The Bourbonado group had the distinct honor of engaging in an in-depth tasting in the fall of 2021 amid the scenic Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee, and a discussion with Jeff Arnett, the esteemed Master Distiller and Co-Owner of Company Distilling. As the former Master Distiller at Jack Daniel's, Jeff Arnett now lends his unparalleled expertise to Company Distilling. During a guided tasting with Master Distiller Jeff Arnett, I evaluated two flagship Company Distilling expressions: Straight Tennessee Whiskey Finished with Apple Wood and Straight Rye Whiskey Finished with Cherry Wood.

Why does the same whiskey occasionally present itself differently from one tasting session to the next? In most cases, the spirit itself has not changed; your sensory perception has. Minor variations in palate condition, hydration, environmental factors, fatigue, and concentration can significantly influence the way aromas, flavors, texture, and balance are perceived.

The Blind Handshake Challenge entails receiving four blinded samples of Bourbon or Rye whiskey. Participants are tasked with evaluating and ranking each, followed by posting detailed reviews within The Bourbonado Community. Upon review publication, the identities of each sample are disclosed, allowing community members to appreciate the results.

As a seasoned aficionado of the Buffalo Trace W. L. Weller Collection, I have been drawn to the Buffalo Trace Kosher line, specifically its Wheat Recipe variant, and to its comparison with Weller Special Reserve. This examination of the "Buffalo Trace Wheaters" offers discerning connoisseurs an opportunity to delve deeply into the nuances of these esteemed wheated bourbons.

Widow Jane Distilling Company, a distinguished and award-winning whiskey producer based in Brooklyn, proudly commemorated its thirteenth year of operation with an exceptional celebration. On Thursday, October 16, 2025, the company transformed its Red Hook premises at 218 Conover Street into an elaborate tapestry of whiskey, cuisine, music, and mystique for its 13th Anniversary Party.

This bourbon pays tribute to the storied Bomberger's Distillery and the enduring Michter's legacy, showcasing small-batch releases matured in Chinquapin oak and other types of barrels. The Legacy Series holds a unique position within Michter's offerings, granting the company the freedom to experiment with a variety of flavor profiles through different grain types, mash recipes, and aging techniques. Recently, a portion of the distillate has been aged in Chinkapin oak barrels, as opposed to the usual American white oak. Michter's places a strong emphasis on wood science, considering it essential to the distinct character of the Bomberger's Declaration line.

The art of whiskey production is a complex and sophisticated craft, wherein the choice of oak during the maturation stage plays a pivotal role in shaping the final product. The unique chemical composition and grain characteristics of each oak variety play a significant role in imparting an array of nuanced flavors and aromas.

Jack Daniel's has unveiled an esteemed addition to their portfolio: the Single Barrel Heritage Barrel. This latest offering is presented in familiar 750-milliliter bottles, distinguished by a sophisticated blue label. Whiskey connoisseurs are encouraged to discern this exclusive release on store shelves.

Wheated bourbon offers a sophisticated twist to the traditional bourbon portfolio, recognized for its smooth and sweeter taste profile. By substituting rye with wheat in the mash bill, this style presents an accessible flavor profile that appeals to both novice bourbon aficionados and seasoned experts. At elevated proofs, these bourbons unveil complex flavors that satisfy even the most discerning palates.

In an initiative to enhance consumer accessibility, Heaven Hill has introduced a new seven-year-old Old Fitzgerald, officially designated as a "new signature expression" and integrated into the permanent portfolio.

This latest offering preserves the hallmark traits of modern Old Fitzgerald bourbons, crafted from a precise mash bill comprising 68 percent corn, 20 percent wheat, and 12 percent malted barley. In contrast to the limited-edition Decanter Series, this expression is poised for regular availability and widespread national distribution. Its launch coincides with the unveiling a new brand website that will encompass the entirety of the Old Fitzgerald range. With a suggested retail price of approximately $60, this offering represents the most accessible selection within the current Old Fitzgerald portfolio.

National Bourbon Week is a prestigious celebration of bourbon culture hosted in Bardstown, Kentucky, renowned as the Bourbon Capital of the World. Held annually in conjunction with National Bourbon Day on June 14, this weeklong observance features various events, including exclusive distillery activities, special product releases, and curated tastings. The week culminates in the highly anticipated Bourbon City Street Concert, set against the backdrop of downtown Bardstown.

Eagle Rare is a 90-proof bourbon (45% alcohol) crafted by Sazerac at Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky. Using the distillery's low-rye mash bill 1, it differs from Buffalo Trace Bourbon due to its ten-year aging process, though it's not a single-barrel bourbon because of its bottling method. However, special single-barrel releases are available. Eagle Rare offers cherry, orange peel, and a delicate hint of caramel apple, as well as oak aromas, with flavors of caramelized butterscotch and subtle vanilla, presented in an elegant bottle featuring an eagle.

As a dedicated Buffalo Trace W. L. Weller Collection enthusiast, I attended the Weller tasting. The event featured the opportunity to sample Weller Millennium and included a presentation by Drew Mayville, Buffalo Trace's esteemed Master Blender.

This review examines four expressions within the standard W.L. Weller Collection, evaluates whether Weller Millennium's flavor warrants its pricing, and compares it to other offerings in Buffalo Trace's esteemed wheated bourbon range.

Wild Turkey has strategically reintroduced its 8-Year-Old Bourbon to the U.S. market with a competitive price point of $45, marking its permanent availability in the domestic portfolio after decades of overseas exclusivity. A high rye mash bill characterizes this offering and is expertly distilled at a lower proof to intensify its flavor profile, attracting casual drinkers and seasoned connoisseurs alike.

Penelope Bourbon has expanded its Core Series by introducing Penelope Wheated Bourbon, marking a significant addition to its esteemed collection. This latest offering enhances the Penelope range with a wheated bourbon, which is noted for its versatility owing to judicious proofing and competitive pricing. Penelope Wheated is presented at 95 proof (47.5% ABV) with a recommended minimum retail price of approximately $39.99. The designation "wheated" signifies the use of wheat as the secondary flavoring component in the mash bill, replacing Rye, which imparts a softer, sweeter flavor profile that is widely appreciated. Wheated bourbons remain a popular choice among connoisseurs. Penelope Wheated Bourbon features a meticulously crafted mash bill comprising 74% corn, 16% wheat, 7% rye, and 3% malted barley.

Kentucky Straight Bourbon is celebrated for its distinct flavor profiles, craftsmanship, and rich history. Among the myriad of expressions within this beloved spirit, the choice of grain plays a pivotal role in defining the character of the final product. Wheat and Rye are two prominent grains that significantly influence the taste, aroma, and overall bourbon experience. This blog delves into the characteristics of wheat and rye bourbons, highlighting their differences and similarities while elucidating the allure that each grain imparts to Kentucky Straight Bourbon.

Today, we will explore the distinguished attributes of Ben Holladay Soft Red Wheat Bourbon, a Bottled-in-Bond Missouri Straight Bourbon Whiskey of remarkable smoothness and depth. A vital addition to any bourbon aficionado's repertoire, this offering stands out in a landscape dominated by rye bourbons, similar in appeal only to such revered wheat-based bourbons as Maker's Mark, Larceny, and Pappy Van Winkle.

Although many acclaimed wheat bourbons hail from Kentucky, Holladay Soft Red Wheat distinguishes itself by its Missouri roots, produced by the esteemed Holladay Distillery in Weston, Missouri. This Bourbon's mash bill, characterized by 73% corn, 15% wheat, and 12% malted barley, coupled with its aging process over six years at 100 proof, establishes Holladay as a quintessential Missouri bourbon.

The Bardstown Bourbon Company is one of the country's largest and most sophisticated distilleries. It released its first estate-distilled collection of whiskies in early 2023. Bardstown Bourbon Company finally has its in-house distilled Rye. The company uses custom barrels of alternating toasted American oak and cherry wood staves to create their new Origin Series Rye.  Described as a "zebra barrel," the finishing casks from West Virginia Great Barrel Company comprise one light-toasted cherry wood stave, one medium-toasted cherry wood stave, and one American oak stave repeated until they form a complete vessel. Precise infrared light is used in place of fire for the toasting period, taking more time (about 15 minutes as opposed to several seconds) while imparting fewer tannins and a more even toast for each stave.  The finishing period varies greatly, anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months, before being bottled at 48% ABV.

Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series Wheated Bottled in Bond is a Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey that's aged for six years. It's made with 20% wheat in the mash bill, along with corn and malted barley.