Rye Whiskey Cocktail | The Dirty Manhattan Secret

November 6, 2025November 5, 2025 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

Welcome to Thirsty Thursday Cocktails: Episode 43! 🍸 Ready to embrace the cozy flavors of the season? We are kicking off our 4-part Fall Cocktail Series with a modern twist on a timeless classic: The Dirty Cardamom Manhattan. This isn’t your grandfather’s Manhattan—this sophisticated, spirit-forward drink is rich, spicy, and perfectly embodies fall cocktail season!

In this video, I (Rebecca from Bourbon Journey) guide you through creating this amazing Manhattan variation using premium ingredients that sing of autumn. We’re getting dirty with a splash of Luxardo Cherry Brine and adding a warm, aromatic layer with Cardamom Bitters.

We feature the Bardstown Origin Series Rye Whiskey (96 Proof!)—chosen for its spicy, cherry wood base—perfectly complimented by the nutty, clove, and cinnamon notes of the Valdespino Sweet Vermouth. You’ll learn the proper cocktail stirring technique to ensure the perfect chill and dilution for this rye whiskey cocktail.

Stay tuned for our whole Fall Cocktail Series! Next week, we’re featuring the Bonfire Old Fashioned! Cheers to the most fabulous Thirsty Thursday! Remember to always drink responsibly.

🥃 The Dirty Cardamom Manhattan Recipe

Rye Whiskey: 2 oz Bardstown Origin Series Rye
- Note: Spicy, cherry wood base, 96 proof
Sweet Vermouth: 1 oz Valdespino Sweet Vermouth
- Note: Sherry-influenced with nutty, orange, clove, and cinnamon spice
Dirty Element: 0.25 oz Luxardo Cherry Brine
Bitters: 2 dashes Cardamom Bitters
Garnish: 1-2 Luxardo Cherries

🛒 Featured Cocktail Ingredients & Tools

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

18″x12″ PVC Bar Service Mat for Cocktail Bartender: https://amzn.to/42GjdxR
MOFADO. Crystal Cocktail Mixing Glass: https://amzn.to/4jiZ0nl
Briout Bar Spoon: https://amzn.to/3PJ M waN
Briout Jigger for Bartending: https://amzn.to/3DUjva3
Julep Strainer: https://amzn.to/3EgYxSJ
Libbey Signature Kentfield Coupe Cocktail Glasses Set of 4: https://amzn.to/4gkKKI0
Stainless Steel Cocktail Toothpicks: https://amzn.to/3R23Vwe
Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries: https://amzn.to/3Wl8C7A
Fee Brothers Cardamom Cocktail Bitters: https://amzn.to/47EgDZY

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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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The INFINITE BOURBON: Little Book 2025 Release Review

November 5, 2025November 3, 2025 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

🥃 Little Book “The Infinite” Edition 2 (2025) Review: A Generational Blend Evolves! | Bourbon Journey

Get ready to dive deep into one of the most exciting annual releases in American Whiskey! In this video, Wayne and Rebecca from Bourbon Journey pour, nose, and taste the highly-anticipated Little Book “The Infinite” Edition 2 (2025).

Crafted by 8th Generation Master Distiller Freddie Noe, this Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a true generational blend, marrying whiskeys distilled by his Grandaddy Booker Noe, his father Fred Noe, and himself. It’s an infinity barrel concept brought to the masses, with each annual release evolving and maturing as new liquids are carefully added.

🌟 Tasting & Analysis: Is Edition 2 the BEST Little Book?

Edition 2 builds on the foundation of the original blend, but Freddie has added new bourbons to accentuate specific notes:

Booker’s Bourbon brings pronounced Oak Char and Smoke.
Fred’s Bourbon adds rich Vanilla, Caramel, and Dark Stone Fruit.
Freddie’s Bourbon introduces a Brightness with notes of Fresh Apple and Pear.

At a robust 120.4 Proof (Uncut & Unfiltered), this high-proof bourbon delivers a memorable experience. We find it to be a barrel-forward, savory pour with a surprising depth and a long, lingering finish of cinnamon and black pepper. Is it better than the first edition? We think so! The new blend brings more complexity and a beautifully viscous mouthfeel.

This limited release is a must-try for any serious bourbon collector or fan of Jim Beam products like Booker’s and Knob Creek. We share our honest thoughts on the flavor profile, the evolution of the blend, and whether this $200 MSRP bottle is worth the splurge.

Have you tried any of the Little Book releases? Let us know in the comments if you prefer The Infinite Edition 2 or Edition 1!

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✴️ Little Book “The Infinite” Edition 2 (2025)

Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Distillery: James B. Beam
Likely blended from the two Beam bourbon mashbills:
Dominant: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley (used for Jim Beam White Label, Black, Booker’s, Knob Creek, Baker’s)
Secondary: 63% Corn, 27% Rye, 10% Malted Barley (used for Old Grand-Dad, Basil Hayden’s).
Age: NAS (Edition 1 was 7-20 years)
Proof: 120.4
MSRP: $200
Released: Fall 2025
Purchased: 10/24/25 for $249.99 at High Spirits Liquor in Evansville, IN

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

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

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Booker’s “Jerry’s Batch” 2025-03: The BEST of the Year?

November 3, 2025November 2, 2025 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

🥃 Booker’s Bourbon “Jerry’s Batch” 2025-03 Review: A Fruity, Creamy, and Unique Barrel-Proof Pour! 🍒

Get ready to uncork a piece of Jim Beam history! In this exciting review, Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey dive into the highly anticipated third release of the year: Booker’s 2025-03 “Jerry’s Batch”. This unique, uncut, and unfiltered Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a special tribute to Jerry Dalton, the only non-Beam family Master Distiller at the distillery, and a close friend and mentor to Booker and Fred Noe.

We share the fascinating story behind the name—from Jerry’s days as a chemist living behind the Noe family to becoming a key figure who steered the ship between Booker’s retirement and Fred’s takeover. Plus, we celebrate Jerry’s overdue induction into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame!

This particular batch is a master blend of barrels from nine distinct warehouses (3, 1, X, Z, K, L, O, 4, G), creating a complex profile influenced by varied micro-climates. Aged for an impressive 7 Years, 4 Months, and 21 Days and bottled at a robust 124.7 Proof, this is a powerful yet surprisingly smooth sipper.

Watch the full review and tell us your thoughts! 👇

Tasting Notes Highlights:

Nose: Rich brown sugar, vanilla, and a hint of fruit/cherry.
Palate: Creamy, viscous mouthfeel, with more sweetness than typical Booker’s. Expect notes of vanilla, caramel, cinnamon, and a unique tart cherry and toffee profile—noticeably missing the classic “Beam funk” or nuttiness.
Finish: Long, warming, and delightful.

Is this different profile a deliberate nod to Jerry Dalton’s preferred taste? We discuss why this batch might be the best since the acclaimed Jimmy’s Batch (2024-04)! If you’re a devoted Booker’s fan, a collector, or just love high-proof bourbon with a great story, you NEED to hear our full thoughts on this exceptional pour.

Bourbon Specs:

Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Distillery: James B Beam
Batch: 2025-03 “Jerry’s Batch”
Age: 7 Years, 4 Months, and 21 Days
Proof: 124.7 (Uncut and Unfiltered)
Mash Bill: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
Barrel Blend: 9 different barrels from 9 different warehouses
MSRP: $99.99
Where We Got It: Archie & Clyde’s in Newburgh, IN: https://www.archieandclydes.com/

👍 Did you enjoy this Booker’s review?

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The Midnight Fog: Dark, Smoky, & Silky Bourbon Sour

October 30, 2025October 29, 2025 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

🌑 The Midnight Fog: JET-BLACK Smoked Bourbon Sour (Halloween Cocktail)

Welcome to Episode 42 of Thirsty Thursday Cocktails! I’m Rebecca, and tonight we conclude our three-part Halloween special with the most dramatic drink of the series: The Midnight Fog.

This isn’t your average bright whiskey sour—it’s a dark, velvety, and complex riff inspired by a stormy midnight scene. We’re using Activated Charcoal for its striking jet-black color and a cocktail smoker for an epic “fog” presentation!

If you love sophisticated, spirit-forward drinks with notes of caramel, dark spice, and savory leather, this is the bourbon cocktail for you!

🥃 Flavor Profile

Spirit: Bulleit High-Rye Bourbon
Color: Jet-Black (from Activated Charcoal)
Texture: Velvety & Silky (from Fee Foam)
Key Notes: Caramel, Molasses, Leather/Tobacco, Charred Oak, Bright Lemon Zest.

🛒 Ingredients & Bar Tools (Amazon)

We used some specific, unique ingredients for the dark color and complex flavor. Check out the links below!

Smoker Kit 𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗠𝗜𝗨𝗠: https://amzn.to/40BBUkP
Fee Brothers Turkish Tobacco Cocktail Bitters: https://amzn.to/4kroHD2
Fee Brothers Molasses Cocktail Bitters: https://amzn.to/4qzt7KS
Activated Charcoal: https://amzn.to/4ofeNpC
Edible Glitter (orange, white, black, violet): https://amzn.to/4oHCkPC

(Note: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)

“Please note: Activated charcoal is used purely for color and may interfere with certain medications. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns!”

📝 The Midnight Fog Recipe

2 oz Bulleit Bourbon (High-Rye)
1 oz Bourbon Barrel Aged Maple Syrup
0.75 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
3 Dashes Molasses Bitters
2 Dashes Turkish Tobacco Bitters
5 Dashes Fee Foam (or Egg White)
1/8 tsp Activated Charcoal (for color)
Optional: Black and White Edible Glitter

Technique: Smoke your chilled coupe glass with Hickory chips. Dry shake ingredients vigorously for 15 seconds. Add ice and wet shake for 15-20 seconds.Strain into smoked glass.

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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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Limited Edition Bourbon from The Bard Distillery!

October 29, 2025October 29, 2025 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

We’re tasting three incredible bourbons from The Bard Distillery! Join us as we compare the exclusive Cinder & Smoke Founder’s Select 10 Year with both the 2022 and 2025 John Prine “You Got Gold” special editions. Get ready for a side-by-side Kentucky bourbon journey!

Hello bourbon friends! Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey are back with a super special tasting featuring our friends at The Bard Distillery in Graham, KY!

In this exciting side-by-side review, we dive deep into three distinct and acclaimed Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskeys:

🌟 Cinder & Smoke Founder’s Select 10 Year Review

We start with a very special bottle: the Cinder & Smoke Founder’s Select 10 Year (Batch X, Bottle 5 of 497). This ultra-small batch, 100 proof bourbon is the oldest and final three-barrel blend in this specific series.

Tasting Notes: Expect an incredible sweetness on the palate, rich caramel, cinnamon, and a very pleasant smokiness that reminds us of a smoked cocktail. At 10 years old, it boasts layers and body without being over-oaked or drying, finishing with tobacco and black pepper. This is a must-try for fans of aged bourbon!

🎶 John Prine “You Got Gold” Edition Comparison

Next, we taste and compare two special editions honoring the legendary singer-songwriter John Prine, with proceeds benefiting the Hello in There Foundation. The proof on both is set at 101.0 to honor Prine’s birthday (10/10).

2022 Edition (Sold Out): A wheated bourbon (corn, wheat, malted barley) with a classic Muhlenberg bourbon profile. Notes of honey, honeysuckle, and sweet bread-like notes. We suggest checking out The Bard’s regular Muhlenberg as a highly available alternative!
2025 Edition (New Release): A rye bourbon (corn, rye, malted barley), aged 5 years. This bourbon is completely different from the others, showcasing a beautiful profile of black tea on the front, caramel, brown sugar, and a vibrant, effervescent finish with cinnamon and pepper pops. This one is highly available online and at the distillery!

🗺️ Visit The Bard Distillery

We also share our love for The Bard’s commitment to community and their beautiful restoration of the historic Graham school building. Find out how you can visit the west end of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and grab a bottle before they’re gone!

So grab your favorite glass, settle in, and let’s explore this bourbon together! Click play ▶️ NOW!

👇 Have you tried spirits from The Bard Distillery? Let us know in the comments below! 👇

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Ordering Information – The Bard Distillery John Prine 2025 Edition: https://thebarddistillery.com/john-prine-2025-edition/

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

ABOUT THE BOTTLES REVIEWED

✴️ Cinder & Smoke Founder’s Select 10 Year

Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Blended & Bottled: The Bard Distillery
Mash Bill: Corn, Rye, Malted Barley
Age: 5 Years
Proof: 100
MSRP: $100
Released: September 2025
Other: Batch X – Bottle 5 of 497
Provided: 10/11/25 to us by The Bard Distillery at KBF

✴️ John Prine – You Got Gold (2022 Edition)

Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Distillery: The Bard Distillery
Mash Bill: Corn, Wheat, Malted Barley
Age: NAS
Proof: 101.0 (in honor of John Prine’s birthday, 10/10)
MSRP: $76
Released: October 2022, Limited to 6,000 Bottles
Other: 700 ml bottle
Purchased: 2022 for $76 at The Bard via online distribution

✴️ John Prine – You Got Gold (2025 Edition)

Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Distillery: The Bard Distillery
Mash Bill: Corn, Rye, Malted Barley
Age: 5 Years
Proof: 101.0 (in honor of John Prine’s birthday, 10/10)
MSRP: $79.99
Released: October 2025, Limited to 7,000 Bottles
Other: 700 ml bottle
Purchased: 10/11/25 for $79.99 at The Bard Distillery in Graham, KY

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

NOTE: Two spirits in this review were purchased by us and one was gifted. 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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Maker’s Mark Private Select BLIND TASTE TEST!

October 24, 2025October 24, 2025 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

🥃 Can We REALLY Taste the Stave Profiles?! | Maker’s Mark Private Select BLIND TASTING Challenge! 🤯

Welcome back, Your Bourbon Journey fans! 👋 We’re Wayne and Rebecca, and we’re finally putting our Maker’s Mark Private Selections to the ultimate test in a blind tasting! For years, we’ve bought these intriguing named single barrels—like Kettle Corn, Candied Apple, Box O’ Chocolates, Milk Chocolate Truffle, Chocolate Whoopie Pie, and Creme Brulee—based purely on the title and without ever tasting them!

Now, it’s time to see if the stave profile descriptions and evocative names actually translate to the glass. Do we really get chocolate from the Roasted French Mendiant staves? Can we find creamy notes from the Seared French Cuvee? Or will they all just taste like Maker’s Mark wheated bourbon?

Spoiler: This was much harder than we expected! 😱

We dive deep into A through F without knowing which is which, sharing our real-time thoughts on the nose, palate, and finish. We’re ticking boxes for baking spices, caramel, vanilla, dried fruit, and those elusive chocolate notes to try and identify the dominant stave profiles.

Watch as we try to guess our favorites and reveal the shocking results! 😮 You’ll be laughing as we question everything we know about single barrel selection and tasting notes.

So grab your favorite glass, settle in, and let’s explore this bourbon together! Click play ▶️ NOW!

👍 If you love blind tasting challenges, hit that like button!

💬 Let us know in the comments: Do you trust a single barrel title? What’s your favorite Maker’s Mark release Let us know in the comments below! 👇

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✴️ Kettle Corn, Candied Apple, Box O’ Chocolates, Milk Chocolate Truffle, Chocolate Whoopie Pie, and Creme Brulee

Note: This blind tasting video was filmed in just under 60 minutes but has been edited to about 30 minutes.

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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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Witching Hour Sour: The Perfect Halloween Bourbon Drink

October 23, 2025October 23, 2025 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

🧙‍♀️ The “Witching Hour Sour!” A Dark & Delicious Halloween Cocktail! 🥃

Welcome to Thursday Thirsty Cocktails, Episode 41! Tonight, for Halloween Part 2 of 3, we’re stirring up a truly enchanting drink: The Witching Hour Sour!

This isn’t your average cocktail. We’ve taken a classic sour and given it a complex, spirit-forward twist perfect for your spooky celebrations. With a beautiful deep purple hue thanks to the Crème de Cassis, this drink is as mesmerizing to look at as it is delicious to sip.

🌟 Featured Ingredients & Flavor Profile

We’re starting with Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon—chosen for its big notes of brown sugar and cinnamon, making it a fantastic and affordable base spirit.

The Color & Tartness: Black Currant Liqueur (Crème de Cassis) delivers a vibrant purple and a delicious sweet-yet-tart flavor.
The Spice & Smoke: We’re adding a hint of warming Demerara Syrup and 4 dashes of Bonfire Bitters (they’re more smoky than spicy!) to make you feel like you’re standing over a witch’s cauldron!
The Silky Finish: Fee Foam gives this Bourbon Sour its signature silky texture and beautiful white foam top.

🎬 Make the Witching Hour Sour Step-by-Step

Follow along as Rebecca guides you through every step, from the dry shake to the final double strain for that extra-silky mouthfeel. Don’t forget the optional Halloween fun: purple glitter, white glitter on the foam, and a mini witch’s hat garnish! This is the ultimate fall cocktail for fans of bourbon cocktails and anyone looking for a craft cocktail that screams spooky season!

🎬 Don’t Miss Out! Click to watch and learn how to make this show-stopping, easy-to-make cocktail! ➡️

🎉 Join the Bourbon Journey Community!

What are you mixing up for Halloween? Let us know in the comments below! Will you give this Witching Hour Sour a try?

We just celebrated our one-year anniversary! If you’re interested in joining our community, suggesting cocktails, and getting involved, check out our new Patreon account!

If you love cocktail recipes and are excited for the rest of our Halloween series, be sure to SUBSCRIBE so you don’t miss Part 3! Hit the bell for notifications! 👇

👍 If you loved this recipe, give us a thumbs up!

💬 Share your thoughts and favorite cocktail twists in the comments!

➡️ Hit that SHARE button and spread the whiskey love!

Cheers to better drinks! 🥂

📋 The Full Recipe: “The Witching Hour Sour”

2 oz of Bourbon
.50 oz of Crème de Cassis
.25 oz of Demerara Syrup
.75 oz of Fresh Lemon Juice
4 dashes of Bonfire Bitters Bitters
5 dashes of Fee Foam

Instructions:

Combine all ingredients in a shaker.
Dry Shake for 15-20 seconds to emulsify the Fee Foam.
Add ice and Wet Shake for another 15-20 seconds to chill.
Double Strain into a coupe glass.
Optional: Sprinkle white glitter on the foam and garnish with a witch’s hat pic!

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

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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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Our 1st Anniversary & a Pour of Russell’s Reserve 15!

October 22, 2025October 22, 2025 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

🥳 One Year of the Journey! Russell’s Reserve 15 Tasting, Vintage Bourbons & Our BIG Announcement!

Wayne and Rebecca are celebrating their YouTube One-Year Anniversary with a very special, well-aged pour: Russell’s Reserve 15-Year-Old Bourbon! It’s been an incredible ride, and we’re raising a glass of “Whiskey of the Year” to you, our amazing Your Bourbon Journey community!

Thank you for watching 75,000+ views and 4,000+ hours of our videos—you’re the reason we’ve done 300 videos in 365 days!

So grab your favorite glass, settle in, and let’s explore this bourbon together! Click play ▶️ NOW!

🥃 Tasting Russell’s Reserve 15-Year-Old

Join us as we uncork this amazing, hard-to-find bottle—a true special occasion drinker—and savor its complex profile.

Wayne’s Notes: Rich wood tannin, classic Wild Turkey profile, with a back-end of pepperiness and a touch of dark coffee.
Rebecca’s Notes: Immediate notes of brown sugar and cinnamon, with a delightful hint of dark chocolate on the long finish.

🌟 Reflection, Gratitude, and Milestones

A year ago, we went from a simple bourbon blog to launching our whiskey YouTube channel! We’re reflecting on the journey:

41 Cocktails: From bourbon purists to a surprising love for the craft!
Vintage Tastings / Sipping on History: Diving deep into vintage bourbon and whiskey history with our friend Brad Bonds at Revival Vintage Spirits. We’ve tasted and reviewed forgotten brands like Hill and Hill, Old Forester, and Old Yellowstone.
Building Community: Sharing a bourbon sip with like-minded people is what it’s all about! From fellow whiskey tubers like SLB and Bourbon Judge to our new friends at the Decatur Bourbon Society and our amazing friends, Michael & Dawn of Chasing Neat!
Supporting the Craft: Our hearts are with the craft distilleries like Glens Creek Distillery and The Bard Distillery. We’ll always cheer for the small-town folks who are making amazing juice and giving back to their communities.

🚀 Our BIG 2026 Announcement: Join the Community!

To move forward, grow our community, and continue to embrace the craft, we’re making a huge leap! Today, we are launching our Patreon Your Bourbon Journey page! Get more input, vote on our videos, and help us plan a barrel pick next year!

Join us in one of our three launch tiers:

Sweet Mash
White Dog
Barrel Fill

Cheers to all of you for being a part of the Your Bourbon Journey community! We hope to see you there!

What was your favorite moment from our first year on the channel? Tell us in the comments!

Are you a true bourbon fanatic, always on the hunt for the next exceptional pour?

Then smash that like button 👍 to show your appreciation for fine whiskey!

Hit subscribe 🔔 so you never miss our reviews of rare and remarkable spirits, and

Share this video ➡️ with your fellow whiskey lovers.

Join our Patreon Community as we build a community of enthusiasts who appreciate the art of exceptional bourbon!

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✅ Visit: https://yourbourbonjourney.com for additional stories to enhance Your Bourbon Journey!

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OLD FITZGERALD 7 Year Review: The New Wheated King?

October 20, 2025October 17, 2025 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

🎉 OLD FITZGERALD 7 YEAR REVIEW: Is This NEW Wheated Bourbon a MUST-BUY? 🥃

The moment we’ve been waiting for is finally here! Today, we’re diving deep into the highly anticipated, non-allocated Old Fitzgerald 7 Year Bottled-in-Bond Wheated Bourbon from Heaven Hill. Is this new standard release bottle truly the “Obtainable Old Fitz” and a better buy than the limited-edition decanters?

In this in-depth whiskey review, we break down everything you need to know:

The Pedigree: 7 Years Old, 100 Proof, and strictly adhering to the Bottled-in-Bond standards.
The Mashbill: Heaven Hill’s famous wheated bourbon recipe (the same as Larceny!).
Tasting Notes: We search for those classic wheater flavors—sweet vanilla, graham cracker, honey, and baking spices—to see if the age statement truly shines.
Value & Hunt: Is the MSRP of around $60 worth the chase? How does it stack up against other BIBs and wheated bourbons like Weller Special Reserve, Larceny Barrel Proof, or even Heaven Hill 7 Year BiB?

If you’re a fan of Heaven Hill bourbon, wheated whiskey, or just looking for the best new bourbon release of the year, this video is a must-watch! Find out if the Old Fitzgerald 7 Year BiB deserves a permanent spot on your shelf!

So grab your favorite glass, settle in, and let’s explore this bourbon together! Click play ▶️ NOW!

👇 What’s your favorite Heaven Hill release Let us know in the comments below! 👇

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✴️ Old Fitzgerald Bottled in Bond 7 Year

Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Company: Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.
Distillery: Bernheim Distillery
Mash Bill: 68% Corn, 20% Wheat, 12% Malted Barley
Age: 7 Years
Proof: 100
MSRP: $59.99
Released: Summer 2025
Other: 700 ml bottle
Purchased: 09/02/2025 for $64.99 at Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience, Bardstown, KY

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Blind Tasting SHOWDOWN: Three Amazing Whiskeys, One Champion!

October 17, 2025October 16, 2025 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

Alright, buckle up, whiskey lovers! 🥃 Get ready for a showdown of EPIC proportions! 🔥 In this blind tasting adventure, we’re putting three incredible contenders to the ultimate test to crown the UNDISPUTED CHAMPION 🏆 of our Third Quarter 2025! 🎉

Prepare your senses as we dive deep into the aromatic world 👃 and tantalizing flavors 😋 of:

✴️ Neeley Bottled in Bond Four Grain

✴️ Starlight 2025 10-Year Cask Strength

✴️ W.H. McBrayer 2025 Release, Batch 5

No labels, no biases – just pure, unadulterated whiskey appreciation! 👀 Join us as we meticulously nose, sip, and savor each dram, dissecting the nose 👃, the dance on the palate 👅, the lingering finish ✨, and that all-important je ne sais quoi. 🤔

Will the barrel proof powerhouse 💪 dominate? Will the aged elegance 👑 steal the show? Or will a unique mashbill or special aging ✨ take the crown? We’re ranking them from 3rd place🥉 to the coveted 1st place spot🥇, and the suspense is BUILDING! 🤩 The results will be used for seeding in our Whiskey of the Year competition! 🏆

Hit play ▶️ and join the tasting party! 🎉

Grab your own glass 🥃 (of whatever you fancy! 😉), settle in 🛋️, and experience the thrill of the reveal with us. Get ready for some serious whiskey talk 🗣️, maybe a few surprises 😮, and definitely a good time! 😄 Cheers to an unforgettable evening of delicious discovery! 🥂

Don’t forget to subscribe! 👍 and let us know in the comments below 👇 which whiskey YOU thought would win! 🤔💬

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🔥DETAILS REGARDING OUR THREE FINALISTS🔥 (in alphabetical order):

✴️ Neeley Bottled in Bond Four Grain

Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Distillery: Neeley Family Distillery
Mash Bill: 63% corn, 17% Oats, 8% Wheat and 12% Malt
Notes: Jug Yeast A-1, Sweet Mash, Copper Pot Still, Non-Chill Filtered, Limestone Well Water, Cypress Fermented, Barrel Char 2, Batch Size 7
Age: 4 Years
Proof: 100
MSRP: $79.99
Released: Spring 2025
Made with no enzymes, blended by Rebekah Neeley
Purchased: 07/11/25 for $79.99 at Neely Family Distillery in Sparta, KY

Original YouTube Review >

✴️ Starlight 2025 10-Year Cask Strength

Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Distillery: Starlight Distillery
Mash Bill: 60% Corn, 20% Rye, 20% Malted Barley
Other: Grain-to-glass; sweet mash; double pot distilled; barrel entry proof 112-116
Age: 10 Years
Proof: 120.3
MSRP: $250
Released: July 2025
Aging: Sequin Moreau Icone barrels.
Purchased: 08/14/25 for $250 at Starlight Distillery

Original YouTube Review >

✴️ W.H. McBrayer 2025 Release, Batch 5

Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Company: McBrayer Legacy Spirits
Distillery: Undisclosed
Mash Bill: 88.4% Bloody Butcher Corn, 5.8% Heritage Rye, 5.8% Malted Barley
Age: NAS; blend of 15 barrels – 8 are 6.5 years old and 7 are 5.5 years old
Proof: 106.8
MSRP: $100
Other: Small Batch (15 hand-selected barrels), Non-Chill Filtered
Released: May 10, 2025
Purchased: 05/10/25 for $100 at McBrayer Legacy Spirits

Original YouTube Review >

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