Bourbon Podcast

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!

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!