Bourbon Barrel Talk

The crew discusses Jack Daniel Distillery has announced the nationwide U.S. release of Jack Daniel’s American Single Malt Whiskey, a limited expression that was previously available exclusively in select duty-free retail locations around the world.    The release arrives as American Single Malt becomes an officially recognized whiskey category, marking the first new official whiskey category recog...

The crew reviews the Larrikin Single Barrel Rye Release this 9 year 64R/30C/6MB mashbill was hand selected and comes in at 122.5 proof. Greg the owner is doing great things and his juice is worth the squeeze.

The crew sits down and talks the new surge of tasting rooms in Louisvile with Tim Van Riper AKA Single Barrel Snob. This one goes down a rabbit hole of why is bourbon different and water.

The crew reviews Green River's newest release the Toasted Double Oak. This bottle is comprised of: Age: 8 years old, plus an additional 6 months in a secondary finish Mashbill: 70% corn, 21% rye, and 9% malted barley Proof: 115.1 (57.55% ABV) Secondary Barrel: Finished in a new American oak barrel with a medium toast and light char from Independent Stave Company

The crew reviews Dancing Goat Distillery, two inaugural whiskey expressions of  Stillman's Sonder  whiskey, which represent  three generations of dedication to the craft.   Bourbon — aged in both Andean and American Oak barrels with texture and concentration pushed through several double oaked components. Barrels were spoon proofed at times with encouraged oxidation through short fills and vatting...

Jonny and Scott review the Larrikin Australia Series are bottled at a cask strength of 104 proof (52% ABV). This 6 barrel blend that was finished into 3 unique products, will be released at this years KBF. Sugar Cane Rum, Golden Wattle and Manuka Honey all bring something we haven’t seen yet. 

The crew reviews the Jack Daniel Distillery Distillery Series Selection #17 – a limited-edition, batch-proof High Angel’s Share Straight Tennessee Whiskey pulled from the top floors of the distillery’s Coy Hill barrelhouses. This latest release is the newest expression in the brand’s experimental Distillery Series line and the first High Angel’s Share release since the 2018 expression. It will be...

The crew discusses Old Commonwealth's Red Top Rye. Made with a 100% rye mash bill and bottled at 105 proof, this full-bodied rye showcases a rich and fruit-forward character. Rooted in the historic Lawrenceburg distillery.

The crew reviews and discusses Big Vat Liar it's a cask-strength, high-rye Kentucky straight bourbon released by Potter Jane Distilling Co. in Springfield, Kentucky. Created by industry veterans Denny Potter and Jane Bowie (formerly of Maker's Mark), the brand humorously admits to "lying" about never releasing sourced whiskey while waiting for their own distillate to mature. The marketing of liar,...

The crew reviews the newest Jackson Purchase Select Batch Full Proof bottle. Brian and Scott wento the ribbon cutting of their tasting bar in the Yum Center and brought back this bottle to discuss. We hope to get out and interview Craig Beam and Terry in the near future.

Brian and Scott sit down with Larry Rice of Old Treasure. Larry is a nationally recognized whiskey expert, acclaimed hospitality entrepreneur, and the visionary founder behind Old Treasure. Over the past two decades, Larry has built an extraordinary career at the intersection of spirits, culture, and connection. Larry’s journey began behind some of Louisville’s busiest bars.  Old Treasure is a cel...

The crew discusses how our preference has changed over our bourbon journey. While discussing how the industry has evolved. 

The crew reviews Starlight's latest release the Orchard Blossom. This Rye Whiskey finished Jamaican Rum, Honey & Peach Flavored Whiskey Barrels. This limited release appears to be blended by Ted is 114 proof and 4 years old. 

The crew discusses the newest release from Makers Mark, Star Hill Farm 2026. This is the second installment of this wheated whiskey expression. We also went down the rabbit hole of value and recent price grabbing that has been happening over the past few years.

The crew reviews and discusses what is the differences between double oak, double barreled, toasted and charred barrrels and the distinction between bourbon and whiskey and aged statements with double barreling. 

Brian takes us on a journey with 4 pours we discussed for quite some time. We reviewed Bluegrass Blue Corn, Old Glory Blended Whiskey from Chicken Cock, Super Drew's Rye, and Bluegrass 9 year Spanish Oak. All good in their own right, but definitely a reason to go buy or search for two of them. 

The boys review 15 Stars latest release of Kentucke the 6 and 12 year bundle. The 6 year is a bourbon and the 12 year is an American whiskey that was finished in a double oak cask. These were released in honor of America's 250th Anniversary. Both pours were fairly complex for 90 proof, but the 12 year really shined out of the two. 

Jonny, Brian and Scott review Filmland's latest Kentucky only release The Crimson Cask. The label and custom bottle design feature a pulp-fiction movie poster theme, this one chronicling the saga of "Scarlett Cross". Mash Bill: 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley. Aging & Proof: Aged at least four years in #3 char American oak and bottled at an honest 90 proof (45% ABV).

The crew sits down and reviews three RTDs. Green River's traditional, and Penelope's Apple Cinnamon and Black Walnut. All three good in their own right, but one seemed to slightly edge the others.  All of them are under 100 proof and provide different qualities most Old Fashioned fans could enjoy. 

The crew reviews the Jack Daniel’s Special Release Small Batch Rye, which consists of five high-proof batches of Tennessee Rye Whiskey sourced from Coy Hill, Boiler Hill, and Fire Brigade Fields barrelhouses. Presented at barrel proof in 375 mL bottles and proof points ranging from 142.7 to 146.1, the special release represents some of the most unparalleled and limited Tennessee Rye Whiskey to eme...

The crew discusses and reviews the newest distillery release from New Riff their 100% Malted Rye. The Brock's picked this up while on vacay, and we discussed it from their traditional ryes. This is slightly reminiscent of the Balboa Ryes. 

The crew reviews the most recent releases from Jack Daniels the 10yr Batch 5, 12yr Batch 4 and 14yr Batch 2. These were better than last years release and a different profile than I expect from JD, especially the 12 yr. Let us know your thoughts. 

Scott and Jonny sit down and discuss the Brown Forman Sale. The two front runners Sazerac and Pernod Ricard. How it impacts the market and the brand. We also speculate who may be the best fit. *** This episode was recorded prior to Sazerac's recent offer to merge. ***

The crew celebrates our 400 episode. We discuss some of our favorite moments and look to the future or our ragtag group. 

Today Johnny and Scott review the latest High West Bourye 26A21 release. This annual, limited-edition favorite (with a true cult following) showcases a distinctive, premium blend of rich bourbon and rye whiskeys, resulting in an exceptional sipping experience. This year’s release delivers an elevated ABV of 50.5%, along with bold notes.