John Lee Hooker was one of the most influential blues musicians in American history. Boogie Chillen Bourbon uses his legacy as its foundation — and Crystal and Roger evaluate whether the liquid in the bottle honors the name on the label. Bottle Specs Spirit: Boogie Chillen Bourbon Namesake: John Lee Hooker — legendary Delta blues musician Category: American Straight Bourbon Whiskey ABV: ~45% Price: ~$35–45 Character: Heritage brand celebrating Black American musical legacy Th

Old Forester's '1NCE AGAIN' is a Taste Select — a single barrel release chosen specifically for the Liquor Connoisseur. Crystal and Roger open the bottle that bears their brand's selection and evaluate what store picks mean when the people doing the picking actually know what they're looking for. Bottle Specs Spirit: Old Forester '1NCE AGAIN' Single Barrel Cask Strength Distillery: Old Forester Distillery, Louisville, Kentucky (est. 1870) Category: Kentucky Straight Bourbon W

Penelope Toasted Bourbon offers something rare in accessible bourbon: a genuine head-to-head comparison between the standard release and a single barrel store pick from the same expression. Crystal and Roger taste both and explain what barrel selection actually does to a well-made four-grain bourbon. Bottle Specs Spirit: Penelope Toasted Bourbon — Standard Release vs. Single Barrel Store Pick Distillery: MGP Indiana production for Penelope Bourbon Category: Kentucky Straight

🥃 SPIRIT 101: BOURBON Bourbon is America's native spirit — and arguably the most misunderstood one. Whether you're just starting your journey or looking to sharpen what you already know, this guide covers everything you need to understand bourbon from the ground up. What Makes It Bourbon? Bourbon must meet five legal requirements: (1) Made in the United States. (2) The mash bill must be at least 51% corn. (3) Distilled to no more than 160 proof. (4) Aged in new, charred oak

Blackland Distillery's Prairie Gold Bourbon is a Texas grain-to-glass statement: every step of production happens in Fort Worth, from the local grain to the barrel to the bottle. Crystal and Roger evaluate whether Texas terroir makes a better bourbon or just a more expensive one. Bottle Specs Spirit: Blackland Prairie Gold Straight Bourbon Whiskey Distillery: Blackland Distillery, Fort Worth, Texas Production: Grain-to-glass — locally sourced Texas grain Grain: Texas-grown co

Uncle Nearest 1884 is named for the man who taught Jack Daniel how to make whiskey — and whose name was erased from history for over a century. Crystal and Roger open this small batch expression and taste through the story as much as the liquid. Bottle Specs Spirit: Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch Whiskey Brand: Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey — founded by Fawn Weaver 2017 Namesake: Nathan 'Nearest' Green — first known master distiller in American history Category: Tennessee Whi

Wild Turkey 101 and Maker's Mark 101 are two of the most iconic 101-proof bourbons in Kentucky — one high-rye and bold, one wheated and soft. Crystal and Roger run the head-to-head to settle a debate that bourbon drinkers have been having for decades. Battle Specs Spirit 1: Wild Turkey 101 — high-rye mashbill, bold and spicy Spirit 2: Maker's Mark 101 — wheat-forward, soft and sweet Both: 101 proof (50.5% ABV), Kentucky Straight Bourbon Wild Turkey 101 price: ~$25–30 Maker's

Maker's 46 is the innovation play from one of bourbon's most conservative brands. Crystal and Roger revisit this classic to understand what French oak staves inside an already-finished barrel actually accomplish — and whether the result is worth the premium. Bottle Specs Spirit: Maker's Mark 46 Bourbon Whiskey Distillery: Maker's Mark Distillery, Loretto, Kentucky Category: Kentucky Straight Bourbon — secondary wood finishing Process: Fully matured Maker's Mark + 10 seared Fr

Bourbon, the quintessential American spirit, has a rich history and a flavor profile that has captured the hearts of whiskey enthusiasts...