Todd flies solo this week on The Bourbon Road, welcoming back Rick and Ricky Johnson of 15 Stars Bourbon for their third appearance on the show. The father-and-son team behind one of Kentucky's most decorated independent blending operations returns to walk through the newly revamped First West lineup — four expressions that mark a landmark moment for the brand: the first releases to feature whiskey distilled entirely by the 15 Stars team, including juice made from their proprietary heirloom corns. Rick and Ricky share the full origin story of why they got into the business, how a single black popcorn corn variety sparked the whole journey, and why patient, fully mature whiskey and obsessive flavor-proofing sit at the core of everything they do.

The conversation covers the philosophy behind blending for the best possible flavor rather than chasing a predetermined profile, the surprisingly visual experience of fermenting black corn (picture a literal witch's brew), the distinct flavor contributions of red, white, blue, and black heirloom corns, and why filtration matters just as much as proof when it comes to mouthfeel. Rick teases a very limited, very old upcoming release and an exclusive cigar-blend expression set to debut at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival — and Todd can barely contain himself.

On the Tasting Mat:

- First West Explorer: A five-grain wheated bourbon blending 15 Stars' own six-year-old black corn mashbill (70% black corn, 18% wheat, 12% malted barley) with a five-year-old yellow corn mashbill (70% corn, 18% rye, 12% malted barley). Bottled at 95 proof and retailing around $49.99, this is the first 15 Stars release made entirely from juice they distilled themselves. Expect meringue-level dessert sweetness, buttery vanilla wafer, caramel corn, and a distinctive peppery finish that traces directly back to the black corn. *(00:12:57)*

- First West Small Batch: A six-grain blend anchored by 15 Stars' proprietary red, white, and blue corn mashbill — all three distilled together — combined with two separate yellow corn bourbon mashbills. Maximum 25 barrels per batch, bottled at 102 proof and retailing around $59.99. The red, white, and blue corn entry sits at 103 proof into the barrel. Softer and more fruit-forward than the Explorer, with dark cherry pie, citrus lift, and rich caramel on the palate. *(00:26:27)*

- First West Toasted Oak: Built on a base very similar to the Small Batch, then finished in two distinct toasted oak profiles simultaneously — 60% in a sweeter caramel-and-maple profile, 40% in a more oak-forward profile — before the two portions are recombined. Bottled at 98 proof and retailing around $69.99. The toast adds depth and richness without overwhelming the underlying bourbon character; the nose delivers a satisfying layered complexity of toasted wood and the fruit-forward notes of the base blend. *(00:39:13)*

- First West Extra Aged: The only expression in the First West line without heirloom corns, and the only one featuring a high-malted-barley mashbill (at roughly 10% of the blend). A blend of three different eight- and nine-year-old bourbons, bottled at 110 proof (confirmed from label review). Retails around $79.99. The extra barrel time delivers elegance and softness: grain character has receded and rich barrel influence steps forward, with plum, dark stewed fruits, orange marmalade, and a full-bodied depth anchored by that malted barley accent. *(00:58:17)*

First West is available at retail in approximately 20 states across the eastern United States, with select availability at the Bardstown Bourbon Company distillery. All four expressions — and additional 15 Stars and Kentucky County releases — can be ordered online at 15stars.com with shipping to 43 states. Stay current with new releases and early announcements by signing up for Ricky's personal newsletter at the 15 Stars website, or follow the brand on Facebook and Instagram at @15StarsBourbon.

Welcome back to the Bourbon Road Bar, where Jim and Todd settle in for a five-bottle session packed with limited releases, aged expressions, and a little bit of everything the whiskey world has to offer right now. Tonight's lineup spans wheat whiskey, high-rye bourbon, east-coast rye, and some serious Beam family heavy-hitters — all barrel strength, all worthy of serious attention.

On the Tasting Mat:

- Makers Mark Star Hill Farms Wheat Whiskey 2026: A 116.4-proof wheat whiskey bottled at 700ml, featuring a revised mash bill of 62% malted wheat, 27% wheat, and 11% malted barley — including undisclosed amounts of hard red and hard white wheat, plus experimental barrels pulled from three warehouses with a 20-point proof swing. Aged 7–8 years. The nose opens with earthy cherry, turkey figs, and dark fruit, while the palate delivers an oily, velvety texture with baking spices, vanilla, and a distinctive wheat whiskey bite on the back of the palate. MSRP $100. *(00:01:48)*

- New Riff 10 Year Bourbon 2026: Bottled at 116.9 proof from a mash bill of 65% corn, 30% rye, and 5% malted barley, this Kentucky bourbon offers a nose of caramel, vanilla, and baking spices with a hint of root beer. On the palate, a honeyed peach and dried apricot character emerges alongside tobacco, leather, and mature oak — drying toward the finish with impressive length. Available at New Riff Distillery and to whiskey club members. MSRP $89.99. *(00:09:50)*

- New Riff 10 Year Rye 2026: A 95% rye, 5% malted barley mash bill bottled at 118.8 proof, this east-coast rye comes in at the same price point of $89.99. The nose is immediately striking — spearmint, pine forest, citrus zest, and dried orange. The palate is exceptionally thick and viscous, carrying the mint and zest through with clove, pine nut, and a cooling quality that gives way to a long, peppery oak finish. Available at New Riff Distillery and to whiskey club members. *(00:17:00)*

- Little Book Chapter 10 "All the Wiser" 2026: Freddie Noe's tenth Little Book chapter is an homage to the beloved Chapter 3 "The Road Home," blending 11-year Knob Creek, 14-year Basil Hayden, 10-year Booker's, 9-year Baker's, and a 4-year Jim Beam finished in sherry and toasted casks — all uncut at 122.6 proof. The nose is rich and mahogany-dark with vanilla, nuttiness, and a subtle sherry influence. The palate is decadent: dark Luxardo cherry, chocolate, snicker-like nuttiness, molasses, and a long, spicy, sizzling finish that simply refuses to leave. MSRP $160 for 750ml. *(00:27:17)*

- Booker's 2026-01 "Big Easy Batch": The first Booker's batch of 2026, named in honor of Booker Noe's legendary love of New Orleans, is aged 7 years, 2 months, and 15 days at a big 129.1 proof. Mash bill is 77% corn, 13% rye, and 10% malted barley. The nose presents caramel apple, green apple, and pie crust. On the palate, a perfectly cooked caramel apple pie character develops with a noticeable fruitiness that runs a bit off the typical Booker's nutty profile — finishing with warmth and spice. MSRP $100 for 750ml. *(00:37:14)*

Five barrel-strength pours, two distilleries, and one very tough call at the end — this is the kind of evening that makes the Bourbon Road Bar worth pulling up a stool for. Whether you're hunting shelf staples or chasing limited releases, tonight's lineup has something to put on your radar. As always, check out the full tasting notes and scores over at TheBourbon Road.com, and we'll see you down the Bourbon Road.

Welcome back to The Bourbon Road, recording live from the Bourbon Road Bar in Simpsonville, Kentucky — better known as Jim's basement. Episode 502 brings another overflowing tasting mat, proof that the samples just keep arriving faster than the boys can pour them. This week the lineup spans the full spectrum, from a brand-new family-founded label making its debut on the show to a beloved Illinois estate distillery, a coveted gift-shop-only release from a Northern Kentucky craft powerhouse, a toasted double oak expression from one of Owensboro's finest, and a bonus pour courtesy of a longtime Roadie friend from Ohio — a beer-world icon that crossed over into whiskey and never looked back.

On the Tasting Mat:

- Wooler Whiskey Kentucky Straight Bourbon (Batch 054): A four-grain, five-year-old small batch Kentucky straight bourbon bottled at 90 proof for $39.99. The mash bill runs 72% corn, 18% rye, 5% wheat, and 5% malted barley, distilled in Bardstown and finished in a number three char new American oak barrel. The nose opens with a pleasant graininess reminiscent of granola or muesli, accented by honey and the faintest dusting of cinnamon. The palate delivers a sweet, full-mouth experience with caramel, vanilla, and a gentle wheat-driven tingle on the finish. A welcoming, approachable bourbon from a family brand founded by Jason Wooler — built on resilience after a life-changing stroke. *(00:01:58)*

- Whiskey Acres 7-Year Bourbon: Estate-distilled in DeKalb, Illinois, this 107-proof small batch blends 12 barrels aged between seven and eight years. The mash bill is 75% yellow dent corn, 15% soft red winter wheat, and 10% malted barley, with an MSRP of $74.99. The nose leads with green apple and caramel, evoking a candy-apple at a county fair. On the palate the soft winter wheat delivers a notably smooth texture, with spice building on the back, a whisper of oak and clove on the finish, and a subtle savory note that sets it apart. Whiskey Acres grows every grain themselves — a true seed-to-spirit operation and the show's 2025 Craft Distillery of the Year. *(00:10:22)*

- New Riff Silver Grove Bourbon (2026 Release): The inaugural release under the Silver Grove label, this gift-shop-exclusive expression from New Riff Distilling in Newport, Kentucky is aged a minimum of six years and bottled at 116.4 proof for $59.99. Barrels were specifically selected for flavor profiles not typically found in New Riff's standard four- and six-year releases. The nose bursts with spice cake, bright cherry, and a morning-bun sweetness. The palate delivers a bold, full-mouth impact — honey-caramel richness layered with dark berry, cherry, and a long, warming finish. Available exclusively at the New Riff gift shop or via online order for in-store pickup. *(00:20:41)*

- Green River Distillery Select Toasted Double Oak Bourbon: The oldest expression ever released by Green River Distilling Company in Owensboro, Kentucky, this eight-year bourbon is bottled at 115.1 proof in a 375ml format for $49.99 and is available only at the distillery gift shop or the Louisville tasting room. The mash bill is 70% corn, 21% rye, and 9% malted barley, aged in Green River's signature clay tile rick houses before a six-month secondary finish in lightly charred, medium-toast new American oak barrels. The nose delivers toasted marshmallow and a hint of campfire smoke. The palate is noticeably sweet — rich caramel and that same toasted marshmallow character carry through without tipping into char. *(00:27:34)*

- New Holland Dragon's Milk Origins Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey (Bonus Pour): A gift from Roadie Mark Radliff and his wife Amy, this 95-proof, five-year-old bourbon from New Holland Brewing Company in Holland, Michigan is distilled on a pot still and finished in barrels previously used to age Dragon's Milk stout. The nose is immediately distinctive — chocolate, ripe peach, and a gummy fruit quality that carries straight through to the palate. The palate layers peach pie, a minty rye backbone, and a gentle sweetness unlike anything else on tonight's mat. A beer-world crossover that demonstrates what stout-barrel finishing can do for a well-made pot-still bourbon. *(00:38:25)*

Episode 502 is a showcase of American craft whiskey in all its variety — from a $40 debut bottle to a proof-forward gift-shop gem — and a reminder that some of the most memorable pours come from the most unexpected places. If you haven't yet, head over to TheBourbanRoad.com, create a free Roadie account, and join the conversation in the Roadie Bar. Until next time, we'll see you down the Bourbon Road.