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

    3D AGO

    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
  2. Redwood Empire Haystack Needle Review: One of 2026’s Best Craft Bourbons?

    APR 30

    Redwood Empire Haystack Needle Review: One of 2026’s Best Craft Bourbons?

    This week on the Bourbon Bytes podcast, we’re diving into a packed week of whiskey news before heading to Northern California for a Byte-Sized Review of Redwood Empire Haystack Needle. Michter’s is releasing its first-ever Barrel Strength Sour Mash Whiskey, Maker’s Mark is back with a new edition of Star Hill Farm Whisky, Widow Jane is finishing bourbon in Tequila Ocho casks, Jack Daniel’s has a new hazmat rye release, and Four Roses is expanding its single barrel lineup. Plus, we take a quick look at upcoming video game releases, including Forza Horizon 6 and 007 First Light. Then it’s time for the main event: a review of Redwood Empire Haystack Needle, an 8 year, 7 month California bourbon single barrel pick from K&L Wine and Spirits, bottled at 119 proof. This bottle completely surprised me with bright red fruit, strawberry shortcake, dark chocolate, oak, and a finish that makes me wonder if Redwood Empire is helping define the future of California whiskey. 🥃 Topics covered: Brown-Forman sale update Michter’s Barrel Strength Sour Mash Maker’s Mark Star Hill Farm Whisky Widow Jane x Tequila Ocho bourbon Jack Daniel’s hazmat rye Four Roses single barrel expansion Forza Horizon 6 and 007 First Light Redwood Empire Haystack Needle review Would you pay $130 for a craft California bourbon like this?   Timecodes: 00:00 Intro – Michter’s, Maker’s, Jack Daniel’s & Redwood Empire 01:15 Brown-Forman Sale Update 02:02 Michter’s Barrel Strength Sour Mash 03:40 Maker’s Mark Star Hill Farm Whisky 05:44 Widow Jane x Tequila Ocho Bourbon 06:52 Jack Daniel’s Hazmat Rye Release 08:15 Four Roses Single Barrel Expansion 09:18 Video Game News – Forza Horizon 6 + 007 First Light 11:23 Byte-Sized Review – Redwood Empire Haystack Needle 17:31 Outro + Bourbon Bytes Hotline

    19 min
  3. $12,500 Eagle Rare, New Booker’s Batch, But Is Knob Creek Blender’s Edition the Best Buy?

    APR 23

    $12,500 Eagle Rare, New Booker’s Batch, But Is Knob Creek Blender’s Edition the Best Buy?

    Whiskey got wild this week. Eagle Rare just announced a 30-year-old bourbon priced at $12,500, Elijah Craig is back with another PGA Championship bottle, and Booker's Bourbon returns with its first batch of 2026. I also break down: Buffalo Trace Distillery opening the new John G. Carlisle Cafe New TTB label filings from Old Forester and Heaven Hill Whether Booker’s is still worth buying at today’s prices Then I give my full Byte-Sized Review of Knob Creek Blender’s Edition to see if Beam has a real hit on its hands. 🥃 Is it better than standard Knob Creek? 🥃 Is it worth $45? 🥃 Great neat pour… or cocktail king? Let me know what you think in the comments.   Timecodes: 00:00 Intro – Welcome to Bourbon Bytes 00:52 Eagle Rare 30 Costs $12,500 04:42 Buffalo Trace Distillery Opens New Cafe 06:36 Elijah Craig PGA Championship Bourbon 07:59 Booker's Bourbon Big Easy Batch 2026-01 09:54 New TTB Labels: Old Forester + Heaven Hill 12:22 Byte-Sized Review – Knob Creek Blender’s Edition 21:04 Outro + Byte Club Shoutouts

    22 min
  4. Home Distilling Could Become Legal… Plus Kentucky Senator Bourbon Release #7 Review

    APR 16

    Home Distilling Could Become Legal… Plus Kentucky Senator Bourbon Release #7 Review

    Whiskey might be changing in a big way. A recent appeals court ruling could potentially make home distilling legal in the United States - a move that could reshape the entire whiskey landscape. But that’s not the only shift happening right now. This week on Bourbon Bytes, I break down: The home distilling ruling and what it actually means MGP slowing production and what that signals for bourbon supply A potential deal between Sazerac and Brown-Forman Sazerac’s newly named Tennessee distillery and future plans And of course, I’m reviewing Kentucky Senator Bourbon "Jim Bunning" Release #7 to see if it lives up to the hype. 🥃 Is the whiskey boom changing direction? 🥃 And more importantly… is this bottle worth your money? Let me know your thoughts in the comments. Timecodes: 00:00 Intro – Whiskey Industry Shakeups 00:56 Home Distilling Ruling Explained 03:29 MGP Pauses Production at Lux Row & Limestone Branch 06:11 Sazerac Eyes Jack Daniel’s + Announces AJ Bond Distillery 09:13 Kentucky Senator Charity Single Barrel News 11:47 Byte-Sized Review – Kentucky Senator Release #7

    20 min
  5. Hot Dog Bourbon Is Breaking the Internet… But Ardbeg 10 Cask Strength Wins

    APR 9

    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
  6. $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
  7. 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
  8. 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
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4.4
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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
    93
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2021 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Bourbon Bytes Podcast

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