To celebrate the 50th episode of the Bourbon Bytes Podcast, I’m reviewing William Larue Weller bourbon, a part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (2021). This epic conclusion to Season 1 of the Bourbon Bytes Podcast is a tribute to the Patreon supporters and listeners of the podcast who have supported me over the past year. Subscribe to Bourbo…

Today I'm reviewing a cask strength craft rye whiskey from Dog and Shrub Distillery out of Lake Mills, WI. This was sent to me by Edd from The Rotgut Review, who happens to work at Dog and Shrub. I'm also touching on some upcoming whiskey news, including the new Woodford Reserve Honey Barrel Finish Distillery Series, Wild Turkey Master's Keep, and …

Barrell Vantage is a 114.4 proof bourbon from Barrell Craft Spirits consisting of a blend of straight bourbon whiskeys finished in three distinct expressions of virgin oak: Mizunara, French, and toasted American oak casks. I'm reviewing this new BCS release and enjoying it both neat and on the rocks during the California heat wave.…

Today I'm reviewing two of last year's biggest releases from the New Riff Distillery, Malted Wheat Bourbon and Malted Rye Bourbon. These "Malsters" are a project that explores different malted grains used in a Kentucky Straight Bourbon recipe. Both come in at 100 proof and are aged at least 5 years. Plus, I'm sharing breaking news from Maker's Mark…

I'm reviewing the third release of Kentucky Senator Bourbon named after John G. Carlisle and coming in at 7 years old and 107 proof. Is this $130 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey worth seeking out? Plus, I'm sharing updates about allocated lotteries for the 2022 Old Forester Birthday Bourbon and Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch open now, as …

I'm reviewing the 2022 release of Laphroaig Càirdeas, Warehouse 1. This Scotch was aged in first-fill ex-bourbon barrels from Maker's Mark in the iconic Warehouse 1 that bares their namesake on the Islay Coast. Coming in at 52.2% ABV and $90, how does this year's Cairdeas compare to last year's Cask Strength PX Sherry release? I'm also sharing the …

I'm reviewing EJ Curley & Co. Single Barrel Cask Strength Bourbon, a legacy brand from the 1860s that's making it's return to Jessamine County, Kentucky. Plus, I'm sharing the news about several upcoming whiskey releases: Kentucky Owl Takumi Edition, Redwood Empire Cask Strength Lost Monarch, Frey Ranch Malted Grain Series 100% Malted Corn Whiskey,…

I'm reviewing W.L. Weller 12 Year Old Bourbon from Buffalo Trace, sharing new wheated whiskey announcements from Willett and Maker's Mark, new TTB standards for American Single Malt Whisky, and exciting video games coming out this month: Two Point Campus, Arcade Paradise, and Rollerdrome. Cheers, and game on!…

I'm reviewing the Heaven Hill Experience gift shop exclusive bottle - Five Brothers Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. A small batch blending of five ages of Bourbon, Five Brothers Bourbon pays homage to the courage, dedication and solidarity of the five Shapira brothers who started it all in 1935.…

This week I’m joined by one of WhiskeyTube’s greatest mods, Emily Chambers, to review Russell’s Reserve 10 Year Old Bourbon from Wild Turkey and chat about Disability Pride Month and how to make the whiskey community more inclusive.Von Clifton McDaniel | Bourbon Bytes

This week I’m reviewing and comparing Baker’s 13 Year Old Bourbon with a 13 Year Old Single Barrel Pick from Knob Creek, as well as sharing news about New Zealand’s bourbon shortage, and a new project from former Old Forester Master Taster, Jackie Zykan, called Hidden Barn Bourbon.Von Clifton McDaniel | Bourbon Bytes

I'm sitting down with my friend Brandon to try Booker's B95-C-31 compared to "Pigskin Batch" from 2020. Plus, we're discussing the state of Booker's Bourbon in 2022. Is this Small Batch from Jim Beam worth the $100 price tag? How does it compare to previous releases? Watch the Video Recording of this Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Bour…

I'm reviewing the Ardbeg Day 2022 Committee Release of Ardbeg Ardcore, an Islay Scotch Whisky created with heavily roasted black malt, a first for Ardbeg. Plus, I'm sharing the news about the return of Jack Daniel's Coy Hill as a small batch Tennessee only release. I'm also recapping the June Nintendo Direct Mini, with game announcements such as Pe…

Today I'm reviewing a peculiar bourbon whiskey from Trader Joes that was bottled at barrel entry proof, talking about a new TTB label for single barrel picks of Rittenhouse Rye Whiskey from Heaven Hill, as well as doing a deep dive into why Amburana casks from Brazil and South America are the latest craze in whiskey finishing, featured by iconic br…

I'm tasting a single barrel of Nulu Barrel Strength Bourbon finished for four months in maple syrup barrels that was picked by my friends over at This is My Bourbon Podcast. Plus, I'm talking about the launch of the English language PokéToon shorts from Pokémon and the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge video game. Follow my frien…

I'm sitting down with a few friends to discuss the state of Light Whiskey and American Whiskey in 2022. We'll also be tasting and comparing Old Carter American Whiskey Batch 6 and a Hazmat Obtainium Light Whiskey from Cat's Eye Distillery. Is Light Whiskey the new Bourbon?Von Clifton McDaniel | Bourbon Bytes

I'm reviewing a whiskey sent to me by Patreon supporter Patrick (@Bourbon_newb), Doc Swinson's Exploratory Series Kiona Cask Bourbon finished in Cabernet Sauvignon casks from Kiona Vineyards in Washington. Plus, I'm talking about many new whiskeys coming out this month - including Dixon Dedman's 2XO 'The Phoenix', and two new Doc Swinson's Explorat…

I'm reviewing Wild Turkey's Longbranch, a collaboration between creative director Matthew McConaughey and master distiller Eddie Russell. This 8-year-old Kentucky Bourbon is refined through oak and mesquite charcoal and is an approachable entry into the brand. Plus, I'm sharing news of the upcoming free-to-play fighting game, MultiVersus, including…

I'm reviewing the latest release from the Glendalough Distillery, a 7 year old Irish Whiskey finished in Mizunara Oak Casks. I'm also sharing the news of several other upcoming American whiskeys and bourbons with unique finishes that I can't wait to try.Von Clifton McDaniel | Bourbon Bytes

I'm doing a Dry Week, so I'm trying three limited edition sodas from Coca-Cola and Pepsi! Coke Starlight is the first limited edition sparkling beverage from Coca-Cola Creations. Nitro Pepsi is a nitrogen-infused draft cola that comes in both classic and vanilla flavors. Will these new products be good enough to replace my go-to afternoon Coke Zero…

This week I'm reviewing a store pick of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon. This private barrel comes from Circus Liquor in North Hollywood, California. I'm also talking about a new malted rye whiskey from New Riff, Jack Daniels Bonded and Triple Mash, and 2 new Bardstown Bourbon Company releases that were just spotted on the TTB. Plus, I'm sharing …

I'm tasting the latest Committee Release of Ardbeg, Ardbeg Fermutation, a 13 year old peated Islay whisky that went through an epic three week-long fermentation – the longest in Ardbeg’s history – which eventually gave rise to a wild, zingy and vibrant spirit. I'm also talking about whiskey NFTs from Ardbeg, a new Heaven Hill distillery being built…

Fortuitous Union from Rolling Fork Spirits is a Kentucky bourbon barrel finished 12-year-old Trinidad rum blended with cask strength rye whiskey and bottled at 103 proof. Was this fortune, or an F' up? Also in this episode, I'm talking about some upcoming whiskey releases, including Wild Turkey Master's Keep 'Unforgotten', Still Austin Four Grain B…

Jack Daniel's Coy Hill was one of the most sought after special release whiskeys of 2021. Tonight, I'm joined by a few friends as we try 3 different single barrels all at over 140 proof (Hazmat). Does higher proof mean better whiskey? Or are one of the "low" proof hazmat bottles beat the bunch? Find out in this very special Tennessee Whiskey flight…

I'm reviewing the 16 Year Gray Label Seagrass Rye Whiskey from Barrell Craft Spirits and comparing it to the standard Seagrass release. I'm also talking about new whiskeys coming out this month and later this year, including Barrell Dovetail Gray Label 16yr, Kentucky Owl 'The Wiseman' Rye, and Compass Box Vellichor. I'm also highlighting upcoming v…

I'm joined by my friends Brandon (@imasmartidi0t), Juan (@whiskeypadajuan), and Aaron (@whiskypair) for a blind flight of 5 American whiskeys. Can I tell the difference between a bourbon and a wheat whiskey? Maybe. Will we be surprised by the results? You bet!Von Clifton McDaniel | Bourbon Bytes

I'm reviewing Wild Turkey's LE whiskey release for 2021, Master's Keep One, thanks to Patreon supporter @Bourbon_Newb. I'm also and chatting about Michter's withholding their 10 year bourbon until 2023, and the removal of tariffs of American Whiskeys in the UK. In gaming news, we're talking about the Kirby 30th Anniversary Music Fest, and the Teena…

Enter the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in the upcoming open-world adventure game, Hogwarts Legacy. I'm sipping on and reviewing the latest batch of Barrell Bourbon, Batch 32, while recapping Playstation's State of Play reveal of this incredible video game coming later this year.Von Clifton McDaniel | Bourbon Bytes

Today I'm reviewing Wild Turkey's Russell's Reserve 13 Year Old Bourbon which I won in this year's whiskey lottery. I'm also sharing the news of the upcoming 17 Year Old bourbon releases coming from Heaven Hill along with the new cognac finished Batch 18 Bourbon from Four Gate. There are some new video games coming out this month as well, including…

This week I'm sipping on a special sample of Booker's 25th Anniversary edition bottle from Jim Beam, sharing the news about the first bourbon release coming soon from the Castle & Key Distillery, and recapping the Pokémon Day presentation that included the announcement of the next generation in the video game series, Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Vio…

Today I'm reviewing Freddie Noe's 2020 addition to the Little Book series from Jim Beam, Chapter 4: Lesson's Honored. I'm also talking about The Sexton's new limited edition The Walking Dead Irish Single Malt Whiskey, a Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon and Rye Whiskey Raffle supporting Make a Wish Foundation and Champ Camp, and an epic retro video game fin…

On this episode, I'm reviewing Town Branch's 11 year old single malt whiskey aged in Oloroso sherry casks while talking about new bills in the state of Kentucky that could help save private barrel selections from becoming illegal. Plus, I'm talking about a Japanese whiskey heist that involved over 7.7 million yen worth of whiskey! Questions or comm…

Do you have friends who aren't whiskey drinkers? Today I'm giving you some tips on how to ease them into sipping bourbon and whiskey neat! Because drinking whiskey with friends is always more fun than drinking alone. I'm also tasting and reviewing Old Forester Single Barrel Barrel Strength Rye sent to me by a listener of the podcast. Questions or c…

Thanks to a good friend and patron of the show, I have the latest batch of Stagg Jr. to review. Plus, I'm talking about the latest acquisition of Samson & Surrey by Heaven Hill and the acquisition of Bungie Studios by Sony PlayStation. Then, I'm highlighting a few new video games coming out this month, including Horizon Forbidden West, Elden Ring, …

2022 is off to a busy start with new whiskey announcements coming out of the U.S. and Scotland. I'm pouring a glass of Barrell Craft Spirits Armida Bourbon and diving into these upcoming releases, including Rabbit Hole Starlino Rye, Jack Daniel's 12 Year, Ardbeg Hypernova, Ardbeg Fermutation, and Glendronach 50 Year. Questions or comments? Reach me…

This week I'm reviewing Yellowstone Select Bourbon and talking about their limited edition Landmark Series bottles to celebrate Limestone Branch Distillery and the 150th anniversary of the Yellowstone Bourbon Brand. Plus, I'm taking a deep dive into a new case study about the bourbon industry in Kentucky, which is bringing in over $9 billion a year…

Knob Creek has always had a place on my bar cart. Today, I'm comparing the 100 proof and cask strength versions of Knob Creek 12 Year, talking about some new Rye whiskeys from Still Austin and Uncle Nearest, plus sharing what games I've been enjoying the most so far in 2022: It Takes Two and Hot Wheels Unleashed. Questions or comments? Reach me at …

On today's episode, I'm reviewing two whiskeys from J.K. Williams Distilling out of Peoria, Illinois - including their Zephyr Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Bridge Series Wheat Whiskey. I'm also talking about a new 13-year-old Light Whiskey from Penelope Bourbon and the next generation of virtual reality gaming from Playstation VR2. Questions or comm…

Today I will be raising a glass to Betty White (1922-2021) with a review of Barrell New Year 2022 Bourbon. I'm also sharing some of the runners up from my Top Whiskeys of the Year and why they didn't quite make the list for 2021, including Larceny Barrel Proof (C921), Russell's Reserve 13, Jaxk Daniel's 10, Doc Swinson's Alter Ego Rye, Old Scout Po…

It's a short one this week, but I'm reviewing two American Whiskeys for you guys: Jack Daniel's 10 Year Old Tennessee Whiskey & Peerless Double Oak Bourbon. I'm also talking about Maker's Mark paying your luggage fees for Holiday travel, and the passing of Nintendo legend Masayuki Uemura. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and yours this sea…

In an unexpected twist, Heaven Hill sent me a sample of the final 2021 batch of Larceny Barrel Proof C921 that I'm reviewing this episode. Larceny C921 comes in at 122.6 proof and is aged 6-8 years. I'm also talking about the release of St. George Spirits Ruthless Whiskey made from Sierra Nevada IPA mash, as well as Sagamore Spirits new Rum Finish …

Shopping for the whiskey lover in your life can be tough, so I’ve created a list of the best gift-giving bottles to guide you in finding the perfect present for them this Holiday season. Plus, I'll be reviewing Smooth Ambler's Old Scout Port Cask Rye, talking about the Bardstown Collection of Limited Edition bourbons, and a brand new update to Gran…

The Whisky Exchange just named Deanston 18 as the Whisky of the Year 2022. I'm reviewing this Highland Single Malt Scotch for the first time, and I'm discussing news about a new Irish whiskey distillery at the historic Titanic Pump House in Belfast, Suntory's Japanese whiskey price hike, and Qualcomm x Razer's new G3x Dev Kit that's about to change…

This Black Friday, I'm talking about the best "bang for your buck" bourbons in three different categories. Whether it's high proof, high value bottles, mid-range bourbons, or budget bottles, you will be hard pressed to find better deals than these. Later in the episode, I'm also sharing some of the best Black Friday deals in video games, including …

I'm reviewing Elvis "Tiger Man" Tennessee Whiskey & "The King" Indiana Rye Whiskey while talking about other upcoming releases - including American Highway Bourbon from Brad Paisley and Bardstown Bourbon Company, the next Old Forester 117 Series "1910 Extra Old." I'm also sharing breaking news about the new live-action Halo TV series coming to Para…

This is a weird one! Lots of whiskey & gaming news this week - including French fry flavored vodka from Arby's, a major Among Us update, and the release of Netflix Gaming for iOS and Android, including two Stranger Things games. I'm also reviewing Barrel Craft Spirits' Barrel Seagrass, an American and Canadian Rye Whiskey finished in 3 different ty…

Lux Row Distillers just announced a $4M expansion plan, so I'm reviewing the latest Blood Oath Pact 7 and sharing my thoughts on the distillery and its recent acquisition by MGP. Then, I'm talking with my friend Brandon about the newest game in the CoD franchise, Call of Duty: Vanguard, out today. Follow Brandon on Instagram: @imasmartidi0t Chat ab…

To kick off Halloween weekend, I'm reviewing Smoke Wagon's special edition spooky bottle, reacting to Blue Run's High Rye Bourbon from Jim Rutledge, and discussing Stardew Valley developer ConcernedApe's latest project: Haunted Chocolatier. Chat about this week's episode on the Bourbon Bytes Whiskey & Gaming Lounge Discord at http://www.BourbonByte…

After six weeks of its employees on strike, the Heaven Hill Distillery has reached an agreement with a local labor union. I'll be telling you what you need to know about this decision and how it relates to the 'Bourbon Boom'. I'll also be tasting and reviewing Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C921 while discussing Rockstar Games announcement of Grand Thef…

In this first episode of the Bourbon Bytes Podcast, I'll be recapping my trip to Austin, Texas for the Bastard's Ball and LaQuinta Meetup. I'll be tasting Saint's Alley "The Herald" Bourbon finished in Armagnac Casks while also discussing the Animal Crossing: New Horizons 2.0 update coming November 5th. Find Bourbon Bytes across the web: http://Bou…