Your Bourbon Journey

The Kentucky Coffee: A Recipe for Bourbon Lovers

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

In episode 9 of Thirsty Thursday Bourbon Cocktails, we present an exciting twist on the classic Irish Coffee that is destined to be your go-to coffee specialty – the Kentucky Coffee Cocktail! You’ll discover that the Kentucky Coffee boasts a vibrant aroma and delivers a smooth, flavorful experience, where the bold bitterness of black coffee is perfectly balanced by the sweet notes of vanilla and caramel from the Kentucky Bourbon. With a strong, freshly brewed coffee as its foundation, this cocktail packs a punch. The Kentucky Bourbon infuses a smooth, slightly spicy warmth that complements the coffee’s boldness brilliantly. Adding Tobacco Bitters enhances the earthy characteristics of the Bourbon, while a touch of caramel and Bourbon Cream introduces the ideal sweetness, perfectly balancing the coffee’s assertiveness with the bourbon’s warmth. Finally, a velvety layer of whipped cream crowns this drink, adding a delightful creamy texture. In this video, we will expertly guide you through the cocktail-making process with clear, step-by-step instructions, empowering you to craft this delightful coffee—ideal for sharing with friends or indulging solo.

RECIPE: 

  • Caramel to drizzle into the coffee cup
  • 1.5 oz. of Kentucky Bourbon
  • 1 oz of bourbon cream
  • 3-4 Dashes of Turkish Tobacco Bitters
  • 4 oz of fresh brewed coffee
  • Garnish with whipped cream and freshly grated nutmeg

AMAZON AFFILIATE LINKS (commissions earned):

**REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY**

Please SUBSCRIBE and hit the LIKE button!

Visit:  https://www.youtube.com/@YourBourbonJourney/featured for additional videos to enhance Your Bourbon Journey!

Questions? YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

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.

Three Unique Irish Whiskeys for St. Patrick’s Day

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

In this edition of tastings from our whiskey library, we proudly showcase three Irish Whiskeys to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and our Five Year Wedding Anniversary. This tasting features two Irish Whiskeys we’ve enjoyed before – Ha’Penny and Red Breast 12 – along with a new addition that we’ve recently acquired – Red Breast 12 Cask Strength. We will kick things off with the Ha’Penny by Pearse Lyons Distillery. Next up are the outstanding Red Breast 12 Year offerings: one is the classic 80 proof, while the other boasts a robust cask strength at 114.4 proof-our first experience with this remarkable cask strength version. For each whiskey, we will meticulously examine the appearance, revel in the aromas, savor the taste profile, and comment on the finish. We’ve even discovered one that we’re affectionately dubbing a “Bourbon Drinker’s Irish Whiskey.” So, pour yourself a glass of Irish Whiskey, get comfortable, and sip along with us. Cheers!

ABOUT THESE BOTTLES

Ha’Penny Irish Whiskey

  • Classification: Irish Whiskey
  • Company: Lexington Brewing and Distilling Company
  • Distillery: Pearse Lyons Distillery in Dublin, Ireland
  • Mash Bill: 62% Grain (A blend of Sherry Butt Grain and Double Charred Barrel Grain), 38% Malt (A blend of Port Pipe finished Malt and First fill Bourbon Barrel Malt).
  • Age: Non-age statement (NAS) blend of 4–10-year-old whiskies from four types of barrels… Bourbon, Port, Sherry and Double Charred.
  • Proof: 86
  • Purchased: 04/14/23 for $34.99 at Town Branch Distillery

Red Brest 12 Year Irish Whiskey

  • Classification: Irish Whiskey
  • Type: Pot Still Irish Whiskey; Denotes it was made from malted and un-malted barley and distilled only in a pot still.
  • Distillation: Triple Distilled
  • Company: Pernod Ricard
  • Distillery: Midleton Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 100% Malted and Unmalted Barley
  • Age: 12 Years
  • Proof: 80
  • Purchased: 03/11/23 for $73.99 at Beverage Barn, Henderson KY

Red Brest 12 Year Cask Strength Irish Whiskey

  • Classification: Irish Whiskey
  • Type: Pot Still Irish Whiskey; Denotes it was made from malted and un-malted barley and distilled only in a pot still.
  • Distillation: Triple Distilled
  • Company: Pernod Ricard
  • Distillery: Midleton Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 100% Malted and Unmalted Barley
  • Cask: Mixture of ex-bourbon barrels and ex-Oloroso Sherry Casks
  • Age: 12 Years
  • Proof: 114.4
  • Purchased: 03/08/25 for $$199.99 at High Spirits, Evansville IN

AMAZON AFFILIATE LINKS (commissions earned):

ABOUT IRISH WHISKEY

Irish whiskey is made from a high grain mash of barley, wheat, and corn. The exact quantities of each grain depend on the type of whiskey. The most common primary grain is barley.  The barley and be malted, un-malted, or a combination of each. The Irish Whiskey Act of 1980 defines the basic requirements for Irish whiskey. The act protects Irish whiskey by statute law and provides regulations and labeling for the spirit. The requirements include: produced and aged in Ireland; made from cereal grains that are fermented with yeast; distilled no higher than 94.8% ABV (proof of 189.6); aged in wooden casks for a minimum of three years; free of added substances with the exception of water and caramel coloring; bottled at a minimum ABV of 40% (proof of 80). For more information, please read Irish Whiskey.

**REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY**

Please SUBSCRIBE and hit the LIKE button!

Visit: https://www.youtube.com/@YourBourbonJourney/featured for additional videos to enhance Your Bourbon Journey!

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.

The First Visit to Old Forester – A Bourbon Adventure

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

Join us in CELEBRATION of our 100th VIDEO!

 In Episode 10 of Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes, we recount our first visit to Old Forester Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky. Join us as we remember that day, Saturday, September 3, 2022, which marked our 14th distillery on Our Bourbon Journey and our 10th Stamp on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. We share our insights into the experience available at Old Forester Distillery, how complete and detailed the tour is – truly soup to nuts, and why we often select it as a first distillery visit for our friends who are visiting. To fully immerse ourselves in those cherished memories, we taste from a bottle purchased on that very first visit, Old Forester Statesman, enabling us to relive the original experience and further enriching our journey with yet another highlight in Our Bourbon Journey.

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.

ABOUT THE BOTTLE: Old Forester Statesman

  • The Statesman
  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Brown-Forman
  • Distillery: Old Forester Distilling Company
  • Mash Bill: 72% Corn, 18% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
  • Age: NAS (at least 4 years)
  • Proof: 95
  • MSRP: $55
  • Purchased: 09/03/22 for $56.99 at Old Forester, Louisville KY

**REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY**

Please SUBSCRIBE and hit the LIKE button!

Visit: https://www.youtube.com/@YourBourbonJourney/featured for additional videos to enhance Your Bourbon Journey!

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.

Exploring The History and Flavors of Oxmoor Bourbon

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

In this bourbon review episode, we recount our recent visit to the Oxmoor Farm and Bourbon Company in Louisville, Kentucky. We highlight its historical significance, rooted in the 1700s, and the Bullitt family’s remarkable legacy of legal scholars who played a pivotal role in shaping many of the bourbon and whiskey laws we cherish today. Although bourbon was never produced on-site, Oxmoor served as a private stock brand designed for sharing.

We then delve into the tasting of two exceptional offerings from Oxmoor Bourbon – a Small Batch and a Single Barrel. Each is crafted by an undisclosed distillery in Kentucky; however, we know that one is bottled at Kentucky Artisan Distillery and the other at Neeley Family Distillery. We thoroughly enjoy and compare the unique aromas, tastes, and finishes of each offering.

Ultimately, we strongly recommend that you add Oxmoor Farm and Bourbon to your bourbon journey – book a tour, take a step back in time, and savor some outstanding bourbon!

ABOUT THESE BOTTLES

Oxmoor Small Batch Barrel Strength

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Oxmoor Bourbon Company
  • Bottled: Kentucky Artisan Distillery, Crestwood KY
  • Mash Bill: Blend of Traditional & Wheated mash bills
  • Age: NAS (at least 4 years)
  • Proof: 119
  • MSRP: $65.00
  • Other: Vol. 3, First Edition, MMXXIV
  • Purchased: 02/21/25 for $65.00 at Oxmoor Farm, Louisville KY 

Oxmoor Single Barrel

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Oxmoor Bourbon Company
  • Bottled: Neeley Family Distillery, Sparta KY
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed
  • Age: 8 years
  • Proof: 116.6
  • MSRP: $80.00
  • Released: 
  • Other: Vol. 4, MMXXIV
  • Purchased: 02/21/25 for $80.00 at Oxmoor Farm, Louisville KY

Oxmoor Bourbon Company: https://oxmoorbourbon.com/ 

AMAZON AFFILIATE LINKS (commissions earned):

**REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY**

Please SUBSCRIBE and hit the LIKE button!

Visit: https://www.youtube.com/@YourBourbonJourney/featured  for additional videos to enhance Your Bourbon Journey!

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.

Kentucky Tobacco Sour: A Unique Spin on the Classic Whiskey Sour

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

In episode 8 of Thirsty Thursday Bourbon Cocktails, we’re crafting the ultimate bourbon cocktail set to become your new favorite: the Kentucky Tobacco Sour! My inspiration struck at a bourbon pairing dinner where a chef used Turkish Tobacco Bitters in the appetizer, leaving me completely captivated by the rich aromas and earthy flavors.

The very next day, I seized a bottle of Fee Brothers Turkish Tobacco Bitters, eager to explore its potential. However, I couldn’t find a bourbon-based cocktail that matched my flavor aspirations. So, I put my spin on the classic Whiskey Sour—using Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and a splash of Fee Brothers Turkish Tobacco Bitters.

The result is a delightful fragrance that evokes tobacco leaves—warm, complex, earthy, subtly sweet, and intriguingly floral. The bitters’ notes of nutmeg and clove create a robust cocktail experience. After testing several versions, Wayne and I are confident you’ll love this Kentucky Tobacco Sour as much as we do!

In this video, we will guide you through the cocktail-making process with clear, step-by-step instructions so you can confidently create this exquisite drink—perfect for sharing with friends or savoring solo.

RECIPE: 

  • 2 oz. of bourbon
  • 1 oz. of Sweet & Sour Mix (or equal parts lemon juice & simple syrup)
  • 3 Dashes of Turkish Tobacco Bitters
  • 6 Dashes of Fee Brothers Fee Foam (or one egg white)
  • Garnish with 3 Dashes of Turkish Tobacco Bitters

DIRECTIONS:

  • Add 2 oz. bourbon
  • Add 1 oz. of Sweet & Sour Mix
  • Add 3 Dashes of Turkish Tobacco Bitters
  • Stir in mixing glass until chilled
  • Pour into shaker dry (with no ice)
  • Add 6 Dashes of Fee Brothers Fee Foam
  • Shake for up to 1 minute
  • Pour into Coupe Glass
  • Garnish with 3 Dashes of Turkish Tobacco Bitters

AMAZON AFFILIATE LINKS (commissions earned):

Thank you – Please Drink Responsibly

Exploring Flavor Profiles: The Wheated Bourbon Showdown

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

In this fun blind challenge, we take you on a captivating journey as we blind taste FOUR Wheated Bourbons.  They are each 100-107 proof and no single barrels were included; however, their mashbills and percentage of wheat do vary. Join us as we meticulously evaluate and rank each expression, diving deep into the distinctive flavor profiles and aromas that set them apart from one another. Ultimately, we will unveil our personal rankings of the wheated bourbon that reign supreme in our tasting, highlighting the elements that captured our palates the most. Of course, there’s a good chance that we won’t always agree on our favorites, leading to some lively debate and fun banter! Don’t miss this engaging and informative deep dive into the world of Wheated Bourbon, where flavor reigns and every sip tells a story.

AMAZON AFFILIATE LINKS (commissions earned):

ABOUT THESE WHEATED BOURBONS (in alphabetical order)

Bardstown Bourbon Co Origin Series High Wheat Bourbon

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Bardstown Bourbon Company
  • Distillery: Bardstown Bourbon Company
  • Mash Bill: Corn 53% / Wheat 39% / Malted Barley 8%
  • Age: 6
  • Proof: 106
  • MSRP: $49.99
  • Released: August 2024
  • Purchased: 12/07/24 for $49.99 at Bardstown Tasting Room in Louisville, KY
  • YouTube 12/26/24: https://youtu.be/0W7j-28qnGQ

Cedar Brook Wheated Bourbon

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Bottled: W.H. McBrayer
  • Distillery: 
  • Mash Bill: 70% corn, 21% wheat and 9% barley
  • Age: NAS
  • Proof: 100
  • MSRP: $65
  • Released: September 2024
  • Purchased: 09/14/24 for $65.00 via McBrayer Legacy Spirits online.
  • Not Previously Reviewed

Holladay Soft Red Wheat Bottled-in-Bond

  • Classification: Missouri Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: McCormick Distilling Company
  • Distillery:  Holladay Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 73% Corn, 15% Wheat, 12% Malted Barley
  • Age: 6
  • Proof: 100
  • MSRP: $60
  • Released: 2024
  • Other: Bottled in Bond
    Purchased: 03/06/24 for $64.99 at High Spirits in Evansville, IN
  • Story 03/24/24: https://yourbourbonjourney.com/2024/03/26/march-2024-holladay-distillery-tasting/

Weller Antique 107

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Sazerac Company, Inc.
  • Distillery: Buffalo Trace
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed Buffalo Trace “Wheated Mash Bill”
  • Age: NAS (talk of typically 6-8 years)
  • Proof: 107
  • MSRP: $52.99
  • Released: Ongoing
  • Purchased: 05/06/23 for $139.99 at Revival Vintage Spirits in Covington, KY
  • Not Previously Reviewed

**REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY**

Please SUBSCRIBE and hit the LIKE button!

Visit: https://www.youtube.com/@YourBourbonJourney/featured for additional videos to enhance Your Bourbon Journey!

Questions? YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

NOTE: 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.

Michter’s 10 Year Bourbon: A Deep Dive

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

In this bourbon review episode, we share insights from our recent tour of Michter’s Fort Nelson Distillery in downtown Louisville, Kentucky, which granted us the opportunity to acquire the Michter’s 10 Year Old Bourbon. We enthusiastically dive into an exploration of this exceptional release, savoring its rich aromas, complex palate, and memorable finish. Furthermore, we delve into the Michter’s Process, illustrating how their meticulous approach achieves the outstanding results that the Michter’s leadership team aspires to deliver.

ABOUT THIS BOTTLE

  • Michter’s 10 Year Bourbon (2024)
  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Whiskey is contract distilled per Michter’s mash bill and instructions
  • Bottled by: Michter’s Distillery LLC, Louisville, Kentucky
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed
  • Age: 10 years
  • Proof: 94.4
  • MSRP: $185
  • Purchased: 02/22/25 for $195 at Michter’s Fort Nelson in Louisville, KY

AMAZON AFFILIATE LINKS (commissions earned):

Why You Must Visit Second Sight Distillery on the Bourbon Trail 

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

In Episode 9 of Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes, we recount our memorable first visit to Second Sight Distillery in Ludlow, Kentucky. Join us as we vividly remember that day, Sunday, July 31, 2022, which marked our 13th distillery on Our Bourbon Journey and our 9th Stamp on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. We share our insights into the experience available at Second Sight Distillery, our respect for its co-founders – Carus Waggoner and Rick Couch, and how it has become a must-stop whenever in Northern Kentucky. To fully immerse ourselves in those cherished memories, we taste from a bottle purchased on that very first visit, Oak Eye Bourbon, enabling us to relive the original experience and further enriching our journey with yet another highlight in Our Bourbon Journey.

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.

ABOUT THE BOTTLE: Oak Eye Bourbon

  • Classification: Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Second Sight Spirits
  • Distillery: Second Sight Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 72% Corn, 16% Wheat, 7% Malted Barley, 5% Rye
  • Barrel: No. 75, 15 Gallon, Level 3 Char, Entry Proof 115
  • Age: 1 year, 8 months
  • Proof: 92.1
  • Other: Ultra Small Batch, Bottled July 2022.
  • Purchased: 07/31/22 for $49 at Second Sight in Ludlow, KY

Bourbon Hot Toddy: The Cozy Cocktail You Need This Winter

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

In episode 7 of Thirsty Thursday Cocktails, we are crafting a drink that will wrap you in cozy warmth on a chilly evening – the Bourbon Hot Toddy! This timeless classic not only brings comfort but also delights the senses, making it a perfect companion for curling up by the fireplace or enjoying a quiet night in. With its straightforward ingredients, including the rich and smooth bourbon, fragrant honey, zesty lemon, and hot water, it strikes the ideal balance of sweetness and tartness, ensuring a satisfying sip every time. This terrific cocktail is sure to be your go-to evening sipper, providing both refreshment and relief from the cold. Tonight, we will master the Bourbon Hot Toddy cocktail with clear, step-by-step instructions, empowering you to create this delightful drink with confidence and style, perfect for sharing with friends or savoring on your own.

RECIPE: 

  • 2 oz. bourbon
  • 1 bar spoon of lemon juice
  • Dash of Angostura Aromatic Bitters 
  • Dash of cinnamon
  • Dash of nutmeg
  • 4 oz hot water
  • 2 full bar spoons of honey
  • Lemon slices and cinnamon sticks, for serving

AMAZON AFFILIATE LINKS (commissions earned):

BAR ITEMS

True Bar Mat: https://amzn.to/4hi23ua 

Briout Jigger for Bartending: https://amzn.to/3DUjva3 

Briout Bar Spoon: https://amzn.to/3PJMwaN 

FOOD OR GARNISHES

Spicy World Cinnamon Sticks 7 Ounce Bag: https://amzn.to/3WuNhIQ 

iSpice Premium nutmeg: https://amzn.to/40pzMv7 

Angostura Bitters Original and Orange Bitters (Combo- Pack) – 4oz Bottles, Aromatic and Citrus Infused: https://amzn.to/4bkQhO7 

GLASSWARE

Godinger Coffee Mugs, Glass Irish Coffee Mug Set: https://amzn.to/3PR51dq 

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Is The BEST SURPRISE In Whiskey

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

In this bourbon review episode, we’re diving into the highly anticipated first release of 2025 – the ECBP A125 from Elijah Craig Barrel Proof. As passionate ECBP enthusiasts, it’s remarkable to note that this is our first time grabbing the earliest release of the year! We’ll conduct a comprehensive analysis of this expression, from its captivating nose to the remarkable palate and finish. Join us for our expert insights on this inaugural release of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof for 2025, which boasts a lower age statement and proof than we initially expected.

ABOUT THIS BOTTLE
Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Distillery: Heaven Hill
Mash Bill: 78% Corn, 12% Malted Barley, 10% Rye
Age: 10 years, 7 months
Proof: 118.2
MSRP: $74.99
Released: January 2025
Purchased: 02/27/25 for $99.99 at High Spirits in Evansville, IN

AMAZON AFFILIATE LINKS (commissions earned):

GLENCAIRN Whiskey Glass, Gift Set of 4: https://amzn.to/4ak8DOR 

CairnCaps Bamboo Whiskey Glass Lids – Set of 6: https://amzn.to/4hgIJh0  

CairnCradle Whiskey Glass Rack: https://amzn.to/4amLZ8k 

Clove, Gum Vintage Tin, 10 Count: https://amzn.to/3QDA3pT