481. Back in the Saddle: Jim Returns for a 4-Bottle Review

Welcome back to the Bourbon Road! The long wait is officially over—Jim Shannon has returned from his Dry January hiatus, and he’s ready to make up for lost time. Rejoining Todd Ritter in the Bourbon Road bar, the duo wastes no time getting back to business. To celebrate the return of whiskey to Jim’s glass, they’ve lined up a heavy-hitting "review show" featuring four distinct expressions that span the spectrum of rye and bourbon, followed by a chaotic science experiment at the end.

The tasting kicks off with a unique offering from the Castle & Key Experimental Series Rye. This release is finished in Vino de Naranja (Orange Wine) barrels and clocks in at a stout 115.8 proof. It immediately surprises the hosts with vivid notes of chocolate orange and cupcake icing, delivering a "pop rocks" sensation on the palate that balances sweetness with a spicy finish.

Next, they shift gears to a historic brand with the Old Overholt 12-Year Rye. A 117-proof Monongahela-style rye, this bottle offers a stark contrast to the first pour. Jim and Todd discuss its dignified, "elderly" profile, noting deep flavors of leather, dried cranberry, and peppery spice. It sparks a conversation about how extra age transforms the typical bright rye profile into something much drier and more complex.

Moving into bourbon territory, the guys crack open a bottle from the future—the Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B525. Sitting at 126.2 proof with an age statement of 11 years and 6 months, this release brings the heat and the flavor. The hosts uncover rich layers of brown sugar, molasses, and stewed plums, finishing with a distinct note of red hard candy cinnamon that lingers on the tongue.

Finally, they cap off the individual tastings with the Old Forester 117 Series: Prohibition Era Still Proof. Inspired by the "distiller's holiday" of the prohibition era, this 130-proof powerhouse is surprisingly approachable. The guys dig into its dessert-like profile, finding heavy notes of cocoa powder, toasted marshmallow, and a s'mores-like quality that belies its high octane.

To close out the show, Jim and Todd decide to mix things up—literally. They combine all four expressions into one glass for a "Boo Rye" blend. Does the combination of orange wine finish, aged rye, and barrel-proof bourbons create a disaster or a masterpiece? Tune in to hear their full tasting notes, their personal rankings of the four bottles, and to find out if the final blend was worth the risk.

Cheers to being back on the road!

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!