Episode 433: Thirteenth Colony Double Oak Cask Strength (Batch 4)

Welcome back to Chill Filtered, the podcast where we drink whiskey so you don't have to (but you probably should)!

This week, Cole and Bryan crack into one of the most anticipated craft releases of the year: the brand-new 13th Colony Double Oaked Bourbon (Batch 4 / 2026 Release), bottled at a blistering 131.5 proof! (Huge thank-you to Danielle Darby and 13th Colony for sending over the cutest sample bottle in show history!) Before diving into the pour, Cole recaps his trip to Colorado (playing Cribbage with Papa, Grey’s angel behavior on the flight, and scoring CYPB at retail), Bryan’s daughter Emma developing a 60-year-old smoker’s cough, the annual "Brosgiving" tradition with Jackie Chan, and comparing Batch 4 head-to-head against Stagg and George T. Stagg!

📜 History Deep Dive: Mash Bills, Barrel Science & The Graham Arthur Era

Cole breaks down the cooperage and climate science behind 13th Colony’s black-label flagship:

• The High-Rye Foundation: Why 13th Colony relies on an assertive high-rye mash bill (70% corn, 21% rye, 9% malted barley) to provide the structural tension needed to keep heavy secondary oak sugars from turning cloying or flabby.

• The Americus Climate Engine: How southwest Georgia’s brutal 90°F+ summer humidity acts as a physical pump, driving 8- to 10-year-old bourbon deep into the toasted "red layer" of a second new charred oak barrel to extract chocolate cake batter, dark molasses, and furfurals while concentrating proof to 131.5 proof uncut.

• Lottery & Distribution Details: Batch 4’s release parameters, including the 100-bottle distillery lottery, distribution across 21 states, and whether the new $199.99 retail price holds up against secondary market madness.

📰 Whiskey World News: 2026 Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame

• Shane Baker & Dr. Pat Heist Inducted: The Wilderness Trail / Ferm Solutions co-founders enter the Hall of Fame! From playing in a 90s rock band called Fulcrum to consulting for 200+ distilleries worldwide and Shane’s family ties to Stitzel-Weller and Canada Dry/Old Fitzgerald.

• Fred Minnick Enters the Hall: Author, veteran, and bourbon champion Fred Minnick is officially inducted, celebrating his tireless advocacy for Kentucky bourbon and raising over $11 million for charitable causes.

❓ What Whiskey Would You Choose?

• Last Week’s Results (The Showcase Bottle): Found North Peregrine dominated Blanton's Straight from the Barrel (71% to 29%), with passionate listener write-ins on whether any bottle should ever be left unopened (shoutout to Ben Rhodes, Kilted518, Randall, MadTownMarketer, Mingo22, and Kody Clark!).

• This Week’s Scenario: What pour do you buy a 21-year-old at a bar to start them off on the right whiskey path?

📊 Episode Ratings & Final Verdict

• 13th Colony Double Oaked Bourbon (Batch 4 — 131.5 Proof)

  • Cole's Score: 9.5 / A+ (One of Cole’s highest scores in show history! Massive cherry bomb, dark chocolate, and roasted pecans that trade punches with George T. Stagg and easily surpass Stagg Jr.)

  • Bryan's Score: A+ (Legitimately exceptional. A stunning, viscous pour loaded with rich leather and ripe fruit; a certified brother-pour to GTS 2025 that makes the distillery lottery well worth entering)

🔮 Coming Up Next on Chill Filtered

Tune in next week as the guys review a major, under-embargo release that we all know and love!

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