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We race from Prohibition to the modern bourbon boom, then settle in for a deep dive on finished whiskey with Dark Arts as our guide. Sponsors, community updates, and a holiday giveaway round out a fast, flavorful hour.
• Prohibition’s shock and the long road to repeal
• WWII ethanol pivot and postwar bourbon export growth
• 1964 resolution protecting bourbon’s identity
• 1970s slump, 1980s reinvention with single barrel and barrel proof
• Rat Pack influence and changing bar culture
• Tourism, education, and smarter marketing
• Tariffs, distribution battles, and capacity growth
• Finished bourbon acceptance and flavor innovation
• Dark Arts origins, French oak and Armagnac tasting notes
• Scores, takeaways, and brand shoutouts
• Afterparty move to Facebook with live Zoom link
Tune in to the Scotchy Bourbon Boys, become a member, subscribe, and enter the 12 Days of Christmas giveaway: “bourbons and whiskies from Christmas past and Christmas present, and then the one bottle from the Christmas future.”
Bourbon doesn’t just survive history; it adapts, pivots, and comes back stronger. We kick off with a fast tour from Prohibition’s shutdown to the 1964 Congressional move that defined bourbon as a distinctive product of the United States, then through the 70s slump, the 80s reinvention with single barrel and barrel strength, and the 2000s surge driven by smarter marketing, tourism, and a far more educated drinker. Along the way, we unpack why tariffs and distribution shape what you find on shelves, how cooperage and barrel supply affect flavor, and why today’s distilleries are betting on both scale and storytelling.
Then we pour. Dark Arts takes center stage with two finishes that show how wood can expand a whiskey’s world without drowning its roots. The French oak finish lights up the glass with raisin, currant, vanilla sugar cookie, and clove on a plush 108‑proof frame. The Armagnac finish leans into cinnamon toast, caramel, dark fruit, and a finish that refuses to quit, drifting into chocolate and toasted oak. We trade notes on mouthfeel, structure, and balance, and explain why these casks read as integrated rather than gimmicky. If you’ve ever wondered whether finishing can elevate a well‑made bourbon, this tasting offers a clear, compelling yes.
We also shout out friends and sponsors across Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio, spotlighting experiences from barrel‑pick tours to serious craft dining. If you’re mapping a whiskey trip, you’ll hear where to book, what to try, and how to make the most of limited releases. Stick around to the end for community updates, our 12 Days of Christmas giveaway, and afterparty details. If you enjoy the ride, tap follow, leave a quick review, and share this with a friend who’s ready to upgrade their pour.

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