Bourbon Barrel Talk

The crew reviews the Jack Daniel’s Special Release Small Batch Rye, which consists of five high-proof batches of Tennessee Rye Whiskey sourced from Coy Hill, Boiler Hill, and Fire Brigade Fields barrelhouses. Presented at barrel proof in 375 mL bottles and proof points ranging from 142.7 to 146.1, the special release represents some of the most unparalleled and limited Tennessee Rye Whiskey to emerge from the Lynchburg distillery. A total of 129 Tennessee Rye Whiskey barrels with entry dates spanning 18 months (from February 2016 to August 2017) were matured for an average of 10 years across three barrelhouse groups. The well-known Coy Hill produced two of the five batches while two new locations, Boiler Hill and Fire Brigade Fields are where three additional batches were matured. Forged in the heart of Lynchburg, Coy Hill, Boiler Hill and Fire Brigade Fields showcase three unique landscapes at the Jack Daniel Distillery.

The crew reviews the most recent releases from Jack Daniels the 10yr Batch 5, 12yr Batch 4 and 14yr Batch 2. These were better than last years release and a different profile than I expect from JD, especially the 12 yr. Let us know your thoughts.

Scott, Brian, Toby and Jared discuss the bourbon bubble. What is the impact of shutdowns at Beam, MGP’s Kentucky distilleries, and Green River? What will this affect? How will it affect the market, and who will be affected the most? Will it be better for the NDP's or hurt them?

The crew discusses the most recent 13th Colony 113 Proof Maple and Cask Strength. All sourced MGP they are finished with maple spirals.

The crew reviewed vintage airplane bottles with Chad from Bourbon Boyz in this crossover. Val was an extra voice that brought perspective from the industry.

In a quasi crossover episode, the crew discusses with Chad and Val barrel picks and other things happening in that part of our industry. Chad runs Mythical one of the larger pick groups in the Midwest. Val has worked with multiple brands, Smooth Ambler, Castle and Key and Jeptha Creed.

The crew discussed the difference between and reviewed Wheated Whiskey (Starlight) vs Wheated Bourbon (Larceny BP). The Starlight Whiskey was from their recent Repeal Day, while the Larceny Barrel Proof was batch B525.

The crew sits down and reviews High West' most recent release the Cask Strength. Bottled in late 2025, released in January, this pour brings a variety of bourbons to the table with it's super unique blend. 3 Kentucky bourbons, an Indiana one and a Tennessee one.

The fellas went off book and reviewed our latest mail call Fresh Victor. It's a line of premium mixers for easy cocktails and mocktails too. In the first episode of this 2 part series, we indulged on the ones we thought that would stand up to bourbon. Strawberry & Lemon, Lemon Sour (whiskey sour), Pineapple & Ginger Root, and Mexican Lime Agave. If you want to try these, for a 20% discount use a special code for our audience: BARREL20 https://shop.freshvictor.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqVzDfizywJ4SpDOfmTVMB5OpwZolJ2_CH668lPLsxTvGquEyCh

The crew sits down and discusses the two most recent Family Estate Bourbon and Ryes from Repeal Day. The Bourbon Barrel 15225 and the Rye 16140 are long awaited by many. We talk about these previous 16 series bottles and how they have usually been excellent.

In our final episode of Festivus Barrel Aged Stouts. We Uplands Teddy Bear Kisses, and Atrium's Barrel Aged Beans and Sha-Boing Boing. I have to say Atriums consistency throughout this series was second to none. So much so, I saved their most recent release to put it up against the two Heaven Hill Goose Islands here in the next couple of weeks. As this one rounds out the holiday season from our BBT family to yours we wish you a Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Kwanza, Hanukkah, or whatever holiday it is that you celebrate!!! And may 2026 bring you all the joy you desire.

On this episode Scott and the Brocks review an Old Forester SiB Evansville Fire Dept. Athletic Club Pick. This Old Fo Barrel Strength single barrel is available in Evansville, IN. It has a robust flavor with a big hug.