This week on the Bourbon Bytes Podcast, Clifton dives into one of the boldest Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series bottles to date — the 2025 Keeper’s Release, packed with ten toasted American oak staves. Is it a worthy successor to The Heart, or an over-oaked detour? Also in the mix: a fascinating experiment in climate-aged bourbon from Milam & Greene, a tribute to military valor via Four Branches Bourbon, and a breakdown of the bold new Little Book Chapter 9 from Jim Beam. As always, expect ...
Jun 26, 2025•21 min•Ep. 53
In this week’s pour of Bourbon Bytes, Clifton dives into the hottest release yet from Wild Turkey: Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Bourbon is back — and this time, it’s clocking in at a blistering 123.8 proof. Is it the best Wild Turkey yet, or just another hard-to-find unicorn? We also explore the return of Stitzel-Weller with a jaw-dropping 24-year-old release priced at $1,600, and check in with Laphroaig’s 2025 Cairdeas — a cask strength version of their beloved Lore. Then, in this week’s Byte-Size...
Jun 19, 2025•21 min•Season 2Ep. 52
After a three-year hiatus, Bourbon Bytes is back with a brand-new season and a barrel full of whiskey news. Clifton breaks down the surprise announcement of Eagle Rare 12 — is it a smart move or an unnecessary twist? He also dives into the ultra-limited Remus Babe Ruth Reserve and some game-changing distribution news for Old Forester fans outside of Kentucky. Finally, he gives a sweet and spicy byte-sized review of Rock Hill Farms Bourbon — a rare pour that reminds him of home… and Krispy Kreme ...
Jun 12, 2025•20 min•Season 2Ep. 1
To celebrate the 50th episode of the Bourbon Bytes Podcast, I’m reviewing William Larue Weller bourbon, a part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (2021). This epic conclusion to Season 1 of the Bourbon Bytes Podcast is a tribute to the Patreon supporters and listeners of the podcast who have supported me over the past year. Subscribe to Bourbon Bytes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/BourbonBytes Watch us play Dungeons and Drams every Monday: https://www.youtube.com/DungeonsandDrams Suppo...
Sep 23, 2022•18 min•Season 1Ep. 50
Today I'm reviewing a cask strength craft rye whiskey from Dog and Shrub Distillery out of Lake Mills, WI. This was sent to me by Edd from The Rotgut Review, who happens to work at Dog and Shrub. I'm also touching on some upcoming whiskey news, including the new Woodford Reserve Honey Barrel Finish Distillery Series, Wild Turkey Master's Keep, and Heaven Hill's 20 Year Old Corn Whiskey. Plus, sharing the title for the Breath of the Wild sequel, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom!
Sep 16, 2022•15 min•Season 1Ep. 49
Barrell Vantage is a 114.4 proof bourbon from Barrell Craft Spirits consisting of a blend of straight bourbon whiskeys finished in three distinct expressions of virgin oak: Mizunara, French, and toasted American oak casks. I'm reviewing this new BCS release and enjoying it both neat and on the rocks during the California heat wave.
Sep 09, 2022•15 min•Season 1Ep. 48
Today I'm reviewing two of last year's biggest releases from the New Riff Distillery, Malted Wheat Bourbon and Malted Rye Bourbon. These "Malsters" are a project that explores different malted grains used in a Kentucky Straight Bourbon recipe. Both come in at 100 proof and are aged at least 5 years. Plus, I'm sharing breaking news from Maker's Mark, as Denny Potter (General Manager & Master Distiller) and Jane Bowie (Head of Innovation & Blending) plan to depart the company on September ...
Sep 02, 2022•15 min•Season 1Ep. 47
I'm reviewing the third release of Kentucky Senator Bourbon named after John G. Carlisle and coming in at 7 years old and 107 proof. Is this $130 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey worth seeking out? Plus, I'm sharing updates about allocated lotteries for the 2022 Old Forester Birthday Bourbon and Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch open now, as well as the latest news about the upcoming Hogwarts Legacy video game, including the pricing and details of the standard, digital deluxe, and collecto...
Aug 26, 2022•15 min•Season 1Ep. 46
I'm reviewing the 2022 release of Laphroaig Càirdeas, Warehouse 1. This Scotch was aged in first-fill ex-bourbon barrels from Maker's Mark in the iconic Warehouse 1 that bares their namesake on the Islay Coast. Coming in at 52.2% ABV and $90, how does this year's Cairdeas compare to last year's Cask Strength PX Sherry release? I'm also sharing the news of the first Booker's Single Barrel Bourbon from the Jim Beam Distillery. This 'Second Chance Batch' is a collaboration between Fred Noe and the ...
Aug 19, 2022•12 min•Season 1Ep. 45
I'm reviewing EJ Curley & Co. Single Barrel Cask Strength Bourbon, a legacy brand from the 1860s that's making it's return to Jessamine County, Kentucky. Plus, I'm sharing the news about several upcoming whiskey releases: Kentucky Owl Takumi Edition, Redwood Empire Cask Strength Lost Monarch, Frey Ranch Malted Grain Series 100% Malted Corn Whiskey, and Brothers Wright Reserve Single Barrel Coal Mine Aged Kentucky Straight Bourbon.
Aug 12, 2022•19 min•Season 1Ep. 44
I'm reviewing W.L. Weller 12 Year Old Bourbon from Buffalo Trace, sharing new wheated whiskey announcements from Willett and Maker's Mark, new TTB standards for American Single Malt Whisky, and exciting video games coming out this month: Two Point Campus, Arcade Paradise, and Rollerdrome. Cheers, and game on!
Aug 05, 2022•20 min•Season 1Ep. 43
I'm reviewing the Heaven Hill Experience gift shop exclusive bottle - Five Brothers Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. A small batch blending of five ages of Bourbon, Five Brothers Bourbon pays homage to the courage, dedication and solidarity of the five Shapira brothers who started it all in 1935.
Jul 29, 2022•14 min•Season 1Ep. 42
This week I’m joined by one of WhiskeyTube’s greatest mods, Emily Chambers, to review Russell’s Reserve 10 Year Old Bourbon from Wild Turkey and chat about Disability Pride Month and how to make the whiskey community more inclusive.
Jul 22, 2022•24 min•Season 1Ep. 41
This week I’m reviewing and comparing Baker’s 13 Year Old Bourbon with a 13 Year Old Single Barrel Pick from Knob Creek, as well as sharing news about New Zealand’s bourbon shortage, and a new project from former Old Forester Master Taster, Jackie Zykan, called Hidden Barn Bourbon.
Jul 15, 2022•18 min•Season 1Ep. 40
I'm sitting down with my friend Brandon to try Booker's B95-C-31 compared to "Pigskin Batch" from 2020. Plus, we're discussing the state of Booker's Bourbon in 2022. Is this Small Batch from Jim Beam worth the $100 price tag? How does it compare to previous releases? Watch the Video Recording of this Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BourbonBytes
Jul 08, 2022•28 min•Season 1Ep. 39
I'm reviewing the Ardbeg Day 2022 Committee Release of Ardbeg Ardcore, an Islay Scotch Whisky created with heavily roasted black malt, a first for Ardbeg. Plus, I'm sharing the news about the return of Jack Daniel's Coy Hill as a small batch Tennessee only release. I'm also recapping the June Nintendo Direct Mini, with game announcements such as Persona 4 Golden, Persona 3 Portable, Square Enix's Harvestella farming life-sim, and many more!
Jul 01, 2022•14 min•Season 1Ep. 38
Today I'm reviewing a peculiar bourbon whiskey from Trader Joes that was bottled at barrel entry proof, talking about a new TTB label for single barrel picks of Rittenhouse Rye Whiskey from Heaven Hill, as well as doing a deep dive into why Amburana casks from Brazil and South America are the latest craze in whiskey finishing, featured by iconic brands such as Nulu, Rare Character, WhistlePig, Teeling, and Starlight Distillery, as well as several American Craft breweries.
Jun 24, 2022•21 min•Season 1Ep. 37
I'm tasting a single barrel of Nulu Barrel Strength Bourbon finished for four months in maple syrup barrels that was picked by my friends over at This is My Bourbon Podcast. Plus, I'm talking about the launch of the English language PokéToon shorts from Pokémon and the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge video game. Follow my friends mentioned in this episode on Instagram: @mybourbonpod, @whiskeymutant, @mydailybourbon, @bourbon_newb, & @ian_that_bourbon_guy.
Jun 17, 2022•14 min•Season 1Ep. 36
I'm sitting down with a few friends to discuss the state of Light Whiskey and American Whiskey in 2022. We'll also be tasting and comparing Old Carter American Whiskey Batch 6 and a Hazmat Obtainium Light Whiskey from Cat's Eye Distillery. Is Light Whiskey the new Bourbon?
Jun 10, 2022•21 min•Season 1Ep. 35
I'm reviewing a whiskey sent to me by Patreon supporter Patrick (@Bourbon_newb), Doc Swinson's Exploratory Series Kiona Cask Bourbon finished in Cabernet Sauvignon casks from Kiona Vineyards in Washington. Plus, I'm talking about many new whiskeys coming out this month - including Dixon Dedman's 2XO 'The Phoenix', and two new Doc Swinson's Exploratory Cask whiskeys. Finally, I'm sharing the highlights from the new Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Trailer that just dropped this week, including which ne...
Jun 03, 2022•18 min•Season 1Ep. 34
I'm reviewing Wild Turkey's Longbranch, a collaboration between creative director Matthew McConaughey and master distiller Eddie Russell. This 8-year-old Kentucky Bourbon is refined through oak and mesquite charcoal and is an approachable entry into the brand. Plus, I'm sharing news of the upcoming free-to-play fighting game, MultiVersus, including new information about the expansive roster of playable characters from across many video game, film, and television franchises. Cheers, and game on!...
May 27, 2022•14 min•Season 1Ep. 33
I'm reviewing the latest release from the Glendalough Distillery, a 7 year old Irish Whiskey finished in Mizunara Oak Casks. I'm also sharing the news of several other upcoming American whiskeys and bourbons with unique finishes that I can't wait to try.
May 20, 2022•19 min•Season 1Ep. 32
I'm doing a Dry Week, so I'm trying three limited edition sodas from Coca-Cola and Pepsi! Coke Starlight is the first limited edition sparkling beverage from Coca-Cola Creations. Nitro Pepsi is a nitrogen-infused draft cola that comes in both classic and vanilla flavors. Will these new products be good enough to replace my go-to afternoon Coke Zero? Listen in to find out! PS: I'll be back to regular whiskey and video game news & reviews next week.
May 13, 2022•16 min•Season 1Ep. 31
This week I'm reviewing a store pick of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon. This private barrel comes from Circus Liquor in North Hollywood, California. I'm also talking about a new malted rye whiskey from New Riff, Jack Daniels Bonded and Triple Mash, and 2 new Bardstown Bourbon Company releases that were just spotted on the TTB. Plus, I'm sharing some upcoming video games coming out in May, 2022, including Trek to Yomi, Evil Dead: The Game, and Pac-Man Museum+!
May 06, 2022•20 min•Season 1Ep. 30
I'm tasting the latest Committee Release of Ardbeg, Ardbeg Fermutation, a 13 year old peated Islay whisky that went through an epic three week-long fermentation – the longest in Ardbeg’s history – which eventually gave rise to a wild, zingy and vibrant spirit. I'm also talking about whiskey NFTs from Ardbeg, a new Heaven Hill distillery being built in Bardstown, and delays with the new Super Mario Bros. movie, the Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild sequel, and Sega and Ubisoft delisting some of ...
Apr 29, 2022•20 min•Season 1Ep. 29
Fortuitous Union from Rolling Fork Spirits is a Kentucky bourbon barrel finished 12-year-old Trinidad rum blended with cask strength rye whiskey and bottled at 103 proof. Was this fortune, or an F' up? Also in this episode, I'm talking about some upcoming whiskey releases, including Wild Turkey Master's Keep 'Unforgotten', Still Austin Four Grain Bourbon, High West's The Prisoner's Share, Remus Gatsby Reserve, and Jack Daniel’s Twice Barreled American Single Malt.
Apr 22, 2022•18 min•Season 1Ep. 28
Jack Daniel's Coy Hill was one of the most sought after special release whiskeys of 2021. Tonight, I'm joined by a few friends as we try 3 different single barrels all at over 140 proof (Hazmat). Does higher proof mean better whiskey? Or are one of the "low" proof hazmat bottles beat the bunch? Find out in this very special Tennessee Whiskey flight!
Apr 15, 2022•20 min•Season 1Ep. 27
I'm reviewing the 16 Year Gray Label Seagrass Rye Whiskey from Barrell Craft Spirits and comparing it to the standard Seagrass release. I'm also talking about new whiskeys coming out this month and later this year, including Barrell Dovetail Gray Label 16yr, Kentucky Owl 'The Wiseman' Rye, and Compass Box Vellichor. I'm also highlighting upcoming video games, including LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga and Nintendo Switch Sports.
Apr 08, 2022•19 min•Season 1Ep. 26
I'm joined by my friends Brandon (@imasmartidi0t), Juan (@whiskeypadajuan), and Aaron (@whiskypair) for a blind flight of 5 American whiskeys. Can I tell the difference between a bourbon and a wheat whiskey? Maybe. Will we be surprised by the results? You bet!
Apr 01, 2022•38 min•Season 1Ep. 25
I'm reviewing Wild Turkey's LE whiskey release for 2021, Master's Keep One, thanks to Patreon supporter @Bourbon_Newb. I'm also and chatting about Michter's withholding their 10 year bourbon until 2023, and the removal of tariffs of American Whiskeys in the UK. In gaming news, we're talking about the Kirby 30th Anniversary Music Fest, and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Cowabunga Collection coming to video game consoles this year!
Mar 25, 2022•20 min•Season 1Ep. 24
