whiskey review

We Tasted the Brand New Wheat Whiskeys (And One Left Us SPLIT!) 

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We are breaking down two of the biggest, highly limited wheat whiskey releases of 2026: the Bernheim 20th Anniversary Edition (10 Year) from Heaven Hill and Star Hill Farm 2026 (2nd Edition) from Maker’s Mark! Fresh off our trip to Bardstown, Kentucky, we scored these rare bottles and did a fresh crack tasting to see how they stack up.

The Bernheim 20th Anniversary is a 115-proof, 10-year small-batch powerhouse with a stunning copper label that brings an unexpected “yin-and-yang” sweet and spicy punch. Meanwhile, the 116.4-proof Star Hill Farm 2026 was just crowned the “World’s Best Wheat Whisky” at the 2026 World Whiskies Awards—but its shift to hard red and hard white wheat grains delivers a completely unique, heavily malted, date-nut cookie profile that left us split!

Are these wheaters worth the hunt and the premium price tags? Watch to find out which bottle takes the crown!

If you love whiskey reviews, distillery hunts, and following along on our bourbon journey, make sure to hit that SUBSCRIBE button, drop a comment with your favorite wheater, and always drink responsibly!

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Bernheim 20th Anniversary Edition

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey
  • Company: Heaven Hill; Distillery: Bernheim Distillery (Louisville, KY)
  • Mash Bill: 51% Wheat, 37% Corn, 12% Malted Barley
  • Age: 10 Years
  • Proof: 115
  • SRP: $85
  • Released: February 2026
  • Other: Features a unique copper label depicting an entire bushel of wheat instead of a single sheaf. Highly limited, small-batch release.
  • Purchased: 05/30/26 for $99.99 at Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience, Bardstown

Star Hill Farm 2026

  • Classification: American Wheat Whiskey
  • Company: Suntory Global Spirits; Distillery: Maker’s Mark
  • Mash Bill: 27% Wheat, 62% Malted Wheat, 11% Malted Barley
  • Age: 7-8 Year Blend
  • Proof: 116.4
  • SRP: $100
  • Released: April 2026 (Current 2nd Edition)
  • Other: Freshly crowned “World’s Best Wheat Whisky” at the 2026 World Whiskies Awards.
  • Purchased: 05/29/26 for $119.99 at Liquor World in Bardstown

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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.

#WheatWhiskey #WhiskeyReview #Bernheim20thAnniversary #StarHillFarm2026 #HeavenHill #MakersMark #BourbonJourney #WhiskeyTasting #BardstownKy #AllocatedWhiskey #RareWhiskey #BourbonReview #WorldWhiskiesAwards #AmericanWhiskey #FlightFights

Is This Apple Pie Bourbon? WH McBrayer 250th Special Edition Review

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Happy Friday, bourbon lovers! With the 4th of July right around the corner, we are incredibly excited to taste and review a highly limited, deeply historic pour: the WH McBrayer 250th Special Edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey from McBrayer Legacy Spirits!

Commemorating America’s upcoming 250th anniversary, this special batch is a tribute to W.H. McBrayer (“The Judge”), one of Kentucky’s pioneering founding distillers. This unique expression features a historic mash bill of 88.4% Bloody Butcher Corn, 5.8% Heritage Rye, and 5.8% Malted Barley. Blended from just 11 barrels aged 5 to 7 years, it’s bottled at a perfect 105 proof with a low barrel entry proof and non-chill filtration.

Only 1,776 bottles were released! Does it live up to the legendary dark, leathery tobacco profile of “The Judge,” or does this special edition bring something completely different to the palate? We unpack the unexpected bakery notes, bright cinnamon, and long, delicate finish that has people comparing it to a quintessential American apple pie.

If you love whiskey history, rare mash bills, and honest reviews, hit that SUBSCRIBE button, drop a comment below, and always drink responsibly!

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👉 Grab Your Bottle Before They’re Gone: Secure yours directly from McBrayer Legacy Spirits: https://bourbonshop.mcbrayerspirits.com/products/w-h-mcbrayer-250th-special-edition Local Tip: If you are in the Cincinnati or Northern Kentucky area, you can also pick up a bottle from Brad Bonds at Revival Vintage Spirits!

🎓 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

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WH McBrayer 250th Special Edition

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: McBrayer Legacy Spirits
  • Distillery: Contract Distilled at Wilderness Trail
  • Mash Bill: 88.4% Bloody Butcher Corn, 5.8% Heritage Rye, 5.8% Malted Barley
  • Age: NAS (11 barrels that were 5-7 years old)
  • Proof: 105
  • SRP: $100
  • Released: June 5, 2026
  • Other: 1776 Bottles Released

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

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NOTE: Thank you to McBrayer Legacy Spirits for providing this bottle for review. Your Bourbon Journey maintains strict editorial independence; samples are accepted for educational and review purposes only and are never a guarantee of a favorable review.

Disclaimer: We  are not affiliated with McBrayer Legacy Spirits—we just love great whiskey and supporting the revival of an incredible bourbon legacy.

Don’t Pass on This! Green River Distillery Select Review

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Is this the best new toasted bourbon of the year? 🪵🔥 Today, Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey are diving into an exclusive, first-look review of a historic new release: Green River Distillery Select Toasted Double Oak Bourbon!

Awarded a massive 96 points and a Double Gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition before even hitting shelves, this highly anticipated bottle is making waves. As the oldest whiskey released by Green River to date, this 8-year-old Kentucky straight bourbon is aged in signature clay tile rickhouses (Warehouse B) and finished for an additional six months in new toasted American oak barrels from Independent Stave Company.

Clocking in at a bold 115.1 proof, it serves up an unbelievable flavor profile. Expect dominant notes of sweet, gooey toasted marshmallows, rich char, and a unique “freshly put-out campfire” smokiness that balances the sweet wood sugars perfectly.

Priced at $49.99 for a 375 mL bottle, this inaugural release from the Distillery Select series is an absolute must-have for bourbon geeks and historic DSP-KY-10 collectors alike.

📅 Release Details:

  • June 20, 2026: Distillery Release Celebration in Owensboro, KY (with special tours, food, and entertainment!)
  • June 26, 2026: Louisville Tasting Room Release

Don’t miss out on this amazing bottle! Hit that subscribe button for more authentic bourbon reviews, and always remember to drink responsibly. Cheers!

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Green River Distillery Select Toasted Double Oak Bourbon

  • Classification:  Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in New Toasted Oak Barrels
  • Company: Lofted Spirits
  • Distillery: Green River Distillery, (Owensboro, KY — DSP-KY-10)
  • Mash Bill: 70% Corn, 21% Rye, 9% Malted Barley
  • Age: 8 Years (Aged 8 years in clay tile rickhouses, then finished for an additional 6 months in toasted barrels)
  • Proof: 115.1
  • SRP: $49.99 for 375 mL
  • Release Dates: Distillery release: June 20, 2026 (Owensboro) & June 26, 2026 (Louisville Tasting Room)

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

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NOTE: Thank you to Lofted Spirits and Green River Distillery for providing this bottle for review. Your Bourbon Journey maintains strict editorial independence; samples are accepted for educational and review purposes only and are never a guarantee of a favorable review.

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Unboxing Jim Beam’s NEW 2026 Releases: Little Book 10 & OGD 114

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We headed to Bardstown, Kentucky, and hit the Jim Beam American Outpost in Clermont to hunt down two of the most anticipated 2026 whiskey releases: the brand new Old Grand-Dad Single Barrel 114 and the 10th-anniversary milestone blend, Little Book Chapter 10: “All the Wiser.” Along the way, we also grabbed a bottle of A. Overholt Straight Rye to see if this historic, corn-free Monongahela-style mash bill lives up to the hype!

In this episode, we break down the incredible customer service at the Beam distillery that led us straight to our bottle of OGD Single Barrel at Liquor World. Then, we dive into the glasses for a full neat tasting. Does the massive jump to a 7-year age statement put the new Old Grand-Dad Single Barrel ahead of the classic 114? Is Freddie Noe’s crazy 10th-anniversary blend—featuring a mix of 14-Year Basil Hayden, Knob Creek, Booker’s, and a sherry-finished Jim Beam—worth the $160 price tag?

We uncover surprising dark fruit notes, rich roasted peanut viscosity, and an unexpected sherry lead that completely blindsided us. Whether you are looking for a new daily drinker or a special occasion pour, find out which of these bottles belongs on your shelf!

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A. Overhold Rye Whiskey

  • Classification:  Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
  • Company: Suntory Global
  • Distillery: Jim Beam, Clermont
  • Mash Bill: 80% Rye, 20% Soft Malted Barley (A historically accurate, corn-free Monongahela-style mash bill)
  • Age: 4 Years
  • Proof: 95
  • SRP: $39.99
  • Purchased: 05/29/26 for $40 at Beam American Outpost

Old Grand-Dad Single Barrel 7 Year

  • Classification:  Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Suntory Global; Distillery: Jim Beam, Clermont
  • Mash Bill: 63% Corn, 27% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
  • Age: 7 Years
  • Proof: 114
  • SRP: $49.99
  • Released: April 2026 (Brand new addition to the OGD line)
  • Other: Lot No. 001. Features a massive jump up to a 7-year age statement compared to the standard, non-age-stated OGD 114, introducing heavy notes of toasted peanut, baking spices, and deeper oak.
  • Purchased: 05/29/26 for $54.99 at Liquor World in Bardstown

Little Book Chapter 10: All the Wiser

  • Classification:  Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Sherry and Toasted Bourbon Casks
  • Company: Suntory Global; Distillery: Jim Beam
  • Mash Bill: Blend: Official neck tag component breakdown includes: 14-Year Basil Hayden, 11+Year Knob Creek, 10-Year Booker’s, 9-Year Knob Creek, 9-Year Baker’s, and 4-Year Jim Beam finished in sherry & toasted bourbon casks.
  • Age: 4 Year (youngest) but up to 14
  • Proof: 122.6
  • SRP: $160
  • Released: May 2026 (Marks the milestone 10th anniversary of the series)
  • Other: Named “All the Wiser” to honor Freddie Noe’s decade of learning, intuition, and experimentation leading the blending program.
  • Purchased: 05/29/26 for $160 at Beam American Outpost

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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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Silk Velvet Whiskey Hazmat Review: 150 Proof vs 161 Proof

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Can a bourbon over 160 proof actually taste good—or will it just blow up your palate? 

n this episode of Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca tackle two insane, rare “Hazmat” bottles from Silk Velvet Whiskey that debuted at the 2026 BBQ & Barrels festival in Owensboro, KY.

We are tasting and comparing the Silk Velvet 150 Proof “Extreme Hazmat” (Barrel 43) alongside the ultra-rare 161 Proof “Ultra Hazmat” (Barrel 35). With only 10 bottles of the 161 proof ever released via a lucky raffle win, this is officially the highest-proof whiskey we have ever reviewed on the channel!

Distilled under legendary distiller Jacob Call for Hargis Spirits LLC and bottled by Western Kentucky Distilling Co., these 7-year-old high-proof heavyweights feature a 75% Corn, 21% Rye, and 4% Malted Barley mash bill aged in heavy Char #4 barrels.

We dive deep into a fresh-pour, true first impression of both bottles. We’ll breakdown the surprising confectionery sugar, dark brown sugar, and maple notes on the nose, look at the insanely heavy legs, and find out if these explosive expressions are actually “smooth as silk” or if they finish with pure black pepper and heavy barrel oak. Plus, we share the wild story of why the distillery had to give out extra corks just to keep these bottles from exploding!

If you love high-proof bourbon, rare whiskey hunting, and honest tasting reviews, don’t forget to hit that SUBSCRIBE button, drop a comment with your favorite hazmat whiskey, and always drink responsibly!

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Silk Velvet Whiskey Single Barrel (Hazmats)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Hargis Spirits LLC
  • Bottled By: Western Kentucky Distilling Co. (Distilled under Jacob Call)
  • Mash Bill: 75% Corn, 21% Rye, 4% Malted Barley
  • Age: 7 Years (Char #4)
  • Barrel & Proof: Barrel 43 = 150 (Extreme Hazmat); Barrel 35 = 161 (Ultra Hazmat)
  • Released: May 2026 (Debuted at BBQ & Barrels)
  • Purchased: May 9, 2026, at BBQ & Barrels in Owensboro, KY. 150 Proof ($99.99) & 161 Proof ($229)

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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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Is American Blended Whiskey Actually Good? Vintage vs Modern Kessler

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Sipping on History! 🥃 Turn back time with us on this Friday as we dive into a fascinating bottle-to-bottle showdown: 1978 Vintage Kessler Blended Whiskey vs. Modern 2026 Kessler!

We scored an incredible piece of whiskey history from our friends at Revival Vintage Spirits in Covington, Kentucky—a pristine, full-sized 1978 bottle of Kessler complete with its original ATF federal tax stamp and gorgeous diamond-molded glass. Back in ’78, this American blended whiskey was produced by Seagram at the historic Lawrenceburg, Indiana plant (now MGP). Today, the brand belongs to Suntory Global Spirits and is distilled at the Jim Beam Distillery in Kentucky.

Astonishingly, both expressions maintain the exact same blend ratio: 27.5% straight whiskey and 72.5% grain neutral spirits. But do they taste the same?

We break down the nose, palate, and finish of both eras. From the old Indiana distillate’s wood-sugar concentration, butterscotch, and popping baking spices, to the modern Jim Beam low-rye mashbill’s sweet corn notes and effortless drinkability, this comparison completely blew us away. No ethanol burn, surprising legs, and a perfect candidate for a summer patio drink (Kessler and ginger ale, anyone?).

If you love exploring vintage dusties, American whiskey history, or just want to see how legendary brands hold up over the decades, hit that SUBSCRIBE button and join us on the journey!

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👉 Visit Revival Vintage Spirits in Covington, KY for your own vintage catches! 

👉 Let us know in the comments: Have you ever tried vintage blended whiskey?

🎓 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

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The Vintage “Then” Bottle (1978)

  • Classification: American Blended Whiskey
  • Company: Julius Kessler Company (A subsidiary of Seagram at the time)
  • Distillery: Julius Kessler Co. Plant, Lawrenceburg, IN (Now MGP), with blending/bottling line support out of Dundalk, MD and So. San Francisco, CA.
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed. (The straight whiskey portion used a traditional bourbon/corn-heavy recipe; the neutral spirits were distilled at or above 190 proof from corn and rye).
  • Blend: 27.5% Straight Whiskies, 72.5% Grain Neutral Spirits.
  • Age: NAS (Non-Age Stated). By law, the straight whiskey component had to be at least 2 years old.
  • Proof: 80 Proof
  • MSRP: Approx. $4.50-$5.50 in 1978 dollars.
  • Released: 1978 (Confirmed by the “78” glass mold stamp on the base).
  • Other: Features a paper federal tax strip issued by the Bureau of ATF (mandated post-1977). Bottled in a custom geometric diamond-molded glass bottle.

The Modern “Now” Bottle (2026)

  • Classification: American Blended Whiskey
  • Company: Suntory Global Spirits (formerly Beam Suntory)
  • Distillery: Jim Beam Distillery, Clermont / Frankfort, KY.
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed. (The straight whiskey component utilizes Beam’s standard low-rye bourbon mash bill; the grain neutral spirit base is derived from industrial corn mashes).
  • Blend: 27.5% Straight Whiskies, 72.5% Grain Neutral Spirits.
  • Age: NAS (Non-Age Stated). The back label explicitly verifies the straight whiskey portion is “2 years or more old.”
  • Proof: 80 Proof
  • MSRP: $5.99 for the 375 mL flask size.
  • Released: Modern Production (circa 2024–2026).
  • Other: Labeled with state deposit refunds (ME, VT, IA) and CA CRV. Features the modern “Lightweight Traveler” plastic bottle format and contains a standard federal health warning.

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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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New Riff Silver Grove 2026 Review: The Best $60 Bourbon? 

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Looking for the ultimate $60 barrel proof bourbon value? Today, Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey are diving into a highly anticipated bottle: the New Riff Silver Grove Straight Bourbon Whiskey (2026 Edition)!

Purchased directly from the New Riff Distilling gift shop in Newport, KY during a birthday trip, this year’s release features a 2-year age jump—climbing to a robust 6 years old. Clocking in at an impressive 116.4 proof, this high-rye bourbon (65% Corn, 30% Rye, 5% Malted Barley) remains non-chill filtered to preserve every drop of its rich viscosity and essential barrel oils.

Named after the site of New Riff’s massive rickhouse expansion project down the river in Silver Grove, KY, this bottle does more than taste good—a portion of the proceeds from every purchase goes directly to the Silver Grove Community Foundation to fund local civic and park projects!

In this episode, we share the hilarious story of how Rebecca “hijacked” our VIP distillery tour, breaking down the rules of bourbon for a crowd traveling in for the Kentucky Derby weekend. Then, we break down the complex tasting notes, shifting from a citrus and hot nose into a palate popping with chocolate, caramel-coated orange zest, leather, and white pepper. Is this gift-shop exclusive still the biggest bargain on the Bourbon Trail? Watch to find out!

If you love whiskey reviews, distillery tour stories, and finding incredible bourbon values, hit that SUBSCRIBE button and join us on the journey!

📢 Drop a comment: Have you visited New Riff Distilling or tried their Silver Grove series? Let us know your thoughts!

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🎓 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

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New Riff Silver Grove Straight Bourbon Whiskey (2026 Edition)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Barrel Proof, Non-Chill Filtered)
  • Company / Distillery: New Riff Distilling (Newport, KY)
  • Mash Bill: High-Rye: 65% Corn, 30% Rye, 5% Malted Barley
  • Age: 6 Years Old (A big 2-year jump from previous releases!)
  • Proof: 116.4 Proof (58.2% ABV)
  • MSRP: $59.99 (In-store gift shop exclusive)
  • Purchased: 05/01/26 at New Riff Distilling
  • Other: Named after the site of New Riff’s massive rickhouse expansion project down the river in Silver Grove, KY. Even better—a portion of the proceeds from every bottle goes directly to the Silver Grove Community Foundation to fund local civic and park projects.

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

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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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This Is NOT Your Average Flavored Whiskey! Green River Honey

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Is this the new ultimate summer sipper, or just another overly sweet flavored whiskey? Today, we are diving into a brand new media bottle release from the 10th oldest registered distillery in Kentucky: Green River Honey Finished Bourbon Whiskey!

Unlike heavily sweetened liqueur blends or brands that rely on artificial flavorings, Green River Honey takes a fundamentally different, completely honest approach. Master Blender Dan Callaway and the team take genuine four-year-old Green River Kentucky Straight Bourbon and pour 100% real, raw, unfiltered local honey directly into the barrel. They let time and natural barrel interaction do all the work—no shortcuts, no artificial coloring, and no post-production blending additives.

The proprietary honey blend is procured in partnership with Above the Dirt Garden and Honey Shop, a Kentucky Proud™, beekeeper-owned business working with family apiaries across the Midwest and South.

At an incredibly approachable MSRP of just $24.99 and a perfect cocktail-ready 92 proof, this expression stands out in a category often defined by low-proof shortcuts. We break down the incredible legs and mouthfeel, the unexpected spice on the finish, and discuss whether a future single barrel or full proof expression could be on the horizon!

Have you spotted Green River Honey on the shelves yet? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

If you love what we do, don’t forget to hit that Subscribe button, turn on notifications, and share this video with a fellow bourbon lover. Always remember to drink responsibly! Cheers! 🥂

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🎓 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

🍹 Signature Cocktail Recipe: Green River Honey Gold Rush

Bring the cocktail lounge experience home with this versatile, balanced foundation:

  • 2 oz Green River Honey Finished Bourbon
  • 3/4 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 1/2 oz Simple Syrup (1:1 ratio)
  • Instructions: Shake vigorously with ice. Strain over a single large ice cube into a rocks glass. Garnish with a fancy lemon wheel if you want to dress it up!

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Green River Honey Finished Bourbon Whiskey

  • Classification:  Straight Bourbon Whiskey with Natural Flavors 
  • Company: Lofted Spirits
  • Distillery: Green River Distilling Co. (DSP-KY-10) — Owensboro, Kentucky
  • Mash Bill: 70% Corn, 21% Rye, 9% Malted Barley
  • Age: 4 Years
  • Proof: 92 Proof (46% ABV)
  • MSRP: $24.99 (750mL)
  • Released: May 15, 2026

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

NOTE: Thank you to Lofted Spirits and Green River Distilling for providing this bottle for review. Your Bourbon Journey maintains strict editorial independence; samples are accepted for educational and review purposes only and are never a guarantee of a favorable review.

#GreenRiverBourbon #HoneyBourbon #BourbonReview #YourBourbonJourney #GreenRiverDistilling #FlavoredWhiskey #LoftedSpirits #GoldRushCocktail #WhiskeyReview #KentuckyBourbon #BourbonTasting #CraftWhiskey #BudgetBourbon #RealHoney #DrinkResponsibly

Japan Meets Kentucky! Bardstown Mars Distillery Reserve Review

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What happens when Kentucky tradition meets Japanese innovation? 🥃✨ 

In this episode of Your Bourbon Journey, we are bringing you an exclusive, first-look whiskey review of a groundbreaking new bottle before its retail launch: the Bardstown Bourbon Company Distillery Reserve Mars Single Malt Japanese Blend!

Thanks to Lofted Spirits and Bardstown Bourbon Co. for sending us this early media review bottle! This isn’t your average finished whiskey. Instead, Bardstown Master Blender Dan Callaway pioneered a true “co-aging” process. They took 5-year-old Japanese single malt whisky from the Mars Komagatake and Tsunuki distilleries and filled the “angel’s share” space right into barrels of mature 10-year and 16-year Kentucky straight bourbon. The spirits spent a full 12 months integrating together in the Kentucky heat.

We crack this bottle fresh to give you our unfiltered first impressions on the complex mouthfeel, rich viscosity, and unique tasting notes—from caramelized plum and vanilla bean to the stunning, lingering finish of rare Sakura (cherry wood) and plum liqueur barrels.

Priced at $99.99 for a 375mL bottle and bottled at a bold 109.8 proof, this extremely limited distillery exclusive drops on Friday, May 29, 2026, only at the Bardstown gift shop and Louisville tasting room. Is it worth standing in line for? Watch to find out!

If you love innovative whiskey, make sure to hit that SUBSCRIBE button, drop a comment with your thoughts, and always drink responsibly!

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Mars Single Malt Japanese Whiskey Blend

  • Classification:  Blend of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Single Malt Japanese Whisky
  • Company: Lofted Spirits   
  • Distillery: Bardstown Bourbon Company (Kentucky) and Mars Distilleries (Komagatake & Tsunuki, Japan)
  • Mash Bill: Multi-Component Component Blend:
    • 69% Kentucky Bourbon: 74% Corn, 18% Rye, 8% Malted Barley
    • 8% Kentucky Bourbon: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
    • 20% Mars Komagatake: 100% Malted Barley
    • 3% Mars Tsunuki: 100% Malted Barley
  • Age: Multi-Component Blend (Aged 5 to 16 Years) with 12 Months of Co-Aging:
    • 10-Year-Old Kentucky Bourbon (69%)
    • 16-Year-Old Kentucky Bourbon (8%)
    • 5-Year-Old Komagatake Japanese Single Malt (20%)
    • 5-Year-Old Tsunuki Japanese Single Malt (3%)
  • Proof: 109.8 (54.9% ABV)
  • MSRP: $99.99 (375ml)
  • Release: May 29, 2026 (Distillery Exclusive)

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

NOTE: Thank you to Lofted Spirits & Bardstown Bourbon Company for providing this bottle for review. Your Bourbon Journey maintains strict editorial independence; samples are accepted for educational and review purposes only and are never a guarantee of a favorable review.

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A Historic 10-Year Milestone! Peerless Henry Kraver Bourbon

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Is this the 2026 Whiskey of the Year? Today, we are incredibly honored to review a genuinely historic bottle of whiskey: Kentucky Peerless Henry Kraver’s Old Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Batch 1).

Marking a monumental 10-year milestone since the distillery’s 2013 revival, this ultra-small batch blend consists of just 40 barrels (39 ten-year barrels and 1 eleven-year barrel). Crafted completely in-house from grain-to-bottle as a strictly sweet mash, barrel proof, and non-chill filtered bourbon, this 117.6-proof powerhouse is named in honor of founder Corky Taylor’s great-grandfather, Henry Kraver, who started Peerless back in 1889.

We dive deep into this dark, rich “adult bourbon,” pulling out luscious notes of toasty barrel, leather, brown sugar, caramel, baking spices, and an unexpected, complex finish of flavorful pipe tobacco and dark cocoa mocha. Is the hype real, or have other whiskey reviewers actually undersold this bottle? Find out if this rare Kentucky Peerless release belongs on your shelf (even at secondary market prices!).

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Always remember to drink responsibly. Cheers!

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Peerless Henry Kraver’s Old Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Batch 1)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Strictly Sweet Mash, Barrel Proof, Non-Chill Filtered)
  • Company / Distillery: Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co. (Louisville, KY – DSP-KY-50)
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed (Honestly crafted completely in-house, grain-to-bottle)
  • Age: 10 Years Old (A historic milestone marking 10 years of distillation since their 2013 revival)
  • Proof: 117.6 Proof (58.8% ABV)
  • MSRP: $195 (Distillery exclusive, 1-bottle limit per person)
  • Purchased: Through the generosity of our patrons (Scott & Traci) at MSRP …. And signed by Corky Taylor
  • Other: Named in honor of Corky Taylor’s great-grandfather, Henry Kraver, who originally started Peerless back in 1889. This Batch 1 is a ultra-small blend of just 40 barrels (39 ten-year barrels and 1 eleven-year barrel).

🚨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.

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