In this episode of Aussie Bourbon Lovers, we crack open a nearly-empty bottle of Peerless Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon — one of the few bottles we can’t get easily in Australia, and one that brings back distillery tour memories.

We discuss:

🥃 The sweet, oaty, sticky-date nose that makes it a dessert dram

🥄 Glassware matters – how this pour behaves in a Peerless tasting glass

📸 Why we don’t apologise for those nearly-empty bottles in the thumbnail

🏭 The Peerless tour experience and why it made us feel like family

This is bourbon that’s hard to find — and even harder not to love.

🟠 Keywords: Peerless Bourbon, small batch bourbon, dessert bourbon, Kentucky bourbon, Peerless distillery, bourbon tasting, Aussie bourbon podcast

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In this episode of Aussie Bourbon Lovers, we’re pouring the Old Forester Statesman — an elegant-looking bottle with a Hollywood backstory, but does the juice inside live up to the label?

We discuss:

🍌 Tasting notes ranging from banana lollies to wooden cheeseboards

🪵 Why the nose smells like fruit, cheese, and timber prep

🧑‍⚕️ A quick history of Dr. Forrester and the missing “R”

📉 Why this might be Dave’s least favourite Old Forester expression

Come for the flavour, stay for the platter metaphors.

🟠 Keywords: Old Forester Statesman, bourbon tasting, banana lollies, bourbon podcast, Aussie bourbon, bottled bourbon history, Old Forester tour

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In this episode of Aussie Bourbon Lovers, we sip on Penelope Barrel Strength (Red Label) — a four-grain, 115.2 proof sourced bourbon with heart, flavour, and a great backstory.

We talk through:

👨‍👩‍👧 How the brand was named after the founder’s daughter (jealous!)

🧪 What makes Penelope’s sourcing strategy so successful

🍰 Why this pour screams dessert without being overpowering

🧠 The full-circle MGP-to-brand ownership journey

📦 And why Penelope makes such a great bourbon for new drinkers

It’s light, it's lovely, and it might just be the gateway barrel strength you’ve been looking for.

🟠 Keywords: Penelope Bourbon, barrel strength, Penelope Red Label, MGP, sourced bourbon, four-grain bourbon, Aussie bourbon podcast, bourbon dessert notes

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Tonight, we pour the poetic and port-finished Midwinter Night’s Dram from High West — affectionately dubbed the Pappy of Rye (though not quite in price).

We explore:

🥃 The unique blend of two rye mash bills (95/5 & 80/20)

🍇 Rich notes of soaked currants, raisins & plum

🍷 The port barrel finish that delivers that wintery hug

❄️ Why this dram is best enjoyed in front of a fire with chocolate

📦 Why it’s harder to find in the US than in Australia

A rye so smooth it makes you feel like you’re snowed in — and fine with it.

🟠 Keywords: A Midwinter Night’s Dram, High West, port-finished rye, Pappy of Rye, Act 11, winter bourbon, rye whiskey, Aussie bourbon lovers

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00:00 Introduction to Midwinter Night's Dram

Tonight, we pour the iconic and shiny Blanton’s Gold — the single barrel bourbon with a golden horsey topper and velvety mouthfeel to match.

We chat about:

🐎 The difference between Blanton’s Gold, Green & Original

🧈 Flavour notes of butter pecan, vanilla, sticky date & nutty crust

🍰 Pairing memories featuring cheesecake shop “damaged stock”

📚 Four fun facts about Blanton’s Gold that Dave just learned

🇦🇺 Why some Blanton’s bottles are green for Australia

This episode is for bourbon fans, dessert lovers, and those who secretly collect the horse toppers.

🟠 Keywords: Blanton’s Gold, Blanton’s Single Barrel, pecan pie, dessert bourbon, bourbon podcast, Aussie bourbon lovers, Buffalo Trace

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In this episode of Aussie Bourbon Lovers, we crack into the elusive and delicious Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel – a re-barreled, flash-charred masterpiece that’s harder to find in Australia than a good cork pop.

We talk about:

🔥 The difference between toasting and charring a barrel

🍫 Flavour notes of marshmallow, chocolate, and campfire goodness

🪵 Why rebarreling into toasted barrels gives a layered flavour profile

🥃 How this stacks up against classic Elijah Craig and Michter’s Toasted

🌏 And why this bottle is so hard to get outside the U.S.

If regular Elijah Craig is your gateway, the Toasted Barrel is your dessert.

🟠 Keywords: Elijah Craig, Toasted Barrel, Heaven Hill, rebarreled bourbon, toasted vs charred, dessert bourbon, Aussie bourbon lovers, campfire bourbon

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We crack open a fresh bottle of Lux Row Double Barrel 12-Year Bourbon — a distillery-only release that you can’t get in Australia, and maybe nowhere else outside Bardstown.

In this episode, we talk:

🛢️ What “double barrel” really means in this case (2-barrel batch, not rebarreled)

🏭 The contrast between Lux Row’s massive operation and smaller craft distilleries

🧪 Neck pours, proof levels, and aging dates from both barrels

✈️ Why we picked this bottle on our trip and what makes it special

It’s high-proof, high-flavour, and a rare pour with a big Kentucky memory behind it.

🟠 Keywords: Lux Row, double barrel bourbon, 12-year bourbon, distillery-only, Bardstown bourbon, barrel strength, Aussie bourbon podcast

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In this episode of Aussie Bourbon Lovers, we crack into the tail end of our bottle of Monk’s Road Wheated Bourbon — a 94-proof gem from Log Still Distillery with a distinctive nostalgic charm.

We discuss:

🌾 What makes wheated bourbon different (and gentler)

✍️ Our surprising shared history with calligraphy (seriously)

📚 Tasting notes of “caramel-coated old bookstore” and wheat field memories

🏭 Thoughts on distillery tours, including Log Still and Maker’s Mark

🍂 Why this one's been a slow-sipper over the years — until now

Equal parts story, flavour, and fun.

🟠 Keywords: Monk’s Road, Log Still Distillery, wheated bourbon, Aussie bourbon, old bookstore bourbon, bourbon podcast, Kentucky bourbon

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In this episode of Aussie Bourbon Lovers, we crack into a rare bottle of Hirsch Single Barrel Double Oak Bourbon — something you’ll be lucky to ever see in Australia.

We unpack:

🍑 A nose full of stone fruit, apple, and orchard nostalgia

🛫 The San Fran bottle shop story that brought this one home

🧠 Why double oaking adds complexity (without the bitterness)

🏷️ A quick dive into what “72/13/15” mash bills actually mean

🤓 Our accidental bourbon childhood memories… somehow

This one’s equal parts rare and relatable.

🟠 Keywords: Hirsch Double Oak, bourbon double oaked, 72/13/15 mash bill, rare bourbon, San Francisco whiskey shop, Aussie bourbon lovers, stone fruit bourbon

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In this episode of Aussie Bourbon Lovers, we taste a bourbon from Freeland Spirits, a women-owned distillery out of Portland, Oregon — and quite possibly the best-looking bottle we’ve ever featured.

We explore:

💃 The Freeland story: Meemaw inspiration, women-led vision

🧪 Why women have more taste buds (it’s science!)

🍷 Finishing notes: hints of Pinot Noir cask ageing

🎥 How a work trip turned into a distillery visit

🥃 What it’s like to sip something that's equal parts cool, rare, and heartfelt

From bottle shape to backstory, this one’s got flavour in all the right places.

🟠 Keywords: Freeland Spirits, women-owned distillery, Portland bourbon, Oregon whiskey, Pinot Noir cask finish, straight bourbon, Aussie bourbon lovers

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