Your Bourbon Journey

How to Make the Cactus Flower Sour Cocktail 

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

Elevate your summer cocktail game with The Cactus Flower Sour! In Episode 84 of Thirsty Thursday Cocktails on Your Bourbon Journey, Rebecca shakes up a tart, vibrant, and visually stunning late-summer twist on the classic Whiskey Sour.

Featuring the rich, 100-proof backbone of Heaven Hill 7-Year Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon, this craft cocktail balances deep oak, caramel, and baking spices with the earthy melon notes of Thornbush Prickly Pear Flavored Whiskey. Combined with fresh, tart lemon juice, bright magenta prickly pear syrup, and silky Fee Foam, this shaken bourbon drink delivers an electric color, velvety head, and crisp, mouthwatering finish topped with aromatic Peychaud’s Bitters.

🛒 Featured Cocktail Ingredients & Tools

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

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

📋 The Cactus Flower Sour Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1.75 oz Heaven Hill 7-Year Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon (100 Proof)
  • 0.5 oz Thornbush Prickly Pear Flavored Whiskey
  • 0.75 oz Fresh Lemon Juice (Double Strained)
  • 0.75 oz Prickly Pear Syrup
  • 3 dashes Fee Foam
  • 1 dash Peychaud’s Bitters (for float)

Garnish & Glassware:

  • Glass: Double Rocks Glass with ice
  • Garnish: Dehydrated lemon wheel & 1 dash Peychaud’s Bitters floated on top

🚨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. 

#WhiskeySour #BourbonCocktails #PricklyPear #HeavenHill #CocktailRecipe #BourbonJourney #CraftCocktails #ThirstyThursday #WhiskeyLovers #SummerCocktails #Mixology #HomeBartender #SourCocktails #Bourbon #CocktailHour

Tasting Bardstown’s 99-Point Lochs of Jura & 2026 Discovery

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

Today on Your Bourbon Journey, we have an exclusive first look and side-by-side tasting of the brand-new Fall 2026 releases from Bardstown Bourbon Company!

A huge thank you to Holly at Lofted Spirits and Bardstown Bourbon Company for providing these sneak peek bottles ahead of their official release on Friday, August 21, 2026.

In this tasting:

🥃 Lochs of Jura Barrel Finish (104 Proof | $139.99): A bespoke blend of 10–12 year Indiana rye and Kentucky/Indiana bourbons finished for 32 months in Isle of Jura ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks. Awarded 99 Points / Best American Whiskey (IWSC 2026).

🥃 2026 Discovery Garryana Oak Finish (112.8 Proof | $139.99): The debut of Bardstown’s new annual dated flagship format (dropping batch numbers). This blend of 7, 10, and 11-year straight bourbons spends 4 months in custom-toasted Oregon White Oak.

We break down the specs, unpack the major rebrand shift for the iconic Discovery Series, and give you our live, unvarnished tasting notes on both unique expressions.

Which one of these two fall pours are you hunting down first? Let us know in the comments below!

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❌

Lochs of Jura Barrel Finish Whiskey

  • Classification: A Blend of Straight Bourbon and Rye Whiskies Finished in Single Malt Scotch Whisky Barrels (Finished Whiskey)
  • Company: Bardstown Bourbon Company
  • Distillery: Sourced / Blended by Bardstown Bourbon Company (components from Indiana and Kentucky aged in ex-bourbon & ex-sherry casks from Isle of Jura Distillery)
  • Mash Bill: Blend of 40% 11-yr IN bourbon [75/21/4], 30% 10-yr IN rye [95/5], and 21% 12-yr KY bourbon [75/13/12]
  • Age: NAS overall blend statement; finished for 32 months in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks from the Isle of Jura (Component ages: 10, 11, and 12 years)
  • Proof: 104 Proof (52% ABV)
  • SRP: $139.99 (750 mL)
  • Released: August 21, 2026

2026 Discovery (Garryana Oak Finish)

  • Classification: Blended Straight Bourbon Whiskies Finished in Garryana Oak Barrels
  • Company: Bardstown Bourbon Company
  • Mash Bill: Blend of 55% 10-yr IN bourbon [75/21/4], 25% 11-yr KY bourbon [74/18/8], and 20% 7-yr KY bourbon [74/16/10]
  • Age: Blend of 7, 10, and 11-year-old bourbons, finished for 4 months in custom Garryana oak barrels.
  • Proof: 112.8 Proof (56.4% ABV)
  • SRP: $139.99 (750 mL)
  • Released: August 21, 2026

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

NOTE: Thank you to Bardstown Bourbon Company for providing these bottles for review. Your Bourbon Journey maintains strict editorial independence; samples are accepted for educational and review purposes only and are never a guarantee of a favorable review.

#BardstownBourbonCompany #bourbonreview #DiscoverySeries #WhiskeyTasting #LochsOfJura #GarryanaOak #Fall2026Whiskey #BourbonHunt #WhiskeyReview #FinishedWhiskey #BourbonCommunity #CraftSpirits #KentuckyBourbon #AmericanWhiskey #YourBourbonJourney

Lost Lantern American Single Malt & US of Bourbon Blind Flight

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

Is blending whiskey from 50 different craft distilleries a stroke of blending genius or a recipe for disaster? Today on Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca are diving into an ambitious showcase from independent bottler Lost Lantern! 

Founded by Nora Ganley-Roper and Adam Polonski after their epic “Great Whiskey Road Trip” to over 100 distilleries, Lost Lantern shines a spotlight on America’s finest craft producers. Today, we put three of their unique, highly limited releases to the ultimate test:

  • Lost Lantern American Vatted Malt Reissue (AVM-1) | 105 Proof: A 100% malted barley blend of straight American single malts from 6 heavyweight craft distilleries.
  • Lost Lantern American Vatted Malt Remix (AVM-2) | 110.8 Proof: The evolution of the blend! 11 distinct American single malt distilleries come together.
  • Lost Lantern United States of Bourbon (Edition No. 1) | 123.0 Proof (Cask Strength): The headliner! A blend of straight bourbons sourced from 50 craft distilleries across all 50 U.S. states.

Did 50 bourbons turn into muddy water, or did it shock us by drinking like an Elijah Craig Barrel Proof contender? Watch to find out which bottle took the crown and might just end up in our Whiskey of the Month blind challenge!

🔔 Subscribe to Your Bourbon Journey for weekly honest whiskey reviews, blind tastings, and cocktail recipes.

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❌

Lost Lantern – American Vatted Malt Reissue (AVM-1)

  • Classification: Blend of Straight Whiskies (American Single Malt Whiskey)
  • Company: Lost Lantern Whiskey
  • Distillery: Balcones Distilling, Copperworks Distilling, Santa Fe Spirits, Triple Eight, Virginia Distillery Co., Westward Whiskey
  • Mash Bill: 100% Malted Barley
  • Age: 2 Years Old
  • Proof: 105.0 (52.5% ABV)
  • SRP: $90.00
  • Released: 2026
  • Purchased: 07/15/26 for $90.00 at Lost Lantern (Online Direct)

Lost Lantern – American Vatted Malt Remix (AVM-2)

Classification: Blend of Straight Whiskies (American Single Malt Whiskey)

  • Company: Lost Lantern Whiskey
  • Distillery: Andalusia Whiskey Co., Balcones, Cedar Ridge, Copperworks, McCarthy’s, Santa Fe Spirits, Triple Eight, Virginia, Westland, Westward, Whiskey Del Bac
  • Mash Bill: 100% Malted Barley
  • Age: 2 Years Old
  • Proof: 110.8 (55.4% ABV)
  • SRP: $100.00
  • Released: 2026
  • Purchased: 07/15/26 for $100.00 at Lost Lantern (Online Direct) 

Lost Lantern – United States of Bourbon (Edition No. 1)

  • Classification: Blend of Straight Bourbon Whiskies
  • Company: Lost Lantern Whiskey
  • Distillery: Blended from 50 craft distilleries across all 50 U.S. states (including Starlight – IN, New Riff – KY, Kings County – NY, Frey Ranch – NV, etc.)
  • Mash Bill: Blended Multi-State Bourbon Mash Bill
  • Age: 2 Years Old
  • Proof: 123.0 (61.5% ABV – Cask Strength)
  • SRP: $99.99
  • Released: 2026
  • Other: Non-chill-filtered & cask strength; Limited release of 3,300 bottles; Features one straight bourbon distillery from every U.S. state listed on the back label.
  • Purchased: 07/15/26 for $99.99 at Lost Lantern (Online Direct)

🚨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.

#LostLantern #Bourbon #AmericanSingleMalt #WhiskeyReview #BourbonReview #CraftWhiskey #SingleMalt #YourBourbonJourney #UnitedStatesOfBourbon #CaskStrength #WhiskeyTasting #BourbonHunting #StarlightDistillery #NewRiff #WhiskeyLovers

American Single Malt Flight: Virginia Distillery Co. Lineup Review 

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

Bourbon lovers, are you ready to explore the evolving world of American Single Malt? Join Wayne and Rebecca on Your Bourbon Journey as we dive into a fascinating three-bottle tasting flight from Virginia Distillery Co. (Lovingston, VA)! 

From a unique 50/50 bourbon-and-single-malt collaboration with Bardstown Bourbon Company to handcrafted Blue Ridge toasted oak and a rich cold-brew coffee cask finish, this lineup proves why Virginia Distillery Co. is leading the charge in American Single Malt Whisky.

🥃 IN THIS FLIGHT:
1️⃣ Virginia Distillery Co. The Split Barrel Project No. 1
2️⃣ Virginia Distillery Co. Blue Ridge Toasted Barrel Finish
3️⃣ VHW Scholar’s Craft Coffee Cask

Which of these expressions would you pick for a summer patio sip or a post-dinner dessert pour? Let us know in the comments below! 

If you enjoyed this tasting, please LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE to follow along on Your Bourbon Journey! Always remember to drink responsibly. 🥃

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❌

Virginia Distillery Co. The Split Barrel Project No. 1

  • Classification: American Blended Whisky (Blend of Kentucky Straight Bourbon & Virginia Single Malt)
  • Company/Distillery: Virginia Distillery Co. (Lovingston, VA) & Sourced Bardstown, KY Bourbon
  • Mash Bill: 50% Virginia Single Malt (100% Malted Barley) / 50% KY Straight Bourbon (75% Corn, 15% Rye, 10% Malted Barley)
  • Age: Blend of 5-Year Virginia Single Malt & 4-Year Kentucky Bourbon
  • Proof: 90 Proof (45% ABV)
  • SRP: $44.99 (700 ml)
  • Released: Spring 2026
  • Other: Collaboration/cask-swap project utilizing Bardstown Bourbon Co. casks; inaugural release of the Split Barrel Project series.
  • Purchased: 06/16/26 for $44.99 at Virginia Distillery Co. Online Store

Virginia Distillery Co. Blue Ridge Toasted Barrel Finish

  • Classification: American Single Malt Whisky
  • Company/Distillery: Virginia Distillery Co. (Lovingston, VA)
  • Mash Bill: 100% Malted Barley (100% American-grown)
  • Age: 4 Years (Aged initial years in first-fill ex-bourbon barrels, finished in virgin toasted oak barrels)
  • Proof: 92 Proof (46% ABV)
  • SRP: $44.99 (700 ml)
  • Released: Ongoing Core Portfolio
  • Other: Finished in handcrafted virgin oak barrels sourced directly from trees in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains.
  • Purchased: 06/16/26 for $44.99 at Virginia Distillery Co. Online Store

VHW Scholar’s Craft Coffee Cask

  • Classification: American Single Malt Whisky
  • Company/Distillery: Virginia Distillery Co. (Lovingston, VA)
  • Mash Bill: 100% Malted Barley
  • Age: NAS (Aged in ex-bourbon barrels, finished ~8–12 months in coffee-infused casks)
  • Proof: 92 Proof (46% ABV)
  • SRP: $59.99
  • Other: Finished in barrels previously used to age ethically sourced, custom-roasted cold brew coffee; sales support higher education scholarships.
  • Purchased: 06/16/26 for $59.99 at Virginia Distillery Co. Online Store 

🚨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.

#VirginiaDistilleryCo #AmericanSingleMalt #BourbonReview #WhiskeyTasting #YourBourbonJourney #BardstownBourbonCo #ToastedBarrel #CoffeeCask #SingleMaltWhisky #CraftWhiskey #WhiskeyReview #VirginiaWhisky #WhiskeyFlight #BourbonCommunity #WhiskeyPours

The High Desert Manhattan: A Cocktail That Balances Heat and Sweetness

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

Welcome to Episode 83! Tonight, we are crafting The High Desert Manhattan, a dry, sophisticated, and earthy Manhattan variant that proves flavored whiskeys can belong in a serious, spirit-forward cocktail when properly balanced.

Anchored by a roaring 126-proof Four Roses Single Barrel Cask Strength (OBSV recipe), this drink delivers a powerful punch of sharp rye spice and heavy barrel heat. We balance that intensity with Thornbush Prickly Pear Whiskey, the deep herbal bitterness of Cynar 70, bright orange bitters, and a whisper of peppery smoke from Strongwater Spicy Bonfire Bitters.

Prepare your palate for a truly elevated drinking experience: The High Desert Manhattan opens with an enticing aroma of bright orange peel, dark berries, and deep herbal botanicals wrapped in heavy barrel oak. The first sip delivers a powerful rush of rich oak and peppery rye spice that seamlessly softens into a touch of prickly pear sweetness, quickly grounded by velvety dark cocoa and complex herbal undertones. It all culminates in a long, warming finish that stays remarkably dry, leaving behind a lingering whisper of soft smoke and wild botanicals that will have you reaching for your glass again and again.

Join us next week for Episode 84: The Cactus Flower Sour—a tart, bright, and beautifully colorful late-summer whiskey sour pairing 100-proof Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond with fresh lemon and vibrant prickly pear syrup!

🛒 Featured Cocktail Ingredients & Tools

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

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

📋 THE RECIPE & INSTRUCTIONS

Ingredients

  • 1.5 oz Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon (OBSV Recipe, Cask Strength / 100+ Proof)
  • 0.75 oz Thornbush Prickly Pear Flavored Whiskey
  • 0.5 oz Cynar 70 Amaro
  • 2 dashes Fee Brothers Orange Bitters
  • 1 dash Strongwater Spicy Bonfire Bitters
  • Garnish: Brandied Cherry (Luxardo)

Instructions

  1. Add all ingredients into a mixing glass filled with ice.
  2. Stir thoroughly until well-chilled and properly diluted.
  3. Strain into your chilled coupe glass.
  4. Garnish with a brandied cherry and enjoy!

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

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

#ManhattanCocktail #WhiskeyCocktails #CraftCocktails #Bourbon #FourRoses #Cynar #CocktailRecipe #Mixology #PricklyPear #BourbonCocktails #SpiritForward #CocktailTutorial #DrinkRecipes #HighDesertManhattan #ClassicCocktailTwist

We Tried Jeptha Creed’s NEW Speakeasy Tour in Shelbyville, KY! 

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

Jeptha Creed Speakeasy Tour Experience & Exclusive Double Barrel Review! | BTTT Ep. 64

Welcome back to Bourbon Trail Tales and Tastes! In Episode 64, Wayne and Rebecca travel to Shelbyville, Kentucky, to take you behind the scenes at Jeptha Creed Distillery for their brand-new, exclusive Speakeasy Tour.

Join us as we explore this family-owned, grain-to-glass operation—from their original pot stills and famous distillery cats (Barley, Wheat, Rye, and Malt!) to a secret door hidden behind the outdoor concert stage. Inside the speakeasy, we sample directly from the barrel and bring home two ultra-rare, distillery-exclusive pours: the Master Distiller Select 4-Grain Bourbon and the Master Distiller Select Single Barrel Bourbon.

Watch as we break down the unique flavor profiles of heirloom Bloody Butcher corn, heavy malted grain mash bills, “dusty funk” notes, and sweet cinnamon red-hot spice!

If you enjoyed this episode, please Like, Comment, and Subscribe to follow along on Your Bourbon Journey! Remember to 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❌

Jeptha Creed Master Distiller Select 4-Grain Bourbon

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company/Distillery: Jeptha Creed Distillery (Shelbyville, KY)
  • Mash Bill: 70% Heirloom Bloody Butcher Corn, 15% Malted Rye, 10% Malted Wheat, 5% Malted Barley
  • Age: 7 Years, 4 Months
  • Proof: 118.53 Proof
  • SRP: $100
  • Released: March 2026 (Distillery Exclusive)
  • Other: Thieved directly during the Speakeasy Tour. Cask strength / Single Barrel.
  • Purchased: 03/29/2026 for $100 at Jeptha Creed Distillery

Jeptha Creed Master Distiller Select Bourbon

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company/Distillery: Jeptha Creed Distillery (Shelbyville, KY)
  • Mash Bill: 55% Heirloom Bloody Butcher Corn, 25% Rye, 20% Malted Barley
  • Age: 6 Years, 5 Months
  • Proof: 122.5 Proof
  • SRP: $100
  • Released: March 2026 (Distillery Exclusive)
  • Other: Cask strength / Single Barrel.
  • Purchased: 03/29/2026 for $100 at Jeptha Creed Distillery

🚨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 #KentuckyBourbonTrail #JepthaCreed #BourbonReview #CraftDistillery #SingleBarrel #CaskStrength #FourGrainBourbon #WhiskeyTasting #BloodyButcherCorn #YourBourbonJourney #ShelbyvilleKY #BourbonLife #DistilleryTour

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

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

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

Old Grand-Dad: Then vs. Now (1975 vs. 2026)

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

What does a 50-year-old Old Grand-Dad Bourbon taste like compared to what’s on liquor store shelves today? 

🥃 In this edition of our Friday Vintage Series, Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey dive into a high-rye showdown comparing a 1975 Old Grand-Dad 86 Proof miniature (from the legendary National Distillers era at DSP-KY-14) against modern Old Grand-Dad Bottled-in-Bond 100 Proof (produced by Jim Beam at DSP-KY-230).

Can 1970s copper distillation techniques and barrel entry proof completely change the profile of an identical high-rye mash bill? We add a few drops of water to bring the modern Bottled-in-Bond down to match the vintage 86 proof for a true side-by-side showdown!

If you enjoy vintage bourbon tastings and side-by-side reviews, hit that SUBSCRIBE button, leave us a comment with your favorite Old Grand-Dad expression, and always remember to drink responsibly! Cheers! 🥂

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

Special thanks to Brad Bonds at Revival Vintage Spirits for helping us source these incredible vintage 1/10 pint minis! Revival Vintage Spirits: https://revivalky.com/ 

🎓 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❌

Old Grand-Dad 1975 86 Proof (1/10 Pint Miniature)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: National Distillers Products Co.
  • Distillery: Old Grand-Dad Distillery Co. (DSP-KY-14 – Frankfort, KY)
  • Mash Bill: 63% Corn, 27% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
  • Age: NAS (standard National Distillers age in this era was typically 4–6 years)
  • Proof: 86 Proof
  • SRP: ~$0.50–$0.75 (estimated original 1975 retail price for a 1/10 pint mini)
  • Released: 1975 (Confirmed via 1975 Owens-Illinois glass mold base stamp 75)
  • Other: Features U.S. Internal Revenue Red Strip Tax Stamp marked “LESS THAN 1/2 PINT”, pre-metrication 1/10 PINT fluid designation, and classic National Distillers high-rye distillate.
  • Purchased: 07/11/25 for $30.00 per mini at Revival Vintage Spirits

Old Grand-Dad Bottled-in-Bond

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Beam Suntory
  • Distillery: Jim Beam Distillery (DSP-KY-230 / DSP-KY-1)
  • Mash Bill: 63% Corn, 27% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
  • Age: NAS (Minimum 4 years per Bottled-in-Bond Act requirements)
  • Proof: 100 Proof (50% ABV)
  • SRP: ~$22.99 – $25.99

🚨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.

#OldGrandDad #BourbonReview #VintageBourbon #NationalDistillers #JimBeam #DustyBourbon #BourbonTasting #YourBourbonJourney #BottledInBond #KentuckyBourbon #WhiskeyReview #HighRyeBourbon #BourbonHistory #WhiskeyTasting #WhiskeyCommunity

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

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

🔥 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! 🥂

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

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

/ bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

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!

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❌

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