Bourbon Pursuit

It's This Week in Bourbon for February 16th 2024. Bulleit and Redemption whiskey brands are back at it in court, MGP is suing the city of Williamstown, Kentucky, and Woodford Reserve has released its annual limited-edition, high-proof expression Woodford Reserve Batch Proof.Show Notes: Woodford Reserve teams up with Sergio Hudson and Anifa Mvuemb for fashion Bulleit and Redemption whiskey brand are back at it in court Staghorn has named Lisa Wicker as the first Master Distiller MGP is suing the city of Williamstown, Kentucky Woodford Reserve Batch Proof Bulleit American Single Malt High n’ Wicked Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey Chattanooga Whiskey Barrel Finishing Series: White Port Cask Finished Gin & Juice By Dre and Snoop @woodfordreserve @bulleit @redemptionwhiskey @chattwhiskey @drdre @snoopdogg Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, we finally see the re-emergence of Ed Bley. Ed has been a previous guest on the podcast that was from way back in 2018. So if you just started listening to Bourbon Pursuit, then you probably have no idea of the impact Ed had on the bourbon world during that time. Ed went into hiding and went on a mission to bring some new whiskey to the world and he's now back presenting his new line called Old Stubborn. We talk about his background in blending and the journey he took from working at Cork N Bottle, picking barrels, and being a big influence in the larger bourbon community to losing hope on building a distillery and then quickly pivoting to find whiskey that wasn't available on the open market. This is one of the most anticipated interviews for many of you long-time listeners so enjoy this episode with Ed Bley. Show Notes: Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about sustainability and new oak barrels. What is your background and what were you doing on the retail side? How often do you reject barrels during a barrel selection? Can you give some background on Old Baldy? Why would you want to leave a comfortable position to do your own thing? Why would you want to start a distillery versus sourcing barrels? How did you search for whiskey to use? Why did you call the whiskey Old Stubborn? Is there a reason why you put the word "old" on your bottles? Can you talk about how you ended up on the bottle? What went into this first release? How did the conversations start to acquire your whiskey stocks? Is this high price a sustainable business model? What does your product strategy look like? What is your plan for distribution and expansion? Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Heart of Mystic Bourbon. This 3 year old bourbon is 114.6 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's This Week in Bourbon for February 9th 2024. 2023 Bourbon Economic Impact Study is out, Bardstown Bourbon Company introduces the “House of Bardstown," and Heaven Hill releases Heritage Collection 18-Year-Old Bourbon.Show Notes: 2023 Bourbon Economnic Impact Study is out. Bardstown Bourbon Company introduces the “House of Bardstown" Old Forester named Caleb Trigo as Assistant Master Distiller Distilled Living is an Official Sponsor of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Bourbon Strong 50-4-50 charity raffle Distilled in Washington, A History new book Will the Apple Vision Pro change the drinks industry forever? The Fielder’s Choice Collection Four Gate Triple Oak Puncher’s Chance THE UNIFIED BELT Jack Daniel's Batch 2 of its 12-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey and Batch 3 of its 10-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey Path of Totality Bourbon Whiskey Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A124 Penelope Bourbon Tokaji Cask Finish Kentucky Old Fashioned Bourbon Barrel Ale Heaven Hill releases Heritage Collection 18-Year-Old Bourbon @bardstownbourbonco @oldforester @distilledliving @give270 @jriegerco @fourgatewhiskey @puncherschancebourbon @jackdaniels_us @haynerdistilling @elijahcraig @penelopebourbon @heavenhilldistillery @heavenhillbrands @alltechbrews Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whether it's 2 or 12 years old, the age statement on a bottle seems to be an attractor to many. But as we start diving more into our bourbon journey we start realizing that age is just a number. I've had some really great bourbons at 4 years old and some really great at 14. With all that being said, at what point should you proudly display that age statement on the bottle? In this roundtable, we dive into this topic and look at the history of age statements and when we started paying attention to them. There's also brands that have a lot of success without an age statement like Maker's Mark and most of the Buffalo Trace portfolio. And now that the modern bourbon consumer has been accustom to seeing age statements, would you pass on a bottle just because it said 4 years old on it? Show Notes: bove the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about people hating Buffalo Trace products. When Does An Age Statement Matter? Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Nelson Brothers Rye. This non-age stated rye is 92.5 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's This Week in Bourbon for February 2nd 2024. Eijah Craig returns as the Official Bourbon of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, Southern Glazer’s is being sued by online platform Provi, and Buzzard’s Roost introduces their American Whiskey.Show Notes: ReserveBar partners with delivery.com Old Forester featured in Argylle Southern Glazer’s is being sued by online platform Provi Elijah Craig is the Official Bourbon of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am Buzzard’s Roost introduces their American Whiskey @reservebarspirits @oldforester @deliverdotcom @oldforester @elijahcraig @buzzardsroostwhiskey Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're all too familiar with the barrel and it's impact on whiskey but what about it's life after whiskey? Actually, there's quite a lot. These barrels can be used for aging other spirits, beer, furniture, bbq smoking chips, the list is endless. But did you ever stop to think how those used barrels go from one man's trash to another man's treasure? Well, there's one company that has made a name for themselves and that's Midwest Barrel Company. Ben and Jessica Loseke join the show to talk about how Ben got into the used barrel business and the economics behind it. If you ever find yourself glued to an episode of Storage Wars or Pawn Stars, you'll love to hear how Ben stumbled into used barrels and everything else he tried to flip in the process. Today, Midwest Barrel Company is brokering tons of used bourbon barrels and talks about how he develops his sales pipeline and acquires new customers. Show Notes: Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about price and quality opinions. How did you discover a business in used barrels? Do you remember for you first big score? Did you ever get in legal trouble buying and flipping stuff? What year did you buy your first barrels? How many empty barrels can you fit on a full truck? Who were your main customers? How did you figure out how to scale this business? How hard was it to let go of certain aspects of the business? How do you find new suppliers and new customers? Is this considered commodity trading? Is this a cutthroat industry where you are overbidding others? How fast can you turn around a barrel once you receive it? What are you doing when you steam a barrel? What other things are people making with barrels? How do you know what your pipeline looks like for sales and purchasing? 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 Man Winter Bourbon. This non-age stated bourbon is 109.8 proof and $160 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 26th 2024. Craft Spirits Data Project has released is 2023 data, New Riff Distilling announces a master distiller, and Green River Distilling will release its highly anticipated Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey.Show Notes: Craft Spirits Data Project has released is 2023 data New Riff has named a master distiller Diageo has lost its appeal to dismiss a lawsuit Lexington beams messages to outer space Green River Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey Multifarious and Purple Karma Pinnacle from Patty Green Whiskey Distillers Nelson Brothers Maple Cask Finish Woodford Reserve Double Double Oaked Bourbon @newriff @woodfordreserve @greenriverdistillingco @nelsonsgreenbrier Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cracking the can on a warm day sounds like something out of commercial. Over the past year we talked about the RTD or ready-to-drink category beginning to explode because of High Noon and now major bourbon brands are moving into the ready-to-drink space since the canned cocktails' accessibility, lower alcohol content, and mixability make them an appealing gateway for newcomers while still leveraging whiskey's premium status. Though launching requires significant investment, the potential for brand awareness and category growth is alluring. In this episode, Ryan, Fred, and Kenny sip on 5 different bourbon-based RTDs and give our theories on canned cocktail popularity, health concerns, ingredients, and where the category could expect to go. Show Notes: Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about the best rickhouse in the industry. Drinking Jim Beam Highball Why do brands decide to get into the RTD category? Drinking Jack Daniel's Honey Lemonade How important is sugar content in the RTD? Can RTDs be a gateway to more bourbon drinkers? Is it better to have brand recognition before starting a RTD? Drinking Home School Blood Orange Manhattan Is it too expensive to get into the RTD game? What is the shelf life of a RTD? How do you define a RTD? Drinking CANVAS Bourbon Lemon Spice Is Bourbon Cream a RTD? Do prefer carbonation or no carbonation? Drinking Thomas Ashborn Classic Old Fashion Does it matter what kind of bourbon you put into it? Where is this category going to go? Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Ironroot Harbinger Tribarrel Blend Bourbon. This bourbon is 132.8 proof and $86 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 19th 2024. Uber is shuttering alcohol delivery service Drizly, Woodford Reserve has partnered with award-winning gourmet chocolate brand for Valentines Day, and Old Forester® announces the newest release in its Whiskey Row Series 1924.Show Notes: Woodford Reserve partners with Compartés for Valentines Day RD1 Spirits has unveiled plans for its $4.8 million brand destination Uber Technologies is shuttering alcohol delivery service Drizly The States That Drink the Most Alcohol in America Diageo and Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs have settled their legal disputes Staghorn is opening its first distillery, Garrard County Distilling Co. Old Forester 1924 Garrison Brothers 2024 Guadalupe six-year-old Rabble Rouser Bottled-in-Bond Rye Whisky from Catoctin Creek @woodfordreserve @rd1spirits @compartes @vinepair @oldforester @garrisonbros @catoctincreek Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Now that we have our own bourbon with Pursuit Spirits, we're learning first hand how distributors can make or break your brand. There's a huge learning curve to understanding the lingo and just being able to communicate on the same page. But this can be maddening if you choose the wrong distributor that doesn't give you any attention and let's your brand go stale. We invited Johnny Foster to come back on the show to give us insights on how to work best with distributors. Johnny was a guest back on Episode 227 when he was a part of Smooth Ambler but now he's at Ragged Branch and leads their sales and distribution. He gives the pros and cons of selecting large versus boutique distributors, how to spend smartly on incentives, and targeted marketing funds. Ultimately though, motivating partners comes down to building authentic relationships through regular visits and communication. Show Notes: Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about the export market. What are you doing today at Ragged Branch? How do you motivate distributors without losing your damn mind? How do you tell a story and justify a higher price tag versus the big 6 staples? What can smaller distillers do to appeal to distributors? How do you guide people on choosing a distributor that is big or small? How do you spend money with a distributor through incentives and programs? What does it cost to get in-store displays? What dollar amount per case do you put towards programming? What makes a company look attractive for acquisition? What are successful methods for marketing and getting product off the shelf? Where do you put focus on chains vs independent stores? How do you protect yourself from contracts? 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 Bootleg Volume V Bourbon. This 18-year-old bourbon is 114 proof and $600 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 12th 2024. A new bourbon documentary comes out today called Bourbon Blaze, Rebel Bourbon has signed a sponsorship agreement with Richard Childress Racing, and Templeton Whiskey Unveils their Templeton Straight Bourbon.Show Notes: Spec's had their massive drop. So camping is alive and well. Bourbon Blaze: The Night That Tested America’s Spirit Banks Festival demonstrates its commitment to community impact Artisanal Spirits Company (ASC), owner of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS), has acquired US-based independent bottler Single Cask Nation Middle West Spirits has completed a new world-class distillery in Columbus, Ohio Rebel Bourbon has signed a sponsorship agreement with Richard Childress Racing Traveller Whiskey Templeton Straight Bourbon @specs1962 @bourbononthebanks @singlecasknation @middlewestspirits @rebelbourbon @templetondistillery Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is the first roundtable of 2024 and, as usual, we want to pack it with our best 2024 predictions of the year. Some may seem obvious, some may seem way out of left field, and some are even dreary. Yet, the current landscape of bourbon has changed so we're in for another wild ride in 2024! Show Notes: Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about drinking too much water. Our 2024 Predictions. Sorry, no spoilers. Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Little Book Chapter 7: In Retrospect Whiskey. This non-age stated whiskey is 118.1 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

Subscribe to Behind The Pursuit: From Bourbon to Brand We’ve talked for awhile now that as we’ve been bringing people in for tastings and experiences at the distillery, and it has been an amazing time to bring people in, that Kenny and Ryan have lead all those experiences. As fun as that is, it isn’t scalable to the business for that to always take place and we needed people to be an extension of Kenny and Ryan. People who can speak on their behalf, know the product, and can show folks a great time when they visit. As a fan suggestion to the podcast, today we are going to meet the new additions to the crew: Joe, Sarah, and Tim. There are so many directions we went with this episode, so don’t miss a minute of it. We hit on: What is everyone’s back story? How did everyone get into the industry? What led you to bourbon specifically? What does it look like to go through the University of Louisville’s Distilled Spirits program? How does Joe feel about being the most advanced Cicerone in Kentucky? Is there something about the brand, the guys, or the whiskey that surprised you about Pursuit Spirits? and much more. Be sure to visit pursuitspirits.com and click on Visit Us to book a tasting or barrel selection experience. For questions or topic requests on upcoming episodes, email us at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There was a huge buying frenzy during the pandemic, but where is the secondary market of bourbon headed? We saw a huge boom and that bubble is starting to deflate a bit. Nata Gana originally started as a whiskey-focused Instagram account and worked directly with brands, but has since evolved into a writer covering the entire spirits industry and has also began curating his own sample packs out in the market called Bevridge. As secondary whiskey market values skyrocketed the past decade, iconic bottles like Pappy Van Winkle became difficult to obtain, yet seem poised to stall. Nate gives his opinion on the state of collecting and what allocated bottles are worth the chase and where he sees the bottom falling out. Show Notes: Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about present day prohibition on our economy. How did you initially monetize your Instagram account? Are the guidelines changing for how brands have to interact with influencers? When did the transition change from Instagram to bring a writer? What is your philosophy on collecting and holding to sell versus flipping? What is the current state of the secondary market and will it rebound to where it was? Will Pappy Van Winkle sustain its current value? What whiskey category do you think has room to grow in value? Talk about your Bevridge sample packs. 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 Toasted Barrel Finish Rye Whiskey. This non-age stated rye is 108.9 proof and $120 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 December 29th 2023. Marianne Eaves is suing Castle & Key, RD1 Spirits in Lexington has announced plans to build a new location, and a look back on 2023.Show Notes: Anthony Dias Blue, founder of the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, has passed Marianne Eaves is suing Castle & Key Algoma Capital has closed a strategic transaction with Off Hours Bourbon Lawrenceburg Bourbon Company joins the KDA A new lawsuit against the federal ban on at-home distilling Federal tobacco regulators ban Luckee Vape Daniels branded products RD1 Spirits in Lexington has announced plans to build a new location. Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Single Batch Series: Batch 035: Centenary Cask Very Olde St. Nick Winter Maple Look back on our biggest accomplishments this year @mariannebmd @castleandkey @drinkoffhours @lawrenceburgbourbon @rd1spirits @chattwhiskey @preservationdistillery Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Becoming a global brand ambassador for a major spirits company like Jim Beam involves building close relationships throughout the three-tier distribution system and constantly adapting branding and marketing as consumer tastes evolve. We invited Tim Heuiseler on the show. He's gone from the behind the bar to traveling globe as a Brand Ambassador to preach the gospel of Jim Beam's small batch portfolio. We talk about how their offerings span everything from lower-proof introductory with Basil Hayden to the powerhouse that is Booker's and how to deliver that message consistently. In addition, he takes note of competitor innovations and emerging drink trends so they can launch new marquee expressions like Hardin's Creek to stay ahead of the game. Show Notes: Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about the length of decanted whiskey. How does one become a global brand ambassador? How much is involved in building relationships in the three tier system? Does the branding strategy change as consumer habits change? At what point does a brand have enough steam and you have to pivot and focus on a certain product? When you go international, how do you change a culture to adopt bourbon when they focus on other spirits? Is Basil Hayden your introductory whiskey for everyone? How do you replicate Fred and Freddie Noe into your own presentation? What does "small batch" mean to Jim Beam? Why get into single malt? When is the next Booker's Rye coming? If you see a competitor coming out with something new how do you report that back? 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 Special Release Heritage Tennessee Rye. This non-age stated rye is 100 proof and $75 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 December 22nd 2023. There's almost 3 barrels for every 1 person aging in Kentucky, the EU suspends the tariffs on American whiskey, and a new record has been set for unicorn whiskeys.Show Notes: There's almost 3 barrels for every 1 person aging in Kentucky Les Fugate earns Esprit de Corps Award Jack Daniel’s Country Cocktails moves production facilities The EU suspends the tariffs on American whiskey The Paddock Bourbon Club opens in Lexington A new record has been set for unicorn whiskeys Lazy K Bar Whiskey with Cole Hauser @kentuckybourbontrail @brownforman @jackdaniels_us @paddockbarlex @lazykbarwhiskey Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We've all been driving through bourbon country and been amazed at the rickhouses that paint the country side. But what goes into building and engineering those? Buzick Construction has a long family history in the whiskey business, with their family building multiple rickhouses for Jack Daniel's. Today, the average size of a rickhouse is 50,000 barrels, presenting engineering challenges compared to older 20,000 barrel ones in terms of weight load, airflow, and temperature control. We brought their President, Donald Blincoe, and chief engineer, Kevin Aldred, on the show to talk about what goes into building a rickhouse. We talk about different wood types, exterior materials, precise airflow design needs and humidity considerations. We also dive into the costs because a rickhouse run into the millions these days. Overall, Buzick has been the name in construction around Bardstown and has a reputation in these time-honored warehouses. Show Notes: Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about food and whiskey pairing Talk about the history of Buzick Construction How many rickhouses did your great grandfather build for Jack Daniel's? Do you have a patent on the ricking system? What's the average size of rickhouse today? How did the engineering change when going from 20,000 to 50,000 barrel rickhouses? Do you have to defend your plans to local governments and municipalities? What options do you have when building such as wood types? What's the usual cost for building a rickhouse? How do you design for airflow? Do you have to go into older buildings and modernize them? What is the preferred exterior material to use now? Does creating a heat controlled warehouse interfere with natural flow? Have there been any crazy requests for rickhouses like a smart rickhouse? Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Southern Star Paragon Single Barrel Cask Strength Wheated Bourbon. This non-age stated bourbon is 113.3 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 December 15th 2023. Pursuit Spirits is officially open for public tours, Heaven’s Door joins the Kentucky Distillers Association and Old Forester is releasing the newest 117 series Scotch Cask Finish.Show Notes: TikTok Live Featuring Kevin of Bourbon Notes and Pursuit United Give 270 launches 20/20 Unicorn Matt Porter becomes Master Blender at Barrel King Heaven’s Door Distillery joins KDA Pursuit Spirits is officially open for public tours Old Forester 117 Scotch Cask Finish Milam and Greene White-Tailed Buck Single Barrel Bourbon A. Smith Bowman Distillery Cask Strength Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey Empirical x Doritos Nacho Cheese Spirit @pursuitspirits @adhdwhiskey @barrelkingbourbon @heavensdoorwhiskey @oldforster @milamandgreenewhiskey @a.@smithbowman @empiricalph @doritos Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's the final Bourbon Community Roundtable of the year it's number 88. In typical fashion we have two topics. First is wondering why there isn't a consumer blowback when a brand gets acquired. It happens all the time in beer when a small craft brand is gobbled up by a large corporation and there is a small piece that dies. In the second half of the show we revisit our 2023 predictions to see who got it right and who got it wrong. Show Notes: Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about the expiration date of whiskey Why is there never consumer blowback when a bourbon brand get acquired? Let's review our 2023 predictions Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Angel's Envy Cask Strength Straight Rye Whiskey Finished in Sauternes and Toasted Oak Barrels. This finished rye is 114.4 proof and $270 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 December 8th 2023. Maker's Mark has filled its first Certified Regenified barrel of whisky, Blue Run is back with it's 12 Days of Bourbon series, and Pursuit United Bourbon Batch 11CD.Show Notes: American whiskey is staring down a 50 percent tax when sent to Europe Maker's Mark has filled its first Certified Regenified barrel of whisky Woodford Reserve is creating a sensorial experience at Istanbul International Airport Rabbit Hole Distillery announced the release of Amburana Chattanooga Whiskey is INTRODUCING: THE VAULT SERIES Pursuit United Bourbon Batch 11CD Milam & Greene Whiskey releases The Castle Hill Batch Three Wheel Horse Cigar Blend Bourbon Two limited distillery-only offerings of Very Olde St. Nick whiskeys Samuel Maverick Straight Triticale Whiskey Bottled-In-Bond Puncher’s Chance THE UNIFIED BELT Wilderness Trail Distillery’s 10th Anniversary limited-edition 10-Year-Old Wheated Bourbon Blue Run is back with it's 12 Days of Bourbon series Rebel Small Batch Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Three Chord Bourbon Backstage Series @makersmark @woodfordreserve @rabbithole @chattwhiskey @milamandgreenewhiskey @wheelhorsewhiskey @veryoldestnick @maverickdistilling @wildernesstrail @bluerunspirits @rebelbourbon @threechordbourbon Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Seagrass, Dovetail, Vantage, these are all names that we immediately associate to Barrell Bourbon. I'm excited to bring back two guests on the show, Joe Beatrice and Tripp Stimson, to talk about hitting their 10 year anniversary. Joe and Tripp reflect on their early vision for the company and how it's evolved from figuring out budgets and spending, learning from early batches, and how their decision to not follow the bourbon playbook of building a brand has been a success for them. We talk about expanding their facilities with a new rickhouse, reading consumer habits and trends, where the company will be next, and even Amburana. It's a fascinating look at the past decade and future vision of this fast-growing brand. Show Notes: Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about the difference between sourcing and contract distilling? 10 years ago, what was your vision for the company and how has that changed? What was your budget and figuring out where to spend the money? What the early feedback with those initial pitches and sourcing? Has the consumer switched from chasing states to chasing flavor? Did anyone tell you that going with cask strength was a bad idea? What have you learned from Batch 001 and do you feel the product has gotten better over time? How do you look at consumer habits and plan accordingly? Why did you come up with the derived mash bill? What is it about Amburana that you like or that can benefit in your blends? What are your new facilities like? Talk about the Yellowstone rickhouse you purchased? What does the next 10 years look like for you all? Do you feel like like your model is a hard target for an acquisition? @barrellbourbon 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 Discovery Series #11. This blend of 6, 10 and 13 year old bourbon is 118.1 proof and $140 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 December 1st 2023. Potential site for ‘bourbon complex’ hits the market in Shively, the Frazier History Museum is opening a special holiday exhibition Spirited Design featuring Old Forester’s Mid-Century Decanters, and Heaven Hill Distillery announced the release of the Fall 2023 edition of Old Fitzgerald.Show Notes: Owensboro 21 pallets of bourbon that were reported missing have been located Potential site for ‘bourbon complex’ hits the market in Shively The Frazier History Museum is opening a special holiday exhibition called Spirited Design: Old Forester’s Mid-Century Decanters Buzzard’s Roost Repeal Day Event Four Roses bourbon has launched its first-ever consumer advertising campaign The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board warns about fakes Commissioners of the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission reviewed changes to the agency's Chance to Purchase program Heaven Hill Brands announces two company facilities received the EPA’s first-ever ENERGY STAR certification The Kentucky Bourbon Trail received a Gold Traverse for its "Book Now, Bourbon Later" digital marketing campaign Old Forester is releasing the rarest bottle it has ever produced – a decanter to honor the brand’s 150th anniversary Castle & Key Distillery and Kentucky Black Bourbon Guild (KBBG release of The Untold Story of Kentucky Whiskey, Chapter 3 Broken Barrel Whiskey Co. has introduced Honey Smoke Reserva Jack Harlow joined forces with Knob Creek Jack Daniel Distillery introduces Distillery Series Selection #12, a Straight Tennessee Whiskey Finished in Oloroso Sherry Casks Fall 2023 edition of Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey at 8 years old @frazierhistorymuseum @oldforester @buzzardsroostwhiskey @heavenhillbrands @heavenhilldistillery @kentuckybourbontrail @castleandkey @_kbbg_ @brokenbarrelwhiskey @jackharlow @knobcreek @jackdaniels_us Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We rate bourbons all the time. But we've never really rated things that surround the product and the bourbon culture. In this episode, Ryan, Fred, and myself look at a bunch of subjects and ask whether it's under rated, over rated, or properly rated. From single barrel picks to bourbon-themed weddings, there's a lot to cover. We'll break down whether booker's boxes and wax dipping are gimmicks or genuinely enhance the experience. And what about all those whiskey influencers on YouTube, Instagram and Tiktok - are they spreading valuable knowledge or just hype? We'll also discuss whether tasting notes and bottled-in-bond really mean anything and if the Fred Minnick effect is real. Show Notes: Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about taters and hype around allocated products. Under rated? Over Rated? Or Properly Rated? Single Barrel picks A single barrel bottle from a brand Spirit awards Booker's boxes Wax Whiskey YouTube'rs Instagram and TikTok Bourbon tattoos Distillery weddings Bourbon barrel furniture Cooking with bourbon bottled in bond Tasting notes The Fred Minnick Effect 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. This 16 year old bourbon is 125.8 proof and $300 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

Subscribe to Behind The Pursuit: From Bourbon to Brand We’ve been up and running at the distillery for several weeks now. We’ve processed barrels, worked on blends, we’ve had friends and family and Patreon members in to help us iron out the experience that will soon be open to the public. While we recently had Kenny talk with us about the process to getting the distillery open, now we want to talk the fun part: what we have to show everyone. Join us today as we talk with the guys about what to expect from the soon-to-open bottle your own experience here at Pursuit HQ. We hit on: Will the experience always be led by Kenny and/or Ryan? Will it be a walk up location, or reservation only? What are you wanting guests to be able to experience here that may be unlike other distillery experiences? How has the experience been shaped with early practice? What have you learned in those first pilot tours? What has been the most common feedback you’ve received so far? and much more. For questions or topic requests on upcoming episodes, email us at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Let's say you want to start a new bourbon brand but you don't have generations of family heritage or an existing legacy to promote. So how do you get consumers to try something new instead of reverting to something like putting horses or barns on the labels? Branding today seems to require more storytelling than focusing just on the whiskey. One modern brand trying to break that mold is Frank August. I invited their CEO and Co-Founder, Johnathan Crocker on the show to talk about navigating this challenge and how they are reinventing branding in a crowded bourbon market without relying on a legacy. They're focused on creating an authentic modern brand that resonates with consumers. It's an interesting case study on building a bourbon brand from scratch in today's industry. Show Notes: Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about will the bourbon boom ever end? How did you get tied into whiskey and with Drew at Willett? Why create a new bourbon brand during COVID? How do you see yourself and brand fitting into this industry? What does the name Frank August mean? At what point does it feel like overthinking vs simple strategy? Would a consumer just like to buy a bottle with a horse on it instead of new labels? Does a brand have to speak directly to a specific demographic or can brands adapt? Historical brands like Old Forester and Heaven Hill sourced their whiskey at first so how did they adapt? Can you change the mindset of a whiskey drinker away from the staples like a horse or a barn? Do you have to talk about the story instead of the whiskey? Are any legacy brands that have successfully pivoted to tell a new story? @thefrankaugust Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this special edition of Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review the 2023 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection. The collection includes: Sazerac Rye 18 Year, Thomas H. Handy, Eagle Rare 17 Year, William Larue Weller, and George T. Stagg. Each bottle has a suggested retail price of $125. What's our favorite this year? Watch to find out. 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 November 17th 2023. There was an attempt to reroute 21 pallets of bourbon from the Glenmore Distillery, Dixon Dedman releases Gem of Kentucky, and Michter’s is dropping a 25 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon.Show Notes: Allied Market Research new report on bourbon growth Owensboro Police Department says there was an attempt to reroute 21 pallets of bourbon from the Glenmore Distillery 10th Anniversary of the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery opened its distillery in Frankfort Lost Lantern opens a tasting room 15 recipients of the American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund grants Conecuh Ridge Distillery is planning for a May 2024 opening KY state lawmakers being pushed for self-distribution Dread River Distilling Co. is releasing Master Series Batch 2 Dixon Dedman proudly presents Gem of Kentucky 291 Colorado Whiskey’s three new limited releases Westward Whiskey Milestone Great Lakes Distillery will be releasing its Still & Oak Black Friday Bourbon Frey Ranch American Single Malt Smoked Whiskey HIRSCH Selected Whiskeys debuts the third edition of The Single Barrel and the second edition of The Single Barrel Double Oak Dickel Bourbon Aged 18 Years Michter’s 25 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon @alliedmarketresearch @evanwilliamsbourbon @jmattingly1845 @lostlantern @westwardwhiskey @greatlakesdistillery @freyranch @michterswhiskey @lostlanternwhiskey @clydemayswhiskey @2xowhiskey @dixon_dedman Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's Bourbon Community Roundtable #87 and this one dives into a single topic that has perplexed me over the past few months. It seems that there are only a handful of brands people talk about yet there are over 2000 distilleries across the US. I would like to think the stigma of craft is changing but my newsfeed is always talking about the same select few. What makes us always gravitate to the big 6 or perhaps we should refer to as the big 7 now? Is it accessibility because it's on the shelf or could be on your shelf pending allocation? Is it marketing and the big brands can throw their weight around at the distributor level? Or is Big Bourbon just better than craft? Show Notes: Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about mocktails Is big bourbon just better than everything else? 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 Red Corn Bourbon Whiskey. This 4 year old bourbon is 100 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Subscribe to Behind The Pursuit: From Bourbon to Brand Pursuit United Private Selection is here. We previously talked with Kenny about turning the warehouse into a functioning distillery, but now that we’re up and running it is time to get liquid to lips. On today’s episode both Kenny and Ryan are on discussing what the PUPS program looks like for stores and groups as well as in-person experiences and what you may expect. We hit on: What was the genesis in how you started thinking about a private selection process? With your model of sourcing for Pursuit United with the different states and mash bills, how did that fold into the PUPS concept? We initially talked about doing a micro batch program for barrel selection, what were some of the flaws in this system which made you pivot to something different? Will there be offerings for both full barrel selection as well as a bottle-your-own experience? After your first in-person selection/tasting, did you identify things that you know you’ll need to change or do differently in the future? and much more. For questions or topic requests on upcoming episodes, email us at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The trend of cask finished whiskey is here to stay. It's run rampant over the past few years to the point that every single company has one. But how are barrels sourced? How many times can a barrel be used before it longer gives off those different flavors? To answer these questions and a lot more, I've invited Jessica Ann from H&A Barrel Management on the show. We've had the pleasure of knowing Jessica for many years. She recently got herself into the market of brokering barrels for different cask finishes. Jessica gives us the low-down on wine and exotic oak finishes and how difficult they can be to attain. There's a lot to break down such as types of oak, toast level, and if cooperage reputation has any prestige. With the wide variety available, we're going to see even more trends hit the market soon. Show Notes: Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks if Pappy is a NDP. How did you and Fred connect? How many times can a barrel be used for wine aging? Why is French Oak the preferred type for wine? If I need barrels, what do you have readily available? What does STR mean? How are different barrels valued? How many times can those barrels be re-used? In the used barrel market are there cooperages that have more prestige? What are some of the newest barrels people want that aren't common? Do customer's ever request different toast and char levels? How do you properly read a wine barrel? Talk about your barrel leasing program. How do you find out about the various oak species available? @bourboninsider Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Dragon's Milk Origin Bourbon. This 5 year old bourbon is 95 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's This Week in Bourbon for November 11th 2023. A new distillery is coming that is aging barrels in coal mines, Rabbit Hole Distillery announced the release of Seasong, and Buffalo Trace Distillery today announces the release of Eagle Rare 25.Show Notes: A new distillery is coming that is aging barrels in coal mines Rabbit Hole Distillery announced the release of Seasong Hard Truth Distilling Co. announced the release of Barrel Finished Reserve Wild Turkey has released a new whiskey that combines three generations of Bourbon making. The launch of Generations Proof & Wood Ventures has launched The Cabinet Buffalo Trace Distillery today announces the release of Eagle Rare 25 @rabbithole @hardtruthspirits @wildturkey @proofandwood @buffalotrace @buffalotracedistillery @brotherswrightdistillingco Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bourbon and charity go hand-in-hand. There has been millions of dollars raised thanks to donations and the willingness of others to purchase for a good cause. However, doing it legally is not an easy task. I invited Eric Clements and Kenny Rambo of Give 270 on the show to talk about being legit. They started Give270 by raffling rare bourbons in Elizabethtown, Kentucky to raise money for local charities. Their mission is to make participation affordable and fun through bourbon raffles. This model has proven successful, but required getting licensed for charitable gaming. The founders discuss how they transitioned from a 501C3 nonprofit to operating legally, as well as how they source rare bourbons, select beneficiary charities, do real paper raffles, and handle taxes. While rewarding, they note challenges in navigating regulations and finding inventory amidst secondary market demand. Show Notes: Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about single barrels not being regulated. Why did you all want to start doing alcohol reform in Elizabethtown, KY? What was the mission behind Give270? Do you feel the success of raffles are because of the secondary market? How did you move from a 501C3 to getting a charitable gaming license? Does the pool get bigger by having a raffle versus an auction? Do you really cut up names on a piece of paper and put them in a tumbler? Has there ever been a situation where you are underwater on a raffle? How do you discover and choose the charities you work with? What are the biggest challenges of trying to do all this the legal way? Are people letting you buy from their private collections? What sort of taxes are involved? Is there anything about the current system you would change? @give270 Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Thirteenth Colony Southern Bourbon. This 4-6 year old bourbon is 95 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's This Week in Bourbon for October 27th 2023. Bardstown Bourbon Company’s new tasting experience is now open in Louisville, Frank August has two new releases, and Knob Creek releases a skillet collaborationShow Notes: The Federal Trade Commission brings Total Wine & More into the Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits investigation Ky ABC threatens Doc Crow’s Southern Smokehouse & Raw Bar Bardstown Bourbon Company’s new tasting experience is now open in Louisville 2023 DtC Report shows more people want craft spirits shipped Flag Hill Distillery Releases New Hampshire’s First 10-Year-Old Bourbon Frank August has two new releases Michael Buble announces the launch of Fraser & Thompson Knob Creek partners with Smithey Ironware The Hardin’s Creek Kentucky Series @@totalwine @@doccrows @@bardstownbourbonco @@flag_hill @@fraserandthompson @@knobcreek @@thefrankaugust Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's guest is no stranger to the show. We've had the privelege of knowing Blake Riber of Seelbach's for many years. However, before he had Seelbach's he was a past guest on episode 007 when he was running one of the premier bourbon blogs on the internet called bourbonr. I wanted to invite Blake on the show to talk about the past few years because building an e-commerce business on bourbon, is no easy task. We talk about legal licensing, his first Purchase orders, and being scrappy by growing into his warehouses. Now he helps kickstart brands' success by giving them an online presence. He finds new customers through content marketing and builds loyalty through customer service. It's a story about passion, knowledge, and a little bit of luck. Show Notes: Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) asks if barrel proof will last in the bottle over time Are you going to give us an updated shirtless picture we can use on our website? What opportunity presented itself to go from a blogger to a whiskey e-commerce business? What was some of those early hurdle of getting people to order online? How are you finding new customers? What legal hurdles have been the toughest to overcome? Can you share what your warehousing situation was like versus today? Is it gratifying to look back and think about what's like to help kickstart some brand's success? How do you figure out inventory management and the challenges of doing this on e-commerce versus brick and morter? Were you searching for brands or are brands coming to you now to have that online retail presence? How are you trying to connect the brands and the consumers? How are you building customer loyalty? Can you share your initial investment to get your licenses and first POs to get your first sales? Are you see a trade down with de-premiumization and how consumers are shifting? What does growth look like now? Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices