Massive Blind Whiskey Contest! June Whiskey of the Month

Welcome back to Your Bourbon Journey! In this video, Wayne and Rebecca are diving into a powerhouse lineup for our June Whiskey of the Month blind tasting! As we continue our high-stakes Road to the Sweet Sixteen, the competition is tighter than ever.

This month features an incredibly diverse flight jumping across three distinct whiskey classifications (Bourbon, Wheat, and American Single Malt) with a heavy emphasis on unique finishing methodsโ€”ranging from a honey barrel and sweet stout casks to complex sherry and toasted wood elements. With our leaderboard shifting every month based on total points earned, every single point counts. Will this month’s winner secure a permanent spot in the year-end playoffs?

The June Contenders (In Alphabetical Order):

  • Bernheim 20th Anniversary Edition | Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey (Heaven Hill)
  • Casey Jones Barrel Finished Series: Honey Bourbon (“Brown Beauty”) | Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in a Honey Barrel (Casey Jones Distillery)
  • Little Book Chapter 10: All the Wiser | Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Sherry and Toasted Bourbon Casks (Jim Beam)
  • New Riff Silver Grove Straight Bourbon Whiskey 2026 | Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (New Riff Distilling)
  • VDC Brewerโ€™s Coalition: 4 Hands Brewing Co. Madagascar Stout Cask | American Single Malt Whisky (Virginia Distillery Co.)

From sweet, confectionary aromas and rich dark caramel notes to toasted nuts, baking spices, and bold flavor explosions, this blind flight completely challenged our palates. Watch until the end to see our final score adjustments, the blind revelations, and how the leaderboard shuffles at the halfway point of the year!

Drop a comment below: Have you tried any of these expressions? What notes do you get from them?

If you love authentic, transparent whiskey reviews, hit that SUBSCRIBE button, drop a like, and always remember to drink responsibly. Cheers!

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

๐ŸŽ“ Want to earn a FREE Whiskey Certificate? Start your bourbon education journey with Whiskey University today! Take your first steps here: https://www.whiskeyuniv.com/first-steps

๐Ÿ“Š SEE THE LIVE LEADERBOARD: Want to see where these bottles rank against the rest of the field? Check out our real-time leaderboard here: ๐Ÿ‘‰ https://yourbourbonjourney.com/2026/02/27/the-live-leaderboard-road-to-the-sweet-sixteen/

๐Ÿฅƒ OUR NEW SCORING PROCESS: Weโ€™ve revamped our scoring to be more transparent than ever. Read the full breakdown of our new rubric and the “Sweet Sixteen” bracket process on our website: ๐Ÿ‘‰ https://yourbourbonjourney.com/2026/02/27/decoding-the-pour-the-new-your-bourbon-journey-scoring-woty-process/

โŒYOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOLโŒ

Original Reviews for Today’s Bottles:

๐Ÿฅƒ Bernheim 20th Anniversary Edition:

๐Ÿฅƒ Casey Jones Barrel Finished Series: Honey Bourbon:

๐Ÿฅƒ Little Book Chapter 10: All the Wiser:

๐Ÿฅƒ New Riff Silver Grove Straight Bourbon Whiskey: ย 

๐Ÿฅƒ VDC Brewerโ€™s Coalition: 4 Hands Brewing Co. Madagascar Stout Cask:

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 producers for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. 

#Bourbon #Whiskey #BlindTasting #YourBourbonJourney #WhiskeyOfTheMonth #BourbonReview #CraftDistillery #LittleBook #NewRiff #CaseyJonesDistillery #VirginiaDistilleryCo #BernheimWheatWhiskey #AmericanSingleMalt #SweetSixteen #WhiskeyTasting

Ultimate May Whiskey Battle: Road to the Sweet 16!

Welcome back to Your Bourbon Journey! Itโ€™s that time of the month again, and Wayne and Rebecca are diving headfirst into an absolute powerhouse lineup for our May 2026 Whiskey of the Month blind tasting! As we continue our high-stakes Road to the Sweet Sixteen, the competition is tighter than ever. With our current leaderboard running a massive scoring range of 91 to 99.5 and a Top 10 average sitting at an elite 94.95, every single point counts. Will this month’s winner have what it takes to secure a permanent spot in the year-end playoffs?

In this episode, we shake things up with a rapid “express tasting” to see the gorgeous legs and color consistency before diving deep into our traditional scoring system. Every bottle starts at a baseline of 80 points, with up to 5 points for the nose, 10 for the taste, 3 for the finish, and up to 2 elusive wild card points reserved for something truly outstanding.

We also announce some massive channel updates coming this Decemberโ€”including our upcoming hard-to-get distillery exclusive playoff, vintage whiskey of the year, and cocktail of the year!

Our May 2026 Contenders (In Alphabetical Order):

๐Ÿฅƒ Cigar Blend โ€œFirst Cutโ€ | American Single Malt Whiskey (Virginia Distillery Co.)ย 
๐Ÿฅƒ Fresh Bourbon Single Barrel | Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Fresh Bourbon, LLC)ย 
๐Ÿฅƒ Hard Truth 7-Year Wheated Bourbon | Indiana Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Hard Truth Distilling Co.)ย 
๐Ÿฅƒ Jackson Purchase Full Proof (Special Festival Release) | Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Jackson Purchase Distillery)ย 
๐Ÿฅƒ Left Bank Single Cask (Release 5) | Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Left Bank Distilled Spirits)ย 

From sweet honeysuckle aromas and rich butterscotch notes to deep barrel char and bold baking spices, this flight completely blindsided our palates. Watch until the very end to see the final score adjustments and find out which of these bottles completely stunned us, shook up the leaderboard, and forced the very first bottle elimination of the year!

Drop a comment below: Have you tried any of these expressions? Which bottle did you think would take the crown this month?

If you love authentic, transparent whiskey reviews, hit that SUBSCRIBE button and join us on the journey!

Connect With Us & Support The Journey!ย 

๐ŸŽ“ Want to earn a FREE Whiskey Certificate? Start your bourbon education journey with Whiskey University today! Take your first steps here: https://www.whiskeyuniv.com/first-steps

๐Ÿ“Š SEE THE LIVE LEADERBOARD: Want to see where these bottles rank against the rest of the field? Check out our real-time leaderboard here: ๐Ÿ‘‰ https://yourbourbonjourney.com/2026/02/27/the-live-leaderboard-road-to-the-sweet-sixteen/

๐Ÿฅƒ OUR NEW SCORING PROCESS: Weโ€™ve revamped our scoring to be more transparent than ever. Read the full breakdown of our new rubric and the “Sweet Sixteen” bracket process on our website: ๐Ÿ‘‰ https://yourbourbonjourney.com/2026/02/27/decoding-the-pour-the-new-your-bourbon-journey-scoring-woty-process/

โŒYOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOLโŒ

Original Reviews for Today’s Bottles:

๐Ÿฅƒ Cigar Blend:

๐Ÿฅƒ Fresh Bourbon, Jackson Purchase, and Left Bank:

๐Ÿฅƒ Hard Truth:

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 producers for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.

#YourBourbonJourney #Bourbon #WhiskeyReview #BlindTasting #RoadToSweet16 #WhiskeyCollection #BourbonWhiskey #CraftWhiskey #WhiskeyTasting #HighProofBourbon #BourbonCommunity #SingleMaltWhiskey #WheatedBourbon #KentuckyBourbon #WhiskeyLife

The April Lineup: Which Whiskey Earned the Top Spot?

Welcome back to Your Bourbon Journey! ๐Ÿฅƒ

Itโ€™s that time of the month again! With the “Road to the Sweet 16” in full swing, we have curated an absolute powerhouse lineup for our April Whiskey of the Month. This month, we went boldโ€”tasting five unique expressions that span the entire spectrum of flavor and finish. From Finished Rye and Wheat whiskeys to high-proof American Light Whiskey and Kentucky Straight Bourbon, we are all over the map!

We put these contenders to the ultimate test in a blind tasting format to see which bottle has what it takes to advance toward our Whiskey of the Year title. The competition was fierce, the legs were luscious, and the results? Letโ€™s just say we were genuinely stunned.

In this episode: We dive into five distinct expressions, evaluating them on the nose, palate, and finish. We break down the unique profiles, discuss the impact of finishing casks (Armagnac, Madeira, Port/Sherry), and score them live to see who reigns supreme this month.

Featured Candidates:

  • Dark Arts Cask Strength Bourbon (Armagnac Finish)
  • Dark Arts Blunt Blend (Batch 3)
  • Knob Creek Blenderโ€™s Edition 1
  • Penelope American Light Whiskey (18 Year)
  • Remus Master Distiller Experimental Series 2

Stay tuned until the end for the Big Reveal! We break down the math, discuss the “Sweet Sixteen” leaderboard implications, and find out which of these bottles are destined for our Whiskey of the Year tournament.

If you enjoy our blind tasting series, hit that SUBSCRIBE button and join us on our journey! ๐Ÿ”” Don’t forget to like and comment: Which of these bottles would be your top pick? Are you a fan of the finishes in this lineup?

Connect With Us & Support The Journey!ย 


๐Ÿ“Š SEE THE LIVE LEADERBOARD: Want to see where these bottles rank against the rest of the field? Check out our real-time leaderboard here: ๐Ÿ‘‰ https://yourbourbonjourney.com/2026/02/27/the-live-leaderboard-road-to-the-sweet-sixteen/

๐Ÿฅƒ OUR NEW SCORING PROCESS: Weโ€™ve revamped our scoring to be more transparent than ever. Read the full breakdown of our new rubric and the “Sweet Sixteen” bracket process on our website: ๐Ÿ‘‰ https://yourbourbonjourney.com/2026/02/27/decoding-the-pour-the-new-your-bourbon-journey-scoring-woty-process/

โŒYOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOLโŒ

Dark Arts Cask Strength Bourbon (Armagnac Finish)

  • Classification:ย  Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distilled: Sourced from MGP in Indiana ย 
  • Produced by: Dark Arts Whiskey House LLC
  • Mash Bill:ย 60% Corn, 36% Rye, 4% Malted Barley
  • Age:ย 10 Years
  • Proof:ย 113 (Cask Strength)
  • Released: Early 2026
  • Other: Finished in Armagnac Cask; Batch AT2; Bottle 132
  • Original Review:

Dark Arts Blunt Blend (Batch 3) Dank Arts

  • Classification:ย Rye Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Dark Arts Whiskey House
  • Distillery:ย Distilled in Indiana; Blended/Bottled in Sparta, KY
  • Mash Bill:ย 95% Rye, 5% Malted Barley
  • Age:ย 8 Years
  • Finished: Madeira Cask and Armagnac Cask
  • Proof:ย 113.8
  • Released:ย Late March 2026
  • Other: Bottle 3370
  • Original Review:

Knob Creek Blenderโ€™s Edition 1

  • Classification:ย Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Beam Suntory
  • Distillery:ย James B. Beam Distilling Co. (Clermont/Beam, KY)
  • Mash Bill:ย 77% Corn, 13% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
  • Age:ย 10 years
  • Proof:ย 106
  • MSRP:ย $44.99
  • Released:ย March 2026
  • Original Review:

Penelope American Light Whiskey 18 Year Limited Release

  • Classification:ย  American Light Whiskey
  • Company: Penelope Bourbon (A subsidiary of MGP/Luxco)
  • Distillery:ย MGP (Lawrenceburg, IN)
  • Mash Bill:ย 99% Corn, 1% Malted Barley
  • Age:ย 18 Years
  • Proof:ย 140.2
  • Released:ย 2026
  • Original Review:

Remus Master Distiller Experimental Series 2

  • Classification: Straight Wheat Whiskey
  • Distillery: Ross & Squibb Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 95% Wheat, 5% Malted Barley (LKSV formula/rare)
  • Age: Distilled in 2017 โ€“ Approximately 9 years
  • Quattro-Finish: (separately) Tawny Port, White Port, Oloroso Sherry and Ruby Port Casks (then blended)
  • Proof: 113
  • Released:  March 2026
  • Original Review:

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 producers for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.

#YourBourbonJourney #Bourbon #WhiskeyReview #BlindTasting #RoadToSweet16 #WhiskeyCollection #BourbonWhiskey #RyeWhiskey #CraftWhiskey #WhiskeyTasting #WhiskeyLife #BourbonCommunity #HighProofBourbon #DarkArtsWhiskey #PenelopeBourbon

Four Bourbon Contenders: The Road to the Sweet 16 Continues!ย 

Can a $54 Craft Bourbon Take Down a $200 Kentucky Legend? ๐Ÿฅƒ Blind Bourbon Tasting

We are back with another high-stakes Blind Whiskey of the Month tasting! This month, weโ€™re putting four incredible contenders to the ultimate test using our brand-new, data-driven scoring rubric. From a New York-distilled “transplant” bottled at Glenn’s Creek to the highly anticipated 2026 Woodford Reserve Double Double Oaked, this lineup is absolutely stacked.

In this episode, Wayne and Rebecca dive deep into the nose, palate, and finish of four mysterious samples. You won’t believe the scoresโ€”we actually witnessed a “Mr. Perfect” moment with one of the highest ratings weโ€™ve ever handed out! Does the $200 price tag of the Woodford Double Double Oaked guarantee a win, or will a craft underdog like 5094 Transplant, General Thomas, or Robertโ€™s Reserve pull off the upset?

THE CONTENDERS:

  • 5094 Transplant Bourbon (5094 Distilling/Glenns Creek) – 94.8 Proof
  • General Thomas Bourbon Single Barrel (General Thomas Spirits) – 110 Proof
  • Robertโ€™s Reserve Bourbon (Pauley Hollow Distillery) – 92 Proof
  • Woodford Reserve Double Double Oaked (2026) – 90.4 Proof

Stay tuned until the end for the Big Reveal! We break down the math, discuss the “Sweet Sixteen” leaderboard implications, and find out which of these bottles are destined for our Whiskey of the Year tournament.

๐Ÿฅƒ OUR NEW SCORING PROCESS: Weโ€™ve revamped our scoring to be more transparent than ever. Read the full breakdown of our new rubric and the “Sweet Sixteen” bracket process on our website: ๐Ÿ‘‰ https://yourbourbonjourney.com/2026/02/27/decoding-the-pour-the-new-your-bourbon-journey-scoring-woty-process/

๐Ÿ“Š SEE THE LIVE LEADERBOARD: Want to see where these bottles rank against the rest of the field? Check out our real-time leaderboard here: ๐Ÿ‘‰ https://yourbourbonjourney.com/2026/02/27/the-live-leaderboard-road-to-the-sweet-sixteen/

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

5094 Transplant Bourbon

  • Classification: Bourbon Whiskey
  • By: 5094 Distilling
  • Distilled in New York
  • Bottled by Glenns Creek Distilling
  • Mash Bill: Four Grain
  • Age: 4 Years (then 3 years in a toasted barrel)
  • Proof: 94.8
  • MSRP: $54

Original Review:

General Thomas Bourbon Single Barrel

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • By: General Thomas Spirits LLC
  • Sourced from a Northern Kentucky distillery
  • Bottled in Newport, KY
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed
  • Age: 5 Years
  • Proof: 110
  • MSRP: $70

Original Review:

Robertโ€™s Reserve Bourbon

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Pauley Hollow Distillery
  • Mash Bill: Four-grain (Corn, Rye, Wheat, and Malted Barley)
  • Barreling: Uses a combination of 10-gallon and 30-gallon barrels with a #3 char.
  • Age: 4 Years
  • Proof: 92
  • MSRP: $50

Original Review:

Woodford Reserve Double Double Oaked Bourbon

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Brown-Forman
  • Distillery: Woodford Reserve Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 72% Corn, 18% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
  • Age: NAS: 5-7 Years in first barrel, then up to 2 years in second barrel
  • Proof: 90.4
  • MSRP: $199.99 (700 ml)

Original Review:

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 producers for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.

#Bourbon #Whiskey #BlindTasting #YourBourbonJourney #WoodfordReserve #BourbonReview #WhiskeyGram #KentuckyBourbon #BourbonHunt #WhiskeyTasting #CraftWhiskey #BourbonLife #Distillery #WhiskeyLovers #BourbonCommunity

5094 Transplant Bourbon: The Better Double-Oaked?ย 

Empire Meets Bluegrass: 5094 Transplant Bourbon Review ๐Ÿฅƒ

What happens when New York spirit meets Kentucky craftsmanship? You get the 5094 Transplant by 5094 Distilling, an incredible 4-year four-grain bourbon that made its debut at Glenns Creek Distilling. In today’s journey, we sit down with a bottle of the very first release (Barrel #1, Bottle #5!) to see if this “transplant” has found a perfect home in the Bluegrass state.

Distilled in New York and finished for three years in world-renowned Radoux Tonnellerie toasted French oak barrels, this 94.8 proof bourbon offers a sophisticated profile far beyond its $54 price point. Weโ€™re talking dark brown sugar, charred marshmallow, espresso, and cocoa notes that give even the most famous double-oaked bourbons a run for their money.

We also dive into the story of Tom Jones and his vision for 5094 Distilling at the historic, abandoned Old Lewis Hunter Distillery site. Is this a contender for Whiskey of the Month? Watch to find out!

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

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โŒYOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOLโŒ

โœด๏ธ 5094 Transplant

  • Classification: Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: 5094 Distilling
  • Distillery: Distilled in New York
  • Bottled: Glenns Creek Distilling
  • Mash Bill: Four Grain
  • Age: 7 Years (4 years in new charred oak, followed by 3 years in a toasted barrel)
  • Proof: 94.8
  • MSRP: $54
  • Released: February 2026
  • Purchased: 02/28/26 for $54 at Glenns Creek Distilling in Frankfort KY

5094 Transplant Product Link: https://glennscreekdistillery.com/product/transplant-radoux-barrel-finished-bourbon-we-dont-ship-this-product-please-scroll-down/

โŒYOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOLโŒ

๐ŸšจREMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY๐Ÿšจ

โ“Questionsโ“ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

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

#BourbonReview #5094Distilling #GlennsCreekDistilling #YourBourbonJourney #KentuckyBourbon #WhiskeyTasting #ToastedBarrel #CraftBourbon #BourbonCommunity #NewWhiskeyRelease #SingleBarrel #BourbonLife #DrinkResponsibly #WhiskeyJourney #TomJonesBourbon

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!

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

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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!

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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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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