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The Bourbon Road: Daily Summaries Delivered
by The Bourbon Road
The Bourbon Road is two friends sharing pours and good stories with interesting guests. Each week we sip on bourbon while talking with celebrities, musicians, chefs, authors, industry experts and everyone in between. If bourbon makes it better... or even the other way around, then we want to talk about it.
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- Yesterday50 min
506. Finished & Fabulous: Rum, Honey, Maple, and French Oak on the Mat
Welcome back to The Bourbon Road, recorded live at the Bourbon Road Bar in Simpsonville, Kentucky. Hosts Jim Shannon and Todd settle in for a double-barrel recording day — two episodes back to back — and they've dedicated this session entirely to finished whiskeys. Four bottles make it to the mat tonight, each one showcasing a different finishing technique: rum barrels, French and Appalachian oak staves, honey-coated barrels, and maple syrup casks. It is a sweet, sessionable lineup that ranges from 101 to 110 proof, proving that finished whiskeys can be approachable without sacrificing character. On the Tasting Mat: - Wheel Horse Double Mash Whiskey, Finished in Caribbean Rum Barrels (101 proof): A limited-edition blend of Green River Straight Bourbon (70% corn, 21% rye, 9% malted barley) and Straight Rye (95.5% rye), each aged a minimum of five years and then finished for up to two years in three styles of Caribbean rum barrels. Distilled at Latitude Spirits (Green River), MSRP $45. The nose opens with molasses, leather, and cooked brown sugar — rich but not heavy. On the palate it delivers a sweet, easy-drinking profile with a noticeable rye bite and a finish that runs a little shy. An excellent candidate for cocktails, highballs, or a few cubes. ** - Gypsy Explorer Straight Bourbon, Finished with French and Appalachian Oak Staves (103 proof): The inaugural release in the Explorer series from Eric Church's Gypsy brand. A blend of two six-year-old bourbons — a low-rye Kentucky distillate (sweetness-forward) and a high-rye Indiana distillate (spice-forward) — yielding a combined mash bill of 66% corn, 30% rye, and 4% malted barley, reduced to 103 proof and then finished with staves sourced from the forests of Tronçais, France, and the Appalachian Mountains. MSRP $69.99. The nose is standout: rich, layered, and inviting. The palate softens dramatically into buttery Danish butter cookie territory, with dried apricots, honey, pistachios, and a baklava-like sweetness. Vanilla from the French oak weaves throughout. Approachable enough for any drinker, complex enough to contemplate neat. ** - Pursuit x Meat Church Honey Hog Barrel Bourbon (105 proof): A limited-edition collaboration between Pursuit Spirits and Matt Pittman's Meat Church BBQ, designed as a tabletop companion to smoked meats. The blend combines Kentucky (78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley) and Tennessee (80% corn, 10% rye, 10% malted barley) straight bourbons. Finishing involved coating barrels with over 55 gallons of Texas wildflower honey sourced from Burleson's Honey in Waxahachie, Texas. 105 proof, MSRP $79.99 for a 700 ml bottle, primarily available through the Pursuit P Club and the Pursuit Louisville location. The nose is sweet, floral, and unmistakably wildflower honey. The palate follows suit with a large honey presence alongside classic bourbon caramel — forward and sweet. A natural companion for the grill or as a warm-weather sipper. ** - Short Barrel Sapsquatch Straight Bourbon, Finished in Maple Syrup Barrels (110 proof): Short Barrel's maple-forward annual release begins with a blend of Kentucky (70% corn, 21% rye, 9% malted barley, aged 6–8 years) and Indiana (75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley, aged 6–8 years) bourbons. Unusually, the whiskey first conditions in stainless steel with sugar maple fusion spirals for six to eight weeks, building a foundation of maple depth and caramelized sugar before ever entering a finishing barrel. It then moves into Kelvin Cooperage toasted barrels that previously held maple syrup sourced from Vermont and Ohio. 110 proof, MSRP $89.99. The nose is dark and maple-rich but measured — not syrup-bomb territory. On the palate: whole-grain pancakes, warm butter, caramelized sugar, and toasted marshmallow, with the maple remaining present but disciplined. Notably, the finish pivots away from sweetness toward toasted oak, giving the whiskey structure and length. ** Whether you're a fan of rum-influenced blends, buttery French oak, honey-laced barbecue whiskeys, or maple-driven dessert drams, this episode has something to satisfy every sweet tooth on the tasting mat. Jim and Todd also remind listeners about the upcoming Sample Soirée on August 22nd at the Corner Rick House in Frankfort, Kentucky — home of the Frankfort Bourbon Society — where all those accumulated sample bottles finally get cracked open for the roadies. Sign up at thebourbonroad.com to reserve your spot and grab your official Roadie membership card for the door.
- 1 weeks ago54 min
505. Yokai, Mars, and Purple Tops: Four Whiskeys, Zero Borders
Welcome back to The Bourbon Road, airing from the Bourbon Road Bar in Simpsonville, Kentucky. This week Jim Shannon rejoins co-host Todd after a week away, and the two dive into a four-bottle lineup that spans continents, traditions, and corn colors. The session opens with a pair of Japanese-influenced whiskeys before pivoting to a high-rye Kentucky icon and a blue corn single barrel that rounds out one of the more eclectic tasting mats the show has assembled. On the Tasting Mat: - Bardstown Bourbon Company Distiller's Reserve – Mars Single Malt Japanese Blend: A 109.8-proof collaborative release blending 69% Kentucky 10-year bourbon (74 corn / 18 rye / 8 malted barley), 8% Kentucky 16-year bourbon (75 corn / 13 rye / 12 malted barley), 20% Mars Komagatake 5-year 100% malted barley, and 3% Mars Shinshu 5-year 100% malted barley. The Japanese whiskeys were co-aged with the Kentucky bourbons in barrel for a full year in Kentucky rather than merely finished. Available in 375ml at an MSRP of $100. The nose opens with bright orchard fruit, plum blossom, and a floral spring-day quality. On the palate it delivers concentrated, intense flavor with a mid-palate tingle, rich dark plum, orange marmalade, honeydew, and a savory undertone riding alongside well-integrated oak. ** - Yokai Small Batch Bourbon (Mugen Spirits, 3rd Release): A 117-proof small batch aged 7–8 years, produced by Louisville-based Mugen Spirits, co-founded by Kojin Tashiro and Justin Delaney. The distillate is sourced from Bardstown Bourbon Company. Labels are created by a Japanese artist, and the name draws from Japanese folklore creatures. MSRP $99.99. The nose is classic and inviting — vanilla cream, cherry, and butterscotch caramel. The palate surprises with intensity: big flavors up front transitioning to a smokier, oakier back palate, with a notable red hots-style sizzle on the sides and rear of the mouth, hints of candy green apple, and a lingering almond nuttiness. ** - Willett Family Estate Small Batch Bourbon: A cask-strength expression bottled at approximately 126.6 proof, blending 70–80% of Willett's high-rye mash bill (52 corn / 38 rye / 10 malted barley) with 20–30% of their traditional mash bill (72 corn / 13 rye / 15 malted barley), aged 4–5 years across roughly 50-barrel batches. MSRP $65. The nose is unmistakably Willett — spiced gumdrops, menthol, and grain from the pot still, balanced by sweet ethanol appropriate to its proof. On the palate, a bold upfront spice bite gives way to root beer float, Maraschino cherry, whipped cream, and a sassafras-like hound quality, with the finish fading a touch quicker than the powerful front palate suggests. ** - Bluegrass Distillers Blue Corn Single Barrel Bourbon (7 Year): A single barrel expression bottled at barrel strength, 129 proof, from Elkwood Farm in Midway, Kentucky. The mash bill is 70% blue corn, 21% rye, and 9% malted barley, aged 7 years. MSRP $70, available at the distillery. The nose is subdued and corn-forward with a light graininess and a hint of blueberry. The palate opens up considerably: buttery and pastry-forward with blueberry hand-pie character, a glazed pastry quality, burnt orange citrus notes, and a slow, warming burn. The finish is notably long and satisfying, distinguishing it from the more front-loaded expressions on the mat. ** Jim and Todd close out the episode with a reminder about their upcoming Roadie gathering at the Frankfurt Bourbon Society on August 22nd from 5–8 PM. Entry is $5 (temporary FBS membership) and requires a Bourbon Road member ID card — sign up free at TheBournonRoad.com to get yours and RSVP through the Roadie Bar event calendar. Expect a room full of sample bottles, Frankfurt Bourbon Society members, door prizes, and good company. Whether you're a local Kentucky Roadie or making a bourbon trail weekend of it, come find Jim and Todd and raise a glass in person.
- 2 weeks ago1h 17m
504. Black Corn, Witch's Brew, and the First West Lineup from 15 Stars
Todd flies solo this week on The Bourbon Road, welcoming back Rick and Ricky Johnson of 15 Stars Bourbon for their third appearance on the show. The father-and-son team behind one of Kentucky's most decorated independent blending operations returns to walk through the newly revamped First West lineup — four expressions that mark a landmark moment for the brand: the first releases to feature whiskey distilled entirely by the 15 Stars team, including juice made from their proprietary heirloom corns. Rick and Ricky share the full origin story of why they got into the business, how a single black popcorn corn variety sparked the whole journey, and why patient, fully mature whiskey and obsessive flavor-proofing sit at the core of everything they do. The conversation covers the philosophy behind blending for the best possible flavor rather than chasing a predetermined profile, the surprisingly visual experience of fermenting black corn (picture a literal witch's brew), the distinct flavor contributions of red, white, blue, and black heirloom corns, and why filtration matters just as much as proof when it comes to mouthfeel. Rick teases a very limited, very old upcoming release and an exclusive cigar-blend expression set to debut at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival — and Todd can barely contain himself. On the Tasting Mat: - First West Explorer: A five-grain wheated bourbon blending 15 Stars' own six-year-old black corn mashbill (70% black corn, 18% wheat, 12% malted barley) with a five-year-old yellow corn mashbill (70% corn, 18% rye, 12% malted barley). Bottled at 95 proof and retailing around $49.99, this is the first 15 Stars release made entirely from juice they distilled themselves. Expect meringue-level dessert sweetness, buttery vanilla wafer, caramel corn, and a distinctive peppery finish that traces directly back to the black corn. ** - First West Small Batch: A six-grain blend anchored by 15 Stars' proprietary red, white, and blue corn mashbill — all three distilled together — combined with two separate yellow corn bourbon mashbills. Maximum 25 barrels per batch, bottled at 102 proof and retailing around $59.99. The red, white, and blue corn entry sits at 103 proof into the barrel. Softer and more fruit-forward than the Explorer, with dark cherry pie, citrus lift, and rich caramel on the palate. ** - First West Toasted Oak: Built on a base very similar to the Small Batch, then finished in two distinct toasted oak profiles simultaneously — 60% in a sweeter caramel-and-maple profile, 40% in a more oak-forward profile — before the two portions are recombined. Bottled at 98 proof and retailing around $69.99. The toast adds depth and richness without overwhelming the underlying bourbon character; the nose delivers a satisfying layered complexity of toasted wood and the fruit-forward notes of the base blend. ** - First West Extra Aged: The only expression in the First West line without heirloom corns, and the only one featuring a high-malted-barley mashbill (at roughly 10% of the blend). A blend of three different eight- and nine-year-old bourbons, bottled at 110 proof (confirmed from label review). Retails around $79.99. The extra barrel time delivers elegance and softness: grain character has receded and rich barrel influence steps forward, with plum, dark stewed fruits, orange marmalade, and a full-bodied depth anchored by that malted barley accent. ** First West is available at retail in approximately 20 states across the eastern United States, with select availability at the Bardstown Bourbon Company distillery. All four expressions — and additional 15 Stars and Kentucky County releases — can be ordered online at 15stars.com with shipping to 43 states. Stay current with new releases and early announcements by signing up for Ricky's personal newsletter at the 15 Stars website, or follow the brand on Facebook and Instagram at @15StarsBourbon.
- 3 weeks ago57 min
503. Little Book, Big Flavors: Five Barrel-Strength Showdowns
Welcome back to the Bourbon Road Bar, where Jim and Todd settle in for a five-bottle session packed with limited releases, aged expressions, and a little bit of everything the whiskey world has to offer right now. Tonight's lineup spans wheat whiskey, high-rye bourbon, east-coast rye, and some serious Beam family heavy-hitters — all barrel strength, all worthy of serious attention. On the Tasting Mat: - Makers Mark Star Hill Farms Wheat Whiskey 2026: A 116.4-proof wheat whiskey bottled at 700ml, featuring a revised mash bill of 62% malted wheat, 27% wheat, and 11% malted barley — including undisclosed amounts of hard red and hard white wheat, plus experimental barrels pulled from three warehouses with a 20-point proof swing. Aged 7–8 years. The nose opens with earthy cherry, turkey figs, and dark fruit, while the palate delivers an oily, velvety texture with baking spices, vanilla, and a distinctive wheat whiskey bite on the back of the palate. MSRP $100. ** - New Riff 10 Year Bourbon 2026: Bottled at 116.9 proof from a mash bill of 65% corn, 30% rye, and 5% malted barley, this Kentucky bourbon offers a nose of caramel, vanilla, and baking spices with a hint of root beer. On the palate, a honeyed peach and dried apricot character emerges alongside tobacco, leather, and mature oak — drying toward the finish with impressive length. Available at New Riff Distillery and to whiskey club members. MSRP $89.99. ** - New Riff 10 Year Rye 2026: A 95% rye, 5% malted barley mash bill bottled at 118.8 proof, this east-coast rye comes in at the same price point of $89.99. The nose is immediately striking — spearmint, pine forest, citrus zest, and dried orange. The palate is exceptionally thick and viscous, carrying the mint and zest through with clove, pine nut, and a cooling quality that gives way to a long, peppery oak finish. Available at New Riff Distillery and to whiskey club members. ** - Little Book Chapter 10 "All the Wiser" 2026: Freddie Noe's tenth Little Book chapter is an homage to the beloved Chapter 3 "The Road Home," blending 11-year Knob Creek, 14-year Basil Hayden, 10-year Booker's, 9-year Baker's, and a 4-year Jim Beam finished in sherry and toasted casks — all uncut at 122.6 proof. The nose is rich and mahogany-dark with vanilla, nuttiness, and a subtle sherry influence. The palate is decadent: dark Luxardo cherry, chocolate, snicker-like nuttiness, molasses, and a long, spicy, sizzling finish that simply refuses to leave. MSRP $160 for 750ml. ** - Booker's 2026-01 "Big Easy Batch": The first Booker's batch of 2026, named in honor of Booker Noe's legendary love of New Orleans, is aged 7 years, 2 months, and 15 days at a big 129.1 proof. Mash bill is 77% corn, 13% rye, and 10% malted barley. The nose presents caramel apple, green apple, and pie crust. On the palate, a perfectly cooked caramel apple pie character develops with a noticeable fruitiness that runs a bit off the typical Booker's nutty profile — finishing with warmth and spice. MSRP $100 for 750ml. ** Five barrel-strength pours, two distilleries, and one very tough call at the end — this is the kind of evening that makes the Bourbon Road Bar worth pulling up a stool for. Whether you're hunting shelf staples or chasing limited releases, tonight's lineup has something to put on your radar. As always, check out the full tasting notes and scores over at TheBourbon Road.com, and we'll see you down the Bourbon Road.
- 4 weeks ago53 min
502. Five Pours, Zero Bad Choices
Welcome back to The Bourbon Road, recording live from the Bourbon Road Bar in Simpsonville, Kentucky — better known as Jim's basement. Episode 502 brings another overflowing tasting mat, proof that the samples just keep arriving faster than the boys can pour them. This week the lineup spans the full spectrum, from a brand-new family-founded label making its debut on the show to a beloved Illinois estate distillery, a coveted gift-shop-only release from a Northern Kentucky craft powerhouse, a toasted double oak expression from one of Owensboro's finest, and a bonus pour courtesy of a longtime Roadie friend from Ohio — a beer-world icon that crossed over into whiskey and never looked back. On the Tasting Mat: - Wooler Whiskey Kentucky Straight Bourbon (Batch 054): A four-grain, five-year-old small batch Kentucky straight bourbon bottled at 90 proof for $39.99. The mash bill runs 72% corn, 18% rye, 5% wheat, and 5% malted barley, distilled in Bardstown and finished in a number three char new American oak barrel. The nose opens with a pleasant graininess reminiscent of granola or muesli, accented by honey and the faintest dusting of cinnamon. The palate delivers a sweet, full-mouth experience with caramel, vanilla, and a gentle wheat-driven tingle on the finish. A welcoming, approachable bourbon from a family brand founded by Jason Wooler — built on resilience after a life-changing stroke. ** - Whiskey Acres 7-Year Bourbon: Estate-distilled in DeKalb, Illinois, this 107-proof small batch blends 12 barrels aged between seven and eight years. The mash bill is 75% yellow dent corn, 15% soft red winter wheat, and 10% malted barley, with an MSRP of $74.99. The nose leads with green apple and caramel, evoking a candy-apple at a county fair. On the palate the soft winter wheat delivers a notably smooth texture, with spice building on the back, a whisper of oak and clove on the finish, and a subtle savory note that sets it apart. Whiskey Acres grows every grain themselves — a true seed-to-spirit operation and the show's 2025 Craft Distillery of the Year. ** - New Riff Silver Grove Bourbon (2026 Release): The inaugural release under the Silver Grove label, this gift-shop-exclusive expression from New Riff Distilling in Newport, Kentucky is aged a minimum of six years and bottled at 116.4 proof for $59.99. Barrels were specifically selected for flavor profiles not typically found in New Riff's standard four- and six-year releases. The nose bursts with spice cake, bright cherry, and a morning-bun sweetness. The palate delivers a bold, full-mouth impact — honey-caramel richness layered with dark berry, cherry, and a long, warming finish. Available exclusively at the New Riff gift shop or via online order for in-store pickup. ** - Green River Distillery Select Toasted Double Oak Bourbon: The oldest expression ever released by Green River Distilling Company in Owensboro, Kentucky, this eight-year bourbon is bottled at 115.1 proof in a 375ml format for $49.99 and is available only at the distillery gift shop or the Louisville tasting room. The mash bill is 70% corn, 21% rye, and 9% malted barley, aged in Green River's signature clay tile rick houses before a six-month secondary finish in lightly charred, medium-toast new American oak barrels. The nose delivers toasted marshmallow and a hint of campfire smoke. The palate is noticeably sweet — rich caramel and that same toasted marshmallow character carry through without tipping into char. ** - New Holland Dragon's Milk Origins Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey (Bonus Pour): A gift from Roadie Mark Radliff and his wife Amy, this 95-proof, five-year-old bourbon from New Holland Brewing Company in Holland, Michigan is distilled on a pot still and finished in barrels previously used to age Dragon's Milk stout. The nose is immediately distinctive — chocolate, ripe peach, and a gummy fruit quality that carries straight through to the palate. The palate layers peach pie, a minty rye backbone, and a gentle sweetness unlike anything else on tonight's mat. A beer-world crossover that demonstrates what stout-barrel finishing can do for a well-made pot-still bourbon. ** Episode 502 is a showcase of American craft whiskey in all its variety — from a $40 debut bottle to a proof-forward gift-shop gem — and a reminder that some of the most memorable pours come from the most unexpected places. If you haven't yet, head over to TheBourbanRoad.com, create a free Roadie account, and join the conversation in the Roadie Bar. Until next time, we'll see you down the Bourbon Road.
- Jun 24, 20261h 5m
501. 50 States, One Glass: The Ultimate 250th Anniversary Tasting
Welcome back to The Bourbon Road, Episode 501! Todd and Jim are joined in the Bourbon Road Bar — aka Tim's Basement — by special guest Dan Mattingly, a Roadie since 2020, Frankfurt Bourbon Society board member, and all-around bourbon enthusiast. The occasion calls for glasses raised to the 250th anniversary of America, a theme that drives most of tonight's tasting lineup, plus one very fun outlier to kick things off. On the Tasting Mat: - Dragon Con Bourbon by Old Fourth Distillery (40th Anniversary Edition): A 94-proof high-rye bourbon (75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley) aged 4–6 years, released in collaboration with Atlanta's iconic Dragon Con convention. Limited to 3,700 bottles at $39.99. The nose opens with overripe fruit — banana, apple, and strawberry — while the palate delivers strawberry cream, a cool refreshing wash, and a gentle spice on the tail. A crushable, fruit-forward summer sipper that punches well above its price. ** - 15 Stars Kentucky County Six-Year Straight Bourbon (250th Anniversary): A blend of two Kentucky straight bourbons, each aged a minimum of six years, bottled at 90 proof and retailing for $38. Named in honor of the historic 1776 Kentucky County of Virginia's western frontier. The nose is light and delicate — sugar cookie icing, poached pear, and faint florality. The palate is similarly airy, with a brief but pleasant finish of light molasses and white fruit. A well-priced, accessible pour designed for a broad audience. ** - 15 Stars Kentucky County 12-Year American Whiskey (250th Anniversary): At 90 proof and $58, this expression blends Kentucky straight bourbon with an American whiskey distilled from a bourbon mashbill — aged seven years in second-use oak, then an additional five years in new charred oak. The nose carries more depth than its six-year sibling, with a hint of funk and gentle sweetness. The palate is soft and full-bodied, offering pear, white pepper spice, and a smooth finish with cotton candy sweetness and a light smokiness. A step up in complexity and a solid value for a 12-year expression. ** - Copper & Cask Wave That Flag Nine-Year Double Oak Bourbon (250th Anniversary): This 117-proof, nine-year straight bourbon undergoes a secondary finish in a custom American oak wave-stave char (#1 char) barrel. Only 3,000 bottles were produced, retailing for $74.99. On the nose: apple cinnamon spice and rich sweetness. The palate is full-mouth and layered — cinnamon roll spice, pecan swirl sweetness, black raspberry, dark chocolate, and a savory leather finish with hints of evergreen cedar. A dollar from every bottle supports the Arcadia Center veteran farmer training program. ** - Lost Lantern United States of Bourbon (Cask Strength, 250th Anniversary): The first-ever blend of straight bourbon whiskeys sourced from all 50 states — 50 distilleries, components ranging from 2 to 10 years old, bottled at cask strength 122.9 proof. Limited to 3,300 bottles at $99.99. The nose arrives with cosmic brownie chocolate, hard sugar candy, and warm baking spice. The palate opens with atomic fireball and red hots cinnamon heat, followed by dark cherry, black raspberry, leather, and a lingering oak-driven finish. A remarkable blending achievement and a fitting tribute to American bourbon craftsmanship coast to coast. ** It's a fitting episode to follow the milestone of Episode 500 — five expressions, five stories about anniversaries big and small, all sharing one message: great bourbon is being made everywhere, and there's always something worth raising a glass to. Dan Mattingly brought great energy and sharp palate notes to the table, and we hope you'll stop by the new Bourbon Road website at thebourbonroad.com to join the Roadie community, grab your free membership, and stay in the loop on upcoming events, giveaways, and live tastings. Until next time, we'll see you down the Bourbon Road.
- Jun 17, 20261h 13m
500. The OG Returns: Randy Minnick Joins the 500th Episode Celebration
Episode 500 of The Bourbon Road is a milestone worth savoring, and hosts Jim Shannon and Todd welcome back the man who helped start it all — original co-host Randy Minnick. Randy joined Jim for the very first episodes of the show before life took him and his wife Julie to the mountains of Virginia, and tonight he returns to raise a glass and reminisce about the early days of one of bourbon podcasting's longest-running shows. The conversation winds through memories of drilling barrels with Elizabeth McCall at Woodford Reserve, tasting dusty Wild Turkeys with David Jennings in Lexington, and the slow but deliberate journey from a handful of listeners to over 3,200 Roadies strong. It is a night of gratitude, laughter, and genuinely outstanding whiskey. On the Tasting Mat: - Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch 2022: A carefully composed annual release bottled at 109 proof, this Ellie opens with a beautifully floral nose of rose blossoms, ripe berries, and warm cinnamon. The palate is layered and polished in the way only a thoughtfully curated Four Roses release can be — sweet fruit up front giving way to gentle spice and a long, refined finish. A whiskey built for contemplation. ** - Wild Turkey Masters Keep Beacon 13 Year: Bottled at 118 proof and finished in toasted American oak, the Beacon delivers the unmistakable Wild Turkey DNA in an elevated form. The nose offers grilled orange, dark cherry, toffee, and a signature dusty, funky oak character that is pure Lawrenceburg. On the palate the oak deepens into tobacco territory while sweetness from dark fruit and brown sugar keeps everything in beautiful balance. It does not drink its proof. ** - Garrison Brothers Cowboy Bourbon 2021: Texas bourbon at its most unapologetic — 131.3 proof and a color so dark it borders on black water. The nose immediately conjures campfire s'mores, burnt marshmallow, overcooked caramel, and graham cracker. The palate follows through with deep molasses, charred oak, and a touch of dark chocolate. A whiskey made for a Maduro cigar under open sky. ** - Augusta Distillery Buckner's 13 Year Single Barrel: A high-proof single barrel release at 138.6 proof, almost certainly Barton distilled, selected by Todd and Jason Colori. Rich, concentrated dark cherry dominates the nose alongside clove, cinnamon, and fresh ginger. The palate is big and enveloping with dried dark fruit, tobacco, and a long, warm finish that earns its proof. ** Five hundred episodes in and the Bourbon Road shows no signs of slowing down. With a new theme song composed by Todd, a brand-new website at thebourbonroad.com complete with a searchable archive of over 1,300 tasting notes and the all-new Roadie Bar, the community around this show has never been stronger. Randy put it best — who would have thunk it? Here is to the next five hundred.
- Jun 10, 202658 min
499. Gold Foil Dreams: Wild Turkey, Heaven Hill, Beam & Buffalo Trace Face Off
Jim Shannon and Todd Ritter welcome Bill Straub back to the Bourbon Road Bar — aka Jim's basement — for a deep dive into some of the most talked-about new special releases from the industry's biggest players. Bill, the co-founder of Fourgate Whiskey Company and the longtime voice behind ModernThirst.com, brings his seasoned palate and encyclopedic knowledge of mash bills to the table, making for a lively and insightful tasting session across four very different expressions. On the Tasting Mat: - Elijah Craig 15 Year Single Barrel (Barrel #28) — Heaven Hill: Bottled at 108 proof from Heaven Hill's classic 78/12/10 corn-malted barley-rye mash bill, this 15-year expression opens with a distinctive circus peanut and soft marshmallow nose that the guys identify as quintessential Heaven Hill. The palate delivers silky texture with almond and amaretto notes, while a pop of black pepper anchors a long, satisfying finish. MSRP $150. ** - Old Forester Grand Dad 7 Year Single Barrel — Jim Beam (Old Grand-Dad): At 114 proof and carrying a high-rye mash bill of 63/27/10, this $50 release pours remarkably dark for its age. The nose offers orange marmalade and a subtle citrus-forward brightness, while the palate is smooth and somewhat reserved up front, building into a spicy, rye-bread-toast finish that lingers impressively. ** - Wild Turkey Austin Nichols Archive Gold Foil Edition (16 Year): The centerpiece of the evening, this 120-proof blend of 16-year barrels from Camp Nelson Rick Houses D, E, and F is the inaugural release in Wild Turkey's new Archive series, designed to evoke the legendary cheesy gold foil bottles of the 1980s and '90s. The nose is rich with leather, graham cracker pie crust, dried fruit, and a compelling dusty vintage quality. On the palate it explodes with sweet tobacco, oak, coffee cake, citrus, and a hint of dark chocolate, delivering wall-to-wall flavor from entry to an extraordinarily long finish. MSRP $400. ** - Stagg Batch 26A — Buffalo Trace: Coming in at a robust 129.3 proof with no age statement, this barrel-proof release from Buffalo Trace's Mash Bill #1 opens with concentrated brown sugar that lightens and brightens in the glass, revealing cherry cola, grape jelly, and just a touch of citrus. The palate runs straight down the center of the tongue with focused sweetness and a warm, brown-sugar-driven finish. MSRP $65. ** Four powerhouse releases, four very different price points, and one table of guys who clearly love what they do — this episode is a reminder that the bourbon industry, for all its current turbulence, is still producing some truly extraordinary whiskey. Don't miss Bill's candid thoughts on the state of the market, the cease-and-desist story behind the ModernThirst mash bill table, and why he thinks Heaven Hill's peak window tops out right around 15 years.
About The Bourbon Road
The Bourbon Road is two friends sharing pours and good stories with interesting guests. Each week we sip on bourbon while talking with celebrities, musicians, chefs, authors, industry experts and everyone in between. If bourbon makes it better... or even the other way around, then we want to talk about it.
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