🎉WOW! 🎉 Can you believe it?! It’s been SIX incredible months on our bourbon journey on YouTube! 🥃

🎉Check out these awesome milestones we’ve hit: 🤩 377 amazing subscribers! 🎬 131 informative and fun videos! 👀 29,944 views! ⏱️ A whopping 2023 hours watched!

I’m seriously proud of what we’ve built together in such a short time. 🥰 While we might not be the biggest channel out there, our focus has ALWAYS been on bringing you top-notch content that dives deep into the world of bourbon 🌎 – from the incredible distilleries and the passionate people behind them to how we can all show our support! 🙌

We’re dropping FIVE fresh videos every single week:

  • 🗓️ Monday: 🚀 New bourbon releases that could be the next Whiskey of the Month!
  • 🥃 Tuesday: 🚶‍♀️🚶‍♂️ Bourbon Trail Tails & Tastes – come explore the distilleries with us, one delicious stop at a time!
  • 🔓 Wednesday: 👀 Uncorking a gem from our personal bourbon library that’s been waiting for the perfect moment!
  • 🍹 Thursday: 🍸 It’s Thirsty Thursday! Get ready for some mouthwatering bourbon cocktails!
  • 🎁 Friday: 🤔 You never know what Friday will bring! It could be a Blind Tasting challenge, a sip of a Vintage Pour, or the reveal of the Whiskey of the Month!

And that’s not all! We’re also crafting a special Bourbon Trail Guide Series to help you plan your ultimate bourbon adventure!

  • The ULTIMATE Guide for the Kentucky Bourbon Trail (BARDSTOWN) 🏰
  • The ULTIMATE Guide for the Kentucky Bourbon Trail (LOUISVILLE) 🏙️
  • 📍 COMING SOON – The ULTIMATE Guide for the Kentucky Bourbon Trail (NORTHERN KY) 🌉

Is there a particular day of the week that catches your eye? 👀 We’d love for you to join us on this exciting ride! 🙏 Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all your incredible support! Cheers! 🥂

Rebecca & Wayne

Your Bourbon Journey

Bourbon & Whiskey News: March 2025

04/01/25
Curated by Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Bourbon & Whiskey Industry Highlights from March 2025 >> 33 Stories!

In March 2025, the bourbon and whiskey industry saw significant developments, including expected market growth to $12.8 billion by 2031, new partnerships, and multiple distillery news stories. The month featured notable bottle releases, awards announcements, and highlights on women impacting the industry, alongside updates on festivals and distillation workshops.

Mar 08: Bourbon Spirits Market Growth Expected to Reach $12.8 Billion by 2031: Laws Whiskey House, Conecuh Brands

Mar 13: InvestBev announces partnership to invest up to $100 million in Kentucky Bourbon Barrels

Mar 27: 10 Women Changing The Whiskey Industry

Mar 04: Southern Distilling Company Strengthens Focus on Decade-Long Contract Services Success with Statesville Contract Distilling

Mar 04: Lofted Spirits Launches as Bardstown Bourbon, Green River Parent Company

Mar 05: Remus Bourbon Launches New Master Distiller Experimental Series

Mar 08: Diageo pauses production at Kentucky distillery

Mar 09: Old Carter Whiskey Co under new ownership

Mar 12: Green River Distilling announces layoffs

Mar 12: Casey Jones Distillery to welcome Distillery University in April for distilling workshop

Mar 17: Journeyman Distillery’s first award-winning whiskey creates community tradition at The American Factory

Mar 17: Buffalo Trace Distillery wraps up $1.2 billion expansion

Mar 24: The woman who pioneered distilling in Wyoming

Mar 14: New York distillers launch Trails app

Mar 22: What Every Whiskey Connoisseur Should Know About The Kentucky Bourbon Trail

Awards Announced >> 2 Stories

Mar 09: This Is the World’s Best Bourbon, According to the World Whiskies Awards

Mar 30: World Whiskies Awards 2025 and Icons of Whisky 2025

Bourbon Festival News & Updates >> 4 Stories

ONGOING: Bourbon & Beyond announces 2025 Music Lineup

ONGOING: BBQ & Barrels • Owensboro, Kentucky

Mar 18: Ky Bourbon Festival tickets on sale April 16-17

Mar 18: Roots Revue Returns With Bluegrass, Bourbon & Family Fun This Memorial Day Weekend in Paristown

Mar 03: Buzzard’s Roost to Release Toasted French Oak Bourbon Batch 2

Mar 04: Penelope Bourbon releases highly anticipated Rio

Mar 04: 17-year-old Fanged Pursuit latest Bourbon from The Orphan Barrel Collection

Mar 10: JYPSI Spirits Announces Launch of Tribute Double Barreled

Mar 13: Yellowstone Bourbon introduces new permanent addition to family of award-winning expressions with Small Batch 107

Mar 18: Old Forester Releases Its First-Ever Bottled in Bond Rye in 117 Series

Mar 18: Maker’s Mark’s Latest Bourbon Toasts the Team Behind the Barrels

Mar 19: Milam & Greene Whiskey Unleashes Gray Wolf Straight Bourbon

Mar 20: Barrell Craft Spirits® Unveils NewestFinished Bourbon in its Cask Finish Series: P.X. Sherry

Mar 25: Blood Oath Pact 11 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey arrives at retail in April

Mar 25: Michter’s To Release 10 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Mar 28: Booker’s Bourbon Kicks Off 2025 With a Tribute to a Jim Beam Legend

Bourbon & Whiskey News: February 2025

03/01/25
Curated by Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Bourbon & Whiskey Industry Highlights from February 2025 >> 49 Stories!

In February 2025, the bourbon and whiskey industry faced challenges, including potential trade wars affecting sales. Noteworthy developments included India reducing tariffs and significant growth for various distilleries. The Kentucky Bourbon Trail expanded, and new bottle releases were highlighted, showcasing the industry’s resilience and innovation amidst an evolving market landscape.

Feb 3: In Kentucky bourbon country, the prospect of a trade war feels like a hangover that won’t go away

Feb 10: Bourbon Spirits Market Outlook 2025-2034: Key Trends, Growth Drivers, and Market Share

Feb 11: An unwanted double: US sales fall for American whiskeys as threats of a trade war heat up

Feb 14: America’s Bourbon Whiskey Gets Sweet Deal As India Slashes Tariffs From 150% To 50%

Feb 20: Bourbon Whiskey Market Is Booming So Rapidly | Four Roses, Michter’s Distillery, Beam Suntory

Feb 4: Holladay Distillery breaks ground on ironclad rickhouse in latest growth spurt

Feb 5: Jeptha Creed Reports Growth During Whiskey Downturn

Feb 5: Oregon makes history with first tribal distillery

Feb 5: Kentucky Bourbon Distillery Installs First Phase of $2M On-Site Solar Array

Feb 5: Western Wisconsin distillery scene: The craft, the business, the drinks — and the people who help make it run

Feb 5: Meet Whiskey Del Bac’s New Master Distiller and Director of Operations

Feb 7: “The next darling of the American whiskey movement” – Southern Distilling co-founder Pete Barger bets on single malt catching fire

Feb 7: Green River Whiskey Joins NY Racing Team and J.J. Yeley in Quest for The 2025 Daytona 500

Feb 10: Barrel house partially collapses at Jack Daniel’s Distillery

Feb 11: MGP Ingredients, Inc. Investors: February 14, 2025 Filing Deadline in Securities Class Action – Contact Lieff Cabraser

Feb 12: UPDATE: Jack Daniels Whiskey and the Multi-Million Dollar Roof Collapse

Feb 13: Barrel King and Mash & Drum’s Jason Callori Partner to Launch Drum Key Spirits

Feb 13: Frey Ranch joins Estate Whiskey Alliance

Feb 18: Brother’s Bond Bourbon Secures $7.5 Million in Fresh Funding

Feb 19: Green River Whiskey Resurrects Its Legacy – and a Ghostly Visitor – in First Brand Advertising Campaign in 100+ Years

Feb 19: Yellowstone Bourbon Announces Donation Milestone with National Parks Conservation Association

Feb 25: Office of Buffalo Trace whiskey distillery swept into Kentucky River by mudslide

Feb 6: Kentucky Bourbon Trail Grows to 60 Destinations

Feb 7: Kentucky Bourbon Trail adds 15 new locations. Meet the newest distillery members

Feb 7: Wenzel Whiskey added to Kentucky Bourbon Trail

Feb 7: Wenzel Whiskey and Becker & Bird Added to Northern Kentucky’s The B-Line

Feb 14: Bourbon Barrel Retreats may be Bourbon Country’s most unique spot for a nightcap

Feb 21: National Bourbon Week Returns to Bardstown June 10-15

Awards Announced >> 4 Stories

Feb 14: Marlene Holmes, Master Distiller of Milam & Greene Whiskey Makes History

Feb 19: This Mysterious Bourbon Is Suddenly Set to Be One of the Most Hunted Bottles of 2025

Feb 24: Chefs from Louisville restaurants, area distillers win big at Bourbon Classic competition

Feb 25: Kentucky Bourbon Trail Earns Honors at Icons of Whisky Awards

Bourbon Festival News & Updates >> 3 Stories

Feb 3: 4th Annual Bourbon & Bubbles Festival

Feb 5: Bourbon & Beyond announces 2025 Music Lineup

Feb 28: BBQ & Barrels • Owensboro, Kentucky

Feb 4: Exclusive: Heaven Hill Announces 19-Year-Old Wheat Whiskey for 2025 Heritage Collection

Feb 4: Limited release: High West’s new American single malt

Feb 6: Green River Introduces Kentucky Straight Wheated Single Barrel Bourbon

Feb 11: Kentucky Peerless Distilling Company Releases Toasted Rye Batch 1

Feb 12: Evan Williams is releasing a Kentucky Derby Festival Single Barrel Bourbon

Feb 13: Log Still Distillery to Release America’s 47 Bourbon

Feb 17: A. Smith Bowman to Release Annual Cask Strength Bourbon

Feb 18: Bulleit Frontier Whiskey Unveils Its First Bottled-in-Bond Expression, Distilled in Spring 2017

Feb 21: INTRODUCING FREY RANCH 100% BARLEY WHISKEY

Feb 24: Jack Daniel’s Introduces 14-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey for the First Time in Over a Century

Feb 25: Bardstown Bourbon’s Distillery Reserve Brings Innovation to the Small Scale

Feb 25: Michter’s Announces 2025 Release of US*1 Barrel Strength Rye

Feb 26: Rebel Bourbon rolls out Kyle Busch 108 Single Barrel Bourbon

Feb 27: Woodford Reserve’s New Bourbon Tastes Just Like Chocolate and Packs a 139-Proof Punch

Experience the VIP Repeal Day Dinner at Starlight Distillery

December 14, 2024
By Rebecca Herman McBrayer

We invite you to experience, through our eyes, an exceptional VIP Repeal Day Dinner Event that took place at Starlight Distillery on Friday, Dec 6th. This elevated evening kicked off with engaging interactions among fellow bourbon enthusiasts and the esteemed Starlight Distillery Master Distillers and Bourbon Experts. We relished every moment of this celebration, showcasing the perfect marriage of food and spirits with a meticulously crafted multi-course tasting menu. Each chef-prepared course was expertly paired with a pour from one of the five Family Reserve releases, accompanied by insightful discussions led by the Starlight Distillery experts who hand-selected each bottle.

Following dinner, we had the opportunity to purchase each Family Reserve offering, in addition to special Repeal Day Releases.

To see the event unfold and hear from Ted, Black, and Christian Huber about each bottle, watch this video.

Embracing the Craft,
Wayne & Rebecca

Tasting Notes for Evan Williams Single Barrel

November 27, 2024
By Rebecca Herman McBrayer 

Wayne and I selected this Evan Williams Single Barrel for a formal bourbon tasting because we realized that we have tasted it several times when out and about but our bottles at home were unopened. We picked up one bottle at a terrific dinner hosted by Evan Williams (great event!), and another at the 2024 Kentucky Bourbon Festival.

Tasting Notes: Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Please be sure to read our approach to Tasting Whiskey if you haven’t already.

Mashbill – 78% corn, 12% malted barley, 10% Rye
Age – 7-8 Years
Proof – 86.6
Price Paid – $49.99 (plus tax)

Color – Golden honey.

Aroma – Honey is very dominant and then there are notes of cinnamon. As it opens up, the light and pleasant nose includes vanilla and graham crackers.

Tasted Neat – Like the nose, the honey it right up front on the palate with notes of vanilla and cinnamon. It is reminiscent of a vanilla wafer, or vanilla yogurt with drizzled honey, as well as a honey and cinnamon graham cracker.

Finish – While not a strong finish, it does linger with cinnamon and oak.

Tasted with dried cranberry – This pairing is very light, bright, and with orange zest. It is also incredibly sweet, with hints of confectionary sugar, but the honey is gone. The finish is medium.

Tasted with a pecan – Notes of chocolate, caramel, and nutmeg really come forward with this pairing. The finish is long and lingering with some sweet barrel notes.

Tasted with dark chocolate – Interestingly, this pairing returned the honey and graham cracker. It tastes similar to a honey graham dipped in chocolate. Unfortunately, the finish is almost non-existent.

Final Notes and Video

The Evan Williams Single Barrel boasts a rich golden honey color. The aroma is dominated by honey, perfectly complemented by enticing notes of cinnamon. As it opens up, the light and inviting nose reveals layers of vanilla and graham crackers. Tasting it neat elevates the honey flavor, which takes center stage on the palate, harmonizing beautifully with vanilla and cinnamon. The experience is akin to indulging in a vanilla wafer or vanilla yogurt drizzled with honey, alongside the delightful combination of honey and cinnamon graham crackers. While the finish may not intense, it lingers with satisfying notes of cinnamon and oak.

While exploring the various pairings, we discovered that none were bad, indicating that the Evan Williams Single Barrel has versatility and could be easily paired with a variety of menu items. Wayne found the dried cranberry most interesting while I leaned toward what the pecan brought forward.

Its 7-8 year age helps bring character to this low-proof bourbon. While we believe this could be improved as a 100 proof offering, it might be a solid selection for someone who prefers a lower proof bourbon as it does have an interesting flavor profile. However, with other major distilleries starting to offer this age statement in the $25-30 range, its price point of $50 might deter some possible fans.

Embracing the Craft,
Rebecca & Wayne

Photos and video by Rebecca Herman McBrayer

NOTE: The bourbon 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.

Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey: Such whiskeys have all the requirements of bourbon: Made in the U.S, distilled at <= 160 proof, barreled at <= 125 proof, aged in new, charred oak containers, bottled at >= 80 proof. Straight bourbon means it is aged at least 2 years (and must have an age statement if less than 4). In addition, to be Kentucky Straight Bourbon, it has the additional requirement that it must be produced and aged at least 1 year in the state of Kentucky. For additional information on bourbon requirements, please read this post – Bourbon Whiskey.

Exploring the 2024 Linkumpinch Cask Strength Special Reserve

November 23, 2024
By Rebecca Herman McBrayer 

In this article, Wayne and I taste the Linkumpinch Kentucky Bourbon Festival Distillers’ Row Series 2024. It is a 5-Year-Old, Cask Strength Single Barrel Bourbon, offered at 117.5 Proof.

During the 2024 Kentucky Bourbon Festival, we acquired several exceptional bottles from the KBF Distillers’ Row Series. Among these, one bottle came from Dueling Grounds Distillery. Having visited them in Franklin, KY, we can unequivocally say that their regular offerings of the 4-Year-Old Linkumpinch Bourbon, whether in a cask strength single barrel version or a small batch of Bottle-in-Bond, are nothing short of outstanding.

Thus, when we learned that they would be showcasing their Special Reserve at this year’s KBF, we eagerly visited them on the very first evening at Bourbon in the Air. Engaging in a great conversation with Marc Dottore, the owner, while tasting their remarkable 5-Year-Old Special Reserve was a delight. He generously signed our bottle as well! We might have waited two months to open it, but let me tell you—good things truly come to those who wait!

Tasting Notes: Linkumpinch Kentucky Bourbon Festival Distillers’ Row Series 2024

Please be sure to read our approach to Tasting Whiskey if you haven’t already.

Mashbill – 66% corn, 22% Red Winter Wheat, 12% Malted Barley
Age – 5 Years
Other – Cask Strength Single Barrel
Proof – 117.5
Price Paid – $77.50 (plus tax)

Color – Medium to dark mahogany

Aroma – There is a nice nuttiness to the aroma as well as a soft sweetness of dark honey and ripe apples. Toasted wheat bread along with hints of oak and tobacco.

Tasted Neat – Again, the nuttiness is right there on the palate along with warm buttered honey wheat toast. There is a cinnamon spice and oak as well. Overall, it has a very creamy mouthfeel.

Finish – Black pepper is dominant but the finish is long, comfortable, and welcoming. There are some nice sweet notes as well as oak and pipe tobacco.

Tasted with dried cranberry – This brought the cinnamon to the forefront and it is nearly a spice bomb. There is a brightness of orange zest but with Mexican spices sprinkled over it.

Tasted with a pecan – The pecan brought out a lot of tannins and cinnamon. Interesting, the nuttiness returned and the sweet notes are more like caramel now.

Tasted with dark chocolate – The chocolate dominates and makes it even more creamy. It is quite a spicy cinnamon but with a hint of brown sugar.

Final Notes and Video

With its bold medium to dark mahogany hue, this drink clearly promises an explosion of flavor. The nose reveals enticing aromas of rich nuttiness paired with the luscious sweetness of dark honey and ripe apples. Notes of toasted wheat bread, complemented by subtle hints of oak and tobacco, stand out prominently. Sipping it neat, the nuttiness greets the palate alongside the inviting taste of warm buttered honey wheat toast. A delightful cinnamon spice and oak also present themselves with assurance. The overall experience boasts a luscious, creamy mouthfeel. On the finish, black pepper takes center stage, yet the conclusion is long, comforting, and welcoming, further enhanced by pleasant sweet notes, oak, and pipe tobacco.

This was certainly worth the wait. The only problem is that we are now wishing we had a second bottle. That said, we do have several bottles of their 4-Year-Old cask strength and they are excellent as well. If you are interested in purchasing one of their regular offerings, Seelbach’s is their official partner. We highly recommend them for bourbon and a visit to learn more about Dueling Grounds!

Embracing the Craft,
Rebecca & Wayne

Photos and video by Rebecca Herman McBrayer

NOTE: The bourbon 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.

Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey: Such whiskeys have all the requirements of bourbon: Made in the U.S, distilled at <= 160 proof, barreled at <= 125 proof, aged in new, charred oak containers, bottled at >= 80 proof. Straight bourbon means it is aged at least 2 years (and must have an age statement if less than 4). In addition, to be Kentucky Straight Bourbon, it has the additional requirement that it must be produced and aged at least 1 year in the state of Kentucky. For additional information on bourbon requirements, please read this post – Bourbon Whiskey.

Why We Love this Ported Pumpernickel Rye Whiskey

November 19, 2024
By Rebecca Herman McBrayer 

Last summer we purchased a bottle of Middle West Spirits Dark Pumpernickel Rye because Wayne is a huge fan of pumpernickel! Unfortunately, we had perhaps some unrealistic expectations of what that rye would taste like and we were somewhat disappointed. Not that is was bad, just that it didn’t align with expectations. Here is a LINK to that original tasting story.

We had several whiskey-loving friends who excitedly encouraged us to give Middle West Spirits another try. They specifically recommended exploring one of their double casks or a cask strength, which sounded thrilling! While attending Bourbon on the Banks in October, we eagerly sampled a few of their delightful offerings. That’s when we discovered and decided to purchase the amazing Double Cask Collection Ported Pumpernickel Rye Whiskey. This past weekend, we joyfully opened this bottle, excited to see what it had in store for us. We’re so glad we did!

Tasting Notes: Middle West Spirits Double Cask Collection Ported Pumpernickel Rye Whiskey

Please be sure to read our approach to Tasting Whiskey if you haven’t already.

Mashbill – Dark Pumpernickel Rye, Non GMO, Open Pollinated Yellow Corn, 1-row Barley, Ohio Soft Red Winter Wheat (no percentages available)
Age – 5 years
Casks – Aged in Toasted and Charred American White Oak; finished in Tawny Port Casks
Proof – 99.5
Price Paid – $49.99 (plus tax)

Color – Dark amber. Nice legs.

Aroma – Port wine is the first aroma on the nose then followed closely by rye spices, vanilla, nutmeg, and brown sugar.

Tasted Neat – The Pumpernickel rye is evident as is the port wine. Flavors of vanilla, nutmeg, and stone fruit – date or fig – are also delightful.

Finish – There is a hint of chocolate and the nutmeg lingers, but there is much less port wine. Overall it has a medium to long finish.

Tasted with dried cranberry – More spice notes are prominent and the cranberry truly enhanced the flavors of port wine, overall, making it a bit brighter. Unfortunately, the finish is very limited. That said, a red wine drinker would likely love this pairing.

Tasted with a pecan – Barrel notes are on the first taste. Nutmeg and now cinnamon as well is quite present. The pecan muted the port wine, vanilla, and stone fruit notes. Overall, finish is very limited.

Tasted with dark chocolate – The flavors of Port wine returned and with a very creamy mouth feel. There are notes of chocolate and a lot of cinnamon; however, no stone fruit. The finish with the pecan is short to medium.

Final Notes and Video

We really enjoyed this rye for its overall flavor and complexity. The color of this rye whiskey boasts a bold dark amber, showcasing its impressive viscosity. On the nose, the first aroma is port wine, seamlessly followed by intriguing rye spices, rich vanilla, nutmeg, and a touch of brown sugar. Tasting it neat, the distinct Pumpernickel rye takes center stage, harmonizing beautifully with the port wine. The delightful flavors of vanilla, nutmeg, and stone fruit—be it date or fig—are a true highlight. As for the finish, it offers a subtle hint of chocolate, with nutmeg lingering gracefully, while the port wine recedes, presenting an overall medium to long finish that truly impresses.

This tasting illustrates why we never judge a spirit based on a single taste, nor do we form opinions about a distillery from just one bottle. We are thrilled to have acquired this exceptional bottle and revisit Middle West Spirits. The Tawny Port wine cask adds a remarkable complementary finish to this pumpernickel rye, and this bottle is bursting with complexity. While it may not suit every rye whiskey enthusiast because of the Tawny Port wine finish, it was an undeniable favorite for us!

Embracing the Craft,
Rebecca & Wayne

Photos and video by Rebecca Herman McBrayer

NOTE: The whiskey 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.

Rye Whiskey Basic Requirements – Rye whiskey must be made from at least 51% rye. It must be distilled at 160 proof or less.  It then must be placed into a new, charred oak container at a proof of 125 or below. Straight rye whiskey is a subcategory of rye whiskey that has been aged for at least two years in new, charred oak barrels and doesn’t contain any additives. If aged less than four years, the label must include an age statement. For additional information on bourbon requirements, please read this post – Rye Whiskey.

Exploring Maker’s Mark Lost Recipe Series: Mocha Edition Review

November 17, 2024
By Rebecca Herman McBrayer 

Wayne and I were excited to try a bottle that I discovered at our local Costco. I had heard nothing about the Lost Recipe Series by Maker’s Mark, but once I read the label, I was captivated by its unique stave combination, particularly the inclusion of the archived Roasted French Mocha stave. The impressive 111.9 proof and the reasonable price of $51.99 sealed the deal for me, prompting an immediate purchase.

Lost Recipe Series Edition #01 uses:
1 Baked American Pure 2 stave,
3 Seared French Cuvée staves, and
6 Roasted French Mocha staves.

Tasting Notes: Maker’s Mark Lost Recipe Series 2024, Ed 01, Mocha

Please be sure to read our approach to Tasting Whiskey if you haven’t already.

Mashbill – 70% Corn, 16% Wheat, 14% Malted Barley
Age – NAS, as least 4 years by rule.
Release – Lost Recipe Series 2024, Ed 01
Proof – 111.9
Price Paid – $51.99 (plus tax)

Color – Medium mahogany.

Aroma – Mocha, coffee, deep chocolate, nutmeg, and a hint of cherry.

Tasted Neat – Coffee, mocha, cherry, and a hint of cinnamon.

Finish – Lingers in a very pleasant way. Toasted barrel flavors, toasted mocha, some nutmeg.

Tasted with dried cranberry – Brightened it with citrus notes but muted the mocha flavors and minimized the finish.

Tasted with a pecan – Intensified the chocolate and coffee notes, pecan is present, the finish is medium and cinnamon forward.

Tasted with dark chocolate – Barrel notes came forward, overall it is very creamy and reminds us of a very frothy chocolate mocha with heavy whipped cream on top that is sprinkled with cinnamon and nutmeg.

Final Notes and Video

While not an identical flavor profile as the Maker’s Mark Heart Release over the summer – which featured caramel and chocolate – this could be a nice substitute for anyone who was unable to locate that bottle due to its more limited release.

The tasting experience for this release is outstanding. Its color exudes a rich medium mahogany. The aromas confidently showcase an inviting nose featuring mocha, coffee, deep chocolate, nutmeg, and a subtle hint of cherry. Upon the first sip, the mocha coffee takes center stage, complemented by hints of cherry and cinnamon. The finish is impressively prolonged, leaving a satisfying impression of toasted barrel, toasted mocha, and nutmeg.

This mocha flavor profile by Maker’s Mark at 111.9 proof is excellent. Being in the $50-range, it makes sense to add this to your bourbon collection as it is something that your guests might enjoy as well as you. We have already acquired a backup bottle as we plan to enjoy this frequently this winter.

Embracing the Craft,
Rebecca & Wayne

Photos and video by Rebecca Herman McBrayer

NOTE: The bourbon 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.

Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey: Such whiskeys have all the requirements of bourbon: Made in the U.S, distilled at <= 160 proof, barreled at <= 125 proof, aged in new, charred oak containers, bottled at >= 80 proof. Straight bourbon means it is aged at least 2 years (and must have an age statement if less than 4). In addition, to be Kentucky Straight Bourbon, it has the additional requirement that it must be produced and aged at least 1 year in the state of Kentucky. For additional information on bourbon requirements, please read this post – Bourbon Whiskey.

Exploring Japanese Whisky: A First Taste of Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky

November 15, 2024
By Rebecca Herman McBrayer 

While Wayne and I have been encouraged to explore Japanese Whisky, we have been hesitant only because we feel we still have so much to learn about bourbon. However, when I discovered this particular bottle at our local Costco, it piqued my interest and I decided to give it a try. Even so, we weren’t sure if it would be something to review or record a video about – until we tasted it. At that point, we quickly decided that we would take a slight detour from our bourbon journey and travel a small path to learn more about Japanese Whisky.

Background on the Coffey Still and Nikka’s History

The Coffey still is the world’s first patented continuous still, invented by Aeneas Coffey in 1830. While in Scotland, Masataka Taketsuru learned to distill grain whisky in a Coffey still at James Calder in 1919. He valued this still type and installed two sets at Nikka Whisky, importing the first from Scotland in 1963 and the second in 1966. Although challenging and inefficient, traditional Coffey stills retain ingredient flavors and provide a creamy texture.

Masataka Takesuru, the founder of Nikko and father of Japanese whisky – Abbreviated Timeline

  • 1894 Born into a sake brewing family in Hiroshima on June 20.
  • 1916 Graduated from Osaka Technical (High School) where he majored in brewing. Entered Settsu Shuzo Company in Osaka.
  • 1918 Arrived in Scotland and enrolled at the University of Glasgow in December.
  • 1919 Apprenticed at Longmorn Distillery in Speyside to learn malt whisky production.
  • 1919 Apprenticed at James Calder in Bo’ness to learn Coffey grain whisky.
  • 1923 Entered Kotobukiya Limited (Suntory) with a 10-year contract.
  • 1923 Directed to build Yamazaki Distillery, the first whisky distillery in Japan, and engaged in whisky production.
  • 1934 Left Kotobukiya in March.

Nikka Whisky HistoryAbbreviated Timeline

  • 1934 Masataka Takesuru established Dai Nippon Kaju Co., Ltd. on July 2.
  • 1936 Yoichi Distillery started distillation.
  • 1940 The first whisky “NIKKA WHISKY” launched.
  • 1952 The corporate name Dai Nippon Kaju Co., Ltd. was altered to The Nikka Whisky Distilling Co., Ltd.

Tasting Notes: Nikka Coffey Grain Japanese Whisky

Mashbill – 95% Corn, 5% Barley
Age – NAS, at least 3 years by rule
Proof – 90
Price Paid – $49.99 (plus tax)

Color – Golden honey.

Aroma – Light, sweet, caramel, candy-like, vanilla, a hint of cinnamon and roasted corn.

Tasted Neat – A lot of sweetness, creamed corn, cinnamon, light caramel, vanilla pudding, creamy – great mouth feel. It seems to evolve with each sip.

Finish – Mild but somewhat lingering finish. Much more savory than on the nose and palate. Some leather and tobacco notes came forward.

Final Notes and Video

This was our first experience with Japanese Whisky. I don’t believe we had any specific expectations or preconceived notions about it and simply explored it like we would any other spirit.

To summarize our tasting experience: The color is a lovely golden honey. The aroma is inviting, with light, sweet notes of caramel, candy, vanilla, and a hint of cinnamon along with roasted corn. Tasting it neat reveals an abundance of sweetness, conjuring thoughts of delicious creamed corn, warm cinnamon, and vanilla pudding. It boasts a wonderfully creamy and pleasant mouthfeel that evolves beautifully with each sip, so take your time to enjoy it. While the finish is gentle, it has a lovely lingering quality. In contrast to the sweet nose and palate, the finish introduces a savory layer with nice notes of leather and tobacco, creating a well-rounded experience.

Recommendation: Wayne and I are pleased that we decided to give this a try. While it likely will not become a “daily drinker,” it is very nice to have in our spirits collection. Our recommendation for those who have not tried Japanese Whisky is to give it a try when it is available to sample at a bar. That will help you decide if purchasing a bottle is right for you.

Embracing the Craft,
Rebecca & Wayne

Photos and video by Rebecca Herman McBrayer

NOTE: The whisky 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.

To be labeled Japanese Whisky, the following is required:

  • Ingredients – Raw ingredients must be limited to malted grains, other cereal grains, and water extracted in Japan. Malted grains must always be used.
  • Production – Saccharification, fermentation, and distillation must be carried out at a distillery in Japan. Alcohol content at the time of distillation must be less than 95%.
  • Aging – The distilled product must be poured into wooden casks not exceeding a capacity of 700 liters and matured in Japan for a period of at least 3 years thereafter.
  • Bottling – The distilled product must be poured into wooden casks not exceeding a capacity of 700 liters and matured in Japan for a period of at least 3 years thereafter.
  • Other – Plain caramel coloring can be used.

Source

Why Jim Beam Winter Reserve Is a Must-Try Bourbon

November 13, 2024
By Rebecca Herman McBrayer 

Wayne and I were thrilled to discover a bottle of the limited-edition Jim Beam Winter Reserve. This bottle is not only eye-catching but perfectly captures the essence of Fall and the holiday season. Even the store employee was convinced it was a flavored whiskey — let me be clear, this is a true Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey! There are absolutely no additives. Instead, they meticulously selected barrels that are at least 6 years old to achieve the desired flavor profile for this release — rich notes of vanilla and warming cinnamon. The extended finishing in new white oak toasted barrels further enhances the flavor, creating a remarkable tasting experience for an 86 Proof spirit.

Tasting Notes: Jim Beam Winter Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Please be sure to read our approach to Tasting Whiskey if you haven’t already.

Mashbill – 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
Age – 6 years
Release – Limited-edition
Proof – 86
SRP – $24.99
Price Paid – $26.99 (plus tax)

Color – Medium amber.

Aroma – Vanilla, cinnamon, baking spice, toasted barrel notes, inviting overall.

Tasted Neat – Toasted barrel, cinnamon, vanilla – vanilla cream or perhaps vanilla pudding. A flavorful surprise.

Finish – Medium to light finish of light cinnamon and notes of marshmallow.

Tasted with dried cranberry – Removed the vanilla and toasted notes, changed to the flavor of a cough drop. Not a good pairing.

Tasted with a pecan – Brought forward the toasted notes and nutty flavors but with a limited finish. Still, nice overall profile with this pairing.

Tasted with dark chocolate – Heavy cinnamon – much like a Red Hot candy. All other notes seem to be gone. Very odd and not a great pairing.

Final Notes and Video

Possible cocktail pairing notes:
The dried cranberry indicated that this might not do well in a fruity-sweet cocktail. The pecan brought the toasted notes forward and might be fun to try in a toasted marshmallow old fashioned. The chocolate really changed the flavor profile and might not be a good combination in a cocktail. Overall, look for complimentary flavors that really accent the lovely vanilla and cinnamon notes of the Jim Beam Winter Reserve.

Why we find this a great value:
The medium amber color strongly evokes the warmth of an evening spent by a crackling fire. The aromas of vanilla, cinnamon, and baking spices, combined with the rich scent of toasted barrel notes, transport you into a cozy home filled with the promise of freshly baked treats. Its flavor profile has a somewhat unexpected richness with flavors of oak, velvety vanilla pudding, and playful hints of marshmallow, harmonized by clove and a medley of baking spices. The finish is light to medium, leaving a lasting impression of cinnamon and marshmallow.

With the great price point and its inviting nose and taste profile, we believe this limited-edition of Jim Beam Winter Reserve is worth your consideration.

Embracing the Craft,
Rebecca & Wayne

Photos and video by Rebecca Herman McBrayer

NOTE: The bourbon 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.

Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey: Such whiskeys have all the requirements of bourbon: Made in the U.S, distilled at <= 160 proof, barreled at <= 125 proof, aged in new, charred oak containers, bottled at >= 80 proof. Straight bourbon means it is aged at least 2 years (and must have an age statement if less than 4). In addition, to be Kentucky Straight Bourbon, it has the additional requirement that it must be produced and aged at least 1 year in the state of Kentucky. For additional information on bourbon requirements, please read this post – Bourbon Whiskey.

Jim Beam Press Release:

Jim Beam, the world’s #1 bourbon, announces the official release of its limited-edition Jim Beam® Winter Reserve. Crafted with the brand’s iconic attention to detail, the new liquid offers a rich, seasonal flavor profile that captures the essence of the season, making it a standout addition to the brand’s portfolio.

Aged for six years and finished in toasted barrels for enhanced richness, Jim Beam Winter Reserve presents a smooth and elevated bourbon with subtle notes of vanilla, cinnamon spice, and a hint of clove, delivering a warm finish that captures the essence of the season. Whether shared with friends and family, given as a thoughtful gift, or used to add a twist to classic cocktails, this winter-inspired bourbon is the ideal companion for creating memorable holiday moments. 

“At Jim Beam, we’re always looking for ways to innovate while staying true to our deeply rooted heritage,” said Fred Noe, Jim Beam’s seventh generation Master Distiller. “With Winter Reserve, we wanted to create a special bourbon that embodies the warmth of the holidays and the bold flavors that pair well with cold weather. We are excited to share it with our community and hope its holiday-inspired flavors bring people together to celebrate the joy of the season.”Aged for six years and finished in toasted barrels for enhanced richness, Jim Beam Winter Reserve presents a smooth and elevated bourbon with subtle notes of vanilla, cinnamon spice, and a hint of clove, delivering a warm finish that captures the essence of the season. Whether shared with friends and family, given as a thoughtful gift, or used to add a twist to classic cocktails, this winter-inspired bourbon is the ideal companion for creating memorable holiday moments. 

“At Jim Beam, we’re always looking for ways to innovate while staying true to our deeply rooted heritage,” said Fred Noe, Jim Beam’s seventh generation Master Distiller. “With Winter Reserve, we wanted to create a special bourbon that embodies the warmth of the holidays and the bold flavors that pair well with cold weather. We are excited to share it with our community and hope its holiday-inspired flavors bring people together to celebrate the joy of the season.”