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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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.
The Ultimate Double-Oaked Bourbon / Tier List
It’s a battle of the barrels. We’re ranking some of the best double-oaked and toasted bourbons, from everyday favorites to rare, limited-edition releases, to find out which truly nails that sweet, oaky perfection.
A Rye from the Road: Which State Does It Best?
We hit the road to see if great rye whiskey can come from outside Kentucky. Two new ryes. One classic staple. All blinded. All honest.
Bourbon Hunting in Kansas: The Land of Oz (or Weller?)
Bourbon hunting in Kansas? You bet. We set out on the yellow brick road to see if the Land of Oz is also the land of Weller, and along the way, we uncovered what might just be the best bourbon in Kansas. From local hidden gems to classic favorites, this hunt had plenty of surprises in store.
The Ultimate Wheated Bourbon / Tier List
We’re putting wheated bourbons to the test in the ultimate tier list, ranking everything from iconic pours to bottles that might not deserve the hype, from Maker's-style wheaters to cult favorites like Pappy's relative. We'll debate which belong in S-Tier glory and which fall flat.
10 Bourbons You Should Be Drinking (or Hunting) Right Now
We’ve poured a lot of bourbon since launching Artfully Bourbon, and today we’re revealing 10 whiskies you should be drinking, or hunting, right now. No unicorn hype, just the pours that live on our shelf and deserve a spot on yours.
The Best Whiskies You Should Be Drinking This Fall + Easy Cocktails
Looking for the best bourbons and cocktails to drink this fall? We’ve got three bottles we’re reaching for right now, two bourbons and a rye that bring all the flavor, spice, and warmth you want this season.
RANKING KENTUCKY DISTILLERIES by Their Best Mid-Tier Bourbon
We’re back ranking Kentucky’s biggest distilleries—this time with their mid-tier bourbons.
The Ultimate Bottom Shelf Bourbon Battle
What’s the best whiskey under $25? We blinded 19 bottles over 5 grueling rounds to answer that very question.
STARTING A BOURBON COLLECTION: The $100 Challenge
Can you really build a bourbon collection with just $100? See how far $100 can go in today’s bourbon world.
RANKING KENTUCKY DISTILLERIES by Their Best Budget Bourbon
We’re ranking Kentucky’s legendary distilleries by their BEST budget bourbon. We selected one affordable bottle that we believe represents the distillery at its finest, and then we ranked them head-to-head.
THE BEST BOTTLED-IN-BOND BOURBON / Tier List
We built the ultimate Bottled-in-Bond bourbon tier list—ranking classics like E.H. Taylor, Old Forester, Henry McKenna, Early Times, and more.