Best Clifton Mcdaniel Bourbon Bytes Podcasts (2025)

1
High West Bourye 2025 Review + Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged & Penelope Big LE Drops! 20:50

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5d ago20:50

20:50

This week on Bourbon Bytes, I review the brand-new 2025 High West Bourye, the annual limited release blending straight bourbon and rye whiskey. How does this year’s edition stack up against past favorites, and is it worth the hunt? Plus, big whiskey headlines: Maker’s Mark brings back its Cellar Aged Bourbon, High West launches its first Bottled-in…

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Elijah Craig’s PGA Championship Bourbon + Old Forester & Four Roses Drop 2025 Limited Editions! 20:31

12d ago20:31

20:31

Clifton dives into some of the hottest whiskey news of the year: Old Forester shakes things up with a sweet mash Birthday Bourbon, Four Roses unveils its 2025 Limited Edition Small Batch, and Elijah Craig tees off with the PGA Quail Hollow Championship Edition. How does this commemorative release stack up against past special collaborations? Plus, …

1
Shenk’s vs. Bomberger’s - 2025 Michter’s Legacy Series Whiskey Showdown! 18:28

19d ago18:28

18:28

It’s a head-to-head battle of Michter’s 2025 Legacy Series releases — the sweet and delicate Shenk’s Homestead (91.2 proof) vs. the bold and oaky Bomberger’s Declaration (108 proof). I break down their unique cask choices, share full nose/palate impressions, and crown my pick for the better buy. Plus, two distilleries step up big to support flood r…

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Knob Creek Cask Strength 128 Proof Review + 2025 Parker’s Heritage Whiskey and Bold Gaming Opinions 24:14

26d ago24:14

24:14

Clifton breaks down one of the boldest store picks he's tried in a while: a 128-proof Knob Creek Cask Strength Single Barrel from K&L Wine Merchants. Along the way, he dives into hot whiskey news, including the experimental 2025 Parker’s Heritage release, a Hungarian oak-aged "bourbon" from A. Smith Bowman, and legendary game developer Hideo Kojima…

1
Maker’s Mark x Dodgers Review, Announcing Weller 18 & Old Forester 1910 Extra Exra Old 21:51

1M ago21:51

21:51

This week on the Bourbon Bytes Podcast, Clifton takes you behind the blue wax to review the Maker’s Mark Champion Selection, handpicked by the Los Angeles Dodgers to celebrate their 2024 World Series win. He dives into hot whiskey headlines—Buffalo Trace's bold Weller 18 release, heirloom corn making waves at craft distilleries, and Old Forester’s …

1
Rocky Mountain Sips: TINCUP 6-Year Review & Buffalo Trace's Green Future 18:49

1M ago18:49

18:49

This week on Bourbon Bytes, Clifton dives into some of the hottest headlines in the whiskey world—from Buffalo Trace’s surprising new 100-proof Sazerac Rye to their bold move into sustainable distilling. Plus, Hidden Barn adds a new Master Taster to their team. But the star of the show? Clifton’s first-ever sip of TINCUP 6-Year American Whiskey—a b…

1
Reviewing Louisiana Senator Bourbon: Denny Potter & Jane Bowie's Latest Collaboration 19:48

2M ago19:48

19:48

In this jam-packed episode, Clifton dives into the latest bourbon headlines — from Buffalo Trace’s mysterious E.H. Taylor Jr. Distiller's Council release to A. Smith Bowman’s award-winning rye and Starlight’s 10-Year debut. But the main event? A first sip of the brand-new Louisiana Senator Bourbon, a bold 8-year whiskey from the creators of Kentuck…

1
Blanton’s Straight From the Barrel + Six-Year Surprises from New Riff, Castle & Key, & Garrison Brothers 22:59

2M ago22:59

22:59

This week on Bourbon Bytes, Clifton is diving deep into high-proof territory with a first-time review of Blanton’s Straight from the Barrel — the most elusive (and explosive) bottle in the Blanton’s lineup. How does it hold up to the hype, and is it worth chasing down? Also on the table: three six-year bourbons you need to know — a Single Barrel Se…

1
Old Oak & New Heat: Kentucky Whiskey Updates + Old Soul Bourbon Review 25:37

2M ago25:37

25:37

In this episode of Bourbon Bytes, Clifton dives into the 2025 Old Soul Single Barrel Bourbon—a bold cask strength pick from Mississippi's oldest distillery… or is it? With transparency under the spotlight, Clifton uncovers what’s really inside the bottle, and why it might just be the sleeper hit of the summer. Plus, he breaks down the latest in the…

1
Maker’s Mark 2025 “The Keeper’s Release” Review + Bourbon Aged by Climate? 21:15

2M ago21:15

21:15

This week on the Bourbon Bytes Podcast, Clifton dives into one of the boldest Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series bottles to date — the 2025 Keeper’s Release, packed with ten toasted American oak staves. Is it a worthy successor to The Heart, or an over-oaked detour? Also in the mix: a fascinating experiment in climate-aged bourbon from Milam & Gree…

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Russell’s Reserve 13 is Back + Old Fitzgerald 7-Year-Old BiB Review 20:48

3M ago20:48

20:48

In this week’s pour of Bourbon Bytes, Clifton dives into the hottest release yet from Wild Turkey: Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Bourbon is back — and this time, it’s clocking in at a blistering 123.8 proof. Is it the best Wild Turkey yet, or just another hard-to-find unicorn? We also explore the return of Stitzel-Weller with a jaw-dropping 24-year-old…

1
Eagle Rare 12?! Plus Rock Hill Farms Bourbon Review 20:20

3M ago20:20

20:20

After a three-year hiatus, Bourbon Bytes is back with a brand-new season and a barrel full of whiskey news. Clifton breaks down the surprise announcement of Eagle Rare 12 — is it a smart move or an unnecessary twist? He also dives into the ultra-limited Remus Babe Ruth Reserve and some game-changing distribution news for Old Forester fans outside o…

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Episode 50: William Larue Weller Bourbon Review (Season Finale) 17:52

3y ago17:52

17:52

To celebrate the 50th episode of the Bourbon Bytes Podcast, I’m reviewing William Larue Weller bourbon, a part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (2021). This epic conclusion to Season 1 of the Bourbon Bytes Podcast is a tribute to the Patreon supporters and listeners of the podcast who have supported me over the past year. Subscribe to Bourbo…

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Dog and Shrub Cask Strength Rye Whiskey Review 15:06

3y ago15:06

15:06

Today I'm reviewing a cask strength craft rye whiskey from Dog and Shrub Distillery out of Lake Mills, WI. This was sent to me by Edd from The Rotgut Review, who happens to work at Dog and Shrub. I'm also touching on some upcoming whiskey news, including the new Woodford Reserve Honey Barrel Finish Distillery Series, Wild Turkey Master's Keep, and …

1
Barrell Vantage Bourbon Review - Best Neat or on the Rocks? 14:41

3y ago14:41

14:41

Barrell Vantage is a 114.4 proof bourbon from Barrell Craft Spirits consisting of a blend of straight bourbon whiskeys finished in three distinct expressions of virgin oak: Mizunara, French, and toasted American oak casks. I'm reviewing this new BCS release and enjoying it both neat and on the rocks during the California heat wave.…

1
New Riff Malster Wheat and Rye Bourbon Reviews and Big Changes at Maker’s Mark Distillery 14:36

3y ago14:36

14:36

Today I'm reviewing two of last year's biggest releases from the New Riff Distillery, Malted Wheat Bourbon and Malted Rye Bourbon. These "Malsters" are a project that explores different malted grains used in a Kentucky Straight Bourbon recipe. Both come in at 100 proof and are aged at least 5 years. Plus, I'm sharing breaking news from Maker's Mark…

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Kentucky Senator Bourbon Release #3 John G. Carlisle Review and Allocated Lottery Announcements 15:08

3y ago15:08

15:08

I'm reviewing the third release of Kentucky Senator Bourbon named after John G. Carlisle and coming in at 7 years old and 107 proof. Is this $130 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey worth seeking out? Plus, I'm sharing updates about allocated lotteries for the 2022 Old Forester Birthday Bourbon and Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch open now, as …

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2022 Laphroaig Càirdeas ’Warehouse 1’ Review and the First Booker’s Single Barrel Bourbon!? 12:25

3y ago12:25

12:25

I'm reviewing the 2022 release of Laphroaig Càirdeas, Warehouse 1. This Scotch was aged in first-fill ex-bourbon barrels from Maker's Mark in the iconic Warehouse 1 that bares their namesake on the Islay Coast. Coming in at 52.2% ABV and $90, how does this year's Cairdeas compare to last year's Cask Strength PX Sherry release? I'm also sharing the …

1
EJ Curley Single Barrel Bourbon Review & New Whiskey Releases from Kentucky Owl, Redwood Empire, & More! 18:38

3y ago18:38

18:38

I'm reviewing EJ Curley & Co. Single Barrel Cask Strength Bourbon, a legacy brand from the 1860s that's making it's return to Jessamine County, Kentucky. Plus, I'm sharing the news about several upcoming whiskey releases: Kentucky Owl Takumi Edition, Redwood Empire Cask Strength Lost Monarch, Frey Ranch Malted Grain Series 100% Malted Corn Whiskey,…

1
Weller 12 Bourbon Review & Whiskey and Video Games Coming Out in August 19:40

3y ago19:40

19:40

I'm reviewing W.L. Weller 12 Year Old Bourbon from Buffalo Trace, sharing new wheated whiskey announcements from Willett and Maker's Mark, new TTB standards for American Single Malt Whisky, and exciting video games coming out this month: Two Point Campus, Arcade Paradise, and Rollerdrome. Cheers, and game on!…

1
Five Brothers Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey Review 13:32

3y ago13:32

13:32

I'm reviewing the Heaven Hill Experience gift shop exclusive bottle - Five Brothers Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. A small batch blending of five ages of Bourbon, Five Brothers Bourbon pays homage to the courage, dedication and solidarity of the five Shapira brothers who started it all in 1935.…

1
Russell’s Reserve 10 Year Bourbon Review & Disability Pride Month with Emily Chambers 24:01

3y ago24:01

24:01

This week I’m joined by one of WhiskeyTube’s greatest mods, Emily Chambers, to review Russell’s Reserve 10 Year Old Bourbon from Wild Turkey and chat about Disability Pride Month and how to make the whiskey community more inclusive.By Clifton McDaniel | Bourbon Bytes

1
Baker’s 13 vs. Knob Creek 13 Year Old Single Barrel Store Pick Bourbon Review 18:13

3y ago18:13

18:13

This week I’m reviewing and comparing Baker’s 13 Year Old Bourbon with a 13 Year Old Single Barrel Pick from Knob Creek, as well as sharing news about New Zealand’s bourbon shortage, and a new project from former Old Forester Master Taster, Jackie Zykan, called Hidden Barn Bourbon.By Clifton McDaniel | Bourbon Bytes

1
Tasting Vintage Booker’s Bourbon from 1995 versus 2020-03 ”Pigskin Batch” Bourbon Whiskey 27:35

3y ago27:35

27:35

I'm sitting down with my friend Brandon to try Booker's B95-C-31 compared to "Pigskin Batch" from 2020. Plus, we're discussing the state of Booker's Bourbon in 2022. Is this Small Batch from Jim Beam worth the $100 price tag? How does it compare to previous releases? Watch the Video Recording of this Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Bour…

1
Ardbeg Ardcore Committee Release Review, Coy Hill Small Batch, & June Nintendo Direct Mini Recap 14:06

3y ago14:06

14:06

I'm reviewing the Ardbeg Day 2022 Committee Release of Ardbeg Ardcore, an Islay Scotch Whisky created with heavily roasted black malt, a first for Ardbeg. Plus, I'm sharing the news about the return of Jack Daniel's Coy Hill as a small batch Tennessee only release. I'm also recapping the June Nintendo Direct Mini, with game announcements such as Pe…

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Trader Joe’s Barrel Proof Bourbon & What the Heck is Amburana Finished Whiskey? 21:22

3y ago21:22

21:22

Today I'm reviewing a peculiar bourbon whiskey from Trader Joes that was bottled at barrel entry proof, talking about a new TTB label for single barrel picks of Rittenhouse Rye Whiskey from Heaven Hill, as well as doing a deep dive into why Amburana casks from Brazil and South America are the latest craze in whiskey finishing, featured by iconic br…

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This is my First Snack Pairing with Nulu Single Barrel Maple Finished Bourbon 14:05

3y ago14:05

14:05

I'm tasting a single barrel of Nulu Barrel Strength Bourbon finished for four months in maple syrup barrels that was picked by my friends over at This is My Bourbon Podcast. Plus, I'm talking about the launch of the English language PokéToon shorts from Pokémon and the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge video game. Follow my frien…

1
Old Carter American Whiskey vs. Obtainium Light Whiskey - SoCal MB’s Round Table 21:22

3y ago21:22

21:22

I'm sitting down with a few friends to discuss the state of Light Whiskey and American Whiskey in 2022. We'll also be tasting and comparing Old Carter American Whiskey Batch 6 and a Hazmat Obtainium Light Whiskey from Cat's Eye Distillery. Is Light Whiskey the new Bourbon?By Clifton McDaniel | Bourbon Bytes

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Doc Swinson’s Kiona Cask Bourbon Review & New Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Trailer Recap 17:32

3+ y ago17:32

17:32

I'm reviewing a whiskey sent to me by Patreon supporter Patrick (@Bourbon_newb), Doc Swinson's Exploratory Series Kiona Cask Bourbon finished in Cabernet Sauvignon casks from Kiona Vineyards in Washington. Plus, I'm talking about many new whiskeys coming out this month - including Dixon Dedman's 2XO 'The Phoenix', and two new Doc Swinson's Explorat…

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Wild Turkey Longbranch Bourbon Review & the MultiVersus Roster 13:47

3+ y ago13:47

13:47

I'm reviewing Wild Turkey's Longbranch, a collaboration between creative director Matthew McConaughey and master distiller Eddie Russell. This 8-year-old Kentucky Bourbon is refined through oak and mesquite charcoal and is an approachable entry into the brand. Plus, I'm sharing news of the upcoming free-to-play fighting game, MultiVersus, including…

1
Glendalough 7 Year Old Mizunara Irish Whiskey Review & Upcoming Finished Releases 19:25

3+ y ago19:25

19:25

I'm reviewing the latest release from the Glendalough Distillery, a 7 year old Irish Whiskey finished in Mizunara Oak Casks. I'm also sharing the news of several other upcoming American whiskeys and bourbons with unique finishes that I can't wait to try.By Clifton McDaniel | Bourbon Bytes

1
Coca-Cola Starlight & Nitro Pepsi Draft Soda Review - Dry Week! 16:14

3+ y ago16:14

16:14

I'm doing a Dry Week, so I'm trying three limited edition sodas from Coca-Cola and Pepsi! Coke Starlight is the first limited edition sparkling beverage from Coca-Cola Creations. Nitro Pepsi is a nitrogen-infused draft cola that comes in both classic and vanilla flavors. Will these new products be good enough to replace my go-to afternoon Coke Zero…

1
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Store Pick Review & May 2022 New Releases in Whiskey and Gaming 20:21

3+ y ago20:21

20:21

This week I'm reviewing a store pick of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon. This private barrel comes from Circus Liquor in North Hollywood, California. I'm also talking about a new malted rye whiskey from New Riff, Jack Daniels Bonded and Triple Mash, and 2 new Bardstown Bourbon Company releases that were just spotted on the TTB. Plus, I'm sharing …

1
Ardbeg Fermutation Committee Release Review, Whiskey NFTs & Bad Video Game News 20:00

3+ y ago20:00

20:00

I'm tasting the latest Committee Release of Ardbeg, Ardbeg Fermutation, a 13 year old peated Islay whisky that went through an epic three week-long fermentation – the longest in Ardbeg’s history – which eventually gave rise to a wild, zingy and vibrant spirit. I'm also talking about whiskey NFTs from Ardbeg, a new Heaven Hill distillery being built…

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Fortuitous Union Review - Trinidad Rum Blended with Rye Whiskey 18:17

3+ y ago18:17

18:17

Fortuitous Union from Rolling Fork Spirits is a Kentucky bourbon barrel finished 12-year-old Trinidad rum blended with cask strength rye whiskey and bottled at 103 proof. Was this fortune, or an F' up? Also in this episode, I'm talking about some upcoming whiskey releases, including Wild Turkey Master's Keep 'Unforgotten', Still Austin Four Grain B…

1
Trying 3 Hazmat Jack Daniel’s Coy Hill Tennessee Whiskey Single Barrels 19:31

3+ y ago19:31

19:31

Jack Daniel's Coy Hill was one of the most sought after special release whiskeys of 2021. Tonight, I'm joined by a few friends as we try 3 different single barrels all at over 140 proof (Hazmat). Does higher proof mean better whiskey? Or are one of the "low" proof hazmat bottles beat the bunch? Find out in this very special Tennessee Whiskey flight…

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Barrell Seagrass 16 Year Review & Comparison, Plus What’s New in Whiskey & Video Games This Month 18:39

3+ y ago18:39

18:39

I'm reviewing the 16 Year Gray Label Seagrass Rye Whiskey from Barrell Craft Spirits and comparing it to the standard Seagrass release. I'm also talking about new whiskeys coming out this month and later this year, including Barrell Dovetail Gray Label 16yr, Kentucky Owl 'The Wiseman' Rye, and Compass Box Vellichor. I'm also highlighting upcoming v…

1
April Fools Blind Whiskey Flight with Friends - Matt Madness Training 37:33

3+ y ago37:33

37:33

I'm joined by my friends Brandon (@imasmartidi0t), Juan (@whiskeypadajuan), and Aaron (@whiskypair) for a blind flight of 5 American whiskeys. Can I tell the difference between a bourbon and a wheat whiskey? Maybe. Will we be surprised by the results? You bet!By Clifton McDaniel | Bourbon Bytes

1
Wild Turkey Master’s Keep One Review & TMNT Cowabunga Collection 19:39

3+ y ago19:39

19:39

I'm reviewing Wild Turkey's LE whiskey release for 2021, Master's Keep One, thanks to Patreon supporter @Bourbon_Newb. I'm also and chatting about Michter's withholding their 10 year bourbon until 2023, and the removal of tariffs of American Whiskeys in the UK. In gaming news, we're talking about the Kirby 30th Anniversary Music Fest, and the Teena…

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Barrell Bourbon Batch 32 Review & Hogwarts Legacy State of Play Recap 13:53

3+ y ago13:53

13:53

Enter the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in the upcoming open-world adventure game, Hogwarts Legacy. I'm sipping on and reviewing the latest batch of Barrell Bourbon, Batch 32, while recapping Playstation's State of Play reveal of this incredible video game coming later this year.By Clifton McDaniel | Bourbon Bytes

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Russell’s Reserve 13 Bourbon Review & What’s New in March of 2022 14:51

3+ y ago14:51

14:51

Today I'm reviewing Wild Turkey's Russell's Reserve 13 Year Old Bourbon which I won in this year's whiskey lottery. I'm also sharing the news of the upcoming 17 Year Old bourbon releases coming from Heaven Hill along with the new cognac finished Batch 18 Bourbon from Four Gate. There are some new video games coming out this month as well, including…

1
Booker’s 25th Anniversary Bourbon Review + Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Announcement 18:13

3+ y ago18:13

18:13

This week I'm sipping on a special sample of Booker's 25th Anniversary edition bottle from Jim Beam, sharing the news about the first bourbon release coming soon from the Castle & Key Distillery, and recapping the Pokémon Day presentation that included the announcement of the next generation in the video game series, Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Vio…

1
Little Book Chapter 4 Review, The Walking Dead Irish Whiskey, and a Pappy Van Winkle Giveaway 22:24

3+ y ago22:24

22:24

Today I'm reviewing Freddie Noe's 2020 addition to the Little Book series from Jim Beam, Chapter 4: Lesson's Honored. I'm also talking about The Sexton's new limited edition The Walking Dead Irish Single Malt Whiskey, a Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon and Rye Whiskey Raffle supporting Make a Wish Foundation and Champ Camp, and an epic retro video game fin…

1
Town Branch Single Malt Whiskey Review & the Legality of Private Barrel Picks in Kentucky 21:14

3+ y ago21:14

21:14

On this episode, I'm reviewing Town Branch's 11 year old single malt whiskey aged in Oloroso sherry casks while talking about new bills in the state of Kentucky that could help save private barrel selections from becoming illegal. Plus, I'm talking about a Japanese whiskey heist that involved over 7.7 million yen worth of whiskey! Questions or comm…

1
Old Forester Single Barrel Rye Review & How to Get Your Friends to Drink Whiskey 18:07

3+ y ago18:07

18:07

Do you have friends who aren't whiskey drinkers? Today I'm giving you some tips on how to ease them into sipping bourbon and whiskey neat! Because drinking whiskey with friends is always more fun than drinking alone. I'm also tasting and reviewing Old Forester Single Barrel Barrel Strength Rye sent to me by a listener of the podcast. Questions or c…

1
Stagg Jr. Batch 17 Bourbon Review & Huge Acquisitions at Heaven Hill and PlayStation 14:34

3+ y ago14:34

14:34

Thanks to a good friend and patron of the show, I have the latest batch of Stagg Jr. to review. Plus, I'm talking about the latest acquisition of Samson & Surrey by Heaven Hill and the acquisition of Bungie Studios by Sony PlayStation. Then, I'm highlighting a few new video games coming out this month, including Horizon Forbidden West, Elden Ring, …

1
Barrell Armida Bourbon Review & More Upcoming Whiskey Releases 22:53

3+ y ago22:53

22:53

2022 is off to a busy start with new whiskey announcements coming out of the U.S. and Scotland. I'm pouring a glass of Barrell Craft Spirits Armida Bourbon and diving into these upcoming releases, including Rabbit Hole Starlino Rye, Jack Daniel's 12 Year, Ardbeg Hypernova, Ardbeg Fermutation, and Glendronach 50 Year. Questions or comments? Reach me…

1
Yellowstone Select Review & The State of Kentucky Bourbon in 2022 24:12

3+ y ago24:12

24:12

This week I'm reviewing Yellowstone Select Bourbon and talking about their limited edition Landmark Series bottles to celebrate Limestone Branch Distillery and the 150th anniversary of the Yellowstone Bourbon Brand. Plus, I'm taking a deep dive into a new case study about the bourbon industry in Kentucky, which is bringing in over $9 billion a year…

1
Knob Creek 12 Year Bourbon Review (100 Proof vs. Cask Strength Comparison) 22:20

3+ y ago22:20

22:20

Knob Creek has always had a place on my bar cart. Today, I'm comparing the 100 proof and cask strength versions of Knob Creek 12 Year, talking about some new Rye whiskeys from Still Austin and Uncle Nearest, plus sharing what games I've been enjoying the most so far in 2022: It Takes Two and Hot Wheels Unleashed. Questions or comments? Reach me at …

1
JK Williams Gold Zephyr Bourbon & Bridge Series Whiskey Review, and the Future of Playstation VR2 Gaming 18:14

3+ y ago18:14

18:14

On today's episode, I'm reviewing two whiskeys from J.K. Williams Distilling out of Peoria, Illinois - including their Zephyr Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Bridge Series Wheat Whiskey. I'm also talking about a new 13-year-old Light Whiskey from Penelope Bourbon and the next generation of virtual reality gaming from Playstation VR2. Questions or comm…