We pit New Riff’s 8-Year Bourbon against their classic Bottled in Bond in a side-by-side bourbon tasting showdown. Is more oak and age worth the price — or is the original still the king of Kentucky high-rye firepower?

This week on Tortured Bourbon, our friend Mike shows up with a Mystery Bourbon—and Heather and B have to figure out what it is without the label. Is it an allocated unicorn or a budget sleeper? Tune in to see how we fared in this blind tasting challenge.

Few bottles in the bourbon world stir up as much excitement as Old Fitzgerald 10 Year Bottled-in-Bond. This allocated bourbon from Heaven Hill’s decanter series carries a decade of aging, a 100-proof Bottled-in-Bond designation, and a reputation that makes collectors line up whenever it appears. In this week’s Tortured Bourbon episode, we dive into the history of Old Fitzgerald, explore what makes this release so special, and share our full bourbon tasting experience — from butterscotch and toasted oak on the nose to caramel, spice, and oak char on the palate. Whether you’re a bourbon collector or just curious about rare allocated bourbon, this is a pour worth talking about.

Penelope Cigar Sessions Chapter 01 delivers a rich balance of chocolate, tobacco, and toffee in a French oak finished bourbon built to pair with a good cigar. At 101 proof and $80, it’s approachable, layered, and one of the best values in the cigar-bourbon space.

We put three legendary Blanton’s bottles head-to-head: the classic U.S. release, the elusive Takara Red, and a surprise appearance from the ultra-rare Takara Black. Same horsey topper—very different stories. Is the Japanese export worth the hype?

This week on Pour Decisions Wednesday, Heather and B mix things up with a cocktail straight from Indianapolis’ legendary St. Elmo Steak House. From their iconic bourbon to the classic Elmo’s Cola recipe, we sip, taste, and chat about this Indy institution that’s been serving up bold flavors since 1902.

It’s Quick Shot Monday, and we’re diving into the Penelope Estate Collection Private Select Bourbon — a nine-year, 106.8 proof gem that delivers caramel, cinnamon, red fruits, and a sweet-spice finish for under $100. Is this the best Penelope release yet?

We crack open the Elijah Craig 2025 Ryder Cup Edition — a special Small Batch bourbon finished with sugar maple and applewood staves. Join Tortured Bourbon as we taste, review, and dive into Ryder Cup history, Bethpage Black, and the epic drama of golf’s greatest team event.

Dive into our Pour Decisions Wednesday review of Joseph Magnus Cigar Blend 383 bourbon. We explore Nancy Fraley’s legendary blending, unique Armagnac cask finishing, tasting notes, MSRP, and why this rare bourbon is perfect for cigar lovers.

Makers Mark Private Selection Eclair and Present Danger might be the most dessert-like bourbon we’ve tried. Milk chocolate, vanilla, and a hint of spice make this Youngsville ABC 2024 pick unforgettable.

Russell’s Reserve 13 Bourbon (2025) is here — and it’s coming in hot at 123.8 proof. We put it head-to-head against the dependable Russell’s 10 Bourbon to see which bottle deserves your glass.

Penelope Architect Crème Brûlée is one of the most talked-about limited bourbons of the year. Finished with French oak staves from Radoux, this release promises custard, caramelized sugar, and a silky dessert-like finish. But does it live up to the hype? Heather and B put it to the test on Pour Decisions Wednesday.

Mondays are tough, but bourbon makes them better. In this Quick Shot Monday episode, we take just five minutes to review the legendary Weller Antique 107. From its wheated mash bill to its bold 107 proof spice, find out if this Buffalo Trace gem lives up to the hype. Watch the full review here: Watch Now

Whiskey JYPSI is shaking up the bourbon world. From Tribute’s Cherokee White Corn to Explorer’s dual-oak finishing and Legacy’s “Alchemist” blend, Eric Church’s Outsiders Spirits brand is rewriting the playbook. We dig into the story, the whiskey, and whether JYPSI is the next big name in bourbon.

Penelope Marshmallow Toasted Bourbon Review & Barrel Strength Comparison with Special Guest Mike brings a sweet twist to Pour Decisions Wednesday. This week on Tortured Bourbon, Heather and B are joined by Mike — a fan-turned-guest who brought not one, but two bottles of Penelope Bourbon to the table.

First up: Penelope Marshmallow Toasted Bourbon, a barrel strength straight bourbon finished in heavy toast, Char 5 barrels. Packed with flavor notes of marshmallow, butterscotch, caramel, and spice, this toasted bourbon is designed for bourbon drinkers who crave sweetness with depth.

Then, Mike surprises us with Penelope Barrel Strength Four Grain Bourbon — a nutty, rich, and bold whiskey with layers of caramel, toffee, pecan, and pepper. Side by side, these pours highlight just how much mash bills and barrel finishes can shape a bourbon’s character.

If you’re searching for a bourbon review, bourbon tasting, or want to know how toasted bourbon compares to barrel strength classics, this episode has it all. Watch, sip, and decide which Penelope pour wins your shelf.

Bourbon with a purpose. Penelope’s Answer to Cancer isn’t just another limited release — it’s a bottle designed to raise awareness, funding, and hope in the fight against cancer. For us at Tortured Bourbon, it’s personal. B is riding 300 miles to raise money for the American Cancer Society, and every pour of this release connects to that mission. Together, bottle and bike remind us that bourbon can do more than taste good — it can bring a community together to make a difference.

👉 Donate to the ride here: https://gofund.me/06efe610

In this blind bourbon showdown, Tortured Bourbon takes on four wheated bourbons—Old Elk, Buffalo Trace Kosher Wheat Recipe, Redwood Empire Screaming Titan, and Spirits of French Lick. With wheat instead of rye, these pours promise softer, sweeter flavors. But when Heather and B don’t know what they’re drinking, who wins the wheated bourbon crown?

In this Pour Decisions Wednesday, Heather and B explore Penelope Project X Bourbon—a sherry cask finished experiment that pushes Penelope beyond Instagram-aesthetic vibes into bold, premium bourbon territory. With rich dark fruit, burnt sugar, and tobacco notes, does Project X stand above Architect, Toasted, and Rosé? Watch the blind review unfold.

Kick off your week with the very first Quick Shot Monday from Tortured Bourbon! In five minutes or less, Heather and B taste Larceny Barrel Proof A125 — Heaven Hill’s bold wheated bourbon release for January 2025. Is this barrel proof powerhouse worth the hype? Read our blog and watch the full video to find out.

Weller Bourbon and Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon share the same Buffalo Trace wheated bourbon mash bill, but are they really the same? Explore the truth behind allocated Kentucky bourbon, the “poor man’s Pappy” myth, and why these bottles remain the most hunted in the bourbon world.