whiskey review

We Drank 1957 Sunny Brook! (Vintage Bourbon Tasting)

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

Experience a Liquid Time Capsule: 1957 Sunny Brook Bourbon Tasting! 🥃✨

Step back into the “Golden Age” of National Distillers with us as we crack open a rare 1/10 pint of Sunny Brook Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey from 1957!. Purchased at  Revival Vintage Spirits in Covington, KY, this “dusty” miniature is a piece of bourbon history that predates the major industry shifts of the 1980s.

In this episode, Wayne and Rebecca dive into the fascinating history of National Distillers, the corporation that once ruled the whiskey world before its spirits division was acquired by Jim Beam in 1987. We’ll show you how to date a vintage bottle using glass codes and tax strips, discuss the mysterious “sticky” residue known as Angels’ Share leakage, and find out if this 80-proof classic still holds its flavor after 65+ years.

Will we find the legendary National Distillers “butterscotch” funk? Or has time taken its toll?

What You’ll Learn in This Video:

  • The story of “The Inspector” mascot and National Distillers’ standards.
  • How to safely open a vintage screw cap that’s been sealed shut by 60 years of sugar.
  • A deep dive into the 1957 mash bill: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, and 12% Malted Barley.
  • Tasting notes: Does 80-proof bourbon from the 50s beat modern bottom-shelf bottles?

Visit our friends at Revival: If you’re in Covington, stop by and see Brad Bonds and the team to sip on some living history yourself!.

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🥃 Become a Patron & Get Exclusive Content

🔔 YouTube

📸 Instagram 

👍 Facebook

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

✴️ Sunny Brook 1/10 Pint

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: National Distillers Products Corp.
  • Distillery: Old Sunny Brook Distillery (RD #5), Louisville, KY
  • Mash Bill: Approximately 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley (Standard National Distillers Bourbon mash bill of that era)
  • Age: 4 Years Old
  • Proof: 80
  • MSRP: Approximately $0.45 – $0.60 (Estimated retail for a 1/10 pint in 1957)
  • Released: 1957 (Confirmed by the “57” glass code on the bottom and Series 111 tax strip)
  • Other: “The Inspector” on the label—a post-war marketing icon used to represent National Distillers’ “purity and quality” standards.
  • Purchased: 11/22/25 for $35 at Revival Vintage Spirits in Covington KY https://revivalky.com/ 

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓Questions❓ 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.

#Bourbon #Whiskey #VintageBourbon #SunnyBrook #NationalDistillers #BourbonHistory #WhiskeyTasting #DustyWhiskey #YourBourbonJourney #BourbonEducation #RevivalVintage #OldWhiskey #BourbonCommunity #WhiskeyTube #KentuckyBourbon

Four Branches Bourbon: 4 Veterans, 4 Grains, One Incredible Pour

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

🥃 Four Branches Bourbon: A Salute to Service in Every Sip! 🇺🇸

In this episode of Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca dive into a bottle with a powerful story: Four Branches Bourbon Founders Blend. Founded by four veterans representing the Army, Navy, Marines, and Air Force, this whiskey is built on the motto: “Serve Honorably. Drink Honorably.”

We picked this bottle up at BourbonCon 2026 in Lexington, KY, after being blown away by the founders’ passion. This unique four-grain bourbon (Corn, Rye, Wheat, and Malted Barley) was crafted with the help of legendary Master Distiller Steve Nally at Bardstown Bourbon Company.

Is it as “spicy” as a Marine or as “smooth” as the Air Force? We break down the creamy mouthfeel, the surprising citrus notes, and that signature “Kentucky Kiss” on the finish.

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🥃 Become a Patron & Get Exclusive Content

🔔 YouTube

📸 Instagram 

👍 Facebook

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

Four Branches Bourbon, Founders Blend

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Four Branches Spirits
  • Mash Bill: It is a unique four-grain blend (65% Corn, 15% Rye, 10% Malted Barley, and 10% Wheat). 
  • Age: 4-7 Years
  • Proof: 96
  • Batch: 013
  • Purchased: 01/17/26 for $75 at BourbonCon in Lexington KY

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓Questions❓ 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.

#FourBranchesBourbon #BourbonReview #VeteranOwned #WhiskeyTasting #BourbonJourney #KentuckyBourbon #FourGrainBourbon #SteveNally #BardstownBourbon #BourbonCon #MilitaryVeterans #WhiskeyLover #DrinkHonorably #BourbonLife #SmallBatchBourbon

A Real Disruptor? General Thomas Bourbon Single Barrel 

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

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

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

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

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

In this video, we discuss:

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

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

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🥃 Become a Patron & Get Exclusive Content

🔔 YouTube

📸 Instagram 

👍 Facebook

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

General Thomas Bourbon Single Barrel

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

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓Questions❓ 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.

#Bourbon #WhiskeyReview #GeneralThomas #BourbonJourney #SingleBarrel #KentuckyBourbon #BourbonCon #WhiskeyTasting #HighRye #BourbonCommunity #CaskStrength #NewportKY #BourbonHistory #WhiskeyGram #YourBourbonJourney

Hill & Hill 1983: Bourbon History in a 500ml Bottle

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

A Time Capsule in a Bottle: Tasting 1983 Hill & Hill Blended Whiskey 🥃

Travel back to 1983 with us as we crack open a rare 500ml “time capsule” of Hill & Hill Blended Whiskey. This isn’t just a vintage find; it’s a window into the infamous “Bourbon Glut” era, when legendary Kentucky stocks were so plentiful they were blended into everyday value labels like this one.

In this episode, Wayne and Rebecca explore the fascinating history of National Distillers, the transition to metric bottle sizes, and the mystery of what’s actually inside this “bourbon-flavored vodka.” With 80% Grain Neutral Spirits (GNS) and 20% straight whiskey—likely sourced from Old Crow or Old Taylor—does that classic “butterscotch” National Distillers profile still shine through?

We’re putting this 80-proof relic to the test to see if it’s a “hill to die on” or just a ghost of whiskey past. Grab a glass and join us on Your Bourbon Journey!

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🥃 Become a Patron & Get Exclusive Content

🔔 YouTube

📸 Instagram 

👍 Facebook

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

✴️ Hill & Hill Blended Whiskey (1983)

  • Classification: American Blended Whiskey
  • Company: National Distillers Products Corp.
  • Distillery: Hill & Hill Distillery Co., Cincinnati, OH (The Cincinnati location served as the primary blending and bottling hub for National Distillers’ value labels).
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed (Likely 20% high-rye bourbon mash bill from the Old Grand-Dad or Old Crow distilleries in Kentucky, blended with 80% Grain Neutral Spirits).
  • Age: NAS (No Age Statement), but the label confirms the straight whiskey components are 4 years or older.
  • Proof: 80 Proof (40% ABV)
  • MSRP: $3.74 (Based on the vintage label stamp).
  • Released: 1983 (Confirmed by the “83” glass code on the bottom of the bottle).
  • Other: This is a 500ml bottle, which was the standard replacement for the 16oz “pint” following the 1980 metric transition. Note the “National Distillers” butterscotch profile often found in their straight whiskies may still be present in that 20% component.
  • Purchased: 07/11/25 for $75 at Revival Vintage Spirits in Covington, KY

Revival Vintage Spirits https://revivalky.com/ 

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓Questions❓ 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.

#Whiskey #Bourbon #VintageWhiskey #NationalDistillers #HillAndHill #BourbonHistory #DustyHunting #WhiskeyReview #OldCrow #BourbonGlut #1983Vintage #YourBourbon Journey #AmericanWhiskey #WhiskeyTasting #CovingtonKY

The Darkest Irish Whiskey Cocktail You’ll Ever Taste

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

The Ultimate Irish Twist: The Pot Still “Black” Manhattan 🥃

If a standard Manhattan is a sharp pinstriped suit, the Pot Still “Black” Manhattan is a heavy charcoal overcoat. In Episode 60 of Thirsty Thursday Cocktails, Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey explores a dark, viscous, and brooding twist on a classic.

By swapping traditional rye for the powerhouse Redbreast 12 Year Cask Strength and replacing sweet vermouth with the thick, Sicilian Averna Amaro, we’ve created a cocktail with a massive, oily “chew” and an earthy profile that commands the palate. Whether you are an Irish whiskey lover or a Manhattan purist, this velvety, buttery build is the perfect way to elevate your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🥃 Become a Patron & Get Exclusive Content

🔔 YouTube

📸 Instagram 

👍 Facebook

📋 The Recipe: Pot Still “Black” Manhattan

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz Redbreast 12 Year Cask Strength Irish Whiskey
  • 1 oz Averna Amaro
  • 2 dashes Fee Brothers Black Walnut Bitters
  • Garnish: Luxardo Cherry

Instructions:

  1. Combine: In a mixing glass, add the Black Walnut bitters, Averna Amaro, and the Redbreast Cask Strength.
  2. Chill: Add plenty of ice and stir for 25–30 seconds until the glass is frosted and the cocktail is perfectly diluted.
  3. Prep Glass: Place one Luxardo cherry (and a touch of syrup!) into the bottom of a chilled coupe glass.
  4. Strain: Double strain the mixture into your coupe.
  5. Enjoy: Experience the aromas of dark chocolate and toasted oak before taking that first velvety sip.

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

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

#BlackManhattan #IrishWhiskey #Redbreast #CocktailRecipes #StPatricksDay #HomeBartender #WhiskeyLover #Averna #Mixology #ThirstyThursday #PotStill #CaskStrength #DrinkResponsibly #BourbonJourney #ClassicCocktails

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

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

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

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

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

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

Whiskeys Tasted in This Episode:

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

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🥃 Become a Patron & Get Exclusive Content

🔔 YouTube

📸 Instagram 

👍 Facebook

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

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

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

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

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

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

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

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓Questions❓ 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.

#Michters #BourbonTrail #WhiskeyTasting #KentuckyBourbon #RyeWhiskey #FortNelson #Louisville #WhiskeyRow #MichtersRye #ToastedBarrel #BarrelStrength #WhiskeyReview #BourbonJourney #DrinkResponsibly #DanMcKee

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

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

A Birthday Detour to Remember: Old Louisville Whiskey Co.

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

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

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

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

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🥃 Become a Patron & Get Exclusive Content

🔔 YouTube

📸 Instagram 

👍 Facebook

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓Questions❓ 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.

#Bourbon #Whiskey #OldLouisvilleWhiskeyCo #BourbonTrail #WhiskeyTasting #BourbonReview #KentuckyBourbon #BarrelThieving #BourbonJourney #CraftWhiskey #WheatedBourbon #MGP #WhiskeyLover #DistilleryVisit #BourbonLife

Shortbarrel Cigar Batch vs. Single Barrel: Which is Better? 

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

Whether you’re a seasoned cigar aficionado or a high-proof bourbon hunter, this week’s “Wednesday Small Pours” is one you can’t miss! 🥃

Join Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey as they dive into two powerhouse expressions from Shortbarrel Bourbon. First up is the complex Cigar Batch (Gauge 36), a masterfully blended bourbon finished in four distinct casks—Armagnac, Cognac, Rum, and Tawny Port. Is it the ultimate pairing for your favorite full-bodied cigar?

Then, things get intense with a Watch Hill Proper Single Barrel clocking in at a massive 134 proof. We’re breaking down the legs, the “pops of pepper,” and that surprising minty finish. Plus, find out which bottle we’d actually “pull the trigger on” for our own collection!

Special thanks to Michael and Dawn from Chasing Neat for the bottle exchange at Bourbon Con!

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🥃 Become a Patron & Get Exclusive Content

🔔 YouTube

📸 Instagram 

👍 Facebook

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

✴️ Shortbarrel Cigar Batch (Guage 36)

  • Classification: Finished Blended Straight Bourbon Whiskeys
  • Company: Shortbarrel Bourbon
  • Distillery: Blend of MGP (Indiana) and Bardstown (Kentucky) sourced barrels
  • Mash Bill: Blend of 36% Rye (MGP) and a lower-rye Kentucky bourbon
  • Age: 8-Year-Old MGP blended with various KY barrels; finished for 1–3 years
  • Proof: 114
  • MSRP: approximately $90–$95
  • Other: Non-chill filtered; finished in four distinct casks: Armagnac, Cognac, Rum, and Tawny Port. Designed specifically to pair with full-bodied cigars.

✴️ Shortbarrel Single Barrel (Watch Hill Proper)

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Single Barrel)
  • Company: Shortbarrel Bourbon
  • Distillery: Sourced (Likely MGP/Indiana based on the 7.8-year age and proof)
  • Mash Bill: Likely 21% or 36% Rye (Shortbarrel frequently picks high-rye MGP barrels)
  • Age: 7.8
  • Proof: 134
  • MSRP: approximately $80–$100 (Single barrel pricing varies by retailer)

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

NOTE: The spirits in this review were provided to us by friends.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 #ShortbarrelBourbon #WhiskeyTasting #CigarBatch #BourbonJourney #MGPBourbon #SingleBarrel #HighProofBourbon #CigarPairing #WhiskeyNetwork #BourbonCon #WatchHillProper #WhiskeyLovers #BourbonLife #DrinkResponsibly

Craig Beam’s New Bourbon: Jackson Purchase Full Proof Review

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

Meet the “Dream Team” Behind Jackson Purchase: Craig Beam & Terry Ballard

Is this the best 4-year-old bourbon on the market? Join us as we dive into Jackson Purchase Batch No. 1 Full Proof, the historic first house-release from a distillery that is rapidly becoming the talk of Western Kentucky.

We recently attended BourbonCon in Lexington, KY, where we had the honor of meeting the legendary Craig Beam (7th generation distiller, formerly of Heaven Hill) and Terry Ballard (formerly of Willett). This “Dream Team” has revitalized a dormant facility in Hickman, KY, bringing a 100% copper “Ghost Still” back to life to create something truly special.

In this tasting, we explore how the unique, humid microclimate of the Mississippi River Valley makes this 4-year bourbon drink like it’s 8 years old. From the deep brown sugar and floral notes on the nose to the surprising “pop” of rye spice on the finish, this 117.8 proof pour is a game-changer.

In this video:

  • The history of the “Ghost Still” and Jackson Purchase Distillery.
  • Meeting Craig Beam and the story behind Batch No. 1.
  • Deep-dive tasting notes: Brown sugar, caramel, black pepper, and floral rye.
  • Why this $59 MSRP bottle is a “Buy and Back it Up” recommendation.

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🥃 Become a Patron & Get Exclusive Content

🔔 YouTube

📸 Instagram 

👍 Facebook

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

✴️ Jackson Purchase Batch No. 1 Full Proof

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Jackson Purchase Distillery
  • Distillery: Jackson Purchase Distillery (Hickman, KY)
  • Mash Bill: 70% Corn, 20% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
  • Age: 4
  • Proof: 117.8
  • MSRP: $59
  • Released: 
  • Other:
  • Purchased: 01/16/26 for $62 at BourbonCon in Lexington, KY

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓Questions❓ 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.

#Bourbon #WhiskeyReview #JacksonPurchase #CraigBeam #TerryBallard #KentuckyBourbon #FullProof #WhiskeyTasting #BourbonJourney #GhostStill #BourbonLover #CraftWhiskey #BourbonCon #WhiskeyGram #NewBourbon

Is Vintage Bourbon Better? Four Roses Through the Eras

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

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

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

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

What we’re tasting today:

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

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

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🥃 Become a Patron & Get Exclusive Content

🔔 YouTube

📸 Instagram 

👍 Facebook

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

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

✴️ FOUR ROSES BLENDED WHISKEY (1945-1960)

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

FOUR ROSES SUPER PREMIUM VINTAGE 1997

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

FOUR ROSES SMALL BATCH SELECT

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

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓Questions❓ 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.

#FourRoses #BourbonJourney #VintageBourbon #WhiskeyTasting #BourbonReview #RareWhiskey #FourRosesSmallBatch #WhiskeyHistory #DustyHunting #BourbonLovers #JapaneseWhisky #BourbonCommunity #SpiritsEducation #WhiskeyTube #BourbonLife