In the past, if you were lucky enough to pick a barrel of Elijah Craig at Heaven Hill, chances are that it was watered down to 94 proof. For the last few years, stores and private groups have had the option of selecting at 94 proof or opting for true barrel strength. Recently, Anthony has the opportunity to help the good folks at Jackson's Wine and Spirits select two barrels of Elijah Craig at barrel proof. Jackson's is family owned liquor store right here in Lexington, KY and they always...

This week we decided to switch things up a bit and let you know what it's like when we get together for a good ole bottle share. In this episode, we taste and review some new products from Heaven Hill (Grain to Glass) and also share some blind pours. This is something that we typically do when we aren't recording. Once again, we are joined by our friend and fellow podcaster, Maasak. As always, hilarity ensues as the guys test their palates, tell dad jokes, and discuss a wide variety of topics...

On episode 157 of The Mash Up, we introduced and reviewed Raconteur Rye which is a blended rye whiskey collaboration brought to us by none other than David Jennings (Rare Bird 101) and the good folks over at the WoodWork Collective. Raconteur Rye Batch # 1 was very well received. It sold out instantly and left people clamoring for more. Well...the wait is almost over. Raconteur Rye Batch # 2 will be released in September! Once again, this rye whiskey starts as an MGP product which is expertly...

This week we welcomed back an old friend on the podcast to help us taste and review the most recent chapter of Little Book. In previous episodes, we reviewed Little Book chapters 3 & 6 and have been pleasantly surprised by these rather unique and great tasting blends. But, will the streak continue? Little Book Chapter 8: The Path Not Taken is a blend of 7 different whiskeys (predominately rye) and comes in at 118.2 proof. But how does it taste? We give our honest and best assessment. In...

For this very special episode, we had a chance to sit down and discuss Kentucky Senator Bourbon with co-founders Damon Thayer and Andre Regard. Kentucky Senator is a brand that was originally distilled by Crigler & Crigler in Covington, Kentucky and then by Double Spring Distillers in Bardstown. In 2019, Thayer and Regard revived the brand and laid the foundation for what looks to be a very promising brand for years to come. While some non-distiller producers operate under a veil of...

Michter's Toasted Bourbon is a limited release offering that does not come around annually. In fact, since 2014, this whiskey has only been released a total of four times (with the latest being in 2021). We recorded this episode on August 12th. On the very next day, Michter's put out a press release to announce that Toasted Barrel Bourbon would be released this Fall (24') to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the first release. We joked throughout the episode about this potentially happening,...

It's another "two for Tuesday" and we give our full attention to Old Louisville Rye (batch # 2) and Redbreast Missouri Oak. While this isn't a head to head competition, we would love for you to speculate about which whiskey you think we would like better. You don't have to speculate thought, just give us a listen and see if your thoughts match up with ours. Happy Tuesday and cheers! -------------------------- Socials IG: https://www.instagram.com/themashupky FB:...

The Heaven Hill 18 year bourbon is the 3rd release in the Heaven Hill Heritage Collection. With the two previous releases being a 17 year old bourbon and a 20 year old corn whiskey, this limited release is a very small batch blend of 133 barrels that comes in at 120 proof. Even though it carries a pretty hefty MSRP, we are here to tell you whether we think its worth chasing. In this episode, we talk Olympics and Steven and Anthony discuss an impromptu fencing challenge with Kenny as the...

The short for this week features a newcomer and a classic on steroids. Bottle # 1 is the second release of Old Stubborn and it is a bit different from the first. This bourbon is a blend of 10-12 year old whiskeys from West Virginia and it comes in at 123.8 proof. Bottle # 2 is this year's batch of Maker's Mark 46 Cask Strength. Affectionately known as Bill's recipe, this french oaked wheated bourbon is now an annual limited release, but it is relatively easy to get your hands on. Join us for...

Episode 140 captured what ensued the very first time that a listener sent us some blinds to taste. For this week, another one of our dedicated listeners (Ryan from Texas) was kind enough to send us some things to try. When Ryan reached out and said he would be sending a "care" package with some of his favorites, we felt very honored and humbled. He said he had no expectations and simply wanted to hear our honest opinions of a few whiskeys. So join us this week as we test our palates with this...

New Riff Distillery is celebrating 10 years in the biz this summer. Located in Northern Kentucky, we've been big fans of this distillery since they opened in 2014. For this week's short, we taste and review two of their new rye whiskeys: New Riff 8 Year Rye Whiskey and the 2024 release of Silver Grove Barrel Proof Rye Whiskey. We try to pack as much whiskey goodness into each short as possible. Will these two releases from the Riff be as good as some of the other things we've tasted from...

We were fortunate enough to take our very first trip down to the Jack Daniel's distillery to pick two barrels of whiskey for the Bluegrass Liquor Box (a local liquor store in Georgetown, Kentucky). Though it was our first time in Lynchburg, we took in all the sights and now have a newfound respect for this juggernaut whiskey producer. Two days before we arrived for our pick, the thirteenth version of the special distillery series released at the gift shop. This release is a Twice Barrelled...

For our third ever short episode, we went in completely opposite directions. Even though Old Forester is involved, this episode is sponsored by the great state of Texas. First, we review a Cask Strength Single Barrel Strength Rye from Still Austin Whiskey Company and then we turn our attention to the most recent release in the Old Forester 117 Series which is a classic OF bourbon finished for 6 months in a rum cask. We will give you are honest and quick thoughts - don't forget to let us know...

Somehow we manged to get through many episodes without ever reviewing: Blanton's Bourbon: The Original Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey. This bourbon needs no introduction. It is the reason that some of us started collecting and it also still causes traffic jams every time it's released at the Buffalo Trace distillery. Even though we've reviewed a number of other Blanton variants in past episodes, you aren't going to want to miss our take on this iconic bourbon. While we have a lot of experience...

"The shortest bourbon conversation you're gonna hear all week long" is back and better than ever. Well, it's not necessarily better, but we are starting to get the hang of things. For this short, we tackle the newest permanent extension of the Bulleit brand: American Single Malt Whiskey. Made from 100% malted barley, this newer release from Bulleit represents a move in a new and innovative direction for the brand. But, are whiskey drinkers ready for it? We're not sure, but one thing that you...

Just a few days ago, the online release of Russell's Reserve 15 Year Bourbon broke the Internet! While many people were hoping to get a bottle, very few were successful. We were lucky enough to snag a bottle at the distillery release. This brand new, ultra age / ultra premium release from Wild Turkey is one of the hottest bottles at the moment. Coming in at 15 years (minimum) and 117.2 proof, some people are calling this one of the best releases of the year. The conversation this week spans a...

You said you wanted more episodes, so we are trying to deliver. Join us this week as we venture into the unknown and put out our first "short" episode. The WhistlePig CampStock Wheat Whiskey is a collaboration between Solo Stove and WhistlePig. WhistlePig has been a darling of rye whiskey lovers for a long time, but they are starting to venture into more mainstream and attainable releases. Should that be music to your ears? You'll have to listen to find out....

Special episode alert! This is the first time we've ever taken The Mash Up on the road. When Hector Garcia (who is a fan and friend of the podcast) asked us to come to his restaurant in Corbin, KY, we couldn't say no. Hector is the co-owner and operator of Brooklyn Brothers Pizzeria in Corbin and he is not only a budding bourbon aficionado, but also the proprietor of some of the best Italian style food we've ever had. This week, we taste and review the newest release in the Maker's Mark Wood...

Raise a glass to the man who raised you well! That's what the label on the side of this brand new Four Roses Special Barrel Strength Bourbon reads. Released about a week before Father's Day, this distillery only release was meant to honor the dads in our lives but wasn't without controversy. When we recorded this episode, we wondered how one of the highest proof single barrel releases in Four Roses history could be a "tier 3." Turns out that our sensibilities were correct and Four Roses...

With Steven and Anthony on vacation, Kenny took it upon himself to book guests and record. Unlike other episodes where we give you exquisite details and our patented "pass, try, or buy," this episode is a pure hang between friends. Kenny is joined by none other than RareBird101 (DJ) and Whoryno (Alves). The three of them double blind each other with some excellent pours and engage in a riveting conversation about bourbon memories, brands, and industry trends. While this episode is lengthy and...

It's hard to believe that the Master's Keep series from Wild Turkey has been around for almost 10 years. In that time, we've seen everything from ultra aged Wild Turkey bourbon to different finishing techniques (rum, sherry, toasted) which has made these bottles stand out. The most recent release of the series, dubbed "Triumph," features the oldest ever age-stated rye from the brand. Coming in at 10 years old and 104 proof, the release represents a departure of sorts for a brand that has...

Between vacations, we found the time to get together to bring you another action packed episode. This week, we taste and explore a single barrel cash strength offering from the up and coming Augusta Distillery. Nestled on the banks of the Ohio river in Northern Kentucky, Augusta Distillery released their first bourbon in 2020 and just recently won "best bourbon in the world" at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The Old Route 8 offering that we uncorked this week was selected by a...

This week, we head out toward Bardstown (and also north of the border) to bring you a review of Very Olde St. Nick Ancient Cask 8 Year Old Rye Whiskey. Though the label is pretty old, the distillery is actually quite new. Since 2018, Preservation Distillery has focused on sourcing very unique stocks of whiskey and bottling it under their brands which include: Very Olde St. Nick, Pure Antique, Rare Perfection, and Wattie Boone. Chances are you've seen these bottles in your market, but should...

Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor, Jr. is known as the father of the modern day bourbon industry. Not only is he a central figure in creation of what we now know and love as the Buffalo Trace Distillery, but he was also instrumental in the passing of the Bottled-in-Bond Act and even served as Mayor of Frankfort for 16 years. Though his beloved "EH Taylor" label has been owned by many different distilleries over the years, Sazerac purchased the label in 2009, effectively bringing Taylor home. This...

There was a rumor floating around that David Jennings aka Rare Bird 101 was going to be in town for an event at Wild Turkey. We figured it wouldn't hurt to ask if he would be willing to join us for a conversation. We knew it was a long shot, but when he said "yes," we couldn't believe it. So, this week, we present a wide ranging conversation with the unofficial mayor of Wild Turkey, Mr. David Jennings. In the episode, you will hear about his journey is whiskey, his unabashed love for Wild...