Whiskey Tube

Ultimate Blind Bourbon Tasting: July Whiskey of the Month! 

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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!

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📊 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/ 


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❌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🚨

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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.

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

Summer Midnight Manhattan | Zero Sweetness, Maximum Flavor

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Welcome to Episode 81 of Thirsty Thursday Cocktails on Your Bourbon Journey! 

To close out the month of July, we are crafting the Summer Midnight Manhattan—a sleek, savory, and sophisticated Black Manhattan style cocktail that balances high-proof bourbon muscle with deep herbal complexity and zero cloying sweetness.

In this episode, Rebecca builds this bold cocktail anchored by Old Grand-Dad 114 7-Year Single Barrel Bourbon. The 114 proof and 27% high-rye mash bill provide seasoned oak, baking spice, and a rich, oily viscosity that slices cleanly through the bittersweet vegetal bite of Cynar 70 and the authentic, earthy pepper warmth of Chicago Dogma Amargo De Chile. Balanced with silky gum syrup and layered with Turkish Tobacco and Black Walnut bitters, this stirred craft cocktail delivers an unforgettable tasting experience from the first sip to the lingering finish.

If you enjoy craft bourbon cocktails, amaro riffs, and unique Manhattan variations, make sure to Like, Subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss a Thirsty Thursday release!

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Recipe: The Summer Midnight Manhattan

  • 2.0 oz Old Grand-Dad 114 7-Year Single Barrel Bourbon
  • 0.50 oz Cynar 70 Amaro
  • 0.25 oz Chicago Dogma Amargo De Chile
  • 0.25 oz Gum Syrup
  • 1 dash Fee Brothers Turkish Tobacco Bitters
  • 1 dash Fee Brothers Black Walnut Cocktail Bitters
  • Garnish: Expressed Orange Peel
  • Glassware: Chilled Coupe Glass

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

NOTE: The spirits and items in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the producers for this review. 

#BlackManhattan #BourbonCocktails #OldGrandDad114 #Cynar70 #CocktailRecipe #ThirstyThursday #CraftCocktails #BourbonJourney #WhiskeyCocktails #ManhattanCocktail #Bitters #Mixology #HomeBartender #SummerCocktails #BourbonCommunity

3 Epic Blue Corn Bourbons Put to the Ultimate Test! 

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Is blue corn the ultimate secret weapon in craft bourbon? In today’s episode of Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca dive deep into an epic, high-proof lineup featuring three stunning heirloom blue corn bourbons: Jeptha Creed Bruce’s Blue, Bluegrass Distillers KSBW Single Barrel (#9044), and Smokeye Hill Barrel Proof Straight Bourbon!

From farm-to-glass 100-proof expressions to 130+ proof hazmat-level flavor bombs, heirloom blue corn brings a unique, rich profile—delivering deep notes of dark caramel, leather, tobacco, creamy vanilla pudding, maple, and brown sugar without the harsh “craft funk.”

Join us as we explore the history of these unique mash bills, share stories from our recent visits to Jeptha Creed and Bluegrass Distillers, discuss their cigar-pairing potential, and select one bottle to advance to our official Whiskey of the Month competition!

If you’ve ever been curious about heirloom corn or single barrel craft offerings, hit that LIKE and SUBSCRIBE button to follow along on our whiskey tasting journey! 🥃✨

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❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

JEPTHA CREED BRUCE’S BLUE

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (KSBW)
  • Distillery: Jeptha Creed Distillery (Shelbyville, KY)
  • Mash Bill: 75% Bruce’s Blue Heirloom Corn, 20% Malted Rye, 5% Malted Barley
  • Age: NAS (Typically 4+ years for their straight expressions)
  • Proof: 100 Proof
  • SRP: $64.99
  • Released: Recurring Limited Release
  • Purchased: 7/3/26 for $64.99 at Jeptha Creed Distillery

BLUEGRASS DISTILLERS KSBW (BARREL #9044)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (KSBW)
  • Distillery: Bluegrass Distillers (Midway, KY)
  • Mash Bill: 70% Blue Corn, 21% Rye, 9% Malted Barley (High-Rye Blue Corn Mash)
  • Age: 7 Years
  • Proof: 130 Proof
  • SRP: $70.00 – $75.00
  • Released: July 2026 Single Barrel Pick
  • Purchased: 7/4/26 for $75.00 at Bluegrass Distillers

SMOKEYE HILL BARREL PROOF

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Smokeye Hill Spirits
  • Distillery: Distilled for Smokeye Hill in Lawrenceburg, IN (MGP/Ross & Squibb); Barreled, aged, and bottled in Colorado Springs, CO
  • Mash Bill: Proprietary 4-Grain Heirloom Blue Corn Mash Bill (Blue corn, yellow corn, rye, malted barley)
  • Age: 5 Years
  • Proof: 132 Proof
  • SRP: $84.99 – $89.99
  • Released: Small Batch / Ongoing
  • Purchased: 6/14/26 for $89.99 at Seelbach’s
  • 🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

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

#Bourbon #BourbonReview #YourBourbonJourney #BlueCornBourbon #CraftWhiskey #JepthaCreed #BluegrassDistillers #SmokeyeHill #BarrelProof #BourbonTasting #HeirloomCorn #WhiskeyReview #KentuckyBourbon #WhiskeyOfTheMonth #SingleBarrel

Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Proof vs 10 Year Private Barrel Review

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Welcome back to Your Bourbon Journey! Join Wayne and Rebecca as we dive into two fascinating, high-proof releases from Heaven Hill’s legendary Elijah Craig lineup!

With Heaven Hill seemingly shifting strategy away from their traditional batch releases (A1, B5, C9), private store picks and special single barrel selections are stepping up to fill the void. Today, we’re tasting two completely different, heavy-hitting Elijah Craig Private Barrel Proof selections to see if they deliver that classic, full-throttle flavor profile we know and love.

Which expression takes top honors—the deep, campfire-charred marshmallow notes of the Toasted Barrel Proof, or the massive Cherries Jubilee power of the 10-year Sam’s Club pick? Watch as we break down the nosing techniques, taste profiles, and value for each bottle!

👇 Join the Conversation: What is your favorite nosing technique when tasting high-proof bourbons? Have you spotted Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Proof or local single-barrel picks in your area? Let us know in the comments below!

Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more authentic bourbon reviews, store pick showcases, and whiskey journey updates!

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Elijah Craig Private Barrel Bourbon (Toasted Barrel Finish)

  • Selection Name: “Kentucky On Premise” (Barrel #7294339)
  • Details: Straight Bourbon finished in a custom toasted second cask, non-chill filtered & bottled at Cask Strength.
  • Age / Proof: 8 Years | 125 Proof (62.5% ABV)
  • Price: $100.00 (Purchased at Revival Vintage Spirits)
  • Tasting Notes: Burnt marshmallow, rich toasted oak, cinnamon spice, and warm brown sugar.

Elijah Craig Private Barrel Bourbon (America’s 250th Birthday)

  • Selection Name: “America’s 250th Birthday Indiana Barrel 2026” (Barrel #7312805)
  • Details: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (2026 Special Commemorative Allocation).
  • Age / Proof: 10 Years | 132.9 Proof (66.45% ABV)
  • Price: $57.62 (An incredible Sam’s Club volume deal in Evansville, IN!)
  • Tasting Notes: Decadent cherries jubilee, rich brown sugar, vanilla, and bold barrel heat.

🚨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.

#ElijahCraig #BourbonReview #BarrelProof #WhiskeyTasting #HeavenHill #ToastedBarrel #SingleBarrel #Bourbon #CraftSpirits #WhiskeyReview #ElijahCraigBarrelProof #StorePick #CaskStrength #BourbonCommunity #YourBourbonJourney

Blind Barrels XVIII: Honest Blind Whiskey Tasting & Reveals!

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Welcome back to Your Bourbon Journey! Today we are diving into the Blind Barrels Release XVIII box (“Eastbound & Down… South”), featuring a curated selection of unique craft whiskeys from the Eastern Seaboard and the South. 

Join Wayne and Rebecca as we put our palates to the test! We try to guess the whiskey styles (Bourbon, Rye, Single Malt, or Wheat Whiskey), approximate the proof, guess the age, and decide if these bottles are worthy of a spot on our home bar shelf. 

From 114-proof Navy Strength American Single Malts to toasted cask-strength ryes and award-winning organic wheat whiskeys, this lineup sparked one of our most divided reviews yet!

What did you think of the Blind Barrels Release XVIII lineup? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! 

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❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

‼️🚨SPOILER ALERT🚨‼️

🥃 Overview of Whiskeys Revealed

Sample A: Old Line Navy Strength American Single Malt Whiskey

  • Distillery: Old Line Spirits (Baltimore, Maryland)
  • Age: 4 Years (Blend of 4–7 year stock)
  • Proof: 114 Proof (57% ABV)
  • Mash Bill: 100% Malted Barley (90% Premium 2-Row, 10% Deep Kiln Malt)
  • Member Price: $53.99 (Regular: $64.99)

Sample B: Epoch Reserve Maryland Straight Rye Whiskey

  • Distillery: Baltimore Spirits Company (Baltimore, Maryland)
  • Age: 5 Years
  • Proof: 100 Proof (50% ABV)
  • Mash Bill: 100% Rye (25% Malted Rye)
  • Member Price: $57.99 (Regular: $79.99)

Sample C: Fiddler Cask Strength Toasted Rye Whiskey

  • Distillery: ASW Distillery (Atlanta, Georgia)
  • Age: 7 Years
  • Proof: 121.8 Proof (60.9% ABV)
  • Mash Bill: Low Rye (51% Rye, 45% Corn, 4% Malted Barley)
  • Member Price: $64.99 (Regular: $69.99)

Sample D: Journeyman Corsets, Whips and Whiskey Organic Wheat Whiskey

  • Distillery: Journeyman Distillery (Three Oaks, Michigan)
  • Age: 6 Years
  • Proof: 121.6 Proof (60.8% ABV)
  • Mash Bill: 100% Organic Michigan-Grown Wheat
  • Member Price: $57.99 (Regular: $74.99)

🚨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.

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Crafting the Ultimate Spicy Old Fashioned with Cherry Wood Smoke

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Welcome to Episode 80 of Thirsty Thursday Cocktails on Your Bourbon Journey! 

Tonight, Rebecca crafts the Chile & Spice Old Fashioned—a rich, savory, and slightly smoky cocktail built specifically for mid-summer evenings.

We are pairing high-proof, high-rye bourbon muscle with authentic earthy pepper heat, juicy stone fruit, and a fragrant cloud of cherry wood smoke.

Stir one up with us tonight, and let us know your thoughts in the comments! Please drink responsibly.

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📋 THE RECIPE & INSTRUCTIONS

Chile & Spice Old Fashioned

  • 2.0 oz Old Grand-Dad 114 7-Year Single Barrel Bourbon
  • 0.5 oz Chicago Dogma Amargo De Chile
  • 0.33 oz Demerara Syrup
  • 2 dashes Fee Brothers Plum Cocktail Bitters
  • Garnish: Expressed orange peel
  • Smoke: Cherry wood chips

Instructions:

  1. Combine all liquid ingredients into a mixing glass with ice.
  2. Stir for approximately 25 seconds until thoroughly chilled and diluted.
  3. Strain over a large clear ice cube into a rocks glass.
  4. Express fresh orange peel oils over the surface.
  5. Apply the cocktail smoking kit with cherry wood chips right before serving, trapping the smoke under a cloche for presentation.

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

NOTE: The spirits and items in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the producers for this review. 

#Bourbon #OldFashioned #SmokedCocktail #WhiskeyCocktails #OldGrandDad114 #CraftCocktails #CocktailRecipe #ThirstyThursday #BourbonJourney #Mixology #Amaro #AmargoDeChile #BourbonLovers #SmokedOldFashioned #Whiskey

Don’t Buy A Cigar Blend Bourbon Until You Watch This! 

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Are you looking for the ultimate cigar-pairing bourbon? Today, we are smoking in the bourbon room and diving deep into three highly sought-after Cigar Batch Bourbons! From naturally savory pot-still creations to dense multi-cask finishes, we are breaking down the flavor profiles, production secrets, and the exact cigar wrappers (from Habanos to Maduros) you need to pair with each bottle.

Whether you want a daily sipper, a pour that pairs perfectly with a backyard barbecue, or a rich, cognac-forward masterpiece, we’ve got you covered. Two of these bottles battle it out with complex wine and oak finishes, while one wild card throws out the rulebook completely with a shocking natural profile. Which one takes the crown as our top pick? Pour a glass, light up a premium stick, and let’s find out!

Don’t forget to LIKE this video, drop a comment with your favorite cigar pour, and hit that SUBSCRIBE button to join our whiskey community! Drink responsibly. Cheers! 🥃✨

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❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

Glenns Creek Distillery OCD #5 “Cigar Batch”

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Glenns Creek Distilling, LLC
  • Distillery: Glenns Creek Distillery (Frankfort, KY — located on the historic former Old Crow property)
  • Mash Bill: 87% Corn, 8% Rye, 5% Barley
  • Age: NAS (No Age Statement)
  • Proof: 101.4 Proof (50.7% ABV) — Note: Exact metrics from Barrel 196, Bottle 49
  • SRP: $75.00
  • Released: Late 2025

Barrell Bourbon Cigar Blend

  • Classification: Blended Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Madeira, Armagnac, Rum, and Hungarian Oak Casks
  • Company: Barrell Craft Spirits
  • Distillery: Distilled in KY, IN & TN; Blended and Bottled by Barrell Craft Spirits in Louisville, KY
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed
  • Age: A blend of straight bourbon whiskeys aged 7.5 to 18 years
  • Proof: 111.2 Proof (55.6% ABV)
  • SRP: $84.99
  • Released: March 2026

Seelbach’s Private Reserve “Humidor Blend” Cigar Batch (Batch 001)

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Spanish Oak, Cognac, and Amburana Casks
  • Company: Seelbach’s
  • Distillery: Distilled in Indiana; Bottled by Manifest Distilling in Jacksonville, FL
  • Mash Bill: Blended Mash Bill: 85% Corn, 11% Wheat, 4% Malted Barley
  • Age: A blend of 10-Year 3-Months, 7-Year 8-Months, and 5-Year 3-Months whiskeys
  • Proof: 118.6 Proof (59.3% ABV)
  • SRP: $99.99
  • Released: October 2025

🚨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 #CigarBatch #WhiskeyReview #CigarPairing #BarrellCraftSpirits #Seelbachs #GlennsCreekDistillery #BourbonJourney #WhiskeyTasting #CigarLife #BourbonReview #StraightBourbon #PremiumWhiskey #KentuckyBourbon #CigarBlend

The Dill Weed Rye That Finally Lived Up to the Hype

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Is this the ultimate “Sith Lord” collaboration in the whiskey world? Today, we are in a New York state of mind right here in Frankfort, Kentucky! We are tasting the highly anticipated 5094 Transplant Empire Rye Whiskey, a special Tom Jones / Old Lewis Hunter Restoration Release. This incredible straight empire rye whiskey is a powerhouse collaboration between Glenns Creek Distilling and 5094 Distilling.

Mashed, fermented, distilled, and aged for over 4 years (54 months) in New York State, this bottle was acquired by Glenns Creek and 5094 in February 2026 and officially released in July 2026. Sitting at a robust 111.2 proof, this Single Barrel (Barrel 1, Bottle 59) features a heavy 94% rye and 6% malted barley mash bill. Best of all? It retails at an incredible SRP of just $51.89, and proceeds directly benefit Tom Jones’s passionate efforts to restore the historic Old Lewis Hunter Distillery!

In this episode, Wayne finally finds that elusive, bright “dill weed” note he’s been hunting for years in a rye whiskey—thanks to some expert guidance from our patron, Liz! We break down the exact, strict pre-Prohibition standards required by the Empire Rye Whiskey Association (including the 75% minimum New York grain rule and lower 115 barrel entry proof). We also dive into the tasting notes, tracking this pour from its fresh, grassy, outdoor nose of mint and dill to a surprisingly complex palate of almond, cocoa, coffee, and a light white pepper finish.

Is this a “buy, backup, and backup the backup” bottle? Find out if this unique Empire Rye completely changes how you look at craft whiskey!

If you love what we do, make sure to hit that SUBSCRIBE button, drop a comment with your favorite rye whiskey, and always remember to drink responsibly. Cheers!

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❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

5094 Transplant Empire Rye Whiskey

  • (Tom Jones / Old Lewis Hunter Restoration Release)
  • Classification: Straight Empire Rye Whiskey
  • Company: 5094 Distilling & Glenns Creek Distilling Collaboration
  • Distillery: Mashed, fermented, distilled, and aged for over 4 years in New York; Acquired by Glenns Creek/5094 in February 2026.
  • Mash Bill: 94% Rye, 6% Malted Barley
  • Age: 54 Months (4.5 years)
  • Proof: 111.2
  • SRP: $51.89
  • Released: July 2026
  • Other: Single Barrel (Barrel 1, Bottle 59). Features distinctive mint and dill notes. Proceeds directly benefit Tom Jones’s efforts to restore the historic Old Lewis Hunter Distillery.
  • Purchased: Bought in person for $51.89 on 7/4/26 at Glenns Creek Distillery in Frankfort, 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.

#RyeWhiskey #EmpireRye #GlennsCreekDistilling #5094Distilling #WhiskeyReview #YourBourbonJourney #SingleBarrel #CraftWhiskey #WhiskeyTasting #OldLewisHunter #BourbonCommunity #WhiskeyGram #NewYorkWhiskey #PreProhibition #DrinkResponsibly 

The Ultimate America 250 Bourbon Showdown! 🇺🇸

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Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with an epic, heavy-hitting whiskey face-off! In this episode, Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey line up six highly limited, patriotic commemorative bottles to find out who has the absolute best USA 250 whiskey expression on the market.

We are skipping the blind format today to break down these incredible bottles openly, rating them on a simple 0–5 scale based on their color, nose, palate, and long-lasting finish. From unique heirloom corn mash bills to robust double-oaked cask strength giants, this lineup represents the ultimate celebration of American distilling craftsmanship. Stick around until the end to see our unanimous, surprising final rankings!

Have you tried any of these America 250 commemorative releases? What is your favorite patriotic bottle on your shelf? Drop your thoughts, tasting notes, and own personal rankings in the comments below—we love the back-and-forth debate!

If you love whiskey reviews, cocktail tutorials, and celebrating American heritage, make sure to hit that SUBSCRIBE button, drop a like, and share this video with your fellow bourbon lovers. Always remember to drink responsibly, and always love America! Cheers! 🥃🇺🇸

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

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❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

Casey Jones Distillery Private Stock “Revere”

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Casey Jones Distillery (Hopkinsville, KY)
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed
  • Age: 5 Years Aged
  • Proof: 100 Proof

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

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Glenns Creek Distillery (Frankfort, KY)
  • Mash Bill: Heirloom Triple-Corn Blend: Bloody Butcher Red, Hickory King White, and Hoppi Blue
  • Age: Aged at least 47 months
  • Proof: 106 Proof

W.H. McBrayer 250th Special Edition

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: McBrayer Legacy Spirits
  • Distillery: Contract Distilled
  • Mash Bill: 88.4% Bloody Butcher Corn, 5.8% Heritage Rye, 5.8% Malted Barley
  • Age: 5 Years Old (A blend of 5, 6, and 7-year-old barrels)
  • Proof: 105

Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage Bourbon (America 250 Commemorative Edition)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Heaven Hill Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 78% Corn, 10% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
  • Age: Vintage dated (Typically ~7 to 8 years old, barrel-dependent)
  • Proof: 117.76 Proof … intentional as a direct tribute to the year 1776.

High Bank Distillery “Whiskey War” Double Double (USA 250)

  • Classification: A Blend of Straight Whiskeys Finished in a Second & Third New Oak Barrel
  • Company: High Bank Distillery Co.
  • Distillery: High Bank Distillery Co. (Columbus, OH)
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed Rye-Heavy Blended Mash Bill
  • Age: NAS (Non-Age Stated, but heavily double-aged in new charred oak)
  • Proof: 116.84 Proof

Dark Arts Whiskey House “250 Years of Spirit” (5X Blend)

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey Double Oaked
  • Company: Dark Arts Whiskey House
  • Distillery: Ross & Squibb (MGP) – Lawrenceburg, Indiana (Bottled in Sparta, KY)
  • Mash Bill: 60% Corn, 36% Rye, 4% Malted Barley
  • Age: 11 Years Old
  • Proof: 128.28

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

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

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The Ultimate Manhattan Upgrade? Try The Gala Manhattan!

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Welcome to Your Bourbon Journey! In Episode 79 of Thirsty Thursday Cocktails, we are mixing up the Gala Manhattan—an exceptionally elegant, ultra-premium variation of the ultimate whiskey classic.

Most Manhattan recipes rely on standard orange modifiers, but tonight we are elevating the entire drink with Gran Gala Liqueur. Because Gran Gala features a rich, velvety brandy base instead of a neutral spirit, it introduces a weightier mouthfeel and a darker, more complex orange profile.

To ensure the whiskey remains the absolute star of the glass, we are anchoring this heavy-hitting build with Wild Turkey Rare Breed Bourbon. At 116.8 proof, this legendary barrel-proof powerhouse brings a robust high-rye muscle, deep charred oak, and bold baking spices that slice right through the rich modifiers to command the glass. Paired with historic Cocchi di Torino Sweet Vermouth and a sophisticated split-bitter format, it yields a dry, luxurious cocktail that tastes like a premium dark chocolate-dipped orange peel.

Stir one up with us tonight, and let us know your thoughts in the comments! Please drink responsibly.

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🍊 The Gala Manhattan

Ingredients:

  • 2.0 oz Wild Turkey Rare Breed Bourbon
  • 0.75 oz Cocchi di Torino Sweet Vermouth
  • 0.50 oz Gran Gala Liqueur
  • 2 dashes Angostura Aromatic Bitters
  • 2 dashes Aztec Chocolate Bitters
  • Garnish: Expressed orange peel

Instructions:

  1. Add the Wild Turkey Rare Breed, Cocchi di Torino, Gran Gala, and both styles of bitters into a mixing glass with plenty of ice.
  2. Stir deeply for 25 to 30 seconds to achieve maximum chill and proper dilution.
  3. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass.
  4. Express a fresh orange peel over the top to release the citrus oils, drop it into the glass, and enjoy!

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

NOTE: The spirits and items in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the producers for this review. 

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