467. Tricks, Treats & Whiskey Neat: A Bourbon Road Halloween

Join Jim and Todd in the "ghastly" Bourbon Road bar for a special Halloween episode filled with tricks, treats, and plenty of spirits! Instead of candy, their trick-or-treat bag is filled with five unique whiskey expressions shared by friends and sourced from local stops. It's a spooky season showdown as they taste through a diverse and high-proof lineup.

First, they unlock Widow Jane The Vaults 2025. This year's release is dubbed "mythological," featuring bourbon aged a minimum of 15 years and finished in unique oak casks crafted from trees harvested near Amphilochia, Greece – a region known for lightning strikes. Bottled at 99 proof, the hosts find notes of grape, salted caramel, toffee, and a unique salinity on the nose, while the palate delivers complexity that drinks its age and punches above its proof.

Next, they revisit Barrel Craft Spirits with their 12-Year French Oak Finish. A blend sourced from Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee, and Wyoming, and bottled at 108.5 proof, this whiskey presents a bit of a "Jekyll and Hyde." The nose offers burnt caramel, nutty, and woody notes, while the palate surprises with creamy French vanilla sweetness and just a hint of tannin from the oak.

The third pour is the Bardstown Bourbon Company Maison Ferrand Finish #2. This complex blend features Kentucky bourbons aged 9, 11, and 12 years, plus a 6-year Bardstown rye whiskey, all finished for 15 months in French oak cognac casks. At 111.8 proof, it delivers an intensely decadent, desserty palate rich with black cherry, vanilla, and dark fruit syrup notes like currant or raisin, contrasting slightly with its dusty oak and grape nose.

Pour number four brings gasps of excitement: the Wild Turkey Master's Keep "Beacon". Rumored to be the final release in the venerated Master's Keep series, this 118-proof bourbon immediately impresses the hosts. They find the quintessential "Turkey funk" alongside deep notes of toffee, burnt orange citrus, cherry, molasses, clove, tobacco, and perfectly integrated oak. It's described as viscous, complex, and potentially the "perfect Turkey," taking their breath away.

Finally, they tackle the first-ever Woodford Reserve Barrel Proof Rye. This barely-legal rye (53% rye) comes in at a hefty 125.1 proof. The nose reminds them of Corn Pops cereal with hints of rye spice, pepper, and mint. The palate delivers on the grain-forward notes, showcasing the rye character with cereal, clove, and a touch of leather, defining itself as a solid Kentucky-style rye.

Jim and Todd wrap up the episode by comparing the five "treats" and selecting their top three favorites in their "winner winner chicken dinner" segment, capping off a hauntingly good tasting session.

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!