Ultimate Bourbon Showdown:  RR15, Pappy 15, GTS, and EC15; Ep. 62

Ultimate Bourbon Showdown: RR15, Pappy 15, GTS, and EC15; Ep. 62

Author: Bourbon, Brass & Beyond June 18, 2026 Duration: 33:43

Join Dan, Nick, Calvin, and Mike as we compare and review some of the most sought-after bourbons, including Pappy Van Winkle 15, Russell's Reserve 15, George T. Stagg, and Elijah Craig 15 year sharing tasting notes, insights, and preferences. We even throw in a few dusties: 1983 Austin Nichols Wild Turkey 8-year 101 and 2003 Russell's Reserve.

Keywords

#bourbon #whiskey #PappyVanWinkle #RussellsReserve #GeorgeTStagg #Stagg #GTS #pvw15 #bourbontasting #bourbonreview #whiskeytasting #bourboncommunity #buffalotrace #wildturkey #heavenhill #oldripvanwinkle #bourbonbrassandbeyond #nationalbourbonweek

Key topics

Comparison of Pappy Van Winkle 15 and Russell's Reserve 15

Tasting notes and flavor profiles of top bourbons

The importance of proof and aging in bourbon flavor

Community insights on bourbon preferences

Strategies for finding rare bourbons

Guest name

Dan, Mike, Nick, and Calvin

Sound bites

"It's got almost that little dusty funk to it."

"You can't go wrong with any of them."

"The flavor on it is in a league of its own."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Bourbon Battle

02:11 Tasting Elijah Craig 15-Year-Old

04:27 Exploring Pappy Van Winkle and Availability

07:03 The Importance of Tasting Notes

10:03 Russell's Reserve 15-Year-Old Tasting

12:34 Comparing Different Bourbons

14:46 The Journey of Bourbon Discovery

17:40 The Influence of Proof on Flavor

20:03 Final Thoughts on the Bourbon Lineup

32:02 NEWCHAPTER

Resources

Bourbon, Brass & Beyond - https://www.bourbonbrassandbeyond.com

Buffalo Trace Distillery - https://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/

Russell's Reserve - https://www.russellsreserve.com/

Elijah Craig - https://elijahcraig.com/

Old Rip Van Winkle - https://www.oldripvanwinkle.com


There’s a particular warmth that comes from good company, a shared pour, and a great story. That’s the feeling at the heart of Bourbon, Brass & Beyond, a podcast hosted by neighbors Bob and Dan. Their friendship frames each conversation, blending two distinct worlds into something uniquely engaging. Bob brings his relentless passion for tracking down remarkable bourbons, a pursuit he balances with being a dad and his role in operations management. Dan offers a different rhythm, drawn from a life spent mastering the trumpet and navigating the skies as an airline pilot, all while raising his own family. This isn’t a formal review show or a technical flight log. Instead, it’s where the hunt for a perfect bottle meets the soulful notes of a brass section and tales from travels high above the clouds. They often open their personal collections, sharing tastes and thoughts with each other and with guests, making every episode feel like an invitation to pull up a chair. The result is a natural exploration of life’s richer flavors and soundtracks. You’ll hear conversations that meander from the nuances of a specific distiller’s craft to the unexpected lessons learned between cities, all underscored by a deep appreciation for the hobbies and moments that define us. Tune in for a podcast that genuinely connects the spirit of bourbon with the music of everyday adventures.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Bourbon, Brass & Beyond
Podcast Episodes
Jack 10yr, Michter's 10yr, Peerless Henry Kraver, and more!; Ep. 58 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:24
Join Dan and Nick as they taste through a series of 10 year bourbons. They fresh crack a Jack Daniels 10 year, and then try the Michter's 10 year Bourbon and Peerless Henry Kraver 10 year. Of course for comparison they t…
FRYEday with Rich; Ep. 54 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:04
Join Dan and Rich for an engaging exploration of rye whiskeys, tasting a variety of expressions from well-known brands to independent distillers. Discover the nuances of proof, flavor profiles, and the rich history behin…