Bourbon Podcast

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.