whiskey tasting

Don’t Buy An Old Jett Finish Until You Watch This

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

Four for Tuesday! On this episode of Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca dive into an incredible “Curiosities & Wood” flight featuring four unique expressions of The Old Jett Brothers Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey from Neeley Family Distillery in Sparta, Kentucky.

Known for their traditional sweet-mash, double pot-distilled approach and exceptional flavor profiles, Royce Neeley and the team have crafted some of the most adventurous barrel finishes in craft whiskey. From fortified and dry European wine casks to Mexican Sotol and multi-use hybrid wood, we break down the nose, palate, and finish on each pour to crown a unanimous favorite for our monthly blind whiskey competition.

Featured Flight Details:

🍇🌾🍯 Old Jett Finished in White Port Barrel

🍷🍫🇮🇹 Old Jett Finished in Amarone Wine Barrel

🎆🌵💥 Old Jett Finished in Sotol Barrel (America’s 250th Anniversary Edition) 

🪵🥧🍂 Old Jett Finished in Brandy Amburana Rye Hybrid Cask

Which of these wild barrel finishes would you try first? Let us know in the comments below!

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🎓 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

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

The Old Jett Brothers Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in a White Port Barrel

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Finished)
  • Distillery: Neeley Family Distillery (DSP-KY-20039 — Sparta, KY)
  • Mash Bill: Sweet-Mash Wheated Bourbon
  • Age: NAS (Primary maturation ~4–5 years + 28 months secondary finishing; fortified wine)
  • Proof: 107 (53.5% ABV)
  • Purchased 07/24/26 for $100 at Neeley Family Distillery in Sparta, KY

The Old Jett Brothers Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Amarone Wine Barrel

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Finished)
  • Distillery: Neeley Family Distillery (DSP-KY-20039 — Sparta, KY)
  • Mash Bill: Sweet-Mash High-Rye Bourbon
  • Age: NAS (Primary maturation ~4–5 years + 11 months secondary finishing; dry red wine cask)
  • Proof: 106.4 (53.2% ABV)
  • Other: Finished in European Italian Amarone red wine casks.
  • Purchased 07/24/26 for $100 at Neeley Family Distillery in Sparta, KY

The Old Jett Brothers Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Sotol Barrel

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Finished)
  • Distillery: Neeley Family Distillery (DSP-KY-20039 — Sparta, KY)
  • Mash Bill: Sweet-Mash High-Rye Bourbon
  • Age: NAS (Primary maturation ~4–5 years + 19 months secondary finishing; botanical / agave-adjacent spirit finish)
  • Proof: 112.4 (56.2% ABV)
  • Other: Finished in casks previously holding Mexican Sotol spirit (distilled wild Dasylirion plant).
  • Purchased 07/24/26 for $100 at Neeley Family Distillery in Sparta, KY

The Old Jett Brothers Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Brandy Amburana Rye (Cask)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Finished)
  • Distillery: Neeley Family Distillery (DSP-KY-20039 — Sparta, KY)
  • Mash Bill: Sweet-Mash High-Rye Bourbon
  • Age: NAS (Primary maturation ~4–5 years + 48 months / 4 years secondary finishing; exotic wood and fruit brandy hybrid)
  • Proof: 103 (51.5% ABV)
  • Other: An extended 4-year finish in hybrid casks that conditioned both fruit brandy and Brazilian Amburana oak.
  • Purchased 07/24/26 for $100 at Neeley Family Distillery in Sparta, KY

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

NOTE: The spirits in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.

#Bourbon #WhiskeyReview #OldJett #NeeleyFamilyDistillery #FinishedBourbon #CraftSpirits #KentuckyBourbon #WhiskeyTasting #BourbonFlight #YourBourbonJourney #SotolFinish #Amburana #SweetMash #BourbonCommunity #WhiskeyTube

Is This the Best Bourbon Starlight Has Ever Bottled? 

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

Join us for an exclusive, high-end Starlight Distillery tasting featuring rare Japanese wood finishes and an ultra-rare 10-year release! In this episode, we break down two exotic cask-finished whiskeys alongside the hyper-allocated Starlight 25th Anniversary Bourbon (limited to only 100 bottles worldwide).

  • Starlight Sakura Reserve Bourbon (Batch 0001): 8-year sweet mash blend, 118 proof, finished in rare Japanese Sakura (cherry blossom) wood.
  • Starlight Mizunara Reserve Bourbon (Batch 0002): 8-year sweet mash blend, 112 proof, finished in Japanese Mizunara oak.
  • Starlight 25th Anniversary 10-Year Bourbon: 120.4 proof, low entry proof, unfinished cask strength, bottle #73 of 100.

From fresh cherry floral notes and sandalwood incense to decadent dark fudge and rich oak, we dive into full tasting notes, comparisons, and our final verdicts.

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🎓 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

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

Starlight Distillery Sakura Reserve Bourbon Whiskey (Batch No. 0001)

  • Classification: Indiana Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Japanese Sakura Barrels
  • Distillery: Starlight Distillery (Borden, IN)
  • Mash Bill: Starlight Sweet Mash Blend (3-Grain: 60% Corn, 20% Rye, 20% Malted Barley / 4-Grain: 51% Corn, 20% Rye, 20% Malted Barley, 9% Wheat)
  • Age: 8 Years
  • Proof: 118 Proof (59% ABV)
  • Released: August 1, 2026
  • Other: Cask strength; finished in rare Japanese Sakura (Cherry Blossom) wood barrels; estate-grown non-GMO grains; double pot distilled.
  • Purchased: 08/01/26 for $149.99 at Starlight Distillery

Starlight Distillery Mizunara Reserve Bourbon Whiskey (Batch No. 0002)

  • Classification: Indiana Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Japanese Mizunara Oak Barrels
  • Distillery: Starlight Distillery (Borden, IN)
  • Mash Bill: Starlight Sweet Mash Blend (3-Grain: 60% Corn, 20% Rye, 20% Malted Barley / 4-Grain: 51% Corn, 20% Rye, 20% Malted Barley, 9% Wheat)
  • Age: 8 Years
  • Proof: 112 Proof (56% ABV)
  • Released: December 2025
  • Other: Cask strength; finished in rare Japanese Mizunara oak barrels; estate-grown non-GMO grains; double pot distilled.
  • Purchased: 12/4/25 for $149.99 at Starlight Distillery

Starlight Distillery 25th Anniversary Bourbon Whiskey

  • Classification: Indiana Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Starlight Distillery (Borden, IN)
  • Mash Bill: 3-Grain Sweet Mash (60% Corn, 20% Rye, 20% Malted Barley; estate-grown non-GMO grains)
  • Age: 10 Years
  • Proof: 120.4 Proof (60.2% ABV)
  • Released: August 1, 2026
  • Other: Ultra-limited 100-bottle release celebrating 25 years of distilling (Bottle No. 73 of 100); bottled July 2026; un-finished cask strength; low entry proof (110); Canton cooperage (char #3–4, 2-year air-dried staves, charred heads); aged in Warehouse 2 (southeast side); includes presentation box, custom Anniversary Glencairns, metal lapel pin, and signed Certificate of Authenticity.
  • Purchased: 08/01/26 for $300 at Starlight Distillery

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

NOTE: The spirits in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.

#StarlightDistillery #BourbonReview #CraftBourbon #SakuraBourbon #MizunaraOak #RareBourbon #WhiskeyTasting #BourbonHunting #CaskStrength #SingleBarrel #YourBourbonJourney #WhiskeyReview #IndianaBourbon #SweetMash #BourbonFlight

Liar Liar Pants on Fire! Potter Jane Spirits Review

/ bourbonjourney / 2 Comments

Heading into the weekend with a little “Liar Liar Pants on Fire!” On this episode of Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca review Big Vat Liar Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey from Potter Jane Spirits.

Crafted by industry icons Denny Potter and Jane Bowie, this sourced and vatted whiskey blends Kentucky straight bourbons aged at least 6 years, finished with a combination of hybrid, French, and American oak. Bottled at a robust 109.6 proof, we picked up our bottle at Justin’s House of Bourbon in Lexington, KY.

Join us as we break down the controversy, the story behind the release, and dive into an honest nose, palate, and finish. Is this French oak-finished release really the ultimate vanilla wafer and creamy vanilla pudding bomb? Tune in to find out if it deserves a spot on your whiskey shelf!

If you enjoy honest whiskey reviews and bourbon tasting notes, make sure to like this video, drop a comment with your thoughts on sourced releases, and Subscribe to Your Bourbon Journey!

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🎓 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

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

Big Vat Liar

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Vatted / Finished)
  • Company: Potter Jane Spirits
  • Distillery: Undisclosed (Sourced from multiple distilleries)
  • Mash Bill: 70% corn, 21% rye, and 9% malted barley
  • Other: Blend/vatting process using a combination of hybrid, French, and American oak; crafted by industry veterans Denny Potter and Jane Bowie.
  • Age: 6 years (bottled 05/26/26)
  • Proof: 109.6
  • SRP: $59.99
  • Released: 2026
  • Purchased: 07/04/26 for $59.99 at Justin’s House of Bourbon in Lexington, KY

🚨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.

#BigVatLiar #PotterJaneSpirits #BourbonReview #YourBourbonJourney #BourbonWhiskey #KentuckyBourbon #DennyPotter #JaneBowie #WhiskeyTasting #BourbonCommunity #WhiskeyReview #SourcedBourbon #FrenchOakFinish #BourbonTasting #JustinsHouseOfBourbon

Tasting Bardstown’s 99-Point Lochs of Jura & 2026 Discovery

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

Today on Your Bourbon Journey, we have an exclusive first look and side-by-side tasting of the brand-new Fall 2026 releases from Bardstown Bourbon Company!

A huge thank you to Holly at Lofted Spirits and Bardstown Bourbon Company for providing these sneak peek bottles ahead of their official release on Friday, August 21, 2026.

In this tasting:

🥃 Lochs of Jura Barrel Finish (104 Proof | $139.99): A bespoke blend of 10–12 year Indiana rye and Kentucky/Indiana bourbons finished for 32 months in Isle of Jura ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks. Awarded 99 Points / Best American Whiskey (IWSC 2026).

🥃 2026 Discovery Garryana Oak Finish (112.8 Proof | $139.99): The debut of Bardstown’s new annual dated flagship format (dropping batch numbers). This blend of 7, 10, and 11-year straight bourbons spends 4 months in custom-toasted Oregon White Oak.

We break down the specs, unpack the major rebrand shift for the iconic Discovery Series, and give you our live, unvarnished tasting notes on both unique expressions.

Which one of these two fall pours are you hunting down first? Let us know in the comments below!

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🎓 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

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

Lochs of Jura Barrel Finish Whiskey

  • Classification: A Blend of Straight Bourbon and Rye Whiskies Finished in Single Malt Scotch Whisky Barrels (Finished Whiskey)
  • Company: Bardstown Bourbon Company
  • Distillery: Sourced / Blended by Bardstown Bourbon Company (components from Indiana and Kentucky aged in ex-bourbon & ex-sherry casks from Isle of Jura Distillery)
  • Mash Bill: Blend of 40% 11-yr IN bourbon [75/21/4], 30% 10-yr IN rye [95/5], and 21% 12-yr KY bourbon [75/13/12]
  • Age: NAS overall blend statement; finished for 32 months in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks from the Isle of Jura (Component ages: 10, 11, and 12 years)
  • Proof: 104 Proof (52% ABV)
  • SRP: $139.99 (750 mL)
  • Released: August 21, 2026

2026 Discovery (Garryana Oak Finish)

  • Classification: Blended Straight Bourbon Whiskies Finished in Garryana Oak Barrels
  • Company: Bardstown Bourbon Company
  • Mash Bill: Blend of 55% 10-yr IN bourbon [75/21/4], 25% 11-yr KY bourbon [74/18/8], and 20% 7-yr KY bourbon [74/16/10]
  • Age: Blend of 7, 10, and 11-year-old bourbons, finished for 4 months in custom Garryana oak barrels.
  • Proof: 112.8 Proof (56.4% ABV)
  • SRP: $139.99 (750 mL)
  • Released: August 21, 2026

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

NOTE: Thank you to Bardstown Bourbon Company for providing these bottles 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.

#BardstownBourbonCompany #bourbonreview #DiscoverySeries #WhiskeyTasting #LochsOfJura #GarryanaOak #Fall2026Whiskey #BourbonHunt #WhiskeyReview #FinishedWhiskey #BourbonCommunity #CraftSpirits #KentuckyBourbon #AmericanWhiskey #YourBourbonJourney

Lost Lantern American Single Malt & US of Bourbon Blind Flight

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

Is blending whiskey from 50 different craft distilleries a stroke of blending genius or a recipe for disaster? Today on Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca are diving into an ambitious showcase from independent bottler Lost Lantern! 

Founded by Nora Ganley-Roper and Adam Polonski after their epic “Great Whiskey Road Trip” to over 100 distilleries, Lost Lantern shines a spotlight on America’s finest craft producers. Today, we put three of their unique, highly limited releases to the ultimate test:

  • Lost Lantern American Vatted Malt Reissue (AVM-1) | 105 Proof: A 100% malted barley blend of straight American single malts from 6 heavyweight craft distilleries.
  • Lost Lantern American Vatted Malt Remix (AVM-2) | 110.8 Proof: The evolution of the blend! 11 distinct American single malt distilleries come together.
  • Lost Lantern United States of Bourbon (Edition No. 1) | 123.0 Proof (Cask Strength): The headliner! A blend of straight bourbons sourced from 50 craft distilleries across all 50 U.S. states.

Did 50 bourbons turn into muddy water, or did it shock us by drinking like an Elijah Craig Barrel Proof contender? Watch to find out which bottle took the crown and might just end up in our Whiskey of the Month blind challenge!

🔔 Subscribe to Your Bourbon Journey for weekly honest whiskey reviews, blind tastings, and cocktail recipes.

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🎓 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

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

Lost Lantern – American Vatted Malt Reissue (AVM-1)

  • Classification: Blend of Straight Whiskies (American Single Malt Whiskey)
  • Company: Lost Lantern Whiskey
  • Distillery: Balcones Distilling, Copperworks Distilling, Santa Fe Spirits, Triple Eight, Virginia Distillery Co., Westward Whiskey
  • Mash Bill: 100% Malted Barley
  • Age: 2 Years Old
  • Proof: 105.0 (52.5% ABV)
  • SRP: $90.00
  • Released: 2026
  • Purchased: 07/15/26 for $90.00 at Lost Lantern (Online Direct)

Lost Lantern – American Vatted Malt Remix (AVM-2)

Classification: Blend of Straight Whiskies (American Single Malt Whiskey)

  • Company: Lost Lantern Whiskey
  • Distillery: Andalusia Whiskey Co., Balcones, Cedar Ridge, Copperworks, McCarthy’s, Santa Fe Spirits, Triple Eight, Virginia, Westland, Westward, Whiskey Del Bac
  • Mash Bill: 100% Malted Barley
  • Age: 2 Years Old
  • Proof: 110.8 (55.4% ABV)
  • SRP: $100.00
  • Released: 2026
  • Purchased: 07/15/26 for $100.00 at Lost Lantern (Online Direct) 

Lost Lantern – United States of Bourbon (Edition No. 1)

  • Classification: Blend of Straight Bourbon Whiskies
  • Company: Lost Lantern Whiskey
  • Distillery: Blended from 50 craft distilleries across all 50 U.S. states (including Starlight – IN, New Riff – KY, Kings County – NY, Frey Ranch – NV, etc.)
  • Mash Bill: Blended Multi-State Bourbon Mash Bill
  • Age: 2 Years Old
  • Proof: 123.0 (61.5% ABV – Cask Strength)
  • SRP: $99.99
  • Released: 2026
  • Other: Non-chill-filtered & cask strength; Limited release of 3,300 bottles; Features one straight bourbon distillery from every U.S. state listed on the back label.
  • Purchased: 07/15/26 for $99.99 at Lost Lantern (Online Direct)

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

NOTE: The spirits in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.

#LostLantern #Bourbon #AmericanSingleMalt #WhiskeyReview #BourbonReview #CraftWhiskey #SingleMalt #YourBourbonJourney #UnitedStatesOfBourbon #CaskStrength #WhiskeyTasting #BourbonHunting #StarlightDistillery #NewRiff #WhiskeyLovers

American Single Malt Flight: Virginia Distillery Co. Lineup Review 

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

Bourbon lovers, are you ready to explore the evolving world of American Single Malt? Join Wayne and Rebecca on Your Bourbon Journey as we dive into a fascinating three-bottle tasting flight from Virginia Distillery Co. (Lovingston, VA)! 

From a unique 50/50 bourbon-and-single-malt collaboration with Bardstown Bourbon Company to handcrafted Blue Ridge toasted oak and a rich cold-brew coffee cask finish, this lineup proves why Virginia Distillery Co. is leading the charge in American Single Malt Whisky.

🥃 IN THIS FLIGHT:
1️⃣ Virginia Distillery Co. The Split Barrel Project No. 1
2️⃣ Virginia Distillery Co. Blue Ridge Toasted Barrel Finish
3️⃣ VHW Scholar’s Craft Coffee Cask

Which of these expressions would you pick for a summer patio sip or a post-dinner dessert pour? Let us know in the comments below! 

If you enjoyed this tasting, please LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE to follow along on Your Bourbon Journey! Always remember to drink responsibly. 🥃

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🎓 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

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

Virginia Distillery Co. The Split Barrel Project No. 1

  • Classification: American Blended Whisky (Blend of Kentucky Straight Bourbon & Virginia Single Malt)
  • Company/Distillery: Virginia Distillery Co. (Lovingston, VA) & Sourced Bardstown, KY Bourbon
  • Mash Bill: 50% Virginia Single Malt (100% Malted Barley) / 50% KY Straight Bourbon (75% Corn, 15% Rye, 10% Malted Barley)
  • Age: Blend of 5-Year Virginia Single Malt & 4-Year Kentucky Bourbon
  • Proof: 90 Proof (45% ABV)
  • SRP: $44.99 (700 ml)
  • Released: Spring 2026
  • Other: Collaboration/cask-swap project utilizing Bardstown Bourbon Co. casks; inaugural release of the Split Barrel Project series.
  • Purchased: 06/16/26 for $44.99 at Virginia Distillery Co. Online Store

Virginia Distillery Co. Blue Ridge Toasted Barrel Finish

  • Classification: American Single Malt Whisky
  • Company/Distillery: Virginia Distillery Co. (Lovingston, VA)
  • Mash Bill: 100% Malted Barley (100% American-grown)
  • Age: 4 Years (Aged initial years in first-fill ex-bourbon barrels, finished in virgin toasted oak barrels)
  • Proof: 92 Proof (46% ABV)
  • SRP: $44.99 (700 ml)
  • Released: Ongoing Core Portfolio
  • Other: Finished in handcrafted virgin oak barrels sourced directly from trees in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains.
  • Purchased: 06/16/26 for $44.99 at Virginia Distillery Co. Online Store

VHW Scholar’s Craft Coffee Cask

  • Classification: American Single Malt Whisky
  • Company/Distillery: Virginia Distillery Co. (Lovingston, VA)
  • Mash Bill: 100% Malted Barley
  • Age: NAS (Aged in ex-bourbon barrels, finished ~8–12 months in coffee-infused casks)
  • Proof: 92 Proof (46% ABV)
  • SRP: $59.99
  • Other: Finished in barrels previously used to age ethically sourced, custom-roasted cold brew coffee; sales support higher education scholarships.
  • Purchased: 06/16/26 for $59.99 at Virginia Distillery Co. Online Store 

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

NOTE: The spirits in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.

#VirginiaDistilleryCo #AmericanSingleMalt #BourbonReview #WhiskeyTasting #YourBourbonJourney #BardstownBourbonCo #ToastedBarrel #CoffeeCask #SingleMaltWhisky #CraftWhiskey #WhiskeyReview #VirginiaWhisky #WhiskeyFlight #BourbonCommunity #WhiskeyPours

Four Roses Single Barrel 2026: OESQ vs OESF vs OBSK Review 

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

Are you curious about the Four Roses 2026 Single Barrel Collection releases? In this episode, Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey dive into three distinct 100-proof red label recipes from Four Roses Distillery: OESQ, OESF, and OBSK! 

We breakdown the yeast strain variations, mash bill differences (E vs. B), tasting notes, retail price, and recommend the ultimate tasting flight order—moving from delicate floral aromas to rich baking spices. 

Plus, we share our recent experience at the Four Roses gift shop in Lawrenceburg, KY, hint at upcoming new distillery recipes, and discuss why these annual releases are a must-try for any bourbon enthusiast.

If you enjoyed this review, please LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE to Your Bourbon Journey for weekly bourbon reviews, distillery news, and whiskey tasting guides!

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🎓 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

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

Four Roses Single Barrel Collection — OESQ (2026 Release)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Four Roses Distillery (Lawrenceburg, KY)
  • Mash Bill: E — 75% Corn, 20% Rye, 5% Malted Barley
  • Age: 7 – 9 Years
  • Proof: 100 Proof (50% ABV)
  • SRP: $49.99
  • Released: May 2026
  • Other: Recipe 9. Features Yeast Strain Q (Floral Essence).
  • Purchased: 07/26/26 for $51.99 at The Party Source (Newport, KY)

Four Roses Single Barrel Collection — OESF (2026 Release)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Four Roses Distillery (Lawrenceburg, KY)
  • Mash Bill: E — 75% Corn, 20% Rye, 5% Malted Barley
  • Age: 7 – 9 Years
  • Proof: 100 Proof (50% ABV)
  • SRP: $49.99
  • Released: May 2026
  • Other: Recipe 10. Features Yeast Strain F (Herbal Note).
  • Purchased: 07/26/26 for $51.99 at The Party Source (Newport, KY)

Four Roses Single Barrel Collection — OBSK (2026 Release)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Four Roses Distillery (Lawrenceburg, KY)
  • Mash Bill: B — 60% Corn, 35% Rye, 5% Malted Barley
  • Age: 7 – 9 Years
  • Proof: 100 Proof (50% ABV)
  • SRP: $49.99
  • Released: May 2026
  • Other: Recipe 2. Features Yeast Strain K (Slight Spice).
  • Purchased: 05/01/26 for $51.99 at The Party Source (Newport, KY)

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

NOTE: The spirits in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.

#FourRoses #BourbonReview #SingleBarrel #BourbonTasting #YourBourbonJourney #KentuckyBourbon #FourRoses2026 #WhiskeyReview #BourbonCommunity #CraftWhiskey #BourbonLife #WhiskeyTasting #FourRosesRecipes #PartySource #Whiskey

Tasting Old Steelhouse: Wheated vs Rye Bourbon

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

Join Wayne and Rebecca on Your Bourbon Journey as we explore four releases from Old Steelhouse Distillery, purchased directly from their downtown tasting room in Bardstown, Kentucky.

The historic Old Steelhouse property in Deatsville dates back to 1844 as the legendary T.W. Samuels Distillery site. While the historic campus undergoes renovations, we sat down for an epic 4-bottle tasting grid comparing Wheated Bourbon against High-Rye Bourbon across both Small Batch and Single Barrel expressions.

Shout-out to Adam Inman and the team at the Bardstown tasting room for an unforgettable experience! Have you tried Old Steelhouse yet? Let us know your favorite pour in the comments!

Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more bourbon reviews, distillery history, and flight comparisons!

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 


🎓 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

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

Small Batch & Single Barrel Wheated Mashbills

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Old Steelhouse Distillery
  • Distillery: Distilled in Kentucky; Bottled by Old Steelhouse Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 64% Corn, 24% Wheat, 2% Malted Barley
  • Purchased: 05/30/26 at their Bardstown Tasting Room

Old Steelhouse Batch 002

  • Age 5 Years; Proof 105; $70.00

Old Steelhouse Single Barrel 001

  • Age 5.5 Years; Proof 113.8; $95.00

Small Batch & Single Barrel Ryed Mashbills

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Old Steelhouse Distillery
  • Distilled in Indiana & Kentucky; Bottled by Old Steelhouse Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 75% Corn, 21% Rye, 4% Malted Barley
  • Purchased: 05/30/26 at their Bardstown Tasting Room

Old Steelhouse Blueprint 001

  • Age 6 Years; Proof 100; $70.00

Old Steelhouse Single Barrel (Barrel 007)

  • Age 8 Years; Proof 111.9; Hungarian Oak Cask Finish; $125.00

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

NOTE: The spirits in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.

#Bourbon #WhiskeyTasting #OldSteelhouseDistillery #BourbonReview #BardstownKY #WheatedBourbon #SingleBarrelBourbon #CaskStrength #HungarianOak #YourBourbonJourney #WhiskeyReview #KentuckyBourbon #CraftDistillery #TWSamuels #SmallBatchBourbon

Blade & Bow Vertical Review: Standard, 12-Year & $1,000 22-Year!

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

Join Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey as we travel to the historic Stitzel-Weller Distilling Co. in Louisville, Kentucky, for an incredible Blade & Bow vertical tasting!

From their ongoing core release to a brand-new release and a hyper-aged $1,000 unicorn bottle, we dive deep into the unique Solera aging systems, the story behind the famous 5 Keys, and how these expressions hold up on the palate.

🥃 What We’re Tasting & Reviewing:

  • Blade & Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (91 Proof): The core 5-tier Solera release ($55). Plus, a special pairing with custom Art Eatables Blade & Bow Bourbon Truffles!
  • Blade & Bow 12-Year-Old Solera Reserve (104 Proof): The brand-new annual expression ($70) developed under Nicole Austin, finished in multi-vat Solera casks influenced by Cognac, Bordeaux, Moscatel, and Port.
  • Blade & Bow 22-Year-Old Limited Release (92 Proof): The hyper-aged allocated release ($1,000) containing historic stocks left behind at Stitzel-Weller.

Is the new 12-Year Solera Reserve a contender for Whiskey of the Month? Was the $1,000 22-Year-Old worth the emotional splurge? Watch as we break down the nose, palate, finish, and historical connection of each pour!

🔔 Subscribe to Your Bourbon Journey for more honest whiskey reviews, distillery visits, and tasting flights! Remember to always drink responsibly. Cheers! 🥂

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🎓 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

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

Blade & Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Diageo
  • Distillery: Stitzel-Weller Distilling Co. (Louisville, KY) (Sourced / Fractional Solera Blended)
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed (Corn, Rye, Malted Barley)
  • Age: NAS (Non-Age Stated; utilizes a 5-tier Solera system incorporating fractional blends of older stocks)
  • Proof: 91 Proof (45.5% ABV)
  • Released: Ongoing Core Release (First launched May 2015)
  • Other: Named after the two parts of a skeleton key (the blade and the bow), honoring the five keys that historically hung on the doors of Stitzel-Weller. Employs a modified Solera aging system where older bourbon stocks (including small amounts from historic Stitzel-Weller production) remain in the final barrels.
  • Purchased: 9/4/22 for $55 at Stitzel-Weller during our first visit.

Blade & Bow 12-Year-Old Solera Reserve

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Multi-vat Solera Finished)
  • Company: Diageo
  • Distillery: Stitzel-Weller Distilling Co. (Louisville, KY)
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed (Corn, Rye, Malted Barley)
  • Age: 12 Years
  • Proof: 104 Proof (52% ABV)
  • Released: July 2026 (Limited Annual Expression / Permanent Stitzel-Weller Anchor)
  • Other: Developed under Nicole Austin (Director of American Whiskey Liquid Development and Capabilities at Diageo). Begins with 12-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon, continuously married through a multi-vat Solera system influenced by vintage Cognac, Bordeaux, Moscatel, and Port casks.
  • Purchased: 7/17/26 for $70 at Stitzel-Weller 

Blade & Bow 22-Year-Old Limited Release

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Diageo
  • Distillery: Distilled at historic Kentucky distilleries; aged & matured at Stitzel-Weller Distilling Co. (Louisville, KY)
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed (Corn, Rye, Malted Barley)
  • Age: 22 Years
  • Proof: 92 Proof (46% ABV)
  • Released: Annual Limited Allocation (First introduced in 2015)
  • Purchased: 7/17/26 for $1000 at Stitzel-Weller

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

NOTE: The spirits in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.

#Bourbon #Whiskey #BladeAndBow #StitzelWeller #BourbonTasting #WhiskeyReview #YourBourbonJourney #Diageo #KentuckyBourbon #SoleraAging #NicoleAustin #ArtEatables #BourbonReview #RareWhiskey #CraftBourbon

Ultimate Blind Bourbon Tasting: July Whiskey of the Month! 

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

Welcome to the JULY BLIND WHISKEY OF THE MONTH SHOWDOWN! 🥃🔥

In this episode, we put five incredible Straight Bourbon Whiskeys to the ultimate blind taste test. From rare cask finishes and double-Italian wine cask experiments to heirloom blue corn mash bills and heavy-hitting barrel proofs, this lineup is packed with power and flavor!

Can an underdog craft bourbon take down legacy titans, or will a legendary barrel proof beast sweep the rankings? Watch to find out—no bias, no label influence, just pure palate evaluation!

OUR FIVE CONTENDERS (in alphabetical order): 

  • 🪵 Barrel Bourbon Cigar Blend – The Multi-Cask Powerhouse: A heavy-hitting blend boasting up to 18-year aged whiskey finished across four distinct casks, including Madeira, Armagnac, Rum, and Hungarian Oak.
  • 🍷 Blood Oath Pact 12 – The Italian Wine Experiment: A limited release blending 7, 9, and 12-year bourbons finished in both fruit-forward Montepulciano and savory Sangiovese wine casks.
  • 💥 Booker’s 2026-02 Milkshake Batch – The High-Proof Beam Beast: A high-octane Kentucky Straight Bourbon sitting at 124.4 proof, aged over 7.5 years and packed with iconic Beam character.
  • 🌽 Glenns Creek Patriotic Meri-COB – The Heirloom Triple-Corn Craft: A unique Kentucky bourbon crafted from a rare 100% heirloom corn mash bill featuring Bloody Butcher Red, Hickory King White, and Hoppi Blue.
  • ⛰️ Smokeye Hill Barrel Proof – The High-Altitude High-Proofer: A 132-proof Colorado-aged monster distilled with a proprietary 4-grain heirloom blue corn mash bill.

👇 Which whiskey do you think took 1st place? Drop your guess in the comments BEFORE the final reveal!

🔔 Subscribe & turn on notifications so you never miss a Blind Tasting, Whiskey Review, or Whiskey of the Month reveal!

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🥃 Become a Patron & Get Exclusive Content

🔔 YouTube

📸 Instagram 

👍 Facebook

📊 SEE THE LIVE LEADERBOARD: Want to see where this bottle ranks 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/

🥃 OUR SCORING PROCESS: We’ve revamped our scoring to be more transparent than ever. No more “Redundancy”—just pure, data-driven blind competitions. 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/ 


🎓 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

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🥃 The July Lineup Competitors (Alphabetical Order):

Barrell Bourbon Cigar Blend

  • Classification: Blended Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Madeira, Armagnac, Rum & Hungarian Oak Casks
  • Distillery: Blended & Bottled by Barrell Craft Spirits (KY, IN, TN)
  • Age: 7.5 to 18 Years | Proof: 111.2 (55.6% ABV) | SRP: $84.99

Blood Oath Pact 12

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Double Italian Wine Cask Finish: Montepulciano & Sangiovese)
  • Distillery: Lux Row Distillers (Master Distiller John Rempe)
  • Age: Blend of 7, 9, and 12-Year Bourbons | Proof: 98.6 (49.3% ABV) | SRP: $129.99

Booker’s 2026-02 “Milkshake Batch”

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Jim Beam
  • Age: 7 Years, 6 Months, 12 Days | Proof: 124.4 (62.2% ABV) | SRP: $100.00

Glenns Creek “Patriotic ‘Meri-COB” (Heirloom Collection)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Glenns Creek Distillery
  • Mash Bill: Triple Heirloom Corn (Bloody Butcher Red, Hickory King White & Hoppi Blue)
  • Age: 47+ Months | Proof: 106 (53% ABV) | SRP: $75.00

Smokeye Hill Barrel Proof

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Distilled in IN; Barreled, Aged & Bottled by Smokeye Hill Spirits (Colorado Springs, CO)
  • Mash Bill: 4-Grain Heirloom Blue Corn Mash Bill
  • Age: 5 Years | Proof: 132 (66% ABV) | SRP: $89.99

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

NOTE: The spirits in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.

#WhiskeyOfTheMonth #Bourbon #WhiskeyTasting #BlindTasting #BourbonReview #BloodOathPact12 #BookersBourbon #BarrellCraftSpirits #SmokeyeHill  #StraightBourbon #BarrelProof #CraftWhiskey #WhiskeyGram #BourbonCommunity