This week on the Bourbon Bytes Podcast, I'm breaking down some of the biggest whiskey news stories of the moment—plus a first impression review of a brand new Bardstown Bourbon Company release.
🔥 Topics include:
<ul>
<li>A $549 Daniel Weller experimental release… is this getting out of hand?</li>
<li>Jack Daniel’s 10, 12, and 14 Year lottery system</li>
<li>A new Peerless 10-Year Bourbon</li>
<li>Evan Williams’ Collegiate Single Barrel Series</li>
<li>New TTB labels from Barrell, Lux Row, and Four Roses</li>
</ul>
🎮 Plus, a major shakeup in the gaming industry with layoffs at Epic Games.
🥃 Then we dive into a Byte-Sized Review of the Bardstown Bourbon Company Cascadia Garryana Oak Finish — a rare oak, toasted finish bourbon with a smoky, tobacco-forward profile and surprising sweetness.
Is it worth the price… and the trip to the distillery?
 
00:00 – Intro &amp; Episode Preview 
01:06 – Peerless 10-Year Bourbon Announcement 
02:19 – $549 Daniel Weller “Spelt Wheat” Reaction 
04:04 – Evan Williams Collegiate Bottles 
06:10 – Jack Daniel’s 10, 12, 14 Lottery Explained 
07:46 – Speed Run: New TTB Labels (Barrell, Blood Oath, Four Roses) 
10:41 – Gaming News: Epic Games Layoffs 
12:22 – Byte-Sized Review: Bardstown Cascadia Overview 
19:08 – Outro &amp; Support the Show

<description>&lt;p&gt;This week on the Bourbon Bytes Podcast, I'm breaking down some of the biggest whiskey news stories of the moment—plus a first impression review of a brand new Bardstown Bourbon Company release.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;🔥 Topics include:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;A $549 Daniel Weller experimental release… is this getting out of hand?&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Jack Daniel’s 10, 12, and 14 Year lottery system&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;A new Peerless 10-Year Bourbon&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Evan Williams’ Collegiate Single Barrel Series&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;New TTB labels from Barrell, Lux Row, and Four Roses&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;🎮 Plus, a major shakeup in the gaming industry with layoffs at Epic Games.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;🥃 Then we dive into a Byte-Sized Review of the Bardstown Bourbon Company Cascadia Garryana Oak Finish — a rare oak, toasted finish bourbon with a smoky, tobacco-forward profile and surprising sweetness.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Is it worth the price… and the trip to the distillery?&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;00:00 – Intro &amp;amp; Episode Preview
01:06 – Peerless 10-Year Bourbon Announcement
02:19 – $549 Daniel Weller “Spelt Wheat” Reaction
04:04 – Evan Williams Collegiate Bottles
06:10 – Jack Daniel’s 10, 12, 14 Lottery Explained
07:46 – Speed Run: New TTB Labels (Barrell, Blood Oath, Four Roses)
10:41 – Gaming News: Epic Games Layoffs
12:22 – Byte-Sized Review: Bardstown Cascadia Overview
19:08 – Outro &amp;amp; Support the Show&lt;/p&gt;
</description>

This week’s episode covers major whiskey releases and industry news, including a controversial $549 Weller, Jack Daniel’s new lottery system, and several upcoming experimental releases. The episode wraps with a detailed Byte-Sized Review of Bardstown Bourbon Company’s Cascadia Garryana Oak Finish, exploring its smoky, tobacco-rich profile and whether its limited release price is justified.

$550 Weller?! + Jack Daniel’s Lottery & Bardstown Cascadia Review (Garryana Oak 🔥)

This week on Bourbon Bytes, I’m breaking down one of the biggest trending topics in bourbon right now — recent news and rumors surrounding Green River’s master distiller.
What’s actually confirmed? What’s speculation? And what could it mean for the future of the brand?
Then, I dive into a full review of the brand-new Sazerac Full Proof Rye Whiskey from Sazerac.
Buffalo Trace fans have been waiting for a higher-proof version of this classic rye — but does it actually deliver?
I cover:
<ul>
<li>
The latest Green River updates and what we know so far
</li>
<li>
Nose, palate, and finish of Sazerac Full Proof Rye
</li>
<li>
How it compares to standard Sazerac Rye
</li>
<li>
Whether it’s worth buying at MSRP
</li>
</ul>
Note: Any discussion of Green River is based on publicly available information and industry speculation at the time of recording.

<description>&lt;p&gt;This week on Bourbon Bytes, I’m breaking down one of the biggest trending topics in bourbon right now — recent news and rumors surrounding Green River’s master distiller.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;What’s actually confirmed? What’s speculation? And what could it mean for the future of the brand?&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Then, I dive into a full review of the brand-new Sazerac Full Proof Rye Whiskey from Sazerac.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Buffalo Trace fans have been waiting for a higher-proof version of this classic rye — but does it actually deliver?&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;I cover:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The latest Green River updates and what we know so far&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Nose, palate, and finish of Sazerac Full Proof Rye&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;
&lt;p&gt;How it compares to standard Sazerac Rye&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Whether it’s worth buying at MSRP&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Note: Any discussion of Green River is based on publicly available information and industry speculation at the time of recording.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>

Clifton reviews the highly anticipated Sazerac Full Proof Rye Whiskey, exploring how the increased proof changes the classic profile. After breaking down the tasting notes and comparing it to the standard release, he delivers a final verdict on whether this new expression lives up to expectations.

What’s Going On at Green River? + Sazerac Full Proof Rye Review

On this week’s Bourbon Bytes Podcast, we’re covering some of the biggest whiskey news stories of the week before diving into a cult-favorite bourbon review.
Topics include:
🥃 Remus Experimental Series Wheat Whiskey 
🥃 Maker’s Mark 2026 Wood Finishing Series 
🥃 Heaven Hill’s Deatsville campus release
Then for this week’s Byte-Sized Review, I’m tasting Evan Williams 12 Year Red Label Bourbon, a Heaven Hill export that’s become a favorite among bourbon fans.
Often only available in Japan, this bottle has developed a reputation for delivering well-aged bourbon at a surprisingly reasonable price.
Does it live up to the hype?
Let’s find out.
 
Chapters:
00:00 Intro – Whiskey News + Today’s Review 
01:14 Remus Experimental Series Wheat Whiskey 
03:13 Maker’s Mark "The Steward's Release" 2026 Wood Finishing Series 
06:31 Heaven Hill Deatsville Bourbon Release 
09:22 Byte-Sized Review – Evan Williams 12 Year Red Label 
17:58 Final Thoughts &amp; Wrap Up

<description>&lt;p&gt;On this week’s Bourbon Bytes Podcast, we’re covering some of the biggest whiskey news stories of the week before diving into a cult-favorite bourbon review.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Topics include:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;🥃 Remus Experimental Series Wheat Whiskey
🥃 Maker’s Mark 2026 Wood Finishing Series
🥃 Heaven Hill’s Deatsville campus release&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Then for this week’s Byte-Sized Review, I’m tasting Evan Williams 12 Year Red Label Bourbon, a Heaven Hill export that’s become a favorite among bourbon fans.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Often only available in Japan, this bottle has developed a reputation for delivering well-aged bourbon at a surprisingly reasonable price.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Does it live up to the hype?&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Let’s find out.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Chapters:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;00:00 Intro – Whiskey News + Today’s Review
01:14 Remus Experimental Series Wheat Whiskey
03:13 Maker’s Mark "The Steward's Release" 2026 Wood Finishing Series
06:31 Heaven Hill Deatsville Bourbon Release
09:22 Byte-Sized Review – Evan Williams 12 Year Red Label
17:58 Final Thoughts &amp;amp; Wrap Up&lt;/p&gt;
</description>

In this episode of the Bourbon Bytes Podcast, Clifton covers several new whiskey releases including Remus Experimental Series Wheat Whiskey, Maker’s Mark’s 2026 Wood Finishing Series, and Heaven Hill’s Deatsville campus release. The episode concludes with a Byte-Sized Review of Evan Williams 12 Year Red Label Bourbon, a Heaven Hill export favorite known for delivering well-aged bourbon at an approachable price.

Is Evan Williams 12 Year Red Label a Hidden Heaven Hill Gem?

On this week’s episode of the Bourbon Bytes Podcast, I’m catching up on the latest whiskey and gaming news before diving into a unique bottle that raises an interesting question…
Can Kentucky make good tequila?
Today’s Byte-Sized Review features the Nulu Extra Añejo Blue Agave Spirit from Prohibition Craft Spirits — distilled in Tequila, Mexico but aged in Kentucky bourbon barrels. It’s a fascinating crossover between the worlds of bourbon and agave spirits, and I’m breaking down whether this experiment actually works.
Along the way we’ll also talk about:
🥃 The return of High West Bourye 2026 
🥃 New Heaven Hill Heritage Collection releases 
🥃 A new Build Your Own Bourbon Trail experience in Kentucky 
🎮 The announcement of Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves.
Then we’ll taste the Nulu Blue Agave Spirit and see if Kentucky aging gives this agave spirit a bourbon lover’s twist.
Is it a gimmick… or something truly unique?
Explore Chapters using the timecodes below:
00:00 Can Kentucky Make Good Tequila? Intro + Whiskey News 
01:20 High West Bourye 2026 Returns 
02:56 New Heaven Hill Heritage Collection Release 
04:33 Bernheim 20th Anniversary 10 Year Small Batch Wheat Whiskey 
6:10 The Return of Sagamore 10 Rye Whiskey 
07:24 Build Your Own Bourbon Trail Experience 
09:17 Lux Row Opens Invitations to "The Front Row" VIP Experience 
10:24 Nintendo Announces Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves for Switch 2 
12:08 Byte-Sized Review – Nulu Extra Añejo Blue Agave Spirit 
19:18 Final Thoughts &amp; Wrap Up

<description>&lt;p&gt;On this week’s episode of the Bourbon Bytes Podcast, I’m catching up on the latest whiskey and gaming news before diving into a unique bottle that raises an interesting question…&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Can Kentucky make good tequila?&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Today’s Byte-Sized Review features the Nulu Extra Añejo Blue Agave Spirit from Prohibition Craft Spirits — distilled in Tequila, Mexico but aged in Kentucky bourbon barrels. It’s a fascinating crossover between the worlds of bourbon and agave spirits, and I’m breaking down whether this experiment actually works.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Along the way we’ll also talk about:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;🥃 The return of High West Bourye 2026
🥃 New Heaven Hill Heritage Collection releases
🥃 A new Build Your Own Bourbon Trail experience in Kentucky
🎮 The announcement of Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Then we’ll taste the Nulu Blue Agave Spirit and see if Kentucky aging gives this agave spirit a bourbon lover’s twist.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Is it a gimmick… or something truly unique?&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Explore Chapters using the timecodes below:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;00:00 Can Kentucky Make Good Tequila? Intro + Whiskey News
01:20 High West Bourye 2026 Returns
02:56 New Heaven Hill Heritage Collection Release
04:33 Bernheim 20th Anniversary 10 Year Small Batch Wheat Whiskey
6:10 The Return of Sagamore 10 Rye Whiskey
07:24 Build Your Own Bourbon Trail Experience
09:17 Lux Row Opens Invitations to "The Front Row" VIP Experience
10:24 Nintendo Announces Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves for Switch 2
12:08 Byte-Sized Review – Nulu Extra Añejo Blue Agave Spirit
19:18 Final Thoughts &amp;amp; Wrap Up&lt;/p&gt;
</description>

This week on the Bourbon Bytes Podcast, Clifton shares the latest whiskey and gaming news before tasting a unique agave spirit experiment. The episode covers the return of High West Bourye, new releases from Heaven Hill, and Kentucky’s new customizable Bourbon Trail experience. Then Clifton reviews Nulu Extra Añejo Blue Agave Spirit, distilled in Mexico and aged in Kentucky bourbon barrels, to answer the question: Can Kentucky make good tequila?

Can Kentucky Make Good Tequila? | Nulu Extra Añejo Blue Agave Spirit Review

This week on the Bourbon Bytes Podcast, I’m diving into the brand-new Redbreast Moscatel Wine Cask Edition — the latest release in the Iberian Series — to see if this sweet Spanish cask finish lives up to the hype.
Does Moscatel bring bold citrus and floral complexity… or is it too dessert-like for a classic single pot still Irish whiskey?
I break down the nose, palate, finish, value, and where this release ranks among other Iberian Series bottles — plus whether it’s worth grabbing at retail.
Timecodes below to jump straight to the review 👇
00:00 – Welcome + What’s in This Episode
01:13 – Whiskey News: World Whiskies Awards 2026 Winners
07:53 – Whiskey News: 2026 Michter's Celebration Sour Mash Whiskey Announced
09:54 – Whiskey News: Penelope 7 Year Old Barrel Strength Bourbon
11:25 – Whiskey News: Pinhook Vertical Series 10 Year Old Rye Whiskey
13:00 – Byte-Sized Review: Redbreast Moscatel Wine Cask Edition Irish Whiskey
21:30 – Final Thoughts &amp; Wrap-Up

<description>&lt;p&gt;This week on the Bourbon Bytes Podcast, I’m diving into the brand-new Redbreast Moscatel Wine Cask Edition — the latest release in the Iberian Series — to see if this sweet Spanish cask finish lives up to the hype.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Does Moscatel bring bold citrus and floral complexity… or is it too dessert-like for a classic single pot still Irish whiskey?&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;I break down the nose, palate, finish, value, and where this release ranks among other Iberian Series bottles — plus whether it’s worth grabbing at retail.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Timecodes below to jump straight to the review 👇&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;00:00 – Welcome + What’s in This Episode&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;01:13 – Whiskey News: World Whiskies Awards 2026 Winners&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;07:53 – Whiskey News: 2026 Michter's Celebration Sour Mash Whiskey Announced&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;09:54 – Whiskey News: Penelope 7 Year Old Barrel Strength Bourbon&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;11:25 – Whiskey News: Pinhook Vertical Series 10 Year Old Rye Whiskey&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;13:00 – Byte-Sized Review: Redbreast Moscatel Wine Cask Edition Irish Whiskey&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;21:30 – Final Thoughts &amp;amp; Wrap-Up&lt;/p&gt;
</description>

In this episode, Clifton explores the new Moscatel cask-finished expression from Redbreast. After discussing the Iberian Series concept and what makes Moscatel wine unique, he delivers a full “Byte-Sized Review,” scoring the whiskey and debating whether this is a must-buy for Irish whiskey fans or more of a niche pour.

Redbreast Moscatel Wine Cask Edition Review & World Whiskies Awards Winners

Whiskey news &amp; reviews with a gaming twist! Each week, Clifton McDaniel brings you the latest bourbon releases, industry stories, and ‘Byte-Sized’ tastings—alongside the hottest video game news and discussions. Cheers, and Game On!

Bourbon Bytes Podcast

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