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. 2d ago

    Buffalo Trace Summer Camp, Bourbon Lemonade, & Store Pick Review

    This week on the Bourbon Bytes podcast... Kavalan shocked the whiskey world at the 2026 International Whisky Competition, taking three of the top five spots with Taiwanese single malt releases including the Peatist Oloroso Sherry Cask, Solist Ex-Bourbon Single Cask Strength, and Solist Madeira Cask. Then Buffalo Trace announced Camp Buffalo Trace, a new 21+ summer camp-style experience featuring bourbon education, blind tastings, single barrel challenges, barrel stave workshops, and even overnight luxury camping at the distillery. Buffalo Trace also quietly revealed a new Bourbon Lemonade canned cocktail, made with Buffalo Trace bourbon and real lemon juice, available at the distillery this summer. Then it’s time for a Byte-Sized Review of a Buffalo Trace Single Barrel Store Pick from K&L Wine and Spirits. This 9 year, 2 month Buffalo Trace store pick was bottled in a 1.75L handle for around $65, making it one of the best values I’ve found from Buffalo Trace in a while. It brings classic Buffalo Trace character with extra age, oak, brown sugar pastry, candied apple, cherry, caramel, chocolate, and a surprisingly solid finish for 90 proof. Is this the best way to drink Buffalo Trace? 🥃 Topics covered: Kavalan’s massive International Whisky Competition sweep Camp Buffalo Trace luxury bourbon camping Buffalo Trace Bourbon Lemonade canned cocktail What makes Buffalo Trace store picks different K&L Wine and Spirits Buffalo Trace single barrel review Final score and whether store picks are worth hunting YouTube Chapter Markers: 00:00 Intro – Kavalan, Camp Buffalo Trace & Store Pick Review 00:29 Welcome + Episode Setup 00:58 Kavalan Sweeps the International Whisky Competition 03:03 Camp Buffalo Trace 06:13 Buffalo Trace Bourbon Lemonade 08:01 Byte-Sized Review – Buffalo Trace Single Barrel Store Pick 17:06 Byte Club + Outro Would you grab a Buffalo Trace store pick over the standard bottle?

    Buffalo Trace Summer Camp, Bourbon Lemonade, & Store Pick Review

  2. Jul 9

    SHĀNG Baijiu Whiskey Review: A Wild New Whiskey Category?

    This week on the Bourbon Bytes podcast, we’re talking about major whiskey and gaming news before diving into a double Byte-Sized Review of SHĀNG whiskey — a first-of-its-kind fusion of Chinese baijiu tradition and Kentucky whiskey aging. Barton 1792 just announced two major releases: its first-ever 1792 Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey and 1792 XV, a 15-year-old cask-strength, unfiltered bourbon that marks the oldest age-stated expression in the brand’s history. The Kentucky Bourbon Trail also added four new destinations, including Pursuit Spirits, giving a major milestone moment to a brand that started as a whiskey podcast. On the gaming side, Microsoft announced one of the biggest restructures in Xbox history, including thousands of job cuts and a major shift in strategy. Then it’s time for the main event: a double review of SHĀNG’s new jiàngxiāng whiskey releases. First up is SHĀNG Dàn Yǎ, made from Chinese sauce-aroma baijiu that is redistilled and aged in charred American oak in Kentucky. Then I review SHĀNG East + West Kentucky Blend, which combines that baijiu-based whiskey with American red sorghum whiskey. These are unlike anything I’ve reviewed before: sweet, earthy, savory, smoky, honeyed, mezcal-like, Islay-adjacent, and completely unique. 🥃 Topics covered: 1792 Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey 1792 XV 15 Year Cask Strength Bourbon Kentucky Bourbon Trail adds Pursuit Spirits Microsoft and Xbox restructuring What is SHĀNG jiàngxiāng whiskey? SHĀNG Dàn Yǎ review SHĀNG East + West Kentucky Blend review Final scores and which bottle I’d recommend first Would you try baijiu whiskey, or is this too far outside traditional American whiskey?   YouTube Chapter Markers: 00:00 Intro – Barton 1792, Bourbon Trail, Xbox & SHĀNG 00:32 Welcome + Episode Setup 01:07 Barton 1792 Rye + 1792 XV Bourbon 04:49 Kentucky Bourbon Trail Adds Pursuit Spirits 06:13 Microsoft Announces Major Xbox Restructure 08:58 Double Byte-Sized Review – SHĀNG Whiskey 11:41 SHĀNG Dàn Yǎ Review 15:21 SHĀNG East + West Kentucky Blend Review

    SHĀNG Baijiu Whiskey Review: A Wild New Whiskey Category?

  3. Jul 2

    Maker’s Mark Made a Wheat Whiskey… But Is Star Hill Farm 2026 Worth the Price?

    This week on the Bourbon Bytes podcast, we’re heading into July 4th weekend with a packed lineup of whiskey and gaming news before reviewing one of Maker’s Mark’s biggest experiments yet: Star Hill Farm 2026. Bulleit just announced its oldest rye ever: a 20-year-old, 137-proof release limited to 1,776 bottles for America’s 250th anniversary. Redwood Empire is also back with Colonel Armstrong Wheated Bourbon, a new $40 four-grain release blending Northern California grain-to-glass whiskey with Kentucky and Indiana high-wheat bourbon. We also talk about Dragon Con Bourbon, a nerdy collaboration with Atlanta’s Old Fourth Distillery, and Sweetens Cove Father’s Finish, a bourbon finished in cuvée wine barrels with a golf-themed cork design. On the gaming side, Nintendo finally brings Star Fox to the Switch 2 with a modern remake of Star Fox 64. Then it’s time for a Byte-Sized Review of Maker’s Mark Star Hill Farm 2026. This is not bourbon. It’s an American wheat whiskey made with 27% wheat, 62% malted wheat, and 11% malted barley, designed to highlight estate-grown grain and regenerative agriculture at Maker’s Mark. At 116.4 proof and around $120, Star Hill Farm 2026 brings cola, vanilla cream, tart cherry, powdered sugar, brûléed sugar, and dessert-like sweetness. But does it deliver enough complexity to justify the price? 🥃 Topics covered: Bulleit 20 Year Rye Redwood Empire Colonel Armstrong Wheated Bourbon Dragon Con Bourbon Sweetens Cove Father’s Finish Star Fox on Nintendo Switch 2 Maker’s Mark Star Hill Farm 2026 review Final score and whether it’s worth buying Would you pay $100-$120 for Maker’s Mark’s new wheat whiskey experiment? YouTube Chapter Markers 00:00 Intro – Bulleit, Dragon Con, Star Fox & Star Hill Farm 00:28 Welcome + July 4th Weekend Setup 01:14 Bulleit 20 Year Rye 03:07 Redwood Empire Colonel Armstrong Wheated Bourbon 03:59 Dragon Con Bourbon 05:23 Sweetens Cove Father’s Finish 06:24 Star Fox Comes to Nintendo Switch 2 07:53 Byte-Sized Review – Maker’s Mark Star Hill Farm 2026 15:56 Outro + Community Question

    Maker’s Mark Made a Wheat Whiskey… But Is Star Hill Farm 2026 Worth the Price?

  4. Jun 25

    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

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

  5. 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

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

  6. 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

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

  7. 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

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

  8. 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

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