Scott Neil is a retired Army Master Sergeant and a Green Beret. Scott along with special forces Task Force Dagger were some of the very brave to respond to the tragic events of 9/11. Neil went into battle in Afghanastan riding Qatgani horses and now after traveling around the country, he fell in love with the process of some of the best bourbons in the country. Now, he has his own brand, which pays tribute to his military legacy. Cheers!

This week the guys sit down and try a couple different variations of bourbon with a barrel pick from Angel's Envy. See which one the guys like! Cheers!

Indigo’s Hour is the latest release in the ongoing Orphan Barrel project, which was launched by Diageo in 2013. From the company’s initial press release they stated it was “A new project determined to locate lost and forgotten barrels of whiskey from around the world. See what the guys thought about this amazing proof positive! Cheers!

It’s been a year since Peneople unleashed Rio onto the bourbon scene and took two finishes that everyone thought they knew and combined them. The company wasn’t expecting such a strong response to their new experimental finished bourbon and, unfortunately, didn’t produce enough volume to satisfy the rabid demand for it. There was a batch 2 (23-902), but it was relegated mostly to the Texas market and did little to quell demand. As a result, there has been a lot of anticipation riding on batch 3 (24-901), and the natural question arose: would Penelope try and do a carbon copy of batch 1 (23-901), or would they tweak it in meaningful ways? -Breaking Bourbon Review

Lodestar Whiskey is an American Whiskey which is a blend of Straight High Rye Bourbon and American Single Malt. It has a uniquely modern flavor profile that can satisfy the palates of many. Cheers!

Dive into the rich tapestry of American whiskey-making with the Bomberger's Declaration Straight Bourbon 2023 edition. Every sip embodies centuries of distillation heritage, combining modern finesse with old-world craftsmanship.

This exquisite 2023 release, glowing with a deep amber radiance, is a tribute to timeless bourbon artistry. The nose is greeted with intricate layers of toasty oak, hints of creamy vanilla, and a whisper of sun-drenched raisins. As you indulge, the palate unfurls to reveal a dance of toasted almonds, luxuriously rich chocolates, and a medley of autumnal spices, delivering a finish that resonates with warmth and opulence.

Handcrafted with dedication and an unwavering commitment to quality, this bourbon speaks to those who appreciate the intricate ballet of patience and expertise. Cheers!

Preston is the fourth generation member of the Van Winkle family to enter into the bourbon business. He is the great grandson of iconic bourbon maker Julian P. “Pappy” Van Winkle, Sr. and son of current Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery President, Julian P. Van Winkle, III.

Preston grew up in the post Stitzel-Weller era of Van Winkle bourbon production, exploring his father’s bottling hall and barrel warehouse in Lawrenceburg, KY, occasionally helping with the bottling and labeling. Preston graduated from the University of Kentucky in 2001 and immediately started working for his father. Initially he split time between the Louisville office and the Lawrenceburg bottling facility where he often processed bourbon for bottling and ran the bottling line as Julian had for the previous 20 plus years. In 2002 the Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery partnered with the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, KY, freeing up Julian and Preston from production duties enabling them to focus on the sales and marketing of the brands. Preston assumed the role of Marketing Manager for Old Rip Van Winkle and has worked since then to help manage and market the Van Winkle brands.

Michter's 20:

The 20-Year Bourbon expression reflects the exceptional results of uncompromising craftsmanship and Kentucky’s unrivaled climate for aging outstanding whiskey. Often much older than the age statement on the label, only a select few barrels age with the elegance required for inclusion in this highly 114.2 proof limited release.

Old Forester 1920:

The Volstead Act of 1920 which initiated Prohibition in the USA granted permits to six distillers in Kentucky to continue to bottle bourbon for medicinal purposes. Through one of these permits, Old Forester continued to be produced as medicinal whiskey on Louisville’s famed Whiskey Row. It is the only bourbon continuously sold by the same company that has been available for sale before, during and after Prohibition.

During this time, all whiskies had to be bottled at 100 Proof. With a barrel entry proof of 100, the “angel’s share” would have created a 115 proof whiskey after maturation. To pay homage to this era, Old Forester presents 1920 Prohibition Style Bourbon at 115 proof to represent the rich flavor profile this bourbon had nearly 100 years ago.

Introducing Jack Daniel’s 12-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey. The Jack Daniel Distillery is one of the most complete whiskey distilleries in the world, and they're able to craft premium whiskeys in a way that honors their heritage while highlighting the modern-day world-class whiskey-making. To honor their distillery's past, Master Distiller, Chris Fletcher handcrafted these aged-stated whiskeys and evolved our whiskey process to achieve a rare flavor profile. Bottled at 107 proof. Cheers!

George T. Stagg built the most dominant American distillery of the 19th century, during a time known as the Gilded Age of Bourbon. Uncut and unfiltered, this robust bourbon whiskey ages for nearly a decade and boasts the bold character that is reminiscent of the man himself.

2023 - 04, “STORYTELLER BATCH”: The fourth release of the Booker’s Bourbon 2023 Collection is Booker’s Batch 2023-04 “Storyteller Batch.” This batch is named after the way my dad, Booker Noe, could turn just about anything he talked about into an interesting story.

Booker’s “Storyteller Batch” is made up of barrels from four production dates that were aged in four different warehouses. The breakdown of barrel storage for this batch is as follows:

26% came from the 6th floor of 7-story warehouse Z

14% came from the 6th floor of 9-story warehouse H

25% came from the 5th floor of 9-story warehouse G

35% came from the 5th floor of 7-story warehouse 3

The Whiskey Row Series’ 1924 10 – Year – Old is a limited annual release celebrating another milestone in Old Forester’s storied history.

During Prohibition, more than 200 distilleries were forced to close. Old Forester, however, continued operations because the federal government issued them one of six medicinal licenses, P-3. In 1924, Old Forester acquired barrels from closed distillers, with different mash bills, and bottled that liquid as Old Forester. This release commemorates that moment in time. Cheers!

With a joyfully determined heart against the backdrop of doubters and naysayers, our founder Christi Lower is shaking up the scene, one exceptional blend at a time. ⁣⁣
Christi envisioned a fully transparent spirits company that wasn’t bound by tradition, history, or heritage. Instead, she was driven by culture, art, diversity, and above all, excellence. Her vision is Highline Spirits – a testament to the power of dreams and determination.⁣⁣
Here’s to the women who dare to dream, who dare to disrupt, and who dare to do it anyway. Here’s to the visionaries like Christi. Her story is a toast to every individual out there breaking down barriers, challenging norms, and redefining the rules of the game. And this is just the beginning.

Heaven Hill 16 Year:

Presented as the sixth installment in William Heavenhill's collection, this unparalleled expression is crafted from 15 carefully selected barrels, originally distilled at the renowned Bernheim Distillery. Aged for a minimum of 16 years on the fifth floor of Rickhouse Y, it is bottled at 53% ABV (106-proof).

Four Roses Single Barrel:

For someone who wants a more complex bourbon experience, Four Roses Single Barrel is a 100-proof bourbon that embodies the uniqueness of an individual barrel which was hand selected by our Master Distiller. It achieves a pronounced yet elegant flavor that is worth savoring.

Dominic Guglielmi is widely considered one of the most prolific and knowledgeable collectors of Blanton’s bourbon. He has amassed a nearly unrivaled collection of known Blanton’s releases, including nearly all extremely rare and limited bottles that have been produced. He is also the author of Warehouse H: The Story of Blanton's Bourbon, America's Most Influential Whiskey

Cheers!

!

Another wonderful edition of Proof Positive with Ben and Joe this week, Booker's 2024-01 Springfield Batch! It's a limited-edition release crafted to delight bourbon enthusiasts with its exceptional flavor profile and rich heritage. Named after the Springfield distillery, this small batch bourbon represents a continuation of Booker's legacy of excellence and innovation. Cheers!

It has been a while since the guys have given you a Proof Positive, but it is back and in full force with Weller Full Proof. As always give the show a review and follow on all major streaming and social media platforms. Cheers!

Another week and another great edition of Double Barrel! You guys have really enjoyed this new segment so far and this week we are putting Michters 10 against Henry McKeena 10. As always, please subscribe and review the show on all major streaming and social media platforms. Cheers!

The guys have a great one for you this week with the Master Distiller of Holladay Distillery Kyle Merklein. As always please subscribe and review on all major social media and streaming platforms! Cheers!

The guys bring you another edition of Double Barrel with a match-up between Pappy 15 and Maker's Mark Cask Strength! Please subscribe and review on all major social media and streaming platforms! Cheers!

Pappy 15:

This bourbon was crafted according to our exclusive family wheated recipe. The smooth, oak flavor blends well with the barrel proof. Selected from barrels in the heart of their Kentucky warehouse, this bourbon has remained untouched for 15 years and unhurried by time. 

Maker's Mark Cask Strength:

Bottled at barrel proof, Maker's Mark Cask Strength ranges from 108 to 114 proof depending on the barrels. Surprisingly smooth, this bourbon retains the signature, front-of-the-palate flavors of Maker's Mark while amping up the vanilla and rich oak notes. 

The guys are back together for another edition of Double Barrel. This week features Old Rip Van Winkle 10 vs Larceny Barrel Proof. Please subscribe and review on all major social media and streaming platforms.

Old Rip Van Winkle 10: This bourbon whiskey is bottled at nearly barrel proof. Just a splash of Kentucky limestone water is added after a decade of aging. Rich, yet smooth, this bourbon takes a back seat to none. Larceny Barrel Proof: offers a new opportunity to experience our acclaimed wheated Bourbon mashbill in its purest form: non-chill filtered and bottled at full barrel proof. Released three times per year in January, May, and September, each offering is a bold yet balanced special Small Batch Bourbon rich with depth and distinction.

Ben and Kyle have a very different type of Proof Positive this week with an aged single pot still Irish whiskey Redbreast 12. Redbreast 12 Year Old boasts the complexity and distinctive qualities of pot still whiskey. Matured in a combination of bourbon and sherry casks, with the distinctive Redbreast sherry style. Please subscribe and review on all your major social media and streaming platforms! Cheers!

Ben and Kyle bring you another edition of Proof Positive! This week features the 2021 release of Sweetens Cove or Sweetens 21. A blend of straight Tennessee bourbons aged 4, 6, and 16 years. Master Blender Marianne Eaves hand-blended this limited edition 2021 release on the heels of Sweetens Cove’s stellar 2020 debut. Inspired by the ritual of a shot of whiskey on the first tee at the acclaimed Tennessee golf course of the same name, with Founder/Owners including Peyton Manning, Andy Roddick, Drew Holcomb and others.  Whisky Advocate score of 92 and Esquire Magazine calls this the #1 celebrity spirit in the world. Please listen and review on all major social media and streaming platforms! Cheers!

All the guys are together on this edition of Proof Positive. This week they are featuring Kavalan Single Malt Whiskey. Kavalan Distillery has been pioneering the art of single malt whisky in Yilan County, Taiwan, since 2005. Kavalan sources the mineral-rich meltwaters of Snow Mountain and is aged in a unique combination of intense heat and humidity together with sea and mountain breezes. All this combines to create the quality, smoothness, and fruity character for which Kavalan is known.

A completely different version of Proof Positive this week. The guys have a regular "Joe" of bourbon of J. T. S. Brown which is a 80 proof Kentucky bourbon whiskey produced by the Heaven Hill Distillery company. The J.T.S. Brown label dates back to 1855. The distilling operation is in Louisville, Kentucky, and aging and bottling operations are in Bardstown, Kentucky. 

This whiskey was named after James Thompson Smith Brown who was a Master Distiller at the Old Oscar Pepper Distillery which would later become known as Stitzel-Weller distillery and produce some of the worlds finest bourbon whiskeys including Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve and Weller 12 Year old bourbons. Cheers!

We got a new segment for you this week! Ben, Kyle, and Joe bring you Double Barrel. A blind taste test between an allocated whiskey vs a non-allocated whiskey. First up, head-to-head, Pikesville vs Thomas Handy. Please stream and review on all major platforms! Cheers!

All the guys are together for this week's Proof Positive. This week they are trying Traveller Whiskey. For this first-of-its-kind collaboration from Buffalo Trace Distillery, Traveller brings together the collective artistry of 8X Grammy Award-Winning Artist Chris Stapleton and Buffalo Trace Distillery Master Distiller, Harlen Wheatley. Please review and stream on all your major platforms. Cheers!

On this episode, Ben is checking in from his trip to Miami with the news and Ben and Kyle headed down to Butch Hiles' gym in Charleston to talk to "The Warmaster" and the youngest UFC Heavyweight Champion Josh Barnett. Barnett has a bourbon brand called Warbringer Bourbon. Listen to Josh's journey from fighting professionally all over the world to the bourbon space. Please subscribe and give us a review on all major streaming and social media platforms. Cheers!

The guys have a good one this week as Ben and Joe sit down with the guys with Oaklore Distilling Company. Pour you a drink and enjoy another round of The Bourbon Podcast! Please review and subscribe on all of your major social media and streaming platforms.

Located in Matthews, North Carolina, Oaklore origins are built on the idea of community. From their material and ingredient sourcing to their partnership with local businesses, they're dedicated to enriching the area they call home. They encourage you to come in, share a glass, and your story.

Happy New Year! Our first edition of Proof Positive for 2024 brings you Knob Creek 12. All the guys are back together for this one! Thank you for a great 2023 and let's kick off this new year by giving the show a review and subscribe on all major social media and streaming platforms! Cheers!

The guys are back with the perfect holiday Proof Positive with High West Midwinter Night's Dram Act 10 Scene 2. The guys also compare this pour with Scene 5. Hear what the guys think on this week's episode. Make sure to follow and review on all major social media and streaming platforms. Cheers!

This week the guys have drunk this particular bourbon but have never done an official proof positive. Angel's Envy Cast Strength bourbon! The 11th cask strength release, dark amber red 119.8 proof bourbon with a creamy, indulgent flavor. Notes of caramel, brown sugar, and fruit. Please subscribe and review on all major social media and streaming platforms! Cheers!

The guys gather around and decided to do this week's proof positive of Four Roses Small Batch Select. For someone looking for an expertly-crafted bourbon, Four Roses Small Batch Select is a 104-proof, non-chill-filtered bourbon that provides a rich depth of flavors and a closer-to-the-barrel experience. Follow and review the show on all your major social media and streaming platforms.

Another great edition of Proof Positive will all three guys. This week's edition of Proof Positive is Willd Turkey Generations. Please subscribe and leave a review on all the major social media and streaming platforms! Cheers!

Generations is a 120.8-proof blend that showcases sweet notes of vanilla, caramel, and dark cherry that give way to warm notes of pepper and aged oak. An aroma of oak and vanilla is followed by floral and spice notes with hints of baked apple, toffee and cloves. The unique combination of aromas and flavors caps off with a finish of dark fruit and baking spice with lingering notes of sweet toffee and oak.

The guys are all back together after an eventful Thanksgiving and they got a good one! CEO of Michter's Whiskey Joe Magliocco joins the crew! Magliocco was recently inducted into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame and became the second Michter’s Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame member after the brand’s master of maturation and COO Andrea Wilson. Please subscribe and review on all your major social media and streaming platforms. Cheers!

(Per heavenhilldistillery.com)-Since 1935, Heaven Hill Distillery has focused on the importance of both family and creating quality Whiskeys. We believe that quality Whiskeys come from quality ingredients. And quality ingredients come from long-standing, trusted partnerships that were built on handshakes, not contracts.

Heaven Hill Grain to Glass™ highlights this commitment to family and quality by partnering with two family-owned businesses, and taking quality and transparency one step further – starting with the seed. Cheers!

A special early Thanksgiving edition of Proof Positive with Ben and Kyle. Joe is MIA for this one, and I bet wish he did not miss a wonderful bottle of bourbon. Sit back, eat some good food, and see what the guys say about this one from Makers Mark! Happy Thanksgiving to all of you out there listening and cheers! Please follow and subscribe on all major social media and streaming platforms!

Another week and another great podcast episode with all three guys in attendance welcoming on Four Roses Master Distiller Brent Elliott! Please subscribe and review on all major social media and streaming platforms! Cheers!

Brent was the 2020 Master Distiller of the year and has played an integral role in the growth and continued acclaim of Four Roses. His most notable addition to date in the storied history of our 132-year old Bourbon brand is the introduction of Four Roses Small Batch Select. Launched in spring 2019, the non-chill filtered, 104-proof Bourbon was our distillery’s first permanent product-line extension since 2006. Since its release, Small Batch Select was ranked No. 3 in Whisky Advocate’s Top 20 Whiskies of 2019 (and was the highest-rated Bourbon), and also earned Category Silver for Kentucky Bourbon at the 2020 World Whiskies Awards.

This week the guys crack open a Rye whiskey from Heaven Hill Distillery. The 17th edition of the Parker’s Heritage Collection consisting of 10-year-old Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey pulled from 142 barrels. If you are a fan of Rye whiskey's, this one is for you! Make sure to subscribe and review on all major social media and streaming platforms. Cheers!

The guys have a wonderful episode for you this week. Angel Envy's Master Distiller Owen Martin joins the guys to talk about his journey in the bourbon business, his roles with Angel Envy, and new releases coming your way! Please be sure to subscribe and review on all major streaming and social media platforms! Cheers!

All three guys are back together for this week's Proof Positive with a good one from Wild Turkey! See what the guys think this week with an absolute beauty of the bourbon world! Please subscribe, like, and review on all streaming and social media sites!

Master’s Keep Voyage is a 106-proof expression of 10-year-old bourbon finished with a secondary maturation period in Jamaican rum casks, marking the first rum cask finish in Wild Turkey’s history. Crafted by Master Distiller Eddie Russell in partnership with Dr. Joy Spence, the renowned Master Blender of Appleton Estate rum, Voyage reflects over 80 combined years of experience in crafting exceptional spirits. This one-of-a-kind Kentucky Straight bourbon whiskey draws inspiration from the lush isle of Jamaica and showcases the expertise of two masters of their craft.

Ben and Joe are back with another delicious Proof Positive! This one can be found on the shelves if you are lucky enough to be traveling through Kentucky! Hear what the guys think about this bottle this week! Please review and subscribe on all major social media and streaming platforms! Cheers!

The Willett Family has a long Whiskey-making history stretching back into the 1700s. The family has worked for others and operated their own distillery off-and-on for well over two-hundred years. Prior to 2012 they were hand-selecting casks from the Kentucky Bourbon Distillers inventory for their releases. Since then, Willett Whiskeys are made from new-make spirit coming from their newly renovated distillery — opened in 2012 — and appropriately called the Willet Distilling Company. They deliver no fewer than a dozen varieties.

Another great episode as Ben and Joe jump into a revolutionary bourbon story in the great city of Detroit as they speak with Co-owner and Master Distiller JP Jerome! Eight childhood friends, three University of Michigan grads, one bachelor party campfire and one big idea. That’s how Detroit City Distillery got its start, and it must have been a winning formula as the distillery is still going strong today. Listen as the guy's dive into the journey and more of another wonderful bourbon company and story!

Please subscribe and leave a review on all major social media and streaming platforms!

Donnis is the first Master Distiller in the state of Texas and has been there from the beginning at Garrison Brothers! He helps create some of the finest bourbons in the state and he has developed every expression at their distillery in Hye, all the way from "corn to cork." Listen to another wonderful episode with the full cast this week! Make sure to subscribe, follow, and review the podcast on all major streaming platforms and social media sites.

Ben and Joe are back with another wonderful edition of Proof Positive. It used to be rejected by most in the bourbon world but now it is coveted and also widely available. See what the guys think of this week's Proof Positive. Please subscribe, review, and listen on all major streaming platforms!

This episode features a different look at the bourbon industry with CEO and CO-Founder of Unicorn Auctions AJ Heindel.

A.J. Heindel is the co-founder of Chicago-based Unicorn Auctions, the website platform that holds monthly auctions for an assortment of spirits and is particularly popular for its whiskeys.

Some of the site's flagship products have sold for eye-catching price tags. In a single auction, 40 bottles have gone for more than $2,000 each. One sold for as much as $48,500.

Listen as Ben and Joe break down the genius of how this all came together. Please subscribe, follow, and review on all your podcast platforms.

Thank you so much for making us the number one podcast in the Hobbies category on Apple. Because of that, our gift to you, a back-to-back Double Barrel with George T Stagg going up against Eljah Craig's Barrel Proof. See what the guys pick! Cheers!

On this edition of Proof Positive, Ben and Kyle do the first ever side by side comparison in the podcast's history between two great Weller products. Listen and see which one the guy's prefer. Make sure to review and subscribe wherever you are listening to our podcast. Thanks for listening!

Another great edition of proof positive as Ben and Joe tries out another rare bottle of bourbon. Listen in to find out if it is thumbs up or thumbs down with this week's proof positive. Thier fourth Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series may be the easiest way to taste your way through the rickhouse.  The name BRT was given to these expressions because of the influence our consistent practice of hand-barrel rotation (BRT) and temperature has on our whisky process. Made to be enjoyed as a pair, BRT-01 is inspired by the tasting notes found at the hotter top of the rickhouse, and BRT-02 is inspired by tasting notes found at the cooler bottom. Together, they give people the unique opportunity to experience where the characteristics responsible for the original Maker’s Mark come from, so they can reach a new level of understanding of whisky.

The boys are back with another wonderful edition of Proof Positive. This week they review Starlight Cart T Huber Cigar Batch. Another fantastic unique bourbon experience.

In 2013, the family achieved their goal, and Starlight Distillery became one of the first artisan distilleries in the state producing bourbon. The expansion involved implementing a new 13,000-square-foot stillhouse, adjacent to their original production area. It was in this warehouse that Carl T Bourbon was born, named after the Huber family's patriarch and a lover of the spirit himself. Carl T. and his spouse, Marcella, are the reasons that the family legacy continues into the seventh generation of ownership and distilling.

Born in Tennessee and raised in Kentucky, geography alone may have been telling Marianne Eaves that her destiny was to be a whiskey maker. However, it was courage to buck tradition, her creative engineering mind and a voracious appetite for learning that actualized her place in history as Kentucky’s First Female Bourbon Master Distiller since Prohibition. Listen to another great episode with another great guest! Making a name for herself in the bourbon industry and making history!