Whiskey Education

A Real Disruptor? General Thomas Bourbon Single Barrel 

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The “Rock of Chickamauga” in a Bottle! | General Thomas Bourbon Review

Can a “disruptor” bourbon live up to the hype? Today on Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca are tasting a bottle that caught our eye (and ears!) at BourbonCon 2026 in Lexington: General Thomas Bourbon Single Barrel (Barrel 3).

Named after the Civil War hero General George Henry Thomas, this brand was launched by Fort Thomas native Dan Gorman to tell the story of a local legend. But is it just a “gimmick” with a cool AI QR code, or is the liquid inside actually battle-ready?

With a high-rye mash bill and a sturdy 110 proof, this 5-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon surprised us with an “effervescent” spice and a unique finish that reminds us of a morning espresso. From the brown sugar nose to the lingering leather and coffee notes, this is a “morning bourbon” that will definitely wake up your palate!

In this video, we discuss:

  • The “disruptor” vision behind sourcing 20 premium surplus barrels.
  • A full nose, palate, and finish breakdown (spoiler: it’s a spice bomb!).
  • The incredible personalized AI message from the General himself.

Stick around until the end to hear a direct order from General Thomas!

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General Thomas Bourbon Single Barrel

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: General Thomas Spirits LLC
  • Distillery: Sourced from a Northern Kentucky distillery (Bottled in Newport, KY)
  • Mash Bill: High-Rye (Known for bold spice and a smooth finish)
  • Age: 5 Years
  • Proof: 110
  • MSRP: $70
  • Other: Barrel 3
  • Purchased: 01/16/26 for $73 at BourbonCon in Lexington KY

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

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3 Michter’s Ryes You NEED to Try: Tasting & Review 

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The Rye Trifecta: A Deep Dive into Michter’s Fort Nelson Experience! 🥃

Welcome back to another episode of Bourbon Trail Tales and Tastes! Today, we are heading to the heart of Louisville’s “Whiskey Row” to revisit a personal favorite: Michter’s Fort Nelson. As Distillery #15 and Stamp #13 on our Kentucky Bourbon Trail journey, this historic site is more than just a distillery—it’s a masterclass in whiskey maturation.

In this episode, Wayne and Rebecca are breaking down three incredible (and hard-to-find) Michter’s Ryes. From the raw power of the Barrel Strength to the “sugar rush” of the Toasted Barrel Finish, and finishing with the elegance of the 10 Year Rye, we’re exploring why Michter’s is a must-stop for any whiskey enthusiast.

We also share our tips for visiting the Fort Nelson bar, the “Bottle Your Own” experience (and why you need to get in line early!), and a shoutout to Master Distiller Dan McKee and Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson.

Whiskeys Tasted in This Episode:

  • Michter’s US*1 Barrel Strength Rye (2022): The bold, spicy baseline at 112.4 proof.
  • Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Rye (2023): Secondary maturation magic featuring campfire marshmallow and dark chocolate notes.
  • Michter’s 10 Year Kentucky Straight Rye (2024/2025): Sophisticated, herbal, and refined. Is it actually older than 10 years? 

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✴️Michter’s US*1 Barrel Strength Rye (2022)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
  • Distillery: Michter’s Distillery (Louisville, KY)
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed (Proprietary “Kentucky Style” rye; high corn and malted barley content)
  • Age: NAS (Non-Age Stated, but generally understood to be 5–7 years)
  • Proof: 112.4
  • Released: March 2022 
  • Other:  Low Entry Proof: Distillate enters the barrel at 103 proof, much lower than the industry standard (125 proof), which Michter’s claims results in a richer mouthfeel.
  • Purchased: 09/03/22 for $119 at Michter’s Fort Nelson

✴️Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Rye (2023)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
  • Distillery: Michter’s Distillery (Louisville, KY)
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed
  • Age: NAS (The base rye is typically 5–7 years old before the secondary finish)
  • Proof: 108.6
  • Released: September 2023
  • Other: Finishing Process: After aging in charred new American oak, the whiskey is moved to a second barrel made of 24-month air-dried wood that has been toasted but not charred. Entry Proof: Like the others, this began its life at a low 103 entry proof, which helps maintain that “creamy” mouthfeel even after the second barreling.
  • Purchased: 12/16/23 for $139.00

✴️Michter’s 10 Year Kentucky Straight Rye (2024/2025)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
  • Company: Michter’s Distillery
  • Distillery: Undisclosed (Contract distilled to Michter’s specifications in Kentucky)
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed (Known as a “Kentucky Style” Rye, heavy on corn and malted barley)
  • Age: 10 Years (Though widely rumored to be aged closer to 12–15 years)
  • Proof: 92.8
  • Released: Mid-2024 
  • Other: Barrel No. 24C1550: .
  • Single Barrel: Unlike the Small Batch US*1 line, this is pulled from a single, exceptional barrel chosen by Master Distiller Dan McKee and Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson.
  • Purchased: 02/22/25 for $210.00

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

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Don’t Skip This! Trackside High Proof Bourbon Tasting

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Is this the next big winner in Kentucky Bourbon? 🥃

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

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

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

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

In this video:

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

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Trackside Bourbon (Founder Release High Proof)

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

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

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We Tasted 14 Whiskeys! Wayne’s 58th Birthday Bourbon Tour

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A Birthday Detour to Remember: Old Louisville Whiskey Co.

February of 2024 – What started as a trip home from Mattingly’s turned into one of our favorite Bourbon Trail memories! In this episode of Bourbon Trail Tales and Tastes, we celebrate Wayne’s 58th birthday with a visit to Distillery No. 59: Old Louisville Whiskey Company.

Join us as we recount our incredible experience with Amine, a master of blending and aging who went above and beyond for our first visit. From barrel thieving in the back of their industrial Louisville home to tasting 14+ incredible pours, this visit proved why Amine is one of the best in the business. 

We also dive into a tasting of two unique bottles we brought home that day: a 10-year old “barely legal” bourbon with a massive 49% barley mashbill and a 7-year-old mysterious, sweet 119-proof bourbon.

Whether you’re a fan of MGP sources, unique finishes like Hungarian or Colombian oak, or just love a great distillery story, you won’t want to miss this one.

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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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Peter E. Hart Kentucky Rye: Everything You Need to Know

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A Journey Through History: Peter E. Hart Smoked Barrel Rye Review 🥃

Join Wayne and Rebecca on Your Bourbon Journey as we dive into a truly unique find from BourbonCon 2026: the Peter E. Hart Rye Whiskey. Sourced from the prestigious Wilderness Trail Distillery, this isn’t your average spicy rye.

What happens when you take a high-quality Kentucky Rye and finish it in Smoked Bourbon Barrels? You get a “cinnamon champagne” effervescence, bright citrus notes, and a “bourbon-esque” caramel finish that might just turn non-rye drinkers into believers. Whether you’re a fan of historical whiskey roots or looking for a rye soft enough for a slow, after-work sipper, this bottle tells a story in every glass.

In this video, we cover:

  • The historical connection to Union Soldier Sergeant Peter E. Hart.
  • Why the smoked barrel finish reminds us of the “smokehouse” style.
  • Detailed tasting notes: Orange citrus, floral grass, and popping cinnamon.
  • Is it worth the $130 price point?

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✴️ PETER E HART RYE WHISKEY

  • Classification: Kentucky Rye Whiskey
  • Company: Peter E Hart
  • Distillery: Sourced from Wilderness Trail Distillery (Danville, KY)
  • Mash Bill: 56% Rye, 33% Corn, 11% Malted Barley
  • Age: 3 Years (ave blend is reported closer to 4.5 years)
  • Proof: 100
  • Other: Finished in Smoked Bourbon Barrels
  • Purchased: 01/17/26 for $130 at BourbonCon in Lexington, KY

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

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

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The Midnight Rose: Liquid Chocolate Truffle Cocktail 

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Indulge in the dark side of Valentine’s Day with The Midnight Rose. 🌹🍫

Welcome back to Your Bourbon Journey! In Episode 57 of our Thirsty Thursday Cocktail series, we are moving past the romance of last week’s “Velvet Letter” to the sophisticated, deep complexity of The Midnight Rose. If you’re tired of sugary-sweet holiday drinks, this is the “Bittersweet Ending” you’ve been waiting for.

By swapping traditional sweet vermouth for Averna Amaro and adding a touch of Fee Brothers Aztec Chocolate Bitters, we transform a classic profile into a liquid chocolate truffle. Featuring the 10-year aged oak and cinnamon backbone of Henry McKenna Single Barrel, this cocktail is velvety, herbal, and decadently bitter.

In this video, Rebecca shares:

  • How to balance the citrus snap of Campari with dark herbal notes.
  • Why Averna Amaro is the secret to a “Midnight” texture.
  • Professional stirring techniques for lower-proof spirits.

The Midnight Rose Recipe:

  • 1.5 oz Henry McKenna 10 Year Bottled in Bond
  • 0.75 oz Campari
  • 0.75 oz Averna Amaro
  • 2 Dashes Fee Brothers Aztec Chocolate Bitters
  • Garnish: Expressed Orange Peel

Love what you see? Subscribe for more whiskey reviews and cocktail builds! Next week, we’re firing up the smoking kit for a buttery, spirit-forward classic: The Pecan Grove.

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NOTE: The spirits and items in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the producers for this review. Please drink responsibly.

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Is Vintage Bourbon Better? Four Roses Through the Eras

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Four Roses Through the Ages: A Vintage vs. Modern Bourbon Journey 🌹

Join us at Your Bourbon Journey for a truly special tasting as we “Quantum Leap” through three distinct eras of Four Roses. We’re traveling from the mid-century “Lost Years” to the “Golden” Japanese export era of the 1990s, finally returning to the bold resurgence of today’s Small Batch Select.

In this episode, Wayne and Rebecca head to the tasting table with two rare finds from Revival Vintage Spirits and one modern powerhouse. We explore how a brand that was once diluted for the American market kept its soul alive in Japan before reclaiming its throne as a top-tier Kentucky producer. From surprising butterscotch notes in a 1950s blend to the elegant, crystal-like beauty of the 1997 Super Premium, this is a masterclass in the evolution of flavor, proof, and history.

What we’re tasting today:

  • The “Lost” Years (1945–1960): A blended whiskey featuring Series 111 tax seals and a surprising hit of honeysuckle.
  • The “Golden” Export (1997 Super Premium): A Japanese market exclusive designed to look like high-end crystal, showcasing the delicate V and K yeast strains.
  • The “Resurgence” (Small Batch Select): The modern-day 104-proof powerhouse that proves Four Roses is back and better than ever.

Whether you’re a fan of “dusty” hunting or you just love a solid pour of Four Roses Small Batch, there is something in this timeline for every whiskey enthusiast.

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We highly recommend Revival Vintage Spirits for your vintage bottles: https://revivalky.com/ 

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✴️ FOUR ROSES BLENDED WHISKEY (1945-1960)

  • Classification: Blended Whiskey
  • Distillery: Four Roses Lawrenceburg
  • 35% straight whiskies. 65% grain neutral spirits. 25% straight whiskies 4 years old. 4% straight whiskies 6 years old.
  • Age: NAS (researched at 4–6-year blends)
  • Proof: 86
  • Tax Seal: Red, Series 111

FOUR ROSES SUPER PREMIUM VINTAGE 1997

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Kirin-Seagram Ltd.
  • Distillery: Four Roses Lawrenceburg
  • Bottled: Kirin-Seagram facility in Gotemba, Japan
  • Mash Bill – typically a blend of:
  • E: 75% Corn, 20% Rye, 5% Malted Barley
  • B: 60% Corn, 35% Rye, 5% Malted Barley
  • Yeast: Commonly the V (delicate fruit) and K (slight spice)
  • Age: Typically, at least 8 years old
  • Proof: 86
  • The Design: That clear bottle with the labeling printed directly on the glass was designed to look like high-end crystal for the Japanese “gift-giving” culture. It’s widely considered one of the most beautiful bottles Four Roses ever produced.

FOUR ROSES SMALL BATCH SELECT

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Four Roses Distilling LLC
  • Distillery: Four Roses Lawrenceburg
  • Mash Bill – typically a blend of:
  • B: 60% Corn, 35% Rye, 5% Malted Barley
  • E: 75% Corn, 20% Rye, 5% Malted Barley
  • Yeast: 6 recipes – OBSV, OBSK, OBSF, OESV, OESK, & OESF
  • Age: Typically, a blend of 6 and 7-year-old bourbons
  • Proof: 104

❌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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