Bourbon Barrel Talk

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.

Scott, Brian, Toby and Jared discuss the bourbon bubble. What is the impact of shutdowns at Beam, MGP’s Kentucky distilleries, and Green River? What will this affect? How will it affect the market, and who will be affected the most?  Will it be better for the NDP's or hurt them?

The crew sits down and interviews Chattanooga Whiskey's Founder and CEO Tim Piersant. Tim tells us about the transition from sourcing MGP to becoming the 2026 Craft Distillery of the Year. 

The crew discusses the most recent 13th Colony 113 Proof Maple and Cask Strength. All sourced MGP they are finished with maple spirals. 

The crew reviews the Starlight Repeal Day Blake and Ted Picks. While the gents from Starlight continue to put out great stuff there is very little that creates FOMO like Repeal Day. This episode really dives into these two barrels and what makes Blake and Ted unique. 

The crew reviewed vintage airplane bottles with Chad from Bourbon Boyz in this crossover. Val was an extra voice that brought perspective from the industry. 

Scott and the crew have a great conversation with Master Distiller Ian Stirsman of Ross & Squibb / MGP Distillery. We discussed recent and upcoming releases (Master Distiller Experimental Series No. 2). There upcoming new single barrel program and much more. It was fun listening to his use of LBSV and LESV to discribe mashbills. Just a small reminder where Four Roses came from. 

In a quasi crossover episode, the crew discusses with Chad and Val barrel picks and other things happening in that part of our industry. Chad runs Mythical one of the larger pick groups in the Midwest. Val has worked with multiple brands, Smooth Ambler, Castle and Key and Jeptha Creed. 

Brian and Scott take a visit to the Blending House and have a conversation with Master Blender Ashley Barnes and Director of Operations Matt King. The Blending House serves as a centralized production hub designed specifically to optimize operations for spirits brands of all sizes. It is home to a 30,000 square foot state-of-the-art blending and bottling facility and seven cutting-edge  K-RAX® ric...

The crew discussed the difference between and reviewed Wheated Whiskey (Starlight) vs Wheated Bourbon (Larceny BP). The Starlight Whiskey was from their recent Repeal Day, while the Larceny Barrel Proof was batch B525. 

The crew releases a more recent review from the folks at 291. Michael is doing some cool and unique things in Colorado, this is a discussion about one of their releases that was a good mistake. The 291 HR was an accidental double dump of their rye into this batch. The result you have to listen to hear. 

The crew sits down and reviews High West' most recent release the Cask Strength. Bottled in late 2025, released in January, this pour brings a variety of bourbons to the table with it's super unique blend. 3 Kentucky bourbons, an Indiana one and a Tennessee one. 

The crew went off book and reviewed our latest mail call Fresh Victor. It's a line of premium mixers for easy cocktails and mocktails too. In the second episode of this 2 part series, we indulged on the ones we thought that should be made as suggested. Three Citrus & Mint Leaf, Cucumber & Lime, Cactus Pear & Pomegranate, Jalapeño & Lime and Grapefruit & Sea Salt. If you want to...

The fellas went off book and reviewed our latest mail call Fresh Victor. It's a line of premium mixers for easy cocktails and mocktails too. In the first episode of this 2 part series, we indulged on the ones we thought that would stand up to bourbon. Strawberry & Lemon, Lemon Sour (whiskey sour), Pineapple & Ginger Root, and Mexican Lime Agave. If you want to try these, for a 20% discount...

The crew sits down and reviews Old Forge's whiskey. This bottle was a blend of bourbon and neutral grain spirits. While youthful, it has some qualities that some folks might find appealing.