Bourbon Barrel Talk

The crew sits down and discusses the two most recent Family Estate Bourbon and Ryes from Repeal Day. The Bourbon Barrel 15225 and the Rye 16140 are long awaited by many. We talk about these previous 16 series bottles and how they have usually been excellent. 

The crew sits down and discusses their favorite tours, interviews, bottles and things from this past year. The highlights were too many to count. From virtual conversations with High West, Film Land and Blind Barrels to distillery visits at West Fork, Casey Jones and Makers Mark. 

In our final episode of Festivus Barrel Aged Stouts. We Uplands Teddy Bear Kisses, and Atrium's Barrel Aged Beans and Sha-Boing Boing. I have to say Atriums consistency throughout this series was second to none. So much so, I saved their most recent release to put it up against the two Heaven Hill Goose Islands here in the next couple of weeks. 

As this one rounds out the holiday season from our BBT family to yours we wish you a Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Kwanza, Hanukkah, or whatever holiday it is that you celebrate!!! And may 2026 bring y...

This episode we reviewed Barrel of Monkeys (Lexington, KY), Dragons Milk Reserve Oatmilk Cookie and Braxtons Dark Charge Brown Butter Pecan. Probably the hardest choice from a consistency point of the match ups. Maybe not he best group of beers but the most consistent. 

On this episode Scott and the Brocks review an Old Forester SiB Evansville Fire Dept. Athletic Club Pick. This Old Fo Barrel Strength single barrel is available in Evansville, IN. It has a robust flavor with a big hug. 

This episode we review three Barrel Aged Stouts from Against the Grain two of the 70k and the Bo and Luke. The Caramel Apple and Bo and Luke were definitely different than I thought, but I believe something happened to the Chocolate Orange, it didn’t taste right. 

This episode we reviewed some old favorites to a similar taste profile. Sierra Nevada Trip into the Woods, Atriums Sticky Fingers, and Goose Island's Caramella. All this while not complaining, but talking about how the secondary market is coming down a bit. 

The Old Fo reviews keep coming with a series of single barrels we got our hands on. This one is from SIPS So. Indiana Pick Society. We buy these barrels and split them up while donating a little change to local nonprofits. As we always say do a little good in the hood. 

The crew continues our Barrel Aged Stouts episodes with Butchertowns Elements of Time, Mile Wides BUKU, and Humble Forager's Existential Bliss. This Festivus was us complaining about distilleries charging a higher amount for smaller bottles. 

The crew discussed a couple of this years grievances while reviewing 3 Goose Island Barrel aged Stouts. 2025 OG, Choclate Praline, and Cherries Jubilee. 

The crew sits down and reviews the Old Forester 117 Series Extra Extra Old Batch 2. We try review and compare Batch 1 to Batch 2. While the 117 Series has been consistently good, some are better than others. Which is your favorite and why?

Nick and Scott sit down and review a Backbone Bourbon single barrel courtesy or the Rural Inn in Indianapolis. They are known by Hoosier natives as a place you can try a bottle before you buy it. Nick brought this MGP sourced bottled for us to discuss. 

The fellas review Rolling Fork Spirits Bourbon De Luxe Batch 2. Turner and Jordan's latest iteration of this revive bourbon name, brings a great conversation between us on what we like and what special note we were trying to remember. 

Brian, Jonny and Scott discuss 5 bottles that were distilled by or for the benefit of veterans. Special Operations, Larrikin, Green River 250, Jack Daniels Rye and the Pursuit Spirits VAREP bottle. 

Scott and Nick spend some time with Bobby DeMars with Blind Barrels. We went through the blind game and spoke about his background and why and how he started Blind Barrels. This premium blind whiskey experience has multiple ways to enjoy it. To give it a try go to https://blindbarrels.com/

The crew has a conversation about High West's Midwinter’s Night Dram Act 13 Scene 11. I should have had the Legend over for another review. The mashbill is different then most of the others of recent past. 

Scott and the Brock's review the newer Elijah Craig Toasted Rye. I am a big fan of a lot of toasted products. I was impressed that the price point lined up with other mainstream toasted and double oak products. 

Scott and the Brock's discussed a bottle they recently picked up near Paducah at Patti's General Store this Single Barrel was found on their recent camping trip. 70/21/9 mashbill could be from multiple sources, but Green River may be the source of distillation. 

Scott and Nick Interview the ladies of Lodestar Whiskey. Recently featured in Forbes as two of 10 Women Changing The Whiskey Industry, co-founders & cousins Anna Axster & Wendelin von Schroder developed a love for whiskey during their travels while working in the music industry, but felt that existing brands didn’t speak to them as female consumers. Their unique whiskey blend is made up of a high rye bourbon and single malt whiskey. 

Scott sits down to discuss Origin Park https://www.originpark.org/ and their upcoming bourbon charity event with their Director of Development Dave Bell and event coordinator Phil Kollin of Phil Talks Whiskey. While discussing the November 6th event and their exclusive pick, we also discuss whats going on in the bourbon world. 

The crew sits down and talks with Kojin Tashiro the owner of Mugen Spirit. Kojin tells his story along with the inspiration behind the brand. Yokai the Single Barrel Series, Tengu the first series of the Yokai and a teaser for what's to come.  

The crew sits down and reviews the new 2025 Michter's Toasted Sour Mash. After trying and forgetting they were all low proof, we revisited a couple other years. Then decided something interesting about 2025. Scott also accidentally opens a 2019! 

On this episode the crew goes down the "Honey Hole". This is not the best places to find bourbon, but we tasted and review 4 different bourbons finished in a secondary honey cask. Seelbachs, Blue Note, Kentucky Nectar B1, and Woodford Reserve. While all of them are unique, there was a pretty consistent favorite. 

Scott and Brian discuss special bottles, moments and what they believe makes whiskey/bourbon special. 

The crew opens and reviews the latest Prisoner’s Share release from Hugh West Distillery is a limited-edition blended whiskey from High West Distillery that is finished in wine barrels from The Prisoner Wine Company. This collaboration creates a unique  blending of different bourbons and rye whiskeys that are aged and then matured in French oak barrels that once held The Prisoner's flagship red wine, a blend of six different wines.

On this episode, Brian brought us an Old Fitzgerald set and Old Grand Dad Bottled in Bond set, today's pour vs some older ones from a few years back and we blinded them. The Old Fitz was the new 7yr and one from 2013. and the OGD BiB was the new 7yr vs one from 2018. While all of them were solid pours, I think we were all a bit surprised which was which. 

Brian and Scott review and discuss Penelope’s newest releases Cigar Session, Creme Brulee and Eagle Rare 10 and the new 12 yr. I think we were both surprised by which was our favorite along with the contrast between a 10yr single barrel and the new 12 yr. 

On this episode, Scott discusses Habitat's recent journey to Starlight to pick a Double Oak French Oak barrel for their upcoming event on September 17th, 5:30 to when it ends, at Mansion 1886 in New Albany Indiana. We talk about the process, the taste and how to get your very own bottle at the event or after. Jessica of Habitat, Amber of AME (Amber Miller Events) and Chris talk through this and what makes Habitat special. 

The crew sits down and reviews the latest release from Redemption, their 18 yr Bourbon. MSRP $399.00, this Indiana distilled product brings a new dynamic to Redemptions typical rye line up. It was carefully blended by Alan and offers a unique spin on their traditional product set. 

The crew sits down and discusses the three most recent releases from Filmland Spirits with their owner Troy Bolotnick. A single barrel of Town at the end of Tomorrow, Quadraforce and Moonlight Mayhem 2 "The White Port Wolf". We talk the background the current fundraising campaign and the future of the company. 

Back for hiatus the crew reviews Rising Tides Spirits two newest releases Old Stubborn and Old Swagger. The Old Stubborn is a West Virginia potstill single barrel and Old Swagger is a 12 yr Bottled in Bond small batch from MGP. The attention to detail on these are second to none from packaging to taste. 

The Brock's, Brian and Scott review Wigle and Bulleit Bottled in Bond Bourbon. Wigle is from Pittsburgh and made from locally sources corn and winter wheat. The Bulleit is their newest BIB release.

The crew visits Tim's house and reviews some finished whiskey. We tried an Old Louisville Whiskey Co. 51/49 rye finished in a brandy barrel, Good Times Toasted Orange Vanilla and Angel's Envy Sherry finished SiB from Cox's. 

Brian and Scott sit down and discuss what's new with Mark and Brian from Old Carter. We cover recent and upcoming releases, along with future expansion details. The bottles were great, but the conversation was better. 

The crew discusses and compares the Old Louisville KBF release to and Old Rick Brown Jug Barrel pick. The Old Rick was 15 yrs old and the OLWC is 17 yrs old. Both deliciously hit your palate with vanilla, and spice. There is a lot to like, check out our discussion. 

Scott, Nick and Brian spent time at Kentucky Artisan Distillery W/ Head Distiller Kodie Taber. We discussed their 19 different mashbills and how contract distilling works and how Kodie landed in Kentucky. 

The crew sits down and reviews Dragon's Milk Small Batch and Bonded. The brewery turns distillery releases are unique in mashbill and taste. The amount of malt they use seems for characteristic of beer, which may be an homage to their roots. 

Jonny and Scott sit down and discuss the Kentucky Bourbon Festival. Dates, times, and what we think to expect about the weekend. The KBF tickets went on sale 4/1 and end 8/15. You can check out the events on kybourbonfestival.com

While discussing the KBF, we talk a little about what we are sipping on from Left Bank Whiskey. 

Today the crew review and compare the same yeast strand, but different Four Roses Barrel Strength Mashbill OBSK vs OESK. What is your favorite yeast strand?

The crew visits Maker's Mark and sat down with Thomas Bolton, Senior Manager of Visitor Experience and Education. We discussed his journey to the bourbon world, Maker's Star Hill Farm and how it's built around sustainability and much more. We also tasted through Cellars Age, The Keepers and Heart releases and the most recent and brand new Star Hill Farm.  

The crew tastes and reviews a Penelope Toasted store pick. The pick was done by Blackout and Schreck's Liquor store. The toasted bourbon was a 75/21/4 toasted in a Heavy Char barrel. 

The crew tries 2 of the 3 Four Roses New 100 Proof Single Barrel Recipes, OESO and OESK. While we could not locate the third we compare and contrast the two we did. Four Roses has 5 yeast strands with 2 unique mashbills that create 10 single barrel variations. 

The crew sits down and talks with the High West Director of Sensory and Product Development Tara Lindley. Tara shares her journey from Biochemist, to Napa Valley to her newest role with High West. She does all this while walking us through their two newest releases, the Bourye and High Country the American Single Malt. 

The crew review and discusses the latest Old Forester 117 Series Warehouse I, Extra Old Batch 2 and Bottled in Bond Rye bottles. These three releases have dropped in the past 6-8 months. These offerings are unique in their own way. All present a bit older then other Old Forester products. 

The crew blinds the Jack Daniel's 10yr Batch 2 and 12yr Batch 1. We reviewed them and try to guess which is which. Jack Daniel's continues to kill it with these special releases.

The crew journey'd down to the Casey Jones Distillery and spent time with the COO Cody Turner. Going to Casey Jones is a step back in time. We were greeted at the door, had a tour with a great host April and experienced some cool tours that are open for everyone to enjoy. The history and story of this hidden gem is there in Hopkinsville, KY. 

In this episode, the crew talks about our 1st Pours with Cooper Crouch on his 21st Birthday weekend. We also discuss our 1st pours before we should have been taking sips. With a bit sprinkled in about Michter's 10, Old Carter and dustys. 

The Brock's, Brian and Scott review the most recent releases from Jack Daniel's the 10yr, 12yr, and 14yr. These completely surprised me on how different and complex they are from traditional Old No7 and their single barrel selections. The additional age really shines through.

The Brock's, Kofi and Scott discuss distillery selected single barrel, barrel strength bourbons and ryes from JD. Distillery releases typically have unique profiles these did not disappoint. Make sure you check out your bigger distillery gift shops to see what single barrels they have available.

Nick, the Legend and Scott sit down with West Fork Whiskey (Whsky) Co-Founders Blake and Julian Jones and discuss what's new since our last conversation. The move to Westfield, product line and label changes and much more. We also tasted through some of their core line products and discussed what makes it unique. Their new state of the art facility and event space is there to welcome people all around the world. My favorite thing I learned was the $5 tour and tasting, you can't beat that. 

Brian, Jason and Scott discuss two recent charity barrel picks. They were selected by Brian and Scott for their favorite charities. Scott's was a Woodford Double Oak for his local education foundation. While Brian chose a Pursuit Spirits Double Oak for the Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals, Louisville chapter.

The crew reviews and discusses the Jack Daniel's Coy Hill 2024 and Distillery Releases Twice Barrel Rye and Oroloso Sherry. These bottles were picked up while we were at JD earlier interviewing Chris or sent to us by their marketing team to review. 

Brian and Scott sit down with Turner and Jordan and discuss the next chapter of Rolling Fork. From rum, to French Brandy’s Wayward Cask (Armagnac and Calvados) to Bourbon De Luxe. I learned so much from this one, I know you will too. 

This episode, the crew discusses a few bangers that Grant brought over for us to try. The Old Zach Wild Buffalo's are a rumored amalgamation of Wild Turkey and Buffalo Trace. Listen to the story and judge for yourself what makes sense to you. 

The fellas discuss and review High West's BouRye, The Noble Share and Midwinter’s Night Dram Act 12 Scene 1. This Mailbag episode, gave us the opportunity to discuss High West's 3 most recent releases. Not being a tequila guy, The Noble Share really hits all the spots. 

The Den of Thieves with other special guest records our annual barrel aged beer episodes. This year we added some of our favorite local breweries, Atrium and Butchertown. This episode we discuss Atrium's Thief of Time, and Goose Islands 2024 Macaroon Stout and 2021 Cocoa and Coconut. 

The crew sits down and releases the newest release from Borchetta Bourbon. This award-winning bourbon is unique red, white, and blue varietal heirloom corns, locally grown within 5 miles the distillery and milled on a restored 1950's stone mill. You can visit them just outside of Nashville, TN. 

The Den of Thieves with other special guest records our annual barrel aged beer episodes. This year we added some of our favorite local breweries, Atrium and Butchertown. This episode we discuss Butchertown's Elements of Time, and Goose Islands 2021 Old Foresters 150th, 2021 Blanton's, and 2024 Bardstown Bourbon's. 

The fellas sit down and discuss Wes Hendersons newest brain child True Story with their Brand Advocate Brian Gelfo. We taste and discuss the bourbon which is finished in moscatel casks. Then the rye which is finished in amburana and two types of sherry. 

The Den of Thieves with other special guest records our annual barrel aged beer episodes. This year we added some of our favorite local breweries, Atrium and Butchertown. This episode we discuss Atrium's Denny-Lou, Sticky Fingers, and Goose Island 2022 Proprietor. 

The crew reviews a single malt whiskey from Bulliet Bourbon. Although, I'm not a fan of Malt Whiskey in general, this was a pleasant surprise. This also had one of the most unique flavors, I've had in a while.

The Den of Thieves with other special guest records our annual barrel aged beer episodes. This year we added some of our favorite local breweries and Sierra Nevada. This episode we discuss Goose Island's 2019 Wheatwine Ale, 2020 Tea and Honey, Vanilla Rye Stout and Sierra Nevada Ginger Bigfoot. 

The crew reviews the Jefferson's Ocean Rye Voyage 26. It is a double barrel rye whiskey, coming in at 96 proof. The was an unexpected pour with flavors you don't typically get from a rye. 

The Den of Thieves with other special guest records our annual barrel aged beer episodes. This year we added some of our favorite local breweries, Atrium and Butchertown. This episode we discuss the 2024 Bourbon County Stout, and Atrium's Barrel Aged Beans and Barrel Aged Honest Thief. 

Brian, Nick and Scott sit down with Brian Gelfo Founder of Brothers of the Leaf, National Brand Advocate for Saga Spirits. Brian gives us his story and path down his bourbon journey from Jack Daniels, to Maker’s collector to aficionado and working in the industry. 

Scott, Dj Jazzy Jasnoff and crew review the newest release from Ky Owl, The Maighstir. This unique offering is suppose to retail around $150, is a blend of multiple years. 

Today the crew reviews two new offerings from Filmland Spirits,  Quadraforce and Town at The End of Tomorrow. These are unique and different offerings than Filmland's first three pours. The Quadraforce is a blend of 4 mashbills from four different states. While Town is a 9 yr Kentucky bourbon. 

Scott, Nick and Brian sat down with Matt Gandolfo, Master Taster of Pernod Ricard. We discuss his bourbon journey from Jim Beam, Rabbit Hole and Pernod Ricard. We also taste through a few of their products like Jefferson Tropics and Rabbit Hole Starlino. 

The crew reviews the Maker's Mark 2024 Heart Release. Reminiscent of the Cellars Age and more recent dusty Maker's, this one bring a more spicy flavor profile than your usual Maker's bottle. 

Scott and Brian sit down with Brian Downing Owner and Operator of the Silver Dollar and dive deep on the change of ownership, good whiskey and their upcoming first barrel release that is a Russell's Reserve. To learn more about them, you can find the Silver Dollar at www.whiskeybythedrink.com

The crew reviews Bear Fight Bourbon Finished in Tequila Barrels by Next Century Spirits. This one is a Ky Straight Bourbon Finished in Reposado barrels. 

The crew reviews the Bhakta 2012 Single Malt Indian Whiskey. It was finished in Armagnac cask and brings a different flavor profile to the team than anything else we have tried. We look forward to hopefully trying their other rye or bourbon releases. 

The crew sat down for Veteran’s Day weekend and discussed Four Branches Bourbon w/ two of the founders Harold Underdown, U.S. Navy and RJ Casey, U.S. Army. We talked about how the brand came to exist along with some fun stories along the way. Learn more about Four Branches at www.fourbranches.com. 

The crew reviews the newest release from Lyons Brown's Altamar label. They have released the Judge, Four Square and now High N' Wicked. These bottles are both a little over 5 years old, but each brings a special quality. 

Scott, Nick and Barbara sits down and talks with Claire Marin, Head Distiller of Catskill Provisions Distillery, Pollinator Spirits. We discuss her journey from marketing to beekeeping to head distiller. We also tasted through their spirits and discuss what they are like. 

This years anniversary episode is a conversation about the past years favorite episodes. It is also a discussion with Amine and we discuss why Old Louisville Whiskey Co is one of my favorite places to go. 

The crew reviews both of these Mizunara cask finished products. One is their newest release, while the second has a similar finish with some added ones. 

Scott and Brian travel to Chicken Cock at the Circa 1856 Home and meet with Emily Zaborowski, the General Manager and Brand Ambassador. We try through their product line and try one of the signature cocktails they make there. We also cover the brand, how it was revitalized and what the future holds. 

The crew reviews a couple of bottles Brian brought over, both French Oak. We had Penelope vs 2XO. French Oak can easily take over the palate on bourbon and ryes, listen to see how these lined up. 

The crew reviews Starlight’s Eclipse Day Bourbon. Although we are late on getting this out, this pour was not late or delayed in taste. This bottle offered some fantastic fruit and spice notes that carry throughout the palate. Christian did a fantastic job hunting this one down.

The crew sits down and has a discussion with AJ Schreiner Spirits founder Ken Schreiner. We discussed their upcoming release, the Bourbon Brotherhood and his family’s history around the Schenley/MGP plant. Their new rye and gin are a celebration of his family recipes with a twist of alchemy from Alan Bishop.

The team sit down and discuss the Wild Turkey Cornerstone Rye VS Knob Creek 10 Year and Single Barrel Ryes. For the price you can't go wrong with any of these. That being said its nice to compare and contrast bottles from a different price range. 

The crew sits down and reviews an Old Bones 18 yr Canadian Rye and puts it up against the 291 12 yr Anniversary Bottle. These Mountainesque ryes have a very earthy sweet and spicy taste that are very similar. It was really hard to decide which one was better. 

The crew sits down and reviews a store pick from Driftless Glen. Not one of the better picks I tried from them. This was the first we have reviewed on the show, but we will have to revisit a different one to compare our notes. 

The crew reviews and compares 3 Rum Finished Bourbons, Old Forester 117 Series vs Jefferson vs Highwest. These were all very unique in their own way. One had very little taste, while the other two battled it out between the taste and nose. 

The crew reviews the latest 13th Colony Barrel Strength and 95 Proof releases. Brian picked up these bad boys and we tried and compared them.  

The crew ventures down to Jack Daniels and has a great conversation with Chris Fletcher Master Distiller for Jack Daniels. Chris Fletcher is Vice President, Master Distiller and Director of Quality at the Jack Daniel Distillery. In this role, he uses an extensive knowledge of the whiskey-making process to supervise and ensure the world’s top-selling whiskey. In this episode we discuss this, how he got started in the industry and his family’s tie to it. We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did recording it. 

The crew reviews and compares the Hotel Tango Port & Midwinter’s Night Dram Act 11 Scene 3. These as of now are my two favorite Port finishes of the year. It's early in the year, but damn these were both delicious. Picking one over the other was harder than I expected. 

The crew has a coversation around Wood, Barrels and Sustainability of White Oak. How does this affect the industry? Will there be changes? Or will we be just fine, because younger people will rebel like earlier generations did? 

The crew interviews Alan Kennedy with Redemption Whiskey. We discussed his journey to the whiskey business. From chef to bartender/waiter, to time spent with Dave Pickerel learning his craft; to today. We also tried and walk through three pours, Redemption Rye, the Cognac finished and their upcoming release Sur Lee. 

The crew compares and contrast the Wild Turkey Unforgotten & Angels Envy Cask Strength Rye Finished in Sauterne and Toasted Oak Barrels. Two pour that are super unique to what each company traditionally does. While both had fantastically delicious baking spice and sweetness, one came out with a different level of flavor, especially for Andy...LOL.

The crew sits down and reviews a Blue Note Single Barrel. We found out that Tim is much harder to please than the rest of us. Evidently he only likes Weller and Mic Drop..LOL.

The crew sits down and reviews one of the first batches of 4 year old Ole Smoky Whiskey Company's bourbon. Mashbill is 84/8/8, similar to other Tennessee distillation. Being young it still shows qualities that will grow into a nice 6-10 year product. 

The crew sits down and discussed and reviews the Field of Dreams Bourbon released in 2022. With Batch 2 about to be released, we figured we should give our take on Batch 1. 

Ed Bley sends the crew batch 2 of the Old Stubborn for us to review. Although the both batches are good, I think I lean in to Batch 2 a bit more than 1.  Mainly because I prefer the rye over the wheater.

Jonny Tsunami brought back a bottle of barrel strength Jameson Whiskey from his trip abroad. In honor or his sister Leah and her husband Liam's first child arriving, Jonny wanted to pay homage with a toast to them. 

The crew reviews a couple of ryes. We compare and contrast the Bulliett 12 yr and Kentucky Owl Batch 1 Ryes. It's always fun when you can put a recent release up to a release thats 7 years old. What is your favorite rye, new and old?

The crew discusses and reviews the most recent wheated bourbon released by Starlight from the 2023 Repeal Day. 

The crew reviews and compares the Discovery 6 and KBS Founders from Bardstown Bourbon Company. The comparisons are like apples and oranges, but offer a wide variety in flavors. Do you have a favorite Discovery bottle or Collaboration? 

The crew reviews these exceptionally hard to find wheated bourbons. The Makers Cellar age is the oldest Makers that I am aware of, as is the Select Stock Wheat from Heaven Hill. Both are sweet and tasty, but one is just a bomb of flavor.