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A live conversation from Kentucky Bourbon Festival with Augusta Distillery’s national brand ambassador Matt Groves, explores how a small river town builds a premium, single‑barrel bourbon brand while keeping community at its core. We taste Buckner’s 10 and 13, unpack Old Route 8, announce surprise drops, and share a vintage 1946 pour that connects past to future.

• festival energy, industry friendships, and why bourbon is community
• Augusta visitor experience with lawn seating, music, and fair-pour access
• moving from NDP at bottle to 24/7 production and new rickhouses
• single barrel, cask strength, unfiltered, minimum eight years
• taxes, yields, and the cost of uncompromised aging
• Old Route 8 tasting notes and dependable value
• Buckner’s 13 and 10 profiles, cinnamon, brown sugar, layered finishes
• Riverproof series blending for distillery-only creativity
• 8 and 8 highball with Ale-8 as a modern classic
• vintage 1946 Dalíng pour and the case for past and future greatness
• giving back to Augusta’s school and ballfield with real dollars
• why Augusta is a destination: barrel thieving, bottling, and fall events

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A live sit‑down with Matt Groves from Kentucky Bourbon Festival turns into a masterclass on how a small river town built a premium bourbon brand without losing its heart. We’re joined by Augusta Distillery’s national brand ambassador to dig into what makes single‑barrel, cask‑strength whiskey feel both world‑class and welcoming: a visitor experience designed for lingering, fair‑pour access to ultra‑premium bottles, and a production engine running 24/7 with new rickhouses coming online. If you’ve ever wondered how a brand can be NDP at the bottle while laying down barrels daily, or why the words unfiltered and uncompromised still matter, this one hits the spot.

We taste through Old Route 8, Buckner’s 13, and Buckner’s 10—calling out the signatures that keep fans lining up: brown sugar and dark fruit, cinnamon warmth that stays clean, and a “dessert in a glass” profile that turns into an old fashioned over a single cube. Festival highlights abound—light‑yield unicorns selling out in hours, surprise drops of Buckner’s 17 and hazmat 13—and a smart, simple cocktail reveal: the 8 and 8 highball with Kentucky’s own Ale‑8, a fresh upgrade on the classic 7 and 7 that brings high‑proof whiskey into easy‑drinking territory. Along the way, we share a rare 1946 vintage pour that connects dust, medicine‑sweet cherry, and history to the present, a reminder that some of the best bourbon was made decades ago—and some is quietly aging for drinkers yet to come.

Underneath the proofs and pours is purpose. Every bottle points back to Augusta, Kentucky: a flood‑tested river town, a one‑building K‑12 school, and a community that’s received real support—funded arts, a renovated ballfield with the Cincinnati Reds, and a sense of pride you can feel on the lawn outside the distillery. Consider this your invite to make the trip: thieve from barrels, bottle your own, sit by the fire pits, and watch the ferry cross the Ohio as the leaves turn. If you love bourbon culture—barrel picks, rare releases, and stories that stick—you’ll feel right at home. Subscribe, share with a friend who loves single

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We map out the full Bourbon on the Banks weekend—kickoff at Whiskey Thief, Friday auction, and a citywide Saturday—then rate The Beautiful and the Damned’s “The Last Lion” with a balanced, peach-forward breakdown. We share how to join the fun even without tickets and where to find us live.

• sponsor shout for Whiskey Thief tasting rooms and barrel picks
• travel plans, live podcast setup, where and when to meet us
• what makes Bourbon on the Banks unique in Frankfurt
• Friday charity auction culture and shared bottles
• guest drop-ins, pod schedule, and after-hours scene
• Old Louisville Whiskey Company experience and move to Shively
• The Beautiful and the Damned brand story and sourcing approach
• The Last Lion specs, tasting notes, and 16/18 score
• platforms to watch and listen, plus merch availability

Make sure you like, listen, subscribe, leave good feedback, please go leave us good feedback. Give us five stars on Apple. Become a member on YouTube. Follow us on TikTok.

A sold-out ticket doesn’t stop the party when an entire town turns into a bourbon playground. We’re heading back to Frankfurt for Bourbon on the Banks, kicking off at Whiskey Thief with all-day barrel picks and rolling into a Friday charity auction where winners crack bottles and share them on the spot. Then Saturday the streets light up—tasting tents, food trucks, surprise cameos, and a citywide after-hours scene that proves why this festival punches above its weight.

Between route-planning and meetups, we set up the mics for live conversations with brands you love and the folks behind them. Think fast-moving floor interviews, real-time tasting notes, and the kind of stories that only spill when the corks do. We also dive into a focused bottle breakdown: The Beautiful and the Damned’s “The Last Lion,” a six-and-a-half-year cask strength straight bourbon at 114.2 proof. Expect a plush nose with peach-pastry vibes, a full, viscous body, confectioner’s sweetness over caramel, and a medium finish with a touch of tannin. Our score: 16/18—balanced, expressive, and worth chasing if stone fruit is your lane.

If you’re coming to Frankfurt, here’s the play: Thursday at Whiskey Thief, Friday’s dinner and auction, Saturday’s festival by day and street fair by night. No tickets? Still go—Buffalo Trace and J. Mattingly are nearby, and the after-hours energy is where friendships take root. Look for our Scotchy Bourbon Boys tent, bring a cigar for the outdoor spaces, and say hello for a quick pour and a selfie. Follow on Apple, Spotify, and iHeart, and catch different video cuts on YouTube, Facebook, X, and TikTok. If you had a pour today that surprised you, tell us about it—and if this guide helped, tap follow, drop five stars on Apple, and share the episode with your bourbon crew.

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Black Diamond Bourbon combines innovative boxcar aging with a thoughtful blend of Middle West and MGP whiskeys to create a uniquely Appalachian expression that honors Ohio's coal mining heritage.

• A bourbon that scores an impressive 15/18 on the Old Louisville Whiskey Company's barrel bottle breakdown scale
• Mash bill of 71% corn, 24% rye, and 5% barley bottled at 103 proof
• The only bourbon in America aged in railroad boxcars, creating unique temperature fluctuations
• A blend of 5.5-year Middle West Spirits and 4.5-year MGP distillate
• Flavor profile featuring vanilla, caramel corn, French toast, almond, and chocolate notes
• Part of a larger mission to revitalize historic coal mining communities across Southeast Ohio
• Available in five taproom locations: Nelsonville, Circleville, Marietta, Shawnee, and Greenfield
• Developed in partnership with former MGP master blender Sam Schmetzler

If you're in Ohio, pick up a bottle of Black Diamond Bourbon from your local OHLQ store. Come visit one of our five taprooms to experience our beers, cocktails, and the full spirit of Appalachian hospitality.

Few things capture the essence of a region quite like its spirits, and Black Diamond Bourbon serves as a liquid love letter to Appalachian Ohio's coal mining heritage. This isn't just another craft bourbon—it's the centerpiece of a remarkable revitalization effort breathing new life into historic small towns across Southeast Ohio's former coal country.

What sets Black Diamond apart is their revolutionary aging process. In partnership with the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway, they've transformed vintage railroad boxcars into "rolling rickhouses." These unique aging environments create natural temperature and humidity fluctuations that impart distinctive character to the whiskey. As the first and only bourbon in America aged this way, each sip connects you to both innovation and tradition.

The liquid itself represents a thoughtful collaboration between regional distilleries. Blending 5.5-year-old Middle West Spirits bourbon with 4.5-year-old MGP distillate creates a 103-proof expression with a mash bill of 71% corn, 24% rye, and 5% barley. This combination delivers a sensory experience worthy of its 15/18 rating on the barrel bottle breakdown scale—notes of caramel corn and vanilla on the nose lead to a palate reminiscent of French toast with almond extract and cinnamon, finishing with touches of tropical fruit and chocolate.

Behind Black Diamond stands a development group dedicated to creating gathering spaces in towns once powered by coal. From their distillery in Nelsonville to taprooms in Circleville, Marietta, Shawnee, and Greenfield, each location preserves historic structures while generating economic opportunities for locals. The Black Diamond Tavern in Shawnee exemplifies this mission—housed in an 1877 building once crumbling into its basement, now restored as a community cornerstone featuring locally-sourced cuisine and an impressive whiskey selection.

Whether you're a bourbon enthusiast seeking new experiences or someone who appreciates the intersection of craft spirits and community revival, Black Diamond offers something truly special. Find a bottle at your local Ohio liquor store or better yet, plan a visit to experience firsthand how this remarkable spirit is helping transform Appalachian Ohio, one pour at a time.

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The Scotchy Bourbon Boys taste the new Star Hill Farm American Wheat Whiskey from Maker's Mark and discuss their connections with the distillery and upcoming barrel picks. This 114.7 proof whiskey made from a blend of seven and eight-year-old wheat whiskeys showcases Maker's Mark's commitment to regenerative farming practices.

• Star Hill Farm American Wheat Whiskey is part of Maker's Mark's regenerative agriculture initiative
• The 2025 edition contains 51% soft red winter wheat, 27% malted soft red winter wheat, and 22% malted barley
• Rob Samuels warned we're only "50 more seasons away from completely stripping out the nutrients from the land"
• The whiskey received a perfect 18/18 score in the Old Louisville Whiskey Company barrel bottle breakdown
• Tasting notes include caramel apple pie, brown sugar crumble, raspberry, and subtle floral notes
• The Scotchy Bourbon Boys are now on TikTok in addition to Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X
• Pre-orders for the Scotchy Bourbon Boys Maker's Mark Private Select "Picked in the Dark" will be available soon for $89.99
• The Christmas party is scheduled for December 12th with a visit to Maker's Mark on December 13th

Contact Jeffrey Mueller directly on Facebook or YouTube to order Scotchy Bourbon Boys merchandise and secure your bottle of their upcoming Maker's Mark Private Select.

A revolution is brewing in the Kentucky hills, and it's taking the form of a whiskey that's as good for the earth as it is on your palate. In this captivating episode, we dive deep into Star Hill Farm American Wheat Whiskey, Maker's Mark's groundbreaking foray into regenerative agriculture and sustainable whiskey production.

From the moment we uncork this extraordinary spirit, we're transported into a world where whiskey making and environmental stewardship blend perfectly. Rob Samuels' stark warning that "we're only 50 more seasons away from completely stripping out the nutrients from the land" underscores the urgency behind this project, which aims to transform one million acres of farmland through regenerative practices.

The tasting experience itself proves nothing short of magical. This 114.7 proof blend of seven and eight-year-old wheat whiskeys delivers waves of caramel apple pie, brown sugar crumble, raspberry, and subtle floral notes that earned it our first-ever perfect 18/18 score. The mouthfeel is luxuriously thick and silky, while the finish lingers with sweet complexity that continues to evolve with every sip.

Beyond the bottle, we share exciting updates about our upcoming Maker's Mark Private Select "Picked in the Dark" release, which will be available for pre-order soon at $89.99. We also announce our expansion to TikTok and details about our December 12th Christmas party, followed by a special Ambassador tour at Maker's Mark on December 13th.

Whether you're passionate about exceptional whiskey, sustainable practices, or the future of craft spirits, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into how one distillery is working to heal the land one delicious sip at a time. Join us on this journey where earth meets spirit, and discover why Star Hill Farm Whiskey might just represent the future of American whiskey.

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The Scotchy Bourbon Boys conduct a blind tasting of three years of Maker's Mark Cellar Age releases to determine which vintage delivers the most exceptional flavor profile. Our expectations are completely overturned when the 2024 release unanimously wins with its stunning caramel, cherry, vanilla, and apple notes, scoring a perfect 19/18 on our rating scale.

• We discuss our recent barrel selection experience at Maker's Mark with Rob Samuels
• Rob Samuels explains how Maker's created their innovative limestone cellar for aging bourbon beyond 10 years without bitterness
• Each Cellar Age release features different compositions: 2023 (11 & 12-year), 2024 (12 & 13-year), and 2025 (11, 13 & 14-year)
• Tasting reveals the 2024 Cellar Age (119.3 proof) as our favorite with exceptional caramel, toffee, cherry, and apple notes
• We explore how wheat whiskey changes dramatically when bottles remain open, with flavors evolving and improving over time
• The newest 2025 release shows more oak influence, which divides opinions among tasters
• We compare our Cellar Age findings with a fresh Kentucky Bourbon Festival private select with a chocolatey stave profile

Check out WWW.ScotchyBourbonBoys.com for Glen Cairns, t-shirts, and all things Scotchy Bourbon Boys. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X, along with Apple, iHeart, Spotify, and everywhere else you listen to podcasts.

What happens when wheat whiskey ages for over a decade in a revolutionary limestone cellar? We found out in our most revealing blind tasting yet.

Tonight, we journey through time with all three releases of Maker's Mark Cellar Age – the limited edition series that challenged everything we thought we knew about aging wheated bourbon. After visiting Maker's Mark and spending time with Rob Samuels, we gained a deeper appreciation for how this historic distillery is pushing boundaries while honoring tradition.

The Cellar Age concept is fascinating – taking fully matured Maker's Mark and transferring it to a climate-controlled limestone cellar where it can develop complexity without acquiring bitterness. Each annual release features a unique blend of well-aged whiskeys: 2023 combines 11 and 12-year bourbon, 2024 features 12 and 13-year, while 2025 incorporates three different ages including their first-ever 14-year component.

Our blind tasting delivered shocking results that completely upended our expectations. The winner wasn't what any of us predicted, showcasing notes of burnt caramel, toffee, dark cherry, and what we can only describe as an "apple caramel extravaganza." One sample was so impressive it scored a perfect 19/18 on our rating scale – something that's never happened before.

We also discovered how dramatically these wheated expressions evolve once opened. As one host explains, "Wheat is a much finer, softer, more impressionable grain," making these bottles living entities that transform over months. The bottle that had been open longest revealed how these expressions hit their peak and then subtly shift toward oakier profiles.

Whether you're a devoted Maker's Mark fan or simply curious about how wheat whiskey develops with extended aging, this episode offers rare insights into one of bourbon's most innovative modern experiments. Subscribe now and join us next week when we explore Maker's Mark Star Hill Farm Wheat Whiskey!

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We explore Booker's Reserve 2025, a groundbreaking bourbon finished in tequila barrels that creates a unique flavor experience unlike any previous Booker's release.

• First-ever finished Booker's bourbon and first tequila finish in the Beam portfolio
• Barrels traveled from Kentucky to Mexico and back, creating a global whiskey story
• Aged 8 years, 10 months, 11 days at 123.3 proof (61.65% ABV)
• Brown wax seal pays homage to early Booker's releases
• Freddie Noe's innovative approach honors grandfather Booker's experimental spirit
• Tasting reveals complex notes of caramel, vanilla, Mexican spice, and subtle agave influence
• Scores an impressive 17.5/18 on our Old Louisville Barrel Bottle Breakdown rating system
• Drinks remarkably smooth despite high proof, making it an ideal fireside sipper
• The finish features a lasting warmth with evolving flavors that continue to develop

Visit www.scotchybourbonboys.com for all things Scotchy Bourbon Boys, including Glencairn glasses and t-shirts. Remember, good bourbon equals good friends and good times. Drink responsibly and don't drink and drive. Live your life uncut and unfiltered.

Bourbon innovation meets tequila tradition in our exploration of Booker's Reserve 2025 – a groundbreaking release that takes Booker's barrels on an international journey before creating something truly spectacular.

This unique expression began with Booker's 30th Anniversary barrels that traveled to Jalisco, Mexico, where the Camarena family used them to age El Tesoro tequila. When those same barrels returned to Kentucky, they carried rich agave notes that would transform a special batch of Booker's bourbon during a 2-3 month finishing period. The result? A first-ever finished Booker's that bridges Kentucky tradition with Mexican craftsmanship.

Our tasting reveals a masterful balance of bourbon character and tequila influence. At 123.3 proof, this 8-year, 10-month bourbon delivers waves of caramel, vanilla, and baking spices complemented by subtle agave brightness. What's most remarkable is how approachable it remains despite its strength – the perfect fireside companion for winter evenings. The distinctive brown wax seal (rather than traditional black) visually connects this innovative expression to early Booker's releases.

Freddie Noe has established the Reserve series as his playground while honoring his grandfather's experimental spirit. As Freddie notes, Booker "was never not exploring" and would eagerly share his tinkering with friends and family. This philosophy lives on in a bourbon that scored an impressive 17.5/18 on our rating scale, making it a must-have for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Whether you're a longtime Booker's fan or exploring premium bourbon for the first time, this release demonstrates how thoughtful barrel finishing can add fascinating dimensions to an already exceptional whiskey. Get your bottle while supplies last, and experience what happens when Kentucky tradition meets Mexican craftsmanship in a glass.

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Rebekah Neeley from Neeley Family Distillery joins us to share their latest innovations and a tasting of uniquely finished whiskeys from their Sparta, Kentucky distillery. From their upcoming three-chamber still to award-winning experimental finishes, Rebecca demonstrates why small, family-owned distilleries are at the forefront of bourbon innovation.

• Neely is installing a three-chamber still, becoming only the fourth operational one in the world
• Cypress fermenters impart the distinct "Neely funk" that distinguishes their flavor profile
• Their absinthe has won three consecutive double golds and a platinum medal
• Rebekah guides us through tastings of sake-finished bourbon, sauternes finish, tequila finish, and acacia wood finish
• The distillery offers quarter and half barrel picks to make barrel selection more accessible
• Rebekah's first official blend showcases her blending skills and understanding of everyday bourbon drinkers
• Visitors can fill their own bottles and personalize labels at the distillery
• Located at Exit 55 off Interstate 71 between Louisville and Cincinnati

Remember to stop by Neeley Family Distillery when traveling - they have rocking chairs, a cigar area, and some of the cleanest bathrooms around. Live your life uncut and unfiltered.

Venture into the heart of Kentucky bourbon country as we sit down with Rebekah Neeley at the speakeasy of Neeley Family Distillery. This episode uncorks the fascinating evolution of a craft distillery that's balancing tradition with bold innovation.

Rebekah shares exciting news about their upcoming three-chamber still installation—set to make them only the fourth distillery in the world with this equipment. The "Icon," as it's officially named, will produce heavier, more viscous distillate that opens new possibilities for their whiskey portfolio. We explore why Neely maintains cypress fermenters when many have switched to stainless steel, and how these wooden vessels create what Rebekah calls "the Neeley funk"—that distinctive character that makes their spirits uniquely theirs.

The heart of our visit features an extraordinary tasting journey through Neely's experimental finished whiskeys. Rebekah guides us through their sake barrel-finished four-grain bourbon with delicate melon notes, an award-winning sauternes finish, a complex tequila-finished expression with chocolate and berry characteristics, and perhaps most surprisingly, an acacia wood-finished bourbon with barbecue-like qualities. We also sample Rebecca's first official blend—a carefully crafted seven-barrel marriage designed as an approachable daily sipper.

What makes Neeley special extends beyond the liquid. Their quarter and half-barrel options make single barrel selections accessible to smaller groups, while their fill-your-own-bottle program creates meaningful personalized experiences for visitors. Rebekah shares touching stories of how this simple offering has created powerful moments—from future 21st birthday gifts to heartfelt thank-you presents for hospital staff.

Whether you're planning your Kentucky bourbon trail adventure or simply seeking inspiration from craft distilling innovation, join us for this deep dive into what makes small, family-owned distilleries the creative heartbeat of American whiskey. Subscribe now and discover your next bourbon adventure!

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Tiny recounts the Scotchy Bourbon Boys' action-packed week at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, highlighting distillery tours, bottle releases, and unforgettable experiences. The team captured professional-quality content throughout the festival while collecting exceptional bourbon.

• Pre-festival activities included podcasting at Neely Family Distillery and hosting a fan meetup at Revival Vintage Spirits
• Acquired a 1946 Dowling Deluxe Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (distilled in 1938) from Revival
• Visited numerous distilleries including Town Branch, Jim Beam, Maker's Mark, and Old Carter
• Organized a bus tour featuring stops at Evan Williams, the Pendennis Club, and Old Louisville Whiskey Company
• Participated in a Maker's Mark Private Selection despite a power outage from a lightning strike
• CT heroically rescued a young woman from an overturned car during their travels
• Jim Beam "saved the festival" by ensuring enough special releases for general admission attendees
• Acquired bottles including Knob Creek 21, Booker's Reserve, Hardin's Creek expressions, and festival-exclusive picks

Join us next Tuesday when we'll announce our Christmas party, the Crystal Glencairn tasting, new membership packages, and the pre-sale of our Maker's Mark Private Select.
What happens when you combine Kentucky's biggest bourbon celebration with the Scotchy Bourbon Boys' passion for capturing authentic whiskey experiences? An unforgettable week filled with rare tastings, exclusive access, and unexpected adventures.

Our journey began days before the official Kentucky Bourbon Festival, with an ambitious itinerary that included podcasting with Rebecca Neely in their speakeasy, hosting fans at Revival Vintage Spirits, and acquiring a truly historic bourbon – a 1946 Dowling Deluxe distilled in 1938. Each day brought new discoveries as we visited Town Branch, Jim Beam, Whiskey Thief, and numerous other distilleries, capturing professional-quality content while immersing ourselves in Kentucky's bourbon culture.

The centerpiece of our pre-festival activities was our curated bus tour, taking whiskey enthusiasts to legendary Louisville destinations including the Evan Williams Experience, the historic Pendennis Club (birthplace of the Old Fashioned), Old Carter, and Old Louisville Whiskey Company. Walter Zausch's extraordinary hospitality at the Pendennis Club – featuring custom Old Fashioneds and a 25-year Derby bottle – exemplified the personal connections that make bourbon culture so special.

Among the most memorable experiences was participating in a Maker's Mark Private Selection despite the distillery suffering a power outage from a lightning strike. Selecting staves by natural light in the lakehouse created an atmosphere connecting us to bourbon's pre-industrial roots, resulting in a selection that perfectly accentuates the whiskey's creme brulee and caramel notes.

The festival itself revealed the growing intensity of bottle hunting, with some enthusiasts waiting hours without success. However, Jim Beam's generous allocation of special releases – including Knob Creek 21, Booker's Reserve 2025, and three Hardin's Creek expressions – ensured even general admission attendees could secure remarkable bottles.

Beyond the planned events, we experienced an unexpected moment of heroism when CT rescued a young woman from an overturned vehicle – a powerful remi

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