463. Sweet Rye, Cigar Blends, and Industry Buzz

Jim and Todd are back together in the Bourbon Road bar for a tasting flight of five unique whiskeys, along with a roundup of the latest bourbon industry news. They kick off the night with the Brothers Bond Regenerative Grain Bourbon. This 92-proof, four-year-old expression is a four-grain blend of wheated and high-rye bourbons from 70 barrels hand-selected by founders Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley. The hosts find a pleasant nose of sweet cornbread that opens up on the palate to honey-glazed fruits like peach and pear with a nice oaky spice on the finish.

Next up is the first-ever Cigar Blend Bourbon from Buzzard's Roost. The hosts discuss what defines a "cigar blend"—typically a rich, complex, and intense whiskey that can stand up to a cigar. This 105-proof, double-oaked expression delivers, with an intriguing nose of new leather and cinnamon toast. The palate reveals notes of toasted marshmallow, a wisp of smoke, sarsaparilla, and even black licorice, making for a whiskey with a broad spectrum of flavors perfect for pairing.

The third pour is the highly anticipated Bardstown Discovery Series #13. This complex, 110.8-proof release is Bardstown's first double-barreled expression—a blend of four Kentucky bourbons aged 8 to 15 years, which was then split and finished for four months in both new American white oak and Hungarian oak before being married back together. The result is a masterfully balanced whiskey with a nose of toasty vanilla and crème brûlée that leads to a palate of honeycomb cereal, cherry, and an extra-long, slightly drying finish.

For the fourth glass, they travel to Iowa for the Cedar Ridge Barrel Proof Bourbon. At 116 proof and an approachable price, this bourbon is crafted from a unique mash bill that includes 14% malted rye. This special grain shines through, softening the spirit and creating a surprisingly sweet profile with prominent notes of peaches and sweet tea.

The tasting concludes with a "dark horse": Silver Spring Sweet Rye from J.W. Kelly in Tennessee. This single-barrel, 122-proof Kentucky rye drinks nothing like a typical rye. The hosts are amazed by its unique profile, which starts with a nose of fig and an effervescent lemon-lime quality. The palate is a delightful surprise, full of fruity notes like cherry and strawberry, along with cotton candy, cacao, and a hint of white pepper on the finish.

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