Bourbon Pursuit

If you google for anything BBQ related on YouTube, I can guarantee you will see a video pop-up of our guest. Matt Pittman is the founder of Meat Church, he's one of the most well-known BBQ personalities in the industry. But Matt wasn't always talking about brisket and ribs with his infamous Holy Cow rub, that was his passion project. In this episode we talk about his career and what it took to make a pivot from a comfy position in IT to going all-in with Meat Church. But this isn't all about BBQ. Matt is turning his sights into another discovered passion, bourbon. He discusses how is eyes were opened during a bottle share and with the help of the Dallas Bourbon Club, he is starting to build out his very own collection. Show Notes: Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about tasting mats. Where did you grow up and how did you get into tech? Did you have any pit master idols or people you looked up to? Were you accepted by people in the industry or did they just look at you as a YouTuber? Why did you choose to not open a restaurant? Did the product or the media and education come first? What was the tipping point when you could leave your career to chase after BBQ? What tactics did you use to grow the business when you went full time? How did the idea of cooking classes start? Where did the name Meat Church come from? At what point did bourbon start making an influence on you? Bourbon producers have generations of distillers, does that exist in BBQ as well? Who bestowed upon you the title of pit master? @meatchurch Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Heaven Hill Heritage Collection 20-Year-Old Corn Whiskey. This 20 year old corn whiskey is 115 proof and $290 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers!DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's This Week in Bourbon for April 14th 2023. Campari Group plans to add a second distillery at its Wild Turkey campus in Lawrenceburg, Sotheby's unveiled The Rare American Whiskey Selection , and Father Jim Sichko marks the 10-year anniversary of the election of Pope Francis with a rare release of 10-year Willet.Show Notes: Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has begun an antitrust investigation into Southern Glazer's Wine and Spirits Heaven’s Door plans to open The Last Refuge, a whiskey bar and live music venue, in downtown Louisville Campari Group plans to add a second distillery at its Wild Turkey campus in Lawrenceburg Castle & Key 502 is officially opening within the Fall City Market in the Omni Hotel Edrington has increased its shareholding in the Wyoming Whiskey brand Bourbon with HeART announces Bowtied Together Give 270 has announced the kickoff of its latest series of charity whiskey raffles Sotheby's unveiled The Rare American Whiskey Selection The two Virginia men won't face any active jail time Jennifer Lopez has launched her own line of ready-to-drink bottled cocktails a new app called The Kentucky Hug The Dancing Goat Distillery releases a 21-year-old light whiskey Lawrenceburg Bourbon Company releases the Ten x Ten Small Batch Rye Whiskey Knob Creek Rye brings back a 7 year age statement Wilderness Trail releases a 7 year rye Maker’s Mark Keeneland commemorative bottles Proof & Wood Ventures launched The Globe Father Jim Sichko marks the 10-year anniversary of the election of Pope Francis with a rare release of 10-year Willet @heavensdoorwhiskey @wildturkey @castleandkey @wyomingwhiskey @bourbonwithheart @give270 @sothebys @jlo @dancinggoatdistillery @lawrenceburgbourbon @knobcreek @wildernesstraildistillery @makersmark @proofandwood @jimsichko Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Master Taster. It just sounds like a really cool job. But what does it take to become a Master Taster? Old Forester is a brand that has a history of hiring people for this role and their newest is Melissa Rift. Ryan and I have had the pleasure of getting to know Melissa over the years but it was in different roles she held in the industry. Yet, thanks to notifications on indeed.com, she was able to apply and land this role. We talk about her history and career in the industry and then we dive into the position and what it takes to be a Master Taster. We also dive into consumer demand and where she sees trends changing over time. Show Notes: Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about water contamination. What is your background and how you got into the industry? How do you stay invigorated when you have to give the same tour over and over again? Do you feel tours are an entry point into the industry? Tell the story of the stolen catalytic converters How involved were you with quality control and single barrels at Bulliet? How did you find out about the Master Taster position after Jackie left? What were the pre-requisites for this position? Did you feel confident going into this role or was it scary when it became real? When the press release was announced it highlighted your personal life being openly gay. Was this your idea? Did you taste through all product offerings so you can pick them all out? Do you think consumers will change their opinion on proof? Do you have some ideas on how you will change things to meet consumer demand? How does your wife feel about the amount of travel that will now be involved? @oldfomastertaster Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Old Forester King Ranch Bourbon. This non-age stated bourbon is 105 proof and $70 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers!DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Having a variety of SKUs or choices in a brand’s portfolio is a great thing, right? You can reach a multitude of customers with multiple entry points or stepping blocks for them to learn more about you. However, the biggest challenges folks don’t really see come after the product development: continuously communicating with distributors why a new SKU should be carried, shelf space competition, ongoing marketing material about the new SKUs. The behind-the-scenes work can really add up, and is it worth it? Today, we dive in to the topic of expanding the portfolio. We hit on: Is there a life cycle or cadence to how long to carry a set of SKUs before adding new ones? Does having too many SKUs dilute the attention for your core products? Are there certain SKU expansions that are necessary to reach more mass consumption? How has the reception been in markets since the release of Oak Collection? Do distributors give you more attention because you have more products in your lineup? and much more. For questions or topic requests on upcoming episodes, email us at [email protected]. Subscribe to Behind the Pursuit on: Apple Podcasts Spotify iHeartRadio Amazon Music Google Podcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's everyone's monthly favorite, the bourbon community roundtable where we invite some of the brightest minds in bourbon media to come on and go deep on some topics. And up first is the story that keeps on giving. Earlier this year Sazerac came out of the gate putting a $38.6M lawsuit in front of Republic National Distributing Company (known as RNDC). Now here we are a few weeks later and we get RNDC's response where they are countersuing for Sazerac's attempts at undermining the three-tier system and claiming over $10M in damages. In the second half of the show we dig into the increase of counterfeit bourbon bottles on the market and these bottles aren't even super rare. We're talking Four Roses Single Barrels and Weller Full Proof. Should distilleries step up and have more tamper-proof seals or is this a buyer beware type of situation? We've said it a million times on the show before, if you want to help combat the spread of these fakes, throw away your bottles by putting sharpie on the label or even go as far as breaking them. Don't be that person selling empties on eBay. Show Notes: Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about single barrel programs. What impact will the Sazerac/RNDC lawsuit have on the bourbon industry? When will we see more anti-counterfeit seals? Who is responsible for preventing counterfeits? @breakingbourbon @fredminnick @drinkseelbachs @bourbonr @sippncorn Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review A. Smith Bowman Cask Strength Bourbon #2. This 10 year old bourbon is 144.5 proof and $100 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers!DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's This Week in Bourbon for March 31st 2023. Elijah Craig is the Official Bourbon and whiskey supplier of the PGA, Chicken Cock Whiskey has released a Double Oak Kentucky Whiskey, Rock Town introduces the Column Still Collection.Show Notes: Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) urges Congress to legalize cannabis at the federal level Regenified Certification to Star Hill Farm New York wine and spirits shop owners traveled to Albany, New York to challenge Amazon Elijah Craig is the “Official Bourbon” and whiskey supplier of the PGA Traverse City Whiskey Co unveiled The Finishing Series Coors Whiskey Co. has unveiled Barmen 1873 Bourbon Rock Town introduces the Column Still Collection Chicken Cock Whiskey has released a Double Oak Kentucky Whiskey @starhillprovisions @makersmark @elijahcraig @tcwhiskey @coorswhiskeyco @rocktowndistill @chickencockwhiskey Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you've listened to our show long enough you would know that it's Kenny versus Fred and Ryan when it comes to coffee. Kenny isn't not much of a coffee drinker but those guys can't live without. But I'm sure there are lots of other coffee and bourbon drinkers out there and you see things like "barrel aged" coffee and immediately gravitate towards it. I mean, how could you not? We should be barrel-aging everything! But there are more correlations between coffee and bourbon that I never knew of so that's why we invited Brian Beyke on the show. He's the Director of Coffee for Quills in Louisville and has been all-in on coffee and bourbon for a long time. In this episode, we scratch an itch to ask all the questions about coffee that we've always wanted to know such as the difference in beans from small versus large scale producers, the "rare" coffee scene, buzzwords to watch out for, and Brian gives us the low-down if barrel-aging is a gimmick. Show Notes: Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about palette fatigue. How did you find your path into coffee? Do you need to spit coffee while tasting? What notes in coffee are you looking for when tasting? Is there a three-tier system with coffee? What's the difference in the beans that you get versus the big name brands? Is there a "rare" coffee scene? What are the buzzwords in coffee that you need to watch out for? If bourbon is synonymous to Kentucky then what is the coffee equivalent? What's the professional consensus of Keurig? Does roasting line up with toasting or charring of barrels? What's best method for barrel-aging coffee? How do you adapt the coffee for a cold brew or nitro? Is there a secondary market for rare coffee? Is the coffee flavor wheel different than the bourbon flavor wheel? @abandoncoffee @abandonbourbon Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Old Elk 2022 Infinity Blend Bourbon. This non-age stated bourbon is 114.1 proof and $150 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers!DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's This Week in Bourbon for March 17th 2023. RNDC fights back against the Sazerac lawsuit. Blue Run Spirits today revealed the first look at its planned whiskey distillery and headquarters in Georgetown, Kentucky.Pinhook Bourbon has debuted their Vertical Series Rye 7-Year.Show Notes: RNDC fights back against the Sazerac lawsuit Fermenting Change has launched outlining the various ways Three-Tier System harms the alcohol industry direct-to-consumer shipping become a reality in Illinois at ShipMySpirits.org Coors Light introduced Coors-icles Pernod Ricard has buys majority stake in Skrewball Blue Run Spirits today revealed the first look at its planned whiskey distillery New Riff Distilling will begin a US$3 million renovation of its public areas Lux Row Distillers announce Rebel 100 Straight Rye Whiskey Wolves announces its first-ever American Single Malt whiskeys Ragged Branch Distillery announces a special bourbon celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of Secretariat's Triple Crown win Pinhook Bourbon has debuted their Vertical Series Rye 7-Year @rndcusa @shipmyspirits @buffalotracedistillery @coorslight @skrewballwhiskey @pernodricard @bluerunspirits @newriff @luxrowdistillers @raggedbranch @pinhook_bourbon Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bourbon's rise in popularity has been a monumental shift in consumer behavior, but the reality is that it could all come crashing down really quick. Ryan, Fred, and Kenny spend some time on this episode and think about what are those threats to bourbon? We all have ideas on why it became so popular but what are those outside influences that we have no control over? Fred gives a brief history on the bourbon glut era and that starts spurring other ideas that could hurt bourbon's popularity such as overzealous health advocates, new spirits on the rise, government taxes, or the next generation of consumers? Show Notes: Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about heritage brands. Is there an issue with grains, raw material, and barrel shortages? How has the lack of staffing in the service industry impacted bourbon? What caused the first glut and what can we do to prevent that? Did tariffs make an impact on bourbon or was it not really hindered? Are health reports becoming a scare tactic to reduce alcohol consumption? Is there any spirits that could be the next rise of vodka and kill whiskey? Could taxes be a big burden on stifling bourbon? Could the next generation just not like bourbon and kill it off? What happens if bourbon producers have too much greed or there is consumer fatigue? Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Jack Daniel’s Twice Barreled American Single Malt. This non-age stated single malt is 105.7 proof and $70 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers!DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's This Week in Bourbon for March 17th 2023. Kentucky lawmakers passed House Bill 5 phasing out a state tax on aging bourbon barrels. Jack Daniel's announced the release of its new 12-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey along with Batch 2 of its 10-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey. This month, Green River will introduce two brand new expressions.Show Notes: New bottle tracking app called Whiskey Shelf Humble Baron, home to the world's longest bar, opening at Nearest Green Chattanooga Whiskey named Tiana Saul as Head Distiller Ship my Spirits coalition calls for spirits shipping laws in New York Data shows how much people are spending while intoxicated Kentucky lawmakers passed House Bill 5 phasing out a state tax on aging bourbon barrels ChatGPT has passed the Master Sommelier theory examinations Jack Daniel's announced the release of its new 12-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey along with Batch 2 of its 10-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey Puncher’s Chance The UNDISPUTED New Bhakta 2013 Bourbon finished in Armagnac casks Four Gate Whiskey Company announced the very limited Majestic Wood series Jim Beam has launched Kentucky Coolers Green River will introduce two brand new expressions @unclenearest @chattwhiskey @shipmyspirits @jackdaniels_us @puncherschancebourbon @bhaktaspirits @fourgatewhiskey @jimbeamofficial @greenriverdistillingco Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The stock market and the bourbon market share one thing in common. They are both impossible to time. If you get in at the right time, maybe you don't have to wait tens of years to make a return on your investment, but if you're too late then you could see a decline. However, in bourbon, there seems to be one person that has time working in his favor, and that's Dixon Dedman. We invite Dixon to come on the show for a third appearance to talk about a few things because it seems like his timing is always perfect. He sold Kentucky Owl to Stoli after being on the market a short period of time, but now that he is officially done with Kentucky Owl we ask him about how he feels and what he learned through the process. After leaving Stoli, he worked with The Brindiamo Group, who we also had on the podcast back on episode 182, and he worked for them for a short period of time where he got an inside glimpse into brand and investment consulting. And now, he's launching his own brand called 2XO which is perfect in this current climate when bourbon is hot and double barreling might be even hotter. Show Notes: Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about rubbing whiskey on your hands to nose. Are you still making fried chicken on the weekends? Do you have any regrets after selling Kentucky Owl to Stoli? What did you take away and learn from working with Stoli? How did your relationship with Brindiamo begin? How many barrels are there on the open market where people are flipping them? What profiles or types of bourbon do you like to work with? Is 2XO and Kentucky Owl going to be similar or different? Is there a healthy pipeline of barrels to continue building the brand? @dixon_dedman Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon. This 6 year old wheated bourbon is 100 proof and $50 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers!DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's This Week in Bourbon for March 10th 2023. The whiskey fungus at Jack Daniel's makes national headlines. A leaked document from Amazon show's they are trying to change liquor laws. Laws Whiskey House announced the 2023 release of their Bottled in Bond Four Grain Bourbon.Show Notes: The whiskey fungus at Jack Daniel's makes national headlines A German brewery is set to release the world's first 'complete' beer in powdered form A leaked document from Amazon show's they are trying to change liquor laws Bourbon:30 from Kentucky Bourbon Fest is available on YouTube Laws Whiskey House announced the 2023 release of their Bottled in Bond Four Grain Bourbon Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey has unveiled its second annual release of Diamond Peak Former Rutgers football player recently launched LeGrand Whiskey @jackdaniels_us @brownforman @lawswhiskey @stranahans @ericlegrand52 Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is another Bourbon Pursuit milestone. It's episode 400! Well, it's technically number 668 if we include Whiskey Quickie and This Week in Bourbon, but let's not get into the details. On this Bourbon Community Roundtable we cover two topics in depth. First is the news blitz of the whiskey fungus articles focused on Jack Daniel's. If you've driven past any distillery in the past 100 or so year, you would have seen this everywhere. It also pops up in the news every year, but why is it just now making national headlines? I also ask the group if there is anything the distilleries can do to get in front of this to avoid any negative PR. The second half of the show dives into House Bill 5 that attacks the Kentucky Ad Valorem tax, in which Kentucky is the only state that taxes barrels aging and resting. We look at what this means for citizens that benefit from the tax and if we feel distilleries are already taxed enough. Show Notes: Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about teeth staining. Why is the whiskey fungus just now making national news even though it's been around for years? What can distilleries do to make sure this argument of bad PR doesn't happen next year? What could the distilleries provide to residents to make them more comfortable? What do you think of the Ad Valorem tax on aging barrels? What would the removal of the tax mean for citizens? @breakingbourbon @fredminnick @drinkseelbachs @bourbonr @sippncorn Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Doc Holliday 8 Year Old Straight Bourbon Whiskey from the World Whiskey Society. This 8 year old bourbon is 131 proof and $134 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers!DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's This Week in Bourbon for March 3rd 2023. Washtucky is suing Wilderness trail for failing to make contract barrels. Acker Wines has agreed to pay a maximum fine for selling counterfeit bottles. Two new Kentucky Derby bottles are being released.Show Notes: March 3rd 1897 is when the The Bottled-in-Bond Act changed the bourbon world forever Washtucky is suing Wilderness trail for failing to make contract barrels Statement from Kentucky’s Bourbon Industry on House Bill 5 The St. Louis Bourbon Society will host the 2nd Annual Bourbon and Brews Festival on June 10th Yellowstone will donate $250,000 to National Parks Conservation Association Acker Wines has agreed to pay a maximum fine for selling counterfeit bottles Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon with a commemorative 51st Edition Gold Pegasus Pin sealed in teal wax Woodford Reserve will release its 2023 commemorative Derby bottle @wildernesstraildistillery @stlbourbonsociety @yellowstonebourbon @ackerwines @evanwilliamsbourbon @woodordreserve Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Love it or hate it, spirit competitions are here to stay. They have such an important impact on marketing and can put a small shimmer of light on a new and upcoming brand, or it changes the course and turns a brand such as Henry McKenna into an unobtainable. In this episode, Fred Minnick and Kenny Coleman talk about multiple facets of spirits competitions because we have now lived it. We're both enthusiasts like you so we care what bourbons come out on top, Fred has been a judge forever and now has his own competition called the ASCOTs, and we have our own brand with Pursuit United that has been entered and done favorably in many competitions. Fred and I analyze all these angle about talk about the "pay to play" scenario and how people are selected to be judges along with the best way to enter a competition as a brand owner. Show Notes: Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about the meaning of allocation. Fred, how long have you been a part of spirit competitions? Why weren't media members typically invited to be judges? Why is this considered "pay to play"? Why is there so much confusion based on what category to submit when it's straight bourbon vs small batch? Why would a bourbon society enter a spirits competition? What makes someone worthy enough to be a judge at a competition? Should you put batch numbers on your competition entry or just the brand? Why does MGP always perform well in competitions? Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Old Fitzgerald Fall 2022 Edition. This 19 year old bourbon is 100 proof and $240 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers!DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's This Week in Bourbon for February 24th 2023. Tourism at distilleries is bigger than ever. Old Forester launches its inaugural Sleepeasy. Michter’s Distillery will begin releasing its 10 Year Kentucky Straight BourbonShow Notes: HB 2200 will modernize Texas laws to provide fair treatment for spirits-based ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails Tourism at distilleries is bigger than ever Old Forester launches its inaugural Sleepeasy Lost Lantern announces the release of their ninth single cask collection Michter’s Distillery will begin releasing its 10 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon @oldforester @lostlanternwhiskey @michterswhiskey Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wild Turkey is one of the premier bourbon brands. We've had the pleasure of having all the Russell's on the show in previous years and it's always heartwarming to have any member of this family on to share stories. It's fun to hear the generational changes and how bourbon has developed. We had Bruce Russell on the show for the first time in 2019 on episode 199 with his cousin, JoAnn Street, but this time Bruce joins the show to talk about his journey in these last few years. Bruce has shown tremendous growth in a short period of time and we get to know more about him and how his time as a global brand ambassador really immersed him into the company and the culture. We ask Bruce about the current whiskey market and how he is carrying on a legacy and how he thinks he will leave his everlasting stamp on Wild Turkey. Show Notes: Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about oxidation in the bottle. Did you know as a child you were going to get into whiskey? How is it different for you all being the face of the brand but not the owners of it? When you started as a global brand ambassador was that a way to get an immersive learning experience? Did Jimmy or Eddie ever tell you about being on the road before bourbon was cool? What have you seen change since you started in 2011? Why do you keep changing your packaging? What international markets is Wild Turkey getting entrenched into? Have you thought about how you are going to put your own stamp on the Wild Turkey brand? If you have ideas to implement, how do you go through your creative process? Do you think the market is ready for blending to start making more traction? Why do you keep making me hammer out bungs during single barrel picks? @russellsryeguy Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review the 16th Edition of the Parker's Heritage Collection. This 13 and 15 year old bourbon blend is 132.2 proof and $175 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers!DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's This Week in Bourbon for February 17h 2023. Sazerac responds to the raid on Justin’s House of Bourbon. Oregon officials get fired over allocating Pappy to themselves. Yellowstone launches its own American Single Malt Whiskey.Show Notes: Sazerac responds to the raid on Justin’s House of Bourbon Oregon officials get fired over allocating Pappy to themselves Bluegrass Distillers will build a new US$8 million distillery Buffalo Trace Distillery's new still house has officially been commissioned Sunday sales of distilled spirits has been passed in the Mississippi House Yellowstone launches its own American Single Malt Whiskey Barrell Craft Spirits has launched Barrell Bourbon Batch 34 Bluebird Distilling and country music star Jordan Davis collaborate on Bluebird Days Straight American Whiskey Woodford Reserve announces the winter 2022 Master’s Collection release - Historic Barrel Entry @houseofbourbonlex @houseofbourbonlou @houseofbourbonky @woodfordreserve @bluegrassdistillers @buffalotracedistillery @yellowstonebourbon @barrellbourbon @bluebirddistilling @jordandavisofficial Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most people get into bourbon because we enjoy it. There is a story behind every bottle and that captivates us. But then there are times we get our hands on a bottle and start thinking twice before opening it. The secondary market for scotch has been around a while but bourbon is relatively new in comparison. There has been an increase of rare bourbons hitting high dollars at auctions and even more auction houses are starting to become legal. In this episode, Ryan, Fred, and Kenny analyze the bourbon market and give our opinions on why whiskey isn't just for drinking anymore. We also gaze into our crystal ball and try to guess on some brands that have potential future value and then we talk about moving on from flipping bottles to flipping barrels. Show Notes: Is whiskey really made for drinking and not collecting? Why is the value of the current whiskey market starting to decline? Is there a lack of marketing to get people into more higher end bottles? What are we drinking now that could be valuable in the future? People have moved on from bottles to starting to own barrels, is that a safe investment? Do you need to worry about the source of the barrels if you're buying on the open market? For real, this is not financial advice. Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Wolves Rye Whiskey & Hop Flavored Whiskey Batch No. 1. This non-age stated whiskey is 103 proof and $145 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers!DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's This Week in Bourbon for February 10th 2023. Woodford Reserve Names A New Master Distiller. Blue Run Innovates The Private Barrel Program. Heaven Hill Releases A 20-year Corn Whiskey.Show Notes: Kentucky Bourbon Trail eclipsed two million visits California has introduced a bill that allows spirits-based RTDs to be sold in more retailers Shortbarrel announced the acquisition of the famous Old Fourth Distillery Woodford Reserve named Elizabeth McCall as Master Distiller Blue Run puts a new spin on the launch of their private barrel program Heaven Hill Heritage Collection 20-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Corn Whiskey The first national Barrel Proof expression of Bernheim Original Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey A release known as Blanton’s Char No. 4 2022 Limited Edition is popping up @kentuckybourbontrail @shortbarrelwhiskey @oldfourthdistillery @woodfordreserve @heavenhillbrands @heavenhilldistillery @bluerunspirits Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is BCR #77 and its always a fan favorite so here's what we have tonight. Like bad hair and skinny jeans, trends come and go. But the same thing happens in the bourbon world. I pose a question to the group, if we see any trends fading. We start talking about stickers and barrel picks, but there are more we see happening. In the next section of the show, I ask everyone if the in-store buying experience is changing. There have been a lot of partnerships and acquisitions by Drizly, GoPuff, ReserveBar, and even Seelbachs. Are online and on-demand outlets such as these making consumers less likely to try new things? In the last part of the show, it's a question from Brian and he wants to know are there just too many bourbon festivals? Show Notes: Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) cigars. What bourbon trends are fading? Will Drizly/GoPuff/Seelbachs/ReserveBar kill the in-store experience? How can brands get people to try new things when many people will choose what's comfortable? Are there too many bourbon festivals? It seems like every festival is now BLANK + Bourbon. @breakingbourbon @fredminnick @drinkseelbachs @bourbonr @sippncorn Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Chicken Cock Chanticleer Cognac Barrel Finish Bourbon. This non-age stated bourbon is 112 proof and $500 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers!DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's This Week in Bourbon for January 27th 2023. Fireball drinkers are suing Sazerac for misleading labels. Drizly and GoPuff announce a new partnership to provide immediate, on-demand delivery of drinks. Sagamore Spirit releases of its limited-edition Reserve Series 8-Year-Old Rye Whiskey.Show Notes: Fireball drinkers are suing Sazerac for misleading labels CeeLo Green joins forces with the Black-owned Victor George Spirits Grain & Barrel Spirits has announced a multi-year partnership with PGA TOUR Pro Golfer Kevin Kisner Elijah Craig announced a new multi-year partnership with sports broadcaster Amanda Balionis Renner Drizly and GoPuff announce a new partnership to provide immediate, on-demand delivery of drinks Midway University’s online MBA in Tourism and Event Management program A new Israeli bourbon called Dew of B’Dolah by Thinkers Distillery Chattanooga Whiskey announced Silver Oak Cabernet Cask Finished and Batch XXIX: Centenary Cask Boondocks 18 Year Old Straight Bourbon Whiskey Sagamore Spirit releases of its limited-edition Reserve Series 8-Year-Old Rye Whiskey @fireballwhiskey @ceelogreen @vgvodka @chickencockwhiskey @kevin_kisner @elijahcraig @balionisrenner @drizlyinc @gopuff @midwayuniv @thinkers.@distillery @chattwhiskey @sagamorespirit Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There seems to be a growing trend in the whiskey world and that is when you start seeing the accustom faces you know and trust in a brand leave to go and start their own venture. Can you blame them? There is more opportunity to own a piece of the pie. But could we see a growing problem where we see those brands struggle to take off? To help dive into this conversation we invite Jason Callori of the Mash and Drum on the show. We kick off the show to learn more about Jason and how he built one of the largest whiskey YouTube channels. Then we talk about Master Distillers and other faces leaving their respected brands and what motivates such a move. Show Notes: Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks the frustration of secondary prices and not finding bottles How did you get into bourbon? What channels influenced you to start your own channel? What wins, content or production value? Did you ever have a sensation of burnout? Who are some of the favorite guests that you have had on the show? Are you master distillers and faces of the brand leaving for more money? Has the Master Distiller title been diluted? How fair is it for blenders to be criticized when they only have access to what's on the open market vs what they had at their disposal at a previous company? If you have a small brand and one batch bombs, how long can you rely on your reputation? Will a whiskey geek give someone a second chance? If someone is leaving from being a face of a brand, how long should they wait until they announce they are starting a new brand? @the_mash_and_drum Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Remus Repeal Reserve VI 2022. This non-age stated bourbon is 100 proof and $100 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers!DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's This Week in Bourbon for January 27th 2023. Traverse City Whiskey Co. has officially broke ground on a $20M distillery. Old Elk Distillery launches its first Rye Whiskey finished in Barbados Rum Casks. Michter’s Distillery will begin shipping the 2022 Edition of its Celebration Sour Mash.Show Notes: Elijah Craig Bourbon and AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am announced a multi-year partnership A new bill introduced to the Ohio Senate would allow Ohioans to make moonshine Bourbon with HeART is launching Barrels of HeART Buffalo Trace Distillery is offering one lucky bourbon lover the trip of a lifetime ReserveBar launched its new website Get Stocked Traverse City Whiskey Co. has officially broke ground on a $20M distillery Old Elk Distillery launches its first Rye Whiskey finished in Barbados Rum Casks Hercules Mulligan Eyr & Rye, a limited-edition Irish-American Manhattan Lawrenceburg Bourbon Company. ’L.B.Co.’s Kentucky Straight Bourbon “One Cask Series” Heaven’s Door Spirits releases Bootleg Series Vol. IV, an 11-Year-Old Wheated Bourbon finished in Islay Scotch Casks Michter’s Distillery will begin shipping the 2022 Edition of its Celebration Sour Mash @elijahcraig @bourbonwithheart @buffalotracedistillery @reservebar @tcwhiskey @oldelkbourbon @herculesmulligancompany @lawrenceburgbourbon @heavensdoorwhiskey @michterswhiskey Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You listen to this show because you want to be a better educated bourbon consumer. Or maybe you just went off the deep-end and started buying too many bottles and now you're on the hunt for the next great bottle. Either way, I'm glad you're here. But there are all sorts of new opportunities that foster deeper knowledge with some of the premier distilleries in Kentucky, most notably, in Bardstown. Sam Lacy joins the show to talk about everything from the Bourbon Capital Community Alliance. It's an initiative from the city of Bardstown to bring in-depth and tailored educational experiences to distilleries around Bardstown along with their brand new Brindiamo Penthouse that can provide a 101-level primer for people before they hit the distilleries. Show Notes: Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks bottles as an investment How did you get into bourbon? Why was there an initiative to form an alliance? How many partner distilleries are a part of the alliance? Is the Bourbon Capital Guild a private bourbon society? What are the distilleries asking of the city to help promote bourbon tourism? Is the Bourbon Capital Academy a proprietary education course that anyone can take? What is the Brindiamo Penthouse? How often are the courses being offered at the partner distilleries? How much does a custom distillery course cost? @bourboncapitalguild @bourboncapitalacademy @brindiamogroup Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Brothers of the Leaf Bourbon Finished in Toasted French Oak. This non-age stated bourbon is 115.4 proof and $90 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers!DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's This Week in Bourbon for January 20th 2023. Sazerac is suing Republic National Distributing Company in excess of $86M. Kentucky ABC seized undisclosed amounts of bourbon from Justins’ House of Bourbon. Woodford Reserve releases its Double Double Oaked Bourbon for 2023.Show Notes: Sazerac is suing Republic National Distributing Company in excess of $86M Kentucky ABC seized undisclosed amounts of bourbon from Justins’ House of Bourbon Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) implements a price increase of 4% on more than 3,500 brands Playboy Spirits has raised more than US$13 million in funding Greg Hughes, Beam Suntory chief growth and brands officer, talks RTD growth Woodford Reserve releases its Double Double Oaked Bourbon for 2023 Mystic Farm & Distillery announces the launch of Mystic Galactic, a bourbon whiskey aged for one year in space @houseofbourbonlex @houseofbourbonlou @houseofbourbonky @playboy @woodfordreserve @mysticfarmdistillery Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you think there is a lot of bourbon on the shelf now, wait just a few more years. The news over the past year has been flooded with a couple million upwards to a billion dollars in capital investments from everyone in the bourbon industry. When the news dropped that Heaven Hill was going to open a new $135M distillery that will produce 150,000 barrels a year, in addition to their existing Bernheim distillery that already produces 1,500 a day, many of us scratched our heads and thought, "who is going to drink all this whiskey?". That's when I reached out to Heaven Hill and invited Susan Wahl to come on the show. She has a long, 20 plus year history working in the whiskey portfolio at Heaven Hill. She's literally seen it all. We talk about what drove the decision to build a second distillery, the threats, and how they are planning for everything in the supply chain, including barrels and labor. We also talk about data trends and where they see the international market heading. Show Notes: Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks when barrel proof became common. What were your whiskey initiatives and marketing plan for bourbon in the early days? How did you take Evan Williams into one of the largest whiskey brands? What trends or data have you learned from the visitor center? What factors did you take into account when thinking that you need another $135M distillery that can produce 150k barrels a year? How much of your sales is domestic vs international? What threats did you see about potentially not building another distillery? Did the removal of European tariffs have an impact on your forecast? Did barrels or other supply chain factors play an important role in your forecast? What data helps you push pass the fears of a 20-year lifecycle on trends? How have you worked with the city to build new warehouses? Does Bardstown have the workforce to take care of the labor requirements? What makes you bullish about tourism for bourbon? @heavenhilldistillery Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Uncle Nearest Uncut/Unfiltered Rye Whiskey. This non-age stated uncut rye whiskey is 119.7 proof and $150 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers!DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's This Week in Bourbon for January 13th 2023. Barrell Craft Spirits purchases a historic rickhouse in Shively, Kentucky. The Bourbon Capital Alliance has announced the establishment of the Brindiamo Penthouse. A New Bourbon release called '78 Legends featuring a 50 year old bourbon.Show Notes: The bourbon capital alliance has announced the establishment of the Brindiamo Penthouse Neuroscientists have created a new category of non-alcoholic ‘spirit’ designed to mimic the feel-good effects of alcohol President Joe Biden pardoned a man who was convicted 60 years ago for a single instance of selling whiskey without a tax stamp Barrell Craft Spirits purchases a historic rickhouse in Shively, Kentucky Stanford University has released a study about distilleries and appearing authentic Four Roses and OSMO Salt release Toasted Vanilla Bourbon Salt Kentucky Owl has announced the release of its Batch #12 Bourbon Larceny and Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A123 are released A New Bourbon release called '78 Legends featuring a 50 year old bourbon @barrellbourbon @joebiden @bourboncapitalguild @bourboncapitalacademy @stanford @fourrosesbourbon @osmosalt @kentuckyowl Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's Bourbon Community Roundtable #76 and this is one I'm excited to talk about because as you're well aware, building a brand requires choosing the right distribution partners. The big shake up of the past few weeks is that Sazerac is pulling out of Republic National Distributing Company in favor of smaller, more mid-tier, and beer focused distributors in around 30 different states. So, we want to ask the roundtable a few questions. First, what would motivate Sazerac to break up this long-standing relationship? If you are a distributor that got selected, what problems are you going to experience. And lastly, as a consumer are we going to see any change like finding Pappy on the shelf at MSRP. Spoiler alert... the answer is no. Since it's the first roundtable of 2023, we all put in our predictions and see what the future holds for bourbon this year. Show Notes: Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about dry January. Sazerac is leaving RNDC. What does this mean for Sazerac? Sazerac goes with mid-tier distributors. How do distirbutors adapt and what happens to other brands? Does Sazerac leaving RNDC mean anything for the end consumer? What are your 2023 predictions? @breakingbourbon @fredminnick @drinkseelbachs @bourbonr @sippncorn Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Frey Ranch Single Barrel Rye. This non-age stated rye is 131.8 proof and $100 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers!DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's This Week in Bourbon for January 6th 2023. Lisa Wicker takes on the new role as CEO & Master Distiller of Lyons Brewing & Distilling Co. A new record was set at auction for Pappy Van Winkle. Hard Truth Distillery Co. announced the 2022 Hard Truth Master Distiller’s Reserve Collection.Show Notes: Lisa Wicker takes on the new role as CEO & Master Distiller of Lyons Brewing & Distilling Co The partnership between Matthew McConaughey and Wild Turkey has ended Sazerac is moving away from Republic National Distributing Company A new record was set at auction for Pappy Van Winkle Wilderness Trail set to double its bottling production Hard Truth Distillery Co. announced the 2022 Hard Truth Master Distiller’s Reserve Collection @lbwicker @alltechinc @wildturkey @officiallymcconaughey @sothebys @wildernesstraildistillery @hardtruthspirits Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you listen to our Friday show called This Week in Bourbon, you would hear us talking about tequila being the next rising spirit. I mean, who doesn't like a good margarita? Much like bourbon, there is a lot to know about what goes into making the spirit. To help explain all that, we've invited Alfonso Esquivias, the Founder and Owner of Drinks with Fonz. Alfonso sent Ryan and I 12 different tequilas to sample them as we go through to know more about them. It was a lot of tequila but I promise you that I have a much deeper appreciation for tequila after this. Alfonso talks about the laws to be called a tequila and we dive into the process of harvesting agave and distilling it. We then tackle the touchy subject of how many tequilas on the market are full of additives like sugar and how you shouldn't trust many celebrity brands as well. Listen closely to the brands we talk about during the show so you know which ones are additive-free and legit. Show Notes: Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about the popularity of Buffalo Trace How did you get into spirits in general? What restrictions are in place to be called a tequila? Can you describe an agave plant? Can you explain the differences between blanco, reposado, and anejo? In bourbon you will never see anyone claim they like un-aged bourbon but why is that with tequila? How do you know which brands have additives? What are all tequilas in the 80-90 proof range? What is the typical proof off the still? Who is the MGP of tequila? So what makes something like Jose Cuervo mass-market or bottom shelf? Is saying "using tequila as a mixer" considered blasphemy? Does a particular agave field have different effect on the flavor like grapes with wine? How do you know when an agave plant is ready for harvesting? Does price point increase when proof increases? Do all celebrity tequilas have additives or are considered crap? @drinks.@with.@fonz Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Hirsch "The Bivouac" Kentucky Bourbon. Yes, we still didn't pronounce it right. This non-age stated bourbon is 100 proof and $55 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers!DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey everyone, we're back again with a double header episode where you get to know more about Ryan and I. This is a long episode because we both have our own dedicated episodes on Behind The Pursuit. In the first half you will hear Episode 19 with Ryan. You will get to hear about his morning rituals and the businesses he runs and manages outside of bourbon. The second half of the show in Episode 20 with me and talks about my career progression and how I take a very data-centric and analytical approach to everything we are doing with Pursuit Spirits. Remember, if you like these episodes, then search for Behind The Pursuit on your podcast player and hit subscribe. It's a fantastic way to hear more about the inside of the industry and we talk about building a brand, glass shortages, distribution hurdles, and so much more. Subscribe to Behind the Pursuit on: Apple Podcasts Spotify iHeartRadio Amazon Music Google Podcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you've been around bourbon long enough, then you know the name JW Dant. That's because the Dant name is equivalent to bourbon royalty as it is steeped in history. But there is another Dant that is wanting to bring his family name back into the distilling business and that's JW Dant, or better known as Wally Dant from Log Still Distillery. Wally joins the show to talk about his upbringing and how some early career choices he made early on put him in the fortunate position to revive life into Gesthamane Kentucky where he is building his own legacy in the bourbon business. Show Notes: Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about the American single malt category Was there ever a moment where you realized bourbon was a part of your DNA? What have you discovered about understanding about your heritage? Who was the last person, in your family tree, to work at a distillery? What was your focus of study at Purdue? How did you progress in your career and businesses that you sold? How do you transition from selling your business to figuring out what to do next? When did you decide to make the investment from sourcing Tennessee whiskey to breaking ground on a distillery? What was the inspiration for putting a focus on rebuilding the community in Gethsemane? Did the lawsuit with Heaven Hill over your name come into play early on? What does 5th district mean on your Monk's Road label? What's your plan on having your whiskey be different than anyone else's? @logstilldistillery @jwwallydant Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review King of Kentucky 18 Year. This 18 year old bourbon is 130.3 proof and $350 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers!DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices