Bourbon Podcast

11/14/24 Proof Positive: Elijah Craig 18 Nov 14, 2024

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.

11/7/24 Proof Positive: 2024 George T. Stagg Nov 07, 2024

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.

10/31/24 Proof Positive: Jack Daniel's Coy Hill Nov 01, 2024

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.

10/24/24: 100th Episode! Oct 24, 2024

The guys celebrate their 100th episode by drinking three different bourbons. Each guy brought a bottle for a blind taste test! Enjoy and cheers!

10/17/24 Proof Positive: Wild Turkey Jimmy Russell's 70th Anniversary Oct 17, 2024

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!

10/10/24 Proof Positive: Old Forester Birthday Bourbon 2024 Oct 10, 2024

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 Proof
ABV: 53.5%.

10/3/24: 15 Stars Founders Rick and Ricky Johnson Oct 03, 2024

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.

9/26/24 Proof Positive: SirDavis American Whiskey Sep 26, 2024

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!

9/19/24 Proof Positive: Angel's Envy Triple Oak Sep 19, 2024

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!

9/12/24 Proof Positive: Maker's Mark Wood Finishing Series "The Heart Release" Sep 12, 2024

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.

9/5/24 Proof Positive: Wild Turkey Master's Keep Triumph Sep 05, 2024

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!

8/29/24: COO of Horse Soldier Bourbon Scott Neil Aug 29, 2024

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!

8/22/24 Proof Positive: Angel's Envy Barrel Pick Aug 22, 2024

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!

8/15/24 Double Barrel: Heaven Hill 16 Year vs Four Roses Single Barrel Aug 15, 2024

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.

8/8/24 Proof Positive: JTS Brown Aug 08, 2024

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!

8/1/24 Proof Positive: Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Aug 01, 2024

(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!

7/25/24 Double Barrel: George T Stagg vs Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Jul 25, 2024

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!

7/18/24 Double Barrel: Russell's Reserve 15 vs Knob Creek 12 Jul 18, 2024

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

7/11/24 Proof Positive: Angel's Envy Bottled in Bond Jul 11, 2024

(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!

7/4/24 Proof Positive: Michter's 10 Rye Jul 04, 2024

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.

6/27/24 Double Barrel: Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye 13 vs Sazerac Rye Jun 27, 2024

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.

6/20/24 Proof Positive: Orphan Barrel Indigo's Hour Jun 20, 2024

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!

6/13/24 Proof Positive: Penelope Rio Jun 13, 2024

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

6/6/24: Anna Axster & Wendelin von Schroder with Lodestar Whiskey Jun 06, 2024

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!

5/30/24 Proof Positive: Bomberger's 2023 May 30, 2024

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!

5/23/24: Preston Van Winkle May 23, 2024

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.

5/16/24 Double Barrel: Michter's 20 vs Old Forester 1920 May 16, 2024

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.

5/9/24 Proof Positive: Jack Daniel's 12 May 09, 2024

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!

5/2/24 Double Barrel: George T Stagg vs Booker's 2023-04 May 02, 2024

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

4/25/24 Proof Positive: Old Forester 1924 Apr 25, 2024

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!

04/18/24: Highline Spirits CEO Christi Lower Apr 18, 2024

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.

4/11/24: Dominic Guglielmi Apr 11, 2024

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!

!

04/04/24 Proof Positive: Booker's 2024-01 Apr 04, 2024

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!

3/29/24 Proof Positive: Weller Full Proof Mar 29, 2024

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!

3/21/24 Double Barrel: Michters 10 vs Henry McKenna 10 Mar 21, 2024

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!

03/14/24: Holladay Distillery Master Distiller Kyle Merklein Mar 15, 2024

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!

3/7/24 Double Barrel: Pappy 15 vs Maker's Mark Cask Strength Mar 07, 2024

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.

2/29/24 Double Barrel: Old Rip Van Winkle 10 vs Larceny Barrel Proof Feb 29, 2024

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.

2/22/24 Proof Positive: Redbreast 12 Feb 22, 2024

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!

02/15/24 Proof Positive: Sweetens Cove 21 Feb 15, 2024

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!

2/8/24 Proof Positive: Kavalan Single Malt Feb 08, 2024

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.

02/01/24 Double Barrel: Pikesville vs Thomas Handy Feb 01, 2024

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!

01/25/24 Proof Positive: Traveller Whiskey Jan 25, 2024

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!

01/18/24: Josh "The Warmaster" Barnett Jan 18, 2024

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!

1/11/24: Oaklore Distilling Company Jan 11, 2024

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.

01/04/24 Proof Positive: Knob Creek 12 Jan 04, 2024

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!

12/28/23 Proof Positive: High West Midwinter Night's Dram Act 10 Scene 2 Dec 28, 2023

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!

12/21/23 Proof Positive: Angel's Envy Cask Strength Dec 22, 2023

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!

12/14/23 Proof Positive: Four Roses Small Batch Select Dec 14, 2023

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.

12/07/23 Proof Positive: Wild Turkey Generations Dec 08, 2023

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.

11/30/23: Michter's CEO Joe Magliocco Dec 01, 2023

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!

11/22/23 Proof Positive: Maker's Mark Cellar Aged Nov 22, 2023

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!

11/16/23: Four Roses Master Distiller Brent Elliott Nov 16, 2023

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.

11/09/23 Proof Positive: Parker's Heritage Rye 10 Year Nov 09, 2023

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!

11/02/23: Angel's Envy Master Distiller Owen Martin Nov 02, 2023

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!

10/26/23 Proof Positive: Wild Turkey Master's Keep Voyage Oct 26, 2023

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.

10/19/23 Proof Positive: Willett 4 year Straight Rye Oct 19, 2023

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.

10/12/23: Detroit City Master Distiller JP Jerome Oct 12, 2023

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!

10/05/23: Garrison Brothers Master Distiller Donnis Todd Oct 05, 2023

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.

09/28/23 Proof Positive: Fable and Folly 14 year Sep 28, 2023

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!

09/21/23: Owner & Co-Founder of Unicorn Auctions AJ Heindel Sep 22, 2023

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.

09/14/23 Proof Positive: Weller CYPB vs Weller 12 Sep 14, 2023

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!

08/31/23 Proof Positive: Maker's Mark BRT-02 Wood Finishing Series 2022 Sep 01, 2023

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.

8/24/23 Proof Positive: Starlight Carl T Huber Cigar Batch Aug 24, 2023

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.

8/17/23: Marianne Eaves Aug 17, 2023

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!

8/14/23: Graham McTavish Aug 15, 2023

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.

8/10/23: Dan Garrison Aug 10, 2023

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!

08/03/23 Proof Positive: Larceny Barrel Proof Batch B522 Aug 03, 2023

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!

7/27/23 Proof Positive: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Batch C922 Jul 27, 2023

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.

07/20/23: David Coors Returns Jul 20, 2023

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.

07/13/23: Stagg 22A and 22B Jul 13, 2023

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!

06/22/23 Proof Positive: Knob Creek Barrel Pick Jun 22, 2023

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.

6/15/23 Proof Positive: Russell's Reserve 13 Year Batch No. 3 Jun 15, 2023

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.

6/9/23 Proof Positive: Woodford Reserve Master's Collection Historic Barrel Entry 18 Jun 09, 2023

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.

6/1/23: Old Forester Master Taster Melissa Rift Jun 01, 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.

5/25/23 Proof Positive: Wolves Single Malt 7 Year May 26, 2023

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!

5/18/23: Rare Character CEO Peter Nevenglosky May 19, 2023

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.

05/12/23 Proof Positive Review: 2022 King of Kentucky May 12, 2023

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.

5/4/23 Proof Positive Review: Bozeman Spirits Jim Bridger 10 Year Whiskey May 04, 2023

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.

4/27/23: Pinhook CEO Alice Peterson Apr 27, 2023

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.

04/20/23 Proof Positive Review: Kentucky Owl 11 Year Mardi Gras XO Rum Cask Limited Edition Apr 20, 2023

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!

04/13/23 Proof Positive Review: Sagamore Spirit 8-Year-Old Rye Whiskey Apr 13, 2023

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.

4/6/23: 2XO Dixon Dedman Apr 06, 2023

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!

3/23/23 Proof Positive Review: Bardstown Bourbon The Prisoner Wine Finish Mar 24, 2023

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.

03/16/23 Proof Positive Review: Old Forester Birthday Bourbon 2022 Mar 16, 2023

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.

3/9/23: Old Carter Whiskey Mark and Sherri Carter Mar 10, 2023

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.

03/02/23 Proof Positive Review: Old Forester 117 Series Extra Old Mar 02, 2023

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.

2/23/23: Buffalo Trace VIP Visitor Lead Freddie Johnson Feb 23, 2023

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.

02/16/23 Proof Positive Review: Elijah Craig Single Barrel Proof Private Barrels Feb 17, 2023

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!

02/09/23: Proof Positive Review: Whiskey of The Year Jack Daniels Bonded Feb 09, 2023

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.

02/02/23: Proof Positive Review: 2022 (Chapter 6: To the Finish) Feb 02, 2023

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.

1/26/23: Julian Van Winkle III Jan 26, 2023

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.

1/19/23: Proof Positive Review: 2022 George T. Stagg BTAC Jan 19, 2023

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!

1/12/23: Founder/CEO of Penelope Bourbon Michael Paladini Jan 12, 2023

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 Dec 13, 2022

Proof Positive Review: Buffalo Trace Single Barrel

Episode 6 with That One Dude Ryan Dec 03, 2022

Episode 6 with That One Dude Ryan

Proof Positive Review: Heaven Hill Nov 21, 2022

Proof Positive Review: Heaven Hill

Episode 5 with John Little from Smooth Ambler Nov 04, 2022

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 Oct 26, 2022

Proof Positive Review: Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit

Episode 4 with Jackie Zykan from Hidden Barn Oct 14, 2022