whiskey tasting

A Real Disruptor? General Thomas Bourbon Single Barrel 

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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!

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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❌

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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.

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

The Darkest Irish Whiskey Cocktail You’ll Ever Taste

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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.

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📋 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.

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

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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? 

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✴️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

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

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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!

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✴️ 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)

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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.

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

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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.

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✴️ 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❌

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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.

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

Double Oaked vs Barrel Proof: Pursuit United Showdown

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Cheers to another Wednesday pour! 🥃 Today, Wayne and Rebecca are diving into two incredible bottles from Pursuit United, courtesy of our friends Dawn and Michael from Chasing Neat.

Pursuit United is known for their transparency and master-level blending, bringing together premium distillates from Bardstown Bourbon Co., Finger Lakes Distilling, and a secret Tennessee partner. In this episode, we put two distinct expressions to the test: the rich, dessert-forward Double Oaked Bourbon and the bold, high-octane Triple Mash Bourbon Barrel Proof.

From “maple bacon” and “chocolate-covered peanuts” on the Double Oaked to the “confectionary sugar” and massive legs on the Triple Mash, these bottles did not disappoint. One of these even earned the title of an “all day, twice on Sunday” must-buy!

Which one won the “eye candy” approval? Watch to find out!

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🥃 Featured Whiskeys

  • Pursuit United Double Oaked Bourbon
    • Classification: Blend of Straight Bourbons
    • Proof: 108 | MSRP: $69.99
    • Tasting Notes: Maple bacon, chocolate, roasted peanuts, and dark caramel.
    • Link: Pursuit Double Oaked
  • Pursuit United Triple Mash Bourbon (Barrel Proof)
    • Classification: Blend of Straight Bourbons
    • Proof: 119.8 | MSRP: $79.99
    • Tasting Notes: Brown sugar, ginger, confectionary sweetness, and heavy viscosity.
    • Link: Pursuit Triple Mash

📍 The Mashbill Breakdown

  • Bardstown Bourbon Co (KY): 78% Corn, 10% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
  • Tennessee Distilling Partner: 80% Corn, 10% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
  • Finger Lakes Distilling (NY): 70% Local Corn, 20% Red Winter Wheat, 10% Malted Barley

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

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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 #PursuitUnited #WhiskeyTasting #DoubleOaked #BarrelProof #BourbonPursuit #ChasingNeat #WhiskeyCommunity #BourbonHer #BourbonRealTalk #KentuckyBourbon #WhiskeyLife #BottleShare #BourbonLover #PursuitSpirits

Why You MUST Visit Glenns Creek Distilling in Frankfort, KY

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Is Glenns Creek the Most Authentic Stop on the Bourbon Trail?

In this episode of Bourbon Trail Tales and Tastes, we’re heading deep into the heart of Frankfort, Kentucky, to visit our 57th distillery: Glenns Creek Distilling. Located on the historic, rugged grounds of the abandoned Old Crow Distillery, this is anything but a corporate tour.

Join us as we sit down for an unforgettable 2.5-hour tasting with the legendary and “eccentric” owner and master distiller, David Meier. From sticking our fingers in the mash to hearing the wild stories of how David propagated yeast from the original Old Crow Fermenter #5, this visit was a birthday highlight we won’t soon forget!

🥃 Bottles on the Table

We’re tasting two unique expressions that prove “lazy” isn’t in the Glenns Creek vocabulary:

  • OCD #5 Bourbon: The flagship. Crafted with a high-corn mash bill and that historic Old Crow yeast, this 103.2 proof beauty is packed with notes of toffee, butterscotch, and deep barrel char.
  • CafĂŠ OlĂŠ Bourbon: Imagine OCD #5 with a dark side. By adding chocolate malted barley, David has created a mocha-forward masterpiece. Think dark chocolate, espresso, and rich butterscotch.

Have you ever braved the backroads to find Glenns Creek? David Meier is a legend in the making—tell us your favorite “Cranky Dave” story or which of these bottles you’re hunting next in the comments below! 👇

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🥃 Bottle Details: 

OCD #5 Bourbon

  • Classification: Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Glenns Creek Distilling
  • Distillery: Glenns Creek Distilling
  • Mash Bill: 87% Corn, 8% Rye, 5% Barley
  • Yeast: Old Crow Yeast Fermenter #5
  • Age: 44 months
  • Proof: 103.2
  • MSRP: $66.04
  • Released: 2024
  • Other: Barrel 123, Bottle 3
  • Purchased: 02/23/24 for $66.04 at Glenns Creek Distilling

CafĂŠ OlĂŠ Bourbon

  • Classification: Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Glenns Creek Distilling
  • Distillery: Glenns Creek Distilling
  • Mash Bill: 87% Corn, 8% Rye, 5% Chocolate Malted Barley
  • Yeast: Old Crow Yeast Fermenter #5
  • Age: 56 months
  • Proof: 105.8
  • MSRP: $64.15
  • Released: 2024
  • Other: Barrel 26, Bottle 200
  • Purchased: 02/23/24 for $64.15 at Glenns Creek Distilling

❌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.

#Bourbon #KentuckyBourbon #Glenns CreekDistilling #WhiskeyTasting #BourbonTrail #OldCrowDistillery #FrankfortKY #CraftDistillery #OCD5 #CafeOle #WhiskeyReview #BourbonJourney #KentuckyWhiskey #SingleBarrel #MasterDistiller

Neeley Family Distillery Old Jett Flight: Full Review

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Neely Family Distillery’s Old Jet Bourbon Flight: 5 Unique Barrel Finishes! 🥃

Happy Monday, Bourbon Family! Today Your Bourbon Journey is taking a deep dive into the Old Jet line from Neeley Family Distillery. We’re spending January opening up the “2025 Vault”—bottles we picked up late last year but haven’t had the chance to share with you until now.

Named in honor of the 19th-century Jett Brothers Distilling Company, these “Old Jet” expressions by Royce Neeley bridge the gap between Kentucky history and modern finishing techniques. From a bright Sake barrel finish to a powerhouse 41-month Toasted French Oak, this flight is full of surprises!

🥃 The “Old Jet” Flight Lineup:

  • Sake Barrel Finish
    • Time: 8 Months | Proof: 101 | Mash Bill: High Rye
    • Notes: Light, bright, and fruity—the perfect “spring” bourbon.
  • Amarone & New Toasted French Oak
    • Time: 7 Months | Proof: 100 | Mash Bill: High Rye
    • Notes: A beautiful marriage of red wine grape notes and sweet vanilla.
  • Red Port Wine Barrel Finish
    • Time: 22 Months | Proof: 106.7 | Mash Bill: Wheated
    • Notes: Dark, deep, and jammy—like a fine Tawny port.
  • Maple Syrup Barrel Finish
    • Time: 7 Months | Proof: 107 | Mash Bill: Wheated
    • Notes: Rich and viscous without being overly sweet; the ultimate breakfast bourbon.
  • New Toasted French Oak
    • Time: 41 Months | Proof: 127.24 | Mash Bill: High Rye
    • Notes: A powerhouse bottle with creamy French vanilla custard and bold wood notes.

📍 Visit Neeley Family Distillery:

If you’re traveling between Cincinnati and Louisville on I-71, make sure to stop by Sparta, KY (near the Kentucky Speedway). Royce and Rebekah are doing incredible things with pot-distilled, uncut, and unfiltered spirits. Tell ’em Wayne and Rebekah from Your Bourbon Journey sent you!

Shop Online: Neeley Family Distillery Website

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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.

#Bourbon #WhiskeyTasting #OldJet #NeeleyFamilyDistillery #KentuckyBourbon #BourbonReview #WhiskeyTube #FinishedBourbon #CraftDistillery #BourbonJourney #MapleBourbon #WineFinishedWhiskey #SakeFinish #ToastedOak #BourbonLovers

Bourbon Trail Stop in Lawrenceburg: Larrikin Review!

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Lawrenceburg Bourbon Company (Larrikin) Tasting & Review! 🥃

Welcome back to Bourbon Trail Tales and Tastes! In Episode 53, we are taking you back to February 2024 for a visit to our 56th unique distillery stop: Lawrenceburg Bourbon Company (now rebranded as Larrikin).

Located just a stone’s throw from the legendary Wild Turkey, we first met this team at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival and knew we had to pull in when we saw the “Open” sign. While they weren’t running full distillery tours during our visit, the tasting room experience led by Emily was top-notch!

In this video, we finally crack open a bottle we’ve been hunting for in our “closet bourbon” collection: the Lawrenceburg One Cask Series (Barrel A2). This 116-proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon is a sourced gem (likely from the Bardstown/Green River family) that packs a surprising punch of citrus and silk.

In This Episode, We Cover:

  • The Distillery Visit: Our experience at Lawrenceburg Bourbon Co. and why we’re excited to go back for their new cigar lounge and tours.
  • The Bottle Breakdown: Mash bill, age, proof, and MSRP details for the One Cask Series.
  • Tasting Notes: * Nose: Honeysuckle, florals, and a sweet “pancake syrup” aroma.
    • Palette: Silky viscosity, orange peel, and a mid-palate pop of ginger.
    • Finish: A long, peppery, and smooth lingering finish.
  • The Value Verdict: Is a 4-year-old sourced bourbon worth the $90 price tag? We discuss why supporting craft distilleries matters.

Are you a fan of sourced Kentucky bourbon? Let us know in the comments if you’ve tried Lawrenceburg or Larrikin yet!

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🥃 Bottle Details: Lawrenceburg One Cask Series

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Mash Bill: 70% Corn / 21% Rye / 9% Malted Barley
  • Age: 4 Years
  • Proof: 116 (Cask Strength)
  • Distillery: Sourced (BBC/Green River)
  • Price: $90 (Purchased 02/23/24)

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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.

#Bourbon #KentuckyBourbon #WhiskeyTasting #LawrenceburgBourbonCo #Larrikin #BourbonTrail #SingleBarrel #CaskStrength #BourbonReview #WhiskeyLife #KentuckyStraightBourbon #BourbonJourney #DistilleryVisit #DrinkResponsibly #BourbonCommunity

Is Single Malt the Future? Stranahan’s & Westward Review

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In this episode of Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca explore the booming world of American Single Malt Whiskey. While we usually stick to bourbon, today we’re diving into two radical examples of how unique cask finishes—Sherry and Stout—can elevate 100% malted barley to a whole new level.

Whether you’re a scotch fan looking for American innovation or a bourbon lover curious about the “up and comer” of the industry, this tasting has something for you.

🥃 Featured Whiskies

Stranahan’s Sherry Cask (7-Year Age Statement)

A standout from Denver, Colorado, this expression takes Stranahan’s signature Rocky Mountain single malt and finishes it in 40-year-old Oloroso Sherry casks.

  • The Vibe: A “beautiful marriage” of barley and wine.
  • Awards: Bronze Medal at the 2025 World Whiskies Awards.
  • Tasting Notes: Invigorating nose of raisins and honey. The palate hits with a “kiss” of sherry that elevates the barley without overtaking it. Medium-to-long finish with buttery caramel and a hint of smoked cayenne.

Westward Stout Cask American Single Malt

Hailing from Portland, Oregon, Westward uses a brewer’s mindset, double-distilling a wash made from local barley and finishing it in Stout beer casks from Pacific Northwest craft breweries.

  • The Vibe: Like a “stout beer bathed in single malt.”
  • Tasting Notes: Luscious, roasted nose of cocoa and hazelnut. The palate is creamy and uniquely effervescent—Wayne describes it as “beer carbonation” meeting rich malt.
  • Pro Tip: This was a standout from our Flaviar Advent Calendar!

What is your favorite American Single Malt? Let us know in the comments!

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

✴️ Stranahan’s Sherry Cask

  • Classification: American Single Malt
  • Company: Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey
  • Distillery: Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey (Denver)
  • Mash Bill: 100% Malted Barley
  • Age: 7 Years
  • Other: Finished in 40-year-old Sherry casks
  • Proof: 90
  • MSRP: $74.99
  • Purchased: 12/31/25 for $86.29 at High Spirits in Evansville IN

✴️ Westward Stout Cask American Single Malt

  • Classification: American Single Malt
  • Company: Westward Whiskey
  • Distillery: Westward Distillery (Portland, OR)
  • Mash Bill: 100% Malted Barley
  • Age: Typically, 5 + 1
  • Proof: 92
  • MSRP: $89.95
  • Purchased: 12/12/25 for $66.30 at Flaviar Online

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

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As of January 19, 2026, the American Single Malt (ASM) category has officially completed its first full year as a federally recognized standard of identity.

While distillers have been making single malt in the U.S. for decades, the one-year anniversary of the TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau) ruling marks a pivotal shift from a “grassroots movement” to a legally protected class of spirit, similar to Bourbon or Scotch.

The Milestone: One Year of Official Status

The final rule was published in late 2024 and became effective on January 19, 2025. This past year has focused on three major transitions:

  • Label Integrity: Distillers have begun transitioning their COLA (Certificate of Label Approval) filings to the new “American Single Malt Whisky” type, ensuring that the liquid in the bottle meets the strict 100% malted barley and “single distillery” requirements.
  • Global Competition: For the first year, U.S. producers have been able to export their spirits under a formal, government-backed definition, which is crucial for trade agreements and competing with Scotch and Irish whiskeys in international markets.
  • Retail Clarity: Over the last 12 months, major liquor retailers and bars have increasingly updated their menus and shelving to include dedicated “American Single Malt” sections, moving them away from the generic “American Whiskey” or “Other” categories.

🚨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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