503. Little Book, Big Flavors: Five Barrel-Strength Showdowns

Welcome back to the Bourbon Road Bar, where Jim and Todd settle in for a five-bottle session packed with limited releases, aged expressions, and a little bit of everything the whiskey world has to offer right now. Tonight's lineup spans wheat whiskey, high-rye bourbon, east-coast rye, and some serious Beam family heavy-hitters — all barrel strength, all worthy of serious attention.

On the Tasting Mat:

- Makers Mark Star Hill Farms Wheat Whiskey 2026: A 116.4-proof wheat whiskey bottled at 700ml, featuring a revised mash bill of 62% malted wheat, 27% wheat, and 11% malted barley — including undisclosed amounts of hard red and hard white wheat, plus experimental barrels pulled from three warehouses with a 20-point proof swing. Aged 7–8 years. The nose opens with earthy cherry, turkey figs, and dark fruit, while the palate delivers an oily, velvety texture with baking spices, vanilla, and a distinctive wheat whiskey bite on the back of the palate. MSRP $100. *(00:01:48)*

- New Riff 10 Year Bourbon 2026: Bottled at 116.9 proof from a mash bill of 65% corn, 30% rye, and 5% malted barley, this Kentucky bourbon offers a nose of caramel, vanilla, and baking spices with a hint of root beer. On the palate, a honeyed peach and dried apricot character emerges alongside tobacco, leather, and mature oak — drying toward the finish with impressive length. Available at New Riff Distillery and to whiskey club members. MSRP $89.99. *(00:09:50)*

- New Riff 10 Year Rye 2026: A 95% rye, 5% malted barley mash bill bottled at 118.8 proof, this east-coast rye comes in at the same price point of $89.99. The nose is immediately striking — spearmint, pine forest, citrus zest, and dried orange. The palate is exceptionally thick and viscous, carrying the mint and zest through with clove, pine nut, and a cooling quality that gives way to a long, peppery oak finish. Available at New Riff Distillery and to whiskey club members. *(00:17:00)*

- Little Book Chapter 10 "All the Wiser" 2026: Freddie Noe's tenth Little Book chapter is an homage to the beloved Chapter 3 "The Road Home," blending 11-year Knob Creek, 14-year Basil Hayden, 10-year Booker's, 9-year Baker's, and a 4-year Jim Beam finished in sherry and toasted casks — all uncut at 122.6 proof. The nose is rich and mahogany-dark with vanilla, nuttiness, and a subtle sherry influence. The palate is decadent: dark Luxardo cherry, chocolate, snicker-like nuttiness, molasses, and a long, spicy, sizzling finish that simply refuses to leave. MSRP $160 for 750ml. *(00:27:17)*

- Booker's 2026-01 "Big Easy Batch": The first Booker's batch of 2026, named in honor of Booker Noe's legendary love of New Orleans, is aged 7 years, 2 months, and 15 days at a big 129.1 proof. Mash bill is 77% corn, 13% rye, and 10% malted barley. The nose presents caramel apple, green apple, and pie crust. On the palate, a perfectly cooked caramel apple pie character develops with a noticeable fruitiness that runs a bit off the typical Booker's nutty profile — finishing with warmth and spice. MSRP $100 for 750ml. *(00:37:14)*

Five barrel-strength pours, two distilleries, and one very tough call at the end — this is the kind of evening that makes the Bourbon Road Bar worth pulling up a stool for. Whether you're hunting shelf staples or chasing limited releases, tonight's lineup has something to put on your radar. As always, check out the full tasting notes and scores over at TheBourbon Road.com, and we'll see you down the Bourbon Road.