Uploaded April 2021 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Over the last few years, we’ve seen the emergence of the Doc Swinson brand coming out of Washington State. While they don’t distill, they do source and sometimes finishing Bourbon and Rye whiskeys from Kentucky and Indiana. But of all their releases, it’s the “Exploratory Cask Series” Rare Release 15-year-old Kentucky Bourbon bottlings that have been the most revered. Probably because it’s rumored to be from a legendary distillery that had a big fire in 1996. Of course, due to non-disclosure agreements of the sale, they’re not allowed to state the distillation source, but they have left clues like the mash bill consisting of “78-79% Corn with near equal parts of rye and barley.” Hmm, Heaven Hill has a mash bill that is 78% corn, 10% Rye and 12% malted barley. Anyway, while the earlier batches are long gone, I decided to compare the current Batch 9 release against Batch 6, which had been holding my title of “favorite of the line” for a while. Both sold for around $145, and Batch 9 is still on store shelves. Here’s their details:
Batch 6 – 118.2 Proof – 2,664 bottles in that batch
Batch 9 – 113.8 Proof – 4,220 bottles in this batch
My current YouTube goal is to release a new video every 2 weeks (on Thursdays)! I will be using my Patreon channel as a launch platform, so if you want to get at least a 2-week head start on seeing the review and hunting bottles, join us at patreon.com/liquorhound. Of course, my Patrons also get all the reviews add-free, bonus footage and videos, access to the private review library, are able to message me directly, and when I find special things, I tend to just toss them into the Patreon winds. Regardless of where you’re watching, I want to thank all of my viewers! It’s that combination of my Patrons and the YouTube ad views that have allowed me to keep my independence and self-purchase the bottles I review. By doing so, I hope you feel safe in knowing you’re getting my 100% unbiased and honest opinions.
As of March 2021, my current bottle count is over 2,500. I am a Certified Specialist of Spirits and have also been accredited by the Tequila Regulatory Council (CRT). I've been actively collecting for more than two decades and what started as a small basic home bar has transformed (with the help and understanding of my wonderful wife) into this collection and career. Speaking of my career, stay tuned for the summer launch of the new “Saints Alley” project that I’m working on. Given my knowledge and high standards, you know I’m working hard with my team to give you some amazing releases! Thanks for watching and remember to please drink responsibly. Cheers!
Over the last few years, we’ve seen the emergence of the Doc Swinson brand coming out of Washington State. While they don’t distill, they do source and sometimes finishing Bourbon and Rye whiskeys from Kentucky and Indiana. But of all their releases, it’s the “Exploratory Cask Series” Rare Release 15-year-old Kentucky Bourbon bottlings that have been the most revered. Probably because it’s rumored to be from a legendary distillery that had a big fire in 1996. Of course, due to non-disclosure agreements of the sale, they’re not allowed to state the distillation source, but they have left clues like the mash bill consisting of “78-79% Corn with near equal parts of rye and barley.” Hmm, Heaven Hill has a mash bill that is 78% corn, 10% Rye and 12% malted barley. Anyway, while the earlier batches are long gone, I decided to compare the current Batch 9 release against Batch 6, which had been holding my title of “favorite of the line” for a while. Both sold for around $145, and Batch 9 is still on store shelves. Here’s their details:
Batch 6 – 118.2 Proof – 2,664 bottles in that batch
Batch 9 – 113.8 Proof – 4,220 bottles in this batch
My current YouTube goal is to release a new video every 2 weeks (on Thursdays)! I will be using my Patreon channel as a launch platform, so if you want to get at least a 2-week head start on seeing the review and hunting bottles, join us at patreon.com/liquorhound. Of course, my Patrons also get all the reviews add-free, bonus footage and videos, access to the private review library, are able to message me directly, and when I find special things, I tend to just toss them into the Patreon winds. Regardless of where you’re watching, I want to thank all of my viewers! It’s that combination of my Patrons and the YouTube ad views that have allowed me to keep my independence and self-purchase the bottles I review. By doing so, I hope you feel safe in knowing you’re getting my 100% unbiased and honest opinions.
As of March 2021, my current bottle count is over 2,500. I am a Certified Specialist of Spirits and have also been accredited by the Tequila Regulatory Council (CRT). I've been actively collecting for more than two decades and what started as a small basic home bar has transformed (with the help and understanding of my wonderful wife) into this collection and career. Speaking of my career, stay tuned for the summer launch of the new “Saints Alley” project that I’m working on. Given my knowledge and high standards, you know I’m working hard with my team to give you some amazing releases! Thanks for watching and remember to please drink responsibly. Cheers!
