Bourbon Lens

Old Carter Whiskey Co. has six new batches of whiskey on the horizon and we were fortunate enough to taste through each with Founders, Mark and Sherri Carter. The Carters invited Bourbon Lens to their tasting room in Downtown Louisville for an early look at Batches 7, 8, 9, and 10 of their latest bourbons and Batches 5 & 6 of the American Whiskey. Each batch is bottled at barrel strength and comes packed with a ton of flavor. Enjoy this week's episode, a sneak peek of the upcoming releases from Old Carter Whiskey Co. 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 About Old Carter Whiskey Co. Old Carter Whiskey Co is the passion project of Mark and Sherri Carter. They began their beverage endeavors in the wine business, producing fine wines in Napa Valley with their Carter Cellars Cabernets garnering eleven perfect 100 point scores from critics. The whiskey business found them several years ago when they partnered with a Kentucky friend to resurrect a long dormant bourbon brand. That brand did well and sold in 2017, but by then the Carters were hooked on the process of making and blending whiskies, as well as the state of Kentucky. So they started Old Carter Whiskey Co to carry on their love affair with whiskey making. They now produce Straight Ryes, Bourbons and American Whiskey in Kentucky and have an Old Carter showroom in Louisville. Mark and Sherri handle all aspects of the business themselves, from creating new blends and selecting single barrels, to designing and handwriting each individual label per bottling. It is a very hands-on approach and has allowed them to continue to create together. Old Carter is truly a labor of love. Image Courtesy of Old Carter Whiskey Co.

Our guest this week is Brian Prewitt, Master Distiller for A. Smith Bowman Distillery in Virginia. We discuss the history of the distillery, Brian's background in the beer, wine and spirits industries, and the variety of bourbons that the distillery releases. We also taste through John J. Bowman Single Barrel Bourbon and Bowman Brother Small Batch Bourbon. 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 About Master Distiller Brian Prewitt: Brian's interest in the beverage industry was peaked when he landed a job at a brewery while attending Colorado State University obtaining his bachelor's degree in food science. Upon graduation, Prewitt further honed his interest for brewing and distilling by completing the Master Brewers Program at University of California, Davis. From there, he joined The Great Divide Brewing Company in Denver, Colo., eventually becoming its brewer. When Prewitt saw an opportunity to try his hand at distilling spirits instead of beer, he jumped at the chance to join E&J Distilleries in Modesto, Calif. and was eventually named Senior Distiller. It was at E&J that Prewitt was able to train under two Master Distillers with a combined experience of more than 70 years in the art of distillation, learning about raw material selection, fermentation, distillation, and maturation. Brian was named Master Distiller at the A. Smith Bowman Distillery in 2013, and he is excited to carry on the Bowman family tradition of award-winning products while introducing some new offerings as well. A native of Colorado, Brian now lives in Fredericksburg, Va. with his wife and three children. About A. Smith Bowman Smith Bowman's distilling roots date back to the years before Prohibition when the Bowman family had a granary and dairy farm in Sunset Hills, Virginia. They used excess grain from the family estate to distill spirits. In 1934, after the Repeal of Prohibition, Abram Smith Bowman and his sons continued the family tradition and built a more modern distillery in Fairfax County, Virginia called Sunset Hills Farm. The Distillery was moved in 1988 and is now nestled in Spotsylvania County near the city of Fredericksburg, 60 miles away from the original location. As a small and privately owned company, A. Smith Bowman Distillery continues the time-honored traditions on which it was founded. Considered a micro-distillery by today's standards, A. Smith Bowman produces an assortment of hand-crafted spirits distilled from only the finest natural ingredients and using the latest technology. This micro-distillery focuses on the production of premium spirits honoring the legacy of Virginia's first settlers. As Virginia's oldest and most award-winning distillery, its various brands have earned numerous prestigious awards over the years, including John J. Bowman Single Barrel, which received a gold medal at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. For more information on A. Smith Bowman, please visit www.asmithbowman.com. Links: A. Smith Bowman Distillery Website A. Smith Bowman Distillery's Brian Prewitt Appointed to the Virginia Spirits Board by Gov. Ralph Northam Whisky Magazine Names John J. Bowman America's Best Non-Kentucky Single Barrel Bourbon You Need to Start Drinking A. Smith Bowman's Whiskey Whisky magazine awards A. Smith Bowman Bourbons bronze medals at 2021 American World Whiskies Awards What Is "Small Batch" Whiskey And Why Are We Arguing About It?

We're joined by singer-songwriter Drew Holcomb. Drew talks about his career as musician, his band Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors, his involvement in Sweetens Cove Bourbon, and his life as a husband and father in today's world. Sweetens Cove allows Drew to combine his love for whiskey (and whisky), Tennessee pride, and the resurrection of a golf course. You've heard about Sweetens Cove previously on Bourbon Lens Episode 85 featuring Marianne Eaves, the Master Blender behind the bourbon. We appreciate you tuning in this week as we visit the music industry and we hope you'll check out Drew's music. 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 page 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. This episode is brought to you by Premium Bar Products. Thanks for their support in producing this week's podcast. To customize glassware for your home bar, visit: https://premiumbarproducts.com Cheers,Scott, Michael & JakeBourbon Lens About Drew: Drew Holcomb and his band the Neighbors' songs have always charged his listeners' hearts and minds while inspiring them to think, feel, dance, and love, never more so than on his 2019 album Dragons. His most collaborative to date, the record is his first with featured artists and songwriters including Lori McKenna, Natalie Hemby, Sean McConnell, The Lone Bellow, and Ellie Holcomb. With several critically acclaimed albums under his belt, Holcomb has been featured by NPR, Rolling Stone, Entertainment Weekly, Billboard, CMT and more. An Emmy Award-winner with his music synced in over 75 of TV's most watched shows, Holcomb has also appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! twice, most recently for his collaborative EP, Goodbye Road, with JOHNNYSWIM performing their resounding single "Ring the Bells" in summer of 2018. Among Holcomb's ambitious projects are his Moon River Music Festival, an annual event benefitting local and national non-profits and Magnolia Record Club, a monthly vinyl subscription service, both curated meticulously by Holcomb himself. A road warrior for more than a decade, Holcomb has spent adulthood traveling from place to place with a catalog of vibrant, honest songs that explore the full range of American roots music. Holcomb & crew have appeared at Bonnaroo, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, Stagecoach and more, while sharing stages with legendary artists including Willie Nelson, Amos Lee, Don Henley, John Hiatt, Zac Brown Band and The Avett Brothers. Links: Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors Website Rolling Stone - How Drew Holcomb Quietly Became One of Americana's Most Popular Stars Drew's most recent single: Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors - I Need To Go Somewhere The band's most recent studio album: Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors - Dragons Kitchen Covers - The Collection Your Dreams Don't Belong to You | Drew Holcomb | TEDxMemphis Sweetens Cove Spirits Website Photo Credits: Drew Holcomb and Sweetens Cove

We sit down with Jason Brauner and some "Sippin' Whiskey" at Bourbon's Bistro in Louisville. We discuss Jason's experiences in the bourbon world, owning a highly regarded restaurant with an extensive selection of bourbon, and owning his own Whiskey brand. Buzzard's Roost Sippin' Whiskey is a brand that relies on Jason's palate and experience to craft unique barrel finished (double barreled) rye 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 page 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. This episode is brought to you by Premium Bar Products. Thanks for their support in producing this week's podcast. To customize glassware for your home bar, visit: https://premiumbarproducts.com Cheers,Scott, Michael & JakeBourbon Lens ABOUT BUZZARD'S ROOST: The story of Buzzard's Roost started nearly two decades ago with one man's goal to educate people about whiskey. From the opening of the first bourbon-focused bar - Bourbon's Bistro to pioneering the idea of barrel selection for restaurants, Company Founder and Master Blender Jason Brauner has always been at the forefront of whiskey. After taking part in more than a 100 barrel selections over his career, Jason is embarking on his most exciting challenge yet - Buzzard's Roost Sippin' Whiskey, a Rye he designed with the bourbon drinker in mind. His goal with Buzzard's Roost is still the same as it was 19 years ago, to educate and share his love of whiskey. THE PROCESS: We start by sourcing the best aged whiskey we can find, but the real magic is in our barrels. We use only brand new, 53-gallon white oak barrels that are carefully toasted and very lightly charred. Each one is designed from the ground up to deliver a specific flavor profile. We work closely with our cooperage to tweak every parameter of the barrel - from the seasoning to the charring to the development of our custom toast profiles. All of our barrels are unique and proprietary to our company, giving Buzzard's Roost a truly one-of-a kind flavor. After resting only a few weeks in our new barrels, the whiskey is purposefully transformed and ready for bottling. ABOUT JASON BRAUNER: Since opening Bourbon's Bistro in 2005, Jason has had an active single barrel program allowing him to work side-by-side with many of Kentucky's leading master distillers. Through those relationships, he not only has gained a tremendous amount of knowledge but also garnered the respect of those distillers. Jim Rutledge says: "If I could pick an understudy for J.W. Rutledge Distillery when it gets going it would be Jason. That is how much I respect his passion and his palate". The knowledge gained through these distillers combined with his overall passion for the industry grew into a desire for Jason to go from just selling whiskey to making whiskey. ABOUT THE WHISKIES: Single Barrel Buzzard's Roost Rye Whiskey 105 PROOF A unique and award-winning bottling from one of our favorite barrels in the warehouse. Barrel Strength Buzzard's Roost Rye Whiskey 113-116 PROOF Our most prized barrels are offered to you uncut, unfiltered, straight out of the barrel. Bottled from a single barrel, only a select few barrels will meet the criteria to be offered at Barrel Strength. Very Small Batch Buzzard's Roost Rye Whiskey 105 PROOF​ Tastefully and carefully blended from only a few barrels in our stock, each batch is always different, always delicious. Toasted Barrel Buzzard's Roost Rye Whiskey 105 PROOF A thoughtfully blended three-year-old rye whiskey that's finished in one-of-a-kind toasted barrels which lend a vanilla character LINKS: Buzzard's Roost WhiskeyFrom festivals to cities, here are places to go if you love bourbon A Look at Jason Brauner's Role in the Bourbon Boom — The ABV Network A Bourbon Maker's Guide to The Best Bars in Louisville Planning the Perfect Bourbon Pilgrimage to Louisville, Kentucky

We are joined by the co-founders of Blue Run Spirits to talk about their new, premium Kentucky Bourbon. Their first batches released in late 2020 - early 2021, each a 13 year old sourced Kentucky Bourbon. Mike Montgomery and Jesse McKnight are the co-founders and have created a unique and diverse team to help grown this brand. Blue Run Bourbon was selected and blended with the assistance and expertise of Jim Rutledge, former Master Distiller of Four Roses. Blue Run has exciting plans for future limited batches, including single barrels and their own aged distillate. We appreciate the Blue Run Spirits' team for providing us the opportunity to try their fall and winter batches of Blue Run Kentucky Straight Bourbon. 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 page 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. This episode is brought to you by Premium Bar Products. Thanks for their support in producing this week's podcast. To customize glassware for your home bar, visit: https://premiumbarproducts.com Cheers,Scott, Michael & JakeBourbon Lens About Blue Run Spirits: Blue Run Spirits is a new kind of spirits company, creating a unique luxury proposition by tapping into the deep heritage and craft that makes a truly great whiskey, then elevating it through a modern design and marketing lens to reach a younger, broader and more diverse whiskey drinker. The company's founders include a Nike designer, the first director-level employee at Facebook, a hospitality executive, a political advisor, and a philanthropist – all huge whiskey fans and individuals who acutely understand how to build demand and buzz for a contemporary consumer product. They are backed by a team of advisors including Nike marketing experts; the Campari communications veteran behind the US launch of Espolòn Tequila and the Aperol Spritz; a former vice president of innovation from Brown-Forman; a former spirits distributor; and others with deep industry experience. The Blue Run name is a nod to one of our founder's upbringing in Georgetown, KY, where Bourbon began in the Bluegrass State. Find Blue Run Spirits online at www.bluerunspirits.com, and on social media: Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. About Our Guests: Mike Montgomery is cofounder and CEO of Blue Run Spirits. Mike has spent the last few decades in public affairs consulting after working with California-based elected officials. Prior to his time in politics, he worked with the U.S. Canoe & Kayak team in Lake Placid, NY. He is a proud graduate of the University of Washington. Mike and his wife and daughter reside in Los Angeles. As a native of Georgetown, Kentucky, Jesse McKnight grew up across the street from Elijah Craig's homestead and has figuratively had Bourbon in his blood his whole life. He grew up playing in Royal Spring, which he called the Blue Run and has wanted to bring Bourbon back to Georgetown ever since. A graduate of the University of Kentucky, Jesse serves as Blue Run's Chief Distribution Officer. About Jim Rutledge, Liquid Advisor: The iconic Jim Rutledge expertly approves Blue Run's Bourbon selections and distills our new make Bourbon. Rutledge, a 50-year veteran of the industry, is the former Master Distiller of Four Roses Bourbon. Enshrined in the inaugural class of the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame in 2001, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007 from Malt Advocate, and was named Ambassador of the Year by Whisky Magazine in 2008. Rutledge was also the 13th inductee (and only the 2nd American) into Whisky Magazine's global hall of fame in 2013. Photo Credit: Blue Run Spirits

2021 marks the 30th Anniversary of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival in Bardstown. This year aims to be better than ever. We are joined by Randy Prasse, Bourbon Festival President, to unveil some big changes for 2021. Learn about the new events, general admission tickets, once in a lifetime bourbon tasting opportunities, and the immersive bourbon experiences planned for 2021. Mark your calendars for September 16-19, 2021. General Admission Tickets go on sale on at 11:00 am ET - March 15th, 2021 - CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE YOURS! A 1-Day Pass is available for only $10; 3-Day Pass is $20 and Sampling Passes include 5 Pours for $25. VIP Tickets are SOLD OUT and they anticipate selling out general admission tickets also. Tickets include a unique, branded Glencairn tasting glass and 30th Anniversary challenge coin. And finally, head to our Instagram to learn HOW TO WIN a pair of 3-day General Admission tickets with two sampling wristbands (a $90 value) ---------------------- More Details on the Giveaway. Tickets and wristbands include the following: 3-day GA Ticket includes: Daily admission to the Kentucky Bourbon Festival on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday Wee Glencairn-branded nosing and tasting glass ($10 Value) – one glass per guest Limited-edition 30th anniversary KBF challenge coin ($15 Value) – one coin per guest Access to distilleries' booths, educational sessions, musical entertainment, food trucks, and bourbon craft exhibits. ** Additional tickets required for bourbon sampling, educational sessions, and/or premium culinary events. Wristband Details: A branded KBF wristband with five (5) pull-off tabs to be redeemed for samples at distillery booths Up to five (5) neat or mixed-drink cocktail pours from all participating distilleries Premium pours and cocktails may require multiple drink tabs This wristband does not grant access to the Kentucky Bourbon Festival Great Lawn. A separate ticket is required for access to the Great Lawn. —————— Overall Festival information: The Kentucky Bourbon Festival Great Lawn Hours: Friday, Sept. 17, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 19, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. MUST BE 21 OR OLDER TO PURCHASE TICKETS Tickets are extremely limited, so get yours now! The Kentucky Bourbon Festival is an outdoor, rain-or-shine event. No ticket cancellations or refund requests will be honored. Guests must be 21 or older to purchase tickets and to attend the Kentucky Bourbon Festival unless otherwise noted in the event schedule. A comprehensive list of allowed and forbidden items will be distributed prior to the festival. There will be a check-in location at the festival. *This episode is brought to you by Premium Bar Products. Thanks for their support in producing this week's podcast. To customize glassware for your home bar, visit: PremiumBarProducts.com We appreciate 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 podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. And, NEW THIS MONTH, please check out our Patreon page to learn how you can support our endeavors and 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

On this episode, we sit down with the Master Distiller of Barton 1792. Danny Kahn is a wealth of knowledge in the distilling and brewing industries and we were fortunate enough to be invited to the distillery. We started our morning off with some of Barton's newest releases, Thomas S. Moore cask finished bourbons. And after the podcast, we selected our very first Bourbon Lens single barrel pick, a Full Proof 1792 Bourbon. You aren't going to want to miss this release when it hits SharedPour.com in a few months. Be sure to follow our Patreon for more details in the near future. * Please note: this podcast was recorded live in a large, active distillery. You will experience some of the noise from the distillery, but hope you enjoy the content of this show. We appreciate 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 podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. And, NEW THIS MONTH, please check out our Patreon page to learn how you can support our endeavors and 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 About Danny Kahn Danny's extensive background in brewing and passion for the science, art, and history behind bourbon is what led him to become the Master Distiller at Barton 1792 Distillery. After earning a bachelor's degree in Fermentation Science from the University of California, Davis, Danny embarked on a career in the brewing industry. He began his career as a brewing supervisor with Anheuser-Busch, Inc., and from there was promoted to a number of technical and managerial roles in a variety of locations, and in due course became the company's Senior Brewmaster at its Cartersville, Georgia brewery. While Senior Brewmaster, Danny also earned his Masters of Business Administration from the University of Georgia, Terry College of Business. Following a 27-year career with Anheuser-Busch, Danny went on to become the Brewery Technical Director at the Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. where he oversaw the company's brewing, quality, research and development, raw materials, and sensory operations. After holding a variety of brewing roles for 31 years, Danny accepted the opportunity to use his expertise to distill spirits for Barton 1792 Distillery. Danny was named Master Distiller at Barton 1792 Distillery in 2018, and is excited to use his passion for bourbon, and his beverage art and science experience, to continue the Distillery's tradition of producing award-winning whiskies. Links: Support Bourbon Lens on Patreon Barton 1792 Distillery Website Barton 1792 New Warehouse Construction 1792 Bourbon Website Barton's New Thomas S. Moore Bourbon Line Explores 'Extended' Cask Finishes SharedPour.com

If you've listened to the Bourbon Lens podcast over the last two years, you've heard from some of our favorite craft bourbon and whiskey distilleries, blenders, and brands. In this episode, we discuss some of our standout craft distillers and brands that we are excited for in 2021 and beyond. As always, we'd love your feedback and hearing what distilleries are your favorite Craft Whiskey producers. We may even feature them on the Bourbon Lens in the future! We appreciate 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 podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. 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

How many "best of" lists have you read and laughed to yourself? We are putting our own spin on things and have challenged each other to start a new home whiskey bar for $50. Will we grab one expensive bottle and max out our limited budget? Or try to squeeze in two or three solid budget bottles? Scott and Jake may have different philosophies on buying whiskey, but they had a great time comparing notes and choices in this week's podcast. What strategy would you use to buy yourself or a friend some good whiskey with some variety? We appreciate 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 podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. 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: KentuckyBourbon.com - Hosting a Bourbon Tasting Liquor.com - Best American Whiskey under $50 WideOpenEats.com - 10 Best Whiskeys under $50 to Gift Men'sJournal.com - Best Affordable Whiskies GearMoose.com Best Bourbon Under $50 TheBroBasket.com - 22 Best Budget Bourbons GearPatrol.com - Bourbon Whiskeys under $50 Paste Magazine - Best Whiskey for your Bar Cart StirAndStrain - Outfitting a Home Bar: Whiskey Edition WhiskyAdvocate.com Build Your Whisky Bar

Combining a passion for spirits, industry knowledge, and blending expertise, Phenomenal Spirits has released its first whiskey. RY3 Whiskey (Pronounced "Rye 3 Whiskey") is a rum cask finished whiskey that was carefully crafted from this blending house. Phenomenal Spirits, Karthik Sudhir and Matt Witzig, joins Bourbon Lens to talk whiskey. Karthik is the Founder / CEO of Phenomenal Spirits and drives product development, strategy, brand positioning, market expansion, and investor relations. Matt was the Co-Founder, Master Distiller, and Head Blender at Joseph Magnus Whiskey prior to joining Phenomenal Spirits as Master Blender and COO. You learn more about the origins of the brand and blending house as well as where they wish to take this brand next. We appreciate 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 podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. 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 Phenomenal Spirits Press Release: Phenomenal Spirits announces the release of RY3 Whiskey, the craft spirits company's third ultra-premium spirit introduction in the US in 2020. RY3 is a distinct blend of 3 extraordinary whiskeys, 3 carefully handpicked mash-bills, and 3 distinctive aged statements, that are meticulously blended with artisanal distinction to create an unparalleled whiskey. The culmination of this exceptionally well-balanced whiskey is finished in vintage rum casks, resulting in a sipping experience of silky-smooth rye with layers of fruity and complex notes from the rum barrels. Phenomenal Spirits Founder & CEO, Karthik Sudhir commented, "Craft whiskey consumers have truly embraced rye whiskey, America's original iconic spirit. According to Distilled Spirits Council of US, between 2009 and 2019, rye volumes skyrocketed by 1,275%, growing to 1.2 million cases and continue their impressive surge, growing 15% in the past year[1]. With the resurgence of rye whiskey, product innovation has reached new heights, spurring consumer's curiosity. We developed RY3 Whiskey with these curious consumers in mind. RY3 is one of a few Rye whiskies finished in rum casks, offering drinkers layers of intense flavor and complexity for a contemporary and exciting Rye drinking experience." Phenomenal Spirits is on a steadfast mission to create exceptionally high-quality brands that fill untapped opportunities in the spirits category. To help guide this mission, Sudhir is partnering with Matt Witzig, Master Distiller and Co-founder of Joseph Magnus Bourbon. An icon in spirits distillation, Witzig is working in concert with Sudhir and his team to build a portfolio of unparalleled brands for the curious spirits consumer and aficionado alike. Since August 2020, the Phenomenal team has launched Ron Izalco 10 Year and Ron Izalco 15 Year Cask Strength Rums and now, RY3 Whiskey. The duo is looking ahead to their next ambitious venture, a Private Release/Cask Strength Whiskey Program, which debuts in December 2020 with more planned in 2021. Phenomenal Spirits operates its own blending facility in Virginia Beach, VA to achieve scale and operational efficiency. The company is fully functional, allowing the team to control quality and consistency along with all aspects of product development. Sudhir added, "We are thrilled with US consumer's embrace of our rums in the short time since they debuted earlier this year. With Matt on board, we are very excited to introduce a range of daring new products beginning with RY3 Whiskey, a true gem in the rye category." RY3 Whiskey sells for a suggested retail price of $54.99/750ml and is available in Washington DC, Maryland, and Delaware through Lanterna Distributors, in Mississippi and Alabama through Mad Vines and Spirits, and nationally through Curiada's E-Commerce platform. The company plans to launch in Connecticut, Tennessee, Rhode Island and Massachusetts in the early part of 2021. To learn more about RY3 Whiskey and Phenomenal Spirits, visit www.phenomenalspirits.com and www.ry3whiskey.com

In this week's podcast, we learn some family and Tennessee Whiskey history from Charlie Nelson of Nelson's Green Brier Distillery. Charlie, along with his father and his brother Andy, stumbled upon a bit of family history while out on the road one day. This discovery led them down a long and winding path to resurrection of the family distillery, DSP-TN-5. Nelson's Green Brier Distillery dates back to 1880, though it wasn't revived by Charlie and Andy until 2009. We found the stories of the family history to be fascinating and the whiskey was the perfect accompaniment. We hope you enjoy this episode featuring the original Tennessee Whiskey and Belle Meade Bourbon. We appreciate 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 podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. 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: Discover the History of Nelson's Green Brier Green Brier Distillery Official Website Belle Meade Bourbon Official Website ChicagoTribune.com Feature NashvilleScene.com Feature TimesNews.net Feature Liquor.com Names Nelson's Green Brier Among the Best Tennessee Whiskeys Image Credit: Nelson's Green Brier Distillery

The crew is back together and we've got a blind bourbon tasting ready to go! This time, it's Buffalo Trace and we line up 3 single barrel store picks against an off-the-shelf bottle of Buffalo Trace. Which will come out on top? Are single barrels better than what you can find on any store shelf? We share our opinions and the results of our blind tasting. We also discuss Michael's upcoming plans to move to Florida and even get into a little debate about pizza. We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did recording it together. Cheers! Spoiler Alert - the single barrel picks are: A: Bottles Unlimited in New Albany Indiana B: Novio's Bistro in Bangor Maine C: Buffalo Trace (off-the-shelf) D: Beverage Warehouse - Louisville KY (Now Evergreen Liquors) We appreciate 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 podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. 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 Photo Credit: Buffalo Trace Distillery

It's National Irish Coffee Day on January 25th and we couldn't have asked for a better guest to celebrate the occasion. We're joined by Alex Conyngham from Slane Distillery in Ireland. Slane Irish Whiskey is the perfect accompaniment to the classic Irish Coffee and they've put their own spin on the cocktail to celebrate. Partnering with Red Bay Coffee, they've developed their own roast which pairs perfectly with Slane Irish Whiskey. Be sure to check out the full recipe below and be sure to let us know if you try it. We appreciate 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 podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. 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 Slane Irish Coffee Cocktail: 1 part Slane Irish Whiskey ⅔ parts vanilla-infused demerara syrup Freshly Brewed Double Espresso Boiling water Double Cream (lightly whisked) Dark Chocolate Orange Shavings INSTRUCTIONS Preheat your glass Brew your espresso. Make it a double! Half fill your glass with boiling water Add syrup, double espresso and whiskey, then stir it up Top with double cream float Sprinkle on a little chocolate ENJOY! About the Distillery and Slane Castle Alex Conyngham who, together with his father Henry Mount Charles – the man behind the legendary Slane Castle concerts – decided to set up the Slane Distillery in 2015. Slane Castle first got into the whiskey business in 2009. At the time, it sourced liquid from Cooley, a nearby distillery, for what it called "Slane Castle Whiskey". When Cooley was acquired by Beam in 2012, the castle's supply of whiskey was cut off. 2012, Slane Castle Whiskey went off the market, and Conyngham went to the drawing board to design the future distillery—and to search for a partner, one he eventually found in Brown-Forman. The company—owner of brands such as Jack Daniel's and Woodford Reserve—acquired the business in 2015, before its first drop of whiskey was made, and the distillery's construction began in January 2016. "Triple cask," in this instance, means that the whiskey is aged in three distinctively different barrels: virgin oak barrel that has never contained whiskey, seasoned barrel that once contained Tennessee whiskey or bourbon, and a sherry cask. Slane Irish Whiskey, as it exists now, officially launched in 2017 with that triple-casked liquid bought from another distillery and aged in those triple casks for two years. Around the same time that the whiskey hit the market, Slane started producing its own liquid at the new, operational distillery on the Slane Castle grounds, using barley it grows on a family-owned farm across the river. Slane Irish Whiskey is now available across the U.S., and the distillery is open to visitors, along with the castle. Links: Slane Irish Whiskey Official Irish Coffee Cocktail Recipe Slane Irish Whiskey - The Story RedBayCoffee.com Fortune.com Featuring Slane Irish Whiskey HotPress.com - Rock n Roll at Slane Castle A Hotel Life Feature on Slane Distillery CocktailsDistilled.com Feature

Castle & Key Distillery has resurrected a giant in the Kentucky Bourbon industry, the Old Taylor Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. And after many years of restoring the fabled location, Castle & Key has released their first whiskey. Restoration Rye, an aptly named whiskey, is the first rye whiskey to be released from this location as well. We are joined by co-founder Wes Murry and Blender Brett Connors to discuss the distillery's history, its whiskey, and their plans for the future. We taste through Batch 1 of Castle & Key's Restoration Rye during the episode and find that it was well worth the wait. We appreciate 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 podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. 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 About the Distillery: Castle & Key is steeped in Kentucky distilling history, and yet it also presents a reimagining of Kentucky spirits for the future. When attorney Will Arvin came across photographs of an abandoned distillery in 2012, he couldn't stop thinking about its legacy and the history of the property, previously known as Old Taylor Distillery. He decided to take a visit to the property, and within minutes this industry outsider was inspired to abandon a successful career path to build a meaningful new life for the distillery. After meeting financial advisor, Wes Murry, through a mutual friend, both of their visions became centered around the belief that consistency in flavor is not the only important factor that spirits enthusiasts' value, but rather that people are drawn to high-quality spirits that offer a new tasting experience. The Old Taylor Distillery has a revered place in Kentucky distilling history. In 1887, when Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor Jr. built the distillery, he intended it to both produce high-quality spirits and stand out from the crowd with its distinctive architectural charm to become the birthplace of bourbon tourism. Inspired by European architecture, the site features a Castle, a classical Springhouse, and Sunken Garden. In 1920, however, Prohibition forced the closing of the distillery and over the course of the next century, the property changed owners and occupants several times, until it fell into ruin. In 2014, Will and Wes began restoring this historic bourbon icon with a focus on changing the narrative around Kentucky spirits. They created a team of like minded people from inside and outside the industry to resurrect the castle by creating Castle & Key Distillery, which opened its doors in 2018. Taking up Colonel Taylor's dedication to his home state, Castle & Key strives to use local ingredients when possible. Castle & Key makes everything that they sell from carefully selected grains and always chooses to do things in a thoughtful way – even when it's not the easy way. About the Spirits: Castle & Key's strategy works to reimagine how Kentucky spirits is showcased by creating consistently high- quality expressions that are unique with each release, instead of striving for one singular flavor profile. Restoration Rye, the first whiskey from the Castle & Key team since its founding in 2014. The highly anticipated release pays tribute to the restoration of the historic property, which was once the iconic Old Taylor Distillery, originally built over a century ago. Castle & Key will also release Roots of Ruin Gin and Sacred Spring Vodka, all of which will appear in dynamic newly designed bottles. All new releases will be available for purchase in Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee, South Carolina, Texas and Georgia beginning in December. In addition, Castle & Key also reveals its new look with the introduction of Restoration Rye, Sacred Spring Vodka and Roots of Ruin Gin. "We partnered with Stranger & Stranger to make our vision come to life and we couldn't be more excited about the new look," says Co-Founder Wes Murry. "The new bottle designs honor the history of our property, those who helped restore the property to its former glory, and the imaginative team that crafted our spirits." Restoration Rye (BATCH #1: 51.5% ABV; $39.99 SRP; 13,200 bottles) (BATCH #2: 49.5% ABV; $39.99 SRP; 12,540 bottles) The 2020 Restoration Rye, a name that speaks to the restoration of the distillery, features two batches, both with unique flavor profiles. Batch #1 is created from a blend of 60 barrels, and Batch #2 is comprised of 57 barrels. During the blending process, barrels are grouped into pods with specific sensory profiles. Those pods are then blended to achieve the unique, high-quality fl

Maker's Mark is going on a tear with their Wood Finishing Series and Private Selection Bourbon program and people are starting to take notice. This week, Scott and Jake crack the wax on their brand new bottles of The CommUNITY Batch by Maker's Mark. Jake and Scott also chat about early New Year resolutions and plans for making 2021 a better year for both. The CommUNITY Batch is a special release bourbon created to support trade and hospitality partners around the country by benefiting The LEE Initiative. The special release is a unique batch of bourbon was created from the unique expressions of 37 Private Selections by industry partners. By combining the stave profiles of their Private Selection barrels, this limited release reflects the remarkable strength – and distinct taste profile – of each community, resulting in an exceptional blend. This limited release was ONLY through various LEE Initiative events held across the country. The tickets for this bourbon and events were available through donations to The LEE Initiative. More details on the LEE Initiative can be found in the links below. Links: LEE Initiative Official Site About Maker's CommUNITY Batch About The LEE Initiative The LEE Initiative on Facebook Michael Veach Discusses The CommUNITY Batch Kentucky.com Feature DistilleryTrail.com Feature We appreciate 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 podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. 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

Terry Bradshaw joined Bourbon Lens to talk whiskey and his new Bradshaw Bourbon. Terry Bradshaw, NFL Hall of Famer and four-time Super Bowl winning quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, is widely acknowledged as today's preeminent NFL studio personality, serving as co-host on Fox NFL Sunday. While Terry is well known for his time on the football field, lately he's been busy with balancing a bourbon brand, The Bradshaw Bunch, and co-hosting duties at Fox. Launched in February, the Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey has a mashbill of 70% corn, 21% rye, and 9% malted barley, and is proofed to 51.9% ABV, which is a creative nod to Terry's career completion percentage. Bradshaw has partnered with Green River Distilling Co. (formerly Owensboro's O.Z. Tyler) to make the whiskey and Silver Screen Bottling, which specializes in licensing and distribution, to oversee branding and sales. Best of all, this full flavored bourbon is priced right with an SRP of $40. We were privileged to be joined by Terry and Ryan Mcelveen from Bradshaw Bourbon. Ryan is the brand's Chief Commercial Officer and is responsible for driving a successful launch of the brand, even in spite of the current spirits climate. We look forward to seeing where Bradshaw Bourbon goes next in only its 2nd year of sales. We know you'll enjoy this episode, grab some whiskey and sit back. We appreciate 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 podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. 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: BradshawBourbon.com Fox Sports - Terry Bradshaw Terry Bradshaw - Steelers Biography Fred Minnick's $41-60 Bourbon Blind - Bradshaw Takes 2nd Place Whisky Advocate Feature on Terry Bradshaw

Hank Ingram joined us to talk about his namesake whiskey and the unique aging technique it employs. Nashville entrepreneur, Hank Ingram, is the founder of Brown Water Spirits and their line of O.H. Ingram River Aged Whiskey. As the name implies, this whiskey was river-aged inside a floating rickhouse. This rickhouse is a large barge moored to the banks of the Mississippi River, benefiting from the riverside's temperature variations, humidity, and the constant motion of the river. While some may be skeptical of non-traditional aging techniques (including ourselves), this is hardly a shortcut in the aging process. Hank has patiently waited and released straight whiskey (2-4 years old) which has been enhanced by river aging. We were honored to be the first people outside of Brown Water Spirits to taste the new Straight Rye Whiskey, which had not released at the time of recording. We think you'll be impressed with these whiskies and, as their distribution grows, you should check them out. We appreciate 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 podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. 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 About the Brand: O.H. Ingram River Aged Whiskey is aged inside a barge on a first-of-its-kind floating rickhouse. Moored on the riverbank of Ballard Country (Wickliffe, KY) we utilize the climate of the Mississippi River along with its drastic rise and fall to provoke a unique interaction between wood and spirit that is unlike any other. The temperature swings, humidity, and constant cadence of the flowing water keeps our whiskey working. This unique process provides a unique interaction between wood and spirit – we call it barrel aged and river raised! About the Whiskey: River Aged Straight Whiskey: The first release in the River Aged Series. Vital Stats: Mash Bill – 96 proof, blend of 95% rye, 5% barley whiskey and 36% rye, 4% barley, 60% corn bourbon. Aged 3 years in new charred oak barrels. Available in select markets for ~$80/750ml. Appearance: Warm amber. Medium viscosity and a gentle swirl ends in clear, fine legs. Nose: Right off I got the strong scent of baking spices, predominantly cinnamon. The throat-soothing allure of honey and meringue with a bit of acid from an orange peel Palate: Buttery mouthfeel, tastes kind of rummy, may be the way the sugar shows up. The slow build heat mellows into a smooth taste with distinct spice. River Aged Straight Rye: Just released in December 2020 Currently available in Middle and East Tennessee with additional markets coming as inventories are available. About the Founder Hank Ingram: Hank Ingram comes from a long line of entrepreneurs who for more than five generations have built businesses with the river at their core. Beginning in the mid-1800s, his great-great-great-grandfather Orrin Henry Ingram founded the Empire Lumber Company. Hank's great-grandfather brought the family to Nashville where he founded the Ingram Barge Company in 1946. Ingram Industries — the marine logistics, book production and distribution company Hank is the latest in his family tree to bring a great idea to the river's edge. With an intimate knowledge of the river and a penchant for a bourbon nightcap, he developed the idea for the unique river ageing process while in business school. After the idea won first place in a pitch competition in 2015, Hank founded Brown Water Spirits shortly thereafter to bring the idea to life. Hank previously served as Director of Corporate Partnerships for Nashville Soccer Club and held various positions within Ingram Industries and its subsidiaries. Hank is a graduate of Washington and Lee University and received his MBA from the Owen Graduate School of Management at Vanderbilt University. He is an active volunteer in a number of Nashville organizations and serves on boards for the Boy Scouts of Middle Tennessee and the Nashville Symphony. In his spare time, Hank enjoys golf, guitar and cycling. And of course, a neat glass of bourbon. Links: Learn more at IngramWhiskey.com WhiskyAdvocate.com Feature Tennessean.com Feature Discussed in the Nashville Scene Style Blueprint on Ingram River Aged Whiskey

We're joined by friends and co-founders of Penelope Bourbon, Mike Paladini and Danny Polise. Penelope Bourbon was founded out of a passion for family, friendship, and great bourbon. We enjoyed sitting down with Mike and Danny to discuss the brand, its origin story, and 3 different bourbons in their lineup. Penelope is distilled at the famed MGP, but blended with diverse input from Mike and Danny. They've hit on something with their Four Grain blend and are staking their claim in the ultra-drinkable 80 proof category. But don't worry, they've also planned regular releases of Cask Strength bourbon and some unique finishes, including Rosé Wine Cask finish. We're excited about Penelope's plans for the future, including a long-awaited Kentucky release and another unique finish that we've not heard anyone explore. Tune in to find out more about Penelope. Find Penelope online at Shared Pour (affiliate link) We appreciate 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 podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. 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 About the Brand: Mike Paladini teamed up with his close friend and childhood next door neighbor, Danny Polise. Penelope Bourbon is a company that was crafted in the classic entrepreneurial tradition. Mike Paladini and his wife, Kerry teamed up with his close friend and childhood next door neighbor, Danny Polise. Both grew up in Basking Ridge, NJ. They began to embark on creating a bourbon that everyone could enjoy and love. Both found out in 2018 that their wives were expecting. Mike and Kerry always knew that if they had a girl, her name would be Penelope. The day they found out they were having girl, a light bulb went off. Mike and Kerry decided they wanted to bring together two things they both love so dearly – their soon-to-be baby girl, Penelope and Straight Bourbon Whiskey. A company was born. Penelope Bourbon is distilled at MGP's historic Lawrenceburg, Indiana distillery. The distillery was founded in 1847 and purchased by Seagram in 1933. Nestled on 113 acres of rolling hills in a castle that holds more than a century of distilling history, Castle & Key blends and bottles Penelope Bourbon under the direction of Mike Paladini and Danny Polise. *Photo Credit to Penelope Bourbon About the Bourbons: Four Grain Bourbon - 80 Proof - "First Steps" Batch signature four grain straight bourbon whiskey blended from three bourbon mash bills. $34.99 Non chill filtered 75% Corn; 15% Wheat; 7% Rye; 3% Malted Barley 2-3 Years Old #4 Staves, #2 Heads Each barrel is hand-selected and blended into a single batch for your enjoyment. Remarkably smooth and flavorful, Penelope is perfect whether sipping neat or using in your favorite cocktail. Cask Strength Bourbon Batch 5. 116 proof $59.99 Recently named on Wine Enthusiast's The Top 100 Spirits of 2020 Batch 5 is blended from three bourbon mash bills aged 3 – 4 years in new American oak barrels and completely uncut and non chill-filtered. Rosé Cask Finish Bourbon 94 proof October 6th release due to the finish taking a full 90 days. floral nose that was accented with candied fruit and cream notes. The palate featured soft vanilla and caramel notes with a notable well balanced finish with lingering botanical notes and a touch of heat. MSRP of $65. 2,400 bottles will be available in GA, NJ, NY, TN, WI, and online at Seelbach's, Mash&Grape, and Flaviar. Batch 2 anticipated late spring 2021 Show Links: Penelope Bourbon Website Buy Penelope Bourbon Online The Top 100 Spirits of 2020 The Best Bourbon and Rye for Fall 10 Best Whiskies For Fall 2020 An Unlikely Marriage: Penelope Bourbon's Thorny Road to a Rosé Finished Bourbon

We're joined by American Whiskey Legend, Greg Metze, for this week's podcast. If you don't know his name yet, you'll definitely know his whiskey. Greg has decades of experience at one of the largest spirits producers in the United States; MGP in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. As part of his retirement planning, Greg decided to venture out on his own and develop products for the Old Elk Distillery, including the 3 we taste through in this episode. Old Elk Straight Wheat Whiskey 5 year. 100 proof Mashbill: 95% wheat; 5% barley Old Elk Straight Wheated Bourbon 5 year. 92 proof Mashbill: 51% corn; 45% wheat; 4% barley Old Elk Blended Straight Bourbon At least 4 years. 88 proof Mashbill: 51% corn; 15% rye; 34% barley Greg Metze, Master Distiller at Old Elk Distillery, has four decades of distilling experience, starting at the Joseph E. Seagram & Sons Distillery located in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, in 1978. He is considered one of the spirits industry's premier master distillers and has had a hand in crafting many of the whiskies on the shelf today. Greg's connection to Old Elk traces back to the distillery's inception. He was master distiller at MGP Ingredients when Old Elk Distillery asked him, in 2013, to create the signature mash bill for Old Elk Blended Straight Bourbon Whiskey that would bring to life the vision of Old Elk's founder, Curt Richardson. With full creative control, Greg personally developed a custom mash bill with four times more malted barley than conventional bourbon recipes. Many of the barrels of liquid from that mash bill are still aging and are not yet on the market. Greg has personally overseen the production of several Old Elk products. Even though he was employed at MGP Ingredients when he started on the Old Elk project, Greg was entrusted with full leadership and creative control so he can speak to the quality that's inside every bottle. Greg and head distiller Kate Douglas developed Old Elk's proprietary Slow Cut™ proofing process, where the liquid is proofed down over a period of weeks instead of the traditional 24-48 hours. This results in less heat created during the proofing process, and thus a smoother tasting bourbon. We really enjoyed our time with Greg and tasting through his whiskey creations. If you are looking for a unique whiskey, definitely seek out Old Elk. You will not be disappointed. We appreciate 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 podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. 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 & JakeThe Bourbon Lens Photo Credit: Old Elk Distillery Links: Greg Metze Bio Greg Metze Tasting The Best Whiskey Distiller You've Never Heard of Is Finally Getting His Due The Biggest Distillery You've Never Heard of is in Lawrenceburg, Indiana Five Fascinating Facts About MGP Distillery A Visit to MGP's Lawrenceburg Distillery 7 Great Wheated Whiskies That Aren't Pappy Old Elk Bourbon Embraces the Science of "Slow Cut" Water Proofing for Whiskey Old Elk: Fort Collins' mystery distiller emerges (2016 Article) Colorado's Old Elk Distillery Adds 3 New Whiskeys From Master Distiller Greg Metze

It's hard to believe we've produced 100 episodes of Bourbon Lens. The three of us spend some time talking about some of our favorite episodes, guests, and moments over the last 2 years. We've appreciated each of our guests, our fans, and supporters who've kept us going. Here's to another 100!! Thank you! You'll find a full list below of all the episodes we discussed during this week's "look back" episode. While we couldn't possibly name every episode, these are just a few standouts to us. Be sure to check them out as well as our back catalog of podcasts. We appreciate 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 podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. 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 Open our entire podcast library in your podcast player by using this link. Find the Episodes Discussed in Today's Podcast: 25: Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co. 82: High West Whiskey 58: Four Gate Whiskey Company 51: Denver and Liely Glassware 59: Kentucky Owl and Dixon Dedman 42: Bardstown Bourbon Co.'s Dan Callaway 85: Marianne Eaves and Sweetens Cove 37: The Bourbon Road 94: Rabbit Hole Distillery 80: High Wire Distilling Co. 73: My Cigar Pack 39: Four Roses Behind the Scenes 49: Broken Barrel Whiskey 60: Kentucky Straight Ice 47: Spirits of French Lick - Alchemist of Indiana 65: Starlight Distillery & Huber Winery 55: Weller Bourbon Blind Flight 41: Single Barrel Bourbon Flight 66: Frey Ranch Distillery 63: Westland American Single Malt Whiskey Check out our Favorite Episodes via Our Website: 25: Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co. 82: High West Whiskey 58: Four Gate Whiskey Company 51: Denver and Liely Glassware 59: Kentucky Owl and Dixon Dedman 42: Bardstown Bourbon Co.'s Dan Callaway 85: Marianne Eaves and Sweetens Cove 37: The Bourbon Road 94: Rabbit Hole Distillery 80: High Wire Distilling Co. 73: My Cigar Pack 39: Four Roses Behind the Scenes 49: Broken Barrel Whiskey 60: Kentucky Straight Ice 47: Spirits of French Lick - Alchemist of Indiana 65: Starlight Distillery & Huber Winery 55: Weller Bourbon Blind Flight 41: Single Barrel Bourbon Flight 66: Frey Ranch Distillery 63: Westland American Single Malt Whiskey Thank you all!

Gregg Snyder, from Chicken Cock Whiskey, joined the podcast to talk about all things Chicken Cock and to share some of their bourbon and rye whiskey. We discussed the history of the brand, its revival, and plans for the future, including their relationship with the Bardstown Bourbon Company Collaborative Distilling Program. Most of all, Michael and Scott enjoyed getting to hear from Gregg about his experience and expertise at famous Kentucky distilleries, including Brown-Forman, Wild Turkey, and Jim Beam. We hope you enjoy hearing from one of the legends of the bourbon industry. Cheers! Gregg Snyder spent nearly his entire working career in the bourbon industry. And now he's teamed up with Grain & Barrel Spirits to be the Master Distiller and Consultant to Chicken Cock Whiskey. Gregg Snyder has over 41 years of experience in Distilled Spirits Operations and other related industries. Notably, he's the former VP and Managing Director for Austin Nichols, Inc., dba Wild Turkey Distillery and is credited with the development of the Russell's Reserve line of whiskies. In his role as Master Distiller for Chicken Cock, Gregg brings his knowledge of barrels to the table as well. He's former Director of Operations – Blue Grass Cooperage (now known as Brown Forman Cooperage). And he's held various other supervisory and managerial positions of increasing responsibility, since 1978, in every aspect of beverage alcohol operations at: Joseph E. Seagram and Sons, Brown-Forman Corp. Now that he's teamed up with Chicken Cock, we think he's not going anywhere anytime soon. We appreciate 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 podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. 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 & JakeThe Bourbon Lens LINKS: Chicken Cock Whiskey: The Famous Old Brand The Chicken Cock Story Chicken Cock Whiskey – Grain and Barrel Bardstown Bourbon distilling for Chicken Cock Whiskey brand The Return of Chicken Cock Whiskey Chicken Cock on YouTube

This week we are discussing High West Whiskey and their new release of A Midwinter Night's Dram. Midwinter Nights Dram is a wildly popular version of High West Rendezvous Rye finished in French oak port barrels. This year is their Eighth Act (release) in the limited release series. It stands out for its unique and bold style while still appealing to many different types of whiskey drinkers. If you have the opportunity to grab this release, you shouldn't pass on it. We also discuss future releases and plans for High West Whiskey, including their second release in growing their High Country American Single Malt Whiskey. We appreciate 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 podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. 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 & JakeThe Bourbon Lens LINKS: High West - A Midwinter Night's Dram High West High Country American Single Malt High West Old Fashioned Barrel Finished Cocktail Bourbon Lens Podcast Episode 82 featuring High West Whiskey

'Pappyland' tells the story of the Van Winkle family, the bourbon business, & the demand for rare wheated bourbon bearing the name of Pappy Van Winkle. We were joined by Author & ESPN's Wright Thompson to discuss his new book which just released November 10, 2020: Pappyland: A Story of Family, Fine Bourbon, and the Things That Last. The book is about so much more than bourbon; it tells the story of those who make bourbon and those who enjoy it. As you know, both are essential to the story of Kentucky Bourbon. Thank you to Wright Thompson for reaching out about his new book and to Penguin Press for sending us advance copies of Pappyland to enjoy and discuss with Wright. We appreciate 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 podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. 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 & JakeThe Bourbon Lens LINKS: Last Chance - Buy the Book & Enter the Giveaway to Win Pappy Van Winkle Uproxx: Author Wright Thompson Talks About 'Pappyland' And Bourbon Culture WrightThompson.com - Official Website Marketplace.org - The Agrarian Roots of Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon Whiskey New York Times Review of Pappyland From the Archives - Fortune.com 2011 Feature on Van Winkle Bourbon From the Archives - Grantland.com Article on Pappy Van Winkle by Wright Thompson From the Archives - Garden & Gun Feature on Julian Van Winkle III Follow Wright Thompson on Instagram Buy the Book on Amazon KirkusReviews.com - Pappyland Interview Buffalo Trace Distillery Official Website

We're checking out a couple rye whiskies this week, including the Old Overholt 114 Proof (Ohio only Special Release) and Hudson Whiskey's new Do the Rye Thing Rye Whiskey. The new, higher proof Old Overholt is a spin on a classic rye. It is limited to Ohio only at this point, but it has garnered some good reviews from those who have had the opportunity to land a bottle. Find out how we think these two whiskies stack up. Thank you to Hudson Whiskey for sending us a care package featuring two of their new whiskies that have been totally rebranded. We appreciate 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 podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. 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 & JakeThe Bourbon Lens Links: Whisky Advocate - The True Story Of Old Overholt Old Overholt Overhaul VinePair - Old Overholt Rye Whiskey History TheManual.com - Old Overholt Rye Whiskey Update Forbes - New Limited Edition Old Overholt HudsonWhiskey.com - Whiskey Lineup TheManual.com - Hudson Whiskey Relaunch WhiskyAdvocate.com - Hudson Whiskey Relaunched BourbonBanter.com Hudson Baby Bourbon Review TheSpiritsBusiness.com - Hudson Creates New Whiskey and Updates Recipes

We are joined by Jackie Zykan, Master Taster for Louisville's Bourbon Brand, Old Forester. Jake and Michael sat down to discuss the brand's growth and her rise through the ranks. We sipped Old Forester Rye Whiskey during this episode, which is another staple to add to any bar. We also discuss the growth of the lineup from the Whisky Row series, Statesman, and bringing back President's Choice. You'll learn how Jackie's background in the bartending industry helped her transition to this beloved brand. With an endless supply of Old Forester, do you want to take a guess at Jackie's go-to Old Forester pour. With a lot of new releases hitting shelves, Jackie even teases about more to come in the next few months. We appreciate 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 podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. 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 and see what we are up to. Cheers, Scott, Michael & JakeThe Bourbon Lens Links: OldForester.com Wall Street Journal Featuring Jackie Zykan LouisvilleFuture.com - 7 Questions with Jackie Zykan, Old Forester's Master Taster WHAS11.com - Feature on Jackie Zykan Observer.com - This Whisky Expert's Secret to Refining Your Palate: Go to…Target? WhiskyAdvocate.com - Bourbon as Escapism

The Bourbon Lens Crew had the privilege of taking a private tour of the Rabbit Hole Distillery in Downtown Louisville recently. We sat down with the Brand's Digital Ambassador, Adam Edwards, to discuss the history of the distillery, its founder Kaveh Zamanian, and the spirits they craft. We discuss the ultra exclusive Founder's Collection and its first offering, Boxergrail Rye Whiskey at Cask Strength as well as future plans for the brand. And we discuss, maybe for the first time publicly, the Heigold single barrel program which will launch in 2021. This program will initially be limited to only 10 barrels, but will grow each year. We thank Rabbit Hole for reaching out to us and hosting us for this podcast, we encourage you to check them out the next time you are in Louisville or find their bourbon on a shelf. We appreciate 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 podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. 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 and see what we are up to. Cheers, Scott, Michael & JakeThe Bourbon Lens About Rabbit Hole Distillery: Distilling is baked in Louisville's culture. Rabbit Hole is at the city's creative heart, the NULU district, the nexus of old and new, where artists and entrepreneurs pursue their vision without budgeting for regret. We could be nowhere else. From grain to bottle, inside Rabbit Hole, you'll witness the creation of modern spirits. Because those spirits don't come to life until they're shared, the easy sociability of Rabbit Hole's tasting bars and event center, the Over Look, complete the experience. About Founder, Kaveh Zamanian: As with all good stories, this one starts with love. While living in Chicago, Kaveh met Heather, a Louisville native, who introduced him to Bourbon. A Scotch devotee, he fell in love with her and Bourbon at the same time. He soon entrenched himself in the study of Bourbon and, with Heather by his side, ventured down a rabbit hole he may have never dared alone. About Adam Edwards: Adam, with his over 15 years experience in the spirits industry, has extensive knowledge on the history and depth of fine wines and whiskies. A graduate of the University of Kentucky, as well as a Certified Bourbon Steward, Adam joined Rabbit Hole distillery as a Tour Guide Educator in 2018. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Rabbit Hole created the innovative title of Digital Brand Ambassador (something never before seen in the Bourbon industry), which is especially suited for Adam's personality and passion for American Bourbon Whiskey. The Spirits: Cavehill - Our signature four-grain Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a homage to generations of proud Louisville distillers. Distinct and unorthodox, this expression sets a new standard for American whiskey while building on the legacy these great bourbon pioneers created as they traveled down their own whiskey rabbit holes. Crafted from a unique mash that couples malted grains with corn, this superpremium bourbon combines depth with style. Deliberately distilled from our proprietary cooking process and aged in hand-selected barrels, this authentic whiskey is expressly crafted in small batches to yield a flavor like no other. Heigold - Our Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, made with a high percentage of imported German rye, pays tribute to an immigrant maker. Strong and bold, this offering honors Christian Heigold, a German stonecutter who settled in Louisville prior to 1850 and went down a rabbit hole of his own. Taken with the hope of this new land, he carved ornate symbols of his patriotism on the facade of his landmark home. This super-premium bourbon, composed of 25% malted rye, places a distinct twist on a timeless recipe. Deliberately distilled from our proprietary cooking process and aged in hand-selected barrels, this authentic whiskey is expressly crafted in small batches to yield a flavor like no other. Boxergrail - Our Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, composed of 95% rye, celebrates Louisville's rich boxing heritage. Here, local fighters, emerging from neighborhood gyms, have followed a path down a boxing rabbit hole to become prizefighting champions. Bold and unexpected, this whiskey reveals a character worthy of the title. This super-premium rye whiskey adds malted barley to its mash bill to present a velvety mouthfeel, while subtle spice and brown sugar notes distinguish it from the rest. Deliberately distilled from our proprietary cooking process and aged in hand-selected barrels, this authentic whiskey is expressly crafted in small batches to yield a flavor like no other. Founder's Collection Boxergrail - Boxergrail Founder's Collection elevates Rabbit Hole's award winning Boxergrail Kentucky

This week we have a solid lineup of limited edition bourbons from Maker's Mark. Our first podcast back together as a group of 3 since the pandemic started, we had a lot of fun catching up and talking shop. We each brought something different to run through a tasting together. Jake had Maker's 101 and Maker's 46 Cask Strength, Scott brought Maker's Cask Strength (Batch 20-03), and Michael grabbed his Private Selection of Maker's from Match Cigar Bar. We discussed the legendary Maker's Mark red wax, Maker's bottle collections, and how we believe Maker's in a great position to continue to evolve its lineup. Maker's Mark may be one of the most well known wheated bourbons around today, but it was clear that they needed to branch out into different offerings to stay competitive. We enjoyed each of these bourbons for different reasons, so be sure to tell us which is your favorite bourbon from Maker's Mark. And finally, we wrapped up the show discussing our golf games and boozing on the golf course. Also, learn about one of our favorite new ways to carry some bourbon on the golf course or wherever. "The Chub" from XactlyLife; a double-wall, stainless steel insulated Travel Shot which holds 3.2oz of your favorite booze. The CHUB is TSA compliant too. This is not a sponsorship or an ad, just a damn cool product that we like to use. We appreciate 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 podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. 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 and see what we are up to. Cheers, Scott, Michael & JakeThe Bourbon Lens LINKS: MakersMark.com Maker's 46 XactlyLife.com -The Chub 3oz stainless steel vacuum tumbler VinePair - Maker's Mark Story Behind The Seal: The Story of the Maker's Mark Bottle Whisky Magazine - The Mark of a classic (Maker's Mark) Match Cigar Bar

Raj Peter Bhakta, the founder of WhistlePig and now Bhakta Farms, has left the world of rye whiskey and entered into the world of rare Armagnac brandy. Raj just introduced BHAKTA 50, a marriage of Argmanac's he discovered with Vintages from 1868 - 1970. And he's gone a step further and finished it in Islay casks. A complex spirit that is ideal for the curious whiskey lover. Sweet and smoky but not overly so, this finishing process for 50+ year old Armagnac is unlike anything else. Raj had us all on our toes for this episode and we were excited to explore something so rare and unique. And don't miss the teaser for Raj's next big project; his whiskey project, called Empire, a "global whiskey" coming out next year (2021). We appreciate 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 podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. 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 and see what we are up to. Cheers, Scott, Michael & JakeThe Bourbon Lens Links: BhaktaBrandy.com VinePair - Raj Peter Bhakta and Bhakta Brandy Bhakta Farms & Bhakta Spirits Bhakta 50 - Barrel 3 Review Whiskey Consensus - Bhakta 50 - The Armagnac Secret That Whiskey Drinkers Need to Know About About: Raj Peter Bhakta, founder of WhistlePig Whiskey and Bhakta Brandy, has a deep appreciation for rare and exquisite spirits—as well as a knack for bringing them to American attention. His success in rye established the category during a time when the industry overlooked it. Now, with BHAKTA, he is reviving another spirit: ancient Armagnac brandy, bottled stateside in Vermont. Bhakta is a first generation American. Both of his parents are immigrants. Born in 1975 to a Gujarati father and an Irish mother, he grew up in the Philadelphia area and attended the Hill School in Pottstown, PA before graduating Boston College in 1998. After beginning his career with investment banking firm Violy & Co, Bhakta departed to found Automovia, a valuation tech startup for pre-owned vehicles. He also worked for a time in the family business, leading a condominium development project in Vail, CO. While in Colorado in 2004, Bhakta scored a role on Trump's nascent reality show The Apprentice, Season 2. His business prowess and theatrical antics helped him navigate, barter, and flirt to the ninth week before being fired by Trump. His charisma with women became fodder for gossip columns like New York Post's Page Six, and his frequent wearing of bow ties was credited with a surge in the accessory's popularity. In 2006, Bhakta ran for U.S. Congress from Pennsylvania's 13th district. His campaign gained national notoriety due to his television background and playboy reputation. In October, Bhakta protested US-Mexican border weakness by riding an elephant along the Rio Grande with a 6-man mariachi band. This garnered even more publicity, and by the end of his unsuccessful campaign, Bhakta appeared on MSNBC, CNN's Crossfire, and Fox News. After his defeat in 2007, Bhakta moved from Manhattan to seek green fields. He purchased a decrepit Vermont dairy farm and began searching for obscure spirits to market under his new brand WhistlePig. Acquiring stocks from Canadian distiller Alberta Premium, Bhakta partnered with master distiller Dave Pickerel and began bottling his 10-year rye in 2010. Praised nationwide, WhistlePig put rye back on the map and grew to America's premier luxury whiskey in just a few years. After selling in 2019, Bhakta began a crusade for the world's finest spirits. On this journey, Bhakta stumbled on a stock of rare and exquisite Armagnacs in a Gers chateau. Distilled 1868-1970, the portfolio contains enough to bottle blends well over 50 years old. The vintages also predate Armagnac history's largest crisis, the Great French Wine Blight, which devastated vineyards and changed grape varietals forever. The oldest brandies use only original cultivars, making them perhaps the only genuine Armagnacs left in existence. Bhakta, immediately enamored, negotiated a hefty purchase and brought them back home to Vermont. With these assets, Bhakta is set to outdo his former ventures. BHAKTA 50 Year Brandy is older than any whiskey available and steeped in generations of small-scale craft. It also gets a unique Islay cask finish: the perfect marriage of brandy and Scotch. Bhakta has even put his own name on the bottle, showing just how proud he is of this magnum opus. BHAKTA offers a singular experience: brandy for the whiskey-lover. Just like he returned rye to the national spotlight, he's now found a niche new spirit with its own distinct category. Bhakta Brandy has just launched this 4th of July. Barrel 1 contains vintages 50-152 years old, with more released one-by

Maryland Style Rye Whiskey is the topic today. We explore a handful of rye whiskies from Sagamore Spirit in Baltimore Maryland. We're joined by Brian Treacy to talk about what makes Sagamore Spirit unique, their core lineup, and some exciting limited release rye whiskies. Sagamore Spirit jump started their brand sourcing some of the wildly popular "MGP Rye" from Indiana's largest distillery, but they are excited to move to their own distillate in the very near future. We enjoyed each of the whiskies that Sagamore sent to us for this episode and look forward to visiting their distillery in the future and tasting more of their whiskey. Enjoy this week's episode and be sure to check out Sagamore Spirit. Show Links: Sagamore Spirit and Brian Treacy's Story Sagamore Spirit on Instagram Brian on Instagram @Sagamorewhiskeybrian Independent Stave Company- "Wave Stave" Barrels Thrillist - This New Whiskey Was Aged With Sierra Nevada Beer Sagamore Spirit has released a limited-edition whiskey called the Sagamore Spirit Barrel Select Bartender's Barrel to benefit the local restaurant industry. NY Times - Maryland Rye Whiskey Has Finally Returned. But What Was It in the First Place? Under Armour's Kevin Plank Enters the Whiskey Wars -2016 Inc. article. About Sagamore Spirit Sagamore Spirit is a Maryland Style rye. Their five-acre waterfront distillery in Baltimore's Port Covington neighborhood opened in April 2017. The Distillery is equipped with a 40-foot mirrored finished copper column still, nine 6,500-gallon fermenting tanks, an 8,000-gallon beer well, and a 6,000-gallon mash cooker. The American Whiskey story started over 158 years before the first bottle of Kentucky bourbon, when great veteran distillers of the mid-Atlantic distilled Rye Whiskey. Maryland was home to 44 distilleries before Prohibition and by 1939, it held one-third of the nation's Rye Whiskey supply. Maryland Rye Whiskey was nationally renowned, and quickly became synonymous with quality and class. At Sagamore Spirit, we've picked up the torch. Our mission is to inspire a global passion for Maryland Rye Whiskey and revive – and dominate – the Rye Whiskey category. With over 75 awards for taste and packaging, we are committed to building awareness and excitement around Rye Whiskey's historic birthplace – Maryland. All Sagamore products are made from two mash-bills. The first is 52% rye, 43% corn and 5% malt barley. The second is 95% rye and 5% malt. The rye mash ferments for three days in 6,500-gallon open top fermenters. It's then distilled in the world's only 40-foot mirrored finished copper column still, then redistilled twice in a doubler. Three core offerings and limited releases: Signature Double Oak Cask Strength Manhattan Finished Rye - Upcoming limited release https://thewhiskeywash.com/whiskey-styles/american-whiskey/latest-sagamore-rye-whiskey-finish-inspired-by-classic-manhattan-cocktail/ Other Limited Releases Port Finish Calvados Finish

Jake and Scott are at it again with another Bourbon Heritage Month episode. This time, we dive into the world of Bourbon Hunting and the madness created every Fall surrounding "Bourbon Hunting Season." Jake and Scott discuss their different perceptions of bourbon hunting and seeking out the rare and expensive bottles that pop up around this time every year. We also discuss some of this year's highly anticipated whiskey releases. Join us and let us know what your thoughts are on Bourbon Hunting Season. We also crack the wax on Jake's new bottle of Freddie Noe's Little Book Whiskey, Chapter 4. This is a unique blend of straight whiskies and we were excited to give it a try. We appreciate 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 podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. 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 and see what we are up to. Cheers, Scott & JakeThe Bourbon Lens Links: Eighth Generation Beam Distiller Freddie Noe Releases Fourth Chapter Of Little Book® Whiskey Series - "Lessons Honored" LittleBookWhiskey.com/ WhiskeyConsensus.com - Rabbit Hole Boxergrail Founder's Collection Bourbinsane.com - New Bourbon Releases 2020 BreakingBourbon.com - Bourbon Hunting Tips TheBourbonCulture.com - Bourbon Hunting BourbonLens.com - 2020 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection Breakdown GoBourbon.com - Parker's Heavy Char

Jake and Scott taste through two heavy-hitting Bottled in Bond Bourbon releases; Old Fitzgerald 15 Year Old and Wild Turkey Master's Keep 17 Year Bottled in Bond. While both are limited releases, we discuss how they stack up against each other and in the bourbon world. Each has their own highlights, high price points, and we both had to pick a winner after a side-by-side tasting. We appreciate 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 podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. 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 and see what we are up to. Cheers, Scott, Michael & JakeThe Bourbon Lens Image Credits: Wild Turkey & Heaven Hill Distilleries LINKS: Wild Turkey Master's Keep RareBird101 Review of WT MK17 (2020) Old Fitzgerald - Heaven Hill Distillery

We're continuing National Bourbon Heritage Month with a relatively new Kentucky distillery. This week, it's New Riff Distillery, which claims to put "A New Riff on an Old Tradition". We are joined by Jay Erisman, vice-president of strategic development and co-founder of the distillery in Newport, Kentucky. We discuss the meaning of "New Riff", the brand's focus on bottled in bond whiskey, and what makes New Riff different. We also dive into some of the more technical distillation, fermentation, aging, and bottling techniques used by New Riff to produce their bourbons and rye whiskies. We appreciate 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 podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. 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 and see what we are up to. Cheers, Scott, Michael & JakeThe Bourbon Lens About Jay: Jay Erisman is vice-president of strategic development and co-founder of New Riff Distilling. A home brewer who became a fine spirits expert and then a self-taught distiller, Erisman is nicknamed New Riff's "chief blender and palate." He focuses on grains and raw ingredients, cooperage, aging strategies, product development and regulatory compliance. An expert in pot still distillation, Erisman also spearheads the distillery's gins. Previously, Erisman served as fine spirits manager at The Party Source. Links: https://newriffdistilling.com/ https://newriffdistilling.com/about/story/ https://www.whiskyadvocate.com/jay-erisman-combining-bourbons-highest-quality-standards-with-an-inventive-approach/ https://www.drinkmemag.com/distill-my-heart-new-riff-is-re-defining-kentucky-bourbon photo credit: New Riff Distilling

Jake and Scott are finally back on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. This time, we stop in Lebanon Kentucky at Limestone Branch Distillery, producers of the famed Yellowstone Bourbon. We sit down with Steve Beam and share the full lineup of Limestone Branch whiskies. Steve Beam is in the Beam Family Tree, which has had their hands in the bourbon of nearly every major distillery in Kentucky. In addition to some Beam family history, we also discuss the Dant Family of Bourbon. We also touch on the history of Yellowstone Bourbon, its links to the National Park, and the growth of Limestone Branch and its brands. We appreciate 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 podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. 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 and see what we are up to. Cheers, Scott, Michael & JakeThe Bourbon Lens Photo Credit: Limestone Branch Distillery LINKS: Yellowstone Select Bourbon Brand History by Michael Veach - Yellowstone Bourbon Rebirth of Yellowstone 2020 Limited Edition of Yellowstone Bourbon Chuck Cowdery - History of Yellowstone Limestone Branch Distillery

Just in time for National Bourbon Heritage Month, we are exploring a first for us, bourbon barrel aged wine. We may be familiar with wine barrel-finished bourbons, but what about the other way around? Josh Cellars recently introduced their Reserve Bourbon Barrel Aged Cabernet Sauvignon which was matured in Redemption Bourbon barrels for two months. We shared some whiskey and wine with the Founder of Josh Cellars. We're joined by Joseph Carr, Founder of Josh Cellars, to talk whiskey and wine. The son of a lumberjack (Josh; the brand's namesake), Joe started out serving beers and shots of Jack Daniels at the local bar. But, in chasing his American Dream, Joe advanced his career by working in New York City and eventually began traveling the world as a Wine Sommelier and whiskey lover. Michael and Scott picked Joe's brain and we explored similarities between the two worlds of wine and whiskey. This is especially true in the cooperage (barrels) used for each, unique woods, and perfectly tuned and crafted barrels are critical to unique whiskies and wines. The next time your wine-loving friends are looking for a bottle, but sure to point them toward this unique Cabernet Sauvignon, the best of both worlds. The bourbon barrel contributes subtle notes of vanilla, brown sugar, and rich caramel, which blend with traditional Cabernet flavors of red fruits. Thank you to the Deutsch Family of Spirits for connecting us with Josh Cellars and sending us the new Bourbon Barrel Cabernet Sauvignon and Redemption Bourbon to enjoy on the show. Links: Josh Cellars Official Website Deutsch Family of Spirits Bourbon Lens Podcast with Taconic Distillery Vintner Joseph Carr donates 500 meals to Capital Region hospital workers Operation Gratitude Camoflauge Wine from Josh Cellars Forbes Feature: Meet The Unlikely Vintner Behind The Hit Wine, Josh. Joe and wife Deirdre Carr, co-founders of Josh Cellars. We appreciate 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 podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. 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 and see what we are up to. Cheers, Scott, Michael & JakeThe Bourbon Lens

We're joined by Marianne Eaves to discuss her career in the whiskey world and her aspirations for the future. Marianne is currently the Master Blender behind Sweetens Cove Tennessee Bourbon. We were lucky enough to taste through Batch #1 with Marianne and learn her process behind selecting whiskey for blending and for single barrel selections. About Marianne Eaves: She's no stranger to the spirits industry or creating and growing one-of-a-kind premium spirits, Marianne will forever hold a place in history as Kentucky's First Female Bourbon Master Distiller since Prohibition. She was recognized by Whisky Advocate Magazine as "the Next Generation" of the bourbon industry; honored by Forbes in their 30 under 30 list in 2015; named as one of America' Top 40 under 40 Tastemakers by Wine Enthusiast Magazine; and, was identified as one of the top "Southern Women" by Garden & Gun Magazine in 2019. It is no wonder that she was recruited to serve as Master Blender of the first Sweetens Cove release. Photo Credits: Sweetens Cove Spirits and Marianne Eaves Links: Marianne Eaves Official Website Sweetens Cove Spirits Travel Channel Feature on Marianne at Castle & Key Esquire: Peyton Manning's New Bourbon Is So Legit I Can't Even Call It a 'Celebrity Bourbon' Andy Roddick dishes on Sweetens Cove, working with Peyton Manning and making bourbon Eli And Peyton Manning Are Launching A $200 Bourbon We appreciate 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 podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. 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 and see what we are up to. Cheers, Scott, Michael & JakeThe Bourbon Lens

MGP is well known in the bourbon and whiskey world, though there is a bit of mystery behind the historic Lawrenceburg Indiana distillery. We're joined by MGP Master Blender, David Whitmer, to explore the history of MGP, King of The Bootleggers George Remus, and MGP's core lineup of whiskies. We taste through two offerings of Rossville Union Rye, George Remus Bourbon, and a very special limited release of Remus Repeal Reserve Bourbon. Are these MGP's best kept secrets? August is National Rye Month, followed by National Bourbon Heritage Month in September. MGP, as the "Masters of Rye", are doing their part to celebrate all things rye this month. They'll also be spending September celebrating Bourbon with the launch of Remus Repeal Reserve Series IV Bourbon. David Whitmer, Master Blender, has a background spanning nearly 30 years in the food and beverage industries. As you'll quickly learn, David Whitmer is a walking encyclopedia of the science, history and craft behind spirits and product innovation. As the head of quality production and innovation for MGP Ingredients, his responsibilities include managing the master blending and reserve program for the distillery's award-winning brands, George Remus Bourbon and Rossville Union Straight Rye Whiskey. We're thankful for MGP for sharing samples of their core lineup, which includes: Remus Repeal Reserve Series IV George Remus Straight Bourbon Rossville Union Barrel Proof Straight Rye Rossville Union Master Crafter Straight Rye Eight & Sand Blended Bourbon SHOW LINKS: GeorgeRemus.com RossvilleUnion.com Chicagobourbon.org - Inside MGP (MUST SEE!) Courier-Journal - 1 million whiskey barrels comes from this distiller you've probably never heard of CincinnatiMagazine.com - The Biggest Distillery You've Never Heard Of A Visit to MGP - Alcademics Forbes - How an Indiana Distillery Revolutionized Kentucky Bourbon PBS.org on George Remus King of the Bootleggers Book Ghosts of Eden Park Book George Remus - Inspiration behind The Great Gatsby Vinepair.com - George Remus is the Real Great Gatsby Smithsonianmag.com - History of George Remus We appreciate 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 podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. 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 and see what we are up to. Cheers, Scott, Jake, and Michael The Bourbon Lens

We're exploring whiskey on ice. Hockey Hall of Famer, Ed Belfour, has launched his own whiskey brand and we had the opportunity to sample two of their whiskies. We were honored to have the opportunity to interview 1999 Stanley Cup Champion, Eddie the Eagle. During this week's podcast we discuss: Ed's Canadian roots, his love for Canadian Rye Whisky, and these being the inspiration behind Belfour Spirits How Ed's hands on approach to hockey has bled into the whiskey craft. Ed has studied whiskey, the craft of distilling, selecting barrels, and oversees each batch from start to finish. Insight into each whiskey profile, including the Rye Whiskey and Bourbon Whiskey Finished with Texas Pecan Wood. Where Belfour Spirits is currently available and sneak peek into future markets We appreciate 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 podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. 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 and see what we are up to. About Belfour Spirits: Belfour Spirits – a recently launched (Oct. '19) ultra-premium whiskey producer known for its spirits' unique character and stunning packaging, led by Hockey Hall of Famer and Olympian, Ed Belfour. There are a lucky few who do what they love, not once in a lifetime, but twice. In this, his second landmark career, Hockey Hall of Famer, Stanley Cup winner and Olympian Ed Belfour has teamed up with his son and daughter to translate his on-ice intensity into a new passion: hand-crafting ultra premium spirits that honor legends, warriors and everyday heroes. From generational lessons to stories of underdog triumph, there's a legend in every glass. From On-ice Intensity to Distillation Precision: Since 2014, Ed and Dayn have been on an endless pursuit to learn all things whiskey, attending schools in Kentucky and Canada, exploring the finest ingredients and equipment, and talking with industry veterans and rookies alike. Today, these Founding Distillers are hands on in every aspect of the business, from creation of the Belfour family mash bill to blending, and from label design to consumer tastings. Future Growth: Belfour Spirits has created more than 1,700 barrels of whiskey, and more are slated for production in 2020 and each year beyond.With corporate headquarters in Dallas, Belfour Spirits plans to lay our distilling roots in Kentucky, growing the business in bourbon country. The distillery, tasting room and gift shop are expected to open to the public in 2022. For Ed Belfour, hockey is just the beginning of the legacy he wishes to leave. This is more than a job for him; it's a second dream come true. And he's all in. Belfour currently has three premium whiskeys in its profile: Rye Whiskey Bourbon Whiskey Finished w/ Texas Pecan Wood Limited Edition Straight Rye Whiskey Rye Whiskey 47% ABV, 94 Proof, 750 ML. Aged min. 18 mos. A nontraditional tasting Rye Whiskey, this spirit honors a nostalgic mash bill profile and lures you in with every sip. A burnt sea salted vanilla caramel aroma is followed by a warm sweet taste and soothing finish. You'll want to pour this unexpected spirit all night. Appearance: Golden honey, medium amber Nose: A burnt sea salted vanilla caramel aroma, leather Taste: Sweet caramel, butterscotch, tobacco Finish: Full-bodied velvety warmth that lingers with a peppermint finish Mash Bill: Rye, corn, malted barley Bourbon Whiskey Finished With Texas Pecan Wood 46% ABV, 92 Proof, 750 ML. The majestic beauty of a 300-year-old, over sized pecan tree on the old Belfour ranch in North Texas inspired this unique spirit. Born out of one of the natural wonders of the Lone Star State, this 92-proof Bourbon Whiskey aged beautifully in American white oak barrels then spent extra time mellowing with added staves of Texas pecan wood. These imparted subtle notes of brown sugar and heavy notes of smoky roasted pecan. Appearance: Golden honey, light amber Nose: Nutty, butterscotch, crème brulee Taste: Smoky vanilla, molasses Finish: Long mellow warmth with a rich mouthfeel layered with vanilla Mash Bill: Corn, wheat, malted barley Photo Credit: Belfour Spirits

Were you sad to see Yippie Ki-Yay bid farewell from the High West lineup? We sit down with High West Whiskey Production Manager, Isaac Winter, to understand the decision behind this classic bottle leaving the line up and what the brand has in store next! We discussed the full lineup of High West Whiskey and point out some of our favorites. High West calls Utah home and Isaac convinced Jake and Michael that they need to move to Park City during this week's episode. Scott was off on vacation, so you never know what's going to happen on this episode! We would appreciate you giving us a 5 star rating on your podcast app and please leave us a written review. This will help others discover our podcast and will help us expand our reach. Also, be sure to follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. 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 and see what we are up to. Cheers, Michael and JakeThe Bourbon Lens Links: Bourbon Lens Podcast - Episode 32 (High West Tasting Episode) High West Official Website High West Whiskey Offerings Quartz.com: A Utah distillery proudly drags the whiskey industry's dirty little secret out of the shadows Whiskey Advocate on Double Rye Join the High West Whiskey Club High West Debuts High Country American Single Malt Whiskey How Can Different Craft Whiskeys Come From One Big Distillery? MGPI - Midwest Grain Products Ingredients Photo Credit: High West Whiskey

Four Gate Whiskey Company recently released Batch 6 and 7 of their whiskey series and were nice enough to send us some samples to check out. Batch 6 is a Kentucky Straight Bourbon finished in Cognac and Rum Casks and Batch 7 is their first release of a Rye Whiskey. If you haven't already listened to Episode 58, be sure to check out that podcast interview with the brand owners, Bill Straub and Bob D'Antoni. Let us know what you think of Four Gate by sending us a note on social media and leaving a comment on this podcast. We would appreciate you giving us a 5 star rating on your podcast app and please leave us a written review. This will help others discover our podcast and will help us expand our reach. Also, be sure to follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. 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 and see what we are up to. Batch Details from Four Gate Whiskey Company Batch 6 - THE KELVIN COLLABORATION II In April of 2019, we released our very first barrel finished whiskey, dubbed THE KELVIN COLLABORATION. The reception was better than we ever could have hoped for. To follow up on that with our first release in 2020, we returned to the same mash bill that made batch 1 so popular and added a twist. In collaboration with Kelvin Cooperage, we took our now 12 year old high rye Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and filled three massive Cognac barrels and a selection of dark rum barrels Kelvin Cooperage acquired from the same rum distillery as the barrels used to finish batch 1. 12 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon finished in Cognac and Rum Casks Mash Bill: 74% Corn, 18% Rye, 8% Malted Barley Non-Chill Filtered 126.4 Proof 2,574 Bottles MSRP: $199.99 Available:now, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Seelbachs.com only TASTING NOTES Nose: Deep brown Taste: Sweet and spicy, the outer palate is coated with sugary molasses and dark rum notes while the rear palate is inundated with mature oak and booze-soaked red grapes. Finish: Medium-long, the rum and barrel tannins linger in a sweet yet oak-filled experience. Batch 7 - River Kelvin Rye 7 year blend of 95-5 (Rye/malted barley) Indiana straight rye (MGP). 113.2 Proof - barrel proof 1484 Bottles produced MSRP: $174.99 Available in KY, Indiana and Seelbachs.com This base whiskey will undergo two barrel finishes in the future for future batches 1st is Kelvin's Split Stave (holidays 2020) 2nd is Ruby Port-Rum Casks (2021) Four Gate Whiskey is releasing its first-ever Straight Rye Whiskey. Tasting Notes: Appearance: Medium Amber Nose: Mint, candied citrus, lemon zest, black pepper, dill. Taste: A splash of refreshing mint hits the tip of the tongue and is followed by candied oranges and lemon zest on the mid palate. The rear palate is greeted with spicy black pepper and sweet citrus. Finish: Medium in length, the black pepper, spice, and lemon zest coat the mouth with a pleasingly refreshing finish Previously, Four Gate releases have all been either straight bourbon or barrel finished bourbon. This marks the first expansion of the company's product line into a new spirit since its launch in 2018.

On this week's episode we sit down with High Wire Distilling owner and founder, Scott Blackwell, to discuss their unique ways for distilling some fine whiskey and Jimmy Red Corn. Scott comes from a culinary background. After selling his bakery to General Mills, Scott and his wife pursued their dream of starting a craft distillery located in Charleston, SC. Scott wanted to bring his culinary experience to distillation by focusing on the ingredients to make a unique whiskey and experience. Let us introduce you to Jimmy Red. Jimmy Red Bourbon is a 100% corn bourbon, but it's not what you may be thinking. Jimmy Red is the type of corn used to make this whiskey. It provides a rich, sweet and creamy taste that lingers on the palate and has an extremely viscous mouth feel and has a deep, dark amber color in the glass. Scott walks us through the start-up process and why he chose to make his whiskies with 100% Jimmy Red corn. We have to be honest, we weren't sure what to think when we received this bourbon made of 100% corn, but oh boy were we surprised! This would be a great whiskey to test your whiskey loving friends on, blind! Pour yourself a glass and follow along as Scott Blackwell educates us in the world of corn selection and how he used this philosophy to distill his Jimmy Red bourbon. LINKS: Daily Beast Article High Wire Distilling and Bourbon Using Heritage Grains Instagram Post Referenced in the Podcast re: Covid-19 Setbacks High Wire Distilling Co. Official Website High Wire on Instagram High Wire on Twitter High Wire on Facebook As always, we appreciate you giving us a 5 star rating on your podcast player of choice and be sure to leave us a written review. We are grateful for our listeners who help us to spread the word to their friends. Also, be sure to follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected] Visit our website www.BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts and see what we are up to. Cheers, Scott, Jake, and MichaelThe Bourbon Lens

There's no question that twice-barreled bourbons are becoming more popular. However, a large majority these of bourbons are being finished in used barrels which previously contained wine, rum, or brandy. Some, such as the two bourbons we are discussing today are finished in a second, virgin charred oak barrel. We discuss the ever-popular Woodford Reserve Double Oaked and compare it to a bourbon from growing, innovative craft distillery. That is Starlight Distillery and their Carl T. Huber's Indiana Straight Double Oaked Bourbon Whiskey. We discuss the "double oaked" category and how it doesn't always mean "over-oaked". Sometimes, due to the secondary barrel's characteristics, more unique flavors can be developed in a relatively short period of time. What is your favorite double oaked bourbon? Be sure to reach out and let us know. As always, we appreciate you giving us a 5 star rating on your podcast player of choice and be sure to leave us a written review. We are grateful of our listeners who help us to spread the word to their friends. Also, be sure to follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Visit our website www.BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts and see what we are up to. Cheers,Scott, Jake, and MichaelThe Bourbon Lens About Starlight Distillery Carl T. Huber's Indiana Straight Double Oaked Bourbon Whiskey Starlight Distillery's brand new Double Oaked project begins with a fresh blending of Carl T. bourbon that is at least 4 years old which is used to fill a second, new American Oak barrel from Seguin Moreau in Napa, California. We crafted 5 barrels for the first round of this project. 2 of these 5 barrels have already been selected as private barrel picks, one for a retailer in Washington D.C. and one for a retailer in Indianapolis. Historically, the Seguin Moreau Napa Cooperage only produced wine barrels. When the company decided to start producing bourbon barrels, Starlight Distillery became one of their first clients. For our Double Oaked project, Seguin Moreau created the Vanilla Toast barrel. Our Carl T. bourbon becomes richer, more oaky, bolder, and more flavorful in these barrels. To achieve this, the bourbon has aged for a minimum of 8 months in the barrel." Carl T. small batch bourbon is a blend of our 3 and 4 grain mashbills (60% corn, 20% rye, 20% malted barley and 51% corn, 20% rye, 20% malted barley, 9% wheat) Source: http://www.starlightdistillery.com/ About Woodford Reserve Double Oaked An innovative approach to twice-barreled bourbon creates the rich and colorful flavor of Woodford Reserve Double Oaked. Uniquely matured in separate, charred oak barrels – the second barrel deeply toasted before a light charring – extracts additional soft, sweet oak character. TASTING NOTES (From Woodford Reserve) PROOF - 90.4° APPEARANCE - Deep Amber. NOSE - Rich notes of dark fruit, caramel, sharp honey, chocolate, marzipan and toasted oak. TASTE - A full-bodied mix of vanilla, dark caramel, hazelnut, apple, fruit and spices. FINISH - Long and creamy with lingering hints of honeyed apple. Source: https://www.woodfordreserve.com/whiskey/double-oaked/

He's the ultimate Wild Turkey fan and he's just released a new book on the history of Wild Turkey. You may know David Jennings better as "Rare Bird 101". He joins us on this week's episode to "talk Turkey". Wild Turkey's history is unique and full of rich family traditions. This is all detailed in the new book, American Spirit: Wild Turkey Bourbon from Ripy to Russell. We enjoyed the book and recommend any bourbon love to pick up the book at https://wildturkeybook.com/; you'll develop a new appreciation for that bottle of Wild Turkey 101 you see so frequently on the bar or store shelf. More links can be found below to Rare Bird 101's website, social media, and more. As always, we appreciate you giving us a 5 star rating on your podcast player of choice and be sure to leave us a written review. We are grateful of our listeners who help us to spread the word to their friends. Also, be sure to follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected] Visit our website www.BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts and see what we are up to. Cheers, Scott, Jake, and MichaelThe Bourbon Lens About American Spirit: Wild Turkey Bourbon from Ripy to Russell, by David Jennings The story of Wild Turkey is in many ways the story of bourbon itself. From the struggles of nineteenth-century immigrants, to the triumphs of the longest-tenured master distiller in the world, a bold, uniquely American spirit emerges. American Spirit: Wild Turkey Bourbon from Ripy to Russell is a tribute to the perseverance of two families, each perfecting their passion through extraordinary circumstances. It's a testament to Jimmy Russell and his sixty-five years of unmatched dedication to quality. And much like a glass of fine bourbon, it's a journey – a personal reflection on something carefully crafted over time. This book is a love letter to Wild Turkey that all bourbon enthusiasts can raise a glass to and enjoy. Links: https://rarebird101.com https://www.patreon.com/rarebird101 https://wildturkeybook.com/ https://rarebird101.com/2020/06/09/wild-turkey-rare-breed-rye-112-2-2020/ https://rarebird101.com/2020/06/23/wild-turkey-masters-keep-bottled-in-bond-2020/ https://rarebird101.com/2020/06/30/camp-nelson-rickhouse-f-blind-comparison/ Image copyright 2019 David Jennings. Photography by Victor Sizemore.

A true whiskey lifestyle brand. We are joined by Aston LaFon, Co-Founder of 18.21 Man Made, to discuss the whiskey lifestyle and his men's grooming company. How do men's products fit into a whiskey lifestyle? Their brand was inspired by the bootlegging of Prohibition and customizing grooming products to fill a void in the market. The 18.21 Man Made namesake is an homage to the 18th Amendment which implemented Prohibition and was later repealed by the 21st Amendment. This is a Texas based business, owned and operated by Angel del Solar, Aston LaFon and David del Solar. Each shares a passion for making premium, uncommon goods that gentlemen will take pride in owning. Aston Lafon joins us to discuss the details behind what makes up this innovative men's grooming lineup. With scents like "Sweet Tobacco Spirits", their products draw inspiration from whiskey and cigar culture. We also dive in deeper to find that grooming products go through a lot of similar processes as bourbon/whiskey: from dreaming them up in a lab, distilling or making a product, to sampling, and then ultimately distribution. We encourage you to check out 18.21 Man Made the next time you're in need of next level grooming products for yourself or someone else. Head to their website or Instagram for more details. We would appreciate you giving us a 5 star rating on your podcast app and please leave us a written review. This will help others discover our podcast and will help us expand our reach. Also, be sure to follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected] Visit our website www.BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts and see what we are up to. Cheers, Scott, Jake, and MichaelThe Bourbon Lens

American Single Malt Whiskey is on the rise and Wanderback Whiskey is right in the middle and playing a unique role. Phil Downer, Founder of Wanderback Whiskey, joins the Bourbon Lens to discuss the growing market category and what inspired him to create his unique brand. Wanderback produces hand-crafted, limited edition American single malt whiskeys in Hood River, Oregon. Instead of making a flagship whiskey and reproducing the same taste over and over, Wanderback prefers to explore the endless possibilities of American whiskeys through partnerships. Once distilled, their whiskey is transported to the family Farm in Hood River, Oregon for aging. Barrel selection is a deep passion and exploring unique cask types allows the whiskey to unveil its final and fullest expression. This process gives Wanderback the freedom to interpret endless iterations of limited edition American single malt whiskeys. They have currently released 3 batches and intend to release annually in addition to special releases. We would appreciate you giving us a 5 star rating on your podcast app and please leave us a written review. This will help others discover our podcast and will help us expand our reach. Also, be sure to follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected] Visit our website www.BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts and see what we are up to.Cheers, Scott, Jake, and MichaelThe Bourbon Lens Links: The Whiskey Wash - Wanderback Whiskey - A Sourced Whiskey Story Done Right Hood River Oregon Tourism Distiller.com - American Malt Whiskey Seven Fifty.com - Emerging Styles of ASMW Vine Pair - American Single Malt Whiskey Esquire.com Best American Single Malt Whiskey Bottles Whisky Advocate - American Malt Whiskey American Single Malt Whiskey Commission More About The Brand Phil Downer founded Wanderback Whiskey Co. out of a strong passion for the burgeoning American single malt whiskey category, a belief that collaboration and transparency would create better whiskeys, and his desire to revitalize the family cherry orchard in Hood River, Oregon. Phil is currently completing his Brewing and Distilling Diploma at the famed Heriot Watt University in Scotland. Wanderback has a unique mission and production process that combines the experience of top distilleries around the country with the mastery and vision of Wanderback's founder, Phil Downer, to create small batches, of limited edition American single malt whiskeys in Hood River, Oregon that are unique, bold, and draw on the bounty of the Pacific Northwest. Details on the 3 Batches Enjoyed During this Episode Batch No 1 American single malt whiskeyMade in collaboration with Westland Distillery in Seattle, our first ever American Single Malt whiskey release is an exceptional single malt made from a mix of four flavorful PNW barley malts and aged in new American oak barrels. Winner of the 2018 double gold medal from The American Distilling Institute. Mash Bill: Washington Select Pale Malt, Pale Chocolate Malt, Munich Malt, Crystal MaltAged: Minimum 3 yearsDistillation Type: Double pot distilledBarrel: 53-Gallon High Toast, Low Char New American Oak CasksBottle Proof: 90 Proof Batch No 2 American single malt whiskey Batch No. 2 is made from the same grain bill as our first release. But, this time around we've explored unique finishes by transferring the whiskey into Nicaraguan ex-rum and Heaven Hill ex-bourbon barrels at our farm in Hood River, Oregon. The additional six months in these barrels lends the whiskey a sweeter, savory and less smoky flavor profile. Winner of the 2020 gold medal from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Mash Bill: Washington Select Pale Malt, Pale Chocolate Malt, Munich Malt, Crystal MaltAged: Minimum 4 years in New American Oak then additional 6 months finishing in Nicaraguan ex-rum and Heaven Hill ex-bourbon casksDistillation Type: Double pot distilledBarrel: 53-Gallon High Toast, Low Char New American Oak Casks plus 53-gallon Nicaraguan ex-rum and Heaven Hill ex-bourbon casksBottle Proof: 100 Proof Batch No 3 American single malt whiskeyBatch No. 3 is made from the same grain bill as the prior releases.This batch has been aged for a minimum of 5 years in new american oak and ex-bourbon barrels and finished in port wine casks. The port wine cask and the longer aging period have created a truly complete whiskey to add to our lineup. The effects of the port barrels display a smooth balanced mouthfeel with notes of dried dark fruits, cocoa nib, and toasted pecan. This is not your port forward whiskey. The true beauty of this whiskey is found in a happy medium of influence from the various casks used while not overshadowing the amazing product we started with. Mash Bill: Washington Select Pale Malt, Pale Chocolate Malt, Munich Malt, Crystal MaltAged: 5 years in New American Oak and ex-bourbon barrels with an additional 6 weeks finishi

"It ain't just a bourbon. It's a damn fistful." We had a great time with Anthony Bohlinger, National Brand Ambassador for Fistful of Bourbon. Fistful of Bourbon is a new, national release bourbon from William Grant & Sons. You may be more familiar with the company known for Scotch brands like Glenfiddich and The Balvenie (as well as Hendrick's Gin and Sailor Jerry rum), but this is the company's first new American Whiskey. Fistful is a blend of five straight American bourbons (five fingers … fist ... fistful, it all makes sense now) that are all aged at least two years. The blending is a joint effort by Master Blender Brian Kinsman and Kelsey McKechnie, both from William Grant & Sons. The bottle design is a unique one, evoking the Spaghetti Western theme. Learn more about the lifestyle this brand is trying to reflect, one that's full of fun if you follow Anthony's Instagram feed. The whiskey recently won a Double Gold at the 2019 International Spirits Challenge. Find out our thoughts on this 90 proof, $25 bottle of straight bourbon in this week's episode. We had a great time with Anthony and appreciate him sharing this whiskey with us. Fistful of Bourbon will have nationwide distribution and is currently available for about $25 on Drizly. Learn more about Fistful on their website. We would appreciate you giving us a 5 star rating on your podcast app and please leave us a written review. This will help others discover our podcast and will help us expand our reach. Also, be sure to follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. 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 and see what we are up to. Cheers, Scott, Jake, and MichaelThe Bourbon Lens

Bruce Joseph, Master Distiller of Hotaling & Co., joins us to discuss one of the original craft rye whiskies post-Prohibition. Old Potrero emerged out San Francisco after a few brewers decided to try their hand at distillation in the mid-1990s. Hotaling & Co. (formerly the Anchor Distilling Company) produces several rye whiskies under the Old Potrero namesake. This unique rye whiskey is made from 100% malted rye grain and distilled using pot stills. We had the opportunity to try Old Potrero Straight Rye (aged 4.5 years in new charred oak) and 18th Century Rye (aged 2.5 years in toasted oak), each of which bear some similarities but are unique due to the influence of the barrels used in aging. About Old Potrero and Hotaling & Co. Hotaling & Co., formerly Anchor Distilling Company, was established in 1993 by Fritz Maytag, the same beverage visionary who sparked the craft beer movement with his purchase of Anchor Brewing in 1965. After several decades of exclusively producing beer, Maytag and his team saw an opportunity in craft distilling in the early 1990s. The team began experimenting after realizing that there were no copper pot-distilled whiskies or gins still being made legally in America. The Return of Pot-Distilled Whiskey to the United States Old Potrero recreates the original whiskey of America, and marks the return of pot-distilled whiskey in the United States, with rye being the grain of choice for America's first distillers. Finding inspiration in the rye whiskies of America's past and the great single malt whiskies of Scotland, the original distilling team, which included master distiller Bruce Joseph, who now marks his 40th anniversary at Hotaling & Co., began building a distillery. The first whiskey went into barrel in 1994, and the distillery soon began producing three rye whiskies, all pot-distilled from a mash of 100% malted rye at the Hotaling & Co. Distillery on San Francisco's Potrero Hill: Old Potrero Straight Rye Whiskey (48.5% ABV); Old Potrero 18th Century Style Rye Whiskey (51.2% ABV), and Old Potrero Single Malt Hotaling's Whiskey (50% ABV), in addition to limited-edition special finishes. Leading spirits historian David Wondrich has since named Old Potrero the "#6 most influential spirit of the last 25 years." A New Chapter as Hotaling & Co. In 2017, Anchor Brewing Company was sold, and although Anchor Distilling Company was not part of the sale, it relinquished the rights to use the "Anchor" trademark. In early 2018, the new name of "Hotaling & Co." was announced, a reference to one of Anchor Distilling's most beloved small batch whiskeys and to the San Francisco legend A.P. Hotaling, who came out West during the Gold Rush and quickly became one of the original and most reputable spirits dealers in the country. Born in 1828, Hotaling moved from New York to California in 1852, where he found his calling in San Francisco as a purveyor of fine whiskeys and proceeded to build the largest liquor wholesaler in the West. In San Francisco drinks culture, Hotaling's name became immortalized when his whiskey warehouse on Jackson Street survived the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire. Today, Hotaling & Co. is a quickly growing distiller and importer representing a curated portfolio of super-premium artisanal spirits like Luxardo Liqueurs, Nikka Whisky, and HINE Cognac, and celebrates 26 years of production. Learn more at www.HotalingandCo.com We would appreciate you giving us a 5 STAR RATING on your podcast app and please leave us a written review. This will help others discover our podcast and will help us expand our reach. Also, be sure to follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. 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 and see what we are up to. Cheers! Scott, Michael, & Jake The Bourbon Lens

We are joined by Alexander Berezowski, founder of My Cigar Pack and Cigar Yard, to talk cigars. We discuss the parallels in cigar culture and the world of whiskey as well as what makes the modern cigar smoker different. Alexander generously shared some fine cigars with us to pair with our whiskies of choice. Alexander is a driven entrepreneur who is constantly striving to bring the world's best cigars to all types of cigar lovers. My Cigar Pack and its sister company, Cigar Yard, have partnered with some of the world's premier cigar makers and brands. This subscription service is very affordable at $35 per month for 5 premium cigars plus a smoking accessory (HINT: We even landed a code for a discount for our listeners. See below). The only choice you need to make is whether you prefer Mild, Medium, or Full strength cigars and My Cigar Pack will handle the rest. We appreciate Alexander for sharing some cigars with us and we look forward to enjoy many more as we learn how to pair cigars with whiskey. We encourage you to check out MyCigarPack.com and subscribe; use Code: BOURBONLENS10 and pay ONLY $25 for your first month of 5 cigars. The Benefits of My Cigar Pack Explained We would appreciate you giving us a 5 star rating on your podcast app and please leave us a written review. This will help others discover our podcast and will help us expand our reach. Also, be sure to follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. 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 and see what we are up to. Cheers! Scott, Michael, & Jake The Bourbon Lens

We had a great time learning the history of Jefferson's Bourbon, sourcing whiskey in Kentucky, and sending bourbon on trips around the globe. Trey Zoeller, Founder of Jefferson's Bourbon, joins us for a great evening enjoying two of Jefferson's popular offerings, Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea and Jefferson's Reserve Pritchard Hill Cabernet Cask Finish. We also talked about a little friedly competition between himself and Julian Van Winkle (of the Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery aka Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon) in the mid to late 1990s and early 2000s. Photo Credit: Jefferson's Bourbon Links: Jefferson's Bourbon Official Website Popular Mechanics Article on Aging Bourbon on a Boat (discussed during podcast) Details on Each Ocean Voyage Maxim Featuring Jefferson's Learn more about Ocearch We would appreciate you giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app and please leave us a written review. This will help others discover our podcast and will help us expand our reach. Also, be sure to follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. 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 and see what we are up to. Cheers! Jake, Michael, & Scott The Bourbon Lens

Michael and Scott catch up over some bourbon and discuss some exciting, upcoming releases in the whiskey world. We also discuss our hopes in getting back out on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail as COVID-19 has dealt a heavy blow to the tourism industry. We would appreciate you giving us a 5 star rating on your podcast app and please leave us a written review. This will help others discover our podcast and will help us expand our reach. Also, be sure to follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. 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 and see what we are up to. Cheers! Scott, Michael, & Jake The Bourbon Lens *Images Credit: Buffalo Trace Distillery

Have you ever wondered what it's like to be a firefighter and first responder at one of the world's largest bourbon distilleries? This week, we sit down with Jim Beam Fire Chief Kevin Mercer and some whiskies from Knob Creek. You'll hear all about the fire department and some details about distillery operations at The James B. Beam Distilling Co. And hear our thoughts on the new Knob Creek 12 Year Old Bourbon and Single Barrel of Knob Creek Rye. Finally, be sure you check out what Chief Mercer is doing on Instagram in the Bourbon and Fire communities. Follow along with @Chief_Mercer and #FireCompanyAlliance and at his website, www.ChiefMercer.com Be sure to follow Chief Mercer on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook for some excellent behind the scenes photos of the Distillery. Links to some great images from Chief Mercer: Jim Beam American Stillhouse at NightJim Beam's Fire TruckChief Mercer in ActionT.W. Samuels Distillery in Deatsville, KY *Please note: All opinions of Kevin Mercer on this podcast are his own and do not express the views or opinions of his employer. We would appreciate you giving us a 5 star rating on your podcast app and please leave us a written review. This will help others discover our podcast and will help us expand our reach. Also, be sure to follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. 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 and see what we are up to. Cheers! Scott, Michael, & Jake The Bourbon Lens