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Bourbon Lens

Bourbon Lens

419 episodes — Page 5 of 9

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

Off Hours with Bourbon Lens Episode 9: David Mandell

We're back for Episode 9 of "Off Hours with Bourbon Lens" featuring David Mandell, the man behind many projects in the heart of Bourbon Country; Bardstown Kentucky. David is co-founder of Bardstown Bourbon Co. and is currently with Stoli Group/Kentucky Owl and is the Chairman of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival. Jake sits down with David to find out how he turns off his business mind and finds time for himself. 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 About David Mandell: David Mandell is the co-founder and former President & CEO of The Bardstown Bourbon Company, ("BBCo"). At BBCo, Mandell created, launched, and managed the company's Napa-valley bourbon distillery destination experience in Bardstown, Kentucky. Mandell led the development and operation of what is now one of the largest and most sophisticated whiskey distilleries in the United States. Producing custom rye, whiskey and bourbon for prominent brands including Jefferson's, High West, Belle Meade, Hirsch and many others through its one-of-a-kind Collaborative Distilling Program. Mandell was also responsible for the development and launch of the Company's bourbon brands, full-scale restaurant and bar, and visitors center. During his tenure at BBCo, Mandell served on the Board of the Kentucky Distillers Association, the Bourbon Capital Community Alliance, and currently serves on the Kentucky Bourbon Festival Board of Directors. Mandell is a shareholder of BBCo.

Aug 17, 202229 min

187: Discovering America's Best Craft Whiskey with Blind Barrels

Our guest this week is Bobby DeMars, founder and CEO of Blind Barrels. Bobby developed Blind Barrels as a quarterly blind tasting experience that ships straight to your door. Blind Barrels is an exploration of the craft whiskey scene of America and we were excited to test our palates. Blind tastings remove any "label bias" that whiskey drinkers may encounter when tasting their whiskies and we've found that blind tasting is one of the best ways to get serious about learning whiskey. Sign up for a one off box, or save some extra cash by signing up for a year's subscription of 4 unique tasting lineups. Check them out at BlindBarrels.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]. 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 Blind Barrels: Blind Barrels was born to disrupt the whiskey industry, by showcasing American craft whiskey that don't make their way to liquor store shelves due to distribution limitations. Our blind tastings are all about discovery, education, removing brand bias, and supporting smaller distillers who are making some amazing, innovative, and delicious products. Every quarter (March, June, September, and December), a premium tasting box will ship to Blind Barrels members, which includes four 50 mL samples, labeled Samples A, B, C, and D. The box will also include an introduction to the club, a tasting table, and a QR Code and link to learn what spirits are in each sample - distillery, mash, abv, tasting notes, distillery back story. If a member discovers a new whiskey they wish to add to their cabinet or share with their friends, shipping discounts are available for full bottle purchases in our Bottle Shop. Members will have access to rare offerings from Craft distilleries, including rare and limited selections from American craft distilleries. About Bobby DeMars: Bobby DeMars is the Founder & CEO of Blind Barrels - a blind whiskey tasting subscription that is disrupting the industry's current distribution model by showcasing American craft distilleries, ones which rarely get the shelf space they deserve. The recent quarantine brought about blind whiskey tastings with friends, and DeMars saw an opportunity for a startup unlike any other in the alcohol industry. These blind tastings are all about discovery, education, removing brand bias, and, of course, supporting smaller distillers that are making some amazing handmade products. Each quarter, subscribers get to test their senses by tasting and discovering hard-to-try-or-find craft whiskey brands - ones that deserve to be discovered. A former USC football player (1997-2001), DeMars is an award-winning filmmaker whose documentary, "The Business of Amateurs" (2016), took on the NCAA's exploitation of college athletes and the prevalence of brain trauma inherent to college football. He is on the oversight committee for the National College Players Association (NCPA). Both the film and the NCPA have been instrumental in passing laws for college athlete rights, including the Supreme Court ruling in 2021 that opened the door for college athletes to make money from their Name Image Likeness (NIL).

Aug 15, 20221h 21m

186: Reintroducing Old Potrero Straight Rye Whiskey

Our guest is Bruce Joseph, Master Distiller of Old Potrero Straight Rye Whiskey for Hotaling & Co. Bruce previously appeared back in Episode 74 (circa June 2020), but he's back with his unique malted rye whiskey and it is now bearing a higher age statement and some killer new packaging. The malted rye mashbill is pot distilled in San Francisco and admittedly is one of the most unique whiskies we've tried during this podcast's history. If you want to flex your palate and see what else is out there in craft whiskey, we highly recommend you find a bottle of Old Potrero's 6 year aged stated Straight Rye 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]. 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 From their June 2022 Press Release: Hotaling & Co. is proud to announce the relaunch of the legendary whiskey brand, Old Potrero Straight Rye Whiskey, credited as the first American Craft Whiskey to hit the market since prohibition. The Old Potrero relaunch will feature new packaging and bottle design geared towards today's contemporary whiskey drinker, who appreciates an excellent dram with an iconic heritage and a modern-day appeal. Originally created by Fritz Maytag, the beverage visionary and founder of Hotaling & Co., (formerly Anchor Distilling Co.), Old Potrero Rye Whiskey is a bold homage to the original artisanal whiskies of America, a testament to the power of the pioneering spirit and the celebrated return of pot-distilled whiskey in the United States. Since 1994, the whiskey has been distilled in small copper pot stills at the San Francisco-based distillery, and in 2010 was passed down to current Master Distiller, Bruce Joseph, who has worked alongside Fritz since the first barrels were laid in the early 90's. "We are thrilled to usher Old Potrero into a new era," says Master Distiller, Bruce Joseph. "With the same bold liquid within, Old Potrero's new packaging and bottle embody the boldness of its home-base, San Francisco. A city that's resilient, creative and richly historic, just like Old Potrero." The new packaging redesign, created by design agency Stranger & Stranger, features a dark wooden top with a natural cork stopper stamped with Old Potrero branding for a premium craft feel. The bottle's perforated edges and ticket-style copy holding devices connect back to the historic cable cars of San Francisco. And the new label features the same copper pot still used at the distillery since its inception as well as one of the world's most celebrated and iconic sights – The Golden Gate Bridge. The font, Fog City Gothic, is used throughout the label as a nod to the type used on signage seen throughout San Francisco. "The bottle's design was inspired by the juxtaposition of San Francisco's architecture, between the past and the present," says Luis Rivas Ball, Senior Brand Lead American Whiskeys at Hotaling and Co. "From the perforated edges and ticket-style holding devices that connect back to the cable cars to the copper pot still and Golden Gate Bridge in the logo, Old Potrero is a true representation of San Francisco." Although the brand is launching a bold and eye-catching new design, what's inside will remain unchanged – the same award winning 100% malted rye whiskey, now aged longer for added smoothness and complexity. Highlights on the Old Potrero Straight Rye Whiskey 6 years-old and the Old Potrero Old Single Barrel 100% Malted Rye Whiskey are as follows: Old Potrero Straight Rye Whiskey 6-Year-Old (SRP $64.99) marked the official return of pot distilled rye whiskey to the US. Distilled from a 100% malted rye mash bill in the same copper post still since the 1990's, the liquid is then matured in new, charred, 24-month air dried, extra-fine grain, American white oak barrels for a minimum of six years. Tasting notes include brown sugar, black cherry, spice, and maple with a nutty finish, satisfying the enthusiast' desire for bolder flavors and higher strength whiskeys. The Old Potrero Single Barrel Rye Whiskey (SRP $89.99) is aged in extra fine grain American Oak. The wood is air dried for 24 months and the barrels are fully toasted and charred by hand over an oak fire. T

Aug 8, 202234 min

Off Hours with Bourbon Lens Episode 8: Marcus Niemann

We're back for Episode 8 of "Off Hours with Bourbon Lens" featuring Marcus Niemann, the future Director of Quality and R&D at Michter's Distillery and former guest of our Behind the Scenes at Four Roses Episode way back on Episode 39. Marcus is a long-time friend of Jake's who is passionate about philanthropy, bike riding, fatherhood, and fermentation. 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

Aug 3, 202226 min

185: Carefully Crafting Bourbon and Rye Whiskey with Pinhook

Putting a wine-maker's spin on blending bourbon and rye, Sean Joseph's utilizes his background as a Wine Sommelier to blend yearly vintages of Pinhook. We discuss the Pinhook approach to blending and the work behind the horse racing-inspired branding. It's clear that there is a lot more to this whiskey than colorful wax. Have you tried Pinhook Whiskies before? Let us know your thoughts by dropping us a line on social media. About Pinhook: The standard approach to American whiskey uses blending and a fixed proof to replicate an established flavor profile batch after batch. Breaking with this tradition, Pinhook treats each set of barrels as a new vintage, shaped by the natural variations in the ingredients and the elements. Working in small batches, we craft each vintage to express the best whiskey rather than the same whiskey, and set the proof to optimize the unique attributes of that group of barrels. To differentiate these expressions from each other and to help identify the same expression across multiple vintages, we have developed a visual language, inspired by jockeys' silks. Click Here to learn more about what each component signifies. About Sean Josephs: Sean Josephs is a founder of Pinhook and the Master Blender, a role in which he directs Castle & Key in the distillation of Pinhook's custom mashbills and blends and proofs every Pinhook vintage. Sean's background is as an award-winning restaurateur, certified sommelier and nationally-acclaimed whiskey and cocktail expert. After cutting his teeth at Chanterelle and Per Se in New York City, Sean opened three American Whiskey bars and restaurants: Char No. 4 and Maysville in New York and Kenton's in New Orleans. The food and bar programs have been recognized by publications ranging from Esquire to the Wall Street Journal. Sean has appeared on the New York Times' wine and spirits tasting panel on several occasions, has authored articles on bourbon, and is frequently quoted as a whiskey and cocktail authority. Sean is a graduate of the Colorado College.

Jul 31, 20221h 3m

Off Hours with Bourbon Lens Episode 7: Penelope Bourbon

We're back for Episode 7 of "Off Hours with Bourbon Lens" featuring Michael Paladini, co-founder of Penelope Bourbon. 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

Jul 27, 202223 min

184: Making 'Painfully Craft' Whiskey at Preservation Distillery

Rare, old whiskies are the subject of today's podcast as we sit down with Preservation Distillery in Bardstown Kentucky. Jake tastes through a flight of Preservation whiskies, including Rare Perfection, Very Olde St. Nick, and Wattie Boone & Sons. Our guest today is Jake Feldhuse who tells the brand's history, story, and a little bit about what might be in store for the distillery. 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

Jul 24, 202252 min

Off Hours with Bourbon Lens Episode 6: David DeFazio & Wyoming Whiskey

We're back for Episode 6 of "Off Hours with Bourbon Lens" featuring David DeFazio, Co-Founder of Wyoming Whiskey and avid outdoorsman. 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

Jul 20, 202229 min

183: Kentucky Bourbon Festival: "Only Whiskey. Only in Bardstown."

Year 2 of the revamped Kentucky Bourbon Festival is just 2 months away. "Whiskey Only. Only In Bardstown." is the tagline for the 2022 edition of the Festival. One of Kentucky's biggest events that celebrates its native spirit is returning for 2022, and tickets are on sale. The 31st Kentucky Bourbon Festival will be held Sept. 16 through Sept. 18 in Bardstown. Hear from Festival President Randy Prasse as he discusses last year's event as well as what the future holds for the Festival. Buy your tickets today as you don't want to miss this event. Premium and Specialty Event tickets go on sale August 1 at 11am EDT. Here are the details on the ticket packages still available: 3 x Day 'Bourbon Taster' $125.00 + shipping fee Friday, Saturday, Sunday Admission Sampling from all participating distillery booths throughout the weekend 'Wee' Glencairn KBF-branded nosing and tasting glass - one glass per guest Ability to purchase bottles from the distillery booths AND exclusive KBF Single Barrel bottles from the KBF Bottle Shop Access to distillery booths, educational sessions, musical entertainment, food trucks, and exhibits 1 x Day 'Sunday Sampler' $75.00 + shipping fee Sunday Only Admission Sampling from all participating distillery booths throughout the weekend 'Wee' Glencairn KBF-branded nosing and tasting glass - one glass per guest Ability to purchase bottles from the distillery booths AND exclusive KBF Single Barrel bottles from the KBF Bottle Shop Access to distillery booths, educational sessions, musical entertainment, food trucks, and exhibits 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

Jul 18, 202247 min

Off Hours with Bourbon Lens Episode 5: Frey Ranch

We're back with Episode 5 of "Off Hours with Bourbon Lens" featuring Ashley and Colby Frey, Founders of Frey Ranch Distillery in Fallon Nevada. 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

Jul 6, 202224 min

182: Old Elk Distillery's New Limited Whiskey Releases

We are catching up with Old Elk's Master Distiller, Greg Metze, since his last appearance back in Episode 101. Old Elk Distillery is continuing to grow, expand its limited release portfolio , and experiment with blends and finishes. We taste their Master's Blend Series offerings, Four Grain Bourbon and Double Wheat. Find out what's going on in Fort Collins Colorado in this week's episode of Bourbon Lens. Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. e 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 Greg Metze Greg Metze, Master Distiller at Old Elk Distillery, has four decades of distilling experience, starting at the Joseph E. Seagram & Sons Distillery located in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, in 1978. He is considered one of the spirits industry's premier master distillers and has had a hand in crafting many of the whiskies on the shelf today. Greg's connection to Old Elk traces back to the distillery's inception. He was master distiller at MGP Ingredients when Old Elk Distillery asked him, in 2013, to create the signature mash bill for Old Elk Blended Straight Bourbon Whiskey that would bring to life the vision of Old Elk's founder, Curt Richardson. With an unrestricted approach, Greg's direction helped develop a custom mashbill with four times more malted barley than the conventional recipe. After spending most of his career at Seagram & Sons (which later became LDI and then MGP Ingredients), Greg was offered the Master Distiller position at Old Elk. He joined Old Elk Distillery in 2016, marking the first time he has ever worked exclusively for one brand. Greg and head distiller Kate Douglas developed Old Elk's proprietary Slow CutTM proofing process, where the liquid is proofed down over an extended period of time instead of the traditional 24-48 hours. This results in less heat created during the proofing process, and thus a smoother tasting bourbon. All Old Elk whiskies, including this wheat whiskey, go through the Slow Cut™ proofing process. While Greg quietly earned fame among whiskey enthusiasts as the master distiller behind many popular sourced whiskey brands, he now has a distillery and a legacy brand to call "home."

Jul 5, 202242 min

Off Hours with Bourbon Lens Episode 4: John Wadell

We're back with Episode 4 of "Off Hours with Bourbon Lens" featuring John Wadell, Single Barrel Curator for Kentucky Peerless Distilling and Founder of The Stave & Bean Coffee Co. 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. Follow John on Instagram @bourbon_colonel86. Learn more about Kentucky Peerless and The Stave & Bean Coffee Co. on their websites. This has been another production of Bourbon Lens LLC. Thank you for your continued support. For exclusive opportunities and content, be sure to support our Patreon. Scott & JakeBourbon Lens

Jun 29, 202233 min

181: Planning Your Next Bourbon-Centric Trip to Louisville

Are you looking to plan your next weekend trip? Check out all Louisville has to offer in this "Travel To-Do List" episode of Bourbon Lens. Jake discusses ideas for your next bourbon-centric trip to Kentucky. You are guaranteed to find some places you'll love in this episode. Be sure to let us know your favorite tourist destinations in Louisville. 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 Image Credit: Louisville Tourism, GoToLouisville.com

Jun 27, 202216 min

Off Hours with Bourbon Lens Episode 3: Bob Cutler

Episode 3 of "Off Hours with Bourbon Lens" features a long-time supporter of Bourbon Lens; Bob Cutler from Novio's Bistro in Bangor Maine. We are honored to have the support of Bob and his team at Novio's Bistro over the years and it's our privilege to have Bob as one of our guests on this podcast mini-series. As always, 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 & Jake Bourbon Lens

Jun 22, 202236 min

180: What's Buzzing with Buzzard's Roost Bourbon & Rye Whiskey

Jason Brauner, Co-Founder of Buzzard's Roost Sippin' Whiskey rejoins the Bourbon Lens to talk about some of their latest releases. This includes one of the more unique finished whiskies we've tried this year, Cigar Rye. As you'll hear, they take their process seriously and believe that's what makes their bourbon and rye truly spectacular. Buzzard's Roost uses only brand new, 53-gallon white oak barrels that are carefully toasted and very lightly charred. Each barrel is designed from the ground up to deliver a specific flavor profile. They work closely with their cooperage to tweak every parameter of the barrel - from the seasoning to the charring to the development of custom toast profiles. All the barrels are unique and proprietary to the company, giving Buzzard's Roost a truly one-of-a kind flavor. After resting only a few weeks in the new barrels, the whiskey is purposefully transformed and ready for bottling. Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. This episode of the Bourbon Lens is brought to you by ​MANSCAPED™​, who is proving themselves to be the best in men's below-the-waist grooming. ​Their products are precision-engineered tools and are designed specifically for maintaining and taking care of your family jewels. MANSCAPED's™ Performance Package the ultimate men's hygiene bundle and what we recommend to our followers! Get 20% Off and Free Shipping with the code BOURBONLENS at MANSCAPED.com. That's 20% off with free shipping at www.MANSCAPED.com and use code BOURBONLENS. Unlock your confidence and always use the right tools for the job with MANSCAPED™. 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 Buzzard's Roost: Buzzard's Roost Sipping Whiskey is an exceptional line of whiskies crafted using pioneering techniques. Buzzard's Roost is redefining American whiskey, with its focus on treating barrels in very specific ways to achieve rare and exceptional flavors. No other whiskey in the world has flavor profiles like Buzzard's Roost. And like the keen eye of the buzzard, Buzzard's Roost has a long-range vision and a wide perspective on what American whiskey can be. Buzzard's Roost is proudly woman-owned and lead, and is currently distributed throughout Kentucky and Massachusetts with more states coming soon. Follow @BuzzardsRoostWhiskey on Instagram and Facebook.

Jun 19, 202255 min

Off Hours with Bourbon Lens Episode 2: The Daily Dram

We're back for Episode 2 of "Off Hours with Bourbon Lens" featuring Brandon Smith, the face behind @TheDailyDram on Instagram. 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 & Jake Bourbon Lens

Jun 15, 202230 min

179: The Ultimate Bourbon-Loving Father's Day Gift Guide

Jake and Scott celebrate all the Father's in this episode. Catch up with the guys and hear our suggestions for some great Father's Day gifts for the bourbon-loving dads in your life. What has been your best Father's Day gift to give or receive? Be sure to drop us a line and let us know! Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. This episode of the Bourbon Lens is brought to you by ​MANSCAPED™​, who is proving themselves to be the best in men's below-the-waist grooming. ​Their products are precision-engineered tools and are designed specifically for maintaining and taking care of your family jewels. MANSCAPED's™ Performance Package the ultimate men's hygiene bundle and what we recommend to our followers! Get 20% Off and Free Shipping with the code BOURBONLENS at MANSCAPED.com. That's 20% off with free shipping at www.MANSCAPED.com when you use code BOURBONLENS. Unlock your confidence and always use the right tools for the job with MANSCAPED™. 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 Show Links: Get your Whiskey Whisdom American Whiskey Glasses & Get 10% Off Amazon x Bourbon Lens - Father's Day Guide Guide Buy Bourbon Lens X Broken Barrel Rare Americana Sauternes Finished® - ON SALE $34.99

Jun 12, 202233 min

Off Hours with Bourbon Lens Episode 1: Jake Ireland

Thanks for listening to the Inaugural Episode of "Off Hours with Bourbon Lens" featuring Jake Ireland, Founder of Off Hours Bourbon. This episode is brought to you in collaboration with, and support from, 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 & Jake Bourbon Lens

Jun 8, 202228 min

178: Sneak Preview of 3 New Releases from High Bank Distillery

Jake sits down with 3 soon-to-release offerings from Ohio's High Bank Distillery. High Bank just announced three new barrel selects which are releasing Friday, June 10th at 11AM. The release features: Whiskey War Barrel Select - 2ND AGED SANGIOVESE Batch #7 - 120 proof Our classic rye-heavy mash bill that has been second aged in the original Barrel Select batch #1 high-end Sangiovese wine cask for 27 months (total age of 5 years). Statehouse Gin Barrel Select - WHISKEY WAR CABERNET Batch #4 - 82 proof Aged for 27 months in a Cabernet Sauvignon wine barrel that previously aged batch #2 of Whiskey War Barrel Select. As our longest aged barrel select gin to date. Awarded a silver medal at the 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Whiskey War Barrel Select - MADERIA Batch #8 - 114 proof Our classic rye-heavy mash bill that has been second aged in a high-end Spanish Madeira wine cask for 18 months (total age of 4.5 years). Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. This episode of the Bourbon Lens is brought to you by ​MANSCAPED™​, who is proving themselves to be the best in men's below-the-waist grooming. ​Their products are precision-engineered tools and are designed specifically for maintaining and taking care of your family jewels. MANSCAPED's™ Performance Package the ultimate men's hygiene bundle and what we recommend to our followers! Get 20% Off and Free Shipping with the code BOURBONLENS at MANSCAPED.com. That's 20% off with free shipping at www.MANSCAPED.com and use code BOURBONLENS. Unlock your confidence and always use the right tools for the job with MANSCAPED™. 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

Jun 6, 202230 min

177: The Bourbon Behind the Butterfly with Blue Run Spirits

Blue Run has experienced a lot of growth and success in the time since we last spoke with them on Episode 115. Their recognizable bottle and butterfly branding has helped propel their premium whiskies to the top shelf of many enthusiasts' bars. We catch up with Mike Montgomery and one of their newest team members, Shaylyn Gammon, to discuss the brand's current position in the market and how they expect to continue to push the premium American Whiskey world. Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. This episode of the Bourbon Lens is brought to you by ​MANSCAPED™​, who is proving themselves to be the best in men's below-the-waist grooming. ​Their products are precision-engineered tools and are designed specifically for maintaining and taking care of your family jewels. MANSCAPED's™ Performance Package the ultimate men's hygiene bundle and what we recommend to our followers! Get 20% Off and Free Shipping with the code BOURBONLENS at MANSCAPED.com. That's 20% off with free shipping at www.MANSCAPED.com and use code BOURBONLENS. Unlock your confidence and always use the right tools for the job with MANSCAPED™. 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 Show Links: Use Code: BOURBONLENS for 20% off and free shipping at MANSCAPED (Sponsored) Blue Run Spirits Bourbon Lens Episode 115: Blue Run Spirits - Tapping A Legend of the Bourbon World This mom-to-be helped create the Best American Whiskey of 2021 without ever trying it ABOUT MIKE MONTGOMERY Mike Montgomery is cofounder and CEO of Blue Run Spirits. Mike has spent the last few decades in public affairs consulting after working with California-based elected officials. Prior to his time in politics, he worked with the U.S. Canoe & Kayak team in Lake Placid, NY. He is a proud graduate of the University of Washington. Mike and his wife and daughter reside in Los Angeles. ABOUT SHAYLYN GAMMON Blue Run Spirits recently announced the hiring of Shaylyn Gammon as its first Whiskey Director. Gammon will drive the development and expansion of Blue Run's whiskey portfolio. Gammon joins Blue Run Spirits from Campari Group, where she managed product innovation projects across the company's North American portfolio. Based in Kentucky, she worked closely with the Bourbon Hall of Fame duo of Jimmy and Eddie Russell on Wild Turkey whiskies, in particular brand extensions such as Master's Keep, Rare Breed, Russell's Reserve and Matthew McConaughey's Longbranch. Gammon's work with the Russell's has been widely lauded. Most recently, Russell's Reserve 13-Year-Old Bourbon was named the "Best American Whiskey of 2021" by world-renowned spirits critic and bourbon authority Fred Minnick. Double Gold Medal wins at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition include Longbranch, Rare Breed Rye, and Russell's Reserve Single Barrel Rye, which was also a finalist for Rye Whiskey of the Year at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge. As Blue Run's Whiskey Director, Gammon will work with the Blue Run team on the selection of sourced barrels for the company's bourbon and rye releases, prepare the company's private barrel selection program, and serve as a distillation apprentice to Blue Run Liquid Advisor Jim Rutledge. She will also work closely with the Blue Run team to strengthen and grow its comprehensive, long-term product and innovation strategy, tapping into her years of experience as a research and development scientist, and, of course, a huge whiskey fan. In addition to Campari Group, Gammon's experience includes AmeriQual Foods, YUM! Brands and Land O'Frost. She is a member of the Bourbon Women Association; Women of the Vine and Spirits; and Louisville Women Leaders and is a graduate of the University of Kentucky in food science. ABOUT BLUE RUN SPIRITS Blue Run Spirits was started in October 2020 and has since created seven whiskey releases – several with separate expressions in a single release, such as the recent 12 Days of Single Barrel High Rye Bourbon this past December. The company's releases have sold out in mere minutes and have received many accolades, including Blue Run 14-Year-Old Small Batch Bourbon, which was awarded top honors at the prestigious 2021 San Fra

May 30, 202248 min

176: Catching Up With Bourbon Lens & Whiskey Samples

Jake and Scott pour up a variety of whiskies as they attempt to organize their liquor cabinets. Big shoutout to all the brands who allow us the opportunities to taste a wide range of whiskey and bourbon. This episode of the Bourbon Lens is brought to you by ​MANSCAPED™​, who is proving themselves to be the best in men's below-the-waist grooming. ​Their products are precision-engineered tools and are designed specifically for maintaining and taking care of your family jewels. MANSCAPED's™ Performance Package the ultimate men's hygiene bundle and what we recommend to our followers! Get 20% Off and Free Shipping with the code BOURBONLENS at MANSCAPED.com. That's 20% off with free shipping at www.MANSCAPED.com and use code BOURBONLENS. Unlock your confidence and always use the right tools for the job with MANSCAPED™. 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 Show Links: Use Code: BOURBONLENS for 20% off and free shipping at MANSCAPED (Sponsored) Aged & Ore Bottle Flight 152: Wheated Bourbon of the West with Wyoming Whiskey Wyoming Whiskey Novio's Bistro Southern Rye — Thirteenth Colony Distillery 15 Stars Fine Aged Bourbon Santa Fe Spirits Blood Oath Bourbon

May 22, 202244 min

175: The Whiskey Lover's Guide to Barrel-Aged Gin

Stepping into the broader spirits world, we're looking at some whiskey-adjacent spirits today. We are sipping 4 different barrel-aged gins from a wide variety of distilleries. Is the gin world ripe for the whiskey lover? Tune in to find out. This episode of the Bourbon Lens is brought to you by ​MANSCAPED™​, who is proving themselves to be the best in men's below-the-waist grooming. ​Their products are precision-engineered tools and are designed specifically for maintaining and taking care of your family jewels. MANSCAPED's™ Performance Package the ultimate men's hygiene bundle and what we recommend to our followers! Get 20% Off and Free Shipping with the code BOURBONLENS at MANSCAPED.com. That's 20% off with free shipping at www.MANSCAPED.com and use code BOURBONLENS. Unlock your confidence and always use the right tools for the job with MANSCAPED™. 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 Show Links: Use Code: BOURBONLENS for 20% off and free shipping at MANSCAPED (Sponsored) Log Still Distillery - Monk's Road Gin Bespoke Gin – Rabbit Hole Distillery Sourland Mountain Spirits Gin Reserve Barrel Aged Gin – Lockhouse Distillery Aged Gins - What They Are and Which to Try Barrel-Aged Gins Are Incredible Once You Figure Out the Right Ways to Use Them | VinePair 10 of the Best Barrel-Aged Gins You Can Buy Right Now | VinePair Is Barrel Aged Gin a Good Idea? The Whisky Lover's Guide to Barrel-Aged Gin Our Favorite Barrel-Aged Gins Barrel-Aged Gin Explained - On the Sauce Again The Story and Subtleties Behind Barrel-Aged Gin | Bespoke Post Barrel-Aged Gins That Will Change The Way You Think About The Spirit

May 15, 202232 min

174: Jack Daniel's Launches New Bottled in Bond Whiskies

Jack Daniel's just launched two new bottled in bond whiskies and Bourbon Lens is among the first to try them. Among the two new releases, a Bonded Tennessee Whiskey and a Triple Mash Blended Straight Whiskey. One of the most recognizable, traditional American Whiskey distilleries has really stepped up their whiskey releases beyond Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey and we discuss how these new Bottled in Bond offerings fit into their portfolio. Interestingly, this may be the first time that the Kentucky boys have discussed Jack Daniel's on the Bourbon Lens. Were the guys impressed with the new whiskies? Tune in to find out. This episode of the Bourbon Lens is brought to you by ​MANSCAPED™​, who is proving themselves to be the best in men's below-the-waist grooming. ​Their products are precision-engineered tools and are designed specifically for maintaining and taking care of your family jewels. MANSCAPED's™ Performance Package the ultimate men's hygiene bundle and what we recommend to our followers! Get 20% Off and Free Shipping with the code BOURBONLENS at MANSCAPED.com. That's 20% off with free shipping at www.MANSCAPED.com and use code BOURBONLENS. Unlock your confidence and always use the right tools for the job with MANSCAPED™. 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 the Product Launch & Full Press Release Jack Daniel's Launches First Super Premium Line Extension in 25 Years, Jack Daniel's Bonded and Jack Daniel's Triple Mash. Jack Daniel's two new Bottled-In-Bond whiskeys premiere as first two permanent expressions in the brand's new Bonded Series Lynchburg, Tennessee (May 3, 2022) – The Jack Daniel Distillery introduces Jack Daniel's Bonded Tennessee Whiskey and Jack Daniel's Triple Mash Blended Straight Whiskey as the first two permanent expressions in the brand's new Bonded Series. The Bonded Series honors the whiskey making excellence of the iconic Jack Daniel Distillery and will be a permanent extension in the Jack Daniel's Family of Brands. Both Jack Daniel's Bonded and Triple Mash are Bottled-in-Bond at 100 proof (50% abv), with packaging inspired by the original design of the 1895 Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey bottle. As stipulated by the Bottled in Bond Act of 1897, a bonded whiskey must be distilled by a single distiller during a single season, matured in a government bonded warehouse for at least four years and bottled at 100 proof. "The Jack Daniel Distillery has been making exceptional American whiskey to the highest standards for generations, before and after the Bottled in Bond Act, dating back to the days of Mr. Jack himself," said Chris Fletcher, Jack Daniel's Master Distiller. "Jack Daniel's Bonded and Triple Mash are a nod to our heritage with a touch of innovation and craftsmanship. These whiskeys are another opportunity for both our friends and new drinkers to explore and discover everything Jack Daniel's has to offer." Jack Daniel's Bonded Tennessee Whiskey Jack Daniel's Bonded is Jack's time-honored recipe of 80% corn, 12% malted barley, and 8% rye. Barrels were hand selected for their unique and particular characteristics of deeper color, flavor, and aroma, which bring a darker, richer, and more oak-forward character to Jack Daniel's Bonded. It is a big, bold Tennessee Whiskey at 100 proof with layered notes of caramel, rich oak, and spice giving way to a pleasantly lingering finish. Jack Daniel's Triple Mash Blended Straight Whiskey Jack Daniel's Triple Mash is a blend of three straight Bottled-In-Bond whiskeys – 60% Jack Daniel's Tennessee Rye, 20% Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey and 20% Jack Daniel's American Malt. Each expression is distilled in Lynchburg, Tennessee, in the same distilling season, aged to the stipulations of the Bottled in Bond Act, then blended and bottled at 100 proof. It's a remarkable whiskey that can only be crafted by a complete distillery like Jack Daniel's. Jack Daniel's Triple Mash has pleasant notes of honey, malt, and soft oak leading to a long lasting well-rounded finish. Jack Daniel's Bonded and Triple Mash will be available across the US beginning in May with international mark

May 8, 202227 min

173: Bourbon and Blockchain with Party Horses NFT

They're taking the bourbon craze into the world of crypto, blockchain, and NFT. Party Horses joins Bourbon Lens to demystify the NFT (non-fungible token) and discuss how the bourbon community can embrace the blockchain to gain exclusive access to rare bottles and once in a lifetime events. Party Horses co-founder Chris Wiedmar is our guest for this week's episode. Party Horses is a collection of 3.2k NFTs on the Ethereum Mainnet. Their vision is to create a future where NFTs create access and special experiences in perpetuity, backed by great art and community. NFTs in this project are produced as generative artwork that lives on a blockchain. Using an Ethereum smart contract that is created through computer code, algorithms uniquely assign traits to each piece of art during a process called "minting." The Party Horses NFT is an evolving NFT that will generate real-world benefits, from bottles of rare bourbon to exclusive event access. Originally from Louisville, Kentucky, the horse racing capital of the world, the Party Horses team came together around very simple goals: "Use Web3 for good, have fun, create beauty, destabilize the disappointing, and collaborate with others to build amazing things." Their highly-anticipated Season One drop included tickets to a Derby weekend party on May 6th, in Louisville. Party Horses is committed to providing every NFT holder (ages 21+) with the ability to secure a bottle of bourbon through Maker's Mark - their whiskey partner. Learn about their roadmap further on their website here. 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 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 Images and Logo Credit to: PARTY HORSES Show Links: PARTY HORSES Party Horses Is Bringing Limited-Edition Bourbon And Access To Derby Weekend Through NFTs - BevNET.com Party Horses to celebrate Kentucky Derby | Food Engineering Inside Party Horses' $1.3M mint — and what comes next PARTY HORSES: AND WE ARE OFF TO THE RACES Nonfungible.com - Bourbon + Racing + NFTs = Party Horses! Maker's Mark's NFT Bottle Collab: Everything You Need To Know How Bored Ape Yacht Club NFTs Became $400K Status Symbols

May 1, 202241 min

172: The Bourbon and Seltzer Crazes Collide - The Local Seltzery NULU

The Bourbon Lens is traveling to some Louisville hotspots over the next few months and we are stopping in one of the newest spots in NuLu (New Louisville). This week we are at The Local Seltzery as we gear up for Derby Week. This Seltzery is a high tech mixology bar which leverages unique natural flavors with booze and carbonated water to craft hard seltzers. And, just in time for Derby, they've added a Bourbon Mint Julep Seltzer to their lineup. We sit down with The Local Seltzery's General Manager Tyler Sparkman as we discuss the concept of a Seltzery, the changing landscape of the booze business, and how a Seltzery is positioning itself in the heart of Bourbon Country. 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 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 Show Links: The local Seltzery These Kentucky brothers are looking to 'redefine what a seltzer can be' with NuLu store @thelocalseltzery • Instagram photos and videos The local Seltzery on Facebook Untangling the Complex History of One of America's Most Popular Cocktails—The Mint Julep Exactly what is a Seltzery? - Hard Seltzer News Every Drink Is Seltzer Now The Complete Hard Seltzer Guide North America $14.23 Bn Hard Seltzer Markets, Competition, Forecast & Opportunities, 2017-2021 & 2022-2027

Apr 25, 202240 min

171: Building a Bourbon Brand with More Than a "Puncher's Chance"

"IT'S (BOURBON) TIME!" with Bruce Buffer and Umberto Luchini as we talk about their brand Puncher's Chance Bourbon and its two current offerings. If you don't know Bruce Buffer, you likely know his voice and his iconic trademarked introduction; "IT'S TIME!"®. He's the official Voice of the Octagon for the UFC and he is putting his name and reputation behind this bourbon brand that he loves so much. We are also joined by the brand's founder, Umberto Luchini. He's an Italian with tons of experience in the international spirits world as well as Kentucky Bourbon; he previously helped grow the Campari Group portfolio, which also included Wild Turkey. Don't miss this episode and get hyped to grab a bottle of this Kentucky Straight Bourbon when you see it on shelves or online. Download or 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 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 & JakeBourbon Lens About Bruce Buffer: "The Voice of Mixed Martial Arts" Bruce Buffer, an entrepreneur, announcer, entertainer, and motivational speaker who excites the public about products and events he represents, is perhaps best known for introducing events worldwide with his internationally trademarked phrase, IT'S TIME!® Most will recognize Bruce as the official "Voice of the Octagon" for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) since 1997. He currently appears on all ESPN -televised UFC events and Pay Per Views. Bruce also appears and announces for many other sporting events such as the NBA, NFL, NHL, MLB, various collegiate sporting events such as the University Of Kentucky's March Madness event, as well as Fantasy and Esports events. On the virtual side, Bruce is a feature character in nine UFC video games released since 2014 (ex., CRAVE, THQ, UFC) and is the model and voice for the boxing character Tony T. in the Ready 2 Rumble Boxing Round 2 video game by Midway. Among numerous TV and movie appearances, Bruce has appeared with Robin Williams and Billy Crystal on "Friends"; on HBO's "Entourage"; alongside Antonio Banderas in the motion picture "Play it to the Bone," and Will Ferrell in the comedy "Holmes & Watson"; as well as performed voice over work for Clint Eastwood's 2004 Best Picture Oscar award winner "Million Dollar Baby." A ranked professional poker player, Bruce has been seen on NBC's Poker After Dark, the Travel Channel's popular "World Poker Tour TV Show," and co-stars in the critically acclaimed instructional poker DVD "All In" along with poker pro Phil Gordon. Bruce manages his entrepreneurial ventures through Buffer Enterprises, Inc., as well as guides and manages the career of his brother Michael Buffer, including the creation, design, and management of all product and promotional licensing surrounding Michael Buffer's world famous LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLE® trademark phrase, which has grown into a major international enterprise, approaching $500,000,000 in retail sales worldwide. Bruce's latest project is Puncher's Chance™ pure Kentucky Straight Bourbon, inspired by two great American traditions: whiskey, and fighting for what we believe in. Bruce explains: "A puncher's chance means that anyone has the potential to succeed, whatever the odds, if he or she works for it. Being the underdog is often the greatest strength. Puncher's Chance is the bourbon for everyone who believes and lives that credo." About Umberto Luchini Founder & Proprietor, Wolf Spirit Umberto Luchini (pronounced: oom-BEAR-toe loo-KEE-nee) is the founder and proprietor of Wolf Spirit, a different kind of spirits company started in a former Eugene, Oregon laundromat (Nanny's Wash & Dry, in fact). Wolf Spirit brands include Puncher's Chance Bourbon, Blood x Sweat x Tears Vodka, Bosscal Mezcal and Tom of Finland Organic Vodka from Finland. Umberto was born in Milan, Italy into a small, tightly-knit family. He attended school in London, worked in France, became jobless after 9/11, and took a low-paying job with a great brand: Campari (Monaco). Umberto rose through the marketing ranks, ultimately moving to San Francisco in 2004, where he resides today as an American citizen. Umberto worked with Campari America for 17 years, during which time he forme

Apr 18, 202246 min

170: How Michter's Distillery is Driving the Resurgence of Rye Whiskey

We are on location at the Michter's Distillery in Shively (Louisville) Kentucky for this episode. We sit down with Dan McKee and Andrea Wilson and share an incredible rye whiskey flight as we discuss the brand, its origin, and its growth into the future. We discuss Dan's role as Master Distiller and Andrea's as Master of Maturation as we enjoy this flight of a single barrel Rye, a 10 Year Rye, Barrel Strength Rye, and Toasted Barrel Strength Rye Whiskey. Download 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 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, Jake, & MichaelBourbon Lens About Dan McKee: Born and bred in Indiana, Michter's Master Distiller Dan McKee moved to Kentucky to pursue his dream of making whiskey. He began his career in the bourbon industry as a Distillery Operator at Jim Beam Distillery in Clermont, Kentucky. After two years of hands-on experience making some of the industry's leading bourbons and ryes, he was promoted to Distillery Supervisor at Booker Noe Distillery, where he worked for seven years. At that distillery, Dan reported to Pam Heilmann and gained valuable experience in all aspects of whiskey distilling. After being brought to Michter's Distillery by Ms. Heilmann, he played an integral role in assisting with the construction of the company's new Shively Distillery, and along with Ms. Heilmann and Andrea Wilson he built the company's current production team. Dan has continued to expand the company's operations with his work to bring Michter's Fort Nelson distillery online with its legendary pot stills and cypress wood fermenters from the original Michter's Pennsylvania operation. With his expertise in grain, Dan has played a key role in working with our local farmers to coordinate the planting schedules on Michter's 205-acre parcel in Springfield, Kentucky. Having graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University, Dan serves as Michter's technical representative on the Kentucky Distillers' Association. About Andrea Wilson: Andrea is Michter's Master of Maturation as well as its Executive Vice President - General Manager. As Michter's Master of Maturation, Andrea manages barrel specifications, barrel procurement, heat cycling and temperature monitoring during aging, tracking maturation of barrels, whiskey filtration in preparation for bottling, and innovation to continue to improve the aging process. Becoming the first woman to ever serve as Chair of the Kentucky Distillers' Association is among the many honors achieved by Andrea during her illustrious career. Andrea is admired for her accomplishments in the whiskey industry and has been involved in all aspects of making Michter's whiskeys. Before joining Michter's, Andrea spent over ten years with Diageo in various whiskey related positions including Director of Distillation and Maturation, North America - overseeing both the U.S. and Canadian distillation and maturation programs. Prior to her departure from Diageo she was the company's Director of Whiskey Strategy for North American operations. She holds a Master of Chemical Engineering degree from the University of Louisville, and she has been highlighted in the KET television documentary, Kentucky Bourbon Tales: Distilling the Family Business. About Michter's Process: CooperageWe Pay Careful Attention to the Wood Used in the Construction of Our Barrels. We are specifying wood that has been thoroughly and properly dried, sometimes for as long as 18-48 months, in order to enhance the natural properties of the wood which allow for better flavor and to reduce the levels of tannin imparted to the whiskey. Toasting & CharringThe Barrels Made to Our Specifications Are Toasted Before Charring. Toasting a barrel before charring helps to make the wood's sugars more accessible. These sugars caramelize and concentrate to form the "red line" in the barrel stave cross-sections due to the heat, ultimately adding more flavor and color to the whiskey as it seeps through the char to the caramel red line. Low Entry ProofWe Enter Our Rye and Bourbon Into Barrels at 103 Proof (51.5% ABV). Although the typical industry entry proof is 125 proof, we believe that the lower 103 proof (51.5% ABV) level – which was histor

Apr 10, 20221h 13m