Thirsty Thursday Cocktails – Episode 33: The “Midwesterner” Old Fashioned
Tired of the same ole Old Fashioned recipe? Get ready to elevate your cocktail game with The Midwesterner, a robust and earthy twist on a timeless classic. In this video, we’re crafting the perfect drink to highlight the incredible flavors of Tom’s Town Straight Rye Whiskey.
This isn’t your average whiskey cocktail. We’re leaning into the whiskey’s natural notes of toasted bread, dark chocolate, and spice by adding just two dashes of Aztec Chocolate Bitters. Paired with rich Demerara Syrup and classic Angostura, this recipe creates a bold, complex, and unbelievably smooth sipper.
Whether you’re a seasoned home bartender or just getting started, this rye whiskey Old Fashioned is a must-try. We’ll walk you through the simple steps to make this fantastic cocktail, from chilling your glass to the perfect stir.
Ready to mix up something new?
Ingredients:
2 oz Tom’s Town Straight Rye Whiskey
1/2 oz Demerara Syrup
2 dashes Angostura Bitters
3 dashes Aztec Chocolate Bitters
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#OldFashioned #RyeWhiskey #TomstownDistilling
Tom’s Town Review
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NOTE: The spirits and items in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the producers for this review. Please drink responsibly.
Get ready for an adventure down the Kentucky Bourbon Trail as we revisit a nice stop in Lexington, KY in April 2023. In this episode, we’re taking you back to our very first visit to Town Branch Distillery which was our 39th distillery and our 31st stamp in our Kentucky Bourbon Trail Book!
Join us as we relive every moment from our initial tour of the Town Branch Distillery. But the excitement doesn’t stop there! We’ll then uncork a bottle of their Town Branch True Cask for an in-depth tasting. What hidden notes and unique flavors await us in this one-of-a-kind pour?
Click play ▶️ now to join the adventure!
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What’s a bourbon trail journey without a good story? 🥃 Welcome to Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes, where we dive into the unforgettable moments and hidden gems we discovered while exploring Kentucky’s iconic trail. Join us as we uncork the profound memories that have stayed with us long after the last pour. We’ll revisit the unexpected finds and the bottles that truly surprised us with their exceptional, intricate flavors. So, what stood out as the most memorable sip, and how have those experiences shaped our palates today? Get ready for a passionate retelling of the adventures, the connections, and the spirits that make the Bourbon Trail so much more than just a destination.
NOTE: The spirit in this review was purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.
Join Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey as they finally get their hands on one of the most sought-after releases of the year: Larceny Barrel Proof Batch B525!
After a long hunt since its official May 2025 release, they finally track down this Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey from Heaven Hill Distillery at an unexpected location—Costco in Indiana! The best part? They snagged it for well below the $65 MSRP, paying just $55.99.
This wheated bourbon is a blend of 6-8 year old barrels, featuring the classic Larceny mash bill of 68% Corn, 20% Wheat, and 12% Malted Barley. Bottled at a bold 117.4 proof, this batch promises a powerful yet balanced flavor profile.
Find out how this Barrel Proof release stacks up against its predecessor, the A125 batch. Wayne and Rebecca dive deep into the tasting notes, exploring a complex palate of dark chocolate, baked pastry, and nutmeg. They discuss the long, pleasant finish and whether this bottle lives up to the hype after a three-month-long wait.
Don’t miss their honest review and see if this Larceny B525 is a “must-buy” for your collection!
So grab your favorite glass, settle in, and let’s explore this bourbon together! Click play ▶️ NOW!
👇 What’s your favorite wheated bourbon bourbon? Let us know in the comments below! 👇
Are you a true bourbon fanatic, always on the hunt for the next exceptional pour? Then smash that like button 👍 to show your appreciation for fine whiskey! Hit subscribe 🔔 so you never miss our reviews of rare and remarkable spirits, and share this video ➡️ with your fellow whiskey lovers. Let’s build a community of enthusiasts who appreciate the art of exceptional bourbon!
#bourbonreview #WheatedBourbon #LarcenyB525
❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌
✴️ Larceny Barrel Proof Batch B525
Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Company: Heaven Hill
Distillery: Heaven Hill
Mash Bill: 68% Corn, 20% Wheat, 12% Malted Barley
Age: 6-8 years
Proof: 117.4
MSRP: $65
Released: May 2025
Other:
Purchased: 08/06/25 for $55.99 at Costco in Evansville IN
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.
Thirsty Thursday Cocktails – Episode 32: The Caffè Boulevardier
Are you ready to elevate your home bartending game? In this video, we’re taking a classic Bourbon cocktail, the Boulevardier, and giving it a bold, modern twist. Say hello to The Caffè Boulevardier, a sophisticated and complex drink perfect for a cozy night in or impressing your friends.
Using J. Rieger & Co. Private Stock Bourbon and their unique Caffè Amaro, we’ll show you how to craft a truly spirit-forward drink with an incredible flavor profile. This Negroni variation is not just about the bitterness; it’s a rich, warming sipper with a beautiful, roasted coffee finish that balances perfectly with the sweetness of the vermouth. It’s the ultimate after-dinner drink!
Watch to learn the proper technique for stirring to achieve the perfect chill and dilution. We’ll also cover essential garnishes, including the elegant Brandied Cherry and a clever alternative if you’re a coffee lover.
Don’t just watch—mix along with us!
If you love bourbon whiskey, amaro, and spirit-forward cocktails, this is the cocktail recipe you need to master.
Did you make this cocktail? Let us know what you think in the comments below! And if you want to see more classic cocktails with a modern twist, hit that subscribe button and ring the notification bell so you never miss a new video!
If you love whiskey, cocktails, and supporting local distilleries, you won’t want to miss this. Click Play Now ➡️
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#BourbonCocktail #Boulevardier #CaffeAmaro
✴️ Ingredients
2 oz J. Rieger & Co. Private Stock Bourbon
1 oz J. Rieger & Co. Caffè Amaro
1 oz Sweet Vermouth
Garnish: Brandied Cherry or Coffee Beans
✴️ Instructions
Stir all ingredients with ice for at least 30 seconds.
Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
Garnish with a Brandied Cherry for a classic finish or a few roasted Coffee Beans for a unique touch.
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NOTE: The spirits and items in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the producers for this review. Please drink responsibly.
Step into the rich history and modern revival of Kansas City whiskey with us! In this video, we’re diving deep into J. Rieger & Co., a legendary distillery with a story that spans over a century. We’ll explore their stunning, historic facility and get to the heart of what makes their spirits so unique.
First, we’re tasting three incredible spirits:
✴️ J. Rieger & Co. Monogram Whiskey 2025 Edition: This exclusive Kansas City Whiskey Solera Reserve is a limited-edition blend with a complex mash bill of 56% corn, 30% rye, and 14% malted barley. Bottled at 100 proof, only 2,000 of these special releases were produced.
✴️ J. Rieger & Co. Private Stock Bourbon: We got to bottle our own! This straight bourbon whiskey has an age statement of 5 years and 8 months, with a mash bill of 56% corn, 30% rye, and 14% malted barley. It was bottled at a robust 127.9 proof.
✴️ J. Rieger & Co. Caffè Amaro: An innovative blend of coffee liqueur and amaro, this spirit is made with Sumatra coffee and clocks in at 62 proof.
But it’s not all about the whiskey! We’ll also be giving you a tour of the distillery’s stunning space, and you’ll get to see the famous distillery slide in action. You don’t want to miss our visit to this amazing Kansas City landmark!
Follow us on our Kansas City Whiskey tour! This is the third in a four-part series exploring the best of the Kansas City spirits scene. Click play ▶️ NOW!
What’s your favorite state for bourbon outside of Kentucky? Let us know in the comments below! 👇
Join the YBJ Family!
👍 Like this video if you’re a bourbon lover!
💬 Comment below with your favorite Kansas City whiskey!
➡️ Share this video with a fellow whiskey fan!
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Let’s build a community of enthusiasts who appreciate the art of exceptional bourbon!
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.
Are you ready to discover the secrets of one of Bardstown, Kentucky’s most impressive distilleries? Join us as we explore Lux Row Distillery, the home of some incredible bourbons. This is more than a tour; it’s a full Kentucky Bourbon Trail adventure!
In this episode, we take you inside the distillery to see the magic firsthand. But the real excitement begins when we sit down to review a rare and sought-after bottle: Lux Row 12 Year Double Barrel Cask Strength Bourbon. We’ll unlock every hidden note and unique flavor, from start to finish. Is it worth the hype? Find out in our in-depth tasting!
Click play ▶️ now to join the adventure and find out if this 12-year bourbon is your next favorite pour.
Join the YBJ Family!
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In this series, Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes, we navigate the rich tapestry of our memorable experiences on the Bourbon Trail, a journey that has undeniably enriched our appreciation for this iconic American spirit. We tackle intriguing questions such as: What stands out as the most profound memory of that bourbon trail experience, one that has etched itself firmly in our minds? What exceptional and bourbon or whiskey did we discover during this journey, perhaps one that surprised us with its intricate and delightful flavor profiles? What lasting impressions do we have of that bourbon or whiskey today, as we reflect on its complexities and how they resonate with our evolving palates and preferences? Through this exploration, we passionately recount our adventures and celebrate the stories and connections we’ve forged along the way, highlighting the essence of the Bourbon Trail.
NOTE: The spirit in this review was purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.
Get ready for an exclusive bourbon adventure! We’re taking you on a trip to the Green River Distilling Co. Tasting Room in Louisville, KY to acquire one of their most unique bottles: the “Home Wheat Home” Green River Wheated Bourbon Single Barrel!
In this video, we’re not just reviewing a bottle—we’re sharing the full experience. Join us as we explore the Louisville Tasting Room and get our hands on this special single barrel select. We’ll dive deep into our tasting notes, discussing everything from the aroma to the finish, and provide our honest bourbon recommendations.
This is a must-watch for any fan of Kentucky bourbon and especially for those who love wheated bourbon. If you’re looking for a new bottle to add to your collection or just curious about this new bourbon release, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll give you the full scoop on why this selection is so special and whether it deserves a spot on your shelf.
Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you don’t miss our next whiskey review! Let us know in the comments if you’ve tried any Green River Bourbon and what your favorite bottle is!
So grab your favorite glass, settle in, and let’s explore these incredible bourbons together! Click play ▶️ NOW!
👇 What’s your favorite wheated bourbon bourbon? Let us know in the comments below! 👇
Are you a true bourbon fanatic, always on the hunt for the next exceptional pour? Then smash that like button 👍 to show your appreciation for fine whiskey! Hit subscribe 🔔 so you never miss our reviews of rare and remarkable spirits, and share this video ➡️ with your fellow whiskey lovers. Let’s build a community of enthusiasts who appreciate the art of exceptional bourbon!
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.
Thirsty Thursday Cocktails – Episode 31: The West Bottoms Penicillin
Step into our home bar as we craft a truly exceptional American Single Malt cocktail: The West Bottoms Penicillin. This isn’t just a drink—it’s a tribute to Kansas City’s West Bottoms Whiskey, blending their smooth, malty whiskey with a smoky float of their peated Distiller’s Cut.
Watch along as we teach you how to make a Penicillin and explore the unique flavor of this smoky whiskey cocktail. We combine fresh lemon juice, our homemade honey-ginger syrup, and these two incredible whiskeys to create a balanced, complex, and unforgettable drink. The result is a modern classic cocktail with a local twist. This is the ultimate Penicillin cocktail recipe for any whiskey lover.
If you love whiskey, cocktails, and supporting local distilleries, you won’t want to miss this. Click Play Now ➡️
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💬 Share your thoughts and favorite cocktail twists in the comments!
➡️ Hit that SHARE button and spread the bourbon love!
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Get ready to explore the fascinating history and innovative whiskies of West Bottoms Whiskey Co.! In this video, we dive deep into the story of a Kansas City distillery rooted in pre-Prohibition heritage and taste four of their unique expressions: Kansas City Whiskey, Convergence Whiskey, American Blended Malt Whiskey, and Distiller’s Cut American Single Malt Whiskey.
West Bottoms Distillery was founded in 2016 by Alex Lindsey, aiming to revive the spirited history of the West Bottoms district – a bustling 19th and early 20th-century railroad and agricultural hub with a thriving saloon scene. We’ll uncover how this history inspires their brand and their whiskies, even featuring a “Murdock” mascot that embodies the industrial age’s hardworking spirit.
We’ll start with Kansas City Whiskey, a pre-Prohibition style blend of rye, bourbon, and a touch of dry Oloroso sherry. This unique “rectification” process gives it a warm, spicy start and a smooth, fruity finish.
Next, we have Convergence Whiskey, a fitting name for this blend of rye and single malt. Its signature Malbec wine cask finish merges old traditions with modern techniques for a uniquely flavorful spirit.
Prepare for a surprise with our American Blended Malt Whiskey, a special combination of our own peated Distiller’s Cut and a 4-year-old single malt. It’s the perfect introduction to smoky, complex whiskies!
Finally, we’ll savor Distiller’s Cut, our premium American Single Malt. This limited-run, hand-waxed bottle is Kansas City’s first peated whiskey, distilled and aged in-house on our copper pot still for a true taste of our craft.
Join us as we explore the unique flavors and story behind West Bottoms Whiskey Co. So grab your favorite glass, settle in, and let’s explore these incredible whiskeys together! Click play ▶️ NOW!
We highly recommend that you add West Bottoms Whiskey Co in Kansas City MO to Your Bourbon Journey!
What’s your favorite state for bourbon outside of Kentucky? Let us know in the comments below! 👇
Are you a true bourbon fanatic, always on the hunt for the next exceptional pour? Then smash that like button 👍 to show your appreciation for fine whiskey! Hit subscribe 🔔 so you never miss our reviews of rare and remarkable spirits, and share this video ➡️ with your fellow whiskey lovers. Let’s build a community of enthusiasts who appreciate the art of exceptional bourbon!
This is Part 2 of 4 about Kansas City Distilleries! Don’t miss next week!
Kansas City Whiskey is a pre-prohibition style of blended American whiskey based on the process of rectification, the blending of up to 2.5% sherry into the whiskey. Our unique Kansas City Whiskey blends Rye and Bourbon whiskeys with a dry Oloroso sherry from Spain. The result is a beautiful sipping whiskey with a warm spicy front and a smooth, earthy, fruity finish. Retail $40
✴️ Convergence Whiskey
Convergence Whiskey embodies this rich history, combining rye and single malt whiskeys into a distinctive blend, which rests in a Malbec wine cask for its signature finish. This cask resting process allows time and tradition to merge into one uniquely blended whiskey that honors both classic and modern whiskey making techniques. Retail $50
✴️ American Blended Malt Whiskey
This truly unique blend is a very special combination of our peated Distiller’s Cut, and a 4-year-old selected single malt whiskey. This complex whiskey will continue to surprise as you sip. This blended malt whiskey is the perfect intro to those exploring scotches with light smoke and intricate flavors. Retail $60
✴️ Distiller’s Cut – American Single Malt Whiskey
Our premium offering. 100% distilled and aged by West Bottoms Whiskey Co. on our 211-gallon copper alembic pot still. The first peated whiskey in Kansas City. 50% malted barley/ 50% peated malt. Aged 1 year in 5-gallon barrels. Limited runs being released. and available in our Parlor. Each bottle has been hand wax dipped and crested with our seal. Retail $70 (375 ml)
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.
Get ready for an adventure down the Kentucky Bourbon Trail as we revisit a nice stop in Bardstown, KY in March 2023. In this episode, we’re taking you back to our very first visit to Willett Distillery which was our 36th distillery and our 28th stamp in our Kentucky Bourbon Trail Book!
Join us as we relive every moment from our initial tour of the Willett Distillery. But the excitement doesn’t stop there! We’ll then uncork a bottle of their Noah’s Mill Bourbon for an in-depth tasting. What hidden notes and unique flavors await us in this one-of-a-kind pour?
Click play ▶️ now to join the adventure and discover the secrets of Willett and Noah’s Mill Bourbon with us!
Ready to explore the world of whiskey with us? Join the YBJ family!
👍 Like this video if you’re excited for the Kentucky Bourbon Trail!
💬 Comment your thoughts on Willett Distillery or this tasting!
➡️ Share with fellow whiskey lovers!
🔔 Subscribe to Your Bourbon Journey and hit the bell 🔔 for weekly bourbon adventures you won’t want to miss!
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In this series, Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes, we navigate the rich tapestry of our memorable experiences on the Bourbon Trail, a journey that has undeniably enriched our appreciation for this iconic American spirit. We tackle intriguing questions such as: What stands out as the most profound memory of that bourbon trail experience, one that has etched itself firmly in our minds? What exceptional and bourbon or whiskey did we discover during this journey, perhaps one that surprised us with its intricate and delightful flavor profiles? What lasting impressions do we have of that bourbon or whiskey today, as we reflect on its complexities and how they resonate with our evolving palates and preferences? Through this exploration, we passionately recount our adventures and celebrate the stories and connections we’ve forged along the way, highlighting the essence of the Bourbon Trail.
NOTE: The spirit in this review was purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.
Your Bourbon Journey 