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.

Introducing Jack Daniel’s 12-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey. The Jack Daniel Distillery is one of the most complete whiskey distilleries in the world, and they're able to craft premium whiskeys in a way that honors their heritage while highlighting the modern-day world-class whiskey-making. To honor their distillery's past, Master Distiller, Chris Fletcher handcrafted these aged-stated whiskeys and evolved our whiskey process to achieve a rare flavor profile. Bottled at 107 proof. Cheers!

George T. Stagg built the most dominant American distillery of the 19th century, during a time known as the Gilded Age of Bourbon. Uncut and unfiltered, this robust bourbon whiskey ages for nearly a decade and boasts the bold character that is reminiscent of the man himself. 2023 - 04, “STORYTELLER BATCH”: The fourth release of the Booker’s Bourbon 2023 Collection is Booker’s Batch 2023-04 “Storyteller Batch.” This batch is named after the way my dad, Booker Noe, could turn just about anything he talked about into an interesting story. Booker’s “Storyteller Batch” is made up of barrels from four production dates that were aged in four different warehouses. The breakdown of barrel storage for this batch is as follows: 26% came from the 6th floor of 7-story warehouse Z 14% came from the 6th floor of 9-story warehouse H 25% came from the 5th floor of 9-story warehouse G 35% came from the 5th floor of 7-story warehouse 3

The Whiskey Row Series’ 1924 10 – Year – Old is a limited annual release celebrating another milestone in Old Forester’s storied history. During Prohibition, more than 200 distilleries were forced to close. Old Forester, however, continued operations because the federal government issued them one of six medicinal licenses, P-3. In 1924, Old Forester acquired barrels from closed distillers, with different mash bills, and bottled that liquid as Old Forester. This release commemorates that moment in time. Cheers!

With a joyfully determined heart against the backdrop of doubters and naysayers, our founder Christi Lower is shaking up the scene, one exceptional blend at a time. ⁣⁣Christi envisioned a fully transparent spirits company that wasn’t bound by tradition, history, or heritage. Instead, she was driven by culture, art, diversity, and above all, excellence. Her vision is Highline Spirits – a testament to the power of dreams and determination.⁣⁣Here’s to the women who dare to dream, who dare to disrupt, and who dare to do it anyway. Here’s to the visionaries like Christi. Her story is a toast to every individual out there breaking down barriers, challenging norms, and redefining the rules of the game. And this is just the beginning.

Dominic Guglielmi is widely considered one of the most prolific and knowledgeable collectors of Blanton’s bourbon. He has amassed a nearly unrivaled collection of known Blanton’s releases, including nearly all extremely rare and limited bottles that have been produced. He is also the author of Warehouse H: The Story of Blanton's Bourbon, America's Most Influential Whiskey Cheers! !

Another wonderful edition of Proof Positive with Ben and Joe this week, Booker's 2024-01 Springfield Batch! It's a limited-edition release crafted to delight bourbon enthusiasts with its exceptional flavor profile and rich heritage. Named after the Springfield distillery, this small batch bourbon represents a continuation of Booker's legacy of excellence and innovation. Cheers!

It has been a while since the guys have given you a Proof Positive, but it is back and in full force with Weller Full Proof. As always give the show a review and follow on all major streaming and social media platforms. Cheers!

Another week and another great edition of Double Barrel! You guys have really enjoyed this new segment so far and this week we are putting Michters 10 against Henry McKeena 10. As always, please subscribe and review the show on all major streaming and social media platforms. Cheers!

The guys have a great one for you this week with the Master Distiller of Holladay Distillery Kyle Merklein. As always please subscribe and review on all major social media and streaming platforms! Cheers!

The guys bring you another edition of Double Barrel with a match-up between Pappy 15 and Maker's Mark Cask Strength! Please subscribe and review on all major social media and streaming platforms! Cheers! Pappy 15: This bourbon was crafted according to our exclusive family wheated recipe. The smooth, oak flavor blends well with the barrel proof. Selected from barrels in the heart of their Kentucky warehouse, this bourbon has remained untouched for 15 years and unhurried by time.  Maker's Mark Cask Strength: Bottled at barrel proof, Maker's Mark Cask Strength ranges from 108 to 114 proof depending on the barrels. Surprisingly smooth, this bourbon retains the signature, front-of-the-palate flavors of Maker's Mark while amping up the vanilla and rich oak notes.

The guys are back together for another edition of Double Barrel. This week features Old Rip Van Winkle 10 vs Larceny Barrel Proof. Please subscribe and review on all major social media and streaming platforms. Old Rip Van Winkle 10: This bourbon whiskey is bottled at nearly barrel proof. Just a splash of Kentucky limestone water is added after a decade of aging. Rich, yet smooth, this bourbon takes a back seat to none. Larceny Barrel Proof: offers a new opportunity to experience our acclaimed wheated Bourbon mashbill in its purest form: non-chill filtered and bottled at full barrel proof. Released three times per year in January, May, and September, each offering is a bold yet balanced special Small Batch Bourbon rich with depth and distinction.

Ben and Kyle have a very different type of Proof Positive this week with an aged single pot still Irish whiskey Redbreast 12. Redbreast 12 Year Old boasts the complexity and distinctive qualities of pot still whiskey. Matured in a combination of bourbon and sherry casks, with the distinctive Redbreast sherry style. Please subscribe and review on all your major social media and streaming platforms! Cheers!

Ben and Kyle bring you another edition of Proof Positive! This week features the 2021 release of Sweetens Cove or Sweetens 21. A blend of straight Tennessee bourbons aged 4, 6, and 16 years. Master Blender Marianne Eaves hand-blended this limited edition 2021 release on the heels of Sweetens Cove’s stellar 2020 debut. Inspired by the ritual of a shot of whiskey on the first tee at the acclaimed Tennessee golf course of the same name, with Founder/Owners including Peyton Manning, Andy Roddick, Drew Holcomb and others.  Whisky Advocate score of 92 and Esquire Magazine calls this the #1 celebrity spirit in the world. Please listen and review on all major social media and streaming platforms! Cheers!

All the guys are together on this edition of Proof Positive. This week they are featuring Kavalan Single Malt Whiskey. Kavalan Distillery has been pioneering the art of single malt whisky in Yilan County, Taiwan, since 2005. Kavalan sources the mineral-rich meltwaters of Snow Mountain and is aged in a unique combination of intense heat and humidity together with sea and mountain breezes. All this combines to create the quality, smoothness, and fruity character for which Kavalan is known.

We got a new segment for you this week! Ben, Kyle, and Joe bring you Double Barrel. A blind taste test between an allocated whiskey vs a non-allocated whiskey. First up, head-to-head, Pikesville vs Thomas Handy. Please stream and review on all major platforms! Cheers!

All the guys are together for this week's Proof Positive. This week they are trying Traveller Whiskey. For this first-of-its-kind collaboration from Buffalo Trace Distillery, Traveller brings together the collective artistry of 8X Grammy Award-Winning Artist Chris Stapleton and Buffalo Trace Distillery Master Distiller, Harlen Wheatley. Please review and stream on all your major platforms. Cheers!

On this episode, Ben is checking in from his trip to Miami with the news and Ben and Kyle headed down to Butch Hiles' gym in Charleston to talk to "The Warmaster" and the youngest UFC Heavyweight Champion Josh Barnett. Barnett has a bourbon brand called Warbringer Bourbon. Listen to Josh's journey from fighting professionally all over the world to the bourbon space. Please subscribe and give us a review on all major streaming and social media platforms. Cheers!

The guys have a good one this week as Ben and Joe sit down with the guys with Oaklore Distilling Company. Pour you a drink and enjoy another round of The Bourbon Podcast! Please review and subscribe on all of your major social media and streaming platforms. Located in Matthews, North Carolina, Oaklore origins are built on the idea of community. From their material and ingredient sourcing to their partnership with local businesses, they're dedicated to enriching the area they call home. They encourage you to come in, share a glass, and your story.

Happy New Year! Our first edition of Proof Positive for 2024 brings you Knob Creek 12. All the guys are back together for this one! Thank you for a great 2023 and let's kick off this new year by giving the show a review and subscribe on all major social media and streaming platforms! Cheers!

The guys are back with the perfect holiday Proof Positive with High West Midwinter Night's Dram Act 10 Scene 2. The guys also compare this pour with Scene 5. Hear what the guys think on this week's episode. Make sure to follow and review on all major social media and streaming platforms. Cheers!

This week the guys have drunk this particular bourbon but have never done an official proof positive. Angel's Envy Cast Strength bourbon! The 11th cask strength release, dark amber red 119.8 proof bourbon with a creamy, indulgent flavor. Notes of caramel, brown sugar, and fruit. Please subscribe and review on all major social media and streaming platforms! Cheers!

The guys gather around and decided to do this week's proof positive of Four Roses Small Batch Select. For someone looking for an expertly-crafted bourbon, Four Roses Small Batch Select is a 104-proof, non-chill-filtered bourbon that provides a rich depth of flavors and a closer-to-the-barrel experience. Follow and review the show on all your major social media and streaming platforms.

Another great edition of Proof Positive will all three guys. This week's edition of Proof Positive is Willd Turkey Generations. Please subscribe and leave a review on all the major social media and streaming platforms! Cheers! Generations is a 120.8-proof blend that showcases sweet notes of vanilla, caramel, and dark cherry that give way to warm notes of pepper and aged oak. An aroma of oak and vanilla is followed by floral and spice notes with hints of baked apple, toffee and cloves. The unique combination of aromas and flavors caps off with a finish of dark fruit and baking spice with lingering notes of sweet toffee and oak.

The guys are all back together after an eventful Thanksgiving and they got a good one! CEO of Michter's Whiskey Joe Magliocco joins the crew! Magliocco was recently inducted into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame and became the second Michter’s Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame member after the brand’s master of maturation and COO Andrea Wilson. Please subscribe and review on all your major social media and streaming platforms. Cheers!

A special early Thanksgiving edition of Proof Positive with Ben and Kyle. Joe is MIA for this one, and I bet wish he did not miss a wonderful bottle of bourbon. Sit back, eat some good food, and see what the guys say about this one from Makers Mark! Happy Thanksgiving to all of you out there listening and cheers! Please follow and subscribe on all major social media and streaming platforms!

Another week and another great podcast episode with all three guys in attendance welcoming on Four Roses Master Distiller Brent Elliott! Please subscribe and review on all major social media and streaming platforms! Cheers! Brent was the 2020 Master Distiller of the year and has played an integral role in the growth and continued acclaim of Four Roses. His most notable addition to date in the storied history of our 132-year old Bourbon brand is the introduction of Four Roses Small Batch Select. Launched in spring 2019, the non-chill filtered, 104-proof Bourbon was our distillery’s first permanent product-line extension since 2006. Since its release, Small Batch Select was ranked No. 3 in Whisky Advocate’s Top 20 Whiskies of 2019 (and was the highest-rated Bourbon), and also earned Category Silver for Kentucky Bourbon at the 2020 World Whiskies Awards.

This week the guys crack open a Rye whiskey from Heaven Hill Distillery. The 17th edition of the Parker’s Heritage Collection consisting of 10-year-old Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey pulled from 142 barrels. If you are a fan of Rye whiskey's, this one is for you! Make sure to subscribe and review on all major social media and streaming platforms. Cheers!

The guys have a wonderful episode for you this week. Angel Envy's Master Distiller Owen Martin joins the guys to talk about his journey in the bourbon business, his roles with Angel Envy, and new releases coming your way! Please be sure to subscribe and review on all major streaming and social media platforms! Cheers!

All three guys are back together for this week's Proof Positive with a good one from Wild Turkey! See what the guys think this week with an absolute beauty of the bourbon world! Please subscribe, like, and review on all streaming and social media sites! Master’s Keep Voyage is a 106-proof expression of 10-year-old bourbon finished with a secondary maturation period in Jamaican rum casks, marking the first rum cask finish in Wild Turkey’s history. Crafted by Master Distiller Eddie Russell in partnership with Dr. Joy Spence, the renowned Master Blender of Appleton Estate rum, Voyage reflects over 80 combined years of experience in crafting exceptional spirits. This one-of-a-kind Kentucky Straight bourbon whiskey draws inspiration from the lush isle of Jamaica and showcases the expertise of two masters of their craft.

Ben and Joe are back with another delicious Proof Positive! This one can be found on the shelves if you are lucky enough to be traveling through Kentucky! Hear what the guys think about this bottle this week! Please review and subscribe on all major social media and streaming platforms! Cheers! The Willett Family has a long Whiskey-making history stretching back into the 1700s. The family has worked for others and operated their own distillery off-and-on for well over two-hundred years. Prior to 2012 they were hand-selecting casks from the Kentucky Bourbon Distillers inventory for their releases. Since then, Willett Whiskeys are made from new-make spirit coming from their newly renovated distillery — opened in 2012 — and appropriately called the Willet Distilling Company. They deliver no fewer than a dozen varieties.

Another great episode as Ben and Joe jump into a revolutionary bourbon story in the great city of Detroit as they speak with Co-owner and Master Distiller JP Jerome! Eight childhood friends, three University of Michigan grads, one bachelor party campfire and one big idea. That’s how Detroit City Distillery got its start, and it must have been a winning formula as the distillery is still going strong today. Listen as the guy's dive into the journey and more of another wonderful bourbon company and story! Please subscribe and leave a review on all major social media and streaming platforms!

Donnis is the first Master Distiller in the state of Texas and has been there from the beginning at Garrison Brothers! He helps create some of the finest bourbons in the state and he has developed every expression at their distillery in Hye, all the way from "corn to cork." Listen to another wonderful episode with the full cast this week! Make sure to subscribe, follow, and review the podcast on all major streaming platforms and social media sites.

Ben and Joe are back with another wonderful edition of Proof Positive. It used to be rejected by most in the bourbon world but now it is coveted and also widely available. See what the guys think of this week's Proof Positive. Please subscribe, review, and listen on all major streaming platforms!

This episode features a different look at the bourbon industry with CEO and CO-Founder of Unicorn Auctions AJ Heindel. A.J. Heindel is the co-founder of Chicago-based Unicorn Auctions, the website platform that holds monthly auctions for an assortment of spirits and is particularly popular for its whiskeys. Some of the site's flagship products have sold for eye-catching price tags. In a single auction, 40 bottles have gone for more than $2,000 each. One sold for as much as $48,500. Listen as Ben and Joe break down the genius of how this all came together. Please subscribe, follow, and review on all your podcast platforms.

On this edition of Proof Positive, Ben and Kyle do the first ever side by side comparison in the podcast's history between two great Weller products. Listen and see which one the guy's prefer. Make sure to review and subscribe wherever you are listening to our podcast. Thanks for listening!

Another great edition of proof positive as Ben and Joe tries out another rare bottle of bourbon. Listen in to find out if it is thumbs up or thumbs down with this week's proof positive. Thier fourth Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series may be the easiest way to taste your way through the rickhouse.  The name BRT was given to these expressions because of the influence our consistent practice of hand-barrel rotation (BRT) and temperature has on our whisky process. Made to be enjoyed as a pair, BRT-01 is inspired by the tasting notes found at the hotter top of the rickhouse, and BRT-02 is inspired by tasting notes found at the cooler bottom. Together, they give people the unique opportunity to experience where the characteristics responsible for the original Maker’s Mark come from, so they can reach a new level of understanding of whisky.

The boys are back with another wonderful edition of Proof Positive. This week they review Starlight Cart T Huber Cigar Batch. Another fantastic unique bourbon experience. In 2013, the family achieved their goal, and Starlight Distillery became one of the first artisan distilleries in the state producing bourbon. The expansion involved implementing a new 13,000-square-foot stillhouse, adjacent to their original production area. It was in this warehouse that Carl T Bourbon was born, named after the Huber family's patriarch and a lover of the spirit himself. Carl T. and his spouse, Marcella, are the reasons that the family legacy continues into the seventh generation of ownership and distilling.

Born in Tennessee and raised in Kentucky, geography alone may have been telling Marianne Eaves that her destiny was to be a whiskey maker. However, it was courage to buck tradition, her creative engineering mind and a voracious appetite for learning that actualized her place in history as Kentucky’s First Female Bourbon Master Distiller since Prohibition. Listen to another great episode with another great guest! Making a name for herself in the bourbon industry and making history!

Graham McTavish is a Scottish television and film actor, best known for his roles as Dougal Mackenzie in the popular TV series "Outlander" (2014-16), as Dwalin in the "The Hobbit" trilogy for Peter Jackson (2012-14) as well as the Saint of Killers in AMC's series "Preacher", based on Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon's cult comic book series (2016 onwards). He also starred alongside Sylvester Stallone in "Rambo" (2008) and "Creed" (2015), making him the only actor to perform opposite Rocky AND Rambo. McTavish Spirits: The Bottled-In-Bond Act of 1897 was established to address the inconsistent quality of American whiskey in the late 1800s. To ensure authenticity and consistent standards, the United States government offered tax incentives to distilleries that met specific requirements. This designation requires spirits to pass rigorous criteria, including aging for at least four years and bottling at 100 proof (50% abv). The whiskey must be produced by one distiller at a single distillery in one season and aged in a bonded warehouse. I am proud to be one of the first Celebrity Brands to bring this authentically American Bourbon designation to the market.

Dan Garrison of Garrison Brothers, the first legal whiskey distillery in Texas, joins the guys and gave some very interesting insight on how he went from the Vice President of Marketing for a software company in Austin, Texas to crafting a bourbon brand. This is a must listen!

The guys have another awesome and unique proof positive for you this week! Larceny Barrel Proof Batch B522 comes in at 123.8 proof making it one of the higher proof releases to date. It highlights a delicious combination of cinnamon and brown sugar, with accents of graham cracker, black cherry. Those who appreciate a cinnamon focus and a bit more heat and intensity will appreciate it most, and those who prefer a more tempered sip will find it takes nicely to a splash of water, though it subdues the level of complexity. Find out what the guys think of this week's proof positive!

This week's proof positive is a fantastic bottle from Elijah Craig, Batch C922. The last and also the highest proof in the Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 2022 series, Batch C922 tends to find a more middle ground between the earlier releases. The year kicked off with Batch A122 which delivered more of an earthy pour and was followed by Batch B522 which delivered a bit more of a spicy pour. Batch C922 delivers a slightly sweet pour with a nice balance of additional spice and a touch of earthy notes. Its nose opens with a blend of classic bourbon scents, while its palate and finish provide sweeter and spicier notes with a touch of oak and leather to ground it. There’s also of course its pleasant heat that is derived from its 124.8 proof. See what the guys thought of this bottle on this week's Proof Positive.

For the first time in show history, the guys have a repeat guest! David Coors of Golden Brewing Company and Molson-Coors joins the show to give the guys a glimpse into a couple of very different but tasty Colorado style bourbons.

The boys are back from a little vacation, and they got another good one for you! Stagg 22A and 22B. Joe brings his facts as usual along with the history of both products and the guys will pick which one, they like best! Please subscribe to the show on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Podcast. Also, let us know how we are doing by leaving a review!

This week on Proof Positive with the guys, it's a little different. It is a barrel pick of different select batches of Knob Creek Bourbon. Listen in to see what the guys think of each batch and what exactly they think is the pick! Please take the time to review the podcast on all platforms you are listening to the podcast and follow our podcast on all major social media platforms.

The guys have another delicious, extraordinary, tasteful...ok we get it.. Proof Positive. Listen to the guys breakdown their review from Russell's Reserve. Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Old Bourbon was first released in 2021 as a limited one time product. With a low bottle count, the release quickly sold out with Wild Turkey fans demanding more. The company obliged, and announced a second release along with declaring that it would become an annual limited release. Just like the standard Russell’s Reserve releases, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Old Bourbon is meant to honor master distiller Eddie Russell who celebrated his 41st anniversary at Wild Turkey in summer 2022.

The guys have another wonderful edition of Proof Positive with the 18th release in the Woodford Reserve Master's Collection Barrel Entry. Each annual release focuses on a completely unique aspect from the one that came before it. Press release:  “This 2022 Master’s Collection was made with newly-distilled whiskey that went into the barrel at 100 proof. The barrel entry proof of ‘new make’ plays an important role in the maturation process, and the standard for barrel entry proof has changed over the past two centuries. The bourbon of the 19th century had a barrel entry of 100 to 103 proof, and after the repeal of Prohibition, barrel entry proof levels began to increase. The present barrel entry proof standard that was set in 1962 is 125 proof.” It should be noted that while the press release calls this their 2022 release, and the sample bottle sent to us has a release date of 11/11/22 written on it, the bourbon was not released to the market until February 2023.

The guys take a trip to Louisville, KY to the Old Forester Distillery to speak with Master Taster Melissa Rift. A Louisville native, Melissa began her career as a tour guide in the whiskey industry, educating consumers about America’s Native Spirit. She held leadership positions at distilleries in Kentucky and managed single-barrel programs before joining Old Forester in November 2022. Melissa authentically understands the rich culture of Kentucky bourbon and shares Old Forester’s rich history and quality products with retailers, bartenders, media and consumers across the nation.

The guys are trying something different this week. Bourbon guys are diving into what most would say after tasting this one, the Scotch world with this different blend of flavors. Listen to what Ben, Joe, and Kyle have to say on this week's Proof Positive Review! Make sure to subscribe to the podcast on Apple and Spotify and leave the guys some reviews!

At the height of the pandemic, an idea was born from Pablo Moix and Peter Nevenglosky: source the rarest and most unique barrels of American whiskey, turning each barrel into a limited and collectible bottle edition to be hunted and shared by whiskey lovers worldwide. The Rare Character base offering started with single barrels curated and secured by Co-Founder Pablo Moix, designated by the original off-white labels and categorized by different colors of wax at the top of the bottle. With the experience of Peter Nevenglosky, expanded into the Finishing Series and Native Series where curated barrels are then finished in ex-barrels like Olorosso Sherry, Jamaican Rum, Madeira, and more or native wood barrels from around the world like Amburana, Eucalipto, Jaqueira, and more. The Finishing Series labels are categorized by the muted blue labels and muted blue wax, while the Native Series labels are categorized by dark navy labels and white wax.

The boys are reviewing a very rare bourbon on this edition of Proof Postive. King of Kentucky's fifth annual edition continues the trend of an ever-increasing bottle count compared to past years. The 43 barrels resulted in 3,500 bottles being released, which is the highest bottle count to date for the brand. In addition to the 15 year bottling, an ultra limited 18 year bottling will also be available, with only 250 bottles being released. The press release states that the barrels chosen for that year's release were from two lots of barrels from 2004 and 2006.  King of Kentucky has impressed in the past with the 2018, 2019, and 2020 releases, and making a lot of Whiskey of the Year lists across the board. See what the boys have to say about this one in the latest edition of Proof Positive.

The guys are back with an interesting Proof Positive this week! This whiskey has an interesting tale along with the distillery located in Bozeman, Montana. During the 1800’s, many ventured West in search of a new frontier. Exploring unchartered lands, they learned to survive by hook and crook. Hunting, trapping, and learning to farm in harsh, dry conditions. Finding fertile valleys to settle. Whiskey was sure to have been passed around the campfire, poured over wounds, and traded for goods. This whiskey was made to pay homage to the frontiersman who lost their lives and the few that survived. Many of their names garner rivers, mountain ranges, and towns throughout the west. About the Distillery: The award-winning Bozeman Spirits Distillery is located in Historic Downtown Bozeman Montana. The Distillery produces Whiskey, Vodka, Gin & Rum with all of the spirits distilled and bottled on site. They are proud supporters of Montana Family Farms & Agriculture by using as many local grains as possible.  The business prides itself on its Montana roots. Bozeman Spirits Distillery uses two stills in the production area. An Artisan 300 Gallon Traditional Copper Pot Still with a 4 plate and 16 plate column, and an Arnold Holstein Copper Pot Still with a 4-plate column. From Mountain Top to Bar Top….Just south of Bozeman lies the Gallatin Mountain range. With several drainages that emerge from the snowcapped peaks, water meanders its way into the valley and eventually into your glass.

The guys try the 6-year bourbon along with the 4-year Rye from Pinhook while they speak with Alice Peterson who is the CEO of Pinhook, and leads the team’s strategy and operations.  Her twenty-plus years of business experience spans multiple industries and includes roles with organizations such as Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and American Express.   She also spent seven years with the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), driving strategy and business transformation for clients. Alice received an MBA from Harvard Business School, and holds a BA from Williams College.

Kentucky Owl Mardi Gras XO Rum Cask Limited Edition starts as Kentucky Owl’s 11 year old rye whiskey, which was then finished in 38 freshly emptied Bayou Mardi Gras XO Rum casks. According to the press release, the whiskey was finished for over a year, entering the rum barrels in March and aging through two summers. Is it worth 500 a bottle? Listen to see if the guys think so in the latest Proof Positive Review!

This is the newest release in their Reserve Series line for Spring 2023. Requiring careful aging and thoughtful blending, and this 8-Year-Old Straight Rye Whiskey embodies the power of both. After aging their rye in new charred American white oak barrels for at least 8 years, their distillers crafted this complex rye with notes of dried cherries, clove, and smoked vanilla on the nose. A perfect balance of sweet and spice, this rye whiskey has a bold palate with flavors of candied ginger, sweet orange, molasses, and nut brittle. This bottle had an original release in 2021 which earned a Gold Medal from the ASCOT Awards and a Double Gold from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

The guys sit down with a nice bottle of The Phoenix Blend and talk to 2XO master whiskey blender Dixon Dedman. Known for reviving Kentucky Owl, which is now owned by Stoli, The Phoenix Blend is Dedman’s re-entry into the bourbon world after he left from Kentucky Owl, a brand founded in 1879 by his great-great-grandfather, Charles Mortimer Dedman. Dixon Dedman relaunched Kentucky Owl in 2014, and the brand was acquired by Stoli in 2017. Make sure to give the show a review on Apple, Spotify, and Google. Thank you for listening and cheers!

The guys try this extremely different type of Proof Positive. About the bourbon based off the company site: A complex, welcoming bouquet of blackberry and black cherry blended with aromas of rich honey, vanilla, and baking spices. Hints of the original premium grape blend take the lead on the palate with a touch of sweetness, turning to a ringing, balanced finished. Listen to our take and review on this particular bourbon.

Old Forester Birthday Bourbon is an annual release from Old Forester celebrating its founder, George Garvin Brown. Birthday Bourbon is released every year on September 2nd in honor of George Garvin Brown’s birthday. The 2022 release of Birthday Bourbon is bottled at 96 proof, has an 11 Year age statement. This small batch bourbon was hand selected by Master Distiller Chris Morris for its unique character and flavor.

A truly special whiskey is the culmination of a few key characteristics: Experience. Teamwork. Quality in every step. And last but not least, passion.  At Old Carter Whiskey Co, it’s their promise to ensure you can taste our expertise and inspiration with every unique release, and in every sip. Old Carter is the passion project of “flavor chaser” partners Mark Carter and Sherri Carter, whose beverage industry roots trace back to award-winning careers in the California wine business. After resurrecting the long-dormant bourbon brand Kentucky Owl in 2011, the two were irreversibly hooked on the art of whiskey making and blending. Kentucky Owl sold unexpectedly in 2017, but by then Sherri & Mark were so enamored with the vibrant spirit of Kentucky’s whiskey community, they made a commitment to carry on their love affair with whiskey by making a statement of their own, right in the Bluegrass. And Old Carter Whiskey Co was born. Headquartered in Louisville, the Old Carter team produces Straight Ryes, Bourbons and American Whiskies in locations throughout Kentucky. Each bottle is personally crafted by Mark and Sherri, who create every blend and select every single barrel program release together. For some, whiskey is a business. For them, it’s a labor of love.

The guy's got another great rendition of proof positive with a wonderful bottle of brown water. The third release in the Old Forester 117 Series sees the company taking the standard 1910 Old Fine Whiskey and aging it for an extra 18 months in a secondary barrel. This extra aging affords the bourbon its name “Extra Old.” According to Old Forester Master Taster Jackie Zykan, “This release in The 117 Series is a curious exploration into the intensity of the proprietary heavily charred 1910 barrel. This liquid was allowed to rest for 18 months in this secondary barrel, extracting significantly more of the heavily charred influence.” See what the guys think about this bourbon on this week's episode.

The guys are 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.

On this edition of proof positive, Ben and Joe take Elijah Craig Single Barrel Proof Private Barrels number 54 for a test run. The regular releases of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon are small batches and bear a 12-year age statement. The Private Barrels tend to be a bit younger anywhere from 8 years old and up, with most probably in the 9-10 yr range. Enjoy because we certainly did!

Jack Daniel's Bonded is Jack's time-honored recipe of 80% corn, 12% malted barley, and 8% rye. Barrels were hand selected for their unique and particular characteristics of deeper color, flavor, and aroma, which bring a darker, richer, and more oak-forward character to Jack Daniel's Bonded. Listen in to see what the guys think of the whiskey of the year on this week's Proof Positive.

Little Book is an ongoing annual fall release curated by Freddie Noe, eighth generation Beam family member and son of current Beam master distiller, Fred Noe. Like previous years, Chapter 6 is 117.4 proof and a blend of component whiskeys that’s intended to be completely unique relative to past releases. See what the guys think on this week's proof positive.

Julian P. Van Winkle III is the third generation Van Winkle to produce bourbon whiskey in Kentucky. He joined his father, Julian Jr., in 1977. At that time, Old Rip Van Winkle produced only two labels of its wheated bourbon whiskey. They were a 10-year 90 and 107 proof Old Rip Van Winkle. Since then Julian has added 12-year, 15-year, 20-year and 23-year bourbon labels to the Van Winkle selection of premium bourbon whiskeys. He also has added a 13-year premium rye whiskey to the whiskey portfolio. All of these whiskeys have received ratings in the 90s by the Beverage Tasting Institute in Chicago, with the 20-year receiving a 99 rating. Julian operated the company by himself after his father's death in 1981. He was joined by his son Preston in June 2001, the fourth generation of Van Winkles to venture into the whiskey business. In 2002, the Van Winkles entered into a joint venture with Buffalo Trace Distillery in Franklin County, Frankfort, Ky. All of the Van Winkle’s whiskey production now takes place at Buffalo Trace Distillery under the same strict guidelines the family has always followed. In January 2009, Julian was honored to be nominated as a Fellow at the Southern Foodways Alliance annual fundraiser at Blackberry Farm in Walland, Tennessee. The following year, Julian was inducted into the Fellowship of Southern Farmers, Artisans and Chefs. This is a tremendous honor as the group members are some of the most talented people around. In 2011, Julian received the coveted James Beard Award for Outstanding Wine and Spirits Professional, becoming the first James Beard winner from Kentucky.

George T. Stagg is back. Featuring its highest proof in 6 years (138.7) a nice return to form for the brand that is best known for its big bold proof. While it has maintained a high quality over the years, its younger counterpart, Stagg (formally known as Stagg Jr.) has upstaged it on more than one occasion. The guys give you their proof positive to see if the STAGG lives up to its hype!

The guys begin the show with some big news in the bourbon world and then they are joined by one of the founders and CEOs of the bourbon brand Penelope.  Penelope Bourbon was crafted and created in a classic American tradition – to celebrate an impending birth of a child. In 2018, Mike Paladini and his wife, Kerry, found out they were expecting a baby girl, Penelope.  To commemorate this occasion, Mike quickly realized he wanted to create a spirit that embodied the daily joy of celebrating life’s pleasures – big and small.  Teaming up with his close childhood friend and neighbor, Danny Polise, they set out to discover and produce a Straight Bourbon Whiskey everyone could appreciate and enjoy. A company was born.Today, Penelope Bourbon is sold in over 27 states nationwide and 4 countries. Proving that with enough love and care, and hard work, anything is possible.

Proof Positive Review: Buffalo Trace Single Barrel

Episode 6 with That One Dude Ryan

Proof Positive Review: Heaven Hill

Episode 5 with John Little from Smooth Ambler A little news, a few reviews, and a lot of booze!

Proof Positive Review: Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit

A little news, a few reviews, and a lot of booze! Episode 4 with Jackie Zykan from Hidden Barn

Episode 3 features a little news, reviews, and a lot of booze. Our special guest is Nadia aka A Girl Tasting Whiskey

Episode 2 of the Bourbon Podcast Ben, Kyle, and Joe catch up with Aaron Chepenik and Justin Sloan.

Episode 1 of the Bourbon Podcast  Ben, Kyle, and Joe catch up with David Coors and Gavin Linde @RolexWhisky