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The Diablo's Cut Smoker Kit transforms whiskey into a smoky delight while we explore twelve American whiskeys that capture the spirit of Independence Day.

• Demonstrating the Diablo's Cut Smoker Kit made from authentic bourbon barrel staves
• Creating smoked old fashioned cocktails with Middle West wheat bourbon
• Adding smoke to Buffalo Trace's bottled old fashioned
• Exploring whiskey's deep connections to American history and independence
• Tasting through notable American whiskeys including EH Taylor, Eagle Rare, Michter's, and Yellowstone
• Discussing George Washington's distillery and whiskey's role in the Revolutionary War
• Sharing the stories behind historically significant American whiskey brands

Remember our 500th episode is coming on July 24th, featuring special guests from across the industry. Visit www.scotchybourbonboys.com for all things Scotchy Bourbon Boys - Glen Cairns, t-shirts, and information about us.

The amber glow of bourbon takes on a mystical quality when kissed by smoke. Tonight's exploration of the Diablo's Cut Smoker Kit reveals how authentic bourbon barrel oak transforms ordinary spirits into something extraordinary, imparting toasted caramel notes that smooth away any harshness.

As America's birthday approaches, we dive into the fascinating history connecting whiskey to our national identity. From George Washington's Mount Vernon distillery to the whiskey that fortified Revolutionary troops at Valley Forge, these spirits didn't just witness history—they helped shape it. The Whiskey Rebellion, presidential pardons, and centuries-old distilling traditions reveal how deeply intertwined American independence and whiskey truly are.

Guided by Whiskey Advocate's selection of twelve American whiskeys that capture the spirit of Independence Day, we taste through bottles that tell uniquely American stories. Colonel EH Taylor's pioneering work at what would become Buffalo Trace, the Jefferson's family connection to Thomas Jefferson himself, and Yellowstone's homage to our first national park—each bottle offers more than just flavor; it provides a tangible connection to our shared heritage.

Whether you're a seasoned whiskey enthusiast or just beginning your journey, this episode offers historical context and practical appreciation techniques that will enhance your Fourth of July celebrations. The combination of smoke, spirit, and story creates an experience as multifaceted as America itself—bold, complex, and worthy of celebration.

Join us for our milestone 500th episode on July 24th with special guests from across the whiskey industry. Until then, remember: good bourbon equals good times and good friends. Drink responsibly and live your life uncut and unfiltered.

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Brad Bonds welcomes listeners to Revival Vintage Spirits and Bottle Shop in Covington, Kentucky, where vintage whiskeys tell the story of American distilling from Prohibition to present day. Located just minutes from the interstate at the unofficial start of the bourbon trail, Revival offers a unique experience with rare and historic spirits that can't be found anywhere else.

• Revival Vintage Spirits occupies a historic 1800s building that once served as Covington's YMCA
• Dusty bottles aren't just old whiskeys—true dusties have tax strips from before 1984
• Well-preserved vintage spirits can remain good for decades or centuries if properly sealed
• Revival makes rare spirits accessible by offering affordable quarter-ounce pours of pre-prohibition whiskey
• The shop occasionally features medicinal prohibition bottles complete with original prescriptions
• Revival hosts distillers and brand owners regularly for special events and tastings
• The store serves as both a bottle shop and bar, creating a comprehensive whiskey experience
• Brad and his business partner are working to change Kentucky law to improve vintage spirit regulations
• Small distilleries can partner with Revival to showcase their products and connect with enthusiasts
• Whiskey collecting is comparable to baseball card collecting, but with the added benefit of consumption

If you're passing through Cincinnati or Northern Kentucky, stop by Revival Vintage Spirits, ask for Brad personally, and experience a true grain-to-glass journey from the past to your present.

Step into the fascinating world of vintage spirits as we join Brad Bonds at Revival Vintage Spirits and Bottle Shop in historic Covington, Kentucky. Just minutes from Cincinnati, this extraordinary establishment serves as both the gateway to bourbon country and a living museum of American whiskey history.

Brad guides us through the remarkable journey of Revival, from its humble beginnings to its current home in a beautifully restored 1800s building that once housed Covington's YMCA. More than just a bottle shop, Revival represents the preservation of whiskey heritage, offering enthusiasts the chance to taste spirits that most people only read about in books.

The conversation delves deep into what makes "dusty" bottles special – those time capsules of whiskey history featuring tax strips from before 1984 that capture production methods long since abandoned. Brad explains the remarkable stability of properly stored vintage spirits, which can remain perfect for decades or even centuries, unlike wine or other collectibles. We explore the delicate art of bottle assessment, learning how clarity, fill level, and label condition impact both value and the drinking experience.

What sets Revival apart is its commitment to accessibility. While some establishments might charge $1,000 per ounce for pre-Prohibition whiskey, Brad shares stories of offering quarter-ounce pours for $40, allowing hundreds of people to experience liquid history. His philosophy shines through in every aspect of the business: "We're trying to figure out a way every day to be fair to who we buy from and fair to who we sell to."

The passion behind Revival is infectious as Brad compares whiskey collecting to baseball cards, but with one crucial difference – "this is the final frontier, because you can choose to buy a b

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The bourbon lifestyle encompasses more than just drinking; it's about creating connections through shared experiences, travel, food pairings, and immersing oneself in bourbon culture from Kentucky trails to home collections.

• Bourbon lifestyle defined: relaxation, moderation, appreciation over consumption
• The House of Commons Bourbon Library in Frankfurt epitomizes bourbon elegance with jazz, leather couches, and expertly curated selections
• Travel experiences: Kentucky Bourbon Trail, regional distillery tours, and destination bourbon bars
• Home bar setup: proper glassware, decanters, and specialized tools for the authentic experience
• Food pairings enhance bourbon enjoyment, demonstrated by the chef-inspired Maker's Mark Tastemakers Series
• Maker's Mark Tastemakers Series highlights collaborations with James Beard-nominated Ohio chefs
• Detailed tasting of Chef Vinnie Camino's Maker's Mark selection revealed notes of cherry cobbler, cinnamon, and chai spices
• Barrel stave bar creation project showcases how enthusiasts incorporate bourbon elements into home design
• Merchandise and accessories signal passion and create conversation starters within the community

Live your life uncut and unfiltered, drink fancy, don't get drunk, and embrace the bourbon lifestyle in all its dimensions.

What does it truly mean to live the bourbon lifestyle? In this captivating exploration, we uncover the multidimensional world that extends far beyond simply drinking whiskey. From crafting the perfect home bar to journeying through Kentucky's hallowed distilleries, the bourbon lifestyle represents a rich tapestry of experiences connected by a common thread – appreciation over consumption.

The House of Commons Bourbon Library in Frankfurt emerges as a shining example of bourbon culture done right. With its elegant atmosphere, leather couches, jazz soundtrack, and meticulously curated selection, this establishment creates a space where bourbon serves as the centerpiece for meaningful connections. Owner David Sandiam has mastered the art of bourbon hospitality, demonstrating how the right environment enhances every sip.

We take a deep dive into the remarkable Maker's Mark Tastemakers Series, a limited Ohio release featuring expressions created in collaboration with James Beard-nominated chefs. Our comprehensive breakdown of Chef Vinnie Camino's selection reveals a complex profile with notes of cherry cobbler, cinnamon, and chai spice – earning an impressive 17 out of 18 on our rating scale. This innovative series perfectly illustrates how bourbon intersects with culinary artistry, creating truly unique expressions that tell a story in every glass.

The bourbon lifestyle encompasses many elements – specialized glassware, thoughtful food pairings, distillery merchandise, and even home design incorporating bourbon elements. We share the journey of creating a custom barrel stave bar face, transforming a standard bar into a showpiece that celebrates bourbon heritage through repurposed materials from various distilleries.

Whether you're new to bourbon or a seasoned enthusiast, this episode provides valuable insights into cultivating authentic bourbon experiences. The lifestyle isn't about showcasing expensive bottles or excessive consumption – it's about the stories, the craftsmanship, and the connections made along the way. Jo

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We compare the newly released 2025 1792 Sweet Wheat bourbon with the 2023 release that's been open for a year, exploring how wheated bourbons evolve over time while scoring each on body, nose, taste, and finish.

• 1792 Sweet Wheat is a 91.2 proof wheated bourbon that represents the classic bourbon style from Barton Distillery
• Barton 1792 Distillery was founded in 1879 by Thomas Moore and is now owned by Sazerac Company
• The freshly opened 2025 release shows strong vanilla, toast, and developing cherry notes with an excellent body presence
• After a year open, the 2023 bottle displays significantly more caramel, an intense butterscotch-to-cherry transition, and a shorter finish
• Both bottles scored 15/18 on our rating scale but achieved this through different strength categories
• Wheated bourbons benefit substantially from being open for extended periods, allowing oxygen to develop the flavors
• The colonial-styled 1792 bottle design reflects the historical significance of the year Kentucky became a state

Visit www.scotchybourbonboys.com for merchandise including our Glencairn glasses and t-shirts. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X, and listen to us on Apple, iHeart, Spotify, or any major podcast platform. Remember, good bourbon equals good times and good friends.

Dive into the fascinating world of wheated bourbon with our comparative tasting of the 1792 Sweet Wheat 2025 release against its 2023 counterpart. This episode uncovers the remarkable transformation that happens when a quality wheated bourbon sits open for a year, developing complex layers of flavor that weren't present upon first pour.

The Barton 1792 Distillery, established in 1879 by Thomas Moore, continues its tradition of excellence with their Sweet Wheat expression. At 91.2 proof, this bourbon replaces the traditional rye grain with wheat for a softer, more approachable profile while maintaining the distillery's signature character. Our side-by-side analysis reveals how oxygen exposure dramatically enhances this whiskey's profile over time.

Our freshly-opened 2025 bottle immediately impressed with its long legs in the glass and a beautiful body that coated every corner of the mouth. The nose offered toasted notes with prominent vanilla, reminiscent of Brach's candy chews, eventually developing subtle cherry hints. On the palate, it delivered a remarkable cherry transition that one taster described as a "cherry flavored cigar" with a lengthy finish that earned it high marks in our rating system.

Meanwhile, the 2023 bottle that had breathed for a year showed the magic that happens with patience. Its nose had transformed to showcase significant caramel development, while the taste featured an intense "momentary butterscotch" explosion that transitioned beautifully to cherry notes. Though its finish was shorter than the fresh bottle, its evolved complexity earned it equal overall points through different strengths.

Whether you're new to wheated bourbons or a seasoned enthusiast, this episode offers valuable insights into how these spirits develop over time. The next time you crack a bottle of wheated bourbon, consider setting some aside to experience months later – you might be surprised by how dramatically it transforms. Subscribe to our podcast for more comparative tastings and bourbon adventures that will enhance your whiskey jo

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Four veterans from different military branches share how they created Four Branches Bourbon with a mission to honor fallen comrades and change the narrative around veterans and alcohol consumption through their message of "serve honorably, drink honorably."

• Four Branches was founded by veterans from the Army, Navy, Marines, and Air Force—the only spirits company with founders from all four branches
• The brand's origin connects to fallen CIA operative Greg, whose death 20 years ago inspired the founders to create a way to remember those who didn't return
• Their mantra "don't drink to forget, sip to remember" encourages responsible consumption that honors memories rather than escapes them
• The Continental Bourbon celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Continental Army, Navy and Marines with a 9-year Kentucky straight bourbon bottled at 102 proof
• Every aspect of the bottle design contains symbolism, from the four-sided shape to the "4" logo that represents all branches and those who serve "at the tip of the spear"
• Four Branches donates 4% of gross revenue, with donated bottles having raised over $450,000 for veterans' charities and families

• Gregg Snyder master distiller has been hired as another piece of this amazing puzzle!

Visit fourbranchescom to order online in 39 states or find Four Branches Bourbon in Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, DC, Maryland, Florida, and Arizona.

Bourbon carries stories within its amber depths—but rarely stories as powerful as those behind Four Branches. When veterans from the Army, Navy, Marines, and Air Force united to create a spirits company, they brought with them a mission that transcends the bottle.

Four Branches began with a moment of reflection. Rick Trott, one of the four founders, haunted by memories of bringing home fallen comrades from combat zones, envisioned creating a bourbon to honor their sacrifice. What started as a simple tribute evolved into something extraordinary when the founders realized they represented each major military branch—a combination unprecedented in the spirits industry. Their backgrounds in special operations and intelligence shaped not just their approach to business but their core philosophy: "Serve honorably, drink honorably."

This isn't marketing jargon. It stems from profound experience with the devastation of veteran suicide and substance abuse. As Mike Franco another one of the founders poignantly explains, "We don't drink to forget—we sip to remember." This perspective transforms each pour into an opportunity for reflection rather than escape. Their Continental Bourbon, crafted to commemorate the 250th anniversary of America's first military branches, embodies this ethos. The nine-year Kentucky straight bourbon, bottled at 102 proof with a precisely balanced mashbill, carries within it centuries of American military tradition.

What truly distinguishes Four Branches is their commitment to giving back. They donate 4% of gross revenue—a significant portion that demonstrates their priorities extend beyond profit margins. Their donated bottles have raised over $450,000 for veterans' charities in just two years. The bottle itself, with its four-sided design and meticulously crafted logo, contains hidden military symbolism that rewards the observant consumer with deeper meaning.

Experience what happens when honor meets craftsmanship in a

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Mark Carter joins us to share his remarkable journey from builder to whiskey maker and the philosophy behind Old Carter's exceptional barrel-proof expressions.

• Building a hotel and restaurant led to wine making in Napa Valley
• Partnered with Dixon Dedman to revive Kentucky Owl in 2011
• Founded Old Carter immediately after selling Kentucky Owl in 2017
• Never releases whiskey younger than 7 years old with most current products 10+ years
• Meticulously tastes and grades each barrel before creating small batch blends
• Uses multiple coopers for different flavor profiles
• The Carter Club is expanding with 400 additional lockers
• American Whiskey Batch 14 contains approximately 50% whiskey aged 19-20 years
• Balance is key to creating high-proof whiskeys that don't drink "hot"
• Describes Old Carter's signature profile as having "deep, rich aromatics" with "a long finish"
• Double barreling techniques create unique flavors in their expressions

Mark Carter's path to becoming one of Kentucky's most respected whiskey makers began far from the bourbon trail. A builder by trade who constructed a hotel, then managed its restaurant, Carter's curiosity about wine led him to purchase a Napa Valley winery in 2006. When seeking custom crush clients, he connected with Kentucky innkeeper Dixon Dedman, and instead of making wine together, suggested reviving Dedman's family whiskey heritage. This collaboration birthed Kentucky Owl in 2011, which they later sold to Stoli Group in 2017—the very same day Mark launched Old Carter Whiskey.

What makes Old Carter stand out in today's crowded whiskey landscape is Mark's unwavering commitment to quality. Nothing younger than seven years reaches the bottle, with most current releases featuring whiskey aged 10+ years. The blending process reveals Carter's artistry—tasting through dozens of barrels, grading each one, then carefully combining them to achieve perfect harmony. As he describes it, "We don't like hot. We want balanced. We love flavor." This philosophy explains how Old Carter creates high-proof expressions (often above 130 proof) that drink with remarkable smoothness.

The American Whiskey Batch 14 showcased during our conversation exemplifies this approach, containing approximately 50% whiskey aged 19-20 years. Despite its 134.3 proof, it delivers sweet notes of marshmallow and crème brûlée with a warming—never burning—finish. This meticulous attention extends to their barrel program, where Mark works with multiple coopers to achieve different flavor profiles, drawing parallels to his wine-making background.

Old Carter continues to expand, with their Carter Club adding 400 new lockers and several small batch releases planned for different distributors. Mark's passion for whiskey craftsmanship shines through in every expression, creating products that whiskey enthusiasts treasure. Experience what happens when patience, expertise, and unwavering standards come together in a glass—try Old Carter and taste the difference true dedication makes.

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The Scotchy Bourbon Boys reunite with Whiskey after a long hiatus to taste and review the exceptional William Heaven Hill 15-Year bourbon, a limited release that outshines even some Pappy Van Winkle expressions.

• Whiskey returns to the podcast after a long break from their "10-minute tastings" that often lasted 30+ minutes
• Catching up on recent bourbon experiences with Whiskey sharing his favorites including Weller 12, George T. Stagg, and Larceny Weeded Rye
• Discussion of Ohio's improving bourbon lottery system making allocated bottles more accessible
• Detailed examination of William Heaven Hill 15-Year, a limited release comprised of just 34 barrels aged 15 years
• Tasting notes including vanilla bean, brown sugar, light leather, subtle cherry and perfect amount of char
• Comparison to Pappy Van Winkle 15-Year with both hosts preferring the William Heaven Hill
• Impressive 18.5/19 score on their Old Louisville Whiskey Company Barrel Bottle Breakdown scale
• Insights on secondary market prices with this bottle now fetching $1,200-1,500 despite $279 retail price

Check out www.scotchiebourbonboys.com for all things Scotchy Bourbon Boys. Follow us on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and X, plus listen wherever you get your podcasts. Remember to like, subscribe, comment, and leave good feedback!

A reunion fifteen years in the making—well, at least it feels that way. When Whiskey returns to the Scotchy Bourbon Boys studio, the atmosphere crackles with the familiar energy that made their "10-minute tastings" (that routinely stretched to 30) so beloved by listeners.

Tonight's star attraction isn't just the reunion, but a bottle that commands hushed reverence in bourbon circles: William Heaven Hill 15-Year, the ninth edition of Heaven Hill's limited release masterpiece. Composed of merely 34 barrels pulled from the fourth floor of Rick House LL at Shenley and bottled at a perfect 109 proof, this isn't just another premium bourbon—it's a time capsule of exceptional craftsmanship.

The hosts dive deep into what makes this expression special, parsing through its complex nose of brown sugar, subtle cherry, and vanilla bean notes. While many 15-year bourbons fall victim to over-oaking, this one strikes a perfect harmony—delivering rich flavor without the woodiness that can overwhelm aged spirits. The mouthfeel earns particular praise for coating every corner of the palate despite not being barrel proof.

What follows is a masterclass in bourbon appreciation as they meticulously evaluate each aspect through their Old Louisville Whiskey Company Barrel Bottle Breakdown scale. The verdict? An astonishing 18.5 out of 19 possible points—a score rarely given even to the most heralded bottles. Perhaps most telling is their direct comparison to Pappy Van Winkle 15-Year, with both hosts preferring this Heaven Hill offering despite its (relatively) more attainable secondary market price of $1,200-1,500.

Whether you're a seasoned bourbon collector or simply appreciate the artistry behind exceptional spirits, this episode captures the magic that happens when passionate enthusiasts encounter something truly special in their glass. Pour yourself something worthy and join the celebration—the Boys are back in town.

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