Bourbon Lens

In conjunction with the release of this podcast, we are launching our very first Single Barrel of Frey Ranch Distillery's Four Grain Bourbon. This is a 5 year, 4 grain, 129.36 proof, grain-to-glass Nevada Bourbon that was hand selected with the Bourbon Lens team and the owners, Colby and Ashley Frey. It is available now through our online retailer, SharedPour.com, and shipping to nearly 40 states. The guys are joined by Colby and Ashley Frey to discuss this single barrel pick, to catch up on the distillery since our last episode (way back in April 2020; Episode 66), and to talk about what's coming next from the Freys. Don't miss your shot at trying Frey Ranch Distillery, as they are currently only available in Nevada and California retailers and online. Also, for every bottle sold, Bourbon Lens will be donating $2 to Frey Ranch's Women + Whiskey Campaign supporting Pinocchio's Moms on the Run – an organization that provides financial and emotional support for women battling breast cancer. Buy now! Show Notes: Purchase this Limited, Single Barrel Frey Ranch Bourbon selected by Bourbon Lens team here. Frey Ranch 66: Whiskey Farmer - Ground to Glass Bourbon Frey Ranch Donates $10,000 to Moms on the Run - Bourbon Lens SharedPour.com Frey Ranch Farmers + Distillers

We are venturing away from American Whiskey in an effort to expand our palates and appreciation for single malt whisky. Brandon from @TheDailyDram on Instagram stops in with a flight of Japanese Whiskies, including some of his favorites, Hakushu 12 Year and Yamasaki 18 Year. Brandon teaches us a little about the history of whisky in Japan as well as the terroir and regional styles of Japanese Whisky. Have you tried Japanese Whisky before? Be sure to let us know your favorites and thoughts about this type of world whisky. 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

Our guest this week is Herman C. Mihalich, Founder and Distiller of Dad's Hat Rye Whiskey at Mountain Laurel Spirits, LLC in Pennsylvania. Find out what makes Pennsylvania Rye different and how Pennsylvania contributed to the birth and rise of the earliest American Whiskies. 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 Show Links: Dad's Hat Spirit of Tradition: Dad's Hat Pennsylvania Rye Whiskey Pennsylvania whiskey revival: Distillers turn to heritage grains like Rosen rye - On top of Philly news The Best Rye Whiskeys Will Spice Up Your Home Bar | Saveur Dad's Hat Pennsylvania Straight Rye Whiskey Rating and Review | Wine Enthusiast 2 Pennsylvania whiskeys made expert Fred Minnick's Top American Whiskeys of 2021 | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Ranking Pennsylvania's rye whiskeys | Drink | Pittsburgh Farm to Bottle Whiskey Brings Back Lost Variety of Rye | Delaware Valley University How They Make Rye Whiskey the Right Way How One Distiller Is Looking to Revive Pennsylvania-Style Rye - Eater

We're celebrating St. Patrick's Day and Irish Whiskey all week and we are kicking it off with J.J. Corry Irish Whiskey. We are joined by Louise McGuane, Founder and Whiskey Bonder of J.J. Corry. You'll learn a little history of Irish Whiskey, Louise's efforts to revive the practice of Whiskey Bonding, and J.J. Corry's extensive whiskey and barrel inventory for future releases. And, as a bonus for our Kentucky Bourbon fans, we taste through the latest release from Kentucky Owl. Kentucky Owl and Louise teamed up to blend a unique Kentucky Bourbon for their St. Patrick's Limited Edition. 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 J.J. Corry J.J. Corry is Ireland's first modern Whiskey Bonder. As a Bonder, J.J. Corry sources new make spirit and mature Irish Whiskey, to age, finish and blend on the McGuane family farm on Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way. Founded by Louise McGuane in 2017, J.J. Corry has a multi-award winning portfolio of small batch expressions. J.J. Corry Facts Irish Whiskey is currently in a renaissance period, after a long recovery following the industry's collapse in the 1930s. It was the world's fastest-growing spirits category over the past decade. As a Bonder, J.J. Corry does not distill. Founder, Louise McGuane sources new make and mature spirit from all over Ireland to mature in casks she acquires directly from distilleries, wineries, breweries and bodegas around the world. A cult favourite amongst Irish Whiskey fans in Europe, J.J. Corry is recently distributed across the US and is looking to reach new consumers. J.J. Corry has the most comprehensive library of Irish Whiskey flavors in existence and Louise is a curator of casks, and archivist of the depth and breadth of Irish Whiskey today. Bonding used to be commonplace in Ireland, but the practice died out in the 1930s when the Irish Whiskey industry collapsed. Louise McGuane revived this piece of Irish Whiskey history and is now Ireland's only Whiskey Bonder. About J.J. Corry Whiskey Lineup: The Gael -We released Batch No.3 of our award winning flagship blend, The Gael in 2021. A blend of Malt and Grain Whiskey, Gael is the perfect marriage of Irish Whiskey flavours. Comprised of some of the oldest whiskeys in our library of flavours, The Gael is the perfect representation of our fruit bomb house style with layers of complexity. The Hanson - Our signature Grain Blend, The Hanson is sweet and fruit forward with bright citrus, vanilla and deep oak notes. Created by founder Louise McGuane with refreshing cocktails in mind, this bright and slightly spicy whiskey shines through in a highball, but is also delicious sipped by itself or with ice. About Irish Whiskey Irish Whiskey is currently in a renaissance period, after a long recovery following the industry's collapse in the 1930s. It was the world's fastest-growing spirits category over the past decade. Irish Whiskey is known and loved for it's milder flavor profile than that of its Scotch neighbors. Irish Whiskey is typically unpeated, with consumers drawn to its bright, fruit forward and accessible flavours. Show Links: J.J. Corry Irish Whiskey Louise McGuane: Ireland's First Modern Whiskey Bonder - Whisky Advocate By Tradition The Irish Whiskey Industry Has Been All Male. . . Until Louise McGuane Founded Her Own Brand Louise McGuane - Whiskies of the World The (nearly) Lost Art of Irish Whiskey Bonding | IrishSpirit Buy J.J. Corry Online Stoli Group Kentucky Owl Releases St. Patrick's Limited Edition Bourbon Whiskey - BevNET.com Review: Kentucky Owl St. Patrick's Limited Edition Bourbon Whiskey – Robb Report High spirits before whiskey's US launch | Ireland | The Sunday Times Kentucky Owl Kentucky Owl St. Patrick's Limited Edition Bourbon Review - Paste Kentucky Owl 2022 St. Patrick's Edition | WhiskyCast 4 Delicious Irish Whiskey Cocktails To Celebrate St. Paddy's Day | Man of Many

The American Whiskey Ambassador for the James B. Beam Distilling Company joins Bourbon Lens today to talk about all things Beam and we enjoy some pours of Legent Bourbon with Beth Burrows. We discuss the origin story of this unique finished Kentucky Bourbon which we've not tasted since way back in episode 11 of the Bourbon Lens. It's been a while since that episode and we were excited to be re-introduced to Legent which may have been slightly ahead of its time nearly 3 years ago. 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, gain early and exclusive access to our barrel picks, 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 Legent Bourbon: Legent® is a Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey partially finished in wine and sherry casks. But it's more than that. It pushes the boundaries for how bourbons can be created while remaining true to the core of bourbon's principles. It's a collaboration between two whiskey legends – Fred Noe & Shinji Fukuyo – and two unique styles of whiskey making. Legent has brought together over 225 years of bourbon-making heritage and nearly 100 years of Japanese whisky artistry. It's a unique collaboration between two of the world's most revered whiskey makers. And just like a traditional bourbon, Legent starts with premium grains, like corn, rye and malted barley, and is aged in select white oak barrels. Three different types of barrels are used to create the unique flavor profile of Legent. Each one imparts its own unique characteristics to this boundary-pushing bourbon. Since his birth, Master Distiller Fred Noe's life has revolved around the distillery in one way or another. Always looking for new challenges, Legent was a chance to do something that nobody's ever done before. Create a unique bourbon by taking everything from his family's 225 years of making bourbon and combining it with the craft of Japanese blending. From Japan to Scotland to Kentucky, Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo has traveled the world over learning, studying and perfecting the art of blending whiskey and distilling spirits. For him, Legent presented numerous unique challenges. Bourbon isn't a spirit that's blended routinely. He also wanted to honor Fred's family heritage and produce a unique bourbon of the highest quality. After years of tasting, testing and refining the recipe with Fred, Legent has become another step in Shinji's pursuit of mastery. Like any bourbon, it all starts with the grains. But unlike any other bourbon, how Legent ends up in your glass is a completely unique process. Fred and Shinji each played an integral, collaborative role in the creation of this truly unique bourbon. For generations, seven actually, Fred's family has been making bourbons loved the world over. Each starts with premium grains, like corn, rye and malted barley, and is aged in select white oak barrels so it can become a traditional bourbon. For most bourbons, this is where their journeys would end. But not Legent. Legent is aged again in sherry and red-wine casks where it picks up several unique flavors. Then Shinji meticulously blends these secondary-finished bourbons with more Kentucky straight bourbon. Blending allows Shinji to balance, add and unlock layers of complex flavors. Whether you're being served Legent by your favorite bartender or you're pouring it for friends at home, this unique bourbon's distinct flavor profile comes to life when the first drop hits the glass. That's why Fred and Shinji collaborated and used generations of knowledge, skill and technique to make sure every sip of Legent is worth savoring and sharing. About Beth Burrows: American Whiskey Ambassador - James B. Beam Distilling Company A New York native, Beth has led a life rooted in hospitality. Raised by a chef, in a family of educators, she started developing her palate early on. Through the years, she found her passion for educating and public speaking- especially on the topics closest to her heart. Beth's love of whiskey came many years later while she was working behind the stick in Louisville, Kentucky. It was there that she quickly fell in love with the history and the chemistry behind American Whiskey and s

The guys challenge each other to create a diverse whiskey bar but only using one Distillery. Find out which Distillery each of us select and our logic behind the choice. And one of us maybe gets a little too creative with their choice. Does it follow the rules? Let us know which Distillery you'd pick to craft the perfect "Five Bottle Whiskey Bar". 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 continued to support us. We must give 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 *Image Credit: Lux Rox Distillers and MGPI

We're discussing New York Rye Whiskey this week with Alex Clark, Founder of Fort Hamilton Distillery in Brooklyn. We taste through 4 offerings from Fort Hamilton, including Single Barrel Rye, Double Barrel Rye, Double Barrel Bourbon, and a private selection of Rye. We enjoyed chatting with Alex about his background in the cocktail world and what drove him to start a rye whiskey distillery in New York. If you are looking for a new rye whiskey, grab a bottle of Fort Hamilton. 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 continued to support us. We must give 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 Fort Hamilton Distillery: Based in Brooklyn and surrounded by landmarks of the Revolutionary Way, Fort Hamilton Distillery started barreling whiskey in 2016. On a mission to recapture America's finest spirits, we celebrate America's original whiskey style, New York Rye. This style was the most popular libation in America pre-prohibition and serves as the base for the most discerning classic American cocktails. We honor the authentic tradition of New York Rye by using zero corn in our mash bills and by avoiding colorings, flavorings, or adulterating our whiskeys in any way. HEARTS OF OAK In August 1775, Alexander Hamilton's Hearts of Oak Militia orchestrated a daring raid on lower Manhattan. Under fire from HMS Asia, they seized and repurposed the battery of British cannons, thereafter forming America's first artillery company. THE PROCESS Our whiskeys are barreled at a low proof for a smoother profile that emphasizes the rye grain over the barrel, promoting a softer, fruit-driven style of rye. It is non-chill filtered & aged in heavily charred new American white oak barrels on the Brooklyn waterfront for years. As is tradition for New York ryes, the barrel house is heated in winter to augment the aging process, thus creating an incredibly nuanced and historic whiskey. THE WHISKEY Fort Hamilton Rye Whiskey is distilled purely from rye grain, malted barley, yeast & water in a traditional New York-style with zero corn in the mash bill. It is barreled at a low proof & always non-chill filtered to achieve a beautifully balanced, bold, rich & round rye whiskey expression. Distilled from honest ingredients without the addition of flavoring or coloring, Fort Hamilton is equally at home neat or on the rocks as it is in a deeply authentic Old Fashioned or Manhattan. DOUBLE BARREL BOURBON STRAIGHT BOURBON WHISKEY BLEND PRICING Age: At least 3 years Cooperage: 53 gallon Char #3 American White Oak Mash bills: 70% NY Corn / 25% NY Rye / 5% NY Malted Barley. 60% Corn / 36% Rye / 4% Malted Barley (IN) Barreled at: 120 proof Bottled at: 92 proof / 46% ABV Non-Chill Filtered Our High Rye Bourbon barrels are individually tasted & blended in small batches to achieve an amazingly smooth and rich bourbon with gorgeous notes of Vanilla, Caramel & Cocoa. SINGLE BARREL RYE WHISKEY STRAIGHT RYE WHISKEY Age: At least 3 1⁄2 years Cooperage: 30 gallon Char #3 American White Oak Mash bill: 90% New York State Rye Grain & 10% Malted Barley Barreled at: 120 proof Bottled at: 90 proof / 45% ABV Non-Chill Filtered Only our most unique barrels are hand selected for our flagship offering. With zero corn in the mash, our perfectly balanced, soft, rich & round style appeals to all American whiskey lovers. Fort Hamilton proudly produces traditional New York style whiskeys originating from the revolutionary war era. Distilled from the purest ingredients, with no additional coloring, flavoring or excessive filtration. Join us in The Spirit of Revolution. DOUBLE BARREL RYE WHISKEY STRAIGHT RYE WHISKEY BLEND Age: At least 3 years Cooperage: 30 & 53 gallon Char #3 American White Oak Mash bills: 90% Rye / 10% Malted Barley (NY). 95% Rye / 5% Malted Barley (IN) Barreled at: 120 proof Bottled at: 92 proof / 46% ABV Non-Chill Filtered We painstakingly blend our 2 barrel types and sizes together to achieve small batch perfection. This Classic Rye provides the perfect backbone for cocktails whilst offering luscious honeyed notes and a long finish for sipping. PRIVATE BARREL / CASK STRENGTH RYE WHISKEY Age: At leas

The world famous Churchill Downs is home to Matt Winn's Steakhouse and we were invited to a one-of-a-kind bourbon experience inside its jaw-dropping "The Bourbon Room". Tim Knittel is the Official Bourbon Ambassador of Churchill Downs and has curated a tasting and dining experience for us as we sit down to record at the historic racetrack. We taste through a flight of private selection bourbons from the restaurant's impressive bourbon inventory. We hope you enjoy this podcast as we discuss history, the Kentucky Bourbon lifestyle, culinary experiences, and more. Download this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. About Tim Knittel: Tim Knittel is the first Official Bourbon Ambassador of Churchill Downs where he developed the Bourbon program for the new Matt Winn's Steakhouse. He has over 15 years of experience in the Bourbon industry including managing the culinary and VIP hospitality programs at the Woodford Reserve Distillery. In 2016, he founded Distilled Living which provides Bourbon education, tourism and consulting services and is the world's largest combined virtual and in-person Bourbon tastings company. He additionally holds the title of Adjunct Professor of Bourbon Studies at Midway University where he teaches tourism and hospitality courses with a focus on KY Bourbon tourism. His roles and work have been featured in Maxim, Forbes, Southern Living, American Whiskey Magazine, Good Morning America, NBC News, Washington Post, The Bourbon Review, Wonderlust and, now, Bourbon Lens Podcast. About Executive Sous Chef Stephen Dunn: Chef Dunn has a wealth of culinary experience around Louisville where he's trained at Sullivan University, and prior to Matt Winn's, has been tapped to head the kitchen in some of Louisville's top culinary hotspots. Chef Dunn previously lead the kitchen of Equus & Jack's Lounge, The Hub, and Sullivan's Tap House in St. Matthews. He embraces Southern cuisine, bourbon, local ingredients, and Kentucky's heritage. About Matt Winn & Matt Winn's Steakhouse: Matt Winn attended his first Kentucky Derby, the first Kentucky Derby, in 1875 at the age of 14. Over the next 75 years, he served as a pioneer and innovator of horse racing at the iconic Churchill Downs Racetrack and his impact would change the landscape of the Kentucky Derby forever. Winn's passion for Churchill Downs is evident in the many traditions that we still hold dear today: the design of the coveted Derby Trophy, the official Mint Julep glass, the garland of roses, the singing of "My Old Kentucky Home" during the post parade and the pari-mutuel wagering system just to name a few. Matt Winn's Steakhouse pays homage to the legacy of Colonel Winn. Oh, if these walls could talk… Millionaires Row, the fabled Room 20 – Colonel Winn's private nook, Derby history – rich with lure and tall tales… to new beginnings forging new traditions. Matt Winn started it all. His treasured view is now in your gaze. Take a look around. From the endless veranda to a lap around the handsome bar. Cushy seating, incomparable service, tableside charcuterie and a bourbon selection that is second to none. It's all in front of you, but don't worry, we understand, your best bet is the show out the window. Show Links: Matt Winn's Steakhouse Churchill Downs Distilled Living Bourbon Studies Minor - Midway University Tourism MBA - Midway University Churchill Downs Chef Will Teach You How To Cook A Kentucky Derby Meal At Home Churchill Downs: Masterful Mixology: Woodford Reserve Spire and Mint Julep - Distilled Living Secrets of Bluegrass Chefs - Matt Winn's Steakhouse Studying Bourbon At Midway University - American Whiskey Magazine 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

Buffalo Trace's mashbills #1 and #2 go head-to-head in this week's episode. We taste two solid single barrels; Blanton's and E.H. Taylor Single Barrel. Find out our thoughts on the house styles of Buffalo Trace Distillery and two hard to get bottles of bourbon. 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 continued to support us. We must give 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 Show Links: Shop for Valentine's Gift Ideas on our Amazon Influencer Page (Note - we may make a small commission) Blanton's Bourbon 15 Things You Need to Know About Blanton's Single Barrel Bourbon | VinePair Whiskey's Unlikeliest Unicorn | PUNCH Blanton's Single Barrel Bourbon Was Born in Japan | VinePair Blanton's 3 Bourbon Whiskey Expressions -- Explained, Rated, & Ranked Here's What $100,000 Worth of Blanton's Bourbon Looks Like The History Behind Blanton's Horse and Jockey Bottle Stoppers, and How to Collect Them All | VinePair Buffalo Trace Warns Buyers of Fraudulent Whiskey Being Sold Online Buffalo Trace Warns of Counterfeit Blanton's, Eagle Rare Sales Online | VinePair All 19 Brands From The Buffalo Trace Distillery, Ranked A Distillery Was Built And Left To Decay In The Middle Of Kentucky's Capitol City Whiskey Chronicles Of Edmund Taylor Jr., Part 1 - The Distiller Without Peer - The Whiskey Wash The World's Best Bourbon in 2020—According To The International Wine And Spirits Competition Tasting Notes On The 2020 "World's Best Bourbon"

We're heating things up with 3 barrel proof bourbons that each are a dozen years old. We also discuss storing opened bottles long term and the bourbon and American Whiskey export market. Knob Creek 12 Year Cask Strength goes up against Elijah Craig Barrel Proof and Lux Row's Limited Edition 12 Year Double Barrel. How do they stack up? Download this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. Image Credit: Lux Row Distillers We are thankful for everyone who has continued to support us. We must give 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

We're discussing Bottled in Bond bourbon this week, including whether this designation is still important in today's whiskey world. Whether the distillery is a major producer or a craft whiskey maker, the reasons for labeling their spirits as "bonded" will differ. But is this important for the consumer? We also line up 3 Bottled in Bond Kentucky Bourbons from some of the larger producers in the state. How do they hold up in a blind tasting and which is our favorite? 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 continued to support us. We must give 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 Show Links: 'Bottled in bond' was created to protect drinkers in the 1800s. Now the label has a new appeal. - The Washington Post Bottled-in-Bond: How a 120-year-old liquor act is helping craft whiskey make a statement Cocktail Queries: What is Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon, and Why Should I Care? - Paste Why Every Drinker Should Know What Bottled-in-Bond Means Everything You Need to Know About Bottled in Bond Bourbon - Paste Why Bottled-in-Bond Whiskey Is the Best Deal In Booze Whisky of Life Blog - History of Bottled in Bond Whiskey Best Bottled-in-Bond Whiskey from Jim Beam, Wild Turkey and Dickel – Robb Report Bourbon History Month: Are there unofficial rules of drinking bourbon? 10 Best Bottles Of Bourbon Whiskey Between $10-$20, Ranked What Is Bottled-in-Bond Whiskey? The 10 Best Bottled-In-Bond Bourbons Under $100 Why Bottled-in-Bond Whiskey Is Important In Modern Times 11 of the Best Bang-for-Your-Buck Bottled-in-Bond Bourbons for 2021

We're exploring 3 Double Oaked Bourbons this week, including Peerless, Woodford Reserve, and Starlight Distillery. We discuss the purpose of double oaking and why we believe that it elevates a bourbon to new levels. How do these three double oaked bourbons stack up? Be sure to let us know which double oaked bourbons we missed in this episode. Do you have a favorite Double Oaked Bourbon? 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 continued to support us. We must give 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 Show Links: The Best New American Double-Barrel Whiskies Of 2021 - Maxim What's the Deal with Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon? Kentucky Peerless Distilling Releases A Double Oak Bourbon - The Whiskey Wash Review: Peerless Double Oak Bourbon Peerless Keeps Winning All the Whiskey Awards. Here's Why. - InsideHook 7 Easily Findable And Damn Fine Bourbons Under $70 - LEO Weekly

We're back together and discussing the top trends in whiskey that we are expecting for 2022 and beyond. We also discuss some trends that we wish would fizzle out and die. And finally, we have some thoughts on some distilleries and brands you should be watching for in 2022. 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 continued to support us. We must give 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 Show Links: Top 10 'Trending' Bourbon Whiskeys For 2022, Tasted & Ranked That Expensive Bourbon You Bought May Be a Fake - The New York Times The 15 Best Whiskeys to Drink in 2022 | VinePair Top Bourbon Brands Report 2022: Drinks International Castle & Key Distillery partners with RNDC to enter more states Most Popular Whiskey Brands in the US for 2022 | The Manual Bourbon Pricing Is Getting Out of Control, and Only the Consumers Can Stop It - Paste

The gang's all here and we've cracked open two heavy hitting, barrel proof bourbons from Buffalo Trace Distillery. We compare two Mashbill #1 Bourbons, including Stagg Jr (Batch 13: Fall, 2019 – 128.4 proof) and EH Taylor Barrel Proof (Batch 10; 2021, 127.3 proof). These bottles have skyrocketed in secondary marketplaces and have become rare sights on store shelves, but are they worth the price? Show Links: EH Taylor, Jr. Barrel Proof Stagg Jr. Colonel EH Taylor Jr Barrel Proof Releases Buffalo Trace Is Dropping the "Jr." from Stagg Jr. Bottles - Paste Stagg Jr. is Growing Up: Changes Coming for Batch 18 - The Bourbon Review Bourbon Pricing Is Getting Out of Control, and Only the Consumers Can Stop It - Paste Buffalo Trace Statue Image Courtesy of Buffalo Trace Distillery* 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

Our guest this week is Miles Munroe, Lead Distiller for Westward Whiskey. Westward is reimagining Single Malt and adding an American Whiskey spin to elevate the category. American Single Malt Whiskey is a growing category and Westward is one to lead the charge as the United States moves towards well-defined standards of identity for the category. Miles brings a brewer's mentality to whiskey-making and goes above and beyond to craft high quality whiskies in Portland Oregon. Download this episode on your favorite podcast player by clicking here. We are thankful for everyone who has supported us in 2021. 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 WESTWARD AMERICAN SINGLE MALT WHISKEY: Single Malt, reimagined. American whiskey, elevated. As the highest rated American Single Malt, Westward Whiskey began in 2004 with a vision: to make a distinctive American Single Malt inspired by the American Northwest and the culture, climate, and abundant natural resources that have earned the region such reverence and renown. From humble beginnings to its impressive footprint today, creating a bold, robust, and delicious American Single Malt has remained the team's true passion. Helmed by founders Thomas Mooney and Christian Krogstad, Westward is a trailblazer in the American craft spirits community, a leading voice for American Single Malt, and a co-founder of the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission. Westward's flagship family of whiskeys, which have earned high praise around the world (two Double Gold medals, San Francisco World Spirits Competition), are available nationwide and in select international markets, include the original Westward American Single Malt, Westward American Single Malt Stout Cask, and Westward American Single Malt Pinot Noir Cask. For more information go to www.WestwardWhiskey.com and follow @westwardwhiskey on Facebook or Instagram. ABOUT MILES MUNROE: Miles Munroe serves as the lead distiller of Westward Whiskey. Miles manages the distilling production team and ensures that every bottle of Westward is made to perfection. His day-to-day responsibilities include spearheading all blending sessions and supervising Westward's rigorous quality controls by signing off on all whiskies before both barreling and bottling. He also oversees all operations within the Westward warehouse in Clackamas, the company's 28,000 square foot facility that maintains an inventory of more than 3,000 barrels of aging whiskey at any given time. Miles joined Westward Whiskey in 2013 to increase production of the company's American Single Malt. He began as the company's only production distiller, making up to two barrels per week. Today, Miles manages a team of six distillers who collectively produce 25 barrels per week. Miles played an integral role in optimizing spirits manufacturing at Westward's new distillery, a 13,000 square facility in Southeast Portland which opened in 2015 and expanded whiskey capacity six-fold. During the planning and build- out process, Miles served as a critical distilling consultant, determining equipment needs, designing the work flow, and calculating capacity for product. Miles' aptitude for taste plays a key role in ensuring quality while also sparking his creativity. After developing a custom flavor wheel for Westward to properly define its profile, he was inspired by his brewing experience to incorporate stout beer into a cask finish, which naturally paired well with Westward's signature characteristics. This resulted in the brand's first-ever stout cask finish, a four-year aged Westward resting for eight months in an Imperial Stout barrel that will launch later this year. As all of the company's distillers do, Miles came to Westward with a background in brewing. He attended the American Brewers Guild and graduated from the institute's Science & Engineering of Brewing program before spending several years as a brewer in Portland, OR. It was during his time studying sensory analysis that he realized his talent for taste and flavor identification, a skill that has brought him to achieve great success as brewer and later a whiskey blender. Over the course of his career, he worked for Bridgeport Brewing, Lompoc Brewing, and Migration Brewing, all while focusing on his

With Christmas right around the corner, we know there will be a few bottles of whiskey under the Christmas Tree this year. If you are playing Santa for your whiskey-loving friends & family, we have some great gift bottles you should check out. Whether it's a classic bourbon, something with some fancy packaging, or some whiskey that might be a little out of the norm, you're sure to find a bottle on our list that someone will love. Download this episode on your favorite podcast player by clicking here. Show Links: The Best Bottles Of Bourbon Under $100 To Give As A Gift The 30 Best Bourbons for Every Budget (2021) | VinePair The Best Expensive Bourbon Whiskeys To Give As A Gift This Year The Best Bourbons for Gifting, Mixing, and Straight-Up Sipping Holiday Gift Guide 2021: Best Whiskeys And Whiskies Made By Women 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

An American distillery with Irish heritage in its veins, O'Shaughnessy Distilling Company has engaged a modern legendary distiller of Irish Whiskey to grow a product line which embraces the best of both whiskey worlds. Combining a classic American Rye with two Irish Whiskies, Master Distiller Brian Nation is looking to put Minnesota on the world whiskey map. The O'Shaughnessy Family convinced Brian to leave an established and world-renowned Irish distillery to perfect his own passion project. Brian explains why he made this massive leap in his career in this episode, but in the words of Brian's mother, "What's for you, won't go by you." We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did. We were honored to have Brian on the Bourbon Lens podcast. Download this episode on your favorite podcast player by clicking here. 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 Keeper's Heart - O'Shaughnessy Distilling The Story O'Shaughnessy Distilling Company was founded with a belief that the spirit of family and friends, and our shared experiences together, provide us with deep connection and meaning in our lives. Our whiskey was created to celebrate the spirit of family, support our community, and leave a meaningful legacy for generations to come. We believe that the spirit of family is the strongest positive force in the world, and we are committed to celebrating the moments worth keeping. Several years ago, cousins Patrick and Michael O'Shaughnessy, along with Michael's father Gerry, were sharing a bottle of whiskey at the end of a long and joyous day at an O'Shaughnessy family reunion. They were reflecting on the importance of family; on how to make sure future generations stayed connected; and the legacy they wanted to leave. As conversation went deeper into the night and more whiskey was poured, they had a realization: the answer was right there in the glass. It was at that point they set out to create a whiskey that celebrated their Irish American heritage and the cousins set off to Ireland. They sent a chance email to whom they considered the finest Master Distiller in the world - Brian Nation – and much to their surprise, Brian responded and a meeting in Dublin was put on the books. That 30-minute meeting turned into a 5-hour meal as Michael, Patrick, Brian, and his wife Una, created an immediate connection. A new family was forming, and a vision was emerging: to blend the best of Irish and American whiskey traditions to create something entirely new. The Distillery The team set out to make their vision a reality, and while they procured some of the finest stocks of aged whiskey, they knew they needed to make their own. They needed a place where Brian, the legendary Master Distiller responsible for making some of the most renowned products on the market, could fulfill his desire to innovate and push the category beyond expectations. They began creating the O'Shaughnessy Distillery in an old potato factory right in the heart of their hometown of Minneapolis. At the heart of the world-class distillery are three beautiful copper pot stills, the key to making Irish style whiskey. The distillery opened to the public in Summer 2021 and boasts a guided education tour, a tasting room, multiple bar areas, private spaces for events, food service, and outdoor patio seating. The distillery is destined to become a home away from home for all whiskey lovers. The 30,000 square foot distillery houses more than 15,000 square feet dedicated entirely to the whiskey making process, including the signature component: three wondrous copper pot stills (SHOW NOTE: 8000 Liter Wash Still, 6000 Liter Feints Still, 6000 Liter Spirits Still or approximately 2113 Gallon Wash Still, 1585 Gallon Feints Still, and 1585 Gallon Spirits Still). The remainder of the distillery is comprised of the Keeper's Heart Whiskey Lounge, featuring unique shared spaces for people to come together and enjoy. From our Main Bar centered around our three copper pot stills, our Potato Bar, paying homage to our building's history and our Irish American heritage as well as our outdoor Spirits Garden and Rooftop Terrace. The Whiskey From this vision, team and place, Keeper's Heart Irish American Whis

Our guest this week is David DeFazio, co-founder of Wyoming Whiskey. We discuss building a distillery on a ranch and making whiskey in Wyoming. David is a former lawyer turned whiskey maker and has a wealth of experience in working hard, solving problems, and crafting whiskey. We also want to give a huge shoutout to Bob Cutler of Novio's Bistro in Bangor Maine for connecting us with Wyoming Whiskey. He's a long-time supporter of the show and of Wyoming Whiskey and we are so excited that we were able to collaborate for an episode. We hope you enjoy this week's episode and if you have a chance to try Wyoming Whiskey, let us know what you think! 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 Wyoming Whiskey Based in Kirby, Wyoming, Wyoming Whiskey has a simple goal: to create America's next great bourbon. The company and product is a collaboration between its partners and 97,818 square miles of Wyoming. The Mead family first came to Wyoming as ranchers in 1890 and the state defines them, and their whiskey. They use the finest corn, wheat, barley, and water from the Big Horn Basin and promote Wyoming's natural and human resources. Every drop of this bourbon is 100% Wyoming. When was WW founded? 2006 Who are it's founders? Brad & Kate Mead, 4th generation Wyoming cattle ranchers, and David DeFazio. All of the founders currently reside in Jackson, but the distillery is at the Mead Ranch in Kirby, WY. How many styles does Wyoming have? 6 in the main lineup Small Batch (flagship, highest quantity produced and sold) Outryder (Straight American Whiskey - WW's take on a rye) Single Barrel (top 1% of their liquid) Double Cask Barrel Strength National Parks Limited Edition Other limited release offerings they've done: Wide Open Spaces collection and some Wyoming-only releases in limited batches such as Stargazer, Thunder Basin and Wilderness. What are some unique factors that set Wyoming Whiskey apart in the industry? #1: WW uses non-GMO grains, including corn, wheat, barley, and rye, all sourced from a local WY farmer named Brent Rageth. Part of WW's culture is to draw upon the natural environment in making their product. Genetically modified grains are, to an extent, unnatural. And for that reason, they will only use natural seed when raising their crops in Byron, Wyoming. An experienced farmer easily works around the challenges presented by non-genetically modified crops. #2: Wyoming Whiskey does not source any alcohol. Every drop in our bottle comes from grains grown in Wyoming, which are cooked, fermented, distilled, barreled and bottled in Kirby, Wyoming. All of our grains come from Rageth Farms in Byron, Wyoming. WW's water comes from a mile-deep limestone aquifer 40 miles to the north of our distillery. This makes their product 100% Wyoming. In an age where a vast number of brands are taking the easier, cheaper and faster route of sourcing bulk whiskey, WW prefers to put in the extra time and effort to do things the right way. #3: Our environment: Wyoming is a special place. And as mentioned previously, our maturation environment is the most unique in the industry. On the hottest of days in the summer, the top of our warehouse can reach 132 degrees and in the depth of winter it will hit 0 degrees. Where else is a whiskey exposed to such extreme temperatures without moving an inch? WW Barrels experience the extreme temperature variations of the high basin between the Absaroka and Bighorn Mountains. Temperatures reach 135° at the height of the warehouse during the summer and fall precipitously to 5° degrees in the depths of Winter. In the summertime, warehouse temperatures can swing 20 – 30 degrees and facilitate greater whiskey and wood interaction. How does the unique terroir of Kirby, WY and its temperature fluctuations impact the development of WW? WW does not use temperature controlled warehouses. As a result, they are at the mercy of the environment. Their maturation environment is arguably the most unique in the whiskey industry because of it's violent temperature swings. Diurnal temperature swings can be over 50 degrees in a day, which results in a more dynamic maturation environment in every barrel. Given the thermal mass in each war

Our guests this week are the founders of Talnua Distillery in Arvada Colorado. Patrick and Meagan Miller fell in love with the traditionally Irish, Single Pot Still Whiskey on a honeymoon trip to Ireland. They aimed to recreate the style of whiskey featuring malted and unmalted barley, but with an American twist. Talnua created the first Single Pot Still distillery outside of Ireland. They wanted to bring this style of whiskey to America and imbue it with the nation's terroir while honoring Gaelic distilling traditions, the immigrant soul, and the pioneering spirit of the American people. Enjoy this week's episode and check out this newer style of American Whiskey. 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 the Talnua Brand: In 2017, we embarked on a mission to define a new chapter of American whiskey with the introduction of our American Single Pot Still Whiskey. True to gaelic-style distilling practices, and unique to the new world, our spirits are produced using a mashbill of raw and malted barley and triple distilled in copper pot stills. Located on the Front Range of the Colorado Rocky Mountains, the altitude, changing seasons, crystal clear mountain water, and local barley all lend a uniquely American terroir to our spirits. About the Founders: Patrick Miller Founder, President & Head Distiller: Denver, CO. Patrick began his distilling career at Breckenridge Distillery's Distillation and Production School in June of 2015. In August of 2015, he started working as a Distiller at Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey. After spending nearly three years on recipe development, brewing, and distilling for Talnua, Patrick distilled the first batch of Single Pot Still whiskey in the US in 2018. Prior work includes: Chemist, Fluids Engineer, and Database Systems Manager for oil and gas companies. {Brewing, Distilling, Barreling, Bottling, Sales} Meagan Miller Founder, Vice President & Sales: Denver, CO. Meagan ("the Nose") has worked with Patrick every step of the way on brewing, distilling, and recipe development. Meagan's background is regulatory compliance, rule making, and policy development. This government affairs experience provides a key asset in working with Federal, State, and Local agencies on permitting, licensing, and reporting. Meagan also provides front of house experience in the service industry and manages day to day distillery business functions. On October 18, 2019, she was elected to serve as the next President of the Colorado Distiller's Guild. Where it all began: In a Galway pub on their honeymoon, Patrick and Meagan sat watching the 2011 Ireland vs. USA Rugby World Cup Match. An eager bartender was thrilled to share with them the first Single Pot Still Whiskey to be released in decades. He regaled them with the history of this nearly extinct style of whiskey and with the passion that one day, Single Pot Still would regain its rightful place on the world stage. The love affair was instant, and the couples' passion was forever ingrained in the story of Single Pot Still Whiskey. With family history rooted in Irish ancestry, the couple returned to Ireland every year and knew that single pot still whiskey would forever be a part of their story. Knowing that Single Pot Still Whiskey was not yet available in the US they set out to create the first Single Pot Still distillery outside of Ireland. They wanted to bring this style of whiskey to America and imbue it with the nation's terroir while honoring Gaelic distilling traditions, the immigrant soul, and the pioneering spirit of the American people. Our Name: Talnua. Our name is born of the Irish-Gaelic words 'Talamh', meaning 'Land', and 'Nua', meaning 'New'. In a word, it's our story, and tells of our passion for bringing an old-world style of distilling to the new land that is America. Our sigil shows our native Big Horn Ram on the Flatirons of Colorado's Front Range. It is looking back on a triskele moon, which represents the Irish-Gaelic old world, home to the distilling traditions we honor. Faugh a Ballagh. Our motto means 'Clear the Way' for the new American Single Pot Still and explore a whole new world of character and flavor. Show Links: Whiskey Distillery | Talnua Distillery

We're celebrating 150 episodes of the Bourbon Lens with some very special bourbons. We appreciate each and every one of our supporters, listeners, fans, and friends. Without you, we wouldn't have the drive to continue producing the bourbon and whiskey content that we do. Cheers to you! And here's to 150 more! In this episode, Jake and Scott have a blind lineup of the last 3 Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch releases. Which will come out on top? Which year is your favorite? Our 3 Glasses contain: Red - 2020 Green - 2021 Yellow - 2019 Scott's Ranking: 2019 (Yellow) 2021 (Green) 2020 (Red) Jake's Ranking: 2021 (Green) 2019 (Yellow) 2020 (Red) Details on Batches: 2019 (aka Yellow) Non-chill filtered and bottled at a 112.6 proof, the 2019 Limited Edition Small Batch marks the first Four Roses limited-quantity bottling to feature a 21-year-old Bourbon which is from the distillery's OBSV recipe. This release will also feature a 15-year-old OESK, 15-year-old OESV and 11-year-old OESV. NOSE - Elegant aromas of oak, honey, red raspberries and vanilla. PALATE - Bright, sweet fruits, cinnamon, baking spices, and mellow barrel flavors. FINISH - Rich, soft and lasting finish. 2020 (aka Red) Non-chill filtered and bottled at a 111.4 proof, the 2020 Limited Edition Small Batch features a 12-year-old Bourbon from the OBSV recipe, a 12-year-old OESV, a 19-year-old OBSK and a 16-year-old OESK. NOSE - Apple, Orange Peel, Honey & Vanilla PALATE - Apricot, Pear, Hints of Red Berries FINISH - Rye Spice, Light Oak, Refreshing Fruit 2021 (aka Green) Non-chill filtered and bottled at a 114.2 proof, the 2021 Limited Edition Small Batch features a 16-year-old Bourbon from the OBSV recipe, a 14-year-old OBSQ, a 12-year-old OESK, and a 16-year-old OESV. NOSE -Ripe Berries, Light Floral, Rich Warm Oak PALATE - Plum, Orange Peel, Delicate Spice FINISH -Vanilla Cream, Dark Chocolate Show Links: Four Roses Limited Edition Bourbons Four Roses Bourbon | Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey Four Roses Virtual Tour The Remarkable Resurrection and Unique Nature of Four Roses Bourbon The Best New Whiskeys To Seek Out This Month Price, where to buy Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch 2021 Image Credit - Four Roses Distillery 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

It's the whiskey brand with an Italian name and they're looking to make their mark in the world of Kentucky Bourbon. We are joined by Luca Mariano Distillery this week to talk about starting a bourbon brand, finding a home for your distillery, and growing brand awareness. Jennifer Brandt and Kenny Fuller are our guests this week as we taste through the full lineup Luca Mariano whiskey in downtown Louisville. We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout to our 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 us, join in whiskey tastings, 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 the Distillery: In 2016, LMD began prospecting for land to house its future distillery while waiting for the bourbon and rye whiskey to come of age. Francesco's long-term vision is to create a distillery location that is like no other distillery. He envisions a place for family and friends to come and enjoy great music, food, and whiskey. The same way his family does it in Italy. With the long-term goal in mind, in 2017, LMD found a 300 acre farm in Danville, Kentucky that would give plenty of space for what Francesco envisions. The farm includes a stone house that was built by a man named William Crow, which is the oldest stone house in the State of Kentucky. Although the stone house was left abandoned and in disrepair, LMD plans to restore the house to its original condition. Additional plans for the project include the following: construction of a fully-functioning distillery; a visitor's center; multiple rickhouses for barrel aging; and, an entertainment pavilion. About Francesco Viola, Founder/Owner: Francesco began distilling as a hobby in his garage in 2010. He hadn't planned on it becoming a business. After having a neighbor over to enjoy what he had created, his neighbor told him that it was illegal to distill liquor in his garage. After discovering that his hobby was illegal, Francesco called his lawyer to help him obtain a license to distill liquor, so he could carry out his grandfather's dream. Francesco's grandfather was a man named Mariano Viola. His dream was for his family to build a business and create a legacy in the United States. Mariano taught Francesco many skills including gardening, making pasta and wine, and distilling brandy and whiskey. In honor of his grandfather, Francesco created recipes for Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey that are the foundation of Luca Mariano Distillery. The company is named after Francesco's son, Luca Mariano, who is named after Francesco's grandfather. Show Links: Luca Mariano | Kentucky Straight Bourbon & Rye Luca Mariano Distillery (@lucamarianodistillery) • Instagram photos and videos Luca Mariano on Twitter Distillery considers options for historic William Crow house - The Advocate-Messenger

In a special Veterans Day episode, we are joined by retired, Special Forces Veteran Scott Neil who is the co-founder of Horse Soldier Bourbon. Horse Soldier, was co-founded by the horse-mounted Green Berets who lead America's counter-terrorism effort in Afghanistan almost immediately following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Scott Neil has an incredible story, a warrior's mindset, and a soldier's determination with everything he does, including his current mission: growing a bourbon brand. A huge thank you to Scott Neil, Horse Solider Bourbon, and all the United States' Veterans on this very special Veterans Day. 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 Horse Soldier Bourbon Horse Soldier Bourbon is an all American, ultra-premium whiskey crafted by the legendary U.S. Army Green Berets who answered the country's call days after 9/11 with a daring insertion, on horseback, into northern Afghanistan. This brave and unconventional act earned them the moniker of "Horse Soldiers" and inspired them to create their awarding winning bourbon. The team has been featured in the Hollywood movie 12 Strong, the CNN documentary Legion of Brothers, and is memorialized by America's Response Monument located at Ground Zero in New York City. When the team first set out on their journey to make Horse Soldier Bourbon, they wanted to ensure they were fully immersing themselves in the art of making whiskey and learning all they could about the ingredients used, distillation, aging and design. They therefore traveled around the world visiting distilleries and brand houses to gain more information and understand everything that went into making a stellar bourbon. The result was the ability to successfully combine their new knowledge and whiskey making skills with the meticulous precision, process, and habits they gained in the military and translate both into distilling the world-class Horse Soldier Bourbon brand. Founded in 2015, Horse Soldier Bourbon encompasses three core elements that make it the legendary spirit it is today: Authentic, the team behind the brand are an integral part of the country's history; All-American, each ingredient used to make Horse Soldier Bourbon is from the U.S, including its glass bottle, which is molded by steel recovered from the World Trade Center to commemorate the lives lost but never forgotten; And Award-Winning, to date the brand has won more than 30 awards from many of the industry's most prestigious competitions, including three Double Gold Medals at the San Francisco International Spirits Competition. Today, the team's steadfast mission is to continue to create an award-winning, legendary line of bourbons, the embodiment of the American spirit and the Horse Soldier's legacy in a bottle. Comprised of rich and complex wheat-forward whiskies, the core Horse Soldier Portfolio includes the Straight Bourbon, Small Batch Bourbon, and Barrel Strength Bourbon in addition to limited edition expressions launched annually, such as the Commander's Select Limited Edition Release. Looking ahead, Horse Soldier Bourbon will be making its forever home in Somerset, Kentucky. Located on 225 acres of rolling countryside, they put together an award winning team of international and local architects, experiential designers, and engineers to create the Horse Soldier Distillery experience. The new distillery will become the most southern stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, joining the family of iconic distilleries that have made their home there and ensuring the Horse Soldier legacy lives on for decades to come. The Horse Soldier Bourbon Portfolio: Horse Soldier Straight Bourbon (SRP: $49.99 | 43.5% ABV): The brand's classic recipe of authentic bourbon is made with corn, rye, and malted barley and won a Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2019. It is a balanced and robust bourbon aged a minimum of 3 years to ensure its distinctive, mellow character. Horse Soldier Small Batch Bourbon (SRP: $69.99 | 47.5% ABV): Extraordinarily complex with notes of vanilla, ginger, and cherries, this "wheated" bourbon is made from small batches of meticulously blended mature whiskey, aged for a minimum of 6 years in new American white oak b

A grain-to-glass distillery since 2011, FEW Spirits produces craft whiskey in a tucked away alley located in the Chicago suburb of Evanston, IL. A historical town where Prohibition lasted until 1972, Founder & Master Distiller Paul Hletko changed the future of Evanston when he opened FEW Spirits Distillery, the first (legal) alcohol-production facility of any kind to ever open 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 the Brand:Paul Hletko always knew he wanted to make craft spirits —produced in the local Chicago area -that offered something different, delicious and fun. Living in Evanston, a town that was prime for change after being dry for four decades post the repeal of prohibition, Paul felt it was the perfect home and backdrop for FEW and the brand. Deeply integrated into the brand story, both Evanston and Chicago are crucial elements of the FEW DNA and its inspiration. From its liquid, created from locally grown or sourced ingredients, to the look & feel of the design, which pays homage to the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago— FEW is the true definition of a local Illinois craft spirit. FEW Spirits features a refreshing and innovative portfolio including a stable of core spirits and several small batch limited edition specialty expressions. Each flagship spirit is a new take on the timeless liquors of the past; distilled from the very best grains, aged to perfection, and bottled under the FEW roof. The small batch limited editions hold true to the premium quality FEW drinkers have to come to love and expect from the brand, but offer something novel to the oft-ordinary taste and style we've all grown accustomed to. In a world over saturated with mass-produced spirits, only few remain truly handcrafted, locally sourced and small-batched. FEW has never strayed from this —even as it grows, Paul and his team continue to provide consistently impeccable spirits that are true to their craft roots and reminiscent of their home base. About Paul Hletko - Founder & Master Distiller A maverick for the ages, Paul Hletko wore many hats before launching FEW Spirits, but one thing has always remained consistent throughout —he loves to make new things. Whether that was making blueprints as an engineer, deals as a lawyer or music for his rock-n-roll band, at his core Paul is a creative and always wants to bring something to the table that hasn't been done before. "All my life, I've tried to be a creative person and beat to the sound of my own drum," says Paul. "At the end of the day, I like to have created something that didn't exist that morning and offers something completely different." FEW Spirits was and is exactly that. And while that notion, and Evanston's history itself led to the creation of FEW, the biggest inspiration for Paul was his own family history. Prior to World War II, Paul's grandfather owned a large brewery in what is now the Czech Republic and after losing the brewery to the Nazi invasion he fought the remainder of his life to get the brewery back. When his grandfather passed away and Paul was at the end of his time with the music industry, he decided to start a distillery of his own. He says, "I wanted to create something that would honor my family history but didn't want to try and replicate it. With FEW, I am able to celebrate my roots while being able to create something new." In 2011 Paul opened the FEW Distillery and since then has produced award wining spirits that are original, distinctive and playful. His love for the nuances & flavor of whiskey and his flexibility to innovate with gin have made them FEW's backbone products, but he continues to play around and innovate daily with limited expressions and new collaborations. In the future, Paul aspires to take FEW to an even bigger production facility where he and his team can continue to produce their liquid for enthusiasts around the world, while still remaining true to their craft roots. Recently, Paul was named the 2018 World Distiller of the Year in Gin Magazine's annual "Icons of Gin" feature. About the Production Small but mighty, FEW Distillery makes its spirits using three stills, which according to Founder Paul Hletko is a rarity among pro

Rob Samuels is our guest this week and we are honored to have this 8th generation of whisky-maker on our podcast. The Samuels family has long been known for founding Maker's Mark Distillery in Loretto Kentucky. Rob is the Managing Director of Maker's Mark and is a passionate story-teller ensuring his family's history is told to the masses. Rob knows that Maker's Mark is the result of a "purposefully inefficient handmade process" but recognizes the importance of it to his family, their legacy, and to the quality of their bourbon. After this episode, hopefully you will recognize that Maker's Mark is about so much more than the whisky. 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 * Dripping Wax Logo and Branding Courtesy of Maker's Mark About Maker's Mark® Bourbon In 1953, in Loretto, Ky., Bill Samuels, Sr., fulfilled his dream to create a handmade and delicious bourbon. He decided to make his whisky in small batches, using soft red winter wheat to enhance the softness and sweetness. He then rotated each barrel by hand for consistency and, finally, aged each barrel to taste. Bill Samuels, Sr., transformed bourbon from a "commodity" into a premium handmade spirit, and today Maker's Mark® continues to make its bourbon the same way. In recent years, Maker's Mark has introduced thoughtful, super-premium innovations to its portfolio, including Maker's Mark 46®, Maker's Mark® Cask Strength and Maker's Mark® Private Selection, the brand's first-ever custom barrel program. For more information, visit www.makersmark.com. Show Links: An Oral History of Bourbon Part II: Maker's Mark's Bill Samuels Jr. and Rob Samuels Maker's Mark | Handmade Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky Samuels Family | Our Story Maker's Mark: a brand history The LEE Initiative The LEE Initiative Partners with Maker's Mark® to Release "CommUNITY Batch" Bourbon with 100% of Proceeds Supporting the Hospitality Industry How Maker's Mark Bourbon Is Made — From Barrel to Iconic Red Wax Seal Unique Kentucky Getaway - Vacation Rental by Makers Mark The Family Behind Maker's Mark Has Opened Their House for Overnight Stays The 25 Most Important Bourbons Ever Made | Food & Wine You Can Now Stay in the Original Kentucky Home of the Maker's Mark Family NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES INVENTORY -- NOMINATION FORM LOCATION OF LEGAL DESCRIPTION The Core Bottles Of Maker's Mark Bourbon Whisky, Ranked Column: Maker's Mark Barrel Entry Proof Experiment Proves Its Tradition Is Solid LEADERS Interview with Rob Samuels, Global General Manager and Chief Distillery Officer, Maker's Mark Earth Day Champions: UK Introduces World's Largest American White Oak Repository and Genome Mapping Study With Maker's Mark UK, Maker's Mark partnership leads to American white oak research | Lexington Herald Leader UK, Makers Mark collaborate to sustain American white oak with repository and genome mapping study Independent Stave Company

We are joined by Alastair Brogan, Founder and Owner, and Ryan Negley, Lead Ambassador and Whiskey Fellow for Boulder Spirits by Vapor Distillery. We learn about the Scottish influence that Alastair brought to Colorado and American Single Malt while still finding a unique niche in the American Whiskey Category, including their high-malt bourbons. Boulder Spirits features the largest pot still in the state of Colorado which adds an impressive layer of complexity to their whiskies as does their usage of new charred oak casks for their American Single Malts. We had the opportunity to taste through several of their high-malt bourbons and American Single Malts and a few of their forthcoming 5 year old releases. Be sure to check out the new Adventure Kits by Boulder Spirits to get an amazing selection of high-malt bourbons and American Single Malts. This is the best way we've seen to experience all that a brand has to offer; each kit features 6 different whiskies. Each kit will provide you with a link to a thorough, half hour long guided tasting with Alastair and Ryan. You are sure to find several whiskies to add to your bar. You can learn more here: https://boulder-spirits.com/products-adventure-kit. 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 The Mission of Boulder Spirits: Barley, yeast, water, oak, and the pursuit of happiness. These make up the foundation of what we here at Boulder Spirits stand on. We're a small Colorado whiskey company with big dreams, bigger goals, and the biggest pot still in the state. We're here to make our best versions of American Single Malt Whiskeys, Bourbons, and Gins that our team can. We hope you can find us in your future, whether by visiting the distillery for a tour and tasting, or seeing our products at your favorite spirits retailers and finer whiskey serving establishments. About The Chieftain: Alastair Brogan has had a few lives: a Royal Air Force veteran, Vice President of the family business, 'voted off' reality TV star (internet it!), world traveler, and now owner/operator of Boulder Spirits by Vapor Distillery. While Alastair certainly could have stuck to the long, brittle winters of Scotland to pursue his lifelong dream and make whiskey at home, his sense of adventure and intrigue for innovation made not only the United States, but, most accordingly, Colorado the perfect place to settle. Upon commissioning a 1,000 gallon copper pot still from the famed Forsyths (one of the oldest still makers in the world), he packed up the caravan with the family at his side and found a home in Boulder, Colorado. This is a place that breeds adventure and innovation. The Movement: Unbeknownst to Alastair during his pursuit of whiskey, an entire movement was abrew. Since the day we filled our first freshly charred, virgin American Oak barrel with malt whiskey to the day that we filled our first bottle, the American Single Malt Whiskey category was born. Around the country, as well as the world, the taste for American Whiskey has grown. The thirst for Bourbon stays strong, but this country is great at many things, and innovation is absolutely one of our greatest. This innovative mindset shared by distillers in every corner of this country has created an entirely new set of flavors to explore; these flavors all begin with one common source: 100% malted barley. Currently, there are over 130 distilleries that have ventured into the American Single Malt Whiskey realm, each with as different of an approach to creating whiskey from each other as the next. Single malt whisky is made in many, many countries around the world, but only the United States utilizes the virgin American Oak as a standard. We believe that is the truest defining characteristic of American whiskey. We take traditions from Al's homeland, along with American ingenuity to find a balance that creates award winning whiskeys: distillers malted barley, a Scottish pot still, #3 char American White Oak barrels, aged in an arid, high elevation climate, and cut with the celebrated Eldorado Springs water. This is our American Single Malt. Links: Boulder Spirits Official Website Boulder Spirits Adventure Kit - Youtube Teaser Learn more about their new Adventure Kit whi

Taking a break from the metal and rock music at Louisville's Louder Than Life music festival, Rob Dietrich joins the Bourbon Lens to talk whiskey. Rob Dietrich is Master Distiller for Blackened American Whiskey and has taken over their reins from the late Dave Pickerell. Rob is a talented distiller (formerly of Colorado's Stranahan's) and even has a history of working in the music industry, so landing with Metallica's Blackened brand is a natural fit for him. You'll hear a lot about Rob's philosophy of whiskey, his love for music, and his passion for this brand as they head international. 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 Blackened Whiskey: BLACKENED was created in 2018 by Metallica and late Master Distiller Dave Pickerell. It features a blend of the finest North American bourbons and ryes that were hand-selected by Dave and finished in black brandy casks. During finishing, the whiskey undergoes the BLACK NOISE sonic-enhancement where the low frequencies of Metallica's music pummel the finishing barrel, visibly shaking it, causing greater interaction between the whiskey and the wood, thereby extracting more flavor and color. The playlist for the batches are traditionally selected by the members of Metallica and can be found on the website at https://blackenedwhiskey.com/batch-playlists/ The brand recently unveiled its new "Masters of Whiskey Series," which partners Rob Dietrich with other renowned master distillers to reimagine craft whiskey. The series debuted with the BLACKENED x Willett Kentucky Straight Rye Finished in Madeira Casks created in collaboration with Drew Kulsveen and Willett Distillery. It's crafted from a base of low rye and high rye recipes hand-selected by Rob and Drew from the Willett Family Estate Reserve Selection. The whiskies are married in Madeira Casks where they undergo the BLACK NOISE sonic-enhancement process using a playlist selected by both Master Distillers. It's bottled at cask strength at 109.6 proof. Bottle Stock Image Credit: Blackened American Whiskey Show Links: BLACKENED American Whiskey | Premium Bourbon-Rye Blend 3 'Drinking Rules of Engagement' by Rob Dietrich Blackened Batch - Metallica Playlists on Spotify Robb Report Review: Blackened, the Whiskey That's Aged to the Sounds of Metallica – Robb Report Introducing Blackened American Whiskey... Whiskey Remastered | Metallica.com The Whiskey Wash Interview: Becoming 'One' With Metallica's Whiskey Brand Guitar World Feature - Metallica's Blackened American Whiskey has been "pummeled by the low-hertz frequencies" of the band's classic tracks Revolver Magazine - Metallica's Black Album Meets Blackened American Whiskey: Inside Batch 114 BLACKENED American Whiskey Introduces Limited Edition "The Black Album" Whiskey Pack SF Gate Feature - The secret ingredient in this whiskey is Metallica...no seriously Vulture.com Review: Metallica 'S&M2' Blackened American Whiskey Men's Journal - Meet the Rebel Distillers Breaking All the Rules on Whiskey Maxim.com - Metallica Celebrates The Black Album Anniversary with Blackened Whiskey Pack The Manual Feature - Metallica Fuses with Willett Distillery To Create an Exclusive Rye Revolver Magazine - Metallica's Blackened American Whiskey: Rob Dietrich's Journey From Stagehand to Master Distiller Forbes Feature - Metal and Rock's Triumphant Return At 2021's Louder Than Life Festival Watch METALLICA Play "Ride The Lightning" At Louder Than Life Blabbermouth.net - METALLICA Releases Pro-Shot Video Of 'Ride The Lightning' Performance From LOUDER THAN LIFE Festival

We are joined by Widow Jane Distillery President and Head Distiller & Blender, Lisa Wicker. Her fingerprints have been left in many distilleries over the years and she's landed in her new home away from Kentucky, Widow Jane Distillery in Red Hook, Brooklyn, NY. We discuss two different bourbons with Lisa Wicker, including Widow Jane 10 Year (5 barrels, 6+ years, small batch, 91 proof) and Lucky Thirteen Bourbon (small batch, less than 10 barrels, 93 proof). You'll hear about Lisa's time in the wine industry and how she's made her mark in the bourbon world as well. About Widow Jane Distillery Widow Jane is an award-winning artisanal distillery located in the New York City neighborhood of Red Hook, Brooklyn. The company is named in homage to one the legendary mines of Rosendale in Upstate New York, from which the brand sources its proofing water. Before becoming a natural reserve of extraordinary mineral water, the mines produced the natural cement used to construct some of the most iconic American landmarks, such as the Brooklyn Bridge and the Empire State Building, among others. The pure, limestone-filtered water from the mine, plus one of the country's largest holdings of long-aged Bourbons, and a refusal to compromise the product with chill-filtration, are just three elements that make Widow Jane a stand-out whiskey company. The facility in Red Hook includes warehousing, aging, barreling, blending and bottling. For more information, visit www.widowjane.com or find Widow Jane on Instagram @widow_jane About Lucky 13 Bourbon from Widow Jane Originally launched in 2020 as private barrel program, bourbon whiskey aged 13 years in American oak and bottled at 93 proof in hyper small batches. LUCKY THIRTEEN is aged a very unique 13 years in American oak barrels hand-picked by Widow Jane President and Head Distiller Lisa Wicker and proofed with limestone-rich water from the legendary Rosendale Mines of NY. Initially released as a private-single-barrel program at a variety of proofs, LUCKY THIRTEEN will now be available exclusively at 93 proof (46.5% ABV) in hyper small batches, little more than a handful of barrels at a time, making this bourbon addition a unique expression of Widow Jane's signature intense, complex profile. Widow Jane president and distiller Lisa Wicker notes that the blending process with these aged bourbons is fine and delicate, and that's what makes LUCKY THIRTEEN a real treat; well-aged bourbon in hyper small batches, and absolutely not chill filtered. The resulting whiskey has a rich mouthfeel and lingering finish. Said Wicker, "I see the ability to share really special expressions, like LUCKY THIRTEEN, with whiskey geeks and industry friends as one of the real gifts of this profession. As our stock of well-aged bourbon beyond 10 years continued to mature, we were able to match Lucky Thirteen to our signature blending process, consisting of bourbons from Kentucky, Tennessee, and Indiana. This was a very natural evolution for us, to make a rich, complex bourbon, while upping the ante in proof to 93, versus our 10 year bourbon's proof of 91." LUCKY THIRTEEN will now be available year-round, though still in limited quantities. It will be made available in 750 ml bottles at a suggested retail price of $99.99. Links: Widow Jane Distillery Widow Jane 10 Year Bourbon Widow Jane Adds 13 Year Bourbon To Its Range Of Year Round Offerings Samson and Surrey Around Brooklyn: Widow Jane bourbon grows in popularity This $150 bourbon is made with the same water that goes into New York bagels

Texas Whiskey is a growing category looking to make its mark in the world of American Whiskey and Kentucky Bourbon. We're joined by Nico Martini, who just published his book Texas Whiskey, an ever-evolving chronicle and guidebook of the "history" and people of Texas Whiskey. Nico is also co-founder of Grayson Whiskey, author of Texas Cocktails, and a lover of all things Texas. Grayson Whiskey is a blend of Texas bourbon and wheat whiskies and just hit the shelves only a few months ago after a successful launch. In this episode, we taste Grayson Texas Blended Bourbon Batch 1, which is coming in at 3 years old and 119.4 proof. Batch 1 contains whiskey from Ironroot Republic Distilling, Balcones Distilling, and Five Points Distilling, the makers of Lone Elm Whiskey. As you'll hear in the episode, after selling out Batch 1, Grayson will release Batch 1B in October 2020. Batch 1B will contain the same distilleries and same percentage blend as the original batch, but some variation is expected. On March 2, 2022, Grayson will release Batch 2, featuring 4 distilleries; with the addition of Still Austin. A huge thank you to Nico Martini for the opportunity to try the whiskey, check out his book, and to Cider Mill Press for the review copy of the book. 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 The Story of Grayson Whiskey: Texas in a bottle. Our goal was to create a bourbon that blended some of the best whiskeys in our state, in a way that had never been done before. For us, Texas whiskey is the epitome of innovation and in Grayson, we honor the diversity and creativity of our great state. Grayson embodies the spirit of Texas in both your glass and in your soul. Grayson is bold, brazen, bona fide, and, above all else, uniquely Texan. We hope that the beginning of our story can be a highlight in yours. Grayson tonight, Texas forever. Cheers, y'all. Our goal from the beginning was to highlight the work of some of the best distillers in the great state of Texas in a collaboration that truly represents our home. The first step was to reach out to The Likirish Brothers, Robert and Jonathan, at Ironroot Republic Distilling, because we knew they were blending some of the best whiskey in Texas. After long discussions about what was important to us about whiskey, which flavors profiles we were most interested in, and a discussion of the myriad of ways to achieve the flavor we were looking for, Jonathan then took our ideas and he started developing different paths to our version of Texas in a bottle. About the Whiskey: Grayson is a blend of straight Texas whiskeys. When we began to search for the distilleries we, both, wanted to work with and believed could add the layers of complexity we were hoping for. Batch one of Grayson contains some of our favorite Texas distilleries, including Ironroot Republic Distilling, Balcones Distilling, and Five Points Distilling, the makers of Lone Elm Whiskey. Grayson is a blend of 100% straight whiskies that are 100% Texan. Jonathan began creating a series of sample blends of carefully selected single barrels that accentuated specific flavors in each distillery's whiskey. We worked with our distillery partners to hand select every barrel that has gone into this batch. There were barrels selected that were up to 7 years old but everything in Grayson is at least 3 years. We then sought to integrate and balance the overall blend while maintaining the flavors we curated initially. Then, the whiskey was vatted and allowed to marry for a few months prior to bottling. With the help of some incredible friends, we hand labeled and hand bottled Grayson in late March. It's a labor of love, for sure, but it's also worth every bit of effort. Tasting Notes from Grayson: Nose: Raisins, barrel aged maple syrup, Beignet flavored coffee grounds, jalapeño jelly, and a hint of the inside of new cowboy boots. Palate: Super sweet initially with syrupy waffle notes, moves into a spiced cider with allspice, cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg, brown butter into an almost burnt pecan, sweet wheat and fennel finish. Proof: 119.4 About Nico Martini Co-founder of Grayson Whiskey Born and raised in Texas, Nico Martini is a Best-Selling Author of the 2018 release

We are joined by Tim Heuisler, American Whiskey Ambassador for Beam Suntory, to discuss the Jim Beam Small Batch Collection of Whiskey. We taste through the lineup of Basil Hayden and talk about all things Beam. A big thanks to Beam Suntory for allowing us to try the lineup. 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 Basil Hayden® Crafted in 1992 by Booker Noe as part of the Small Batch collection, Basil Hayden introduced a more subtle side of bourbon compared to its counterparts. Inspired by bourbons with high-rye mash bills, Booker set out to create a bourbon that would offer an approachable taste profile and defy preconceived bourbon perceptions. Basil Hayden Bourbon welcomes new drinkers into whiskey and showcases new occasions to drink it. Beyond its flagship Basil Hayden Bourbon, the brand has pushed the boundaries of innovation in recent years. These intriguing offerings have included expressions such as Basil Hayden Dark Rye, Basil Hayden 10 Year, the limited time release of Basil Hayden 10 Year Rye Whiskey and Basil Hayden Toast. About Beam Suntory Inc. As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires human connections. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company's brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker's Mark bourbon brands, Suntory whisky Kakubin and Courvoisier cognac, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek, Basil Hayden and Legent bourbon; Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibiki and Toki Japanese whisky; Teacher's, Laphroaig and Bowmore Scotch whisky; Canadian Club whisky; Hornitos and Sauza tequila; EFFEN, Haku and Pinnacle vodka; Sipsmith and Roku gin; and On The Rocks Premium Cocktails. Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and vision of Growing for Good. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com Basil Hayden® Toast is the new permanent super-premium bourbon expression for the brand. This uniquely crafted 80 proof whiskey consists of an entirely new mash bill. In lieu of traditional rye grain, Basil Hayden Toast is made using US-grown brown rice, which adds a hint of sweetness and a touch less spice with increased depth of flavor that comes from secondary aging in a toasted then flash-charred oak barrel. Rather than charring the barrel with open flame, the toasting process exposes the barrel to a long and gentle heat. The softer notes from the Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey receive the flavors from the toasted barrels, which is then blended back with non-Toasted bourbon to add complex flavor grounded in sweet vanilla, complemented by rich roasted notes – ideal to be sipped and savored neat, on the rocks, or stirred into your favorite aperitif-style cocktail with close company. TASTING NOTES COLOR: Dark amber AROMA: Toasted oak complemented by dried fruit and caramelized sugar TASTE: Toasted wood and vanilla with a light mouthfeel FINISH: Sweet caramel PRICING: $49.99 PROOF: 80 (40% ABV) AVAILABLE: 8/2/21

Jake and Scott sit back down in the Office and blind taste two 10 year old Kentucky Bourbons. This week, we've cracked open a bottle of Russell's Reserve 10 Year from Wild Turkey and Eagle Rare from Buffalo Trace Distillery. How do they match up? Are these great value bourbons for their age? We discuss this and more on this week's episode. What is your favorite 10 year age-stated bourbon? 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 Show Links: Wild Turkey's Best Bourbon Isn't Wild Turkey. Allow Me to Explain Russell's Reserve 10-Year Bourbon (2020) – Rare Bird 101 Eagle Rare Bourbon: Where to Buy It, What It Is and Why It's So Popular Eaglerare.com | Eagle Rare

Jackie Zykan, Master Taster for Old Forester, is back on the Bourbon Lens Podcast. This time, we talk about the unique, new offering from her 117 Series; Warehouse K Barrels. We discuss the various warehouses of Old Forester and what makes some of them unique and different; including the spiders of Warehouse K. A true bourbon nerd is going to love the insight Jackie provides in this episode. We discuss the construction of various warehouses, heat cycling warehouses, finding the perfect balance of proof and flavor, and more. Enjoy this episode and be sure to let us know what your favorite Old Forester Whisky is! 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 Press Release: Old Forester's The 117 Series: Warehouse K Barrels Batch Louisville, Ky. (August 11, 2021) – Today, Old Forester Distilling Co. announces the release of the second expression in the 117 Series -- a blend of barrels from historic Warehouse K. The 117 Series is a limited-expression lineup created in Spring 2021, directed by the unique palate of Old Forester Master Taster Jackie Zykan. 117 Series: Warehouse K features a blend of barrels aged on different floors from a warehouse known to produce exceptional liquid. Constructed in 1953, Warehouse K uses the time-honored tradition of heat-cycling and has long been one of Old Forester's favorite places for Single Barrel expressions. "Warehouse K has gained a cult following among bourbon connoisseurs," Zykan said. "This blend is a representation across multiple floors and locations within this warehouse, giving a more holistic example of the profile its barrels yield." This year marks Old Forester's 151st anniversary, making it the only bourbon brand with an uninterrupted history, sold by the same family company before, during, and after Prohibition. Old Forester Warehouse K is bottled at 110 proof and will be available starting August 12th at the retail shop at Old Forester Distilling Co. for $49.99 in limited quantities -- and at select Kentucky stores. Visit OldForester.com for more information. Distillery Notes: Color: Rich honey Aroma: On the nose, creamy chocolate, caramel, and brown sugar lead, with a hint of golden raisin and a foreshadowing of the pepper the finish will unveil. Taste: The palate brings with it a full-bodied and rich viscosity, peripheral spice, and a touch of black cherry alongside bitter molasses. Finish: The robust yet balanced spice finish completes the story of the well-known complexity which is the K warehouse. Links: Old Forester - First Bottled Bourbon™ 95: Old Forester Master Taster, Jackie Zykan - Bourbon Lens Old Forester 117 Series: Warehouse K Bourbon Review Image Credit: Old Forester and Brown-Forman The Legacy of Brown-Forman begins with Old Forester - Old Forester Bourbon History & a Legacy of "Firsts" 1846 George Garvin Brown (GGB) was born in Munfordville, KY. 1870 GGB, a young pharmaceutical salesman starts J.T.S. Brown and Bro. with his half-brother with $5,500 in saved and borrowed money. Old Forester becomes America's First Bottled Bourbon​, the first bourbon to be sold exclusively in sealed glass bottles to ensure quality and consistency, an innovative approach at a time when whisky is commonly sold by the barrel. Their offices are housed at 322 W. Main Street Old Forester was blended from different distilleries, including Mattingly, Atherton and Mellwood to create a consistent flavor profile. Old Forester is originally presented at 90 Proof. Old Forester is named after a prominent physician and friend of GGB, Dr. William Forrester who endorsed Brown's innovative concept of medicinal whisky sold only in sealed glass bottles. Old Forester, originally spelled with 2 "r"s to be associated with the doctor, drops the second "r" when Forrester retired. 1882-1919 Brown-Forman offices and bottling lines were housed at 125 W. Main Street (today 119 W. Main Street). Main Street was the hub of the bustling bourbon business in Kentucky, home to 89 distilling companies. Only one of those companies is still operating today – Brown-Forman and its founding brand, Old Forester. 1890 George Garvin Brown gifts first single barrel selection to then Governor of Kentucky, Simon Bolivar Buckner 1897 U.S. Bo

The E.H. Taylor series of bourbon and rye whiskey has gained a huge following and has become harder and harder to locate. Is all the hype warranted? Scott and Jake sit down with E.H. Taylor Small Batch Bourbon, Single Barrel Bourbon, and Straight Rye and compare tasting notes. We also discuss the upcoming Bourbon Festival in Bardstown, September 17 - 19th. Bourbon Lens will be there, on Press Row, amongst some legends of the Bourbon industry. 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 Photo Credit: E.H. Taylor, Jr. & Buffalo Trace Distillery

Jake heads down to Owensboro Kentucky to smash some barrels with the crew from Broken Barrel Whiskey Co. He sits down with Founder Seth Benhaim to discuss the brand's re-introduction to the market, donning new packaging and seeing great growth since we last visited with Seth. Check out Episode 49 (link below) for our first episode with Seth way back in December 2019. They spend the episode tasting through the core lineup of Broken Barrel Whiskies, which is sure to include something for everyone. 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 Show Links: Bourbon Lens & Broken Barrel - Episode 49 from December 2019 Broken Barrel Whiskey on Instagram Broken Barrel - Official Website The Whiskey Lineup: SMALL BATCH BOURBON - 95 Proof Our flagship Small Batch Bourbon is finished with our signature Oak Bill. What is an Oak Bill? Unlike traditional methods of simply barrel aging and bottling a whiskey, our process entails additional steps to create layered, complex flavors not commonly found in your everyday bourbon. By smashing used barrels and combining the staves from Ex-Bourbon, Sherry, and French oak barrels in a specific ratio, we have built an award-winning bourbon that defies expectations and delivers delicious flavor and harmonious balance.​ COLORDark honeyAROMAOak forward, sherry, and marzipanTASTEWoody, walnut, with charred brown sugarFINISHPeppery fiery finish, with notes of orange blossom and close.OAK BILL40% Ex-Bourbon Cask, 40% / Medium Charred French / 20% Sherry CaskMASH BILL70% Corn / 21% Rye / 9% Malted Barley CALIFORNIA OAK - 88 Proof Our founder, born and raised in California, is both wildly passionate about both wine and whiskey. His love for excellent bourbon coupled with his access to fresh Central Coast cabernet sauvignon casks combined for a truly exceptional whiskey. We are proud to present our California Oak Straight Kentucky Bourbon, which earned a Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition right out of the gate in 2020. This bourbon beautifully represents its dual citizenship by showcasing the superiority of Kentucky distilled and aged bourbon, as well as the rich nuanced complexities of California's Central Coast cabernet. COLOR:Red-AmberAROMA:Mild oak/woody aroma, subtle fruit layered over a deeper dark cherry note and hints of baking spices.TASTE:Caramel body and balanced sugars, dates, persimmons and cranberry essence.FINISH:Peppery with cabernet tannins, fruity body and sweetened honeycomb-like finish.OAK BILL™:80% Central Coast Cabernet Cask Staves / 20% French Oak StavesMASH BILL:70% Corn / 21% Rye / 9% Malted Barley CASK STRENGTH BOURBON - 115 Proof Broken Barrel Cask Strength bourbon is unapologetically bold, offering a stronger-than-most in class value. There are fewer Kentucky Bourbon's offering 115 Proof quite like this, and even fewer that finish with Sherry or French Oak to deliver complexity and depth. Enjoyable neat, over ice or in a high-proof cocktail, this bourbon can go where many others cannot. There Is a unique profile within the Broken Barrel range, but none can compete with the power of the cask strength offering. There is a surprisingly smooth finish and flavor to this powerhouse whiskey that's unexpected given the proof. COLORDark CopperAROMAHerbal, vanilla, Crème Brûlée, kettle cornTASTEHazelnut, candy corn, warm spice, banana bread, vanillaFINISHFresh blackberry, caramel, hint of orange, corn and cinnamon spice.OAK BILL40% Ex-Bourbon Cask, 40% / Medium Charred French / 20% Oloroso SherryMASH BILL70% Corn / 21% Rye / 9% Malted Barley HERESY RYE - 105 Proof Like our other whiskeys, our Rye is distilled grain-to-glass in Owensboro, Kentucky. Our Heresy Rye whiskey is unlike any rye you've had. Charred French oak give lend oak-forward to the spirit, while freshly dumped ex-bourbon barrel and sherry cask staves all join forces to create a balanced and smooth taste and finish to this fiery rye. Just like our Broken Barrel, we proudly infuse this whiskey our way, and we're not sorry. Call it sacrilegious, call it untraditional, call it heresy - we won't be offended. Trust us, once you taste our whiskey you may begin to question the tradition yourself. ​COLORDeep Amber BrownAROMACeda

We have another special guest this week, Jake Ireland, founder and entrepreneur behind Off Hours Bourbon. Off Hours is a lifestyle brand of bourbon, aimed at giving you some of the best whiskey for those moments when you kick back and relax. Launched in 2020, some might say this brand came along at just the right time; the perfect time for a little "Off Hours" bourbon. This bourbon is distilled and aged at MGP in Lawrenceburg Indiana; near and dear to Jake Ireland being his hometown. It's over 5 years old and it proofed at 95 proof by the Master Blender, Ashley Barnes (one half of the spirits consulting firm, The Spirits Group). As you'll hear from Jake, he skips the folklore and backstories so many bourbons depend on. Instead, he embraces full transparency in the bourbon's sourced origin, age, and its mashbill. Off Hours is marketing itself to the next generation of bourbon drinkers. The branding is a modern design and utilizes simple messaging, and allows drinkers to choose how they want to drink their bourbon: straight, on the rocks, or in a cocktail. Off Hours is seeing great growth and looking to expand their market footprint. They are exploring Single Barrel Bourbon releases very soon as well. It can be found in major retailers around Kentucky and surrounding states. You can also purchase Off Hours Bourbon from retailers like Flaviar, Caskers and Drizly starting at $41.99 for a 750 ml bottle. We are thankful for everyone who has supported us, including our amazing Patreon Community. We'd appreciate it if you would 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 Jake Ireland: Jake Ireland grew up in Indiana, close by to the distillery that Off Hours currently sources barrels from. He went to Indiana University and started his career in healthcare and then moved into venture capital investments. During his time spent in this field, Jake was able to invest in and become an owner in a bourbon brand where he learned a host of lessons on both what works and what to avoid in order to breakthrough in the hyper competitive spirits industry. Jake founded Off Hours after years of perfecting the product and launched the brand in 2020. He currently resides in Los Angeles with his wife Lauren and two children, Evan and Ella. Show Links: Drink Off Hours Official Website Voyage L.A. Feature - Exploring Life and Business with Jake Ireland Forbes Feature - Modernizing A Traditional Spirit: Off Hours Wants To Change The Way You Think Of Bourbon Yahoo Life Feature - Whiskey of the Week: Off Hours Is a New Bourbon Great for Sipping & Cocktails Thrillist Feature on Ashley Barnes - What It's Like to Be a Professional Whiskey Taster

Do Scott and Jake have what it takes to be the "World's Top Whiskey Taster"? We traveled to the Bourbon Capital on the World to hang out with some of the crew from Bardstown Bourbon Company. We are joined by Brandon and Sam to discuss the distillery's upcoming products and the World's Top Whiskey Taster Competition. We even get a little test of our own as we sample and analyze 3 whiskey samples in a blind tasting. Listen in to hear how Jake and Scott fared in our own Top Whiskey Taster competition. Here's the Lineup of Samples: Glass 1: Discovery Series 5; 104.7 Proof; ​​a blend of four straight Bourbon whiskeys, hailing from Kentucky and Tennessee and aged between six and 13 years. Discovery Series #5 has a suggested retail price of $129.99/750 ml. Glass 2: Distillery Collection - 13 Year Sourced Kentucky Bourbon finished 6 weeks in French Oak; 105 Proof Glass 3: 12 Year Kentucky sourced, 6 and 7 year old high rye sourced bourbon; experimental cask - ISC Toasted and Charred Barrel. 105 Proof Not available to the public yet. We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. 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 More details on "World's Top Whiskey Taster" with Bardstown Bourbon Company. Bardstown Bourbon Company's 2nd annual competition to find the World's Top Whiskey Taster is now LIVE! You have one week left to enter! Entries are accepted through August 15, 2021. Head to World's Top Whiskey Taster | Presented by Bardstown Bourbon Co. for all the details of how to enter, but here's the quick rundown: Submit your application before August 15th, 2021. Qualified applicants will receive a link to complete a video interview. All interviews will be conducted and recorded online through MyInterview. BBCo. will ask 3 questions to get to know you. Selected contestants will be invited to compete in one of the five regional showdowns. Regional finalists will receive a trip to the Bardstown Bourbon Company distillery December 10 -12th, with the final showdown taking place on Saturday, December 11th. Go to WorldsTopWhiskeyTaster.com to enter.

Long overdue, we sit down with 3 bottles of Bottled in Bond bourbons from Heaven Hill. These bottles share the same mashbill and proof, but run the gamut of age and price. A blind tasting is the best way to see how they stack up. Enjoy this week's episode and be sure to let us know your favorite bourbon from Heaven Hill. Here's the lineup: Glass 1 - Henry McKenna 10 Year Old Single Barrel Bottled in Bond Glass 2 - Heaven Hill Bottled in Bond 7 Year Glass 3 - J.T.S Brown Bottled in Bond Jake's Final Ranking 3 - 2 - 1Scott's Final Ranking 3 - 2 - 1 We are thankful for everyone who has supported us over this journey. 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, or 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 Image and Logo Credit: Heaven Hill Distillery Show Links: Heaven Hill Distillery | Home Page Heaven Hill - Our Brands Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond Henry McKenna Single Barrel JTS Brown Bottled in Bond What Is Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon? Heaven Hill's Bernie Lubbers Explains 7 of the Best Bargain Bottled-in-Bond Bourbons Heaven Hill Brands Bourbon tourism shaking off pandemic slump in Kentucky

Jake and Scott are back in "the office" and we are sharing some Kentucky Senator Bourbon. Kentucky Senator is a revived brand and each release of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey will carry the name of an esteemed U.S. Senator from the Bluegrass State. We taste their first two releases, including a 15 year and a 6 year Kentucky Straight Bourbon. We discuss many topics in this episode including sourcing whiskey, celebrity brands, the premium bourbon market, and whether we view whiskey as a good investment vehicle. We'd love to hear your thoughts on some of these discussion topics, so be sure to interact with us on social media. A big thank you to Kentucky Senator Bourbon who provided these bourbons to us for the purposes of discussing them on our podcast. We were not compensated for this podcast and the provision of bourbon for sampling does not bias our independent opinions. Batch 1 is a fifteen year old Kentucky Straight Bourbon with a mash bill of 78.5% corn, 13% rye and 8.5% malted barley and bottled at 107 Proof. The first release was limited to 1320 bottles and has an SRP of $199.99. Batch 2 is aged six years, this Kentucky Straight Bourbon has a mash bill of 75% corn, 21% rye and 4% malted barley and is proofed at 107. The second release was limited to 1300 bottles and has an SRP of $109.99. We are thankful for everyone who has supported us over this journey. 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, or 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 Kentucky Senator Bourbon: The Kentucky Senator brand was originally distilled and bottled by Crigler & Crigler in Covington, Kentucky, then by Double Springs Distillers, Inc. in Bardstown. Revived by Kentucky Senator Spirits, LLC in 2019, each release of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey will carry the name of an esteemed U.S. Senator from the Bluegrass State. The brand revival is led by Andre Regard and Damon Thayer as they work to restore this vintage Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey to its glory days. Both men possess a unique background in Bourbon that they bring to the management team. Show Links: Kentucky Senator Bourbon - Official Website History of Batch 2 Namesake - Alben W. Barkley History of Batch 2 Namesake - William J. DeBoe Peyton Manning's Sweetens Cove Could Impact Bourbon Boom by Fred Minnick for Forbes A British Man Is Retiring Early After Making a 4,700% Profit on His Whiskey Barrel Investment

These days, it's really easy to spend $100 on a bottle of bourbon, but how do you avoid getting burned at the liquor store? Stick with some of our choices for the $50 - $100 price range and you'll find some heavy hitting bourbons. Don't get burned at the liquor store, shop smart with these tips. We are thankful for everyone who has supported us over this journey. 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, or 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

Castle & Key just released its 3rd installment of Restoration Rye, 2021 Batch #1. This batch was crafted from 80 barrels and was meant to highlight some notes that are perfect for summer whiskey drinking. We compare this 2021 release to Batch 1 from 2020 in this episode. Each batch of Restoration Rye Whiskey is blended using a series of pods. Each pod is created by grouping barrels to create a specific sensory profile. Restoration Rye features a mashbill of 63% Rye; 20% Malted Barley; 17% Yellow Corn. Enjoy this episode as we talk about how these two batches match up and whether we think Castle & Key is heading in the right direction with their whiskey releases. We are thankful for everyone who has supported us over this journey. 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, or 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 LINKS: Kentucky Distillers' Association Announces Castle & Key Distillery as the 43rd Heritage Member - June 29, 2021 Castle & Key Distillery Website All the Nerdy Details on Every Batch of Restoration Rye Bourbon Lens Episode 106 - Our First Impressions of 2020 Batch 1 Image credit: Castle & Key Distillery DETAILED NOTES FROM CASTLE & KEY: RESTORATION RYE 2021 BATCH #1 $39.99 50.5% ABV 20,500 bottles produced (80 barrels) AROMA: Wildflower honey, light stone fruit, rose, bubble gum, cherry pie, and toasted oak TASTE: Golden raisin, toast, nutmeg, turbinado sugar, ginger and praline FINISH: Medium bodied, slightly sweet, shifting to a dry ginger warmth In continuation of last year's long-awaited Restoration Rye release, Castle & Key Distillery has released its third installment of the Restoration Rye series - Restoration Rye 2021 Batch #1. The new release continues to pay tribute to the restoration of the historic property, which was once the iconic Old Taylor Distillery, originally built over a century ago. The Restoration Rye 2021 Batch #1 is available for purchase at the distillery and in stores in Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee, South Carolina, Texas and Georgia. "With the first batch of Restoration Rye for 2021 being released just before the start of summer, it was blended with the intent of highlighting the softer notes of our Rye Whiskey. Many of the barrels chosen for this offering were those that expressed higher levels of fruity and floral esters and had lower levels of wood char and baking spice. This resulted in a smoother whiskey for the warm weather, to be enjoyed on its own or in a summer cocktail," says Jon Brown, Quality Manager at Castle & Key. The Restoration Rye 2021 release features one batch with unique flavor profiles created from a blend with 80 barrels. During the blending process, the barrels are grouped into pods with specific sensory profiles. Those pods are then blended to achieve the unique, high quality flavor profiles. For information about Castle & Key's spirit offerings, please visit CastleAndKey.com or follow @CastleandKey on Instagram. ABOUT CASTLE & KEY In 2014, Castle & Key Founding Partners Will Arvin and Wes Murry, two industry outsiders, purchased and began restoring The Old Taylor Distillery, which had fallen to ruin after decades of neglect, with a vision of creating an immersive distillery experience. Castle & Key is now committed to identifying the best barrels for production each year, which leads to producing quality spirits that have a different flavor profile each year. In 2021, Will Arvin and his family assumed primary ownership of Castle & Key. Located at 4445 McCracken Pike, Frankfort, KY, Castle & Key has become a popular travel destination for spirits and history enthusiasts as it offers tours of the many historical parts of the property including, the Boiler Room, Taylorton Station, Counter 17, the Springhouse, and the Botanical Trail. For more information visit www.CastleandKey.com.

Jake and Scott are back in the Bourbon Lens office and have lined up two powerhouse bottles from Heaven Hill's wheated mashbill; Old Fitzgerald Bottled in Bond (a 9 year from Fall 2018) and Larcey Barrel Proof (Batch A121 featuring 6-8 year old bourbon). It is clear that wheated bourbons are a big hit in the bourbon world right now, partially attributable to the Pappy Van Winkle and Weller Bourbon craze. But does Heaven Hill have some of the best wheated bourbons out right now? Hear our thoughts on this matchup of two Heaven Hill "Wheaters". Jake also discusses his interest in becoming the "World's Top Whiskey Taster" in Bardstown Bourbon Company's competition. Bardstown Bourbon Company's 2nd annual competition to find the World's Top Whiskey Taster is COMING SOON! Head to https://worldstopwhiskeytaster.com/ for all the details of how to enter, but here's the quick rundown: Submit your application before August 15th, 2021. Qualified applicants will receive a link to complete a video interview between July 15th and August 15th. All interviews will be conducted and recorded online through MyInterview. BBCo. will ask 3 questions to get to know you. Selected contestants will be invited to compete in one of the five regional showdowns. Regional finalists will receive a trip to the Bardstown Bourbon Company distillery December 10 -12th, with the final showdown taking place on Saturday, December 11th. Go to WorldsTopWhiskeyTaster.com to enter. We are thankful for everyone who has supported us over this journey. 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, or 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 Stock Bottle Images produced by Heaven Hill Distillery. Links: Here's How to Decode Elijah Craig (And Larceny) Barrel Proof Labels Heaven Hill Distillery Announces Release of Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Series World's Top Whiskey Taster | Presented by Bardstown Bourbon Co.

You won't find us reaching for the barrel proof bourbons often in the summer heat, so what do we reach for when the temperature rises? In this week's episode, we discuss some of our favorite choices when summertime rolls around and we want to enjoy our favorite booze outside or poolside. Whether it's low proof, on the rocks, finished whiskey, or the ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktail craze, we give you some ideas for this summer. Let us know what you reach for as the weather warms up! Shoutout to Jim Beam for sending us over some of their latest Jim Beam Highball, ready-to-drink canned cocktails for us to try out and photo credit to Jim Beam as well. We are thankful for everyone who has supported us over this journey. 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, or 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

Recently, we had the opportunity to sample 6 single barrels from Western Spirits Beverage Company; you may remember our previous episode. This was all in preparation for their upcoming release of Sam Houston Bourbon Release No. 6. We were honored to be selected, along with several other "bourbon influencers", to help provide feedback that would contribute to a final batch for Release No. 6, a 15 year old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. The Release is now on shelves and we were sent bottles of the final batch as a thanks for participating in this project for Sam Houston Bourbon. Check out this episode to get all the details of Release 6 and our thoughts on the final blend. This was an awesome opportunity for us and we are so appreciative of Western Spirits Beverage Company and Sam Houston Bourbon. This release is 103 proof / 51.5% alc/vol, non-chill filtered, and has an MSRP of $129.99. Be sure to also check out Bourbon Lens Episode 121 where we tasted through the 6 barrels that were ultimately ranked and some were incorporated into this final batch. We are thankful for everyone who has supported us over this journey. 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, or 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, Michael, and JakeBourbon Lens

It's National Bourbon Day and we are having a brand new bourbon this week. Will Schragis, Stellum Spirits' Chief Sales & Innovation Officer, joins Bourbon Lens to chat about all things Stellum, whiskey industry, and the modern whiskey drinker. A wildly popular blending house, Barrell Craft Spirits, just created a more affordable spinoff brand (at $55, Will says it's the best whiskey for the price on the market). New from the team at Barrell, it's Stellum Rye and Bourbon. We are thankful for everyone who has supported us over this journey. 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, or 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 Stellum Spirits A new national brand created to celebrate the modern-day whiskey drinker, officially launched its inaugural flagship offerings, including bourbon (blue label), rye (green label), and single barrels, which are all bottled at cask strength. By embracing the vitality of American whiskey today, Stellum is focused on creating the next generation of classic whiskeys that include all facets of the American story in its vision. The new brand is produced by Barrell Craft Spirits® (BCS), the award-winning independent blender and bottler of unique aged, cask-strength sourced whiskey and rum. Stellum strives to improve the flavor, process and ideals of traditional American whiskeys. American culture has always been about reaching towards modernity. Stellum looks beyond outdated assumptions of who whiskey drinkers (and whiskey makers) are to embrace that fundamentally progressive ethos. The launch of Stellum Spirits is the result of BCS' years of industry-leading innovation in American whiskey. This new project investigates the importance of nuance and micro differentiation in a paired down and minimalist setting. Stellum is designed to be clean, straightforward, and remarkably polished. This is whiskey factored down to its most defining essentials, blended and packaged with an eye towards clean lines and definition. "We wanted to create a brand that brings American Whiskey into the modern age with simple elegant blends and single barrels selected with care and intention," said Founder Joe Beatrice. "Our whiskeys are created through a rigorous process of study, observation, and experimentation. We are driven by progress, polish and—above all—attention to detail. We will always think critically about how to make our whiskey better." Joe is intimately involved with every step of the production process, using his exceptional palate to choose and create great spirits alongside Chief Whiskey Scientist Tripp Stimson, Chief Product Innovation Officer Will Schragis, and Assistant Blender Nic Christiansen. Stellum Bourbon is bottled at 114.98 proof (57.49% ABV) while Stellum Rye is bottled at 116.24 proof (58.12% ABV). Both expressions have an SRP of $54.99 and are available at select retailers in 45 U.S. markets and online via the Stellum website at www.stellum.com. For more information, follow Stellum Spirits on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or visit www.stellum.com. Image Courtesy of Stellum Spirits. About Will Schragis - Chief Sales Officer & Chief Product Innovation Officer A graduate of Wesleyan University and the Culinary Institute of America, Will started his career in drinks as a bartender and intern distiller at Kings County Distillery in Brooklyn, New York. After a stint in Napa Valley, he returned to New York to work as a sommelier in Eli Zabar's family of restaurants and wine shops. Later, he moved to Zachys Retail and Auction, one of the world's leading fine wine and spirits retailers, where he managed sales and purchasing for the spirits department. It was there he met Joe, when Zachys became one of the very first retailers to carry Barrell Bourbon Batch 001. From retail, Will transitioned his interest in terroir to a position managing brand development for Spiribam (then called House of Agricole) in Texas and the East Coast. There, he oversaw the growth of flagship super-premium rum brands like Rhum Clément, Rhum J.M., and Rhum Damoiseau. In May of 2016, Will joined Barrell Craft Spirits as National Director. He works closely with our distributors and key accounts, and has an active role in product development. Will is also responsible for compliance, communications, incentives, planning, and market work. When he's not busy spreading the word about the wonde

Our first Bourbon Lens Barrel Pick is now available for purchase! Jake and Scott sit down in the Bourbon Lens Office to taste through the unique finished bourbon we picked from Starlight Distillery. This is a 4 ½ Year Old, Straight Bourbon distilled by Starlight and finished in a French, Sauternes Wine Cask. The bourbon is available for purchase via Shared Pour for $59.99. Be sure to head there to get yours before it sells out: SharedPour.com. We are thankful for everyone who has supported us over this journey. 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, or 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 Link to Purchase - via SharedPour.com Our full tasting notes on the Starlight Sauternes-Finished Bourbon

Jake and Scott catch up about life and bourbon as they sip through 3 different Bulleit Bourbons. Scott recently had the opportunity to help a local store, Bottles Unlimited in New Albany, IN select a barrel of 11 year old Bulleit. And thanks to some help from Bottles Unlimited, we were able to secure two more limited bottlings of Bulleit to taste them side-by-side with this 11 year old store pick called "Quarantine Breakout". The barrel is available now at Bottles Unlimited and we recommend you heading there to grab a bottle before it's gone. Big thank you to Kyle Denson from Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits and Diageo for the lineup. Bottles Unlimited is located: 427 State StreetNew Albany, IN 47150(812) 945-6765 We are thankful for everyone who has taken 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, or 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 Bulleit Single Barrel Bourbon - "Quarantine Breakout" Private Selection from Bottles Unlimited New Albany Indiana: An 11 year old, 104 proof bourbon that was selected by a team of friends of Bottles Unlimited, including Lora, Kyle, Clayton, and Scott from Bourbon Lens on February 4, 2021. Selected from 6 blind samples, this barrel was the clear winner amongst the group and has a unique taste profile that is sweet with a bit of funk. This bourbon reminded us of the Kentucky State Fair; fried dough, sweet and savory notes, sweet corn, and a little bit of spice. It's an easy drinker that is sure to impress those seeking something out of the ordinary from Bulleit. About Bulleit Bourbon 10 Year Old: Aged in charred American white oak, select Bulleit Bourbon barrels were set aside to age for 10 years. The result is a special expression of Bulleit that provides a rich, deep, incredibly smooth sipping experience. About Bulleit Blenders' Select Bourbon: Limited-edition 100 proof bourbon that selectively mingles three of the ten distillates used in our flagship Bulleit Bourbon. These three distillates are each aged for a minimum of nine years. Hand-selected from more than 100 distinct liquids, this blend was painstakingly crafted by our blender Eboni Major to achieve a unique taste profile that is distinctly Bulleit in character. Links: In focus: Is the era of major drinks mergers over? Speculation mounts on Pernod Ricard, Brown-Forman merger MyCigarPack.com - Use BOURBONLENS10 for $10 your 1st month of cigars Bottles Unlimited in New Albany Indiana Aged Bourbon | Bulleit 10 Year Bulleit Barrel Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey | Bulleit Is Your Bulleit pick really Four Roses? — Whiskey Neat

It's Kentucky's newest distillery; Log Still Distillery is located in Gethsemane (just outside of Bardstown in Southern Nelson County). We toured the 300-acre "Dant Crossing" property with Founder and President, Wally Dant. Wally, along with his family, Lynne and Charles Dant, are taking on this large project to create a "destination distillery" that is perfect for the whole family. Wally discussed the Dant family history in Nelson County and his efforts to revive the family name in the World of Kentucky Bourbon. He also shared two whiskey offerings that are going to be available at the Log Still tasting room; Monk's Road Fifth District Series, a 6 year old Kentucky Straight Bourbon and Rattle & Snap, a Limited Release 8 year old 103 proof Tennessee Whiskey. The Tasting Room is Now Open: Sunday 11 am - 5 pm Tuesday - Wednesday 10 am - 6 pm Thursday - Saturday 10 am - 5 pm Bar is Open: Thursday - Saturday 5-10 pm We are thankful for everyone who has taken 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, or 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 Log Still Distillery Our story begins with our forefather Joseph Washington Dant and an old hollowed-out poplar log. With it, he fashioned a still and gave birth to the Dant family's place in bourbon lore with a legacy all our own. In 1836, he started a story of heritage, and Kentucky bourbon has flowed through our family's veins ever since. Seven generations later, we're building something new at our old Kentucky home. Spearheaded by J.W. "Wally" Dant and cousins Lynne and Charles, Log Still aims to combine the age-old craftsmanship of distilling with the camaraderie and spirit of a family-owned business. And because family is at the heart of what we do, we view every bottle as a nod of respect to the past. Log Still is Wally Dant's tribute to his father, forefathers and their contributions to bourbon history. About J.W. "Wally" Dant We call him founder, foreman and fearless leader. You can call him Wally. As president/distiller, Wally Dant works hard every day to bring his vision for Log Still Distillery to life. And to Wally, it's about more than quality spirits and an unforgettable destination. It's about revival. The great-great-great-grandson of bourbon legend Joseph Washington Dant, Wally is keeping his family's rich legacy alive as he builds upon the same land in southern Nelson County where his forefathers once made spirits. "To be able to put our name on a bottle again is pretty important." Log Still is Wally's way of honoring the Dant family name and giving back to the community he credits for providing his family with values and love. And drawing from years of experience in the health care and liquor industries, this business-savvy entrepreneur is the right man for the job. Wally dreams big, and he won't stop until he sees those dreams come to fruition. And the future? Log Still is still family-owned and run by the Dants. If he's not hard at work reviving the Log Still legacy, you can likely find him making garden-fresh salsa, hot sauce or ketchup, or cooking up a chef-like meal for friends and family. Product – Available in the Log Still Tasting Room - Opened May 18, 2021 Monk's Road Fifth District Series With Monk's Road Fifth District Series, we tip our hat to the historic tax district of Central Kentucky, deeply seeped in bourbon lore. With this rotating series of hand selected spirits, we honor a rich tradition of nearly lost fifth district distilleries. It's all part of a long line of rotating Bluegrass-inspired bourbons created with the same ingenuity and fortitude made famous by our forefathers. So just this once, let's celebrate the taxman. This first Limited Release pays homage to Cold Spring Distillery, a historic distillery in southern Nelson County, Ky., founded by J.B. Dant in the 1800s. The Cold Spring name harkened back to the spring where, even in the summer, the water stayed cool enough that the distillery could continue to operate. This 6-year-old bourbon masterfully blends notes of corn, rye and malted barley for a product that revives the spirit of the original. Monk's Road Dry Gin Our essential gin is a unique offering from our Kentucky hills, with a delicate balance of distinctly complementary botanicals. We've married watermelon rind with zests of orange and lemon for a bright and fresh flavor – creating the perfect gin for all seasons and palate

Two heavy-hitting craft distilleries go head-to-head as Scott and Jake discuss their spin on Double Oaked Rye Whiskey. There's no question that the Bourbon Lens is a big fan of these two craft distilleries; Starlight and Peerless. We were excited to have the chance to compare their unique rye whiskies. Here's the "Tale of the Tape": Peerless "Double Oak I" Single Barrel Rye Whiskey: Proof: 109.4 Age: Undisclosed (estimated 3-5 years) Price: $32 / 200 mL (Distillery Only: Purchase here) Mashbill: Undisclosed Unique Traits: Sweet Mash process, "Bourbon Drinker's Rye" Fighting Out of: Louisville Kentucky Starlight Old Rickhouse Double Oaked Rye Whiskey: Proof: 112.4 Age: 5 years + 3-8 months in second new oak Price: $59.99 / 750 mL Mashbill: 90% Rye, 10% Malted Barley Unique Traits: 5 year air dry oak Fighting Out of: Starlight, Indiana *Label Images via TTB We are thankful for everyone who has taken 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, or 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 Links: Starlight Distillery Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co. Peerless Double Oak - Purchase online, pick up at distllery Bourbon Lens Episode 65 with Starlight Distillery Bourbon Lens Episode 35: Inside the Kentucky Peerless Speakeasy

Thank you to Rabbit Hole Distillery for the opportunity to sit down with Founder, Kaveh Zamanian, to discuss his Founder's Collection series and the history of the distillery. We sipped an ultra limited, ultra premium 15 year old Mizunara Cask Finished Bourbon as well as the original Founder's Collection bottling of Cask Strength, 6 year old Boxergrail Rye Whiskey. We also discussed some exciting upcoming plans for the distillery, including Heigold Bourbon Single Barrel Picks - coming in June and the re-opening of the distillery after over a year of being closed for visitors (currently targeting June 22, 2021). If you want more details on the full whiskey and spirits lineup from Rabbit Hole, make sure you check out our previous episode with Rabbit Hole as well. We are thankful for everyone who has taken 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, or 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, Michael & JakeBourbon Lens Links: Rabbit Hole Distillery Rabbit Hole Productions 94: Heading Down the Rabbit Hole - Distillery Tour & Bourbon Tasting - Bourbon Lens

It's no secret that there are some incredible 15 year old Kentucky Bourbons hitting shelves over the last year. Recently, we had the opportunity to sample 6 excellent single barrels from Western Spirits Beverage Company; all in preparation for their upcoming release of Sam Houston Bourbon Batch 6. We were honored to be selected, along with several other "bourbon influencers", to help provide feedback on a specialized tasting kit of 6 unique barrels. Our feedback will help Western Spirits Beverage Company narrow down a taste profile for the final batch. This was a great opportunity for us and we decided to record our thoughts during this podcast. We hope you enjoy this episode and that you have the chance to check out the final batch when it releases in about a month. It is anticipated to release as a small batch (3 barrels) at 103 proof / 51.5% alc/vol, non-chill filtered, and carry an MSRP of $129.99. We will follow up with another podcast once the final batch is released. A huge thank you to Western Spirits Beverage Company for including us in this project. Also, we are so thankful for everyone who has taken 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, or 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. *Image credit: Western Spirits and Sam Houston Bourbon Cheers,Scott, Michael & JakeBourbon Lens

This week's guest is Michael Myers, Founder of Distillery 291 in Colorado. Michael left his career in fashion photography to start a distillery in Colorado and never looked back. We taste through several of their bourbons and ryes in this week's episode and experience their unique aspen stave finished whiskey. We are thankful for everyone who has taken 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, or 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, Michael & JakeBourbon Lens Whiskeys Tasted During Episode Small Batch Bourbon - 100 proof, finished with aspen wood staves Small Batch Rye - 101.7 proof, finished with aspen wood staves Barrel Proof Bourbon - 128.9 proof, finished with aspen wood staves Barrel Proof Rye - 130.6 proof, finished with aspen wood staves About Distillery 291 Distillery 291 is an award winning, small batch whiskey distillery nestled in the stunning foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the distillery sits in the shadow of Pikes Peak where owner and founding distiller, Michael Myers, a former New York City fashion and beauty photographer, with a love of whiskey and passion for the old west, aims to replicate the taste, smell and folklore of that time, to create a one of a kind, bold and beautiful, Colorado Whiskey. Rugged, Refined, Rebellious. Myers set out to create a flagship whiskey that evoked the Wild West. He grew up on rural family farms in Georgia and Tennessee, across a countryside defined by rolling hills, horses, Jack Daniels and George Dickel. For decades since then, he carried with him an iconic vision of a cowboy walking into a bar, saying give me a whiskey, and the bartender slamming down a bottle — that bottle would be 291 Colorado Whiskey. Myers built his original still from copper photogravure plates that he had once used to create enduring photographic scenes, from western landscapes to the Chrysler Building. On September 11, 2011 — ten years after 9/11 changed his life and the lives of so many others — Myers pulled his first whiskey off of that still, building his future in whiskey, off his passion for photography. 291 Colorado Whiskey is "Hardmade the Colorado Way". Today (and since day one), Distillery 291 is distilling, from grain, to barrel, to bottle, by hand, from scratch, ten distinctive Colorado whiskeys. Utilizing grains from the Colorado plains and water collected from Pikes Peak reservoirs, Myers turned his artist's eye towards whiskey and hasn't looked back. Everything matters. 291 Colorado Whiskey has earned bushels of national and international awards for its spirits with the unique character and flavor of a bygone era. Named World's Best Rye-2018 by World Whiskies Awards, 7 Liquid Golds from Jim Murray's Whisky Bible, multiple Double-Gold in San Francisco World Spirits Competition, nods from IWSC and Spirits Business Journal and many other notable awards, 291 Colorado Whiskey embodies traditions of the past married with the boldness of the future. That said, what will always define Distillery 291 is its spirit, passion permeates every sip. 291 Colorado Whiskey. Hardmade the Colorado way. Links: How A Fashion Photographer Became One of Colorado's Most Innovative Craft Distillers From Angelina Jolie to Whiskey, 291 Distiller Is Ready To 'Battle' Kentucky Bourbon Craft in Colorado 291 Colorado Whiskey - Award Winning Whiskeys and Bourbons Distillery 291 Is Making Some of the West's Finest Whiskey – Robb Report Colorado's Craft Spirits Scene Is Booming. Drink Straight From The Source At These 10 Distilleries.