Bourbon Journal
This is your front-row seat to Artfully Bourbon’s latest content — from blind tastings to bourbon hunts, challenges, and distillery stories. Pour a glass and explore America’s spirit, one episode at a time.
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Stop Chasing Weller / You’re Missing This
In this blind tasting, we put high proof wheated bourbons head-to-head, including Weller Antique 107, Maker’s Mark Cask Strength, Holladay Rickhouse Proof, and a surprise mystery bottle, to find out what really deserves your money.
10 Things We Learned After Starting a Bourbon YouTube Channel
In this episode we share 10 things we’ve learned since starting a bourbon channel, from why price doesn’t equal quality, to why proof isn’t everything, to how blind tastings can completely change your opinion.
Buy Again or Pass? Some of These Bourbons Shocked Us
In this episode of Buy Again or Pass, we revisit a lineup of bourbons and decide which ones actually deserve your money.
YouTube Said Early Times Bottled in Bond Was Ruined / We Went In Blind
Early Times Bottled in Bond changed. New 750ml bottle, new look, and a wave of strong opinions. Some say it’s been ruined. So we put the NEW Early Times Bottled in Bond up against the old 1-liter version in a true blind tasting to see what actually changed.
Old Forester’s New Blend / Genius or Gimmick?
Old Forester’s Whiskey Row Series is built on heritage, proof, and history, from the double-barreled richness of 1910 to the 115 proof punch of 1920 and the 10-year depth of 1924. But what if the best Old Forester doesn’t exist yet?
Weller Tier List: Overrated, Overpriced, or Legendary?
The Weller lineup might be the most debated collection of wheated bourbons in the world. From Weller Special Reserve and Antique 107 to Weller 12 Year, Full Proof, C.Y.P.B., and Single Barrel, we’re ranking the core Weller expressions in one full tier list.
The Only 10 Bottles You Actually Need
If we had to start over and rebuild a whiskey shelf today, these are ten bottles we’d build around. Not all easy, not all cheap, but all worth understanding.
Buy Again or Pass? Which Bottles Actually Deserve Your Money
In this episode, we put our own bourbon collection to the test with a simple question: would we buy it again or pass?
The Blind Truth About Our Favorite Whiskies
In this episode of Artfully Bourbon, we blind taste a couple go-to bourbons (or ryes) to see which ones actually hold up without labels, hype, or price bias.
How We Decide Which Four Roses Barrel Makes the Cut
We go behind the scenes of a Four Roses Private Selection barrel pick, breaking down how we taste, compare, and narrow down barrels to find the one that truly stands out.
We Blind Tasted Sazerac Rye Full Proof / Does It Compete?
Sazerac Rye just went full proof and that begs a question: does it actually compete with today’s best ryes, or is it just a stronger version of a familiar name?
The Whiskey That Actually Deserves Whiskey of the Year
After a full year of tasting, reviewing, and debating bottles across bourbon, rye, finished whiskey, and value categories, we crown the one whiskey that truly rose above the rest.
Artistry of the Maker: Inside Maker’s Mark & the Secrets of Star Hill Farm
Step inside one of the most iconic bourbon distilleries in the world as we explore the hidden artistry behind Maker’s Mark. From the Kentucky hills to Star Hill Farm, this documentary goes deep into the history, craft, and innovation that shaped one of America’s most beloved whiskeys.
The Most Overrated Whiskies of 2025 (And What to Buy Instead)
We put a lot of whiskies to the test this year and a few of them didn’t hold up. We’ll show you why these bottles missed the mark and what you should buy instead. These are our most overrated whiskies of 2025.
Heaven Hill Grain-to-Glass Blind Battle / Which Specialty Barrel Is Actually Worth It?
In today’s episode, we blind taste the brand-new Heaven Hill Grain-to-Glass Specialty Barrel Series to see which bottle truly delivers on flavor, balance, and value.
Bourbon Hunt Road Trip / Searching for Treasure from MO to KY
Join us on a bourbon hunt road trip as we search for hidden whiskey gems on the way to Kentucky. From surprise store picks to unexpected finds, this adventure proves two adults can still believe in treasure maps. Buckle up and sip along.
The Ultimate Buffalo Trace Tier List / What’s Actually Worth the Hype?
From Weller and E.H. Taylor to Blanton’s, Eagle Rare, and the namesake bottle itself, we’re ranking the entire Buffalo Trace lineup to see what’s truly worth hunting…and what’s just riding the hype train.
Early Times vs. Cooper’s Craft / Who’s the Bottom Shelf King?
It’s a battle of budget bourbons. Early Times Bottled-in-Bond goes head-to-head with Cooper’s Craft 100 in a blind tasting to see which one truly rules the bottom shelf. We’re looking for value, balance, and flavor that punches above its price.