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The bourbon lifestyle encompasses more than just drinking; it's about creating connections through shared experiences, travel, food pairings, and immersing oneself in bourbon culture from Kentucky trails to home collections.

• Bourbon lifestyle defined: relaxation, moderation, appreciation over consumption
• The House of Commons Bourbon Library in Frankfurt epitomizes bourbon elegance with jazz, leather couches, and expertly curated selections
• Travel experiences: Kentucky Bourbon Trail, regional distillery tours, and destination bourbon bars
• Home bar setup: proper glassware, decanters, and specialized tools for the authentic experience
• Food pairings enhance bourbon enjoyment, demonstrated by the chef-inspired Maker's Mark Tastemakers Series
• Maker's Mark Tastemakers Series highlights collaborations with James Beard-nominated Ohio chefs
• Detailed tasting of Chef Vinnie Camino's Maker's Mark selection revealed notes of cherry cobbler, cinnamon, and chai spices
• Barrel stave bar creation project showcases how enthusiasts incorporate bourbon elements into home design
• Merchandise and accessories signal passion and create conversation starters within the community

Live your life uncut and unfiltered, drink fancy, don't get drunk, and embrace the bourbon lifestyle in all its dimensions.

What does it truly mean to live the bourbon lifestyle? In this captivating exploration, we uncover the multidimensional world that extends far beyond simply drinking whiskey. From crafting the perfect home bar to journeying through Kentucky's hallowed distilleries, the bourbon lifestyle represents a rich tapestry of experiences connected by a common thread – appreciation over consumption.

The House of Commons Bourbon Library in Frankfurt emerges as a shining example of bourbon culture done right. With its elegant atmosphere, leather couches, jazz soundtrack, and meticulously curated selection, this establishment creates a space where bourbon serves as the centerpiece for meaningful connections. Owner David Sandiam has mastered the art of bourbon hospitality, demonstrating how the right environment enhances every sip.

We take a deep dive into the remarkable Maker's Mark Tastemakers Series, a limited Ohio release featuring expressions created in collaboration with James Beard-nominated chefs. Our comprehensive breakdown of Chef Vinnie Camino's selection reveals a complex profile with notes of cherry cobbler, cinnamon, and chai spice – earning an impressive 17 out of 18 on our rating scale. This innovative series perfectly illustrates how bourbon intersects with culinary artistry, creating truly unique expressions that tell a story in every glass.

The bourbon lifestyle encompasses many elements – specialized glassware, thoughtful food pairings, distillery merchandise, and even home design incorporating bourbon elements. We share the journey of creating a custom barrel stave bar face, transforming a standard bar into a showpiece that celebrates bourbon heritage through repurposed materials from various distilleries.

Whether you're new to bourbon or a seasoned enthusiast, this episode provides valuable insights into cultivating authentic bourbon experiences. The lifestyle isn't about showcasing expensive bottles or excessive consumption – it's about the stories, the craftsmanship, and the connections made along the way. Jo

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We compare the newly released 2025 1792 Sweet Wheat bourbon with the 2023 release that's been open for a year, exploring how wheated bourbons evolve over time while scoring each on body, nose, taste, and finish.

• 1792 Sweet Wheat is a 91.2 proof wheated bourbon that represents the classic bourbon style from Barton Distillery
• Barton 1792 Distillery was founded in 1879 by Thomas Moore and is now owned by Sazerac Company
• The freshly opened 2025 release shows strong vanilla, toast, and developing cherry notes with an excellent body presence
• After a year open, the 2023 bottle displays significantly more caramel, an intense butterscotch-to-cherry transition, and a shorter finish
• Both bottles scored 15/18 on our rating scale but achieved this through different strength categories
• Wheated bourbons benefit substantially from being open for extended periods, allowing oxygen to develop the flavors
• The colonial-styled 1792 bottle design reflects the historical significance of the year Kentucky became a state

Visit www.scotchybourbonboys.com for merchandise including our Glencairn glasses and t-shirts. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X, and listen to us on Apple, iHeart, Spotify, or any major podcast platform. Remember, good bourbon equals good times and good friends.

Dive into the fascinating world of wheated bourbon with our comparative tasting of the 1792 Sweet Wheat 2025 release against its 2023 counterpart. This episode uncovers the remarkable transformation that happens when a quality wheated bourbon sits open for a year, developing complex layers of flavor that weren't present upon first pour.

The Barton 1792 Distillery, established in 1879 by Thomas Moore, continues its tradition of excellence with their Sweet Wheat expression. At 91.2 proof, this bourbon replaces the traditional rye grain with wheat for a softer, more approachable profile while maintaining the distillery's signature character. Our side-by-side analysis reveals how oxygen exposure dramatically enhances this whiskey's profile over time.

Our freshly-opened 2025 bottle immediately impressed with its long legs in the glass and a beautiful body that coated every corner of the mouth. The nose offered toasted notes with prominent vanilla, reminiscent of Brach's candy chews, eventually developing subtle cherry hints. On the palate, it delivered a remarkable cherry transition that one taster described as a "cherry flavored cigar" with a lengthy finish that earned it high marks in our rating system.

Meanwhile, the 2023 bottle that had breathed for a year showed the magic that happens with patience. Its nose had transformed to showcase significant caramel development, while the taste featured an intense "momentary butterscotch" explosion that transitioned beautifully to cherry notes. Though its finish was shorter than the fresh bottle, its evolved complexity earned it equal overall points through different strengths.

Whether you're new to wheated bourbons or a seasoned enthusiast, this episode offers valuable insights into how these spirits develop over time. The next time you crack a bottle of wheated bourbon, consider setting some aside to experience months later – you might be surprised by how dramatically it transforms. Subscribe to our podcast for more comparative tastings and bourbon adventures that will enhance your whiskey jo

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Four veterans from different military branches share how they created Four Branches Bourbon with a mission to honor fallen comrades and change the narrative around veterans and alcohol consumption through their message of "serve honorably, drink honorably."

• Four Branches was founded by veterans from the Army, Navy, Marines, and Air Force—the only spirits company with founders from all four branches
• The brand's origin connects to fallen CIA operative Greg, whose death 20 years ago inspired the founders to create a way to remember those who didn't return
• Their mantra "don't drink to forget, sip to remember" encourages responsible consumption that honors memories rather than escapes them
• The Continental Bourbon celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Continental Army, Navy and Marines with a 9-year Kentucky straight bourbon bottled at 102 proof
• Every aspect of the bottle design contains symbolism, from the four-sided shape to the "4" logo that represents all branches and those who serve "at the tip of the spear"
• Four Branches donates 4% of gross revenue, with donated bottles having raised over $450,000 for veterans' charities and families

Visit fourbranchescom to order online in 39 states or find Four Branches Bourbon in Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, DC, Maryland, Florida, and Arizona.

Bourbon carries stories within its amber depths—but rarely stories as powerful as those behind Four Branches. When veterans from the Army, Navy, Marines, and Air Force united to create a spirits company, they brought with them a mission that transcends the bottle.

Four Branches began with a moment of reflection. One founder, haunted by memories of bringing home fallen comrades from combat zones, envisioned creating a bourbon to honor their sacrifice. What started as a simple tribute evolved into something extraordinary when the founders realized they represented each major military branch—a combination unprecedented in the spirits industry. Their backgrounds in special operations and intelligence shaped not just their approach to business but their core philosophy: "Serve honorably, drink honorably."

This isn't marketing jargon. It stems from profound experience with the devastation of veteran suicide and substance abuse. As one founder poignantly explains, "We don't drink to forget—we sip to remember." This perspective transforms each pour into an opportunity for reflection rather than escape. Their Continental Bourbon, crafted to commemorate the 250th anniversary of America's first military branches, embodies this ethos. The nine-year Kentucky straight bourbon, bottled at 102 proof with a precisely balanced mashbill, carries within it centuries of American military tradition.

What truly distinguishes Four Branches is their commitment to giving back. They donate 4% of gross revenue—a significant portion that demonstrates their priorities extend beyond profit margins. Their donated bottles have raised over $450,000 for veterans' charities in just two years. The bottle itself, with its four-sided design and meticulously crafted logo, contains hidden military symbolism that rewards the observant consumer with deeper meaning.

Experience what happens when honor meets craftsmanship in a glass. Whether you're a veteran, first responder, or simply someone who appreciates thoughtful spirits with purpose, Four Branches invites you to

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Mark Carter joins us to share his remarkable journey from builder to whiskey maker and the philosophy behind Old Carter's exceptional barrel-proof expressions.

• Building a hotel and restaurant led to wine making in Napa Valley
• Partnered with Dixon Dedman to revive Kentucky Owl in 2011
• Founded Old Carter immediately after selling Kentucky Owl in 2017
• Never releases whiskey younger than 7 years old with most current products 10+ years
• Meticulously tastes and grades each barrel before creating small batch blends
• Uses multiple coopers for different flavor profiles
• The Carter Club is expanding with 400 additional lockers
• American Whiskey Batch 14 contains approximately 50% whiskey aged 19-20 years
• Balance is key to creating high-proof whiskeys that don't drink "hot"
• Describes Old Carter's signature profile as having "deep, rich aromatics" with "a long finish"
• Double barreling techniques create unique flavors in their expressions

Mark Carter's path to becoming one of Kentucky's most respected whiskey makers began far from the bourbon trail. A builder by trade who constructed a hotel, then managed its restaurant, Carter's curiosity about wine led him to purchase a Napa Valley winery in 2006. When seeking custom crush clients, he connected with Kentucky innkeeper Dixon Dedman, and instead of making wine together, suggested reviving Dedman's family whiskey heritage. This collaboration birthed Kentucky Owl in 2011, which they later sold to Stoli Group in 2017—the very same day Mark launched Old Carter Whiskey.

What makes Old Carter stand out in today's crowded whiskey landscape is Mark's unwavering commitment to quality. Nothing younger than seven years reaches the bottle, with most current releases featuring whiskey aged 10+ years. The blending process reveals Carter's artistry—tasting through dozens of barrels, grading each one, then carefully combining them to achieve perfect harmony. As he describes it, "We don't like hot. We want balanced. We love flavor." This philosophy explains how Old Carter creates high-proof expressions (often above 130 proof) that drink with remarkable smoothness.

The American Whiskey Batch 14 showcased during our conversation exemplifies this approach, containing approximately 50% whiskey aged 19-20 years. Despite its 134.3 proof, it delivers sweet notes of marshmallow and crème brûlée with a warming—never burning—finish. This meticulous attention extends to their barrel program, where Mark works with multiple coopers to achieve different flavor profiles, drawing parallels to his wine-making background.

Old Carter continues to expand, with their Carter Club adding 400 new lockers and several small batch releases planned for different distributors. Mark's passion for whiskey craftsmanship shines through in every expression, creating products that whiskey enthusiasts treasure. Experience what happens when patience, expertise, and unwavering standards come together in a glass—try Old Carter and taste the difference true dedication makes.

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The Scotchy Bourbon Boys reunite with Whiskey after a long hiatus to taste and review the exceptional William Heaven Hill 15-Year bourbon, a limited release that outshines even some Pappy Van Winkle expressions.

• Whiskey returns to the podcast after a long break from their "10-minute tastings" that often lasted 30+ minutes
• Catching up on recent bourbon experiences with Whiskey sharing his favorites including Weller 12, George T. Stagg, and Larceny Weeded Rye
• Discussion of Ohio's improving bourbon lottery system making allocated bottles more accessible
• Detailed examination of William Heaven Hill 15-Year, a limited release comprised of just 34 barrels aged 15 years
• Tasting notes including vanilla bean, brown sugar, light leather, subtle cherry and perfect amount of char
• Comparison to Pappy Van Winkle 15-Year with both hosts preferring the William Heaven Hill
• Impressive 18.5/19 score on their Old Louisville Whiskey Company Barrel Bottle Breakdown scale
• Insights on secondary market prices with this bottle now fetching $1,200-1,500 despite $279 retail price

Check out www.scotchiebourbonboys.com for all things Scotchy Bourbon Boys. Follow us on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and X, plus listen wherever you get your podcasts. Remember to like, subscribe, comment, and leave good feedback!

A reunion fifteen years in the making—well, at least it feels that way. When Whiskey returns to the Scotchy Bourbon Boys studio, the atmosphere crackles with the familiar energy that made their "10-minute tastings" (that routinely stretched to 30) so beloved by listeners.

Tonight's star attraction isn't just the reunion, but a bottle that commands hushed reverence in bourbon circles: William Heaven Hill 15-Year, the ninth edition of Heaven Hill's limited release masterpiece. Composed of merely 34 barrels pulled from the fourth floor of Rick House LL at Shenley and bottled at a perfect 109 proof, this isn't just another premium bourbon—it's a time capsule of exceptional craftsmanship.

The hosts dive deep into what makes this expression special, parsing through its complex nose of brown sugar, subtle cherry, and vanilla bean notes. While many 15-year bourbons fall victim to over-oaking, this one strikes a perfect harmony—delivering rich flavor without the woodiness that can overwhelm aged spirits. The mouthfeel earns particular praise for coating every corner of the palate despite not being barrel proof.

What follows is a masterclass in bourbon appreciation as they meticulously evaluate each aspect through their Old Louisville Whiskey Company Barrel Bottle Breakdown scale. The verdict? An astonishing 18.5 out of 19 possible points—a score rarely given even to the most heralded bottles. Perhaps most telling is their direct comparison to Pappy Van Winkle 15-Year, with both hosts preferring this Heaven Hill offering despite its (relatively) more attainable secondary market price of $1,200-1,500.

Whether you're a seasoned bourbon collector or simply appreciate the artistry behind exceptional spirits, this episode captures the magic that happens when passionate enthusiasts encounter something truly special in their glass. Pour yourself something worthy and join the celebration—the Boys are back in town.

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The Scotchy Bourbon Boys conduct a comprehensive blind tasting of the entire Weller bourbon lineup to determine which expression truly reigns supreme based solely on taste.

• Full Weller lineup includes Special Reserve, Antique 107, 12 Year, Full Proof, CYPB, and William LaRue Weller
• Tasting conducted completely blind with color-coded samples to eliminate bias
• William LaRue Weller unanimously wins first place with its exceptional rich caramel profile
• CYPB (Craft Your Perfect Bourbon) surprisingly takes second place overall
• Weller Full Proof secures third with its distinctive candy apple and cinnamon notes
• Weller Antique 107 lands in fourth place despite its popularity among bourbon enthusiasts
• The highly sought-after Weller 12 Year unexpectedly places fifth in the lineup
• Weller Special Reserve finishes last but is still acknowledged as a quality bourbon
• Price and availability don't necessarily correlate with quality when tasting blind
• Super Nash and Tiny experience palate fatigue and use water and other spirits to reset
• Even the lowest-ranked Weller expressions are considered excellent bourbons

Check out our website at www.scotchiebourbonboys.com for merchandise, glassware, and more information about our sponsors Whiskey Thief Distilling Company, Middle West Spirits, Rosewood Bourbon, and Alan Bishop's podcast "If You Have Ghosts, You Have Everything."

A heated debate erupts as Super Nash and Tiny embark on a comprehensive blind tasting of the entire Weller bourbon lineup, revealing surprising favorites and challenging preconceptions about these coveted wheated bourbons.

The duo meticulously samples six expressions—Weller Special Reserve, Weller 12 Year, Weller Antique 107, Weller Full Proof, Weller CYPB, and the prestigious William LaRue Weller—with no knowledge of which is which. What follows is a genuine, unfiltered evaluation based purely on taste preferences rather than reputation or price tag.

"Brown sugar, cinnamon bun, and caramel" notes dominate the conversation as they work through uniquely color-coded samples, discovering significant flavor differences despite all expressions sharing the same wheated bourbon DNA. Super Nash and Tiny's palates pick up distinctive profiles ranging from "pure caramel" to "candy apple with cinnamon," highlighting how aging conditions and proof points transform Buffalo Trace's beloved distillate.

When the bottles are finally revealed, William LaRue Weller unanimously claims first place, confirming its reputation as an exceptional limited release. However, several rankings prove genuinely surprising, particularly the performance of Weller CYPB and Full Proof compared to the highly allocated Weller 12 Year. These results challenge conventional wisdom about which Weller expressions truly deliver the best drinking experience.

Between passionate disagreements about rankings and hilarious confusion during the reveal, the tasting demonstrates why blind evaluation remains the ultimate test of quality. For bourbon enthusiasts chasing allocated Weller bottles, this episode provides valuable insight into which expressions might actually deserve the hunt—and which might be sitting overlooked on shelves.

Whether you're a seasoned Weller collector or bourbon curious, join us for this entertaining and informative journey through Buffalo Trace'

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Ed Bley, founder of Rising Tide Spirits, shares his journey from managing barrel selections to creating his own bourbon brand with meticulous attention to both liquid quality and distinctive packaging design.

• Ed previously ran Cork & Bottle, selecting over 250 private barrels which helped define his palate and bourbon philosophy
• Old Swagger is a new 12-year bottled-in-bond low-rye bourbon designed to be soft, elegant and approachable
• Old Stubborn single barrels offer a contrasting experience with high-rye pot still bourbon at barrel strengths up to 142 proof
• The distinctive teardrop bottles feature 3D Rising Tide logos embedded in the glass base, requiring 14 minutes to hand-blow each bottle
• Ed prioritizes mouthfeel and viscosity in his whiskeys, wanting flavors to "hang around" long after tasting
• Rising Tide sources barrels well in advance, working on releases 2-3 years ahead to maintain quality control
• Packaging challenges, including custom tubes and label specifications, can significantly impact release timelines
• Ed plans to release each product line twice yearly, with the next release potentially arriving this winter

Find Rising Tide Spirits online at risingtidespirits.com and on social media platforms. Sign up for their newsletter to be notified about upcoming releases.

What happens when a seasoned barrel picker with over 250 selections under his belt decides to create his own bourbon brand? Ed Bley of Rising Tide Spirits joins the Scotchy Bourbon Boys to reveal the journey that led to his distinctive Old Swagger and Old Stubborn bourbons.

With roots deeply planted in bourbon enthusiasm before entering the industry, Blabe brings a connoisseur's perspective to every aspect of his craft. His experience climbing rickhouses with legends like Eddie Russell has shaped his discerning palate and unique approach to whiskey creation. During the podcast, he offers listeners a rare glimpse into the meticulous process of selecting and blending barrels, emphasizing how the marriage of whiskeys evolves over time.

The conversation dives deep into Rising Tide's striking packaging design, featuring hand-blown teardrop bottles with three-dimensional logos embedded in the glass base. "I wanted something unique, different than what you normally see," Bley explains, comparing bourbon to a complete pie where every element must work together—from the liquid to the story to the vessel containing it.

Most fascinating is how Bley deliberately created contrasting expressions to reach different palates. His Old Swagger 12-year bottled-in-bond offers an elegant, balanced drinking experience, while Old Stubborn single barrels deliver intense flavors with remarkably long finishes. "When you go to tastings, what's amazing is they're both excellent but completely different ends of the spectrum," he notes, emphasizing that quality whiskey can exist across diverse flavor profiles.

The discussion reveals the extensive behind-the-scenes work of building a bourbon brand, from navigating supply chains to planning releases years in advance. For whiskey enthusiasts curious about craft bourbon's future, this conversation provides invaluable insights from someone who's dedicated to creating exceptional drinking experiences.

Sign up at risingtidespirits.com to receive notifications about upcoming releases, as these limited

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Tiny explores Rabbit Hole's Hiegold Single Barrel Cask Strength bourbon while discussing the brand's artistic approach to bottle design and distillery architecture. We take a deep dive into the complex nature of bourbon blending, aging conditions, and how whiskey changes over time.

• Rabbit Hole Distillery founded by Kaveh Zamanian creates bourbon that captures the essence of what you smell in actual rickhouses
• Kentucky exclusive Hiegold features special label designs by Mark Gagnon celebrating Ohio's aviation history
• The Louisville distillery offers a modern architectural experience culminating in a sixth-floor bar with city views
• Rabbit Hole's lineup includes Cave Hill (standard bourbon), Hiegold (high rye), DARERINGER (sherry finished), and Boxergrail (rye)
• Discussion of how bourbon consistency was the industry standard until about 10 years ago when batch variation became desirable
• Experiment mixing Cave Hill and Hiegold together created a distinct gingerbread cookie flavor not present in either bourbon alone
• Environmental factors affecting bourbon from production through transportation and shelf storage significantly impact flavor
• Upcoming podcast featuring Greg Schneider and his new Four Branches Distillery's 9-year Kentucky straight bourbon

Please support our sponsors: Middle West Spirits (check out their new purchase of Old Elk), Whiskey Thief Distillery, Spirit of French Lick, Rosewood Bourbons and Ryes, and Alan Bishop's One Piece at a Time Distilling Institute.

Bourbon enthusiasts know that every bottle tells a story, but Rabbit Hole takes this concept to artistic heights with their intricately designed single barrel releases. Tiny explores their Hiegold expression – a bourbon featuring German rye that captures the authentic essence of what you smell walking through a Kentucky rickhouse rather than the caramel-sweet profiles dominating today's market.

The episode peels back the layers on Rabbit Hole's Louisville distillery, a modern architectural marvel where visitors spiral alongside the still, culminating at a sixth-floor bar overlooking the city. Unlike traditional Kentucky distilleries that lean heavily on heritage, founder Kaveh Zamanian has created a contemporary bourbon experience that honors tradition through flavor rather than façade.

What truly captivates is Tiny's deep dive into bourbon's evolution over the past decade. Where consistency once reigned supreme, today's market celebrates batch variation – a marketing revolution pioneered by legends like Elmer T. Lee, Jimmy Russell, and Booker Noe who transformed "inconsistency" into exclusivity. Similarly, finished whiskeys once derided by purists are now embraced as innovative expressions of the distiller's craft.

The most fascinating segment comes when Tiny experiments with mixing bourbons, discovering how Cave Hill and Hiegold together create a distinct gingerbread cookie note absent in either bourbon independently. This sparks a broader discussion about how bourbon's chemical composition continuously evolves through production, transportation, storage conditions, and even how it settles on your shelf at home.

Whether you're a bourbon novice or connoisseur, this episode offers valuable insights into how environmental factors shape what's in your glass, why modern distilleries are embracing batch variation, and why the seemi

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