Bourbon Lovers, Meet “The Answer” — A Climate Experiment in a Bottle

If you’re the kind of bourbon drinker who’s ever wondered how much climate really impacts your whiskey, Milam & Greene just dropped something made for you. It’s called “The Answer”, and it’s not just another bottle on the shelf—it’s a full-on experiment five years in the making.

Two Barrels, Two States, One Big Question

Back in 2019, the folks at Milam & Greene distilled a single batch of bourbon in Kentucky using their signature recipe (think: corn, malted rye, and a touch of malted barley). Then, they did something pretty bold: they split the batch in two.

Half the whiskey stayed in Kentucky to age the traditional way—cooler, more humid. The other half went down to their home base in hot, dry Blanco, Texas.

Same recipe. Same barrels. Same day they were filled. The only difference? The weather.

The Results Are In

Fast forward five years, and the difference is wild. The Texas-aged bourbon came out at 116 proof, darker, bolder, and loaded with oak and spice. Meanwhile, the Kentucky version clocked in at 108 proof, with softer, fruitier notes and a little more elegance.

Both are delicious—but side by side, they tell a story you can actually taste.

The Set

Milam & Greene is bottling this project as a limited-edition two-pack called “The Answer”—you get a 375ml bottle of each version (Kentucky & Texas) in a custom wooden box for $149.99. Available through their website, the Blanco distillery, and some retailers if you're lucky.

And here's the cool part: they even encourage you to try blending the two together at home, just like they do in their own lab.

Why It Matters

Heather Greene, their Master Blender and CEO, said it best: this isn’t just about great bourbon (though it is). It’s about understanding it—getting curious about how aging environments shape the spirit.

If you're into bourbon, science, or just trying something totally new, “The Answer” is worth checking out. It's a rare chance to taste what climate really does to your whiskey—and honestly, it's just a fun pour to geek out over with friends.

👉 Grab your set here while it lasts.

Cheers to whiskey with a side of science 🥃

Wenzel Whiskey Takes Home the Gold – Again!

Big cheers are in order for Wenzel Whiskey! The Covington-based craft distillery just scored big at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, one of the most prestigious events in the spirits world. Their Rectifier Rye walked away with a Double Gold, while their Wheated Whiskey earned a Gold medal and the Sherry Finished Bourbon picked up a Silver. Not bad for a local brand!

If that sounds familiar, it’s because Wenzel’s been on a winning streak lately. Earlier this year, their Sherry Finished Bourbon was named both Best Kentucky Finished Bourbon and World’s Best Finished Bourbon at the World Whiskies Awards. 🏆

Wenzel Whiskey calls the historic Wenzel building home—right in the heart of Covington’s Tobacco Alley. Besides producing award-winning spirits, they also offer a pretty cool blending experience if you’re into crafting your own perfect pour.

Want to see what all the buzz is about? You can learn more or book a visit at wenzelwhiskey.com.

Here’s to another round of wins for this hometown favorite! 🥂

Bottles to Hunt This Month - June 2025

June might be a quieter month for whiskey releases, but there are still some standout bottles worth seeking out. Here's a curated list of notable releases to keep an eye on:

🥃 Green River Army 250th Anniversary Edition

In honor of the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary, Green River Distilling has released a special edition bourbon. While specific details are limited, this commemorative bottling is anticipated to be a collector's item, blending historical significance with Green River's renowned craftsmanship.

🥃 Penelope American Whiskey Cigar Sessions: Chapter 1

Penelope introduces "Cigar Sessions: Chapter 1," an American whiskey crafted to complement the rich flavors of a fine cigar. This release is expected to offer a robust and balanced profile, making it an ideal companion for cigar enthusiasts.

🥃 Little Book Chapter 9: “None for Granted”

The ninth installment in Freddie Noe's acclaimed Little Book series, "None for Granted," continues the tradition of innovative blending. While specific blend details are yet to be disclosed, previous chapters have showcased a harmonious mix of aged spirits, and this release is anticipated to follow suit.

🥃 High Wire Distilling Jimmy Red Series

High Wire Distilling from Charleston, SC, offers a trio of expressions made from 100% Jimmy Red corn, a nearly extinct heirloom varietal they've helped revive:

• Jimmy Red Bottled in Bond Bourbon: Aged for a minimum of four years and bottled at 100 proof, this bourbon delivers notes of tart cherry, dark chocolate, and leather, with undercurrents of coffee bean and baking spices. It's a testament to High Wire's dedication to single-farm, single-grain bourbon production.

• Jimmy Red Double Oak Bourbon: This expression undergoes a secondary aging process in new oak barrels, intensifying its flavor profile. Expect enhanced notes of vanilla, caramel, and toasted oak, offering a deeper and more complex tasting experience.

• Jimmy Red Bourbon Finished in Oloroso Sherry Casks: After aging for three years, this bourbon is finished for an additional six months in Oloroso Sherry casks. The result is a spirit with rich notes of brown sugar, maple, gingerbread, and dried fruit, culminating in a caramel finish.

Which bottles will you be looking for? Share your top picks and any tasting notes you gather—we'd love to hear about your finds!