Thirsty Thursday Cocktails – Episode 22! Craft Your Own Perfect Black Manhattan
You’re about to dive into the sophisticated world of the Black Manhattan! 🥃 In this video, we’re taking this modern classic to the next level with a hand-picked selection of premium ingredients.
Join me as we craft this rich and complex cocktail featuring the smooth, spicy notes of Four Roses OESK bourbon. We’ll balance that beautifully with the bittersweet depth of Averna Amaro, a dash of classic Angostura bitters, and a bright hint of orange bitters to tie it all together. And of course, no Manhattan is complete without a luscious Luxardo cherry to crown our creation.
Whether you’re a seasoned cocktail enthusiast or just starting your home bartending journey, I’ll guide you through each step to ensure you can confidently recreate this elegant drink. Get ready to impress your friends and elevate your happy hour!
What you’ll need:
Four Roses OESK Bourbon
Averna Amaro
Angostura Bitters
Orange Bitters
Luxardo Cherries
Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more amazing cocktail recipes and tips! 🔔 Let us know in the comments below what cocktail you want us to perfect next! 👇 We love hearing your suggestions!
Our recent trip to Lexington, Kentucky couldn’t have been better timed! We stumbled upon the “soft opening” of the highly anticipated Dark Arts Whiskey House, and trust us, you’re going to want to hear about this.
Join us as we dive into an exclusive first look at their not-quite-open facility, which is already boasting an incredible vibe that’s sure to be a game-changer for Lexington’s nightlife. But the real magic happened during our tasting!
We sampled eight incredible offerings and, after much deliberation (and a few “oohs” and “aahs”), we narrowed it down to two showstoppers to bring home and review for you:
Dark Arts Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished with Toasted Jupilles Fleur French Oak Staves
Dark Arts Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Red Port and White Port Wine Casks
Are these the next big thing in bourbon? Click play ▶️ now for our completely unfiltered tasting notes and find out if these unique expressions live up to the buzz!
Don’t let these amazing bourbons pass you by!
If you’re as passionate about whiskey as we are, show us some love! Give this video a thumbs up 👍, hit that subscribe button 🔔 so you never miss out on the most exciting bourbon releases, and share this with your fellow enthusiasts and tasting buddies! ➡️
Let’s raise a glass to rare finds, exceptional spirits, and unforgettable moments. Cheers! 🥂
#bourbon #darkarts #finishedbourbon
❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌
✴️ Dark Arts Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished with Toasted Jupilles Fluer French Oak Staves
Distilled in Indiana; Bottled in Sparta, KY
Mash Bill: 60% Corn, 36% Rye, 4% Malted Barley
Age: 7 Years
Proof: 108
Released: 2025
Other: Three-barrel blend, Bottle 989, Batch 21
Purchased: 05/16/25 for $89.99 at their Lexington Soft Opening
✴️ Dark Arts Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Red Port and White Port Wine Casks
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.
Join us for another exciting chapter of Bourbon Trail Tales and Tastes as we venture north of Louisville, Kentucky, to the charming town of Crestwood, home to the innovative Kentucky Artisan Distillery (KAD)! This unforgettable stop marked our 28th distillery visited and earned us our 22nd coveted stamp in our Kentucky Bourbon Trail Book – a true milestone!
KAD isn’t your average distillery; it’s a fascinating hub in the bourbon world. As a premier contract distiller and bottler, KAD plays a pivotal role in bringing some of your favorite spirits to life, including serving as the proud home of Jefferson’s Bourbon! Discover the intricate processes behind the scenes that make this distillery so unique.
In this episode, we take you on a comprehensive tour of KAD, exploring every fascinating corner of their operation. Then, prepare your palate as we delve into an exclusive tasting featuring the robust Whiskey Row Bottled In Bond and three distinct, adventurous offerings from Jefferson’s Ocean.
But the journey doesn’t end there! Today, we’re finally cracking open a bottle of the Whiskey Row Bottled In Bond Bourbon that we personally selected during our visit.
We wrap up this episode with an exciting update on Kentucky Artisan Distillery based on a recent visit we made! They’ve unveiled a terrific new experience that we absolutely loved and highly recommend. You won’t want to miss our insights into their latest offerings!
Ready to embark on this bourbon journey with us?
👍 LIKE this video if you’re a bourbon enthusiast or loved learning about KAD!
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In this series, Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes, we navigate the rich tapestry of our memorable experiences on the Bourbon Trail, a journey that has undeniably enriched our appreciation for this iconic American spirit. We tackle intriguing questions such as: What stands out as the most profound memory of that bourbon trail experience, one that has etched itself firmly in our minds? What exceptional and bourbon or whiskey did we discover during this journey, perhaps one that surprised us with its intricate and delightful flavor profiles? What lasting impressions do we have of that bourbon or whiskey today, as we reflect on its complexities and how they resonate with our evolving palates and preferences? Through this exploration, we passionately recount our adventures and celebrate the stories and connections we’ve forged along the way, highlighting the essence of the Bourbon Trail.
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.
Get ready to embark on a thrilling whiskey journey with us! Last month, we hit the iconic Kentucky Bourbon Trail, but our adventure took an unexpected turn after leaving Maker’s Mark and Jim Beam. Prepare to be amazed as we whisk you away to The Kentucky Castle in Versailles – truly a treat for the senses!
Then, it was on to Lexington and the brand-new RD1 Visitor Experience! We dove deep into their captivating educational displays, explored their unique gift shops, and discovered their exciting experience offerings. But the real magic happened at their new bar, where we indulged in exclusive tastings of their experimental offerings.
And the grand finale? We snagged a bottle of the highly anticipated Sister Cities 2025 Limited Release! RD1 describes it as a harmonious blend of America’s Native Spirit with wood from Shinhidaka, Japan, and Deauville, France. Imagine the “sweet sophistication of French Oak” dancing with the “woodsy nature of Mizunara” in a perfectly aged Bourbon and Rye. Mind. Blown.
We were absolutely ecstatic to get our hands on this bottle, and now we’re sharing every single detail with you! Join us as we meticulously explore what makes this dual-finished, special blend so extraordinary. We’ll observe, nose, taste, and discuss every captivating nuance.
Spoiler Alert! This isn’t just a fantastic bottle of Kentucky Straight Whiskey – it’s an unforgettable experience in a glass! Don’t let this extraordinary expression slip through your fingers!
Click play ▶️ now to join us for our unfiltered tasting notes and discover what truly makes the RD1 Sister Cities 2025 Limited Release so incredibly special. You won’t want to miss it! 👇
Are you as passionate about bourbon and discovering rare finds as we are? Show us some love by giving this video a thumbs up 👍, hit that subscribe button 🔔 so you’re always first to know about the most exciting whiskey releases, and share this with your fellow enthusiasts and tasting buddies! ➡️
Let’s raise a glass to rare finds, exceptional spirits, and unforgettable moments. Cheers! 🥂🥃
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.
A 41-Year-Old Bourbon: Tasting a 1984 J.W. Dant Time Capsule!
Get ready for an unforgettable journey into whiskey history! We’re not just opening a bottle; we’re cracking open a time capsule: a 41-year-old J.W. Dant bourbon from 1984! Have you ever wondered what four decades do to a whiskey? We definitely did, and now you can find out with us!
We got our hands on this incredible vintage gem from the amazing Revival Vintage Spirits in Covington, KY. We’ve been counting down the days to share this special tasting experience with you, and trust us, it’s worth the wait!
In this video, you’ll witness history unfold as we:
Uncover the fascinating story behind J.W. Dant.
Explore every detail – from its mesmerizing appearance to its captivating aromas.
Take that long-awaited, first sip and share our raw, honest reactions!
Join us as we explore how this unique, vintage whiskey holds up after all these years. This is your chance to experience a genuine taste of whiskey history with us. Don’t miss out – hit play now!
#bourbon, #vintagebourbon, #JWDant
❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌
✴️ 1984 JW Dant Special Reserve
Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Company: The Dant Distillery Company
Distillery: Schenley Distillery Louisville
Mash Bill: A common estimate for Bernheim’s Schenley-era mash bill was around 73-75% corn, 15-20% rye, and 8-12% malted barley.
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.
Feeling thirsty this Thirsty Thursday? 🍹 Get ready to shake things up because in Episode 21 we’re crafting the perfect Bourbon Margarita! 🥃🍋
Are you a margarita fan who isn’t keen on tequila? You’re in for a treat! We totally get it – sometimes you just want that zesty, refreshing vibe without the traditional spirit. That’s exactly how this incredible recipe came to be! One day, while exploring the Bourbon Trail in Kentucky 🐎, we stumbled upon a Mexican restaurant that had a Bourbon Margarita on the menu. Naturally, we had to give it a try… and it was love at first sip! ❤️
So now, we’re sharing what we affectionately call “the bourbon lover’s margarita.” It’s smooth, it’s zesty, and it’s guaranteed to be your new favorite go-to cocktail. Forget complicated ingredients or fancy techniques – we’re keeping it simple and delicious.
Grab your bourbon, orange liqueur, fresh lime juice, and plenty of ice 🧊 – we’re making this together step-by-step so you can sip and enjoy this unique twist on a classic! Cheers! 🥂
Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more amazing cocktail recipes and tips! 🔔 Let us know in the comments below what cocktail you want us to perfect next! 👇 We love hearing your suggestions!
#bourboncocktails #margarita #bourbonmargarita
Bourbon Margarita Ingredients:
2 oz High-Rye Bourbon (Old Grand Dad 114)
0.75 oz Freshly squeezed lime juice
0.75 oz Orange Liqueur (Cointreau)
Coarse salt and Tajín Clásico Seasoning for the rim
Lime wheel or wedge, for garnish
🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨
✅ Please SUBSCRIBE and hit the LIKE button!
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.
Get ready, whiskey lovers! In this highly anticipated video, we’re uncorking and diving deep into our very first taste of Jim Beam’s latest masterpiece: Little Book Chapter 9 – “None for Granted.” 🥃 What liquid magic has Freddie Noe conjured up for this year’s highly anticipated annual release? Prepare yourselves for a truly unique and intriguing BurRye blend! 🤩
Join us as we break down everything you need to know about the 2025 Little Book Chapter 9. We’ll reveal all the fascinating details, including the exciting fact that this is the highest proof Little Book release since Chapter 4! 🔥 From the moment it hits the glass, we’ll guide you through an immersive sensory experience, exploring its complex nose, savoring every nuanced note on the palate, and dissecting its lingering finish.
Then, the moment of truth arrives, the question every whiskey aficionado wants answered: Will the 2025 Little Book Chapter 9: None for Granted earn a coveted spot in your collection (“Buy”), a respectful nod (“Pass”), or an urgent acquisition (“Back up!”)? 🤔 Our unvarnished, no-holds-barred opinion awaits! You won’t want to miss our definitive verdict.
This annual release is more than just a bottle; it’s a legacy. Don’t let this extraordinary expression slip through your fingers! Click play ▶️ now to join us for our unfiltered tasting notes and discover if the hype around “None for Granted” is truly deserved. 👇
Are you as passionate about bourbon as we are? Show us some love by giving this video a thumbs up 👍, hit that subscribe button 🔔 so you’re always first to know about the most exciting whiskey releases, and share this with your fellow enthusiasts and tasting buddies! ➡️ Let’s raise a glass to rare finds, exceptional spirits, and unforgettable moments. Cheers! 🥂🥃
#bourbon #JimBeam #LittleBook
❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌
✴️ Little Book Chapter 9 – None for Granted
Classification: Blended Straight Whiskey
Company: Beam Suntory
Distillery: Jim Beam Distillery
Mash Bill: This chapter is a blend of one 8-year-old Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey and four different Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskeys aged 7, 7, 8, and 11 years.
Age: youngest is 7 years old
Proof: 121.8 (highest since Ch 4)
MSRP: $159.99
Released: 05/15/25
Other: Previewed at dinner 05/14/25
Purchased: 05/16/25 for $160.00 at Jim Beam American Outpost
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.
Get ready for a bourbon adventure like no other! In Episode 22 of our Bourbon Trail Adventures, we’re busting out of Kentucky and heading all the way to sunny San Diego, California! Prepare to be amazed as we unveil our first-ever California distillery visit and our 27th overall landmark – the incredible Mike Curphy Distillery.
This wasn’t just a stop; it was an “accidental distillery discovery” that turned into a truly unforgettable blessing! Join us as we pull back the curtain on this serendipitous encounter. We’ll share our incredibly fond memories of meeting the visionary Mike Curphy himself, diving deep into his captivating family legacy of whiskey-making, and so much more. You won’t believe the story behind this hidden gem!
But the journey doesn’t stop there! We’re uncorking a bottle and tasting one of the unique spirits we brought home that day: Uisage-Beatha, a phenomenal Single Malt Whiskey. If our memory serves us right, this was a groundbreaking moment – the very first American Single Malt we’d ever tasted, and it left a lasting impression! Get ready for our honest reactions and tasting notes.
Ready to transport your taste buds to California?
➡️ HIT THAT PLAY BUTTON NOW and let the captivating stories and the spirit of discovery flow!
Don’t miss a single drop of our bourbon journey!
👍 LIKE this video if you’re as passionate about bourbon as we are, or if you’re simply intrigued by unexpected discoveries! Your likes fuel our adventures!
🔔 SUBSCRIBE to our channel right now and hit that notification bell so you never miss our epic bourbon adventures, exclusive distillery tours, honest reviews, and expert insights. Join our growing community of bourbon lovers!
👇 We want to hear from YOU! Leave a comment below and tell us: What’s the most surprising or rewarding distillery experience you’ve had on the Bourbon Trail (or beyond!), or what’s at the very top of your must-visit distillery list? Let’s share our bourbon dreams!
Cheers to exploration, discovery, and exceptional spirits! 🥃 Let’s continue to explore the incredible world of bourbon together!
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In this series, Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes, we navigate the rich tapestry of our memorable experiences on the Bourbon Trail, a journey that has undeniably enriched our appreciation for this iconic American spirit. We tackle intriguing questions such as: What stands out as the most profound memory of that bourbon trail experience, one that has etched itself firmly in our minds? What exceptional and bourbon or whiskey did we discover during this journey, perhaps one that surprised us with its intricate and delightful flavor profiles? What lasting impressions do we have of that bourbon or whiskey today, as we reflect on its complexities and how they resonate with our evolving palates and preferences? Through this exploration, we passionately recount our adventures and celebrate the stories and connections we’ve forged along the way, highlighting the essence of the Bourbon Trail.
#bourbontrail #bourbon #MikeCurphyDistillery
❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌
ABOUT THE BOTTLE REVIEWED
✴️ Uisage-Beatha (Ooshky Baya – The Water of Life)
Classification: Single Malt Whiskey
Distillery: Mike Curphy Distillery
Age: 6 Months
Proof: 80
Released: 2022
Purchased: 11/25/22 for $79.95 at the Mike Curphy Distillery
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.
🔥 NEW WHISKEY ALERT! 🔥 Join us today for an exclusive, in-depth review of the highly anticipated Star Hill Farm Wheat Whisky 2025 Release! This isn’t just any whiskey; it’s a game-changer: the first release from Star Hill Farm (part of Maker’s Mark), the first new recipe by Maker’s Mark in over 70 years, AND the first spirit to earn the “Estate Whiskey Certification.”
In this can’t-miss video, we’re diving deep into everything you need to know about this groundbreaking expression:
Acquiring this Bottle: We’ll share the story of how we got our hands on this rare release!
About Star Hill Farm Wheat Whisky 2025: Learn the fascinating background and what makes this whiskey so unique.
Exploring Color and Appearance: A visual feast for the eyes!
Enjoying the Aromas: Prepare for an aromatic journey as we uncover its complex nose.
First Taste: Star Hill Farm Wheat Whisky 2025: Our honest, unfiltered initial reactions!
Discussing the Finish: How does it linger? We’ll break down the complete tasting experience.
Additional Thoughts & Recommendations: Our final verdict and whether it’s worth seeking out!
Do you enjoy the intriguing world of wheat whiskey? We want to hear from you! What’s your all-time favorite wheat whiskey, and why? Share your thoughts in the comments below! 👇
Ready for unfiltered tasting notes, honest reactions, and a detailed analysis that cuts through the hype? Don’t miss out!
Click play ▶️ now to join us on this exciting whiskey journey! And if you love what you see, hit that LIKE button, SUBSCRIBE for more epic whiskey content, and ring the notification bell 🔔 so you never miss a drop!
❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌
✴️ Star Hill Farm Wheat Whisky 2025
Classification: American Wheat Whiskey
Company: Star Hill Farm
Distillery: Maker’s Mark Distillery
Mash Bill:
*70% Soft Red Winter Wheat & 30% Malted Barley
*100% Malted Soft Red Winter Wheat
(Overall): 51% Soft Red Winter Wheat, 27% Malted Soft Red Winter Wheat, 22% Malted Barley
Age: 7-8 Years
Proof: 114.7
MSRP: $100
Released: May 2025
Other: First new mashbill in 70 years
Purchased: 05/16/28 for $100 at Maker’s Mark Distillery
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 Industry Highlights from May 2025>> 56 Stories!
In May 2025, the bourbon and whiskey industry experienced significant events, including record U.S. spirit exports and numerous distillery developments. Several prestigious awards were given at international competitions, reflecting the industry’s excellence. The month also saw new product launches and festival updates, highlighting the growing interest in whiskey culture.
Industry Market News & Related Announcements>> 6 Stories
Your Bourbon Journey 