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. 




6/1/23: Old Forester Master Taster Melissa Rift

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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!




5/30/24 Proof Positive: Bomberger's 2023

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.




5/23/24: Preston Van Winkle

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.






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

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! 



5/9/24 Proof Positive: Jack Daniel's 12

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






6/1/23: Old Forester Master Taster Melissa Rift

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