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Bourbon Lens

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Off Hours with Bourbon Lens Featuring Jay Bruce

Jake & Jake sit down with 14 year Major League Baseball veteran Jay Bruce. In this week's episode, we talk about finding your passion in your second career, having a healthy relationship with little league sports, and what it is like to be a family man. Tune in to this week's episode, we think it's a home run! Thanks for listening to another episode of Off Hours with Bourbon Lens. Check out new episodes of Off Hours with Bourbon Lens streaming now here. This has been another production of Bourbon Lens LLC. Thank you for your continued support. Scott & Jake Bourbon Lens About Off Hours Off Hours Bourbon is made for afternoon relaxations and late night convos as it dispels the idea that you have to wear a suit to drink a glass of Bourbon or that it can only be enjoyed poured over rocks at the end of the day. The award-winning liquid is aged in American white oak barrels for over 5 years. Tasting notes include aromas of creamy vanilla, hint of nutmeg and toasted pecans, rich notes of cinnamon and a silky finish of lingering honey. You can find out more about Off Hours with Bourbon Lens here. About Jay Bruce A 14 year Major League Baseball veteran broke onto the scene in 2008 with the Cincinnati Reds at the age of 21. From there, Jay would go on to be known as a hard hitting, right fielder. While Jay amassed quite a bit of success during his 14 year career, he notably completed his career with over 300 home runs and nearly 1500 hits. Now retired since 2021, Jay enjoys time with his wife, Hannah, and their children. When not coaching little league baseball, Jay is an avid hunter and recently purchased Sure-Shot Game Calls as a way to enjoy life post-MLB. Sure-Shot Game Calls Sure-Shot Game Calls was established in 1959 after founders George Yentzen and James "Cowboy" Fernandez designed and patented the first double reed duck call. The original Yentzen caller was cut out of black walnut on a back porch in Nederland, TX, and became the first double reed duck call to win a World Championship. Today, Sure-Shot Game Calls, still made in Texas, maintains a commitment to innovation and attention to detail, providing hunters with exceptional tools for the field, and fostering a love for the outdoors. Sure-Shot has played an integral role in waterfowl hunting for generations, and is still helping create memories.

Jun 14, 202340 min

230: Hemingway Rye Whiskey and The Call Family

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We're joined by the Call Family (Ron, Clayton, and Jacob). We discuss the new Hemingway Rye Whiskey and their work at Western Kentucky Distilling, which they've built from the ground up in Beaver Dam, Kentucky. Each member of this father-sons trio brings a unique perspective to the whiskey-making process. We discuss their roles and visions for the distillery and the whiskies they produce. Thanks to the Call Family for joining us this week and for sharing a pour of Hemingway Whiskey as well as the stories. Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout goes to our growing Patreon Community as well! We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Check out our BourbonLens.com to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks. Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens About Hemingway Whiskey: Hemingway Rye Whiskey is a new premium rye whiskey brand, from the new Hemingway Whiskey Company, and is inspired by American Author, Journalist and Storyteller Ernest Hemingway. It was founded by a team with deep roots in Kentucky whiskey, led by Steve Groth, whiskey pioneer and co-founder of the revered Angel's Envy Bourbon brand and the Calls, Ron, Jacob and Clayton, a distilling family with more than 230 years of whiskey making experience. The Hemingway Whiskey Company is part of Old Man and the Sea Brands®, an innovative spirits company that owns Hemingway Rum Company, makers of Papa's Pilar Rum. They are known for bringing high quality spirits and incredible stories to drinkers around the country. For more information, visit www.hemingwaywhiskeys.com and follow @hemingwaywhiskeys. About Western Kentucky Distilling Co. Western Kentucky Distilling Co. is a bourbon and rye whiskey distillery located in Beaver Dam, Kentucky. The 100% Kentucky-owned distillery is scheduled to open mid-2023 as the first official distillery in Ohio County under the leadership of eighth-generation distiller and Kentuckian Jacob Call and President JD Edwards. From purchasing all cooking, fermenting, and distilling equipment in Kentucky, including a Vendome 36" copper still, to plans to use all locally grown Kentucky corn, the team is proud to support the local community and the state of Kentucky. For more information, visit https://www.wkydistilling.com. Bourbon Lens Coverage: Hemingway Rye Whiskey Introduced with First Edition Bottles - Bourbon Lens A Whiskey Worthy of a Story: Hemingway Rye Whiskey Review - Bourbon Lens Western Kentucky Distilling Co. Taps 8th Generation Distiller for its New $30M facility - Bourbon Lens

Jun 11, 202342 min

Off Hours with Bourbon Lens Featuring Conor Daly

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In this week's episode of Off Hours with Bourbon Lens, Jake and Jake sit down with IndyCar and NASCAR race car driver Conor Daly. Conor shares about his love for racing, bourbon, and living in the moment. When you are racing at over 200 MPH, you have to find ways to enjoy the moments in between. Thanks for listening to another episode of Off Hours with Bourbon Lens. Check out new episodes of Off Hours with Bourbon Lens streaming now here. This has been another production of Bourbon Lens LLC. Thank you for your continued support. Scott & Jake Bourbon Lens About Conor Daly: Second-generation racer Conor Daly climbed into a kart for the first time at the age of 10; within five years, he was competing in both United States and international open-wheel ladder systems. He found success in each before concentrating solely on American motorsports in 2015. He currently drives the No. 20 BitNile Chevrolet for Ed Carpenter Racing and is entering his fourth season with the team. Born and raised in nearby Noblesville, Ind., Daly has grown to be a hometown favorite in the Indianapolis 500. The 2021 edition saw him lead the most laps of all drivers and in 2022, he finished a career-best 6th. In 2023, he reached a career milestone as he made his 100th NTT INDYCAR SERIES start early in the season and competed in his 10th Indianapolis 500 on May 28th, 2023 where he finished 8th. The 30-year-old's off-track interests are as diverse as his on-track talents. He is no stranger to reality television, having crisscrossed the globe on The Amazing Race and competed on American Ninja Warrior. Daly is a huge supporter of live music and is commonly seen greeting fans in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway's Snake Pit just hours before the Indy 500. An avid gamer, Daly's popular Twitch channel features his quick wit and infectious personality. Daly is also an advocate for Type 1 Diabetes, with which he was diagnosed at age 14, and is the only known U.S. professional racing driver who competes full-time with T1D. Conor also host his own podcast with Joey Mulinaro called Speed Street. You can check it out here! About Off Hours Off Hours Bourbon is made for afternoon relaxations and late night convos as it dispels the idea that you have to wear a suit to drink a glass of Bourbon or that it can only be enjoyed poured over rocks at the end of the day. The award-winning liquid is aged in American white oak barrels for over 5 years. Tasting notes include aromas of creamy vanilla, hint of nutmeg and toasted pecans, rich notes of cinnamon and a silky finish of lingering honey. You can find out more about Off Hours with Bourbon Lens here.

Jun 7, 202343 min

229: Monkey 47 Gin: Distilling in the Black Forest of Germany

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In celebration of all things spirits and World Gin Day on June 10th, we have a special guest this week. We are joined by Alexander Stein, Founder of Monkey 47, to talk about a different type of distilled spirit; Gin. While gin may be a bit outside of our typical coverage, Scott's first introduction to the spirits world was really through his discovery of this juniper-based spirit. Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout goes to our growing Patreon Community as well! We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Check out our BourbonLens.com to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks. Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens About Alexander Stein: Alexander Stein is the creator of German gin brand Monkey 47. Born into a family of distillers (Alex's father and grandfather were brandy producers) it seemed inevitable that he would find himself drawn to the spirits industry in one form or another. Not before however he tried his hand in the more corporate world of telecommunications, where he rose to a senior level at Nokia. It was while he was living and working in Detroit that his life path changed. He remembers a phone call in 2006 from a friend of his who recounted a story involving Max the egret monkey, Monty the RAF Wing Commander and a long lost gin recipe. It proved to be an exciting turning point. About Monkey 47 Gin: Through masterly distillation and maturing in traditional earthenware containers, the goodness of all 47 hand-picked ingredients is brought fully to bear. Admittedly, it appears somewhat eccentric to claim that a recipe for Gin has the power to unite great British traditions, with the spices of India, and the rich landscape of the Black Forest. And yet it is precisely this eccentricity that defines the enigmatic venturesome character of Montgomery Collins, from whom our Schwarzwald Dry Gin originates. Aficionados, bartenders and connoisseurs the world over have come to appreciate the incredible complexity and harmony of a gin, which has consistently been voted the No.1 Top Trending Gin brand in the World's Best Bars. Monkey 47 is a batch distilled and handcrafted gin that fuses British traditions, the exoticism of India, and the purity and originality of the Black Forest with masterly craftmanship. A genuine Black Forest dry gin. Indeed, a good third of the ingredients for this special gin originate from the Black Forest, such as the spruce tips, lingonberries, elderflower, sloes and blackberry leaves, to name but a few. In total, 47 handpicked plant ingredients prepared in extremely soft spring water from the Black Forest lend Monkey 47 unrivaled complexity and quality. The pièce de résistance is a real Black Forest "secret weapon," fresh lingonberries. Through masterly distillation and maturing in traditional earthenware containers, the goodness of all these ingredients is brought fully to bear. From the tranquil Black Forest valley, Monkey 47 has now embarked on its round-the-world trip and is currently available in over 100 countries on four continents. Aficionados, bartenders and connoisseurs the world over have come to appreciate the incredible complexity and harmony of a gin that has been invented as long as 60 years ago – mainly out of nothing more than a nostalgic yearning for England.

Jun 4, 202341 min

Off Hours with Bourbon Lens Featuring Chef Dafne Mejia

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Jake & Jake sit down with Dafne Mejia, Private Chef and runner up on Season 21 of Hell's Kitchen to discuss her passion for cooking, bourbon and much more. Of course, Jake L. had to talk about his passion for cooking during this episode. Tune into the latest episode of Off Hours with Bourbon Lens on your favorite podcast listening app today. During this podcast, we discuss a story involving a DUI and the impact that can have on one's life. We ask you to please drink responsibly in your Off Hours. Thanks for listening to another episode of Off Hours with Bourbon Lens. Check out new episodes of Off Hours with Bourbon Lens streaming now here. This has been another production of Bourbon Lens LLC. Thank you for your continued support. Scott & Jake Bourbon Lens About Off Hours Off Hours Bourbon is made for afternoon relaxations and late night convos as it dispels the idea that you have to wear a suit to drink a glass of Bourbon or that it can only be enjoyed poured over rocks at the end of the day. The award-winning liquid is aged in American white oak barrels for over 5 years. Tasting notes include aromas of creamy vanilla, hint of nutmeg and toasted pecans, rich notes of cinnamon and a silky finish of lingering honey. You can find out more about Off Hours with Bourbon Lens here. About Dafne Mejia Born in Los Angeles in 1992, Chef Dafne is the daughter of Suyapa and Luis, first generation immigrants from Honduras. Dafne started her career by following the American Dream, seeking to fulfill her parents' hope for a better life in the land of opportunity. En route to becoming an OBGYN, Dafne attended SFSU where she was a biology major and quickly realized this was not her dream, but the dream of her parents. From early in her childhood, Dafne's creativity was what brought her the most joy. As she realized medicine was not her true passion, she made a bold transition and decided to follow her heart to the creative arts. Committed to forging her own destiny, Dafne enrolled in The Art Institute of California - San Francisco where she graduated with an Associates degree of Science in the Culinary Arts. During her education, Dafne started apprenticing under a Certified Master Chef, learning the art of cooking at the highest level for four years. Moving back to Los Angeles in 2015, Dafne began cooking as a private chef for Aubrey 'Drake' Graham, a high profile assignment that catapulted her to a Sous Chef level. Following her time as a personal chef, Dafne was soon hired by a fine dining Vietnamese restaurant, allowing her to hone new skills, honor different traditions and discover a new level of respect for the sometime tedious process of cooking. For most of her culinary career, Dafne's primary love has been found in Italian cuisine. Her specialty, and most requested dish is born from the craft she's perfected through more than ten thousand hours of meticulous work: Handmade Corn and Truffle Ravioli. Reminding her of her Latin American roots, Dafne fell in love with the culinary traditions of Italy as she proclaims, both cultures' cuisines are "dominated by grandmas". Following her passion for pasta, Dafne worked under many talented Italian Chefs, who all imparted their own expertise and artistry, ultimately inspiring Dafne to lean on her creativity in the kitchen. In 2019 Dafne became the Executive Sous Chef at Spring Place, a private membership club in the heart of Beverly Hills. After helping to organize and build the restaurant from the ground up, Chef Dafne (and the rest of the culinary world) was rocked by the arrival of the pandemic. Though not discouraged for long, Chef Dafne was able to shift and once again, re-entered the private chef world. While working as a private Chef Dafne was able to indulge in new found creativity, playing around with the culinary arts on her social media - creating captivating stories of her pasta making endeavors. It was through this that she began to gain some notoriety, and towards the end of 2021, Dafne was invited to partake in the world renowned cooking show, Hell's Kitchen.

May 31, 202347 min

228: Brindiamo Group Pulls Back the Curtain of the Whiskey Industry

Jeff Hopmayer joins us in "The Office" to discuss the Brindiamo Group, the company he founded, which has played an integral part in the behind-the-scenes creation of many spirits brands you've seen emerge and grow in years past. In fact, Brindiamo Group stands out as one of the largest suppliers of bourbon, whiskey, and other bulk spirits in the world. We delve into the Brindiamo Group's exceptional position in the spirits world and the growth of sourced and independently bottled whiskey. This provides a distinct perspective on one side of the whiskey industry that is often overlooked and even mysterious. We cannot express enough gratitude to Jeff for his openness and the insight he provided during this episode. If you are seeking more information on the services the Brindiamo Group offers, you can contact them via their website: https://www.brindiamogroup.com/. Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout goes to our growing Patreon Community as well! We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Check out our BourbonLens.com to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks. Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens About Jeff Hopmayer, Founder: Jeff Hopmayer has decades of progressive experience in food, wine, spirits, bulk sourcing, mergers, acquisitions, branding, marketing, turnarounds and capital sourcing. His company, Brindiamo Group, is one of the largest suppliers of bourbon, whiskey and other bulk spirits in the world. With a dedicated team in the U.S. and the U.K., Brindiamo Group is a global leading provider of bourbon, whiskey, spirits, consulting services, mergers and acquisitions direction, for consumer products with a focus on the adult beverage industry. Brindiamo Groups partners and affiliates have owned and operated successful beverage companies, distributors and import companies (public and private) and played an instrumental role in the growth of the beverage industry. Brindiamo Group's skilled professionals have well-established expertise, including a deep understanding of the beverage industry, including craft, spirits, wine and beer, along with the skills, experience and resources to successfully complete all types of industry transactions. Within the industry, Hopmayer has worked with and is in constant contact at the highest level with teams from LVMH, Pernod Ricard, Constellation, Bacardi, Gallo, Campari, Kendall-Jackson and many others. He is a former CEO of the largest preferred food supplier for Starbucks with four consecutive appearances on the Inc. 500 list of the nation's fastest growing private companies. Jeff is also a former CEO of a London Stock Exchange listed adult beverage company and of one of the larger wineries on the Central Coast of California. Jeff has participated in boards around the globe including, Stoli, Amber Beverage (Latvia), SPI Group S.a.r.L (Luxembourg), Bardstown Bourbon Company (Kentucky), MStreet (Tennessee), Tennessee Performing Arts Council, The Albert and Anne Mansfield Foundation (Illinois) and several others. About Brindiamo Group: Brindiamo Group is one of the largest bulk bourbon and whiskey suppliers in the world and has years of experience sourcing bulk liquor for a variety of companies in the adult beverage industry. For those in need of a more continuous stream of liquid products, we have the resources you need. Marrying the practical experience of our team of experts with our long list of reputable suppliers allows our clients to get their business to market with quality bulk supplies. At Brindiamo Group, we take a holistic approach to helping our clients. With a goal to empower and support spirit businesses, we provide various complimentary services. Within every project we take on, our aim is to connect with our clients and facilitate relationships with our extensive list of spirit partners. Married with our beverage industry knowledge, capital and more, Brindiamo Group aims to ensure our clients achieve their goals. Every client is different and the solutions that we create for each of them are just as distinct. Our services can include: Liquid Sourcing Strategy & Advisory Financial Solutions Mergers & Acquisitions Marketing & Branding

May 28, 20231h 34m

Off Hours with Bourbon Lens Featuring Jake Ireland

About Episode One of Off Hours with Bourbon Lens Jake Lewellen, Co-Founder of Bourbon Lens, is back for Season 2 of Off Hours with Bourbon Lens. This time, he is joined by Founder of Off Hours Bourbon, Jake Ireland, to co-host 12 new episodes. In this first episode, Jake & Jake explore Off Hours Bourbon, fatherhood, work-life balance, and more. Make sure you are subscribed to the Bourbon Lens in your favorite podcast app to catch a new episode every Wednesday! Thanks for listening to Off Hours with Bourbon Lens. Check out new episodes of Off Hours with Bourbon Lens streaming now here. This has been another production of Bourbon Lens LLC. Thank you for your continued support. Scott & Jake Bourbon Lens About Jake Ireland Jake Ireland grew up in Indiana, near MGP distillery where he has ties dating back to Seagram's ownership. Jake attended Indiana University and began his career in venture capital investments. His lifelong bourbon affinity led him to his first spirits investment and bourbon brand launch in 2013 with Spirit of America. Through his network and persistent hard work, he and the team successfully grew the brand to over 20 states in three years and experienced a successful exit in 2017. Having gained a significant amount of industry expertise through the aforementioned growth and sale of Spirit of America, Jake then founded Off Hours after years of perfecting the product and launched the brand in 2020. The brand is aimed at challenging existing stereotypes surrounding bourbon and has seen an immense amount of success since launch. It is aimed at attracting the modern bourbon drinker, with a focus on social media, successful partnerships while also being approached by multiple professional athletes and celebrities for participation. Off Hours continues to expand rapidly to new states with distribution into Liquor Barn, Total Wine, BevMo, Big Red Liquor and more. Jake currently resides in Los Angeles with his wife Lauren and two children, Evan and Ella. About Off Hours The young bourbon brand is made for afternoon relaxations and late night convos as it dispels the idea that you have to wear a suit to drink a glass of Bourbon or that it can only be enjoyed poured over rocks at the end of the day. The award-winning liquid is aged in American white oak barrels for over 5 years. Tasting notes include aromas of creamy vanilla, hint of nutmeg and toasted pecans, rich notes of cinnamon and a silky finish of lingering honey. You can find out more about Off Hours with Bourbon Lens here.

May 24, 202324 min

227: Crafting Whiskey in Washington with District Made Spirits

We're joined by Alex Laufer, Co-Founder and CEO of District Made Spirits in Washington D.C. Alex and his small distillery team are focused on creating unique spirits which leverage premium and equally unique heirloom grain Mashbills. Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout goes to our growing Patreon Community as well! We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Check out our BourbonLens.com to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks. Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens About Alex Laufer: Before Alex Laufer became the Co-Founder and CEO of District Made Spirits, he worked in biotechnology for seventeen years. Alex's background in science and love of cooking with local ingredients combined to form the genesis of his passion for distilling. His fixation with good food & drink led him to explore the flavors of every region he's called home, San Francisco, New York, and now the Mid-Atlantic. Alex lives in Silver Spring, MD, with his wife, two sons, and their golden retriever Modi. About District Made Spirits: More than the nation's capital, Washington DC, is the spirit of a region where cultural diversity and sustainability meet forward thinkers, artists, urban warriors, and creators. Distilling with determination, District Made embodies the spirit of this legendary city, crafting adventurous rye-forward spirits true to the values and terroir of the Mid-Atlantic. Founders Sandy Wood and Alex Laufer left their established careers to open a distillery, believing in the heirloom grains of the region, the neighborhood of Ivy City, and each other. They discovered that the risk had paid off after tasting the toasty honeyed spice box flavors in those first batches of spirits made from Abruzzi and malted rye. Today, they bring together agriculture partners, cooperages, small business owners, and community members to showcase the very best of the region. Every bottle of whiskey, vodka, or gin we make features our signature flavor and unparalleled taste known as the Heart of Rye. Smooth enough for sipping and strong enough to hold up the most ambitious cocktails, each proud pour represents the legacy of the land in a meeting place where finding what you're made of all comes with the territory. District Made Spirits are distributed by Breakthru Beverage in Washington, DC, Maryland, Delaware, and Momentum in Illinois. They can be purchased online at www.districtmadespirits.com/shop. Delicious spirits from locally-sourced heirloom grains are handcrafted in Washington, DC by the distillery District Made Spirits, formerly known as One Eight Distilling since 2015. With an updated look and new website, the portfolio includes the Core Spirits Series (vodka, gin, barrel-rested gin, bourbon, and rye) and the experimental small-batch District Made Untitled Series. ABOUT THE CORE SPIRITS SERIES – Rye-forward, locally-sourced grains for the signature spice box flavor profile District Made STRAIGHT RYE WHISKEY (94 Proof; 57% Abruzzi Rye, 14% Corn, 29% Malted Rye) District Made Straight Rye Whiskey puts a spin on classic Maryland-style rye while honoring its agricultural history in the region. Our mash bill highlights a large portion of heirloom malted rye, bringing darker honeyed notes of toast to the flavor in our signature style. Sweet hints of rock candy, cherry cola, and spicy cinnamon balance a nuanced spirit. District Made STRAIGHT BOURBON WHISKEY (95 Proof; 58% Hickory King Corn, 16% Abruzzi Rye, 8% Hard Red Winter Wheat, 12% Malted Rye, 6% Malted Barley) District Made Straight Bourbon Whiskey, aged at least four years, showcases Hickory King Corn, grown in the hollows of Virginia since the 1880s. To create our signature style, we distill this heirloom grain in two different mashbills, one wheated and one high-rye, age them individually, then marry a few barrels together. The result is a drier, richly textured four-grain spirit proudly poured. ANNUAL RELEASE 2023 BOTTLED IN BOND (BOURBON) The first consumer law created was the Bottled in Bond Act of 1897 to guarantee the authenticity of a whiskey with a series of requirements that included only whiskey made from one distillery in one distillation season, aged at least four years in bonded warehouses, and bottled at 100 proof. District Made Bottled in Bond Bourbon honors this designation and the region.

May 21, 20231h 4m

226: Catoctin Creek Goes All-In On Rye Whiskey

Our guest is Becky Harris, Co-Founder and Chief Distiller of Virginia's Catoctin Creek Distilling Co. We discuss their unique rye whiskey portfolio, including their Roundstone Rye Whiskey lineup. Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout goes to our growing Patreon Community as well! We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Check out our BourbonLens.com to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks. Cheers, Scott and Jake Bourbon Lens About Catoctin Creek®: Catoctin Creek® was founded by Becky and Scott Harris in 2009 as the first legal distillery in Loudoun County since before Prohibition. We are located in Purcellville, Virginia, in the heart of the Loudoun Valley. Virginia is the birthplace of American whiskey, and at Catoctin Creek, we faithfully dedicate ourselves to that tradition, producing Virginia's most awarded whisky: Roundstone Rye! The name "Catoctin" is a regional name. Pronounced Ka-TOCK-tin, the name derives from the Indian tribal name "Kittocton" which, legend has it, meant "place of many deer". Catoctin describes a range of mountains and the eponymous creek which flows picturesquely past the distillery and into the Potomac River and Chesapeake Watershed. At Catoctin Creek, we believe in high quality food and spirits. We source our grain and fruit from local sources, free of pesticides and chemical additives that would come through in the spirits we produce. The results are the finest, cleanest spirits possible, with the greatest attention to detail in every single bottle we produce. Catoctin Creek has received numerous international gold medals and has been featured in many national publications, including the New York Times, Washington Post, Wine Enthusiast, and Whisky Advocate. The Daily Beast, Forbes, and Men's Journal have highlighted the distillery as an example of great American craft distilleries making whisky from scratch. ABOUT BECKY HARRIS, CHIEF DISTILLER Becky graduated with honors from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. As a chemical engineer, she specialized in industrial processes and production systems. Becky brought this knowledge and applied it to something she loved–making the finest distilled spirits in Virginia. All her products begin with the finest local and organic grains and fruit to create the cleanest spirit possible. At the heart of the distillery is a pair of pot stills, where Becky insists on cooking the distillate for a full nine hours, more than twice as long as most other distilleries, to create the unique and award-winning flavors in her distillate. Becky has been featured in Food and Wine as one of "6 Women in Whiskey to Watch," and serves as President of the American Craft Spirits Association, the trade association for craft distilleries. ABOUT SCOTT HARRIS, GENERAL MANAGER Scott graduated with honors and two degrees from Georgia Tech. He spent the last twenty years building a software career in telecommunication systems and government IT solutions and traded it all in for the chance to own and run his own distillery. As he likes to say, "Twenty years of government contracting taught me a great love of whisky!" In 2011, Scott was named Entrepreneur of the Year by the Loudoun Chamber of Commerce, and in both 2012 and 2020, Catoctin Creek Distillery was awarded Small Business of the Year. Scott currently sits on the Craft Distiller Advisory Board for DISCUS, and is an emeritus member of the board of directors for the Virginia Distillers Association. He was also appointed to the Virginia Spirits Board by the governor of Virginia, overseeing the marketing of Virginia spirits. Scott has been a tireless advocate for craft spirits both in the Commonwealth of Virginia, nationally and internationally. Scott and Becky are happy to be doing something together that they love: Producing the finest spirits in Virginia, completely and truly by hand. At Catoctin Creek, Virginia Rye Whisky is our passion.

May 14, 202344 min

225: How To Have The Ultimate Kentucky Bourbon Trip with Mint Julep Experiences

Our episode today is all about our recent experience of being tourists in our own city. Thanks to Mint Julep Experiences for the opportunity and allowing Bourbon Lens to curate a custom bourbon tour around Louisville. You'll hear about our jam-packed day which included a rare look inside Brown-Forman Cooperage, an intimate tour of the historic Stitzel-Weller property, and an insider's look at Kentucky Artisan Distillery. If you are looking to come to Kentucky, make sure you check out Mint Julep Experiences for an extensive list of opportunities to maximize your trip. Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout goes to our growing Patreon Community as well! We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Check out our BourbonLens.com to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks. Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens Book your tour today by heading to https://mintjuleptours.com/. About Mint Julep Experiences: From handcrafted custom tour itineraries to public tour offerings, Mint Julep Experiences is Kentucky's premier destination management company for the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®, legendary horse farms, historic Kentucky landmarks and the Commonwealth's rich culinary scene. As one of Conde Nast Traveler's "Best Guided Drinking Tours in America," the one-of-a-kind, family-owned tour company offers transportation and event planning services for hassle-free ventures for any group size, including corporate outings and V.I.P. excursions with transportation. Based in Louisville, the Mint Julep Experiences team of bourbon experts, veteran tour guides and city concierges do it all to help you explore the living history of Kentucky in comfort and style. Regional transportation through Louisville, Bardstown, Lexington, Northern Kentucky, Cincinnati, Nashville, Franklin and more! Show Links: Mint Julep Tours Bourbon Tours on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® | Mint Julep Tours Kentucky Bourbon Trail® Itinerary What to Know the First Time You Hit the Ky Bourbon Trail® Post-COVID - Kentucky Distillers' Association A Complete Guide to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail - AFAR Bourbon Trail Passport & Field Guide

May 7, 202336 min

224: Chicken Cock Unveils New Double Oak Whiskey

Our guest this week is Will Woodington with Grain & Barrel Spirits. We've followed Will for quite a while on social media (you can find him at @MashbillWill and @BondedInBottles on Instagram) and now he's the National Brand Ambassador for the portfolio of brands. We discuss the history of Chicken Cock Whiskey, their flagship portfolio, and their latest limited release, an 8 Year Double Oak Kentucky Whiskey. Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout goes to our growing Patreon Community as well! We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Check out our BourbonLens.com to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks. Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens About Will's New Role with Grain & Barrel: Grain & Barrel Spirits, which develops and scales craft spirits that connect the best artisans to consumers worldwide, has appointed Will Woodington as its first National Whiskey Brand Ambassador. A long-time resident of Metro Detroit, he will be responsible for promoting the Grain & Barrel Spirits whiskey portfolio. Will's primary focus will be expanding the national footprint for the historic Chicken Cock Whiskey brand, which was established in 1856 and rose to fame as the house whiskey at The Cotton Club, one of Prohibition's most legendary speakeasies. He will also assist with marketing and sales related initiatives for Elvis and Virgil Kaine whiskeys. Will brings considerable beverage alcohol experience to the new role, having most recently served as a Brand Ambassador for Bardstown Bourbon Company, where he oversaw on- and off-premise events and tastings. Over the past several years, he has built a respectable following as a whiskey enthusiast and social influencer via @bondedinbottles. He is also co-founder of and moderator for The Bourbon Alliance, a select group of whiskey enthusiasts who aim to shine a light on distilleries nationwide. Previously, Will worked as Channel Sales Manager at Roush Performance Products for nearly 10 years. "Will brings substantial sales and marketing experience plus a passion for whiskey to this new role," said Matti Anttila, founder of Grain & Barrel Spirits. "He will be an excellent steward for our whiskey portfolio helping to generate national awareness and buzz. To connect with Will, please email him at will. [email protected] About Grain & Barrel Spirits Based in Charleston, South Carolina, Grain & Barrel Spirits develops and scales craft spirits that connect the best artisans to consumers worldwide. The company's core brands include: Chicken Cock Whiskey, an historically significant whiskey brand established in Paris, Kentucky, in 1856; Dixie Vodka, the leading premium homegrown vodka produced in the Southeast; Virgil Kaine Lowcountry Whiskey; High Goal Luxury Gin, a small batch, ultra-premium gin produced in Charleston; Elvis Whiskeys, a duo of Elvis Presley-inspired whiskeys, and; Tequila Eterno Verano, a range of ultra-premium tequilas made for adventurous souls. Grain & Barrel has been named to the prestigious Inc.5000 list of the fastest-growing privately held companies in America three years in a row. For more information, visit www.grainandbarrel.com.

Apr 30, 20231h 3m

223: Whiskey in the American West with Brush Creek Distillery

We're talking with Andrew Wason, Managing Director for Brush Creek Distillery in Wyoming. Andrew is a Kentucky native and spirits industry veteran and he was finally able to join Bourbon Lens live to discuss what is happening in Saratoga Wyoming. Brush Creek Distillery sits on property that includes 30,000 acres of farmland, a cattle ranch, and a world-class resort with luxury accommodations. Brush Creek Distillery is focused on blending spirits that it has sourced by utilizing its spirits backgrounds and industry partnerships. They've selected hundreds of mature bourbon barrels from a handful of award-winning distilleries in Kentucky, Indiana and Tennessee and continue to age them at their "Barrel Barn". Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout goes to our growing Patreon Community as well! We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Check out our BourbonLens.com to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks. Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens (Images Courtesy of Brush Creek Distillery) About Brush Creek Distillery: Brush Creek Distillery is located at The Farm at Brush Creek. Brush Creek Ranch is a working cattle ranch in the North Platte River Valley of south-central Wyoming, originally settled in 1884. Today it encompasses over 30,000 acres of rolling western wonder surrounded by breathtaking views of the Sierra Madre mountains & Medicine Bow National Forest. We take great pride in the rich history of the land, legacy, and traditions of the early settlers. Like them, we are committed to bold, pioneering efforts that are equally visionary and innovative. At the heart of our vision is the desire to share the inspiration of the West with others. About Brush Creek Railroad Rye: Brush Creek Distillery's Railroad Rye, Straight Rye Whiskey begins its journey in Chicago, Illinois. Barrels of mature whiskey are specially selected for a distinct maturation process aboard a 60-foot side-load rail cart. From this starting point, the barrels set out along the historic route of the Transcontinental Railroad — embarking on an epic expedition to the heart of the American West ending in the old railroad town of Saratoga, Wyoming. Spanning 1,776 miles, the Transcontinental Railway stood as a towering symbol of American ingenuity and a testament to the boundless spirit of the West. One that left a lasting mark on the western frontier and shaped the character of a nation. And an indelible reminder — over 150 years later — of what's possible when we dare to dream big. In honor of the landmark achievement of the railroad and its creators' legendary passage, we're celebrating their monumental journey the best way we know how: with an exceptional rye whiskey forged in their path. Crafted to stand up to the distinct character of the railway's visionaries and builders, this unique limited edition expression is strikingly bold at 104 proof and contains a layer of complexity, complemented by oak characteristics and nuances of candied fruit and orange zest. Consider this our toast to the seekers and explorers. To those driven to uncover new possibilities and author their own destiny. Always looking ahead to the next adventure. About Brush Creek Bourbon: Straight Bourbon Whiskey production began at Brush Creek Distillery in 2019. While we're super excited about what's in each of the barrels resting on-site, our own bourbon won't be ready for another 4-5 years. It's a fact that great whiskey can't be rushed, it simply takes time to age and develop. Utilizing our spirits backgrounds and great industry partnerships, we were able to select hundreds of mature bourbon barrels from a handful of award-winning distilleries in Kentucky, Indiana and Tennessee. We've transferred most of these barrels to our "Barrel Barn" where they rest and continue to age. As part of our spirits program each of these barrels undergo a barrel analysis and continuous profiling. The process, while intensive, ensures quality and consistency in every barrel, bottle and glass. Tasting Notes: Bold aromas of malt and dried cherries mingle with hints of new leather and thyme. The palate envelops a silky coating of roasted cherries and dried blueberries. Toasted Oak notes and hints of cinnamon hit throughout the palate and create a refined finish. About Brush Creek Rye: Brush Creek Distillery's straight

Apr 23, 20231h 7m

222: Art of Alchemy Blended Spirits

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The Co-Founder of Art of Alchemy Blended Spirits joins us today to talk about Blend No. 1. Mac Macsovits discusses the origins of Art of Alchemy and how they fit into the American Whiskey landscape as independent blenders and bottlers. This blend is a unique one and we cannot wait to see how Art of Alchemy conjures up some magic in their future releases. Their Blend No. 2 just launched recently and you can learn more about Art of Alchemy on their website here: Art of Alchemy. Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout goes to our growing Patreon Community as well! We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Check out our BourbonLens.com to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks. Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens About Art of Alchemy: In an industry of undisclosed sourcing and inaccessible vintages, Art of Alchemy (AoA) roots itself in friendship, community, and collaboration. Founded by four friends with a mission to create something that is equal parts experience as it is an exceptional distillate, our expertly crafted blends are designed with intention to provide the most curious spirits available. None of this is about ego, celebrity, or glamour. We are friends who had a unique opportunity to crack into an extremely difficult business, and we said yes. We believe in saying yes more often. Time with friends, exploring new adventures, scratching the itch of curiosity, and taking some risks. We all have regrets, but this isn't one of them, and our objective in living full lives is to have fewer as we age. We aren't going to tell you what to taste, because everyone is different. We believe in the idea of creative expression, but we are also fanatical about quality and flavor. All of our releases were made with awe, joy, humility, and purpose…things that we hold dear, and we hope you feel the same way when you are drinking our bottles. Connection, collaboration, and community are at the center of what we dig…and we look for it in everything we do. We love our families and friends, and can't wait to make more. May this be a vehicle that brings people together, as we are lucky to have a platform such as Art of Alchemy from which to share. About Co-Founder Mac Macsovits Starting out as an enthusiast and collector of bourbons and whiskeys, Macs' passion grew into a desire to create a spirit brand of his own. He dove in headfirst, becoming intimately involved in the whiskey sector and fostering relationships with top distillers and brand owners across the country. Mac is enthusiastic about the liquid, but just as passionate about the stories that a great whiskey tells and sharing these experiences. While Colorado is now home for Mac, he is a Southerner at heart as a North Carolina native.

Apr 17, 202349 min

221: Protecting Your Whiskey Collection with BAXUS

Our guest this week is Todd Wiesel, Founder and CEO of BAXUS. We discuss whiskey collecting, spirits investing, and how BAXUS is seeking to be the leading platform to buy, sell, and invest in rare spirits. Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout goes to our growing Patreon Community as well! We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Check out our BourbonLens.com to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks. Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens About BAXUS BAXUS is the future of wine and spirit trading. The brainchild of a whiskey trader and a software engineer, BAXUS is revolutionizing the spirit investment market by making it easier and more secure to buy, sell, and invest in spirits. BAXUS harnesses the power of blockchain technology to allow collectors and investors to safely store and secure their assets while maintaining proof of ownership. BAXUS has partnered with large and small collectors to authenticate and safely store their spirit collections. BAXUS keeps all authenticated assets in their state of the art vault. BAXUS uses a proprietary proof of presence technology to ensure your bottle is secure at all times. BAXUS believes that security should not hamper transparency. Once you have tokenized your collection with BAXUS and your bottle is secure in the BAXUS vault, their platform allows you to track the value of your portfolio in real time, as well as access historical sales data. BAXUS tracks over 45 different sources to make sure you have the most up to date pricing, all in one convenient place. How It Works: Solidify your ownership and start trading with BAXUS in 4 simple steps: Send BAXUS your collection Get connected with our BAXUS on-boarding team to safely transport your collection to our vault. BAXUS authenticates & stores your collection BAXUS experts inspect each bottle to ensure its authenticity. They then store and insure your assets in a temperature controlled vault. BAXUS use proprietary proof of presence technology for extra security and ease of identification. Your Collection is Tokenized BAXUS mints an NFT on the Solana blockchain that validates your proof of ownership and the authenticity of the spirits. This creates a permanent record of ownership and facilitates hassle-free trading. You trade List assets in your collection for sale on OpenSea and seamlessly trade across the Solana blockchain. The transaction is secure and instantaneous, all while the bottle remains in the BAXUS vault. BAXUS's services also include real time portfolio valuation and management, for those who prefer a hands off approach. Baxus Related News: How New Tech Is Making Wine Cellars Smarter – Robb Report Meet the night owl CEOs rejecting the 5 a.m. club | Fortune How BAXUS Offers an NFT Solution to Spirits Collectors | Alcohol Professor The labor shortage is bringing job seekers all kinds of new perks: Pick-your-pay, student-loan benefits, bonuses, and flexible work NFTs And The Future Of The Alcoholic Beverage Industry

Apr 9, 20231h 12m

220: Jack Daniel's and Its Rise in American Pop Culture

Nelson Eddy rejoins Bourbon Lens for a "Part 2" episode on all things Jack Daniel's. You will recall Eddy's last appearance back on Episode 202 when we discussed the legends and lore behind the brand. As we teased in that episode, Eddy joins us today to talk about Jack's surge into the mainstream and its place in pop culture, media, and its place on the world's stage. Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout goes to our growing Patreon Community as well! We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Check out our BourbonLens.com to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks. Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens Images Credit to Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey Stories and Media: Jack Daniel's Secret: The History of the World's Most Famous Whiskey - The Atlantic It Took Brilliant Marketing to Turn Jack Daniel's Into the World's Most Popular Whiskey Jack Daniel's | Culture Wikia 10 Jack Daniels Facts Every Enthusiast Should Know - Catawiki 10 Country Songs About Jack Daniel's 13 Glimpses Of Whisky In Pop Culture - WhiskyFlavour Friends for life: the story of Jack Daniel's and Frank Sinatra - Whisky Magazine The Love Song of Frank and Jack: How Sinatra Put Jack Daniel's on the Map - Tales of the Cocktail Foundation Jack Daniel's Product Placement Seen On Screen 'Chasing Whiskey' Documentary Brings the Untold Story of Jack Daniel's to Cinema Audiences Nationwide - May 11 Only

Apr 2, 202342 min

219: Going Outside the Box with Foursquare Rum

Our guest this week is Richard Seale, Master Distiller & Master Blender of Foursquare Rum Distillery in Barbados. Aged Rum is an area we've not explored but a recent trip to Barbados inspired Jake to curate this episode for our Bourbon Lens listeners. Well-aged rum stocks draw similarities to the bourbon world and for those who are looking to expand their palate, this is a must taste. Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout goes to our growing Patreon Community as well! We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Check out our BourbonLens.com to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks. Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens About Foursquare Rum Distillery: Foursquare Rum Distillery is located on a former sugar plantation that dates back to approximately 1720, within the tiny Caribbean island of Barbados. The distillery was re-opened by the Seale family in 1996, distilling operations and blending are currently directed by Richard Seale, 4th Generation Trader/Distiller of R.L. Seale & Co. Exceptional Cask Selections represent the unique, and rare offerings of Foursquare Rum Distillery that Richard has hand selected – his personal projects only released when he feels they are of exceptional quality. These are one of a kind expressions, available only for a limited time, and showcasing truly unique approaches to both Rum blending and maturation. About Richard Seale - Master Distiller & Master Blender, Foursquare Rum Distillery Richard Seale, the great grandson of the original R.L. Seale, Reginald Leon Seale who founded R L Seale & Co in 1926, is the fourth generation to work in the family rum business. Richard joined the family craft in 1993. Innovation has been Richard's hallmark over the last 12 years whether reflected in the precision control of fermentation or distillation of rum under vacuum pressure. Richard firmly believes rum's rightful place is among the world's finest spirits and this is what drives his passion to make the very best rums. With an obsessive attention to detail and a questioning attitude, he has never been fearful to bring change to a very conservative industry. He was the driving force behind the new distillery at the historic Foursquare site, completed back in 1996 and sought out the very best engineers to help develop his new ideas. The result? A world-renowned distillery which not only boasts ultra-premium rums but a unique design that makes Foursquare the envy of the Caribbean. Richard began his education in Barbados at Harrison College where on graduation he was awarded the prestigious Barbados Government Scholarship. Richard then completed his Bachelors and Masters degrees at the University of London and now resides in St. Philip, with his wife Gayle and two children Christian and Victoria. In his spare time Richard has a keen passion for Cooking, Horse Racing and Formula 1. Richard continues to live up to his destiny daily at the distillery and carries on the family legacy with dedicated passion and love for his work. "A questioning, opinionated Barbadian is leading rum into the 21st century" – Dave Broom, spirits expert and author of "RUM". (Image Courtesy of Altmar Brands and Foursquare) Foursquare and Aged Rum in the Media: Foursquare Rum Distillery Exceptional Cask Selections | Altamar Brands Foursquare Rum Distillery Blends Modernization and Tradition Barbados: Transforming Through Innovation and Sustainability Will Barbados Rum Finally Get Its Own GI? It's Possible. The 7 Best Rums to Gift This Holiday (2022) | VinePair Rum Disrupter: Foursquare Calls Out Sweetened Rums And 'Absolute Poppycock' Perceptions The 14 Best Rums to Buy Right Now, From Refined Sippers to Cocktail Mixers

Mar 26, 20231h 2m

218: The Method and Madness of an Irish Whiskey Micro-Distillery

Jake is joined by Gerard Garland, Whiskey Ambassador for Irish Distillers and Method + Madness Irish Whiskey. They discuss the explosive growth of Irish Whiskey as it competes globally in the Whiskey World. Irish Whiskey is experiencing a rebirth as is evident by its growth and popularity. We were excited to have the opportunity to branch out and try some of the recent releases from Method and Madness. Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout goes to our growing Patreon Community as well! We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Check out our BourbonLens.com to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks. Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens (Image Credit: Method and Madness Irish Whiskey) About Method and Madness: Inspired by spirits that go beyond the bounds of tradition, Method and Madness Irish whiskey has been hatched from the minds of the Masters and Apprentices of Midleton Distillery. Innovation is nothing new to Midleton, but the Method and Madness micro distillery has provided the copper canvas for experimentation to run free. The whiskeys coming from this distillers' playground provide a new taste inspired by Irish whiskey history. The range includes Method and Madness Single Grain Irish Whiskey finished in Virgin Spanish Oak, Method and Madness Single Malt Irish Whiskey finished in French Limousin Oak, Method and Madness Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey aged in French Chestnut and Method and Madness Irish Micro Distilled Gin with Black Lemon and Irish Gorse Flower. Always innovating, the Masters and Apprentices explore different mashbills and wood types resulting in new and unusual limited-edition releases including the Method and Madness Japanese Trilogy, Method and Madness Oats and Malt and Method and Madness Rye and Malt. For more information, please visit Method And Madness Whiskey and follow them on Instagram @methodandmadness & Facebook @MethodandMadness.

Mar 19, 20231h 12m

217: The Ultimate Travel Guide to Experiencing Irish Whiskey

Our guest today is Drew Hannush, who is helping us kick off our coverage of Irish Whiskey for St. Patrick's Day. Drew is an author, podcaster, world traveler, and incredible storyteller. Drew Hannush is the author of the best selling book "Whiskey Lore's Travel Guide to Experiencing Kentucky Bourbon" and his latest book, "Whiskey Lore's Travel Guide to Experiencing Irish Whiskey". He also hosts two whiskey podcasts, Whiskey Lore - The Stories & Whiskey Lore - The Interviews. Drew has traveled extensively throughout Scotland, Ireland, and the United States touring distilleries, picking up stories, and helping inspire travelers and whiskey lovers through his social media posts, book, and whisk(e)y tasting experiences. He uses his knowledge and authoritative voice to empower others. We are excited to chat about Irish Whiskey and his travels in Ireland with Drew in this episode and we hope you enjoy too. Drew understands that the way to bring history alive is to humanize it through entertaining stories. His Whiskey Lore Podcast takes the wonderful legends and myths gathered from distilleries around the globe and transports the listener behind the label of their favorite spirits. From telling the story of Shackleton's whisky through master blender Richard Paterson to the historic rising of Four Roses, told through the memories of brand ambassador Al Young, Drew reveals the stories that bring you closer to your favorite whisk(e)y. Find out more about Drew and Whiskey Lore on his website. You can grab copies of his books here: "Whiskey Lore's Travel Guide to Experiencing Kentucky Bourbon" "Whiskey Lore's Travel Guide to Experiencing Irish Whiskey" Irish Whiskey in the News: Purchase Drew's latest book: "Whiskey Lore's Travel Guide to Experiencing Irish Whiskey" The State of Irish Whiskey - Daily SevenFifty Drew's Book featured in Irish News Irish Whiskey Tourism Soared in 2022 Irish whiskey market size to grow by USD 1.54 billion from 2021 to 2026: A descriptive analysis of customer landscape, vendor assessment, and market dynamics - Technavio Whiskey Tourism in Ireland Increased By 425 Percent Last Year | VinePair Brands Report 2023: Irish Whiskey - Drinks International - The global choice for drinks buyers The History of Irish Whiskey Irish Distillers Files NFT Patent To Launch Virtual Bars – Jameson In Metaverse 'I only see good things at the moment' – Irish Whiskey Association chair James Doherty on a booming | Business Post Amid an Irish Whiskey Renaissance, the World's Oldest Licensed Whiskey Distillery Comes of Age | VinePair Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout goes to our growing Patreon Community as well! We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Check out our BourbonLens.com to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks. Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens

Mar 12, 20231h 21m

216: Lucky Seven - Curators of Fine Spirits

We're joined by the Founders of Lucky Seven Spirits, a spirits brand inspired by the Hollywood of old. It's name and packaging is an homage to the film world, including Hollywood's Stage 7 (known as Lucky Seven). The stage gained its name because three Warner Bros. best picture winners — The Life of Emile Zola, My Fair Lady and Casablanca — and 10 best picture nominees were shot here. We taste through two expressions of Lucky Seven, including The Frenchman and Holiday Toast. Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout goes to our growing Patreon Community as well! We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Check out our BourbonLens.com to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks. Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens About Lucky 7 Spirits: Lucky 7 Spirits brings together a complex mix of qualities; each flavor highlighting our unique tone of voice. We are classy, confident and curious. We always tip our hats, invite the outsider to join our table and embrace the notion that life is a precious gift. We are quirky, fun and relaxed yet we know our stuff, inside and out. We are professionals, connoisseurs, fanatics, friends and ultimately family. We love good bourbon, good people and good times. Co-founders Michael Lahalih and John Pals have been best friends since their college years and share a common bond of bourbon and cinema. In fact, the Lucky 7 namesake is derived from the infamous Stage 7 in Hollywood, CA, where some of the greatest movies in cinema history were filmed. The warehouse-sized stage produced so many award-winning films that the industry started calling it "Lucky Stage 7." Be it luck, or be it magic (or maybe a bit of both) – finding a bourbon as delicious as Lucky 7, well… that's worth celebrating. We are but Curators of Fine Spirits, carefully sourcing and then meticulously blending only the rarest bourbons. Nothing is going in to a bottle of Lucky 7 unless it is of the finest spirits you could find. And it is with great pride that Michael and John offer these unique, limited-edition releases. Cheers! For more info on Lucky 7 Spirits, visit their website.

Mar 6, 202342 min

215: Exploring Single Malt Scotch with The Dalmore

Our guest this week is Craig Bridger of Whyte & Mackay. Craig brings us an impressive lineup of The Dalmore Single Malt Scotch Whiskies, including their 12 Year, USA-Exclusive 14 Year, Port Wood Reserve, and an exquisite and rare 18 Year Single Malt. Our US listeners should definitely keep their eyes out for the 14 Year. The 14 Year joins The Dalmore Principal Collection, exclusively in the USA. Master Whisky Maker Gregg Glass led its development, the first expression to be finished in hand-selected, rare Pedro Ximénez casks from the House of Gonzalez Byass. Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout goes to our growing Patreon Community as well! We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Check out our BourbonLens.com to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks. Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens About The Dalmore: Founded by Sir Alexander Matheson, entrepreneur and international businessman, The Dalmore was born with a different purpose: to create a sumptuous single malt whisky unlike any other. Today, The Dalmore continues down that path as pioneers of exquisite cask curation, resulting in a whisky of legendary depth. The Dalmore seeks to continue an age old heritage that treasures the sanctity of the cask. Their spirit is finessed in exceptional casks, hand selected by Master Whisky Maker, Gregg Glass and Master Distiller, Richard Paterson, sourced from the world's finest bodegas and exclusive wineries. The Dalmore's Highland Distillery is located along spectacular Scottish coastline, on the shores of the Cromarty Firth. Guests can tour to discover their exceptional Single Malt whisky that they have made since 1839. About Whyte & Mackay: Founded Glasgow in 1844. Glasgow continues to be home to our international headquarters today. We are award-winning whisky makers celebrating 175 years of heritage. We proudly produce exceptional whiskies at our five distilleries across Scotland, that are celebrated around the world. Our award-winning portfolio of brands includes four internationally recognised Single Malt Scotch Whiskies: The Dalmore, Jura, Fettercairn and Tamnavulin. Our premium whisky portfolio includes our namesake Whyte & Mackay Blended Whisky, alongside John Barr Blended Whisky, Claymore Blended Whisky and Glayva Liqueur. In recent years, the Whyte & Mackay portfolio has and continues to enjoy significant growth and investment. In 2016, we welcomed the reborn Tamnavulin Single Malt Whisky to the portfolio. The following year, we honoured our relationship with Sir Ernest Shackleton, launching a contemporary whisky that bears his name. In 2018, Woodsman Whisky and Wildcat Gin joined the portfolio as modern contemporary spirits. 2018 saw further investment in our Single Malt Whisky portfolio, with the launch of a repositioned Fettercairn and Jura in 2018. Our success across 175 years is built on our continued entrepreneurial spirit. That is as true today, as it was in 1844. It is reflected in our people across our business, all around the world. It is at the heart of the exceptional whisky we produce. The Dalmore in the News: TheDalmore.com Follow Craig on Instagram The Dalmore 14 Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky Review - Paste There are Only Three Bottles of The Dalmore Luminary No. 1 Single Malt Scotch Available – Robb Report The Dalmore unveils two vintage whiskies - The Spirits Business https://whiskeyraiders.com/scotch/dalmore-14-year-old-single-malt-us-only/ The Dalmore: 100 years of elegant shots | Philstar.com

Feb 27, 20231h 20m

214: Diversity & Inclusion in Bourbon: Roundtable Discussion

Bourbon Lens is excited to play host to a roundtable discussion featuring three organizations aimed at making bourbon accessible for all. We are joined by the Founders of Bourbon Women, Kentucky Black Bourbon Guild, and BIG Bourbon Club. Join us as we discuss some important topics as we seek to pull back the red velvet rope of the Bourbon Industry to ensure everyone feels welcome sharing a pour of America's Native Spirit. About the Panelists: Peggy Noe Stevens - Founder of Bourbon Women Association Peggy is a woman of many firsts. She founded PNSA and The Bourbon Women Association. She is the first woman in the world to receive the title of Master Bourbon Taster. Formerly of Brown-Forman, Peggy was their Global Event Planner for iconic brands such as Woodford Reserve. She brings her decades of experiential marketing and professional presence development to PNSA designing and building brand architecture for places and people. In 2019 Peggy was inducted into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame by the Kentucky Distillers Association and in 2020 she was inducted into the Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame. To follow Peggy, check out: PeggyNoeStevens.com. Robert Beatty - Founder of Kentucky Black Bourbon Guild Robert Beatty is the founder of KBBG and a local Lexingtonian entrepreneur. During a summer 2018 tour that Mr. Beatty conducted to three distilleries and a museum in Bardstown KY, the conversation arose about African American and multicultural influence in the industry pre-prohibition. Through many conversations with industry gurus, history buffs and other bourbon societies, the decision was made to form an organization that will educate minority consumers about the spirit and properly acknowledge all of the ethnic groups that contributed to the robust industry it is today. For more info on the KBBG, head to the Kentucky Black Bourbon Guild website. Steve Higdon - Founder of BIG Bourbon Club Steve is the Founder of BIG Bourbon Club, which was created as a spinoff his wildly successful TikTok account, Uncle Steve (@60secondbourbonreview) | TikTok. According to BIG Bourbon Club, the club will serve as your passport to the world of bourbon. The club seeks to expand the universe of bourbon lovers by giving access to bourbon how to's, history, the personalities, barrel picks, distillery tours, tastings, and much more. Through their app, they have created the first virtual Bourbon Club where you can access everything, regardless of where you live. They aim to bring the world of bourbon to EVERYONE. EVERYONE is welcome. Bourbon should not be exclusive. For more info on Steve, his explosive growth on TikTok, and BIG Bourbon, check out this feature on VinePair.com: 'Uncle' Steve Higdon: The Boomer Taking Over Bourbon TikTok. Diversity and Inclusion in Bourbon Media Coverage: Distilling.com - The Story of Black Distilling Is Being Written Now These Women Distillers Are Rising With the American Whiskey Boom - The New York Times 5 Female Disruptors Shaping the State of Bourbon in Kentucky Old Forester bourbon names first openly gay master taster | Lexington Herald Leader How liquor brands are shrugging off the family-run ethos to better diversify their workforces | Fortune America's Largest Distillers Are Losing Their Top Talent, as the 'Great Resignation' Hits Bourbon | VinePair The Wine Industry Pledged to Improve Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity. Has Anything Changed? Black-owned wine and spirits makers you should know about | Fortune Women in Whiskey Talk Inclusivity and Representation in the Industry Six ways the drinks industry can support racial diversity - The Spirits Business Northside Distilling Co. to release bourbon whiskey for the visually impaired How the Cofounders of Taste Select Repeat Are Making Whiskey Culture More Inclusive This Christmas whiskey ad about trans acceptance is warming hearts around the world - LGBTQ Nation

Feb 20, 202347 min

213: Honoring A Legacy with Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey

Our guest this week is Victoria Eady Butler, Master Blender for Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey. Victoria had a rather unconventional path to the whiskey world, but her story is a great one and we were excited to have this opportunity. She's honoring the legacy of her Great-Great-Grandfather in her role as the Master Blender of one of the top trending brands in American Whiskey. Uncle Nearest honors the world's first-known African American master distiller, Nearest Green. It was the first spirits brand in the world to be named after a Black American. Their portfolio is the Most Awarded Bourbon and American Whiskey of 2019, 2020 & 2021. We were excited to feature Uncle Nearest and Victoria in this week's episode. We hope you enjoy! Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout goes to our growing Patreon Community as well! We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Check out our BourbonLens.com to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks. Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens About Victoria Eady Butler: Victoria Eady Butler is a relatively new face in the spirits world, but whiskey is in her blood. The Great-Great-Granddaughter of Nearest Green. African-American master distiller on record, Butler is the Master Blender of the award-winning Unce Nearest Premium Whiskey. Victoria oversees the blending process of Uncle Nearest whiskeys as well as the selection of all 1820 Single Barrels. Butler also serves as a member of Uncle Nearests executive team and oversees the Nearest Green Foundation, a 501(s)(3) non-profit organization that provides scholarships to Nearest Green's descendants that is funded, in part, by the sales of Uncle Nearest whiskey. Butler blended the very first batch of 1884 Small Batch Whiskey, which launched in July 2019, and was appointed Master Blender in November 2019 after the immense success of the first two batches. Since then, Butler has taken many courses to hone her skills, including becoming an Executive Bourbon Steward through Stave & Thief Society in Louisville, KY, the first bourbon certification program recognized by the bourbon industry. Prior to joining the Uncle Nearest team in March 2019, Butler worked as an Analytical Manager with the Regional Organized Crime Information Center in Nashville, which she joined upon graduating Middle Tennessee State University with a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice. Butler had just retired from a more than 30-year tenure when Fawn Weaver, Co-Founder and CEO of Uncle Nearest, approached her about becoming involved in the Uncle Nearest brand. The opportunity to carry on her family legacy first-hand and to help to concrete Nearest's name in history was one that she couldn't pass up. Butler is a mother, grandmother and a Tennessee native, currently residing in Murfreesboro, TN located just 20 miles up the road from the current Nearest Green Distillery. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family and volunteering with several non-profit organizations. She's also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Coverage of Uncle Nearest: The Top Trending American Whiskeys of 2022 per 'Drinks International' Uncle Nearest Is Shaking Up the Spirits Realm - The Manual Uncle Nearest's Eady Butler Becomes First to Win Back to Back Master Blender of Year Awards - Fred Minnick Uncle Nearest and Jack Daniel's Partner to Support Black Distillers | VinePair How Fawn Weaver Created Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey From Hidden History All-female leadership team guides Uncle Nearest whiskey to historic growth WineMag.com - 5 Questions with Victoria Eady Butler of Uncle Nearest Q&A: Uncle Nearest whiskey blender to visit Columbus Uncle Nearest hits $100m in sales - The Spirits Business Uncle Nearest Releases New Rye Whiskey – Robb Report Black-Owned, Award Winning Whiskey Brand 'Uncle Nearest' Tops Esteemed Inc. 5000 List Uncle Nearest Rye - Story by David Levine for Malt Review

Feb 13, 202349 min

212: "Bourbon with heART" Presents Its Inaugural Bourbon Barrel Art Exhibit

Our guest is Morgan Hancock, Founder of Bourbon with Heart, Kentucky's first and only arts-focused bourbon charity. Bourbon with Heart is hosting the Inaugural "Barrels of Heart" bourbon barrel art exhibit at the Frazier History Museum in Louisville, Kentucky. The Exhibit began on February 1, 2023 and runs through April. Visit Bourbon with Heart on Social Media to vote for your favorite barrel; the winning barrel artist will receive a $1,000 cash prize plus an additional $1,000 donated to their favorite charity. Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout goes to our growing Patreon Community as well! We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Check out our BourbonLens.com to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks. Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens Bourbon with Heart just announced that they raised $63,000. According to Morgan Hancock and the Charity, the event has raised $63,000 that will go towards the Bourbon with Heart (501c3) mission of raising awareness surrounding our local art community, providing better access to first-class arts experiences regardless of age, race, class, gender, or ability -and raising funds for other local non-profits. Over the next couple of months, Bourbon with Heart will share individual testimonies from the artists, sponsors, and community members on how their experience with Bourbon with Heart, this exhibit, and the funds raised have positively impacted their lives. About the "Barrels of Heart" Event: The Inaugural "Barrels of Heart" bourbon barrel art exhibit is located in Louisville, Kentucky. The exhibit opened at Frazier Kentucky History Museum starting in February 2023. It features twenty custom-painted bourbon barrels decorated by local artists & sponsored by your favorite bourbon brands and local companies. Bourbon with Heart's (501c3) mission is to leverage the influence and popularity of Bourbon to raise funds for local charities while also providing a first-class arts experience for Kentuckians regardless of age, race, class, gender, or ability. Whether it's dance, design, music, photography, theatre, or crafting a delicious bourbon blend, Bourbon with Heart deeply appreciates art in all its various forms. We believe art, like a good glass of bourbon, brings people together and encourages self-expression. With a strong desire to see the arts culture in Kentucky continue to thrive (and grow), Bourbon with Heart is distilling ART right into the heART of its mission. Bourbon with HeART in the News: Bourbon with Heart Frazier History Museum Bourbon with Heart to raise funds for local charities "Barrel of Heart" Art Exhibit at the Frazier Museum Opening Feb. 2 | whas11.com Bourbon with Heart: How one woman is tapping Kentucky's bourbon boom to emphasize culture Bourbon with Heart uses the popularity of bourbon to raise money for local charities - Louisville Business First Bourbon With Heart Louisville Alum: How ADHD Pushed Me to be an Entrepreneur Distilling Art | Inspiring Lives Magazine

Feb 6, 202326 min

211: Kings County Distillery is New York City's Oldest Distillery

Colin Spoelman is our guest this week and he is the Co-Founder of NYC's Kings County Distillery. We discuss how Colin grew a tiny distillery into New York City's oldest and most respected craft whiskey distillery. Colin has a unique approach to his whiskey craft and isn't afraid to ruffle a few feathers to make great whiskey and gain respect amongst the world's largest, and even smallest, distilleries. Find out what makes Kings County whiskey stand out in the crowd by downloading this week's episode. Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout goes to our growing Patreon Community as well! We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Check out our BourbonLens.com to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks. Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens About Colin Spoelman: Colin is Co-Founder and Head Distiller at Kings County, New York City's premier craft whiskey distillery and has written The Guide to Urban Moonshining and Dead Distillers about American whiskey. He grew up in the moonshine (not the bourbon) part of Kentucky and graduated from Yale University. About Kings County Distillery: KINGS COUNTY DISTILLERY is New York City's oldest, largest, and premier whiskey distillery. Founded in 2010, Kings County makes handmade bourbon, rye, and other whiskeys out of the 123-year-old Paymaster Building in the Brooklyn Navy Yard. We use New York grain and traditional distilling equipment to make whiskeys that have been praised by the New York Times, Wine & Spirits Magazine, and Whisky Advocate and is recognized as one of the preeminent craft distilleries in the United States, having been named Distillery of the Year in 2016 from the American Distilling Institute. Recent Press Release from Sept. 13, 2022: BROOKLYN, N.Y.- Kings County Distillery, New York City's premier craft distillery, is releasing a new flagship whiskey in wide-release, a blended bourbon made from house-distilled straight whiskeys. The resulting whiskey is bright, complex and approachable—a multi-occasion whiskey for neat sipping or mixing. With a suggested price of $54.99, Kings County's Blended Bourbon will be its most accessible aged spirit and arrives in a striking new blue label, one which clearly differentiates this spirit from Kings County's established bourbon, rye, and single malt whiskeys. "As we have done with moonshine and bottled-in-bond, making a blended bourbon is a way of asking whiskey drinkers to reconsider an overlooked category of spirit," said Co-Founder and Distiller Colin Spoelman. "Blended whiskey is most often associated with crowd-pleasing scotch or Canadian whiskies. We used the all-but-forgotten category of blended bourbon to create the American analog to these reliable and endlessly versatile spirits. Composed entirely of in-house, pot-distilled straight bourbon, straight corn whiskey, straight rye whiskey, and malt whiskey, our Blended Bourbon makes for a sippable, lower proof bourbon, suitable for nearly any application calling for an approachable American whiskey. In the interest of providing the drinker with the highest level of transparency and elevating a category historically associated with intentionally vague labeling practices, we list the exact blend composition on every bottle." By law, blended bourbon must use 51% straight bourbon, but the open-ended definition allows the Kings County's blending team to use the full breadth of our mature inventory to craft a complex and purposeful flavor profile within the lineup. With this added flexibility, Blended Bourbon can become a volume leader in Kings County's portfolio, joining an existing line of superlative aged whiskeys. Kings County's spirits have been widely accepted and appreciated, but with supply of aged whiskey growing short across the spectrum of American whiskey, Kings County aims to lead the market with a superior all-purpose two-year-old spirit. With notes of honey, caramel, and rye pepper, this is a flexible whiskey, and one that shows what can be achieved through the use of quality organic ingredients, careful distilling, and creative blending. It also presents a spirit suitable for mixing, creating a new audience for the brand. Kings County Blended Bourbon will be available throughout New York State starting on September 14th with national rollout to follow, visit www.kingscountydistill

Jan 30, 20231h 5m

210: Five Trail Whiskey -The Next Generation of Molson Coors Brewing

Our guest this week is David Coors, of the iconic Coors Brewing family. David is leading the Next Generation of Beverages for Molson Coors and he joins us to discuss their Five Trail Whiskey lineup. Find out what inspired David to explore the whiskey world and how he convinced his brewing family to get into spirits. Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout goes to our growing Patreon Community as well! We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Check out our BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks. Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens Five Trail Blended American Whiskey, the first full-strength spirit from the iconic Molson Coors Beverage Company, announces the release of its limited Batch 002 blend. Bottled at 95 proof, the new expression is sold for an SRP of $59.99 and is currently available in markets within Colorado, Georgia, Kentucky, Nevada, New York, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin. Supporting the evolution of Molson Coors as a beverage company, Five Trail debuted in September 2021 with Batch 001 – an intentional blend of 4-Year Colorado single malt, 4-Year Kentucky four grain bourbon, 4-Year Indiana wheated bourbon and 13-Year Kentucky bourbon, cut to proof with pure Rocky Mountain Water. It was bottled in partnership with Bardstown Bourbon Company and received numerous accolades and awards, including Double Gold at the 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Platinum Best of Class in the SIP Awards and Double Platinum in the 2022 Ascot Awards. The Batch 002 blend is also bottled in partnership with Bardstown Bourbon Company but replaces the 4-Year Colorado single malt with 6-Year and the 13-Year Kentucky bourbon with 12-Year. The result is a golden amber whiskey with an aroma of sweet caramel, pecans, and biscuit with hints of wood sugar, caramel, apple, white cherry, smoke, ginger, and allspice on the palate. The finish is easy going and lingering with notes of oak, ginger, and nutty balance. "The response to Five Trail has been overwhelming," said David Coors, Vice President of Next Generation Beverages at Molson Coors. "Our team really loved the flavor profile we came up with for the inaugural release and wanted to keep Batch 002 in this same vein. Batch 002 is an homage to our debut expression, but with a few nuances stemming from the thoughtfully selected mixture of age statements, creating a complex and layered flavor profile. I hope whiskey drinkers and spirits enthusiasts will enjoy this release as much as the first, if not more so." Along with Batch 002, Five Trail also launched the below expressions, available in limited quantities within the brand's eight distribution markets: Barrel Proof: Barrel Proof takes the Batch 002 blend and bottles it at 119 proof. A whiff unlocks aromas of cinnamon brioche, milk chocolate, ginger, caramel apple, and vanilla pudding. A sip features notes of caramel, marshmallow, and candied dates, with ginger, cinnamon, and black pepper on the end, finishing with caramel, ginger, oak tannin, and campfire smoke. Cask Finish Series: Bottled at 95 proof, it's crafted from a blend of 4-Year Indiana wheated bourbon, 4-Year Kentucky four grain bourbon, 4-Year Colorado single malt and 7-year Indiana rye. The whiskeys are rested in Imperial Porter Barrels from the AC Golden Brewing Company in Golden, Colorado and cut to proof with Rocky Mountain Water. It features notes of biscuit, roasted nuts, and caramel on the nose with hints of toffee, vanilla pudding, apple, candied date, almond, oak, black tea, and cinnamon crumb cake on the palate. Expect a finish of nuts, delicate ginger, and cinnamon. Small Batch Blend: The Small Batch is blended from a base of 4-Year Indiana wheated bourbon, 4-Year Kentucky four grain bourbon, and 8-Year Colorado single malt whiskey with 17-Year Tennessee whiskey. Honey amber in color, there are notes of warm baked bread, slight citrus, ginger, white pepper, and cardamom on the nose with honeyed granola, creamy vanilla, orange marmalade, oak, and honeysuckle with a bit of paprika on the palate. The finish is warm and powerful ginger and oak melded with embers of smoky overlay. It's bottled at 95 proof. "We're thrilled to continue Five Trail's journey with these new expressions," said Kim Fox, Marketing Manager – Wine & Spirits. "Whether you're

Jan 23, 202349 min

209: The Irish Whiskey Resurgence with Sliabh Liag Distillers

We sit down with James Doherty, Founder of Sliabh Liag Distillers (pronounced "sleeve league") to discuss their portfolio of Silkie Irish Whiskey which recently launched in the United States. We discuss the unique features of Irish Whiskey as well as the various offerings from Sliabh Liag. Find out what makes their whiskies stand out in a market that is seeing explosive growth for Irish Whiskey. Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout goes to our growing Patreon Community as well! We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and tell a fellow whiskey lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Check out our BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks. Cheers, Scott and Jake Bourbon Lens About Sliabh Liag Distillers Bringing the almost-forgotten smoky style of Irish whiskey back into the consciousness and repertoire of discerning premium spirits drinkers is the collection of Silkie whiskeys. Each blended to an exacting standard by Sliabh Liag Distillers founder, James Doherty, the core range of three whiskies – The Legendary Silkie, The Legendary Dark Silkie and Midnight Silkie – take drinkers on a journey through the rich, surprising rewards of whiskies with a varying degree of smoky character. James's childhood holidays in Donegal nurtured a love for the folk tales of the Sliabh Liag peninsula and more importantly a dream for the future possibilities of reclaiming Donegal's distilling heritage; this is the driving passion behind James and Moira Doherty's return to Donegal to establish Sliabh Liag Distillers. The Silkie range – named after the mermaids who would come ashore, shedding their seal- like coat to become beautiful dark haired maidens and steal the hearts of local fishermen – is the first product launched by the business. Founder of Sliabh Liag Distillers, James Doherty, says the inspiration for the collection of Silkie whiskeys comes from memories of those early years in Donegal: "In the mornings, I would head down to the kitchen, where beside the stove, grandad's pipe would be sitting from the night before. Grandad was a wonderful man, tall, strong, hard-working, and generous, with a mischievous twinkle in his eye. Eleven-year-old me would tug on his pipe and I can viscerally remember the sweet tobacco, smoky and ashy aroma. It seemed to compliment the smell of the stove, the peat and my gran's baking. Although it's a morning moment, the whiskey is the taste of the night before". Once he has this taste in his mind's eye, the sense of place for James is richer than the lighter Irish whiskey style prevalent today. His aim is to create a style that harks back to a richer era in Irish whiskey, pre-prohibition, and for which Donegal's distillers were famed. James continued: "I look for balance in the structure of that taste in the whiskeys available to me. One building block of Dark Silkie is intense sweetness - Grain Whiskey virgin oak provides a rounded sweetness, caramel toffee; it feels rich, luxurious, generous, and safe, and captures the innocence of that version of me. It also brings a degree of tannin to the whiskey. Another is smoky, ashy; triple distilled peated malt provides the pipe aromas, an earthy smoky note that we can get to play off the sweetness of the grain. Accents include aromatic dryness. To balance the intense sweet grain I choose the aromatic freshness of a double distilled single malt in sherry, more estery and zesty to cut into the sweetness in the final blend, all of which creates a maritime herbal quality that is almost salty". For more information on Silkie Irish Whiskeys visit www.silkiewhiskey.com and for Sliabh Liag Distillers, visit www.sliabhliagdistillers.com. Follow us on Instagram at @SilkieWhiskeyAmericas.

Jan 16, 202351 min

208: Becoming Executive Bourbon Stewards at Stave & Thief Society

Jake and Scott catch up with Colin Blake, Director of Spirits Education at Moonshine University, after becoming two of the newest Executive Bourbon Stewards. Stave and Thief Society, which is part of Moonshine University, is the first bourbon certification program recognized by the bourbon industry and the only to be recognized by the Kentucky Distillers Association as its "Official Bourbon Education Course." The Executive Bourbon Steward Certification is a day-long, intensive training to strengthen your understanding of the technical side of bourbon production, its history and relationship to other whiskeys, and the variety of aromas and flavors found in different expressions of bourbon. For those of our listeners who are unable to attend this class in Louisville Kentucky, Moonshine University recently launched an online Executive Certification which is helping people around the world to now become Executive Bourbon Stewards. Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout goes to our growing Patreon Community as well! We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Check out our BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks. Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens About Moonshine University: Moonshine University®, located in Louisville Kentucky was created to bring together specialists from every facet of the distilling and spirits industries under one roof to provide education, training, R & D, and support for industry professionals, established companies, and those entering the business. With a faculty of over 50 of the industry's recognized experts, we provide the opportunity to learn from the best of the best, from distillers and marketers of the world's most successful brands to owners and operators of working craft distilleries. Moonshine University® is located on a beverage campus that houses a fully-equipped distillery, state-of-art classroom, production facility with bottling line, extensive sensory library, and 24,000 square foot beverage innovation laboratory. Our proximity to industry supplier and manufacturing facilities allows us to incorporate "field trips" into our curriculum. As the exclusive educational member of the Kentucky Distillers' Association, Moonshine University® has the full breadth and depth of its support. KDA members produce nearly all of the major brands and many of the well-known craft brands in the United States. It is with these resources that we are able to offer such an in-depth training and business education for the distilling industry. About Stave & Thief Society: Stave & Thief Society was founded in 2014, and is the first bourbon certification program recognized by the bourbon industry and the only to be recognized by the Kentucky Distillers Association as its "Official Bourbon Education Course." The programs were developed by professional distilling and spirits educators and advised by a panel of experts in the bourbon and hospitality industries to provide a premium, standardized bourbon education that is accessible and holds real value. About Colin Blake | Director of Spirits Education Colin joined the Moonshine University team in 2012 as its Director of Spirits Education. As a researcher and writer of spirits and cocktails with a background in film production and comedy, Colin is known for delivering expertly curated courses with an entertaining presentation. He is also the proud co-creator of the Stave & Thief Society. When he isn't teaching, Colin is busy producing custom educational experiences for craft distillers and large spirits brands, alike. Executive Bourbon Steward Course Overview: Spend a day at our hands-on learning center and have the time of your life as you attain a real working knowledge of bourbon and bourbon production. Designed for industry professionals and bourbon enthusiasts alike, this day-long workshop offers state-of-the-art classroom training, hands-on distilling, and advanced sensory training, along with plenty of bourbon to enjoy throughout the day (for educational purposes, of course). You'll gain a strengthened understanding of the technical side of bourbon production, its history and relationship to other whiskeys, and the variety of aromas and flavors found in different expressions, giving you all the tools you need to build creative flights and

Jan 9, 202349 min

207: The Origin Series from Bardstown Bourbon Company

Jake travels to Bardstown for an early look (and taste) of Bardstown Bourbon Company's first estate-distilled collection of whiskey releases; The Origin Series. These whiskies release later this week and we had the opportunity to be among the first to try each of the 3 releases. If you've followed the Bourbon Lens for a while, you know that we have anticipated these whiskies for many years. We discuss the new lineup with Dan Callaway and Brandon Smith from BBCo. Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout goes to our growing Patreon Community as well! We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Check out our website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, whiskey news, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks. Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens Bourbon Lens Coverage of Bardstown Bourbon Co.: New! Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series Coming Soon! Bardstown Bourbon Company's Latest Collaboration Focuses On The Barrel Bardstown Bourbon Company: The Penultimate Fusion Series Bardstown Bourbon Company: is Fercullen Their Best Collaboration? Bardstown Bourbon Co. to Release Final Expressions in Fusion Series 191: Inside the Vintage Whiskey Library at Bardstown Bourbon Company Bardstown Bourbon Reimagines Château de Laubade Collaboration with Second Release Finding Gold at The Bar: Bardstown Bourbon Company: Muscat Mistelle Collaboration 42: Bardstown Bourbon Co.'s Dan Callaway 31: Discover Bardstown Bourbon Company About the Bardstown Bourbon Co. Origin Series: New core product collection features Straight Bourbon, Bottled-in-Bond and Rye whiskies distilled and aged at the brand's Bardstown homeplace. Six years after their first whiskey was distilled, Bardstown Bourbon Company, one of the largest and most sophisticated distilleries in the country, will release its first estate-distilled collection of whiskies in early 2023. The Origin Series introduces consumers to the modern brand's core product line through three distinct 6-year-old whiskies: Origin Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Origin Bottled-in-Bond and Origin Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey. The full series, all of which has been distilled, aged and bottled at Bardstown Bourbon Co., will be distributed to retailers in 24 states, at the distillery gift shop, and via a number of online retailers. "The Origin Series is the first opportunity to taste an expression that is 100 percent our whiskey," said Dan Callaway, VP of Product Development for Bardstown Bourbon Co. "We've put years of patience into this bottle, waiting six years until we felt it was truly ready to share with the world. The full technical capabilities of our distillery are on display with these three bespoke products." Origin Series Bourbon is a 6-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. This 36 percent high-rye mash bill showcases the best of classic bourbon with a burst of rye spice. A balanced blend of apricot, orange blossom, and mint rests on caramel, nutmeg, and rich oak unfolds on the nose. On the palate, waves of cinnamon and vanilla lead to a bold, signature lasting finish. Origin Series Bourbon is presented at 96 proof (48 percent ABV) for a suggested price of $44.99. Wheated Bottled-in-Bond presents the best locally sourced corn and wheat grains in this 6-year-old straight bourbon whiskey. This bourbon features 20 percent wheat in the mashbill, creating a beautifully balanced modern expression. Baked peach with cream meets cocoa with hints of lemon on the nose. An indulgent, smooth mouthfeel of stone fruit and toffee leads to an alluring and enduring finish. Origin Series Bottled-in-Bond is presented at 100 proof (50% ABV) for a suggested price of $49.99. Kentucky Straight Rye is finished in custom barrels comprised of alternating toasted American oak and toasted cherry wood staves. This finishing process creates a wholly unique flavor unlike anything seen in the rye category. Ripe cherry resonates through toasted oak, highlighted by white flower, dill, and cinnamon. A rich, round mouthfeel bursts with fruit flavor leading to a one-of-a-kind sublime finish. Origin Series Kentucky Straight Rye is presented at 96 proof (48% ABV) for a suggested price of $69.99. In addition to the three core products, the launch of the Origin Series will include for the first time, a single barrel program for Bardstown Bourbon Co. A limited number of Origin Series Bourbon single

Jan 2, 202333 min

206: Colkegan American Single Malt Whiskey from Santa Fe Spirits

We are exploring American Single Malt again this week and tasting a lineup from Colkegan from Santa Fe Spirits in New Mexico. We're joined by Colin Keegan, one of the pillars in the American Single Malt Whiskey community. Colin talks about his path to making spirits in the Southwestern United States, the difficulties in growing a craft brand, and his commitment to crafting the best single malt whiskey in America. Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout goes to our growing Patreon Community as well! We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Check out our freshly redesigned website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, whiskey news, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks. Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens About Santa Fe Spirits: Santa Fe Spirits was founded by Colin Keegan in 2010 with the goal of becoming the Southwest's pre-eminent artisan distillery. With products ranging from silver whisky to barrel-aged apple brandy to Colkegan Single Malt Whiskey, Santa Fe Spirits is a relatively small distillery proud to be producing exceptional spirits designed to capture and accentuate the essence of the Southwest. About Colin Keegan: Colin started Santa Fe Spirits in 2010 with the goal of making the highest quality handcrafted spirits. As he and his wife Suzette live in an apple orchard in Tesuque he had 'experimented' with making brandy from the fall crop since 2002. On putting together a business plan he realized that apple brandy alone would not be a sustainable business model, so he formulated a plan of a range of spirits, and sold to multiple markets, with a major focus on American whiskies. The business began with whiskey, apple brandy, and one assistant in the distillery. Over the last twelve years the company has been through many changes. It has been through many expansions and is now on the 4th which will double the facility size. SFS continually adds more products to our portfolio. We have grown from just Colin to eight fulltime and four part-time team members. We now distribute to 11 states across the US and export to Germany, Australia and Japan. ​We have received national awards for all our spirits, but are always looking to improve on all we do. Our next few years will be focused on extending our whiskey market. ​Colin really believes in the craft distilling industry and is a strong advocate for craft distilleries. He was a founding member and has been a board member of the American Craft Distillers Association (ACSA) for 5 years. He also served a 2-year position as their treasurer. Colin was the founder of the New Mexico Distillers Guild (NMDG) in 2015 and served as its president for three years. He grew the organization from three founders to 20 members. As a founding member of the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission (ASMWC), Colin truly believes American Single Malt Whiskies are really coming into being and will see great growth over the next few years. As a board member of the Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce, Colin is a big contributor to the local community and small business. He served as Board President in 2016.

Dec 26, 202255 min

205: Filmland Spirits Making Whiskey Inspired by Hollywood

We're joined by Filmland Spirits Founder and CEO Troy Bolotnick. Filmland Spirits has just released 3 new whiskies to market and are seeking to tell a story with every bottle. Inspired by decade's past B–Movies, their bottlings are sure to catch your attention on the shelf. Each release is a homage to Hollywood, film-making, and wild storylines. Visit FilmlandSpirits.com to grab yourself a bottle for your next movie night. Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout goes to our growing Patreon Community as well! We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Check out our freshly redesigned website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, whiskey news, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks. Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens

Dec 19, 202240 min

204: Corbin Cash Distillery - Farm to Glass Whiskey in California

Our guest this week is David Souza, the Founder and Distiller for Corbin Cash Distillery in California. We discuss the farm-to-glass approach of the Distillery and what drives David to produce craft whiskey in the San Joaquin Valley where his family has been farming for decades. Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout goes to our growing Patreon Community as well! We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Check out our freshly redesigned website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, whiskey news, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks. Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens

Dec 12, 202256 min

203: Westland Distillery & the American Single Malt Explosion

Our guest this week is Matt Hofman of Westland Distillery. Matt is the Co-Founder and Master Distiller of Westland Distillery in Seattle, Washington. Matt has passion for exceptional whiskies that reflect the region where they were made. He has received a General Certificate in Distilling from the Institute of Brewing and Distilling in London, as well as a Postgraduate Diploma in Distilling from the International Center for Brewing and Distilling at Heriot-Watt University. Matt's work in American single malt whiskey has been praised by business and trade organizations alike, including being named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2016 and receiving the 2018 American Master Distiller of the Year award by Whisky Magazine. Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout goes to our growing Patreon Community as well! We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Check out our freshly redesigned website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, whiskey news, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks. Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens About Westland Distillery: Founded in 2010 and acquired by Remy-Cointreau in 2017, Seattle's Westland Distillery brings a new and uniquely American voice to the world of single malt whiskey by exploring possibilities that have been ignored for generations. Along the way, Westland has been recognized as the country's leading producer of American Single Malt Whiskey and founded the formal establishment of the emerging American Single Malt Whiskey category by starting the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission. While the distillery uses the same basic ingredients and processes used for centuries by traditional Old World single malt producers, it doesn't simply seek to replicate the results of its Scottish predecessors. Instead, Westland works to create whiskies that reflect the distinct qualities of its time, place and culture in the Pacific Northwest. All of Westland's expressions are distilled at the Seattle distillery from 100% malted barley and fermented with a unique Belgian Saison brewer's yeast before maturing in one of a variety of cask types, including new American oak, ex-Bourbon, ex-Sherry, and Garry Oak, to name a few. Coverage and Praise for Westland Distillery: Episode 63: Westland American Single Malt Whiskey - Bourbon Lens Westland Distillery American Single Malt May Soon Be an Official Designation | Wine Enthusiast Westland Distillery Celebrates 8th Annual Peat Week - Bourbon Lens What an Official American Single Malt Category Means for the Future of Whiskey in the U.S. | VinePair TTB announces proposed American Single Malt standards Follow Matt Hofmann (@matthewhofmann) on Instagram American Single Malt Whiskey Commission

Dec 5, 20221h 22m

202: Exploring the Legends & Lore of Jack Daniel's Distillery

Our guest this week is Nelson Eddy, historian for Jack Daniel's Distillery. Nelson has represented the Jack Daniel's brand for more than 34 years and learned the history and lore surrounding the brand working for its very first marketing director, Mr. Art Hancock. In 1988, Eddy helped introduce the first new whiskey from the Jack Daniel Distillery in more than a century – Gentleman Jack Tennessee Whiskey. He has since crafted numerous brand communications for Jack Daniel's, including a book, touring show, countless videos and films. As the Jack Daniel Historian, he has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, NPR, Atlantic Magazine, CNBC, the History Channel and the National Geographic Channel. For his work, he has won numerous regional and national Addy Awards, the New York Art Director's Andy Award and the One Show Pencil. He holds a master's degree in English from Middle Tennessee State University with an emphasis in the study of the Beat Generation. Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout goes to our growing Patreon Community as well! We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Check out our freshly redesigned website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, whiskey news, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks. Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens Bourbon Lens Coverage of Jack Daniel's: Jack Daniel's Limited Edition Toasted Pecan Tennessee Whiskey Jack Daniel's Never Resting On Their Laurels With Newest Release - Bourbon Lens Sweet or Savory? What Happens When You Toast Maple Barrels - Bourbon Lens Jack Daniel's Innovates with Rye Whiskey and Not Bourbon? Jack Daniel's Pursues Innovation With Latest Release - Bourbon Lens 174: Jack Daniel's Launches New Bottled in Bond Whiskies - Bourbon Lens

Nov 28, 202249 min

201: An Ultra Premium Bourbon Cocktail - The Gold Fashioned

Our guest this week is Robert Haynes, former bartender at Chicago's Violet Hour and the creator of Sunday's Finest Gold Fashioned. Robert is looking to reimagine the "ready to drink" cocktail to put an elevated spin on the Old Fashioned. In fact, Sunday's Finest is re-defining this iconic cocktail using some of the best ingredients on the planet, including Afghan Saffron and Tahitian Vanilla. This is the 2nd release of the Gold Fashioned and features a blend of bourbon and rye composed of a 15 year bourbon, an 8 year bourbon, and a 5 year rye. We discuss the origin story of the brand and what may be in store for future releases from Sunday's Finest. The Gold Fashioned might make the perfect bottle to bring along to your holiday parties this year; save yourself some time at the mini-bar and pour your friends an elevated Old Fashioned instead. Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout goes to our growing Patreon Community as well! We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Check out our freshly redesigned website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, whiskey news, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks. Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens About Sunday's Finest & Gold Fashioned We've created the world's first luxury RTD cocktail: the Gold Fashioned. It's impeccably sourced with split base whiskeys, our house-made saffron bitters blend, an orange atomizer and runs $150/btl. Last year's blend (5k bottles) sold out and Esquire dubbed it 2021's best bottled cocktail. We're running it back (mid Oct) with a 15y bourbon to up the ante. We believe premium bottled cocktails are here to stay and we'd love the opportunity to chat with you about bringing this conversation and our story to your audience. If you're intrigued, keep reading. The 2022 blend of the Gold Fashioned cocktail was just released in mid October and can be purchased online. Last year's inaugural offering caused quite a stir. Crafted by former The Violet Hour bartender, Robert Haynes and made with 8yr Bourbon, 5 yr Rye, and Saffron bitters each bottle came complete with a beautiful gift box and a revolutionary orange zest atomizer. At $150 per bottle, it was the first true luxury RTD to hit the market and a total game changer for the space. Each ingredient in the house-made Bitters blend is of the absolute highest quality and sourced from the country of origin: We're talking Afghan Saffron, Grade A Tahitian Vanilla, Single Estate Ecuadorian Cacao, Seville Orange Peel, Wild Harvest Gentian from the French Alps. Another thing that really sets this one apart is the Orange Zest atomizer. No other RTD engages all of the senses. Finishing the cocktail with a spritz of fresh orange aromatics puts it on par with any cocktail from even the finest of cocktail bars. Just like last year, this will be a limited release - 3000 bottles - we expect it to move quickly. Links: Sunday's Finest Gold Fashioned Why Sunday's Finest Gold Fashioned Cocktail Costs $150 A Bottle

Nov 21, 202251 min

200: Celebrating a Milestone with Rare Buffalo Trace Whiskey: Last Drop Distillers

We're celebrating our 200th episode of Bourbon Lens this week. And we couldn't think of a better way to celebrate than with The Last Drop Distillers. Last Drop recently released their rare, ultra premium blend of Kentucky Straight Whiskies. Our guests today are Rebecca Jago, managing director of The Last Drop Distillers, and Drew Mayville, Sazerac Master Blender and founding member of The Last Drop Assembly. Find out more about this ultra-exclusive release which retails for $3,999 in this week's episode. You can read our full tasting notes here in our recent review on BourbonLens.com. Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout goes to our growing Patreon Community as well! We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Check out our freshly redesigned website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, whiskey news, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks. Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens Press Release from September 22, 2022: The Last Drop Distillers of London continues its quest for curating and creating the world's rarest and most remarkable spirits with the release of its second Signature Blend: Release No 28: The Last Drop Signature Blend of Kentucky Straight Whiskeys. Created by Sazerac Master Blender Drew Mayville, a founding member of The Last Drop Assembly's panel of spirits industry experts, this bespoke spirit comprises a blend of vintage straight bourbon and rye whiskeys. Impossible to replicate, 1,458 bottles will be released worldwide and available in the U.S. as of October 2022 at a suggested retail price of $3,999 (750ml/121.4 proof). Since becoming Sazerac's Master Blender in 2004, Drew has cultivated a dream of creating an ultra-rare whiskey for the most discerning of connoisseurs. To achieve this, he began preserving extremely small quantities of his favorite whiskeys at Buffalo Trace Distillery to fulfill this vision. He was confident that using his lifetime of expertise, knowledge and his masterful palate, combined with the incredible liquids available to him, he could make a unique and unparalleled blend. To bring his vision for The Last Drop to life Drew blended vintage whiskeys that he had been saving since he joined the Buffalo Trace Distillery team. He tasted more than 40 different vintage bourbon and rye whiskeys, creating multiple combinations of these spirits before arriving at the final masterpiece that bears his signature. Bottled at 121.4 proof, Drew left this high-proof blend uncut and unfiltered to maximize its flavor and complexity. The resulting liquid is a celebration of the art of blending, allowing the individual components to shine while creating a majestic whole that is truly remarkable and impossible to replicate. Drew uses the analogy of an orchestra to explain his intention: "As a master blender, I wholeheartedly believe that one can take individual components that are already exceptional to create an extraordinarily-beautiful end product," says Drew. "As with music, a clarinet can be beautiful in its own right. However, when you combine it with other instruments in an orchestra you create a symphony – a masterpiece. This blend fully epitomizes this notion, and it's been a dream come true to create this truly one-of-a-kind spirit for my friends at The Last Drop." Drew's Blend follows The Last Drop Distillers first Signature Blend: a 50 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky created by Master Blender Colin J.P. Scott. Released in July 2021, this was the brand's first foray into the creation, as well as curation, of extraordinary spirits by the talented members of The Last Drop Assembly. "It has been a wonderfully exciting experience to work with my friend, colleague and inspiration, Drew Mayville, to create this phenomenal blend," says Rebecca Jago, managing director, The Last Drop Distillers. "The creation of The Assembly in 2020 was one of The Last Drop's proudest achievements: to see the visions of such stellar icons of the industry come to life in a Last Drop bottle is, for me, a dream come true." Drew Mayville's Tasting Notes: COLOR: A rich, golden amber hue speaks of the wood, the age and the maturation these whiskeys have been through. The high proof can be seen in the long legs which linger on the glass. NOSE: This reminds me of walking into one of Buffalo Trace's most famous warehouses, built all those years ago: the atmosphere, the history and the pr

Nov 14, 202240 min

199: Our Salute to Service with Old Line Spirits - Veterans Day Special

It's the return of our "Salute to Service" Veteran's Day podcast. This week, we are saluting the service of our guest, Arch Watkins, and his partner, Mark McLaughlin, from Old Line Spirits. Old Line Spirits is based in Maryland and has had a gritty story of building a top class American Single Malt distillery. We hope you enjoy this episode and toast to Veterans this week! If you are looking for a Veteran-Owned distillery to support, may we suggest Old Line? Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout goes to our growing Patreon Community as well! We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Check out our freshly redesigned website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, whiskey news, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks. Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens About Old Line Spirits: Mark McLaughlin and Arch Watkins met in the Navy flying EA-6B Prowlers, ended up stationed in the same reserve squadron in Baltimore, and embarked on civilian careers after retiring from the Navy. But when you've spent decades flying off aircraft carriers and being stationed all over the world, a desk job isn't enough. The solution? Whiskey. American Single Malt, to be exact. In 2015, they connected with the owners of Golden Distillery, two Vietnam vets looking to pass the torch. Their tutelage and equipment was the start of Old Line Spirits. McLaughlin and Watkins opened Old Line Spirits in 2017 with plenty of distillery space, a courtyard bar and The Ready Room, Maryland's first full beer, wine and spirits cocktail bar in a distillery. They produce American Single Malt whiskeys and aged Caribbean rums. Their Sherry Cask Finish ASMW was just named the Best American Single Malt and awarded double platinum in the Ascot Awards. McLaughlin and Watkins are also actively involved in the campaign to get the TTB to standardize a definition for the American Single Malt category. For more info on Old Line Spirits, visit their website: Old Line Spirits

Nov 7, 202244 min

198: Building "Brand Mysticism" - How to Launch a Viral Booze Brand

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Our guests this week are Steven Grasse and Aaron Goldfarb who are set to release their latest book: Brand Mysticism. The book releases on November 8th and is a must read for anyone looking to add creativity to their life and brand. This isn't your typical "booze book" and definitely will raise some eyebrows in the marketing world, but Steven Grasse doesn't mind that one bit. His portfolio speaks for itself; he's created some of the biggest brands including Hendrick's Gin and Sailor Jerry Rum and helped bring new life to some of the world's best brands including Guinness and Miller High Life. Steven Grasse is an authority on building an authentic, enduring, and deeply beloved (viral) brands. And Aaron Goldfarb, he's the novelist, author, and journalist responsible for wrangling all these ideas and creativity into one cohesive book. Bourbon Lens has followed Aaron's work for a long while and were honored to pick his brain for this episode. A huge thank you to Steven, Aaron, and Punch Media for making this episode happen. We hope you enjoy it and grab a copy of the book for yourself! Pre-order or purchase your copy of the book via Amazon or buy wherever you find books locally. Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout goes to our growing Patreon Community as well! We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Check out our freshly redesigned website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, whiskey news, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks. Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Len About the Book: BRAND MYSTICISM: CULTIVATE CREATIVITY AND INTOXICATE YOUR AUDIENCE Written By Steven Grasse & Aaron Goldfarb;Illustrated by Ron Short From the marketing mastermind behind countless iconic booze brands comes an irreverent and wide-ranging treatise on building and maintaining a standout brand in business and life: BRAND MYSTICISM. Steven Grasse made a name for himself as not only an offbeat distillery owner but also the brains behind beloved brands like Hendrick's Gin and Sailor Jerry Rum and the guy who made cheap-beer-standbys like Narragansett and Miller High Life cool again. Through his work in advertising and marketing, Grasse has changed the game in the booze world and become an authority on building an authentic, enduring, and deeply beloved brand. Food & Wine has called him "the punk-rock prince of small-batch spirits." "Think of me as the Ben Franklin of hooch, the Thomas Edison of booze. Or just think of me as a crazy middle-aged man who is going to tell you some really funny sometimes slightly fucked-up stories that will hopefully make you laugh and maybe realize there's quite a bit of merit to having fun trolling people doing art for art's sake, simply trying shit and not really giving a rat's ass," said Steven Grasse. "You might wonder how I became such a Big Cheese in the world of booze. I sometimes wonder the same thing, and while everything you read in my new book is true, it is also total bullshit." So how did he do it? Through irreverent tips (why being a troll can be so vital), case studies (when marketing cigarettes taught him about virality) and magical ingredients (who knew beaver anus would change his fortunes), BRAND MYSTICISM guides you through the steps it takes to channel your own entrepreneurial spirit into a business, a creative practice, or a life that breaks with tradition to achieve the remarkable. About the Authors: Steven Grasse is an entrepreneur equally influenced by punk rock and New England transcendentalism. Steven has created some of the most outrageous booze brands of the twenty-first century: Hendrick's Gin, Sailor Jerry Rum, Art in the Age Craft Spirits—all seemingly out of thin air. He is the part-owner and creative mastermind behind Narragansett beer, and his agency, Quaker City Mercantile, has brought similar success to beer icons Pilsner Urquell, Guinness, and, most recently, Miller High Life. His first distillery, Tamworth Distilling & Mercantile, opened in 2015 and gained international press and awards within its first year. Steven is also the author of The Cocktail Workshop, Colonial Spirits: A Toast to Our Drunken History, The Good Reverend's Guide to Infused Spirits, and Evil Empire. He lives and works in Philadelphia. Aaron Goldfarb is a novelist, author, and journalist, who frequently writes about the spirits industry and drinking culture

Oct 30, 202251 min

197: Blending America's Craft Whiskey with American Mash and Grain

We're joined by the founders of American Mash & Grain, CEO Devin Ershow & COO Chase Langdon. Devin and Chase have created a website documentary project to highlight the American Craft Whiskey movement, regularly giving full featured reviews and telling the stories of the best craft whiskey distilleries. The next progression for their project is marrying some of their favorite featured distilleries into a unique blend of American Whiskey. Their first volume features 4 varied whiskies that they meld together for "Borrowed Page Volume 1". Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout goes to our growing Patreon Community as well! We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Check out our freshly redesigned website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, whiskey news, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks. Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens About American Mash & Grain American Mash & Grainbrings together four unique styles and producers to redefine American Whiskey. Borrowed Page Volume 1 is the first release in a limited release series. A partnership between American Mash & Grain and the craft whiskey distilleries we've featured on our site. Each volume will be different from the last, weaving the tale of a uniquely American collaboration, a blending of culture, craft, and passion that honors its makers and hopes to move the story of American Whiskey forward. "For so long American whiskey has been thought of as one thing. There are a growing number of craft producers in the U.S. that are working hard to challenge this convention and establish their own local identity of American Whiskey." - Devin Ershow, CEO American Mash & Grain "American whiskey is as diverse in thought, expression and approach as America itself. We wanted to create a product that highlighted some of the many pioneers, leaders and innovators working hard to redefine American made whiskey." - Chase Langdon, COO American Mash & Grain Volume 1 is a blend of bourbon, rye and single malt whiskey. 34% Watershed Distillery, Columbus, OH (Straight Bourbon) "The passion Devin and Chase put into this project shows through in their whiskey. Borrowed Page is an authentic collection of spirits and people that have come together to create something special. We are excited about this partnership and are certain these bottles will sell out quickly!" - Greg Lehman, Founder/CEO Watershed Distillery 32% Wigle Whiskey, Pittsburgh, PA (Pennsylvania Straight Rye) "We are so thrilled to partner up with American Mash & Grain. Our Blender, Taylor Bostock, picked one of our favorite Rye barrels from our barrelhouse for this blend to represent Pennsylvania Monongahela Rye. Devin and Chase have brought together some of the most innovative and dedicated craft spirit makers in the US to create a blend that captures the best flavors of this moment in craft distilling. We are so proud to be a part of the Borrowed Page project," - Alexander Grelli, Co-Founder and Owner Wigle Whiskey. 24% Spirits of French Lick, West Baden Springs, IN (Lee Sinclair Bourbon) "American Mash and Grain have been great supporters of Spirits of French lick and craft distilling in general. When we heard they wanted to focus on making a blended whiskey using craft spirits it went without saying that we wanted to be as much a part of that project as we possibly could be. The American craft whiskey movement has become in recent years a true talking point in regards to quality, unique flavors, and the expansion of the American whiskey experience. Using these unique profiles to produce a blended whiskey and present it to an expanded audience that may not be familiar with each independent contributor is a great way to create new customers interested in exploring what once was fringe but is now re-writing what American whiskey distilling can be. It was our distinct pleasure to include a unique 62 gallon, Number 2 char barrel, of our Lee W. Sinclair Bourbon to the project." - Alan Bishop, Head Distillery Spirits of French Lick 10% Whiskey Del Bac, Tucson, AZ (Mesquite Smoked Single Malt) "We love what the team at American Mash & Grain is doing with the Borrowed Page project and are honored to be included. History is being made right now in American whiskey as we and other incredible distilleries across the country are crafting American single malts wi

Oct 23, 202256 min

196: A Conversation with Nate Gana, "International Man of Whisky"

We're joined by the "International Man of Whisky", Nate Gana. He's the man behind Bevridge, a carefully curated whisky experience that ships straight to your door, and currently has over 125K followers on his Instagram. We discuss his views in the world of whisky and the growth of American Single Malt as well as the international impact of Bourbon. About Nate Gana:Nate is the Founder of @NateGana on Instagram (formerly known as @SingleMaltDaily), a platform of over 130K+ followers, as well as a writer who consistently writes for Food and Wine Magazine, Forbes, Bloomberg and Men's Journal. Nate is a San Francisco World Spirits Competition Judge and an Aspen Food and Wine Panelist. He is also the Co-Founder of Bevridge; Bevridge brings together curated tasting experiences, compelling on-demand content, and opportunities to engage with industry experts. Nate Gana in the News and Online: Nate Gana (@nategana) • Instagram photos and videos Single Malt Daily Bevridge.co Whisky Hunting: 20 Rare and Incredibly Hard-to-Find Whiskies Worth the Investment Single Malt Daily's Nate Gana Breaks Down The World Of Whisk(e)y Investing Nate Gana - Food & Wine 10 Best Whiskies to Start Your Collection 9 Best Bourbons to Start Your Collection Nate Gana's Profile | Freelance Journalist | Muck Rack How whisky became a smart investment: millennial Asian collectors are bidding big for rare single malts from Macallan, Suntory, Talisker and Laphroaig

Oct 16, 202237 min

195: Elevating the Global Spirits Market with William Grant & Sons

Our guest today is Tim Pitts, the Senior District Manager for Kentucky and Tennessee for William Grant & Sons Inc. Working in the land of Kentucky Bourbon and Tennessee Whiskey, Tim is up for the challenge of bringing some of the world's best Scotch Whisky to consumers in the area. William Grant & Sons is an independent, family owned premium spirits company. Their core lineup includes some of the most well-known brands in spirits: Glenfiddich, Grant's, The Balvenie, Tullamore D.E.W., Drambuie, Hendrick's Gin, Sailor Jerry Rum and Monkey Shoulder. Editor's Note: Please excuse the brief audio issue with our guest's audio during 1:17 - 2:50 Timestamp. The audio returns to normal for the remainder of the episode. About William Grant & Sons: William Grant & Sons is an independent, family owned premium spirits company. When our founder William Grant established our company in 1887, he had a vision to make the best dram in the valley, and that vision stands true today as we build brands that are loved the world over. These include our eight core brands: Glenfiddich, Grant's, The Balvenie, Tullamore D.E.W., Drambuie, Hendrick's Gin, Sailor Jerry Rum and Monkey Shoulder. We have distilling and bottling operations in Scotland, Ireland, Iceland, India, the US and Mexico and a team of over 2,600 people at 48 global locations. We consistently win the industry's top accolades, which are testament to the quality of our liquid, our dedication to our craft and the talent of our people. One hundred and thirty four years on, we are leaders in the international spirits industry and have ambitious plans for growth to ensure our business is sustainable for the long term. William Grant was a true pioneer. He worked with a close-knit team of talented and passionate people to create a legacy that endures and their spirit is very much at the heart of our culture today. Learn more on their website: http://www.williamgrant.com Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout goes to our growing Patreon Community as well! We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Check out our freshly redesigned website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, whiskey news, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks. Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens William Grant & Sons In The News: William Grant lifts profit despite supply chain woes | Scotland | The Times William Grant & Sons launches Glenfiddich Perpetual Collection Thirstie Launches William Grant & Sons First U.S. Branded E-Commerce Sites With The Balvenie And Glenfiddich Online Shops Glenfiddich-maker William Grant & Sons sees sales rebound but warns of 'challenges and unrest' | The Scotsman William Grant & Sons sees turnover and profit increase - DRAM Scotland William Grant & Sons Hendrick's Neptunia Gin - Product Launch - Just Drinks William Grant & Sons bolsters travel retail team

Oct 9, 202237 min

Off Hours with Bourbon Lens Episode 12: Seth Benhaim Broken Barrel Whiskey

It is the Finale Episode of "Off Hours with Bourbon Lens". And, to celebrate the Finale, we are releasing our Single Barrel Selection of Off Hours Bourbon. This is an extremely limited release of less than 100 bottles. We couldn't think of a better way to cap off this successful podcast mini-series run. If you've enjoyed this content, do us a big favor and pick yourself up a bottle to share with your friends and family in your 'Off Hours'. Bottles are available online and shipped to your door, check out the full tasting notes and product listing here: SharedPour.com Off Hours x Bourbon Lens Single Barrel Selection This week's episode features Seth Benhaim, founder of Broken Barrel Whiskey. Broken Barrel and Bourbon Lens have collaborated on several podcasts and even our very own whiskey over the last 4 years and we were excited to sit down with him for this episode. Don't miss your chance to purchase your own bottle via SharedPour.com. This episode is brought to you by Off Hours Bourbon. Off Hours Bourbon is made for the moments in between. After a long week or just because. Find the time and the moments in between. Find them with us in the Off Hours. Find out more about Off Hours Bourbon on their website. This has been another production of Bourbon Lens LLC. Thank you for your continued support. Scott & JakeBourbon Lens

Oct 5, 202233 min

194: The Best of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival 2022

We're wrapping up our coverage of the 2022 Kentucky Bourbon Festival and Bourbon Heritage Month with some live recordings on-site at the Festival. We're joined by some great brands and distilleries like Kentucky Peerless, O.H. Ingram, Broken Barrel, RD1 Spirits, Old Steelhouse Distillery, and Bardstown Bourbon Co. Don't miss out on the 2023 Kentucky Bourbon Festival, sign up for their newsletter via KyBourbonFestival.com. Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout goes to our growing Patreon Community as well! We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Check out our freshly redesigned website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, whiskey news, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks. Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens

Oct 2, 202224 min

193: Steve Beam and the Yellowstone Bourbon Master Distiller Road Tour

Wrapping up Bourbon Heritage Month at Limestone Branch Distillery in Lebanon, KY. We're joined by Steve Beam, Master Distiller, to chat about his latest Limited Edition release of Yellowstone Bourbon and the Master Distiller Road Tour schedule. Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout goes to our growing Patreon Community as well! We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Visit our website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, or even purchase your own Bourbon Lens tasting glass or t-shirt. Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens Links: Courier Journal Feature on Limestone Branch Distillery 87: Yellowstone Bourbon and Limestone Branch Limestone Branch Distillery Limestone Branch Distillery Announces 2022 Yellowstone Limited Edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey - BevNET.com Limestone Branch Distillery Launches Yellowstone Family Recipe - BevNET.com

Sep 25, 202229 min

192: Your Chance to Win a Rare Bourbon Collection from Kentucky to the World

We are joined by Marcus Niemann to discuss his involvement in Kentucky To The World, a non-profit which celebrates the accomplishments of Kentuckians across the globe. Kentucky To The World is having a major fundraiser to cap off Bourbon Heritage Month and we want you to grab a ticket to support a great cause and have the opportunity to win some rare bourbon. Full details on the campaign can be found below, but how about a chance to win a Four Roses 2017 Limited Edition 50th Anniversary Small Batch Bourbon (frequently referred to as the "Al Young Bottle"). The Grand Prize pack is worth over $7,000 and only 500 tickets will be sold. Bourbon Lens has donated two bottles from our Lux Row Barrel Picks, single barrels of Rebel Wheated Bourbon and Ezra Brooks which will be released this fall. Don't miss this opportunity; and talk about great odds! Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout goes to our growing Patreon Community as well! We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Visit our website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, or even purchase your own Bourbon Lens tasting glass or t-shirt. Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens Learn more about the "Best of Bourbon Raffle 2" Don't miss your chance to win rare bourbon expressions during our celebration of #BourbonHeritageMonth on Tuesday, Sept. 27, from 6 to 8 pm during our Bourbon Social at The Local Seltzery prior to the live prize drawing at 7:30 pm. Our second bourbon collection grand prize features a standout selection of six unique expressions from iconic Kentucky bourbon brands. Additional prizes include Misc Goods Co. Black Ceramic Flask with two decks of KTW Illustrated Playing Cards and Lux Row Distiller's Collection Rebel Bourbon Bottles with tasting glass set. To enter to win one of our prizes, purchase your tickets for $50 each at the link in bio now through Sept. 27th. Visit www.kentuckytotheworld.org/raffle-rules for official rules and regulations. Open to the general public, ticket purchasers and the person named on a ticket must be at least 21 years of age at the time of purchase and reside in Kentucky. Offer void where prohibited by law. License # EXE-0002505. This event is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Instagram. Learn more about the Best of Bourbon Raffle 2

Sep 18, 202221 min

191: Inside the Vintage Whiskey Library at Bardstown Bourbon Company

Recording inside the Vintage Whiskey Library at Bardstown Bourbon Co., we sit down with Head Distiller Nick Smith. Enjoy this week's podcast as we talk about Bardstown's "coming of age" whiskies (own distillate) that will release in the very near future and their blending and Collaboration Series of whiskies. Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout goes to our growing Patreon Community as well! We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Visit our website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, or even purchase your own Bourbon Lens tasting glass or t-shirt. Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens

Sep 11, 202239 min

Off Hours with Bourbon Lens Episode 11: Jackie Zykan

We're back for Episode 11 of "Off Hours with Bourbon Lens" featuring Jackie Zykan with Hidden Barn Whiskey and two-time former guest of Bourbon Lens Podcast. This episode is brought to you by Off Hours Bourbon. Off Hours Bourbon is made for the moments in between. After a long week or just because. Find the time and the moments in between. Find them with us in the Off Hours. Find out more about Off Hours Bourbon on their website. This has been another production of Bourbon Lens LLC. Thank you for your continued support. Scott & JakeBourbon Lens

Sep 7, 202233 min

190: The Best Bourbon Worth Hunting in Bourbon Heritage Month

Jake and Scott are kicking off Bourbon Heritage Month with some of the bourbons they'll be seeking to add to their shelves. Which bourbon releases are you most excited for this month? Any exciting new or limited releases you can't wait to find? Let us know by sending us a message on social media or via our website. And happy hunting!! Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout goes to our growing Patreon Community as well! We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Visit our website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, or even purchase your own Bourbon Lens tasting glass or t-shirt. Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens

Sep 5, 202240 min

189: Balcones Distilling Setting The Standard For Texas Whisky

We're talking Texas Whiskey with Balcones Distilling. Balcones is located in Waco Texas and is known as the producer of "The Original Texas Whisky". We're excited to discuss what makes Texas unique; it's definitely more than its hot weather too. We're joined by Gabe RiCharde, the Director of Spirits at Balcones Distilling, where he has worked for nearly six years. Gabe has had a hand in many of the unique whiskies coming out of Waco, including one of the wildest whiskies we've tried in a long time; Big Baby, a Bottled in Bond, 5 year Corn Whisky, aged entirely in tequila casks. We also discuss Balcones' Pot Still Bourbon, a great kickoff to Bourbon Heritage Month. Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout goes to our growing Patreon Community as well! We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Visit our website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, or even purchase your own Bourbon Lens tasting glass or t-shirt. Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens About Balcones: Born and bred in Waco, Texas, Balcones Distilling is an award-winning distillery that marries centuries of distilling tradition with the bold, original flavors of Texas. Synonymous with quality and innovation in the whisky industry, Balcones is known for emphasizing high-quality ingredients and drawing authentic influences from all over Texas. To date, the distillery has earned over 550 national and international tasting awards and accolades for their whiskies and spirits. In 2008, Balcones was nothing more than an idea driven by a passion to create something original and authentic, right here in the Heart of Texas. It all started in an old welding shop under a bridge in Waco. For the next year, we replaced the roofing, knocked out walls, laid brick, cut pipes, installed copper pot stills from Portugal, and shoehorned a whisky distillery inside that quaint building. Proud of what we had accomplished on our own, we began distilling in 2009. Links: Balcones Distilling Bourbon Lens Review of Balcones "Big Baby" Tequila Cask Corn Whisky Balcones Distilling: The Barrel Nerds - American Whiskey Magazine 142: What is Driving the Texas Whiskey Boom? - Bourbon Lens Industry reacts to American single malt whiskey designation proposal Bourbon Lens Instagram - Balcones Big Baby Review Balcones Distilling and ZZ Top's Tres Hombres Whisky Returns to Shelves - BevNET.com Waco's Balcones Distilling Is Rightly Proud Of Its Lineage. | Central Track All 8 Balcones Whiskies, Blind Tasted And Ranked Why American Single Malt Is The Whiskey Industry's New Frontier

Aug 28, 20221h 0m

Off Hours with Bourbon Lens Episode 10: Sam Montgomery from Bardstown Bourbon Co.

We're back for Episode 10 of "Off Hours with Bourbon Lens" featuring Sam Montgomery, National Brand Ambassador for Bardstown Bourbon Company. Find out what keeps Sam motivated and how she finds time to relax between her travels and her daily efforts to elevate Bardstown Bourbon Co and her craft cocktail game. This episode is brought to you by Off Hours Bourbon. Off Hours Bourbon is made for the moments in between. After a long week or just because. Find the time and the moments in between. Find them with us in the Off Hours. Find out more about Off Hours Bourbon on their website. This has been another production of Bourbon Lens LLC. Thank you for your continued support. Jake & ScottBourbon Lens

Aug 24, 202232 min

188: High West Distillery Discusses Their Whiskey Lineup

Jake sits down with one of his favorite brands to talk with High West Distillery's Brendan Coyle. Brendon, Master Distiller, talks about High West's evolving core lineup and limited release schedule. What makes High West Whiskey unique and why does it have a cult-like following? Grab yourself a bottle of High West next time you see it on a shelf and find out! Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout goes to our growing Patreon Community as well! We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Visit our website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, or even purchase your own Bourbon Lens tasting glass or t-shirt. Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens About High West: High West Distillery was founded in 2006 by David Perkins and his wife, Jane. David, a former biochemist, was inspired to open his own distillery after seeing the parallels between the fermentation and distilling process and his own work in biochemistry during a trip to a whiskey distillery in Kentucky. In 2004, David and his family relocated to Park City, Utah to begin their new venture, where they began distilling in 2007. They chose Park City because of David's love of the Old West and Utah's little-known whiskey history. High West began with humble roots, opening a small, 250-gallon still and Saloon in an historic livery stable and garage. What was once a small operation in downtown Park City has grown to be an internationally-recognized, award winning brand. Links: High West Whiskey 82: High West Whiskey - Bourbon Lens 98: A Midwinter Night's Dram by High West Whiskey - Bourbon Lens High West American Single Malt 2021 Review - Bourbon Lens Park City's High West Distillery pledges $1M to western land preservation High West Master Distiller Explains Blending Sourced and Own-Made Whiskey - Whisky Advocate Interview: Head To The Rockies For High West Distillery Whiskey Inspiration Interview: High West Master Distiller Brendan Coyle on The Future of American Single Malt Whiskey – COOL HUNTING® How High West Is Made | Huckberry High West, a Utah distillery, proudly drags the whiskey industry's dirty little secret out of the shadows — Quartz

Aug 21, 202242 min