Bourbon Bytes Podcast

Clifton gives Willett Pot Still Reserve another shot at 120 proof. The extra body makes it a bourbon he’d pour again, but a salty licorice finish keeps it at 6/10. Also this week: what Stoli’s U.S. return means for Kentucky Owl, the Nelson brothers’ distillery buyback, and a 20-year-old Canadian whisky for about $50.

Stagg 26C finally showed up at my local store, but is it a batch I’d buy again? I review its cherry-cola sweetness, dark chocolate finish, and value. Plus: Heaven Hill Phoenix, Blade and Bow’s 164.2-proof bourbon, Coy Hill Rye, Chattanooga’s musical whiskey experiment, and a detail worth catching on 1792 Wheated Full Proof.

It’s game night on Bourbon Bytes! Old Fitzgerald teams up with Jonathan Adler for a $425 backgammon set, Bib & Tucker launches a bourbon-themed Monopoly game, and Clifton reviews the new Dragon’s Milk x Dungeons & Dragons Blue Dragon Bourbon. Plus, Old Forester’s new 12-year decanter, Booker’s Southern Thunder, and MGP’s surprising name change. The 100-proof mead-cask-finished bourbon earns an 8/10, but is the $165 collectible package worth it?

I review the 2026 Russell’s Reserve 13 honoring Eddie Russell’s 45 years at Wild Turkey. Does this $200 bourbon live up to earlier releases? Plus, Single Rickhouse Camp Nelson D, affordable bourbon award winners, the return of Laddie Rye, Frey Ranch’s latest experiment, and bourbon-inspired dog treats.

This week on Bourbon Bytes, older whiskey is getting more affordable with new releases from Copper & Cask, Starlight, and Whisky Craft. Clifton also shares an encouraging update following the Glenns Creek Distillery fire and covers The Dalmore’s new 18-year Cigar Malt. Then he reviews Penelope Cigar Sessions Chapter 2, pairing the $80, 117.4-proof whiskey with an Alec Bradley Black Market cigar and discovering why it earns 6/10 alone but 8/10 with the cigar.