Adult Root Beer Float? Rebel Root Beer Whiskey Review! 

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!

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

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

🚨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 #LuxRowDistillers #RebelBourbon #RootBeerWhiskey #WhiskeyReview #BourbonCream #FlavorWhiskey #Bardstown #BourbonJourney #AdultFloat #DrinkReview #ButterPecan #Luxco #WhiskeyTasting

The Stewards Release: Maker’s Mark Newest 2026 Whiskey Review

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.

If you enjoy our whiskey reviews, make sure to hit that Subscribe button and join our community of bourbon lovers!

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

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🚨

❓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.

#MakersMark #TheStewards #BourbonReview #WhiskeyTasting #WoodFinishingSeries #YourBourbon Journey #MakersMarkStewards #BourbonCollector #KentuckyBourbon #WhiskeyTube #WheatedBourbon #StarHillFarm #NewBourbon2026 #CostcoFinds #WhiskeyLover

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

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:

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

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🚨

❓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.

#WhiskeyReview #AmericanSingleMalt #VirginiaDistilleryCo #WhiskeyTasting #SingleMaltShowdown #CigarBlend #CourageAndConviction #YourBourbonJourney #WhiskeyEducation #CaskFinish #CiderWhiskey #CoffeeWhiskey #RareSpirit #WhiskeyLife #BourbonCommunity

Hard Truth 7 Year Whiskeys | Full Lineup Tasting 

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!

Don’t forget to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE for more whiskey reviews, bourbon hunts, and distillery deep dives!

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

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🚨

❓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.


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

The April Lineup: Which Whiskey Earned the Top Spot?

Welcome back to Your Bourbon Journey! 🥃

It’s that time of the month again! With the “Road to the Sweet 16” in full swing, we have curated an absolute powerhouse lineup for our April Whiskey of the Month. This month, we went bold—tasting five unique expressions that span the entire spectrum of flavor and finish. From Finished Rye and Wheat whiskeys to high-proof American Light Whiskey and Kentucky Straight Bourbon, we are all over the map!

We put these contenders to the ultimate test in a blind tasting format to see which bottle has what it takes to advance toward our Whiskey of the Year title. The competition was fierce, the legs were luscious, and the results? Let’s just say we were genuinely stunned.

In this episode: We dive into five distinct expressions, evaluating them on the nose, palate, and finish. We break down the unique profiles, discuss the impact of finishing casks (Armagnac, Madeira, Port/Sherry), and score them live to see who reigns supreme this month.

Featured Candidates:

  • Dark Arts Cask Strength Bourbon (Armagnac Finish)
  • Dark Arts Blunt Blend (Batch 3)
  • Knob Creek Blender’s Edition 1
  • Penelope American Light Whiskey (18 Year)
  • Remus Master Distiller Experimental Series 2

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.

If you enjoy our blind tasting series, hit that SUBSCRIBE button and join us on our journey! 🔔 Don’t forget to like and comment: Which of these bottles would be your top pick? Are you a fan of the finishes in this lineup?

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 


📊 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/

🥃 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/

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

Dark Arts Cask Strength Bourbon (Armagnac Finish)

  • Classification:  Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distilled: Sourced from MGP in Indiana  
  • Produced by: Dark Arts Whiskey House 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
  • Original Review:

Dark Arts Blunt Blend (Batch 3) Dank Arts

  • Classification: Rye Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Dark Arts Whiskey House
  • Distillery: Distilled in Indiana; Blended/Bottled in Sparta, KY
  • Mash Bill: 95% Rye, 5% Malted Barley
  • Age: 8 Years
  • Finished: Madeira Cask and Armagnac Cask
  • Proof: 113.8
  • Released: Late March 2026
  • Other: Bottle 3370
  • Original Review:

Knob Creek Blender’s Edition 1

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Beam Suntory
  • Distillery: James B. Beam Distilling Co. (Clermont/Beam, KY)
  • Mash Bill: 77% Corn, 13% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
  • Age: 10 years
  • Proof: 106
  • MSRP: $44.99
  • Released: March 2026
  • Original Review:

Penelope American Light Whiskey 18 Year Limited Release

  • Classification:  American Light Whiskey
  • Company: Penelope Bourbon (A subsidiary of MGP/Luxco)
  • Distillery: MGP (Lawrenceburg, IN)
  • Mash Bill: 99% Corn, 1% Malted Barley
  • Age: 18 Years
  • Proof: 140.2
  • Released: 2026
  • Original Review:

Remus Master Distiller Experimental Series 2

  • Classification: Straight Wheat Whiskey
  • Distillery: Ross & Squibb Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 95% Wheat, 5% Malted Barley (LKSV formula/rare)
  • Age: Distilled in 2017 – Approximately 9 years
  • Quattro-Finish: (separately) Tawny Port, White Port, Oloroso Sherry and Ruby Port Casks (then blended)
  • Proof: 113
  • Released:  March 2026
  • 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.

#YourBourbonJourney #Bourbon #WhiskeyReview #BlindTasting #RoadToSweet16 #WhiskeyCollection #BourbonWhiskey #RyeWhiskey #CraftWhiskey #WhiskeyTasting #WhiskeyLife #BourbonCommunity #HighProofBourbon #DarkArtsWhiskey #PenelopeBourbon

Why This Wheated Bourbon is a Total “Change Up” 

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!

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

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.

#Bourbon #WhiskeyReview #CastleAndKey #WheatedBourbon #CaskStrength #KentuckyBourbon #BourbonJourney #WhiskeyTasting #CraftDistillery #SweetMash #BourbonLife #DrinkResponsibly #WhiskeyCommunity #FrankfortKY #BourbonCollection

First Ever Remus Wheat Whiskey! Is It A Jam Session?

George Remus is making history with his first-ever Wheat Whiskey! 🌾🥃

In this episode, we’re diving into the Remus Master Distiller Experimental Series No. 2, a groundbreaking 95% wheat whiskey release from Ross & Squibb Distillery. Distilled in 2017 and bottled at a robust 113 proof, this “Quatro” finish is a masterclass in secondary aging. Master Distiller Ian Stirsman has taken this rare LKSV mashbill and finished it in a unique combination of four different casks: Tawny Port, White Port, Oloroso Sherry, and Ruby Port.

Is it a “jam session” in a bottle? We’re breaking down the complex layers—from the bready, bakery-style wheat notes to the intense red fruit and unexpected black pepper finish. We’ll also share our experience picking this up at Lux Row Distillers in Bardstown and why we think this $69.99 bottle is a “must-buy” for any collector.

In this video:

  • The story behind Remus’s first wheat whiskey.
  • A deep dive into the 4-port finishing process.
  • Live tasting notes: Jamminess vs. Pepper.
  • Is it worth the drive to Bardstown?

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

Remus Master Distiller Experimental Series 2

  • Classification: Straight Wheat Whiskey
  • Distillery: Ross & Squibb Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 95% Wheat, 5% Malted Barley (LKSV formula/rare)
  • Age: Distilled in 2017 – Approximately 9 years
  • Quattro-Finish: (separately) Tawny Port, White Port, Oloroso Sherry and Ruby Port Casks (then blended)
  • Proof: 113
  • MSRP: $69.99 700 ml bottle
  • Released:  March 2026
  • Purchased: 03/28/26 for $69.99 at Lux Row 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.

#RemusWhiskey #WheatWhiskey #WhiskeyReview #GeorgeRemus #RossAndSquibb #LuxRow #BourbonJourney #PortFinishedWhiskey #WhiskeyTasting #RareWhiskey #IanStirsman #Bardstown #SpiritsReview #WhiskeyGram #DistilleryTour

The Paradox of Light Whiskey: 15 vs 18 Year Penelope Review

140.2 PROOF?! Penelope 18yr Hazmat vs. 15yr Founders Reserve | American Light Whiskey Battle

Is older and higher proof always better? Today on Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca dive into a massive “Paradox of Light Whiskey” vertical tasting! We are cracking open two heavy-hitters from Penelope Bourbon: the 15 Year Founders Reserve and the brand new 18 Year Limited Release (clocking in at a massive 140.2 proof!).

Many people are confused by the “Light Whiskey” name—thinking it means low calorie or low alcohol. It’s actually the opposite! We explain the science behind why these MGP-distilled corn whiskeys reach such high proofs while maintaining a “dessert-forward” profile of butterscotch, vanilla, and crème brûlée.

We compare these modern giants to vintage pours like Old Crow Light Whiskey and explore why these high-proof expressions are surprisingly delicate and creamy. Stick around to find out which bottle wins on the nose and which takes the crown on the palate!

In this video, we cover:

  • The technical definition of American Light Whiskey (ALW).
  • Why used-oak aging creates such high proof.
  • Tasting notes for Penelope 15yr vs. 18yr.
  • The “Hazmat” status of the 2026 18-year release.

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🥃 Become a Patron & Get Exclusive Content
🔔 YouTube
📸 Instagram 
👍 Facebook

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

Penelope 15 Year Founders Reserve

  • Classification:  American Light Whiskey
  • Company: Penelope Bourbon (A subsidiary of MGP/Luxco)
  • Distillery: MGP (Lawrenceburg, IN)
  • Mash Bill: 99% Corn, 1% Malted Barley
  • Age: 15 Years
  • Proof: 128.4
  • MSRP: $90-100
  • Released: 2023
  • Other: Part of the “Founders Reserve” series; aged in used Cooperage (charred oak barrels).
  • Purchased: 12/21/23 for $109.99 at High Spirits Liqueur in Evansville, IN

Penelope 18 Year Limited Release

  • Classification:  American Light Whiskey
  • Company: Penelope Bourbon (A subsidiary of MGP/Luxco)
  • Distillery: MGP (Lawrenceburg, IN)
  • Mash Bill: 99% Corn, 1% Malted Barley
  • Age: 18 Years
  • Proof: 140.2
  • MSRP: $109.99
  • Released: 2026
  • Other: Achieved “Hazmat” status (over 140 proof); limited batch release following the 17-year 2025 drop.
  • Purchased: 03/28/26 for $109.99 at Lux Row Distillery

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

#PenelopeBourbon #AmericanLightWhiskey #YourBourbonJourney #WhiskeyReview #MGPWhiskey #HazmatWhiskey #HighProof #WhiskeyTasting #BourbonCommunity #Penelope18Year #FoundersReserve #LightWhiskey #MGP #LuxRowDistillery #BourbonReviews

4/20 Special: Tasting the Dark Arts Blunt Blend Batch

It’s 4/20 and we are “weeding” out the latest release from Dark Arts Whiskey House! In this episode of Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca dive into the Blunt Blend Batch 3, affectionately known as “The Dank Arts.”

This isn’t your average rye. This is an 8-year-old Indiana Rye (likely MGP) that has undergone a sophisticated double-finish in both Madeira and Armagnac casks. Bottled at a stout 113.8 proof, this whiskey promises a complex journey from a fruit-forward nose to a surprising “chocolate” finish that left us questioning if we were actually eating a candy bar!

In this video, we explore:

  • The unique “Dank Arts” branding and 4/20 inspiration. 
  • The impact of the Madeira and Armagnac double-finish on a high-rye mash bill. 
  • Full tasting notes: Discover why Wayne calls this a “Top 5 Rye” of all time. 
  • A breakdown of the viscosity (those legs!) and the “chocolate pop” on the palate. 
  • Our experience ordering online from Dark Arts—is the shipping worth the cost?

Whether you’re a “rye guy” or usually stick to bourbon, this complex, viscous, and spicy “Blunt Blend” might just be your new favorite pour. Stick around for the end where we discuss upcoming cigar pairings and a “special” summer report!

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🥃 Become a Patron & Get Exclusive Content

🔔 YouTube

📸 Instagram 

👍 Facebook

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

Dark Arts Blunt Blend (Batch 3) Dank Arts

  • Classification: Rye Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Dark Arts Whiskey House
  • Distillery: Distilled in Indiana; Blended/Bottled in Sparta, KY
  • Mash Bill: 95% Rye, 5% Malted Barley
  • Age: 8 Years
  • Finished: Madeira Cask and Armagnac Cask
  • Proof: 113.8
  • MSRP: $99.99
  • Released: Late March 2026
  • Other: Bottle 3370
  • Purchased: $122.18 with Shipping from Dark Arts Online

❌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.

#DarkArtsWhiskey #BluntBlend #TheDankArts #BourbonJourney #RyeWhiskey #WhiskeyReview #420Whiskey #DoubleFinished #Armagnac #MadeiraCask #WhiskeyTasting #HighProof #KentuckyWhiskey #MGP #WhiskeyCommunity

GCD Experimental Series: Testing the “Mad Scientist’s” Newest Blends! 

The “Mad Scientist” Does It Again! | GCD Experimental Series Review

Can Glenns Creek Distilling’s “Mad Scientist” (aka David Meier) push the boundaries of bourbon even further? Today on Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca are diving into three brand-new releases from the GCD Experimental Series (February 2026).

From a complex seven-grain mash bill to a mysterious Rich Mountain expression, these bottles are anything but traditional. We break down the nose, palate, and finish of each to see if these experiments were a success!

The Bottles on the Table:

  • .44 CAG: A 23-month, 112.4 proof powerhouse featuring Red, White, Blue, and Yellow corn.
  • Heirloom Blend: A 47-month, 108.8 proof “best of” blend of various GCD mash bills.
  • Rich Mountain: A 117.8 proof undisclosed mash bill aged for 47 months.

In this video, we discuss:

  • The uniqueness of Glenns Creek Distilling.
  • The complexity of a 7-grain bourbon.
  • Why the Heirloom Blend stands out in the 2026 lineup.
  • Our final verdict: Which bottle should you track down?

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🥃 Become a Patron & Get Exclusive Content

🔔 YouTube

📸 Instagram 

👍 Facebook

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

GCD Experimental .44 CAG

  • Classification: Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Glenns Creek Distilling
  • Mash Bill: Seven Grain (Red, White, Blue and Yellow corn, rye, wheat, barley)
  • Age: 23 months
  • Proof: 112.4
  • Released: February 2026

Other: 375 ml, Barrel 1, Bottle 50

GCD Experimental Heirloom Blend

  • Classification: Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Glenns Creek Distilling
  • Mash Bill: A mix of the various mashbills
  • Age: 47 months
  • Proof: 108.8
  • Released: February 2026
  • Other: 375 ml, Barrel 1, Bottle 5

GCD Experimental Rich Mountain

  • Classification: Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Glenns Creek Distilling
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed
  • Age: 47 months
  • Proof: 117.8
  • Released: February 2026
  • Other: 375 ml, Barrel 1

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

#Bourbon #WhiskeyReview #Glenns CreekDistilling #GCDExperimental #YourBourbonJourney #KentuckyBourbon #CraftDistillery #WhiskeyTasting #BourbonCommunity #SingleBarrel #HighProof #BourbonHistory #WhiskeyGram #NewRelease #BourbonEducation