Bourbon Bytes Podcast

Old Oak & New Heat: Kentucky Whiskey Updates + Old Soul Bourbon Review

In this episode of Bourbon Bytes, Clifton dives into the 2025 Old Soul Single Barrel Bourbon—a bold cask strength pick from Mississippi's oldest distillery… or is it? With transparency under the spotlight, Clifton uncovers what’s really inside the bottle, and why it might just be the sleeper hit of the summer.
Plus, he breaks down the latest in the bourbon world: the new Michter’s Legacy Series releases, a Pinhook Rye that’s winning big, and some exciting cask strength news from Knob Creek. And for bourbon lovers who love to travel—he spotlights Bardstown’s new luxury hotel, complete with a speakeasy and spa.

Maker’s Mark 2025 “The Keeper’s Release” Review + Bourbon Aged by Climate?

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 strong pours, hot takes, and a splash of comfort in the middle of a chaotic world.

Russell’s Reserve 13 is Back + Old Fitzgerald 7-Year-Old BiB Review

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-Sized Review, Clifton finally uncorks the new Old Fitzgerald 7-Year Bottled-in-Bond wheated bourbon. Can this $60 Heaven Hill release live up to its decanter-clad cousins?

Eagle Rare 12?! Plus Rock Hill Farms Bourbon Review

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 donuts. Short, sharp, and spirited — this relaunch is everything you’ve missed and more.

Episode 50: William Larue Weller Bourbon Review (Season Finale)

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
 
Support the Channel on Patreon for Exclusive Hangouts and Early Video Access:http://www.Patreon.com/BourbonBytes
 
Follow and Subscribe on Twitch for Gaming Streams:https://www.twitch.tv/bourbonbytes
 
Find the Whiskey & Gaming Lounge Discord Server and other links:http://BourbonBytes.com

Dog and Shrub Cask Strength Rye Whiskey Review

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!

Barrell Vantage Bourbon Review - Best Neat or on the Rocks?

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.

New Riff Malster Wheat and Rye Bourbon Reviews and Big Changes at Maker’s Mark Distillery

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 2nd.

Kentucky Senator Bourbon Release #3 John G. Carlisle Review and Allocated Lottery Announcements

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 collector's editions.

2022 Laphroaig Càirdeas ’Warehouse 1’ Review and the First Booker’s Single Barrel Bourbon!?

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 Medicinal Whiskey Charity to support the UK Transplant Center in Lexington, Kentucky.