A hiking-and-biking escape on Lake Superior collides with a neon-lit Vegas weekend—and it all funnels into a glass of Widow Jane Vaults 2024. We open with two very different trips that reveal how our tastes and habits have evolved: early mornings over late nights and a sportsbook booth that turns 50 screens into a day-long living room. That perspective sets up a timely shift into the fall whiskey calendar, where the shelves swell, rumors fly, and the chase begins: Buffalo Trace Antique Collection specs, Pappy drops, King of Kentucky whispers, and the finding time for Kentucky Bourbon Festival next year.
Then we roll up our sleeves for a focused pour. Widow Jane Vaults 2024 blends well-aged Kentucky, Indiana, and Tennessee bourbon and finishes it in Brazilian oak (amburana), clocking in at 99 proof with a premium $250 tag. We break down what an amburana wood cask brings—baking spice, liqueur-like sweetness, darker cocoa threads—and how that finish can dominate the experience. On the nose we find dried fruit and amaretto hints; on the palate a quick burst of caramelized sweetness gives way to a long, assertive spice and nuttiness. One of us loves the richness and length; the other wants more evolution at the end. Our verdict: a compelling pour for the curious, a cautious bottle buy unless wood-forward finishes are your thing.
Along the way, we trade practical tips for navigating release season, from spotting value on crowded shelves to deciding when to pay up for age and when to pass. If your heart lives with classic profiles from Heaven Hill, Wild Turkey, Maker’s Mark, or Old Forester, consider this a creative detour. If you chase distinctive finishes and limited series, this might be your fall splurge. Either way, we keep it honest, grounded, and fun—because the best part of whiskey is still who you share it with.
If you enjoyed the ride, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review telling us your favorite fall release and whether you’d buy or just try the Widow Jane Vaults.
