Episodes!
Russell’s Reserve 10 vs Henry McKenna 10 Bottled in Bond | Blind Bourbon Showdown
We put Russell’s Reserve 10 Year up against Henry McKenna 10 Bottled in Bond in a true blind bourbon tasting — and the results might surprise you.
Penelope Havana Bourbon Review | Rum Finished Bourbon That Breaks the Rules
Penelope Havana Bourbon blends traditional bourbon with Caribbean rum cask finishing—but does it actually work? In this Tortured Bourbon review, we break down whether this unique finished bourbon is innovation or just hype.
All Hype. Weller vs Old Fitzgerald vs Very Old Barton
In this episode of Tortured Bourbon, we break down bourbon hype using Weller Special Reserve, Old Fitzgerald Bottled in Bond 7 Year, and Very Old Barton 86 Proof. Three bottles, three different reasons for hype — and none of them tell you exactly what’s inside.
Buzzard’s Roost Double Oak Bourbon Review | MGP Bourbon Finished in Toasted Barrels
Buzzard’s Roost Double Oak Bourbon is a sourced MGP bourbon finished in toasted barrels and bottled at 100 proof. In this episode of Tortured Bourbon, we break down the mash bill, finishing process, flavor profile, and whether this double oaked bourbon can compete with Woodford Double Oaked or Old Forester 1910.
Early Times Bottled in Bond Showdown: Brown-Forman vs Sazerac | Tortured Bourbon
The bourbon world has been debating one question ever since Brown-Forman sold Early Times to Sazerac: did the new Early Times Bottled in Bond change? In this episode of Tortured Bourbon, we compare the original Brown-Forman Early Times BiB to the newer Sazerac-produced version in a side-by-side bourbon tasting to see which one deserves a place on your shelf.
🥃 101 Bourbon Backyard Brawl: Maker’s 101 vs Wild Turkey 101
Blind bourbon review of Maker’s 101 vs Wild Turkey 101. A full 101 proof bourbon tasting comparison of wheated vs high-rye Kentucky bourbon.
Sweet Mash Bourbon Hype? | Hard Truth Sweet Mash Bourbon Review (Under $50)
Is sweet mash bourbon just marketing hype — or does it actually change the flavor? We review Hard Truth Sweet Mash Bourbon, break down sweet mash vs sour mash, and decide whether this under-$50 grain-to-glass bourbon hunts… or heads to clearance.
Green River Bourbon Review: Kentucky Straight vs Wheated Bourbon Tasting & Ranking
Green River Bourbon is back — and we’re putting both the Kentucky Straight Bourbon and Wheated Bourbon through a full Tortured Bourbon tasting and ranking. At $35, is this historic Kentucky bourbon the best value on the shelf?
Smoke Wagon Bourbon Review: The Vegas Trifecta | Straight vs Small Batch vs Uncut the Younger
We review Smoke Wagon Straight Bourbon, Small Batch, and Uncut the Younger in a full side-by-side bourbon tasting. This detailed bourbon review breaks down proof, mash bill, flavor profile, and which Smoke Wagon bourbon wins the Vegas Trifecta. Honest bourbon tasting notes, rankings, and second-pour verdicts from Tortured Bourbon.
Knob Creek Cask Strength Single Barrel — Eli Manning’s Pick | Unscripted Bourbon Review
A bold, unscripted review of a Knob Creek Cask Strength Single Barrel selected as an Eli Manning private pick. High proof, heavy oak, and classic Knob Creek DNA—this bourbon delivers power without gimmicks. Is this celebrity bourbon done right? We pour it, taste it, and tell it straight.
Willett Bourbon Deep Dive: Rowan’s Creek, Johnny Drum & Noah’s Mill
A deep dive into three cult-favorite Willett bourbons — Rowan’s Creek, Johnny Drum Private Stock, and Noah’s Mill. Mash bills, proofs, tasting notes, and why these non-age-stated bottles still dominate bourbon conversations.
Yellow Rose Harris County Bourbon Review (Texas Bourbon) | Tortured Bourbon
Texas bourbon time. We’re sipping Yellow Rose Harris County—Houston whiskey with brown sugar, cherry smoke, toasted pecan, and cinnamon-candy finish. Katie brings the official notes. B brings the problems.
Old Bardstown Bourbon Review | Willett House Pour Showdown
An honest Old Bardstown bourbon review from Willett Distillery. We taste the 90 proof, Bottled in Bond, and Estate 101 side by side—and ask whether tradition is enough in today’s bourbon world.
Old Fitzgerald 7 Year Bottled-in-Bond vs Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond
Two seven-year Bottled-in-Bond bourbons. Same proof. Same distillery. Very different personalities. Old Fitzgerald 7 faces off against Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond in a wheated vs rye showdown you can actually taste.
Four Roses 2025 Limited Edition vs OBSK NC Store Pick
In this episode of Tortured Bourbon, we go deep into one of the most talked-about releases of the year — Four Roses 2025 Limited Edition Small Batch Barrel Strength — and put it head-to-head with a Four Roses OBSK Barrel Strength North Carolina store pick. We break down Four Roses’ unique 10-recipe system, explain why mash bills and yeast strains matter, and explore how age, proof, and intentional blending shape flavor. From dessert-leaning fruit notes to bold rye spice and mature oak, this is a true barrel-strength showdown that asks the real question: does the Limited Edition live up to the hype?
Barrell Bourbon New Year 2026 Review
Barrell Bourbon New Year 2026 is a bold, multi-state blend that proves chaos can be delicious. At 110.3 proof, this celebratory release delivers bright fruit, deep baking spice, and a long, thoughtful finish. New year. Same bad decisions.
Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series: North Carolina Edition
The Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series – North Carolina Edition is more than a limited bourbon release — it’s a tribute to the Old North State crafted by NC State alum Dr. Blake Layfield. In this episode, Tortured Bourbon dives into the story, tasting notes, and custom staves behind one of the most meaningful bottles we’ve ever opened.
Double the Oak, Double the Trouble: A Four-Bottle Toasted Barrel Showdown (Feat. Mike!)
A deep-dive into the world of double-oaked bourbon as Heather, B, and special guest Mike break down four bottles that redefine sweetness, spice, and toasted-oak intensity — Woodford Double Double Oak, Angel’s Envy Triple Oak, Old Forester 117, and Whiskey War Double Oaked.
“Runnin’ Down a Dream” (The Reveries x T8KE) | 16-Year Single Barrel Bourbon Review
A deep-dive into one of the most sought-after indie bottler releases of the year: The Reveries 16-Year Single Barrel “Runnin’ Down a Dream” by T8KE. We break down the bottle, the bourbon lore, the BuffTurkey origins, the tasting notes, and whether this $325 cask-strength monster is worth chasing.
Puncher’s Chance Bourbon Review: The Underdog Whiskey with a Knockout Finish
Puncher’s Chance is the bourbon built for fighters — a 90-proof Kentucky straight bourbon blended from 5- and 6-year barrels with big vanilla, caramel, and rye-spice character. We tasted it with our guest Aaron to see if this underdog delivers a real uppercut. Here’s our full Tortured Bourbon breakdown.