Bourbon Barrel Talk

In a quasi crossover episode, the crew discusses with Chad and Val barrel picks and other things happening in that part of our industry. Chad runs Mythical one of the larger pick groups in the Midwest. Val has worked with multiple brands, Smooth Ambler, Castle and Key and Jeptha Creed. 

Brian and Scott take a visit to the Blending House and have a conversation with Master Blender Ashley Barnes and Director of Operations Matt King.

The Blending House serves as a centralized production hub designed specifically to optimize operations for spirits brands of all sizes.

It is home to a 30,000 square foot state-of-the-art blending and bottling facility and seven cutting-edge K-RAX® rickhouses.

Whether you are launching, scaling, restructuring, or refining your operations, The Blending House provides a reliable base of operations designed to support long-term brand growth.

The crew discussed the difference between and reviewed Wheated Whiskey (Starlight) vs Wheated Bourbon (Larceny BP). The Starlight Whiskey was from their recent Repeal Day, while the Larceny Barrel Proof was batch B525. 

The crew releases a more recent review from the folks at 291. Michael is doing some cool and unique things in Colorado, this is a discussion about one of their releases that was a good mistake. The 291 HR was an accidental double dump of their rye into this batch. The result you have to listen to hear. 

The crew sits down and reviews High West' most recent release the Cask Strength. Bottled in late 2025, released in January, this pour brings a variety of bourbons to the table with it's super unique blend. 3 Kentucky bourbons, an Indiana one and a Tennessee one. 

The crew went off book and reviewed our latest mail call Fresh Victor. It's a line of premium mixers for easy cocktails and mocktails too. In the second episode of this 2 part series, we indulged on the ones we thought that should be made as suggested. Three Citrus & Mint Leaf, Cucumber & Lime, Cactus Pear & Pomegranate, Jalapeño & Lime and Grapefruit & Sea Salt. If you want to try these, for 20% discount use a special code for our audience: BARREL20 https://shop.freshvictor.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqVzDfizywJ4SpDOfmTVMB5OpwZolJ2_CH668lPLsxTvGquEyCh

The fellas went off book and reviewed our latest mail call Fresh Victor. It's a line of premium mixers for easy cocktails and mocktails too. In the first episode of this 2 part series, we indulged on the ones we thought that would stand up to bourbon. Strawberry & Lemon, Lemon Sour (whiskey sour), Pineapple & Ginger Root, and Mexican Lime Agave. If you want to try these, for a 20% discount use a special code for our audience: BARREL20 https://shop.freshvictor.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqVzDfizywJ4SpDOfmTVMB5OpwZolJ2_CH668lPLsxTvGquEyCh

The crew sits down and reviews Old Forge's whiskey. This bottle was a blend of bourbon and neutral grain spirits. While youthful, it has some qualities that some folks might find appealing.

The crew sits down and discusses the two most recent Family Estate Bourbon and Ryes from Repeal Day. The Bourbon Barrel 15225 and the Rye 16140 are long awaited by many. We talk about these previous 16 series bottles and how they have usually been excellent. 

The crew sits down and discusses their favorite tours, interviews, bottles and things from this past year. The highlights were too many to count. From virtual conversations with High West, Film Land and Blind Barrels to distillery visits at West Fork, Casey Jones and Makers Mark.