The Bourbon Road

The Bourbon Road
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The Bourbon Road is two friends sharing pours and good stories with interesting guests. Each week we sip on bourbon while talking with celebrities, musicians, chefs, authors, industry experts and everyone in between. If bourbon makes it better... or even the other way around, then we want to talk about it.

  1. 4D AGO

    New Year's Eve Sample Blowout: Calvados Casks to Mesquite Smoke

    Happy New Year from The Bourbon Road! Jim and Todd ring in the New Year at the Bourbon Road bar with one final sample show to close out 2025. With the "Whiskey of the Year" episode just around the corner, the hosts are clearing the decks and diving into four distinct and intriguing pours that range from experimental finishes to classic Kentucky profiles. It's a diverse lineup that takes their palates on a journey from the coast of France to the American Southwest. The tasting begins with a luxurious offering from Bardstown Bourbon Company's Distillery Collection: the Normandy Calvados Brandy Barrel Finish. This blend of 12 and 13-year-old Indiana bourbons was finished for 28 months in apple brandy casks and an additional four months in toasted oak. Clocking in at 104.2 proof, it delivers a "flavor explosion" of honey crisp apple, vanilla cream, puff pastry, and a rich, compote-like texture that leaves the hosts searching for descriptors like "candle nose" and "apple pie." Next, they take a sharp turn to Oxnard, California, for Sespe Creek Distillery's Warbringer, a Mesquite Smoked Southwest Bourbon. This 98-proof experimental pour features mesquite-smoked corn and malted rye, resulting in a savory, polarizing profile. Todd and Jim pick up notes of "burnt all-beef hot dogs," barbecue smoke, and pumpernickel, describing it as a "smoky beast" that definitely ruffles some feathers but delivers on its promise of uniqueness. Returning to the Bluegrass State, the hosts sample the inaugural release from Jackson Purchase Distillery: the Full Proof. Produced in Hickman, Kentucky, by Master Distiller Craig Beam and Assistant Master Distiller Terry Ballard, this 4-year-old bourbon (roughly 117.8 proof) punches above its age class. It offers a definitive, classic bourbon profile with notes of buttery caramel, brown sugar, and a viscous, oily mouthfeel that Jim calls the "Wikipedia picture of bourbon." Finally, they explore the New Riff High Note Confluence Project Volume 1, a 100% Wheat Whiskey. This 6-year-old expression uses a complex mash bill of Red Turkey Wheat and various malted wheats. At cask strength, it surprises the table with a dark, complex profile featuring notes of cotton candy, mint tea, medicinal cherry, and a "Good & Plenty" black licorice finish that showcases the depth of heirloom grains. The episode wraps up with a "Winner Winner Chicken Dinner" segment where Jim and Todd attempt to rank these four very different whiskeys. Will they lock stock on their favorites, or will the polarizing pours divide the room? Tune in to find out and get ready for the 2025 Whiskey of the Year show coming next week! Be sure to check out our private Facebook group, "The Bourbon Roadies" for a great group of bourbon loving people. You will be welcomed with open arms!

    47 min

  2. 12/24/2025

    The Wrath of Todd: Tasting the Harden's Creek Trio

    Jim and Todd return to the Bourbon Road bar for a sequel to their recent Jim Beam tasting, dubbing this episode "The Wrath of Todd" With the holiday season in full swing, the hosts settle in for a sample show dedicated to exploring the impact of warehouse location—or "terroir"—on whiskey. While there are no live guests in the studio, the episode features a special drop-in from friend of the show Drew Hannush (host of Whiskey Lore), who shares details about his massive new travel guide, Experiencing American Whiskey, a resource covering over 1,000 distilleries across the United States. The main event focuses on the Harden's Creek Kentucky Series, a trio of limited-edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskeys from the James B. Beam Distilling Co. This unique experiment showcases three liquids that share the same mash bill, were distilled at the same time, aged for the same 11 years, and bottled at the same 110 proof. The only variable? The specific warehouse where they matured. The flight begins with The Mushroom, aged in Warehouse R. Known for being a single-story rackhouse with no windows, this "dungeon-like" environment sits close to the ground, creating a cool, consistent temperature. Jim and Todd find this expression earthy and savory, picking up notes of black pepper, mixed nuts, and a distinct lack of sweetness compared to typical Beam profiles. It offers a fascinating, funky character that lives up to its name. Next, they travel to Warehouse W for The Beaver. Situated near a creek in a low-lying, humid area, this warehouse allows for more interaction between the wood and the whiskey. The hosts immediately notice a brighter profile, detecting notes of green apple, cinnamon, and a rich "caramel apple" sweetness that coats the palate. It presents a classic, comforting bourbon profile with a surprising amount of fruitiness. Finally, they ascend to the top of Warehouse G for The Owl. This towering nine-story rickhouse exposes the barrels to significant temperature fluctuations and airflow. The result is the darkest pour of the three, delivering deep, intense flavors. Todd identifies this as his "jam," praising its rich notes of black cherry, deep oak, and wood spice that venture into "Booker's territory." It's a bold, heavy hitter that stands in stark contrast to the lighter, earthier expressions. Throughout the episode, Jim and Todd debate the nuances of each pour, marveling at how identical distillates can diverge so wildly based solely on where they sit. They wrap up the show with a difficult "Winner Winner Chicken Dinner" ranking, trying to decide which warehouse reigned supreme. Be sure to check out our private Facebook group, "The Bourbon Roadies" for a great group of bourbon loving people. You will be welcomed with open arms!

    47 min

  3. 12/17/2025

    Grain-to-Glass in North Carolina: Southern Distilling's Story

    Jim and Todd welcome Pete Barger, co-founder of Southern Distilling Company, to the show for a deep dive into the history and revival of Statesville, North Carolina—once known as the "Liquor Capital of the World". As one of the nation's largest privately owned distilleries, Southern Distilling balances a massive contract distilling operation with their own award-winning Southern Star brand, all while championing a "grain-to-glass" philosophy that supports over 5,000 acres of local farmland. The tasting kicks off with the Southern Star Bottled-in-Bond Straight Rye Whiskey. Crafted with a unique mash bill featuring 51% Abruzzi rye, this expression leans floral and approachable rather than aggressively spicy, offering notes of buttery rye muffin, honeyed tea, and a touch of ginger. Next, the group samples the limited-edition Southern Star Bourbon Finished in Honey Barrels. Sourced from a single barrel exchange with a local apiary, this cask-strength bourbon delivers a rich, creamy profile packed with butterscotch and toasted Werther's Original notes, balancing the natural sweetness of wildflower honey with bold bourbon character. Finally, Pete showcases their innovation with the Southern Star American Single Malt. Unlike many pot-still single malts, this 114.8-proof expression is produced on a continuous column still, resulting in a distinctively American profile bursting with "fruit cup" flavors—greenish banana, juicy fruit, and poached pear—layered over a robust grain-forward base. Throughout the episode, Pete shares fascinating insights into the "science and geometry" of their palletized warehousing, the advantages of continuous distillation for malt, and the distillery's commitment to reviving heritage grains like Abruzzi rye. Be sure to check out our private Facebook group, "The Bourbon Roadies" for a great group of bourbon loving people. You will be welcomed with open arms!

    57 min

  4. 12/10/2025

    Revenge of the Maltmigos

    The "Maltmigos" ride again! Jim and Todd welcome back recurring guests and fellow whiskey lovers, Amsey and Rob, for a long-awaited reunion show. Dubbed "The Revenge of the Maltmigos," this episode strays from the bourbon path to explore a diverse lineup of Irish whiskeys and Scotch whiskies, including a rare and experimental rye from a legendary Islay distillery. The tasting begins with a duo from Two Stacks Irish Whiskey. First up is The First Cut Complex Blend, a unique combination of grain, pot still, and malt whiskeys aged in virgin oak, ex-bourbon, and Oloroso sherry casks. At 86 proof, it surprises the group with a nose that Amsey likens to "freshly opened motor oil" (in a good way) alongside notes of peach, honey, and hay. Next, they sample the Two Stacks Double Barrel Single Grain, a 94% corn and 6% malted barley blend aged in ex-bourbon and finished in Oloroso sherry casks. This 92-proof pour delivers a richer, darker profile with notes of coffee, cold brew, and a savory "fudgy" finish that impresses the table. Moving to Scotland, the group travels to Campbeltown with the Glen Scotia 15-Year-Old. Matured in first-fill bourbon barrels, this 92-proof single malt brings the funk with a nose described as "rubber baby buggy bumpers," iodine, and band-aids—classic Campbeltown markers that evolve into notes of apricot, sea spray, and a buttery texture on the palate. Next is a trip to the Highlands with the Loch Lomond 18-Year-Old. Aged in three types of American oak, this expression offers a "bready" and "crusty" profile with hints of blackberry, peach, and a "whisper of smoke" akin to sweet barbecue or a Dutch oven cobbler cooked over an oak fire. The final pour is a true curiosity: Bruichladdich "The Laddie" Rye. This experimental 7-year-old release from Islay is made with 55% rye and 45% malted barley. Bottled at 100 proof, it defies expectations with a nose of "corn pops" cereal and a palate that balances the spicy kick of rye with the creamy texture of a pot still whiskey. The hosts debate whether it leans more toward a Kentucky rye or something entirely new, picking up notes of clove, leather, and honey. The episode wraps up with the "Winner Winner Chicken Dinner" segment, where the four "Migos" struggle to rank such a varied lineup. Opinions are split, with the Glen Scotia and the Bruichladdich Rye battling for the top spot, proving that there's plenty of room for debate when good friends and great whiskey come together. Be sure to check out our private Facebook group, "The Bourbon Roadies" for a great group of bourbon loving people. You will be welcomed with open arms!

    1 hr

  5. 12/03/2025

    Beam Me Up, Toddy: A Trek Through Jim Beam's 2025 Rarities

    "Beam me up, Toddy!" Jim and Todd embark on a voyage to the final frontier of flavor with an epic tasting of four highly anticipated limited releases from the James B. Beam Distilling Co. In a show packed with Star Trek puns and serious spirits, the hosts explore how Eighth Generation Master Distiller Freddie Noe is pushing the boundaries of the family legacy. The mission begins with Little Book Chapter 9: "None For Granted." This 2025 release is a complex blend of five unique whiskeys, including 11-year-old bourbon, 8-year-old rye, and two distinct 7-year-old bourbons. Clocking in at 121.8 proof, it surprises the hosts with notes of crisp green apple, peanut shells, and a "Payday bar" sweetness that Todd can't get enough of. Next, they reach into the "Sample Safe" for Little Book The Infinite: Edition 2. This multi-generational blend combines 22-year-old bourbon distilled by Booker Noe, 10-year-old from Fred Noe, and 7-year-old from Freddie Noe, along with a portion of the inaugural Edition 1. At 120.8 proof, it delivers a "master class" in balance, offering a creamy mouthfeel laden with vanilla icing, floral notes, and a depth that represents the "whole flavor wheel" in a glass. The journey takes a sharp turn with Booker's The Reserves 2025, a bold 123.3 proof bourbon finished for 11 weeks in ex-El Tesoro Tequila barrels. This unique experiment—a first for Beam—presents a polarizing dry, earthy profile with notes of citrus and savory herbs that the hosts agree would pair perfectly with a sweet-tipped cigar or even a "Bourbon-Rita". Finally, they tackle the oldest expression ever released by the distillery: the Knob Creek 21 Year Old. Bottled at 100 proof, this ultra-aged bourbon defies expectations by avoiding the bitter "oak bomb" trap of previous 15-year releases. Instead, it offers a velvety palate rich with dark cherry, high-cacao chocolate, and a distinct toasted coconut note that leaves the hosts in awe. The episode concludes with a difficult "Winner Winner Chicken Dinner" ranking where two bottles battle for the top spot, followed by a daring "suicide mix" of all four expressions. Plus, stick around for some Thanksgiving talk as Todd shares his plans for a spatchcocked, smoked turkey. Be sure to check out our private Facebook group, "The Bourbon Roadies" for a great group of bourbon loving people. You will be welcomed with open arms!

    44 min

  6. 11/26/2025

    The Sample Safe: Unlocking Lost Lantern's Fall 2025 Collection

    Jim and Todd return to the "Corner Rick House" for a massive tasting session, cracking open the "Sample Safe" to explore Lost Lantern's Fall 2025 Collection. Dubbed "The Scotch Lovers' Collection," this ambitious release focuses entirely on American Single Malt, showcasing the incredible diversity and maturity of the category across seven distinct expressions. From the maritime influence of Nantucket to the high-altitude mountains of Idaho, the hosts take a deep dive into unique mashbills, historic re-releases, and heavy-hitting barrel proofs. The journey begins with two blends: the American Vatted Malt Reissue, a fifth-anniversary tribute to Lost Lantern's debut whiskey featuring six pioneer distilleries, and the American Vatted Malt Remix, a robust evolution blending malts from 11 distilleries across eight states. Next, they head to the Sawtooth Mountains for the Warfield American Single Malt, a single cask release that stuns the hosts with its creamy lemon square profile despite a staggering 135.4 proof. The tour continues to the East Coast with a trio of releases from Nantucket's Triple Eight Distillery. The hosts sample the Triple Eight 10-Year-Old Single Malt, noting its savory "salt-water taffy" and orchard fruit notes, followed by the oldest whiskey in the collection, the Triple Eight 11-Year-Old Sauternes Cask Finish, which brings rich, funky notes of "1790s cavalry tack shop" and honey-roasted almonds. Rounding out the trio is the Triple Eight Peated Single Malt, offering savory campfire smoke and blackberry cobbler vibes that Todd compares to a "pseudo-Ardbeg". Finally, they revisit a classic pioneer with the McCarthy's 10-Year-Old Peated Oregon Single Malt, a milestone release delivering intense medicinal peat and iodine notes reminiscent of Islay scotch. In a challenging "Winner Winner Chicken Dinner" segment, Jim and Todd attempt to rank these seven unique whiskeys, culminating in a "suicide mix" of the final four pours that surprisingly works. Tune in to hear which single malt reigned supreme in this coast-to-coast showdown. Be sure to check out our private Facebook group, "The Bourbon Roadies" for a great group of bourbon loving people. You will be welcomed with open arms!

    58 min

  7. 11/19/2025

    Jim Returns for a Winner Winner Chicken Dinner

    Jim Shannon is back in the saddle at the Corner Rick House! After a week of travel, he rejoins Todd Ritter to recap Todd's recent solo history lesson and, more importantly, to dive into a "Winner Winner Chicken Dinner" review show featuring four distinct and intriguing whiskeys. From new brands with legendary backing to rare single-barrel finds, the hosts put their palates to the test in a battle for the top spot. The tasting begins with Burnt Tavern Bourbon, a 7-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon with a backstory of resilience. Developed with the help of master distiller Chip Tate, this double-barreled expression surprises the hosts with its "whisper of smoke," evoking notes of smoky cherries flambé, caramel, and leather. It's a bold start that sets a high bar for complexity. Next, they explore Whiskey JYPSI Legacy Batch 003: "The Declaration." Co-founded by Eric Church, this ambitious blend pays homage to America's 250th anniversary with a unique mashup of spirits: a 60% Indiana rye finished in apple brandy barrels from George Washington's Mount Vernon, a 30% ancient 20-25-year-old Canadian corn whiskey, and a 10% American single malt. At 115 proof, it delivers a "Mexican chocolate" profile with rich cacao, cayenne spice, and a depth that commands attention. The third pour takes them to the forest with Pursuit United Kodama Mizunara. This limited edition from Kenny Coleman and Ryan Cecil blends their signature bourbon with a finish in rare Japanese Mizunara oak (80%) and infrared toasted American oak (20%). Aptly named "Spirit of the Trees," it offers a fresh, aromatic nose of sandalwood and cherry blossom, followed by a savory, creamy palate of churro and cinnamon that drinks dangerously below its 117 proof. Finally, they crack open a pint of Pursuit Spirits Old Anvil, an 11-year-old, 119-proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon sourced from Heaven Hill. Known for a "sucked then became magical" aging story, this one-off release delivers a syrupy, viscous mouthfeel laden with vanilla cream, crème brûlée, and a distinct "mineral sting" characteristic of dusty, vintage funky bourbon. The episode wraps up with a difficult ranking of these four heavy hitters and a daring "cuvée" experiment where Todd mixes them all together for one final sip. Tune in to see which bottle takes home the "Winner Winner Chicken Dinner" title! Be sure to check out our private Facebook group, "The Bourbon Roadies" for a great group of bourbon loving people. You will be welcomed with open arms!

    46 min

  8. 11/12/2025

    Bourbon on the Banks 2025: The Official Wrap-Up

    Jim and Todd sit down for their annual "Bourbon on the Banks" wrap-up show, joined by two key figures behind the successful event, Diane Strong and Renee True. As longtime listeners and friends of the show, Diane and Renee dive deep into a "postmortem" of the 2025 festival, discussing its record-breaking successes, logistical challenges, and plans for the future, all while tasting a couple of the event's exclusive barrel picks. The tasting kicks off with the Pursuit United Bourbon on the Banks Pick, a 108-proof bourbon finished with a unique tobacco stave. Todd, Diane, and Renee, who were all part of the large selection team, reflect on their choice, noting that the crowd-pleasing "sweet" and "smooth" profile made it a winner. The pour is rich with notes of sweet pipe tobacco, caramel, and a distinct chocolaty, candy-like quality. The group discusses the massive success of the festival's single-barrel pick program, which featured 11 or 12 different selections this year. Many, like the Bluegrass and Chicken C**k picks, sold out quickly. They also highlight the "rock star" quality of the picking teams, which often included a mix of industry professionals and highly knowledgeable consumers, ensuring a high standard across the board. Diane and Renee share insights into the festival's record-breaking year. The Friday night VIP event, which celebrated "Women in Bourbon," was a huge success. The event's auction was a standout, raising over $22,000 for local charities. Attendance for the main festival hit a new high, selling out a full month in advance and welcoming over 300 more attendees than the previous year. The tiered ticket structure (Special Access, Early Access, General Admission, and Twilight) was successful, and due to positive feedback, the event may be extended by an hour in 2026. The second pour comes with a fantastic backstory: the Dark Arts Bourbon on the Banks 2024 Pick. Due to a distributor mix-up, this 7.5-year-old bourbon, finished in Tokai wine casks, was mistakenly absent from the 2024 festival. The bottles were held in a warehouse for a year and finally made their debut at the 2025 event. Jim, Todd, and Renee—who also selected this barrel—revisit their 113.24-proof pick, praising it as "dessert in a glass" with decadent notes of fig, sweet caramel, and deep, rich oak. The conversation covers the entire weekend, from the positive feedback on the Thursday night "Whiskey Thieves Kickoff" and "Bourbon Street on Broadway" to the packed after-party. A major logistical victory for 2025 was the permanent relocation of the local farmer's market, which previously conflicted with setup. This new freedom will allow the festival to start earlier next year. They also discuss attendee feedback, such as requests for lanyards and a mobile app, and the great community response to inviting more social media influencers and YouTubers to cover the event, which Diane notes helps shine a light on the smaller, craft distilleries that make the festival unique. Be sure to check out our private Facebook group, "The Bourbon Roadies" for a great group of bourbon loving people. You will be welcomed with open arms!

    51 min
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4.9
out of 5
211 Ratings

About

The Bourbon Road is two friends sharing pours and good stories with interesting guests. Each week we sip on bourbon while talking with celebrities, musicians, chefs, authors, industry experts and everyone in between. If bourbon makes it better... or even the other way around, then we want to talk about it.

Information

  • Creator
    The Bourbon Road
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2025
  • Episodes
    475
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2019 | The Bourbon Road LLC | All Rights Reserved
  • Show Website
    The Bourbon Road

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