Five Bourbons That Deserve Your Attention
With all of the changes that hit us right at the end of the year, December really got away from me, and I'm sure you all noticed that I didn't do the typical "Best of" videos this year.
Obviously, that doesn't mean that there weren't some real stand outs this year that deserve to be mentioned. It's VERY hard to name a "Top 5" because the year is FULL of amazing pours. So how do I decide which ones were "TOP?"
When I do a list like this, I have to immediately eliminate single barrels because my hope is that the bottles on this list are ones you could find and try if you really wanted to. I also eliminate bottles like BTAC, King of Kentucky, and pretty much anything over $400 or with a big secondary price. You can just assume that King of Kentucky is a top 5, so no need to name it. Plus, I want a list like this to reflect the bottles that really stood out to me personally. That being said, here's my Top 5 for 2025. I promise I'll do more "Best of" content for 2026, since I should have more than enough time.
Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Beacon
A polished powerhouse—Beacon balances depth, maturity, and finesse in a way that feels both classic and modern Wild Turkey.
Garrison Brothers Cowboy Bourbon 2025
Big, bold, unapologetic Texas whiskey—Cowboy 2025 is intense, wild, and exactly what the name promises.
Bomberger’s PFG
Layered, refined, and quietly complex—PFG rewards patience with nuance instead of volume.
Redemption 18 Year Old
A rare case where age elevates everything—elegant oak, controlled spice, and remarkable balance for its years.
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Rye
Proof-forward but flavor-first—this rye delivers power, structure, and depth without losing its footing.
What would be on your Top 5 List?
Jim Beam Hits Pause — But Bourbon Isn’t in Trouble
News broke this month that Jim Beam is shutting down operations at one of its distilling facilities, and understandably, that raised some eyebrows. In an industry that’s been riding a long boom, the word closure can sound alarming.
But this move isn’t a signal that bourbon demand is collapsing — far from it.
What we’re likely seeing is a strategic shift, not a retreat. Large legacy producers like Beam operate multiple facilities across Kentucky, and temporarily closing or mothballing one site often reflects a broader plan: reallocating production, modernizing equipment, upgrading infrastructure, or consolidating output into newer, more efficient distilleries.
In short, this looks less like trouble and more like evolution.
The bourbon industry is maturing. After years of aggressive expansion, producers are now fine-tuning operations, investing in long-term efficiency, and positioning themselves for the next several decades — not just the next release cycle.
Bourbon isn’t slowing down. It’s growing up.
And if history has taught us anything, today’s production shifts often lay the groundwork for tomorrow’s better whiskey.
What This Means for Drinkers
No shortage panic — Core Jim Beam expressions and most limited releases are not expected to disappear.
Potential quality upgrades — Newer facilities often mean tighter controls, better consistency, and improved barrel management.
Fewer surprises, not fewer bottles — Production may shift locations, but Beam’s overall output isn’t vanishing.
Long-term thinking — Moves like this usually aim to protect supply years down the road, not cut it.
Bottom line: this is far more about how bourbon is made than how much bourbon we’ll get to drink.
Bonded Drops: Where the Good Stuff Lands
In December, we rolled out a redesigned WhiskeyBonded.com, bringing everything Whiskey Bonded together in one place. If you haven’t checked out the new site yet, take a minute to visit and see if there’s anything Whiskey Bonded you might be missing.
Around the same time, we received some concerning news that could impact how we handle single-barrel drops and exclusive releases through Patreon. Rather than slow things down, we built a solution—BondedDrops.com.
BondedDrops.com is a simple, dedicated hub where you’ll always find links to our currently available single barrels, along with updates on upcoming drops.
Last month marked our very first release using the new platform—and we came out swinging with four incredible barrels:
Redwood Empire Haystack – A true standout. Very few shops received a full barrel, so we were thrilled to land this one.
Frey Ranch Cask Strength Rye – One of only two released in California, selected in collaboration with Jason at Locked Barrel Whiskey Bar in Sacramento.
Pinhook Vertical 10 Year Bourbon – Our first single barrel proudly labeled “Bonded Bottle Shop,” and the beginning of a vertical series that will climb all the way to 16 years.
Chicken Cock Reserve Cask – A custom-labeled release that ranks among the greatest honors of my whiskey journey, filled with some of the best bourbon we’ve ever selected.
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us on drop day. If you missed out, head to BondedDrops.com—there are still a few bottles available, and every one of them is absolutely worth grabbing.
Solve the Riddle for a Chance to Win!
Ready to test your wits and sip some magic?
We’re thrilled to continue our Riddle in the Barrel Giveaway! Crack the riddle below for a chance to win cool whiskey swag.
Here’s how to enter:
1. Read the Riddle Carefully: Below is a riddle tied to the world of whiskey. Take your time to ponder its clues!
2. Submit Your Answer: Email your solution to [email protected] with the subject line “Riddle in the Barrel December 2025.” Include your full name and answer to the riddle. Only one entry per person.
3. Deadline: Entries must be received by 11:59 PM PST on January 25th, 2025. Late submissions won’t be considered.
4. Winner Selection: All correct answers will be entered into a random draw. One lucky winner will receive a select bottle of whiskey (must be 21+ and comply with local laws).
This month’s selection: Aged & Ore Neat Glass
Here’s Your Riddle…
I carried a family name through fire and loss,
Watched barrels burn, yet stayed the boss.
When Prohibition came and doors were sealed,
I waited it out, then rebuilt the field.
My kin kept time by grain and char,
From creek to hill, from near to far.
They know me now by just two words—
Who am I, whose legacy still pours?
We’ll announce the winner in our next newsletter and contact them directly.
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