whiskey

The BEST Whiskey of Q4 2025? Full Blind Tasting & Scores!

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Getting ready for the ultimate bourbon showdown? This Whiskey of the Quarter (WOTQ) Final features three heavyweight contenders battling for the top seed in the Sweet 16 bracket. From heirloom grains to complex secondary finishes, these are the best of the best from 2025.

In this blind tasting, Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey put the highly anticipated Bardstown Discovery #13, the unique Fountain Run Bottled in Bond, and the heritage-rich Patriotic Meri-COB to the test. Which bottle delivers the perfect “fastball,” and which one is the “changeup” that steals the show?

🥃 Featured Whiskeys:

  • Bardstown Discovery Series #13: A masterclass in blending, featuring an 8-year-old base finished in a mix of New American White Oak and Hungarian Oak. Released in August 2025, it’s being hailed as one of the best “Discos” yet.
  • Fountain Run Bottled In Bond: A rare release from Kentucky Artisan Distillery using a complex mash bill of Hickory Cane White Corn and Chocolate Malt. This fruit-forward “flower in a bottle” is a one-time run you don’t want to miss.
  • Patriotic Meri-COB (Glenns Creek Distilling): A 100% heirloom corn bourbon (Bloody Butcher, Hickory King, and Hoppi Blue) crafted with the expertise of heirloom grain specialist Tom Jones. It’s a vintage-style “dusty funk” powerhouse.

Who takes the #1 seed for the Whiskey of the Year tournament? Watch to find out!

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

✴️ Bardstown Discovery #13

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Bardstown Bourbon Company
  • Mash Bill: Blend
  • Age: youngest is 8 years
  • Secondary Finish: (4 months) 61 percent of final blend finished in new American White Oak; 39 percent of final blend finished in Hungarian Oak
  • Proof: 110.8
  • Released: August 2025

Original YouTube Review:

✴️ Fountain Run Bottled In Bond

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Kentucky Artisan Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 65% Hickory Cane White Corn, 20% Rye, 12% Distiller’s Malt, 3% Chocolate Malt
  • Age: 7 Years 4 Months
  • Proof: 100

Original YouTube Review:   

✴️ Patriotic Meri-COB

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Glenns Creek Distilling
  • Mash Bill: 100% Corn:  Bloody Butcher Red, Hickory King White, Hoppi Blue
  • Age: At least 36 months
  • Proof: 105
  • Released: July 2025

Original Video:  

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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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Hard Truth Farmer’s Reserve: Better Than a Cigar Blend?

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Is This the Ultimate Cigar Whiskey? 🥃 Hard Truth Farmer’s Reserve Review

Can a whiskey taste like a churro? Today, Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey are cracking open a special find from High Spirits Liquor: the Hard Truth Farmer’s Reserve Sweet Mash Whiskey.

This isn’t just any bottle—it’s a limited-edition collaboration between Hard Truth Distilling Co. and the Mellencamp Whiskey Company. This “Release #2” in their collector’s series brings together two of Hard Truth’s most unique spirits and finishes them on exotic toasted Amburana wood.

The result? A high-viscosity, 106-proof pour that is absolutely “sweet-forward” and packed with notes of cinnamon, mocha, and dark chocolate.

In This Video, We Discuss:

  • The Blend: A marriage of Hard Truth’s Chocolate Malt Rye and their flagship Sweet Mash Bourbon.
  • The Amburana Effect: Does the “Brazilian Oak” take over, or does it play well with the chocolate malt?
  • The Perfect Pairing: Why Wayne thinks this bottle belongs in every cigar lover’s cabinet.
  • Value Proof: Is it worth the $70 MSRP (and the $76 we paid on Black Friday)?

Whether you are a die-hard rye fan or someone who usually finds whiskey too “spicy,” this Sweet Mash blend might be your new favorite entry point.

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✴️ Hard Truth Farmer’s Reserve Sweet Mash Whiskey

  • Classification: A Blend of Straight Whiskeys
  • Company: Hard Truth Distilling Co. (in collaboration with Mellencamp Whiskey Company)
  • Distillery: Hard Truth Distilling
  • Blend of two whiskeys: 
    • Hard Truth’s Chocolate Malt Rye Whiskey (51% Rye, 38% Corn, 11% Chocolate Malted Barley)
    • Hard Truth’s Sweet Mash Bourbon Whiskey (73% Corn, 19% Rye, 8% Malted Barley)
  • Age: NAS – at least 4 Years
  • Finished: Rested on toasted Amburana wood
  • Proof: 106
  • MSRP: $70
  • Released: 2024
  • Other: Limited-Edition Collector’s Series
  • Purchased: 11/28/25 for $76.49 at High Spirits Liquor Store, Evansville IN

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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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The Final Pour: Flaviar Whiskey Advent Calendar Day 24 Surprise

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🥃 The Grand Finale! Flaviar 2025 Whiskey Advent Calendar Reveal (Days 22-24)

The flight has reached its final destination! Join Wayne and Rebecca for the Grand Finale of the 2025 FlaviAIR journey. In this episode, we’re landing in Dublin, Louisville, and a surprise stop in France to wrap up the ultimate whiskey countdown.

From a “toad-ally” unique Irish whiskey to Bob Dylan’s artistic bourbon blend, and a stunning Cognac “curveball,” we’re finishing this 24-day voyage with a triumphant pour. Stick around for our final thoughts on the entire Flaviar experience!

In this video, we review: 

🍀 Day 22: Natterjack Irish Whiskey – A triple-distilled blend aged in ex-bourbon and Virgin American Oak. Does the 80% corn mash bill make it taste more like a bourbon than an Irish? 

🎸 Day 23: Heaven’s Door Revelation Double Barrel – Bob Dylan’s co-created masterpiece. We break down the 100-proof complexity of this double-barreled blend of bourbons and rye. 

🇫🇷 Day 24: Martingale Rare Reserve Cognac – The Christmas Eve surprise! A “grape-to-glass” Cognac from the Fin Bois region that even non-Cognac drinkers will love.

Which of these final three was the “banger”? Watch to find out!

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Disclaimer: We are not sponsored by Flaviar for this review. We purchased the calendar ourselves and offer our honest opinion. Please drink responsibly.

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Hidden Gem Alert: Our 55th Distillery! 🥃

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A Hidden Gem on the Bourbon Trail: Augusta Distillery & Buckner’s 10 Year Review

Is the Northern Kentucky bourbon scene the best-kept secret on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail? In today’s episode, we’re taking you to the charming river town of Augusta, Kentucky, to visit our 55th stop: Augusta Distillery.

From walking through funky tunnels and exploring historic blueprints to a private tour with the amazing Tracy, we’re sharing the full experience of this underrated distillery. We even got a rare chance to taste the mash straight from the line (Wayne’s favorite breakfast!).

We’re also cracking open a heavy hitter: Buckner’s 10 Year Single Barrel Bourbon. This 125-proof beast is widely believed to be sourced from Barton 1792, and the flavors do not disappoint. We’re talking massive cherry, honey-roasted peanuts, and a finish that lasts for days.

📍 Visit Augusta Distillery

If you are visiting Northern Kentucky or the Covington/Newport area, do not skip the drive to Augusta! Located just 25 minutes away, it’s a beautiful riverside destination near other greats like Old Pogue and the new Baker-Bird Distillery. With legendary Master Distiller Alex Castle now at the helm, Augusta Distillery is building a powerhouse future.

If you enjoyed this journey, hit that SUBSCRIBE button and join us as we travel the Bourbon Trail!

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✴️ Buckner’s 10 Year Single Barrel

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Distilled and aged in Kentucky (closely linked to Barton 1792)
  • Bottled by Augusta Distillery
  • Mash Bill: (thought to be) 78% Corn, 13% Rye, 9% Malted Barley
  • Age: 10 Years
  • Proof: 125
  • MSRP: $149.99
  • Released: 2024
  • Other: Barrel 47, Bottle 129,
  • Purchased: 01/24/24 for $149.99 at the Augusta Distillery

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

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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.

#Bourbon #Whiskey #AugustaDistillery #KentuckyBourbonTrail #BucknersBourbon #BourbonReview #SingleBarrel #WhiskeyTasting #Barton1792 #AlexCastle #KentuckyBourbon #BourbonJourney #DrinkCurious #BourbonTrail #WhiskeyGram

Glenns Creek Patriotic Meri-COB: Red, White & Blue Corn

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In this episode of Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca head to the historic grounds of Glenns Creek Distilling to crack open a very special bottle: the Patriotic Meri-COB.

This isn’t just any bourbon; it’s the first new product release from the distillery since 2021! Distilled in the shadow of the former Old Crow ruins, this 100% Corn Bourbon is a masterclass in heirloom grains. We’re breaking down the “Red, White, and Blue” mash bill featuring Bloody Butcher Red, Hickory King White, and Hoppi Blue corn.

From its buttery “kettle corn” sweetness on the nose to a surprising savory, black pepper finish, this 105-proof powerhouse is a contender for our Whiskey of the Month. Is it the “Tail of Two Bourbons”? Watch to find out if this $80 bottle lives up to the hype!

⭐ Tasting Notes:

  • Nose: Incredibly sweet and complex. Heavy notes of butterscotch, vanilla, and sweet heirloom corn without the typical “dusty funk.”
  • Palate: Thick viscosity with a “buttery popcorn” or “kettle corn” mouthfeel. Initial caramel sweetness transitions into a deep, savory complexity.
  • Finish: Long and warming with a touch of black pepper and a lingering “sugary” kettle corn essence.

We were shocked by that buttery kettle corn note on the finish! Have you ever picked up a popcorn note in your bourbon before, or are we just crazy? Let us know in the comments! 👇

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✴️ Patriotic Meri-COB

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Glenns Creek Distilling
  • Mash Bill: 100% Corn:  Bloody Butcher Red, Hickory King White, Hoppi Blue
  • Age: At least 36 months
  • Proof: 105
  • MSRP: $80
  • Other: This is the first new release of a product since 2021
  • Released: July 2025

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

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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.

#BourbonReview #GlennsCreekDistilling #PatrioticMeriCOB #KentuckyBourbon #WhiskeyTasting #HeirloomCorn #BourbonJourney #CraftDistillery #WhiskeyLover #BourbonLife #KentuckyStraightBourbon #BloodyButcherCorn #WhiskeyOfTheMonth #SmallBatchWhiskey #BourbonCommunity

Tasting Wenzel Toasted Bourbon: Hidden Gem from Kentucky

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Is This Your New “Winter Cozy” Bourbon? 🥃 Wenzel Toasted Barrel Proof Review

Happy Friday! Today we’re diving into a bottle from Wenzel Whiskey, the first distillery to open in downtown Covington, Kentucky, in over a century. We’ve been visiting these guys for months, and after two incredible blending experiences, we finally cracked open the Wenzel Toasted Barrel Proof Batch #01.

Is this the “sophisticated s’more” we’ve been waiting for? Between the dark mocha notes and that rich, roasty hazelnut profile, this 111.8 proof bottle is making a serious run for our Whiskey of the Month.

In this video, we break down the history of Wenzel (located in an awesome repurposed Packard automotive building!), their unique blending process, and why this specific toasted expression stands out from the crowd.

📍 Visit Wenzel Whiskey

If you’re near Cincinnati or Northern Kentucky, Wenzel is a must-visit on The B-Line. Location: 15 Tobacco Alley / 412 Madison Ave, Covington, KY. Pro Tip: Don’t miss the blending experience!

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✴️ Wenzel Toasted Barrel Proof Batch #01

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Wenzel LLC
  • Distillery: Sourced
  • Mash Bill: Undiscolosed
  • Age: NAS (at least 4 years)
  • Proof: 111.8
  • MSRP: $99.00
  • Released: Sep 2025
  • Purchased: Sep 4, 2025 for $99 at Wenzel via KBF

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

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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 “Phantom Pipes Batch” Review (2025-04)

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🥃 Booker’s 2025-04 “Phantom Pipes Batch” Bourbon Review & Tasting! | Is This the Best Batch of the Year?

In this video, Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey dive into the final and most mysterious release of the year: Booker’s 2025-04 “Phantom Pipes Batch”! We snagged this bottle right at the Jim Beam Distillery and are ready to share the uncut and unfiltered review of this Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

The Phantom Pipes Batch is named after a maze of pipes Master Distiller Booker Noe left behind at the Boston Distillery—a symbol of his “stubborn genius” and dedication to making bourbon the right way. At a bold 126.4 Proof and aged over 7.5 years, this is a quintessential, high-proof Booker’s experience.

What We Found:

  • The Nose: Strong brown sugar, cinnamon, and that signature high-proof Booker’s intensity.
  • The Palate: A punch of toasty roasted peanuts, combined with warm brown sugar and cinnamon—like a crunchy, charred cinnamon-sugar-peanut treat!
  • The Finish: Exceptionally long, warm, and consistent, carrying that delightful blend of brown sugar, cinnamon, and char goodness all the way through.

We’re big Booker’s fans—Wayne even credits an earlier batch as his first bourbon love! We discuss why Booker’s is the “stamp of bourbon” and whether its consistent, traditional flavor profile helps or hurts it in a bourbon blind tasting. Will this batch stand up to the rest of the 2025 releases? Stick around for our full review and find out!

Don’t forget to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE for more bourbon reviews! Let us know in the comments if you’ve tried the Phantom Pipes Batch and what you thought!

We will be doing a blind tasting of all four 2025 Booker’s releases in January—hit the bell so you don’t miss it!

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✴️ Booker’s 2025-04 Phantom Pipes Batch

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Suntory Global Spirits
  • Distillery: James B. Beam Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 77% Corn, 13% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
  • Age: Youngest barrels – 7 years, 6 months, and 15 days
  • Proof: 126.4
  • MSRP: $110
  • Released: Nov 2025
  • Purchased: Dec 05, 2025 for $110 at Jim Beam Distilling

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

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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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Jack Daniel’s Distillery Tour: Honest Review & Tasting

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🥃 Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Barrel Proof Tasting & Distillery Tour Review!

Join Wayne & Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey for Episode 50 of Bourbon Trail Tales and Tastes! We ventured into Lynchburg, Tennessee—a dry county with the iconic Jack Daniel’s Distillery—for our 53rd distillery visit!

In this video, we give you the full breakdown of our trip, from the beautiful grounds and the unique visitor center that honors Nearest Green, to the famed Lincoln County Process charcoal mellowing area. We share our honest, in-depth thoughts on the production tour (spoiler: some parts were very disappointing and felt highly limited due to unexplained fire hazards!).

But the real star? We finally open and taste a special Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Barrel Proof bottle we purchased as a commemorative item at the distillery’s White Rabbit Bottle Shop! At a whopping 128.8 Proof and pulled from Barrel No. 23-05984, will this high-proof Tennessee Whiskey be a daily drinker or a letdown?

If you’re planning a trip to the JD Distillery or are a fan of high-proof whiskey, you must watch this review! Lynchburg is a beautiful must-visit, even if the tour has a few quirks.

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✴️ Jack Daniels Single Barrel

  • Classification: Tennessee Whiskey
  • Company: Brown-Forman
  • Distillery: Jack Daniels Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 80% Corn, 12% Malted Barley, 8% Rye
  • Age: NAS (typically 4-7 years)
  • Proof: 128.8
  • MSRP: $65-75
  • Bottled: 06/27/23
  • Barrel No: 23-05984
  • Purchased: 08/20/23 for $66.67 at Jack Daniels Distillery

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

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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.

#JackDaniels #TennesseeWhiskey #DistilleryTour #BarrelProof #WhiskeyReview #JackDanielsSingleBarrel #JDSBBP #whiskeytasting #LynchburgTN #bourbonjourney #HighProofWhiskey #TennesseeBourbon #LincolnCountyProcess #BrownForman #whiskeytube 

Is Knob Creek 21 Year Worth $250 MSRP?

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🎉 Knob Creek 21 Year Old Bourbon Review! 🎉 Is this the ultimate extra-aged whiskey?

Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey finally got their hands on the historic Knob Creek 21 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey—the oldest expression ever released by the James B. Beam Distilling Co.! Watch as they pour, nose, and taste this highly-anticipated, limited-edition small batch bourbon, bottled at a perfect 100 proof.

We were lucky enough to score this bottle at the Jim Beam Distillery for the MSRP of $249.99! Was the two-decade wait worth it? Does it live up to the hype established by the Knob Creek 9 and 12-Year expressions?

🥃 Knob Creek 21 Year Old Tasting Notes & Review Highlights

  • The Nose: Right out of the gate, the aromas are incredibly inviting! Get ready for notes of butterscotch, toffee, and a rich, cooked brown sugar. It smells like what a 21-year-old whiskey should smell like!
  • The Palate: This is a surprisingly barrel forward bourbon, but perfectly balanced! You’ll find deep tannins and robust char notes, but the 100 proof prevents it from being an “oak bomb.”
  • The Finish: Long, warm, and not drying! Enjoy lingering notes of cinnamon, dark cocoa (dark chocolate), and a nice pop of black pepper. It’s the perfect deep, dark, rich sipper for the winter.

Master Distiller Freddie Noe said they weren’t chasing an age statement, but focused on crafting a great bourbon—and they hit it out of the park! We discuss the value of a $250, 21-year-old bourbon and compare it to the popular Knob Creek 18-Year and 12-Year expressions.

❓ Have you tried the Knob Creek 21 Year Old? What did you think of the barrel notes? Let us know in the comments!

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✴️ Knob Creek 21 Year Old

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Suntory Global Spirits
  • Distillery: James B. Beam Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
  • Barrel: Char #4, Barrel Entry 125 Proof
  • Age: 21 Years
  • Other: The oldest expression in distillery history
  • Proof: 100
  • MSRP: $249.99
  • Released: Oct 28, 2025
  • Purchased: Dec 5, 2025 for $250 at Jim Beam Distillery

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

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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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Distillery Secrets! Dickel 17-Year Reserve Whiskey

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🥃 George Dickel 17-Year Cask Strength Reserve Review | Cascade Hollow Distillery Tour (Tennessee Whiskey)

Join us as we take you to Cascade Hollow Distilling Co. (George Dickel) in Tullahoma, Tennessee! This is part two of our Tennessee journey, where we explore the beautiful, off-the-beaten-path distillery and get an exclusive tasting of a highly sought-after, limited-edition bottle: the George Dickel 17-Year Cask Strength Reserve Tennessee Whiskey.

The tour provided a fascinating look at the Lincoln County Process, specifically showcasing the unique use of wool blankets in their famous charcoal mellowing. From spotting rattlesnakes and minks to finding a “secret” tasting room, the visit to George Dickel was unlike any other!

We dive deep into a pour of the George Dickel 17-Year Reserve. This Tennessee Whiskey (Mash Bill: 84% Corn, 8% Rye, 8% Malted Barley) is aged a remarkable 17 years and bottled at a gentle 92 proof. Is this $350 bottle worth the price, or should you save your money for their popular 15-Year Single Barrel or the high-value Bottled-in-Bond expressions?

🔎 Tasting Notes & Discussion:

  • Nose: We find it lovely, fragrant, and smooth with notes of cherry blossom, floral aspects, fruitiness, and a touch of caramel.
  • Palate: It’s fruity and floral, but introduces a drying, almost chalky/mineral texture that is classic Dickel, along with brown sugar, barrel spice, and a hint of toffee and dark baking cinnamon.
  • Finish: Surprisingly gentle, warm, and lingering, with no heat.

We discuss why, despite the special nature of this 17-Year bottle, we might still prefer the incredible value and flavor profile of the George Dickel 15-Year-Old ($80 price point).

Whether you’re a die-hard Dickel fan or looking for an honest review before a big purchase, this is a must-watch episode! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more bourbon and whiskey reviews!

Sláinte to George Dickel and Master Distiller Nicole Austin!

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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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