448. High Proof and Higher Spirits: Four Whiskeys, One Wild Ride

In this relaxed and whiskey-rich episode of The Bourbon Road,
hosts Jim Shannon and Todd Ritter take a well-earned pause from
their recent travels and barrel picks to enjoy a night of good
conversation and even better pours. Broadcasting from the Bourbon
Road Bar in Simpsonville, Kentucky, the duo dives into a curated
flight of four whiskeys—two bourbons and two ryes—with a monster
of a surprise in the final glass.


You'll hear stories of legendary Kentucky moonshine, high-proof
adventures, and reflections on the growing bourbon community,
including updates on their recent roadie meetups and the
much-anticipated debut of the Frankfurt Documentary. There’s even
a toast to their “podcast enemies” over at Pursuit United, as Jim
and Todd sample the Melwood Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon—a nod to
whiskey history and the legacy of George Swearingen and Rudolph
Balki.


The episode is more than just tasting notes (though there are
plenty): it’s about community, history, and the shared
appreciation of exceptional spirits. Learn about Melwood Avenue’s
historic distilling past, find out what makes the rare 375ml
release from Pursuit United so unique, and stick around for
insights on upcoming barrel picks, roadie events, and the always
vibrant Bourbon on the Banks Festival.


And yes, they saved the strongest for last—literally. One of the
highest-proof pours ever featured on the show makes a thunderous
finish, sparking memories of mason jars, X-marked moonshine, and
the kind of burn only true Kentuckians could admire.


So pour yourself a generous dram and settle in. This episode is
one for the books—and for the bourbon shelves.


Bourbon on the Banks 2025


Smokeys Lifestyle Cigars


The Hill House Bed and Breakfast 


Be sure to check out our private Facebook group, "The Bourbon
Roadies" for a great group of bourbon loving people. You will be
welcomed with open arms!