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The Scotchy Bourbon Boys dive deep into Maker's Mark's Wood Finishing Series, comparing the 2024 Heart Release and 2025 Keepers Release while exploring the brand's evolution from its wheated bourbon origins to its innovative stave-finishing techniques.

• Wood Finishing Series represents Maker's Mark's expanding approach to bourbon making through French oak stave finishing
• Heart Release (111.7 proof) showcases the distillery team with fruit-forward notes of caramel, maple and chocolate
• Keepers Release (109.3 proof) honors the warehouse teams with bold oak and toasted sweetness characteristics
• The Maker's Mark Ambassador Program allows fans to follow a barrel's journey and eventually purchase bottles from their own barrel
• Both limited releases demonstrate how Maker's has evolved while maintaining the smooth character Bill Samuels Sr. originally intended
• Dark Arts Whiskey House is taking finishing techniques to new levels by sourcing specific oak from individual French forests
• The bourbon industry continuously evolves as consumer preferences shift toward higher proof, more complex offerings

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From humble beginnings in the rolling hills of Kentucky to becoming a globally recognized brand with that iconic red wax seal, Maker's Mark exemplifies how tradition and innovation can brilliantly coexist. The Scotchy Bourbon Boys take you behind the scenes of Maker's Mark's Wood Finishing Series, exploring how this historic distillery continues to push boundaries while honoring its wheated bourbon legacy.

The 2024 Heart Release (111.7 proof) and 2025 Keepers Release (109.3 proof) each tell a unique story through their distinct flavor profiles. The Heart Release celebrates the distillery team with fruit-forward notes of caramel, maple and chocolate, while the Keepers Release honors the warehouse teams with bold oak and toasted sweetness. Through meticulous tasting, we break down how the strategic placement of French oak staves transforms the classic Maker's profile in unexpected and delightful ways.

Beyond the bottles themselves, we uncover the rich heritage of Star Hill Farm, where the Maker's Mark story began in 1953 when Bill Samuels Sr. set out to create a more refined, palatable bourbon without the harsh bite common in whiskeys of that era. The distillery's commitment to quality shines through their Ambassador Program, which allows fans to follow a barrel's journey from filling to bottling—culminating in the opportunity to purchase bottles from your very own barrel.

The evolution of Maker's Mark mirrors broader trends in bourbon appreciation, with today's enthusiasts embracing higher proofs and more complex flavor profiles than ever before. Through our "Barrel Bottle Breakdown" rating system, we evaluate what makes these limited releases special and why they've become so sought-after among collectors and casual drinkers alike. Join us for this spirited exploration of how Maker's Mark continues to innovate while staying true to its roots.

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This batch of Booker's, named "Barry's Batch" in honor of former Beam CEO Barry Barish, delivers a remarkably smooth drinking experience despite its 125.7 proof, with rich caramel, peanut butter, and warm spice notes creating a perfect fireside sipper.

• First Booker's release of 2025 (Batch 2501) honoring Barry Barish, former Beam chairman who passed away in early 2024
• Aged 7 years, 2 months, 4 days with barrels from five different warehouse locations
• Classic Jim Beam mash bill: 77% corn, 13% rye, 10% malted barley
• Exceptional caramel-forward aroma with notes of peanut butter on the nose
• Drinks smoother than its 125.7 proof might suggest
• Adding a few drops of water enhances the peanut butter fudge notes
• Over ice brings out more graham cracker and reduces any mustiness
• Our barrel bottle breakdown score: 15 out of 18 possible points
• Available for approximately $100, making it a solid value for a premium limited release
• Demonstrates Fred Noe's commitment to maintaining Booker's legacy and quality

Remember, as Booker always said, enjoy it "any damn way you please" – neat, with water, or over ice!

The first Booker's release of 2025 pays heartfelt tribute to a bourbon legend who helped shape the industry as we know it today. Barry's Batch, named for former Beam chairman and CEO Barry Barish, celebrates a man who guided the company for over 40 years until his passing earlier this year.

This exceptional batch delivers everything bourbon enthusiasts seek in a premium barrel-strength release. At 125.7 proof, you might expect an aggressive heat, but Barry's Batch surprises with remarkable approachability. The nose immediately captivates with rich caramel aromas complemented by hints of peanut butter and vanilla that promise a memorable tasting experience.

The flavor journey begins with honey sweetness on the tongue, developing into luscious caramel mid-palate before revealing warming cinnamon and allspice notes. What truly distinguishes this batch is its perfect balance – delivering full-bodied intensity without overwhelming the palate. Following Booker's philosophy of drinking bourbon "any damn way you please," we explored it neat, with a few drops of water (which amplified delightful peanut butter fudge notes), and over ice (bringing forward subtle graham cracker flavors).

Aged 7 years, 2 months, and 4 days, this release demonstrates the meticulous barrel selection process that has become a hallmark of the Booker's brand. The blend incorporates barrels from five different warehouse locations, creating a complexity that tells the story of Kentucky's unpredictable aging environment. Each sip offers a window into why Booker's remains one of the most sought-after limited releases in American whiskey.

Whether you're a longtime Booker's enthusiast or new to barrel-strength bourbon, Barry's Batch represents a fitting tribute to both its namesake and the enduring legacy of the Beam family. Pour yourself a glass, raise it to Barry, and discover why this bourbon scored an impressive 15/18 on our scale. What memorable bourbon experience will you share with friends tonight?

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The Kentucky Bourbon Festival has transformed from a small event with 9 distilleries to a premier bourbon celebration featuring 62 distilleries, with exclusive releases and direct access to master distillers. KBF President Randy Prasse shares how the festival has evolved to focus on authentic experiences connecting bourbon enthusiasts with the people who make their favorite spirits.

• Festival started in 1991 and has grown to become the #1 bourbon festival Globally.
• Distilleries now view the festival as the perfect venue to reveal new products and limited releases
• For 2025, the festival will feature improved layout and direct-to-consumer bottle shipping for most states
• The three-day general admission ticket $195 ( discounted for insiders) provides exceptional value compared to typical bourbon bar tabs
• Angels Envy is the featured distillery for 2025, known for bringing their "A-game" to festival experiences
• New President's Club offering provides ultra-premium experience for dedicated enthusiasts
• Tickets go on sale May 16th at noon Eastern, with newsletter subscribers getting first access and discounts

Visit KYBourbonFestival.com to sign up for the insider newsletter and secure your tickets for the September 4-6 event in Bardstown, Kentucky.

Step into the heart of bourbon country at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, where the world's finest distillers converge to celebrate America's native spirit. What began as a modest gathering has blossomed into bourbon's premier event, bringing 62 distilleries—from iconic heritage brands to innovative craft producers—directly to enthusiasts in the Bourbon Capital of the World.

Unlike typical spirits festivals, this September 4-6 celebration in Bardstown offers unprecedented access to the people behind your favorite bourbons. Master distillers, blenders, and brand founders don't just make appearances—they're actively pouring, sharing stories, and engaging with guests throughout the three-day event. This authentic connection between makers and enthusiasts creates an atmosphere that can't be replicated anywhere else.

The festival has become the industry's preferred platform for unveiling new products and limited releases. Distilleries reserve their most special bottlings for this weekend, giving attendees first access to expressions that may never reach retail shelves. For 2025, the festival is introducing direct-to-consumer shipping, allowing guests from most states to purchase exclusive bottles without worrying about luggage space. Beyond tastings, the expanded programming includes 20 educational events, live entertainment, culinary experiences, and a thoughtfully designed marketplace.

What truly distinguishes this festival is its unwavering focus on "whiskey and the people who make it." Despite its growth, the event maintains the warm, welcoming spirit of Kentucky hospitality. At $195 for a three-day general admission pass (with insider discounts available), it represents remarkable value considering the caliber of spirits and experiences offered. Whether you're beginning your bourbon journey or maintaining an extensive collection, these three days in September promise memorable encounters with exceptional whiskeys and the passionate people creating them.

Sign up at KYBourbonFestival.com to become an insider and secure your tickets when they go on sale May 16th. Join us in Bardstown this September and become part of bourbon's most authentic celebration!

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The rich and storied tradition of challenge coins has made its way from military culture into bourbon communities, creating meaningful connections among enthusiasts and marking achievements in the whiskey world.

• Challenge coins originated with WWI pilots but became popular during Vietnam War
• Different types of bourbon challenge coins include Stave & Thief Bourbon Steward certification, Kentucky Bourbon Festival commemorative coins, and community recognition coins
• Coins must be carried at all times - you get only four steps to retrieve it during a challenge
• If challenged and you can't produce your coin, you buy drinks; if everyone has their coin, the challenger buys
• Bourbon Real Talk uses different colored coins to recognize various levels of community contribution
• Kentucky Bourbon Festival coins evolve each year, from bronze 30th anniversary to gold 2024 edition
• Challenge coins typically cannot be purchased - they must be earned through contribution or certification
• Carrying a challenge coin signifies membership and honors the tradition of bourbon camaraderie

Join us Thursday night with Kentucky Bourbon Festival President Randy Prass to learn everything about this year's festival. Tickets go on sale April 16th for pre-sale and April 17th to the general public

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The humble challenge coin carries a weighty legacy that stretches from World War I battlefields to today's bourbon tasting rooms. This episode dives deep into these tokens of honor and belonging that have become an integral part of bourbon culture.

Challenge coins began with a wealthy lieutenant who gave medallions to his unit members. Legend tells how one such coin saved a pilot's life when he was captured behind enemy lines, unable to prove his identity except through this small token. The tradition evolved through the Vietnam War and eventually found a spiritual home among whiskey enthusiasts who recognized the perfect symmetry between military camaraderie and the fellowship of shared bourbon experiences.

For bourbon lovers, these coins serve multiple purposes. Some mark achievements, like the coveted Stave & Thief Society's Executive Bourbon Steward certification coin. Others commemorate events, like the annually changing Kentucky Bourbon Festival coins that evolve in design and finish. Communities like Bourbon Real Talk have created elaborate hierarchies of colored coins to recognize different levels of contribution, from first-time helpers to consistent top contributors.

What makes these coins special isn't just their appearance but the traditions surrounding them. The twelve rules of challenge coin etiquette transform them from mere collectibles into social catalysts. You must keep your coin within four steps at all times. When challenged, failure to produce your coin means buying drinks. If everyone shows their coin, the challenger pays up. These exchanges create spontaneous moments of connection among bourbon enthusiasts in an increasingly digital world.

Whether displayed proudly on a shelf or carried faithfully in a special wallet pouch, bourbon challenge coins represent something deeper than their metal composition suggests—they're physical reminders of shared experiences, hard-earned knowledge, and community belonging. Have you earned your place in bourbon culture with a challenge coin yet? The tradition awaits.

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Tiny shares his experience with Gervasi Vineyard and Distillery, his local Canton, Ohio establishment that has evolved from a winery to include an award-winning distillery producing exceptional bourbons and spirits.

• Founded in 2008, Gervasi began as a winery and restaurant before expanding to include villas, event venues, and recently a distillery
• The Gervasi Stillhouse features both a working distillery and a coffee shop/cocktail lounge in a building resembling an Italian church
• Shae Pridemore, Gervasi's master distiller, has released their first Single Barrel Bourbon at 116.9 proof to critical acclaim
• Their bourbon recently won runner-up at the US Open Whiskey Championship, taking home five medals in total
• The newly launched Distiller Circle club offers members exclusive bottles, barrel picks, quarterly tastings, and special events for $199/year
• Gervasi's bourbon has distinctive notes of white raisins, currants, tart cherry and sweet leather with a pot-distilled character
• On the Old Louisville Whiskey Company barrel bottle breakdown rating scale, Tiny scores it 14 out of 18 points

The Scotchy Bourbon Boys 5th Annual Bus Tour is now booking for September 3rd, with limited seats available. Contact Tiny to reserve your spot for this special event before Kentucky Bourbon Festival.

Hidden in Canton, Ohio, just five minutes from Tiny's home, sits a world-class destination that's revolutionizing the Ohio spirits landscape. Gervasi Vineyard started as a picturesque winery with Italian-inspired buildings, but has evolved into something much more ambitious—a complete hospitality experience featuring restaurants, villas, a spa, coffee house, and now an award-winning distillery housed in a striking building resembling an Italian church.

The Scotchy Bourbon Boys podcast takes us inside this local treasure, focusing on Gervasi's spirits program that recently earned runner-up status at the US Open Whiskey Championship. Master Distiller Shae Pridemore (a previous podcast guest) has carefully curated their first Single Barrel Bourbon release—a pot-distilled expression bottled at 116.9 proof that earned an impressive 14/18 on Tiny's Old Louisville Whiskey Company barrel bottle breakdown scale.

What makes this Ohio bourbon special isn't an attempt to copy Kentucky styles, but rather its unique character featuring notes of white raisins, currants, tart cherry, and what Tiny describes as "sweet leather." This distinctiveness perfectly illustrates why emerging distilleries should embrace regional character rather than mimicking established producers. The enthusiasm Tiny shares for this local gem is infectious—he's not just a fan but a founding member of their new Distiller Circle, which offers exclusive access to releases, barrel picks, and quarterly events for $199 annually.

Beyond the bourbon itself, the episode highlights how Gervasi has created a complete destination experience where visitors can stay, dine, and immerse themselves in craft spirits. It's a fascinating glimpse into how non-traditional whiskey regions are challenging expectations and creating world-class products worth seeking out. Whether you're planning the Scotchy Bourbon Boys' upcoming bus tour or your own spirits adventure, this Ohio distillery deserves a prominent place on your must-visit list.

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The Jack Daniels Triple Mash offers a uniquely sweet whiskey experience by combining three different mash bills in a way that challenges expectations of the Jack Daniels brand. This innovative expression earned 14 out of 18 knocks in our barrel bottle breakdown, making it a standout bottle at the $40 price point.

• Triple Mash combines 60% Tennessee Rye, 20% Tennessee Whiskey, and 20% American Malt
• First-ever release containing Jack Daniels' American Malt (100% malted barley)
• Exhibits notes of Sugar Smacks cereal, maple syrup, caramel, and hazelnut
• Noticeably sweeter than traditional Jack Daniels products without being artificial
• Features a dark chocolate finish with pleasant hazelnut undertones
• Shows thick legs in the glass indicating excellent viscosity

For beginner bourbon drinkers, we recommend three excellent gateway whiskeys: Basil Hayden 10 Year for smoothness with flavor, Old Tub for Jim Beam fans wanting to step up, and Evan Williams Master Blend for those who typically find bourbon too harsh.

Don't drink and drive. Drink responsibly and make sure you live your life uncut and unfiltered.

Ready for a whiskey that breaks all your Jack Daniels expectations? The Triple Mash delivers a sweetness profile so rich, you'll wonder if they secretly added sugar (they didn't).

Diving deep into this innovative expression, we explore the fascinating combination of three distinct whiskey styles: 60% Tennessee Rye, 20% Tennessee Whiskey, and 20% American Malt—marking the first-ever public appearance of Jack Daniels' 100% malted barley offering. The result? A cereal-forward flavor reminiscent of Sugar Smacks that evolves into maple, caramel, and finishes with delightful dark chocolate-hazelnut notes.

At just $40, this Bottled in Bond expression earned an impressive 14/18 knocks on our Barrel Bottle Breakdown scale. The thick legs and remarkable viscosity provide a mouthfeel that elevates the drinking experience beyond what you'd expect at this price point. If you've historically found Jack Daniels too harsh or one-dimensional, Triple Mash offers the perfect entry point into appreciating what the brand can achieve when it steps outside traditional boundaries.

We also explore three perfect beginner bourbons for different palates: Basil Hayden 10 Year for scotch drinkers seeking smoothness with flavor complexity; Old Tub for Jim Beam fans ready to elevate their experience; and the rare Evan Williams Master Blend for those who typically find bourbon too intense. Each offers a gateway into the whiskey world without overwhelming the palate.

Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or just beginning your whiskey journey, this episode provides valuable insights into approachable expressions that deliver remarkable flavor. Have you tried the Triple Mash yet? We'd love to hear your thoughts!

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Knob Creek 9 Year serves as both an incredible value at $35 and a meaningful journey marker for bourbon enthusiasts seeking authentic whiskey experiences without breaking the bank.

• Knob Creek was established in 1992 as part of Jim Beam's small batch collection created by Booker Noe
• The name pays homage to Abraham Lincoln's childhood home in Kentucky
• After temporarily losing its age statement in 2016 due to inventory shortages, the 9-year age statement proudly returned in 2020
• The classic mash bill consists of 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley
• Knob Creek's single barrels come in at a robust 120 proof while the standard 9-year holds steady at 100 proof
• For its modest $35 price point, Knob Creek 9 delivers a flavor profile that rivals bourbons costing substantially more
• The nose presents distinct vanilla ice cream cone notes while the palate offers vanilla frosting that transitions to caramel with leather on the finish
• Jim Beam allows their barrels to age naturally in Kentucky's climate without rushing the process
• The current batch earned an impressive 15/18 rating, demonstrating exceptional quality for its price point

Remember, good friends and good bourbon equal good times. Drink responsibly and live your life uncut and unfiltered.

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The Scotchy Bourbon Boys taste and compare Stagg Jr. and Stagg bourbons, tracing the evolution from the "Junior" designation to simply "Stagg" and examining whether quality changed with the name.

• Stagg described as "the perfect man's bourbon" - barrel-proof with power but exceptionally balanced
• Multiple batches of Stagg released in 2024 (A through D) showing increased availability
• Comparing Stagg Jr. batch 12 (130.9 proof) with newer Stagg batches reveals consistent quality
• Buffalo Trace maintains the signature brown sugar and cherry flavor profile across all batches
• Bourbon availability generally improving with Buffalo Trace products appearing more frequently
• Many bourbon enthusiasts prefer standard Stagg over George T. Stagg despite the price difference
• Stagg represents exceptional value at $59.99 MSRP compared to its secondary market price
• The importance of bourbon community and sharing special bottles creates meaningful connections
• Kentucky Bourbon Festival plans discussed with potential distillery tour options
• Different batches maintain subtle variations while keeping core flavor characteristics

Check out www.scotchiebourbonboys.com for all things Scotchy Bourbon Boys, including Glen Cairns, t-shirts, and information about our current barrel picks. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and X, and listen on Apple, iHeart, Spotify and all major podcast platforms.

Stagg bourbon has earned its reputation as what the Scotchy Bourbon Boys call "the perfect man's bourbon" - a barrel-proof powerhouse that delivers without compromise. This episode brings Super Nash back to explore what makes Stagg special and how it's evolved since dropping the "Junior" designation in 2021.

The boys taste multiple batches side-by-side, comparing the last Stagg Jr. (Batch 12 at 130.9 proof) with recent 2024 releases. What emerges is a fascinating portrait of consistency - the signature brown sugar and cherry notes remain intact across batches, proving Buffalo Trace's commitment to maintaining quality while increasing availability. The team discusses how Stagg has become more accessible in Ohio and beyond, with multiple 2024 batches (A through D) hitting shelves this year.

Perhaps most intriguing is the comparison between standard Stagg and George T. Stagg from the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection. Many bourbon enthusiasts actually prefer the regular Stagg despite the significant price difference, describing it as "the working man's bourbon" versus "the rich man's special bottle." At $59.99 MSRP, Stagg represents extraordinary value compared to secondary market prices of $200-400.

Beyond the tasting, the episode captures the camaraderie that makes bourbon special - sharing bottles, standing in line at releases, and planning adventures like the upcoming Kentucky Bourbon Festival tour. As bourbon availability increases across Buffalo Trace products, the community benefits from greater access to exceptional whiskeys like Stagg.

Have you tried different Stagg batches? Which release is your favorite? Share your thoughts and join us for more bourbon exploration!

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