Your Bourbon Journey

Vintage Old Crow Bourbon Tasting: Are Older Bottles Actually Better?

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It’s the end of the week, and today is a very special “Sipping on History” edition of Your Bourbon Journey! We are cracking open and reviewing two incredibly rare vintage bottles of Old Crow Bourbon sourced from Unicorn Auctions. If you love dusty bourbon, rare whiskey history, and the legendary National Distillers profile, this vintage showdown is for you! 

First, we dive into a pristine 1995 Old Crow Japanese Export (80 Proof). This transitional time capsule features a unique “distilled vs. bottled” loophole—distilled by W.A. Gaines at the historic DSP-KY-25 plant in Frankfort right before it was shuttered, and later bottled by Jim Beam at Clermont (DSP-KY-14). Thanks to immaculate storage by the Mercian Corporation in Japan, this bottle boasts an unbelievable fill level and a shocking nutmeg and lemon zest flavor journey.

Next, we break the 50-year-old state tax stamps on the ultimate “tuckaway fifth”—the c. 1974-1975 Old Crow “The Traveler” (86 Proof). This flat, briefcase-friendly bottle is 100% pure, unfiltered National Distillers juice from the golden era of the Frankfort plant. This specific bottle has a mind-blowing history, literally circumnavigating the globe from Kentucky to Italy, over to a Japanese private collection, through Chicago, and finally into our glasses. Wait until you hear our tasting notes—we discovered complex milk chocolate, dark cocoa powder, and allspice flavors we have NEVER found in a modern bottle. 

We also share stories from our recent trip to the historic Glenns Creek Distilling property (the original home of Old Crow) for their 4th of July party with David Meier, and explain how a piece of vintage boiler coal ties this whole legendary history together! 

Have you ever tried a vintage dusty bourbon? Let us know in the comments below!

If you like what we do, hit that SUBSCRIBE button to join the journey! Always remember to drink responsibly, and when you get a chance, go visit Glenns Creek and see the history of Old Crow for yourself. Cheers!

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❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

The Transitional Japanese Export: Old Crow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Japanese Export)

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Distilled at Old Crow Distillery (Frankfort, KY — DSP-KY-25); Bottled at Jim Beam Distillery (Clermont, KY — DSP-KY-14)
  • Mash Bill: Historic National Distillers Mash Bill (Estimated around 72% Corn, 13% Rye, 15% Malted Barley)
  • Age: NAS (Not Stated, but law requires a minimum of 4 years; vintage stocks indicate it likely carries significantly more age)
  • Proof: 80 Proof (40% ABV)
  • SRP: Original export pricing varied $30-45 historical estimate)
  • Released: 1995 (Based on the “95” glass manufacturer stamp on the base)
  • Other: Imported to Japan by Mercian Corporation; features dual English and Japanese rear labels.
  • Purchased: June 2026 for $228 (including fees and tax) at Unicorn Auctions

The Globetrotting Traveler: Old Crow “The Traveler” Fifth

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: National Distillers Products Co.
  • Distillery: Distilled and Bottled by The Old Crow Distillery Company (Frankfort, KY — DSP-KY-25)
  • Mash Bill: Historic National Distillers Mash Bill (Estimated around 72% Corn, 13% Rye, 15% Malted Barley)
  • Age: NAS (Typically aged 4 to 6 years during this golden era)
  • Proof: 86 Proof (43% ABV)
  • SRP: ~$5.00–$7.00 (Historical 1970s retail price)
  • Released: c. 1974–1975 (Dating verified by the transitional “4/5 Quart • 0.757 Litro” dual metric labeling)
  • Other: Double-export provenance markings; features original Italian import stamps (Ditta Sposetti-Darsena-Genova), a Japanese over-sticker, and a modern US private collection import strip.
  • Purchased: June 2026 for $475 (including fees and tax) at Unicorn Auctions

🚨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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Upgrade Your Boulevardier Cocktail With This High-Proof Trick

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Welcome to Episode 78 of Thirsty Thursday Cocktails on Your Bourbon Journey! Tonight, we are crafting “The Darker Boulevardier,” a brooding, spirit-forward riff on the classic Boulevardier cocktail. If you love a classic Negroni or a traditional Boulevardier but want something with more depth, complexity, and a savory backbone, this recipe is for you.

Instead of the bright, sweet citrus snap of traditional Campari, this recipe features the high-proof intensity of Cynar 70. This amaro brings an assertive, velvety, and deeply savory artichoke-and-herbal bitterness to the glass. To stand up to that heavy modifier, we are anchoring the build with 2 full ounces of the Old Grand-Dad 114 Single Barrel 7-Year bourbon. With its famous high-rye mash bill, this 114-proof powerhouse brings a sharp punch of black pepper, cinnamon, baking spices, and a classic Jim Beam nuttiness that remains the absolute star of the glass.

We round out the sharp edges with the rich cocoa-and-berry sweetness of Cocchi di Torino Sweet Vermouth and bind the structure together with Orange Bitters. The result is a bold, viscous, and unapologetically complex aperitivo-style cocktail that opens up beautifully as the clear ice melts.

Are you a fan of using Cynar in whiskey cocktails? Let me know your thoughts on this spec in the comments below!

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🥃 THE RECIPE: THE DARKER BOULEVARDIER

  • 2.0 oz Old Grand-Dad 114 Single Barrel 7-Year Bourbon
  • 0.75 oz Cynar 70 Amaro
  • 0.75 oz Cocchi di Torino Sweet Vermouth
  • 2 dashes Orange Bitters
  • Garnish: Expressed Orange Peel

📖 INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice.
  2. Stir thoroughly for 30 to 45 seconds to achieve an ice-cold chill and proper dilution.
  3. Strain into a chilled rocks glass over a single large, clear ice cube.
  4. Express a fresh orange peel over the top to release the bright essential oils, and drop it in as the garnish.

🚨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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The Craziest Bourbon Journey Ever: Doc Holliday Lost Barrels

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📦 Unboxing a SURPRISE HAZMAT BOURBON! Rebecca snuck this one past Wayne, and it might just be the best blind-buy of the year. Today we are cracking open the incredibly rare Doc Holliday 12 Year “The Last of the Lost Barrels” Straight Bourbon Whiskey. 

With a mind-blowing 140.2 proof, this Cask Strength monster is officially a “Hazmat” whiskey, but does it actually drink like fire? We dive into the unbelievable history of these forgotten barrels, talk about the 90% corn moonshine mash bill, and give you our completely honest tasting notes. 

🥃 THE WILD 12-YEAR JOURNEY OF THE LOST BARRELS:

Distilled in 2014 by legendary 5th-generation Georgia moonshiner Carlos Lovell at Ivy Mountain Distillery, these barrels were originally meant to age for just 6 months. After the distillery closed, the estate inventory sat completely forgotten in the Georgia woods for five years. A Texas investment group bought them and moved them to the brutal Texas heat for 4 years—causing the liquid to push deep into the wood and skyrocketing the proof to 140.2. Finally, the World Whiskey Society rescued them, bringing them back home to Georgia for a final stretch of aging and bottling. 

Only 102 bottles exist from Barrel No. 653, and we are pouring Bottle No. 36. Is this $300 ultra-rare release worth the hype? Find out now!

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Doc Holliday 12 Year “The Last of the Lost Barrels”

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: World Whiskey Society (WWS)
  • Distillery: Distilled at Ivy Mountain Distillery (Georgia); aged across Georgia and Texas; bottled by World Whiskey Society in Pendergrass, GA.
  • Mash Bill: 80% Corn, 10% Malted Corn, 5% Rye, 5% Malted Barley
  • Age: 12 Years
  • Proof: 140.2 proof (Cask Strength / Hazmat)
  • SRP: $300.00 (Standard non-member retail)
  • Released: June 2026
  • Other: Non-chill filtered. Barrel No. 653 yielded a tiny run of just 102 bottles (this is bottle No. 36).
  • Purchased: 06/16/26 via Blind Barrels 

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

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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.

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Parker’s Heritage 16th Edition Review: An Absolute Flavor Bomb!

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Happy Monday, bourbon family! Today, we are taking you back to the Caribbean for a special birthday trip story that ended in the ultimate unicorn bourbon find. While everyone else was hunting overpriced Buffalo Trace and Blanton’s “hand grenades,” we stumbled upon a massive bucket-list bottle hiding on a lower shelf in a St. Kitts liquor store: the Parker’s Heritage Collection 16th Edition (2022 Release) Double Barreled Blend.

In this video, we share the hilarious story of our strange birthday negotiation (featuring a surprise bottle of 2019 Baker’s 7!), unpack the incredible stats of this allocated masterpiece, and crack it open for an unfiltered, uncut first taste.

This 132.2 proof powerhouse is a meticulous blend of 13-year-old bourbon (double barreled in level 3 char American white oak for an extra 4 weeks) and 15-year-old bourbon using Heaven Hill’s traditional 78/10/12 mash bill. Even better, a portion of the proceeds from every single bottle helps support ALS research in honor of the legendary late Master Distiller Parker Beam.

We pour this deep, dark brown liquid into our official Heaven Hill lead crystal glasses to see if the palate lives up to the heavy, burnt-caramel nose. Does it drink like its secondary market value of $999, or did our $600 Caribbean gamble fall short? Grab a glass, hit that subscribe button, and join us on this library pour journey! 

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❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

Parker’s Heritage Collection 16th Edition (2022 Release) – Double Barreled Blend

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Heaven Hill Brands
  • Distillery: Heaven Hill Distillery (Bardstown, KY / distilled at Bernheim)
  • Mash Bill: Traditional Heaven Hill Bourbon Mash Bill: 78% Corn, 10% Rye, 12% Malted Barley Age: A blend of 13-year-old (67% of the expression) and 15-year-old (33% of the expression) bourbons
  • Proof: 132.2 proof
  • SRP: $174.99 (at original release) 
  • Released: December 2022
  • Other: Uncut and non-chill filtered.
  • The 13-year-old component was pulled from floors 5–7 of Rickhouse Q and re-barreled into new American white oak barrels with a level 3 char for an additional 4 weeks before being blended with the 15-year-old component (sourced from floors 2 and 5 of Rickhouse II).
  • A portion of the proceeds from every bottle sold is donated by Heaven Hill to support ALS research and patient care in honor of the late Master Distiller Parker Beam.
  • Purchased: 02/21/26 in the Caribbean (St. Kitts)

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

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.

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Can We Survive A Hazmat PROOF Blind Tasting? 🔥

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Happy Friday, whiskey lovers! With America’s 250th Birthday right around the corner, we are celebrating a day early by bringing some serious fireworks into the studio. Welcome to our ultimate Hazmat Whiskey Blind Tasting Showdown! 🔥

Wayne has been wanting to tackle this ultra-high-proof flight for months, and we finally cleared the schedule to put our palates to the ultimate test. Today, we are blinding five monster bottles ranging from 141.7 proof all the way up to a blistering 151 proof. We aren’t trying to guess the exact proofs today—this is a pure survival and flavor mission scored on a simple 0-5 rating scale to find out which high-octane pour actually delivers the best drinking experience without burning our palates out.

Our heavy-hitting lineup features rare single barrels and historic festival releases, including a highly coveted 15-year “BuffTurkey” Augusta Buckner’s, a beautifully rested 9-year Copper & Kings Apple Brandy finished in ex-bourbon casks, and a 150-proof extreme Hazmat Silk Velvet from Master Distiller Jacob Call. Plus, we throw in a 17-year Old Louisville American Straight Whiskey alongside a truly legendary, unreleased, ringer bottle: a bottle of OCD #5 Premium from Glenns Creek Distillery.

Will the extreme age of the 15 and 17-year bottles dominate the flight, or will the younger, heat-packed expressions sing to our palates today? Watch to see if we end up completely split on the heat levels, which bottle threw us a massive cherry-flavored curveball, and which craft distillery absolutely climbed to the top of the ladder to be crowned the King of the Hazmats!

Drop a comment below with your favorite high-proof bottle, hit that subscribe button to join us on the journey, and remember to always drink responsibly! Happy 4th of July! 🦅✨

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❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

The Hazmat Lineup:

  • Augusta Buckner’s 15 Year | Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Sourced “BuffTurkey” Distillate) | 141.7 Proof 
  • Copper & Kings Apple Brandy | Finished in Ex-Bourbon Barrels (100% Copper Pot Distilled) | 145.4 Proof 
  • Silk Velvet Whiskey Single Barrel | Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Distilled by Jacob Call) | 150 Proof 
  • OCD#5 Premium (Glenns Creek) | Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Private Unreleased Hazmat Barrel) | 150.5 Proof 
  • Old Louisville Whiskey Co. | 17-Year American Straight Whiskey (Bottle 100 of 106) | 151 Proof 

🚨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.

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Upgrade Your 4th of July Drinks: Shimmering Barrel Proof Sour 

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Welcome to Episode 77 of Thirsty Thursday Cocktails on Your Bourbon Journey! 

Today, Rebecca is celebrating America’s 250th birthday with a patriotic, layered visual showstopper crafted specifically for the Fourth of July weekend: The Star-Spangled Sour.

Forget sticky, sweet holiday drinks—this premium New York Sour twist is strictly spirit-forward, anchored by the bold, 110-proof baking spices of Rossville Union Barrel Proof Rye. Learn how to use blue luster dust to create a swirling, cosmic gold-and-blue nebula in your mixing glass, and master the art of density layering using PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur to sink a deep red foundation right to the bottom of your clear ice core. It’s the perfect balance of fresh citrus brightness, rich Demerara texture, and punchy MGP rye spice. 

Drink responsibly and have a safe, wonderful holiday weekend!

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📋 THE RECIPE & INSTRUCTIONS

Ingredients:

  • 2.0 oz Rossville Union Barrel Proof Rye Whiskey
  • 0.75 oz Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice
  • 0.75 oz Demerara Syrup
  • 0.50 oz PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur
  • A pinch of Blue Edible Luster Dust / Glitter
  • Garnish: Hand-cut Lemon Peel Star

Instructions:

  1. Drop a pinch of blue luster dust into the bottom of an empty shaking tin.
  2. Add the barrel-proof rye, fresh lemon juice, and Demerara syrup to the tin.
  3. Fill with ice and shake vigorously for 15 to 20 seconds to completely emulsify the citrus and suspend the shimmering cosmic dust.
  4. Strain into a clear double rocks glass over a single large, clear ice core.
  5. Slowly pour the PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur down the inside wall of the glass, allowing it to sink cleanly to the bottom to create the red layer.
  6. Garnish with a fresh lemon peel star perched neatly on the rim. Cheers!

🚨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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Peerless Single Barrel Rye vs Bourbon Tasting

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Are these the ultimate fruit-forward single barrels from Kentucky Peerless? 🥃 Recently, Wayne and Rebecca, from Your Bourbon Journey, headed to Louisville, KY, for an exclusive express tasting at the historic Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co. (DSP-KY-50). They walked away with two incredible June 2026 distillery-exclusive single barrel selections, and we are breaking them down side-by-side in this ultimate pour showdown!

First up is the Kentucky Peerless Single Barrel Rye: “Maple Blueberry Crumble” (112.3 Proof). If you think you know rye whiskey, this one will completely shock you. With a rich, sweet mash profile and a low barrel entry proof of 107, this non-chill filtered pour delivers massive brown sugar, maple, and blueberry notes with zero traditional harsh rye burn. Is it a “fake rye” or just a masterpiece? 

Next, we dive into the highly anticipated Kentucky Peerless Single Barrel Bourbon: “Wild Berries & Cream” (114.5 Proof). This sweet mash powerhouse hits the palate with immediate vanilla cream and heavy raspberry custard notes, transitioning beautifully into complex layers of pipe tobacco, white pepper, and seasoned leather. 

Which exclusive bottle takes the crown? Watch to find out why these unique yeast strains and heavy wood sugar extractions make Peerless a must-visit spot on your next Louisville bourbon trip!

Don’t forget to hit that SUBSCRIBE button for more honest whiskey reviews, and drop a comment below: Have you tried a Peerless Single Barrel selection yet? 

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

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

Kentucky Peerless Single Barrel Rye: “Maple Blueberry Crumble”

  • Classification: Straight Rye Whiskey
  • Distillery: Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co. (Louisville, KY) (DSP-KY-50)
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed (Recognized as a high-rye mash bill, using corn, rye, and malted barley)
  • Age: NAS (No Age Statement, but typically aged between 4 to 6 years)
  • Proof: 112.3 Proof
  • SRP: $129.99
  • Released: June 2026 (Exclusive Distillery Single Barrel Selection)
  • Purchased: 06/06/26 for $129.99 at Kentucky Peerless Distillery, Louisville KY

Kentucky Peerless Single Barrel Bourbon: “Wild Berries & Cream”

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co. (Louisville, KY) (DSP-KY-50)
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed (Corn, rye, and malted barley)
  • Age: NAS (No Age Statement, but typically aged between 4 to 6 years)
  • Proof: 114.5 Proof
  • SRP: $119.99
  • Released: June 2026 (Exclusive Distillery Single Barrel Selection)
  • Purchased: 06/06/26 for $119.99 at Kentucky Peerless Distillery, Louisville 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.

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Blood Oath Pact 12 Tasting: A Home Run Double Wine Finish! 

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Today, Wayne and Rebecca are cracking open a highly anticipated bottle straight from Bardstown, Kentucky: the brand new Blood Oath Pact 12 Straight Bourbon Whiskey from Lux Row Distillers!

Released in April 2026, this year’s limited-edition blend by Master Distiller John Rempe features Blood Oath’s first-ever double Italian wine cask finish. We’re breaking down everything you need to know about this unique release—from its 98.6 standard “blood temperature” proof to how the 7-year ryed bourbon component reacts after resting in fruit-forward Montepulciano and savory Sangiovese casks.

Is this 2026 release a home run compared to last year’s tequila finish? Does the high-rye MGP mash bill bring the spice? And does it actually drink hotter than its 98.6 proof suggests? We dive into the incredible nose, the jammy mid-palate mouthfeel, and the lingering black pepper finish.

We picked our bottle up right at the distillery for $159.99—find out if you should make the trip to Bardstown to hunt down one of the 51,000 bottles available!

If you love whiskey reviews, flight breakdowns, and unboxing rare allocations, make sure to hit that SUBSCRIBE button and join us on the journey!

Always remember to drink responsibly. Today, drink your temperature: 98.6! Cheers! 🥃

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❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

Blood Oath Pact 12

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Luxco (MGP Ingredients)
  • Distillery: Lux Row Distillers (Bardstown, KY) — Blended and bottled by Master Distiller John Rempe using sourced, undisclosed bourbons.
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed (Ryed Bourbon mash bills)
  • Age: A blend of 9-year and 12-year ryed bourbons, combined with a 7-year ryed bourbon.
  • Proof: 98.6 Proof (49.3% ABV)
  • SRP: $129.99
  • Released: April 25, 2026 (Distillery release); June 2026 (National retail rollout)
  • Other: This edition features the brand’s first double Italian wine cask finish. The 7-year component was rested first in fruit-forward Montepulciano casks and then refined in savory Sangiovese casks. Total production was limited to 51,000 bottles, with 1,400 bottles held back for a future Trilogy release.
  • Purchased: 05/29/26 for $159.99 at LuxRow Distillery, Bardstown KY

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

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.

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Massive Blind Whiskey Contest! June Whiskey of the Month

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Welcome back to Your Bourbon Journey! In this video, Wayne and Rebecca are diving into a powerhouse lineup for our June Whiskey of the Month blind tasting! As we continue our high-stakes Road to the Sweet Sixteen, the competition is tighter than ever.

This month features an incredibly diverse flight jumping across three distinct whiskey classifications (Bourbon, Wheat, and American Single Malt) with a heavy emphasis on unique finishing methods—ranging from a honey barrel and sweet stout casks to complex sherry and toasted wood elements. With our leaderboard shifting every month based on total points earned, every single point counts. Will this month’s winner secure a permanent spot in the year-end playoffs?

The June Contenders (In Alphabetical Order):

  • Bernheim 20th Anniversary Edition | Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey (Heaven Hill)
  • Casey Jones Barrel Finished Series: Honey Bourbon (“Brown Beauty”) | Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in a Honey Barrel (Casey Jones Distillery)
  • Little Book Chapter 10: All the Wiser | Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Sherry and Toasted Bourbon Casks (Jim Beam)
  • New Riff Silver Grove Straight Bourbon Whiskey 2026 | Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (New Riff Distilling)
  • VDC Brewer’s Coalition: 4 Hands Brewing Co. Madagascar Stout Cask | American Single Malt Whisky (Virginia Distillery Co.)

From sweet, confectionary aromas and rich dark caramel notes to toasted nuts, baking spices, and bold flavor explosions, this blind flight completely challenged our palates. Watch until the end to see our final score adjustments, the blind revelations, and how the leaderboard shuffles at the halfway point of the year!

Drop a comment below: Have you tried any of these expressions? What notes do you get from them?

If you love authentic, transparent whiskey reviews, hit that SUBSCRIBE button, drop a like, and always 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

📊 SEE THE LIVE LEADERBOARD: Want to see where these bottles rank 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 NEW SCORING PROCESS: We’ve revamped our scoring to be more transparent than ever. 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/

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

Original Reviews for Today’s Bottles:

🥃 Bernheim 20th Anniversary Edition:

🥃 Casey Jones Barrel Finished Series: Honey Bourbon:

🥃 Little Book Chapter 10: All the Wiser:

🥃 New Riff Silver Grove Straight Bourbon Whiskey:  

🥃 VDC Brewer’s Coalition: 4 Hands Brewing Co. Madagascar Stout Cask:

🚨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 producers for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. 

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The Ultimate Honey Finished Bourbon Blind Taste Test!

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The honey-finished bourbon trend is taking over the whiskey world, but which bottles actually deliver on their sweet promises? In this episode of Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca crack open four highly anticipated, freshly unsealed honey cask finished bourbons for a completely blind taste test. We evaluate each pour on a five-point scale, diving into their rich viscosity, complex tasting notes, and overall finish to see which barrel treatment stands out.

From estate-harvested honey hives and historical pot stills to deep-aged sourced blends and wheated bourbon bases, these craft distilleries are pushing the boundaries of secondary aging. We break down the unique mash bills, regional profiles, and surprising palates—ranging from rich confectionary sugar and creamy vanilla custard to hot-stinging white pepper and toasted wood notes.

Are these bottles all buzz, or do they showcase the ultimate harmony between traditional straight bourbon and honey barrel finishing? Grab a glass, hit that subscribe button, and join us on this ultimate blind lineup!

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Casey Jones Barrel Finished Series: Honey Bourbon (“Brown Beauty”)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in a Honey Barrel
  • Company & Distillery: Casey Jones Distillery (Hopkinsville, KY)
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed 
  • Age: Undisclosed
  • Proof: 102.7 Proof (51.35% ABV)
  • Released: Spring 2026 (Featuring the commemorative “250 Years Strong / United We Stand” neck wrap.
  • Purchased: May 9, 2026 for $89.99 at BBQ & Barrels in Owensboro, KY

Dark Arts “A Long Strange Drip” Honey Cask Finish (Batch 2)

  • Classification: A Blend of Sweet & Sour Mash® Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in a Honey Cask
  • Company: Dark Arts Whiskey House
  • Distillery: Sourced from undisclosed distilleries
  • Mash Bill: A blend of two distinct mash bills: (1) Kentucky Sweet Mash: 64% Corn, 24% Rye, 12% Malted Barley; (2) Indiana Sour Mash: 75% Corn, 21% Rye, 4% Malted Barley
  • Age: A blend of 5+ Year Old (Kentucky) and 8+ Year Old (Indiana) bourbons.
  • Proof: 110.3 Proof (55.15% ABV)
  • Released: Early 2026
  • Purchased: May 30, 2026 for $79.99 at Cox’s Evergreen (Bardstown, KY)

Starlight Distillery Honey Reserve Bourbon (Batch 1)

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Honey Barrels
  • Company: Huber’s Starlight Distillery
  • Distillery: Starlight Distillery (Borden, IN)
  • Mash Bill: Blend of two estate-distilled sweet mash bills: a 3-grain (60% Corn, 20% Rye, 20% Malted Barley) and a 4-grain (51% Corn, 20% Rye, 20% Malted Barley, 9% Wheat)
  • Age: 5 Years (Minimum age before finishing)
  • Proof: 106 Proof (53% ABV)
  • Released: Early 2026
  • Purchased: April 11, 2026 for $69.99 at Starlight Distillery

Wenzel Honey Cask Finished Bourbon (Batch 1)

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Honey Casks
  • Company: Wenzel Whiskey LLC
  • Distillery: Sourced 
  • Mash Bill: Wheated Bourbon 
  • Age: 7 Years
  • Proof: 104.1 Proof
  • Released: May 2026
  • Purchased: May 1, 2026 for $109 at Wenzel 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 #BlindTasting #HoneyFinishedBourbon #BourbonReview #CaseyJonesDistillery #Dark ArtsWhiskey #StarlightDistillery #WenzelWhiskey #CraftBourbon #KentuckyBourbon #WhiskeyTasting #BourbonHunting #HoneyCask #YourBourbonJourney