whiskey review

The Bourbon Trials: Testing the Liquid Behind the Labels

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Happy Friday! Welcome back to Your Bourbon Journey with Wayne and Rebecca. Today, we are putting three politically themed, novelty whiskeys on trial to answer one ultimate question: Is it just a gimmick, or is the liquid behind the label actually high-quality?

We dive deep into a gifted bottle of Tears of the Left Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey ($99.99 MSRP), distilled and bottled in Bardstown, KY. We break down its premium dark display box packaging, continuous limited edition status, and give a completely honest tasting notes review of its 90.94 proof profile. Is the leather-bound “Book of Tears” cocktail recipe guide masking a subpar spirit, or does it hold its own neat?

Then, we transition to a special birthday gift set from an independent bottler: The Verdict “Not Guilty” and “Guilty” Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Marketed across conservative media networks like the Tatum Show, this sourced matching set acts as a fascinating control group. Both bottles sit at 90 proof and boast a solid 6-year age statement. We put them through a side-by-side comparison blind-style test to uncover a shocking “brown sugar bomb” flavor profile that left us craving pancakes.

Stick around until the final verdict to find out which novelty bourbon wins our stamp of approval and why you should always judge what’s inside the glass, not the presentation box!

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Tears of the Left Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Tears of the Left (Novelty/Independent Bottler)
  • Distillery: Distilled and bottled in Bardstown, KY
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed
  • Age: NAS
  • Proof: 90.94 Proof (45.47% ABV)
  • MSRP: $99.99
  • Released: Late 2025 / Continuous Limited Editions
  • Other: Numbered Bottle (#031246). This brand leans heavily into presentation, featuring a premium dark display box, custom inserts (including themed chilling stones or card sets depending on the specific edition), and an accompanying “Book of Tears” cocktail recipe guide.

Verdict: Guilty and Verdict: Not Guilty

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Independent Bottler / Novelty Brand
  • Distillery: Sourced
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed
  • Age: 6 Years Old
  • Proof: 90 Proof (45% ABV)
  • MSRP: Often retails around $60 per bottle (frequently sold as a matching set)
  • Released: Recent thematic small-batch release
  • Other: Designed as a matching set representing the scales of justice.

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NOTE: The spirits in this review were gifts from family members. 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 3 Absolute BOURBON BANGERS at BBQ & Barrels!

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💥 Three MAJOR Bourbon Bangers From BBQ & Barrels 2026! 🥃

Did we strike gold or buy on impulse at BBQ & Barrels 2026? Today we are cracking open our first three bottle purchases from Owensboro, Kentucky! We managed to secure some incredible, hard-to-find expressions during VIP hour before they completely sold out. From custom oak-stave finishing to malt-heavy mash bills and legendary distiller pedigrees, these pours did not disappoint.

First up, we dive into Left Bank Single Cask (Release 5) at a roaring 118 proof. Sourced from Green River Distilling Co., this unique bourbon uses custom toasted oak staves to replicate a historic river barge journey down to New Orleans. Does it deliver on its promise of toasted marshmallow goodness?

Next, we taste Fresh Bourbon Single Barrel, a rare 110-proof craft selection out of Lexington. Sean and Tia Edwards utilize a fascinating, four-grain recipe dominated by honey malt, malted wheat, and malted rye. The viscosity and legs on this bottle are insane!

Finally, we uncork the highly anticipated Jackson Purchase Select Batch Full Proof (Batch 1). Clocking in at 117.8 proof, this Western Kentucky powerhouse was crafted by 7th-generation Master Distiller Craig Beam and Head Distiller Terry Ballard. We also share a wild story about meeting Craig and his wife Nicole in our hotel lobby at 11:30 PM, where they literally handed us a bottle out of a massive purse!

Are these bottles worth the price tag, and which one reigns supreme? Sit back, grab a pour, and find out!

If you love authentic bourbon reviews and whiskey hunting adventures, make sure to SUBSCRIBE to the channel and hit that notification bell! Always drink responsibly. Cheers! 🥃

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Left Bank Single Cask Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Finished with Oak Staves (Release 5)

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Finished with Oak Staves)
  • Company: Left Bank Distilled Spirits
  • Distillery: Sourced from Owensboro, KY (Green River Distilling Co.)
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed (Traditional Green River rye-bourbon mash bill)
  • Age: NAS (Legally at least 2 years old, plus stave finishing time)
  • Proof: 118 Proof (59% ABV)
  • Released: May 2026 (Release 5)
  • Other: Barrel No. 19. Left Bank focuses on recreating historical down-river maturation by taking Kentucky straight bourbon and finishing it with a custom blend of oak staves to mimic the heat, motion, and wood interaction of a historic river barge journey down to New Orleans.
  • Purchased: May 2026 at BBQ & Barrels for $62

Fresh Bourbon Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Fresh Bourbon, LLC (Lexington, KY)
  • Distillery: Distilled/Produced in Kentucky (Sean and Tia Edwards’ custom mash bill recipe)
  • Mash Bill: Unique Four-Grain Mash Bill: Corn, Honey Malt, Malted Wheat, and Malted Rye
  • Age: NAS (Nascent/No Age Statement, but profile indicates well-aged, mature small-batch stock)
  • Proof: 110 Proof (55% ABV)
  • Released: May 2026 (Special Single Barrel Barrel Select Release)
  • Other: Barrel No. 10.06. Fresh Bourbon uses an incredibly unique grain recipe focused heavily on malted grains (honey malt, malted wheat, malted rye), which yields a highly aromatic, sweet, and complex profile distinct from standard rye or wheated bourbons.
  • Purchased: May 2026 at BBQ & Barrels for $110

Jackson Purchase Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Select Batch Full Proof (Batch 1)

  • 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 Years Old (Note: Nichole mentioned it was at least 5 years old, but the standard Batch 1 release carries a 4-year statement. Craig Beam often notes that the intense Western Kentucky heat makes it drink like an 8-to-10-year-old!)
  • Proof: 117.8 Proof (58.9% ABV)
  • Released: May 2026 (Special festival preview / wider release rollout)
  • Other: Non-toasted, #4 heavy char barrels. Distilled by 7th-generation Master Distiller Craig Beam (son of Parker Beam) and Head Distiller Terry Ballard (formerly of Willett).
  • Purchased: May 2026 at BBQ & Barrels in Owensboro, KY

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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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Adult Root Beer Float? Rebel Root Beer Whiskey Review! 

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Rebel Root Beer Float? Lux Row Distillers Just Changed the Game! 🥃🍦

Is it a soda? Is it a bourbon? It’s both! Today on Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca are getting a little “rebellious” with two brand-new releases from Lux Row Distillers that are shaking up the flavored whiskey world.

We’re diving into the newly re-released Rebel Root Beer Whiskey (back and better than ever in 2026!) and the limited-edition Rebel Butter Pecan Cream Liqueur. Watch as we taste them individually and then perform a “distillery-authorized” science experiment by mixing them into the ultimate Adult Root Beer Float.

If you’re a fan of Barq’s, sarsaparilla, or just creamy wheated bourbon, you won’t want to miss this Fun Friday tasting. Is it too sweet, or is it the perfect dessert pour? Let’s find out!

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Rebel Root Beer Whiskey

  • Classification: Flavored Whiskey (specifically, a Bourbon-based liqueur)
  • Company: Luxco (parent company of Lux Row)
  • Distillery: Lux Row Distillers (Bardstown, KY)
  • Mash Bill: Wheat Bourbon mash bill (historically approximately 68% Corn, 20% Wheat, 12% Malted Barley)
  • Age: NAS (Non-Age Stated)
  • Proof: 70 (35% ABV)
  • MSRP: $24.99 – $27.99
  • Released: Originally debuted around 2016 (as Rebel Yell Root Beer); re-released/re-branded in late 2025/early 2026.
  • Purchased: 03/28/26 for $25.99 at Lux Row Distillery

Rebel Butter Pecan Cream Liqueur

  • Classification: Whiskey Cream Liqueur
  • Company: Luxco
  • Distillery: Lux Row Distillers (Bardstown, KY)
  • Mash Bill: N/A (Cream liqueurs do not have a traditional mash bill, though the spirit base is Rebel’s Wheated Bourbon).
  • Age: NAS (Non-Age Stated)
  • Proof: 30 (15% ABV)
  • MSRP: $24.99 – $26.99
  • Released: Early 2026 (Limited Release)
  • Other: Made with Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and fresh cream.
  • Purchased: 03/28/26 for $25.99 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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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

🚨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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Virginia Distillery Co. Showdown: Cider vs. Coffee vs. Cigar!

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Explore the fascinating world of American Single Malt Whiskey with Your Bourbon Journey! Fresh off our American Single Malt Academy certification (which we highly recommend you check out!), Wayne and Rebekah dive into three fascinating expressions from Virginia Distillery Co. in Lovingston, Virginia.

Join us for a definitive tasting “showdown” as we compare three completely distinct barrel finishes. We’ll see how wood management can totally transform a 100% malted barley mash bill.

We are tasting:

  • Cider Cask: A light, orchard-fresh core release finished in French Calvados, Virginia Cider, and Laird’s Apple Brandy barrels. Perfect for summer!
  • Courage Club Coffee Cask: A potent, 112-proof Courage & Conviction club exclusive, 5 years old and finished in coffee casks. Think chicory and espresso!
  • Cigar Blend “First Cut”: A 7-year-old masterpiece and the distillery’s first cigar blend. It’s a complex “cask cocktail” featuring Spanish Oak, Sherry, Port, STR, Cabernet, Armagnac, Cognac, and Fino casks, with a whisper of Islay smoke.

From entry-level value to rare club exclusives, this video is your guide to Virginia Distillery Co.’s impressive lineup. Check out their website for more details on these bottles and their amazing club perks!

Distillery & Links:

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American Single Malt Cider Cask

  • Classification:  American Single Malt Whiskey
  • Company: Virginia Distillery Co.
  • Distillery: Virginia Distillery Co. (Lovingston, VA)
  • Mash Bill: 100% Malted Barley
  • Age: NAS (No Age Statement); matured for multiple years (typically 4+ years) in ex-bourbon barrels before the finish.
  • Finished: French Calvados, Virginia Cider, & Laird’s Apple Brandy Barrels
  • Proof: 93
  • MSRP: $44.99 (700 ml)
  • Released: Core Release (ongoing)
  • Purchased: 04/03/26 for $44.99 at Virginia Distillery Online

American Single Malt Coffee Cask

  • Classification:  American Single Malt Whiskey
  • Company: Virginia Distillery Co.
  • Distillery: Virginia Distillery Co. (Lovingston, VA)
  • Mash Bill: 100% Malted Barley
  • Age: 5 Years
  • Primary Maturation Cask: Ex-Bourbon
  • Finishing Cask: Coffee
  • Proof: 112
  • MSRP: $99.99 (750 ml)
  • Released: Courage Club Exclusive, Bottle 289
  • Purchased: 03/22/26 for $99.99 at Virginia Distillery Online

American Single Malt Cigar Blend “First Cut”

  • Classification:  American Single Malt Whiskey
  • Company: Virginia Distillery Co.
  • Distillery: Virginia Distillery Co. (Lovingston, VA)
  • Mash Bill: 100% Malted Barley
  • Age: 7 Years
  • Finished: A complex “cask cocktail” including Spanish Oak, Sherry, Port, STR (Shaved, Toasted, Re-charred), Château Palmer Cabernet, Armagnac, Cognac, and Fino casks. Note: Contains a “whisper” of smoke from rare Islay casks.
  • Proof: 108
  • MSRP: $59.99 (700 ml)
  • Released: February/March 2026
  • Purchased: 04/03/26 for $59.99 at Virginia Distillery Online

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

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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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Bourbon Time Travel: Tasting 2004 W.L. Weller Special Reserve

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Is modern Weller just a shadow of its former self? Join us on this episode of Your Bourbon Journey as we step back in time to taste a piece of whiskey history: a 2004 W.L. Weller Special Reserve “Stubby” bottle.

Found at Revival Vintage Spirits in Covington, KY, this bottle dates back to the very early years of Buffalo Trace’s ownership of the Weller line (purchased in 1999). We put this 22-year-old time capsule head-to-head against a modern bottle to see how grain changes, barrel maturity, and production shifts have impacted the legendary wheated bourbon profile.

From “dusty funk” and lemon curd notes to a surprising lack of ethanol, this 2004 vintage proved that some things truly do get better with time—or perhaps, they just don’t make them like they used to.

In this video, we discuss:

  • How to identify a 2004 Weller using the laser code.
  • The transition from the “Stubby” bottle to the modern tall design.
  • The sensory differences: Lemon Danish vs. Wheat Bread.
  • Why 20-year-old grains, water, and wood create a superior viscosity.

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2004 W.L. Weller Special Reserve

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Wheated)
  • Company: Sazerac Company
  • Distillery: Buffalo Trace Distillery (Frankfort, KY)
  • Mash Bill: Buffalo Trace “Wheated” Recipe
  • Age: NAS (No Age Statement) — Typical production estimates for this era were 4–7 years.
  • Proof: 90 Proof (45% ABV)
  • MSRP: ~$12.00–$15.00 (Historical estimate for 2004)
  • Released: Bottled in 2004 (Laser code: 04  5444 01)
  • Purchased: 04/30/26 for $225 at Revival Vintage Spirits

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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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Augusta’s Historic Distillery: A Visit to Becker & Bird

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Becker & Bird: The Historic Kentucky Bourbon Time Capsule

Think you’ve seen everything on the Bourbon Trail? Think again. Join us for Bourbon Trail Tales and Taste, Episode 60, as we travel to Augusta, Kentucky, to visit the historic Becker & Bird Distillery.

This isn’t your average commercial distillery tour. Set on a property that’s on the National Register of Historic Places, Becker & Bird honors the legacy of Johannes Becker, a Revolutionary War veteran who began distilling on this land in 1798. You’ll learn the fascinating (and sometimes frustrating) story of why they had to shift their name from “Baker” to “Becker” to avoid a corporate legal battle, and why this site is a true bourbon time capsule.

The real showstopper? The cellar. We’re taking you inside one of the largest wine and spirit cellars in the U.S.—a hand-built stone masterpiece that survived the Battle of Augusta in 1862. Its consistent, cool, humid environment acts as a natural rickhouse, unlike anything you see in modern metal-clad warehouses.

In this episode: 

🥃 The Bourbon: We’re tasting the Historic Becker & Bird Straight Bourbon (100 proof, 2-year age statement, MGP-sourced). We break down the profile, the “grain-forward” notes, and why we think it’s important to support these up-and-coming craft distillers. 

🍷 The Winery: We discover their amazing bourbon-barrel-aged wine, a must-try if you visit the tasting room!

If you love exploring the history behind the bottle and want to support the preservation of our Kentucky spirits heritage, this is a stop you need to add to your list.

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✴️ Historic Becker & Bird Straight Bourbon

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Baker-Bird Winery & Distillery (Owned by Dinah Bird)
  • Distillery: MGP (Lawrenceburg, IN)
  • Mash Bill: Most likely MGP’s 75% Corn, 21% Rye, 4% Malted Barley
  • Age: 2 Years
  • Proof: 100
  • MSRP: $78.99 (Price may vary; some winery-direct bottles are priced at a premium due to the historic site maintenance)
  • Released: 2018 (Brand launch)
  • Purchased: $90 03/15/25 at Becker & Bird Distillery
  • Other: Bottled by Kentucky Artisan Distillery (Crestwood, KY). The label pays homage to Johannes Becker (John Baker), a Revolutionary War veteran who moved to Augusta in 1797.

🚨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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Hard Truth 7 Year Whiskeys | Full Lineup Tasting 

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Hard Truth’s 7-Year Indiana Whiskey: Bourbon, Wheated, and Rye!

The 7-year mark has officially arrived at Hard Truth Distilling Co., and we are breaking down the entire lineup! In this video, we deep dive into the brand new Hard Truth 7-Year Straight Bourbon, the 7-Year Wheated Bourbon, and the 7-Year Sweet Mash Rye.

Hard Truth has been making waves in Nashville, Indiana, but do these age-stated bottles live up to the premium MSRP? We explore the mash bills, the proof, and the flavor profiles of these highly anticipated February 2026 releases. Whether you are a fan of high-rye bourbons, soft wheated profiles, or punchy sweet mash ryes, we’re finding out exactly where these bottles sit in the current craft whiskey landscape.

In this tasting, we cover:

  • Hard Truth 7-Year Straight Bourbon (112.3 Proof): The core profile.
  • Hard Truth 7-Year Wheated Bourbon (116.1 Proof): The smooth operator.
  • Hard Truth 7-Year Sweet Mash Rye (107 Proof): The rye lover’s dream.

Let us know in the comments if you’ve managed to snag a bottle and what your tasting notes are!

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Hard Truth 7-Year Straight Bourbon

  • Classification: Indiana Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Hard Truth Distilling Co.
  • Distillery: Hard Truth Distilling Co. (Nashville, IN)
  • Mash Bill: 67% Corn, 21% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
  • Age: 7 Years
  • Proof: 112.3
  • MSRP: $89.99
  • Released: February 2026
  • Purchased: $74.99 04/03/26 at High Spirits in Evansville, IN

Hard Truth 7-Year Wheated Bourbon

  • Classification: Indiana Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Hard Truth Distilling Co.
  • Distillery: Hard Truth Distilling Co. (Nashville, IN)
  • Mash Bill: 69% Corn, 19% Wheat, 12% Malted Barley
  • Age: 7 Years
  • Proof: 116.1
  • MSRP: $89.99
  • Released: February 2026
  • Purchased: $74.99 04/03/26 at High Spirits in Evansville, IN

Hard Truth 7-Year Sweet Mash Rye

  • Classification: Indiana Straight Rye Whiskey
  • Company: Hard Truth Distilling Co.
  • Distillery: Hard Truth Distilling Co. (Nashville, IN)
  • Mash Bill: 94% Rye, 6% Malted Barley
  • Age: 7 Years
  • Proof: 107
  • MSRP: $89.99
  • Released: February 2026
  • Purchased: $74.99 04/03/26 at High Spirits in Evansville, IN

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

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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.


#HardTruthDistilling #Bourbon #Whiskey #IndianaBourbon #BourbonReview #WhiskeyTasting #CraftWhiskey #WheatedBourbon #RyeWhiskey #WhiskeyTube #BourbonHunting #WhiskeyCollector #HardTruth7Year #DistilleryTour #BourbonLife 

Opulent Bourbon Cocktails: The Golden Jubilee Recipe

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Celebrate with me! 🥂 In honor of my birthday and Episode 68 of Thirsty Thursday, I’m dipping into the “Library” for a truly opulent pour. Meet The Golden Jubilee—a luxury Old Fashioned designed for milestones and high-proof treasures.

Tonight we are featuring the incredible Wenzel’s Packard Proof, a 16-year-old Kentucky single barrel (affectionately known as a “BuffTurkey” pour) sitting at a massive 126 proof. This bourbon is a total cherry bomb, and we’re elevating it with velvet textures and exotic spices to create a “Chewy” foundation that feels like a high-end dessert in a glass.

We’re swapping standard simple syrup for Gum Syrup to achieve that signature silky mouthfeel and adding Bluegrass 5-Spice Orange Bitters for a complex layer of star anise, clove, and cinnamon. To top it all off, we’re adding Edible Gold Glitter for a shimmering visual toast to the journey ahead!

In this video:

  • How to use Gum Syrup for a velvety cocktail texture.
  • Reviewing the 16-year Wenzel’s Packard Proof.
  • Tips for working with 5-spice bitters and edible luster dust.
  • A sneak peek at next week’s Mother’s Day cocktail: The Dandelion Crown!

📋 THE RECIPE: THE GOLDEN JUBILEE

Ingredients:

  • 2.5 oz Wenzel’s Packard Proof Bourbon (or your favorite 16yr+ Library Pour)
  • 0.25 oz Gum Syrup (for that velvety mouthfeel)
  • 1 Bar Spoon Demerara Syrup
  • 10 Drops Bluegrass 5-Spice Orange Bitters
  • 1 Pinch Edible Gold Glitter
  • Garnish: Gold-dusted Luxardo Cherry

Instructions:

  1. Add Gum Syrup, Demerara, and 5-spice bitters to a mixing glass.
  2. Pour in your luxury bourbon.
  3. Add a generous pinch of gold edible glitter.
  4. Fill with ice and stir thoroughly for about 25 seconds to chill and suspend the shimmer.
  5. Strain into a crystal rocks glass over a clear ice sphere.
  6. Garnish with a gold-luster Luxardo cherry and enjoy!

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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.

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Why This Wheated Bourbon is a Total “Change Up” 

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Unlock the Castle! 🏰 Castle & Key Cask Strength Wheated Bourbon Review

We’re heading back to Frankfort, Kentucky! After a visit to the historic Castle & Key Distillery during the Glen’s Creek Chili Fest, we finally got our hands on a bottle of their Cask Strength Wheated Bourbon (Batch 1).

Is this 7-year-old “sweet mash” wheater the bottle that changes everything for Castle & Key fans? In this episode, Wayne and Rebecca dive into the unique mash bill—featuring white corn and a surprisingly high 17% malted barley—to see if this Double Platinum ASCOT Award winner lives up to the hype.

From the “bakery-like” nose to a palate that Wayne describes as a “barley punch” and Rebecca finds “soft and luscious,” we break down the mouthfeel, the “squeaky teeth” finish, and why this craft distillery is finally hitting its stride.

Whether you’re a fan of wheated bourbons or have been waiting for Castle & Key’s own distillate to age, you won’t want to miss this Tuesday tasting!

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Castle & Key Cask Strength Wheated, Batch 1

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Castle & Key (Frankfort, KY)
  • Mash Bill: 73% White Corn, 10% White Winter Wheat, 17% Malted Barley
  • Age: 7 Years
  • Proof: 108.2
  • MSRP: $60-65
  • Released: Blended in 2025
  • Other: Non-chill filtered; earned Double Platinum at the 2025 ASCOT Awards. It uses a “Sweet Mash” process and a notably high percentage of malted barley for a wheated bourbon.
  • Purchased: 02/28/2026 for $70 at Castle & Key Distillery

❌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.

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