Women in Whiskey

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

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

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

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

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

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🎓 Want to earn a FREE Whiskey Certificate? Start your bourbon education journey with Whiskey University today! Take your first steps here: https://www.whiskeyuniv.com/first-steps

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

Four Roses Single Barrel Collection — OESQ (2026 Release)

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

Four Roses Single Barrel Collection — OESF (2026 Release)

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

Four Roses Single Barrel Collection — OBSK (2026 Release)

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

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

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

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

Bourbon + Jalapeño + Chocolate: A Match Made in Heaven?

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🔥 Ready to spice up your bourbon collection with a bold, spirit-forward twist on a classic? Welcome to Episode 82 of Thirsty Thursday Cocktails on Your Bourbon Journey with Rebecca! Tonight, we’re pouring The Cinnamon Trail Old Fashioned—a fiery, complex Old Fashioned riff that combines heavy-oak bourbon, vintage liqueur heat, and rich Mexican chocolate vibes.

We anchor this build with a 110-proof Private Selection of Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon, bringing serious muscle, caramel, and Wild Turkey rye spice. For a unique modifier, we feature a rare find from Revival Vintage Spirits: Gaetano Jalapeño Liqueur (1984). While it smells like fresh cut peppers, it tastes like high-end cinnamon Red Hots! Balanced with Bourbon Barrel Aged Maple Syrup and a dash each of Aztec Chocolate & Mole Bitters, this cocktail takes your palate on an incredible journey.

🔮 NEXT WEEK: Tune in for Episode 83: The High Desert Manhattan—a dry, earthy twist pairing high-rye bourbon with Cynar 70 and prickly pear!

Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more weekly bourbon cocktail recipes! Always drink responsibly. Cheers! 🥂

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Revival Vintage Spirits https://revivalky.com/ 

📋 THE RECIPE & INSTRUCTIONS

Ingredients:

  • 2.0 oz Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon (110 Proof)
  • 0.25 oz Gaetano Jalapeño Liqueur (1984 Vintage)
  • 0.25 oz Bourbon Barrel Aged Maple Syrup
  • 2 dashes Fee Brothers Aztec Chocolate Bitters
  • 1 dash Fee Brothers Mole Bitters

Method & Assembly:

  1. Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice.
  2. Stir for 25–30 seconds until well-chilled and properly diluted.
  3. Strain into a Double Rocks Glass over a single large ice cube.
  4. Express fresh orange peel oils over the top and drop the peel into the glass.

TASTING PROFILE

  • Aroma: Fresh, pepper-forward top notes shifting into warm baking spices, rich maple, toasted oak, and bright orange oils.
  • Taste: Bold caramel and sweet maple give way to a lively spike of cinnamon Red Hots, quickly balanced by dark cocoa and savory mole spices.
  • Finish: Long, warming, and comforting—lingering notes of charred oak, dark chocolate, and a gentle cinnamon glow.

🚨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. 

#OldFashioned #BourbonCocktail #RussellsReserve #BourbonJourney #ThirstyThursday #CocktailRecipe #SpicyCocktail #VintageSpirits #Mixology #CraftCocktails #Bourbon #WhiskeyGram #CocktailHour #MexicanChocolate #WildTurkey

Tasting Old Steelhouse: Wheated vs Rye Bourbon

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

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

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

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

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❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

Small Batch & Single Barrel Wheated Mashbills

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

Old Steelhouse Batch 002

  • Age 5 Years; Proof 105; $70.00

Old Steelhouse Single Barrel 001

  • Age 5.5 Years; Proof 113.8; $95.00

Small Batch & Single Barrel Ryed Mashbills

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

Old Steelhouse Blueprint 001

  • Age 6 Years; Proof 100; $70.00

Old Steelhouse Single Barrel (Barrel 007)

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

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

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

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

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

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

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

🥃 What We’re Tasting & Reviewing:

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

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

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

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🎓 Want to earn a FREE Whiskey Certificate? Start your bourbon education journey with Whiskey University today! Take your first steps here: https://www.whiskeyuniv.com/first-steps

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

Blade & Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

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

Blade & Bow 12-Year-Old Solera Reserve

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

Blade & Bow 22-Year-Old Limited Release

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

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

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

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

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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🎓 Want to earn a FREE Whiskey Certificate? Start your bourbon education journey with Whiskey University today! Take your first steps here: https://www.whiskeyuniv.com/first-steps

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! 🥃✨

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 


🎓 Want to earn a FREE Whiskey Certificate? Start your bourbon education journey with Whiskey University today! Take your first steps here: https://www.whiskeyuniv.com/first-steps

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

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🚨

❓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 #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!

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🎓 Want to earn a FREE Whiskey Certificate? Start your bourbon education journey with Whiskey University today! Take your first steps here: https://www.whiskeyuniv.com/first-steps

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

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! 

🥃 Subscribe to Your Bourbon Journey for more honest whiskey reviews, blind tastings, and bourbon adventures!

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

To learn more about a Subscription to Blind Barrels, this is our Affiliate Link (commissions can be earned): https://blindbarrels.com/#subscription_plan?sca_ref=7200023.Ze2fVg6fhr

🎓 Want to earn a FREE Whiskey Certificate? Start your bourbon education journey with Whiskey University today! Take your first steps here: https://www.whiskeyuniv.com/first-steps

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

‼️🚨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.

#BlindBarrels #WhiskeyTasting #BourbonReview #CraftWhiskey #Whiskey #AmericanSingleMalt #RyeWhiskey #WheatWhiskey #YourBourbonJourney #WhiskeyUnboxing #ASWDistillery #JourneymanDistillery #OldLineSpirits #BaltimoreSpiritsCompany #Bourbon

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.

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🛒 Featured Cocktail Ingredients & Tools

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


🎓 Want to earn a FREE Whiskey Certificate? Start your bourbon education journey with Whiskey University today! Take your first steps here: https://www.whiskeyuniv.com/first-steps

📋 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!

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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🚨

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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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