Bourbon Bytes Podcast

Clifton McDaniel | Bourbon Bytes
  • 4.4 (14)
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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. Hot Dog Bourbon Is Breaking the Internet… But Ardbeg 10 Cask Strength Wins

    2H AGO

    Hot Dog Bourbon Is Breaking the Internet… But Ardbeg 10 Cask Strength Wins

    Bourbon is getting strange… and expensive. This week on Bourbon Bytes, I'm breaking down some of the wildest whiskey news stories of the moment: from Costco’s viral “hot dog bourbon” to Knob Creek’s new Blender’s Edition, Buffalo Trace’s latest experiments, and Angel’s Envy pushing further into ultra-premium territory. But after all the hype, the real question is… do we actually need all this innovation? To find out, I review the new Ardbeg 10 Cask Strength—a surprisingly simple release that might prove great whiskey doesn’t need gimmicks. Is bourbon innovation going too far? And can a classic Scotch still outperform it all? 🥃 Topics: Costco “Hot Dog” Rare Character Bourbon goes viral Knob Creek Blender’s Edition explained Buffalo Trace experimental releases Angel’s Envy’s most expensive releases yet Ardbeg 10 Cask Strength review 👇 Let me know: Do you prefer experimental whiskey… or classic, straightforward pours?   Timecodes: 00:00 Intro – Bourbon Is Getting Weird 00:30 Welcome to the Bourbon Bytes Podcast 01:07 Costco “Hot Dog” Bourbon Goes Viral 03:01 Knob Creek Blender’s Edition Explained 04:55 Buffalo Trace Experimental Releases 07:24 Angel’s Envy 10 Year Rye + Cask Strength Bourbon 11:02 Ardbeg 10 Cask Strength Byte-Sized Review 17:01 Outro + Where to Listen

    18 min
  2. $550 Weller?! + Jack Daniel’s Lottery & Bardstown Cascadia Review (Garryana Oak 🔥)

    MAR 26

    $550 Weller?! + Jack Daniel’s Lottery & Bardstown Cascadia Review (Garryana Oak 🔥)

    This week on the Bourbon Bytes Podcast, I'm breaking down some of the biggest whiskey news stories of the moment—plus a first impression review of a brand new Bardstown Bourbon Company release. 🔥 Topics include: A $549 Daniel Weller experimental release… is this getting out of hand? Jack Daniel’s 10, 12, and 14 Year lottery system A new Peerless 10-Year Bourbon Evan Williams’ Collegiate Single Barrel Series New TTB labels from Barrell, Lux Row, and Four Roses 🎮 Plus, a major shakeup in the gaming industry with layoffs at Epic Games. 🥃 Then we dive into a Byte-Sized Review of the Bardstown Bourbon Company Cascadia Garryana Oak Finish — a rare oak, toasted finish bourbon with a smoky, tobacco-forward profile and surprising sweetness. Is it worth the price… and the trip to the distillery?   00:00 – Intro & Episode Preview 01:06 – Peerless 10-Year Bourbon Announcement 02:19 – $549 Daniel Weller “Spelt Wheat” Reaction 04:04 – Evan Williams Collegiate Bottles 06:10 – Jack Daniel’s 10, 12, 14 Lottery Explained 07:46 – Speed Run: New TTB Labels (Barrell, Blood Oath, Four Roses) 10:41 – Gaming News: Epic Games Layoffs 12:22 – Byte-Sized Review: Bardstown Cascadia Overview 19:08 – Outro & Support the Show

    20 min
  3. What’s Going On at Green River? + Sazerac Full Proof Rye Review

    MAR 19

    What’s Going On at Green River? + Sazerac Full Proof Rye Review

    This week on Bourbon Bytes, I’m breaking down one of the biggest trending topics in bourbon right now — recent news and rumors surrounding Green River’s master distiller. What’s actually confirmed? What’s speculation? And what could it mean for the future of the brand? Then, I dive into a full review of the brand-new Sazerac Full Proof Rye Whiskey from Sazerac. Buffalo Trace fans have been waiting for a higher-proof version of this classic rye — but does it actually deliver? I cover: The latest Green River updates and what we know so far Nose, palate, and finish of Sazerac Full Proof Rye How it compares to standard Sazerac Rye Whether it’s worth buying at MSRP Note: Any discussion of Green River is based on publicly available information and industry speculation at the time of recording.

    19 min
  4. Is Evan Williams 12 Year Red Label a Hidden Heaven Hill Gem?

    MAR 12

    Is Evan Williams 12 Year Red Label a Hidden Heaven Hill Gem?

    On this week’s Bourbon Bytes Podcast, we’re covering some of the biggest whiskey news stories of the week before diving into a cult-favorite bourbon review. Topics include: 🥃 Remus Experimental Series Wheat Whiskey 🥃 Maker’s Mark 2026 Wood Finishing Series 🥃 Heaven Hill’s Deatsville campus release Then for this week’s Byte-Sized Review, I’m tasting Evan Williams 12 Year Red Label Bourbon, a Heaven Hill export that’s become a favorite among bourbon fans. Often only available in Japan, this bottle has developed a reputation for delivering well-aged bourbon at a surprisingly reasonable price. Does it live up to the hype? Let’s find out.   Chapters: 00:00 Intro – Whiskey News + Today’s Review 01:14 Remus Experimental Series Wheat Whiskey 03:13 Maker’s Mark "The Steward's Release" 2026 Wood Finishing Series 06:31 Heaven Hill Deatsville Bourbon Release 09:22 Byte-Sized Review – Evan Williams 12 Year Red Label 17:58 Final Thoughts & Wrap Up

    20 min
  5. Can Kentucky Make Good Tequila? | Nulu Extra Añejo Blue Agave Spirit Review

    MAR 5

    Can Kentucky Make Good Tequila? | Nulu Extra Añejo Blue Agave Spirit Review

    On this week’s episode of the Bourbon Bytes Podcast, I’m catching up on the latest whiskey and gaming news before diving into a unique bottle that raises an interesting question… Can Kentucky make good tequila? Today’s Byte-Sized Review features the Nulu Extra Añejo Blue Agave Spirit from Prohibition Craft Spirits — distilled in Tequila, Mexico but aged in Kentucky bourbon barrels. It’s a fascinating crossover between the worlds of bourbon and agave spirits, and I’m breaking down whether this experiment actually works. Along the way we’ll also talk about: 🥃 The return of High West Bourye 2026 🥃 New Heaven Hill Heritage Collection releases 🥃 A new Build Your Own Bourbon Trail experience in Kentucky 🎮 The announcement of Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves. Then we’ll taste the Nulu Blue Agave Spirit and see if Kentucky aging gives this agave spirit a bourbon lover’s twist. Is it a gimmick… or something truly unique? Explore Chapters using the timecodes below: 00:00 Can Kentucky Make Good Tequila? Intro + Whiskey News 01:20 High West Bourye 2026 Returns 02:56 New Heaven Hill Heritage Collection Release 04:33 Bernheim 20th Anniversary 10 Year Small Batch Wheat Whiskey 6:10 The Return of Sagamore 10 Rye Whiskey 07:24 Build Your Own Bourbon Trail Experience 09:17 Lux Row Opens Invitations to "The Front Row" VIP Experience 10:24 Nintendo Announces Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves for Switch 2 12:08 Byte-Sized Review – Nulu Extra Añejo Blue Agave Spirit 19:18 Final Thoughts & Wrap Up

    22 min
  6. Redbreast Moscatel Wine Cask Edition Review & World Whiskies Awards Winners

    FEB 19

    Redbreast Moscatel Wine Cask Edition Review & World Whiskies Awards Winners

    This week on the Bourbon Bytes Podcast, I’m diving into the brand-new Redbreast Moscatel Wine Cask Edition — the latest release in the Iberian Series — to see if this sweet Spanish cask finish lives up to the hype. Does Moscatel bring bold citrus and floral complexity… or is it too dessert-like for a classic single pot still Irish whiskey? I break down the nose, palate, finish, value, and where this release ranks among other Iberian Series bottles — plus whether it’s worth grabbing at retail. Timecodes below to jump straight to the review 👇 00:00 – Welcome + What’s in This Episode 01:13 – Whiskey News: World Whiskies Awards 2026 Winners 07:53 – Whiskey News: 2026 Michter's Celebration Sour Mash Whiskey Announced 09:54 – Whiskey News: Penelope 7 Year Old Barrel Strength Bourbon 11:25 – Whiskey News: Pinhook Vertical Series 10 Year Old Rye Whiskey 13:00 – Byte-Sized Review: Redbreast Moscatel Wine Cask Edition Irish Whiskey 21:30 – Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up

    24 min
  7. Green River Wheated Full Proof Bourbon Review — Does It Live Up to the Hype?

    FEB 12

    Green River Wheated Full Proof Bourbon Review — Does It Live Up to the Hype?

    This week on the Bourbon Bytes Podcast, I’m covering major whiskey headlines from around the world — including: 🥃 A new cask strength Ardbeg release 🥃 A wine-finished Redbreast from Ireland 🥃 An 18-year-old hazmat release from Barrell Craft Spirits And then… we get to the main event. Last year, Green River Full Proof Bourbon was my #1 whiskey of 2025. Now they’ve released a Wheated Full Proof Bourbon — and I’m giving my honest, independent take; breaking down the nose, palate, finish, value, and whether this one earns a spot on my shelf. Is it a worthy follow-up? Does swapping rye for wheat change the magic? And can it live up to the hype? Let’s find out. 🎧 Listen now and join the conversation in the Discord: bourbonbytes.com   Chapter markers: 00:00 – Welcome + Episode Overview 01:32 – Ardbeg 10 Cask Strength Committee Release 02:57 – Redbreast Muscatel Finished Irish Whiskey 04:17 – Barrell Craft Spirits 18-Year Hazmat Curacao Finished Whiskey 06:04 – Byte-Sized Review: Green River Full Proof Wheated Bourbon 15:37 – Listener Shoutout & Where to Follow

    17 min
  8. Copperworks Tequila Cask Finish Review and the Return of Whiskey Fan Favorites

    FEB 5

    Copperworks Tequila Cask Finish Review and the Return of Whiskey Fan Favorites

    This week on Bourbon Bytes, I’m digging into a tequila-finished American single malt from Copperworks Distilling and breaking down whether this experimental cask finish actually works. I also cover whiskey headlines, new releases, and industry chatter before delivering a full ‘Byte-Sized Review’ of the Copperworks American Single Malt finished in Arette tequila casks. From malt-forward sweetness to chocolate notes and surprising agave influence, I share exactly what stood out and where this bottle lands on my scale. If you love experimental finishes, American single malt, or just honest tasting notes beyond the hype, this one’s for you. Join the conversation in our Discord and tell me what you think: bourbonbytes.com   Timecodes: 00:00 Welcome to Bourbon Bytes   1:51 Whiskey News: Garisson Brothers 6yr Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon 3:56 Whiskey News: Return of New Riff Balboa Rye Whiskey 5:01 Whiskey News: Rebel Root Beer Whiskey Returns 5:51 Whiskey News: Buffalo Trace's 'Charred and Chilled Festival' 7:28 Video Game News: Ubisoft Cancels Prince of Persia: Sands of Time Remake 10:07 Video Game News: Microsoft's New 'Fable' Revealed 11:10 Byte Sized Review: Copperworks Arette Tequila Cask Finished American Single Malt Whiskey 20:32 Final Thoughts & Outro

    22 min
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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
    89
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2021 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Bourbon Bytes Podcast

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