480. Bonjour Bourbon: A Deep Dive into French Oak Finishing
The Bourbon Road
Bonjour and welcome to another episode of The Bourbon Road! With Jim still observing Dry January, Todd Ritter is flying solo in the host chair—but he’s certainly not drinking alone. To help him navigate a deep dive into the world of French Oak finishing, Todd has recruited two heavy hitters from the local whiskey scene: returning guest Amzie "The Alec Baldwin of The Bourbon Road" Wenning and David Sandlin, proprietor of The House of Commons bar in Frankfort. The trio embarks on a flavorful journey to explore how French Oak influence changes the profile of both bourbon and rye. They kick...
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479. The Narrator, The Historian and The Guide
The Bourbon Road
Welcome back to the Bourbon Road! In this episode, your host Todd Ritter is flying solo while Jim takes a brief hiatus for Dry January. But don't worry—Todd isn't drinking alone. He has recruited two heavy hitters from the world of whiskey history and travel to fill the void and co-host a packed episode dedicated to the art of the distillery visit. Joining Todd in the studio is Drew Hannish, the voice behind Whiskey Lore and the author of the upcoming book Experiencing American Whiskey. With over 400 distillery visits under his belt across the United States and abroad, Drew brings a national...
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478. Travel Guide to Experiencing American Whiskey
The Bourbon Road
Jim and Todd welcome back a familiar face to the Bourbon Road: Drew Hannush, the host of the Whiskey Lore podcast and author of the massive new travel compendium, Experiencing American Whiskey . With the 2026 edition of his book hot off the press, Drew joins the hosts to discuss the monumental task of documenting over 1,000 distilleries across all 50 states . From the historic roots of Kentucky to the surprising whiskey scenes in states like New York and North Dakota, Drew shares stories from the road and tips for planning the ultimate whiskey adventure In the second half of the show, the...
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477. Whiskey of the Year 2025: The Top 5 Countdown
The Bourbon Road
It’s the most anticipated episode of the year! Jim and Todd return to the Bourbon Road bar to ring in the New Year and unveil their 2025 Whiskey of the Year. After a marathon year of reviewing nearly 200 different spirits—including 121 bourbons, 29 ryes, and 24 single malts—the hosts have crunched the data and narrowed the field down to five elite contenders. The "Top 5" lineup represents the absolute best pours of 2025, featuring heavy hitters from some of America's most iconic distilleries. The hosts revisit the Woodford Reserve Chocolate Malt Whisper Redux, a 139.4-proof "happy...
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476. New Year's Eve Sample Blowout: Calvados Casks to Mesquite Smoke
The Bourbon Road
Happy New Year from The Bourbon Road! Jim and Todd ring in the New Year at the Bourbon Road bar with one final sample show to close out 2025. With the "Whiskey of the Year" episode just around the corner, the hosts are clearing the decks and diving into four distinct and intriguing pours that range from experimental finishes to classic Kentucky profiles. It’s a diverse lineup that takes their palates on a journey from the coast of France to the American Southwest. The tasting begins with a luxurious offering from Bardstown Bourbon Company's Distillery Collection: the Normandy Calvados Brandy...
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475. The Wrath of Todd: Tasting the Harden's Creek Trio
The Bourbon Road
Jim and Todd return to the Bourbon Road bar for a sequel to their recent Jim Beam tasting, dubbing this episode "The Wrath of Todd" With the holiday season in full swing, the hosts settle in for a sample show dedicated to exploring the impact of warehouse location—or "terroir"—on whiskey. While there are no live guests in the studio, the episode features a special drop-in from friend of the show Drew Hannush (host of Whiskey Lore), who shares details about his massive new travel guide, Experiencing American Whiskey, a resource covering over 1,000 distilleries across the United States....
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474. Grain-to-Glass in North Carolina: Southern Distilling's Story
The Bourbon Road
Jim and Todd welcome Pete Barger, co-founder of Southern Distilling Company, to the show for a deep dive into the history and revival of Statesville, North Carolina—once known as the "Liquor Capital of the World". As one of the nation's largest privately owned distilleries, Southern Distilling balances a massive contract distilling operation with their own award-winning Southern Star brand, all while championing a "grain-to-glass" philosophy that supports over 5,000 acres of local farmland. The tasting kicks off with the Southern Star Bottled-in-Bond Straight Rye Whiskey. Crafted with a...
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473. Revenge of the Maltmigos
The Bourbon Road
The "Maltmigos" ride again! Jim and Todd welcome back recurring guests and fellow whiskey lovers, Amsey and Rob, for a long-awaited reunion show. Dubbed "The Revenge of the Maltmigos," this episode strays from the bourbon path to explore a diverse lineup of Irish whiskeys and Scotch whiskies, including a rare and experimental rye from a legendary Islay distillery. The tasting begins with a duo from Two Stacks Irish Whiskey. First up is The First Cut Complex Blend, a unique combination of grain, pot still, and malt whiskeys aged in virgin oak, ex-bourbon, and Oloroso sherry casks. At 86 proof,...
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472. Beam Me Up, Toddy: A Trek Through Jim Beam’s 2025 Rarities
The Bourbon Road
"Beam me up, Toddy!" Jim and Todd embark on a voyage to the final frontier of flavor with an epic tasting of four highly anticipated limited releases from the James B. Beam Distilling Co. In a show packed with Star Trek puns and serious spirits, the hosts explore how Eighth Generation Master Distiller Freddie Noe is pushing the boundaries of the family legacy. The mission begins with Little Book Chapter 9: "None For Granted." This 2025 release is a complex blend of five unique whiskeys, including 11-year-old bourbon, 8-year-old rye, and two distinct 7-year-old bourbons. Clocking in at 121.8...
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471. The Sample Safe: Unlocking Lost Lantern's Fall 2025 Collection
The Bourbon Road
Jim and Todd return to the "Corner Rick House" for a massive tasting session, cracking open the "Sample Safe" to explore Lost Lantern’s Fall 2025 Collection. Dubbed "The Scotch Lovers' Collection," this ambitious release focuses entirely on American Single Malt, showcasing the incredible diversity and maturity of the category across seven distinct expressions. From the maritime influence of Nantucket to the high-altitude mountains of Idaho, the hosts take a deep dive into unique mashbills, historic re-releases, and heavy-hitting barrel proofs. The journey begins with two blends: the American...
info_outlineIn this community-powered tasting, The Bourbon Road hosts Jim Shannon and Todd Ritter dive into five fan-voted pours—each selected by members of their Bourbon Roadies Facebook group. With a lineup that spans both heritage and experimental releases, this episode explores everything from elegant bottled-in-bond bourbons to wheat whiskeys with a modern twist.
The journey begins with Old Fitzgerald 7-Year Bottled-in-Bond, a wheated bourbon that brings smooth, sweet character in a classically elegant package. Bottled at 100 proof and adorned in its signature decanter, this release blends honey bread, soft spice, and subtle floral notes into a quintessential Old Fitz profile—refined and balanced.
Next up is Old Grand-Dad 7-Year Bottled-in-Bond, a high-rye, Jim Beam-distilled bruiser that still manages charm. It delivers nutty sweetness, hints of citrus, and that signature Beam peanut brittle note—plus a surprise touch of green banana. Priced under $40, it's a contender for one of the best bottled-in-bond bargains of the year.
Then the pour turns dark—literally—with Old Forester Extra Extra Old, part of their 117 Series. A richer, more oak-saturated version of the beloved 1910, this double-barreled bourbon lingers longer in its second barrel, extracting deep color and complexity. Expect chocolate-dipped molasses cookies, toasted oak, and syrupy texture in this 375ml limited release.
The fourth pour steps up the age and elegance with Heaven Hill Heritage Collection 12-Year Bourbon, a 100-proof statement of mature Kentucky whiskey. Layered with vanilla bean, antique oak, dried fruit, and a velvety finish, it stands as a confident reminder of why Heaven Hill remains a pillar of the bourbon world.
Finally, a bonus pour closes out the show: Star Hill Farm Wheat Whiskey—a unique take from the producers of Maker’s Mark. Aged in honeycomb-textured barrels and bottled at 110.6 proof, this wheater leans toward chocolate malt, sweetbread, and baking spice. It’s rich, bold, and distinctively modern, showing the experimental future of wheated whiskey.
Throughout the episode, Jim and Todd offer sharp tasting notes, honest reflections, and plenty of bourbon banter. Whether you’re a fan of heritage brands or curious about experimental expressions, this Roadies' Choice episode delivers a five-pour journey through the evolving landscape of American whiskey.
The Hill House Bed and Breakfast
Be sure to check out our private Facebook group, “The Bourbon Roadies” for a great group of bourbon loving people. You will be welcomed with open arms!