Bourbon Pursuit

Cigars... they are one of the best ways to enjoy a nice glass of bourbon. The flavors and aromas all become enhanced into a better overall experience. We talked about cigars and bourbon back on episode 129 with Jeremy and Jake from Jake's Cigar Lounge, but this time we're joined by Ibis Lu. She's a Cigar Sommelier and Certified Bourbon Steward, but also operates the Instagram account @Cigarlover12. She's probably been smoking cigars for longer than me and you combined. We talk about aging cigars, fake cubans, and the overhyped barrel aged cigars. Show Partners: Catoctin Creek has been honoring that tradition of small craft rye whisky since 2009. Learn more at CatoctinCreekDistilling.com. Smooth Ambler builds on the traditional roots of American whiskey in West Virginia. Visit SmoothAmbler.com to learn more. Wilderness Trail is Sweet Mash Kentucky Straight Bourbon and Rye Whiskey distilled, aged, and bottled in Danville, Kentucky. Learn more at WildernessTrailDistillery.com. You can now buy Barrell Craft Spirits products online and have them shipped right to your door. Visit BarrellBourbon.com and click Buy Now. Spirits of French Lick is delivering the finest hand crafted Bottled in Bond bourbons. Check out SpiritsofFrenchLick.com. Savor every drop of summer at Total Wine & More! You’re sure to find cool prices in-store or online at TotalWine.com. Heaven Hill Distillery has been lifting America’s spirit since 1935. Check out educational resources and sign up for their newsletter at HeavenHillDistillery.com. Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about age statements. What got you into cigars? When did you have your first cigar? Talk about the history of cigars in Cuba. Are there are a lot of fake Cuban cigars? What cigar do you recommend for pairing with bourbon? How many cigars do you smoke a day? Do you take tasting notes on cigars? How do you get rid of the cigar taste in your mouth? How do they age cigars? What are your thoughts on barrel aged cigars? What is a good amount to spend on a humidor? Tell us about your journey in bourbon. Is the cigar community like the bourbon community? Do you prefer pairing cigars with bourbon or Scotch? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Smooth Ambler Contradiction Rye. This non-age stated rye is 105 proof and $40 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers! Whiskey Quickie is brought to you by Barrell Bourbon. Learn more at BarrellBourbon.com. 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

Back on Episode 295, the roundtable discussed when does craft whiskey stop becoming craft whiskey. Well, the internet is full of opinions and we heard every last one of them. Many of whom said, "Why don't you get some real craft distillers on the show and ask them?" Well, we took your advice and did just that. We're joined by Becky Harris of Catoctin Creek and Alan Bishop from Spirits of French Lick to talk about what craft means to them. We also discuss their thoughts on sourcing and how they overcome the craft stigma to set themselves apart from the rest. Show Partners: Catoctin Creek has been honoring that tradition of small craft rye whisky since 2009. Learn more at CatoctinCreekDistilling.com. Smooth Ambler builds on the traditional roots of American whiskey in West Virginia. Visit SmoothAmbler.com to learn more. Wilderness Trail is Sweet Mash Kentucky Straight Bourbon and Rye Whiskey distilled, aged, and bottled in Danville, Kentucky. Learn more at WildernessTrailDistillery.com. You can now buy Barrell Craft Spirits products online and have them shipped right to your door. Visit BarrellBourbon.com and click Buy Now. Spirits of French Lick is delivering the finest hand crafted Bottled in Bond bourbons. Check out SpiritsofFrenchLick.com. Savor every drop of summer at Total Wine & More! You’re sure to find cool prices in-store or online at TotalWine.com. Heaven Hill Distillery has been lifting America’s spirit since 1935. Check out educational resources and sign up for their newsletter at HeavenHillDistillery.com. Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about the influence of social media for brands. What got you into whiskey? What does craft mean to you? How do we get past the craft stigma? What are the positives of being in craft whiskey? How do you feel about the sourced whiskey game? Has the popularity of bourbon helped your business? Talk about your experience over the past year. @catoctincreek, @spiritsoffrenchlick Support this Podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Walker's Cay Bourbon. This non-age stated bourbon is 90 proof and $37 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. Support this Podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Maker's Mark RC6. This is Maker's Mark's first national limited release. It's non-age stated, 108.2 proof, and $60 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers! DISCLAIMER: This whiskey in this review was purchased by Bourbon Pursuit for reviewing. 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 the 60th Bourbon Community Roundtable where we've got 3 topics of recent news to cover. Beam Suntory is launching new subscription models for Little Book and Maker's Mark which makes us wonder if this trend will continue for most major distilleries. Fall release season is around the corner so Jordan from Breaking Bourbon picks out 5 releases to discuss. Lastly, George Dickel has released a bourbon, which is the same recipe as their Tennessee Whiskey, why would they do that? Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about climate and the aging process. Bourbon Subscriptions 5 Limited Releases to Watch Dickel releases bourbon. Thanks to Blake (@bourbonr @drinkseelbachs), Jordan from Breaking Bourbon (@breakingbourbon), and Brian (@sippn_corn) for joining in another lively discussion. 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 2021 Birthday Bourbon. This 12 year old bourbon is 104 proof and $130 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. Support this Podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So what is a dusty bourbon? Well... it's just an old bourbon. The idea was that these were bottles that used to sit on the shelves and collect dust. Now a days, these are rare gems and lots of bourbon hunters go crazy looking for them. Unfortunately, the days of finding a 1980s Old Grand Dad on the shelf are long gone, but we sit down and analyze what makes a dusty a dusty. Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about yeast. What's the allure of dusties? What makes dusties different? Are there any dusities you should stay away from? Let's discuss bourbon hunting? What do you consider a dusty? What's your best dusty score? What are your thoughts on decanters? Support this Podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Taconic Mizunara Cask Bourbon. This non-age stated bourbon is 107 proof and $90 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers! DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly. Support this Podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

About twice a year we have a guest on the show that just amazes us with the science behind bourbon. Stuart Williams is a professor that directs the microfluidic systems laboratory at the University of Louisville. He discovered that when bourbon begins evaporating, it creates a web that resembles constellations in the dark sky. Stuart was able to document his findings and show how bourbons that come from the same distillery create similar webs. Pictures speak louder than words so make sure you check out his website at WhiskeyWebs.org to see the stunning representations. Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about sourced whiskey. How did you become so passionate about this research? Tell us about fluid dynamics. What is a whiskey web? Talk about filtration. Is it good to have more colloids vs. less? Tell us about the physics of evaporation. What proof were you testing at? Will 3 different bottles of the same whiskey have the same pattern? Which bourbon didn't show a web? What other things could you test with this research? Could you use the whiskey web to determine taste? WhiskeyWebs.org Support this Podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Bespoken Spirits Rye Whiskey. This rapid aged rye whiskey is 100 proof and $40 MSRP (375mL). Let us know what you think. Cheers! DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly. Support this Podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’ve had the opportunity to interview lots of great people from Michter's such as their Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson, President Joseph Magliocco, and their former Master Distiller Pam Heilmann. When Pam retired in April of 2019, Dan McKee stepped in. Dan worked alongside Pam at Jim Beam for many years and has a wealth of industry knowledge. We talk about selecting barrels for the 20 and 25 year old releases and learn more about what goes into their everyday products. Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about local store relationships. What's the funniest animal you've owned as a pet? Are there ever any bad barrels when selecting Michter's 20 and 25? What is your process for choosing older releases? How did you train your palate to pick these releases? What was it like working at Jim Beam? What can you tell us about your yeast? Talk about the distillery. Do you have specific protocols for picking barrels from certain places in the warehouse? How big are the batches? Is it easier to blend smaller batches? What was the transition like to Master Distiller? Do you overlap job tasks with Andrea? Are you a morning taster? What variations do you see in barrel proof? Does lower entry proof age well? What about the heat cycled warehouses? Talk about the toasted barrel craze. Any professional goals for 2021? @michterswhiskey, @michtersmasterdistiller Support this Podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Dubliner Irish Whiskey. This 3 year old whiskey is 80 proof and $30 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. Support this Podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Bourbon Community Roundtable, we do an in-depth analysis of The Bourbon King, two episodes from the Netflix series Heist. Now I have to warn you, if you haven't seen it yet this is full of spoilers. If you plan on watching it, go watch it and then come back and listen. On the 2nd half of the episode, we talk about the new executive order coming straight from the Whitehouse that is going to put a microscope on the alcohol industry and look at unfair trade practices when it comes to distribution and competition. Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about tasting notes. Breaking down Netflix's Heist featuring Pappygate, the story of Gilbert “Toby” Curtsinger, an employee at Buffalo Trace that stole hundreds of thousands of dollars of Pappy Van Winkle. Do you think Buffalo Trace let them film on property? Who is Moonshine Mike? How do you steal a barrel and where do you hide it? What are your thoughts on the sheriff sensing it was an inside job right away? Do you think the sheriff was media hungry? What do you think of the sentencing? How was his wife not aware? How will the executive order on promoting competition in the American economy impact distributors and distribution? Thanks to @bourbonr, @breakingbourbon, and @sippn_corn for joining. Support this Podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Three Chord Strange Collaboration Batch 1. This 2-6 year old finished bourbon is 99 proof and $45 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. Support this Podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

$1000 bottles, store price gouging, and bots taking bottles. These are some of the most annoying trends with bourbon releases. The team gets together and analyzes what we're seeing in the current environment and air some grievances, but we always try to find a silver lining on what we see as some positive trends as well. Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about limited edition bottles. What do you think of the press releases? Would you rather see special whiskey in limited edition bottles? What do you think about price gouging at the store level? How should liquor stores handle limited releases? What is annoying about limited releases? Any advantages to online releases? Support this Podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Bradshaw Bourbon. This 2 year old bourbon is 103.8 proof and $40 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. Support this Podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We talk about barrel picks all the time on the show and we do 40-50 barrels selections per year with our private barrel program. But instead of hearing us talk about it, let's hear some stories from the people that live and breathe it every day. We're joined by Macaulay Minton of Wilderness Trail and John Wadell of Peerless Distilling. Both of these guys run the barrel select programs for each distillery. We get to know more about the programs and the dos and don'ts of going on a barrel pick. Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about his dental routine. How did you get into bourbon and working on single barrel programs? Is there a certain percentage you are allowed to allocate to private barrels? What do you like and not like about other barrel picks? How do remote picks work? Are remote picks harder than in person? Are there some people that are hard to please with picks? What gets you blacklisted? What are things you shouldn't do on a pick? What do you think of stickers? What is the most positive thing that has happened for you working in a private barrel program? @thebourbonswami, @wildernesstraildistillery, @sir_jwadell, @kentuckypeerless 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's Door Redbreast Master Blenders Edition. This 10 year old finished 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. Support this Podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lisa Wicker should be a household name to any bourbon enthusiast. You will get to learn about her pedigree of industry and blending experience in this episode. Before ever meeting Lisa, people in the industry would tell me she had one of the best palates. She has been involved with lots of brands from the very beginning and played a critical role to their future success. Now, she leads Widow Jane and gives us some tricks on her blending techniques. Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about bottle modifications. What is the craziest fashion trend you've ever worn? How did you get into working in whiskey? How did you end up at Widow Jane? Was it a big change moving from the Mid West to NYC? Who is Widow Jane? What is the history of the brand? Do you store barrels in the mine? Why do you use the mineral water for proofing? How do you decide which distillate goes into each product? Do you enjoy the challenge of putting a unique spin on a sourced whiskey? Do you have a whiskey blending playlist? @widow_jane @lbwicker Support this Podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Still Austin Cask Strength. This 2 year old bourbon is 118 proof and $65 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. Support this Podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As bourbon grows with popularity, so do the prices. The roundtable comes together to discuss how to price bourbon and if there is a good formula that can make everyone happy. There are lots of new sourced brands on the market, and more and more investors coming in every week to buy barrels, what will the sourced market look like in a few years? Lastly, we examine the business side of the industry and we try to figure out who is more important, the master distiller or the salesperson? Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about private barrel picks. How should you appropriately price bourbon? What's the future of the sourced whiskey market? Who's more important, the master distiller or the salesperson? Support this Podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Michter's 10 Year Bourbon 2021 Release. This 10 year old bourbon is 94.4 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. Support this Podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Back in 2018 when we launched Pursuit Series single barrels, we didn't know where we were headed. We just knew it was fun to select barrels and get them out there. Little did we know, we would be heading down a path that would create a blend that just won Runner-Up in the first ever Ascot Awards. Pursuit United is a culmination of over a year of work by partnering with distilleries to create a bourbon that would appeal to the mass market of educated bourbon consumers, like you. In this episode, Fred asks Kenny and Ryan the questions on what it took to get here and what the future entails. Pursuit United will be available once again starting in July of 2021 on @drinkseelbachs and on retail shelves across KY, TN, TX, GA, IL, and CO. Stay tuned for more updates by following @pursuitspirits, including the anticipated release of Pursuit United Rye. Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about pairing bourbon with food. Talk about the packaging. How did you come up with your blend? Tell us about each of the components. What were the challenges when creating this product? What did you think about the feedback? How do you feel about the negative feedback? When is the next release? @pursuitspirits Support this Podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Daviess County Straight Bourbon Finished in French Oak Casks. This non-age stated bourbon is 96 proof and $47 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. Support this Podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The name Ingram may ring some bells. If you are in the tech space, you may have heard of Ingram Micro. If you are in logistics you may know Ingram Barge Company. If you are in the Nashville area, the name Ingram is well known for philanthropy. And now, Ingram is taking on bourbon. We're joined by Hank Ingram, the founder of Ingram River Aged Whiskey. The concept is pretty simple. Take a bunch of barges they own, put a bunch of bourbon barrels on it, and let them age in a floating warehouse. Hank tells us more about his family, what led him to start this company, and the legal hurdles you face when you are trying to store thousands of gallons of bourbon on a river. Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about dusties. What was your favorite video game growing up? Tell us about your family history. How did you go from tow boating to bourbon? How did you raise capital? Talk about your floating rickhouse. What were the initial barrels that convinced you the bourbon changed on the river? Can you explain the vessels? What makes the barge unique to the aging process? Did you ever work on a barge? Does the barge have to stay stationary? What's the strangest thing your family has had to move on a barge? Do you envision having more barges aging whiskey in the future? Have you thought about aging barrels for other brands on the river? Where do you source from? How did you decide who to partner with? What have been your biggest hurdles? @IngramWhiskey Support this Podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A121. This 12 year old bourbon is 123.6 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. @elijahcraig Support this Podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bernie Lubbers is one of the great treasures of the modern whiskey era. A few years ago, he gave us a deep dive on Bottled in Bond in episode 89, but now he's back and we're talking Mellow Corn, Parker's Heritage selections, and where the market is headed with pricing bourbon on the shelf. Stay tuned until the end for a performance of Whiskey, Honey, and Loving. Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about flasks. Has Bottled in Bond changed since the last time you were on the show? How many bourbons are Bottled in Bond? Do you still love Bottled in Bond? Talk about corn whiskey. Tell us about the process for selecting Parker's. Where do you think we are going with pricing in bourbon? Do you get any pushback from retailers about having allocated items in your gift shop? What are your thoughts on private barrel picks? Talk about the Black Velvet acquisition. @BernieLubbers Support this Podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Michter's Barrel Strength Kentucky Rye Whiskey. This non-age stated rye is 110.8 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. @michterswhiskey Support this Podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's roundtable tackles a new topic that took most of us by surprise. About 3 weeks ago, when I was doing a label approval for our Four Roses barrels, I was given an additional contract to sign that was called a non-mutilation agreement. Basically stating that we agree to not add any stickers, wax, or anything that alters the package. Will other distilleries follow suit? What happens if someone breaks the contract? We give our opinions on that plus, if we think blends are going to become the new single barrels. Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about what smooth means. Four Roses bans stickers for private barrels. Is this good or bad? Do you think other distilleries will start banning stickers? How do you enforce the ban? Does the ban violate freedom of speech? How can you set your pick apart from other picks? Are blends the new single barrels? Thanks to @bourbonr, @breakingbourbon, and @sippn_corn for joining. 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 The 117 Series: High Angels' Share. This non-age stated bourbon is 110 proof and $50 MSRP (375mL). 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. Support this Podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We talk to the largest liquor retailer that you never knew about...Kroger. Yes, the huge grocery chain that has liquor stores adjacent to almost every location. When you add it up, it's thousands of square feet of retail space spread over hundreds of stores. We're joined by Chris Blandford, who is the Adult Beverage Field Specialist for Kentucky, Southern Indian, and Southern Illinois Kroger stores. We talk about the challenges of operating over 115 stores, distribution, competition, barrel picks, and of course allocation. Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about spirits competitions. What is your fast food restaurant of choice on a road trip? How do you manage inventory for so many stores? How do you use data to predict what people will buy? What are the challenges of distribution? Talk about the store experience. Are larger or smaller stores more difficult to manage? How do you distribute products? What is the most stolen item? How do you approach pricing? Do you try to compete with pricing against the larger liquor stores? What is the method for allocated items? If Sazerac increased their pricing on Pappy, would there still be lotteries? Talk about your barrel picks. Do you have a favorite barrel pick? Any other challenges? What product doesn't move as well as you think it would? Are there any plans to grow? Will Kroger ever deliver or ship? Support this Podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Jefferson's Straight Rye Whiskey Finished in Cognac Casks. This non-age stated rye is 94 proof and $60 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. Support this Podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Denny Potter has held multiple roles in the bourbon industry and many thought that being the Master Distiller at Heaven Hill would be the pinnacle of anyone's career. In 2018, Denny left Heaven Hill and assumed the role of Master Distiller at Maker's Mark which surprised many. In this episode, we talk about career growth as a Master Distiller and advice to give others aspiring for this role in the industry. And Fred tries to convince Denny to release a 12 year old Maker's Mark. Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about the three tier system. What made you decide to go to Maker's Mark? Do you feel like you have an opportunity to grow or have you hit the ceiling as a Master Distiller? What's it been like working with Rob Samuels? What do you bring to the table as a Master Distiller? How long should someone work in operations before becoming a Master Distiller? Will you ever put out a 12 year old product? Talk about the operations at Maker's. What are the challenges of scaling while trying to keep the integrity of the brand? What was different when you came back to Maker's? What is the difference between operating Maker's vs. Bernheim Distillery? Support this Podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Maker's Mark FAE-01. This non-age stated bourbon is 110.6 proof and $60 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. Support this Podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of the biggest crazes right now is the single barrel. That special barrel that was chosen from a select few and shared with a bunch of people, most likely with a sticker on it. And as Ryan so eloquently puts it, it's the perfect product. It's a consumable, it's one of a kind, and there will never be another. Myself, Ryan and Fred have done our fair share of single barrels, probably selecting over 250 combined and probably tasting over a thousand at different distilleries. We've seen it all. In this episode, we talk about what we prefer when we do a private barrel selection experience. And speaking of single barrels, don't forget we have our own private barrel club where we select over 40 different barrels every year. Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about deciding what to drink. What is your favorite part about a barrel pick? Would it still be exciting if everyone drilled into the barrel vs. thieving? What do you think about distilleries pre-picking barrels to select from? What is a good number of barrels you should be able to taste through when picking? How do you feel about proofing down the barrel pick? Do you have a glassware preference? Snacks or no snacks during a barrel pick? Should distilleries provide lunch? 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 Bottled-In-Bond Spring 2021. This 8 year old bourbon is 100 proof and $85 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. Support this Podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this 56th Bourbon Community Roundtable, we discuss what it means to Kentucky Owl now that Dixon Dedman is leaving the brand, what does Indiana Rye Whiskey mean as a new legal designation, and now that there are 10 million barrels aging in Kentucky, will we see an oncoming glut of bourbon in a few years? Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about the color of whiskey. Dixon Dedman leaves KY Owl. What does that mean for the brand? What does Indiana Rye Whiskey mean as a new legal designation? Now that there are 10M barrels aging in KY, will we see a glut of bourbon in a few years? Thanks to @bourbonr, @breakingbourbon, and @sippn_corn for joining. Support this Podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Woodford Reserve Master's Collection Very Fine Rare Bourbon. This non-age stated bourbon is 90.4 proof and $130 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. Support this Podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it mean to be an influencer? Actually, what's the deal with bourbon and Instagram and why is it so popular? We're joined by Eric Kim of @scotchandtime and James Ashcraft of @bourbonenthusiast to analyze these questions and many more. It's a great insight into how social media and whiskey join forces to provide hours of entertainment, but also some annoyances. Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about independent liquor stores. Are you a thrill seeker or do you enjoy relaxing? How did you start and grow your Instagram account? When did you get your first media sample? Do you see more brands using Instagram influencers? Do you think Instagram has a good ROI for brands? Why do people love day themed Instagram posts? How often do you post and when? Have you seen an influx of new bourbon content creators and is there enough room for everyone? How much time to you put into your Instagram account? What do you think of accounts who pay for followers? What do you think of people only posting pictures of sealed bottles? Talk about your whiskey reviews. What really is an influencer? What good things have come out of Instagram for you? Follow @scotchandtime and @bourbonenthusiast on Instagram. Support this Podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Wheel Horse Bourbon. This 2 year old bourbon is 101 proof and $32 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. Support this Podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Last Drop Distillers is known for acquiring extremely old and rare spirits from across the world. We chat with Rebecca Jago, Managing Director of The Last Drop Distillers, to hear their story. It's an interesting history of generational knowledge and their release of the 1980 Buffalo Trace is what caught our attention. We even got a chance to try it on a past Whiskey Quickie and it blew us away. Listen to hear about their partnership with Sazerac and how they plan to sustain their business model. Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about used rye barrels. What is on your bucket list? What is The Last Drop Distillers? Do you have an emotional standard when tasting a rare whiskey? How do you grow and sustain a business like this? Do you seek out sellers or do they seek you out? How do you determine if something is really unique or rare? Talk about the 1980 Buffalo Trace. Tell us about the rationale behind the pricing. Do you think bourbon is deserving or price point like this? @lastdropdistillers Support this Podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Rod & Hammer's Straight Bourbon Whiskey. This 2 year old bourbon is 90 proof and $42 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. Support this Podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode, the team sits down to discuss young whiskey. Is it a good thing or a bad thing? There are all sorts of angles because in this ever-changing landscape of losing age statements, craft distillers putting out amazing products at young ages, and bourbon drinkers continually looking for something new, we have to ask ourselves... is the age of the whiskey less important? Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about daily bourbon drinking limits. What is your whiskey age range preference? What about craft distillers outside of Kentucky? How do craft distillers treat consumers differently than the bigger distillers? What do you think about using different grains? How do you fight the stigma of young whiskey? Let's talk about pricing young whiskey. How important is packaging for craft whiskey? Support this Podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Single Cask Nation 1994 Kentucky Bourbon. This 24 year old bourbon is 94.8 proof and $295 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers! DISCLAIMER: This whiskey in this review was purchased by Bourbon Pursuit for reviewing. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly. Support this Podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The roundtable is back with another discussion about bourbon news and our take on it. We discuss Heaven Hill vs Log Still Distilling over the use of the Dant name and trademark, what does direct to consumer shipping in Kentucky mean now that distilleries can cut out the wholesalers, and if you were to spend your $1,400 stimulus check on bourbon, what would get? Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about posting bourbon on Instagram. Heaven Hill has opened up a lawsuit against the Dant family for trying to use their family name as it infringes upon their label. Kentucky HB415 has been signed into law with new direct to consumer laws that bypass the 3 tier system. $1,400 stimulus checks are going out. If you are going to spend $1,400 on bourbon, what are you getting? Thanks to @Bourbonr, @Sippn_Corn, and @BreakingBourbon for joining. 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 Wm. Tarr Manchester Reserve. This 7 year old whiskey is 114 proof and $80 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. Support this Podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show, we get to feature two great people at Bardstown Bourbon Company, Dan Callaway and Nick Smith. Bardstown Bourbon Company exploded on the scene as a destination hot spot for anyone visiting the trail and Dan was instrumental to the early success of creating a red carpet environment for anyone who visited. As whiskey production ramped up, Nick Smith brought his knowledge from working at Jim Beam to help customers create custom mash bills and guide them in the right direction to put a new spin on the distillation process that would be uniquely theirs. So next time you're headed to Bardstown, don't forget to make Bardstown Bourbon Company a must visit. Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about bourbon branded credit cards. What made you decided to come work at Bardstown Bourbon Company? What was the original vision for Bardstown Bourbon Company and how has it changed? Are banana croquettes a real thing? What lessons did you learn coming from Jim Beam to Bardstown Bourbon Company? How do you accommodate so many different mash bills? How do you work together? Is there a baseline for the mash bills? Are there any limitations on the mash bills? How do you guide customers to different cooperages? Do you help brands with marketing and packaging? Can this be a tourist destination for brands that contract through you? Tell us about the Discovery Series. Talk about the vintage library. What is the timeline for the bottling facility? How much of the distillery process is automated? What's a changeover? What is Pete's Place? Tell us about the Kentucky Proud product. Follow @bbc_whiskeynick, @dannybardstown, @bardstownbourboncompany Support this Podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Buzzard's Roost Toasted Barrel Rye. This 3 year old rye is 105 proof and $80 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. Support this Podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There's a lot of whiskey out there and sometimes we get caught up in our bubble of bourbon. On this episode, I'm joined by Chris Perugini who does private tastings and boasts a lot of worldly whiskies on his instagram account @SingleMaltSavvy. He sent me a few blind samples and we discuss them to see what resonates with me as a bourbon drinker. Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about pairing music with bourbon. For more information about the Scotches discussed in this episode visit: https://www.singlemaltsavvy.com/guides/scotch-for-the-bourbon-drinker/ What was your first car? Scotch Tasting What's a good brand for a new scotch drinker? What are the differences between Scotch and bourbon? Tell us about the Scotches you selected. How are these priced? Are they removing age statements from Scotch like they are in bourbon? What is the Pappy of the Scotch world? Support this Podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices