Jake and Scott are back in the Bourbon Lens office and have lined up two powerhouse bottles from Heaven Hill’s wheated mashbill; Old Fitzgerald Bottled in Bond (a 9 year from Fall 2018) and Larcey Barrel Proof (Batch A121 featuring 6-8 year old bourbon). It is clear that wheated bourbons are a big hit in the bourbon world right now, partially attributable to the Pappy Van Winkle and Weller Bourbon craze.  But does Heaven Hill have some of the best wheated bourbons out right now? Hear our thoughts on this matchup of two Heaven Hill “Wheaters”. Jake also discusses his interest in becoming the “World’s Top Whiskey Taster” in Bardstown Bourbon Company’s competition. Bardstown Bourbon Company’s 2nd annual competition to find the World’s Top Whiskey Taster is COMING SOON!  Head to https://worldstopwhiskeytaster.com/ for all the details of how to enter, but here’s the quick rundown: Submit your application before August 15th, 2021. Qualified applicants will receive a link to complete a video interview between July 15th and August 15th. All interviews will be conducted and recorded online through MyInterview. BBCo. will ask 3 questions to get to know you. Selected contestants will be invited to compete in one of the five regional showdowns. Regional finalists will receive a trip to the Bardstown Bourbon Company distillery December 10 -12th, with the final showdown taking place on Saturday, December 11th. Go to WorldsTopWhiskeyTaster.com to enter.  We are thankful for everyone who has supported us over this journey. We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow  us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.  And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Visit our website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, or even purchase your own Bourbon Lens tasting glass or t-shirt. Cheers,Scott, Jake, & MichaelBourbon Lens Stock Bottle Images produced by Heaven Hill Distillery. Links: Here's How to Decode Elijah Craig (And Larceny) Barrel Proof Labels Heaven Hill Distillery Announces Release of Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Series World's Top Whiskey Taster | Presented by Bardstown Bourbon Co.  

You won’t find us reaching for the barrel proof bourbons often in the summer heat, so what do we reach for when the temperature rises? In this week’s episode, we discuss some of our favorite choices when summertime rolls around and we want to enjoy our favorite booze outside or poolside. Whether it’s low proof, on the rocks, finished whiskey, or the ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktail craze, we give you some ideas for this summer.  Let us know what you reach for as the weather warms up! Shoutout to Jim Beam for sending us over some of their latest Jim Beam Highball, ready-to-drink canned cocktails for us to try out and photo credit to Jim Beam as well. We are thankful for everyone who has supported us over this journey. We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow  us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.  And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Visit our website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, or even purchase your own Bourbon Lens tasting glass or t-shirt. Cheers,Scott, Jake, & MichaelBourbon Lens

Recently, we had the opportunity to sample 6 single barrels from Western Spirits Beverage Company; you may remember our previous episode. This was all in preparation for their upcoming release of Sam Houston Bourbon Release No. 6. We were honored to be selected, along with several other “bourbon influencers”, to help provide feedback that would contribute to a final batch for Release No. 6, a 15 year old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.  The Release is now on shelves and we were sent bottles of the final batch as a thanks for participating in this project for Sam Houston Bourbon.  Check out this episode to get all the details of Release 6 and our thoughts on the final blend. This was an awesome opportunity for us and we are so appreciative of Western Spirits Beverage Company and Sam Houston Bourbon.  This release is 103 proof / 51.5% alc/vol, non-chill filtered, and has an MSRP of $129.99.  Be sure to also check out Bourbon Lens Episode 121 where we tasted through the 6 barrels that were ultimately ranked and some were incorporated into this final batch. We are thankful for everyone who has supported us over this journey. We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow  us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.  And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Visit our website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, or even purchase your own Bourbon Lens tasting glass or t-shirt. Cheers,Scott, Michael, and JakeBourbon Lens

It’s National Bourbon Day and we are having a brand new bourbon this week. Will Schragis, Stellum Spirits’ Chief Sales & Innovation Officer, joins Bourbon Lens to chat about all things Stellum, whiskey industry, and the modern whiskey drinker. A wildly popular blending house, Barrell Craft Spirits, just created a more affordable spinoff brand (at $55, Will says it’s the best whiskey for the price on the market).  New from the team at Barrell, it’s Stellum Rye and Bourbon.  We are thankful for everyone who has supported us over this journey. We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow  us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.  And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Visit our website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, or even purchase your own Bourbon Lens tasting glass or t-shirt. Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens About Stellum Spirits A new national brand created to celebrate the modern-day whiskey drinker, officially launched its inaugural flagship offerings, including bourbon (blue label), rye (green label), and single barrels, which are all bottled at cask strength. By embracing the vitality of American whiskey today, Stellum is focused on creating the next generation of classic whiskeys that include all facets of the American story in its vision. The new brand is produced by Barrell Craft Spirits® (BCS), the award-winning independent blender and bottler of unique aged, cask-strength sourced whiskey and rum. Stellum strives to improve the flavor, process and ideals of traditional American whiskeys. American culture has always been about reaching towards modernity. Stellum looks beyond outdated assumptions of who whiskey drinkers (and whiskey makers) are to embrace that fundamentally progressive ethos. The launch of Stellum Spirits is the result of BCS’ years of industry-leading innovation in American whiskey. This new project investigates the importance of nuance and micro differentiation in a paired down and minimalist setting. Stellum is designed to be clean, straightforward, and remarkably polished. This is whiskey factored down to its most defining essentials, blended and packaged with an eye towards clean lines and definition. “We wanted to create a brand that brings American Whiskey into the modern age with simple elegant blends and single barrels selected with care and intention,” said Founder Joe Beatrice. “Our whiskeys are created through a rigorous process of study, observation, and experimentation. We are driven by progress, polish and—above all—attention to detail. We will always think critically about how to make our whiskey better.” Joe is intimately involved with every step of the production process, using his exceptional palate to choose and create great spirits alongside Chief Whiskey Scientist Tripp Stimson, Chief Product Innovation Officer Will Schragis, and Assistant Blender Nic Christiansen. Stellum Bourbon is bottled at 114.98 proof (57.49% ABV) while Stellum Rye is bottled at 116.24 proof (58.12% ABV). Both expressions have an SRP of $54.99 and are available at select retailers in 45 U.S. markets and online via the Stellum website at www.stellum.com. For more information, follow Stellum Spirits on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or visit www.stellum.com. Image Courtesy of Stellum Spirits. About Will Schragis - Chief Sales Officer & Chief Product Innovation Officer A graduate of Wesleyan University and the Culinary Institute of America, Will started his career in drinks as a bartender and intern distiller at Kings County Distillery in Brooklyn, New York. After a stint in Napa Valley, he returned to New York to work as a sommelier in Eli Zabar’s family of restaurants and wine shops.  Later, he moved to Zachys Retail and Auction, one of the world’s leading fine wine and spirits retailers, where he managed sales and purchasing for the spirits department. It was there he met Joe, when Zachys became one of the very first retailers to carry Barrell Bourbon Batch 001. From retail, Will transitioned his interest in terroir to a position managing brand development for Spiribam (then called House of Agricole) in Texas and the East Coast. There, he oversaw the growth of flagship super-premium rum brands like Rhum Clément, Rhum J.M., and Rhum Damoiseau. In May of 2016, Will joined Barrell Craft Spirits as National Director. He works closely with our distributors and key accounts, and has an active role in product development. Will is also responsible for compliance, communications, incentives, planning, and market work. When he’s not busy spreading the word about the wonders of Barrell Craft Spirits, he also guest lectures on distillation science at his alma mater, the Culinary Institute of America.

Our first Bourbon Lens Barrel Pick is now available for purchase! Jake and Scott sit down in the Bourbon Lens Office to taste through the unique finished bourbon we picked from Starlight Distillery.  This is a 4 ½ Year Old, Straight Bourbon distilled by Starlight and finished in a French, Sauternes Wine Cask.  The bourbon is available for purchase via Shared Pour for $59.99.  Be sure to head there to get yours before it sells out: SharedPour.com.   We are thankful for everyone who has supported us over this journey. We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.  And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Visit our website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, or even purchase your own Bourbon Lens tasting glass or t-shirt. Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens   Link to Purchase - via SharedPour.com Our full tasting notes on the Starlight Sauternes-Finished Bourbon  

Jake and Scott catch up about life and bourbon as they sip through 3 different Bulleit Bourbons. Scott recently had the opportunity to help a local store, Bottles Unlimited in New Albany, IN select a barrel of 11 year old Bulleit. And thanks to some help from Bottles Unlimited, we were able to secure two more limited bottlings of Bulleit to taste them side-by-side with this 11 year old store pick called “Quarantine Breakout”. The barrel is available now at Bottles Unlimited and we recommend you heading there to grab a bottle before it’s gone.  Big thank you to Kyle Denson from Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits and Diageo for the lineup. Bottles Unlimited is located: 427 State StreetNew Albany, IN 47150(812) 945-6765 We are thankful for everyone who has taken the time to give us feedback on our podcast.  If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.  And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Visit our website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, or even purchase your own Bourbon Lens tasting glass or t-shirt. Cheers,Scott, Jake, & MichaelBourbon Lens   About Bulleit Single Barrel Bourbon - “Quarantine Breakout” Private Selection from Bottles Unlimited New Albany Indiana: An 11 year old, 104 proof bourbon that was selected by a team of friends of Bottles Unlimited, including Lora, Kyle, Clayton, and Scott from Bourbon Lens on February 4, 2021. Selected from 6 blind samples, this barrel was the clear winner amongst the group and has a unique taste profile that is sweet with a bit of funk. This bourbon reminded us of the Kentucky State Fair; fried dough, sweet and savory notes, sweet corn, and a little bit of spice. It’s an easy drinker that is sure to impress those seeking something out of the ordinary from Bulleit. About Bulleit Bourbon 10 Year Old: Aged in charred American white oak, select Bulleit Bourbon barrels were set aside to age for 10 years. The result is a special expression of Bulleit that provides a rich, deep, incredibly smooth sipping experience. About Bulleit Blenders’ Select Bourbon: Limited-edition 100 proof bourbon that selectively mingles three of the ten distillates used in our flagship Bulleit Bourbon. These three distillates are each aged for a minimum of nine years. Hand-selected from more than 100 distinct liquids, this blend was painstakingly crafted by our blender Eboni Major to achieve a unique taste profile that is distinctly Bulleit in character. Links: In focus: Is the era of major drinks mergers over? Speculation mounts on Pernod Ricard, Brown-Forman merger MyCigarPack.com - Use BOURBONLENS10 for $10 your 1st month of cigars Bottles Unlimited in New Albany Indiana Aged Bourbon | Bulleit 10 Year  Bulleit Barrel Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey | Bulleit Is Your Bulleit pick really Four Roses? — Whiskey Neat

It’s Kentucky’s newest distillery; Log Still Distillery is located in Gethsemane (just outside of Bardstown in Southern Nelson County). We toured the 300-acre “Dant Crossing” property with Founder and President, Wally Dant.  Wally, along with his family, Lynne and Charles Dant, are taking on this large project to create a “destination distillery” that is perfect for the whole family. Wally discussed the Dant family history in Nelson County and his efforts to revive the family name in the World of Kentucky Bourbon. He also shared two whiskey offerings that are going to be available at the Log Still tasting room; Monk’s Road Fifth District Series, a 6 year old Kentucky Straight Bourbon and Rattle & Snap, a Limited Release 8 year old 103 proof Tennessee Whiskey.  The Tasting Room is Now Open: Sunday 11 am - 5 pm Tuesday - Wednesday 10 am - 6 pm  Thursday - Saturday 10 am - 5 pm Bar is Open:  Thursday - Saturday 5-10 pm We are thankful for everyone who has taken the time to give us feedback on our podcast.  If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.  And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Visit our website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, or even purchase your own Bourbon Lens tasting glass or t-shirt. Cheers,Scott, Jake, & MichaelBourbon Lens About Log Still Distillery Our story begins with our forefather Joseph Washington Dant and an old hollowed-out poplar log. With it, he fashioned a still and gave birth to the Dant family’s place in bourbon lore with a legacy all our own. In 1836, he started a story of heritage, and Kentucky bourbon has flowed through our family’s veins ever since.  Seven generations later, we’re building something new at our old Kentucky home. Spearheaded by J.W. “Wally” Dant and cousins Lynne and Charles, Log Still aims to combine the age-old craftsmanship of distilling with the camaraderie and spirit of a family-owned business. And because family is at the heart of what we do, we view every bottle as a nod of respect to the past. Log Still is Wally Dant’s tribute to his father, forefathers and their contributions to bourbon history. About J.W. “Wally” Dant We call him founder, foreman and fearless leader. You can call him Wally.  As president/distiller, Wally Dant works hard every day to bring his vision for Log Still Distillery to life. And to Wally, it’s about more than quality spirits and an unforgettable destination. It’s about revival.  The great-great-great-grandson of bourbon legend Joseph Washington Dant, Wally is keeping his family’s rich legacy alive as he builds upon the same land in southern Nelson County where his forefathers once made spirits. “To be able to put our name on a bottle again is pretty important.” Log Still is Wally’s way of honoring the Dant family name and giving back to the community he credits for providing his family with values and love. And drawing from years of experience in the health care and liquor industries, this business-savvy entrepreneur is the right man for the job. Wally dreams big, and he won’t stop until he sees those dreams come to fruition. And the future? Log Still is still family-owned and run by the Dants. If he’s not hard at work reviving the Log Still legacy, you can likely find him making garden-fresh salsa, hot sauce or ketchup, or cooking up a chef-like meal for friends and family. Product – Available in the Log Still Tasting Room - Opened May 18, 2021 Monk’s Road Fifth District Series With Monk’s Road Fifth District Series, we tip our hat to the historic tax district of Central Kentucky, deeply seeped in bourbon lore. With this rotating series of hand selected spirits, we honor a rich tradition of nearly lost fifth district distilleries. It’s all part of a long line of rotating Bluegrass-inspired bourbons created with the same ingenuity and fortitude made famous by our forefathers. So just this once, let’s celebrate the taxman. This first Limited Release pays homage to Cold Spring Distillery, a historic distillery in southern Nelson County, Ky., founded by J.B. Dant in the 1800s. The Cold Spring name harkened back to the spring where, even in the summer, the water stayed cool enough that the distillery could continue to operate. This 6-year-old bourbon masterfully blends notes of corn, rye and malted barley for a product that revives the spirit of the original. Monk’s Road Dry Gin Our essential gin is a unique offering from our Kentucky hills, with a delicate balance of distinctly complementary botanicals. We’ve married watermelon rind with zests of orange and lemon for a bright and fresh flavor – creating the perfect gin for all seasons and palates. Sip it slow and neat or dress it up in a cocktail. This palate pleaser possesses an air of refinement. Monk’s Road Barrel Finished Gin Utilizing our bourbon barrels, we handcrafted this barrel finished gin in homage to the rolling Kentucky hills we call home, allowing fresh botanicals of coriander, cranberry, juniper and nutmeg to develop and mature into the perfect flavor profile. Smooth and complex with a subtle waft of smoke, Monk’s Road Barrel Finished Gin nods to the pride of place, tradition and legacy for which the Dant family is known. Rattle & Snap Tennessee Whiskey Several varieties of straight and flavored whiskeys will be available soon for patrons who may want to branch out from traditional, Kentucky Bourbon.   About Dant Crossing Approximately an hour’s drive from both Louisville and Lexington, Dant Crossing is a picturesque, 300-plus acre campus with a slew of amenities and activities for the whole family. It will be a one-of-a-kind destination for unforgettable weddings, memorable corporate events, day trips, and weekend getaways and will be anchored by Log Still Distillery. The amenities at the campus will include a network of wooded walking trails, a fully functional private train depot connected to the Kentucky Railroad Museum, an outdoor amphitheater, farm-to-table restaurant, 12-acre lake for fishing, and four unique lodging options including the recently opened B&B, The Homestead and Poplar Cottage. These features along with those of Log Still Distillery will create an immersive experience that’s rooted in the community and culture in and around Gethsemane, Ky. For more information, visit dantcrossing.com. The Homestead Bed & Breakfast Features/Amenities: Five Bedrooms for rent, each named after a woman in the Dant family Breakfast included (made by Hostess Amy Dant) Game Room Washer/Dryer Community Kitchen Learn more about each room at dantcrossing.com. The Poplar Cottage Amenities: Sleeps up to eight Lakefront location Links: Log Still Distillery - Official Website Instagram - Log Still Distillery  Facebook - Log Still Distillery Twitter - Log Still Distillery  Story on the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Log Still Distillery Dant Crossing Website Instagram - Dant Crossing Facebook - Dant Crossing Twitter - Dant Crossing 

Two heavy-hitting craft distilleries go head-to-head as Scott and Jake discuss their spin on Double Oaked Rye Whiskey. There’s no question that the Bourbon Lens is a big fan of these two craft distilleries; Starlight and Peerless. We were excited to have the chance to compare their unique rye whiskies. Here’s the “Tale of the Tape”: Peerless “Double Oak I” Single Barrel Rye Whiskey: Proof: 109.4 Age: Undisclosed (estimated 3-5 years) Price: $32 / 200 mL (Distillery Only: Purchase here) Mashbill:  Undisclosed Unique Traits:  Sweet Mash process, “Bourbon Drinker’s Rye” Fighting Out of: Louisville Kentucky Starlight Old Rickhouse Double Oaked Rye Whiskey: Proof: 112.4 Age: 5 years + 3-8 months in second new oak Price: $59.99 / 750 mL Mashbill:  90% Rye, 10% Malted Barley Unique Traits:  5 year air dry oak Fighting Out of: Starlight, Indiana *Label Images via TTB We are thankful for everyone who has taken the time to give us feedback on our podcast.  If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.  And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Visit our website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, or even purchase your own Bourbon Lens tasting glass or t-shirt. Cheers,Scott, Jake, & MichaelBourbon Lens Links: Starlight Distillery Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co. Peerless Double Oak - Purchase online, pick up at distllery Bourbon Lens Episode 65 with Starlight Distillery Bourbon Lens Episode 35:  Inside the Kentucky Peerless Speakeasy  

Thank you to Rabbit Hole Distillery for the opportunity to sit down with Founder, Kaveh Zamanian, to discuss his Founder’s Collection series and the history of the distillery. We sipped an ultra limited, ultra premium 15 year old Mizunara Cask Finished Bourbon as well as the original Founder’s Collection bottling of Cask Strength, 6 year old Boxergrail Rye Whiskey. We also discussed some exciting upcoming plans for the distillery, including Heigold Bourbon Single Barrel Picks - coming in June and the re-opening of the distillery after over a year of being closed for visitors (currently targeting June 22, 2021).  If you want more details on the full whiskey and spirits lineup from Rabbit Hole, make sure you check out our previous episode with Rabbit Hole as well. We are thankful for everyone who has taken the time to give us feedback on our podcast.  If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.  And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Visit our website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, or even purchase your own Bourbon Lens tasting glass or t-shirt. Cheers,Scott, Michael & JakeBourbon Lens Links: Rabbit Hole Distillery Rabbit Hole Productions 94: Heading Down the Rabbit Hole - Distillery Tour & Bourbon Tasting - Bourbon Lens 

It’s no secret that there are some incredible 15 year old Kentucky Bourbons hitting shelves over the last year. Recently, we had the opportunity to sample 6 excellent single barrels from Western Spirits Beverage Company; all in preparation for their upcoming release of Sam Houston Bourbon Batch 6. We were honored to be selected, along with several other “bourbon influencers”, to help provide feedback on a specialized tasting kit of 6 unique barrels. Our feedback will help Western Spirits Beverage Company narrow down a taste profile for the final batch.  This was a great opportunity for us and we decided to record our thoughts during this podcast.  We hope you enjoy this episode and that you have the chance to check out the final batch when it releases in about a month.  It is anticipated to release as a small batch (3 barrels) at 103 proof / 51.5% alc/vol, non-chill filtered, and carry an MSRP of $129.99.  We will follow up with another podcast once the final batch is released. A huge thank you to Western Spirits Beverage Company for including us in this project. Also, we are so thankful for everyone who has taken the time to give us feedback on our podcast.  If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.  And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Visit our website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, or even purchase your own Bourbon Lens tasting glass or t-shirt. *Image credit: Western Spirits and Sam Houston Bourbon Cheers,Scott, Michael & JakeBourbon Lens

This week’s guest is Michael Myers, Founder of Distillery 291 in Colorado.  Michael left his career in fashion photography to start a distillery in Colorado and never looked back.  We taste through several of their bourbons and ryes in this week’s episode and experience their unique aspen stave finished whiskey.   We are thankful for everyone who has taken the time to give us feedback on our podcast.  If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.  And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Visit our website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, or even purchase your own Bourbon Lens tasting glass or t-shirt. Cheers,Scott, Michael & JakeBourbon Lens   Whiskeys Tasted During Episode Small Batch Bourbon - 100 proof, finished with aspen wood staves Small Batch Rye - 101.7 proof, finished with aspen wood staves Barrel Proof Bourbon - 128.9 proof, finished with aspen wood staves Barrel Proof Rye - 130.6 proof, finished with aspen wood staves   About Distillery 291 Distillery 291 is an award winning, small batch whiskey distillery nestled in the stunning foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the distillery sits in the shadow of Pikes Peak where owner and founding distiller, Michael Myers, a former New York City fashion and beauty photographer, with a love of whiskey and passion for the old west, aims to replicate the taste, smell and folklore of that time, to create a one of a kind, bold and beautiful, Colorado Whiskey. Rugged, Refined, Rebellious. Myers set out to create a flagship whiskey that evoked the Wild West. He grew up on rural family farms in Georgia and Tennessee, across a countryside defined by rolling hills, horses, Jack Daniels and George Dickel. For decades since then, he carried with him an iconic vision of a cowboy walking into a bar, saying give me a whiskey, and the bartender slamming down a bottle — that bottle would be 291 Colorado Whiskey. Myers built his original still from copper photogravure plates that he had once used to create enduring photographic scenes, from western landscapes to the Chrysler Building.  On September 11, 2011 — ten years after 9/11 changed his life and the lives of so many others — Myers pulled his first whiskey off of that still, building his future in whiskey, off his passion for photography. 291 Colorado Whiskey is “Hardmade the Colorado Way”. Today (and since day one), Distillery 291 is distilling, from grain, to barrel, to bottle, by hand, from scratch, ten distinctive Colorado whiskeys. Utilizing grains from the Colorado plains and water collected from Pikes Peak reservoirs, Myers turned his artist’s eye towards whiskey and hasn’t looked back. Everything matters. 291 Colorado Whiskey has earned bushels of national and international awards for its spirits with the unique character and flavor of a bygone era. Named World’s Best Rye-2018 by World Whiskies Awards, 7 Liquid Golds from Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible, multiple Double-Gold in San Francisco World Spirits Competition, nods from IWSC and Spirits Business Journal and many other notable awards,  291 Colorado Whiskey embodies traditions of the past married with the boldness of the future.  That said, what will always define Distillery 291 is its spirit, passion permeates every sip.  291 Colorado Whiskey. Hardmade the Colorado way. Links: How A Fashion Photographer Became One of Colorado's Most Innovative Craft Distillers From Angelina Jolie to Whiskey, 291 Distiller Is Ready To 'Battle' Kentucky Bourbon Craft in Colorado 291 Colorado Whiskey - Award Winning Whiskeys and Bourbons Distillery 291 Is Making Some of the West's Finest Whiskey – Robb Report Colorado's Craft Spirits Scene Is Booming. Drink Straight From The Source At These 10 Distilleries.

Old Carter Whiskey Co. has six new batches of whiskey on the horizon and we were fortunate enough to taste through each with Founders, Mark and Sherri Carter. The Carters invited Bourbon Lens to their tasting room in Downtown Louisville for an early look at Batches 7, 8, 9, and 10 of their latest bourbons and Batches 5 & 6  of the American Whiskey. Each batch is bottled at barrel strength and comes packed with a ton of flavor. Enjoy this week’s episode, a sneak peek of the upcoming releases from Old Carter Whiskey Co.  We are thankful for everyone who has taken the time to give us feedback on our podcast.  If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.  And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Visit our website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, or even purchase your own Bourbon Lens tasting glass or t-shirt. Cheers,Scott, Michael & JakeBourbon Lens About Old Carter Whiskey Co.   Old Carter Whiskey Co is the passion project of Mark and Sherri Carter. They began their beverage endeavors in the wine business, producing fine wines in Napa Valley with their Carter Cellars Cabernets garnering eleven perfect 100 point scores from critics. The whiskey business found them several years ago when they partnered with a Kentucky friend to resurrect a long dormant bourbon brand. That brand did well and sold in 2017, but by then the Carters were hooked on the process of making and blending whiskies, as well as the state of Kentucky. So they started Old Carter Whiskey Co to carry on their love affair with whiskey making. They now produce Straight Ryes, Bourbons and American Whiskey in Kentucky and have an Old Carter showroom in Louisville. Mark and Sherri handle all aspects of the business themselves, from creating new blends and selecting single barrels, to designing and handwriting each individual label per bottling. It is a very hands-on approach and has allowed them to continue to create together. Old Carter is truly a labor of love. Image Courtesy of Old Carter Whiskey Co.

Our guest this week is Brian Prewitt, Master Distiller for A. Smith Bowman Distillery in Virginia.  We discuss the history of the distillery, Brian's background in the beer, wine and spirits industries, and the variety of bourbons that the distillery releases.  We also taste through John J. Bowman Single Barrel Bourbon and Bowman Brother Small Batch Bourbon. We are thankful for everyone who has taken the time to give us feedback on our podcast.  If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.  And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Visit our website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, or even purchase your own Bourbon Lens tasting glass or t-shirt. Cheers,Scott, Michael & JakeBourbon Lens About Master Distiller Brian Prewitt: Brian’s interest in the beverage industry was peaked when he landed a job at a brewery while attending Colorado State University obtaining his bachelor’s degree in food science.   Upon graduation, Prewitt further honed his interest for brewing and distilling by completing the Master Brewers Program at University of California, Davis.  From there, he joined The Great Divide Brewing Company in Denver, Colo., eventually becoming its brewer. When Prewitt saw an opportunity to try his hand at distilling spirits instead of beer, he jumped at the chance to join E&J Distilleries in Modesto, Calif. and was eventually named Senior Distiller.  It was at E&J that Prewitt was able to train under two Master Distillers with a combined experience of more than 70 years in the art of distillation, learning about raw material selection, fermentation, distillation, and maturation. Brian was named Master Distiller at the A. Smith Bowman Distillery in 2013, and he is excited to carry on the Bowman family tradition of award-winning products while introducing some new offerings as well. A native of Colorado, Brian now lives in Fredericksburg, Va. with his wife and three children. About A. Smith Bowman Smith Bowman's distilling roots date back to the years before Prohibition when the Bowman family had a granary and dairy farm in Sunset Hills, Virginia. They used excess grain from the family estate to distill spirits. In 1934, after the Repeal of Prohibition, Abram Smith Bowman and his sons continued the family tradition and built a more modern distillery in Fairfax County, Virginia called Sunset Hills Farm.  The Distillery was moved in 1988 and is now nestled in Spotsylvania County near the city of Fredericksburg, 60 miles away from the original location. As a small and privately owned company, A. Smith Bowman Distillery continues the time-honored traditions on which it was founded. Considered a micro-distillery by today's standards, A. Smith Bowman produces an assortment of hand-crafted spirits distilled from only the finest natural ingredients and using the latest technology. This micro-distillery focuses on the production of premium spirits honoring the legacy of Virginia's first settlers. As Virginia’s oldest and most award-winning distillery, its various brands have earned numerous prestigious awards over the years, including John J. Bowman Single Barrel, which received a gold medal at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. For more information on A. Smith Bowman, please visit www.asmithbowman.com. Links: A. Smith Bowman Distillery Website  A. Smith Bowman Distillery's Brian Prewitt Appointed to the Virginia Spirits Board by Gov. Ralph Northam Whisky Magazine Names John J. Bowman America's Best Non-Kentucky Single Barrel Bourbon You Need to Start Drinking A. Smith Bowman's Whiskey Whisky magazine awards A. Smith Bowman Bourbons bronze medals at 2021 American World Whiskies Awards What Is "Small Batch" Whiskey And Why Are We Arguing About It?

We’re joined by singer-songwriter Drew Holcomb. Drew talks about his career as musician, his band Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors, his involvement in Sweetens Cove Bourbon, and his life as a husband and father in today’s world. Sweetens Cove allows Drew to combine his love for whiskey (and whisky), Tennessee pride, and the resurrection of a golf course. You’ve heard about Sweetens Cove previously on Bourbon Lens Episode 85 featuring Marianne Eaves, the Master Blender behind the bourbon. We appreciate you tuning in this week as we visit the music industry and we hope you'll check out Drew's music. We are thankful for everyone who has taken the time to give us feedback on our podcast.  If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.  And please check out our Patreon page to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Visit our website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, or even purchase your own Bourbon Lens tasting glass or t-shirt. This episode is brought to you by Premium Bar Products. Thanks for their support in producing this week’s podcast. To customize glassware for your home bar, visit: https://premiumbarproducts.com  Cheers,Scott, Michael & JakeBourbon Lens   About Drew: Drew Holcomb and his band the Neighbors’ songs have always charged his listeners’ hearts and minds while inspiring them to think, feel, dance, and love, never more so than on his 2019 album Dragons. His most collaborative to date, the record is his first with featured artists and songwriters including Lori McKenna, Natalie Hemby, Sean McConnell, The Lone Bellow, and Ellie Holcomb. With several critically acclaimed albums under his belt, Holcomb has been featured by NPR, Rolling Stone, Entertainment Weekly, Billboard, CMT and more. An Emmy Award-winner with his music synced in over 75 of TV’s most watched shows, Holcomb has also appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! twice, most recently for his collaborative EP, Goodbye Road, with JOHNNYSWIM performing their resounding single “Ring the Bells” in summer of 2018. Among Holcomb’s ambitious projects are his Moon River Music Festival, an annual event benefitting local and national non-profits and Magnolia Record Club, a monthly vinyl subscription service, both curated meticulously by Holcomb himself. A road warrior for more than a decade, Holcomb has spent adulthood traveling from place to place with a catalog of vibrant, honest songs that explore the full range of American roots music. Holcomb & crew have appeared at Bonnaroo, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, Stagecoach and more, while sharing stages with legendary artists including Willie Nelson, Amos Lee, Don Henley, John Hiatt, Zac Brown Band and The Avett Brothers. Links: Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors Website Rolling Stone - How Drew Holcomb Quietly Became One of Americana's Most Popular Stars  Drew’s most recent single: Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors - I Need To Go Somewhere The band’s most recent studio album: Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors - Dragons Kitchen Covers - The Collection Your Dreams Don’t Belong to You | Drew Holcomb | TEDxMemphis  Sweetens Cove Spirits Website Photo Credits:  Drew Holcomb and Sweetens Cove

We sit down with Jason Brauner and some "Sippin' Whiskey" at Bourbon's Bistro in Louisville.  We discuss Jason’s experiences in the bourbon world, owning a highly regarded restaurant with an extensive selection of bourbon, and owning his own Whiskey brand.  Buzzard’s Roost Sippin’ Whiskey is a brand that relies on Jason’s palate and experience to craft unique barrel finished (double barreled) rye whiskey.  We are thankful for everyone who has taken the time to give us feedback on our podcast.  If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.  And please check out our Patreon page to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Visit our website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, or even purchase your own Bourbon Lens tasting glass or t-shirt. This episode is brought to you by Premium Bar Products. Thanks for their support in producing this week’s podcast. To customize glassware for your home bar, visit: https://premiumbarproducts.com  Cheers,Scott, Michael & JakeBourbon Lens   ABOUT BUZZARD’S ROOST: The story of Buzzard’s Roost started nearly two decades ago with one man’s goal to educate people about whiskey. From the opening of the first bourbon-focused bar - Bourbon’s Bistro to pioneering the idea of barrel selection for restaurants, Company Founder and Master Blender Jason Brauner has always been at the forefront of whiskey. After taking part in more than a 100 barrel selections over his career, Jason is embarking on his most exciting challenge yet  - Buzzard’s Roost Sippin’ Whiskey, a Rye he designed with the bourbon drinker in mind.  His goal with Buzzard’s Roost is still the same as it was 19 years ago,  to educate and share his love of whiskey. THE PROCESS: We start by sourcing the best aged whiskey we can find, but the real magic is in our barrels. We use only brand new, 53-gallon white oak barrels that are carefully toasted and very lightly charred. Each one is designed from the ground up to deliver a specific flavor profile. We work closely with our cooperage to tweak every parameter of the barrel  - from the seasoning to the charring to the development of our custom toast profiles. All of our barrels are unique and proprietary to our company, giving Buzzard’s Roost a truly one-of-a kind flavor. After resting only a few weeks in our new barrels, the whiskey is purposefully transformed and ready for bottling. ABOUT JASON BRAUNER: Since opening Bourbon's Bistro in 2005, Jason has had an active single barrel program allowing him to work side-by-side with many of Kentucky's leading master distillers. Through those relationships, he not only has gained a tremendous amount of knowledge but also garnered the respect of those distillers.  Jim Rutledge says: “If I could pick an understudy for J.W. Rutledge Distillery when it gets going it would be Jason. That is how much I respect his passion and his palate”.  The knowledge gained through these distillers combined with his overall passion for the industry grew into a desire for Jason to go from just selling whiskey to making whiskey. ABOUT THE WHISKIES: Single Barrel Buzzard’s Roost Rye Whiskey  105 PROOF A unique and award-winning bottling from one of our favorite barrels in the warehouse. Barrel Strength Buzzard’s Roost Rye Whiskey 113-116 PROOF Our most prized barrels are offered to you uncut, unfiltered, straight out of the barrel.  Bottled from a single barrel, only a select few barrels will meet the criteria to be offered at Barrel Strength. Very Small Batch Buzzard’s Roost Rye Whiskey 105 PROOF​ Tastefully and carefully blended from only a few barrels in our stock, each batch is always different, always delicious. Toasted Barrel Buzzard’s Roost Rye Whiskey 105 PROOF A thoughtfully blended three-year-old rye whiskey that’s finished in one-of-a-kind toasted barrels which lend a vanilla character LINKS: Buzzard's Roost WhiskeyFrom festivals to cities, here are places to go if you love bourbon A Look at Jason Brauner's Role in the Bourbon Boom — The ABV Network A Bourbon Maker's Guide to The Best Bars in Louisville Planning the Perfect Bourbon Pilgrimage to Louisville, Kentucky

We are joined by the co-founders of Blue Run Spirits to talk about their new, premium Kentucky Bourbon. Their first batches released in late 2020 - early 2021, each a 13 year old sourced Kentucky Bourbon.  Mike Montgomery and Jesse McKnight are the co-founders and have created a unique and diverse team to help grown this brand. Blue Run Bourbon was selected and blended with the assistance and expertise of Jim Rutledge, former Master Distiller of Four Roses. Blue Run has exciting plans for future limited batches, including single barrels and their own aged distillate.  We appreciate the Blue Run Spirits’ team for providing us the opportunity to try their fall and winter batches of Blue Run Kentucky Straight Bourbon.  We are thankful for everyone who has taken the time to give us feedback on our podcast.  If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.  And, please check out our Patreon page to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Visit our website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, or even purchase your own Bourbon Lens tasting glass or t-shirt. This episode is brought to you by Premium Bar Products. Thanks for their support in producing this week’s podcast. To customize glassware for your home bar, visit: https://premiumbarproducts.com Cheers,Scott, Michael & JakeBourbon Lens   About Blue Run Spirits: Blue Run Spirits is a new kind of spirits company, creating a unique luxury proposition by tapping into the deep heritage and craft that makes a truly great whiskey, then elevating it through a modern design and marketing lens to reach a younger, broader and more diverse whiskey drinker.   The company’s founders include a Nike designer, the first director-level employee at Facebook, a hospitality executive, a political advisor, and a philanthropist – all huge whiskey fans and individuals who acutely understand how to build demand and buzz for a contemporary consumer product. They are backed by a team of advisors including Nike marketing experts; the Campari communications veteran behind the US launch of Espolòn Tequila and the Aperol Spritz; a former vice president of innovation from Brown-Forman; a former spirits distributor; and others with deep industry experience. The Blue Run name is a nod to one of our founder’s upbringing in Georgetown, KY, where Bourbon began in the Bluegrass State. Find Blue Run Spirits online at www.bluerunspirits.com, and on social media: Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. About Our Guests: Mike Montgomery is cofounder and CEO of Blue Run Spirits. Mike has spent the last few decades in public affairs consulting after working with California-based elected officials. Prior to his time in politics, he worked with the U.S. Canoe & Kayak team in Lake Placid, NY. He is a proud graduate of the University of Washington. Mike and his wife and daughter reside in Los Angeles. As a native of Georgetown, Kentucky, Jesse McKnight grew up across the street from Elijah Craig’s homestead and has figuratively had Bourbon in his blood his whole life. He grew up playing in Royal Spring, which he called the Blue Run and has wanted to bring Bourbon back to Georgetown ever since. A graduate of the University of Kentucky, Jesse serves as Blue Run’s Chief Distribution Officer. About Jim Rutledge, Liquid Advisor: The iconic Jim Rutledge expertly approves Blue Run’s Bourbon selections and distills our new make Bourbon. Rutledge, a 50-year veteran of the industry, is the former Master Distiller of Four Roses Bourbon. Enshrined in the inaugural class of the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame in 2001, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007 from Malt Advocate, and was named Ambassador of the Year by Whisky Magazine in 2008. Rutledge was also the 13th inductee (and only the 2nd American) into Whisky Magazine’s global hall of fame in 2013. Photo Credit: Blue Run Spirits  

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

On this episode, we sit down with the Master Distiller of Barton 1792.  Danny Kahn is a wealth of knowledge in the distilling and brewing industries and we were fortunate enough to be invited to the distillery. We started our morning off with some of Barton's newest releases, Thomas S. Moore cask finished bourbons.  And after the podcast, we selected our very first Bourbon Lens single barrel pick, a Full Proof 1792 Bourbon.  You aren't going to want to miss this release when it hits SharedPour.com in a few months.  Be sure to follow our Patreon for more details in the near future.   * Please note:  this podcast was recorded live in a large, active distillery. You will experience some of the noise from the distillery, but hope you enjoy the content of this show. We appreciate everyone who has taken the time to give us feedback on our podcast.  If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.  And, NEW THIS MONTH, please check out our Patreon page to learn how you can support our endeavors and be part of future barrel picks and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Visit our website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, or even purchase your own Bourbon Lens tasting glass or t-shirt. Cheers,Scott, Michael & JakeBourbon Lens   About Danny Kahn Danny’s extensive background in brewing and passion for the science, art, and history behind bourbon is what led him to become the Master Distiller at Barton 1792 Distillery. After earning a bachelor’s degree in Fermentation Science from the University of California, Davis, Danny embarked on a career in the brewing industry. He began his career as a brewing supervisor with Anheuser-Busch, Inc., and from there was promoted to a number of technical and managerial roles in a variety of locations, and in due course became the company’s Senior Brewmaster at its Cartersville, Georgia brewery. While Senior Brewmaster, Danny also earned his Masters of Business Administration from the University of Georgia, Terry College of Business. Following a 27-year career with Anheuser-Busch, Danny went on to become the Brewery Technical Director at the Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. where he oversaw the company’s brewing, quality, research and development, raw materials, and sensory operations. After holding a variety of brewing roles for 31 years, Danny accepted the opportunity to use his expertise to distill spirits for Barton 1792 Distillery. Danny was named Master Distiller at Barton 1792 Distillery in 2018, and is excited to use his passion for bourbon, and his beverage art and science experience, to continue the Distillery’s tradition of producing award-winning whiskies. Links: Support Bourbon Lens on Patreon Barton 1792 Distillery Website Barton 1792 New Warehouse Construction 1792 Bourbon Website Barton’s New Thomas S. Moore Bourbon Line Explores ‘Extended’ Cask Finishes SharedPour.com

If you’ve listened to the Bourbon Lens podcast over the last two years, you’ve heard from some of our favorite craft bourbon and whiskey distilleries, blenders, and brands. In this episode, we discuss some of our standout craft distillers and brands that we are excited for in 2021 and beyond. As always, we'd love your feedback and hearing what distilleries are your favorite Craft Whiskey producers. We may even feature them on the Bourbon Lens in the future! We appreciate everyone who has taken the time to give us feedback on our podcast.  If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Visit our website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, or even purchase your own Bourbon Lens tasting glass or t-shirt. Cheers,Scott, Michael & JakeBourbon Lens

How many “best of” lists have you read and laughed to yourself? We are putting our own spin on things and have challenged each other to start a new home whiskey bar for $50. Will we grab one expensive bottle and max out our limited budget? Or try to squeeze in two or three solid budget bottles?  Scott and Jake may have different philosophies on buying whiskey, but they had a great time comparing notes and choices in this week’s podcast.   What strategy would you use to buy yourself or a friend some good whiskey with some variety?  We appreciate everyone who has taken the time to give us feedback on our podcast.  If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Visit our website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, or even purchase your own Bourbon Lens tasting glass or t-shirt. Cheers,Scott, Michael & JakeBourbon Lens Links: KentuckyBourbon.com - Hosting a Bourbon Tasting Liquor.com - Best American Whiskey under $50 WideOpenEats.com - 10 Best Whiskeys under $50 to Gift Men'sJournal.com - Best Affordable Whiskies GearMoose.com Best Bourbon Under $50 TheBroBasket.com - 22 Best Budget Bourbons GearPatrol.com - Bourbon Whiskeys under $50 Paste Magazine - Best Whiskey for your Bar Cart StirAndStrain - Outfitting a Home Bar: Whiskey Edition WhiskyAdvocate.com Build Your Whisky Bar

Combining a passion for spirits, industry knowledge, and blending expertise, Phenomenal Spirits has released its first whiskey. RY3 Whiskey (Pronounced “Rye 3 Whiskey”) is a rum cask finished whiskey that was carefully crafted from this blending house. Phenomenal Spirits, Karthik Sudhir and Matt Witzig, joins Bourbon Lens to talk whiskey. Karthik is the Founder / CEO of Phenomenal Spirits and drives product development, strategy, brand positioning, market expansion, and investor relations. Matt was the Co-Founder, Master Distiller, and Head Blender at Joseph Magnus Whiskey prior to joining Phenomenal Spirits as Master Blender and COO. You learn more about the origins of the brand and blending house as well as where they wish to take this brand next.   We appreciate everyone who has taken the time to give us feedback on our podcast.  If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Visit our website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, or even purchase your own Bourbon Lens tasting glass or t-shirt. Cheers,Scott, Michael & JakeBourbon Lens   Phenomenal Spirits Press Release: Phenomenal Spirits announces the release of RY3 Whiskey, the craft spirits company’s third ultra-premium spirit introduction in the US in 2020. RY3 is a distinct blend of 3 extraordinary whiskeys, 3 carefully handpicked mash-bills, and 3 distinctive aged statements, that are meticulously blended with artisanal distinction to create an unparalleled whiskey. The culmination of this exceptionally well-balanced whiskey is finished in vintage rum casks, resulting in a sipping experience of silky-smooth rye with layers of fruity and complex notes from the rum barrels. Phenomenal Spirits Founder & CEO, Karthik Sudhir commented, “Craft whiskey consumers have truly embraced rye whiskey, America’s original iconic spirit. According to Distilled Spirits Council of US, between 2009 and 2019, rye volumes skyrocketed by 1,275%, growing to 1.2 million cases and continue their impressive surge, growing 15% in the past year[1]. With the resurgence of rye whiskey, product innovation has reached new heights, spurring consumer’s curiosity. We developed RY3 Whiskey with these curious consumers in mind. RY3 is one of a few Rye whiskies finished in rum casks, offering drinkers layers of intense flavor and complexity for a contemporary and exciting Rye drinking experience.” Phenomenal Spirits is on a steadfast mission to create exceptionally high-quality brands that fill untapped opportunities in the spirits category. To help guide this mission, Sudhir is partnering with Matt Witzig, Master Distiller and Co-founder of Joseph Magnus Bourbon. An icon in spirits distillation, Witzig is working in concert with Sudhir and his team to build a portfolio of unparalleled brands for the curious spirits consumer and aficionado alike. Since August 2020, the Phenomenal team has launched Ron Izalco 10 Year and Ron Izalco 15 Year Cask Strength Rums and now, RY3 Whiskey. The duo is looking ahead to their next ambitious venture, a Private Release/Cask Strength Whiskey Program, which debuts in December 2020 with more planned in 2021. Phenomenal Spirits operates its own blending facility in Virginia Beach, VA to achieve scale and operational efficiency.  The company is fully functional, allowing the team to control quality and consistency along with all aspects of product development. Sudhir added, “We are thrilled with US consumer’s embrace of our rums in the short time since they debuted earlier this year. With Matt on board, we are very excited to introduce a range of daring new products beginning with RY3 Whiskey, a true gem in the rye category.” RY3 Whiskey sells for a suggested retail price of $54.99/750ml and is available in Washington DC, Maryland, and Delaware through Lanterna Distributors, in Mississippi and Alabama through Mad Vines and Spirits, and nationally through Curiada’s E-Commerce platform. The company plans to launch in Connecticut, Tennessee, Rhode Island and Massachusetts in the early part of 2021. To learn more about RY3 Whiskey and Phenomenal Spirits, visit www.phenomenalspirits.com and www.ry3whiskey.com 

In this week's podcast, we learn some family and Tennessee Whiskey history from Charlie Nelson of Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery. Charlie, along with his father and his brother Andy, stumbled upon a bit of family history while out on the road one day. This discovery led them down a long and winding path to resurrection of the family distillery, DSP-TN-5. Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery dates back to 1880, though it wasn’t revived by Charlie and Andy until 2009. We found the stories of the family history to be fascinating and the whiskey was the perfect accompaniment. We hope you enjoy this episode featuring the original Tennessee Whiskey and Belle Meade Bourbon. We appreciate everyone who has taken the time to give us feedback on our podcast.  If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Visit our website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, or even purchase your own Bourbon Lens tasting glass or t-shirt. Cheers,Scott, Michael & JakeBourbon Lens Links: Discover the History of Nelson's Green Brier Green Brier Distillery Official Website Belle Meade Bourbon Official Website ChicagoTribune.com Feature NashvilleScene.com Feature TimesNews.net Feature Liquor.com Names Nelson's Green Brier Among the Best Tennessee Whiskeys Image Credit: Nelson's Green Brier Distillery

The crew is back together and we’ve got a blind bourbon tasting ready to go! This time, it’s Buffalo Trace and we line up 3 single barrel store picks against an off-the-shelf bottle of Buffalo Trace. Which will come out on top? Are single barrels better than what you can find on any store shelf?  We share our opinions and the results of our blind tasting. We also discuss Michael’s upcoming plans to move to Florida and even get into a little debate about pizza.  We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did recording it together. Cheers! Spoiler Alert - the single barrel picks are: A: Bottles Unlimited in New Albany Indiana B: Novio’s Bistro in Bangor Maine C: Buffalo Trace (off-the-shelf) D: Beverage Warehouse - Louisville KY (Now Evergreen Liquors)   We appreciate everyone who has taken the time to give us feedback on our podcast.  If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Visit our website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, or even purchase your own Bourbon Lens tasting glass or t-shirt. Cheers,Scott, Michael & JakeBourbon Lens Photo Credit: Buffalo Trace Distillery

It’s National Irish Coffee Day on January 25th and we couldn’t have asked for a better guest to celebrate the occasion. We’re joined by Alex Conyngham from Slane Distillery in Ireland. Slane Irish Whiskey is the perfect accompaniment to the classic Irish Coffee and they’ve put their own spin on the cocktail to celebrate.  Partnering with Red Bay Coffee, they’ve developed their own roast which pairs perfectly with Slane Irish Whiskey.  Be sure to check out the full recipe below and be sure to let us know if you try it.  We appreciate everyone who has taken the time to give us feedback on our podcast.  If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Visit our website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, or even purchase your own Bourbon Lens tasting glass or t-shirt. Cheers, Scott, Michael & JakeBourbon Lens   Slane Irish Coffee Cocktail: 1 part Slane Irish Whiskey ⅔ parts vanilla-infused demerara syrup Freshly Brewed Double Espresso Boiling water Double Cream (lightly whisked) Dark Chocolate Orange Shavings INSTRUCTIONS Preheat your glass Brew your espresso. Make it a double! Half fill your glass with boiling water Add syrup, double espresso and whiskey, then stir it up Top with double cream float Sprinkle on a little chocolate ENJOY! About the Distillery and Slane Castle Alex Conyngham who, together with his father Henry Mount Charles – the man behind the legendary Slane Castle concerts – decided to set up the Slane Distillery in 2015. Slane Castle first got into the whiskey business in 2009. At the time, it sourced liquid from Cooley, a nearby distillery, for what it called “Slane Castle Whiskey”. When Cooley was acquired by Beam in 2012, the castle’s supply of whiskey was cut off. 2012, Slane Castle Whiskey went off the market, and Conyngham went to the drawing board to design the future distillery—and to search for a partner, one he eventually found in Brown-Forman. The company—owner of brands such as Jack Daniel’s and Woodford Reserve—acquired the business in 2015, before its first drop of whiskey was made, and the distillery’s construction began in January 2016. “Triple cask,” in this instance, means that the whiskey is aged in three distinctively different barrels:  virgin oak barrel that has never contained whiskey,  seasoned barrel that once contained Tennessee whiskey or bourbon, and  a sherry cask. Slane Irish Whiskey, as it exists now, officially launched in 2017 with that triple-casked liquid bought from another distillery and aged in those triple casks for two years. Around the same time that the whiskey hit the market, Slane started producing its own liquid at the new, operational distillery on the Slane Castle grounds, using barley it grows on a family-owned farm across the river. Slane Irish Whiskey is now available across the U.S., and the distillery is open to visitors, along with the castle. Links: Slane Irish Whiskey Official Irish Coffee Cocktail Recipe Slane Irish Whiskey - The Story RedBayCoffee.com Fortune.com Featuring Slane Irish Whiskey HotPress.com - Rock n Roll at Slane Castle A Hotel Life Feature on Slane Distillery CocktailsDistilled.com Feature

Castle & Key Distillery has resurrected a giant in the Kentucky Bourbon industry, the Old Taylor Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky.  And after many years of restoring the fabled location, Castle & Key has released their first whiskey. Restoration Rye, an aptly named whiskey, is the first rye whiskey to be released from this location as well.  We are joined by co-founder Wes Murry and Blender Brett Connors to discuss the distillery’s history, its whiskey, and their plans for the future.  We taste through Batch 1 of Castle & Key's Restoration Rye during the episode and find that it was well worth the wait. We appreciate everyone who has taken the time to give us feedback on our podcast.  If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Visit our website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, or even purchase your own Bourbon Lens tasting glass or t-shirt. Cheers, Scott, Michael & JakeBourbon Lens About the Distillery:  Castle & Key is steeped in Kentucky distilling history, and yet it also presents a reimagining of Kentucky spirits for the future. When attorney Will Arvin came across photographs of an abandoned distillery in 2012, he couldn’t stop thinking about its legacy and the history of the property, previously known as Old Taylor Distillery. He decided to take a visit to the property, and within minutes this industry outsider was inspired to abandon a successful career path to build a meaningful new life for the distillery. After meeting financial advisor, Wes Murry, through a mutual friend, both of their visions became centered around the belief that consistency in flavor is not the only important factor that spirits enthusiasts' value, but rather that people are drawn to high-quality spirits that offer a new tasting experience. The Old Taylor Distillery has a revered place in Kentucky distilling history. In 1887, when Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor Jr. built the distillery, he intended it to both produce high-quality spirits and stand out from the crowd with its distinctive architectural charm to become the birthplace of bourbon tourism. Inspired by European architecture, the site features a Castle, a classical Springhouse, and Sunken Garden. In 1920, however, Prohibition forced the closing of the distillery and over the course of the next century, the property changed owners and occupants several times, until it fell into ruin. In 2014, Will and Wes began restoring this historic bourbon icon with a focus on changing the narrative around Kentucky spirits. They created a team of like minded people from inside and outside the industry to resurrect the castle by creating Castle & Key Distillery, which opened its doors in 2018. Taking up Colonel Taylor’s dedication to his home state, Castle & Key strives to use local ingredients when possible. Castle & Key makes everything that they sell from carefully selected grains and always chooses to do things in a thoughtful way – even when it’s not the easy way. About the Spirits: Castle & Key’s strategy works to reimagine how Kentucky spirits is showcased by creating consistently high- quality expressions that are unique with each release, instead of striving for one singular flavor profile. Restoration Rye, the first whiskey from the Castle & Key team since its founding in 2014. The highly anticipated release pays tribute to the restoration of the historic property, which was once the iconic Old Taylor Distillery, originally built over a century ago. Castle & Key will also release Roots of Ruin Gin and Sacred Spring Vodka, all of which will appear in dynamic newly designed bottles. All new releases will be available for purchase in Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee, South Carolina, Texas and Georgia beginning in December. In addition, Castle & Key also reveals its new look with the introduction of Restoration Rye, Sacred Spring Vodka and Roots of Ruin Gin. “We partnered with Stranger & Stranger to make our vision come to life and we couldn’t be more excited about the new look,” says Co-Founder Wes Murry. “The new bottle designs honor the history of our property, those who helped restore the property to its former glory, and the imaginative team that crafted our spirits.” Restoration Rye (BATCH #1: 51.5% ABV; $39.99 SRP; 13,200 bottles) (BATCH #2: 49.5% ABV; $39.99 SRP; 12,540 bottles) The 2020 Restoration Rye, a name that speaks to the restoration of the distillery, features two batches, both with unique flavor profiles. Batch #1 is created from a blend of 60 barrels, and Batch #2 is comprised of 57 barrels. During the blending process, barrels are grouped into pods with specific sensory profiles. Those pods are then blended to achieve the unique, high-quality flavor profiles. No whiskey release from Castle & Key will ever taste the same as each other. Batch #1 Tasting Notes: AROMA: Brown Sugar, Cinnamon Toast, Dried Figs, Pipe Tobacco, Baking Chocolate, Orange Peel TASTE: Sweet Baking Spice, Cinnamon Roll, Caramelized Sugar, Dried Currants, and LightlY Roasted Almonds FINISH: Sweet with light hints of maple syrup and dark honey Batch #2 Tasting Notes: AROMA: Bright, Lemon Peel, Toasted Oak, Apricot, Wildflower, Honey, Graham Cracker TASTE: Pie Crust, Honeysuckle, Mint, Agave Nectar, Dry Cinnamon, Light Stone Fruit FINISH: Cooling, Camphoraceous with light mouth numbing Roots of Ruin Gin (53% ABV; 750ml, $32.99) A spirit that speaks to the restoration of the property from its ruinous state, Roots of Ruin Gin represents the overgrowth of botanicals used in the recipe. A classic spirit, reimagined to delight, Castle & Key gin begins with their rye whiskey base that is distilled into vodka. The vodka distillate is then redistilled, and vapor infused with juniper and a thoughtful selection of seven native herbs and botanicals. The result is a distinct, complex, and heavily aromatic flavor profile offering bright and floral and soft pine scents and balanced notes of citrus and lemon verbena, followed by spicy ginger and sweet chamomile flower. Sacred Spring Vodka (40% ABV; 750ml, $26.99) Sacred Spring Vodka is crafted from a whiskey base and redistilled to the highest proof and purity to maintain a vibrant character and rich mouthfeel. The aroma offers a light and sweet scent, with hints of cashew and citrus. The taste has clean citrus notes followed by vanilla bean and a hint of buttered toast, while the finish is silky and rich with lingering sweetness. About Co-Founder Will Arvin Will is a lifelong Kentucky resident born and raised in Lexington. Before founding Castle & Key, he was an attorney whose experience with construction and real-estate projects made him well-suited for the challenges of resurrecting this bourbon icon. Will is a graduate of Washington and Lee University, where he earned degrees in Economics and Spanish, before attending Cumberland School of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctorate Degree. In 2014, Will left his law practice to pursue his dream of owning a Kentucky distillery and, as luck would have it, he came across the distillery online that was only a 30-minute drive from his home in Nicholasville, KY, and one visit later he fell in love. Growing up in bourbon country, it’s natural that Will developed an admiration and appreciation for the craft of creating spirits - from the grains and mashing, to the distillation process, the aging and the blending. The challenge to restore the site and start a new venture in crafting unique spirits was the opportunity that he had always been looking for. About Co-Founder Wes Murry Wes brings over two decades of financial and operational experience to Castle & Key. His industry experience spans a wide range from transportation to finance to consumer goods. Originally from Lancaster, PA, and growing up with a strong work ethic from working at both his grandfather and father’s businesses, Wes gained the skills that are instrumental in becoming a successful businessman. Wes moved to Kentucky in 2011 and is a graduate of Dickinson College located in Carlisle, PA, where he earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Economics and Computer Science before attending Vanderbilt University, where he earned an MBA in finance, operations, and strategy. In the fall of 2014, Will introduced Wes to the former site of the Old Taylor Distillery and it didn’t take Wes long to realize the opportunity and instrumental role he could play in building Castle & Key. Wes began to research the industry and was given the opportunity and excitement he always dreamt of having in his career.  Wes and Will continue to maintain the vision of Castle & Key and make sure each member of the team is continuing to drive company strategy while holding true to the company’s core values. About Brett Connors, Blender and Brand Ambassador  Brett Connors knows hospitality. Having spent more than a decade in food and beverage, he has refined his skills in the industry and has built a wealth of knowledge in the world of spirits, wine, and beer. As Blender and Brand Ambassador at Castle & Key Distillery, Brett applies his expertise in these fields to reimagine how Kentucky spirits are presented to the world by working on the creative side of Castle & Key's research and development team, utilizing his tasting skills to test different flavors while blending, as well as assisting with product strategy in order to produce spirits that encompass distinct flavor profiles. Brett grew up in Winchester, VA, before attending George Mason University. After graduating with a double major, Bachelor of Arts in Art History and Conflict Analysis Resolution in 2011, he went on to attend a dual master’s degree program, between George Mason and the University of Malta. Upon returning to the United States, Brett moved to Kentucky, where he opened Old Bourbon County Kitchen in 2015, and after that he knew he wanted to pursue his passion for bourbon more actively by working with a producer directly, that producer was Castle & Key.  Brett began working with Castle & Key in 2016 and throughout his time he has worked with the team to identify the best barrels for production each year, and even assisted Castle & Key with getting listed on the National Register of Historic Places. He has worked with the research team to create unique and ever evolving seasonal gins that expand Kentucky's reputation beyond bourbon distillation. Today, each day is different for Brett. From hosting visitors and sharing the story and products of Castle & Key to pursuing his passion for blending by getting creative in the “kitchen,” he wears many hats while at the Castle. In the future, he hopes to continue to create experiences and products that capture the excitement and passion for the site’s history and overall quality of the spirits they produce, and to create an honest space where spirits can be accurately and openly discussed.    Castle & Key As a Destination:  Located at 4445 McCracken Pike, Frankfort, KY Popular travel destination for spirits and history enthusiasts alike as it offers experiences of the many historical parts of the property including, the Boiler Room, Taylorton Station, Counter 17, the Springhouse and the Botanical Trail, as well as explorations of its production process and guided tastings. The distillery is currently open for guests to explore the grounds at their leisure from Friday - Sunday from 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm. Note that currently, guided tastings and production experiences are not available due to COVID-19. For information about Castle & Key please visit https://castleandkey.com or follow on Instagram and Facebook Libsyn photo credit: Castle & Key

Maker’s Mark is going on a tear with their Wood Finishing Series and Private Selection Bourbon program and people are starting to take notice. This week, Scott and Jake crack the wax on their brand new bottles of The CommUNITY Batch by Maker’s Mark.  Jake and Scott also chat about early New Year resolutions and plans for making 2021 a better year for both. The CommUNITY Batch is a special release bourbon created to support trade and hospitality partners around the country by benefiting The LEE Initiative. The special release is a unique batch of bourbon was created from the unique expressions of 37 Private Selections by industry partners. By combining the stave profiles of their Private Selection barrels, this limited release reflects the remarkable strength – and distinct taste profile – of each community, resulting in an exceptional blend. This limited release was ONLY through various LEE Initiative events held across the country. The tickets for this bourbon and events were available through donations to The LEE Initiative.  More details on the LEE Initiative can be found in the links below. Links: LEE Initiative Official Site About Maker's CommUNITY Batch About The LEE Initiative The LEE Initiative on Facebook Michael Veach Discusses The CommUNITY Batch Kentucky.com Feature DistilleryTrail.com Feature We appreciate everyone who has taken the time to give us feedback on our podcast.  If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Visit our website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, or even purchase your own Bourbon Lens tasting glass or t-shirt. Cheers,Scott, Jake, & MichaelBourbon Lens

Terry Bradshaw joined Bourbon Lens to talk whiskey and his new Bradshaw Bourbon. Terry Bradshaw, NFL Hall of Famer and four-time Super Bowl winning quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, is widely acknowledged as today’s preeminent NFL studio personality, serving as co-host on Fox NFL Sunday. While Terry is well known for his time on the football field, lately he's been busy with balancing a bourbon brand, The Bradshaw Bunch, and co-hosting duties at Fox. Launched in February, the Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey has a mashbill of 70% corn, 21% rye, and 9% malted barley, and is proofed to 51.9% ABV, which is a creative nod to Terry's career completion percentage.  Bradshaw has partnered with Green River Distilling Co. (formerly Owensboro's O.Z. Tyler) to make the whiskey and Silver Screen Bottling, which specializes in licensing and distribution, to oversee branding and sales.  Best of all, this full flavored bourbon is priced right with an SRP of $40. We were privileged to be joined by Terry and Ryan Mcelveen from Bradshaw Bourbon. Ryan is the brand's Chief Commercial Officer and is responsible for driving a successful launch of the brand, even in spite of the current spirits climate. We look forward to seeing where Bradshaw Bourbon goes next in only its 2nd year of sales. We know you'll enjoy this episode, grab some whiskey and sit back. We appreciate everyone who has taken the time to give us feedback on our podcast.  If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Visit our website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, or even purchase your own Bourbon Lens tasting glass or t-shirt. Cheers,Scott, Michael & JakeBourbon Lens   LINKS: BradshawBourbon.com Fox Sports - Terry Bradshaw Terry Bradshaw - Steelers Biography Fred Minnick's $41-60 Bourbon Blind - Bradshaw Takes 2nd Place Whisky Advocate Feature on Terry Bradshaw

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

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

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

It’s hard to believe we’ve produced 100 episodes of Bourbon Lens. The three of us spend some time talking about some of our favorite episodes, guests, and moments over the last 2 years.  We’ve appreciated each of our guests, our fans, and supporters who’ve kept us going.  Here’s to another 100!! Thank you!  You’ll find a full list below of all the episodes we discussed during this week’s “look back” episode. While we couldn’t possibly name every episode, these are just a few standouts to us. Be sure to check them out as well as our back catalog of podcasts. We appreciate everyone who has taken the time to give us feedback on our podcast.  If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Visit our website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, or even purchase your own Bourbon Lens tasting glass or t-shirt. Cheers, Scott, Michael & JakeBourbon Lens   Open our entire podcast library in your podcast player by using this link. Find the Episodes Discussed in Today’s Podcast: 25: Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co. 82: High West Whiskey 58: Four Gate Whiskey Company 51: Denver and Liely Glassware 59: Kentucky Owl and Dixon Dedman 42: Bardstown Bourbon Co.'s Dan Callaway 85: Marianne Eaves and Sweetens Cove 37: The Bourbon Road 94: Rabbit Hole Distillery 80: High Wire Distilling Co. 73: My Cigar Pack 39: Four Roses Behind the Scenes 49: Broken Barrel Whiskey 60: Kentucky Straight Ice 47: Spirits of French Lick - Alchemist of Indiana 65: Starlight Distillery & Huber Winery  55: Weller Bourbon Blind Flight 41: Single Barrel Bourbon Flight 66: Frey Ranch Distillery 63: Westland American Single Malt Whiskey Check out our Favorite Episodes via Our Website: 25: Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co. 82: High West Whiskey 58: Four Gate Whiskey Company 51: Denver and Liely Glassware 59: Kentucky Owl and Dixon Dedman 42: Bardstown Bourbon Co.'s Dan Callaway 85: Marianne Eaves and Sweetens Cove 37: The Bourbon Road 94: Rabbit Hole Distillery 80: High Wire Distilling Co. 73: My Cigar Pack 39: Four Roses Behind the Scenes 49: Broken Barrel Whiskey 60: Kentucky Straight Ice 47: Spirits of French Lick - Alchemist of Indiana 65: Starlight Distillery & Huber Winery  55: Weller Bourbon Blind Flight 41: Single Barrel Bourbon Flight 66: Frey Ranch Distillery 63: Westland American Single Malt Whiskey   Thank you all!

Gregg Snyder, from Chicken Cock Whiskey, joined the podcast to talk about all things Chicken Cock and to share some of their bourbon and rye whiskey. We discussed the history of the brand, its revival, and plans for the future, including their relationship with the Bardstown Bourbon Company Collaborative Distilling Program. Most of all, Michael and Scott enjoyed getting to hear from Gregg about his experience and expertise at famous Kentucky distilleries, including Brown-Forman, Wild Turkey, and Jim Beam. We  hope you enjoy hearing from one of the legends of the bourbon industry. Cheers! Gregg Snyder spent nearly his entire working career in the bourbon industry.  And now he’s teamed up with Grain & Barrel Spirits to be the Master Distiller and Consultant to Chicken Cock Whiskey. Gregg Snyder has over 41 years of experience in Distilled Spirits Operations and other related industries. Notably, he’s the former VP and Managing Director for Austin Nichols, Inc., dba Wild Turkey Distillery and is credited with the development of the Russell’s Reserve line of whiskies.  In his role as Master Distiller for Chicken Cock, Gregg brings his knowledge of barrels to the table as well.  He’s former Director of Operations – Blue Grass Cooperage (now known as Brown Forman Cooperage).   And he’s held various other supervisory and managerial positions of increasing responsibility, since 1978, in every aspect of beverage alcohol operations at: Joseph E. Seagram and Sons, Brown-Forman Corp. Now that he’s teamed up with Chicken Cock, we think he’s not going anywhere anytime soon.   We appreciate everyone who has taken the time to give us feedback on our podcast.  If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Visit our website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, or even purchase your own Bourbon Lens tasting glass or t-shirt. Cheers,Scott, Michael & JakeThe Bourbon Lens   LINKS: Chicken Cock Whiskey: The Famous Old Brand The Chicken Cock Story Chicken Cock Whiskey – Grain and Barrel Bardstown Bourbon distilling for Chicken Cock Whiskey brand The Return of Chicken Cock Whiskey  Chicken Cock on YouTube

This week we are discussing High West Whiskey and their new release of A Midwinter Night's Dram. Midwinter Nights Dram is a wildly popular version of High West Rendezvous Rye finished in French oak port barrels. This year is their Eighth Act (release) in the limited release series. It stands out for its unique and bold style while still appealing to many different types of whiskey drinkers. If you have the opportunity to grab this release, you shouldn't pass on it.  We also discuss future releases and plans for High West Whiskey, including their second release in growing their High Country American Single Malt Whiskey.  We appreciate everyone who has taken the time to give us feedback on our podcast.  If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Visit our website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, or even purchase your own Bourbon Lens tasting glass or t-shirt. Cheers, Scott, Michael & JakeThe Bourbon Lens   LINKS: High West - A Midwinter Night's Dram High West High Country American Single Malt High West Old Fashioned Barrel Finished Cocktail Bourbon Lens Podcast Episode 82 featuring High West Whiskey

'Pappyland' tells the story of the Van Winkle family, the bourbon business, & the demand for rare wheated bourbon bearing the name of Pappy Van Winkle. We were joined by Author & ESPN's Wright Thompson to discuss his new book which just released November 10, 2020: Pappyland: A Story of Family, Fine Bourbon, and the Things That Last. The book is about so much more than bourbon; it tells the story of those who make bourbon and those who enjoy it. As you know, both are essential to the story of Kentucky Bourbon. Thank you to Wright Thompson for reaching out about his new book and to Penguin Press for sending us advance copies of Pappyland to enjoy and discuss with Wright. We appreciate everyone who has taken the time to give us feedback on our podcast.  If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Visit our website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, or even purchase your own Bourbon Lens tasting glass or t-shirt. Cheers, Scott, Michael & JakeThe Bourbon Lens LINKS: Last Chance - Buy the Book & Enter the Giveaway to Win Pappy Van Winkle Uproxx: Author Wright Thompson Talks About ’Pappyland’ And Bourbon Culture WrightThompson.com - Official Website  Marketplace.org - The Agrarian Roots of Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon Whiskey New York Times Review of Pappyland From the Archives - Fortune.com 2011 Feature on Van Winkle Bourbon From the Archives - Grantland.com Article on Pappy Van Winkle by Wright Thompson From the Archives - Garden & Gun Feature on Julian Van Winkle III Follow Wright Thompson on Instagram Buy the Book on Amazon KirkusReviews.com - Pappyland Interview Buffalo Trace Distillery Official Website

We’re checking out a couple rye whiskies this week, including the  Old Overholt 114 Proof (Ohio only Special Release) and Hudson Whiskey’s new Do the Rye Thing Rye Whiskey. The new, higher proof Old Overholt is a spin on a classic rye. It is limited to Ohio only at this point, but it has garnered some good reviews from those who have had the opportunity to land a bottle. Find out how we think these two whiskies stack up. Thank you to Hudson Whiskey for sending us a care package featuring two of their new whiskies that have been totally rebranded. We appreciate everyone who has taken the time to give us feedback on our podcast.  If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Visit our website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, or even purchase your own Bourbon Lens tasting glass or t-shirt. Cheers, Scott, Michael & JakeThe Bourbon Lens Links: Whisky Advocate - The True Story Of Old Overholt Old Overholt Overhaul VinePair - Old Overholt Rye Whiskey History TheManual.com - Old Overholt Rye Whiskey Update Forbes - New Limited Edition Old Overholt HudsonWhiskey.com - Whiskey Lineup TheManual.com - Hudson Whiskey Relaunch WhiskyAdvocate.com - Hudson Whiskey Relaunched BourbonBanter.com Hudson Baby Bourbon Review TheSpiritsBusiness.com - Hudson Creates New Whiskey and Updates Recipes

We are joined by Jackie Zykan, Master Taster for Louisville's Bourbon Brand, Old Forester. Jake and Michael sat down to discuss the brand's growth and her rise through the ranks.  We sipped Old Forester Rye Whiskey during this episode, which is another staple to add to any bar.  We also discuss the growth of the lineup from the Whisky Row series, Statesman, and bringing back President's Choice.  You'll learn how Jackie’s background in the bartending industry helped her transition to this beloved brand.  With an endless supply of Old Forester, do you want to take a guess at Jackie’s go-to Old Forester pour.  With a lot of new releases hitting shelves, Jackie even teases about more to come in the next few months.  We appreciate everyone who has taken the time to give us feedback on our podcast.  If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Visit our website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts and see what we are up to. Cheers, Scott, Michael & JakeThe Bourbon Lens   Links: OldForester.com Wall Street Journal Featuring Jackie Zykan LouisvilleFuture.com - 7 Questions with Jackie Zykan, Old Forester's Master Taster WHAS11.com - Feature on Jackie Zykan Observer.com - This Whisky Expert’s Secret to Refining Your Palate: Go to…Target? WhiskyAdvocate.com - Bourbon as Escapism

The Bourbon Lens Crew had the privilege of taking a private tour of the Rabbit Hole Distillery in Downtown Louisville recently. We sat down with the Brand’s Digital Ambassador, Adam Edwards, to discuss the history of the distillery, its founder Kaveh Zamanian, and the spirits they craft. We discuss the ultra exclusive Founder’s Collection and its first offering, Boxergrail Rye Whiskey at Cask Strength as well as future plans for the brand. And we discuss, maybe for the first time publicly, the Heigold single barrel program which will launch in 2021. This program will initially be limited to only 10 barrels, but will grow each year.  We thank Rabbit Hole for reaching out to us and hosting us for this podcast, we encourage you to check them out the next time you are in Louisville or find their bourbon on a shelf. We appreciate everyone who has taken the time to give us feedback on our podcast.  If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Visit our website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts and see what we are up to. Cheers, Scott, Michael & JakeThe Bourbon Lens About Rabbit Hole Distillery: Distilling is baked in Louisville's culture. Rabbit Hole is at the city's creative heart, the NULU district, the nexus of old and new, where artists and entrepreneurs pursue their vision without budgeting for regret. We could be nowhere else. From grain to bottle, inside Rabbit Hole, you’ll witness the creation of modern spirits. Because those spirits don’t come to life until they’re shared, the easy sociability of Rabbit Hole’s tasting bars and event center, the Over Look, complete the experience. About Founder, Kaveh Zamanian: As with all good stories, this one starts with love. While living in Chicago, Kaveh met Heather, a Louisville native, who introduced him to Bourbon. A Scotch devotee, he fell in love with her and Bourbon at the same time. He soon entrenched himself in the study of Bourbon and, with Heather by his side, ventured down a rabbit hole he may have never dared alone.  About Adam Edwards: Adam, with his over 15 years experience in the spirits industry, has extensive knowledge on the history and depth of fine wines and whiskies. A graduate of the University of Kentucky, as well as a Certified Bourbon Steward, Adam joined Rabbit Hole distillery as a Tour Guide Educator in 2018. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Rabbit Hole created the innovative title of Digital Brand Ambassador (something never before seen in the Bourbon industry), which is especially suited for Adam’s personality and passion for American Bourbon Whiskey. The Spirits: Cavehill - Our signature four-grain Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a homage to generations of proud Louisville distillers. Distinct and unorthodox, this expression sets a new standard for American whiskey while building on the legacy these great bourbon pioneers created as they traveled down their own whiskey rabbit holes. Crafted from a unique mash that couples malted grains with corn, this superpremium bourbon combines depth with style. Deliberately distilled from our proprietary cooking process and aged in hand-selected barrels, this authentic whiskey is expressly crafted in small batches to yield a flavor like no other. Heigold - Our Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, made with a high percentage of imported German rye, pays tribute to an immigrant maker. Strong and bold, this offering honors Christian Heigold, a German stonecutter who settled in Louisville prior to 1850 and went down a rabbit hole of his own. Taken with the hope of this new land, he carved ornate symbols of his patriotism on the facade of his landmark home. This super-premium bourbon, composed of 25% malted rye, places a distinct twist on a timeless recipe. Deliberately distilled from our proprietary cooking process and aged in hand-selected barrels, this authentic whiskey is expressly crafted in small batches to yield a flavor like no other. Boxergrail - Our Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, composed of 95% rye, celebrates Louisville’s rich boxing heritage. Here, local fighters, emerging from neighborhood gyms, have followed a path down a boxing rabbit hole to become prizefighting champions. Bold and unexpected, this whiskey reveals a character worthy of the title. This super-premium rye whiskey adds malted barley to its mash bill to present a velvety mouthfeel, while subtle spice and brown sugar notes distinguish it from the rest. Deliberately distilled from our proprietary cooking process and aged in hand-selected barrels, this authentic whiskey is expressly crafted in small batches to yield a flavor like no other. Founder’s Collection Boxergrail - Boxergrail Founder’s Collection elevates Rabbit Hole’s award winning Boxergrail Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey to a level of sublime. This special release showcases how cask and whiskey come together at its natural strength to create a dimensional rye with an incredible spectrum of flavor. Comprised of 95% rye and 5% malted barley, Boxergrail Founder’s Collection, like all whiskies in the Rabbit Hole portfolio, has a low entry proof of 110 for deeper complexity. This cask- strength offering is 114.6 proof/57.3% ABV. The experience of Rabbit Hole Boxergrail Founder’s Collection Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey Cask Strength begins with an intriguing nose of butterscotch, mint, dill and citrus. On the palate, rich flavors of caramel, black pepper, vanilla and herbaceous spice envelope the palate before yielding to an enduring finish of black tea, sweet vanilla and citrus.  Dareringer - Our Sherry Cask Finished Bourbon epitomizes Kaveh’s wife, Heather. Elegant, sweet, and charming, she is the muse behind our brand. A Louisville native and bourbon enthusiast, she lured Kaveh away from his beloved Scotch and down a rabbit hole he may have never dared alone. Bottled at 93 Proof / 46.5% ABV with a Mash Bill of 68% Corn, 18% Wheat, and 14% Malted Barley.  This Wheated Bourbon is finished in PX Sherry Casks.  Bespoke Gin - A reimagined classic. Fashioned in Kentucky Rye Barrels, it offers a new experience that awakens the senses. We start with the finest London Dry Gin then finish it in the same hand-selected barrels we use to age our award-winning Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, Boxergrail. This process mellows the gin and adds a hint of spice while tinting this luxurious spirit with an eye-catching hue that shimmers gold in your glass. But before you sip our Bespoke Gin, a word of advice: let go. Let go of everything you know about gin and allow yourself to be fully immersed in all the wonders of this one-of-a-kind spirit. Aromas of citrus, honeysuckle and elderflower evoke Kentucky rick houses in the summer, while notes of juniper, nutmeg, and lemongrass bring you to London in the spring. Coupled with a bespoke bottle suited for any occasion, this gin is smooth enough to be sipped neat, but equally fit for your own distinct cocktails. Photos Courtesy of Rabbit Hole Distillery

This week we have a solid lineup of limited edition bourbons from Maker’s Mark. Our first podcast back together as a group of 3 since the pandemic started, we had a lot of fun catching up and talking shop. We each brought something different to run through a tasting together. Jake had Maker’s 101 and Maker’s 46 Cask Strength, Scott brought Maker’s Cask Strength (Batch 20-03), and Michael grabbed his Private Selection of Maker’s from Match Cigar Bar. We discussed the legendary Maker’s Mark red wax, Maker’s bottle collections, and how we believe Maker’s in a great position to continue to evolve its lineup.  Maker’s Mark may be one of the most well known wheated bourbons around today, but it was clear that they needed to branch out into different offerings to stay competitive.  We enjoyed each of these bourbons for different reasons, so be sure to tell us which is your favorite bourbon from Maker's Mark. And finally, we wrapped up the show discussing our golf games and boozing on the golf course. Also, learn about one of our favorite new ways to carry some bourbon on the golf course or wherever. "The Chub" from XactlyLife; a double-wall, stainless steel insulated Travel Shot which holds 3.2oz of your favorite booze. The CHUB is TSA compliant too.  This is not a sponsorship or an ad, just a damn cool product that we like to use. We appreciate everyone who has taken the time to give us feedback on our podcast.  If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Visit our website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts and see what we are up to. Cheers, Scott, Michael & JakeThe Bourbon Lens LINKS: MakersMark.com Maker's 46 XactlyLife.com -The Chub 3oz stainless steel vacuum tumbler VinePair - Maker's Mark Story Behind The Seal: The Story of the Maker’s Mark Bottle Whisky Magazine - The Mark of a classic (Maker's Mark) Match Cigar Bar

Raj Peter Bhakta, the founder of WhistlePig and now Bhakta Farms, has left the world of rye whiskey and entered into the world of rare Armagnac brandy. Raj just introduced BHAKTA 50, a marriage of Argmanac’s he discovered with Vintages from 1868 - 1970. And he’s gone a step further  and finished it in Islay casks. A complex spirit that is ideal for the curious  whiskey lover. Sweet and smoky but not overly so, this finishing process for 50+ year old Armagnac is unlike anything else.  Raj had us all on our toes for this episode and we were excited to explore something so rare and unique.  And don’t miss the teaser for Raj’s next big project; his whiskey project, called Empire, a “global whiskey” coming out next year (2021). We appreciate everyone who has taken the time to give us feedback on our podcast.  If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Visit our website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts and see what we are up to. Cheers, Scott, Michael & JakeThe Bourbon Lens Links: BhaktaBrandy.com VinePair - Raj Peter Bhakta and Bhakta Brandy  Bhakta Farms & Bhakta Spirits Bhakta 50 - Barrel 3 Review Whiskey Consensus - Bhakta 50 - The Armagnac Secret That Whiskey Drinkers Need to Know About About: Raj Peter Bhakta, founder of WhistlePig Whiskey and Bhakta Brandy, has a deep appreciation for rare and exquisite spirits—as well as a knack for bringing them to American attention. His success in rye established the category during a time when the industry overlooked it. Now, with BHAKTA, he is reviving another spirit: ancient Armagnac brandy, bottled stateside in Vermont. Bhakta is a first generation American. Both of his parents are immigrants. Born in 1975 to a Gujarati father and an Irish mother, he grew up in the Philadelphia area and attended the Hill School in Pottstown, PA before graduating Boston College in 1998. After beginning his career with investment banking firm Violy & Co, Bhakta departed to found Automovia, a valuation tech startup for pre-owned vehicles. He also worked for a time in the family business, leading a condominium development project in Vail, CO. While in Colorado in 2004, Bhakta scored a role on Trump’s nascent reality show The Apprentice, Season 2. His business prowess and theatrical antics helped him navigate, barter, and flirt to the ninth week before being fired by Trump. His charisma with women became fodder for gossip columns like New York Post’s Page Six, and his frequent wearing of bow ties was credited with a surge in the accessory’s popularity. In 2006, Bhakta ran for U.S. Congress from Pennsylvania’s 13th district. His campaign gained national notoriety due to his television background and playboy reputation. In October, Bhakta protested US-Mexican border weakness by riding an elephant along the Rio Grande with a 6-man mariachi band. This garnered even more publicity, and by the end of his unsuccessful campaign, Bhakta appeared on MSNBC, CNN’s Crossfire, and Fox News. After his defeat in 2007, Bhakta moved from Manhattan to seek green fields. He purchased a decrepit Vermont dairy farm and began searching for obscure spirits to market under his new brand WhistlePig. Acquiring stocks from Canadian distiller Alberta Premium, Bhakta partnered with master distiller Dave Pickerel and began bottling his 10-year rye in 2010. Praised nationwide, WhistlePig put rye back on the map and grew to America’s premier luxury whiskey in just a few years. After selling in 2019, Bhakta began a crusade for the world’s finest spirits. On this journey, Bhakta stumbled on a stock of rare and exquisite Armagnacs in a Gers chateau. Distilled 1868-1970, the portfolio contains enough to bottle blends well over 50 years old. The vintages also predate Armagnac history’s largest crisis, the Great French Wine Blight, which devastated vineyards and changed grape varietals forever. The oldest brandies use only original cultivars, making them perhaps the only genuine Armagnacs left in existence. Bhakta, immediately enamored, negotiated a hefty purchase and brought them back home to Vermont. With these assets, Bhakta is set to outdo his former ventures. BHAKTA 50 Year Brandy is older than any whiskey available and steeped in generations of small-scale craft. It also gets a unique Islay cask finish: the perfect marriage of brandy and Scotch. Bhakta has even put his own name on the bottle, showing just how proud he is of this magnum opus. BHAKTA offers a singular experience: brandy for the whiskey-lover. Just like he returned rye to the national spotlight, he’s now found a niche new spirit with its own distinct category. Bhakta Brandy has just launched this 4th of July. Barrel 1 contains vintages 50-152 years old, with more released one-by-one this year. With only 38 total barrels, the $250 price tag seems impossible. As more barrels launch, demand will swiftly outpace his vanishing supply to create a fast-appreciating asset. Recall Bhakta’s BossHog Line and WhistlePig 111, which began at $111 and now sells for upwards of $2,300. For followers of these previous ventures, the upward potential in Bhakta’s liquid investment is easily tenable. The rest will have to taste and find out themselves if his unique brandy is worth the acclaim. photo credit: Bhakta Farms / Bhakta Spirits

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

Jake and Scott are at it again with another Bourbon Heritage Month episode.  This time, we dive into the world of Bourbon Hunting and the madness created every Fall surrounding "Bourbon Hunting Season." Jake and Scott discuss their different perceptions of bourbon hunting and seeking out the rare and expensive bottles that pop up around this time every year.  We also discuss some of this year's highly anticipated whiskey releases.  Join us and let us know what your thoughts are on Bourbon Hunting Season.  We also crack the wax on Jake's new bottle of Freddie Noe's Little Book Whiskey, Chapter 4.  This is a unique blend of straight whiskies and we were excited to give it a try.   We appreciate everyone who has taken the time to give us feedback on our podcast.  If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Visit our website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts and see what we are up to. Cheers, Scott & JakeThe Bourbon Lens Links: Eighth Generation Beam Distiller Freddie Noe Releases Fourth Chapter Of Little Book® Whiskey Series - "Lessons Honored" LittleBookWhiskey.com/ WhiskeyConsensus.com - Rabbit Hole Boxergrail Founder’s Collection Bourbinsane.com - New Bourbon Releases 2020 BreakingBourbon.com - Bourbon Hunting Tips TheBourbonCulture.com - Bourbon Hunting BourbonLens.com - 2020 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection Breakdown GoBourbon.com - Parker's Heavy Char

Jake and Scott taste through two heavy-hitting Bottled in Bond Bourbon releases; Old Fitzgerald 15 Year Old and Wild Turkey Master's Keep 17 Year Bottled in Bond. While both are limited releases, we discuss how they stack up against each other and in the bourbon world. Each has their own highlights, high price points, and we both had to pick a winner after a side-by-side tasting. We appreciate everyone who has taken the time to give us feedback on our podcast.  If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Visit our website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts and see what we are up to. Cheers, Scott, Michael & JakeThe Bourbon Lens   Image Credits: Wild Turkey & Heaven Hill Distilleries LINKS: Wild Turkey Master's Keep RareBird101 Review of WT MK17 (2020) Old Fitzgerald - Heaven Hill Distillery

We’re continuing National Bourbon Heritage Month with a relatively new Kentucky distillery. This week, it’s New Riff Distillery, which claims to put "A New Riff on an Old Tradition". We are joined by Jay Erisman, vice-president of strategic development and co-founder of the distillery in Newport, Kentucky. We discuss the meaning of “New Riff”, the brand’s focus on bottled in bond whiskey, and what makes New Riff different. We also dive into some of the more technical distillation, fermentation, aging, and bottling techniques used by New Riff to produce their bourbons and rye whiskies.  We appreciate everyone who has taken the time to give us feedback on our podcast.  If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Visit our website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts and see what we are up to. Cheers, Scott, Michael & JakeThe Bourbon Lens About Jay: Jay Erisman is vice-president of strategic development and co-founder of New Riff Distilling. A home brewer who became a fine spirits expert and then a self-taught distiller, Erisman is nicknamed New Riff’s “chief blender and palate.” He focuses on grains and raw ingredients, cooperage, aging strategies, product development and regulatory compliance. An expert in pot still distillation, Erisman also spearheads the distillery’s gins. Previously, Erisman served as fine spirits manager at The Party Source. Links: https://newriffdistilling.com/ https://newriffdistilling.com/about/story/ https://www.whiskyadvocate.com/jay-erisman-combining-bourbons-highest-quality-standards-with-an-inventive-approach/   https://www.drinkmemag.com/distill-my-heart-new-riff-is-re-defining-kentucky-bourbon photo credit: New Riff Distilling

Jake and Scott are finally back on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.  This time, we stop in Lebanon Kentucky at Limestone Branch Distillery, producers of the famed Yellowstone Bourbon.  We sit down with Steve Beam and share the full lineup of Limestone Branch whiskies.  Steve Beam is in the Beam Family Tree, which has had their hands in the bourbon of nearly every major distillery in Kentucky. In addition to some Beam family history, we also discuss the Dant Family of Bourbon.  We also touch on the history of Yellowstone Bourbon, its links to the National Park, and the growth of Limestone Branch and its brands.  We appreciate everyone who has taken the time to give us feedback on our podcast.  If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Visit our website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts and see what we are up to. Cheers, Scott, Michael & JakeThe Bourbon Lens Photo Credit: Limestone Branch Distillery LINKS: Yellowstone Select Bourbon Brand History by Michael Veach - Yellowstone Bourbon Rebirth of Yellowstone 2020 Limited Edition of Yellowstone Bourbon Chuck Cowdery - History of Yellowstone Limestone Branch Distillery    

Just in time for National Bourbon Heritage Month, we are exploring a first for us, bourbon barrel aged wine. We may be familiar with wine barrel-finished bourbons, but what about the other way around?  Josh Cellars recently introduced their Reserve Bourbon Barrel Aged Cabernet Sauvignon which was matured in Redemption Bourbon barrels for two months.  We shared some whiskey and wine with the Founder of Josh Cellars. We’re joined by Joseph Carr, Founder of Josh Cellars, to talk whiskey and wine. The son of a lumberjack (Josh; the brand's namesake), Joe started out serving beers and shots of Jack Daniels at the local bar.  But, in chasing his American Dream, Joe advanced his career by working in New York City and eventually began traveling the world as a Wine Sommelier and whiskey lover. Michael and Scott picked Joe’s brain and we explored similarities between the two worlds of wine and whiskey. This is especially true in the cooperage (barrels) used for each, unique woods, and perfectly tuned and crafted barrels are critical to unique whiskies and wines. The next time your wine-loving friends are looking for a bottle, but sure to point them toward this unique Cabernet Sauvignon, the best of both worlds. The bourbon barrel contributes subtle notes of vanilla, brown sugar, and rich caramel, which blend with traditional Cabernet flavors of red fruits.  Thank you to the Deutsch Family of Spirits for connecting us with Josh Cellars and sending us the new Bourbon Barrel Cabernet Sauvignon and Redemption Bourbon to enjoy on the show.   Links: Josh Cellars Official Website Deutsch Family of Spirits Bourbon Lens Podcast with Taconic Distillery Vintner Joseph Carr donates 500 meals to Capital Region hospital workers Operation Gratitude Camoflauge Wine from Josh Cellars Forbes Feature: Meet The Unlikely Vintner Behind The Hit Wine, Josh.  Joe and wife Deirdre Carr, co-founders of Josh Cellars.   We appreciate everyone who has taken the time to give us feedback on our podcast.  If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Visit our website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts and see what we are up to. Cheers, Scott, Michael & JakeThe Bourbon Lens

We're joined by Marianne Eaves to discuss her career in the whiskey world and her aspirations for the future. Marianne is currently the Master Blender behind Sweetens Cove Tennessee Bourbon. We were lucky enough to taste through Batch #1 with Marianne and learn her process behind selecting whiskey for blending and for single barrel selections. About Marianne Eaves: She's no stranger to the spirits industry or creating and growing one-of-a-kind premium spirits, Marianne will forever hold a place in history as Kentucky’s First Female Bourbon Master Distiller since Prohibition. She was recognized by Whisky Advocate Magazine as “the Next Generation” of the bourbon industry; honored by Forbes in their 30 under 30 list in 2015; named as one of America’ Top 40 under 40 Tastemakers by Wine Enthusiast Magazine; and, was identified as one of the top “Southern Women” by Garden & Gun Magazine in 2019. It is no wonder that she was recruited to serve as Master Blender of the first Sweetens Cove release. Photo Credits: Sweetens Cove Spirits and Marianne Eaves Links: Marianne Eaves Official Website Sweetens Cove Spirits Travel Channel Feature on Marianne at Castle & Key Esquire: Peyton Manning's New Bourbon Is So Legit I Can’t Even Call It a ‘Celebrity Bourbon’ Andy Roddick dishes on Sweetens Cove, working with Peyton Manning and making bourbon Eli And Peyton Manning Are Launching A $200 Bourbon   We appreciate everyone who has taken the time to give us feedback on our podcast.  If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Visit our website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts and see what we are up to. Cheers, Scott, Michael & JakeThe Bourbon Lens

MGP is well known in the bourbon and whiskey world, though there is a bit of mystery behind the historic Lawrenceburg Indiana distillery. We're joined by MGP Master Blender, David Whitmer, to explore the history of MGP, King of The Bootleggers George Remus, and MGP's core lineup of whiskies. We taste through two offerings of Rossville Union Rye, George Remus Bourbon, and a very special limited release of Remus Repeal Reserve Bourbon.  Are these MGP's best kept secrets? August is National Rye Month, followed by National Bourbon Heritage Month in September. MGP, as the "Masters of Rye", are doing their part to celebrate all things rye this month.  They'll also be spending September celebrating Bourbon with the launch of Remus Repeal Reserve Series IV Bourbon.  David Whitmer, Master Blender, has a background spanning nearly 30 years in the food and beverage industries.  As you'll quickly learn, David Whitmer is a walking encyclopedia of the science, history and craft behind spirits and product innovation. As the head of quality production and innovation for MGP Ingredients, his responsibilities include managing the master blending and reserve program for the distillery's award-winning brands, George Remus Bourbon and Rossville Union Straight Rye Whiskey. We're thankful for MGP for sharing samples of their core lineup, which includes: Remus Repeal Reserve Series IV George Remus Straight Bourbon Rossville Union Barrel Proof Straight Rye Rossville Union Master Crafter Straight Rye Eight & Sand Blended Bourbon  SHOW LINKS: GeorgeRemus.com RossvilleUnion.com Chicagobourbon.org - Inside MGP (MUST SEE!) Courier-Journal - 1 million whiskey barrels comes from this distiller you've probably never heard of CincinnatiMagazine.com - The Biggest Distillery You've Never Heard Of A Visit to MGP - Alcademics Forbes - How an Indiana Distillery Revolutionized Kentucky Bourbon PBS.org on George Remus King of the Bootleggers Book Ghosts of Eden Park Book George Remus - Inspiration behind The Great Gatsby Vinepair.com - George Remus is the Real Great Gatsby Smithsonianmag.com - History of George Remus   We appreciate everyone who has taken the time to give us feedback on our podcast.  If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Visit our website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts and see what we are up to. Cheers,  Scott, Jake, and Michael The Bourbon Lens

We’re exploring whiskey on ice. Hockey Hall of Famer, Ed Belfour, has launched his own whiskey brand and we had the opportunity to sample two of their whiskies.  We were honored to have the opportunity to interview 1999 Stanley Cup Champion, Eddie the Eagle.  During this week’s podcast we discuss: Ed’s Canadian roots, his love for Canadian Rye Whisky, and these being the inspiration behind Belfour Spirits How Ed’s hands on approach to hockey has bled into the whiskey craft.  Ed has studied whiskey, the craft of distilling, selecting barrels, and oversees each batch from start to finish. Insight into each whiskey profile, including the Rye Whiskey and Bourbon Whiskey Finished with Texas Pecan Wood. Where Belfour Spirits is currently available and sneak peek into future markets  We appreciate everyone who has taken the time to give us feedback on our podcast.  If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show. Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. Visit our website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts and see what we are up to. About Belfour Spirits:  Belfour Spirits – a recently launched (Oct. ’19) ultra-premium whiskey producer known for its spirits’ unique character and stunning packaging, led by Hockey Hall of Famer and Olympian, Ed Belfour.  There are a lucky few who do what they love, not once in a lifetime, but twice. In this, his second landmark career, Hockey Hall of Famer, Stanley Cup winner and Olympian Ed Belfour has teamed up with his son and daughter to translate his on-ice intensity into a new passion: hand-crafting ultra premium spirits that honor legends, warriors and everyday heroes. From generational lessons to stories of underdog triumph, there’s a legend in every glass.  From On-ice Intensity to Distillation Precision:  Since 2014, Ed and Dayn have been on an endless pursuit to learn all things whiskey, attending schools in Kentucky and Canada, exploring the finest ingredients and equipment, and talking with industry veterans and rookies alike. Today, these Founding Distillers are hands on in every aspect of the business, from creation of the Belfour family mash bill to blending, and from label design to consumer tastings. Future Growth: Belfour Spirits has created more than 1,700 barrels of whiskey, and more are slated for production in 2020 and each year beyond.With corporate headquarters in Dallas, Belfour Spirits plans to lay our distilling roots in Kentucky, growing the business in bourbon country. The distillery, tasting room and gift shop are expected to open to the public in 2022. For Ed Belfour, hockey is just the beginning of the legacy he wishes to leave. This is more than a job for him; it’s a second dream come true. And he’s all in. Belfour currently has three premium whiskeys in its profile: Rye Whiskey Bourbon Whiskey Finished w/ Texas Pecan Wood Limited Edition Straight Rye Whiskey Rye Whiskey 47% ABV, 94 Proof, 750 ML. Aged min. 18 mos.  A nontraditional tasting Rye Whiskey, this spirit honors a nostalgic mash bill profile and lures you in with every sip. A burnt sea salted vanilla caramel aroma is followed by a warm sweet taste and soothing finish. You’ll want to pour this unexpected spirit all night. Appearance: Golden honey, medium amber Nose: A burnt sea salted vanilla caramel  aroma, leather Taste: Sweet caramel, butterscotch, tobacco Finish: Full-bodied velvety warmth that lingers with a peppermint finish Mash Bill: Rye, corn, malted barley Bourbon Whiskey Finished With Texas Pecan Wood 46% ABV, 92 Proof, 750 ML.  The majestic beauty of a 300-year-old, over sized pecan tree on the old Belfour ranch in North Texas inspired this unique spirit. Born out of one of the natural wonders of the Lone Star State, this 92-proof Bourbon Whiskey aged beautifully in American white oak barrels then spent extra time mellowing with added staves of Texas pecan wood. These imparted subtle notes of brown sugar and heavy notes of smoky roasted pecan.     Appearance: Golden honey, light amber Nose: Nutty, butterscotch, crème brulee Taste: Smoky vanilla, molasses Finish: Long mellow warmth with a rich  mouthfeel layered with vanilla Mash Bill: Corn, wheat, malted barley Photo Credit: Belfour Spirits