Bourbon Podcast

Batch 1 is a remarkable release in the rich history of the Jack Daniel Distillery. It is a truly exceptional addition to their distinguished lineup, crafted with precision and care. With an impressive 14 year aging process and a robust 125 proof bottling, this Tennessee whiskey is one of the most ambitious offerings from the brand, showcasing unparalleled depth of flavor and complexity. Cheers!

In this week's special episode, Ben, Kyle & Joe open a true unicorn: Very, Very Old Fitzgerald.  Distilled in 1957 by the legendary Pappy Van Winkle, and bottled by his son, Julian “Big Van” Van Winkle in 1969, this iconic bottle features 100% Stitzel-Weller distillate. 

Today's proof positive is a hot one! A little bit about the juice: Each Barrel Proof release is distinct, and Batch A125 follows this tradition. The batch code reveals its story: "A" indicates the first release of the year, "1" signifies January, and "25" refers to the year 2025. Expect a rich flavor profile featuring notes of caramel, toasted oak, vanilla, and subtle spice, followed by a robust and warm finish. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof is a must-have for bourbon enthusiasts and collectors seeking depth, complexity, and bold character. Cheers!

Their most indulgent double-barreled expression. This bourbon undergoes an extended slumber in a second, custom-crafted barrel. Deeply toasted and lightly charred, it unlocks an unparalleled depth of flavor – a richness and complexity rarely encountered in American whiskey. Cheers!

Crafted in small batches from Ohio soft red winter wheat to emphasize the regional flavor of their agriculture, their flagship whiskey is then aged in new Ohio-made white American oak barrels to round out its mid-western flavor foundations. Ohio soft red winter wheat. Aged a minimum of 3 years in fresh white American oak 92 Points “Exceptional” – Tastings.com / Gold Medal – Beverage Testing Institute / Gold Medal – Wizards of Whisky / Distillery of the Year – Wizards of Whisky. Cheers!

 David Coors returns and we welcome Trey Wade, Head of Consumer Experience with Blue Run Spirits, as we chat about bourbon and select a special barrel of Blue Run for our local club. 

Ian is a retired actor know for his roles in shows like Vampire Diaries and Lost. Ian is now ventured over into the bourbon market with Brothers Bond Bourbon. For close to a decade while filming in the south, Ian and Paul drank bourbon together on and off screen. Through their deep sense of brotherhood and shared love of bourbon, they formed a vision of crafting an exceptional whiskey company.This prompted them to embark on a meticulous journey of visiting distilleries, experimenting with various mash bills, and hand-selecting whiskeys for their final blends.

Each bottle of Little Book "The Infinite" encapsulates the Noe family's passion and dedication to whiskey-making. This 2024 release is an homage to the infinite possibilities of blending, capturing the essence of the family's legacy in a bottle. The whiskey's profile is an intricate tapestry of flavors, masterfully blended to deliver notes of vanilla, oak, and a whisper of sweet spices, culminating in a long, satisfying finish.The Little Book "The Infinite" is not just a bourbon; it's a collector's piece and a conversational gem. Sip it neat or with a dash of water to unveil its full spectrum of aromas and tastes. It's a perfect gift for whiskey aficionados and a prestigious addition to any connoisseur's collection. Cheers!

This is a don't miss episode. Ben, Joe, Kyle and special guest, Preston Van Winkle, answer the age-old question: Which is better, Pappy 20 or Pappy 15?  Tune in for this incredible episode as the guys do a Double Barrel blind of these iconic bourbons. Cheers!

The bold powerhouse of Buffalo Trace's annual Antique Collection, this fifteen-year-old whiskey is bottled directly from the barrel. The George T Stagg 2023 release is uncut and unfiltered, the bourbon explodes on the palate with rich notes of dark chocolate, oak, and effervescent cherry. Cheers!

Pappy 13:When first approached by Buffalo Trace, Julian III was honored, but not immediately interested. He had ample bourbon aging, but the concern was for future reserves, since by this time, bourbon was increasing in popularity. Buffalo Trace bought the W.L. Weller label in 1999 and had been making the bourbon with nearly the same recipe as Pappy's. The transition was easy. As of May 2002, Buffalo Trace has produced the Van Winkle bourbons, using Pappy's exact recipe. This change allows Old Rip Van Winkle to maintain their strict quality standards while producing more barrels for future enjoyment.Michter's 10: The 10 Year Rye expression reflects the exceptional results of uncompromising craftsmanship and Kentucky's unrivaled climate for aging outstanding whiskey. Often much older than the age statement on the label, only a select few barrels age with the elegance required for inclusion in these highly limited releases. 

Woodford Reserve 2024 Master's Collection release. This bottling features Woodford Reserve Whiskey that was finished in Madeira casks and blended with wheat whiskey.“Madeira Cask Finish is a tremendous way to celebrate 20 years of the Master's Collection,” said Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall. "In 2007, Woodford Reserve was among the first bourbons to finish in wine casks. It was quite controversial at the time, but is now a common practice by other distillers. This 20th expression marks that historic milestone, with a new Madeira wine cask. " Cheers!

(From the company website): Each year an unstoppable search for whiskey wonder beckons The Boss Hog to the far corners of the earth... a karmic quest that Knows No Bounds, beginning with Single Barrel Rye. For this, our eleventh utterance of the mantra, WhistlePig's whiskey makers journey to Rajasthan, India - the Land of Kings - in search of precious spices to forge the world's first Thandai barrel aged Rye. An alluring elixir served in celebration of victory and creation, Thandai joins the shakti of Straight Rye Whiskey with a floral meditation of saffron, cinnamon, cardamom and nutmeg, further enlivened by fennel, poppy and black peppercorn. The result is a splendid wellspring of strength and majesty; a saga befitting the maharajah of Rye. Fearlessly First Among all Whiskeys, Powerfully Complex and Bottled at Proof, The Juggernaut hails to the grandest of all The Boss Hog promises... Stupendous!

Bold Rye Whiskey fortified with Ancient Armagnac. BHAKTA 1928 embodies the Spirit of the Roaring Twenties—Boom Times, Boundless Optimism, and Big American Dreams. In this breakthrough blend, America's finest rye is unified with France's oldest spirits, including Armagnac from the rare and exquisite 1928 vintage, to capture the essence of an iconic era's je ne sais quoi. Cheers!

Maker's Mark 46 is the recipe of Bill Samuels Jr., son of founders Bill and Margie, and the first new major expression since classic Maker's was released in 1958. Maker's 46® is aged longer with special seared French oak staves. With subtly layered bourbon notes and balanced complexity. Cheers!

Prav Saraff is a bourbon and whiskey connoisseur and the Director of Operations at 1 West Dupont Circle Wines and Liquors in Washington, DC. He has been featured on podcasts and has shared his passion for whiskey on Instagram. 

The guys were joined by special guest Freddie Johnson at an event hosted by the Bourbon Podcast to raise money for bulletproof vests for police K-9's. Here's some background on Freddie Johnson and what he means in the world of bourbon: Freddie Johnson is a third generation employee at Buffalo Trace Distillery and serves as its Distillery VIP Visitor Lead.  Born in Paris, KY (Bourbon County), he spent some of his early childhood summers in the mountains of Breathitt County with his maternal grandfather who was a coal miner and friend to the moonshiners.  The family moved to Frankfort, KY when he was five.  Freddie enjoyed hunting, fishing and hanging out with his paternal grandfather, Jimmy Johnson Sr., and father, Jimmy Johnson Jr., at what is now known as Buffalo Trace Distillery. Freddie was in the middle of a successful career as a network/operations engineer in Atlanta, GA when he put all of it aside to fulfill a promise made to his father, Jimmy, more than 20 years earlier.  He had promised his father that he would work at the Distillery during his lifetime so they could say they had three generations of the Johnson family that worked at Buffalo Trace.  Freddie took early retirement and moved back to care for his father and brother.  Jimmy got him a job as a tour guide at the Distillery in 2002 but Freddie has been in and around the Distillery since he was five years old. Freddie weaves together his childhood memories with the Distillery's rich history as his entertains thousands each year in various tours around Buffalo Trace.  One of the Distillery's most popular and highly sought after tour guides, Freddie is the recipient of the 2015 ROSE (Recognition of Service Excellence) Award, the 2017 Lexington (Ky) Hospitality Award and was inducted into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame in 2018.

Huge episode! What is the whiskey of the year according to the guys!! Cheers!

(Per Breaking Bourbon) King of Kentucky has cemented itself as one of the most consistent great tasting bourbons year after year ever since Brown-Forman began releasing it in 2018. The 2024 version marks the seventh edition for the brand, and like the 2023 release, it again features a 16 year age statement. Unlike last year, the 2024 release goes up $50, now sporting a $350 price tag.The release consists of two lots of barrels to set aside for the limited release product from 2007. Master Distiller Chris Morris states that “This year's release of 63 barrels came from the production dates July 19, 2007, and November 15, 2007. All the barrels were aged in Warehouses G and J at the Brown-Forman Distillery. This showcases what a difference production dates and warehousing can have on barrels hand-crafted in the same year.” The company additionally states in their press release that “while the majority of this year's volume will remain in Kentucky, the expression will also be available in limited quantities in Alabama, California, Florida, Illinois, Metro New York, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, and Texas.” Cheers!!

This 2024 Limited Edition release is a symphony of lively flavors that captivate the senses with every sip. Creamy vanilla, honey and brown sugar on the nose are followed by the flavors of ripe berries and tangy citrus on the palate. Intertwined are herbal notes and Four Roses' signature mellow spice to balance out the layers of complexity and sweetness with a delicate finish – for a pour that's ready to savor and enjoy. Cheers!

Larceny Barrel Proof Batch #A124 is a standout expression in the world of bourbon, offering a unique and intense flavor profile. This cask-strength bourbon, bottled at 124.2 proof (62.1% ABV), is part of the highly acclaimed Larceny Barrel Proof series from Heaven Hill Distillery. Cheers!

The 2024 release of William Larue Weller Bourbon from the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection is a tribute to the legacy of wheated bourbon pioneer W.L. Weller. Aged over twelve years on the lower floors of Buffalo Trace's rickhouses, this uncut, unfiltered bourbon is bottled at a bold 125.8 proof. Its wheated mashbill, crafted at a barrel entry proof of 114, reveals rich, layered flavors with an exceptional depth that whiskey enthusiasts cherish. Last year's release earned “Best of Class” for North America at the 2024 Global Whisky Challenge, underscoring this bourbon's standout quality.

Happy Thanksgiving!!! A limited release of Rendezvous® Rye finished in port and French oak barrels. This is a very unique rye whiskey that tastes like the flavors of Christmas. The name is a play on Shakespeares A Midsummer Nights Dream. When we first tasted this special whiskey, it seemed perfect for a really cold night, hence, A Midwinter Nights Dram.

In the fall of 2022, Owen Martin was appointed the Angel's Envy Master Distiller. A Kansas City native, Owen now proudly calls Louisville home where he redefines and crafts the future of bourbon at the Angel's Envy distillery. With a history and passion for maturing, blending, and the art of secondary finishing, he is always searching for new ways to offer an unparalleled bourbon and rye experience by continually pushing distillation boundaries. With Owen's extensive knowledge of secondary casks, he will ensure the exceptional quality standard across all expressions, core offerings and limited-edition collections. Today, he takes pride in his role at a leading distillery on Louisville's Whiskey Row. Owen's demonstrated experience in product development and experimentation regarding what's next for the industry make him the perfect fit to lead Angel's Envy into its exciting future.

Bottled solely from the contents of one expertly chosen barrel, this expression of Elijah Craig is the pinnacle of Bourbon craftsmanship. Bold, robust, and incredibly complex, 18-Year-Old presents a rare and unique opportunity to sip some of the oldest Bourbon in Kentucky.

George T. Stagg bourbon was first released over 20 years ago in 2002. It's been released every year thereafter, except 2021 when Buffalo Trace decided not to include it as they felt barrels didn't meet the brand's standards. A fact that may be difficult for newcomers to bourbon to believe given the prolific supply of high proof bourbons today, in the early 2000s, the barrel proof bourbon category was nowhere near as prevalent as it is today. Known for its intense flavor profile and (often) mouth-searingly high proof points, George T. Stagg is one of the long running barrel proof bourbons that helped ignite consumers' interest in this category. Perfect as a rare bourbon gift or for elevating your collection.

Jack Daniel's has done it again. A brand that arguably just a few years ago was perhaps stagnant (or, let's say was seen as stagnant, despite the changes and experiments clearly underfoot), has put out another banger of a limited release. This third edition of the Coy Hill releases (first came the single barrel in 2021 then the batches in 2022) doesn't reach quite the proof heights of either the first or second release, but I'd argue it's a finer, more finalized product, too. When the first bottles of Coy Hill rolled out - with a bottle redesign necessitated by the high proof - people went bananas. Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey had always tended towards the higher proofs, maybe 125-132, with a few hitting higher, but these started at 137+. For a proof hound like I, they were irresistible, and being single barrels they were even more interesting. Additionally, for a reason I still cannot ascertain, Jack Daniel's didn't bother making a fuss about the fact that these barrels were also over nine years old.

The guys celebrate their 100th episode by drinking three different bourbons. Each guy brought a bottle for a blind taste test! Enjoy and cheers!

To honor Jimmy's incredible impact on the bourbon world, Wild Turkey is proud to present the limited-edition Wild Turkey Jimmy Russell's 70th Anniversary 8-Year-Old Bourbon. This collector-worthy release is an 8-Year-Old, 101-proof bourbon, with an additional blend of 8- to 9-year-old whiskeys, hand-selected from a few of Jimmy's favorite Rickhouses. Best enjoyed neat or over ice, this bourbon is a true tribute to Jimmy's legacy. Cheers!

Each year, Old Forester releases a limited edition Birthday Bourbon to commemorate the birthday of George Garvin Brown on September 2nd. These releases are known for their unique character, which varies from year to year based on the selection of barrels and the conditions under which they were aged. Cheers! Age: 12 Years Proof: 107 ProofABV: 53.5%.

15 Stars was founded in 2021 by Rick Johnson and his son Ricky Johnson. They aim to honor the history and tradition of American whiskey while innovating for modern tastes. They focus on producing premium, high-quality bourbons that pay homage to the past while still embracing contemporary whiskey-making techniques. The name “15 STARS” is a tribute to Kentucky's status as the 15th state to join the Union. Recently, I sat down with the Johnsons to talk about 15 Stars, their blending and cask-finishing philosophy, and taste their whiskey lineup.

Award-winning American whisky founded by Beyoncé Knowles-Carter and crafted in partnership with Moët Hennessy and five time International Whisky Competition Master Distiller of the Year, Dr. Bill Lumsden. Here the complexity of rye is married with the elegance of malted barley. Finished to perfection in Pedro Ximénez sherry casks, a harmony of spice with sublime hints of fruit. Cheers!

Master Distiller Owen Martin is raising the bar with Angel's Envy Triple Oak at 92 proof (46% ABV)—the first new addition to their award-winning Signature Series lineup in over 10 years. Through experimenting with blend ratios, Owen created a traditional bourbon with a modern twist, seamlessly combining flavors from three distinct barrels sourced from around the world. Cheers!

The Heart Release celebrates the team that distills their whisky, their people who sit at the heart of Maker's, guiding and setting the tone for so much of what they do.  Fruit forward, with caramel, maple, and chocolate notes, this expression features a rich, creamy mouthfeel that is a pure delight. Wood Finishing Series is a collection of one-of-a-kind expressions that use an innovative wood stave-finishing technique to enhance distinctive characteristics already present in the brand's iconic bourbon. 10 specially selected oak staves are used to create unique, limited edition expressions of Maker's Mark.

Master's Keep Triumph is an authentic celebration of Kentucky rye, crafted in the distinctive Wild Turkey way. As the oldest age- stated rye ever released from the Wild Turkey Distilling Co. at 10 years, this expression, inspired by Eddie's son Bruce's affinity for rye, stands as a testament to both the spirit's tenacity and a son's influence on a father's craftmanship. Cheers!

Scott Neil is a retired Army Master Sergeant and a Green Beret. Scott along with special forces Task Force Dagger were some of the very brave to respond to the tragic events of 9/11. Neil went into battle in Afghanastan riding Qatgani horses and now after traveling around the country, he fell in love with the process of some of the best bourbons in the country. Now, he has his own brand, which pays tribute to his military legacy. Cheers!

This week the guys sit down and try a couple different variations of bourbon with a barrel pick from Angel's Envy. See which one the guys like! Cheers!

Heaven Hill 16 Year: Presented as the sixth installment in William Heavenhill's collection, this unparalleled expression is crafted from 15 carefully selected barrels, originally distilled at the renowned Bernheim Distillery. Aged for a minimum of 16 years on the fifth floor of Rickhouse Y, it is bottled at 53% ABV (106-proof). Four Roses Single Barrel: For someone who wants a more complex bourbon experience, Four Roses Single Barrel is a 100-proof bourbon that embodies the uniqueness of an individual barrel which was hand selected by our Master Distiller. It achieves a pronounced yet elegant flavor that is worth savoring.

A completely different version of Proof Positive this week. The guys have a regular "Joe" of bourbon of J. T. S. Brown which is a 80 proof Kentucky bourbon whiskey produced by the Heaven Hill Distillery company. The J.T.S. Brown label dates back to 1855. The distilling operation is in Louisville, Kentucky, and aging and bottling operations are in Bardstown, Kentucky.  This whiskey was named after James Thompson Smith Brown who was a Master Distiller at the Old Oscar Pepper Distillery which would later become known as Stitzel-Weller distillery and produce some of the worlds finest bourbon whiskeys including Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve and Weller 12 Year old bourbons. Cheers!

(Per heavenhilldistillery.com)-Since 1935, Heaven Hill Distillery has focused on the importance of both family and creating quality Whiskeys. We believe that quality Whiskeys come from quality ingredients. And quality ingredients come from long-standing, trusted partnerships that were built on handshakes, not contracts. Heaven Hill Grain to Glass™ highlights this commitment to family and quality by partnering with two family-owned businesses, and taking quality and transparency one step further – starting with the seed. Cheers!

Thank you so much for making us the number one podcast in the Hobbies category on Apple. Because of that, our gift to you, a back-to-back Double Barrel with George T Stagg going up against Eljah Craig's Barrel Proof. See what the guys pick! Cheers!

Another wonderful edition of Double Barrel with Ben and Kyle this week. Cheers! Russell's Reserve 15: Painstakingly crafted by Master Distiller Eddie Russell, the Russell's Reserve 15 Year Old is another exciting chapter in the rich heritage and legacy of Russell's Reserve. Non-chill filtered and bottled at precisely 117.2 proof, the limited release exemplifies Eddie's expert ability to develop complex flavors through careful aging and keen barrel selection. Knob Creek 12: Full proof for full flavor. An honest Pre-Prohibition style bourbon. Dark amber with a touch of red. A nose of heavy toffee with charred undertones, matured tobacco, toasted coconut and dark chocolate. The taste has bold and spicy overtones, leathered fruits, vanilla and caramelized wood. The finish is warm with the smoky char notes remaining for a lingering heat

(Per AnglesEnvy.com)- This summer, we're celebrating the art of innovation with Angel's Envy Cask Strength Bottled-in-Bond bourbon. Defying convention, this release raises the bar by offering a premium Bottled-in-Bond bourbon at Cask Strength and marks our first foray into the world of unfinished whiskey. The 375 ml bottle is now available at the Angel's Envy Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky. Cheers!

Happy 4th everybody! On this edition of Proof Positive, the guys are reviewing Michter's 10 Rye. Cheers! (Per breakingbourbon.com)-The Michter's brand has a storied history. Though not always called Michter's (it also has gone by the names Bomberger's, and Pennco at different times), the brand was created in 1753 in Pennsylvania, was the top-selling whiskey in the 1970s and 1980s, went bankrupt in 1989, and then was revived in the 1990s. In 2019, the company opened their own distilling facilities in the historic 1890 Fort Nelson building in downtown Louisville after an 8 year, $8 million renovation of the decrepit building.‍‍Michter's 10 Year Straight Rye was briefly taken off the market from 2010-2013, but returned in April 2014.

Pappy: Known for being a very limited part of the yearly Buffalo Trace "allocation season" for Pappy Van Winkle products, the 13 year Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye doesn't often get talked about as much as some of the other products like Pappy 15 year or the ultra-aged 23 year oak bomb. Sazerac: The One and Only New Orleans Original. Sazerac Rye Whiskey symbolizes the tradition and history of New Orleans. Rye Whiskey dates back to the 1800's, around the time when saloons, veiled as Coffee Houses, began lining the streets of New Orleans. It was at the Sazerac Coffee House on Royal Street where local patrons were served toddies made with Rye Whiskey and Peychaud's Bitters. The libation became known as the “Sazerac” and America's first branded cocktail was born. This is the whiskey that started it all.

Indigo's Hour is the latest release in the ongoing Orphan Barrel project, which was launched by Diageo in 2013. From the company's initial press release they stated it was “A new project determined to locate lost and forgotten barrels of whiskey from around the world. See what the guys thought about this amazing proof positive! Cheers!

It's been a year since Peneople unleashed Rio onto the bourbon scene and took two finishes that everyone thought they knew and combined them. The company wasn't expecting such a strong response to their new experimental finished bourbon and, unfortunately, didn't produce enough volume to satisfy the rabid demand for it. There was a batch 2 (23-902), but it was relegated mostly to the Texas market and did little to quell demand. As a result, there has been a lot of anticipation riding on batch 3 (24-901), and the natural question arose: would Penelope try and do a carbon copy of batch 1 (23-901), or would they tweak it in meaningful ways? -Breaking Bourbon Review

Lodestar Whiskey is an American Whiskey which is a blend of Straight High Rye Bourbon and American Single Malt. It has a uniquely modern flavor profile that can satisfy the palates of many. Cheers!

Dive into the rich tapestry of American whiskey-making with the Bomberger's Declaration Straight Bourbon 2023 edition. Every sip embodies centuries of distillation heritage, combining modern finesse with old-world craftsmanship. This exquisite 2023 release, glowing with a deep amber radiance, is a tribute to timeless bourbon artistry. The nose is greeted with intricate layers of toasty oak, hints of creamy vanilla, and a whisper of sun-drenched raisins. As you indulge, the palate unfurls to reveal a dance of toasted almonds, luxuriously rich chocolates, and a medley of autumnal spices, delivering a finish that resonates with warmth and opulence. Handcrafted with dedication and an unwavering commitment to quality, this bourbon speaks to those who appreciate the intricate ballet of patience and expertise. Cheers!

Preston is the fourth generation member of the Van Winkle family to enter into the bourbon business. He is the great grandson of iconic bourbon maker Julian P. “Pappy” Van Winkle, Sr. and son of current Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery President, Julian P. Van Winkle, III. Preston grew up in the post Stitzel-Weller era of Van Winkle bourbon production, exploring his father's bottling hall and barrel warehouse in Lawrenceburg, KY, occasionally helping with the bottling and labeling. Preston graduated from the University of Kentucky in 2001 and immediately started working for his father. Initially he split time between the Louisville office and the Lawrenceburg bottling facility where he often processed bourbon for bottling and ran the bottling line as Julian had for the previous 20 plus years. In 2002 the Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery partnered with the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, KY, freeing up Julian and Preston from production duties enabling them to focus on the sales and marketing of the brands. Preston assumed the role of Marketing Manager for Old Rip Van Winkle and has worked since then to help manage and market the Van Winkle brands.

Michter's 20: The 20-Year Bourbon expression reflects the exceptional results of uncompromising craftsmanship and Kentucky's unrivaled climate for aging outstanding whiskey. Often much older than the age statement on the label, only a select few barrels age with the elegance required for inclusion in this highly 114.2 proof limited release. Old Forester 1920: The Volstead Act of 1920 which initiated Prohibition in the USA granted permits to six distillers in Kentucky to continue to bottle bourbon for medicinal purposes. Through one of these permits, Old Forester continued to be produced as medicinal whiskey on Louisville's famed Whiskey Row. It is the only bourbon continuously sold by the same company that has been available for sale before, during and after Prohibition. During this time, all whiskies had to be bottled at 100 Proof. With a barrel entry proof of 100, the “angel's share” would have created a 115 proof whiskey after maturation. To pay homage to this era, Old Forester presents 1920 Prohibition Style Bourbon at 115 proof to represent the rich flavor profile this bourbon had nearly 100 years ago.