We taste Maker’s Mark’s 2024 Heart Release and 2025 Keepers Release—two unique Wood Finishing bourbons that prove why Kentucky still rules the bourbon world.

In this Tortured Bourbon showdown, Heather and B compare the easy-drinking Larceny Small Batch with a bold, barrel-proof Private Barrel Pick. It’s Heaven Hill’s wheated mash bill at two very different octanes—one mellow and approachable, the other fiery and full of personality. Along the way, they uncork the legend of John E. Fitzgerald, the original rickhouse thief, and decide which bottle still steals the show.

Big Horn Bourbon comes from the wide skies and wild spirit of Montana—but does this 80-proof whiskey from Willie’s Distillery deliver anything beyond frontier charm? In this Pour Decisions Wednesday episode, Heather and B explore this small-town bourbon and give it the full Tortured Bourbon treatment.

Is Missouri hiding one of the best barrel strength bourbons out there? In this Pour Decisions Wednesday, we explore Ben Holladay Rickhouse Proof—a bold, historic, grain-to-glass powerhouse from the oldest distillery west of the Mississippi. High proof, deep flavor, and zero hype. This one’s a sleeper hit.

In Part 2 of our Bardstown Bourbon deep dive, we explore two experimental showstoppers from their Collaborative Series—a Small Batch Stave Finish and a Silver Oak Cabernet-finished bourbon. Blending, finishing, and bold flavor collide in this bourbon tasting that proves Bardstown isn’t just playing the game—they’re rewriting the rules.

In this Tortured Bourbon episode, Heather and B dive into Dixon Dedman’s bold 2XO Icon Series — the Kiawah Blend, Tribute Blend, and Innkeeper Blend — before finishing with a full bourbon review of the ultra-premium Gem of Kentucky. From flavor notes like stone fruit and banana bread to a $200+ single-barrel stunner, this is a must-watch for bourbon lovers, Dixon Dedman fans, and anyone curious about double-barreled Kentucky bourbon done right.

2XO Vinyl Bourbon promises a full-album bourbon experience—layered, bold, and music-inspired. In this review, we explore whether Dixon Dedman’s double-oaked blend lives up to the hype. Packed with tasting notes, pop culture pairings, and our signature wit, this pour might just be the Thriller of your bourbon shelf.

Can a Brooklyn-born bourbon compete with the big Kentucky names? In this episode of Tortured Bourbon, Heather and B review Widow Jane 10 Year—a bold blend of sourced bourbons proofed with limestone water and aged in the heart of NYC. Is it hype, or a hidden gem?