In the Bourbon Boos finale, Clifton dives into the mysterious Smokehead Islay Single Malt Scotch, a sub-$40 smoky dram that’s equal parts barbecue smoke and butterscotch sweetness. Between hot new whiskey drops from Heaven Hill, Glenlivet, and High West, he weighs in on rising prices vs value — and ends the Halloween series on a high (ABV) note. 🔥

Clifton continues his Bourbon Boos Halloween series with a pour that’s not quite bourbon, not quite scotch — the Buchanan’s Pineapple Spirit Drink. What started as a joke turned into one of the most surprising reviews of the season. Between pineapple-scented pours and whiskey robots taking over Kentucky, this episode is equal parts spooky and sweet.

Clifton continues his “Bourbon Boos” Halloween series with a bottom-shelf gamble: King’s Creek Black Label Tennessee Sour Mash Whiskey. After breaking down this $16 mystery bottle, he reacts to a massive wave of whiskey news, including the 2025 BTAC lineup, Flaviar’s Advent Calendar, and new releases from Copperworks, Sagamore, Milam & Greene, Pinhook, and Kilchoman. It’s spooky-season sipping with bourbon industry updates and a brutally honest tasting.

Clifton kicks off his “Spooky Pours” month by reviewing Dough Ball Cookie Dough Flavored Whiskey, a 70-proof dessert-inspired dram that’s sweeter than it is scary. He also breaks down major whiskey news, including Knob Creek’s 21-Year release, Forward Slash’s mead-finished bourbon, and High West’s Act 13 of A Midwinter Night’s Dram, before reacting to gaming fans mourning Rock Band 4’s delisting.

This week’s Bourbon Bytes Podcast is packed: a historic whiskey heist at Westland steals headlines, EA’s $55 billion buyout shakes up the gaming world, and Clifton shares a Byte-Sized Review of Single Cask Nation’s 7-Year Westland Single Malt finished in Muscatel casks. From stolen Garryana barrels to gaming censorship fears, it’s a rollercoaster of whiskey and video game news with plenty of flavor notes to savor.

Clifton dives into the Frank August Small Batch Bourbon, which just shocked the whiskey world by being named Best Bourbon in the World at the IWSC 2025. He shares nosing and tasting notes (think ripe peaches, baking spice, honeyed grain, and fall warmth), weighs the $70 price tag against transparency concerns, and delivers his final rating. Alongside the review, Clifton covers big bourbon and gaming headlines, from Jim Beam’s Cadillac F1 partnership and Canadian tariff changes to Civilization layoffs and Daft Punk’s Fortnite takeover.

Clifton cracks open the 2025 Weller Full Proof Bourbon, sharing detailed tasting notes of apple pie, flaky pie crust, toasted marshmallow, and baking spice before giving his final rating. Along the way, he covers some of the biggest bourbon and gaming news of the season, from Buffalo Trace’s Pappy Van Winkle 2025 collection to Nintendo’s blockbuster Direct announcements.

Clifton reviews the 2015 Parker’s Heritage 8-Year Malt Whiskey, reflecting on its place in American malt history and why it was such a groundbreaking release at the time. Alongside the throwback tasting, he breaks down a packed week of bourbon news including Booker’s tequila cask experiment, Woodford’s new Master’s Collection, Heaven Hill’s high-wheat Grain-to-Glass release, Angel’s Envy distillery exclusives, and Buffalo Trace’s unique Elmer T. Lee charity sweepstakes.

Clifton reviews the Compass Box Transatlanticism 2024 release, a rare collaboration between whiskey influencer T8ke and blender Will Schragis, built on a base of 13-year-old high-proof Spice Tree with additions of Clynelish, Linkwood, and even 25-year-old Miltonduff. He shares full tasting notes and breaks down whether this cross-Atlantic collaboration lives up to the hype. In whiskey news, Woodford Reserve steps into the American single malt game with a 12-year-old release, Michter’s is crowned the most admired whiskey brand in the world, and Catoctin Creek drops a dragon-themed malt collab. On the gaming side, it’s finally time for Hollow Knight: Silksong — plus September brings Borderlands 4, Silent Hill F, and more.

Clifton dives into the High West Bourye 2025 release, breaking down its nose, palate, and finish, and comparing it to past iterations of this cult-favorite blend of bourbon and rye. He also covers major whiskey news, including Maker’s Mark’s return of its much-loved Cellar Aged Bourbon, High West’s first Bottled-in-Bond offering, and Penelope’s newly announced 2025 Estate Collection.

Clifton reviews the Elijah Craig 2025 PGA Championship Edition Small Batch Bourbon (94 proof), a special commemorative release honoring Quail Hollow. He shares tasting notes of caramel, toffee, and bakery sweetness while comparing it to standout past editions like the 2023 Ryder Cup release. Alongside the review, he covers major whiskey headlines: Old Forester’s bold switch to sweet mash for its 25th Birthday Bourbon, Four Roses’ 2025 Limited Edition Small Batch blend of 13- and 19-year bourbons, and the positive resolution of the SAG-AFTRA video game strike.

This week, I taste and compare Michter’s 2025 Shenk’s Homestead Sour Mash and Bomberger’s Declaration Bourbon. Shenk’s brings a caramel-nuttiness with a lighter, sweeter profile, while Bomberger’s delivers rich oak, dark chocolate bitterness, and baking spice depth. Which one deserves a spot in your collection? I also highlight how J. Mattingly 1845 and Garrison Brothers are using whiskey sales to make a real difference in flood-hit communities.

Clifton reviews a 128-proof Knob Creek Single Barrel Select, offering big oak, bold spice, and some serious heat. He also reacts to Heaven Hill’s unusual Parker’s Heritage mashup, explores experimental aging with A. Smith Bowman, and unpacks Kojima’s thoughts on the stale state of AAA gaming.

In this episode, Clifton uncorks the Maker’s Mark Dodgers Champion Selection and is blown away by its Cracker Jack-like profile and dessert-forward finish. Alongside that review, he breaks down the $499 Weller 18 Wheat Whiskey, heirloom grain trends, and Heaven Hill’s clean sweep at the latest spirits awards.

Clifton reviews the newly released TINCUP 6-Year, a surprisingly smooth and balanced blend of bourbon and American single malt that may be one of the best value picks of the year. He also covers major whiskey news from Buffalo Trace and Hidden Barn, offering sharp insights and big questions on the industry’s future.

Clifton reviews the brand-new Louisiana Senator Bourbon, a bold, 8-year-old Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey tied to a historical figure and made in collaboration with Jane Bowie and Denny Potter. Alongside the review, he shares the latest whiskey news, including Buffalo Trace’s $1,500 E.H. Taylor “Distiller’s Council” bottle, A. Smith Bowman’s top honors at IWC, and Starlight Distillery’s first-ever 10-year release.

Clifton explores a trio of six-year bourbons, including a special review of Blanton’s Straight from the Barrel, known for its deep, rich barrel-proof heat and collector allure. With new releases from New Riff, Castle & Key, and Garrison Brothers also in the mix, this episode delivers bold flavors, honest opinions, and plenty of whiskey wisdom.

Clifton explores the latest whiskey headlines and wraps it all up with a review of Old Soul Single Barrel Bourbon, a Mississippi-labeled whiskey that turns out to be sourced MGP—but brings surprisingly rich and dark notes. From Michter’s wood science experiments to cask strength picks from Knob Creek, it’s a summer heatwave of bourbon news and honest takes.

This week on the Bourbon Bytes Podcast, Clifton dives into one of the boldest Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series bottles to date — the 2025 Keeper’s Release, packed with ten toasted American oak staves. Is it a worthy successor to The Heart, or an over-oaked detour? Also in the mix: a fascinating experiment in climate-aged bourbon from Milam & Greene, a tribute to military valor via Four Branches Bourbon, and a breakdown of the bold new Little Book Chapter 9 from Jim Beam. As always, expect strong pours, hot takes, and a splash of comfort in the middle of a chaotic world.

In this episode of the Bourbon Bytes Podcast, Clifton breaks down the bold return of Russell’s Reserve 13 Year at its highest proof yet, explores the ultra-premium Stitzel Reserve 24-Year, and reacts to Laphroaig’s new Cairdeas Lore Cask Strength release. He wraps things up with a Byte-Sized Review of the brand-new Old Fitzgerald 7-Year Bottled-in-Bond, comparing it to past decanter editions and declaring it a standout value in wheated bourbon.