H and Dave are again joined by Dan McKee, Master Distiller and Andrea Wilson, Master of Maturation of Michter's for another extended episode. This time for a special occasion, to celebrate 10 years since Michters first released their Toasted Barrel Bourbon. They share stories about that very first release in 2014, a story about a blind tasting that took Dave and H back home to the other side of the world, and of course, a pour of an incredible bourbon.   The 2024 release of Michter's Toasted Barrel Finish and the other 2024 releases will be available in Australia from February 2025.   Chapters 00:00 Celebrating 10 Years of Michters Toasted Bourbon 02:57 The Art of Toasted Barrel Finishing 05:48 Crafting Quality: The Distillation Process 09:00 The Impact of Toasting vs. Charring on the Finishing Barrel 11:51 Creating Emotional Connections Through Whiskey 15:08 Michters' Growth and Global Recognition    

H and Dave enjoy a pour of Bob Dylan's Double Barrel or 'Revelation' Whiskey from Heaven's Door. They chat about some unique tasting notes and why this bottle can't be called a bourbon ... at least they guess that ... and then they guess about whether or not it's bottled in bond. All in all, you'll want to have a fact-checker standing by for this whole episode as none of it is guaranteed to be fact, but hopefully, you'll find this bottle and drink along with us and enjoy the flavours that Bob's team has put together.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Heaven's Door Whiskey 01:40 The Founder of Heaven's Door 04:40 Double Oaked vs Double Barrelled Terminology 06:04 Understanding Whiskey Terminology

Hosts Dave and H almost empty their special bottle of BRT-02 that they picked up at the Makers Mark Distillery in 2022 and tell the story of the Maker's Mark Barrel Rotation Team (BRT). It's a special pour, and a fun opportunity to talk about barrel rotation and the way that the Maker's team are creating expressions with human stories like 2024's 'The Heart Release'.    Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Makers Mark and BRT02 Release 02:47 The Art of Barrel Rotation and Flavour Extraction 06:07 The Heart Release: Capturing Distillery Stories 09:00 Passion and Tradition in Bourbon Making

In a special extended episode, Dave and H are joined by Dan McKee the Master Distiller and Andrea Wilson Master of Maturation and COO of Michter's, for a pour of their  Original Sour Mash Whiskey. Because of the time difference of the Australians, it's a nightcap, and for the Americans, it's a breakfast pour. They chat about the history of Michter's, the flavours of the Michter's Small Batch Sour Mash expression (not quite a bourbon, not quite a rye) and some of the magic that makes Michter's a truly unique whiskey.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Michter's and Special Guests 03:04 The History of Michter's Distillery 05:48 Quality and Consistency in their Whiskey Production 09:02 Roles of Master Distiller and Master of Maturation 11:47 Production Techniques that Define Michter's 15:08 The Importance of Barrel Aging and Water Chemistry 17:55 Access to Michter's in Australia

Dave and H share a pour from a smaller-than-usual bottle of a Cask Strength Makers 46. They chat about the '46' expression and what makes the cask strength approach a fun and different way to try some of your favourites.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Makers 46 Cask Strength 02:54 Understanding Cask Strength Whiskey 05:50 The Unique Process of Makers Mark 09:13 The Influence of Wood and Staves in Whiskey Flavour

Dave and H discuss the intricacies of Burton James bourbon with its creator, Shawn McCormick. They explore the unique characteristics of the bourbon, including its ingredients and aging process, as well as the interesting backstory involving baseball cards linked to Shawn's great grandfather. The discussion also delves into the complexities of alcohol laws in Kentucky, the significance of non-chill filtering in bourbon production, and how listeners can their hands on a bottle. More info at: www.burtonjameswhiskey.com     Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Burton James Bourbons 02:54 The Story Behind the Baseball Cards 06:03 Navigating Kentucky's Wet and Dry Countys 09:04 Understanding Non-Chill Filtering 11:24 How to get Burton James Bourbon

Dave and H went to Watch Hill Proper looking for an amazing bourbon experience... and got they one. They also got a bottle of the very first release from the Watch Hill Proper Team, what might be the only bottle of this outside the US. Join them as they share their experience and share some reflections on how to have more fun with bourbon through blind flights.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Watch Hill Bourbon 03:00 Experience at Watch Hill Proper 05:52 Blind Tasting and Flavor Exploration 09:12 Reflections on Bourbon Appreciation and Blind Tasting at Home

H and Dave chat about what Bottled in Bond really means, why it's important, and what makes Kings County from NYC unique. They also share their experience in the unique distillery in Brooklyn's Navy Yards and a pretty incredible distillery tour.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to King's County Distillery 03:11 Understanding Bottled in Bond 06:12 The Distillation Process and Flavor Profiles 09:04 The History and Significance of Bourbon in America 10:00 Tour Experience at King's County Distillery

While history has never been their strong suit, Dave and H explore the rich history and unique characteristics of Yellowstone Bourbon, produced by Limestone Branch Distillery. They discuss the distillery's origins, the Beam family's legacy in bourbon making, and their recent visit to the distillery, highlighting the personal touch and small-scale production that sets it apart. The conversation also touches on the historical context of bourbon production during Prohibition and the significance of Yellowstone National Park in the branding of the bourbon.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Yellowstone Bourbon 03:08 The History of Limestone Branch Distillery 06:04 The Legacy of the Beam Family 08:53 Touring the Distillery and Unique Experiences

Dave and H sit down, pop the top off their first bottle from the 2024 Kentucky Bourbon Festival, and debrief the best bits of the festival. From the pain of having to choose what bottles to bring back to Australia to the absolute pleasure of tasting the best bourbons in the world and meeting the people who make it, this episode is a wrap up and celebration of the three great days that was KYBF24.   Chapters 00:00 The Kentucky Bourbon Festival Experience 01:30 The Maker's Mark Barrel Select Bottle 03:30 Choosing what Bourbons to bring back to Australia 04:15 Meeting Corky Taylor at Kentucky Peerless 07:30 The Community and Stories Behind Bourbon 09:20 A Call to Bourbon Enthusiasts to KYBF'25

While you can't buy any bottles of the Lucky Seven expressions in Australia ... yet. The Aussie Bourbon Lovers have some stories about meeting they guys behind this great non-distiller producer (NDP) at Kentucky Bourbon Festival, who have a great backstory and some incredible bourbons. We're looking forward to seeing Lucky Seven bourbons Down Under soon, but for the moment, you might need to make a quick trip to the states to get your hands on one of these incredible bottles.    Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Toast to Lucky 7 Bourbon 00:44 Exploring the Aroma and Taste of Lucky 7 Bourbon 03:12 The Concept of Non-Distilling Producers 06:07 The Creative Storytelling and Bottle Design of Lucky 7 09:25 Meeting the Creators of Lucky 7 and Future Plans

Green River Wheated is a fun Bourbon, and not just because the bottle is also a game (if you have a coin)... It's got a rich history (that we need to learn more about) and we love the flavours. The best news is that it recently became available here in Aus and is a cost-effective option for bourbon lovers to try.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Green River Wheated Bourbon 02:00 The 'Shoot The Shoe' Game 02:57 Exploring the Smoothness of Wheated Bourbons 06:09 Famous Wheated Bourbons 07:06 Availability of Green River in Australia 08:29 The 'Possible' Connection Between Green River and Chicago 09:28 A Discussion about Visiting the Green River Distillery

H and Dave share a special pour of Stagg Jr, one of their favourite bottles while they try to pass on some of the knowledge that Drew Mayville, the Master Blender of Sazerac (Buffalo Trace) shared with them at an intimate tasting night in Melbourne. There are a few nuggets of gold about how to nose and taste, and a few stories too.     Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Stagg Jr Bourbon from Buffalo Trace 02:41 Nosing and Tasting Techniques 04:37 The Unique Characteristics of Stagg Jr 07:06 Savouring the Long Finish 08:34 Preference for Wheated Bourbon 10:01 Enjoying Bourbon Your Way

Dave and H take a moment to enjoy the final drops of this Distiller's Row Single Barrel from Peerless, while they fire up for Kentucky Bourbon Festival 2024. So many great brands and expressions from over 60 distilleries, along with a bunch of new things to learn and try.   Chapters 00:00 Excitement for the Kentucky Bourbon Festival 01:29 Discovering New Flavours and Comparing Bourbons 03:24 Talking to the People Behind the Bourbon 05:22 Fun Activities and Games at the Festival 08:14 Explore and Learn about Bourbon at the Festival

Dave and H enjoy sharing their version of the Blanton's single barrel story while they enjoy an expression made specially for the Australian market. Loads of interesting things about Warehouse H, the first single barrels that were bottled and those cool horsey stoppers on the beautiful bottles.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Blanton's Green Label Bourbon 00:59 Understanding Blanton's as a Bourbon 02:25 The Unique Experience of Single Barrel Bourbon 03:10 The Influence of Barrel Location on Blanton's Flavour 04:37 Exploring Rare and Collectible Editions of Blanton's  

In a liquor store in San Francisco, a wonderful person sold Dave this rather heavy bottle. While it's not easy to get in Australia, it is an amazing pour because of the unique way the bourbon is aged in a Solera. While Dave and H do a poor job of explaining what a solera system is, it's fair to say the outcome has a unique flavour and it's a special pour.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Hillrock Solera Aged Bourbon 01:24 Understanding Solera Aging 03:13 Personal Anecdotes and Whiskey Tasting Experiences 08:02 The Generosity of the Bourbon Community 09:01 Camaraderie and Support in the Bourbon Industry

It could be the rabbit on the bottle, or it could be the story of the name and the respect it pays to the history of Kentucky Bourbon, or it could be the Honey Malted Barley. But this is a bottle that has a few stories for us. Settle in for a pour of a great bourbon from Nulu in Louisville.   Chapters 00:00 The Name Difference: Rabbit Hole vs. Rabbit Tale 02:06 Kentucky Bourbon Festival - A Wonderland Experience 04:31 Tasting Notes: Spice, Honey, Orange, Mint, and Toasted Grain 05:26 Immersive Tour Experience at Rabbit Hole Distillery 08:50 No Master Distiller: Teamwork at Rabbit Hole 09:20 Visit Rabbit Hole Distillery and Try the Delightful Bourbon

Dave and H think this might be the world's most awarded bourbon, and it's hiding in a very boring bottle and it's super easy to get in Australia. They share some stories and thoughts about this banger and ask, is it cherry or orange ... or both?   Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Bottle Shape 03:19 Flavour Profile and Smooth Finish 04:24 Suitable for Beginners and Experienced Bourbon Drinkers 06:36 Eagle Rare 10 Year: A Go-To Bottle 07:05 Higher-Aged Expressions: 17 Year and Double Eagle Very Rare 10:49 Wrap-up

It's not every day that one of the global icons of bourbon comes to Australia, so when Dave spent half an hour with Eddie Russell, Wild Turkey's Master Distiller, in the South Yarra IGA (a convenience store), it was a very special Tuesday afternoon. Join Dave and H as they enjoy some of Eddie's Wild Turkey 101 and share some stories too.   Chapters 00:00 The Story Behind the Signed Bottle of Wild Turkey 101 01:36 Exploring the Flavour Profile of Wild Turkey 101 03:36 The Popularity and Consistency of Wild Turkey 101 06:28 The Different Expressions of Wild Turkey 08:16 The Debate: Collecting vs. Drinking Bourbon

Buffalo Trace Distillery's wheated mashbill is the recipe of one of the most sought after bourbons in the world, Pappy Van Winkle, and its the same 'juice' as this quite accessible bourbon that you can get your hands on here in Australia. Dave and H discuss this 'Special Reserve' expression of Weller and why it's so approachable.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Weller Special Reserve 00:30 The Popularity of Weller Special Reserve 01:26 The Selection Process for Weller and Pappy Van Winkle 06:00 Exploring the Rick Houses 08:22 Perception of Bourbon in Australia 09:18 Wheated Bourbon as a Versatile Cocktail Ingredient

When Dave and H found themselves at the distillery on the very day that Woodford released their extremely limited 2022 Distillery Series Honey Barrel bottles, they thought they'd hit the jackpot. Join them as they taste this extremely rare bottle and talk about how the flavours of the honey barrel finish weren't quite what they were expecting.   Chapters 00:00 Introducing Woodford Reserve Honey Barrel Finish 2022 Distillery Series Release 00:58 The Story Behind this Honey Barrel Finish 06:09 The Philosophy of Drinking and Enjoying Bourbon 07:59 Expectations vs. Reality: The Sweetness Factor 09:25 Embracing the Fun of Trying Something New

Elijah Craig's name echoes through the legends of bourbon, and some suggest he as the father of bourbon - in fact, they put that on the front of this bottle. For an easy-to-get bourbon (for Aussies), this is a great pour to enjoy. Uniquely, this bourbon spends between 8-12 years in the barrel which we think gives it some lovely complexity to those barrel-ey vanilla and oak notes, usually reserved for more premium pours.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Pouring Elijah Craig's Small Batch 01:11 Elijah Craig: The Preacher, Distiller, and Entrepreneur 04:37 The Phenomena of C923 Barrel Proof Release 06:02 Aged to Perfection: Elijah Craig's 8 to 12-Year Age Statement 08:54 Getting a bottle of Elijah Craig in Australia and Visiting the Heaven Hill Distillery

For us, it's one of the Bourbon's that started it all on one fateful night in NYC. There is lots more to it than just one of the most eye-catching bourbon bottles on the market. And it's not to hard to get your hands on in Australia.    Chapters 00:00 Introduction and the Love it or Hate it of Willett Pot Still Bourbon 01:01 The Unique Bottle Shape and Memorable Experience 03:25 Visiting the Willett Distillery and Pot Stills 03:55 Variations in Flavour Between Different Batches 07:45 Availability and Bottle Sizes of Willett Pot Still Down Under

We have lots of fond memories of Woodford Reserve and the memories started years ago. A visit to the distillery, a cocktail in their bar (or made at home) or just a neat pour of this infamous bourbon has plenty to offer. Some iconic master distillers have made this incredible brand one of Australia's favourite premium bourbons. While there are plenty of great bottles in their range, the main offering is a great pour.    Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Tasting Woodford Reserve 06:09 The Rich History of Woodford Reserve Distillery 07:38 Innovation and Master Distillers at Woodford Reserve 09:32 Enjoying Woodford Reserve: Neat, On Ice, or in Cocktails

It all started when a dad wanted to celebrate the birth of his daughter. What could be more wholesome than that?! But the range of bourbons that are now represented, of which the four grain is the 'baby', certainly has shown how good these bourbons are, and the growth that the Penelope brand has experienced shows the appetite in the market for this range of expressions. Another great story about another delicious bourbon.    Chapters 00:10 Introducing Penelope Four Grain: The 'Baby Bourbon' 01:37 The Story Behind Penelope: A Bourbon for a Baby 03:35 Why we think it's An Easy-Drinking Bourbon for Beginners 06:01 All the facts about the Four Grain juice and Production Process

There is so much that can be said about Buffalo Trace, so we won't say too much. Buffalo Trace is an iconic bourbon distillery in America known for its wide range of bourbons, from affordable to expensive. It is one of the few distilleries that stayed open during prohibition and has a long history. One of our favourite things about Freddie in the doco 'Neat' is his philosophy to drink and enjoy bourbon with loved ones. And, we think it's a must-visit distillery when you're next in Kentucky.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Buffalo Trace 03:34 The Popular Demand for Buffalo Trace Bourbons 06:00 The Classification of Buffalo Trace Bourbons 07:47 The Philosophy of Drinking Bourbon, as shared in 'Neat' 08:13 Interesting Stories and some loose History of Buffalo Trace 09:41 A Visit to Buffalo Trace