The BEST Whiskey of Q4 2025? Full Blind Tasting & Scores!

Getting ready for the ultimate bourbon showdown? This Whiskey of the Quarter (WOTQ) Final features three heavyweight contenders battling for the top seed in the Sweet 16 bracket. From heirloom grains to complex secondary finishes, these are the best of the best from 2025.

In this blind tasting, Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey put the highly anticipated Bardstown Discovery #13, the unique Fountain Run Bottled in Bond, and the heritage-rich Patriotic Meri-COB to the test. Which bottle delivers the perfect “fastball,” and which one is the “changeup” that steals the show?

๐Ÿฅƒ Featured Whiskeys:

  • Bardstown Discovery Series #13: A masterclass in blending, featuring an 8-year-old base finished in a mix of New American White Oak and Hungarian Oak. Released in August 2025, itโ€™s being hailed as one of the best “Discos” yet.
  • Fountain Run Bottled In Bond: A rare release from Kentucky Artisan Distillery using a complex mash bill of Hickory Cane White Corn and Chocolate Malt. This fruit-forward “flower in a bottle” is a one-time run you don’t want to miss.
  • Patriotic Meri-COB (Glenns Creek Distilling): A 100% heirloom corn bourbon (Bloody Butcher, Hickory King, and Hoppi Blue) crafted with the expertise of heirloom grain specialist Tom Jones. Itโ€™s a vintage-style “dusty funk” powerhouse.

Who takes the #1 seed for the Whiskey of the Year tournament? Watch to find out!

Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the notification bell to follow our journey to the 2025 Whiskey of the Year!

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โŒYOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOLโŒ

๐Ÿ”ฅDETAILS REGARDING OUR THREE FINALISTS๐Ÿ”ฅ (in alphabetical order): 

โœด๏ธ Bardstown Discovery #13

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Bardstown Bourbon Company
  • Mash Bill: Blend
  • Age: youngest is 8 years
  • Secondary Finish: (4 months) 61 percent of final blend finished in new American White Oak; 39 percent of final blend finished in Hungarian Oak
  • Proof: 110.8
  • Released:ย August 2025

Original YouTube Review:

โœด๏ธ Fountain Run Bottled In Bond

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Kentucky Artisan Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 65% Hickory Cane White Corn, 20% Rye, 12% Distillerโ€™s Malt, 3% Chocolate Malt
  • Age: 7 Years 4 Months
  • Proof: 100

Original YouTube Review: ย ย 

โœด๏ธ Patriotic Meri-COB

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Glenns Creek Distilling
  • Mash Bill: 100% Corn:  Bloody Butcher Red, Hickory King White, Hoppi Blue
  • Age: At least 36 months
  • Proof: 105
  • Released: July 2025

Original Video: ย 

โŒYOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOLโŒ

๐ŸšจREMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY๐Ÿšจ

โ“Questionsโ“ 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.

#BlindTasting #WhiskeyOfTheQuarter #BardstownBourbonCo #Discovery13 #GlennsCreekDistilling #FountainRun #BlindTasting #BourbonJourney #KentuckyBourbon #WhiskeyOfTheYear #BourbonHunting #HeirloomGrains #BottledInBond #BourbonLovers #WOTQ

Blind Whiskey Battle: December 2025 Champion Revealed!ย 

Bourbon Battle: Whiskey of the Month (December 2025) ๐Ÿฅƒ

Happy Friday, Bourbon lovers! In this special holiday edition of Whiskey of the Month, Wayne and Rebecca sit down in the bourbon room to crown the December champion. This monthโ€™s lineup is one of the most competitive yet, featuring heavy hitters from Jim Beam, New Riff, Wenzel, and Glenns Creek Distilling.

From the oldest expression in Knob Creek history to a uniquely crafted 100% corn bourbon, this blind tasting was full of surprises. Watch as we break down the nose, palate, and finish of these four incredible whiskeys to see which bottle earns a spot in our Whiskey of the Year competition!

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

  • Knob Creek 21 Year Old
  • Patriotic Meri-COB
  • Silver Grove Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (2025)
  • Wenzel Toasted Barrel Proof Batch #01

Smash that play button โ–ถ๏ธ and join the ultimate tasting party! ๐ŸŽ‰ Grab your own glass ๐Ÿฅ‚ (of whatever you’re sipping on!), settle in for some serious whiskey talk ๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ, and experience the thrill of the grand reveal with us! Get ready for potential surprises ๐ŸŽ and definitely a fantastic time! Cheers to an unforgettable evening of delicious discovery! ๐Ÿฅณ Slรกinte! ๐Ÿ€

Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE!

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

๐Ÿฅƒ Become a Patron & Get Exclusive Content

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โŒYOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOLโŒ

๐Ÿ”ฅDETAILS REGARDING OUR FOUR FINALISTS๐Ÿ”ฅ (in alphabetical order): 

โœด๏ธ Knob Creek 21 Year Old

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: James B. Beam Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
  • Age: 21 Years > The oldest expression in distillery history
  • Proof: 100
  • Released: Oct 2025

Original Video:

โœด๏ธ Patriotic Meri-COB

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Glenns Creek Distilling
  • Mash Bill: 100% Corn:  Bloody Butcher Red, Hickory King White, Hoppi Blue
  • Age: At least 36 months
  • Proof: 105
  • Released: July 2025

Original Video:

โœด๏ธ Silver Grove Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (2025)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: New Riff Distilling
  • Mash Bill: 65% Corn, 30% Rye, 5% Malted Barley
  • Age: 4 Years
  • Proof: 110.3
  • Released: October 2025

Original Video:

โœด๏ธ Wenzel Toasted Barrel Proof Batch #01

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Wenzel LLC
  • Distillery: Sourced & Undisclosed Mashbill
  • Age: NAS (at least 4 years)
  • Proof: 111.8
  • Released: Sep 2025

Original Video:

โŒYOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOLโŒ

๐ŸšจREMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY๐Ÿšจ

โ“Questionsโ“ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

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.

#Bourbon #Whiskey #BlindTasting #KnobCreek #NewRiff #GlennsCreek #WhiskeyReview #BourbonLovers #KentuckyBourbon #WhiskeyOfTheMonth #BourbonJourney #CraftDistilling #BourbonHunting #WhiskeyTasting #DrinkResponsibly

Which Whiskey Wins? Blind Tasting & Ultimate Ranking

๐Ÿฅƒ The ULTIMATE Blind Bourbon Battle! | November Whiskey of the Month (WOTM) Selection!

We are back for our November Whiskey of the Month (WOTM) blind tasting! Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey face off against four incredible bourbon contenders, ranging from high-proof stalwarts to unique double-oaked blends and limited-edition releases.

Can a Bottled-in-Bond bourbon with the lowest proof on the table take down two of the biggest names in barrel-proof whiskey? You won’t believe the results in this exciting blind battle!

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

โœด๏ธ Bookerโ€™s 2025-03 โ€œJerryโ€™s Batchโ€

โœด๏ธ Buzzardโ€™s Roost Double Oak Cigar Blend

โœด๏ธ Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Batch C925

โœด๏ธ Fountain Run Bottled In Bond

๐Ÿšซ No labels, no biases โ€“ just pure, unadulterated whiskey appreciation! ๐Ÿ‘€ Join us as we meticulously nose ๐Ÿ‘ƒ, sip ๐Ÿ˜‹, and savor each dram, dissecting the intricate notes on the nose, the delightful dance on the palate ๐Ÿ‘…, the satisfying lingering finish โœจ, and that crucial je ne sais quoi that makes a whiskey truly special. ๐Ÿค”

Will the barrel-proof powerhouse ๐Ÿ’ช dominate the competition? Will the elegantly aged spirit โณ steal the show? Or will a unique finish ๐Ÿ‡ or a captivating single barrel charm โœจ take home the ultimate crown? We’re ranking them from 4th place to the coveted 1st place spot๐Ÿฅ‡, and the suspense is building with every sip! ๐Ÿคฏ

Smash that play button โ–ถ๏ธ and join the ultimate tasting party! ๐ŸŽ‰ Grab your own glass ๐Ÿฅ‚ (of whatever you’re sipping on!), settle in for some serious whiskey talk ๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ, and experience the thrill of the grand reveal with us! Get ready for potential surprises ๐ŸŽ and definitely a fantastic time! Cheers to an unforgettable evening of delicious discovery! ๐Ÿฅณ Slรกinte! ๐Ÿ€

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

๐Ÿฅƒ Become a Patron & Get Exclusive Content

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๐Ÿ“ธ Instagram 

๐Ÿ‘ Facebook

โŒYOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOLโŒ

๐Ÿ”ฅDETAILS REGARDING OUR FOUR FINALISTS๐Ÿ”ฅ (in alphabetical order): 

โœด๏ธ Bookerโ€™s 2025-03 โ€œJerryโ€™s Batchโ€

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: James B Beam
  • Mash Bill: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
  • Age: 7 Years, 4 Months, and 21 Days
  • Proof: 124.7
  • Other: Jerryโ€™s Batch comprises nine different barrels from 9 warehouses: 3, 1, X, Z, K, L, O, 4, and G
  • Released: September 2025
  • MSRP: $99.99
  • Purchased: 10/17/25 for $100 at Archie & Clydeโ€™s in Newburgh, IN

โœด๏ธ Buzzardโ€™s Roost Double Oak Cigar Blend

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Buzzardโ€™s Roost Spirits, LLC
  • Distillery: Undisclosed/Indiana (Likely MGP)
  • Mash Bill: 60% Corn, 36% Rye, 4% Malted Barley
  • Age: NAS on bottle but PR has 6 years
  • Proof: 105
  • Released: September 2025 for KBF
  • Other: Came with a branded cigar cutter
  • Purchased: 09/04/25 for $85 at Buzzardโ€™s Roost via the KBF

โœด๏ธ Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Batch C925

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Heaven Hill Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 78% Corn, 12% Malted Barley, 10% Rye
  • Age: 9 Years, 1 Month
  • Proof: 129
  • MSRP: $75
  • Released: September 2025; Final Batch of 2025
  • Other: This is the first time since the ECBP series began in 2013 that a batch has carried an age statement under 10 years (a “single digit” age statement).
  • Purchased: 10/29/25 for $65 at Archie & Clydeโ€™s in Newburgh, IN

โœด๏ธ Fountain Run Bottled In Bond

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Kentucky Artisan Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 65% Hickory Cane White Corn, 20% Rye, 12% Distillerโ€™s Malt, 3% Chocolate Malt
  • Barrel: Entry proof of 103; Heavy Toast, Char No. 3
  • Age: 7 Years 4 Months (low in the rickhouse)
  • Proof: 100
  • MSRP: $100
  • Released: October 2025
  • Purchased: 10/30/25 for $99.99 at Seelbachโ€™s Online: https://seelbachs.com/products/fountain-run-kentucky-straight-bourbon-whiskey

โŒYOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOLโŒ

๐ŸšจREMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY๐Ÿšจ

โ“Questionsโ“ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

NOTE:ย  We were not compensated by the spirit producers for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.

#bourbon #blindtasting #WhiskeyOfTheMonth #fountainrun #ElijahCraigBarrelProof #ECBP #BookersBourbon #buzzardsroost #bourbonreview #WhiskeyReview #KentuckyBourbon #bottledinbond #BlindReview #NewReleaseBourbon #MichaelVeatch 

The Best Whiskey of October 2025? Blind Ranked!ย 

๐Ÿ”ฅ๐Ÿฅƒ Blind Bourbon BATTLE ROYALE! Who Will Be Our October 2025 CHAMPION?! ๐Ÿ†

Alright, buckle up, whiskey fanatics! ๐Ÿš€ Get ready for a showdown of EPIC proportions! ๐Ÿฅƒ 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! ๐Ÿ‘‘

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 Founderโ€™s Select 10 Year
  • Old Fitzgerald Bottled in Bond 7 Year

๐Ÿšซ No labels, no biases โ€“ just pure, unadulterated whiskey appreciation! ๐Ÿ‘€ Join us as we meticulously nose ๐Ÿ‘ƒ, sip ๐Ÿ˜‹, and savor each dram, dissecting the intricate notes on the nose, the delightful dance on the palate ๐Ÿ‘…, the satisfying lingering finish โœจ, and that crucial je ne sais quoi that makes a whiskey truly special. ๐Ÿค”

Will the barrel-proof powerhouse ๐Ÿ’ช dominate the competition? Will the elegantly aged spirit โณ steal the show? Or will a unique finish ๐Ÿ‡ or a captivating single barrel charm โœจ take home the ultimate crown? We’re ranking them from 4th place to the coveted 1st place spot๐Ÿฅ‡, and the suspense is building with every sip! ๐Ÿคฏ

Smash that play button โ–ถ๏ธ and join the ultimate tasting party!

๐ŸŽ‰ Grab your own glass ๐Ÿฅ‚ (of whatever you’re sipping on!), settle in for some serious whiskey talk ๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ, and experience the thrill of the grand reveal with us! Get ready for potential surprises ๐ŸŽ and definitely a fantastic time! Cheers to an unforgettable evening of delicious discovery! ๐Ÿฅณ Slรกinte! ๐Ÿ€

#WhiskeyOfTheMonth #BlindWhiskeyTasting #bourbonreview 

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

๐Ÿฅƒ Become a Patron & Get Exclusive Content

๐Ÿ”” YouTube

๐Ÿ“ธ Instagram 

๐Ÿ‘ Facebook

โŒYOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOLโŒ

๐Ÿ”ฅDETAILS REGARDING OUR FOUR FINALISTS๐Ÿ”ฅ (in alphabetical order): 

โœด๏ธ 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

โœด๏ธ Chicken Cock Private Cask Single Barrel

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Grain & Barrel Spirits
  • Distillery: For Chicken Cock via Bardstown Bourbon Companyโ€™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 โ€“ 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

โœด๏ธ Cinder & Smoke Founderโ€™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

โœด๏ธ 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

โŒYOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOLโŒ

๐ŸšจREMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY๐Ÿšจ

โ“Questionsโ“ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

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.

Blind Tasting SHOWDOWN: Three Amazing Whiskeys, One Champion!

Alright, buckle up, whiskey lovers! ๐Ÿฅƒ Get ready for a showdown of EPIC proportions! ๐Ÿ”ฅ In this blind tasting adventure, we’re putting three incredible contenders to the ultimate test to crown the UNDISPUTED CHAMPION ๐Ÿ† of our Third Quarter 2025! ๐ŸŽ‰

Prepare your senses as we dive deep into the aromatic world ๐Ÿ‘ƒ and tantalizing flavors ๐Ÿ˜‹ of:

โœด๏ธ Neeley Bottled in Bond Four Grain

โœด๏ธ Starlight 2025 10-Year Cask Strength

โœด๏ธ W.H. McBrayer 2025 Release, Batch 5

No labels, no biases โ€“ just pure, unadulterated whiskey appreciation! ๐Ÿ‘€ Join us as we meticulously nose, sip, and savor each dram, dissecting the nose ๐Ÿ‘ƒ, the dance on the palate ๐Ÿ‘…, the lingering finish โœจ, and that all-important je ne sais quoi. ๐Ÿค”

Will the barrel proof powerhouse ๐Ÿ’ช dominate? Will the aged elegance ๐Ÿ‘‘ steal the show? Or will a unique mashbill or special aging โœจ take the crown? We’re ranking them from 3rd place๐Ÿฅ‰ to the coveted 1st place spot๐Ÿฅ‡, and the suspense is BUILDING! ๐Ÿคฉ The results will be used for seeding in our Whiskey of the Year competition! ๐Ÿ†

Hit play โ–ถ๏ธ and join the tasting party! ๐ŸŽ‰

Grab your own glass ๐Ÿฅƒ (of whatever you fancy! ๐Ÿ˜‰), settle in ๐Ÿ›‹๏ธ, and experience the thrill of the reveal with us. Get ready for some serious whiskey talk ๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ, maybe a few surprises ๐Ÿ˜ฎ, and definitely a good time! ๐Ÿ˜„ Cheers to an unforgettable evening of delicious discovery! ๐Ÿฅ‚

Don’t forget to subscribe! ๐Ÿ‘ and let us know in the comments below ๐Ÿ‘‡ which whiskey YOU thought would win! ๐Ÿค”๐Ÿ’ฌ

โŒYOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOLโŒ

๐Ÿ”ฅDETAILS REGARDING OUR THREE FINALISTS๐Ÿ”ฅ (in alphabetical order): 

โœด๏ธ Neeley Bottled in Bond Four Grain

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Neeley Family Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 63% corn, 17% Oats, 8% Wheat and 12% Malt
  • Notes: Jug Yeast A-1, Sweet Mash, Copper Pot Still, Non-Chill Filtered, Limestone Well Water, Cypress Fermented, Barrel Char 2, Batch Size 7
  • Age: 4 Years
  • Proof: 100
  • MSRP: $79.99
  • Released: Spring 2025
  • Made with no enzymes, blended by Rebekah Neeley
  • Purchased: 07/11/25 for $79.99 at Neely Family Distillery in Sparta, KY

Original YouTube Review >

โœด๏ธ Starlight 2025 10-Year Cask Strength

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Starlight Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 60% Corn, 20% Rye, 20% Malted Barley
  • Other: Grain-to-glass; sweet mash; double pot distilled; barrel entry proof 112-116
  • Age: 10 Years
  • Proof: 120.3
  • MSRP: $250
  • Released: July 2025
  • Aging: Sequin Moreau Icone barrels.
  • Purchased: 08/14/25 for $250 at Starlight Distillery

Original YouTube Review >

โœด๏ธ W.H. McBrayer 2025 Release, Batch 5

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: McBrayer Legacy Spirits
  • Distillery: Undisclosed
  • Mash Bill: 88.4% Bloody Butcher Corn, 5.8% Heritage Rye, 5.8% Malted Barley
  • Age: NAS; blend of 15 barrels โ€“ 8 are 6.5 years old and 7 are 5.5 years old
  • Proof: 106.8
  • MSRP: $100
  • Other: Small Batch (15 hand-selected barrels), Non-Chill Filtered
  • Released: May 10, 2025
  • Purchased: 05/10/25 for $100 at McBrayer Legacy Spirits

Original YouTube Review >

โŒYOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOLโŒ

๐ŸšจREMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY๐Ÿšจ

โœ… Please SUBSCRIBE and hit the LIKE button!

โ“Questionsโ“ 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.

#BlindTasting #WhiskeyOfTheQuarter #bourbonreview #NeeleyBottledInBond #StarlightWhiskey #WHMcBrayer #Whiskey #Bourbon #WhiskeyReview #BlindWhiskeyTasting #KentuckyBourbon #CaskStrength #BottledInBond #CraftBourbon #WhiskeyTube 

Which Bourbon Wins? Blind Tasting & Ultimate Ranking

๐Ÿ”ฅ๐Ÿฅƒ Blind Bourbon BATTLE ROYALE! Who Will Be Our September 2025 CHAMPION?! ๐Ÿ†

Alright, buckle up, whiskey fanatics! ๐Ÿš€ Get ready for a showdown of EPIC proportions! ๐Ÿฅƒ In this thrilling blind tasting adventure, we’re putting FOUR incredible contenders head-to-head to crown the UNDISPUTED champion of our September 2025 whiskey lineup! ๐Ÿ‘‘

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

โœด๏ธ Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B525

โœด๏ธ Larceny Barrel Proof Batch B525

โœด๏ธ Rivertown Single Barrel

โœด๏ธ Starlight 2025 10-Year Cask Strength  

๐Ÿšซ No labels, no biases โ€“ just pure, unadulterated whiskey appreciation! ๐Ÿ‘€ Join us as we meticulously nose ๐Ÿ‘ƒ, sip ๐Ÿ˜‹, and savor each dram, dissecting the intricate notes on the nose, the delightful dance on the palate ๐Ÿ‘…, the satisfying lingering finish โœจ, and that crucial je ne sais quoi that makes a whiskey truly special. ๐Ÿค”

Will the barrel-proof powerhouse ๐Ÿ’ช dominate the competition? Will the elegantly aged spirit โณ steal the show? Or will a unique finish ๐Ÿ‡ or a captivating single barrel charm โœจ take home the ultimate crown? We’re ranking them from 4th place to the coveted 1st place spot๐Ÿฅ‡, and the suspense is building with every sip! ๐Ÿคฏ

Smash that play button โ–ถ๏ธ and join the ultimate tasting party!

๐ŸŽ‰ Grab your own glass ๐Ÿฅ‚ (of whatever you’re sipping on!), settle in for some serious whiskey talk ๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ, and experience the thrill of the grand reveal with us! Get ready for potential surprises ๐ŸŽ and definitely a fantastic time! Cheers to an unforgettable evening of delicious discovery! ๐Ÿฅณ Slรกinte! ๐Ÿ€

#WhiskeyOfTheMonth #BlindWhiskeyTasting #bourbonreview 

โŒYOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOLโŒ

๐Ÿ”ฅDETAILS REGARDING OUR FOUR FINALISTS๐Ÿ”ฅ (in alphabetical order): 

โœด๏ธ Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B525

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Heaven Hill
  • Distillery: Elijah Craig Distillery Co.
  • Mash Bill: 78% Corn, 12% Malted Barley, 10% Rye
  • Age: 11 Years, 6 Months
  • Proof: 126.2
  • MSRP: $75
  • Released: May 2025
  • Purchased: 09/02/25 for $79.99 at Heaven Hill, Bardstown KY

โœด๏ธ Larceny Barrel Proof Batch B525

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Heaven Hill
  • Distillery: Heaven Hill
  • Mash Bill: 68% Corn, 20% Wheat, 12% Malted Barley
  • Age: 6-8 years
  • Proof: 117.4
  • MSRP: $65
  • Released: May 2025
  • Purchased: 08/06/25 for $55.99 at Costco in Evansville IN

โœด๏ธ Rivertown Single Barrel

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Henderson Distilling Co
  • Distillery: Sourced/Undisclosed/Kentucky
  • Bottled: The Bard Distillery, Graham, KY
  • Mash Bill: 78% Corn, 13% Rye, 9% Malted Barley
  • Age: 8 Years
  • Proof: 124.6
  • MSRP: $74.99
  • Released: 08/14/25
  • Other: Bottle 76 of 185
  • Purchased: 08/14/25 for $74.99 at Beverage Barn in Henderson, KY

โœด๏ธ Starlight 2025 10-Year Cask Strength

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Starlight Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 60% Corn, 20% Rye, 20% Malted Barley
  • Other: Grain-to-glass; sweet mash; double pot distilled; barrel entry proof 112-116
  • Age: 10 Years
  • Proof: 120.3
  • MSRP: $250
  • Released: July 2025
  • Aging: Sequin Moreau Icone barrels.
  • Purchased: 08/14/25 for $250 at Starlight Distillery

โŒYOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOLโŒ

๐ŸšจREMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY๐Ÿšจ

โœ… Please SUBSCRIBE and hit the LIKE button!

โ“Questionsโ“ 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.

Blind Taste Test: Augustโ€™s Whiskey of the Month! ย 

๐Ÿ”ฅ๐Ÿฅƒ Blind Whiskey BATTLE ROYALE! Who Will Be Our August 2025 CHAMPION?! ๐Ÿ†

Alright, buckle up, whiskey fanatics! ๐Ÿš€ Get ready for a showdown of EPIC proportions! ๐Ÿฅƒ In this thrilling blind tasting adventure, we’re putting FOUR incredible contenders head-to-head to crown the UNDISPUTED champion of our August 2025 whiskey lineup! ๐Ÿ‘‘

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

  • Bombergerโ€™s Declaration 2025
  • Green River Wheated Bourbon Single Barrel
  • Lineage Batch 2
  • Neeley Bottled in Bond Four Grain

๐Ÿšซ No labels, no biases โ€“ just pure, unadulterated whiskey appreciation! ๐Ÿ‘€ Join us as we meticulously nose ๐Ÿ‘ƒ, sip ๐Ÿ˜‹, and savor each dram, dissecting the intricate notes on the nose, the delightful dance on the palate ๐Ÿ‘…, the satisfying lingering finish โœจ, and that crucial je ne sais quoi that makes a whiskey truly special. ๐Ÿค”

Will the barrel-proof powerhouse ๐Ÿ’ช dominate the competition? Will the elegantly aged spirit โณ steal the show? Or will a unique finish ๐Ÿ‡ or a captivating single barrel charm โœจ take home the ultimate crown? We’re ranking them from 4th place to the coveted 1st place spot๐Ÿฅ‡, and the suspense is building with every sip! ๐Ÿคฏ

Smash that play button โ–ถ๏ธ and join the ultimate tasting party!

๐ŸŽ‰ Grab your own glass ๐Ÿฅ‚ (of whatever you’re sipping on!), settle in for some serious whiskey talk ๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ, and experience the thrill of the grand reveal with us! Get ready for potential surprises ๐ŸŽ and definitely a fantastic time! Cheers to an unforgettable evening of delicious discovery! ๐Ÿฅณ Slรกinte! ๐Ÿ€

#WhiskeyOfTheMonth #BlindWhiskeyTasting #bourbonreview 

โŒYOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOLโŒ

๐Ÿ”ฅDETAILS REGARDING OUR FOUR FINALISTS๐Ÿ”ฅ (in alphabetical order): 

โœด๏ธ Bombergerโ€™s Declaration 2025

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Michterโ€™s Distillery
  • Distillery: Michterโ€™s Fort Nelson
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed but likely high corn plus rye and malted barley
  • Age: NAS (at least 4 years)
  • Proof: 108
  • MSRP: $120
  • Released: July 2025
  • Specifics: Batch 25F1978, Bottle 1436 of 2673
  • Other: Aged in Chinquapin Oak. This year’s release utilizes barrels seasoned for different periods (18 months, 3, 4, and 5 years) before toasting and charring.
  • Purchased: 07/18/25 for $129 at Michterโ€™s Fort Nelson

โœด๏ธ Green River Wheated Bourbon Single Barrel

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Bardstown Bourbon Co.
  • Distillery: Green River Distilling Co.
  • Mash Bill: 70% Corn, 21% Wheat, 9% Malted Barley
  • Age: NAS (5 years per website)
  • Proof: 117.6
  • MSRP: $60
  • Other: โ€œHome Wheat Homeโ€
  • Purchased: 07/18/25 for $59.99 at Green River Tasting Room, Louisville KY

โœด๏ธ Lineage Batch 2

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Suntory Global Spirits
  • Distillery: Booker Noe Plant
  • Mash Bill: 77% corn, 13% rye, and 10% malted barley
  • Age: 15-year-old (blend of 15 and 20-year-old bourbons)
  • Proof: 111
  • MSRP: $250 (700 ml)
  • Released: 07/18/25
  • Other: Crafted in collaboration by Fred & Freddie Noe
  • Purchased: 07/18/25 for $250 at the Jim Beam Distilleryย 

โœด๏ธ Neeley Bottled in Bond Four Grain

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Neeley Family Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 63% corn, 17% Oats, 8% Wheat and 12% Malt
  • Notes: Jug Yeast A-1, Sweet Mash, Copper Pot Still, Non-Chill Filtered, Limestone Well Water, Cypress Fermented, Barrel Char 2, Batch Size 7
  • Age: 4 Years
  • Proof: 100
  • MSRP: $79.99
  • Released: Spring 2025
  • Made with no enzymes, blended by Rebekah Neeley
  • Purchased: 07/11/25 for $79.99 at Neely Family Distillery in Sparta, KY

โŒYOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOLโŒ

๐ŸšจREMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY๐Ÿšจ

โœ… Please SUBSCRIBE and hit the LIKE button!

โ“Questionsโ“ 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.

Julyโ€™s Whiskey of the Month!ย 

๐Ÿ”ฅ๐Ÿฅƒ Blind Whiskey BATTLE ROYALE! Who Will Be Our July 2025 CHAMPION?! ๐Ÿ†

Alright, buckle up, whiskey fanatics! ๐Ÿš€ Get ready for a showdown of EPIC proportions! ๐Ÿฅƒ In this thrilling blind tasting adventure, we’re putting FOUR incredible contenders head-to-head to crown the UNDISPUTED champion of our July 2025 whiskey lineup! ๐Ÿ‘‘

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

  • โœด๏ธ Bookerโ€™s 2025-02 โ€œBy the Pondโ€ Batch
  • โœด๏ธ Makerโ€™s Mark Keepers Release
  • โœด๏ธ Penelope: Cigar Sessions – Chapter 1
  • โœด๏ธ W.H. McBrayer 2025 Release, Batch 5

๐Ÿšซ No labels, no biases โ€“ just pure, unadulterated whiskey appreciation! ๐Ÿ‘€ Join us as we meticulously nose ๐Ÿ‘ƒ, sip ๐Ÿ˜‹, and savor each dram, dissecting the intricate notes on the nose, the delightful dance on the palate ๐Ÿ‘…, the satisfying lingering finish โœจ, and that crucial je ne sais quoi that makes a whiskey truly special. ๐Ÿค”

Will the barrel-proof powerhouse ๐Ÿ’ช dominate the competition? Will the elegantly aged spirit โณ steal the show? Or will a unique finish ๐Ÿ‡ or a captivating single barrel charm โœจ take home the ultimate crown? We’re ranking them from 4th place to the coveted 1st place spot๐Ÿฅ‡, and the suspense is building with every sip! ๐Ÿคฏ

Smash that play button โ–ถ๏ธ and join the ultimate tasting party! ๐ŸŽ‰ Grab your own glass ๐Ÿฅ‚ (of whatever you’re sipping on!), settle in for some serious whiskey talk ๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ, and experience the thrill of the grand reveal with us! Get ready for potential surprises ๐ŸŽ and definitely a fantastic time! Cheers to an unforgettable evening of delicious discovery! ๐Ÿฅณ Slรกinte! ๐Ÿ€

#WhiskeyOfTheMonth #BlindWhiskeyTasting #bourbonreview 

Half Way – 2025 Whiskey of the Year Preview:

โŒYOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOLโŒ

๐Ÿ”ฅDETAILS REGARDING OUR FOUR FINALISTS๐Ÿ”ฅ (in alphabetical order): 

โœด๏ธ Bookerโ€™s 2025-02 โ€œBy the Pondโ€ Batch

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Beam Suntory
  • Distillery: Jim Beam Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 77% Corn, 13% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
  • Age: 7 years, 1 month, and 20 days
  • Proof: 126.5
  • Blend: This particular batch is a complex blend of barrels from various locations within 8 different warehouses. The largest percentage (29%) came from the sixth floor of warehouse G at Waterfill, a seven-story warehouse.
  • MSRP: $100
  • Released: June 2025
  • Purchased: 07/03/25 for $110 at Archie & Clydeโ€™s Restaurant in Newburgh IN
  • Original YouTube Review:

โœด๏ธ Makerโ€™s Mark Keepers Release

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: 
  • Distillery: Makerโ€™s Mark
  • Mash Bill: 70% Corn, 16% Wheat, 14% Malted Barley
  • Age: NAS (about 6 years)
  • Proof: 109.2
  • MSRP: $74.99
  • Released: March 2025
  • Purchased: 05/01/25 for $74.99 at Makerโ€™s Mark Distillery
  • Original YouTube Review: ย 

โœด๏ธ Penelope: Cigar Sessions – Chapter 1

  • Classification: American Whiskey
  • Distillery: Ross & Squibb Distillery (MGP)
  • Blend: Straight Bourbon, American Single Malt, and American Light Whiskey
  • Bourbon: 72% Corn, 15% Rye, 13% Malted Barley; Non Chill-Filtered; Finished with French Oak Staves
  • Age: 6
  • Proof: 101
  • MSRP: 79.99
  • Released: June 2025
  • Other: Pair with medium-bodied cigars
  • Purchased: 06/13/25 for $192.27 at High Spirits Liquor Store, Evansville IN
  • Original YouTube Review: ย 

โœด๏ธ W.H. McBrayer 2025 Release, Batch 5

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: McBrayer Legacy Spirits
  • Distillery: Undisclosed
  • Mash Bill: 88.4% Bloody Butcher Corn, 5.8% Heritage Rye, 5.8% Malted Barley
  • Age: NAS; blend of 15 barrels โ€“ 8 are 6.5 years old and 7 are 5.5 years old
  • Proof: 106.8
  • MSRP: $100
  • Other: Small Batch (15 hand-selected barrels), Non-Chill Filtered
  • Released: May 10, 2025
  • Purchased: 05/10/25 for $100 at McBrayer Legacy Spirits
  • Original YouTube Review: ย 

โŒYOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOLโŒ

๐ŸšจREMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY๐Ÿšจ

โœ… Please SUBSCRIBE and hit the LIKE button!

โ“Questionsโ“ 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.

Best Whiskeys of 2025 (So Far!): Our Top Picks!

Wow, 2025 has been an absolute blockbuster year for whiskey, bringing some truly unforgettable bottles to our glasses! In this can’t-miss video, we’re uncorking our BEST WHISKEYS of 2025 so far and trust us, you’re in for some surprises!

Join us as we take a thrilling journey through each month, revisiting our highly anticipated Whiskey of the Month winners and their fierce contenders. But that’s just the warm-up! We’re also thrilled to reveal the very first two Whiskey of the Quarter champions and give you an exclusive peek at the current Whiskey of the Year seeding results. The competition is heating up, and you’ll want to see who’s leading the pack!

And here’s a twist: We’re also sharing an absolutely mind-blowing release that, for special reasons, we decided to exclude from this intense competition. You won’t believe what it is and why it didn’t make the cut for our official rankings!

Ready to discover the must-have whiskeys of 2025? Click that play button now and find out if your favorites made our prestigious list!

What are your favorite whiskeys of 2025 so far? Did your top picks make our list, or do you have a dark horse contender we need to know about? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Passionate about bourbon and exceptional whiskey? Don’t miss out on another drop! Hit that LIKE ๐Ÿ‘ button and SUBSCRIBE ๐Ÿ”” to our channel so you never miss our deep dives into the most exciting new releases and hidden gems. Share this video with your bourbon buddies and let’s celebrate the art of fine spirits together! Cheers to rare finds and unforgettable pours! ๐Ÿฅ‚

#WhiskeyOfTheMonth  #WhiskeyOfTheQuarter #WhiskeyOfTheYear 

1st Quarter WOTQ Video

2nd Quarter WOTQ Video

โŒYOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOLโŒ

๐ŸšจREMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY๐Ÿšจ

โœ… Please SUBSCRIBE and hit the LIKE button!

โ“Questionsโ“ 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.

Blind Tasting: Who Wins Whiskey of the Quarter!

Alright, buckle up, whiskey lovers! ๐Ÿฅƒ Get ready for a showdown of EPIC proportions! ๐Ÿ”ฅ In this blind tasting adventure, we’re putting three incredible contenders to the ultimate test to crown the UNDISPUTED CHAMPION ๐Ÿ† of our Second Quarter 2025! ๐ŸŽ‰

Prepare your senses as we dive deep into the aromatic world ๐Ÿ‘ƒ and tantalizing flavors ๐Ÿ˜‹ of:

๐Ÿ…Orphan Barrel Fanged Pursuit Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 

๐ŸŒŸStar Hill Farm American Wheat Whisky

๐ŸฆƒWild Turkey 101 8-Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

No labels, no biases โ€“ just pure, unadulterated whiskey appreciation! ๐Ÿ‘€ Join us as we meticulously nose, sip, and savor each dram, dissecting the nose ๐Ÿ‘ƒ, the dance on the palate ๐Ÿ‘…, the lingering finish โœจ, and that all-important je ne sais quoi. ๐Ÿค”

Will the barrel proof powerhouse ๐Ÿ’ช dominate? Will the aged elegance ๐Ÿ‘‘ steal the show? Or will a unique finish or single barrel charm โœจ take the crown? We’re ranking them from 3rd place๐Ÿฅ‰ to the coveted 1st place spot๐Ÿฅ‡, and the suspense is BUILDING! ๐Ÿคฉ The results will be used for seeding in our Whiskey of the Year competition! ๐Ÿ†

๐ŸŽ‰ Grab your own glass ๐Ÿฅƒ (of whatever you fancy! ๐Ÿ˜‰), settle in ๐Ÿ›‹๏ธ, and experience the thrill of the reveal with us. Get ready for some serious whiskey talk ๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ, maybe a few surprises ๐Ÿ˜ฎ, and definitely a good time! ๐Ÿ˜„ Cheers to an unforgettable evening of delicious discovery!

Hit play โ–ถ๏ธ and join the tasting party!

Don’t forget to subscribe! ๐Ÿ‘ and let us know in the comments below ๐Ÿ‘‡ which whiskey YOU thought would win! ๐Ÿค”๐Ÿ’ฌ

#BlindWhiskeyTasting #bourbonreview #WhiskeyOfTheQuarter 

โŒYOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOLโŒ

๐Ÿ”ฅDETAILS REGARDING OUR THREE FINALISTS๐Ÿ”ฅ (in alphabetical order): 

โœด๏ธ Orphan Barrel Fanged Pursuit

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Diageo
  • Distillery: Sourced from an undisclosed Kentucky
  • Mash Bill: 68-74% Corn, 18-22% Rye, 8-10% Malted Barley
  • Age: 17 Years
  • Proof: 92
  • MSRP: $200
  • Released: February 2025
  • Purchased: 03/13/25 for $200.00 at Archie & Clydeโ€™s Restaurant Newburgh Indiana

Original YouTube Review:ย 

โœด๏ธ Star Hill Farm Whisky 2025

  • Classification: American Wheat Whisky
  • Company: Star Hill Farm
  • Distillery: Makerโ€™s Mark Distillery
  • Mash Bill: Blend of two: 70% Soft Red Winter Wheat & 30% Malted Barley; and 100% Malted Soft Red Winter Wheat
  • Age: 7-8 Years
  • Proof: 114.7
  • MSRP: $100
  • Released: May 2025
  • Other: First new mashbill in 70 years
  • Purchased: 05/16/28 for $100 at Makerโ€™s Mark Distillery

Original YouTube Review:

โœด๏ธ Wild Turkey 101 8 Year

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Campari Group
  • Distillery: Wild Turkey Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
  • Age: 8 Year minimum
  • Proof: 101
  • MSRP: $45
  • Released: April 2025
  • Purchased: 04/25/25 for $42.99 at Beverage Barn in Henderson, KY

Original YouTube Review:

โŒYOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOLโŒ

๐ŸšจREMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY๐Ÿšจ

โœ… Please SUBSCRIBE and hit the LIKE button!

โ“Questionsโ“ 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.