In this third episode of Pour Decisions Wednesday, we pour one out for Indiana’s heritage distilling with a lesser-known wheated bourbon that’s been turning quiet heads in craft whiskey circles: William Dalton Bottled in Bond Wheated Bourbon from Spirits of French Lick.

Forget the mass-produced mash bills and corporate-age statements—this is bourbon the old-school way: grain-to-glass, pot-stilled, and made with locally sourced ingredients. At 100 proof and over four years old, this craft wheater pays tribute to William Dalton, an early Indiana distiller whose legacy lives on in this small-batch bottle.

What happens when you take three 100-proof Old Forester bourbons, put them side-by-side, and ask two unqualified but overly confident bourbon nerds to judge them? You get one of the most evenly matched, high-proof tasting showdowns in Tortured Bourbon history.

In this episode, we line up:

🥃 The Contenders

• Old Forester Signature 100 Proof

  A classic, budget-friendly workhorse that punches above its price point. Think caramel, banana bread, and a touch of spice—if your everyday pour wore a flannel and fixed your lawn mower.

• Old Forester Store Pick (Single Barrel 100 Proof)

  A more personalized expression with variation depending on the pick. Ours brought the heat and a little swagger. It’s the bourbon equivalent of showing up to a tasting in cowboy boots and quoting Hemingway.

• Old Forester 1897 Bottled in Bond

  Part of the Whiskey Row Series. Same proof, but the story—and price tag—take a leap. Rich, layered, and aiming for prestige with a nod to the 1897 Bottled in Bond Act.

In this episode of Tortured Bourbon, we delve into the heart of Kentucky’s bourbon innovation by exploring the Bardstown Bourbon Company’s Origin Series. Known for their modern approach and commitment to quality, Bardstown Bourbon Company has introduced a lineup that challenges traditional bourbon norms. But do these expressions signify the future of bourbon, or are they just another trend?

In this blind tasting episode, we pit two expressions from the renowned Buffalo Trace Distillery against each other:

• Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon: The flagship offering, known for its consistent quality and widespread availability.

• Buffalo Trace Single Barrel Select: A store-picked single barrel version, offering unique flavor profiles depending on the barrel selected.

In this episode, we delve into Old Forester’s Whiskey Row Series, a collection that pays homage to significant milestones in the brand’s storied history. Each expression offers a unique glimpse into the evolution of bourbon, reflecting the innovations and challenges of its respective era.

Horses, hats, and high-proof pours—join Tortured Bourbon as we celebrate the Kentucky Derby with a tasting showdown between Woodford Reserve and Pinhook 9-Year. History, humor, and bourbon reviews collide in this Derby Day special!

Two single-barrel legends. One blind tasting. No bias. In this Tortured Bourbon showdown, Eagle Rare 10 goes head-to-head with Kentucky Spirit in a battle of bold flavors and bourbon legacy.