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Episode 455 July 30, 2025 · 48:02
455. Four Pours, Four Places: From Cody to the Lone Star

455. Four Pours, Four Places: From Cody to the Lone Star

Jim & Todd taste Wyoming Whiskey's Buffalo Bill Cody, RD1 Sister Cities, and Milam & Greene's The Answer Kentucky vs. Texas showdown.

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Show Notes

Jim Shannon and Todd Ritter are back behind the mics for a sample-heavy episode that puts four outstanding craft whiskeys through their paces. Whether you're a longtime roadie or tuning in for the first time, this is the kind of episode that reminds you why exploring beyond the big brands is always worth the pour. Grab your favorite glass and settle in.

On the Tasting Mat:

  • Wyoming Whiskey Buffalo Bill Cody Straight Bourbon: A six-year-old straight bourbon blended from 26 barrels, bottled at 97 proof. Crafted entirely in Wyoming — grain grown, distilled, and aged in Kirby, Wyoming — this expression honors the iconic Western figure Buffalo Bill Cody. The nose opens with leather, dark cherry, and a sassafras-like exotic spice. On the palate, sweet cream frosting gives way to caramel, nutmeg, and a rich, lingering warmth. A truly special release available in Wyoming only, with an SRP of $79.99. (00:02:15)
  • RD1 Spirits Sister Cities Whiskey: A blended American whiskey crafted in Lexington, Kentucky, combining five-year-old bourbon (70% corn, 21% rye, 9% malted barley, finished in French oak necklaces), seven-year-old bourbon (75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley), and an eight-year-old rye (51% rye, 37% corn, 12% barley), with lightly toasted Mizunara oak staves added to the final blend. Bottled at 102 proof with an SRP of $69.99. The nose offers dark plum, tart cherry, milk chocolate, and a hint of citrus brightness. The palate delivers spice-forward complexity with sandalwood-like dry wood depth alongside light chocolate and tart fruit. (00:08:09)
  • Milam & Greene The Answer Kentucky-Aged Bourbon: Part of Milam & Greene's sister-distillate experiment, this five-year-old bourbon was distilled at Bardstown in October 2019 from a mash of 70% corn, 22% rye, and 8% malted barley, then aged in Kentucky to reach 108.3 proof. The nose is bright, floral, and fruit-forward — honeysuckle, fresh fruit, and caramel intertwined. On the palate, apple sauce and cinnamon spice cake meet a sharp, distinctive heat reminiscent of jalapeño honey, delivering a sweet-and-spicy interplay that is both unique and captivating. Part of a limited 800-case wooden box set at $149.99 for two 375ml bottles. (00:27:14)
  • Milam & Greene The Answer Texas-Aged Bourbon: The counterpart to the Kentucky-aged release, this five-year-old bourbon shares the exact same October 2019 distillate but was aged in Blanco, Texas, where the extreme climate drove the proof up to 117.3 — losing roughly 10% of barrel volume per year. Deeper and more robust than its sibling, the nose turns darker with smoked and grilled fruit character. The palate is rich with oak-driven cinnamon red hot spice, tannic dryness, and concentrated depth. Where the Kentucky version is a light Connecticut wrapper, this one is the full Maduro — bold, layered, and built for those who want more intensity in the glass. Part of the same limited 800-case wooden box set. (00:37:17)

Four samples, four impressive expressions, and one unforgettable reminder that craft whiskey is having a genuine moment. Whether you're tracking down a bottle of Buffalo Bill Cody on a Wyoming road trip or picking up a Milam & Greene box set, tonight's lineup is proof that great whiskey is being made far beyond the traditional heartland. Until next time, we'll see you down the Bourbon Road.

Full Transcript

Wyoming Whiskey Buffalo Bill Cody bourbon RD1 Spirits Sister Cities whiskey Milam and Greene The Answer bourbon Kentucky aged bourbon Texas aged bourbon Mizunara oak craft bourbon Bardstown Kentucky Blanco Texas Barry Brinecker bourbon tasting blended American whiskey single barrel bourbon small batch bourbon bourbon podcast The Bourbon Road craft distillery

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