Blade and Bow 22 Year Old Bourbon Announced

Just one week after receiving approval for a non-age stated Blade and Bow bourbon Diageo clears a 22 year old Blade and Bow label. This bourbon is 92 proof and is also bottled by “Stitzel-Weller Distilling Co.” This is not to be confused with the Stitzel-Weller Distillery. The Stizel-Weller Distillery was shut down in 1991 which would make any bourbon produced there 24(ish) years old. Diageo could have been holding the bourbon in steel tanks since Blade and Bow is only 22 years old but I highly doubt that is the case. read more

Mash Bill Breakdown of Brown-Forman

This is the fifth installment of mash bill breakdowns on Bourbonr and is slightly different than the others. In the past I’ve focused on each distillery. However, I’ve decided to include the entire Brown-Forman portfolio on this one since it makes it more interesting. You’ll notice I’ve included all american whiskey (sorry, Canadian Mist fans) produced by Brown-Forman. Yes, Old Forester and Jack Daniels are basically cousins. read more

Diageo Announces Blade and Bow

Just last week I posted “In Defense of Orphan Barrel” which talked about ignoring the marketing and just focusing on the taste of the Orphan Barrel bourbons. Diageo is making it hard. Blade and Bow could have the same problem. Apparently, Diageo didn’t lose the Blade and Bow barrels in the Stitzel-Weller warehouses but they did bottle them there. Diageo has been renovating the Stitzel-Weller Distillery but had positioned it as the Bulleit Experience. The new bottling facility must have been part of the remodel. read more

Woodford to Celebrate 30 Years of Kentucky Derby Museum

Woodford Reserve just received approval for a label commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Kentucky Derby Museum. It appears to be the regular Woodford Reserve bourbon in a limited edition bottle. This seems like a great way to celebrate two of the most iconic things in Kentucky.

Since I’m celebrating my own 30th this year I’ll definitely grab a bottle. read more

Orphan Barrel Bottles Reviewed

Before you grab your pitch forks, let me explain. I understand, for some bourbon enthusiast defending Diageo’s Orphan Barrel Project is like rooting for Ivan Drago in Rocky 4 or wearing an Iceland jersey in Mighty Ducks 2. Forget the marketing. I want to focus on the taste in the Oprhan barrel line up. Yes, I do believe there are several good – great bourbons in the Orphan barrel line. read more

Blind Tasting Bourbon

Lets begin with what a blind tasting isn’t. A blind tasting isn’t selecting 3 bottles of bourbon and having your spouse pour them while your back is turned. True blind tasting is when you have no idea what will be in the glass. It could be Pappy Van Winkle 23 or Cleveland bourbon. It’s up to you decide whether or not the bourbon is good. True blind tastings reveal how good your favorite bourbon is. Maybe I have a twisted sense of humor but there’s nothing funnier than seeing a guys face when they realize they rated their favorite bourbon at a 70 or less. read more

Whiskey Leather Flask From 1776 Co.

Originally, I came across 1776 Co. while they were running their Kickstarter campaign. A friend of mine sent me the link after buying one. Since I’m always looking for cool new bourbon/whiskey related products, and I was in desperate need of a new flask, I decided to give them a try. Last week I got in touch with the founder, Isaiah Janes, and we chatted about how 1776 Co. got its start and the difficulties of being truly “handcrafted”. That word gets used a lot in the bourbon world but these guys are really crafting by hand. read more

Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Approved

This appears to be a new line from Wild Turkey called “Master’s Keep” and not a re-release of the 17 year old bourbon they released in early 2000’s. There’s not much better than ultra-aged Turkey! Hoping the price isn’t too crazy but based on the Wild Turkey Diamond release I’d expect somewhere in the $150 range.  I’m still working on collecting more information about this release but see the labels below. read more