whiskey tasting notes

Respect The Grain: Tasting Spirits of French Lick

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

The Morning Glory & Smoked Apple Brandy! | Spirits of French Lick Review

Can a bourbon made with Kasha and Buckwheat actually taste good? Today on Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca are heading back to 2024 to relive their visit to Spirits of French Lick in West Baden, Indiana. They are diving into the wild history of The Morning Glory Bourbon and a high-proof surprise gifted by a friend: Palindrome Smoked Apple Brandy.

From the “Alchemist” himself, Alan Bishop, these spirits are anything but traditional. We break down the unique grain-forward profile of a bourbon inspired by a rough-and-tumble Civil War-era tavern and see if three drops of water can tame a 137.7 proof apple brandy finished in Islay scotch butts.

In this video, we discuss:

  • Our experience as the “first-ever” tour for a nervous but wonderful guide.
  • The “Respect the Grain” philosophy behind the mash bill of 16% Kasha and 2% Buckwheat.
  • A full tasting of The Morning Glory: Is it a “savory shredded wheat” or a “cinnamon-free churro”?
  • The Palindrome Brandy breakdown: Salted caramel, smoke, and the “Islay effect.”
  • The “Water Test”: How three drops completely shifted the profile from baked pie to fresh orchard.

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🥃 Become a Patron & Get Exclusive Content

🔔 YouTube

📸 Instagram 

👍 Facebook

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

✴️ The Morning Glory

  • Classification: Indiana Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Spirits of French Lick
  • Mash Bill: 66% Corn, 12% Rye, 16% Kasha, 2% Buckwheat, 4% Malt
  • Age: at least 4 Years
  • Proof: 100
  • Purchased: 06/28/24 for $55.24 at Spirits of French Lick

✴️ Palindrome

  • Classification: Smoked Apple Brandy
  • Distillery: Spirits of French Lick
  • Mash Bill: Distilled from fermented apple cider
  • Aged in New American Oak
  • Finished in Islay peated Scotch butts
  • Proof: 137.7
  • Gifted to us by a friend

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

Original Story About Our Tour: https://yourbourbonjourney.com/2024/07/07/first-visit-to-spirits-of-french-lick-distillery/ 

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

NOTE: The spirits in this review were purchased by us or gifted to 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 #SpiritsOfFrenchLick #MorningGlory #AppleBrandy #IndianaBourbon #WhiskeyTasting #CraftDistillery #AlanBishop #BourbonJourney #SmokedBrandy #HighProof #SingleBarrel #BourbonCommunity #WestBaden

The Library Meditation: A Savory Amaro-Forward Cocktail

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

The Library Meditation: Exploring “The Spice Trader’s Bitter” | Episode 65

Forget “refreshing”—tonight we are seeking sophisticated complexity. In Episode 65 of Thirsty Thursday Cocktails, Rebecca retreats into the library for a deep dive into ancient trade routes and bold botanicals. We’re crafting The Spice Trader’s Bitter, a savory, herbal, and deeply aromatic cocktail designed for true meditation.

The star of the show is the La Boîte Amaro from Cardinal Spirits, bringing unique notes of Szechuan peppercorn and star anise. We pair this with the “heirloom” personality of New Riff Balboa Rye, creating a pumpernickel and lemon-pepper foundation that stands up to the intense warmth of St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram. If you love amaro-forward drinks that lean into dry, peppery, and bitter-herb profiles, this is the build for you.

In this video, we discuss:

  • The unique “spice trade” profile of the La Boîte Amaro.
  • Why New Riff Balboa Rye is the perfect “bready” base for bold modifiers.
  • The “high note” impact of Cardamom bitters on dark, earthy flavors.
  • A full breakdown of the nose, palate, and long savory finish.

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🥃 Become a Patron & Get Exclusive Content

🔔 YouTube

📸 Instagram 

👍 Facebook

The Build:

  • 2 oz New Riff Balboa Bottled-in-Bond Rye
  • .75 oz La Boîte Amaro
  • .25 oz St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram
  • 2 dashes Cardamom Bitters
  • Garnish: Expressed Orange Peel

🛒 Featured Cocktail Ingredients & Tools

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Check out the links below!

🚨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.

#YourBourbonJourney #CocktailRecipe #NewRiff #Amaro #WhiskeyTasting #BourbonCommunity #Mixology #AllspiceDram #BalboaRye #CraftCocktails #HomeBartender #SpiceTradersBitter #WhiskeyReview #CardinalSpirits #BotanicalJourney

The Spirits are Coming! Dark Arts Cask Strength Bourbon

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

The Spirits Have Arrived! | Dark Arts Armagnac Finish Bourbon Review

Was a $221 “splurge” at BourbonCon 2026 actually worth the price tag? Today on Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca dive into the mysterious world of Dark Arts Whiskey House. This isn’t just whiskey; it’s alchemy.

We’re tasting the Dark Arts Cask Strength Bourbon (Armagnac Finish)—a 10-year-old MGP-sourced powerhouse bottled at a stout 113 proof. From the striking purple bottle to the “jammy” fruit notes provided by the Armagnac casks, this bottle promised a “massive explosion of complexity.”

In this video, we discuss:

  • Our experience with brand “Spirit Guide” Sarah at BourbonCon.
  • The “Alchemy” philosophy: How Dark Arts transforms spirits through finishing.
  • A deep dive into the 60/36/4 high-rye mash bill.
  • Tasting Notes: Is that “all-spice” and “dried plum” or just high-proof heat?
  • Why Dark Arts chose to be a Non-Distilling Producer (NDP) and why it’s a brilliant business move.

Does the “Purple Bottle” live up to the hype, or did the aesthetics cloud our judgment? Grab a glass and join us for the breakdown!

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🥃 Become a Patron & Get Exclusive Content

🔔 YouTube

📸 Instagram 

👍 Facebook

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

Dark Arts Cask Strength Bourbon (Armagnac Finish)

  • Classification:  Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Dark Arts Whiskey House
  • Distilled: Sourced from MGP in Indiana  
  • Produced by: Dark Arts Whiskey House LLC
  • Bottled by: Divine Spirits LLC
  • Mash Bill: 60% Corn, 36% Rye, 4% Malted Barley
  • Age: 10 Years
  • Proof: 113 (Cask Strength)
  • Released: Early 2026
  • Other: Finished in Armagnac Cask; Batch AT2; Bottle 132
  • Purchased: 01/17/26 for $221 from Dark Arts 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.

#BourbonReview #DarkArtsWhiskey #ArmagnacFinish #WhiskeyTasting #BourbonCon2026 #MGPBourbon #CaskStrength #YourBourbonJourney #KentuckyBourbon #WhiskeyTube #BourbonCommunity #HighRye #SpiritGuide #Alchemy #BakingSpices

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 Bourbon Contenders: The Road to the Sweet 16 Continues! 

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

Can a $54 Craft Bourbon Take Down a $200 Kentucky Legend? 🥃 Blind Bourbon Tasting

We are back with another high-stakes Blind Whiskey of the Month tasting! This month, we’re putting four incredible contenders to the ultimate test using our brand-new, data-driven scoring rubric. From a New York-distilled “transplant” bottled at Glenn’s Creek to the highly anticipated 2026 Woodford Reserve Double Double Oaked, this lineup is absolutely stacked.

In this episode, Wayne and Rebecca dive deep into the nose, palate, and finish of four mysterious samples. You won’t believe the scores—we actually witnessed a “Mr. Perfect” moment with one of the highest ratings we’ve ever handed out! Does the $200 price tag of the Woodford Double Double Oaked guarantee a win, or will a craft underdog like 5094 Transplant, General Thomas, or Robert’s Reserve pull off the upset?

THE CONTENDERS:

  • 5094 Transplant Bourbon (5094 Distilling/Glenns Creek) – 94.8 Proof
  • General Thomas Bourbon Single Barrel (General Thomas Spirits) – 110 Proof
  • Robert’s Reserve Bourbon (Pauley Hollow Distillery) – 92 Proof
  • Woodford Reserve Double Double Oaked (2026) – 90.4 Proof

Stay tuned until the end for the Big Reveal! We break down the math, discuss the “Sweet Sixteen” leaderboard implications, and find out which of these bottles are destined for our Whiskey of the Year tournament.

🥃 OUR NEW SCORING PROCESS: We’ve revamped our scoring to be more transparent than ever. Read the full breakdown of our new rubric and the “Sweet Sixteen” bracket process on our website: 👉 https://yourbourbonjourney.com/2026/02/27/decoding-the-pour-the-new-your-bourbon-journey-scoring-woty-process/

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

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🥃 Become a Patron & Get Exclusive Content

🔔 YouTube

📸 Instagram 

👍 Facebook

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

5094 Transplant Bourbon

  • Classification: Bourbon Whiskey
  • By: 5094 Distilling
  • Distilled in New York
  • Bottled by Glenns Creek Distilling
  • Mash Bill: Four Grain
  • Age: 4 Years (then 3 years in a toasted barrel)
  • Proof: 94.8
  • MSRP: $54

Original Review:

General Thomas Bourbon Single Barrel

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • By: General Thomas Spirits LLC
  • Sourced from a Northern Kentucky distillery
  • Bottled in Newport, KY
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed
  • Age: 5 Years
  • Proof: 110
  • MSRP: $70

Original Review:

Robert’s Reserve Bourbon

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Pauley Hollow Distillery
  • Mash Bill: Four-grain (Corn, Rye, Wheat, and Malted Barley)
  • Barreling: Uses a combination of 10-gallon and 30-gallon barrels with a #3 char.
  • Age: 4 Years
  • Proof: 92
  • MSRP: $50

Original Review:

Woodford Reserve Double Double Oaked Bourbon

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Brown-Forman
  • Distillery: Woodford Reserve Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 72% Corn, 18% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
  • Age: NAS: 5-7 Years in first barrel, then up to 2 years in second barrel
  • Proof: 90.4
  • MSRP: $199.99 (700 ml)

Original Review:

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🚨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 producers for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.

#Bourbon #Whiskey #BlindTasting #YourBourbonJourney #WoodfordReserve #BourbonReview #WhiskeyGram #KentuckyBourbon #BourbonHunt #WhiskeyTasting #CraftWhiskey #BourbonLife #Distillery #WhiskeyLovers #BourbonCommunity

Old Grand-Dad 114 Old Fashioned | Velvety, Bold, Unforgettable

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

Kick Back with the Post Parade Old Fashioned | Episode 62 Thirsty Thursday Cocktails

Last week’s Dublin Botanist was a crisp linen suit, but the Post Parade Old Fashioned is your favorite broken-in leather jacket. In this episode of Thirsty Thursday Cocktails, we’re leaving the botanical gardens of Ireland behind and heading home to the bold, barrel-charred heart of Kentucky.

If you love a high-proof bourbon with a velvety finish, this is the build for you. We’re using the iconic Old Grand-Dad 114 to provide a “cinnamon-red-hot” punch, balanced by the “silken secret” of gum syrup for a luxurious, viscous mouthfeel. With the earthy, aromatic spice of cardamom bitters and the bright pop of expressed orange oils, this cocktail is a masterclass in texture and high-rye spice.

Whether you’re a bourbon aficionado or just looking for a cozy, high-end drink to wake up your palate, the Post Parade is the ultimate “Kentucky Hug” in a glass.

Next Week: We’re celebrating the shift in seasons! Join us for Episode 63: The Vernal Equinox, where we’ll be leaning into bright, fresh, and balanced flavors for Spring.

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🥃 Become a Patron & Get Exclusive Content

🔔 YouTube

📸 Instagram 

👍 Facebook

🥃 Ingredients & Recipe

The Components:

  • 2 oz Old Grand-Dad 114 Bourbon (High-Rye Backbone)
  • 1/4 oz Gum Syrup (The Silken Secret)
  • 2 dashes Fee Brothers Cardamom Bitters (The Warm Notes)
  • Garnish: Thick Orange Peel

Instructions:

  1. Combine: Add the bourbon, gum syrup, and cardamom bitters into a mixing glass filled with plenty of ice.
  2. Stir: Stir for 20-30 seconds. Because of the high proof and the gum syrup, a longer stir ensures a perfectly integrated, silky texture.
  3. Strain: Strain the mixture into a rocks glass over one large clear ice cube.
  4. Garnish: Express the orange peel over the glass to release those essential oils, then drop it in.

🛒 Featured Cocktail Ingredients & Tools

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Check out the links below!

🚨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.

#OldFashioned #BourbonCocktails #OldGrandDad114 #HomeBartender #CocktailRecipe #ThirstyThursday #BourbonJourney #WhiskeyLovers #ClassicCocktails #Mixology #HighProof #GumSyrup #CardamomBitters #KentuckyBourbon #CraftCocktails

Woodford Double Double Oaked 2026: Way Darker Than 2025!

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

Woodford Reserve Double Double Oaked (2026) | The Ultimate Dark & Decadent Bourbon?

Is the 2026 Woodford Reserve Double Double Oaked worth the $200 price tag? 🥃 In today’s New Whiskey Monday on Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca dive into one of the most coveted annual releases in the whiskey world.

After hunting this bottle down at MSRP, we’re breaking down how this year’s expression compares to the legendary 2025 release. Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall promised a “deeper and darker” profile this year—and she delivered. From the heavy toasted second barrel to the complex notes of burnt butterscotch, dark baking cocoa, and espresso, this 90.4 proof powerhouse is an absolute flavor journey.

We explore why the “double-double” process (finishing for two additional years in a second heavily toasted barrel) creates a spicier, more jammy profile than the standard Double Oaked. Does it live up to the hype? Watch to find out!

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🥃 Become a Patron & Get Exclusive Content

🔔 YouTube

📸 Instagram 

👍 Facebook

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

✴️ Woodford Reserve Double Double Oaked Bourbon

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Brown-Forman
  • Distillery: Woodford Reserve Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 72% Corn, 18% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
  • Age: NAS
  • Press Release stated: 5-7 Years in first barrel, then up to 2 years in second barrel
  • Proof: 90.4
  • MSRP: $199.99 (700 ml)
  • Released: January 2026
  • Purchased: 02/11/26 for $199.99 at High Spirits in Evansville, IN

❌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.

#WoodfordReserve #DoubleDoubleOaked #BourbonReview #WhiskeyTasting #NewWhiskeyMonday #BourbonJourney #WoodfordDoubleDoubleOaked2026 #KentuckyBourbon #BrownForman #WhiskeyRelease #BourbonHunter #CraftWhiskey #DoubleBarreled #WhiskeyCollector #ElizabethMcCall

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

Don’t Skip This! Trackside High Proof Bourbon Tasting

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

Is this the next big winner in Kentucky Bourbon? 🥃

Join Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey as we dive into a truly unique find from BourbonCon 2026: the Trackside Bourbon Founder’s Release High Proof. With only 900 bottles produced, this limited-edition gem is making waves with its rare four-grain mash bill featuring Chocolate Malted Barley.

Sourced and blended from the renowned Kentucky Artisan Distillery (the hands behind Jefferson’s Ocean), this 107-proof expression is the passion project of industry veterans Jade Peterson and Jeremy Deaver. Inspired by Kentucky’s rich racing culture, it’s crafted from Jade’s personal “honey hole” collection amassed over the last decade.

In this tasting, we explore the deep confectionery sugar notes, the surprising hints of pear skin, and that signature dark chocolate finish that only a high-quality chocolate malt can provide. Is it our next Whiskey of the Month? 

Watch to find out why we’re regretting not buying a second bottle!

In this video:

  • The backstory of Trackside Distilling & Kentucky Artisan Distillery.
  • Deep dive into the 107-proof Founder’s Release profile.
  • Why Chocolate Malted Barley is a game-changer for bourbon lovers.
  • Final verdict: Is it worth the $72.99 MSRP?

If you enjoy interesting bourbon finds and honest reviews, hit that Subscribe button and join our community!

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🥃 Become a Patron & Get Exclusive Content

🔔 YouTube

📸 Instagram 

👍 Facebook

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

Trackside Bourbon (Founder Release High Proof)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Trackside Distilling Company (Co-Founders Jade Peterson and Jeremy Dever)
  • Distillery: Sourced and blended barrels from Kentucky Artisan Distillery (Crestwood, KY)
  • Mash Bill: A unique four-grain mash bill: Yellow Corn, Rye, Distiller’s Malt, and Chocolate Malted Barley.
  • Age: 5
  • Proof: 107
  • MSRP: $72.99
  • Other: This is a limited “Founder Release”—only about 900 bottles of this High Proof version were produced. The brand is inspired by the racing culture of Kentucky, and the barrels used are part of Jade’s personal collection amassed over the last decade.

❌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 #TracksideBourbon #KentuckyBourbon #BourbonJourney #WhiskeyTasting #HighProof #LimitedRelease #CraftSpirits #BourbonCommunity #ChocolateMalt #KentuckyArtisanDistillery #WhiskeyLover #BourbonCon #RareBourbon

Peter E. Hart Kentucky Rye: Everything You Need to Know

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

A Journey Through History: Peter E. Hart Smoked Barrel Rye Review 🥃

Join Wayne and Rebecca on Your Bourbon Journey as we dive into a truly unique find from BourbonCon 2026: the Peter E. Hart Rye Whiskey. Sourced from the prestigious Wilderness Trail Distillery, this isn’t your average spicy rye.

What happens when you take a high-quality Kentucky Rye and finish it in Smoked Bourbon Barrels? You get a “cinnamon champagne” effervescence, bright citrus notes, and a “bourbon-esque” caramel finish that might just turn non-rye drinkers into believers. Whether you’re a fan of historical whiskey roots or looking for a rye soft enough for a slow, after-work sipper, this bottle tells a story in every glass.

In this video, we cover:

  • The historical connection to Union Soldier Sergeant Peter E. Hart.
  • Why the smoked barrel finish reminds us of the “smokehouse” style.
  • Detailed tasting notes: Orange citrus, floral grass, and popping cinnamon.
  • Is it worth the $130 price point?

Support the Journey: If you enjoy our deep dives into the world of whiskey, don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE and hit the bell icon! 🔔

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🥃 Become a Patron & Get Exclusive Content

🔔 YouTube

📸 Instagram 

👍 Facebook

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

✴️ PETER E HART RYE WHISKEY

  • Classification: Kentucky Rye Whiskey
  • Company: Peter E Hart
  • Distillery: Sourced from Wilderness Trail Distillery (Danville, KY)
  • Mash Bill: 56% Rye, 33% Corn, 11% Malted Barley
  • Age: 3 Years (ave blend is reported closer to 4.5 years)
  • Proof: 100
  • Other: Finished in Smoked Bourbon Barrels
  • Purchased: 01/17/26 for $130 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.

#WhiskeyReview #BourbonJourney #PeterEHart #RyeWhiskey #WildernessTrail #BourbonCon #KentuckyWhiskey #SmokedWhiskey #WhiskeyTasting #CraftSpirits #WhiskeyHistory #BourbonLovers #RyeDrinking #SpiritReview #yourbourbonjourney