Good Old Times Honey Bourbon & Ex Rare Bourbon Cask Finished Bourbon Review.

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 Good Old Times Honey Bourbon & Ex Rare Bourbon Cask Finished Bourbon Review.

    I received this spirit as a review sample from Good Times, linked here. It is important to clarify this did not impact the ratings of this review.


    It's fall time, at the time of this review! What better way to celebrate than with something honey barrel finished. Now, I am not afraid to admit honey finishing can be hit or miss for me. Depending on the type of honey used and the length of time for finishing can really change the amount of "honey funk." Here in 2024 I've had quite a few honey cask finished bourbons letting me to have my fair share.

    Good Times themselves are based out of Kentucky. Where they are taking whiskey, much of it coming from MGP, and typically keeping single barrel and barrel proof. Now, sometimes they release whiskey as just that, however they are more known for their finishing. Sometimes finishing two and three times to create a very unique profile. 

    Now when it comes to this release, not only do they use the honey barrel finish but an "ex rare bourbon cask" as well. According to Good Times, they cannot disclose the exact location this barrel came from, but a little hint is the stag horns on the label. I'll let you speculate from there. On top of that, this is the first aged stated release from Good Times I've been able to experience, which ups the ante!


For the full video review visit the link here: https://youtu.be/u7yiNII42LM

Age Statement: 9 year.

ABV: 56%. Single barrel & barrel proof.

Mash bill: N/A.

Area of Distillation: Lawrenceburg, Indiana.

Finishing: Ex honey and ex rare bourbon barrels.

Appearance: Dark reddish hue.


On the nose:
    The bourbon has such rich depth going on instantly. Dark oak and sweet vanilla cream dominate, with a delicate layer of honey weaving in and out. There’s a touch of crème brûlée, balanced by a light pepperiness. A hint of charred oak adds depth, while subtle butterscotch rounds out the nose beautifully. The honey is gentle, more like a faint glaze than a syrupy coating.


Taste:
    The first sip delivers brown sugar and a light honey drizzle that melts seamlessly into rich, spicy oak. Herbal and floral rye-like notes suggest a high-rye mash bill. The oak is assertive but refined, reminiscent of a double-oaked bourbon but without overwhelming sweetness. The balance is impressive: warm baking spices, Dutch apple pie crumble, and toasted pastry crust dusted with brown sugar. A whisper of apple adds freshness, while the honey remains an elegant accent rather than a dominant feature.


Finish:
    Long and satisfying, the finish brings lingering notes of charred oak, brown sugar, and warming spices. The honey continues its subtle dance, never overstaying its welcome. A pleasing rye spice hums gently in the background, tying everything together.


Final Thoughts: 
    Good Times managed to strike an exceptional balance with this bourbon. The nine-year-old base whiskey shines, with the dual cask finishes enhancing rather than overpowering its character. This is one of the best honey barrel finishes I’ve encountered—nuanced, elegant, and endlessly enjoyable. This is setting a high standard for what a thoughtful cask-finished bourbon should be.


Rating: -A (Amazing).

Cost: ± $149.99 for 750ml.

For the full video review visit the link here: https://youtu.be/u7yiNII42LM

Social platforms to follow me: https://linktr.ee/thelastcallyt

Learn more about Good Times via the link here: https://www.instagram.com/good_times_bourbon/

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