The Bourbon Road

The Bourbon Road
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The Bourbon Road is two friends sharing pours and good stories with interesting guests. Each week we sip on bourbon while talking with celebrities, musicians, chefs, authors, industry experts and everyone in between. If bourbon makes it better... or even the other way around, then we want to talk about it.

  1. 18 MAR

    Overholt Overload: Tasting the 10, 11, and 12-Year Cask Strength Ryes

    Welcome back to The Bourbon Road! This week, hosts Jim Shannon and Todd Ritter are diving deep into the history and flavor of one of America's most iconic whiskey brands. We are keeping a long-overdue promise to our listeners by doing a side-by-side comparison of the highly sought-after extended age Old Overholt rye whiskeys. If you are a whiskey history buff, you know that Old Overholt holds the title for the longest continuously maintained whiskey brand in the United States, dating all the way back to 1810. Founded by Abraham Overholt in West Overton, Pennsylvania, it began as a classic Monongahela-style rye. We discuss its fascinating early history, back when frontiersmen transported the whiskey in casks on flatboats down the Monongahela and Ohio Rivers, stopping at the Falls of the Ohio before continuing to St. Louis and New Orleans. In those days, patrons would fill up ceramic jugs straight from the barrel! After being acquired by Jim Beam in 1987, the brand was moved to Kentucky, where corn was introduced to the mash bill to create a "Kentucky-ized" profile that many consider a "bourbon drinker's rye." Now, the brand is returning to its premium roots by offering higher-aged, cask-strength releases that harken back to the 1940s when you could get a 121-proof Old Overholt right from the cask. In this episode, Jim and Todd line up the 10-Year, 11-Year, and 12-Year Old Overholt Cask Strength Rye whiskeys to see how each year of extra aging and varying proofs impact the flavor profile. As always, they analyze the nose, palate, and finish of each expression before combining them for a final "Blendageddon" experiment. On the Tasting Mat: Old Overholt 10-Year Cask Strength Rye: Released in 2023, this 121-proof powerhouse was sourced entirely from Warehouse V—an "escalator" warehouse in Clermont. At an MSRP of $100, the guys are instantly struck by its dark cherry and oaky warehouse nose. On the palate, it delivers a massive impact with a cherry-honey combo, a deep richness that isn't overly sweet, and a light breath of rye spice that lacks any polarizing dill or mint notes. It boasts a remarkably long finish that leaves a lasting impression and a solid Kentucky hug. Old Overholt 11-Year Cask Strength Rye: Released in late 2024, this batch drops the proof down to 107.4 and shifts the aging to warehouses M, J, F, and 5. Also retailing around $100, this pour offers a much lighter, cleaner nose with hints of peanut brittle and subtle oak. The palate takes a sharp turn into "candy rye" territory, delivering rich notes of maple syrup, brown sugar, and sweet crystalized sugar sticks. While the finish isn't quite as long as the 10-year, it provides a beautifully balanced, sweet, and approachable experience that hides its proof effortlessly. Old Overholt 12-Year Cask Strength Rye: The senior member of the lineup steps the proof back up to 117. Also aged in warehouses M, J, F, and 5, this expression brings a completely different profile and a retail price of around $110. Boasting a rich mahogany color with thick legs on the glass, the nose is bursting with berry jam—think raspberries and strawberries—with a touch of dried cranberry tartness. The palate is a luxurious "berries and cream" experience, offering a velvety, salivating mouthfeel. It balances the sweetness with a leathery, slightly white-pepper spicy finish that lingers just as long as the 10-year. The "Blendageddon" Old Overholt 10/11/12-Year Custom Blend: To close out the tasting, Todd mixes equal parts of all three expressions, resulting in a custom blend sitting right around 114.4 proof. The guys discover that the bold 10-year and 12-year expressions dominate the softer 11-year, creating a complex pour that leads with the 12-year's berry notes and finishes with the 10-year's spicy, leathery bite. Tune in to hear Jim and Todd debate the merits of each vintage, discuss the fascinating history of the brand, and ultimately reveal their personal rankings of these three exceptional ryes. Which age statement will reign supreme? Grab a glass, pour your favorite rye, and join us on The Bourbon Road to find out!

    46 min

  2. 11 MAR

    The Return of the King: Tasting King of Kentucky Small Batches

    Welcome back to another episode of The Bourbon Road! After a brief hiatus, the man, the myth, the legend—Jim Shannon—is officially back in the host chair. Jim recently returned from a trip to Florida, where he experienced the wild swings of winter weather, going from 80 degrees down to 35. Of course, Kentucky wasn't about to be outdone, greeting him with 70-degree days followed immediately by threats of snow and heavy rains. As Jim and Todd Ritter settle back into the Bourbon Road bar, they take a moment to reflect on the crazy weather and look back at the anniversary of the historic Frankfort floods, thankful that the waterfront survived mostly intact this year. But enough about the weather—it is time to drink some incredible whiskey. For this highly anticipated review episode, the guys are diving into something truly special: the brand-new King of Kentucky Small Batch releases from Brown-Forman. If you follow the brand, you know that King of Kentucky is historically known for its ultra-rare, high-proof single barrel releases. However, the team at Brown-Forman found themselves with around 100 barrels that had incredibly low yields—some containing only 20 to 30 bottles worth of liquid due to heavy evaporation. Rather than release them individually, they decided to batch them together. This special release was created in honor of the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States. These small batches feature bourbon aged between 12 and 18 years, and surprisingly, they utilize a slightly different mash bill than the standard releases: 75% corn, 15% rye, and 10% malted barley. Bottled in 700mL formats with an MSRP of $299, these are still incredibly hard to find. Fortunately, Todd and Jim were lucky enough to get their hands on samples of all three batches thanks to their good friend John Peetz (aka Top Dog), whom they recently joined for an excellent barrel pick at Bluegrass Distilling. On the Tasting Mat: King of Kentucky Small Batch 1: Coming in at 105 proof, this first batch sets the stage with a classic, robust Brown-Forman nose full of cherry pie crust, toasted coconut, and vanilla. However, the palate takes a sharp turn into an incredibly dry and tannic profile. Lacking any real sweetness, it delivers bitter dark cacao, leather, and heavy oak tannins that linger on the back of the palate for a remarkably long finish. It is a complex, dry pour that demands your attention and pairs perfectly with a dark Maduro cigar. King of Kentucky Small Batch 2: Stepping up to 107.5 proof, Batch 2 shifts away from the dry tannins of the first pour and moves into darker, spicier territory. The nose is rich with dark fruits like dates, figs, and dried palm fruits. On the palate, it brings a leathery tobacco bite accompanied by a sizzling cinnamon and black pepper spice that dances across the tongue. It retains a dry character but balances the heavy oak with a fantastic, mouth-watering sizzle. King of Kentucky Small Batch 3: The heaviest hitter of the trio clocks in at 110 proof. This batch brings a completely different energy, opening with a bright, fresh nose of rich chocolate, citrusy lemon, and a distinct Coca-Cola note. The palate introduces a "faux sweetness"—a luscious cherry cola syrup flavor that perfectly masks the high proof while delivering a spicy, full-mouth tingle that coats the entire tongue beautifully. After sipping through the three official batches, Todd flexes his "Blendageddon" skills for the final pour of the night. By combining equal parts of Batch 1, Batch 2, and Batch 3, Todd creates a custom "Batch 4" that sits right around 107.5 proof. The guys evaluate this impromptu blend to see if combining the dry tannins, the dark fruit spice, and the sweet cherry cola notes results in a masterpiece that rivals the individual batches. Tune in to hear Jim and Todd's full tasting notes, their discussion on the secondary market values for these rare bottles, and their personal rankings of the King of Kentucky Small Batches. Which batch will take the crown? Grab your favorite glass, pour something special, and join us down the Bourbon Road. Cheers! Be sure to check out our private Facebook group, "The Bourbon Roadies" for a great group of bourbon loving people. You will be welcomed with open arms!

    47 min

  3. 11 FEB

    From the Battlefield to the Bottle: A Journey to Perryville, Kentucky

    Welcome to another exciting episode of The Bourbon Road! This week, hosts Jim Shannon and Todd Ritter hit the road, navigating a snowy and icy Kentucky winter to visit the historic Sugarbush Farm in Perryville, Kentucky. They are joined by special guests Lizzie and Aaron Haynes, the passionate founders of Peter E. Hart Spirits. The episode delves deep into the rich history of the farm and its namesake, Sergeant Peter E. Hart. Lizzie shares the incredible story of her great-great-great-grandfather, a Union cavalry sergeant who rode with the 13th Union Cavalry—known as "The Dreaded 13". Sgt. Hart survived the bloody Battle of Perryville in October 1862 and later returned to purchase the very land where Lizzie and Aaron now live and operate their business. We explore how the couple drew inspiration from this family legacy and granddaddy's porch-side cigar sessions to launch their own whiskey brand. Aaron, a chemical engineer trained through the University of Kentucky's distillation program, brings his technical expertise to the crafting and blending process, ensuring every bottle honors traditional Kentucky methods. The couple discusses the challenges and triumphs of launching their brand as a non-distilling producer (NDP) in 2020, and their exciting future plans to build a 500-gallon still and a tasting room directly on their historic family property. In this episode, the tasting mat features three exceptional expressions crafted by Aaron and Lizzie. The hosts break down the flavor profiles of each: Peter E. Hart Kentucky Rye Whiskey: This rye whiskey is finished in a freshly poured bourbon barrel that was smoked for eight hours with burning staves. Bottled at 100 proof, this expression features a unique sweet smoke profile that tones down the traditional rye spice. The brand blends rye whiskeys that are no younger than three years. The hosts note a chalky Necco candy aroma alongside a light, elegant fruitiness on the palate. Peter E. Hart Wheated Kentucky Straight Bourbon (Single Barrel): This limited-edition bourbon originally came out of the barrel at a 130 cask strength before being expertly proofed down to 112 to find the perfect flavor balance. It features a highly unique mash bill using honeyed wheat and honeyed malted barley. The hosts rave about its rich mahogany color, deep caramel notes, and a satisfying butter pecan finish. Peter E. Hart Double Oaked 8-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon: Sourced from Jim Beam, this 105-proof bourbon is double oaked for three months in a Level 4 char ISC barrel without toasting. Its mash bill consists of 67% corn, 23% rye, and 10% malted barley. The secondary maturation creates an elegant, robust pour with intense notes of stewed plums, leather, dried black cherries, and a cinnamon hard candy finish. Listen in as Jim and Todd savor these incredible pours, discuss the balancing act of running a growing family business, and learn how Peter E. Hart Spirits is blending rich Civil War history with top-tier Kentucky whiskey. Be sure to check out our private Facebook group, "The Bourbon Roadies" for a great group of bourbon loving people. You will be welcomed with open arms!

    1hr 6min

  4. 4 FEB

    Back in the Saddle: Jim Returns for a 4-Bottle Review

    Welcome back to the Bourbon Road! The long wait is officially over—Jim Shannon has returned from his Dry January hiatus, and he's ready to make up for lost time. Rejoining Todd Ritter in the Bourbon Road bar, the duo wastes no time getting back to business. To celebrate the return of whiskey to Jim's glass, they've lined up a heavy-hitting "review show" featuring four distinct expressions that span the spectrum of rye and bourbon, followed by a chaotic science experiment at the end. The tasting kicks off with a unique offering from the Castle & Key Experimental Series Rye. This release is finished in Vino de Naranja (Orange Wine) barrels and clocks in at a stout 115.8 proof. It immediately surprises the hosts with vivid notes of chocolate orange and cupcake icing, delivering a "pop rocks" sensation on the palate that balances sweetness with a spicy finish. Next, they shift gears to a historic brand with the Old Overholt 12-Year Rye. A 117-proof Monongahela-style rye, this bottle offers a stark contrast to the first pour. Jim and Todd discuss its dignified, "elderly" profile, noting deep flavors of leather, dried cranberry, and peppery spice. It sparks a conversation about how extra age transforms the typical bright rye profile into something much drier and more complex. Moving into bourbon territory, the guys crack open a bottle from the future—the Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B525. Sitting at 126.2 proof with an age statement of 11 years and 6 months, this release brings the heat and the flavor. The hosts uncover rich layers of brown sugar, molasses, and stewed plums, finishing with a distinct note of red hard candy cinnamon that lingers on the tongue. Finally, they cap off the individual tastings with the Old Forester 117 Series: Prohibition Era Still Proof. Inspired by the "distiller's holiday" of the prohibition era, this 130-proof powerhouse is surprisingly approachable. The guys dig into its dessert-like profile, finding heavy notes of cocoa powder, toasted marshmallow, and a s'mores-like quality that belies its high octane. To close out the show, Jim and Todd decide to mix things up—literally. They combine all four expressions into one glass for a "Boo Rye" blend. Does the combination of orange wine finish, aged rye, and barrel-proof bourbons create a disaster or a masterpiece? Tune in to hear their full tasting notes, their personal rankings of the four bottles, and to find out if the final blend was worth the risk. Cheers to being back on the road! Be sure to check out our private Facebook group, "The Bourbon Roadies" for a great group of bourbon loving people. You will be welcomed with open arms!

    46 min

  5. 28 JAN

    Bonjour Bourbon: A Deep Dive into French Oak Finishing

    Bonjour and welcome to another episode of The Bourbon Road! With Jim still observing Dry January, Todd Ritter is flying solo in the host chair—but he's certainly not drinking alone. To help him navigate a deep dive into the world of French Oak finishing, Todd has recruited two heavy hitters from the local whiskey scene: returning guest Amzie "The Alec Baldwin of The Bourbon Road" Wenning and David Sandlin, proprietor of The House of Commons bar in Frankfort. The trio embarks on a flavorful journey to explore how French Oak influence changes the profile of both bourbon and rye. They kick things off with the "OG" of the category: Maker's Mark 46. This 94-proof classic sparks a lively debate about what exactly makes "French Vanilla" french (spoiler: it might involve hazelnuts) and leads to stories about dipping bottles at the Loretto distillery. Next up is Blue Note Crossroads from Memphis, Tennessee. Sourced from Kentucky and finished with toasted French oak, this 100-proof bourbon brings notes of toasted marshmallow and oat milk to the table. The guys analyze its creamy mouthfeel and debate whether the fruit notes lean more toward apricot or nectarine. The third pour takes us to Lexington for the RD1 French Oak Finished Bourbon. Clocking in at 101 proof, this high-rye bourbon utilizes a unique wood "chain" method sourced from the five great forests of central France. The group discovers complex layers of chocolate, almond extract, and a nostalgic "fruit roll-up" note that takes them back to childhood. Finally, they cap off the tasting with a pour that's becoming harder to find: Pursuit United Rye Oak Collection. This 108-proof blend of Sagamore and Bardstown rye is finished with Sherry French Revere Oak. It challenges the group with a polarizing nose of dill versus mint, before settling into a palate of tropical fruit and old-school medicinal candy like horehound and clove. Throughout the episode, Todd, Amzie, and David geek out on production methods—from staves to wood chains—and discuss whether rye or bourbon stands up better to the bold flavors of French Oak. Tune in to hear their full tasting notes and find out how they ranked these four distinct expressions! Be sure to check out our private Facebook group, "The Bourbon Roadies" for a great group of bourbon loving people. You will be welcomed with open arms!

    46 min

  6. 21 JAN

    The Narrator, The Historian and The Guide

    Welcome back to the Bourbon Road! In this episode, your host Todd Ritter is flying solo while Jim takes a brief hiatus for Dry January. But don't worry—Todd isn't drinking alone. He has recruited two heavy hitters from the world of whiskey history and travel to fill the void and co-host a packed episode dedicated to the art of the distillery visit. Joining Todd in the studio is Drew Hannish, the voice behind Whiskey Lore and the author of the upcoming book Experiencing American Whiskey. With over 400 distillery visits under his belt across the United States and abroad, Drew brings a national perspective to the table. Also joining the conversation is Jerry Daniels, the owner and proprietor of Stone Fences Tours. A Kentucky historian and tour guide extraordinaire, Jerry offers an insider's look at the Bluegrass State's evolving tourism scene, from the big heritage brands to the craft innovators. The conversation kicks off with a deep dive into whiskey travel. Drew shares insights from his journeys, highlighting hidden gems outside of Kentucky. We discuss the "Land of Oz" vibe at Minden Mill in Nevada, the emerging scenes in Missouri and Texas, and why Pittsburgh might just be the next great whiskey destination. Jerry counters with his favorite Kentucky experiences, offering tips on how to navigate the trail beyond the standard tasting. The group discusses unique offerings like the "Science Tour" at Wilderness Trail, the archaeological digs at Buffalo Trace, and the party atmosphere at Whiskey Thief. The trio also tackles the current state of the industry. With rumors of market corrections and distillery closures swirling, our guests offer a grounded perspective on what is actually happening. Is the boom over, or is the market just normalizing? They discuss the shift in consumer demographics, the rise of "experience-based" tourism, and why history and craft will always keep whiskey relevant even as trends shift. Of course, it wouldn't be The Bourbon Road without a tasting session. Todd, Drew, and Jerry sample through three distinct expressions, analyzing the nose, palate, and finish of each. On the Tasting Mat: The Macklowe Collection Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey: A luxury release distilled in Danville, Kentucky. This High Corn recipe (75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley) is aged for at least four years and bottled at 92 proof. The guys discuss the "confectionary sugar" sweetness, notes of honey candy, and the surprising mouthfeel of this newcomer to the scene. Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Heritage Barrel: A special Tennessee Whiskey release that utilizes heavy toasting and a low entry proof (100 proof) to create a unique profile. Aged at the top of the highest barrel houses in Lynchburg, this 100-proof pour sparks a conversation about "banana nut bread" notes, marshmallow cream, and how Jack Daniel's continues to innovate within its traditional framework. Penelope 10-Year Private Select: Part of the Estate Collection, this straight bourbon clocks in at 106.8 proof. It features an intriguing mash bill blend of corn, rye, malted barley, and a mysterious 1% wheat. The group breaks down the floral nose, the transition from leather and tobacco to fresh citrus, and the long, spicy finish that lingers like "pop rocks." Throughout the episode, the guys geek out on production details—from the science of yeast to the impact of barrel entry proof—and debate their personal rankings of the three pours. Tune in to hear their thoughts on travel, history, and which bottle stood out the most, without us spoiling the winner here! Grab your favorite glass, settle in, and join us as we travel the country one dram at a time. Cheers! Be sure to check out our private Facebook group, "The Bourbon Roadies" for a great group of bourbon loving people. You will be welcomed with open arms!

    1hr 8min

  7. 14 JAN

    Travel Guide to Experiencing American Whiskey

    Jim and Todd welcome back a familiar face to the Bourbon Road: Drew Hannush, the host of the Whiskey Lore podcast and author of the massive new travel compendium, Experiencing American Whiskey . With the 2026 edition of his book hot off the press, Drew joins the hosts to discuss the monumental task of documenting over 1,000 distilleries across all 50 states . From the historic roots of Kentucky to the surprising whiskey scenes in states like New York and North Dakota, Drew shares stories from the road and tips for planning the ultimate whiskey adventure In the second half of the show, the trio dives into a "virtual road trip" tasting, sampling three distinct craft whiskeys from across the country. Todd kicks things off with a pour from Michigan: New Holland's "Walleye Run" Malted Rye Whiskey. This barrel pick, selected by friend of the show Dusty Dan, surprises the group with delightful notes of "grilled peaches" and a unique fruit-forward profile that defies typical rye expectations. Next, Drew introduces a true curiosity from Virginia: Malarkey Distilling's "Smokehouse" Whiskey. This experimental spirit is finished with wood staves that were smoked alongside pounds of bacon, resulting in a savory, meaty profile that Drew likens to a "bacon-smoky Tootsie Roll" . It's a polarizing but fascinating pour that proves there's always something new to discover in American whiskey. Finally, Jim heads west to Nevada for a sip of Frey Ranch Estate Grown Straight Rye Whiskey. Known for their "ground-to-glass" operation, Frey Ranch delivers a robust 100% rye mash bill that showcases the terroir of the high desert with classic spice and a rich mouthfeel. Throughout the episode, Drew offers insights into the shifting landscape of craft whiskey, highlighting how states like New York and Ohio are becoming major players . He also shares a fun travel tip for those visiting their 50th state: the "Save the Best for Last" club in Fargo, North Dakota . Tune in for a globetrotting conversation that will inspire your next distillery road trip! Be sure to check out our private Facebook group, "The Bourbon Roadies" for a great group of bourbon loving people. You will be welcomed with open arms!

    1hr 9min

  8. 7 JAN

    Whiskey of the Year 2025: The Top 5 Countdown

    It's the most anticipated episode of the year! Jim and Todd return to the Bourbon Road bar to ring in the New Year and unveil their 2025 Whiskey of the Year. After a marathon year of reviewing nearly 200 different spirits—including 121 bourbons, 29 ryes, and 24 single malts—the hosts have crunched the data and narrowed the field down to five elite contenders. The "Top 5" lineup represents the absolute best pours of 2025, featuring heavy hitters from some of America's most iconic distilleries. The hosts revisit the Woodford Reserve Chocolate Malt Whisper Redux, a 139.4-proof "happy accident" that stunned them with notes of fudgesicle and dark chocolate. They also pour the Jack Daniel's 12-Year-Old (Batch 3), a 107-proof expression that finally won Jim over with its rich profile of dark wood, fruit sweetness, and ripe banana. Also making the cut is the Knob Creek 21 Year Old, the oldest release to date from Jim Beam. At 100 proof, it defied expectations with a velvety texture and complex notes of toasted coconut and dark cherry. The heavyweights continue with the Russell's Reserve 13-Year Old (2025 Release), a barrel-proof bourbon praised for its "concentrated goodness" of salted caramel and brown sugar. Rounding out the finalists is the Wild Turkey Master's Keep Beacon, a 118-proof standout that the hosts describe as the "perfect turkey," bursting with burnt orange and toffee. In addition to the main countdown, Jim and Todd announce their 2025 Craft Distillery of the Year. Tune in to hear the debates, the tasting notes, and the final reveal of which bottle takes home the title of Whiskey of the Year! Be sure to check out our private Facebook group, "The Bourbon Roadies" for a great group of bourbon loving people. You will be welcomed with open arms!

    1 hr
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About

The Bourbon Road is two friends sharing pours and good stories with interesting guests. Each week we sip on bourbon while talking with celebrities, musicians, chefs, authors, industry experts and everyone in between. If bourbon makes it better... or even the other way around, then we want to talk about it.

Information

  • Creator
    The Bourbon Road
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    486
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2019 | The Bourbon Road LLC | All Rights Reserved
  • Show Website
    The Bourbon Road

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