ChiTuckyBourbonBrothers

ChiTucky Bourbon Brothers

The “Chitucky Bourbon Brothers” podcast, hosted by Mike Nielsen and Tony Meyers, serves as a delightful exploration of bourbon and whiskey culture, offering insightful reviews and discussions about various bourbons and whiskeys. The hosts share their passion for sipping “brown water,” a colloquial term for bourbon and whiskey, and aim to blend music with their love for these beverages, creating an engaging auditory experience for listeners. The podcast not only provides detailed reviews of different bourbons and whiskeys but also promotes a relaxed atmosphere where enthusiasts can enjoy the nuances of their favorite drinks alongside music that complements the experience.

  1. Episode 133 - Jefferson's Presidential 18 year

    APR 1

    Episode 133 - Jefferson's Presidential 18 year

    Send us Fan Mail A bourbon can be rare, expensive, and still disappoint. That’s why we finally went for it and put Jefferson’s Presidential Select 18 Year in the glass, the kind of “unicorn bourbon” people whisper about at whiskey bars and chase at auctions. This pour is tied to Stitzel-Weller barrels, distilled in 1991, bottled at 94 proof, and loaded with the kind of backstory that makes collectors argue for hours about what’s real value and what’s just hype. We walk through the Stitzel-Weller legacy and the Van Winkle family timeline so the label actually means something: how wheated bourbon became iconic, what changed when the distillery closed in the early ’90s, and how various brands ended up with those aging stocks. From there, we connect the dots on Jefferson’s origins as a non-distiller producer and why buying fully aged barrels in the late ’90s turned into a once-in-a-generation move. If you care about bourbon history, sourced whiskey, dusty whiskey, or the Pappy Van Winkle ecosystem, this is the context that makes the sip hit harder. Then we taste it for real. We talk nose, palate, mouthfeel, and finish with the details that matter: sweet caramel, toffee-like sugar, raisin and wine notes, dusty mature oak, gentle wheat character, and a surprising pop of spice for a wheater. We also get honest about the “sharing problem” with bottles like this, because some whiskeys aren’t party pours, they’re life-moment pours. If you’re into rare bourbon reviews, Jefferson’s Presidential Select, Stitzel-Weller lore, or just love a deep tasting breakdown, hit play. Subscribe, share this with a bourbon friend, and leave a review, then tell us: would you open a bottle like this or keep it sealed?

    29 min
  2. Episode 132 - Elmer T. Lee

    MAR 26

    Episode 132 - Elmer T. Lee

    Send us Fan Mail The bourbon world loves a loud debate, and Elmer T. Lee seems built to start one: is it a smooth classic that earned its reputation, or is it an “allocated” name that rides on scarcity and Buffalo Trace hype? We pour a 90 proof single barrel sour mash and give you the honest read, including why some drinkers call it too simple while others will happily pay double or triple retail just to keep it on the shelf. Along the way, we share some real-life updates from the Whiskey Brothers universe. Our group is growing, the bottle count is growing, and we’re moving from a residential setup into a larger commercial space north of Chicago. There’s a rehab plan, new windows and floors, fresh paint, and a big new bar build so we can host tastings the way they should be: comfortable, social, and focused on sharing good whiskey with good people. Then it’s all tasting and context. We talk Buffalo Trace mash bill #2 and the high rye angle, what “single barrel” really means in practice, and why distribution and allocation can make a $40 to $50 bourbon feel like a unicorn. We also touch the legacy piece: Elmer T. Lee is often credited with bringing single barrel bourbon to the mainstream, plus the fun detail that he liked his pour over ice with a splash of 7 Up. Expect classic notes like vanilla, brown sugar, light oak, a hint of cinnamon, and a finish that fades faster than you might want, which leads straight into the real question: what price makes this a “buy” versus a hard pass? If you like bourbon reviews, Buffalo Trace comparisons, and practical buying advice for allocated whiskey, hit play, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave us a quick review. What’s the most you’d pay for Elmer T. Lee?

    17 min
  3. Episode 130 - Four Roses Barrel Strength OESK

    FEB 16

    Episode 130 - Four Roses Barrel Strength OESK

    Send us Fan Mail A beat you can feel, a pour you can taste. We start with Outkast to set the mood, then turn to a Four Roses Single Barrel, Barrel Strength OESK that sparks a full-on exploration of how four letters can steer your bourbon journey. Our bottle is a 10-year, 4-month store pick at 116 proof, and it delivers the kind of balance that makes you sit up: maple and cherry on the nose, a first-hit pop of heat that settles into cinnamon-raisin toast, and a dry, mint-tinged finish that invites another sip. We break down the Four Roses code so you can shop smarter. The second letter signals mash bill—E for higher rye, B for lower rye—while the fourth letter reveals the yeast strain—V, K, O, Q, or F—each pushing the whiskey toward fruit, spice, floral, or herbal notes. Our take may surprise you: yeast character often shapes the glass more than mash bill once you’re already in rye territory. That’s why K, often called the “spice anchor,” can make even a lower-rye bourbon feel lively. Pair that with a decade in oak and you get structure without harshness. We also demystify store picks. These selections reflect a retailer’s palate and influence how consistent or special a bottle feels. We talk age windows—why OESK hits its stride around ten to eleven years—and value at the $100 mark, where transparency meets quality. If you want to build a palate rather than chase hype, Four Roses gives you the tools: read the letters, note the proof, consider the age, and discover what you actually like. We close with straight ratings—4.0 and 3.75—and clear buying advice so you can find your own winner. If music that refuses a box is your soundtrack, this bourbon that refuses easy labels is your companion. Tune in, subscribe for more candid tastings and practical buying tips, and drop your favorite Four Roses recipe code in a review so we can chase it next.

    24 min
  4. Episode 129 - E.H. Taylor Bottled-in-Bond, 2025 BTAC

    FEB 3

    Episode 129 - E.H. Taylor Bottled-in-Bond, 2025 BTAC

    Send us Fan Mail After trading allocated bottles from historic brands, and a question every bourbon fan wrestles with: when does hype outpace the pour? We put E.H. Taylor Bottled-in-Bond from the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection on the table after swapping out a Pappy 10 (Old Rip) and some cash to find out if the first-ever 100-proof BTAC earns its secondary price—or simply its place in history. We set the scene with why “first and only” matters here: not a one-time release, but the only bottled-in-bond in BTAC’s lineage. Then we walk through the proofing journey, from 140 proof off the still, to 125 proof into barrel, to a composed 100 in glass, along with how water choice, temperature, and integration shape the final profile. With a massive 62 percent angel’s share over 15 years and 4 months, the bourbon promises concentration, yet it prioritizes balance over brute force. On the nose, we pick up apple, maple sweetness, vanilla, caramel, and oak. The palate drifts from a quick black licorice flash to soft fruits and an elegant finish of brown sugar, cinnamon, and light pepper. The surprise is the mouthfeel—clean and approachable rather than the heavy oil and intensity BTAC fans expect from Stagg or WLW. That contrast leads to the big debate: is elegance at 100 proof a feature or a flaw in a lineup famed for high-octane hitters?  This is excellent at MSRP and a meaningful step up from standard E.H. Taylor bottled-in-bond, but a tough sell at eight times retail on the secondary market. If you love the Taylor profile and want a milestone bottle, it’s a smart pick near retail. If you’re chasing BTAC thunder, look toward Stagg or WLW. For those building value-forward shelves, we also highlight standouts like Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, Bardstown Bourbon Company releases, Ezra 7, New Riff single barrels, and reliable daily sippers when you can find them. Pour one, press play, and tell us where you land on rarity vs. flavor. If you enjoyed this breakdown, follow, share the show with a friend who loves bourbon hunts, and leave a review—your feedback helps more whiskey lovers find us.

    29 min
  5. Episode 128 - Jack Daniel's Single Barrel - Heritage Barrel

    JAN 24

    Episode 128 - Jack Daniel's Single Barrel - Heritage Barrel

    Send us Fan Mail A single barrel Tennessee Whiskey with a blue label. We crack open Jack Daniels Single Barrel Heritage Barrel and follow the trail doubling Jack Daniel's standard toasting time to that unmistakable Tennessee smoothness, asking why this release hits sweeter on the tongue, flares pepper through the mid-palate, and settles into a tobacco echo that begs for a square of chocolate or a quiet cigar. Brian from Bottle2Bond joins us for a pour that turns skeptics into believers, spotlighting the difference toasted oak and maple charcoal filtering make without losing the Jack character fans love. We start with the signature banana-versus-not debate and move into the mechanics that shape it: non-chill filtration for texture, a lower entry proof for balance, and a quick, flare char that preserves the caramelized toast. Brian shares firsthand experience with multiple Jack Daniel's single barrels—mostly stellar, but not all of them—reminding us that single barrel means there will be small variations, but most of the time they are worth chasing. We also map the release details, pricing around $70, and why this line is meant to stay on shelves rather than vanish into hype. Beyond the glass, we dive into whiskey culture. Distillery tours that surprise, barrel picks that educate, and the Tennessee Squire Association—invite-only, rooted in heritage—show how community anchors the pour. Brian brings a maker’s angle too, walking us through his Bottle2Bond travel whiskey glass built for real-world bottle shares: compact, tough, and discreetly measured so you can taste smarter. We wrap with our SIP method—shareability, influence, price and end with a confident recommendation for anyone curious about toasted oak, Tennessee tradition, and a finish that lingers with purpose. Pour a glass, press play, and tell us what you taste—banana, graham cracker, pepper, tobacco, or something we missed. If you enjoy the show, follow, share it with a whiskey friend, and leave a quick review so more listeners can find their next great pour.

    38 min
  6. Episode 127 - Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C925

    JAN 8

    Episode 127 - Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C925

    Send us Fan Mail A trusted favorite doesn’t always hit the same—and that’s exactly why we poured Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C925 and talked through what’s changing in bourbon right now. We start with the big headline: Jim Beam plans to halt production at its main distillery for 2026. Instead of doom, we see a rational move in a market correcting after years of explosive demand. Tariffs, softer export lanes, and a small but real drop in U.S. alcohol consumption—especially among younger adults—are nudging distillers to manage inventory, not abandon bourbon. From there, we get curious about how supply cycles and consumer trends shape what’s in your glass. Bourbon survived the mid-century slump, roared back in the 90s, and now sits firmly in the premium spirits tier alongside vodka, tequila, gin and rum. That foundation matters. Diversified portfolios, global distribution, and deeper brand equity make a collapse unlikely. What’s more probable? Easier finds on the shelf, more balanced pricing, and a steady stream of aged releases as warehouses remain full. Then we taste. C925 arrives at 129 proof with a rare single-digit age statement for the line— 9 yrs, 1 month. On the nose we find vanilla-forward sweetness with a touch of apple and restrained oak. The palate is syrupy with raisin and cinnamon heat, more punch than depth, and a finish that reads younger than past batches. It’s not a bad pour—just a reminder that proof and age need balance. At $70 to $90, it’s still a solid value, but if you’re new to Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, consider waiting for the next A-batch, which often brings a bit more age and complexity. We wrap with practical buying advice, some banter about Dry January, and a preview of our top whiskies list. If you love bourbon’s craft and culture, this conversation gives you a clear lens on market shifts and a grounded take on a hyped bottle. Enjoy the listen, then tell us your C925 rating and whether you’re seeing fuller shelves where you shop. If you’re into honest reviews and smart insights, follow, share, and leave a quick rating so more whiskey fans can find the show.

    29 min
5
out of 5
18 Ratings

About

The “Chitucky Bourbon Brothers” podcast, hosted by Mike Nielsen and Tony Meyers, serves as a delightful exploration of bourbon and whiskey culture, offering insightful reviews and discussions about various bourbons and whiskeys. The hosts share their passion for sipping “brown water,” a colloquial term for bourbon and whiskey, and aim to blend music with their love for these beverages, creating an engaging auditory experience for listeners. The podcast not only provides detailed reviews of different bourbons and whiskeys but also promotes a relaxed atmosphere where enthusiasts can enjoy the nuances of their favorite drinks alongside music that complements the experience.

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