/Buffalo Trace.
  • Proof vs. Flavor: Does 86 proof still pack a punch? We discuss why these vintage, long-aged bourbons often drink with more body and complexity than modern equivalents.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to taste a piece of distilling history! 

Bottle Details:

  • Brand: Old Charter Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Vintage/Bottled: Est. 1976 (Distilled no later than 1969)
  • Distiller (Era): Bernheim Distillery (for Schenley Distillers)
  • Age/Proof: 7 Years / 86 Proof
  • Rarity: $1/4$ Pint (4 oz) with “For sale in Indiana Only” label
  • Sourced From: Revival Vintage Spirits, Covington, KY (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.

#vintagebourbon #DustyBourbon #oldcharter #bourbonreview #BernheimDistillery #SchenleyEra #1976Bourbon #whiskeytasting #BourbonHistory #KentuckyBourbon #HighRye #sippingonhistory #BuffaloTraceHistory #OldCharter7Year #WhiskeyCollector 

The INFINITE BOURBON: Little Book 2025 Release Review

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🥃 Little Book “The Infinite” Edition 2 (2025) Review: A Generational Blend Evolves! | Bourbon Journey

Get ready to dive deep into one of the most exciting annual releases in American Whiskey! In this video, Wayne and Rebecca from Bourbon Journey pour, nose, and taste the highly-anticipated Little Book “The Infinite” Edition 2 (2025).

Crafted by 8th Generation Master Distiller Freddie Noe, this Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a true generational blend, marrying whiskeys distilled by his Grandaddy Booker Noe, his father Fred Noe, and himself. It’s an infinity barrel concept brought to the masses, with each annual release evolving and maturing as new liquids are carefully added.

🌟 Tasting & Analysis: Is Edition 2 the BEST Little Book?

Edition 2 builds on the foundation of the original blend, but Freddie has added new bourbons to accentuate specific notes:

  • Booker’s Bourbon brings pronounced Oak Char and Smoke.
  • Fred’s Bourbon adds rich Vanilla, Caramel, and Dark Stone Fruit.
  • Freddie’s Bourbon introduces a Brightness with notes of Fresh Apple and Pear.

At a robust 120.4 Proof (Uncut & Unfiltered), this high-proof bourbon delivers a memorable experience. We find it to be a barrel-forward, savory pour with a surprising depth and a long, lingering finish of cinnamon and black pepper. Is it better than the first edition? We think so! The new blend brings more complexity and a beautifully viscous mouthfeel.

This limited release is a must-try for any serious bourbon collector or fan of Jim Beam products like Booker’s and Knob Creek. We share our honest thoughts on the flavor profile, the evolution of the blend, and whether this $200 MSRP bottle is worth the splurge.

Have you tried any of the Little Book releases? Let us know in the comments if you prefer The Infinite Edition 2 or Edition 1!

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✴️ Little Book “The Infinite” Edition 2 (2025)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: James B. Beam
  • Likely blended from the two Beam bourbon mashbills:
  • Dominant: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley (used for Jim Beam White Label, Black, Booker’s, Knob Creek, Baker’s)
  • Secondary: 63% Corn, 27% Rye, 10% Malted Barley (used for Old Grand-Dad, Basil Hayden’s).
  • Age: NAS (Edition 1 was 7-20 years)
  • Proof: 120.4
  • MSRP: $200
  • Released: Fall 2025
  • Purchased: 10/24/25 for $249.99 at High Spirits Liquor 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.

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#LittleBookInfinite2

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Limestone Branch Distillery: Finishing the KY Craft Trail!

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🥃 Uncorking History & Flavor: Yellowstone Hand Picked Single Barrel Review! 🤩

Wayne and Rebecca of Your Bourbon Journey take you back to a momentous day at Limestone Branch Distillery in Lebanon, KY! Join us for Episode 44 of Bourbon Trail Tales and Tastes as we recount the exciting story of completing the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour and, finally, taste a special bottle: a Yellowstone Hand Picked Collection Single Barrel Bourbon!

This isn’t just a review; it’s a trip down memory lane! Learn about the rich Yellowstone bourbon history, our unique distillery tour experience, and our unforgettable meeting with master distiller Stephen Beam. This particular bottle, named “Some Things are Meant to Be” (Barrel No. 7945735), was a celebratory purchase and an employee pick—and we’re finally cracking it open!

Hear our thoughts on this Limestone Branch Distillery single barrel, a true testament to the quality of the Yellowstone Hand Picked Collection (the red label bottles!). We also reminisce about the amazing hospitality, the legendary Chase and Char (the distillery Chows!), and why we highly recommend a stop at this essential craft distillery.

Don’t Miss This!

  • How we became the first to complete the Central Craft Trail at Limestone Branch! (Spoiler: there was drama!)
  • Stories about the distillery’s history and its connection to the Old Trump brand.
  • Why the Minor Case Rye lounge and patio is the perfect place to enjoy a cigar and a drink.
  • A shoutout to the incredible brand ambassador, Steven Fonte!

Bourbon Review & Details

Discover the tasting notes and dive into the specifics of this exquisite Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Tasting Notes: We find luscious, soft, and creamy notes with distinct toasted cherry, vanilla, and a hint of cinnamon and black pepper on the lingering finish.

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

ABOUT THE BOTTLE REVIEWED

✴️ Yellowstone Hand Picked Collection

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Bottled By: Limestone Branch Distillery
  • Mash Bill: (likely) 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
  • Age: NAS (barreled 02/20/18)
  • Proof: 115
  • Name: Some Things are Meant to Be
  • Single Barrel No: 7945735
  • Purchased: 05/20/23 for $79.99 at Limestone Branch Distillery in Lebanon, KY

❌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.

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#YellowstoneBourbon #SingleBarrel #LimestoneBranchDistillery #BourbonReview #KentuckyBourbon #KBTCraftTour #CraftDistillery #StephenFonte  #BourbonTrail #HandPickedCollection #SomeThingsAreMeantToBe #StevenBeam #BarrelProof #WhiskeyTasting

Booker’s “Jerry’s Batch” 2025-03: The BEST of the Year?

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🥃 Booker’s Bourbon “Jerry’s Batch” 2025-03 Review: A Fruity, Creamy, and Unique Barrel-Proof Pour! 🍒

Get ready to uncork a piece of Jim Beam history! In this exciting review, Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey dive into the highly anticipated third release of the year: Booker’s 2025-03 “Jerry’s Batch”. This unique, uncut, and unfiltered Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a special tribute to Jerry Dalton, the only non-Beam family Master Distiller at the distillery, and a close friend and mentor to Booker and Fred Noe.

We share the fascinating story behind the name—from Jerry’s days as a chemist living behind the Noe family to becoming a key figure who steered the ship between Booker’s retirement and Fred’s takeover. Plus, we celebrate Jerry’s overdue induction into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame!

This particular batch is a master blend of barrels from nine distinct warehouses (3, 1, X, Z, K, L, O, 4, G), creating a complex profile influenced by varied micro-climates. Aged for an impressive 7 Years, 4 Months, and 21 Days and bottled at a robust 124.7 Proof, this is a powerful yet surprisingly smooth sipper.

Watch the full review and tell us your thoughts! 👇

Tasting Notes Highlights:

  • Nose: Rich brown sugar, vanilla, and a hint of fruit/cherry.
  • Palate: Creamy, viscous mouthfeel, with more sweetness than typical Booker’s. Expect notes of vanilla, caramel, cinnamon, and a unique tart cherry and toffee profile—noticeably missing the classic “Beam funk” or nuttiness.
  • Finish: Long, warming, and delightful.

Is this different profile a deliberate nod to Jerry Dalton’s preferred taste? We discuss why this batch might be the best since the acclaimed Jimmy’s Batch (2024-04)! If you’re a devoted Booker’s fan, a collector, or just love high-proof bourbon with a great story, you NEED to hear our full thoughts on this exceptional pour.

Bourbon Specs:

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: James B Beam
  • Batch: 2025-03 “Jerry’s Batch”
  • Age: 7 Years, 4 Months, and 21 Days
  • Proof: 124.7 (Uncut and Unfiltered)
  • Mash Bill: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
  • Barrel Blend: 9 different barrels from 9 different warehouses
  • MSRP: $99.99
  • Where We Got It: Archie & Clyde’s in Newburgh, IN: https://www.archieandclydes.com/

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Cheers and remember to always drink responsibly!


❌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.

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The Best Whiskey of October 2025? Blind Ranked! 

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🔥🥃 Blind Bourbon BATTLE ROYALE! Who Will Be Our October 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 October 2025 whiskey lineup! 👑

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

  • Bardstown Discovery #13
  • Chicken Cock Private Cask Single Barrel
  • Cinder & Smoke Founder’s Select 10 Year
  • Old Fitzgerald Bottled in Bond 7 Year

🚫 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! 🍀

#WhiskeyOfTheMonth #BlindWhiskeyTasting #bourbonreview 

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🔥DETAILS REGARDING OUR FOUR FINALISTS🔥 (in alphabetical order): 

✴️ Bardstown Discovery #13

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Bardstown Bourbon Company
  • Mash Bill: See above
  • Age: youngest is 8 years
  • Proof: 110.8
  • Released: 08/29/25
  • Secondary Finish: (4 months) 61 percent of final blend finished in new American White Oak; 39 percent of final blend finished in Hungarian Oak
  • Purchased: 08/31/25 for $139.99 at Bardstown Bourbon Company, Bardstown KY

✴️ Chicken Cock Private Cask Single Barrel

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Grain & Barrel Spirits
  • Distillery: For Chicken Cock via Bardstown Bourbon Company’s collaborative distillation program.
  • Master Distiller: Gregg Snyder
  • Mash Bill: 70% Corn, 21% Rye, 9% Malted Barley
  • Age: 5 Years, 4 Months
  • Proof: 125.28
  • MSRP: $90
  • Released: Bottled 07/2025 – Distillery Exclusive
  • Other: Barrel No. 10, Barreled 03/2020; Rickhouse F
  • Provided to us: 09/02/25 at the Chicken Cock Tasting Room, Bardstown KY

✴️ Cinder & Smoke Founder’s Select 10 Year

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Blended & Bottled: The Bard Distillery
  • Mash Bill: Corn, Rye, Malted Barley
  • Age: 5 Years
  • Proof: 100
  • MSRP: $100
  • Released: September 2025
  • Other: Batch X – Bottle 5 of 497
  • Provided: 10/11/25 to us by The Bard Distillery at KBF

✴️ Old Fitzgerald Bottled in Bond 7 Year

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.
  • Distillery: Bernheim Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 68% Corn, 20% Wheat, 12% Malted Barley
  • Age: 7 Years
  • Proof: 100
  • MSRP: $59.99
  • Released: Summer 2025
  • Other: 700 ml bottle
  • Purchased: 09/02/2025 for $64.99 at Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience, Bardstown, KY

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NOTE:  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.

Limited Edition Bourbon from The Bard Distillery!

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We’re tasting three incredible bourbons from The Bard Distillery! Join us as we compare the exclusive Cinder & Smoke Founder’s Select 10 Year with both the 2022 and 2025 John Prine “You Got Gold” special editions. Get ready for a side-by-side Kentucky bourbon journey!

Hello bourbon friends! Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey are back with a super special tasting featuring our friends at The Bard Distillery in Graham, KY!

In this exciting side-by-side review, we dive deep into three distinct and acclaimed Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskeys:

🌟 Cinder & Smoke Founder’s Select 10 Year Review

We start with a very special bottle: the Cinder & Smoke Founder’s Select 10 Year (Batch X, Bottle 5 of 497). This ultra-small batch, 100 proof bourbon is the oldest and final three-barrel blend in this specific series.

  • Tasting Notes: Expect an incredible sweetness on the palate, rich caramel, cinnamon, and a very pleasant smokiness that reminds us of a smoked cocktail. At 10 years old, it boasts layers and body without being over-oaked or drying, finishing with tobacco and black pepper. This is a must-try for fans of aged bourbon!

🎶 John Prine “You Got Gold” Edition Comparison

Next, we taste and compare two special editions honoring the legendary singer-songwriter John Prine, with proceeds benefiting the Hello in There Foundation. The proof on both is set at 101.0 to honor Prine’s birthday (10/10).

  • 2022 Edition (Sold Out): A wheated bourbon (corn, wheat, malted barley) with a classic Muhlenberg bourbon profile. Notes of honey, honeysuckle, and sweet bread-like notes. We suggest checking out The Bard’s regular Muhlenberg as a highly available alternative!
  • 2025 Edition (New Release): A rye bourbon (corn, rye, malted barley), aged 5 years. This bourbon is completely different from the others, showcasing a beautiful profile of black tea on the front, caramel, brown sugar, and a vibrant, effervescent finish with cinnamon and pepper pops. This one is highly available online and at the distillery!

🗺️ Visit The Bard Distillery

We also share our love for The Bard’s commitment to community and their beautiful restoration of the historic Graham school building. Find out how you can visit the west end of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and grab a bottle before they’re gone!

So grab your favorite glass, settle in, and let’s explore this bourbon together! Click play ▶️ NOW!

👇 Have you tried spirits from The Bard Distillery? Let us know in the comments below! 👇

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Ordering Information – The Bard Distillery John Prine 2025 Edition: https://thebarddistillery.com/john-prine-2025-edition/ 

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ABOUT THE BOTTLES REVIEWED

✴️ Cinder & Smoke Founder’s Select 10 Year

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Blended & Bottled: The Bard Distillery
  • Mash Bill: Corn, Rye, Malted Barley
  • Age: 5 Years
  • Proof: 100
  • MSRP: $100
  • Released: September 2025
  • Other: Batch X – Bottle 5 of 497
  • Provided: 10/11/25 to us by The Bard Distillery at KBF

✴️ John Prine – You Got Gold (2022 Edition)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: The Bard Distillery
  • Mash Bill: Corn, Wheat, Malted Barley
  • Age: NAS
  • Proof: 101.0 (in honor of John Prine’s birthday, 10/10)
  • MSRP: $76
  • Released: October 2022, Limited to 6,000 Bottles
  • Other: 700 ml bottle
  • Purchased: 2022 for $76 at The Bard via online distribution

✴️ John Prine – You Got Gold (2025 Edition)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: The Bard Distillery
  • Mash Bill: Corn, Rye, Malted Barley
  • Age: 5 Years
  • Proof: 101.0 (in honor of John Prine’s birthday, 10/10)
  • MSRP: $79.99
  • Released: October 2025, Limited to 7,000 Bottles
  • Other: 700 ml bottle
  • Purchased: 10/11/25 for $79.99 at The Bard Distillery in Graham, KY

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

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NOTE: Two spirits in this review were purchased by us and one was gifted. 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.

#TheBardDistillery #CinderAndSmoke #JohnPrine #YouGotGold

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#BourbonComparison #LimitedEdition #KentuckyBourbon #WhiskeyLife

Wilderness Trail Tour & Rye 7 Year BIB Review

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Wilderness Trail 7-Year Bottled-in-Bond Rye Whiskey Review (Kentucky Bourbon Trail Stop)

Wayne and Rebecca are taking you back to their exclusive visit to Wilderness Trail Distillery (Distillery #47), an official stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail (KBT) in Danville, KY and our 39th stamp in our passport book.

This video chronicles our full distillery tour, where we learned about the unique, science-driven operation led by PhD founders Dr. Pat Heist and Shane Baker. After the tour and meeting the distillery’s beloved cat, Cooper, we finally taste a highly sought-after, RARE 7-Year Small Batch Rye that was bottled-in-bond.

So grab your favorite glass, settle in, and let’s explore this bourbon together! Click play ▶️ NOW!

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

ABOUT THE BOTTLE REVIEWED

✴️ Wilderness Trail Small Batch Rye Whiskey

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
  • Distillery: Wilderness Trail
  • Mash Bill: 56% Rye, 33% Corn, 11% Malted Barley
  • Age: 7 Years
  • Proof: 100 (Bottled in Bond)
  • Released: 2023 as a Gift Shop Only
  • Other: Approximately 15 barrels
  • Purchased: 05/20/53 for $75 at the Wilderness Trail Distillery

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

This Distillery Only 7-Year Rye was aged for a full seven years on the property. We explore whether the low-rye mash bill (56% Rye) delivers on its promise.

Tasting Notes

On the nose, expect floral notes, sweet honey, hints of chocolate, and herbal mint. The palate is beautifully balanced with rich caramel, baking spice, and a touch of lemon peel. The finish is long, warm, and ends with a unique peppermint patty coolness.

  • Mash Bill: 56% Rye, 33% Corn, 11% Malted Barley
  • Proof: 100 (Bottled-in-Bond)
  • Release: 2023 Distillery Only

Connect With Your Bourbon Journey

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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.

#WildernessTrail #RyeWhiskey #bottledinbond #KentuckyBourbonTrail #7YearRye #WhiskeyReview #SmallBatch #SweetMash #DistilleryTour #RareWhiskey #LowRyeMash #WildernessTrailDistillery #bourbon #CooperTheCat #WhiskeyTasting

Maker’s Mark Private Select BLIND TASTE TEST!

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🥃 Can We REALLY Taste the Stave Profiles?! | Maker’s Mark Private Select BLIND TASTING Challenge! 🤯

Welcome back, Your Bourbon Journey fans! 👋 We’re Wayne and Rebecca, and we’re finally putting our Maker’s Mark Private Selections to the ultimate test in a blind tasting! For years, we’ve bought these intriguing named single barrels—like Kettle Corn, Candied Apple, Box O’ Chocolates, Milk Chocolate Truffle, Chocolate Whoopie Pie, and Creme Brulee—based purely on the title and without ever tasting them!

Now, it’s time to see if the stave profile descriptions and evocative names actually translate to the glass. Do we really get chocolate from the Roasted French Mendiant staves? Can we find creamy notes from the Seared French Cuvee? Or will they all just taste like Maker’s Mark wheated bourbon?

Spoiler: This was much harder than we expected! 😱

We dive deep into A through F without knowing which is which, sharing our real-time thoughts on the nose, palate, and finish. We’re ticking boxes for baking spices, caramel, vanilla, dried fruit, and those elusive chocolate notes to try and identify the dominant stave profiles.

Watch as we try to guess our favorites and reveal the shocking results! 😮 You’ll be laughing as we question everything we know about single barrel selection and tasting notes.

So grab your favorite glass, settle in, and let’s explore this bourbon together! Click play ▶️ NOW!

👍 If you love blind tasting challenges, hit that like button! 

💬 Let us know in the comments: Do you trust a single barrel title? What’s your favorite Maker’s Mark release Let us know in the comments below! 👇

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✴️ Kettle Corn, Candied Apple, Box O’ Chocolates, Milk Chocolate Truffle, Chocolate Whoopie Pie, and Creme Brulee

Note: This blind tasting video was filmed in just under 60 minutes but has been edited to about 30 minutes. 

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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.

#MakersMark #PrivateSelection #BourbonBlindTasting #SingleBarrel #WheatedBourbon #BourbonReview #WhiskeyTasting #StaveProfile #BlindChallenge #BourbonJourney #KettleCornBourbon #ChocolateWhoopiePieBourbon

Our 1st Anniversary & a Pour of Russell’s Reserve 15! 

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🥳 One Year of the Journey! Russell’s Reserve 15 Tasting, Vintage Bourbons & Our BIG Announcement!

Wayne and Rebecca are celebrating their YouTube One-Year Anniversary with a very special, well-aged pour: Russell’s Reserve 15-Year-Old Bourbon! It’s been an incredible ride, and we’re raising a glass of “Whiskey of the Year” to you, our amazing Your Bourbon Journey community!

Thank you for watching 75,000+ views and 4,000+ hours of our videos—you’re the reason we’ve done 300 videos in 365 days!

So grab your favorite glass, settle in, and let’s explore this bourbon together! Click play ▶️ NOW!

🥃 Tasting Russell’s Reserve 15-Year-Old

Join us as we uncork this amazing, hard-to-find bottle—a true special occasion drinker—and savor its complex profile.

  • Wayne’s Notes: Rich wood tannin, classic Wild Turkey profile, with a back-end of pepperiness and a touch of dark coffee.
  • Rebecca’s Notes: Immediate notes of brown sugar and cinnamon, with a delightful hint of dark chocolate on the long finish.

🌟 Reflection, Gratitude, and Milestones

A year ago, we went from a simple bourbon blog to launching our whiskey YouTube channel! We’re reflecting on the journey:

  • 41 Cocktails: From bourbon purists to a surprising love for the craft!
  • Vintage Tastings / Sipping on History: Diving deep into vintage bourbon and whiskey history with our friend Brad Bonds at Revival Vintage Spirits. We’ve tasted and reviewed forgotten brands like Hill and Hill, Old Forester, and Old Yellowstone.
  • Building Community: Sharing a bourbon sip with like-minded people is what it’s all about! From fellow whiskey tubers like SLB and Bourbon Judge to our new friends at the Decatur Bourbon Society and our amazing friends, Michael & Dawn of Chasing Neat!
  • Supporting the Craft: Our hearts are with the craft distilleries like Glens Creek Distillery and The Bard Distillery. We’ll always cheer for the small-town folks who are making amazing juice and giving back to their communities.

🚀 Our BIG 2026 Announcement: Join the Community!

To move forward, grow our community, and continue to embrace the craft, we’re making a huge leap! Today, we are launching our Patreon Your Bourbon Journey page! Get more input, vote on our videos, and help us plan a barrel pick next year!

Join us in one of our three launch tiers:

  • Sweet Mash 
  • White Dog 
  • Barrel Fill 

Cheers to all of you for being a part of the Your Bourbon Journey community! We hope to see you there!

What was your favorite moment from our first year on the channel? Tell us in the comments!

Are you a true bourbon fanatic, always on the hunt for the next exceptional pour? 

Then smash that like button 👍 to show your appreciation for fine whiskey!  

Hit subscribe 🔔 so you never miss our reviews of rare and remarkable spirits, and 

Share this video ➡️ with your fellow whiskey lovers. 

Join our Patreon Community as we build a community of enthusiasts who appreciate the art of exceptional bourbon! 

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

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✅ Visit: https://yourbourbonjourney.com  for additional stories to enhance Your Bourbon Journey!

❓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.

#YourBourbonJourney #BourbonJourney #RussellsReserve15 #WildTurkey #BourbonReview #WhiskeyTube #BourbonTasting #PatreonLaunch #VintageBourbon #WhiskeyOfTheYear #CraftDistillery #GlensCreekDistillery #TheBardDistillery #Anniversary #BourbonCommunity #NewburghIndiana #DrinkResponsibly

The BEST Wild Turkey Distillery Tour & Tasting!

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Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes Episode 42 – Wild Turkey Distillery

Get ready for an adventure down the Kentucky Bourbon Trail as we revisit a favorite stop in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky! This episode is packed with our personal journey to getting our 38th stamp and the incredible experiences we had with the people who make Wild Turkey legendary.

Wild Turkey: More Than Just a Stamp 📝

We start with our first stop in May 2023 at the temporary Station Master’s House gift shop, where we originally completed the trail while the new visitor center was under construction. You won’t believe who we ran into that day!

  • The Bo Garrett Connection: Hear the surprising story of meeting music legend-turned-Wild-Turkey-Guide and Brand Builder …  Bo Garrett at the gift shop and how his knowledge of the local history—like the nearby Cedar Brook property—sparked a connection that led to a deeper friendship!
  • A Chat with a Legend: We share the amazing tale of our return visit where we finally got to spend 45 minutes talking with the one and only Jimmy Russell and his wife, Joretta!
  • The Born From the Barrel Tour: Relive the sensory experience of our first tour after the visitor center reopened, including a trip to the historic Rickhouse A and the beautiful grounds, with Bo Garrett as our guide for the special Russell’s Reserve “Born from the Barrel Tour.” We even tasted the rare Russell’s Reserve 15-Year-Old!

A Whiskey Barons Collection Revisit 🥂

But the excitement doesn’t stop there! We crack open two small, historic, and highly-coveted bottles from Campari’s Whiskey Barons Collection we snagged on that very first visit:

  1. Bond & Lillard (100 Proof): Revisit this historic bourbon that won the “Grand Prize” at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair! Find out if we can still detect the flavor notes that made it “bear as no equal,” including the highly unusual lemon zest note we picked up!
  2. WB Saffell (107 Proof): This is a blend of 6, 8, 10, and 12-year-old bourbons. See why this pour felt like “an old friend” and tasted more like a traditional, older-style Wild Turkey, with prominent notes of cinnamon and brown sugar.

Click play ▶️ now to join the adventure and find out which of these bottles we regret not buying more of!

Join the YBJ Family! 

👍 Like this video if you’re a bourbon lover! 

💬 Comment below with your favorite Wild Turkey whiskey! 

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🔔 Subscribe to Your Bourbon Journey for weekly whiskey adventures you won’t want to miss!

********

What’s a bourbon trail journey without a good story? 🥃 Welcome to Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes, where we dive into the unforgettable moments and hidden gems we discovered while exploring Kentucky’s iconic trail. Join us as we uncork the profound memories that have stayed with us long after the last pour. We’ll revisit the unexpected finds and the bottles that truly surprised us with their exceptional, intricate flavors. So, what stood out as the most memorable sip, and how have those experiences shaped our palates today? Get ready for a passionate retelling of the adventures, the connections, and the spirits that make the Bourbon Trail so much more than just a destination.

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

ABOUT THE BOTTLES REVIEWED

✴️ Bond & Lillard

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: American Medicinal Spirits Co.
  • Distillery: Wild Turkey Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
  • Process: Charcoal Filtration
  • Age: Minimum of 7 years
  • Proof: 100
  • Other: 375 ml
  • Purchased: 05/20/23 for $49.99 at Wild Turkey’s Station Master’s House

✴️ WB Saffell

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: American Medicinal Spirits Co.
  • Distillery: Wild Turkey Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley
  • Age: A blend of 6, 8, 10, and 12-year-old bourbons
  • Proof: 107
  • Other: 375 ml
  • Purchased: 05/20/23 for $49.99 at Wild Turkey’s Station Master’s House

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

✅ Please SUBSCRIBE and hit the LIKE button!

❓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.

#KentuckyBourbonTrail #WildTurkey #JimmyRussell #BoGarrett #WhiskeyBaronsCollection #BondAndLillard #WBSaffell #bourbon #Whiskey #RussellReserve #BourbonReview #KBT #BourbonLife #DistilleryTour #BourbonTasting