May 13, 2026
Jim Shannon and Todd Ritter are back at the Corner Rickhouse in
Frankfort, Kentucky, just down the road from Buffalo Trace,
settling in for a heritage distillery tasting that spans from the
hills of Lynchburg, Tennessee, all the way through the heart of
Kentucky bourbon country. The guys kick off with the latest annual
drops from Jack Daniel's before crossing the state line to visit
some of the storied names that built American whiskey into what it
is today. Along the way, Jim and Todd also chat about the swirling
acquisition rumors surrounding Brown-Forman, the upcoming 250th
anniversary of the United States, and what it means for a legacy
brand to stay independent.
On the Tasting Mat:
- **Jack Daniel's 10 Year Old Batch 5 (2026):** The newest annual
release of Jack's decade-aged Tennessee whiskey, bottled at 97
proof with an 80/12/8 corn-rye-malt mash bill. The nose opens with
inviting molasses, banana candy, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a hint
of chocolate alongside a light leather note. On the palate it
delivers warmth well above its sub-100 proof, with brown sugar,
candy cherry, and a lingering spice-driven finish. *(00:01:48)*
- Jack Daniel's 12 Year Old Batch 4 (2026): The
12-year step-up in the Tennessee Heritage series, clocking in at
107 proof. The nose is more muted than its younger sibling but
shifts toward darker fruit — raisins, black cherries, and molasses.
The palate moves away from the lighter candy notes into a drier,
more structured profile with bitter chocolate, dried cranberry, and
a savory, slightly green mid-palate character. *(00:09:35)*
- Knob Creek Blender's Edition 01 — Sweet Bourbon
Blend: The first installment in a new Knob Creek blending
series, this 10-year-old Kentucky straight bourbon is bottled at
106 proof and retails for around $45. The nose leans into vanilla
and light Rick house funk rather than the brand's signature
nuttiness. The palate follows with a light, vanilla-forward profile
featuring cake batter sweetness and confectionary notes — a
deliberate stylistic departure aimed at accessibility.
*(00:14:35)*
- Maker's Mark Wood Finishing Series — Steward's
Release: The third entry in Maker's Mark's five-part Wood
Finishing Series, finished on 10 toasted American oak staves and
bottled at approximately 109.8 proof for around $75–$80. The nose
is richly expressive — cherry pie filling, baking spices, cinnamon,
and caramel. The palate delivers vanilla custard, honey, chocolate,
cardamom, allspice, stone fruit, and a savory oak note on the back
end. *(00:26:41)*
- Evan Williams America 250th Commemorative Edition
Single Barrel (Barrel #233): A special single barrel
release bottled at the patriotically meaningful 117.76 proof to
honor the nation's 250th birthday. Barrel #233 was laid down
December 15, 2018 and bottled March 2, 2026 — just over eight years
of maturation. The nose features toasted caramel, peanut shell,
oak, and dark berries. The palate is rich and layered with peach,
berry, sweet oak, and a long finish, all for a remarkable $45
retail price. *(00:31:15)*
Jim and Todd wrap up with a ranking of all five pours, debating
heritage versus innovation across some of American whiskey's most
iconic names. Whether you're a longtime fan of the Tennessee
tradition or a Kentucky bourbon devotee, this episode offers a
wide-ranging tour through the legacies that built the brown water
world we know today. Grab your favorite pour and enjoy the
ride.
Be sure to check the Roadie Bar on our website at:
https://thebourbonroad.com