Bourbon Bytes Podcast

Maker’s Mark Made a Wheat Whiskey… But Is Star Hill Farm 2026 Worth the Price?

This week on the Bourbon Bytes podcast, we’re heading into July 4th weekend with a packed lineup of whiskey and gaming news before reviewing one of Maker’s Mark’s biggest experiments yet: Star Hill Farm 2026.
Bulleit just announced its oldest rye ever: a 20-year-old, 137-proof release limited to 1,776 bottles for America’s 250th anniversary. Redwood Empire is also back with Colonel Armstrong Wheated Bourbon, a new $40 four-grain release blending Northern California grain-to-glass whiskey with Kentucky and Indiana high-wheat bourbon.
We also talk about Dragon Con Bourbon, a nerdy collaboration with Atlanta’s Old Fourth Distillery, and Sweetens Cove Father’s Finish, a bourbon finished in cuvée wine barrels with a golf-themed cork design.
On the gaming side, Nintendo finally brings Star Fox to the Switch 2 with a modern remake of Star Fox 64.
Then it’s time for a Byte-Sized Review of Maker’s Mark Star Hill Farm 2026.
This is not bourbon. It’s an American wheat whiskey made with 27% wheat, 62% malted wheat, and 11% malted barley, designed to highlight estate-grown grain and regenerative agriculture at Maker’s Mark.
At 116.4 proof and around $120, Star Hill Farm 2026 brings cola, vanilla cream, tart cherry, powdered sugar, brûléed sugar, and dessert-like sweetness. But does it deliver enough complexity to justify the price?
🥃 Topics covered:
Bulleit 20 Year Rye
Redwood Empire Colonel Armstrong Wheated Bourbon
Dragon Con Bourbon
Sweetens Cove Father’s Finish
Star Fox on Nintendo Switch 2
Maker’s Mark Star Hill Farm 2026 review
Final score and whether it’s worth buying
Would you pay $100-$120 for Maker’s Mark’s new wheat whiskey experiment?
YouTube Chapter Markers
00:00 Intro – Bulleit, Dragon Con, Star Fox & Star Hill Farm00:28 Welcome + July 4th Weekend Setup01:14 Bulleit 20 Year Rye03:07 Redwood Empire Colonel Armstrong Wheated Bourbon03:59 Dragon Con Bourbon05:23 Sweetens Cove Father’s Finish06:24 Star Fox Comes to Nintendo Switch 207:53 Byte-Sized Review – Maker’s Mark Star Hill Farm 202615:56 Outro + Community Question

100th Episode: Little Book The Infinite Edition II Is Almost Perfect

It’s the 100th episode of the Bourbon Bytes podcast!
This week, I’m celebrating the milestone with a packed whiskey news lineup and a special Byte-Sized Review of Little Book The Infinite: Edition II from Jim Beam.
Willett filled the first barrel at its new Springfield distillery, Bacardi is taking full ownership of Teeling Irish Whiskey, Four Roses officially announced its first Experimental Series release finished in Japanese Mizunara oak, Blade & Bow is launching a 12-year Solera Reserve bourbon, and Frey Ranch released its first 10-year bourbon.
We also talk about the new “day cap” drinking trend, because apparently Gen Z may have just rebranded happy hour.
Then it’s time for the main event: Little Book The Infinite: Edition II.
This special Jim Beam family blend brings together 22-year bourbon distilled by Booker Noe, 10-year bourbon distilled by Fred Noe, and 7-year bourbon from Freddie Noe. It is bottled uncut and unfiltered at 120.4 proof, and it might be one of the best bourbons I’ve ever reviewed on the podcast.
Expect deep mahogany oak, vanilla, cinnamon, rich sweetness, charred barrel spice, incredible balance, and a full-bodied finish that drinks far below its proof.
🥃 Topics covered:
100th episode thank-you
Willett’s new Springfield distillery fills its first barrel
Bacardi takes full ownership of Teeling Irish Whiskey
Four Roses Experimental Series #1 Mizunara Oak
Blade & Bow 12 Year Solera Reserve
Frey Ranch 10 Year Bourbon
The “day cap” trend
Little Book The Infinite: Edition II review
Final score and whether it is worth $180–$200
Thank you all for listening, supporting, and helping Bourbon Bytes reach 100 episodes. Cheers and game on!
 
Chapter Markers:
00:00 100th Episode Intro00:28 Welcome + Thank You for 100 Episodes01:09 Willett Fills First Barrel at Springfield Distillery02:15 Bacardi Takes Ownership of Teeling Irish Whiskey03:25 Four Roses Experimental Series Mizunara Oak04:42 Blade & Bow 12 Year Solera Reserve06:02 Frey Ranch 10 Year Bourbon06:44 Is the Day Cap the New Night Cap?08:55 Byte-Sized Review – Little Book The Infinite Edition II15:16 100th Episode Outro

An American Whiskey From All 50 States + Burnt Tavern Bourbon Review

This week on the Bourbon Bytes podcast, we’re covering one of the most ambitious American whiskey projects ever attempted before diving into a smoky, double-barreled Kentucky bourbon.
Booker’s is back with the new Milkshake Batch, inspired by Booker Noe’s love of bourbon-spiked chocolate malted milkshakes. Green River has announced its oldest bourbon yet: an 8-year Distillery Select Toasted Double Oak release bottled at 115.1 proof.
We also look at two very different celebrations of America’s 250th anniversary. Breckenridge Distillery is releasing its Patriotic Reserve Bourbon, while Lost Lantern has created a bourbon blend featuring whiskey sourced from all 50 states.
Then Coors Whiskey Company enters the American malt category with an 8-year limited release made with Colorado and Coors malts.
Finally, it’s time for a Byte-Sized Review of Burnt Tavern Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.
This 7-year-old, 105-proof bourbon is double-barreled in specially toasted and charred oak, creating notes of vanilla, toasted marshmallow, barbecue smoke, chocolate-chip cookies, caramelized crust, oak, and lingering chocolate.
Does all that smoke and char enhance the bourbon—or overpower what could be an excellent base whiskey?
The review bottle was provided by Burnt Tavern. All opinions are my own.
🥃 Topics covered:
Booker’s Bourbon Milkshake Batch
Green River Distillery Select Toasted Double Oak
Breckenridge Patriotic Reserve Bourbon
Lost Lantern’s all-50-state bourbon blend
Coors 8 Year Blended American Malt Whiskey
Burnt Tavern Bourbon review
Final score and whether it is worth $70
Would you rather try the bourbon blended from all 50 states or the smoky, double-barreled Burnt Tavern?
Chapter Timecodes: 
00:00 Intro – Booker’s, Green River, Coors & Burnt Tavern00:28 Welcome + Episode Update01:01 Booker’s Milkshake Batch02:44 Green River’s Oldest Bourbon Yet04:17 Breckenridge Patriotic Reserve06:30 A Bourbon Blended From All 50 States08:38 Coors 8 Year American Malt Whiskey09:59 Byte-Sized Review – Burnt Tavern Bourbon17:45 Outro + Byte Club and Pride Merch

Maker’s Mark Steward’s Release Review + Huge Nintendo Switch 2 News

This week on the Bourbon Bytes Podcast, we’re breaking down a packed lineup of whiskey and gaming news before diving into a Byte-Sized Review of the new Maker’s Mark Steward’s Release.
Old Forester announced its 2026 President’s Choice Bourbon and Rye, Barrell Craft Spirits revealed a limited Toasted Seagrass release, and Penelope is flipping its usual playbook with a new Classic Series bourbon and rye.
On the gaming side, Nintendo Direct brought major Switch 2 news, including a new Kingdom Hearts 4 trailer and a surprise Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake announcement. We also touch on Xbox’s 25th Anniversary console, Halo: Campaign Evolved, and PlayStation’s latest State of Play.
Then it’s time for the main event: Maker’s Mark Steward’s Release, the 2026 entry in the Wood Finishing Series.
This release brings notes of maple syrup, vanilla, waffle cone, toasted pie crust, honeycomb, peach cobbler, and salted caramel — but does it live up to the best Maker’s Mark limited releases?
🥃 Topics covered:
Old Forester President’s Choice Bourbon and Rye
Barrell Craft Spirits Toasted Seagrass
Penelope Classic Series Bourbon and Rye
Kingdom Hearts 4 coming to Switch 2
Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake reveal
Xbox 25th Anniversary console news
Halo: Campaign Evolved update
Maker’s Mark Steward’s Release review
Final score and whether it’s worth $75
Would you pick this over Maker’s 46 Cask Strength or a great Private Select?
 
YouTube Chapters:
00:00 Intro – Old Forester, Barrell, Nintendo & Maker’s Mark00:27 Welcome + Episode Setup01:13 Old Forester President’s Choice 202602:30 Barrell Craft Spirits Toasted Seagrass03:56 Penelope Classic Series Bourbon & Rye05:24 Nintendo Direct + Switch 2 News05:30 Kingdom Hearts 4 Trailer06:10 Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake07:06 Xbox, Halo & PlayStation Updates07:51 Byte-Sized Review – Maker’s Mark Steward’s Release14:30 Outro + Where to Find Bourbon Bytes

Bardstown Blended Bourbon with Japanese Whisky… and It’s Incredible

This week on the Bourbon Bytes podcast, we’re kicking off June with a packed lineup of whiskey news and one of the most surprising reviews of the year.
Four Roses just announced the start of its new Anthology Series, launching with a 21-year-old OBSF barrel-strength bourbon called The Origin. Russell’s Reserve 13 is back for Spring 2026 with a new release celebrating Eddie Russell’s 45 years of whiskey-making mastery. High West also returns with the 2026 edition of The Prisoner’s Share, now featuring High West’s own straight bourbon whiskey in the blend.
On the gaming side, PlayStation’s latest State of Play brought new looks at Marvel’s Wolverine, Marvel Tokon, and Rayman Legends Retold.
Then it’s time for a Byte-Sized Review of Bardstown Bourbon Company’s Distillery Reserve Mars Single Malt Japanese Blend.
This limited release blends Kentucky straight bourbon aged 10 to 16 years with Japanese single malts from Mars Whisky, including whisky aged in Sakura cherry wood and Umeshu plum liqueur casks. It sounds wild on paper — but somehow, it works beautifully.
At 109.8 proof and released in 375ml bottles for $100, this distillery-only experiment might be one of the best things Bardstown Bourbon Company has ever released.
🥃 Topics covered:
Four Roses Anthology Series: The Origin 21 Year
Russell’s Reserve 13 Spring 2026
High West The Prisoner’s Share 2026
PlayStation State of Play highlights
Marvel’s Wolverine gameplay reveal
Marvel Tokon announcement
Rayman Legends Retold
Bardstown Bourbon Company x Mars Whisky review
Final score and whether this bottle is worth hunting
Would you try a Kentucky bourbon blended with Japanese single malt?
 
00:00 Intro – Four Roses, Russell’s Reserve, High West & Bardstown Mars00:29 Welcome + Episode Setup00:55 Four Roses Anthology 21 Year Bourbon03:01 Russell’s Reserve 13 Spring 202604:23 High West The Prisoner’s Share 202605:37 PlayStation State of Play Highlights08:17 Byte-Sized Review: Bardstown Bourbon Company Mars Japanese Whisky Blend16:08 Outro + Listener Question

Is Green River Honey Finished Bourbon the Best Honey Whiskey Yet?

This week on the Bourbon Bytes podcast, we’re talking about a packed week of whiskey news, including two new America 250 anniversary releases, the return of two E.H. Taylor classics, and one of the strangest international whiskey collaborations I’ve seen in a while.
Heaven Hill is releasing the Rittenhouse U.S. 250th Anniversary Commemorative Edition Rye, a 10-year-old bottled-in-bond rye priced at $99.99. Barrell Bourbon is also joining the celebration with Batch 38, a cask-strength blend of bourbons from Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee, and Maryland.
Then, Buffalo Trace is reviving two historic E.H. Taylor releases: Four Grain Bourbon and Cured Oak Bourbon. One may be easier to find than the other, but both are exciting returns for fans of the Colonel E.H. Taylor lineup.
We also dive into Bardstown Bourbon Company’s new collaboration with Mars Distilleries, blending Japanese single malt whisky with Kentucky bourbon in a first-of-its-kind release that might be brilliant… or way too complicated.
Then it’s time for a Byte-Sized Review of Green River Honey Finished Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.
This new release blends real Kentucky bourbon with local honey and rests them together in a barrel. At 4 years old, 92 proof, and only $25, it might be one of the most approachable summer whiskey releases of the year.
But the big question is:Is this truly a finished bourbon, or is it basically a flavored whiskey?
🥃 Topics covered:
00:00 Intro - America 250 Whiskey, E.H. Taylor & Green River Honey00:28 Welcome + Memorial Day Recap01:24 Rittenhouse 250th Anniversary Rye02:55 Barrell Bourbon Batch 3804:14 Buffalo Trace Revives E.H. Taylor Classics06:23 Bardstown Bourbon Company Distillery Reserve Mars Single Malt Japanese Blend13:12 Byte-Sized Review: Green River Honey Finished Bourbon18:49 Byte Club + Outro

Wild Turkey Gold Foil Returns + K&L’s Secret Turkey Bourbon Review

This week on the Bourbon Bytes podcast, Wild Turkey fans have a lot to be excited about.
We’re breaking down the return of one of Wild Turkey’s most legendary bottles: the new Austin Nichols Reserve 16 Year, inspired by the mythical “Cheesy Gold Foil” Wild Turkey release from the 1980s. This new 16-year-old bourbon comes from Camp Nelson Warehouse D, is bottled at 120 proof, and marks Bruce Russell’s first solo project with the brand.
We also cover two big Heaven Hill stories, including the Evan Williams America 250 Edition single barrel release bottled at 117.76 proof, plus the 2026 Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Collection, which is all about wheated bourbon this year.
Then it’s time for a Byte-Sized Review of K&L Wine and Spirits’ Every Drop “Living Legend” Bourbon, a 7-year-old, 107-proof independent bottling from Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. They can’t officially say where it’s from… but let’s just say the clues are pretty loud.
At only $50, this might be one of the best Wild Turkey-adjacent bourbon values I’ve tasted all year.
🥃 Topics covered:
Evan Williams America 250 Edition
Heaven Hill Grain to Glass 2026
Wild Turkey Gold Foil returns as Austin Nichols Reserve 16 Year
Bruce Russell’s first solo Wild Turkey project
K&L Every Drop “Living Legend” bourbon review
Why this $50 independent bottling might be a must-buy
Would you pay $400 for the new Wild Turkey Gold Foil release, or grab multiple bottles of this K&L pick instead?
 
Timecodes:
00:00 Intro - Wild Turkey Gold Foil Returns00:26 Welcome + Memorial Day Weekend Dedication01:38 Evan Williams America 250 Edition03:04 Heaven Hill Grain to Glass 202604:18 Wild Turkey Gold Foil Returns07:07 Byte-Sized Review: K&L Every Drop “Living Legend” Bourbon13:25 Outro + Bourbon Bytes Community

King of Kentucky 16 Year Review: Is This $350 Bourbon Worth the Hype?

This week on the Bourbon Bytes podcast, we’re diving into new whiskey releases from Blue Run, Little Book, Very Old St. Nick, 15 Stars, and one of the strangest TTB labels I’ve seen in a while: a goat milk flavored whiskey from Tamworth.
On the gaming side, Microsoft is making headlines with 8,000-year Xbox bans for Forza Horizon 6 pirates, while Xbox Game Pass is adding a new Discord Nitro perk.
Then it’s time for a Byte-Sized Review of King of Kentucky 16 Year Bourbon.
This 2024 release from Brown-Forman is a 16-year-old Kentucky straight bourbon bottled at 132 proof, with only about 5,100 bottles released. It shares the same mash bill as Old Forester 1924, but at six years older and full barrel strength, does it live up to the King of Kentucky name?
Expect deep oak, antique wood, cedar chest, dark roasted nuts, molasses, tannic richness, and a long finish.
🥃 Topics covered:
Blue Run Blueprint Bourbon
Little Book Chapter 10: All the Wiser
Very Old St. Nick Immaculata Bourbon
15 Stars Kentucke County releases
Tamworth goat milk flavored whiskey
Forza Horizon 6 piracy bans
Xbox Game Pass Discord Nitro perk
King of Kentucky 16 Year Bourbon review
Would you pay $350 for King of Kentucky if you found it at retail?
 
YouTube Chapter Markers
00:00 Intro – Blue Run, Little Book, Xbox & King of Kentucky00:28 Welcome + Episode Setup01:08 Blue Run Blueprint Bourbon02:47 Little Book Chapter 10: All the Wiser05:20 Very Old St. Nick Immaculata Bourbon06:22 15 Stars Kentucke County Releases08:01 Goat Milk Flavored Whiskey?!09:22 Gaming News – Forza Horizon 6 Bans + Discord Nitro11:53 Byte-Sized Review: King of Kentucky 16 Year Bourbon20:15 Listener Samples + Outro

Bernheim 20th Anniversary Review + A 163-Proof Stitzel Reserve Bourbon

This week on the Bourbon Bytes podcast, it’s my birthday episode, and whiskey news got weird in the best way.
Stitzel-Weller just announced a 31-year-old bourbon bottled at a wild 163.2 proof with a $3,000 price tag. Jack Daniel’s is teaming up with McLaren for the limited-edition Halo MK1 Tennessee Whiskey, and in gaming news, the new Steam Controller is already selling out while Halo 2 and Halo 3 remake rumors are heating up.
Then I dive into a Byte-Sized Review of Bernheim 20th Anniversary Wheat Whiskey from Heaven Hill.
This limited-edition Bernheim is 10 years old, bottled at 115 proof, and celebrates 20 years of one of the most unique American whiskey styles. I went in curious, but this one seriously surprised me with rich caramel, Halloween candy sweetness, balanced spice, and a finish that made me wonder why Bernheim doesn’t get more love.
🥃 Topics covered:
Stitzel Reserve 31 Year Bourbon at 163.2 proof
Jack Daniel’s x McLaren Halo MK1 Tennessee Whiskey
New Steam Controller selling out
Halo 2 and Halo 3 remake rumors
Bernheim 20th Anniversary Wheat Whiskey review
Final score and whether it’s worth hunting
Would you pay $3,000 for a 31-year-old bourbon, or would you rather hunt down this Bernheim?
YouTube Chapter Markers
00:00 Intro – Stitzel Reserve, Jack Daniel’s & Bernheim00:28 Welcome to the Bourbon Bytes Podcast01:17 Stitzel Reserve 31 Year Bourbon at 163.2 Proof03:33 Jack Daniel’s x McLaren Halo MK1 Whiskey05:38 New Steam Controller Sells Out07:25 Halo 2 & Halo 3 Remake Rumors08:49 Byte-Sized Review: Bernheim 20th Anniversary Wheat Whiskey16:37 Byte Club Shoutout + Outro

Redwood Empire Haystack Needle Review: One of 2026’s Best Craft Bourbons?

This week on the Bourbon Bytes podcast, we’re diving into a packed week of whiskey news before heading to Northern California for a Byte-Sized Review of Redwood Empire Haystack Needle.
Michter’s is releasing its first-ever Barrel Strength Sour Mash Whiskey, Maker’s Mark is back with a new edition of Star Hill Farm Whisky, Widow Jane is finishing bourbon in Tequila Ocho casks, Jack Daniel’s has a new hazmat rye release, and Four Roses is expanding its single barrel lineup.
Plus, we take a quick look at upcoming video game releases, including Forza Horizon 6 and 007 First Light.
Then it’s time for the main event: a review of Redwood Empire Haystack Needle, an 8 year, 7 month California bourbon single barrel pick from K&L Wine and Spirits, bottled at 119 proof.
This bottle completely surprised me with bright red fruit, strawberry shortcake, dark chocolate, oak, and a finish that makes me wonder if Redwood Empire is helping define the future of California whiskey.
🥃 Topics covered:
Brown-Forman sale update
Michter’s Barrel Strength Sour Mash
Maker’s Mark Star Hill Farm Whisky
Widow Jane x Tequila Ocho bourbon
Jack Daniel’s hazmat rye
Four Roses single barrel expansion
Forza Horizon 6 and 007 First Light
Redwood Empire Haystack Needle review
Would you pay $130 for a craft California bourbon like this?
 
Timecodes:
00:00 Intro – Michter’s, Maker’s, Jack Daniel’s & Redwood Empire01:15 Brown-Forman Sale Update02:02 Michter’s Barrel Strength Sour Mash03:40 Maker’s Mark Star Hill Farm Whisky05:44 Widow Jane x Tequila Ocho Bourbon06:52 Jack Daniel’s Hazmat Rye Release08:15 Four Roses Single Barrel Expansion09:18 Video Game News – Forza Horizon 6 + 007 First Light11:23 Byte-Sized Review – Redwood Empire Haystack Needle17:31 Outro + Bourbon Bytes Hotline