Bourbon Podcast

Harlen’s formal education in chemistry and chemical engineering brought him to Buffalo Trace Distillery, but it’s the on-the-job experience that led him to become the resident Master Distiller in 2005. Born in Mount Sterling, Kentucky, Harlen has spent almost all of his life in the Bluegrass. After relocating and spending much of his youth in Florence, KY, Harlen attended Northern Kentucky Univers...

(Per-Breakingbourbon.com)- This year’s edition of Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged continues to lean into its aged flavor profile thanks to the highest percentage of 14-year bourbon in the series to date. Originally started in 2023, the Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged series is now in its fourth iteration. Differentiating itself from the Maker's Mark Wood Finishing Series, the Cellar Aged series focuses on a...

Whisky Advocate Magazine Senior Editor Julia Higgins stops by with the guys to discuss 2026 Whiskey Fest. Cheers!

13 years minimum, though the 2026 blend incorporates older handpicked barrels aged up to 18 years. 121.2 proof (60.6% ABV), making it one of the highest-proof releases in the line's history. Retails around $200 (though secondary market values often run higher between $400 and $500). Cheers!

The Four Roses Father's Day 2026 release is a limited-quantity, single-barrel private selection barrel-strength bourbon, aged around 14 years, Age: 14 years old Proof: Varies by specific single barrel selections (reported around 120 to 134 proof, such as 129.4 or high-tier proofs like 66.2% / 66.6% ABV) Recipe: Features recipes like OBSV (tier/barrel dependent) Price: Released around an MSRP o...

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. Louise Van Winkle Breen Recycling lady and bill payer--not necessarily in that order. She manages the back end of the business (t...

Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain Bourbon has returned for 2026 as an ongoing annual limited release from Buffalo Trace Distillery. Bottled-in-Bond at 100 proof (50% ABV) and aged for 10 years. Notes of sweet caramel, vanilla, cherry candy, oak, and clove spice, with the wheat adding softness and the rye providing structure. Cheers!

A legendary, highly coveted Bottled-in-Bond expression from Buffalo Trace Distillery. Revered by collectors as a true "unicorn" bottle, this unprecedented 17-year-old masterpiece was crafted from Buffalo Trace’s iconic low-rye Mash Bill #1. It pays homage to the meticulous standards of the "Father of the Modern Bourbon Industry," Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. What sets the original...

Old Charter Oak "Finest Oak" is crafted at Buffalo Trace Distillery, honoring the historic Old Charter brand established by Adam and Ben Chapeze in 1874. The bourbon pays tribute to the iconic white oak trees that have long shaped the character of American whiskey, emphasizing the critical role of oak in flavor development. This expression is part of the Old Charter Oak series, which exp...

The fifth installment in Heaven Hill's annual limited-edition Heritage Collection series. Released in early 2026, it stands as the oldest bourbon featured in the collection to date, crafted from roughly 270-275 barrels originally distilled in 2003 and aged on the upper floors of Bardstown's famous Rickhouse Y.

The Wild Turkey Austin Nichols Archives: Gold Foil Edition is a 16-year-old Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey bottled at 120 proof. Released in May 2026 with an MSRP of $400, this inaugural expression launched a new collector series paying tribute to the historic "cheesy gold foil" bottlings from Wild Turkey's past. Cheers!

The vintage Old Fitzgerald Colonial Decanter is a collectible 1960s–1970s bottled-in-bond bourbon release from the legendary Stitzel-Weller Distillery. These 100-proof, 4/5-quart decorative glass bottles featured colonial-themed prints or shields. Often featuring age statements around 6 years old, such as distilled in 1963 and bottled in 1969. Cheers!

Dixon Dedman is a 42-year-old blender who has quickly established himself as one of the most prolific American whiskey blenders in the industry known for his high-proof, robust bourbon and rye blends. He grew up on the whiskey trail infusing the learnings from industry legends with his culinary expertise from running his family’s business, the famed and James Beard award-winning Beaumont Inn. His...

Jack Daniel’s 14-Year Batch 2 is an ultra-aged Tennessee Whiskey released in Spring 2026. Part of the brand's premium, age-stated lineup, this limited release features the classic mash bill (80% corn, 12% rye, 8% malted barley) and is bottled at a barrel proof of 117.6 (58.8% ABV). Cheers!

Little Book Chapter 10 “All the Wiser” is the 10th release in the brand’s Chapter line, and it pays respect to Little Book Chapter 3: "The Road Home" and the company’s Small Batch Collection. Chapter 3 was a blend of bourbons: 9 year old Knob Creek, 9 year old Basil Hayden, 11 year old Booker's, and 12 year old Baker's. Like Chapter 10, that blend was bottled uncut at 122.6 proof...

The Gem of Kentucky is the premiere offering from 2XO. The only double barreled single barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey on the market. The barrels are exclusively selected by Dixon from his double barreled stocks of the high rye bourbon mash bill (35%) that spend up to a year in new charred oak barrels before bottling. It is a full-bodied, full-flavored expression that leans on Dixon’s uni...

The Four Roses Single Barrel 2026 collection highlights three new, rotating recipes (OESF, OBSK, and OESQ) alongside the brand's flagship OBSV bottling. Each bottle in the collection is aged 7 to 9 years, bottled at 100 proof, and available for a Suggested Retail Price (SRP) of $49.99 per 750ml. Cheers!

Uncut, unfiltered Kentucky straight bourbon produced by the Buffalo Trace Distillery. Released as an early-season batch, this highly allocated whiskey is bottled at a bold 129.3 proof (64.65% ABV) and is prized for its signature rich, cask-strength profile. Listen to what the guys think of this coveted bottle. Cheers!

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 experienc...

An inaugural limited-release bourbon from Jim Beam that highlights a sweeter, confectionary profile compared to traditional Knob Creek offerings. It features a 10-year age statement, is bottled at 106 proof (53% ABV). Developed by eighth-generation master distiller Freddie Noe and team, this limited release dials back the traditional dry, nutty, and heavily charred notes of standard Knob Creek in...

A cask-strength (uncut and unfiltered) rye whiskey produced by Frey Ranch Distillery, a "farm-to-glass" estate operation in Fallon, Nevada. Mash Bill: 100% Cereal Winter Rye grown and harvested on-site at the 2,500-acre Frey Ranch. Proof & Age: Aged for a minimum of six years and typically bottled at around 124.52 proof (batch dependent). Tasting Notes: Known for its bold and viscous...

Prav Saraff is a widely renowned whiskey expert, retailer, and producer, best known as the Director of Operations at 1 West Dupont Circle Wines & Liquors in Washington, D.C. He is highly regarded in the bourbon community for his expertise, his private barrel picks, and his brand, Dream Spirits. Cheers!

Gil Schwarz is a well-known wine and whisky broker, collector, and consultant with over three decades of experience in the global beverage industry. Founder of The Wine Institute of Las Vegas, Gil has built an international career advising retailers, importers, auction houses, and producers—particularly in the fine and rare segment. A frequent judge at international competitions and a seasoned jou...

As of April 2026, Jack Daniel's has released highly sought-after "hazmat" (over 140 proof) single-barrel rye whiskeys, with special releases like the Tanyard Hill or Small Batch variants often ranging between 142.7 and 146.1 proof. These limited, uncut, and unfiltered, Tennessee straight rye whiskeys feature a 70% rye mash bill and are known for intense heat and complex, dark fruit f...

With over two decades of experience in the spirits industry, Edwards brings a wealth of knowledge, passion, and expertise in whiskeys. As the East Coast Ambassador, he represents the brand by educating consumers, trade professionals, and media on the rich history and craftsmanship behind Heaven Hill’s renowned portfolio. Edwards, a Louisville native, has deep roots in Bourbon country, which fuels...