Whiskey Review 2026

The Stewards Release: Maker’s Mark Newest 2026 Whiskey Review

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Bourbon Review: Is the NEW Maker’s Mark “The Stewards” Release 

Happy day, everyone! Today on Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca are diving into the highly anticipated 2026 Maker’s Mark: The Stewards Release. This is the third of five entries in the second Wood Finishing Series, and we found a killer deal on it at Costco!

“The Stewards” honors the hardworking operations team at Star Hill Farm—the folks who manage everything from fermentation to bottling. But does this bottle live up to the legacy of the people it celebrates?

In this video, we break down the unique stave profile (10 virgin toasted American oak staves), the 109.8 proof point, and the complex flavor journey that goes from bright raw honey to dark chocolate and spicy black pepper. Whether you’re a die-hard Maker’s collector or just looking for a solid $60 bottle, you won’t want to miss our honest thoughts on this 2026 release.

In this video, we cover:

  • 🥃 Where we found it for $15 under MSRP.
  • 🥃 The technical specs: Mash bill, proof, and the “Steward” backstory.
  • 🥃 Nose, Palate, and Finish: From honey and vanilla to dark cocoa and barrel char.
  • 🥃 How it compares to previous Wood Finishing Series releases.

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2026 Maker’s Mark: The Stewards Release

  • Classification:  Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Suntory Global Spirits
  • Distillery: Maker’s Mark
  • Mash Bill: 70% Corn, 16% Wheat, 14% Malted Barley
  • Age: NAS (at least 4 years)
  • Proof: 109.8
  • MSRP: $74.99
  • Released: March 2026
  • Other: Wood finishing series
  • Purchased: 04/01/26 for $59.99 at Costco in Evansville, IN

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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 April Lineup: Which Whiskey Earned the Top Spot?

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Welcome back to Your Bourbon Journey! 🥃

It’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 bold—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? Let’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 Blender’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! 🔔 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?

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

🥃 OUR NEW SCORING PROCESS: We’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: 👉 https://yourbourbonjourney.com/2026/02/27/decoding-the-pour-the-new-your-bourbon-journey-scoring-woty-process/

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Dark Arts Cask Strength Bourbon (Armagnac Finish)

  • Classification:  Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distilled: Sourced from MGP in Indiana  
  • Produced by: Dark Arts Whiskey House LLC
  • Mash Bill: 60% Corn, 36% Rye, 4% Malted Barley
  • Age: 10 Years
  • Proof: 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: Rye Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Dark Arts Whiskey House
  • Distillery: Distilled in Indiana; Blended/Bottled in Sparta, KY
  • Mash Bill: 95% Rye, 5% Malted Barley
  • Age: 8 Years
  • Finished: Madeira Cask and Armagnac Cask
  • Proof: 113.8
  • Released: Late March 2026
  • Other: Bottle 3370
  • Original Review:

Knob Creek Blender’s Edition 1

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

Penelope American Light Whiskey 18 Year Limited Release

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

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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.

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First Ever Remus Wheat Whiskey! Is It A Jam Session?

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George Remus is making history with his first-ever Wheat Whiskey! 🌾🥃

In this episode, we’re diving into the Remus Master Distiller Experimental Series No. 2, a groundbreaking 95% wheat whiskey release from Ross & Squibb Distillery. Distilled in 2017 and bottled at a robust 113 proof, this “Quatro” finish is a masterclass in secondary aging. Master Distiller Ian Stirsman has taken this rare LKSV mashbill and finished it in a unique combination of four different casks: Tawny Port, White Port, Oloroso Sherry, and Ruby Port.

Is it a “jam session” in a bottle? We’re breaking down the complex layers—from the bready, bakery-style wheat notes to the intense red fruit and unexpected black pepper finish. We’ll also share our experience picking this up at Lux Row Distillers in Bardstown and why we think this $69.99 bottle is a “must-buy” for any collector.

In this video:

  • The story behind Remus’s first wheat whiskey.
  • A deep dive into the 4-port finishing process.
  • Live tasting notes: Jamminess vs. Pepper.
  • Is it worth the drive to Bardstown?

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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 – Approximately 9 years
  • Quattro-Finish: (separately) Tawny Port, White Port, Oloroso Sherry and Ruby Port Casks (then blended)
  • Proof: 113
  • MSRP: $69.99 700 ml bottle
  • Released:  March 2026
  • Purchased: 03/28/26 for $69.99 at Lux Row Distillery

❌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 Paradox of Light Whiskey: 15 vs 18 Year Penelope Review

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140.2 PROOF?! Penelope 18yr Hazmat vs. 15yr Founders Reserve | American Light Whiskey Battle

Is older and higher proof always better? Today on Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca dive into a massive “Paradox of Light Whiskey” vertical tasting! We are cracking open two heavy-hitters from Penelope Bourbon: the 15 Year Founders Reserve and the brand new 18 Year Limited Release (clocking in at a massive 140.2 proof!).

Many people are confused by the “Light Whiskey” name—thinking it means low calorie or low alcohol. It’s actually the opposite! We explain the science behind why these MGP-distilled corn whiskeys reach such high proofs while maintaining a “dessert-forward” profile of butterscotch, vanilla, and crème brûlée.

We compare these modern giants to vintage pours like Old Crow Light Whiskey and explore why these high-proof expressions are surprisingly delicate and creamy. Stick around to find out which bottle wins on the nose and which takes the crown on the palate!

In this video, we cover:

  • The technical definition of American Light Whiskey (ALW).
  • Why used-oak aging creates such high proof.
  • Tasting notes for Penelope 15yr vs. 18yr.
  • The “Hazmat” status of the 2026 18-year release.

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Penelope 15 Year Founders Reserve

  • Classification:  American Light Whiskey
  • Company: Penelope Bourbon (A subsidiary of MGP/Luxco)
  • Distillery: MGP (Lawrenceburg, IN)
  • Mash Bill: 99% Corn, 1% Malted Barley
  • Age: 15 Years
  • Proof: 128.4
  • MSRP: $90-100
  • Released: 2023
  • Other: Part of the “Founders Reserve” series; aged in used Cooperage (charred oak barrels).
  • Purchased: 12/21/23 for $109.99 at High Spirits Liqueur in Evansville, IN

Penelope 18 Year Limited Release

  • Classification:  American Light Whiskey
  • Company: Penelope Bourbon (A subsidiary of MGP/Luxco)
  • Distillery: MGP (Lawrenceburg, IN)
  • Mash Bill: 99% Corn, 1% Malted Barley
  • Age: 18 Years
  • Proof: 140.2
  • MSRP: $109.99
  • Released: 2026
  • Other: Achieved “Hazmat” status (over 140 proof); limited batch release following the 17-year 2025 drop.
  • Purchased: 03/28/26 for $109.99 at Lux Row Distillery

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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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We Found a Winner! Burnt Tavern Whiskey Tasting

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Reviewing Burnt Tavern: A Toasty Surprise from BourbonCon!

Welcome back to Your Bourbon Journey! In today’s episode, Rebecca Herman and Wayne McBrayer dive into one of their most exciting finds from BourbonCon 2026 in Lexington, KY: Burnt Tavern Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

Distilled in Kentucky and finished under the expert eye of legendary master distiller Chip Tate, this 7-year-old bourbon packs a punch at 105 proof. What makes it truly stand out is the double-barreling process, finished in slow-toasted American oak, which delivers a complex, layered experience that surprised us both!

In this video, we explore:

  • The Story: Our first impressions meeting the team at BourbonCon and the history behind the William Berkele Distillery.
  • The Nose: Dive into notes of dark caramel, brown sugar, and a sweet, toasted oak smokiness.
  • The Palette: Experience the “yin and yang” of confectionary sugar sweetness versus deep leather, tobacco, and nutty “caramel-coated” flavors.
  • The Finish: Why this 105-proof pour hits fast but smooths out into a luscious, lingering finish.

Is Burnt Tavern worth the $69.99 MSRP? We discuss why we think this bottle actually drinks like a much more expensive pour and why it’s a “must-buy” if you find it on the shelf.


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✴️ Burnt Tavern

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: William Berkele Distillery (Lead Founder: Royce Blevins)
  • Distilled By: Undisclosed Kentucky Distillery (Sourced)
  • Bottled By: William Berkele Distillery (Bardstown, KY)
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed (thought to be high-rye style)
  • Age: 7 Years
  • Proof: 105
  • MSRP: $69.99
  • Other: Double-barreled and finished in slow-toasted American oak.
  • Chip Tate (of Balcones and Tate & Co. fame), acted as the master distiller and finishing expert for this project.
  • Purchased: 01/16/26 for $70 at BourbonCon in Lexington, KY

Learn more at: www.BurntTavernBourbon.com  

❌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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Best Bourbon of 2025? The Championship Reveal!

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🥃 The 2025 Blind Whiskey of the Year: THE FINALS! 🏆

This is it—the pinnacle of a 12-month journey! After starting with 16 elite contenders and narrowing them down through a grueling double-blind bracket, we have reached the Championship Round. In this final battle, two heavyweight whiskeys face off for the ultimate title: 2025 Whiskey of the Year.

Will the “quintessential bourbon” profile take the crown, or will a “special and unique” underdog pull off the upset?

📊 The Final Matchup:

  • Candidate FA: Patriotic Meri-COB (Glenns Creek Distillery)
  • Candidate FC: Bardstown Bourbon Co. Discovery Series #13

Join Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey as they break down the nose, palate, and finish of these two incredible pours. This episode features the full reveal of the Final Four ranking, including Old Louisville Cognac Finish and WH McBrayer Batch 5.

💬 We want to hear from you!

Did your favorite bottle make the Final Four? Were you shocked by the winner? Who was your underdog of the year? Let us know in the comments below!

Don’t forget to: ✅ SUBSCRIBE for our 2026 Whiskey of the Month reviews! ✅ LIKE this video if you love blind tastings. ✅ DRINK RESPONSIBLY.

🏆 WOTY TOURNAMENT HUB: View the live bracket, match results, and winner scores.16 Bottles. One Champion. No Labels. HERE: https://yourbourbonjourney.com/2026/01/03/%f0%9f%8f%86-the-definitive-2025-whiskey-of-the-year-bracket/ 

🥃 THE ROAD TO 2025 WOTY: We spent 12 months hunting for the best juice—see our complete selection process and the 100% blind bracket logic on our website: https://yourbourbonjourney.com/2026/01/01/the-road-to-the-2025-whiskey-of-the-year-the-blind-bracket-revealed/

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NOTE: All spirits in this tournament were purchased by us for the purpose of evaluation. We were not compensated by any producer for reviews or inclusion in this series. These rankings are based solely on our blind tasting scores and the performance of the liquid in the glass throughout the 2025 season.

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