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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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The Scotchy Bourbon Boys conduct a comprehensive blind tasting of the entire Weller bourbon lineup to determine which expression truly reigns supreme based solely on taste.

• Full Weller lineup includes Special Reserve, Antique 107, 12 Year, Full Proof, CYPB, and William LaRue Weller
• Tasting conducted completely blind with color-coded samples to eliminate bias
• William LaRue Weller unanimously wins first place with its exceptional rich caramel profile
• CYPB (Craft Your Perfect Bourbon) surprisingly takes second place overall
• Weller Full Proof secures third with its distinctive candy apple and cinnamon notes
• Weller Antique 107 lands in fourth place despite its popularity among bourbon enthusiasts
• The highly sought-after Weller 12 Year unexpectedly places fifth in the lineup
• Weller Special Reserve finishes last but is still acknowledged as a quality bourbon
• Price and availability don't necessarily correlate with quality when tasting blind
• The hosts experience palate fatigue and use water and other spirits to reset
• Even the lowest-ranked Weller expressions are considered excellent bourbons

Check out our website at www.scotchiebourbonboys.com for merchandise, glassware, and more information about our sponsors Whiskey Thief Distilling Company, Middle West Spirits, Rosewood Bourbon, and Alan Bishop's podcast "If You Have Ghosts, You Have Everything."

A heated debate erupts as Super Nash and Tiny embark on a comprehensive blind tasting of the entire Weller bourbon lineup, revealing surprising favorites and challenging preconceptions about these coveted wheated bourbons.

The duo meticulously samples six expressions—Weller Special Reserve, Weller 12 Year, Weller Antique 107, Weller Full Proof, Weller CYPB, and the prestigious William LaRue Weller—with no knowledge of which is which. What follows is a genuine, unfiltered evaluation based purely on taste preferences rather than reputation or price tag.

"Brown sugar, cinnamon bun, and caramel" notes dominate the conversation as they work through uniquely color-coded samples, discovering significant flavor differences despite all expressions sharing the same wheated bourbon DNA. The hosts' palates pick up distinctive profiles ranging from "pure caramel" to "candy apple with cinnamon," highlighting how aging conditions and proof points transform Buffalo Trace's beloved distillate.

When the bottles are finally revealed, William LaRue Weller unanimously claims first place, confirming its reputation as an exceptional limited release. However, several rankings prove genuinely surprising, particularly the performance of Weller CYPB and Full Proof compared to the highly allocated Weller 12 Year. These results challenge conventional wisdom about which Weller expressions truly deliver the best drinking experience.

Between passionate disagreements about rankings and hilarious confusion during the reveal, the tasting demonstrates why blind evaluation remains the ultimate test of quality. For bourbon enthusiasts chasing allocated Weller bottles, this episode provides valuable insight into which expressions might actually deserve the hunt—and which might be sitting overlooked on shelves.

Whether you're a seasoned Weller collector or bourbon curious, join us for this entertaining and informative journey through Buffalo Trace's most celebrated wheated bourbon family

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Ed Bley, founder of Rising Tide Spirits, shares his journey from managing barrel selections to creating his own bourbon brand with meticulous attention to both liquid quality and distinctive packaging design.

• Ed previously ran Cork & Bottle, selecting over 250 private barrels which helped define his palate and bourbon philosophy
• Old Swagger is a new 12-year bottled-in-bond low-rye bourbon designed to be soft, elegant and approachable
• Old Stubborn single barrels offer a contrasting experience with high-rye pot still bourbon at barrel strengths up to 142 proof
• The distinctive teardrop bottles feature 3D Rising Tide logos embedded in the glass base, requiring 14 minutes to hand-blow each bottle
• Ed prioritizes mouthfeel and viscosity in his whiskeys, wanting flavors to "hang around" long after tasting
• Rising Tide sources barrels well in advance, working on releases 2-3 years ahead to maintain quality control
• Packaging challenges, including custom tubes and label specifications, can significantly impact release timelines
• Ed plans to release each product line twice yearly, with the next release potentially arriving this winter

Find Rising Tide Spirits online at risingtidespirits.com and on social media platforms. Sign up for their newsletter to be notified about upcoming releases.

What happens when a seasoned barrel picker with over 250 selections under his belt decides to create his own bourbon brand? Ed Bley of Rising Tide Spirits joins the Scotchy Bourbon Boys to reveal the journey that led to his distinctive Old Swagger and Old Stubborn bourbons.

With roots deeply planted in bourbon enthusiasm before entering the industry, Blabe brings a connoisseur's perspective to every aspect of his craft. His experience climbing rickhouses with legends like Eddie Russell has shaped his discerning palate and unique approach to whiskey creation. During the podcast, he offers listeners a rare glimpse into the meticulous process of selecting and blending barrels, emphasizing how the marriage of whiskeys evolves over time.

The conversation dives deep into Rising Tide's striking packaging design, featuring hand-blown teardrop bottles with three-dimensional logos embedded in the glass base. "I wanted something unique, different than what you normally see," Bley explains, comparing bourbon to a complete pie where every element must work together—from the liquid to the story to the vessel containing it.

Most fascinating is how Bley deliberately created contrasting expressions to reach different palates. His Old Swagger 12-year bottled-in-bond offers an elegant, balanced drinking experience, while Old Stubborn single barrels deliver intense flavors with remarkably long finishes. "When you go to tastings, what's amazing is they're both excellent but completely different ends of the spectrum," he notes, emphasizing that quality whiskey can exist across diverse flavor profiles.

The discussion reveals the extensive behind-the-scenes work of building a bourbon brand, from navigating supply chains to planning releases years in advance. For whiskey enthusiasts curious about craft bourbon's future, this conversation provides invaluable insights from someone who's dedicated to creating exceptional drinking experiences.

Sign up at risingtidespirits.com to receive notifications about upcoming releases, as these limited offerings tend to sell q

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Tiny explores Rabbit Hole's Hiegold Single Barrel Cask Strength bourbon while discussing the brand's artistic approach to bottle design and distillery architecture. We take a deep dive into the complex nature of bourbon blending, aging conditions, and how whiskey changes over time.

• Rabbit Hole Distillery founded by Kaveh Zamanian creates bourbon that captures the essence of what you smell in actual rickhouses
• Kentucky exclusive Hiegold features special label designs by Mark Gagnon celebrating Ohio's aviation history
• The Louisville distillery offers a modern architectural experience culminating in a sixth-floor bar with city views
• Rabbit Hole's lineup includes Cave Hill (standard bourbon), Hiegold (high rye), DARERINGER (sherry finished), and Boxergrail (rye)
• Discussion of how bourbon consistency was the industry standard until about 10 years ago when batch variation became desirable
• Experiment mixing Cave Hill and Hiegold together created a distinct gingerbread cookie flavor not present in either bourbon alone
• Environmental factors affecting bourbon from production through transportation and shelf storage significantly impact flavor
• Upcoming podcast featuring Greg Schneider and his new Four Branches Distillery's 9-year Kentucky straight bourbon

Please support our sponsors: Middle West Spirits (check out their new purchase of Old Elk), Whiskey Thief Distillery, Spirit of French Lick, Rosewood Bourbons and Ryes, and Alan Bishop's One Piece at a Time Distilling Institute.

Bourbon enthusiasts know that every bottle tells a story, but Rabbit Hole takes this concept to artistic heights with their intricately designed single barrel releases. Tiny explores their Hiegold expression – a bourbon featuring German rye that captures the authentic essence of what you smell walking through a Kentucky rickhouse rather than the caramel-sweet profiles dominating today's market.

The episode peels back the layers on Rabbit Hole's Louisville distillery, a modern architectural marvel where visitors spiral alongside the still, culminating at a sixth-floor bar overlooking the city. Unlike traditional Kentucky distilleries that lean heavily on heritage, founder Kaveh Zamanian has created a contemporary bourbon experience that honors tradition through flavor rather than façade.

What truly captivates is Tiny's deep dive into bourbon's evolution over the past decade. Where consistency once reigned supreme, today's market celebrates batch variation – a marketing revolution pioneered by legends like Elmer T. Lee, Jimmy Russell, and Booker Noe who transformed "inconsistency" into exclusivity. Similarly, finished whiskeys once derided by purists are now embraced as innovative expressions of the distiller's craft.

The most fascinating segment comes when Tiny experiments with mixing bourbons, discovering how Cave Hill and Hiegold together create a distinct gingerbread cookie note absent in either bourbon independently. This sparks a broader discussion about how bourbon's chemical composition continuously evolves through production, transportation, storage conditions, and even how it settles on your shelf at home.

Whether you're a bourbon novice or connoisseur, this episode offers valuable insights into how environmental factors shape what's in your glass, why modern distilleries are embracing batch variation, and why the seemingly simple act of mixing

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We venture beyond American borders to explore the unique character of German rye whiskey with special guest Randy Ford, the Whiskey Doctor, in our new segment "Whiskey Without Borders."

• German whiskey from the Eifel region, known as "German Siberia," features rye grown in volcanic soil
• The distillery employs a unique three-stage maturation process using Bordeaux, Malaga, and Pinot Noir casks
• Germany has approximately 20,000 distilleries, dwarfing Scotland's 150
• The mash bill is 90% German rye and 10% barley malt, aged for 5+ years
• Flavor profile bridges rye and scotch, featuring notes of white grape, maltiness, and subtle smokiness
• Small batch production follows a "one barrel out, one barrel in" philosophy with just 56 barrels capacity
• Available at select specialty retailers and online, typically priced in the mid-$70 range

Join us each month as we explore exceptional whiskeys from around the world with the Whiskey Doctor, sharing global distilling traditions and unique flavor profiles you won't find in Kentucky.

Ever wondered what happens when traditional German craftsmanship meets rye whiskey? In this eye-opening journey into global spirits, we're joined by Randy Ford—aka the Whiskey Doctor—to launch our new segment "Whiskey Without Borders," exploring remarkable whiskeys from beyond American shores.

Our first international adventure takes us to the Eifel region of Germany, often called "German Siberia," where volcanic soil creates exceptionally flavorful rye grain. The star of our tasting, Eiffel German Rye Whiskey, challenges everything we thought we knew about rye. Unlike its spicy American cousins, this 92-proof spirit undergoes a fascinating three-stage aging process—two years in ex-Bordeaux casks, two more in Spanish Malaga wine barrels, and a final year in German Pinot Noir casks. The result? A sophisticated whiskey that bridges worlds, offering scotch-like maltiness with subtle white grape notes and a remarkably smooth character.

We dive deep into what makes this whiskey unique, from its small-batch production philosophy (one barrel out, one barrel in) to Germany's surprisingly vast distilling landscape of 20,000 distilleries. The Whiskey Doctor shares fascinating insights about European whiskey traditions while we evaluate every aspect from nose to finish. Even for those typically hesitant about rye whiskeys, this expression offers something refreshingly different—a gentler, more nuanced approach that proves how dramatically terroir and tradition can transform familiar spirits.

Whether you're a curious whiskey explorer looking to expand your palate beyond bourbon and scotch, or simply enjoy discovering hidden gems from around the world, this episode opens the door to a whole new dimension of whiskey appreciation. Join us as we begin this global spirits journey and discover that sometimes the most interesting drams come from the most unexpected places.

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Dive into our tasting of Larrikin Distillery's 124.2 proof Single Barrel bourbon with special guest Knobs, Tiny's son who offers a beginner's perspective on high-proof whiskey.

• Larrikin Distillery brings Australian spirit to Kentucky bourbon, founded by Greg Keely who served in both US and Australian navies
• "Larrikin" means a mischievous but good-hearted person who lives life to the fullest
• This 8-year single barrel (124.2 proof) features a mash bill of 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% barley
• Flavor profile includes caramel, tart apple, and a dry chardonnay-like finish
• Father and son taste test reveals how experienced and novice palates respond differently to barrel proof bourbon
• Discussion of hazmat whiskeys (over 140 proof) and the regulations that govern bourbon production
• Nostalgia for historical bourbons that capture what people might have drunk in the 1800s
• Final score of 13/18 on the Barrel Bottle Breakdown scale makes this a recommended bourbon at its $79 price point

Visit www.scotchiebourbonboys.com for all things Scotchy Bourbon Boys. Remember, good bourbon equals good times with friends and family. Live your life uncut and unfiltered.

What happens when an Australian Navy veteran brings his larrikin spirit to Kentucky bourbon country? Pure magic in a bottle. Larrikin Distillery represents the beautiful collision of Aussie irreverence with America's native spirit, creating something truly special in the heart of bourbon country.

In this father-son tasting adventure, we explore Larrikin's remarkable 124.2 proof Single Barrel bourbon with special guest Knobs, who brings a refreshingly honest beginner's perspective to high-proof whiskey. "It's like if sand could be liquefied," he observes, capturing that distinctive dry mouthfeel that characterizes this unique expression.

Founded by Greg Keely, who served with distinction in both the US and Australian navies, Larrikin doesn't pretend to have bourbon heritage dating back to the Pilgrims. Instead, they focus on crafting extraordinary Kentucky whiskey they're genuinely "stoked to pour." That authenticity shines through in this 8-year single barrel, with its mash bill of 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% barley delivering deep complexity.

The tasting reveals a fascinating contrast between experienced and novice palates. While Tiny picks up nuanced notes of caramel, tart apple, and leather, Knobs navigates the high proof with candid commentary that will resonate with whiskey newcomers. Their Barrel Bottle Breakdown scoring system (examining nose, body, taste, and finish) ultimately awards this bourbon a respectable 13/18 – impressive for an $79 bottle.

Between sips, we explore the world of hazmat whiskeys (over 140 proof), the regulations governing bourbon production, and why Larkin's boxing kangaroo logo perfectly captures their approach to whiskey-making. We also venture into a discussion of historical bourbons that might resemble what Civil War generals drank after battle.

Whether you're a seasoned bourbon enthusiast or just starting your whiskey journey, this episode offers valuable insights, honest opinions, and the unmistakable warmth of sharing good spirits with family. As we like to say: good bourbon equals good times with friends and family.

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Metallica's Blackened Whiskey and other celebrity spirits are more than marketing gimmicks, offering quality products with innovative aging techniques. Music-inspired whiskeys like Blackened use sonic enhancement processes where sound waves cause barrels to vibrate, extracting unique flavors from the wood.

• Comparison of Blackened Whiskey (90 proof, finished in brandy casks) and Wes Henderson White Port Cask Finish (116.2 proof)
• Explanation of Blackened's "Black Noise" process that uses low-frequency sound waves to enhance flavor extraction
• Discussion about the purpose of celebrity whiskeys and their appropriate proof points for concert settings
• Tasting notes for Blackened including apple, chocolate, caramel with a medium body and short finish
• Scored 11.5 out of 18 on the barrel bottle breakdown scale, making it above average for its category
• Conversation about collectible bottles versus everyday drinkers in celebrity whiskey collections
• Analysis of what makes a celebrity whiskey successful beyond just the famous name attached

Remember to check out www.scotchiebourbonboys.com for all things Scotchie Bourbon Boys and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X. Don't drink and drive, drink responsibly, and live your life uncut and unfiltered.

Are celebrity whiskeys worth your hard-earned cash, or are they just overpriced marketing gimmicks? We dive deep into this question by exploring Metallica's Blackened Whiskey and the Wes Henderson White Port Cask Finish in our first-ever double breakdown.

The verdict might surprise you. Blackened Whiskey employs a fascinating "Black Noise" process where Metallica's own music vibrates through aging barrels at specific frequencies, causing the liquid to extract more flavor compounds from the wood. This isn't just marketing hype—the science behind it actually makes sense, and more importantly, you can taste the difference. With notes of caramel apple dipped in chocolate, this approachable 90-proof American whiskey scored an impressive 11.5/18 on our scale, proving that some musician-backed spirits deserve serious consideration.

What makes a rock-and-roll whiskey successful? As we discuss in this episode, it's about finding the right balance. Too high-proof and concert-goers might not make it to the show; too bland and whiskey enthusiasts won't give it a second pour. Blackened hits that sweet spot—flavorful enough for sipping neat but versatile enough to mix with cola while tailgating before an AC/DC concert (which Tiny is excitedly preparing for).

Matt from Cleveland on the Rocks joins us to share his perspective on celebrity spirits and collectible bottles. We explore why some bottles remain sealed as shelf decorations while others get opened immediately, regardless of their famous affiliations. From Bob Dylan's Heaven's Door to Wes Henderson's port-finished expressions, the world of celebrity whiskey offers surprising quality when you know where to look.

Whether you're a whiskey aficionado or a music lover curious about your favorite artist's side hustle, this episode offers valuable insights into what makes these crossover products worthy additions to your collection. Subscribe now and join us for our next adventure—we'll be broadcasting live from Cleveland with Matt as our guide!

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The Scotchy Bourbon Boys taste and review the 2025 Bombergers Declaration PFG bourbon from Michter's, scoring it an impressive 16.5/18 on their barrel bottle breakdown. This limited-edition bourbon showcases Michter's innovative "Precision Fine Grain" finishing process, resulting in a complex, rich, and deeply flavorful whiskey experience worth its premium price point.

• Tiny shares his experience with the Steel Valley Bourbon Association charity event that raised $750 for the Kids Charity Foundation
• Discussion of Michter's history and the team's previous visits with Master Distiller Dan McKee
• Detailed explanation of Bombergers' history and connection to the original Pennsylvania distillery
• Breakdown of the PFG (Precision Fine Grain) process and its use of specially seasoned oak barrels
• Complete tasting notes revealing notes of burnt brown sugar, dark cherry, tiramisu, and vanilla custard
• Evaluation of the bourbon's impressive nose, body, taste and slightly underwhelming finish
• Agreement that despite the $149 price tag, this bourbon delivers a worthwhile drinking experience

Visit www.scotchybourbonboys.com for Glencairn glasses, t-shirts, and information about our barrel picks. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X. Listen on Apple, iHeart, and Spotify.

When bourbon craftsmanship reaches its pinnacle, you get something like Michter's Bomberger's Declaration PFG. The Scotchy Bourbon Boys dive deep into this extraordinary limited release, discovering what makes it worth seeking out.

Bomberger's rich history dates back to the 1800s, when the original distillery operated in Pennsylvania before later becoming known as Michter's. Today's expression pays homage to this legacy while introducing innovation through their Precision Fine Grain finishing process. These special barrels, constructed from fine-grained oak seasoned outdoors for over 40 months, undergo careful toasting and charring to create a bourbon of exceptional depth and character.

Pouring a gorgeous dark amber, this 100.2 proof bourbon immediately captivates with aromas of burnt brown sugar, dark cherries, and tiramisu. The complexity continues to unfold with each sip, revealing layers of vanilla custard, chocolate, cinnamon, and dark fruits that dance across the palate. While the finish leans toward leathery oak, the overall experience is nothing short of spectacular, earning an impressive 16.5/18 on our barrel bottle breakdown scale.

At $149, Bomberger's PFG represents a premium bourbon investment that delivers a truly memorable experience. Our verdict? Absolutely worth it. The craftsmanship behind this expression showcases why Michter's continues to be one of the most respected names in American whiskey, creating bottles that belong in every serious bourbon enthusiast's collection.

Whether you're already a Michter's devotee or exploring premium bourbons for the first time, join us as we uncover what makes this release so special. Have you tried Bomberger's PFG yet? We'd love to hear your thoughts on this remarkable bourbon!

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