Bourbon Bytes Podcast

Clifton McDaniel | Bourbon Bytes
  • 4.4 (14)
  • Food
  • Updated Weekly

Whiskey news & reviews with a gaming twist! Each week, Clifton McDaniel brings you the latest bourbon releases, industry stories, and ‘Byte-Sized’ tastings—alongside the hottest video game news and discussions. Cheers, and Game On!

  1. 100th Episode: Little Book The Infinite Edition II Is Almost Perfect

    3h ago

    100th Episode: Little Book The Infinite Edition II Is Almost Perfect

    It’s the 100th episode of the Bourbon Bytes podcast! This week, I’m celebrating the milestone with a packed whiskey news lineup and a special Byte-Sized Review of Little Book The Infinite: Edition II from Jim Beam. Willett filled the first barrel at its new Springfield distillery, Bacardi is taking full ownership of Teeling Irish Whiskey, Four Roses officially announced its first Experimental Series release finished in Japanese Mizunara oak, Blade & Bow is launching a 12-year Solera Reserve bourbon, and Frey Ranch released its first 10-year bourbon. We also talk about the new “day cap” drinking trend, because apparently Gen Z may have just rebranded happy hour. Then it’s time for the main event: Little Book The Infinite: Edition II. This special Jim Beam family blend brings together 22-year bourbon distilled by Booker Noe, 10-year bourbon distilled by Fred Noe, and 7-year bourbon from Freddie Noe. It is bottled uncut and unfiltered at 120.4 proof, and it might be one of the best bourbons I’ve ever reviewed on the podcast. Expect deep mahogany oak, vanilla, cinnamon, rich sweetness, charred barrel spice, incredible balance, and a full-bodied finish that drinks far below its proof. 🥃 Topics covered: 100th episode thank-you Willett’s new Springfield distillery fills its first barrel Bacardi takes full ownership of Teeling Irish Whiskey Four Roses Experimental Series #1 Mizunara Oak Blade & Bow 12 Year Solera Reserve Frey Ranch 10 Year Bourbon The “day cap” trend Little Book The Infinite: Edition II review Final score and whether it is worth $180–$200 Thank you all for listening, supporting, and helping Bourbon Bytes reach 100 episodes. Cheers and game on!   Chapter Markers: 00:00 100th Episode Intro 00:28 Welcome + Thank You for 100 Episodes 01:09 Willett Fills First Barrel at Springfield Distillery 02:15 Bacardi Takes Ownership of Teeling Irish Whiskey 03:25 Four Roses Experimental Series Mizunara Oak 04:42 Blade & Bow 12 Year Solera Reserve 06:02 Frey Ranch 10 Year Bourbon 06:44 Is the Day Cap the New Night Cap? 08:55 Byte-Sized Review – Little Book The Infinite Edition II 15:16 100th Episode Outro

    16 min
  2. An American Whiskey From All 50 States + Burnt Tavern Bourbon Review

    Jun 18

    An American Whiskey From All 50 States + Burnt Tavern Bourbon Review

    This week on the Bourbon Bytes podcast, we’re covering one of the most ambitious American whiskey projects ever attempted before diving into a smoky, double-barreled Kentucky bourbon. Booker’s is back with the new Milkshake Batch, inspired by Booker Noe’s love of bourbon-spiked chocolate malted milkshakes. Green River has announced its oldest bourbon yet: an 8-year Distillery Select Toasted Double Oak release bottled at 115.1 proof. We also look at two very different celebrations of America’s 250th anniversary. Breckenridge Distillery is releasing its Patriotic Reserve Bourbon, while Lost Lantern has created a bourbon blend featuring whiskey sourced from all 50 states. Then Coors Whiskey Company enters the American malt category with an 8-year limited release made with Colorado and Coors malts. Finally, it’s time for a Byte-Sized Review of Burnt Tavern Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. This 7-year-old, 105-proof bourbon is double-barreled in specially toasted and charred oak, creating notes of vanilla, toasted marshmallow, barbecue smoke, chocolate-chip cookies, caramelized crust, oak, and lingering chocolate. Does all that smoke and char enhance the bourbon—or overpower what could be an excellent base whiskey? The review bottle was provided by Burnt Tavern. All opinions are my own. 🥃 Topics covered: Booker’s Bourbon Milkshake Batch Green River Distillery Select Toasted Double Oak Breckenridge Patriotic Reserve Bourbon Lost Lantern’s all-50-state bourbon blend Coors 8 Year Blended American Malt Whiskey Burnt Tavern Bourbon review Final score and whether it is worth $70 Would you rather try the bourbon blended from all 50 states or the smoky, double-barreled Burnt Tavern? Chapter Timecodes:  00:00 Intro – Booker’s, Green River, Coors & Burnt Tavern 00:28 Welcome + Episode Update 01:01 Booker’s Milkshake Batch 02:44 Green River’s Oldest Bourbon Yet 04:17 Breckenridge Patriotic Reserve 06:30 A Bourbon Blended From All 50 States 08:38 Coors 8 Year American Malt Whiskey 09:59 Byte-Sized Review – Burnt Tavern Bourbon 17:45 Outro + Byte Club and Pride Merch

    19 min
  3. Maker’s Mark Steward’s Release Review + Huge Nintendo Switch 2 News

    Jun 11

    Maker’s Mark Steward’s Release Review + Huge Nintendo Switch 2 News

    This week on the Bourbon Bytes Podcast, we’re breaking down a packed lineup of whiskey and gaming news before diving into a Byte-Sized Review of the new Maker’s Mark Steward’s Release. Old Forester announced its 2026 President’s Choice Bourbon and Rye, Barrell Craft Spirits revealed a limited Toasted Seagrass release, and Penelope is flipping its usual playbook with a new Classic Series bourbon and rye. On the gaming side, Nintendo Direct brought major Switch 2 news, including a new Kingdom Hearts 4 trailer and a surprise Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake announcement. We also touch on Xbox’s 25th Anniversary console, Halo: Campaign Evolved, and PlayStation’s latest State of Play. Then it’s time for the main event: Maker’s Mark Steward’s Release, the 2026 entry in the Wood Finishing Series. This release brings notes of maple syrup, vanilla, waffle cone, toasted pie crust, honeycomb, peach cobbler, and salted caramel — but does it live up to the best Maker’s Mark limited releases? 🥃 Topics covered: Old Forester President’s Choice Bourbon and Rye Barrell Craft Spirits Toasted Seagrass Penelope Classic Series Bourbon and Rye Kingdom Hearts 4 coming to Switch 2 Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake reveal Xbox 25th Anniversary console news Halo: Campaign Evolved update Maker’s Mark Steward’s Release review Final score and whether it’s worth $75 Would you pick this over Maker’s 46 Cask Strength or a great Private Select?   YouTube Chapters: 00:00 Intro – Old Forester, Barrell, Nintendo & Maker’s Mark 00:27 Welcome + Episode Setup 01:13 Old Forester President’s Choice 2026 02:30 Barrell Craft Spirits Toasted Seagrass 03:56 Penelope Classic Series Bourbon & Rye 05:24 Nintendo Direct + Switch 2 News 05:30 Kingdom Hearts 4 Trailer 06:10 Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake 07:06 Xbox, Halo & PlayStation Updates 07:51 Byte-Sized Review – Maker’s Mark Steward’s Release 14:30 Outro + Where to Find Bourbon Bytes

    15 min
  4. Bardstown Blended Bourbon with Japanese Whisky… and It’s Incredible

    Jun 4

    Bardstown Blended Bourbon with Japanese Whisky… and It’s Incredible

    This week on the Bourbon Bytes podcast, we’re kicking off June with a packed lineup of whiskey news and one of the most surprising reviews of the year. Four Roses just announced the start of its new Anthology Series, launching with a 21-year-old OBSF barrel-strength bourbon called The Origin. Russell’s Reserve 13 is back for Spring 2026 with a new release celebrating Eddie Russell’s 45 years of whiskey-making mastery. High West also returns with the 2026 edition of The Prisoner’s Share, now featuring High West’s own straight bourbon whiskey in the blend. On the gaming side, PlayStation’s latest State of Play brought new looks at Marvel’s Wolverine, Marvel Tokon, and Rayman Legends Retold. Then it’s time for a Byte-Sized Review of Bardstown Bourbon Company’s Distillery Reserve Mars Single Malt Japanese Blend. This limited release blends Kentucky straight bourbon aged 10 to 16 years with Japanese single malts from Mars Whisky, including whisky aged in Sakura cherry wood and Umeshu plum liqueur casks. It sounds wild on paper — but somehow, it works beautifully. At 109.8 proof and released in 375ml bottles for $100, this distillery-only experiment might be one of the best things Bardstown Bourbon Company has ever released. 🥃 Topics covered: Four Roses Anthology Series: The Origin 21 Year Russell’s Reserve 13 Spring 2026 High West The Prisoner’s Share 2026 PlayStation State of Play highlights Marvel’s Wolverine gameplay reveal Marvel Tokon announcement Rayman Legends Retold Bardstown Bourbon Company x Mars Whisky review Final score and whether this bottle is worth hunting Would you try a Kentucky bourbon blended with Japanese single malt?   00:00 Intro – Four Roses, Russell’s Reserve, High West & Bardstown Mars 00:29 Welcome + Episode Setup 00:55 Four Roses Anthology 21 Year Bourbon 03:01 Russell’s Reserve 13 Spring 2026 04:23 High West The Prisoner’s Share 2026 05:37 PlayStation State of Play Highlights 08:17 Byte-Sized Review: Bardstown Bourbon Company Mars Japanese Whisky Blend 16:08 Outro + Listener Question

    17 min
  5. Is Green River Honey Finished Bourbon the Best Honey Whiskey Yet?

    May 28

    Is Green River Honey Finished Bourbon the Best Honey Whiskey Yet?

    This week on the Bourbon Bytes podcast, we’re talking about a packed week of whiskey news, including two new America 250 anniversary releases, the return of two E.H. Taylor classics, and one of the strangest international whiskey collaborations I’ve seen in a while. Heaven Hill is releasing the Rittenhouse U.S. 250th Anniversary Commemorative Edition Rye, a 10-year-old bottled-in-bond rye priced at $99.99. Barrell Bourbon is also joining the celebration with Batch 38, a cask-strength blend of bourbons from Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee, and Maryland. Then, Buffalo Trace is reviving two historic E.H. Taylor releases: Four Grain Bourbon and Cured Oak Bourbon. One may be easier to find than the other, but both are exciting returns for fans of the Colonel E.H. Taylor lineup. We also dive into Bardstown Bourbon Company’s new collaboration with Mars Distilleries, blending Japanese single malt whisky with Kentucky bourbon in a first-of-its-kind release that might be brilliant… or way too complicated. Then it’s time for a Byte-Sized Review of Green River Honey Finished Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. This new release blends real Kentucky bourbon with local honey and rests them together in a barrel. At 4 years old, 92 proof, and only $25, it might be one of the most approachable summer whiskey releases of the year. But the big question is: Is this truly a finished bourbon, or is it basically a flavored whiskey? 🥃 Topics covered: 00:00 Intro - America 250 Whiskey, E.H. Taylor & Green River Honey 00:28 Welcome + Memorial Day Recap 01:24 Rittenhouse 250th Anniversary Rye 02:55 Barrell Bourbon Batch 38 04:14 Buffalo Trace Revives E.H. Taylor Classics 06:23 Bardstown Bourbon Company Distillery Reserve Mars Single Malt Japanese Blend 13:12 Byte-Sized Review: Green River Honey Finished Bourbon 18:49 Byte Club + Outro

    20 min
  6. Wild Turkey Gold Foil Returns + K&L’s Secret Turkey Bourbon Review

    May 21

    Wild Turkey Gold Foil Returns + K&L’s Secret Turkey Bourbon Review

    This week on the Bourbon Bytes podcast, Wild Turkey fans have a lot to be excited about. We’re breaking down the return of one of Wild Turkey’s most legendary bottles: the new Austin Nichols Reserve 16 Year, inspired by the mythical “Cheesy Gold Foil” Wild Turkey release from the 1980s. This new 16-year-old bourbon comes from Camp Nelson Warehouse D, is bottled at 120 proof, and marks Bruce Russell’s first solo project with the brand. We also cover two big Heaven Hill stories, including the Evan Williams America 250 Edition single barrel release bottled at 117.76 proof, plus the 2026 Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Collection, which is all about wheated bourbon this year. Then it’s time for a Byte-Sized Review of K&L Wine and Spirits’ Every Drop “Living Legend” Bourbon, a 7-year-old, 107-proof independent bottling from Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. They can’t officially say where it’s from… but let’s just say the clues are pretty loud. At only $50, this might be one of the best Wild Turkey-adjacent bourbon values I’ve tasted all year. 🥃 Topics covered: Evan Williams America 250 Edition Heaven Hill Grain to Glass 2026 Wild Turkey Gold Foil returns as Austin Nichols Reserve 16 Year Bruce Russell’s first solo Wild Turkey project K&L Every Drop “Living Legend” bourbon review Why this $50 independent bottling might be a must-buy Would you pay $400 for the new Wild Turkey Gold Foil release, or grab multiple bottles of this K&L pick instead?   Timecodes: 00:00 Intro - Wild Turkey Gold Foil Returns 00:26 Welcome + Memorial Day Weekend Dedication 01:38 Evan Williams America 250 Edition 03:04 Heaven Hill Grain to Glass 2026 04:18 Wild Turkey Gold Foil Returns 07:07 Byte-Sized Review: K&L Every Drop “Living Legend” Bourbon 13:25 Outro + Bourbon Bytes Community

    14 min
  7. King of Kentucky 16 Year Review: Is This $350 Bourbon Worth the Hype?

    May 14

    King of Kentucky 16 Year Review: Is This $350 Bourbon Worth the Hype?

    This week on the Bourbon Bytes podcast, we’re diving into new whiskey releases from Blue Run, Little Book, Very Old St. Nick, 15 Stars, and one of the strangest TTB labels I’ve seen in a while: a goat milk flavored whiskey from Tamworth. On the gaming side, Microsoft is making headlines with 8,000-year Xbox bans for Forza Horizon 6 pirates, while Xbox Game Pass is adding a new Discord Nitro perk. Then it’s time for a Byte-Sized Review of King of Kentucky 16 Year Bourbon. This 2024 release from Brown-Forman is a 16-year-old Kentucky straight bourbon bottled at 132 proof, with only about 5,100 bottles released. It shares the same mash bill as Old Forester 1924, but at six years older and full barrel strength, does it live up to the King of Kentucky name? Expect deep oak, antique wood, cedar chest, dark roasted nuts, molasses, tannic richness, and a long finish. 🥃 Topics covered: Blue Run Blueprint Bourbon Little Book Chapter 10: All the Wiser Very Old St. Nick Immaculata Bourbon 15 Stars Kentucke County releases Tamworth goat milk flavored whiskey Forza Horizon 6 piracy bans Xbox Game Pass Discord Nitro perk King of Kentucky 16 Year Bourbon review Would you pay $350 for King of Kentucky if you found it at retail?   YouTube Chapter Markers 00:00 Intro – Blue Run, Little Book, Xbox & King of Kentucky 00:28 Welcome + Episode Setup 01:08 Blue Run Blueprint Bourbon 02:47 Little Book Chapter 10: All the Wiser 05:20 Very Old St. Nick Immaculata Bourbon 06:22 15 Stars Kentucke County Releases 08:01 Goat Milk Flavored Whiskey?! 09:22 Gaming News – Forza Horizon 6 Bans + Discord Nitro 11:53 Byte-Sized Review: King of Kentucky 16 Year Bourbon 20:15 Listener Samples + Outro

    21 min
  8. Bernheim 20th Anniversary Review + A 163-Proof Stitzel Reserve Bourbon

    May 7

    Bernheim 20th Anniversary Review + A 163-Proof Stitzel Reserve Bourbon

    This week on the Bourbon Bytes podcast, it’s my birthday episode, and whiskey news got weird in the best way. Stitzel-Weller just announced a 31-year-old bourbon bottled at a wild 163.2 proof with a $3,000 price tag. Jack Daniel’s is teaming up with McLaren for the limited-edition Halo MK1 Tennessee Whiskey, and in gaming news, the new Steam Controller is already selling out while Halo 2 and Halo 3 remake rumors are heating up. Then I dive into a Byte-Sized Review of Bernheim 20th Anniversary Wheat Whiskey from Heaven Hill. This limited-edition Bernheim is 10 years old, bottled at 115 proof, and celebrates 20 years of one of the most unique American whiskey styles. I went in curious, but this one seriously surprised me with rich caramel, Halloween candy sweetness, balanced spice, and a finish that made me wonder why Bernheim doesn’t get more love. 🥃 Topics covered: Stitzel Reserve 31 Year Bourbon at 163.2 proof Jack Daniel’s x McLaren Halo MK1 Tennessee Whiskey New Steam Controller selling out Halo 2 and Halo 3 remake rumors Bernheim 20th Anniversary Wheat Whiskey review Final score and whether it’s worth hunting Would you pay $3,000 for a 31-year-old bourbon, or would you rather hunt down this Bernheim? YouTube Chapter Markers 00:00 Intro – Stitzel Reserve, Jack Daniel’s & Bernheim 00:28 Welcome to the Bourbon Bytes Podcast 01:17 Stitzel Reserve 31 Year Bourbon at 163.2 Proof 03:33 Jack Daniel’s x McLaren Halo MK1 Whiskey 05:38 New Steam Controller Sells Out 07:25 Halo 2 & Halo 3 Remake Rumors 08:49 Byte-Sized Review: Bernheim 20th Anniversary Wheat Whiskey 16:37 Byte Club Shoutout + Outro

    18 min
See All (100)

4.4
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

Whiskey news & reviews with a gaming twist! Each week, Clifton McDaniel brings you the latest bourbon releases, industry stories, and ‘Byte-Sized’ tastings—alongside the hottest video game news and discussions. Cheers, and Game On!

Information

  • Creator
    Clifton McDaniel | Bourbon Bytes
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2021 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Bourbon Bytes Podcast