Your Bourbon Journey

American Single Malt Flight: Virginia Distillery Co. Lineup Review 

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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

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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

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📋 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! 

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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 

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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

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

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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?

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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! 🥂

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

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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!

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

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

Ultimate Blind Bourbon Tasting: July Whiskey of the Month! 

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Welcome to the JULY BLIND WHISKEY OF THE MONTH SHOWDOWN! 🥃🔥

In this episode, we put five incredible Straight Bourbon Whiskeys to the ultimate blind taste test. From rare cask finishes and double-Italian wine cask experiments to heirloom blue corn mash bills and heavy-hitting barrel proofs, this lineup is packed with power and flavor!

Can an underdog craft bourbon take down legacy titans, or will a legendary barrel proof beast sweep the rankings? Watch to find out—no bias, no label influence, just pure palate evaluation!

OUR FIVE CONTENDERS (in alphabetical order): 

  • 🪵 Barrel Bourbon Cigar Blend – The Multi-Cask Powerhouse: A heavy-hitting blend boasting up to 18-year aged whiskey finished across four distinct casks, including Madeira, Armagnac, Rum, and Hungarian Oak.
  • 🍷 Blood Oath Pact 12 – The Italian Wine Experiment: A limited release blending 7, 9, and 12-year bourbons finished in both fruit-forward Montepulciano and savory Sangiovese wine casks.
  • 💥 Booker’s 2026-02 Milkshake Batch – The High-Proof Beam Beast: A high-octane Kentucky Straight Bourbon sitting at 124.4 proof, aged over 7.5 years and packed with iconic Beam character.
  • 🌽 Glenns Creek Patriotic Meri-COB – The Heirloom Triple-Corn Craft: A unique Kentucky bourbon crafted from a rare 100% heirloom corn mash bill featuring Bloody Butcher Red, Hickory King White, and Hoppi Blue.
  • ⛰️ Smokeye Hill Barrel Proof – The High-Altitude High-Proofer: A 132-proof Colorado-aged monster distilled with a proprietary 4-grain heirloom blue corn mash bill.

👇 Which whiskey do you think took 1st place? Drop your guess in the comments BEFORE the final reveal!

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📊 SEE THE LIVE LEADERBOARD: Want to see where this bottle ranks against the rest of the field? Check out our real-time leaderboard here: 👉 https://yourbourbonjourney.com/2026/02/27/the-live-leaderboard-road-to-the-sweet-sixteen/

🥃 OUR SCORING PROCESS: We’ve revamped our scoring to be more transparent than ever. No more “Redundancy”—just pure, data-driven blind competitions. Read the full breakdown of our new rubric and the “Sweet Sixteen” bracket process on our website: 👉 https://yourbourbonjourney.com/2026/02/27/decoding-the-pour-the-new-your-bourbon-journey-scoring-woty-process/ 


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❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🥃 The July Lineup Competitors (Alphabetical Order):

Barrell Bourbon Cigar Blend

  • Classification: Blended Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Madeira, Armagnac, Rum & Hungarian Oak Casks
  • Distillery: Blended & Bottled by Barrell Craft Spirits (KY, IN, TN)
  • Age: 7.5 to 18 Years | Proof: 111.2 (55.6% ABV) | SRP: $84.99

Blood Oath Pact 12

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Double Italian Wine Cask Finish: Montepulciano & Sangiovese)
  • Distillery: Lux Row Distillers (Master Distiller John Rempe)
  • Age: Blend of 7, 9, and 12-Year Bourbons | Proof: 98.6 (49.3% ABV) | SRP: $129.99

Booker’s 2026-02 “Milkshake Batch”

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Jim Beam
  • Age: 7 Years, 6 Months, 12 Days | Proof: 124.4 (62.2% ABV) | SRP: $100.00

Glenns Creek “Patriotic ‘Meri-COB” (Heirloom Collection)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Glenns Creek Distillery
  • Mash Bill: Triple Heirloom Corn (Bloody Butcher Red, Hickory King White & Hoppi Blue)
  • Age: 47+ Months | Proof: 106 (53% ABV) | SRP: $75.00

Smokeye Hill Barrel Proof

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Distilled in IN; Barreled, Aged & Bottled by Smokeye Hill Spirits (Colorado Springs, CO)
  • Mash Bill: 4-Grain Heirloom Blue Corn Mash Bill
  • Age: 5 Years | Proof: 132 (66% ABV) | SRP: $89.99

🚨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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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.

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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. 

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